Robots-Only Clubhouse!

"Enter" Recycled Rubber Doormat, by Kikkerland $30

Invite your guests to enter your home in the way they are most familiar with the word these days! This keyboard inspired doormat is a clever accent to the home of the technophile in your life. I imagine "en-ter" said in the most synthetic robot voice possible. Geekily wonderful!

Going Green Never Looked So Trendy

Double Walled Ceramic Coffee Cup, by Kikkerland $10

Instead of throwing out that Starbucks cup every day, use this ceramic version by Kikkerland. The silicone lid looks just like the plastic version, too! You could even swipe a stash of sleeves and everyone will think you are SO trendy. Only you will know you're being green. That is, unless you want to show off your cool new coffee cup, which I think is even trendier.

Burning Bright

Oyule Lightbulbs by Sergio Silva, via Unplggd $650 a set 

 

I have a set of oil candle globes with fiberglass wicks, but these lightbulbs are soo much cooler. Repurposing an electrical light-object as a flame light-object is a seriously awesome nod to the olden days. Go here to find out how to make a set yourself and save yourself $650.

Patience is a Virtue

Eko Stoplight by Damjan Stankovic, via Yanko Design 

Don't you hate it when you get to a rarely used traffic light, and it takes forever to change? Questions such as "Is this thing broken?", and "Does it even know I'm here?" are gone when sitting in front of one of these progress stoplights. Countdown clocks already exist in China, but this is true technological beauty. Plus, teenage boys everywhere will be able to practice their drag racing skills to perfection.

Nerd Decor: Tetris

Tetrad Mega Shelving by Brave Space Designs, at Bobby Berk Home $7,000 for 10 piece set

These shelves can provide endless hours of entertainment, rearranging, and configuring. At that price tag, however, I think a DIY set would be a great project for your helpful handyman.

Standout Outlet

TruePower UCS Power Outlets by FastMac, $9.95, via Unplggd

Charge your computer, use your printer, and charge two iPods at the same time. These outlets by FastMac will have you charged up and ready to go in no time, and are particularly handy when you're running short on free USB ports on your computer and you just have to hear that Backstreet Boys song that's been stuck in your head all day. You know the one.

Straight from the Garden

Soil Cutlery Set, designed by Vladimir Rachev

This cutlery set reminds us to think of where our food comes from. Not too hard to forget in the Midwest when you are surrounded by cornfields and beans, but those of you in the big cities, this is for you.

Mom Said Not to Use Your Teeth

Bobble Opener, by Kikkerland $6 Assorted Colors

This kooky bottle opener is sure to be a hit at your next party. Classy? Maybe not. Tons of fun? Yes. And it won't fall down, no matter how many drinks it's had, though it may be a little wobbly all night...

The Envelope Please...

Modern Stainless Steel Envelope Mailbox, by Lushpad  $149

What better to put mail in than an envelope? This modern, sleek mailbox is chic and whimsical at the same time. Made of marine grade steel, it will keep the front of your home looking good for a long, long time.

Travel Tech

TUGO Cup Holder, $9.95

 

Suspending your drink between the handles of your rolling luggage, the TUGO rotates so that your cup is always level. Now when you say "I wish I had an extra hand to hold my mocha latte frappuccino", you do.

Chesnuts Roasting

A-Fireplace Screen, by DesignedRealEstate. $699

If yours is a modern aesthetic, this fireplace screen will replace that old wrought iron beast from Christmases Past. A traditional toasty fire and this modern cool screen would be perfectly paired in an old factory loft turned hip home.

Knock your Lights Out

Knock Off Bowling Pin Light, by Kikkerland. $32.

This neat lamp is lit when upright and turns off when knocked over. The interaction with the pin is learned almost automatically, when a person tries to upright the tipped lamp. Perfect for the bowler in your life, or for the sporty kids' room. 

Pick a Card, Any Card

Richartz Credit Card Dispenser, through AMEICO. $19

Gone are the days of breaking nails and a sweat trying to sort through your wallet to find the credit card you need. This device by Richartz holds 5 credit cards that are displayed in a staggered fashion when pushed forward. Sleek AND smart!

Lets Talk Vase to Vase

Kado Vases, by Michele de Lucchi, via Metropolitan Home, $320 to $390 a set

These vases by Michele de Lucchi solve the problem of trying to find the right vase for your flowers. The graduated necks allow the opening to become smaller, letting you to find the perfect way to arrange that lovely bouquet. The last piece closes the vase, making it a jar. Tre chic!

Feeling Fresh!

Bag Clips with adjustable Fresh date, by Kikkerland. $7 for set of 6.

These clips are so smart! I always need more clips to keep food fresh, and these help you remember when you opened the package! These are small enough, you could even set one and throw it in your makeup bag to remind you when to throw out your makeup!

A Cubic Function

Cube Placecard Holders, by Crate and Barrel. $7.95 for set of 4.

