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The Japanese have a certain way of expressing themselves in emoticons.  While most of us are content with the standard colon-parentheses smiley face : ) , the Japanese prefer to use a variety of symbols, communicating a wide range of expressions beyond just happiness. The Kaoiro is a stamp specifically designed for recreating these emoticons in the very analog world of paper and print ( ^ _ ^ ).
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Originally $39, this mango wood plate is on sale now for 40% off, which makes it even more affordable. Considering the size, it would make a great catch-all near the front door for mail, keys, etc. Plus, it’s always nice to have some natural elements scattered around a modern home; it keeps interiors from looking too stuffy and perfect.

Bowl measures approximately 11″ in diameter and 1.5″ tall.

So smart! This little silicone thingy transforms your cutlery into a a pair of tongs or salad servers. It can also act as training wheels for chopsticks, but that would look pretty silly in a restaurant so only do that at home.

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If you’ve not switched to paper-free living, these calendar sleeves will keep your receipts organized by month. I can see them working perfectly in a journal/notebook or even on a bulletin board; it all depends on where you’re likeliest to deposit your paperwork.

- 5-5/8” x 8-3/8”
- Set of 12 pockets

Update: A+R Store now carries the Plumen ($30), fyi.

Original post:
I saw these lightbulbs in person yesterday at the Temporium, and found them quite impressive. If you’re not familiar with the Plumen, you’ll be glad to know that the Plumen bulb uses 80% less energy and lasts 8x longer than incandescent bulbs. Plus, it looks nice and doesn’t need covering up.

You U.S. folks might be a little frustrated though, as they’re not yet available in the states, but U.K. and European residents can purchase them directly through Plumen’s website for £19.95/€29.95.

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As we are now officially in the summer picnic season, take note of Veneerware® by Bambu. Fully biodegradable, these single use bamboo plates and accessories are the ecological alternative to the paper plate. And, for those of you that prefer ready made picnic kits, there’s a Veneerware Picnic Kit with Navy Tote from Branch Home available for $68.00 (see below).

Made from 100% bamboo and Certified Organic.
Sold in sets of 8.
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Just so you have fair warning, this lamp won’t ship until August. It might be worth the wait, though, considering its modern bent design (powder coated steel) and lower price point. I can’t decide whether the white with the red cord wins out over the all black option; I suppose it depends on where you plan on placing it.

Available in black with a black cord or white with a red cord.
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Sadly, the Penguin merchandise seems to be heading in the same direction of Pantone: oversaturation. However, if you can get beyond the fact that there’s way too many products to choose from, there’s quite a few gems. Many items would be excellent gifts, of course, separately or grouped together. There also looks to be Penguin deckchairs and tea towels, though no retailer seems to have any in stock (shoot).

Shown above: Penguin Set of 4 Mini Notebooks, $10.68
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If you’re in the market for some sharp looking planters, take a look at these stainless steel ones by Shift Design. The window box is available in a 24″ or 30″ width, while the two tiered Cedar Herb Garden is perfect for (you guessed it) herbs. And, if you want to go all out and cover a wall with plants in stainless steel, there’s a living wall unit that you can line up side by side as your budget allows. See below for details.
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This little recycled cardboard basket is inspired by an icosahedron (that’s 20 sides for you non-nerds). At about 8 inches wide, it’s a great size to store all manner of stuff, specifically all those little odds and ends lying around your desk. Arrives flat packed with instructions on assembly.

Size: 8.3″ dia.

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Pair Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec with the Nani Marquina rug team and what’s the result? Awesomeness, of course. The Losanges is a reinterpretation of the traditional Persian rug using the kilim technique. Kilim rugs are pretty flat, as you might know, because the strands are tightly interwoven and there’s no pile (cushiness). 13 colors are combined through a geometrical rhombus shape, all handwoven by Northern Pakistan craftsmen. Now, maybe if you’re very talented, you can confidently say that you could weave something as impressive as this with your hands, but I sure as you-know-what can’t, so I understand the higher price point. Technically complex, indeed.
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This is one of those products that seem insignificant at first glance, then the actual benefits of of daily use start to make sense. It’s a shoe horn, which yes, is unexciting and boring, even though it does extend the life of your shoes (which saves you money). However, it’s a long shoe horn, which means it’s easier to use. It also has a magnetic wall stand that gives it a home when not in use (it would be smart to install it near your shoes, of course). These little details would possibly make an improvement in your dressing ritual each day.

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Oh, here’s another overseas item that’s just too interesting to pass up. No worries, though as it is available to buy (also through PayPal, if you like). What is it exactly? A pattern sheet, obviously, that you can use to hammer out a pattern in nails on your wall. Connect the dots with string and remove pattern to see an altogether different “Masterpiece”.

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Take a look at the pricing on these wine bottle pendants, not bad for a pop of color, eh? I bet they’d look lovely in a clustered together above a small dining table. (Also, the product description doesn’t state whether the bottles come from a recycling facility, so I’m guessing they don’t.)

Custom crafted in the Meyda Hot Shop in the USA.
Available in various colors, the glass can have either a frosted or transparent finish.

This 9 piece stackable cookware set by designers Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Kasper Rønn is smart. It’s a combination of their 4-piece Carving and Serving Set with the 3-piece Cool Bowl Set, and, as you can imagine, there’s all sorts of combinations to fit your needs. Chill foods, warm foods, or use each piece separately, no matter what you choose to do, you’ll have the right cookware to do it. And, it all stacks neatly away when you’re done.
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