Roost (reclaimed) rustic wood display shelves »
We are really starting to like this Roost design company. They bring the outdoors in. Like these wall-mounted shelves made from rustic wood (actually made from colonial era railroad ties in India). So...they are teak or another hardwood that has been revived and polished. Wall mounts included. $36 for the small (7"), $54 for the...
Reclaimed barn wood birdhouse »
These little birdhouses are each one-of-a-kind. All of the wood comes from old barns in the Kettle Moraine State Forest (thus called because of the dots of "kettles" or deep ponds left by the old glaciers of the last ice age). The roof is covered with the bark of white birch (this is the same bark the Native American's used to make canoes...
Make a vase (from anything) »
This little ceramic do-hicky from designer Ron Gilad, the VaseMaker, will turn anything into a vase. Made from ceramic with a flat base and a small vase, it can be placed on top of anything that will (ideally) hold water: a real vase, a beer bottle, a cup or can, whatever. Stick a stem or two in the miniature vase on top. The result: a little...
DWR water pitcher with Iouseki stones and Binchotan charcoal »
Let's face it, the Brita (and others of it's ilk) are ugly. And plastic. But we still want good water and bottled water is so 1990's. Enter the Hario Glass Iousen Pot. It contains Binchotan, or white, charcoal which (like activated charcoal) adsorbs ions and other impurities (ideally chlorine and lead) in water. It should render the water...
Tasting Club: How to host food and wine tastings »
I remember back in the day when I was learning video and web by day and bartending by night. I had friends who were chefs and friends who were sommeliers. And we did a lot of tastings. Cheese tastings, wine tastings, charcuterie tastings. Everything - we were so hungry to learn about all these foods and wines that we were discovering and we...
Woolly Pockets – great eco-friendly indoor/outdoor »
Velocity Art and Design is currently featuring the Woolly Pockets series. These soft-sided planters come in a number of configurations that enable you to hang plants on walls, place them in large "meadows" or more traditionally styled "pots" (though they're not really pots with soft sides). They are made from recycled plastic and have...
Spaghetti Scrub from recycled peach pits and corn cobs »
It's hard to get too excited about washing the dishes. Frankly I try to use my cooking skills to negotiate daily domestic deals to get out of them entirely. But, here is a cool product that is green AND effective - and might even make it a little more fun. Spaghetti scrubs. Made from recycled corn cobs, peach pits and walnut shells, they have...
Shake it up: Waring Drink Mixer »
I've always wanted one of these. Kind of a malt counter @ home type of thing. But you need to have a good one, like this Waring. And, they're usually $200 - too rich for my blood. But...Sur La Table has them on sale now for only $70. It might be hard to think about ice cream with all this incliment weather going 'round. But come summer,...
Reclaimed wood desk: Dylan Desk »
This reclaimed wood trend is great: environmentally sound because they're using wood that would otherwise be bound for the trash heap (or papermill). The Dylan Desk here is 90% reclaimed pine with a raw finish. We think this particular desk/table is awesome with the sawhorse-like leg stands. It would make a great desk (of course), or...
The BEST tortilla chips, why? Umami. Cabo and Have’a Corn »
It's hard to believe that I'm writing a review of corn tortilla chips. BUT, these Cabo Chips are awesome. Why? Because they have a great crispy texture and aren't just salted, but are coated with a mixture of sea salt, lemon juice and soy sauce, which gives them their delicious umami flavor with a hint of sour. Oddly they are almost...
Strange and disturbing: Massimo Giacon bottle stopper »
I don't know what to think about this thing. It's clearly some kind of subconscious nightmare of eroticiscm and homo-eroticism by comic book artist and designer Massimo Giacon. Spiritsona it is called. Apparently it was originally designed for a liquor company who decided not to use it (can't imagine why). Frankly, I'm at a loss for...
Cuisipro scoop and stack: columnar ice cream cones »
So back in the day, for those (like myself) who don't remember, Thrifty Drugstores (now Rite Aid) were the bastions of all things ice creamy. Think of the counters filled with beskirted girls and rough and tumble boys sipping root beer floats and living their Norman Rockwell-ian lives. Back in those days, if you were to order an ice cream,...
