Did you know that you could charge your cell phone from the sun? While this might sound a little like something from a futuristic movie—or like something reserved for ultra-environmentalists—portable solar chargers are actually becoming more widely available and efficient. They can offer a convenient (and yes, eco-friendly) power solution for anyone, whether you’re a business traveler, an outdoor enthusiast, or just someone looking for a simple way to keep your tablet, phone, or MP3 player charged and ready.

Imagine this: you’re on a weekend camping trip in the backcountry and you want to be able to listen to music without killing your phone’s battery. Strap a solar charger to the outside of your backpack while you hike, and you’ll be ready to rock out in just a few hours.

There are a number of different models and styles of portable solar chargers on the market. While their designs and components can vary, they all basically work by capturing the sun’s rays with solar panels; then they convert the solar energy into electrical energy that can be used to charge the battery on your phone or other devices. Most standard portable panels are coated in monocrystalline silicone, which achieves about 17-18% efficiency. This means that 17-18 percent of the sunlight that hits the panel will be converted to usable electrical energy. So charging your phone from the sun is going to take longer than plugging it into an outlet will, but most solar chargers can fully juice up a smartphone in about 2-3 hours (in direct sunlight).

Larger solar panels have a larger surface area so they can capture more energy from the sun. Therefore, they can be used to power larger devices, such as a laptop, and can charge batteries more quickly. However, a larger size obviously means less portability. A smaller solar panel, capable of charging devices like a cell phone, MP3 player, or GPS, can weigh as little as 1 pound or less.

Many solar panels have a USB port that you can plug your phone directly into for charging. Depending on the model of the solar panel, it will probably charge best angled upwards in direct sun. In order to get around this potential inconvenience (i.e. a cloudy day), you can get battery packs to store solar power, which can later be used to charge your phone from. Connect the battery pack to the solar panel, charge it up on a sunny day, and then you’ve got power stored for (literally) a rainy day.

Check out our new solar chargers (and other solar products) from Goal Zero here!

Spring is just around the corner, which means that it’s a great time to start tackling those spring cleaning chores—which includes, yes, the refrigerator. Although cleaning the fridge can be a daunting task that you’d rather ignore, we have a few easy tips to make the job easier and more efficient.

Start by completely emptying your fridge, and wipe down all the shelves, nooks, and crannies. Before you stock up on groceries, empty your fridge items into a cooler and unplug the fridge. Turning off the power to allow the glass shelves and crisper drawers to warm up. Then, wash your shelves and drawers when they’re at room temperature.

Do not use soap or detergents to clean the inside of your refrigerator because they leave behind a scent that food can absorb. Instead, keep it simple with baking soda and hot water. First, rinse with a damp cloth, then dry with a clean towel. For that dried maple syrup and stubborn stains, let the baking soda and water solution soak for 10 minutes. Once that stain’s softened, you’ll be able to scrub that residue clear. Do not wash any of the shelves or bins in the dishwasher. Soak them in warm water and baking soda (2 tablespoons of baking soda for every quart of warm water) and then dry thoroughly before putting them back in the fridge.

If you’ve already cleaned your fridge with baking soda and a smell lingers, you can also spread baking soda onto a rimmed baking sheet and leave it inside the fridge until the smell goes away. You can do the same with fresh coffee grounds on a tray or shallow pan inside. Leave the grounds inside until the smell disappears. Make sure your refrigerator’s temperature set low in the case of the activated charcoal.

Once you’ve got the fridge cleaned you can organize the contents. If your refrigerator it’ll be easier to find different foods, and you’ll be less likely to forget about the food and let it go to waste. A simple organization technique is to get small plastic bins to store like foods/ ingredients together, which you can label (i.e. “Joe’s lunch foods” or “pizza ingredients”).

Always store leftovers in airtight containers to prevent smells. Wipe jams, liquids, and condiments with a wet rag on the outside to prevent stains. Regularly look through your fridge for expired, unused, or molding items to prevent smells, save space, and save time during the next spring cleaning round.

Do you have any good spring cleaning tips to share? Let us know in the comments.

With so many new portable computing devices on the market—from smartphones to tablets to laptops to something in between—it can be difficult to know which is the best kind. Or, more specifically, which is the best kind for you.

Full confession: I am a laptop person all the way. I don’t own a smartphone or a tablet, and I don’t, personally, have a need for either. I prefer to do my computing (for both work and play) at home or at the coffee shop/ library/ airport, but I don’t need to have my device on me constantly. I do a lot of writing, so a full keyboard is a must for me, and since I’m not carrying it around all the time, the extra weight of a laptop (compared to a phone or tablet) isn’t an issue for me.

