Perfect January Project: Make Cheese At Home »
This simple kit will give you all the tools you need (except the milk, of course) to make your own cheese. It includes instructions on how to make ricotta and mozzarella. Tyou can easily veer from these examples and make your own chevre or other types of cheeses. Apparently it only takes about a half an hour from start to fresh cheese. Imagine...
Retro Tungsten Carbon Filament Edison Bulbs »
While there is some debate about these types of bulbs, especially in regards to their use of trendy restaurants coast-to-coast, it is true that they look pretty damn cool. But what about their energy consumption? These particular bulbs from Roost burn at Euro 60w, which is only 15w American. This means they don't actually use that much energy...
Retro Speaker Dock for iPad: The iVictrola »
This is cool: an old-school record-player-like dock for your iPad. What's even cooler is how it works. You don't plug in your iPad, you simply set it in the dock. The iVictrola will channel the sound from the iPad's speakers and amplify it using a real speaker horn from an old turntable. So cool. It's available in limited production by the...
Mossy Meals: Placemats from Preserved Woodland Mosses »
I can't imagine anything more sublime than a lovely venison meal served up on these moss placemats. How woodsy! Or, apologies to vegans out there, how about a nice saute of hen-of-the-woods with caramlized onions floating on a bed of rice, floating on a plate, floating on these wonderful mossy mats? They're pretty simple: preserved mosses...
Recycled Yogurt Cup Toothbrush Subscription »
Now this is smart: you sign up, pay in advance, then leave it to Preserve to send you a toothbrush every couple or few months. What's even cooler is that when you get your new brush, you can send back your old one which will then be further recycled into a park bench. Or something. If you're not familiar with Preserve, they are our toothbrush...
Recycled Bike Chain Bottle Opener »
Because really, what do cyclists do other than cycle? Drink beer. Or maybe that's just a cliche, but it's still pretty cool to have one of these around. The bicycle chain is actually a good asset because it allows you to hang it where you like, or just spin it around on your finger. Anodized aluminum opener should stand up to lots of caps. On...
Mason Jar Pendant Lights »
I don't know what it is about jars that attracts us so. Perhaps it's the age old human behavior of always wanting to compartmentalize everything. Perhaps it is that the contents are invariably the result of warm summer sun, that in each jar we release the fresh bounty - berry jams, heirloom tomatoes, or just peaches in syrup. And these old jars...
Clean Livin` or Cocktailin' – It's Better With »
No, despite it's appearance this device will not take you to the moon or beyond. However, it will give you some fresh-squeezed citrus juice for drinking plain or mixing with your cocktails. And it will do it with more style than you probably deserve. Er. Speaking for myself, that is. Designed by Phillipe Starck, this is a signature Italian...
UPDATE: The molecular gastronomist tool kit – it's »
Molecular gastronomy, ie playing with your food. Or, bringing science into the kitchen. Whatever you call it, it's the process of making gels, foams, freeze drying, carbonating, doing all kinds of crazy cool stuff that hopefully makes for interesting dinners. Here's a list of everything an aspiring molecular gastronomist can't do...
Bamboo Baguette Cutting Board with Crumb Catcher »
My wife insists that this is the French way to cut your bread. Of course I have no way to verify this, save flying to Paris and breaking into random homes (which could be nice if they provided dinner). So I guess I will have to take her word for it. I will admit, however, it is quite a handy way to do it. I will also admit that if the French...
Oh God, the Holidays – I Need Help (Eco-friendly Flask at »
We aren't promoting drinking your way through the holidays, but we aren't not promoting it either. Think how much easier it will be to deal with the familial guilt and shortcomings, the awkward work party conversations and kisses from your mustachioed aunties when you're half in the bag! And as an added bonus: you will be the envy (and newly...
Felt Basket Made from Recycled PET Bottles »
The Restore Basket is made by Finnish designer, Miva Tolvanen (don't you just love Finnish names?). It's super simple and clean, yet strong and good for holding newspapers or magazines, your craft goods, firewood or whatever else. The felt finish ensures that wherever you drag it, it won't scratch. We love the eco-friendly nature of it and...
Roost Floral Architectural Structures (aka Flower Frogs) »
We're not sure why, exactly, they call these frogs as they bear little resemblance to the amphibious beings. We suspect it is a florist's term for the structural elements often hidden in vases but that keep a bouquet in the correct shape. We are, however, not florists. But we do think these are pretty cool. What are they, you ask? They're...
