Habidecor Bath Rugs: Bath Mats Never Looked This Good

Bathmats are usually so ugly, I avoid them altogether. But the luxurious, plush and uniquely designed rugs by the Portugal based Habidecor changed all that for me. But they don't come cheap, with the prices running from $75.00 to upwards of $400.00

My personal favorites are their bath rugs whose themes are borrowed from nature:
















In addition to the nature inspired rugs, they have several other colorful plush designs, some of which are shown below:





If you don't like your bathmas or bath rugs to stand out, they also have many luxurious bath rugs in traditional rectangles and various colors.



Habidecor bath rugs and Abyss towels have remained at the top of the industry by mastering the balance between exceptional quality, design, technology, customer service and distribution. This delicate balance has allowed the company to bring its product to an ever-expanding customer base. Take a step toward luxury by stepping into our world.

With twenty-five years of history worldwide and ten in the United States, Habidecor bathroom rugs and Abyss towels have become synonymous with quality, style, comfort and practicality. What began as a partnership between boyhood friends in Northern Portugal has grown to a global network of retailers offering the finest bath and accent rugs in the world.

Many of the styles are available for purchase here
And here.

The Latest Things To Be Blinged: Ricoh Diamond Camera & New LG USB Diamond Drive

Dalumi Goes Tech with Diamond Camera, USB Drive
(source: idex)

DTC Sightholder Dalumi Group has launched a luxury lifestyle accessory collection, featuring a diamond-encrusted flash drive and a digital camera accented with diamonds. The launch is a result of a partnership with Korean technology giant LG Electronics and Japan’s Ricoh, a digital photo and office solution leader.

Dalumi Marketing and Business Development Head Yuval Kemp explained that the partnership was directly related to the company’s fashion world debut of the diamond-studded top designed with Gianfranco Ferré last year (shown below).



“The success of the exclusive diamond-studded clothing item that we designed together with Gianfranco Ferré prompted us to partner and manufacture other unique items such as these elegant electronic goods”, said Kemp.


Above: The "Luxury Diamond Camera" from Dalumi and Ricoh features more than 200 diamonds mounted on white gold




The LG Disk on Key is made up of diamonds from Dalumi mounted in white gold and is valued at $10,000, while the Ricoh Capilo R5 digital camera includes over 200 diamonds, also embedded in white gold, and is priced at $25,000.

The camera and flash drive will be displayed at high-profile, luxury goods exhibitions around the world and will be auctioned at the end of the year, with the entirety of the proceeds going to the SOS Children’s Village in Botswana, a charity for orphans Dalumi has supported in the past.

Dalumi Diamonds

More Ammo For My Gun-Shaped Items List

Above are ten more gun shaped items available on the market. Click on each to be taken to more info and place of purchase. From gun shaped egg fryers to a gun guitars, if it's shaped like a gun, I'll find it.

See more of my Shop or I'll shoot! Gun-shaped Stuff list at ThisNext.

Can't Afford An Actual Porsche for Dad? How About One Of These New Items By Porsche Design?

New Watches by Porsche Design:

P´6750 Worldtimer
The mechanical worldtimer displays the time in two different time zones simultaneously. The three hands in the center of the watch show the time zone in which the wearer is currently situated. Two dial openings indicate a reference location of the 24 world time zones and its local time. This second time is displayed synchronously to the watch’s primary time. The reference locations are displayed in the dial opening with a three-letter code. It is particularly simple and convenient to change between the two time zones: By pressing a button, the time at the destination is transmitted immediately to the hour hand - without losing a second.

