Vertical Terrarium

Keeping on theme tonight of small spaces and big solutions, we turn to a tiny vertical terrarium that allows for indoor gardening in the most compact of interiors. This kit comes complete with everything you need to start your indoor garden including a repurposed wine bottle to house everything in. Available here.

Ladder Storage Basket

Small spaces beg for big storage solutions and we love the idea of this ladder storage basket solving those everyday problems of too many things and too little room. 3 tiers of industrial style baskets perfect for holding anything from towels to toys. Available here.

Richard Nicoll x Ksubi Summer 2013 Limited Edition Eyewear

You can find a pair of geek-chic black-framed glasses anywhere. Hell...we're willing to bet that you could find a pair at Walmart if you wanted. As much as we love the look of this style, we think it is on the precipice of being played out. That was true until we saw the above glasses by Richard Nicoll and Ksubi. What we're loving about these is the metal rim around the lens, making them just different enough to breathe new life into the style. You can see and learn more here.

Kage Trolley Suitcase by Tsatsas for Wallpaper*

This is part of Wallpaper* Magazine's handmade series, bringing together an amazing group of talented creative types to produce unique pieces of furniture, fashion, accessories and even food projects. The beautifully minimalist Kage (Japanese for shadow), designed by husband and wife design wonder duo Tsatsas (Esther and Dimitrios) out of Frankfurt Germany, was inspired by late 19th century luxury travel accessories. Each one is meticulously laboured over by hand, made from calf and nappa leather, and each featuring a beautiful gold embossed logo and a one of a kind serial number. How's that for detail oriented? You can see and learn more here. Thanks for the tip Rachel. 

"Desire" by Ridley Scott for the Jaguar F Type

A few weeks ago we posted the trailer for this entertaining action romp starring Damian Lewis, Shannyn Sossamonand and music by Lana Del Rey. Posted above is the short film in its entirety, and if you've got 13 minutes and 29 seconds to spare, it's totally worth it.

2014 Audi RS4 Avant

If you absolutely, positively must transport your family at speeds that would scare a teenage boy, then the 2014 Audi RS4 is the car for you. How 'bout a 560 horsepower, twin turbo V8 that pushes your brood and the dog from a standstill to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Unfortunately for us, North America is nixed from the distribution list, so enjoy rest of the world.

Gourmet Spring/Summer Lookbook (St.Barts)

A beautiful (on several levels) video lookbook at slick new wears in the sneaker world from Cali based Gourmet. To be honest, we didn't even notice the models were wearing shoes the first time around. If you are interested, the catchy-as-hell tune is Royals by Lorde. On more thing...NSFW. You've been warned.

Warby Parker 1922 Collection

So the roaring 20's are officially a thing in 2013. First it was the remake of the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic story The Great Gatsby, and now it is invading our fashion accessories. Newly minted eyewear juggernauts Warby Parker have just released the 1922 collection as a bit of a throw back to the era. They feature custom acetate and lightweight steel construction, and true to WP's business model, they are down right cheap compared to their contemporaries. We are told that they are both the bees knees, and the cat's pajamas. You can see and learn more here.

Best Made Company Enamelware

Why would one buy china or porcelain dinner plates when you can buy these. The Best Made Company's enamelware is made by a legendary European manufacturer using World War II era machinery. They then bake BestMadeCo's famous X and compass rows directly onto the plate insuring a smooth, long lasting and seamless finish. Who says they don't make stuff like they use to. You can see and learn more here.

Makr Canvas and Leather Fold Weekender

This bag is so sick it makes us say "uh!" Seriously, we're thinking of booking a short getaway just to give us an excuse to order one. You can see and learn more here.

Big Game Beanbag Toss

Do you have kids? Has it rained on a Sunday afternoon?  Nuff' said. Buy it here.

Acapulco Lounge Chair

We're riding some nice weather right now which got us thinking about opening up the patio doors and spending some time outside lounging and dining. CB2 has some great funky pieces from their Acapulco line focusing on a modern 50's resort feel with PVC cording in bright colour blocking. Ideal for a comfortable and colourful almost bohemian aesthetic. Available here.