Have fun with spring chores: forged watering nozzles »
Yes, spring is getting nearer (I hasten to say it's here in Southern California - the cherry blossoms are even starting to fall already) . As my friend Randy says, it's Farch. And the coming of Farch tolls in the constant outdoor reminders that we must beging spring cleaning. We must start planting. We must get ready for summer. Summer....
Steampunk corkscrew: the Hinged Wondler »
There are any myriad ways of opening wine. I like the Samurai sword style: just one sweep of a razor-sharpened katana across the neck and let the pinot noir flow. But for those who like a slightly less dramatic method, try this "Hinged Wondler" from True Fabrications. It's design is taken from Victorian era (thus the steampunk aesthetic)...
Topographical coffee table includes planter inserts »
Have a custom TOPO coffee table built. Designer Scott Franklin will create matching plastic inserts where you like (molded over stones) that add depressions on your table where you can put small artifacts, sand, or plants. Very unique and fun accent. The white color makes your topography stand out more. Great conversation...
Sprouts and microgreens – easy, delicious and healthy »
It's so easy to grow your own sprouts year round. And that earthy, crunchy delicious flavor they add to salads is unbeatable. Also, cooking with hydrated beans, like garbanzos and black-eyed peas, is a snap. They hydrate much faster than their un-sprouted peers, making it easier to whip up bean dishes without having to resort to...
Iron Globe Chandelier – cool steampunk lighting »
This chandelier from terrain is, simply put, sweet. It has an interesting old world, almost medieval feel, but at the same time a solid modern post-industrial presence. Fits in with the steampunk aesthetic, but would make a grand centerpiece to modern architecture, Spanish motif and older turn-of-the century homes. Plan on having an...
Get sprouted: heirloom vegetable seeds »
It's getting to be spring. I know it doesn't feel like it, given that 70% of the country is covered with snow. But here in Southern California it definitely does....and it will soon for the rest of y'all too. That said, it's time to get some seeds started (or at least time to plan for it). This great little kit from Terrain includes a...
Ridiculous or genius? Onion goggles »
We think we know what the answer is...but we are still seriously considering purchasing these onion goggles from RSVP. Foam padding around the glasses creates a seal that protects even the most sensitive eyes from harmful onion rays (o-rays in science speak). Anti-fog lenses insure you can see, helping you get those finely diced shallots for...
The best R: Reuse, a good way to do so: telescoping bag dryer »
The problem: we really want to reuse our old zip-locs. Especially those heavy duty freezer bags that are so handy and so robust that they beg to be reused. But let's face it, cleaning out those bags is a pain - especially the drying part. I've had bags lying around, dripping all over, inside-out, hanging on silverware, etc. We've seen other...
DNA art – with your own (or your loved one’s or your »
Here's a way to make unique art- a piece that could only exist if you and/or your loved one were here to create it - and you don't even have to be an artist. DNA art. You will be sent a DNA test kit. When you're done, you send it back. They will send you an art piece (you can choose the color and configuration) from your DNA test that shows...
How about a winter cocktail party? Modern Cocktail Set from DWR »
This little set is a classic, yet modern way to mix up some drinks. Includes a stainless steel mixing cup for mixing drinks, a cherry wood reamer (yes, unfortunate name) for juicing citrus, and a muddler (much more fortunate name) for muddling. The muddler has a little cutout on the bottom to ensure you get proper mash from your muddled fruit...
Come on man, step it up for Valentine’s: Roost »
It's time. She's been good to you. It's been a fucking hard year (well, hasn't it?) Give her something nice. We think this nice necklace would make a nice start at least. That is if you're not going to throw down for the romantic Balinese vacation. Imagine: ordering something on time this year. Something thoughtful. Of course jewelry is quite...
Nice serve: old school milk bottles of recycled glass »
When I stayed in a Paris a year or so ago, I loved how they always provided you with a carafe of water at your table. I thought it so civilized on one hand and so reductive on the other. Now, more and more I'm seeing this at restaurants around Los Angeles, including our new favorite local breakfast/lunch place, Thyme. Then we noticed they...
Your new secret ingredient: fennel pollen »
Fennel pollen is, simply put, golden goodness. Because it is the harvested pollen from dried fennel flowers, it is potent stuff, offering a lightly floral, honeyed, heady, herbaceous aroma (and flavor) that is akin to fennel, but yet different. It is extremely versatile and a little dash goes a long way to making the simplest of dishes more...
