If It's Hip, It's Here (Archives): nature

University of Minnesota students Kevin Groenjes and Benjamin VandenWymelenberg put their academic (and clearly, creative) heads together and came up with a way to add a bit of nature to high tech.

above: real Mahogany and Walnut add both protection and good looks to the Apple MacBook and Apple Air.

During an all nighter in the University of Minnesota Architecture studio, Ben came up with a prototype for the 'Woodchuck' and his friend Kevin became his partner. Eventually they found a third Minnesotan, Bob Feyereisen to make the products and WOODCHUCKcase was born.

above: Kevin Groenjes, Bob Feyereisen and Benjamin VandenWymelenberg work on the design of the Woodchuck products

The WOODCHUCKcases are really beautiful. The 100% real wood self-adhesive veneers come in mahogany, walnut and birch, sourced from local lumberyards and designed to perfectly fit Apple iPhones, iPads, MacBooks and the Mac Air.

Because they are made from 100% real wood each case varies slightly in color and texture so no two are exactly alike.

iPhone WOODCHUCKcases:
Birch:

Mahogany:

Walnut:

iPad WOODCHUCKcases:
Birch:

Mahogany:

Walnut:

MacBook and MacAir WOODCHUCKcases:

The cases can easily be removed without leaving a sticky residue, using a special 3M adhesive.

The Woodchuck Team is passionately and energetically changing the way people interact with technology and has partnered with local company Midwest Special Services, a facility giving life opportunities to adults with disabilities, to create the packaging.

They began by selling the products, which are 100% made in the United States, in the University of Minnesota bookstores and now the products can be bought through their online store at the Mall of America and four gift stores, including one in Milwaukee. And beginning today, 18th of July, the cases can be purchased at Best Buy.

SPECIAL FREE SHIPPING OFFER for If It's Hip, It's Here Readers. Use code IIHIH at check out.

Buy your WOODCHUCKcase

Want to hear tweeting birds and rushing waters but still desire a satellite internet connection? Wanna walk through the woods and then wash off in a modern bathroom? If you need a weekend of real nature and quiet but don't really want to rough it, Far Meadow Cabins in Yosemite may very well be the perfect solution.

Combining rustic with modern, traditional with contemporary, Far Meadow Cabins offers your choice of A-frame, log or classic cabin as rentals for from 2-4 people at an affordable price.

The cabins are remote, romantic and retro but have been upgraded to include modern appliances, tubs and showers and clean interiors with contemporary design items. The perfect trip for either a couple of diehard explorers or just urban hipsters.

The A Frame:

The classic A Frame cabin is given a modern twist with a few special design features and updated elements. High ceilings, 16ft windows, a floating staircase, and skylight ensure an open and airy feel. The cabin is solar powered and heated by a wood-burning stove. Satellite Internet connection available.

The sleeping loft has a queen-sized bed; an additional queen-sized sofa bed is available on the ground level.

Large bathroom with with shower, tub, sink and toilet.

Kitchen amenities include a cooking top with 2 gas burners, hand press coffee maker, and a small gas powered refrigerator/freezer unit. Dishes, flatware, cooking utensils, and an assortment of cooking pots are supplied.

Attached deck with fire pit with barbecue grill, outdoor seating, and dining table. Deck is slightly elevated and offers spectacular views of the meadow and nearby stream. All linens and blankets, towels, and firewood are provided.

$250 per night.

The Log Cabin:

It doesn’t get more authentic than this log cabin. Still situated on its original foundation, the cabin has been updated for modern adventurers while retaining old-fashioned charm.

Large windows and skylights offer great views of the surrounding meadow and let in sunlight throughout the day.

The cabin is solar powered and equipped with satellite internet connection. It is heated by an indoor wood-burning stove, but don’t worry – you won’t need to chop down trees to heat your cabin; they provide the firewood.

The cabin sleeps 3-4. A queen and single bed are available. Bathroom has shower, toilet, and sink.

Kitchen facilities include a 4-ring gas stove with oven, coffee grinder, hand press coffee maker, and small refrigerator/freezer. Dishes, flatware, utensils, and cookware are supplied.

The cabin has a large wooden deck with fire pit, barbecue grill, and outdoor dining set with seating.

$250 per night

The Old Yosemite:

You’ll feel like you’re sleeping in a treehouse when you stay in this romantic one-room cabin located on the historic Old Yosemite Road.

The park-like setting offers beautiful views of the native flora and fauna, especially when taken in from the attached deck.

This cabin sleeps two in a queen sized bed. Blankets and linens are provided. Modern bathroom has shower, toilet and sink.

Cabin is equipped with air conditioning, a small heater, and a wood burning stove for the chillier months. Kitchen amenities include a 2-burner cooktop , toaster oven, electric tea kettle, and hand press coffee maker. Dishes, flatware, cooking utensils and pots are also supplied. Large attached deck has a barbecue and outdoor seating.

The cabin may seem remote, but is located just minutes from the town of Oakhurst and the south entrance to Yosemite National Park.

$190 per night

Vintage Trailers for Extra Guests
If you require extra sleeping space, they have vintage trailers with space for two additional guests per trailer available for placement at the location of your choice. The Silver Streak Trailer sleeps 2 and is $125 per night. A smaller travel trailer (ideal for children 10 years and up) is $75 per night.

This remote location in winter is not for everybody. It can get a bit rough, you need to bring correct clothing and be ready to be ‘out there’ for the time being. Don’t forget your supplies, it’s a long way to the next liquor store.

If you are thinking about bringing children or pets, please consider the conditions in the Sierra Nevada mountains in winter.

For more details and booking, visit their site at the link below.

Far Meadow Cabins

all images and info courtesy of Far Meadows and Boutique Homes Vacation Rentals