Grow Your Own Bonsai Forest »
This little bonsai kit will allow you (or a green-thumbed friend/family member) to create their own miniature forest using this kit. It gets cooler: these trees are actually a descendent of the California Redwoods (yeah, the HUGE ones) that they thought to be extinct until someone actually found one growing in a rice paddy in China! This is a...
The Ultimate Deli Gift: Deli Slicer + Over 13 Pounds of »
Oh. Yeah. Seriously. What more can we say? The carbon steel slicer so you can slice up your cured meats nice and thin, plus a man-ton of meat. And Creminell is the good stuff too: Lardo, Cotto, Calabrese and Finnocchiona. And not just buts of them, but the whole damn sausages. This is good. But not for the gout. But what the...
(Organic) Flowers for Good – Donations With Every Bouquet »
It's the holiday season, and we like to send flowers sometimes. We recently discovered Organic Bouquet, a florist that sends organic flowers...but what's even better, they have a special program of pre-designed bouquets that all include a donation to your favorite charities - 45 charities in total. We love that there's a lot of wins in this...
Antler Candelabra (actually made from recycled aluminum…) »
Anyone who lives in Southern California may know that the Santa Anas have been blowing in of late. For those of you who don't, these are the hot winds that blow down from, well, the Santa Ana mountains. And when I say blow, I mean BLOW. Up to 100 mph gusts come ripping through LA, taking down trees, powerlines, small animals - whatever gets in...
French Cheese Plate Gift Set »
We call it a "gift set", but we just might buy it for ourselves. Why? Seriously, do you need to ask? OK. Well, because... Coulommiers' awesome soft-rind truffle-ish yumminess. Petit Ardi Gasna Lait Cru and it's dry nutty slightly sweet, melt in your mouth goodness. And the soft-rinded goat, Picadine Pico Affine, with complexity and a buttery...
Classic Weck Jars – Use for Canning or Planters or … »
We can now get the classic German Weck jars (like Mason jars, but...well...more Euro) to do what we want with. If you're not familiar, these jars are usually used (like Masons) for jellies and jams and such, but because they look good and are sealable, you can use them to do all kinds of things. We have seem them on display with layered sands...
Leather iPad Portfolio (AKA Carrying Case) »
This tablet carrying case (the designer, Kenton Sorenson calls it a "Tablet Portfolio" and credits his minimal design style to his Scandanavian roots) is fit for iPad 1 and 2, as well as many of the 9"+ Android tablets. What we like about this is the classic matte leather finish (we could see the Pony Express pulling this out to get directions...
Vintage Sawhorse Table in Raw Iron and Wood »
We've been thinking a lot about our workspace lately. About moving and having a dream office. To that end, the question arises: what is the ultimate desk? Lately, we've been thinking vintage (or at least retro). The problem ultimately resides in the fact that back in the day they didn't have 2 monitors. Or even one for that matter, so the desks...
Finally: a killer home espresso machine for under $400 Nespresso »
I just got back from a trip to Hawaii and wow, my love for coffee is as strong as ever. The coffee shops littering the highway all serve fresh roasted Kona and it's GOOD. There is nothing better than a fresh shot of espresso with a steaming crema, or a made-to-order cappuccino. I've held out purchasing a home espresso machine because, frankly,...
Umbra Fish Hotel Aquarium – For Architectural Goldfish »
Don't you ever think it might be nice to have a pet that doesn't require you to constantly be picking up their waste? Don't get me wrong - we love our dog and cats, but sometimes I wish having a little friend was as easy as the goldfish of yesteryear... But having an old school goldfish bowl is, well, boring. This aquarium allows your fish to...
One-of-a-kind cast iron Wabi Nabe pot »
We love the one pot meals here - so simple, and so delicious when you get all the integrated flavors working together. This hand-poured cast iron pot is produced by ODLCO and done through kickstarter.com - pledges to purchase fund the purchase (you can even just pledge to support the Wisconsin-based company). So contribute to the economy by...
Great wooden bed with storage built in…perfect for Venice, »
I love Venice. It's where I live, where I met my fiance and where I'm looking to settle down some roots (finally). But here's problem: the houses are small. In fact, my house now has only one closet in all of the 3 bedrooms. One. So what you really need is...storage. But nothing is worse than having piles of crap lying around, so the challenge...