Florence and the Machine - Over The Love

From what will undoubtably be the most unusual soundtrack in recent memory. It's unusual, in that it is still a roaring 20's period piece, but instead of the requisite big band ragtime type score, we are being treated to tracks by Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Will.i.am, Fergie, Q-Tip, Bryan Ferry, Lana Del Rey, Coco O, Emeli Sandé, The XX, Goyte, and even Jack White doing a cover of U2's Love Is Blindness. Yeah...it has us intrigued too. Above is the beautiful Florence and the Machine contribution to this potential hot mess, titled Over The Love. We read a review that equated the soundtrack to a hard-drive crash, wherein you are only able to recover 14 completely unrelated songs. Of note, it was selected, arranged and produced by Jay-Z, so there must be method to this apparent madness. Album is scheduled to drop on May 7th.

Smoke & Pickles: Recipes and Stories from a New Southern Kitchen

Chef Edward Lee's story and his food could only happen in America. Raised in Brooklyn by a family of Korean immigrants, he eventually settled down in his adopted hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, where he owns the acclaimed restaurant 610 Magnolia. A multiple James Beard Award nominee for his unique patchwork cuisine, Edward creates recipes - filled with pickling, fermenting, frying, curing and smoking - that reflect the overlapping flavours and techniques that led this Korean-American boy to feel right at home in the South. Dishes like Chicken-Fried Pork Steak with Ramen Crust and Buttermilk Pepper Gravy; Collards and Kimchi; Braised Beef Kalbi with Soft Grits and Scallions; and Miso Smothered Chicken all share a place on his table. Born with the story telling gene of a true Southerner, Lee fills his debut cookbook with tales of the restaurant world, New York City, Kentucky, and his time competing on Top Chef , plus more than a 130 recipes for food with Korean roots but a Southern soul. You can find it wherever they sell fine cookbooks.

Converse for Inventory Magazine One Star Academy

We took a little break from the reality of our day today (weather was gorgeous today in Vancouver) and took a lovely little stroll past some of our favourite shops. In that list is always Inventory, home to both an impeccably curated showroom, and of course the unbelievably well-put-together magazine. It was a little busy, so we peered longingly through the window and opted to carry-on with the goal of returning another day. In retrospect, that was a mistake, as we would have loved to have an in person look at the updated version of the Converse One Star Academy done under the careful eye of the folks at Inventory. We choose to put on display the Navy version because we're in this whole navy blue phase, but they also come in a beautiful shade of antique white. You can see and learn more here.

Brooks Cambium C17 Saddle

Brooks is finally straying from their 130 plus year history making iconic leather bike saddles. The Cambium C17 features a fabric made from flexible natural rubber and organic cotton. We are told that the saddle is completely water proof, very comfortable with no break in period, and will be very long lasting. Aesthetically, aside from the new technical fabric, the saddle retains the looks and shape of the Brooks saddle of old. See and learn more here.

Daft Punk - Get Lucky

The first single from the highly anticipated forthcoming album from Daft Punk titled "Random Access Memory." It's unbelievably funky, and even lying on the couch as we write this, we want to get up and dance our asses of. We weren't sure about the organic sounding vocals from Pharrell Williams, but upon closer inspection we get it. And don't worry...there is plenty of the signature DP robot rock. The album drops May 21st.

Muji Splash-Proof Smartphone Speaker

What to add that the post title doesn't concisely encapsulate...other than you can see and learn more here.

FAUX/Real teamWORKS Bracelet

We're always on the lookout for the great everyday piece of jewellery that won't break the bank and we have found it with this 18k gold plated metal bangle attached to a monochromatic woven fabric loop. Classic and simple and available here.

How to Boil an Egg Cookbook

We may as well admit the fact that we are the untalented half of a dynamic cooking duo.  This means we are great preppers and cleaners but lack the fundamental instincts good chefs seem to almost always have in spades. This may also explain why the newest cookbook from renowned chef Rose Carrarini of Parisian Rose Bakery appeals to us so much. Well, it might be a little more than just boiling eggs and much more about sharing their fresh and healthy homemade recipes but we'll just let the better half figure that out. Available here.

