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37 Handy Dandy Products That'll Give The Notebook From "Blue's Clues" A Run For Its Money

37 Handy Dandy Products That'll Give The Notebook From "Blue's Clues" A Run For Its Money

Buzz Feed29-04-2025
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
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I hope you're prepared to take notes, Steve.
1. It would be SO silly not to start with this reusable smartnotebook that'll seamlessly combine your love of handwritten notes with the ease of taking them digitally. (Here's to you, Rocketbook app!) As you write in this seemingly magical notebook, your notes will *also* be recorded in the app. Is it 2025 or 3025?
This set includes the notebook, a Pilot Frixion pen, and a microfiber cloth to wipe it all away. Once wiped away they'll be transported through cloud services with the Rocketbook app, which is available for both iOS and Android.
Promising review:"Love my Rocketbook Fusion! I thought this looked cool and so I ordered one. Then I joined a group on social media that is for owners of Rocketbooks and my brain has been blown. There is soooooo much one can do with these notebooks! I am loving having it to take notes while I'm on a Zoom call for work. I am more engaged and I process more when I'm taking notes in writing. I've always had stacks of notebooks. Small ones for different projects at work. Another for personal thoughts. Another for a nonprofit I'm on the board of. Of course a planner or two for good measure. Now I have one. One thin notebook. And several fun pens... Now I can meal plan, project track, journal, and take notes all in one place! Rocketbook also puts out some great videos with ideas on how to personalize the pages for your individual needs. Possibilities are endless!" — Nikola Sievert
Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in two sizes and in 14 colors).
2. SweatBlock wipes that'll become your saving grace if you're running around so much, you're constantly dripping in sweat. These babies are prescription strength and designed to take on hyperhidrosis, nervous sweating, and hormonal sweating. These wipes did NOT come to play!
Amazon, www.amazon.com
This stuff is VERY strong, so if you have sensitive skin, consider doing a spot test before going all-in.
Promising review: "For anyone who might be skeptical, please allow me to put you at ease. If you have hyperhidrosis, meaning it can be 9 degrees outside and you're still sweating under your arms, this product has the potential to change your life. I would sweat THROUGH a sports coat before noon. Enter the Sweat Block product. I've had it for three weeks, and it is life-changing. I DO NOT sweat under my arms anymore. I'm still on the original box that I bought three weeks ago. I had to write a review after I was cleaning the garage today in 85-degree heat. I was sweating through my shirt on my back — BUT NOT MY UNDERARMS. It is amazing!" — Frosty McGee
Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $19.99.
3. A Brumate Era 40-ounce water bottle featuring a *genius* design with a metal straw inside but a silicone straw on top for drinking comfort that seamlessly locks in place so you'll never find yourself drenched after tipping it a bit too far. It'll also keep your drinks cold for 24 hours, so even if it takes you ALL day to hit your water quota, it'll still be as refreshing as when you first poured it.
I recently tried one of these bottles for the first time and I am SOLD. I adore my Stanley cup, but it's not the *best* option for the gym (unless you're planning to do some bicep curls with it). The locking lid really does work! I can twist it, toss it into a tote bag, and move on with my life, knowing it won't spill. I fill it with ice before bed, and when I head out to the gym in the morning, it's still cold!
This bottle is also BuzzFeed editor Maitland Quitmeyer' s go-to, "It claims to keep ice for over 24 hours! The tapered base is also cupholder friendly, and the whole darn thing is dishwasher safe, too! Let me tell you, this is my new favorite water bottle. I can lock the lid with a quick twist, and throw it sideways in any tote and not even think *twice* about it leaking at all!"
Promising review: "I am so obsessed with this thing. I get an arm workout from how heavy it is. I drink way more water when I use it, and the leakproof straw is the real deal. I left it in a hot car for 6 hours, and the water was still cold. I bought them for my whole family; they are the only water bottles we use now." — Pen Name
Get it from Amazon for $38+ (available in 18 colors).
4. The Pink Stuff's new "Sqeezy" sponge set — a fan-favorite miracle cleaning paste and a game-changing sponge that gets soft in warm water but hardens up in the cold. It's the superhero duo you didn't know you needed! Ahem, putting on my deep, booming announcer voice to tell you dramatically that it can clean EVERYTHING from pots and pans, stove tops, sinks, shower doors, tiles of all kinds, kitchen appliances, grout, outdoor furniture, AND your car!!!
Promising review: "The 'abrasive sponge when cold' or 'squishy when hot' is an awesome feature for the type of scrubbing you want to do. The Pink Stuff with the sponge does wonders! We have a hideous 30-year-old shower and although it doesn't look brand-new like I was hoping, it's 10 times better!! This product really does work!" — GreenGoddess
Get the set (one Pink Stuff jar and a "Sqeezy") from Amazon for $9.99.