The perfect thing: bicycle wine rack »
O.M.G. I have finally found what I was missing (thought I didn't know it until I saw it): a wine carrier for a bike. That's right, strap on a bottle and head off into the night (not on a fixie now, though, they are so passe anymore). Nothing could be more hipster-y and elitist (yes, I will wear those monikers if I must). Imagine the next dinner...
THE Definitive Guide to Cooking All Things: Modernist Cuisine by »
This book, Modernist Cuisine: The Art and Science of Cooking by Nathan Myrvhold is nothing short of amazing. Essentially, a successful and technical obsessive compulsive decides he wants to figure out how to make the best...everything. From french fries to burgers, braises and more. Myrvhold worked with chefs Chris Young and Maxime Bilet to...
Green Bamboo Reusable Portable Tableware – the anti »
Get to-go food ever? We do to. Who has time to always cook? But the problem is that every time you go to get Ma po tofu or sushi or what have you, they always throw in plastic ware. If you're lucky it's made from corn - but in the end it's still going to the landfill. So we were excited when we saw these on sale while eating some delicious...
Karvt Wooden MacBook Skins – Wooden Your Laptop »
Check out these MacBook skins by Karvt. Slap some wood on it. Doesn't that just make you feel nice and cozy? Ready to snuggle up and maybe crank out some Javascript? Or skype with your ex? OK. Maybe not that cozy. But they are pretty cool. And unique. They are actual wood with adhesive backing and come in an assortment of colors and wood...
Roost Lotus Leaf Salt and Pepper Cellars »
Still using grinders? Passe. Shakers? Holy old school. What's in now: salt and pepper cellars. Put them out in a dish. Let them be SEEN. Now that we have pink salts and red salts and smoked salts and not just the same old Morton's iodized, we've got something to look at as much as to taste. These little cellars from Roost can be bell metal or...
Magnifying Spectacles »
These are awesome. Ever have those jobs that require some focus? Threading a needle. Tying a fly. Building a boat in a bottle. Whatever, these let you zoom in 2.75x, keeping your hands free. So it's full 3D magnification. You can adjust each of the eyepieces and they re-adjust coloration to ensure that you get a clear view of the mosquito you...
Basil d'Azur Weekender Bag (and bike pannier) »
So my bicycle got stolen. Right out under my face while I was sipping coffee on Main St. Santa Monica. Life in the big city, I guess. So I've been out shopping for replacements (recommendations coming soon...). I'm looking at building the ultimate urban vehicle. The main issue I've come upon if you're really going to commute is that you need...
Whoa: handheld, portable and GOOD espresso machine »
Now this is cool: the Mypressi Twist Portable Espresso Maker. How it works: hot water + espresso grounds + pressure from CO2 cartridge = your own espresso maker...anywhere. The problem with homemade espresso is almost always lack of pressure because, frankly, it's hard to build it up without some serious tubes and whatnot. But some genius has...
Fire Pots: instant fireplace, just add fire »
If you have your own house with a backyard and grill and chiminea, good on you. But for those of use that like to live in places that don't allow so much space - or a yard of one's own, we love these little pots of fire. No gas hookups needed. No wood needed. They burn alcohol, so there's not lots of nasty bits getting imparted into the...
Bamboo Keyboard and Mouse: Renewable Computing »
Bamboo. Good stuff: grows fast, absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere, at least as strong as most woods, looks great. Tradtional keyboard and mouse: plastic from petroleum, ugly, non-renewable. Bamboo meet keyboard and mouse. People, meet the Bamboo Keyboard and Mouse Combo from Micro Innovations. $40 BUY...
Recycled Weck Asparagus Jar Lights »
OK. Technically, they're re-used. Old asparagus jars made to withstand heat make the perfect vehicle for lights in these lights by Etsy producer tbDsf. Somewhere between the modern and the steampunk aesthetic. I think they speak for themselves. $185 BUY (UPDATE: sorry...this seems to have disappared from Etsy - if you find any, please...
The Fan of the Future: Dyson Air Multiplier »
I was looking at these the other day - they've made it to the mainstream (though the price is still a bit high). This is a fan. No blades. From the makers of the giant suck: Dyson. Basically, there is a small fan in the base, that when blown into the circular blade will seriously get the air moving. The beauty is no blades. Which means better...
Sywawa Breezer Parasol »
Need some shade on your patio? Try this one-of-a-kind parasol from Sywawa (Belgium). You can't find them in the U.S., but Encompass in the UK will ship them to you - just send them an email for an estimate. Worth it for how chillaxed you're going to feel with one of these lightly flapping above you. £2131 (I don't know what that is in...
