You know you'll most likely have some extra time on your hands this summer, so maybe consider trying out some cross stitch kits like these offered by Fuldesign.

Each kit comes with aida weave fabric, embroidery yarn, pattern and instructions. Pattern fits 12.5 x 10 in fabric. Designed in Sweden.

Cross stitch kit “Continue pretending”, $20.00
Cross stitch kit “You can take…”, $20.00
Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

Here's a great option for those of you interested in commuting to work by bicycle. Check out the site for more details and information.

The clean and striking IF Mode is aimed at commuters of the mobile generation who, until now, may have not considered cycling or folding bikes to be an option. IF Mode avoids oily chains, complex tubes with hidden dirt traps, and the clutter of traditional bike features. Meant for city commuters rather than bicycle warriors, it looks at home folded up on a subway or in an office, like other well designed accessories in your life. It also performs on the street like any lightweight, well-balanced full size bike.

Designer Team: Ryan Carroll, Michael Lin & Mark Sanders
Folded Dimensions: 40 inches (h) x 10.5 inches (w) x 26 inches (l)
Bike Weight: 32 lbs (14.7 kg)
$2,250.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

Made from actual records and sleeves, these notebooks will keep your thoughts and lists at hand while showing off your love for old school LP albums.

LP Jacket Ruled Notebook, $14.00, Buy it here.
LP Record Hardcover Ruled Notebook, $30.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

Here's a few delightful cards for that old fashioned way of keeping in touch.

'Hi' by Lucas & Hayley, 12 cards, £6.50, Buy it here.
'You' Series by Lucas & Hayley, Set of 3, £6.50, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

Hurray for more cord management options! These three Dotz products will help tame and identify all those pesky cords around you. Check out their site for more pictures and info.

“Inspired by frustration, founded on fun, and driven by passion”Dotz is a new line of cord management products that provides an innovative and simple solution that everyone can “connect with”. Dotz is that rare design artifact that is, easy to use, reusable and applicable to everyone who uses consumer and office electronics. Have you ever had trouble identifying what cord goes to what device? Have you ever unplugged something you shouldn’t have? If the answer is yes, you need Dotz...

Dotz Identifier (10 Reusable colored dotz), $9.99
Dotz Cord Straps (8 Reusable colored cordstraps), $9.99
Dotz Cord Wraps (1 Cordwrap), $9.99
Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

Is a biodegradable pen worth $2 to you (considering the plastic 9 cent alternative)?

designed by adrian olabuenaga for acme studio, the ecopen is made of a corn starch plastic which is 100% biodegradable. when disposed of properly it will break down in one year. (note: the refill is not biodegradable). 6.5"

(due July 2009, so you might have to wait a little while)
$2.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

Maybe update your dad's personal audio equipment for Father's Day?

The Master Blaster Earphones (Brown): $200.00, Buy it here.

The Master Blaster's patent-pending ball and socket construction allows almost limitless range of motion for a completely custom fit. Handcrafted leather ear cans and headband with lightweight metal speaker cabinets ensure comfort and durability. A 50 mm dynamic driver delivers crisp, full sound. Features include custom removable cord , volume control and molded carrying case.

The Wire Coach Class Earphones (Gunmetal): $40.00, Buy it here.

Earphones designed with an unobtrusive minimalist point of view, ergonomic fit and soft touch application. The 3M braided cloth cord makes wearing The Wire a tangle-free experience. Includes quality drivers and three sets of changeable silicone tips for all size ear canals. 3.5 stereo sound and iPhone compatible. Comes with a custom molded carrying case and clip.

[posted by katie]

Actual vintage needlepoint laminated in PVC plastic for a truly unique lunchbox. Can you handle it?

Inspired by the tragic sight of her grandmother's needlepoint accidentally being thrown away after her passing, French designer Frédérique Morrel was inspired to launch a line of products based upon vintage, recycled needlepoint. Since each piece uses recycled patches, each is completely unique, involving a painstaking search through archival needlepoint stocks and an elaborate effort to source pieces in sizes that will fit with one another. Many are assembled following a recurrent theme; one of Frédérique's favorites is mildly naughty needlepoints of nudes and semi-nudes -- think Botticelli, not Playboy -- but PG versions are available upon request.

Manufacturer: Frédérique Morrel
Material: Canvas or tapestry laminated in PVC plastic
Dimensions: 4.7" x 6.1" x 8.2"
$75.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

Nooka sale is happening right now at Gilt Groupe (invitation-based, fyi), just in case you're interested.

Zub Zen V Blue, $130.00 $65.00
Zoo Aluminum Black, $225.00 $112.00
Zub Zot Sage, $140.00 $70.00
Zot Classic Black, $265.00 $132.00
Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

From the same company that brought you the CableBox and the Sanctuary Charging Station comes the CableDrop, a handy little thingamajig that keeps those cables from dropping behind your desk when you unplug your gadgets or laptops. It'd also be perfect for running lamp cords around/behind table legs so your home doesn't look too cord-crazy.

Fixed behind or on the desktop, even onto a facing wall...Anywhere in fact where you wish to have cables temporarily held yet easily removeable or extended. CableDrop gently grasps your power and peripheral cords so they do not fall off your desk every time you unplug your laptop.

each 1-1/8"w
Sold in packs of six, each package includes three different colors, either muted or bright.

$9.95, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]