5. A compact windproof travel umbrella because we are very much still in the "April showers bring May flowers" portion of the year. You'll want to send your past self a formal handwritten thank you note when you're suddenly stuck in a downpour, but have this baby on hand to keep you dry.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This umbrella is a 10/10. It's very sturdy and great for the price. I used it all day walking around campus with heavy rains and very strong winds it did the job!! I definitely recommend this umbrella better than some higher end ones." — Kaelynjones
Get it from Amazon for $9.85.
6. Trendy reflective rounded sunglasses for when Mr. Golden Sun decides to grace us with his presence. Where have you been, sir????? We've been WAITING on you.
WearMe Pro is a small business!
Promising review:"I wore these for 5+ hours at a golf tournament and I took them to the beach. For the price, these are VERY good quality! I love the style and that they came in their own bag. They stay on my face well and don't hurt my nose or ears. Very comfortable and affordable! Love them!" — Abbey Chambliss
Get them from Amazon for $17 (available in seven styles).
7. A SinkShroom strainer you won't know how you lived without because it'll keep your kitchen sink unclogged no matter how much gunk you fill it with, so you can keep rinsing plates and putting off emptying the grossness out of the drain. 😅
I bought this for myself and OMG. This thing REALLY works. Usually when my husband makes sauce from scratch I'm left with chunks of tomatoes throughout my sink and water that WILL NOT drain — that was until I bought the SinkShroom. My mom was so impressed she bought one, too. It's a serious game-changer. Additionally, TubShroom is a small business!
Promising review:"I've been a fan of the SinkShroom and TubShroom, and this is the best product from the line so far. My kitchen sinks simply do not clog any more, so there's no more reaching into a bunch of water to unclog anything with my hand." — Brady Amerson
Get it from Amazon for $9.98 (also available in a pack of two and with a stopper).
8. A set of Tide Sink Packs for anyone who travels so much they're typically living out of their suitcase and *not* in the vicinity of a washer/dryer. These babies will let you wash your clothes in any old sink! They're also fantastic to keep on hand if you have a temperamental washing machine that's, more often than not, on the fritz.
Promising review:"These are perfect for the one-item sink cleaning that occurs when traveling. I highly recommend it for those travel excursions where you want to clean one or two clothing items." — LIFE_COMPOSED
Get a pack of three (with three mini loads each) from Amazon for $6.35.
9. Mighty Patch hydrocolloid stickers that'll save you when a big ol' pimple pops up the night before the date you've been excited about all week. (And you SHOULD be — it's with that cute guy from the coffee shop you've been daydreaming about asking out for months!)
BuzzFeed editor Amanda Davis is a fan. "I've tried various (countless 😅) pimple patches in the past and Mighty Patch definitely takes the cake. I stick it on and honestly forget that it's even there. The adhesive is strong, so it stays on during my tossing and turning at night, but I often wear it during the day, too! I work from home, and it's not noticeable during my video calls, which I truly, truly appreciate. For more deets, check out my full Mighty Patch review!"
Hero Cosmetics is an Asian woman-founded brand and home of The Mighty Patch. Ju Rhyu launched the brand in 2017, which has evolved with products such as cleansers, toners, nose strip Mighty Patches, and more!
Promising review:" Using this product has been a game-changer. It's as if the adhesion of it literally pulls all of the bad stuff from the spot and you'll know when it's time to remove when it turns up white on your sticker — so easy to remove and my spot has went drastically down. I'm on my fourth box, or maybe fifth? They're my go-to at the slightest spot I get to try to nip it in the bud. Might I add that my hormonal cystic acne spots have been majorly suppressed by these — as soon as I feel one coming on, I take a hot washcloth to the area and put a sticker on overnight for a couple of nights and the deep underneath feeling of that spot is gone. I love these so much, and you will too." — Deborah Hart
Get a pack of 36 stickers from Amazon for $11.97.
10. A remote-control tablet page-turner, so you won't even have to hold your Kindle (or iPad or phone, or whatever!) while you contentedly swipe through the pages of Onyx Storm (if you know you know).
Promising review: "I purchased this as a Christmas present (paired with a Kindle stand) for my SIL, and she absolutely loves it. She's a big reader, so it comes in handy the days that she is under the weather or at night when she's winding down. I highly recommend it if you're looking for a gift or you want something for yourself. A great investment!" — A Tyrell
Get it from Amazon for $19.49 (available in six colors).
11. Oxo's new compact Brew Rapid Brewer that'll have anyone wondering, "Where has this been all of my life?" You can toss it into your tote bag and literally make cold brew or hot coffee at your desk after surviving your commute — it doesn't need to be plugged in or charged!
Amazon
You can use this to brew hot coffee *and* cold brew by adding coffee grounds to the top portion, tamping it down, letting it steep, and pumping into a carafe full of hot or cold water.
Promising review: "Simple to use and cheaper than that other brand. This is about the best tasting coffee I have ever made at home. Easy to clean. Sturdy. Portable." — Alex Bonick
Get it from Amazon for $33.05.
