Iconoculture: Finding a reliable babysitter can be tough. Sitter Soirees in Portland, Oregon, streamline the process with “speed-dating” sessions that bring parents and sitters together at informal gatherings held in family-friendly boutiques. Soiree founder Jen Fererro recruits potential sitters from local colleges and employment websites. The dozen or so who make the cut out of 50-70 applicants boast impressive creds, […]

Iconowatch: Rolling in the mud, jumping in a lake, riding a smelly horse: all things that brides are doing in their beautiful white gowns as part of a new wedding photo trend called Trash the Dress. After the ceremony, brides (and sometimes grooms) pose for photo shoots that leave the dress in less than perfect condition. Pro photographers from Pennsylvania […]

Iconoculture: This may be taking the dog days of summer a bit too literally. Pouncing off pet-sharing programs like Flexpetz, the hospitality industry is offering guests a rather unique amenity: pet leasing. At select Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, guests can “rent” dogs for several hours. At Quebec City, Boston and Vancouver locations, dogs even have their own email addresses so […]

TrendBird: Everyone likes getting a thoughtful surprise, and giving them isn’t so bad either. But it’s not always easy to find the time to shop and send something or, for that matter, to remember to do so. A Brazilian startup has come up with a solution: prepaid plans for multiple gifts over a set period of time. Targetting male gift-givers, […]

BizEquity Corp. has launched the beta version of BizEquity.com, a free online service that allows small businesses—those with less than $10 million in revenue—to discover and better understand their estimated value and that of their competitors. BizEquity.com was unveiled at DEMOfall 08, a premier launch venue for new products, technologies, and companies. In an effort to better equip small business […]

Zillman: TimeBridge has introduced the first Personal Scheduling Assistant designed to help busy people find a time to meet — fast. This innovative, new web application works across calendaring systems, companies and time zones. With TimeBridge’s one-step scheduling you select attendees, propose meeting times and send a meeting invitation. TimeBridge does the rest — collects everyone’s availability and selects the […]

Parkingspots.com connects those needing a parking spot with those renting parking spots. The service allows you to find parking close to downtown, the airport, your office, your home or wherever else you need it. Easy, affordable monthly rentals where you want, when you want. Non-commercial parking spot owners can create listings on ParkingSpots.com for free; the company’s revenues come from […]

Springwise: Unless they happen to be near a bicycle shop during business hours, bicyclists who break down are typically out of luck if they don’t already have the parts they need to make a repair. Aiming to make bike parts more accessible, two different vending machines we’ve spotted are always on hand with critical parts. Most recently, bike manufacturer Trek […]

NewLaunches.com: Those of you who have been fantasizing about a unique way to get married may want to try this new destination. Carrie Bradshaw found solace in the Registrar’s Office but may want to try Space! Japanese space transportation provider Rocketplane Kistler and wedding planner First Advantage have come together in this venture that will allow couples to take their […]

ScanDigital began with a simple question from mother of one of our founders. It was the 2006 holiday season and Mike Mothner was at home opening presents with his family. This year the gift that was the biggest hit was the digital camera Mike gave his mother. The wrapping paper hadn’t even hit the floor before she was busy lining […]