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Archive for the ‘Contraptions’ Category

Cozy Tea

February 2nd, 2009

tea-cozy-sheep.jpgJust because you love tea doesn’t mean you need to use a stuffy Victorian tea cozy to keep your teapot warm.You know, one of those blue and white patterned things that looks like your grandmother’s. Live it up a bit with the Sheep Tea Cozy and Tea Pot from Via Terra. Not only is it on sale, but it’s made by a made by a cooperative of Kenyan women. Have your tea and drink it too.

Perfect Pitcher

December 3rd, 2008

Pitcher.jpgIsn’t this exquisite ? Not only a decorative piece, it also functions as a pitcher. Designed by Marcelo Lucini , it’s made of alpaca, which resembles silver but doesn’t tarnish as quickly. We’d be happy just to admire it. $591 at Couture Lab.

Cheese Papers

November 19th, 2008

Cheese_Papers.jpgDon’t have a cheese cave? Yeah, us neither, but we do have the next best thing — Formaticum Cheese Papers. These porous papers let oxygen in and allow cheese to breathe which means they won’t spoil as fast. Who knew? Two-ply material simulates a cave environment, you see, by regulating humidity and prevents cheese from drying out. Includes 15 sheets. Made in France, but of course.

Wine Breather

November 18th, 2008

Wine_Breather.jpgWe volunteered for this job, only to find out it’s actually a gadget that cuts breathing time from an hour to just one minute by gently bubbling air through wine. Interesting concept but for $50 , we think we’ll stick with the old-fashioned decanter method. Uses 2 AAA batteries (not included) to aerate up to 230 bottles. 11″ long. Hand wash. Available from ‘Sur la table’

Sexy Sushi

November 18th, 2008

bodylicious_layout.jpgI’m all for different traditions but this one just made me go “Ewwwww!” Nyotaimori, the Japanese tradition of presenting Sushi on a naked woman – or Nantaimori if it’s a man — is considered a rare treat in Japan. To mimic this tradition but still enjoy a hygenic meal, try these body-shaped Bodylicious platters by designer Hiroshi Tsunoda. Available in white or black at Design Code.

Pot Clips

October 28th, 2008

clip.jpgWhy didn’t we think of this? Come to think of it, why didn’t you? These colorful little characters are utensil clips are for holding on to the side of your pots. Not more drip stains on the counter (or less, at least.) . Stainless steel and silicone; heat resistant to 600°F; dishwasher safe and they come in 6 flavors, including pink. Only $7 bucks at Sur La Table.

Herb Stand

October 23rd, 2008

Herb_Stand.jpgIn a practical and fun way the Herb Stand organises your herbs. Scissors and herbs are gathered together in one place, making it easy to season your food. The Herb Stand is the perfect way to keep and use your herbs. With Herb Stand, designer Jakob Heiberg has focused on function and utility, while creating a design that is different. Its clean form language makes its function clear. However, Herb Stand is also a practical and amusing way to keep and use your herbs. 
Herb Stand can be easily separated and the parts can be used on their own or together. The saucer ensures an even watering and emphasises the functionality.

News from Georg Jensen

October 22nd, 2008

georg_Jensen.jpgGeorg Jensen’s best-sellers; the Quack serving jug will be completed new additions to the Quack family during fall 2008: a milk jug, sugar bowl, tray and two sizes of thermo mugs in two different colours.The new set complements the serving jug from 2003, and Maria Berntsen has carried the unique and humorous duck-shape on to the milk jug and bowl, which, besides serving as a sugar bowl, can also be used for snacks, cookies etc.

Pink Riedel

October 20th, 2008

Riedel_pink_o.jpgWe’ve been meaning to tell you that you need new wine glasses, and not just because that last party you threw got out of hand and people starting throwing their wineglasses in the fireplace. Stock up on these beautiful, limited edition Riedel ‘O’ stemless wine glasses and feel good knowing 15% of the sales is donated to the Living Beyond Breast Cancer Foundation.

Make it Work

October 20th, 2008

colanders.jpgHere’s a bright idea: Colorful colanders which are made to fit in the corner of the sink, leaving you plenty of room to prepare the rest of the meal. Perfect for pasta at 2½ liter. Dishwasher safe and did we mention the bright colors?