Recycled Box Pendant Lights: Scrap Lights by Graypants »
These pendants from graypants are handmade in Seattle, WA of repurposed cardboard boxes. They are unique looking and cast a really cool light. They are coated with a No-Burn spray (it's green, don't worry - no VOCs, Class A Fire Rating) so you won't burn your house down. We like the "Jupiter" series because they look like flashy planetary...
MacBook Pro Decals – Banksy style »
Apple does a good job of making a good looking computer. But sometimes it's kind of fun to spice things up a bit. If you're a young skatepunk, you can plaster it with decals of truck manufacturers and whatnot, but for us grown ups (who still feel a need to assert our individuality), we want something with a little more subtlety. Fortunately,...
Grill Tools: Combination Vertical Roaster and Wok »
We don't prescribe buying kitchen tools that do only one task. Like an apple corer. They end up just clogging up your kitchen feng shui, going unused and ending up at a garage sale then the landfill. That's one reason we like this tool for grilling: it's basically a wok, so you can stir fry up stuff when you're car camping or at the park or...
Cool furniture from reclaimed bowling alley wood »
Remember that old bowling alley on the main street of your hometown that closed a while back? Well, imagine if those old alleys didn't hit the landfill, but instead ended up IN your kitchen table. Or desk. Or coffee table. That's what's going on at Counter Evolution - they are taking back those old alleys and putting them in furniture. No...
Biasca Recyclable Fiber Cement Planter with Contours »
This one-of-a-kind planter can house a great variety of plants to green up any part of your patio, yard or house. Sturdy enough to withstand the elements and classy enough to bring inside. Handformed and signed by an artisan in Switzerland. It's somewhat large: 37" x 27" and 13" high. Right now, get free shipping on this and other containers...
Woolly Pockets Brian Planter – recycled plastic bottles »
This 12-sided planter from Woolly Pockets takes a softer approach to the floor planter - and sports a new and different look. Made of recycled bottles and also being breathable, these planters can allow the roots to be aerated. The Brian has zippers so you can fold down leaves to expose more topsoil to air or sun. Comes in brown, black, camel...
Alili Moroccan Argan Oil »
We've talked about Moroccan Argan oil before (seriously, read the article, this stuff is amazing). A brief recap: has tons of tocopherols (vitamin E) and good oil parts (EFAs for those of you who know what those are). It's harvested by women's cooperatives in the Essaura region of Morocco. Oh, and it's tasty and one of the latest trends of the...
Presso: Make Espresso Drinks at home – No Plug! (Muscles »
Here's a cool discovery: the espresso maker from Presso. Notice: there is no plug. You boil a little water, fill the espresso handle, then crack your knuckles and bear down on the handles to force the water through. Normal espresso makers use a lot of energy just to idle. So we call this a green machine. Online reviews generally rate it (and...
Killer Grill Tools Series: the Slider Kit »
Burgers. The ultimate summer food comes in all shapes, sizes and compositions: beef, bison, turkey, veggie, you name it. And ask around, the key to a good burger is simple: the burger-to-bun ratio. Too much bun and you've got a dry meat-flavored bread, too little and you've got a greasy mess. Enter the infamous slider. Why do the call them...
Roost Bodega Birdhouses: Ceramic and Reclaimed Wood »
These ceramic birdhouses with reclaimed teak roofs by Roost (who else) are just the perfect thing for your birdies. Comes in three configurations: the tower, the bungalow and the chalet. Whichever you choose, I'm sure you won't have to worry about occupancy. (though you may have to attend to other landlordish duties). $80 BUY...
Candela Rechargeable Lamps last 8 hours – indoors or out »
These LED lights provide a nice warm glow, inside or outside. After a full recharge, they will stay lit for 8 hours, so you can hang out until the wee hours with your friends if you like. Safety? They are cool to the touch and won't (like candles) leave soot marks on your walls (or your lungs). Expensive? $50 for 2, $80 for 4 or $150 for 8....
Perfect for WorldCup parties: Soccer Ice Ball Maker »
World Cup party idea: soccer ice balls. This is cool: you heat up the mold in warm water, then place ice cubes in it. In 20 seconds, you have an ice soccer ball. They also have a snowflake and a molecule mold. Available in 30mm and gigantic 65mm. $180 BUY Check out this video on how it works: ...
