This one is on the techie side of things but the end results are extremely cool. To get this working you will need a computer with either Bluetooth or WiFi; a phone or PDA, also with Bluetooth or WiFi, and Salling Clicker, a very clever piece of software. This program has been around for a couple of years in more or less polished forms, but version 3.0 just came out that makes the whole process of setting it up much simpler and adds a Windows version to the original Mac one.

The basic idea is that Salling Clicker turns your handheld device into a complete remote control for your PC. Not only do you get an interactive remote for iTunes -- adjust the volume, browse your library, skip songs, even view album art -- but you can run PowerPoint presentations and do any basic task on your PC for which you want to write or download a script. Take a look at the photo, that isn't iTunes running on my Treo 650 (ha!), that's Salling Clicker showing what is going on in iTunes while the music plays from my computer through the main stereo. As long as I am within the 30 foot or so range of my computer's Bluetooth signal (my entire condo), I have a remote with me. With some devices (the entire list of 90+ supported models is on their website) you can even have your music automatically pause when your phone rings or when you leave the room. Maybe you set it to start up your email when you walk in the door and your phone comes into range. The software is extensible with scripts, some of which are available for free on the website. Wireless goodness!

I just visited the Paper Source store in Georgetown, DC for the first time: a very cool place. Cards, photo supplies, art supplies, and lots and lots of beautiful paper -- some for more than $5 a sheet, but a fair amount of inexpensive stuff, too. Actually, the pricey sheets totally seem worth it, you just need to have the right occasion in mind to use something that looks so nice.

It's always been difficult to find nice, classy photo albums if you don't go in for the Hallmark cutesy stuff, but the Paper Source has a whole wall of options that don't look like they were designed by pre-teens for their friends (and they use acid-free, archival paper, too).

I'm almost afraid to spread the word about this company since I'm fond of being the only person I've ever seen with one of these bags, but -- can you feel the love? -- I'm going to do it anyway. For messenger or other shoulder bags, I've never found anything as perfect as those by Waterfield Designs. They seem to have thought of every detail: the pockets are just where they should be for easy access, the inside of the bag is colored bright yellow to make it easy to find things, the shoulder pads are covered with a suede-like material so they don't slip off. As far as I can tell, they are also indestructible. After 4 years of daily use, my bag looks entirely new except for some paint missing on the zipper pull.

The company is a joy to order from (every receipt is hand signed with a thank you message) and their return policy and warranties show just how much they trust what they make.

They also make a number of cases designed specifically for electronic equipment like digital cameras, iPods, and laptops. Their sleevecases are terrific for people who carry a laptop around but don't want to put it in a special, steal-me case. You just put the computer in the padded sleevecase, then put the sleevecase in your regular backpack, bag, etc. Can you tell I like this company? Their designs aren't for everyone with a bit of an urban-geek thing going on, and they are also more expensive than most basic bag manufacturers out there. If you don't mind those two things, however, you should check them out.

This is a small and sort-of silly item to mention, but my silicone hot pads are amazingly useful and durable. Available from Crate and Barrel (I've also seem some two-tone ones at specialty kitchen stores), they work as standard hot pads as well as trivets. Two uses you might not immediately think of: they are excellent at helping to open stuck jars and, when rubbed on upholstery while slightly damp, they will ball-up and remove pet hair. (Rubber gloves also work on pet hair -- I learned that trick from a TV show in England several years ago.) My favorite part of these things: they can be cleaned just by putting them in the dishwasher. I'm starting to see more kitchen items made out of silicone -- like spatulas -- and I'm pleased since this stain- and heat-resistant material is pretty remarkable.

Welcome to SprayOnSalt.com! Here I'll be posting about the cool, clever, and lust-worthy items I find that make life a little bit easier... or at least more stylish. I have a backlog of things to post about, so watch for regular updates; I also take requests (e.g. What's the best universal remote?), so feel free to email me at request@SprayOnSalt.com. I'm looking forward to sharing what I find!