Skins for your favorite gadgets are nothing new, but the industry has come a long way since the days of solid color options that were designed with protection only in mind.

Because of skins popularity, it’s pretty cheap to deck out your new phone, laptop or MP3 player and protect it from scratches. So, if you find yourself struggling between buying the accessory you want for all its features or its color, go for the features, and check out these sites for the perfect look.

For those budding artists or sentimental types, check out skinit. You can customize your own skin for a wide range of objects. Just upload your favorite photos, choose your text or select shapes. You can also select different background colors. Many of the skins cost $19.95.

Another good make-your-own site is UniqueSkins. Items on this site range from $5 for an iPhone Dock to $30 for an iMac.

If you’re not so creative, check out DecalGirl. There are lots of options for many different accessories, some starting as low as $2.99 for an iPod Shuffle. I think I’d choose these multicolored flowers.

Other goings-on in the area worth noting:

• There will be an auction Thursday, Feb. 7, of mostly gold and silver that tax evaders Ed and Elaine Brown had in their possession. The auction is at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nashua. Viewing starts at 10 a.m., and the bidding begins at 12:15. A girl can never have too many precious metals. Here's a full list of the items.

• Charle Aiden salon in downtown Nashua is still looking for hair models. As of last week, there were still two openings for the tint back class, which is Monday, Feb. 11, at 1 p.m., and two openings for the color and cut classic on Sunday, March 2, or Monday, March 3, at 1 p.m. Or you can check out the updo and evening style class for Saturday, March 29, there was one opening at 1 p.m. and three at 3 p.m. Call the salon at 598-0795 to check on availability or for more details.
• Also, don't forget to vote for my NEPA outfit. The poll ends Thursday and The Matrix is way ahead.