12. Bella's Ceramic Fold-n-Store Dual Griddle, because even if you live in a studio apartment with a claim to The World's Smallest Kitchen, you shouldn't be deprived of the ability to whip up 12 pancakes whenever the mood strikes.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I love how spacious yet compact this griddle is. It's big enough to cook for the family but folds up neatly for easy storage. The non-stick surface works perfectly—nothing sticks, and cleanup is super quick. The dual temperature controls are a nice bonus, letting you cook different foods at once. It's a simple, reliable tool that makes cooking so much easier!" — SAMAS
Get it from Amazon for $49.40+ (available in four colors)
13. A Ninja Crispi Air Fryer system that'll have you feeling like you've just become an American Ninja Kitchen Warrior. Throw your go-to lazy day meal of nuggets and fries into the glass container, attach it to the air fryer, then enjoy the fruits of your labor straight out of the same container.
Amazon, www.instagram.com
Check out a TikTok of the Ninja Crispi Air Fryer System in action.
Each air fryer comes with the "PowerPod," two containers (a 4-quart and a 6-quart), and lids. The PowerPod has auto-shutoff and four modes: Max Crisp, Bake, Air Fry, and Recrisp. The "feet" are heat-safe, so you can prop it on any surface, no problem.
Promising review: "I got my Ninja Crisper today and reheated some stuffed bread with feta cheese and spinach, and it did a wonderful job. I t was like it just came out of the oven the first time. Nice and crispy outside, but the inside heated just right. I love that the bottom glass can be covered with the lid it comes with. They come with a metal plate you can put in the glass bottom part, and it actually fits into the lid, so it doesn't get lost. The glass makes a difference in the taste, too. It is a great product and well worth it." — Jennifer
Get it from Amazon for $179.99+ (available in three colors).
14. A Dash mini maker, perfect if you live solo and don't have to make egg sandwiches for an entire household of hungry humans. You can use this baby to craft a delightful bite for yourself with minimal cleanup — who wants a sink full of dishes when you're the only one responsible for washing them? Not me!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This is the perfect easy breakfast sandwich maker. It cooks the egg perfectly (I used jumbo eggs, and it worked perfectly, just like regular eggs). It's honestly one of my personal favorite appliances. I just had a baby, and having something I can crack an egg into and let it sit to cook without having to flip, and it's done within five minutes is honestly a lifesaver, and it cleans super easy! 10/10 I love this thing; it's just like my George Foreman!" — Emily
Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in six colors).
15. A storage container designed to give your deli meats and cheeses a place to call home. It has an air-tight seal to keep your items fresh *and* you can write on it with a dry-erase marker, so you can remember what you bought at the store when you're bleary-eyed and whipping up a quick sandwich before the workday.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
One reviewer also notes it's great for storing smaller vegetables!
Promising review:"Love this storage container great to keep bacon in. Keeps it fresh longer. Plus, you write with a dry-erase marker on the lid so you know what's in it and date it. Would be great large amounts of deli meats as well" — susan dirr
Get it from Amazon for $14.39.
16. A set of colorful mixing bowls with easy-to-pour spouts built right in so you'll never waste a drop of your good-enough-to-be-famous chocolate cake batter. They come in an array of lovely shades, are dishwasher-safe, and conveniently stack inside one another for easy storage!
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I love these mixing bowls. The packaging is very beautiful. The bonus for me is the black rings in the bottom to prevent the bowls from sliding around on the counter when you're mixing/whisking. I bought them to make pancakes, but I use them for everything now. The set is a nice upgrade from using a regular soup bowl for mixing." — Sarita
Get the set of four from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in 10 styles).
17. A set of rustic-style ceramic ramekins if you're hoping to channel your inner–Pioneer Woman the next time you serve your family an easy recipe like baked mac 'n' cheese. Simple meal? Yep. But will it feel cozier than eating it out of a standard bowl? Absolutely!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Mora Ceramics is a small business that specializes in home goods. One reviewer (shown above, right) even used it to dress up serving pizza rolls!
Promising review: "Very high-end ramekins! Pricey, but worth every penny. They are absolutely stunning! They are very well-made. They are large and I absolutely love them. I highly recommend and I will also definitely buy again from this company." — Amazon Customer
Get them from Amazon for $24.99 (available in three styles)
18. A hybrid berry basket and colander to add a splash of color to the annoying task of cleaning all of the berries you just grabbed at the market. Toss 'em right into the colander, let 'em drain, then pop it back into the container to keep them fresh. Cute and functional is the name of MY game, in case you were wondering.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "My blueberries stay fresh and crisp in this container, rather than the familiar fate of becoming soggy and moldy! I love how I can wash the berries in the strainer, pop it into the basket, and then look forward to the BEST blueberries EVER!!!!!" — Anonymous