But what about everyone else? While some readers out there might fall into the same category as me in terms of their computing needs and habits, there are a lot, I realize, who do not. If you’re on the fence about whether to get a new laptop or tablet, start by considering what your primary use for the device will be, and what your specific needs are.

As I mentioned, a laptop, while portable, is definitely less portable than a tablet— especially a small one like the iPad mini. So if you’re planning on taking this device with you everywhere, then you probably want to go with a tablet.

A tablet’s touch screen is ideal for web browsing, reading, and light gaming, and not as good for typing. So if you want access to a full keyboard, you should either look towards laptops, or tablets that you can pair with a detachable keyboard. While it won’t have the same hard drive or computing power as a laptop, the tablet will now be better equipped for typing and working.

You may also want to consider a hybrid or ultrabook—a convertible device that attempts to function as both a laptop and a tablet. There are several different models on the market now, with varying designs. The HP Envy x2, for example, is essentially just a tablet with an optional detachable keyboard. The Asus Taichi 21 actually has two screens; it’s a laptop with a touch screen on the back. Close the laptop and the turn on the touch screen on the backside for its tablet functionality. Cool, but that makes for a pretty heavy tablet.

What type of device(s) do you use? Does the convertible tablet/ laptop appeal to you?

Now that you have a tablet, you may have wondered how you ever lived without one. You use it for browsing the Internet, streaming music, email, watching movies, and countless other daily activities, no doubt. However, there are a number of other cool and innovative uses for a tablet that you may not have considered yet. Here are few awesome ways that they can be utilized.

As a remote control for your TV

No more worrying about misplacing the remote once you download an app that lets you use your tablet as one. Since you’ll have your tablet with you anyway, why not? In addition to letting you scroll through the channels, some apps will even inform you about programming and set reminders for your favorite shows.

As easy entertainment for the kids while traveling

Say goodbye to bored, screaming children. Say goodbye to your bulky portable DVD player. With a tablet in tow, you can download movies and games to keep the kiddos entertained for hours on long trips. Just make sure you have a protective case and screen cover to safeguard the tablet from clumsy hands.

As your portable library

Textbooks can be really expensive (and really heavy), so it makes a lot of sense to use your tablet to house and read e-books—especially if you’re a student. The pages are easy to search and navigate, and you can still take notes in the digital margin or use a highlighter function. There are also sometimes links to online or multimedia features. E-textbooks also cost less than print books—often half the price or less.

To order in restaurants

More and more restaurants are now supplying customers with tablets at the table that they can use to order and pay. There are some tablets that have been designed specifically for this purpose, with a longer battery life, rugged design, and built-in credit card readers.

To check your vital signs

Not to be replaced with an actual health care professional, there are a number of tablet apps (such as the Philips Vital Signs Camera) that can measure heart rate and breathing rate, just by using the camera. The app’s software tracks the movement of your chest and slight changes in skin color to pull these statistics. You can even measure two people’s heart rates at once. New favorite party activity?

What’s do you use your tablet for? Let us know in the comments.

Image by DavidMartynHunt, used under Creative Commons)

On a day that’s dedicated entirely to coupledom, a single person can feel a little left out. This Valentine’s Day we’ve compiled a list of our favorite songs that celebrate going solo. So tell cupid sayonara, grab an air mic, and rock out with your fabulous single self. It’s way easier when you don’t have to harmonize with someone who’s singing off-key.

“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” by Taylor Swift

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA4iX5D9Z64

Just in case your ex doesn’t understand, the lyrics of this ballad convey the message of your breakup loud and clear. Never, ever.

“I Will Survive” by Cake

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10C68Gzd5GM

A fun cover of the Gloria Gaynor original, this version adds in the horns and dry tone of Cake. Sure, at first you were afraid and petrified being single, but then you learned you would survive. Indeed.

“It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx2u5uUu3DE

As the opening line of this rock ballad really sums up the theme of the song—and of this playlist—“This ain’t a song for the broken hearted.” Forget any leftover heartache and get ready to rock when this one comes on. You won’t be able to help it.

“I Don’t Really Love You Anymore” by The Magnetic Fields

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suCKosMKh-0

Ok, the title of this song might not be totally true—as in the singer does still maybe love the girl in question. However, sometimes you need to tell yourself the lie to get it to come true. “’Cause I’ve read your horoscope and now I’ve given up all hope. So I don’t really love you anymore.”

“I Am a Rock” by Simon & Garfunkel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My9I8q-iJCI

A song about building up self-defense and moving on after love, sort of. In any case, it feels pretty satisfying to belt out, “I am a rock, I am an iiiiiiiii-sland” at the top of your lungs.

