Tuesday, July 27, 2010



Ice tongs and shadow. My little pony. Taken by Dare Porter

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Head Massagers from Kikkerland


Relax and enjoy the tingly sensation of Kikkerland's head massager also known as the 'orgasmatron'! This simple but effective metal tool will tickle you surprised with its soft-tipped stainless-steel arms! Scratch yourself or a friend for that fun feeling. For $5.00 this aluminum massager makes for a great pick me up. And with several colors to choose from, you can pick your favorite one...or two!

Monday, April 5, 2010

Blue Bottle Coffee Co.


An Oakland based coffee roaster, delivering only the freshest coffee less than 48 hours out of the roaster to ensure peak flavor. Using only top quality organic, pesticide-free, shade grown coffee beans from around the world, and brewed with extreme care, Blue Bottle Coffee is hailed as “The Ultimate Cup of Coffee by Bay Area enthusiasts.

At Maison d’Etre you can purchase half-pound bags of whole coffee beans, all best brewed by drip or French press. Orders are placed every Tuesday and Saturday, delivered within one day, to ensure the freshest blends. Environmentally responsible production & packaging includes compostable/recyclable coffee bags

Blue Bottle Coffee Co., inspired by and named after the first coffee shop in Central Europe, The Blue Bottle and its humble beginnings. (History as found on Bluebottlecoffee.net)

In the late 1600s, the Turkish army swept across much of Eastern and Central Europe, arriving at Vienna in 1683. Besieged and desperate the Viennese needed an emissary who could pass through Turkish lines to get a message to the nearby Polish troops. Franz George Kolshitsky, who spoke Turkish and Arabic, took on the assignment disguised in a Turkish uniform. After many perilous close calls, Kolshitsky completed his valiant deed, returning to give the Viennese the news of the Poles' imminent rescue of their city. Kolshitsky was handsomely rewarded by the mayor of Vienna for his role in repelling Turkish soldiers, with which he purchased the Turkish coffee left from the invaders and opened the historic Blue Bottle coffee shop.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Catstudio: Riviera Bags


Catstudio, a husband and wife owned company based in Petaluma California, delivers a wonderful line of sturdy spring totes and practical pouches. Riviera Bags are a collaborative effort between Catstudio and Sabala, a non-profit society teaching widows and economically challenged women traditional skills and tribal crafts, to empower and generate income. These chic & casual totes, 50% Jute 50% Cotton, are hand woven and stitched with care lined inside with a vibrant yellow floral cotton fabric. Riviera Bags are available in 2 sizes with vertical and horizontal striped patterns in Blue/White, Red/White, and Multicolor.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Simplicity with Function FORLIFE Teaware


Designed with everyday function in mind, FORLIFE has created a long lasting line of teaware that will stay beautiful and fresh for life. Established in 1994 by Masa Fujii, a ceramic designer and entrepreneur, FORLIFE has developed new lines of glass and ceramic teapots, cups, and infusers to fit your every tea need. Add a splash of color to your space with the vibrant spectrum of teapots and cups in the Hospitality, Newleaf, Curve, Serenity Teaware Collections.

Hospitality Teaware: White ceramic teapots (16 oz.) and cups (9 oz.) with innovative silicone sleeves and tea spouts. Spouts will not chip or break and the silicone cup grip allows you to comfortably hold your hot tea.

Newleaf Teaware: Larger clear glass tea mugs (13 oz.) with stainless steel infuser and lid. Unique double- wall glass keeps tea warmer longer.

Curve Teaware: Brilliant teapots in two sizes (45 oz & 24 oz.) with infuser and matching mugs (12 oz.) with silicone grips, safe for dishwasher and microwave.

Serenity Teaware: White ceramic Modern Asian style teapot with infuser (4 cups) microwave/diswasher safe.

Colors available: Black Graphite, Lime, Lavender, Mandarin, Paprika, Red, Sage, Turquoise, and White

Silicone sleeves and infuser


Wednesday, January 6, 2010

La Chambaware


La Chamba, nestled in the heart of Colombia near the active Ruiz volcano and Magdalena River, has for generations produced some of the world’s finest handmade clay cookware. The large deposits of sandy volcanic clay, that surround the village, provide exceptionally thermal shock resistant pottery. La Chamba cookware is burnished before firing to create a smooth sealed surface without the use of glazes. All cookware is black in color due to the final step in the firing process, “smoking”, where the white hot clay is smothered with dried leaves and covered, resulting in the darker pigment.

This superb clay cookware is long lasting, durable and heat resilient allowing for use on the stove top, in the oven, and the microwave. Casseroles, deep dishes, bowl, plates and pans are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate any meal needs. Each piece is smooth to the touch and ready for use immediately.

Optional initial preparation before use suggests filling cookware ¾ with water and place in 400F oven for 30 mins.