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
19. An elegant set of square wineglasses you'll want to raise a toast to because they're just that lovely. They have a shocking resemblance to the ones you've likely been eyeing from Crate & Barrel but haven't wanted to commit to. These will certainly do the trick and garner you tons of compliments the next time you host a girls' night.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "We've had four of these glasses for over six months now and finally just added four more to our collection. These glasses are SO CHIC and are very similar to ones sold at Crate & Barrel but are MUCH more durable. Unlike the C&B glasses, you can cheers without feeling like the glasses will break. In fact, they've tipped over in the sink a few times and are still intact. They dry beautifully, sparkle after the dishwasher and we get so many compliments on them. I love them!" — Katie B
Get them from Amazon for $28.98 (also available in a set of two).
20. Glimmer Glow Stick lipstick will provide your pout with a shade of pink that's *~practically perfect in every way*~ thanks to its fancy pH technology. Mwahhhh 😘
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Check out a TikTok of the Glimmer Glow lipstick in action.
Promising review: "This is such a pretty pH color lipstick, viral for a reason — it's very pretty to look at, it's not sticky at all, and the more you layer it, the darker the pink shows up. The only thing I don't like is the scent in it, I can almost taste it a bit. It's nice to have in my purse if I need a quick color while I'm out in case of sudden dinner plans or a meeting, because you can control the color saturation to how light or bold it is." — Kristina Bumbelow
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
21. Eos' Shea Butter Vanilla Cashmere body lotion that'll shockingly cost you less than a Grande iced latte at Starbucks (wowza!). Reviewers rave about how it's not greasy at all, sinks right in, leaves skin feeling (and smelling) amazing *and* will likely remind you of the ever-popular Bath & Body Works Vanilla Bean Noel scent...ooh la la!
Promising review: "I was worried after some people said the scent was a bit strong, but as someone who is usually sensitive to smells I'm extremely happy with this. N ot only does it feel amazing and super creamy, it smells SOOOO good. I love that it feels like expensive body butter and the smell literally lasts all day. 100% recommend" — Carley
Get it from Amazon for $3.99+ (available in two sizes, five other scents, and multi-packs).
22. Dossier's "Ambery Vanilla" perfume for anyone who tried the sample size of YSL's Black Opium and fell in love with it but simply doesn't have $95 to spend on smelling lovely. Luckily for you, this one is super similar and will leave you with enough money left to *also* treat yourself to lunch.
Dossier is a small business that specializes in alternative, affordable perfumes — check out the rest of their options on their Amazon storefront!
Promising review: "Gorgeous scent! I love perfumes, and I'm super picky. I either love or return. This scent is gorgeous. Smells a bit sweet but not overly sweet, not super vanilla, just a hint of it with sophistication. Very soft and sultry. I applied moisturizer (thin, thin layer of Vaseline) and then sprayed perfume. It stayed on my skin for probably over eight hours. I checked my sweater the next day, you could easily smell it on my sweater. Definitely worth the money." — Amazon Customer
23. Medicube Deep Vitamin C Golden Capsule Face Moisturizer, aka a K-beauty must-have you may not have heard of just yet, but, boy, are you about to now! The jar is filled with tiny, poppable capsules you can snap and apply directly to your skin for the glowy revival you've been hoping for since Jack Frost did his worst.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This moisturizer is one of the nicest feeling moisturizers ever. The appearance of the vitamin C capsules inside the gel goop on TikTok enticed me to purchase it for myself. This moisturizer has a gel-like consistency and comes with a scooper, making it very easy to apply. You get a decent-sized jar of moisturizer for the price, and the moisturizer is pretty thick. Although it is sticky, I would say it absorbs into your skin pretty quickly. It may leave a slight sticky residue left behind, but I think overall it is amazing for all skin types. After using this in the a.m. before sunscreen, I noticed my skin really glow and feel smooth! I had gifted a jar to my 60-year-old mother and she had told me how her skin felt like a baby's bum the next morning!" — tracey + kiwi
Get it from Amazon for $19.90.
24. Maybelline Superfluff Volumizing Brow Mousse because not all of us have been naturally blessed with Brooke Shields's iconic eyebrows — this product comes in six shades and will give your brows the boost they need.
Amazon
Promising review:"So quick and easy to get full fluffy brows! It does it all in one. Gives them volume, holds them nice without being over-tacky and stiff, and darkens them. So easy in the morning before work. Takes a couple of swipes, and I am ready to go." — jessica alexandra
Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in six shades).
25. Crest's "Sensitive Teeth" 3D Whitestrips, so instead of grimacing in pain from the whitening process you can simply show off your stain-free pearly whites with a big ol' smile.
