Sometimes the best inventions solve a problem you didn’t know you had. Case in point, the Glass Tank by Kouichi Okamoto of Kyouei Design - a self-filling wine glass that works with air and water pressure to always keep your snifter at an appropriate level. Because when you think about it, refilling your glass is probably the most tedious part of drinking wine. via.

With the summer season upon us, you’re no doubt in need of some new and exciting design takes on classic garden items, such as this contemporary Watering Can from Pascal Charmolu and Born in Sweden. Aside from the sleek modern look, the design also ensures an accurate stream of water will always hit its target. The flexible silicon hose even features a built in magnet that attaches to the body when not in use. via.

In addition to my previous blog on my trip to Egypt with the P’s (The Charming Sharm - Got Diving?), my friend JB suggested I try Blurb to create a photo book of my travels and the many pictures I enjoy taking.  What perfect timing for a present idea for my parents on their next visit.

I downloaded the Blurb BookSmart software (free) from the site, gathered up my best photos, and was off to start this neat project.  The software was fairly easy to use with the various templates it provides; you can also create your own layouts for your project.  It also includes a built-in spell checker and runs through a layout check with red flags when you’re ready to publish your masterpiece.  Make your book in different sizes, either in softcover or hardcover (ImageWrap or Dust Cover).  One thing to consider is that you should max out your pages for your price bracket to ensure sturdiness of the binding (click here for more binding info).  My book was a few pages (4) shy of my price bracket, but the premium paper (including 2 blank cover pages on front and back of page contents) made up for a sturdy bind.  Click [HERE] for more info on pricing and various book types/specifications.  They do not have a support number to call if you have an issue or need assistance, but the response time on your submitted questions online are VERY quick (I received a response for my order question within 30mins).  Also, Blurb Forums is very helpful should you run into a snag.  Feel free to browse (or purchase) other published books on their site for your inspiration!

The project did take a few months of numerous edits due to my attempt at perfection.  Overall, I was extremely satisfied with the software and the ordering process from start of project to finish.  I even had that warm fuzzy feeling that each book was individually wrapped and then wrapped again securely when I received them.  The overal feel and construction of the book shines with professional quality - fingerprints can easily be wiped from the cover and pages even.  I look forward to creating another book(s) for my next adventure(s).  I can’t wait to give this book to my parents - once you start, you’re addicted (I agree with JB)!  Besides, I could use more conversation pieces and art on my coffee table.  What about you?!  =)

click below for more pictures

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Whether you’ve got some extra rain gutters laying around, or just have limited yard space and need a fresh fix of greens, take a look at this compact garden setup of repurposed gutters spotted over at Juneau Blogger. If only there was only some way to genetically modify the lettuce to replicate that grocery store taste.

It might seem difficult to get excited about a newly designed lightswitch or wall socket, but for an item who’s stylistic progression seems to have been halted decades ago, a fresh idea in that realm is always the most innovative. The Cord Wrap from Keep It Cartesian might look a bit superfluous, but think of it like insurance, you’ll be glad you to it when the need arises (and you know it will).


Seen below, the Light Hook and Letter Holder Faceplates are more straightfoward. Many people have a key hook or place to store letters near the entryway, but combining that with an existing lightswitch eliminates that element and just streamlines much more elegantly. Although, I’m still wondering why the keys have to hang quite that low.

Philly-based LTL Prints offers a massive array of random images available as re-usable wall stickers, but it’s their newest series based on the recently released Bit.Trip Runner that’s currently turning heads around the ‘net. Other prints from LTL include designs from retro favorites such as Dragon’s Lair & Jet Set Radio. Consider this your engraved invitation. (Joystiq.)

It’s no secret that my single biggest fascination is watches.  So while flipping through some random luxe magazine, I found this .... THING (watch)… advertising itself as containing real moon dust.  I was intrigued enough to visit their website - Romain Jerome.  [ see here:  romainjerome.ch ]

Their website claims that the watch dial is coated with authentic Moon Dust - to give it visually unique shades.  It SEEMS like a cool idea. Judge for yourself [ here ]

We recently added some very cool, ultra-minimalist wall clocks to our catalog. Seen below, the Starlight and Web Wall Clocks each eschew the traditional full clock body design for a lighter form and retro-inspired colorways. See our full collection of modern clocks right [ here ].

It’s easy to find wooden DIY computer case mods online, but here’s a stunning prototype from Asus that actually won the Best Product Design award at Computex in 2007. Sadly, they never made plans to market the device but I would certainly buy one even given the myriad of drawbacks they surely encountered. via.

Spotted over at Gizmodo, this awesome yet terrifying underwater restaurant is located at the Hilton Resort & Spa in the Maldives and was recently converted to a suite to celebrate its 5 year anniversary. The room is about 5 meters below the surface - which should be just deep enough to offer a glimmer of hope for survival when the inevitable collapse occurs. Other than that, I love this place!

I was able to resist.. until now

It’s hard to find a great looking, modern window film. Well, it used to be.. Check out Emma Jeff’s Adhesive Window Film right here for a variety of styles sure to accent any door or window. Personally I use one of those “fake stained glass” designs myself but that just happens to fit the decor.

Admittedly, I hate going to the gym, working out, doing all the things required to be healthy.  But I begrudgingly do it.  HOWEVER, I’ve recently discovered a few things that make being healthy a little more fun and arguably more stylish.  So I thought I’d share my cool fitness finds so people like me that HATE to get into the workout routine, but get inspired by cool gadgets to further the cause. 

So, my tools for staying inspired:

iPhone 3GS + tons of music:

Awesome Nike Running shoes:

Bang & Olfusen earphones : Incredibly elegant, flawless sound, make you look good even while sweating.

Nike Amp+ : A really chic+geek remote for your ipod/iphone

RunKeeper :  An amazing GPS based running app for the iPhone and other devices.  This is what makes running fun! 

Last but not least....

I just discovered this amazing little gadget that will inspire (or depress) me, look good in my freshly renovated bathroom, and fill my recent void of purchasing gadgetry.

The Withings internet connected body scale.  Very cool & VERY sexy..... for a scale.

-- So with all of these sweet looking & useful gadgets, I have no excuse to not lose the 13 pounds and 1” on my waistline I’ve gained in the past year opening up our UK office!

So we’re past the cut-off date to ship before this weekend, but what’s better than a well-planned and more thought-out yet slightly overdue (Mother’s Day) party for next weekend? Kick things off with the handmade ceramic Celebrate Party Plates by Rae Dunn (pictured above). If that’s not quite your old ladies speed, Rae Dunn also makes an elegant Espresso Set perfect for intimate gatherings. Speaking of close quarters, you’ll find nothing better to light those special settings than Roost’s photo-etched and silver-plated Lily Pad Tealight Holder (seen below).

The Wurkin’ Stiffs Collar Stays are the latest way to keep all of your dress shirts and sportswear collars absolutely perfect. Simply insert the stainless steel stay into a collar, and keep it in place with a tiny yet powerful magnetic button placed underneath. It gives you the ability to adjust your shirt collar spread exactly where you want it, and while that may seem insignificant, exacting men (pictured below) know that every detail matters.