The Uncookbooks: No recipe cookbooks »
Personally, I almost never follow recipes. Yeah, sure, you have to when you're baking a cake. But I don't bake cakes, so there. That said, I love cookbooks. I love the ideas I get and I love learning about different ingredients and mixing and matching them and coming up with new menu ideas, new techniques and wicked combinations. The...
Eco-friendly, chemical safe cooking: Green Cooking Pots »
Studies have shown that Teflon is, well, maybe not so good. Not for you and not for the environment. Stainless steel is good, but can be tricky to maneuver and requires more fat to cook without sticking. Cast iron is good (and may even be good for you), but is even more tricky than stainless. The other alternative, enameled pots, can be...
Rustic bins: vintage Chinese mill grain measure »
These little wooden bins, old grain measures from Chinese mills, are the real article. 8 inches across, 5 inches high, they can be used as planters, centerpieces, or little storage bins. At only $18, they're relatively cheap way to add some rusticity, authenticity, natural feel to any home. Note: they are NOT watertight (they did hold...
Used chopstick lamps: eco light »
OK. So the idea that these are used chopsticks is a little gross. BUT, they are single use chopsticks and once you get over it, you can be happy (and with any luck feel a mild sense of smug superiority) that these chopsticks would otherwise be sitting in some landfill somewhere. Plus, they are sanitized at a high temperature/pressure and well...
Hot oil: Mustard oil, an Indian secret »
The oil of the mustard seed (black, brown and white) is used all over India (though primarily in the Northern parts) for cooking. It is used for frying fritters as well as traditionally for all kinds of cooking. It's spicy flavor has that piquant in-your-throat hit like wasabi or, perhaps not so strangely, hot mustard. While this can be good...
Tillandsia: Air plants – green up your house, no dirt or »
Tillandsias, aka "air plants" are a genus of plant in the Bromeliad family. These plants are what is known as an epiphyte or aerophyte, meaning they can grow without direct contact with dirt or water. That's right. As crazy as it is, these plants are able to absorb their needed nutrients through their leaves. In the wild, tillandsia...
Think Spring: Roost Shell Birdhouse »
These little birdhouses are made out of shells in their natural state, and are sturdy enough to withstand the elements. These little modern design are a perfect size for the swallows. You can mix and match from three sizes: Tall, Wide and Round. I can't think of a better way to bring on spring... $28 BUY...
Great coffee on the go: AeroPress Coffee Maker »
We keep hearing about this little device: the AeroPress. Imagine what would happen if a French press pot mated with an espresso maker, but then the result was re-tooled by the makers of ShamWow and the SlapChop. Now you're getting the idea. Everyone loves this little coffee maker (on Amazon, with 411 reviews, it has a 4 1/2 star - out of 5 -...
Finally, decent rechargeable batteries: Sanyo eneloop »
Batteries are decidedly un-sexy. In fact, this is undoubtedly our unsexiest post yet. But, this blog is about good stuff, and these Sany batteries are good stuff. What's the difference? Well, basically, traditional rechargeable batteries discharge their energy when not being used. Which means when you go to recharge them after not using...
City Dweller? You can still compost: NatureMill’s Pro XE »
As many advantages there are to living in Los Angeles (well, Santa Monica, technically), the possibility of having one's own house and yard is smaller than in other places - unless you sell a few screenplays. Which we haven't. Yet. But until then, we grow our own vegetables and herbs on our patio and now, thanks to NatureMill, we can still...
Mansion Planter: a new home for your plants »
We like these planters by Nobuhiro Sato (you may recall him from such posts as the drain planter post). They're designed to look like your plants are a rooftop garden on a little Euro-styled condo with windows, doors and even balconies. $130 BUY...
Eco-friendly, safe lunch containers…the Indian/Asian way: »
Those that live and work in India (and other Asian countries like Thailand and Malaysia) are familiar with one of the handiest storage containers and lunchboxes: tiffins. Everyday, couriers in Asian cities transport tiffins filled with lunches - either from a caterer or their homes - to people in their offices. They are simply designed adn...
