why didn't i think of that?

Paul Loebach's Mirror Mirror design is an elegant and efficient use of wood. With only one cut, Loebach produces two mirror frames from a single piece of material.

Simple and smart. Two of my favourite things.

promoting responsible plant ownership

Botanicalls is a brilliant project based in New York City. "When a plant on the Botanicalls network needs water, it can call a person and ask for exactly what it needs. When people phone the plants, the plants orient callers to their habits and characteristics."

















I totally plan to sign up when they've incorporated (which they plan to do) email communication and light sensors!

furniture that grows with us

Now that we are adding to the family and because we choose to live in a small space, the two of us are desperately seeking clever options for the products we buy. Furniture MUST be flexible if it is to avoid the landfill.













We've fallen for the Ikea Expedit bookshelf because it has the ability to stand both vertically or horizontally.




















We've also become enamoured with the Stokke Tripp Trapp chair because it can be used from infancy through "teenhood".

There is a related article in the Georgia Straight that I found interesting.

i am vanilla

did you KNOW that you could make your own vanilla extract!?!?

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 4 months

What You Need:

• vanilla bean
• vodka
• beans
• glass jar or bottle
• knife

Here's How:

1. Split vanilla bean lengthwise with a sharp knife.
2. Place in jar with 3/4 cup vodka.
3. Be sure bean is completely covered with vodka.
4. Seal tightly.
5. Let stand in a cool, dark place for 4 to 6 months.
6. Shake jar occasionally during the standing time.

Tips:

1. Extract will strengthen upon standing.
2. Store, tightly-sealed, indefinitely in a cool, dark place.
3. Place a few drops of vanilla extract on a cotton ball. Place in custard cup in back of refrigerator to diffuse odors.

(thank you about.com)