Awesome Living

Household Hacker shows off a handful of easy and practical gadgets you can build using LEGO bricks, from doorstops, to smartphone docks, to drink coasters, and even though it’s not really a life hack, that little chess set is cool too.

We’re always on the lookout for cool new websites, and you’ll definitely want to bookmark this one. The Gear Hound sniffs out handmade products and tells the stories behind their makers. There’s an emphasis on practicality, longevity, and craftsmanship.

Made from an aerospace-grade polymer composite, the lightweight Tactica One bottle opener tool won’t ever get rusty or stained. It looks slick, and will pop open bottles in perpetuity. Save 20% in The Awesomer Shop.

Whether you’re the Breaker of Chains, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, or simply The Unburnt, you can now add Mother (or Father) of Dragons to your title with these golden egg-shaped candles, each of which reveals a ceramic baby dragon as it melts.

It’s happened to the best of us. You stumble into the bathroom at 3am and end up peeing 6 inches to the left of the toilet. Never miss again with this motion-activated light that turns on when you get near. Lights green when the seat is down, red when it’s up.

Laphroaig’s latest wonder is a rich mix of some of our favorite flavors. Smoke, fire, chocolate, burnt citrus, vanilla. What’s not to like? While its core is definitely is peaty, its complexity makes it inviting to Islay Scotch neophytes and fanatics alike.

Artist Alyson Thomas’ cheeky drinking glasses each feature illustrated diagrams of classic cocktail recipes, like scotch & sodas, margaritas, mimosas, martinis, hot toddys, bloody marys, and more.

Inside this ’60s-inspired console’s walnut body is a Debut Carbon turntable, a tweeter, a 6.5″ woofer, a 200W amplifier, a 100W subwoofer, an AirPlay receiver and two aux inputs. It also has a built-in minibar with whiskey glasses and room for 150 vinyl records.

Varsity Tutors’ new iOS app lets you hire and learn from private tutors on the go. The app lets you communicate via video-chat, written messages as well as topic-specific content. There are tutors for over 200 subjects, including several practical topics.

Keep your keys from jingling with this elegant EDC from Michael Rahban Design. Made from CNC machined anodized aluminum, it can even hang on your fridge thanks to its neodymium magnets. Choose from black, gunmetal, or silver. Save 15% in The Awesomer Shop.

Co-designed by Apartment Therapy founder Maxwell Ryan, Interior Define’s Maxwell sofa combines a deep seat, a low-profile height and curved shapes to create a modern take on European sofas. Available with a variety of fabric covers.

(PG-13: Language) Chef, restaurateur and reformed party guy Matty Matheson shows us his take on deep fried chicken. You’re going to need some pickle brine, buttermilk, spices and one to three days. Oh!

Tired of people pulling into your driveway or parking space at work? Lay down the law with these fake DrivewaySpikes, and you’re sure to deter would-be parkers from taking your spot. They look real enough, but they’re made from flexible recycled rubber.

This simple, yet incredibly useful gadget for frequent flyers securely holds a drink and your mobile device on airplane seat backs without having to open your tray table. Holds smartphones and tablets up to 7-1/2″ tall, and includes an attachment for holding cans.

Compact campers perfect for sleep and shelter. The Tearcuby model shown here offers a queen bed and a kid-sized bunk, lighting, power sockets, a ventilated hatch, and a rear kitchen with a countertop, an optional sink, and gas tank for a grill. Available in Europe only.

A collaboration between 5.11 and Viking Tactics founder Kyle Lamb. The Operator Axe is made of stainless steel and has a bearded axe blade, a hammer point, a pry bar, inch and cm rulers, hex wrenches, 0.5″ and 0.25″ bit drivers and a sheet metal cutter.

Woouf!’s beanbag sofa harkens back to the era of analog synthesizers, offering up tons of cryptic knobs and a seating surface covered with keys. The only thing better would be if it played when you sat on it. Officially-licensed by Moog. Measures appx. 53″ x 31″ x 24″.

Want a kayak, but don’t have the storage space for one? The Pakayak disassembles from a 14-foot boat into a 3.5 foot-long package thanks to pieces that nest inside one another. They’re small enough to fit multiples inside an SUV, or to even carry one on your back.

A US Coast Guard-approved, compact and reusable inflatable personal flotation device (PFD). The TD2401 measures just 11″x 4″ when packed. You can trigger its CO2 canister manually or just throw the device into the water, where it will automatically inflate.

Treat dad or treat yourself to the bar tool to end all bar tools. The Barbarian combines a citrus press, measuring jigger, corkscrew and lever, citrus zester, can lance, bottle opener, and multiple garnishing knives in one.

Set up a classy Snake Mountain with this badass chesterfield chair by designer Gregory Besson. It has a leather seat cover while its skull-shaped body is made of fiberglass. You can customize the color of your order.

This nifty notebook from Suck UK doubles as a custom deck of playing cards. Each edge-bound sheet is made from real playing card stock, and offers a blank writing surface on front for your doodles or your own bespoke deck design.

ORCA makes tack-on MOLLE wraps for its 26qt, 40qt and 58qt coolers, as well as compatible accessories such as pouches, a first aid kit, and external chargers. Available in green and CRP camo. Skip to 2:29.