I love salt-rimmed drinks, but I loathe dipping the glasses into a plateful of chunky salt. For one thing, I always end up wasting salt. For another, half of the salt from the plate ends up on the counter instead of the rim of the glass. But now, I let The Barmaid do it for me. Or, rather, The Barmaid lets me put just the right amount of salt — or whatever spice I want — on each rim with the touch of a button. Perfect for a summer-in-the-wintertime Margarita, or a salty-and-spice rimmed Bloody Mary at brunch.

$39.95 or $44.95 (including salt) at Limetreecove.com.

I’ve just come back from a business trip where I wished I’d brought a few more pieces of jewelry with me. I like wearing earrings and funky rings but I didn’t have a great way to carry them with me, so just brought two in a plastic bag. This jewelry case has multiple compartments so your necklaces won’t get tangled up with the earrings and it’s still small enough for travel.

$36.50 at Delight.com

I have this tuna casserole recipe which takes very little time to make and is always a hit with my daughter. On the prowl for more casserole recipes (which I think are every working mom’s best friend because they are easy one-dish meals) I found this great cookbook.

$17 at Amazon.com

One of my favorite ways to treat myself when I am feeling completely overwhelmed is with an interesting and relatively inexpensive piece of jewelry. Lately I’m really into funky rings, like this awesome one I found on Etsy.

$75 at Etsy.com

Coghlan’s flint striker is a must-have for anyone reorganizing and restocking their family’s emergency kit. This low-tech gadget allows you to light a fire without matches (Read the review at Gear Diary for a great demonstration of how to use it). As long as your tinder is dry, you can use the rod and striker to start a fire even in wet conditions, and it lasts for years.

$4.98 at Pine Creek Outdoors (via Amazon).

(Wondering what else your emergency kit should have? Here’s a handy checklist for you to print and take to the store.)

Door stops are usually used to hold doors wide open, but did you know that when you travel, you can use them as a low-tech way to keep your hotel room more secure? Close and lock your door, then slip this rubber wedge firmly underneath; it’s virtually undetectable from the other side, and won’t cause damage. The stainless-steel hook handle makes it easy to remove with a quick tug.

$15.47 at Organize.com.

My bath is my sanctuary. It’s where I go to get away from it all, at least until I run out of hot water. This gorgeous bath caddy is made from sustainable bamboo, has a pop-up book holder and — glorious! — a special slotted holder for your wine glass. I figure the soap holder can hold a small plate of delicious snacks instead.

About $30 (regularly $44) at Amazon.com.

Loose tea tastes better than the powdery stuff that comes in pre-filled bags, but convenience often trumps taste when you’re on the run or at the office. Blomus’ tea stick takes the hassle out of making a proper cuppa. The spring-loaded, stainless-steel gadget is easy to fill and clean, and the many tiny holes make for perfect steeping.

$20.15 at Cooking.com.

I’ve never been much of a granola girl, but I can’t stop munching on these. Bear Naked is known for it’s amazing granolas — this is it’s first foray into the cereal-bar part of the cereal aisle, and their all-natural Grain-ola bars make a decadent yet guilt-free snack. With flavors like chocolate cherry and tropical fruit — and without nasty high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, hydrogenated oils, or artificial anything — you’ll be reaching for these instead of candy in no time.

$20.70 for a pack of 12 at BearNaked.com.

I don’t know about you, but I think fancy chocolate makes the perfect gift for just about anyone. And I wouldn’t mind having some, myself. Ahem.

Right now, Godiva.com is having their Semi-Annual Chocolate-Covered Sale, with savings of up to 60% off of the regular retail price. Grab a pick-me-up for a friend, or a little reward for yourself. I don’t judge.

Shipping costs got you down? Go ahead and register for their Rewards Club (it’s free); members get free shipping on orders of $25+.

Just remember who’s your friend once you’ve got all that chocolate, mmmkay?