SXSW

This past week I was in Austin, Texas during the music portion of South by Southwest.  Although I find it a bit small, and slightly difficult to take Austin seriously as a major city (I guess I’d be what you’d consider a jaded New Yorker), the overall location and festival was delightful.  I, along with a few of my friends, spent our days in the sun listening to live music, and our nights surrounded by thousands of other music lovers, partying, drinking, singing, and having a good time.  Though there were some performances I could have done without, there were a couple notable bands whose music I have not stopped listening to.

The first is a band called the Click Clack Boom.  I saw them live at Lipstick 24, and instantly fell in love.  Their music is mellow, yet upbeat, and they sound just as good live as they do recorded.  Currently residing and playing in NYC, you can be sure I will attend one of their shows again very soon.  Below is one of my personal favorites of theirs, but do yourself a favor and check out more of their stuff.

the Click Clack Boom | “Open Hands”

The second band worth mentioning is a band called Lost in the Trees.  I saw them at the Muzzle of Bees even, hosted by a friend of mine.  The band features a 3-part string section, which was an immediate draw for me.  Here’s my favorite song of theirs.

Lost in the Trees | “Time Taunts Me”

All in all, Austin is a lovely city, and SXSW was an amazing event to have attended.  Hopefully I will be back next year, not only as a spectator, but with any luck, as a performer.

If I Had to Pick…

Despite my love for the instrument, and my ever deepening desire to be able to play, I sadly live a guitar-less existence.  And for as many beautifully crafted, shaped, stained, and painted guitars I’ve come across, the guitar pick has remained relatively simple and unchanged.  StoneWorks has put an end to that that by offering the most beautiful guitar and bass picks I have ever seen.  Each pick is one-of-a-kind, and carved 100% out of natural stone.  Enjoy!

Stone | Kingman Turquoise

 

Stone | Dinosaur Bone

 

Stone | Montana Moss Agate

 

Stone | Dendritic Agate

 

 

Stone | Ocean Jasper

 

Stone | Graveyard Plume Agate

 

Stone | Landscape Jasper

 

 

Why Didn’t We Think of This Before?!

I’ve heard that the philosophy behind Apple’s packaging, is that when the consumer looks at the product and the box it comes in, they think, “Yes.  This is meant to be in that”.  Very often, we take for granted the thought process that’s put behind what seems to be the perfect packaging, or even the most obvious of products.  Well duh! umbrellas should have an open & close button.  And of course the ketchup bottle should be facing upside down… it’s how we poor it anyway.  It’s so blatant, but it took years before someone thought to make those changes to these products.  Inherently smart inventions are often so taken for granted, that we easily forget the times before they were made.  With that in mind, I am happy to introduce the latest product invention that falls into this category.

The Cane Stay is a wonderful widget that keeps your cane upright, in place, and where you need it.  Immaculately designed, this rubber-like gadget easily attaches to the shaft of the cane, thus allowing its user to rest the cane against a wall or corner, hang off the back of a chair, table top, counter, or be wedged underneath.  The invention of this product has made leaps and bounds in the medical field, finally aiding those who are unable to walk a distance to reach their canes, or bend down to pick up a cane that has fallen.

The best part?  The Cane Stay works on household tools as well!  Say goodbye to brooms, rakes and shovels falling over, because the Cane Stay holds them up too.  And if you can think of another use for the Cane Stay, send an email to the company, and if approved, it will be added to their website!

Finger Food

I love a good cocktail ring, so when I came across this next item, needless to say I was floored.  True, they might not necessarily be very “wearable” on a day to day basis, but their craftsmanship and intricacy is undeniable.  I am so in love with these rings, and so in love with their price tag!  Fun, and affordable, these “kawaii” (literally translating to adorable) rings by Japanese designer SouZou Creations have found a place in my heart.

……And we were always taught not to play with our food.

Yes, I’m aware they could have chosen a better hand model