Green Tea: still great for you »
We were discussing an article on green tea that had popped up recently. We had forgotten what a super healthy super food this is. The article (which of course we can't find any longer, though a bunch of data is on wikipedia) discussed numerous health benefits and studies that had turn them up. One of the great things about studying tea is that...
A cut above the rest: Shun Premier Santoku knives »
The Japanese Santoku knife, roughly translated, means three uses (or virtues): slicing, dicing and mincing. We received a new one this year, and have found it the perfect compliment to a heavy chef's knife. Its smaller size and thinner blade make it perfect for finely cutting vegetables. We were very happy at how nicely it was to handle and...
Recycled Glasses: tranSglass by Artecnica »
These glasses are featured in the permanent collection of MOMA New York. You can see the original bottle behind these designs (this particular one is a covered carafe - covered with a tumbler). Designs by Studio Tord Boontje and Emma Woffenden. Available polished or satin finished. They are a part of Artecnica's Design With Conscience...
Poppa needs a brand new bag: Chrome Laptop Messenger Bag »
Chrome is one of the top manufacturers of messenger bags. Let us clarify: not the craptastic messenger bags that seem to be ubiquitous these days - the flimsy things that hang on one shoulder and only fit more than a laptop if you cram it in and make an appointment for a neck massage. No, we're talking about messenger bags - you know, like the...
Cool Eco-friendly Modern Wallpaper-like-thing: Braille Wall »
We'd never even heard of wall flats before, but basically they're just tiles that you fasten to your wall - they can be used to add texture to any room. This particular one is braille patterned. They look great plain (white) or you can paint them. Even better: these are made from 100% bamboo pulp, a renewable resource. They are...
Magic Oil? Good for hair, skin…and delicious: Moroccan »
On a recent trip to New York City, I had dinner at a restaurant called WD50. If you're not familiar with it, it is the flagship of chef Wylie Dufresne and is renowned for the style of cooking he uses: molecular gastronomy. That is, using science in the kitchen (we have written about this before). At any rate, the meal was fantastic and one...
Manhole of life planter: Haisui by Nobuhiro Sato »
This little planter serves as a reminder that no matter what man does to pave paradise (apologies to Joni), nature will always keep growing up and around us. The single-minded nature of plants: grow and thrive. Designed to look like a manhole or shower drain, sprouts will come up through the drain. Concrete base with a steel lid. A simple...
La Gardo Tackett Architectural Pottery »
La Gardo Tackett is a potter/designer who was based in Southern California (at least his studio is here). His "architectural pottery" featuring pots that were stacked on one another, situated in metal scaffolding and otherwise architected was all the rage in the 50's, even having been featured in the World's Fair in Brussels in 1958 where he...
Protect your cash and credit: Stainless Steel Wallet »
No, this stainless steel wallet is not some sheet metal thing that will rip your privates when you take it in and out of your pocket - it's way more interesting than that. It is woven with micro-fine threads of stainless steel (.001 inches thick - 25,000 threads in each wallet, to be exact). The result is a smooth, metallic looking, silky...
Acacia wood test tube spice rack »
We've always had difficulty maintaining our spices. A look into any of our spice cupboard or drawers reveals a mess of spices from Tellicherry black pepper to organic cinnamon (the real kind, of course) recovered on a visit to Goa, India to home dried oregano from our backyard gardens. But one thing is consistent: none of us have ever found -...
Modern stick design teapot warmer »
This teapot warmer designed by Christopher Matthias, called Keep 'Ot, is made from either unfinished maple or oiled walnut slats held together by stainless steel. A small holder holds a tea light so you can keep it warm. This warmer has a rustic yet modern look and feels like your teapot is resting on an Andy Goldsworthy-esque pile of...
Tabletop fireplace – be Prometheus, bringer of fire »
OK. So maybe the title is a little megalomaniacal, but seriously how cool would it be to have a fireplace...when you don't have a fireplace? This little sucker will do the trick. Made from 18/10 stainless steel with a slate base, it's two buners burn paraffin lamp oil. It will provide light as well as heat. The base is 10" x 14", making it...
In vitro plant growing »
These kits include the test tubes, nutrient-rich gels and seeds to grow your own orchids...in vitro. Because of the gel, it requires no experience or botanical expertise. When your little buds have gotten ready to be their own plants, then give them a pot of dirt...and watch them bloom. Great science experiment for kids to watch, or...
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