Sometimes we all like a little music while we’re out and about, and not just through your earphones.  This Card Speaker by IDEA International is no bigger than a credit card and as thick as a pack of chewing gum.

It comes in either black or silver, with a mirror-polished back, and includes a protective carrying case, a 3.5 mm connection plug, and a USB battery charge cable. The speaker has an operating time of approximately five hours on a two-hour charge.  You can buy it right here for NZ$105 and they ship all over, but you need to email them for a shipping price.

[via]

Only the other day my dear friend was watching Miss 9mths put things in and out of her shape sorter.  She said that Miss would probably like a mail box….so I went hunting and discovered this one.

It would make a great DIY, but if you aren’t into building then you can buy one at How Now Design’s Etsy shop for US$30 (about NZ$68) plus shipping.  It would last for quite some time with all the games kids play, and this one is clever in that it can hang on any door.

Glass is everywhere in my house.  I love it because it gives the illusion of space.  Cleaning it hasn’t been as bad as I thought, even with two kids.  The vinegar and water mix just sits in the cupboard under the bench with a cloth ready to go.  Though my sisters have said they wouldn’t do it after watching me shine mine after nearly every meal!  Each to their own…

After spying this coffee table, I want to replace ours; it’s not going to happen though as they are not available down-under, so just may have to dream about owning it.  The best thing about the Tetra by Della Robbia is the groovy colourful seating that comes with it.  When we all need to cram around and draw, glue and make cut-outs this would be perfect.  Also Miss 9mths old could walk around the ottoman rather that the table and not sweep everything off the table.  If you live in the US, you’re in luck, click here to find a store or stockist near you.

I like the look of this glass benchtop, and even better, hot pots can be placed anywhere.

The Californian company behind these is Jockimo, and their ColorFuse™ products include color and air bubbles captured inside of the glass creating a three dimensional aspect to the panels. Texture, color, finish, laminating, edge polishing and back lighting are available.  Unfortunately, there does not seem to be a distributor or dealers for down-under installation.

‘Chop Stick’ is a clothes hanger designed by Andreas Saxer.  Inspired by the traditional methods of Japanese wood joinery, and of course, chop sticks.  Only four wooden sticks are loosely joined with a sleek aluminum pole and apparently this loose system becomes very stable with heavy clothing.  I like the idea that you can move it around your home, and if you are a flatter, then it’s the easiest thing to move with you.

Can’t seem to find it anywhere to purchase, but if you are handy with a skill-saw and sander, you may like to try your hand at making a set.

I love the story behind these wooden birds.  From Sanna’s site it reads ‘In Karelia there was an ancient belief in the Sielulintu or Soul bird. The Sielulintu was thought to deliver the soul to newborn babies and also to transport the soul to the afterlife at the moment of death. It was believed the Sielulintu protected a persons soul at it’s most vulnerable; when dreaming, and it was tradition to keep a carved wooden bird by the bedside to keep the soul safe during sleep.’

You can purchase the large (14 x 22cm) or small (14.5 x 12cm) and Sanna ships internationally. Only bummer is that they are quite costly – at NZ$162 for the small version or $206 for the large.  But there are only 100 of each, made from sustainable solid brown oak,  you could be one in 200 to own one special Soul bird.

via [Freshly Blended]