(Photo by Ed Yourdon, used under Creative Commons)

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, the stress can begin to add up. If you’re in a relationship, there’s pressure to have the perfect day, and if you’re single, well, there’s pressure to not be. What should you do for a date? Where should you drown your dating sorrows? How do you find the perfect match?

But have no fear! Whether you’re married, single, or somewhere in between, there’s an app for that. Here are the top 5 apps to help you have a successful Valentine’s Day.

Fingle

iPad / $1.99

A two-player puzzle game that involves dragging colors onto a target, Fingle “makes it impossible to avoid contact, creating intimate moments with intertwined hands.” It’s like Twister for the iPad, which you can play anytime, anywhere. Bust this app out to start your romantic evening or with friends at a Valentine’s Day gathering.

Helpful Romantic

iPhone, iPod touch, iPad / $0.99

If you’re looking for something original and fun to do with your partner on Valentine’s Day, then look no further than this app. It generates romantic ideas that are uniquely curated, based on your significant other’s personality. It also generates gift ideas and lets you record list of traits, such as clothing size, that are useful when choosing gifts.

Kiss ‘N Booth

Android 1.6 and up / Free

Have you ever wondered how your kissing skills rank? With this app, all you have to do is smooch the screen for a kiss rating. Then you can get ready to pucker up for Valentine’s Day.

Love Poem Generator

Android 2.2 and up / Free

Not much of a wordsmith? Get this app, and harness the power of Shakespeare. Input some starting information (like your parnter’s name and gender), and the poem generator creates “silly and beautiful poems” that will be sure to woo your valentine. Or at least, be good for a laugh.

Girlfriend Keeper

iPhone / 0.99

If you have a habit of forgetting your girlfriend’s birthday, your anniversary, or not texting enough, then this app just might save your relationship. It allows you to set up automated text messages or emails to your girlfriend with customizable input like her name, birthday, and “relationship seriousness.” Then it’ll send charming messages like, “Diana, your birthday is in 136 days. Maybe I will get you something green like your eyes. –Evan”

Looking for more Valentine’s Day ideas? Check out the Vann’s Pinterest board Be My Valentine.

Shopping for a Valentine’s Day gift for your sweetheart doesn’t have to be stressful—not when you’ve got the Vann’s gift guide to help you out. So ditch the last minute flowers, and get her something that she’ll really appreciate. (Well, ok, you can get her the flowers too.) Check out the following swoon-worthy gifts for the special woman in your life.

For the athlete: Nike+ iPod sport kit

If your girl can run – and not away from you— then she’ll love this kit that turns her iPod or iPhone into a personal workout coach. It monitors time, distance, and other statistics, which she can then track and evaluate online.

For the music lover (who’s not a morning person): Sangean clock radio

It’s an alarm clock, it’s a radio, it’s an iPod dock, oh my! Help your valentine wake up on the bright(er) side with an alarm that can be programmed to iPod tunes, buzzer, or radio. And it’s pink too, which makes it even more festive.

For the outdoor adventurer: Sony Bloggie Sport camcorder

Waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof, this camcorder is perfect for the videographer who lives life a little on the edge. And when your honey gets home from scuba diving, she can easily upload her videos using the Bloggie’s flip out USB.

For the girl on the go: Klipsch Image S3 headphones

Love songs sound better on these in-ear headphones. Your special someone can rock out anytime, anywhere, and enjoy high-quality audio. Oval ear tips provide a comfortable fit and isolate outside noise.

For the artistic techie: iLuv Pangborn flower iPad case

If you’ve ever wondered whether she loves her iPad more than she loves you, then she’ll probably fall head over heels for this lovely case. It features the work of artist Dominic Pangborn and protects her iPad from dust, scratches, and bumps.

Find even more Valentine’s Day ideas on the Vann’s Pinterest board, Be My Valentine.

Love is in the air, and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. As a holiday that is notorious for cliché gifts (stale chocolates, dying flowers, cheesy card), it’s also an opportunity to impress your Valentine with a gift that he’ll actually like. Here’s a Valentine’s Day gift guide for the man in your life, so that you’ll be sure to hit the bull’s eye with Cupid’s arrow.

For the outdoor adventurer: GoPro Hero3 action cam

Whether your valentine is a skier, mountain biker, surfer, or any other outdoor enthusiast, he’ll love recording his adventures on the newest GoPro. It’s waterproof and wearable, with plenty of mounts available to attach it to different gear. He can capture all the big moments with this lightweight, versatile camera.

For the music buff: Denon in-ear headphones

What does love sound like? It sounds like a dynamic range with rich bass and crystal clear highs—which is just what the Denon headphones with a 3-button remote and microphone deliver. You know your man has a big heart, and no matter what size his ears are, these headphones are sure to fit, as they include customizable ear piece adapters.