Rose gold case with two crowns and integrated button. Natural caoutchouc strap with folding clasp in rose gold:


Titanium:


Matte black:


Case:
The Worldtimer is available in three models: with a matt-finished or black PVD-coated titanium case or with a matt-finished 18-carat rose gold case [4N]. Titanium is extremely durable and surprisingly light. Because titanium is skin-friendly and non-allergenic, it is very comfortable to wear. Convex, anti-reflective and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal; six-screw titanium or rose gold case back affixed with 6 screws with engraving.
Strap: Black, natural caoutchouc strap with folding clasp in titanium or rose gold
Diameter: 45 mm, Height: 16.8 mm, Waterproof up to 100 m

The P´6910 INDICATOR.

The first chronograph to mechanically enable a digital display of the stopping time in hours and minutes. The INDICATOR is heralding a revolution in timing – it is the only automatic chronograph in the world which is equipped with a mechanical-digital stopwatch display. Total stopwatch time: 9 hours, 59 minutes. The dial and hands are perfectly readable: They are also visible in the dark due to the clear layout and the different luminous coatings on the hands and markings. The case is made of rose gold and PVD-coated titanium. The sapphire glass is scratch-resistant, anti-reflective and embossed. Power reserve display.
Diameter: 49 mm, height: 19.9 mm, Water resistance: up to 50 m

Rose Gold:


Satin finish titanium:


Black PVD:



Porsche Design Goes White
A new collection, a new perspective: Porsche Design White. These striking and attractive products are characterized by a clear, streamlined form. Exclusive accessories in pure white. A color that effectively highlights the functional design. Products made of the finest materials:

The P´9521 mobile phone in aluminum:

the P´3410 cuff links are accented with brilliant white gems:

or the P´8458 sunglasses are made of titanium with unbreakable polycarbonate lenses:

Discover these and other extraordinary products available May 2008 at all Porsche Design Stores.

New Porsche Optical:
Once again, Porsche Design and Rodenstock have collaborated to create an extraordinary collection of innovative designer glasses. Every pair is constructed of the finest quality materials and inspired by modern technology.

The P´8802 Reading Tool in titanium, awarded with a Red Dot Design Award 2008:

The phototropic lenses offer reading comfort and protection from the sun. In addition selected sunglasses with POLARIZED lenses are available. These lenses feature a special filter which reduces annoying glare to a minimum. Take a look at the new Rodenstock collection from Porsche Design.

Also, coming this fall, the very first Men's Fragrance by Porsche: Essence

from the press release:

Porsche Design launches its first men's fragrance range consisting of eight products. The range will go on sale from fall 2008 in Porsche Design Stores and via Clarins Group distribution channels. The new men's fragrance range allows Porsche Design to expand its range of classic gentlemen’s accessories which already includes items such as watches, sunglasses, luggage, sports and fashion collections, as well as electronic goods. The core product is an eau de toilette which will be available in three different versions. An aftershave lotion, aftershave balm, a hair and body shampoo and two deodorants in stick and spray form complete the range.



The new fragrance, with its striking cold metallic accords and warm woody tones, is characterized by three strong contrasting elements. The first contact is identified by an intensive top note of penetrating freshness and coolness, borne by a molecule called “arctical” which was developed specially for the new men’s fragrance. The sharpness which they engender is then subdued by the sensation of aromatic myrtle and juniper notes which follow on behind it. Spicy black pepper with a hint of Russian coriander leaves and Siberian pine provide a further contrast to the cold metallic accords. Warm, woody patchouli and balsam fir notes provide the third companion to the icy prelude. These are underlined by a delicate nuance of frankincense.



The fragrance bottle designed by Porsche Design Studio is a glacier-blue, frosted glass prism with captivating purist architecture. The glass prism is contained within a protecting brushed, black, anodized aluminum frame. The light character of the fragrance is emphasized by the color blue, a symbol of freshness and naturalness. The black aluminum used for the frame provides an exciting contrast. Porsche Design thus remains true to its distinctive design vocabulary and once again puts its faith in the use of challenging materials.

Look for Essence products to be available at Porsche Design Stores this fall.

New General Eco Store Green & Greener Opens Today!