Promising review: "I have only been able to use at-home teeth whitening kits after finding this one! Usually, my tooth sensitivity is unbearable after chemical-based teeth whitening, but this one didn't bother me at all! It is a 30-day kit, meant to be used once per day. A fter the first use, I noticed my teeth were already whiter. I was skeptical about being able to use the strips every day because I figured it would amp up the tooth sensitivity. However, I'm several days in and still have no problems. Highly recommend!!!" — CsameC
Get it 18 treatments from Amazon for $38.49.
26. E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops that'll quickly become your most talked about skincare item after you see how incredible it'll leave your face looking and feeling. It's packed with hibiscus complex and hyaluronic acid and can be used solely as a serum or mixed in with your go-to foundation for a hydrating boost your skin is likely craving. Reviewers love using it instead of the pricier (but VERY similar) Glow Recipe Watermelon Dew Drops.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review: "Love these drops. So effective, a little goes a long way. Great for a boost of hydration, especially in the colder and/or drier months. Great as a primer before makeup to smooth the skin. Such a value for a product that packs a punch. My skin hasn't looked better!" — Ken
Get it from Amazon for $11.97.
27. Ouai Wave Spray to get your hair looking fresh, frizz-free, and help you get out the door in 1, 2, 3. It works wonders on wet or dry locks with the least amount of effort necessary so you can save your strength for wrangling your hyper pup at the dog park or sitting through meetings that could've been emails.
I have naturally wavy (but frizzy) hair and after trying many products this is where I've happily landed. Ouai is the first brand I recommend to my fellow wavy-haired ladies. It's light, doesn't leave your locks feeling crunchy, doesn't have an overpowering smell, and keeps hair looking fresh. My only complaint used to be that it didn't come in a massive-sized bottle, but their new formula (that is even BETTER than the first and contains coconut oil and rice protein) comes in both a 3 fl oz bottle *and* a 6 fl oz bottle! Ouai also has a curl cream that I'm a huge fan of — it's lightweight and also does the trick (though the wave spray is still my favorite). In the photo above (right), I literally threw my hair into a half/up situation right out of the shower, gave it a spritz, and moved on with my day.
Get it from Amazon for $16+ (available in two sizes).
28. Laneige Neo Blurring Powder will make you feel like an oil-absorbing, pore-blurring wizard. All you have to do is dab-dab-dab with the lovely puff the powder comes with, and then admire your perfectly matte complexion for the rest of the day.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
29. OPI RapiDry Quick Dry Nail Polish to keep at your desk for an impromptu manicure during a video meeting, which definitely could've been an email (sigh). It comes in so many lovely shades you'll easily be able to pick your fave and keep it on hand for mani emergencies (or, erm, boring meetings).
Promising review: I only needed one coat for coverage over the OPI primer. The nail polish quickly dried and stayed on my nails for two weeks before starting to chip. The polish is a great value for money, color, and shine." — lois
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 31 shades)
30. An off-the-shoulder jumpsuit, because you and I know you've been itching to give this style a whirl but hadn't found an affordable option you were willing to take a chance on. Well, hellloooooo! Here she is!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This is exactly has described. The material is so light, soft, and stretchy. Love that it can be dressed up or a more casual look, depending on the accessories and shoes. IT HAS POCKETS! If you're on the fence — DO IT— you won't regret it!" — Cody
Get it from Amazon for $35.99 (available in women's sizes S–3XL and 32 styles).
31. A pair of plush checkered slippers to protect your feet from the ice-like tiled floors in your home while also letting you remind your family of how punk rock you are, even if your checked slip-on Vans have been retired to the back of the closet. 🤘
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"These slippers are not only super cute but also really comfy. I walk all over my house in them, and they feel so cushy with the memory foam soles. They are easy to clean, too, since they are machine washable. True to shoe size." — Brenbren
Get them from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in sizes 5.5–10.5 and five styles).
32. A Bogg bag all of the other moms have been toting around at school pick-up while you wonder if all the hype about them is real — spoiler, it is. They come in *so* many colors, have a bunch of accessories you can add, are easy to clean, and are so durable that even your teething tot won't destroy it.
I recently got my very first Bogg bag in the medium size (or as the brand calls it, "The Baby." When I opened it, I thought, "This is as if a Croc became a handbag!" because they have so many fun accessories you can plug into the sides (similar to the charms on Crocs). I'm starting with a cup holder and a phone holder, but you should absolutely check out all their accessory offerings. It's very lightweight since it's made of rubber, which is great because I know I will stuff it to the brim with beach gear this summer. Also! Bogg is a small business!
Promising review:"Perfect!Very cute and, surprisingly, the perfect bag for me! The bag is still easy to carry, even with it all loaded up. Today, I had a 30oz Stanley, my book, snacks for my two boys, their lesson books, a pack of wipes, two pullups for my toddler, my tiny crossbody purse, my keys, meds, and phone in it. And it wasn't heavy! Definitely kept everything steady and safe." — Holly
