I need this in my house. Given the foot traffic, I have to wonder how many watts of energy our upstairs hallway could generate with these brilliant kinetic energy absorbing slabs from pavagen. Pavegen slabs are installed in high traffic areas where the kinetic energy from foot traffic stored as energy in the slab. The energy can then be used for traditional energy needs such as powering lighting. It’s truly refreshing to see a clean, efficient and well design alternative for energy production.
We’ve just returned from the trade shows in New York and the big story is “what you are not going to get”. That’s right, you’re not going to see tons and tons of otherwise adorable and practical items that I found at the show . Why? Because once I started asking the tough questions, it became clear I could not, in good conscience, bring many of these items to the shoppers of Kir. I want to know, where the items were made and by whom, what they are made of and all of the background info I need to verify product safety, authenticity and social responsibility. It was a real eye opener and all around great experience. I’m learning as I go and feel pretty darn fantastic about being able to edit a truly great collection of goods for you to choose from.
The new frog tea for two set from Shinzi Katoh is already in stock.
Great Scott- is it
really 2010 already? I just love the new year, it invites us to take stock in what has
gone by as well as daydream about what lies ahead. I am one of those paradoxical
types; I love both tradition and change. So for the new year I have many
exciting additions planned for Kir. Building on the integrity and spirit that
guides our uniquely edited collection of goods for a better life we will also
be offering our own line of truly eco-friendly, healthy & pure products as
well as information you need to know and a little dash of good for nothing wit
and wisdoms in our new content section. More on that later though- be on the lookout
in the coming months!
In the meantime I would
like to totally embarrass myself in the hopes of inspiring you! I have recently
discovered vision boards. The general idea is that you find a way to create a
visual representation of a goal that you have in life and keep it where you can
see it as a daily inspiration. I just love to help others succeed and so my
goal is to be a speaker at a workshop, conference etc. to that end, I made this
somewhat comical, but I have to say, effective vision board element. Any guesses
as to whose body I Photoshoped my head onto?
Want to know more about vision boards? Here is a great post
about creating your own vision board.
Ever since seeing design genius David Butler (uh yum) on the cover of fast Company wearing a ridiculously cool white watch I have been completely in love with white. The tide was already turning, I had already made the switch from black to gray and white was the next logical step. I'm loving my new white flip camera (yes Kir videos will be coming soon!) and am eying up a cute white cube speaker for my ipod.
And so to prove my point.... about the watch:
So to feed my new white obsession I have to look no further than the Living with White blog from the purveyors of contemporary design Vish & Asia.
Generally speaking, I rarely watch TV and as a rule, I never watch the (bad) news, however the tragic natural disaster in Haiti has drawn me in. Watching the aftermath unfold has truly made me want to jump on a cargo plane and help in any way I can. Since that is not a viable alternative right now(my own children and husband would surely starve in my absence ;-) I will settle for helping in some small way, hoping that tens of thousands of others will choose to do the same and our combined effort will make a big difference.
The Red Cross has made it easier than ever to donate. Text your $10 Donation Now: Just text the word ‘Haiti’ to 90999 and your $10 donation will go directly toward the Red Cross Haiti Relief efforts. Visit the Red Cross online if you prefer to donate online, via phone or by mail.
Recently my teenage son Codie has had trouble sleeping. So I
suggested he spend his evenings re-reading one of my all time favorite books The Little
Prince by Antoine Saint Exupery. Much
to my surprise I found it sitting on his bed this morning and began to flip
through it. In doing so I realized that almost everything you need to know to
navigate life is contained in the pages of this classic read.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book!
"Over the years, I came to know a great many grownups. My opinion of them never improved. In time, I stopped showing my drawing, and never again mentioned boa constrictors, elephants, or stars - instead, I would talk about golf, money, politics, and neckties, and everyone was pleased to have met such a sensible man." The Pilot from the Little Prince
"It's only with the heart that one can see clearly. What's essential, is invisible to the eye." The Fox from the Little Prince
"If somebody wants a sheep, that is a proof that he exists" The Little Prince
Surround yourself with happiness- that’s what I always say! And yes, seeing the sugar pour out of the playfully sophisticated Pylones sugar tumbler and toting your groceries home in a stylish Envirosax bag will brighten your day! Here are my top picks for entirely practical and ridiculously cheerful stocking stuffers that everyone on your list will use and enjoy all year long.
The Pylones Sugar Tumbler: Trust me at 6 am, seeing this little guy staring back at you from across the kitchen counter is always a pick me up! a generous size sugar tumbler that will look great in your kitchen and be fun to use everyday. Just tilt and enjoy the sugar pours right out of his crown!
The Mix Tape Mighty Wallet: In the 80's I once pulled all of the tape out of my ex-boyfriend Brian's favorite mix tape and look, now it's been made into a lovely wallet! The mix tape Tyvek Mighty Wallet features the strewn tape image on the inside and the hand drawn mix tape graphic on the outside. You know he'll smile every time he reaches for that wallet!
Shinzi Katoh Squirel Mug: I just LOVE shinzi, he brings his great Zakka design to the simple pleasures in life like tea and biscuits (ok coffee and donut holes if you're at our house). This cafe cup features a generously sized cafe cup and topper that doubles as a snack tray.
Envirosax Reusable Shopping Bags: Envirosax bags now come in designs and colors for every style imaginable. Use it every single day, shop, smile, save the planet, go to sleep, life is good ;-).
Envirosax Stainless Steel Water Bottle: The superior quality of Envirosax in styles and colors for everyone on your list. You may ask "But does your reusable bag really need to match your water bottle?" ... it's probably for the best!
To-Go Ware Bamboo Cutlery Set: There's no better time than lunch to take a smile break. Sitting down with this bright and cheery pink bamboo cutlery set is sure to make you smile!
My Friend Tea Box : For when you can't be there personally to remind them of how much they mean to you- send a tea bag. Every tea bag tag features a lovely reminder of how great friendship is. Like this one: "we've been through so much together and most of it is your fault".
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