Green and Greener is Los Angeles' first eco-living general store and design center offering a range of green products and services to help homeowners, business and contractors live, work and build greener. While many companies and stores claim to be 'green', these guys really go all out. They practice what they preach. And with a sense of humor to boot. Read on...

This is their 'mission' as stated on their site:

Helping people lead healthier lives for themselves and the planet by constantly striving to provide our customers with the most functional, well-designed, environmentally friendly, ethically sourced and locally produced products and design possible…dude.

They carry a broad array of green living products including:
* Clothing and Accessories
* Bath/Body
* Paints and Clay Plaster
* Cleaning and Laundry Products
* Books
* Towels and Linens
* Furniture
* Flooring and Wall Coverings
* Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
* Pet Products
* Gardening Supplies
* Fabrics
* And much more…

And services including:
* Interior and Landscape Design
* Green Living and Business Consulting
* Public Speaking
* In-house classes and special events

Whether it's for a woman, man, baby or pet. For the home, the bath or travel, they offer lots of bamboo and hemp items. Vegan, soy, sustainable, biodegradable, organic, renewable and basically, all around good for people and the planet.

Here's a small sampling of some items:






At Green & Greener

* They only use paper made with recycled post-consumer waste (PCW) or made without trees (made with hemp or kenaf, etc.) and they use vegetable-based inks whenever possible.
* They deliver our products by foot or bicycle locally.
* All of their electricity is generated by wind power.
* They offset carbon dioxide generated by shipping by buying carbon credits.
* They buy as locally as possible to avoid shipping long distances and to support our local economy.
* They donate at least 1% of our sales to charities.
* They constantly strive to lessen our impact on the earth.


green and greener
4838 laurel canyon boulevard
between huston and riverside
valley village
886.377.5602

Grand Opening, Tuesday June 10, 2008. Come view our special eco-living inspired art show. Free gifts with every purchase on the 10th.
shop there now.

Deeply Madly Living: Eclectic Uber Chic

One of my favorite things about surfing the web is that one finds things they almost never otherwise would. One of those is Garry Jensen and Elena Bertinetto's unique online store and company, named Deeply Madly Living.


above: owners Garry Jensen and Elena Bertinetto

Their "philosophy" on their site reads as follows:

Deeply Madly Living is Danish born Garry Jensen, a former international investment banker and design enthusiast and Elena Bertinetto, an italian interior decorator and trompe-l'oeil artist.

The company was founded after we moved back to the United States and attempted to furnish our Manhattan loft, a former button factory in the heart of New York City, with the décor from our previous homes in Europe. The aim was to give our interior an exclusive, eclectic, metropolitan twist and to create a new sense of style that would harmonize with our new "urban industrial" setting and still be a reflection of our own individual personalities.

It was a question of reinventing and rebalancing the furniture we already had (a combination of fine antiques, understated contemporary furniture and quirky modern artwork) by adding striking accent pieces, bold colors and uncommon objects that would be fresh and exciting to the eye and mind. The standard lifeless, modern and monochromatic picture perfect loft décor was never an option.

We soon discovered that looking for these accent pieces was an incredibly frustrating and time consuming experience. Even in a city like New York, filled with designer shops and galleries, there a was a need for a store offering a comprehensive line of unique, "cool" pieces for the home.

So, what's so 'cool'? I think these are.

The Celebrity Lamp, made with 40 pairs of aviator "shades":



Buy it here.

Pistol Paperweights , ceramic glazed with real platinum or 24k gold:


Buy it here

Funky Deer, cast polyresin in lime green or silver:


Buy it here.

Erotika Chair (please note that the following images may be offensive to some):



Buy it here.

Swarovski Skull Bath Towels:


Buy it here.

Lace Knife Set, the steel blades of the knives extend into an intricate pattern encased in a lucite handle:


Buy it here.

The Roy Maccassar Table (chairs not included but available):


Buy it here.