For the movie lover: Samsung 3D Blu-ray player with built-in Wi-Fi

Does your valentine have a close, loving, long-term relationship with movies? Does he finish the sentences of his favorite films? Does he fantasize about the sequels? Help him take his mancave to the next level with this compact 3D Blu-ray player. It delivers top audio clarity and HD video quality, and he’ll be able to stream his favorite shows and movies too.

For the emerging photographer: Sony Cyber-shot camera bundle

If your guy has said things like, “Let me borrow your camera,” or “Hey, take a picture of my car, so I can post it online,” then put an end to his neediness with the Sony digital camera bundle. It includes everything that a budding photographer requires to transform into shutterbug, with a 16-megapixel Cyber shot camera, a 4GB memory card, and a carrying case.

For the gamer: Snakebyte wireless game controller

Give your guy a whole new gaming experience for his smartphone or tablet (Android and iOS) with this idroid:con wireless Bluetooth controller. It features 2 analog thumb sticks, a digital gamepad, and left and right triggers, and it connects to a phone or tablet without any extra apps. This is a Valentines’s Day gift that’ll really make his gamer heart throb.

Looking for more Valentines’ Day gifts and tips? Check out the Vann’s Pinterest board, Be My Valentine, for fun and creative ideas.

The Big Game is only 3 days away, which means that if you’re hosting a party, it’s time to kick it into last minute prep mode. At this point, you probably already have your menu and TV ready to go (if not, check out our past blog posts), and maybe even some activities planned for the kids. With kickoff right around the corner, here are some quick tips and tricks for getting your home in winning shape for game day.

Clean up, clean up

Ok, we’re not going to give you detailed instructions for deep cleaning your house, or shame you into a pre-game dusting frenzy; we’re just going to give you a few easy tips for last minute tidying.

•  Prep the viewing arena (aka living room) by clearing off the coffee table and de-cluttering other surfaces so guests have a place to put their food and drinks.
• Arrange throw blankets or pillows on the couch to make people feel comfortable (and well, ok, to cover up stains)
• Dust the TV with a microfiber cloth
• And take out the trash!

Procrastination snacks

Ok, so you didn’t pre-order the sub sandwich from the deli, and you’re not going to spend a whole day slow cooking chili. Don’t fear—you can still have a worthy spread of eats at your Big Game party! Here are a few quick, easy, and delicious recipes to try:

• Guacamole

• Pizza muffins

• Beer brats

You might also want to do your party potluck style. Ask guests to each bring a dish, and voila—you’ve got yourself a proper game day feast.

Give your TV a tune-up

You may not be in the market for a new flat screen HDTV this year, but there are a few things you can do to make your old TV look as good as possible. Read our step-by-step instructions on TV calibration, and your TV will put its best display forward for the Big Game.

When the kids are happy, everyone’s happy.

If you’re hosting a party for the Big Game this Sunday, then you’ve probably started getting everything in order: the food, the TV setup, and the guest list. And if that guest list happens to include children, well, then there’s some extra planning you’ll have to do.

Although it might seem silly or unnecessary to “kid-ify” your game day party, there are some easy things you can do to make the Big Game more fun for the junior spectators. And in my house, I know that if the kids are happy, then everyone’s happy. Here are some ideas to fend off crankiness until the winning touchdown (or, at least until halftime).

Fun food

While Big Game edibles are inherently kid-friendly (finger foods, snacks, chips), you can go a few extra yards for an even better eating experience.

Replace water or juice bottle labels with paper of the different team colors. It’s an easy way for the children to show off their team spirit.

Make football cupcakes for dessert. These are a fun treat, and a great way to bribe the kids to eat their dinner.

Speaking of dinner, why not add a couple items to the menu that are sure to score with the younger crowd? You can never go wrong with nachos, pigs in a blanket, and pizza.

Keep them busy

If the Big Game on its own won’t keep the kiddos entertained, then plan a few activities to help them stay busy. Helping the children feel invested in the game, on some level, will also keep their attention longer.

Assign cheerleading jobs. This is a great way to burn off some extra energy. Divide the kids between the two teams for a bit of competition. You can give them pom-poms, have them make signs, or even come up with their own cheer. The adults can judge the best cheer at the end.

Encourage the kids to get into the game day spirit by wearing football jerseys of their favorite team. You can also set up a face painting station so the kids can proudly show off their team colors.

Planning a party with kids involves strategy, forethought, and lots of intimidating faces.

Make a child-friendly bingo board or checklist for them to complete while they watch the game. Have them be on the lookout for things like referee, cheerleader, mascot, or car commercial. This is a great way to help them pay attention.

And hey, if all else fails, just make sure you have a football on hand to give to the kids. Then they can have their own “Big Game” outside!