Get it from Amazon or Bogg for $70 (available in larger and smaller sizes and 56 styles).
33. Or a mini belted pack with Lululemon vibes that'll force you to stop overpacking your bag with things you simply don't need for a quick stroll or trip to Target — it'll fit your wallet, keys, phone, hand sanitizer, and lip balm (the *actual* essentials). Leave your 10-foot-long CVS coupon and half-eaten granola bar in your tote bag, OK?
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
BuzzFeed editor Elizabeth Lilly owns and loves this bag! She said, " I wear a size L/XL in clothing and sometimes waist bags just don't work out so well for me. With this one, I can confirm that it fit around my waist comfortably without outerwear, across my chest without outerwear, *and* over a thick coat and several layers. The pockets inside are so handy and I even had room to spare throughout my Iceland trip. This was the only purse I brought for the whole trip and it performed its job flawlessly. Just make sure that you zip the zipper ALL the way because the zipper goes down pretty far on the sides for easier access to contents. Having my hands free was wildly convenient for a number of reasons, including crawling around inside of an ice cave and putting out my hands for some extra balance while walking on sheets of ice along cliffs. Oh, and it comes in so so SO many colors."
Promising review: "TikTok told me this compared to Lululemon, and it's true, it is. Love this little bag! And the price — you can't beat it." — Jolie
Get it from Amazon for $12.98 (available in 45 colors).
34. A luggage drink caddy to attach to your wheeled luggage — it'll become your saving grace when traveling. You can use it to hold your Starbies, phone, ID, etc, and prevent you from fumbling around for all those items while heading to the gate at the airport.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This cup holder is perfect! It helps me a lot! Last time I took a plane with a suitcase and a cup of coffee, when it's my turn to check my passport and ticket, the coffee cup fell to the ground and coffee sprinkled. It was a nightmare! This time I bought this cup holder, it did do me a favor! I don't have to worry about where my cup and phone are! I can free my hands to do other things. I love it so much! Hope you love it too." — Philip
Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in 32 colors).
35. A standing weeder (without the chemicals!) in case you've found your dream home, but, unfortunately, it came with a yard full of dandelions. Unwind after a busy day at the office with some therapeutic weeding that won't hurt your back. 👍
www.amazon.com
Made with a bamboo handle and powder-coated steel, it uses a simple lever system to make weeding easy. Grampa's Weeder is a small business!
Promising review:"Oh my god, I friggin' love this tool. I bought this on a whim given we bought our first house and know nothing about caring for a yard. Boy, has it come in handy. Our new house had a ton of weeds in the front yard, and this tool helped me get most of them out in no time. In fact, the process of yanking out the weed was strangely satisfying! I don't think anyone can say that weeding is fun, but this tool made it as close to fun as you can get, especially when you see a long root along with the weed you pulled." — JG
Get it on Amazon for $39.99.
36. A trio of Touchland hand sanitizer that'll make banishing germs seem trendy! Everyone's gonna want a spritz once they see you pulling this handy-dandy sanitizer out of your bag.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
I have so many of these hand sanitizers and am such a big fan. They all smell divine, leave my hands feeling nourished (and clean!) and don't dry out my hands the way other more liquid-y sanitizers do. They're a must-have for my car, my diaper bag, and my purse.
Promising review:"Smells great, adorable packaging, and great for home, work, or on the go! I'm an elementary school teacher, so I use mine on the regular for all the little coughs and sneezes!" — Sarah
Get a set of three from Amazon for $30 (available in a variety of scents and packs).
37. And wireless over-the-ear headphones for anyone with a lengthy commute who, honestly, is burnt out on hearing everyone else's background noise. Tune out everything *but* your go-to Dead & Company playlist, crack open a book, and let the headphones do their job.
Emma Lord/BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com
iJoy is a small business that specializes in headphones and tech accessories.
See what BuzzFeed Writer Emma Lord has to say about this: " I own a pair of these, because I'm vain as heck and need to own all things pink, but I was decently surprised by how well they muffle noise! I feel like these are ideal for people who still want to hear some of the world around them (read: parents, people working in open offices), but still want to listen to their tunes comfortably. The charge on these goes for at least four hours (I haven't tried it beyond that yet), and the Bluetooth connects to my devices super easily. Excellent pair of headphones for the price point."
Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in five colors).
Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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Tech companies building massive AI data centers should pay to power them
Tech companies building massive AI data centers should pay to power them