Boxcar Planters

All this outdoor planting has us tired, dirty and emotional...will they survive, thrive and be tasty? We kind of want to give up our responsibility to keep these things alive and give in and buy a few cactus (cacti?). So if we do this, we want to store them in Boxcar Planters by RevolutionDH, simple and modern walnut with hints of bone white accents. Available here.

A Brief History of Denim

One of favourite daily reads just did a wonderful job writing a very informative and concise history of denim, of which you are more than likely wearing as you read this. Chances are there is something in there that you didn't know. You can read the article here.

Tentsile Stingray

Tentsile was conceived as a range of portable tree houses, combining the comfort and versatility of a hammock with the security of a tent. Due to the unique design, Tentsile tents provide comfortable accommodation in nearly any environment. Take the Stingray (pictured above). Suspended above the ground, the Stingray can overcome restrictive ground conditions, and provides separation from insects, snakes and other predators. You can see and learn more here.

Trails And Ways - Nunca

The above catchy-as-hell tune is available through iTunes, as is their equally good single Mtn Song. If in the Pacific Northwest area next month, Trails and Ways is playing Seattle on May 10th, Vancouver on the 11th, Portland on the 12th. Hey T&W, if you're reading this, put us on the guest list for the Vancouver show.

trailsandways.com

Plair TV Dongle

How is this for simple: plug the Plair into an unused HDMI input on your TV, download the app (versions for iOS, OS X, Windows and Android), and start streaming media to your television. Whether it be your YouTube surfing obsession, or the favourite network show that you missed that is now available online, the Plair has you covered. You can see and learn more here.

CXXVI Shark Tooth Necklace

This is a more on trend interpretation of the standard, tacky Hawaiian souvenir. Hand forged steel the old fashioned way. Heated in a coal forge and hammered into submission on a 130 year old anvil, this shark's tooth is rustic in appearance and sturdy. It's coated with a light coating of beeswax to preserve the appearance. You can see and learn more here.

Craftsmen Dry Erase Tool Chest

Absolute badass!!! Those are the words that come to mind when we saw this. The white is definitely way better than the ubiquitous red...and the infinitely customizable "labelling system" is so ridiculously simple an idea we're left scratching our head as to why this wasn't thought of sooner. Truth be told, you can write on any craftsmen tool chest with a dry erase marker, but the white is way cooler. Even if you don't have tools, this should grace you garage, lending you an air of serious handiness, and that you are not prone to f@#$ing around when it comes to your vehicle maintenance. No one need know the truth. You can see and learn more here.

Monday, April 15th, 2013

We are going black for the next 24 hours. After the events that occurred today in Boston we just can't in good conscience carry-on as usual. What we do is frivolous, and while it may be a great little escapist treat, there are far more important things going on today. We had friends running in the marathon; a couple of which finished just mere minutes before the bombs went off. Fortunately, they're fine, but there are many, many people who are not. Our thoughts therefore are turning to them and the city of Boston. 

Allt Cityscapes Rug

We can't believe this product still does not have a manufacturer attached to it. Talented designers ALLT have developed this interlocking hexagonal grid of felt carpet tiles that allows you to customize and create. This should be picked up by Interface pronto so we can place our orders but in the meantime check out Allt's other great works here.

Sparkling Sea Cuff

Despite a freak hail storm in our region this weekend and the dump of snow in the East, we are still optimistic that Spring is hiding around the corner so we're out there looking for a new, lighter jewellery piece. This sparkling sea cuff is the right amount of volume, gold accents and natural stone to make it perfect for the warmer weather we know is coming our way. Available here.

Le Plateau A Fruits

We have a problem with buying fruit, putting it in a bowl then throwing it out a few days later when inevitably it has gone bad. With this fruit platter by french designer Caroline Gomez we will not only be displaying each piece so beautifully but we will hopefully be extending the life of our produce. Available here.

Ken Diamond Leather Goods

We've posted about Ken Diamond before, but we think it all bears repeating. Over the last few years, Mr. Diamond has become a person of moderate fame in Vancouver, and is garnering attention from style makers all around the globe for his simple aesthetic, quality constructed, and right on point leather goods. He's probably most well known for his moccasins, but makes a whole range of great objects of desire; from belts and wallets, to key fobs and and bracelets. There is even a sick leather beer coozy. We picked the Thommé in Tobacco as our favourite, but he has many styles and colours to choose from. You can see and learn more here.

