bltd

It really makes my day when something currently only available on an undecipherable Japanese site suddenly shows up on a US or UK site. It’s a wonderful little thing that makes the world seem entirely less complicated. So, shall I present to you the Music Balloon? Some of you might have seen this on the other blogs a while back, but now (if you don’t read Japanese) you can buy it from a UK shop.

It’s not really a balloon, it’s a plug in speaker for your iPod / MP3 player.
Simply plug in and play.
This sponge foam speaker reminds us of 80’s TV presenter microphones and will happily sit on a desk or hanging out of a pocket while you play your tunes or check the latest podcasts.
Now you can cycle without headphones, irritate people on the bus and tube and share new music with friends without untangling headphone wires.

£38.00, Buy it here.

Sometimes the simplest things can make everyday rituals more enjoyable. Take for instance this black matte aluminum box to house your man/woman jewelry. Felt pads protect and separate your valuables without any fussy decorative elements, making it a breeze to select your favorites when doing your daily dressing.

This system – a preconfigured box with modular pads – combines the modern durability of aluminum with the age-old warmth of 100% fine wool felt, all with a burst of bold color.

Small (not pictured), H 3″ W 9″ D 1.25″, $90.00
Large, H 6″ W 9″ D 1.25″, $135.00
Buy it here.

Here’s a little update to my previous post about the custom bike.

If you have Georg Jensen taste on a Republic Bike budget, you can add cork grips and a Brooks leather saddle to any bike for about a $100.

(george jensen link via notcot)

If you’ve been eying a fixed gear bike, you can customize the components in a variety of available colors with this interactive flash interface.

Available colors:
White,
Matte Black,
Wasabe,
Pink,
Skyan,
Copper

[posted by kris]

I’ve actually owned one of these for about two-ish years now (can’t believe I neglected to post it), and have been pretty pleased with the function & use. The bright vinyl is cheerful and it’s been nice having something so durable to carry around business and credit cards. So, there you go.

The “furoshiki shiki” (furoshiki style) is made out of one sheet of semitransparent vinyl “film.” This sheet is turned into a card holder by folding it and making use of the adhesive qualities of the material. It is a practical material, easy to clean, and when washed with soap the material regains its adhesive qualities.

Available in Pink, Green, and Yellow.
Designer:
Samira Boon, 2004

$16.00, Buy it here.
or £9.50,
Buy it here.

There are two, I repeat two, MUJI stores within walking distance of where I’m staying right now, so apologies all around for any possible MUJI product overloads.

Size: 27w x 16″h; Folded: 9l x 4″w

$54.00, Buy it here.

These super-durable Tyvek bags will handle all your shopping purchases time after time. I like how they are reusable bags masquerading as regular paper bags, sort of nice compared to all the in-your-face alternatives. They’re discontinued, which is why they are on sale, so better to snap them up while you can.

…these brilliant bags created by Marian Schoettle that have the design and look of an ordinary shopping bag but are made of ultra-durable Tyvek, a synthetic material made of high-density polyethylene fiber. Tyvek can not be easily ripped and is waterproof (the Post Office uses envelopes made of it) so these bags have the lightness of a paper bag with the strength of steel.

medium: 12″ L x 6″ W x 14″ H, $65.00 $39.95
large: 14″ L x 8″ W x 16″ H, $80.00 $49.95

Buy it here.

I’m extremely curious about the printed picture quality on this mobile printer. Weighing in at 8 ounces, with dimensions around 5″x3″x1″, it looks like a great gadget to have on hand if you’re a picture-taker type of person.

* Portable photo printer delivers full-bleed borderless images that are dry to the touch
* Features automatic image quality optimization with water-resistant, tear-proof, smudge-proof and peel-off prints
* Prints 2 x 3-inch borderless color images in under a minute
* Wireless-capable Bluetooth hard drive interface; USB 2.0 hard drive interface
* For use with digital cameras and select cell phones

4.7 x 2.8 x 0.9 inches ; 8 ounces

$94.95-$198.99, Buy it here.

[via mightygoods]

[posted by katie]

I know someone who recently bought this and can’t stop extolling its virtues as a travel power strip. Compared to a regular sized power strip, it’s ridiculously tiny and the way the cord wraps around and plugs in simplifies cord management.

• Four AC outlets to maximize the number of accessories that can be charged
• Ultra compact design to fit into luggage and briefcases
• Exclusive cord management to eliminate dangling power cords

11 x 3 x 7 inches

$12.96, Buy it here.

Here’s a great option for those of you interested in commuting to work by bicycle. Check out the site for more details and information.

The clean and striking IF Mode is aimed at commuters of the mobile generation who, until now, may have not considered cycling or folding bikes to be an option. IF Mode avoids oily chains, complex tubes with hidden dirt traps, and the clutter of traditional bike features. Meant for city commuters rather than bicycle warriors, it looks at home folded up on a subway or in an office, like other well designed accessories in your life. It also performs on the street like any lightweight, well-balanced full size bike.

Designer Team: Ryan Carroll, Michael Lin & Mark Sanders
Folded Dimensions: 40 inches (h) x 10.5 inches (w) x 26 inches (l)
Bike Weight: 32 lbs (14.7 kg)

$2,250.00, Buy it here.

Hurray for more cord management options! These three Dotz products will help tame and identify all those pesky cords around you. Check out their site for more pictures and info.

“Inspired by frustration, founded on fun, and driven by passion”Dotz is a new line of cord management products that provides an innovative and simple solution that everyone can “connect with”. Dotz is that rare design artifact that is, easy to use, reusable and applicable to everyone who uses consumer and office electronics. Have you ever had trouble identifying what cord goes to what device? Have you ever unplugged something you shouldn’t have? If the answer is yes, you need Dotz…

Dotz Identifier (10 Reusable colored dotz), $9.99
Dotz Cord Straps (8 Reusable colored cordstraps), $9.99
Dotz Cord Wraps (1 Cordwrap), $9.99

Buy it here.

Feeling adventurous? This handy duffel has several compartments to easily sort your accoutrements. (Could be a great gift for Father’s Day too.)

Channel your inner Indiana Jones with this surprisingly modern duffel outfitted with a hard-case, enclosed bottom section for shoes, suits, wet packs…or whips. The top is your classic open-up duffel area where clothes can be easily folded or rolled and ready for whatever the gods bring you! . 100% handcrafted Scottish leather.

Size: 18.5″ x 12″ x 12″

$345.50, from Gent Supply Co.

Maybe update your dad’s personal audio equipment for Father’s Day?

The Master Blaster Earphones (Brown): $200.00, Buy it here.
The Wire Coach Class Earphones (Gunmetal): $40.00, Buy it here.

This looks a bajillion times better than one of those plastic keychain openers.

…why carry a bulky bottle opener on your keychain…when you can just slip one in your wallet. The Wally is the exact size of a credit card and weighs a mere 1 1/2 ounces! Great for picnics, tailgating parties, or just for a quick one on-the-go. Brushed stainless steel. Comes packaged in a cardboard box.

Opener measures 3 ¼”L x 2 1/8”W

$13.95, Buy it here.