bltd

What’s the best gift, a plane ticket to the Caribbean or a hand-stitched Star Chart showing the overhead sky for any date, time, and location? As if you even need to think twice about that answer. Possible jet lag. Sunburn. Getting your wallet stolen, plus the crappy hotel that looked nice on their website. Yeah, that all sounds like a barrel of laughs, doesn’t it? I’m being sarcastic, of course. The Star Chart will last decades, and shows the recipient that you remembered their birthday, anniversary, their first child, etc. You’ll win big points, trust me.
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This flashlight utilizes micro-spherical solar cells to harness the sun’s power. Micro-what? Mirco-spherical solar cells. They’re tiny orbs that capture sunlight from all directions, which means a lot of light is absorbed. The Sphelar® Solar Flashlight will provide you with up to four hours of LED light, all powered by the sun. A wooden base is included for stability while charging. Now on sale from $150 to $99.95.
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You’re familiar with the golden ratio, yes? Parsons & Charlesworth has made this “pocket sized gazing device” to help you find “the proportional perfection in your surroundings.” You’ll be a mathematical sleuth, whipping out your finder to ascertain which things around you follow the ratio, and maybe you’ll find that proportionally pleasing things have the ratio demonstrated in one way or the other.
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Not a lot of art has been popping up on the must-feature list, but there’s just something about a Star Chart that always grabs the eye. By the way, if there’s anything particular you’d like to see more of here on BLTD, please let us know- email us or send us a tweet.
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Oh, what to do with a ho-hum vase, plant, or weird thingamajig? Put it on a pedestal! That phrase might sound like a pop song’s title (and maybe it is) but placing an item on one of these wood pedestals elevates it into special viewing territory, which makes it slightly less tchotchke-esque and a little more ‘oo-what’s that?’ They’re sold as a set of two, so starting thinking which two of your favorite things deserve a little more visual attention.
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Brilliant! You can customize the color and shape of these pendants. And if you don’t think you’d be interested, just give it a go and see if you don’t find a perfect color pairing that would fit somewhere in your home. There’s 8 different shapes, each with their own color besides the basic black and white. It gets pricier as you add to the grouping, but you can always just choose one pendant (or two) and stop there (good luck).
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Boxes, caddies, compartments, all these things help us organize the accoutrements necessary for our daily lives. The Toto Storage Boxes are pretty simple- they’re composed of birch wood and metal handles/shelves. Choose the right size to fit your needs. Perhaps the larger is fit for the office or studio? Maybe the smaller sizes are appropriate to organize bathroom accessories, makeup or jewelry?
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Say hello to the Butler, a curved brass lamp with a hand turned oak tray. Clamp it on to a tabletop or shelf for an ideal spot to keep necessities- perhaps your keys, wallet or phone? It always helps to have just one area for important things; set it down in the same place every time and it’ll be there when you go to get it (if you don’t live with anyone else).
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You would use one of these hourglasses for a) timing your meditation, b) making sure you do the right amount of pushups/sit-ups, c) making sure you don’t spend too much time on social media, or d) tackling email. None of those sound very fun, do they? Let’s add e) taking a break from work for a (timed) spontaneous dance party.
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Is MUJI a savior? When it comes to organizing, yes. Deliver yourself from chaos by adding one or two of these caddies underneath your kitchen or bathroom sink. Add another one for your office area, because you know there’s always a few little things that need a home. The compartment dividers are removable, so adjust as necessary to fit your tools, toiletries, or drawing supplies.
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This lamp is crazy pretty. Turn it on, and you see a spectrum of neon hues refracted by several prisms. Turn it off, and you have a sculptural piece that quietly shimmers as light moves around it. Made from optical grade dichroic glass and a 3W LED bulb (bonus: energy savings).
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Yes, you have seen this set of dinnerware by Takuhiro Shinomoto and Hasami before. Considering the beauty and function, it’s only right for another place in the spotlight, and this time the link is directly to the designer’s shop (as is only fitting).
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Can you believe these are silicone glasses? Unbreakable and easy to clean, they’re perfect for outdoor use around the pool or patio. There’s the Highball size (mixed drinks and cocktails), the Rocks (shaped for whiskey or other on-the-rocks liquor), and the Wine Tumbler. Choose the size(s) most suitable for you and rest easy knowing that no matter how tipsy you or your guests get, your best glassware won’t be shattered.
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If you’re even the tiniest bit handy with tools, you should get yourself a tool belt. Why? You know when you’re standing on a ladder, messing with a ceiling light, and you need a different screw head for your drill? Or when you’re hanging new drapes, and you realize you didn’t measure correctly? It sure would be better to reach down and find the appropriate tool right on your tool belt instead of climbing down off the ladder, wouldn’t it?
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Finally, there’s a security camera that’s wireless! And it only records when sound or movement is detected! Yes and yes! The Butterfleye is currently an Indiegogo project, and it looks like one worth backing. Don’t you want to know when your kid/pet wakes up and starts crying/barking or tearing up the crib/room? Don’t you want to know if some reprobate breaks into your house and tries to steal your stuff? The Butterfleye will record as soon as something sounds or moves, and it’ll save energy when nothing does.
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