Granted Woolen Clothing

You do not get more Canadian than this; all handmade in impossibly beautiful Vancouver, and modelled after the iconic Cowichan sweater. They are however a more modern interpretation of that icon in terms of the subject matter, but still maintaining the layout of the original source material. In keeping with how we roll, we picked the Skull Chain as the one to show you, but they have many, many beautiful and clever patterns to suit every taste. Also, they don't stop at sweaters; making ponchos, vests, slippers, neck warmers, mittens, toques (or beanies for the uninitiated), purses and throw blankets; all of which made by hand way up here in the great white north...and suitable for both men and women. You can learn and see more here.

Teaser - Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown

We were sad when Bourdain announced that No Reservations was packing it in. However, having heard his versions of events, it sounds like the management at the Travel Channel had their heads way up their ass, and rather than allow them to cram product placement down his throat to make more money on a show that is the networks cash cow, Bourdain packed it in. Whatever you may think of Tony, you have to admire his steadfastness to the quality of his show, and even more so to his values and beliefs. However, it didn't take long for him to find an new garden to till so-to-speak, and no...we're not talking about the mediocre cooking challenge program The Taste. The new show seems to follow a familiar pattern (definitely not a bad thing), but we imagine that Anthony has more input into the programs direction. Set your PVRs, as it premiers Sunday night on CNN as 9pm eastern. 

Vitra Eames Collection Update

Arguably....the favourite piece of kit in our home is the Eames Lounge Chair, which sits proudly in our living room. It is in itself a more modern update of the original, with slightly slicker proportions and a lovely black leather over beautiful walnut. We love it...that was until we saw the 2013 updated monochromatic version (see above) from Vitra. We want the old chair to break just so we have an excuse to run out get one of these. And Vitra didn't stop there...the are offering all sorts of colour and finish updates for many of the other iconic Eames pieces. Not that they weren't "modern" or "contemporary" before...just a little more so now. To see and learn more go here.

Ceramic Birdhouses by Michelle Quan

Brooklyn based artist Michelle Quan makes some pretty beautiful things. We zeroed in on these birdhouses, but she can make pretty much anything out of ceramic, from bells, garlands, jewellery, flowers, bones, and yes, even skulls (took all our will power to not post those). We encourage you to peruse her site, as there is bound to be something that tickles your fancy. You can see and learn more here.

Trailer - Elysium

It looks super-hella-awesome. In theatres August 9th. 

Orvis Braided Horsehair Bracelet

Get your western badass on without having to sport a dorky hat or boots. This bracelet, by outdoor sport stalwart Orvis, is meticulously braided from genuine horsehair, which is surprisingly strong and durable. We think that it is an interesting accessory item on both an aesthetic and conversational level. You can see and learn more here.

Bang & Olufsen H3 Headphones

With the reputation for cutting edge hi-fi that B&O has, it's hard to believe that it's been 13 years since they've dropped a new headphone. Apparently 13 years is the precise amount of time it takes to design and cultivate an item that is not only beautiful, but one that performs as well...obviously having to live up to that standard that every B&O product achieves. The H3 sports 10.8mm drivers in milled aluminum housings that are drilled with 23 holes for ventilation and to promote a more open soundstage. Of course, to keep up with all of the competitors, there is a 3 button remote/mic in the wire, making them compatible with iOS devices. They will be available next month through B&O stores, as well as select Apple retailers.

Repost - Skull Tidy

Skull Tidy is an organiser for your essentials, or your everyday carry if-you-will. A place to store your shades, keys, change, chapstick, phone, etc... We love ourselves a good caddy, and if you've been following along, we love everything skull related...so this is a win on tow fronts. You can get yours and see more here.

