I saw – and fell in love –  with these “boomboxes” that I stumbled upon while exploring Second Friday in the Chicago Art District last month.
Lloyd Davis of Artpentry is the creator of these ultraverycool speakers contained in vintage suitcases and trunks.  Or, as he calls them, “amazing pieces of functional art”.  Indeed. You can plug in your iPod or whatever audio device to get the most stylish/funky looking  music delivery system anywhere.  When we visited the Artpentry studio, my husband and my son where all over these pieces, which is why I thought that they were perfect to mention [...]

I am sooooooooo getting the BioLogic Bike Mount for iPhone for my husband for Father’s Day. Uh, I mean the kids are getting this for their dad for Father’s Day.
Since we’ve moved to the bicycle-friendly Chicago area (it’s flat with lots of bike trails), we are on our bikes all the time (well ok, not so much in January and ok, so, the flat part is a little monotonous for my husband, but it’s perfect for me). We’ve both downloaded different GPS based sports tracking apps. I use RunKeeper and my husband another (can’t remember which, sorry) to keep track [...]

By Audrey van Petegem, Contributing Editor
Don’t know what to get for your son or daughter for graduation?  If they are music lovers and they already have the latest iPod, iPhone, iMac, iPad and anything else that starts with an ‘I’, then this would be the perfect gift. Bughouse Art and Design is a Los Angeles design studio that has music inspired art and furniture made with images of old LPs and cassettes (do you remember what these are?) and home stereos. Several musical genres are depicted in their designs such as classic rock, jazz and reggae [...]

Need to stir things up a little this Valentine’s Day? You might want to pop in any DVDs from the Intimacy Spa collection and see what happens…
Taking a tasteful approach that features real life couples, the Intimacy Spa DVD series proposes six different titles aimed to boost a couple’s intimacy. ‘Cause it’s a well known fact that increased intimacy makes for healthier, more satisfying relationships. The titles include the almost sedate variety like Sensual Massage for Couples, Sensual Yoga for Couples, Sensual Fitness for Couples (I’m trying to imagine the exercise routine) and Sensual Thai Massage. And then, for good [...]

Is it too early to talk holiday gifts? Year after year, I’m appalled at the early Christmas displays. It stresses me out. Yet, when I saw the Kymera Magic Wand, I sighed with relief, several “gifts for him” now already crossed off the shopping list. Phew.
The wand is a gadget in every aspect, but one that gives a whole new meaning to “sleight of hand”.

It works with almost any device that can be remote controlled, with infra-red beams and a “learning” microchip to learn the code from the equipment’s original remote.
Simpler than it seems, we’re told that most [...]

My mad crush on cardigans has nothing to do with energy conservation. I’ve had this weak spot for over two decades now. Starting with wearing twin sets in the late 80′s, my favorite work uniform then which, against all likelihood, I actually wore quite stylishly. Now, some twenty odd some years later, I wouldn’t dare pairing anything so matchy-matchy unless I was into purposefully aging myself into the “wearing sensible shoes only” age group. Which I am not.
But, let’s be clear, I still love cardigans. A lot. They are a staple in my wardrobe and now that the weather is [...]

Just in time for Father’s Day gift idea suggestions, I wanted to share the Dr. Moz’ line of diaper bags which are perfect to make sure that Dad keeps his dignity intact. For all our infatuation with Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bags, we know that baby’s dad would rather not be seen toting one of those around. No more embarrassing dad with a pretty diaper bag: the Stork Tools messenger-style Daddy Diaper bags offer the requisite manly, sporty look with pockets to fit all of his toys as well as baby’s essentials.
There is also the Dr. Moz GoodFather line of [...]

By Audrey van Petegem, Contributing Editor
I realize I may be getting ahead of myself worrying about Father’s Day (June 21), since Mother’s Day just past, but I tend to do this when I’m looking to buy a meaningful gift for father of my children. I know that I’m not the only one who thinks “what do you get for the man who does not seem to need anything!” Being married to him for 23 (blissful) years and having his three children makes me think I know him pretty well, but when it comes to buying him something, for any occasion, [...]

Terra Plana was founded by the sons of the Clarks footwear chain.  They make footwear from recycled car tires, old army blankets, car seats and other recycled materials.
Inspired by ecological survival, Terra Plana believes in a variety of non-generic products and sustainable strategies.  Their shoes are designed so that they can be kept for life. “Reparability, lightness, anatomic design, and durability are all staples of sustainable shoe making”. All that AND  style too!
Our society of consumerism has lead us into purchasing almost exclusively disposable goods. Doesn’t work? Throw it!  Buy another one!  Huh? I remember my parents bringing all their [...]

I can’t relate. Have been married (to the same wonderful man) for almost 19 years, but I know that a few of my friends might find this a useful tool — in certain environments! Whether one celebrates being single or needs to “advertise” that the fact, the Singelringen (in Swedish, where the company is from) is a cute and potentially very effective concept. As the Web site says: “There are engagement rings and wedding rings, but there was no such thing as a ring for single men and women. Why not? If anyone needs to signal one’s civil status, it’s [...]