The Hill

time10 minutes ago

  • The Hill

Tech companies building massive AI data centers should pay to power them

The projected growth in artificial intelligence and its unprecedented demand for electricity to power enormous data centers present a serious challenge to the financial and technical capacity of the U.S. utility system. Appreciation for the sheer magnitude of that challenge has gotten lost as forecast after forecast projects massive growth in electric demand over the coming decade. The idea of building a data center that will draw 1 gigawatt of power or more, an amount sufficient to serve over 875,000 homes, is in the plans of so many data center developers and so routinely discussed that it no longer seems extraordinary. The challenge, when viewed in the aggregate, may be overwhelming. A recent Wood Mackenzie report identified 64 gigawatts of confirmed data center related power projects currently on the books with another 132 gigawatts potentially to be developed. 64 gigawatts are enough to power 56 million homes — more than twice the population of the 15 largest cities in America. The U.S. electric utility system is struggling to meet the projected energy needs of the AI industry. The problem is that many utilities do not have the financial and organizational resources to build new generating and transmission facilities at the scale and on the data center developers' desired timeline. The public policy question now on the table is who should pay for and bear the risk for these massive mega-energy projects. Will it be the AI developers such as Amazon, Microsoft, Meta and Alphabet — whose combined market value is seven times that of the entire S&P 500 Utility Sector — or the residential and other customers of local electric utilities? The process to answer this and related questions is underway in the hallways of the U.S. Congress, at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and other federal agencies, in tariff proceedings before state regulatory authorities and in public debate at the national, state and local levels. Whether they are developed at the federal, state or local level, the following values and objectives should form the core of public policy in this area: Data centers developers that require massive amounts of electric power (e.g. above 500MW or another specified level) should be required to pay for building new generating and transmission facilities. The State of Texas recently enacted legislation that requires data centers and other new large users to fund the infrastructure necessary to serve their needs. Although it is customary to spread the cost of new facilities across the user base of a utility, the demands that data center developers are placing on utility systems across the country are sufficiently extraordinary to justify allocating the costs of new facilities to those developers. Moreover, data center developers have the financial resources to cover those costs and incorporate them into the rates charged to users of their AI services. The developers of large data centers should bear the risk associated with new utility-built generating and transmission facilities, not the utility. As an example of such a policy, the Public Utility Commission of Ohio just approved a compromise proposed by American Electric Power of Ohio that would require data centers with loads greater than 1 gigawatt and mobile data centers over 25 megawatts to commit to 10-year electric service contracts and pay minimum demand charges based on 85 percent of their contract capacity, up from 60 percent under the utility's current general service tariff. Another option included in the Texas legislation requires significant up-front payments early in the planning process and mandates that data center developers disclose where they may have simultaneously placed demands for power. It is not unusual for data center requests for service to be withdrawn once they decide on the best location and package of incentives. Data center developers have the financial capacity and ability to manage this risk, utilities do not. Generating facilities that are co-located at large data centers should be integrated with the local utility electric grid, with appropriate cost allocation. Although a few projects have examined the option of a co-located power generation 'island' fully independent of the grid, most projects intend to interconnect with the grid system for back-up power and related purposes. Properly managed, this interconnection could be advantageous for both the data center and the utility system, provided that costs are appropriately allocated across the system. The U.S. government should continue to support the development of nuclear technology, including small modular reactors. U.S. utilities do not have the financial resources to assume the risk of building new nuclear-powered generating facilities. The emergence of a new set of customers, data center developers with enormous needs for electric power and deep pockets, changes the equation. The U.S. government has provided billions of dollars of support for new nuclear technologies and should continue to do so for the purpose of bringing their costs down. The U.S. government should continue to support energy efficiency improvements at data centers. Data centers use massive amounts of power for running servers, cooling systems, storage systems, networking equipment, backup systems, security systems and lighting. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has developed a 'handbook' of measures that data centers can implement to reduce energy usage and achieve savings. In addition, there now are strong market forces to develop new super-efficient chips that will lower the unit costs of training and using AI models. The U.S. government should help accelerate the development of these chips given their leverage on U.S. electricity demand. The stakes in this public policy debate over our energy future could not be higher. If we get these policies right, AI has the potential to remake the U.S. economy and the energy infrastructure of this country. If we get it wrong, the push to build new generating and transmission facilities to provide gigawatts of power has the potential to overwhelm the financial and operational capacity our electric utility system, impose burdensome rate increases on homeowners and businesses, undercut efforts to reduce the use of fossil fuels to meet climate-related goals and compromise the reliability of our electricity grid for years to come. David M. Klaus is a consultant on energy issues who served as deputy undersecretary of the U.S. Department of Energy during the Obama administration and as a political appointee to two other Democratic presidents. Mark MacCarthy is the author of 'Regulating Digital Industries' (Brookings, 2023), an adjunct professor at Georgetown University's Communication, Culture & Technology Program, a nonresident senior fellow at the Institute for Technology Law and Policy at Georgetown Law and a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.