Danny Michel with the Garifuna Collective - What Colour Are You

We go way back with Danny Michel. We became big fans upon hearing his album Fibsville in 1999, and have made a point of keeping tabs on him ever since. While not a household name (even in his native Canada) Danny Michel has a very loyal following, and we think he's due for some commercial success to go with all the critical acclaim. His latest album, Black Birds Are Dancing All Over Me, which is nominated for a Juno award (Canadian Grammy) and is receiving heaps of praise from the notoriously hard to please music press, is truly something to behold. For lack of a better comparison, it reminds us of Paul Simon's Graceland...in that it is two worlds colliding with a magical musical outcome. Having gone to Belize multiple times over the last decade, Danny decided to take a giant leap out if his comfort zone to write and record songs in Belize, and adding to his already infectious song writing style the multihued rhythms and textures of Belize's Garifuna tradition. Danny has just added three new songs to celebrate the Canadian re-release, and to celebrate the albums world release on Cumbancha records. Out now on iTunes.

www.dannymichel.com

Commodity Premium Fragrances

Smelling nice is important to us. We say this with some level of disappointment, as we grew tired long ago of commercial scents from the usual suspect design houses. To us, they all started to smell the same. That, and we were exasperated with paying their heavy mark ups so they could try and sell us Brad Pitt and his obviously awesome lifestyle...after all, if we smell the same we therefore must be the same right? (insert finger into throat here) For the last couple of years we've been sporting a more obscure number from L'Occitane, and had many compliments. Yet we still grow weary. Commodity, which started with a successful Kickstarter campaign, has come up with a ingenious approach to the designer fragrance, and have set their sights on nothing less than changing the entire industry. Here's what we did: paid $50 and are to be sent 10 separate fragrances, running the gamut from citrusy and floral to woodsy. Each sample is good for three uses, thereby giving you an accurate reflection of it reacting with your personal chemistry. We pick our three favs and they send us three 10ml rollers, complete with a handsome leather carrier. There is also the option to get a full size 100ml bottle, but we wanted to have options. There are 10 scents each for both men and women, so you should be able to find something awesome in there. And before you get all Debbie Downer on us and say shit like "what do these guys know about cologne and perfume," let us tell you. These guys are working with one of the most revered and oldest scent manufacturers in France, using premium ingredients for a premium product. Sound intriguing? Get on it fast, as the good prices are pre-order prices...bound to get a bump once commodity gets rolling. You can see and learn more here.

The National - Demons

The National just dropped a new single on the masses, and if you are a fan of their melancholic sounds, you are in for a treat. The new album from which this single hails, titled Trouble Will Find Me, can be pre-ordered on iTunes, and will be released on May 20th.

www.americanmary.com

Time-Lapse Video of Earth from the International Space Station

The footage in this short video is absolutely breathtaking...so much so that we have found ourselves watching this over and over again. It truly provides a unique perspective on the little speck of dirt that we are, floating through the cosmos.

Nigel Cabourn x Converse Capsule Collection

A lovely little collaboration between British outdoor fashion specialist Nigel Cabourn and iconic US sneaker maker Converse. They are hitting stores sometime in mid-April starting with End Clothing in the UK. Other colourways are available.

Trailer - Rush

We have to admit that we are supremely excited to see this movie. We were excited when we heard Ron Howard was making a film about Formula One, and we were even more stoked when we heard that it was in essence a period piece, in that the focal point of the story is the legendary rivalry between Niki Lauda and James Hunt in the 1970's. The story is of legend in F1 circles, and come this September, we're willing to bet even those who know not of Formula One Racing will be interested and intrigued.

Detroit Bicycle Company

We know very little about the Detroit Bicycle Company other than they make some of the sickest and most beautiful track style fixies we have ever seen. Take the Madison Street pictured above; so basic and simple yet so much to look at. We want one...but for now we may just have to settle for a t-shirt. You can see and learn more here.

Juniper Ridge Cabin Sprays

We will personally vouch for these, as we have one that we use fairly regularly to freshen up the house. Made from things such as trimmings and boughs that are ethically and sustainably sourced from the back country, these Cabin Sprays will have your home smelling like a Pacific Coast forest. You can see and learn more here.

Tipi by Gandia Blasco

Rather than getting just a boring outdoor sectional for the patio (we're assuming that your gearing up for Spring and Summer), how about a more interesting place for lounging....like say...a tipi. Spanish outdoor furniture designer Gandia Blasco has just such a thing; a thing that'll turn your backyard or patio or lanai into the most popular space in or around the house. With a mattress and some pillows included, that beautifully diffused light from the white plasticized fabric and a warm breeze, this will end up being the best napping space in the history of napping spaces. You can see and learn more here.

