the cutting edge

This Ekobo knife block is a free-trade product made in Vietnam.  There are no slots on this knife block; instead, there are bamboo skewers that hold any size knife.  This was one of the first things I purchased for the kitchen.  They are a little pricey, but I promise you, it's worth it.  They are little works of art! Available at Lekker home

the real McCoy

In April 1910, the Nelson McCoy Sanitary Stoneware Company was formed by Nelson McCoy and his father J.W. McCoy, in Roseville, Ohio.  They began manufacturing and selling functional and decorative stoneware.  Today, McCoy pottery is highly collectible and very sought after.  I have a small collection of some of their planters from the 1960s.  Many antique stores and consignment shops have McCoy pottery, but be aware, because there are many fakes out there..  Hence the term, "the real McCoy".

multicolor man

Takashi Murakami is a contemporary Japanese artist who works with painting and digital media.  He takes popular themes from mass media and pop culture, and turns them into 30-foot sculptures, paintings, or commercial goods.  He is also the mastermind behind this famous multicolored Louis Vuitton print:

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moo

Moo.com is a super cool, ultra-modern print company.  They do business cards, greeting cards, postcards, and--my personal favorite--mini cards.  Everything is completely customizable and each order is sent in a very nice recyclable box.  With Moo, you can promote your business, website, blog, or even yourself!