Google Warns This Email Means Your Gmail Is Under Attack
Google Warns This Email Means Your Gmail Is Under Attack

Forbes

time11 minutes ago

  • Forbes

Google Warns This Email Means Your Gmail Is Under Attack

You do not want to get this email. With all the cyber security attacks compromising smartphones and PCs, it would be easy to conclude there's little you can do to stay safe. But the truth is very different. Most attacks are easily prevented with a few basic safeguards and some know-how. In reality, a number of simple changes can defend against most attacks. So it is with the FBI's two warnings this week. The first a resurgence of the Phantom Hacker attacks which trick PC users into installing rogue apps. And the second a raft of fake Chrome installs and updates which provide initial access for ransomware. If you just avoid installing linked apps in this way you will steer clear of those attacks. It's the same with a new Amazon impersonation attack that has surged 5000% in just two weeks. Don't click links in messages — even if they seem to come from Amazon. And now Gmail attack warnings are turning up again on social media, which will likely frustrate Google, because their advice has been clear but is not yet landing with users. The latest Gmail warnings come courtesy of a refreshed EasyDMARC article covering the 'no-reply' attacks from earlier this year, hijacking 'no-reply@ to trick users into clicking links and giving up their Google account sign-in credentials. Here again the advice is very simple. It shouldn't matter whether an email appears to come from Google. If it links to a sign-in page, it's an attack. Period. And that means any email that seems to come from Google but has a sign-in link must be deleted. 'Sometimes,' Google warns, 'hackers will copy Google's 'Suspicious sign-in prevented' emails and other official Google emails to try to steal someone's account information.' But the company tells all account holders that 'Google emails will never take you to a sign-in page. Authentic emails sent from Google to your Google Account will never ask you to sign in again to the account they were sent to.' It's as simple as that. Similarly, Google will never 'ask you to provide your password or other sensitive information by email or through a link, call you and ask for any forms of identification, including verification codes, send you a text message directing you to a sign-in page, or send a message via text or email asking you to forward a verification code.' With that in mind, you should not fall victim to these Google impersonation attacks, and if you stick to the basic rules on installs, links and attachments, then you'll likely stay safe from most of the other ones as well.

GEN V Season 2 Trailer Drops and It's Packed with THE BOYS Cameos and an Ethan Slater Reveal — GeekTyrant
GEN V Season 2 Trailer Drops and It's Packed with THE BOYS Cameos and an Ethan Slater Reveal — GeekTyrant

Geek Tyrant

time2 hours ago

  • Geek Tyrant

GEN V Season 2 Trailer Drops and It's Packed with THE BOYS Cameos and an Ethan Slater Reveal — GeekTyrant

Prime Video just dropped the first full trailer for Gen V Season 2 at its Friday Comic-Con panel, and the fans went wild. The sneak peek teased returning characters, unexpected cameos, and a big reveal about Godolkin University's dark past. Showrunner Michele Fazekas teased the bigger picture of the franchise during the panel, saying: 'The shows talk to each other. So Season 4 of The Boys sets up Season 2 of Gen V . So now, Homelander has taken over America. Now, we get to see what that looks like — what that looks like the country, what that looks like at the school, and then what the resistance is going to start looking like.' One of the biggest jmoments in the trailer featured a badge belonging to Dr. Thomas Godolkin, the university's founder, played by none other than Ethan Slater. That means Season 2 will dive into the shady origins of Godolkin U, adding even more layers to the already twisted lore. The official synopsis from Amazon sets the tone: 'As the rest of America adjusts to Homelander's iron fist, back at Godolkin University, the mysterious new Dean preaches a curriculum that promises to make students more powerful than ever. Cate and Sam are celebrated heroes, while Marie, Jordan, and Emma reluctantly return to college, burdened by months of trauma and loss.' 'But parties and classes are hard to care about with war brewing between Humans and Supes, both on and off campus. The gang learns of a secret program that goes back to the founding of Godolkin University that may have larger implications than they realize. And, somehow, Marie is a part of it.' New faces include Hamish Linklater as Dean Cipher, a man whose friendly vibe probably hides something sinister. Returning cast members include Lizze Broadway as Emma, Maddie Phillips as Cate, Asa Germann as Sam, and Sean Patrick Thomas as Polarity. Gen V Season 2 kicks off with a three-episode premiere on September 17, followed by weekly drops every Wednesday.

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