Handcrafted Gardening Tools

Spring is here and the next major task around the house is to plant the garden but we just can't feel good about crappy plastic tools bought at a big box store. Yeah we're superficial right down to our outdoor accessories but what the hell at least we'll only ever have to buy one set for life. Check out these hand forged ones made in Montana.

Mad Season - Black Book Of Fear

For the uninitiated, Mad Season was a supergroup from the pinnacle of the 90's era grunge sound. Featuring Layne Staley (Alice In Chains), Mike McCready (Pearl Jam), John Baker Saunders (The Walkabouts), and Barrett Martin (Screaming Trees), they released just one critically acclaimed album titled "Above," which featured the popular single River Of Deceit. It was, and still is, an excellent album. There was a follow-up record planned, however John (and later Layne) died of a drug overdose. The album was recently re-released in an special anniversary 3 disc edition, and features 3 unreleased tracks from the afore mentioned and never-to-be-released follow-up record. The vocals to the tracks were performed by Mark Lanegan, whom if you don't own any of his music you are sorely remiss (buy the albums Bubblegum and Blues Funeral, in that order). Check out the track Black Book Of Fear posted above, of which you can happily own, along with the other unreleased tracks Locomotive and Slip Away, through iTunes. Hell...buy the whole album while you're there. As a bonus, we've posted the video for River Of Deceit after the jump.

Suck UK Bunny Light

For those of you who have been asking for a porcelain bunny with a working lightbulb stuck in its ass...here you go. You can see and learn more here.

Jolly Roger Chair

We think that it goes without saying that this chair is the shit. No word on pricing yet, but stuff from Italian design house of Fabio Novembre never comes cheap. You can learn and see more here.

This Is The End - Trailer # 2

This is the second look at the forthcoming end of the world flick starring Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, Jonah Hill, Craig Robinson, Michael Cera et al playing themselves at a Hollywood party when aliens start to invade. Cameos by Rihanna, Paul Rudd, Jason Segal, Emma Watson and others. This trailer had us laughing out loud. NSFW...you've been warned.

The Marlowe Lunchbag

Apparently inspired by a friend who loves to slip sweet hand written notes, poetry and even photos into the lunches of her loved ones, Peg and Awl created a reusable waxed canvas version of the classic brown paper bag. We love the earthy colours and can't wait to pack a lunch for once. Available here.

Any State Side Table

Unusually quirky and just the right piece to lighten up the aesthetic of your place. You pick your state and then one of the 900BLOK colours that range from minty Jello Mold to red Lucille Ball and they will make you a side table just to your liking. We really dig the idea of creating overlapping nesting side tables and your own geographic adjacency's. Available here.

Day of the Week Pencils

We like these simply because of their graphic nature and won't kid ourselves that we would be diligent and dedicated enough to actually use the right pencil on the right day but still...maybe you would? Available here.

Look/See x G.I.Joe

Don't let the collaboration with G.I.Joe's iconic 80's imagery fool you...these shades are absolute badass and are by no means toys. Only 100 units will be made, and each pair comes in a limited edition blister pack based on the toys original packing. Pick you favourite character...but you're wrong if you don't pick Snake-Eyes. See more picks and get yours here.

Firewire Technograin Surfboards

It has always struck us as odd that for a bunch of save-the-ocean types, surfers put up with a truly environmentally devastating process to have their quivers made. The process is so bad, so heavily regulated by government agencies, that industry stalwart and number one surfboard blank supplier Clark Foam just up and shut its doors in 2005. Since then, not much had changed. The vacuum left by Clark was filled by other suppliers and the industry literally chugs along. Board maker Firewire has taken upon themselves to introduce a little harm reduction into the surfboard world, and while by no means being sustainably built, the Technograin has by far one of the least toxic and smallest carbon footprints of any commercially made surfboard today. Essentially, the board still features an EPS foam core, but is laminated in a sustainably grown wood deck skin. You can see and learn more here.