The Barbarossa Chair, stainless steel cubistic frame with aged soft leather cushions:

Buy it here

They have many more unusual items, check out the store here.

Now, all they have to do is redesign their logo!

BREAKING NEWS: iphone 2.0 release date delayed until July.

Hot off the presses:

WWDC: iPhone 2.0 release slated for early July

by Brian Chen, Macworld.com
Jun 9, 2008 11:14 am

From Macworld
Apple will delay the release of the iPhone 2.0 software until early July. But when the firmware does ship, it will offer plenty of new features for iPhone and iPod touch users.

Apple announced the new release date for the iPhone 2.0 update as part of a demonstration of the software during Steve Jobs’ Worldwide Developers Conference keynote presentation on Monday. Originally, Apple had expected to release iPhone 2.0 in late June.

When it does ship, the software will introduce a host of new features. The iPhone will add a contact search that allows users to enter a name and instantly find who they’re looking for. Full iWork document support lets users view Pages, Numbers, and Keynote documents. Apple also will offer full support for Microsoft Office documents, including PowerPoint presentations.

iPhone 2.0 adds much sought-after bulk delete and move capabilities to its Mail application. Mail users will be able to save images from e-mails into their Photo Library.

Apple will also add parental control features, allowing parents to turn off explicit content, YouTube, iTunes Store, and the forthcoming App Store.

As announced when Apple first unveiled its iPhone 2.0 plans in March, the software update is free for iPhone users. iPod touch users can update to the firmware for $9.99.

In addition to outlining iPhone 2.0 features, Apple executives also profiled the iPhone software development kit that allows developers to build native apps for the phone. In a 33-minute demonstration during Monday’s keynote, a steady stream of developers showed off the games and apps that will be available via the App Store later this summer. Companies demonstrating their wares included Sega, Loopt, Pangea Software, TypePad, Cow Music, and Modality.

“We think we have a fantastic platform here for people to build incredible applications,” said Scott Forstall, Apple senior vice president of iPhone software.

Jobs also spoke about the enterprise features in the iPhone 2.0 update, highlighting many of the capabilities first showcased at his March demo. New enterprise features will include push e-mail, push contacts, push calendars auto-discovery of Microsoft Exchange servers.

As this article went to press, the keynote was continuing. We’ll have more information on iPhone 2.0 as it becomes available.
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and from Engadget:
It's been a long, leak-filled wait, but Apple finally took the wraps off its 3G iPhone. Thinner edges, full plastic back, flush headphone jack, and the iPhone 2.0 firmware -- Apple's taking a lot of the criticisms to heart from the first time around. Obviously 3G is at the forefront, but they're also making sure it's available all over internationally, works with enterprises, runs 3rd party apps... and does it all for cheaper. Apple claims its 3G speeds trounce the competition, with pageloads 36% faster than the N95 and Treo 750 -- and of course it completely trounces the old EDGE data. Battery life isn't getting put out to pasture though, with 300 hours of standby, 8-10 hours of 2G talk, 5 hours of 3G talk, 7 hours of video and 24 hours of audio. GPS is also a go. Apple is using A-GPS, which supplements regular satellite GPS data with info from cellular towers. WiFi data is also worked into the mix, which should give users a pretty solid lock on where the heck they are on this planet. Unfortunately, there's no front-facing cam, which syncs with what we were hearing, but is still a little disappointing. Apple hopes to launch in 70 countries this year. 8GB is available for $199, 16GB for $299 -- and the 16GB comes in white. Both pricepoints require a contract. Apple will be hitting the 22 biggest markets, including the US, on July 11th.

Other tidbits:

* It's a teensy bit thicker.
* A SIM ejector comes in the box, at last.
* There's no dock included, just a USB power adapter.
* On AT&T unlimited iPhone 3G data plans for consumers will be available for $30 a month, on top of voice plans starting at $39.99 a month. Unlimited 3G data for business users will be $45 a month, on top of voice.