These cubic placecard holders will fit any decor or function. I'm envisioning a wintery white and silver tablescape. Heavy to avoid tipping, and shiny to catch your guests' eyes. Bon appetit!

Got Milk?

Milk Crown Tray by Masashi Hanayama, at AMEICO INC.

A play on the famous image of a splash of milk, these trays would find a welcome spot in my home. As a vigorous milk drinker, these just might turn into the most appropriate drink coasters ever. Also available in black, gold, and platinum.

We Whisk You a Merry Christmas

Silicone Squirrel Whisk Set by Kikkerland. $10 for set of 2. 

These adorable squirrel whisks would make baking even more fun than it already is! I think they would be perfect for making a pecan pie, yes? Also available in rabbit and bird designs, for carrot cake and blackberry pie!

A New Focus: Innovation and Creative Design

The Speak-er from thinkofthe.com. $120 a set, including a right and left Speak-er,  limited availability of 1,000 sets. 

I am still working on making the blog pretty and new, but I wanted to put up my first post for my new focus: Innovation and Creative Design. This can be anything from consumer products to fashion, from landscapes to computer systems. Hope you enjoy my finds!

Apologies!

Hi everyone! I just wanted to leave a post to apologize for being MIA the last few weeks. School work has really increased lately, and research time, AND I think I may have figured out what I want to do my thesis on (maybe!) and that will take even more research (has it been done before, funding, timeline, etc.)...

Autumn Pear Print by RobinMariaPedrero

I'm planning on taking a little bit of a break here for the next few weeks as well, until Thanksgiving break or so. I'll still try to put up the occasional post, but I know that without regular posting a lot of people stop visiting, so thank you if you still stop by every so often (I'm pretty sure I'm down to only my mom and my boyfriend, and people that keep google searching the color pink and end up at my "Jason's Room Redo" post). I also know that without me visiting your sites and leaving comments, there isn't much motivation to come by here.

I hope you all had a great Halloween (I know I did!) and I hope to see you around soon!

Also, when I come back, PPR might have a whole new look/feel. I'm feeling something different...

Carolyn

I'm Back! And Etsy Monday: Mr.PS

Fancy a Brew Tea Towel - Sky, $14

Hi Everyone! I'm back from Sunny San Antonio, where I had a blast! I'll be sure to share pics and stories later this week. In the meantime, I am super busy trying to catch up from the week of missed work... oh, the cost of fun trips!

Sugar Spoon Mug, $12.50

This week for Etsy Monday I have chosen to feature MrPS, a collection of adorable and quirky houseware items with a Tea theme running throughout. Here are a few of my favorites, especially as the weather cools and hot tea warms the body and heart. Enjoy, and be sure to check out the shop for more fun goodies!

Tea Heart Pop Print, $25

Have a great week everyone!!

Still Studying

Cafe Latte Print by LeaSeguin, $29 for 8x10

I'm still downing cups of coffee, studying and trying to prepare for my trip to San Antonio, but I wanted to stop in and wish everyone a happy Thursday! Hope you all have fabulous weekend plans! Carve a pumpkin for me!

Etsy Monday: Knock Knocking

Hi everyone! Hope you've all had a good weekend/past week! As you can see, I haven't posted since last Monday, since I am right smack in the middle of midterms. I have my last one this Friday, and then the day after I head out to San Antonio for a conference for a week. I'll try to do my best this week and next to post some fab things, but if nothing new appears, that's why.


This week for Etsy Monday I have chosen to feature Knock Knocking, a store with too-cute yarn wreaths (and more!) for all seasons. I'm loving the Halloween and Christmas ones right now, although this Green Meadow wreath has me craving spring too! Oh my, I want too many holidays right now!


Check out Knock Knocking's store to see the details on these favorites of mine, and check out her other adorable listings, you won't be disappointed!! Have a great week!


P.S. If any of you have tips on things to do/see in San Antonio, fill me in! Leave a comment with your insider knowledge ;)

1. Trick Yarn Wreath $40, 2. Antartica Yarn Wreath $50, 3. Large Green Meadow Bunny Yarn Wreath $65, 4. Frosted Fuchsia Yarn Wreath $55.

Etsy Monday: A Alicia Accesories

Happy Monday everyone! Hope you all had a great weekend picking pumpkins or making apple pie or doing some other Fall related activity! I myself tried my first spin class and can now barely move. Success! I love a good workout that leaves you in fear of stairs.



This week for Etsy Monday I have chosen A Alicia Accessories, a gorgeous shop of brooches, hair accessories, necklaces and more. She gives the colorful felt dimension and life in her arrangements of petals and bows, achieving a soft, feminine look that I adore. Enjoy, and be sure to check out her shop for more lovely treasures, including home accesories!




1. Orange Contrast Corsage Brooch $40, 2. Burnt Umber Blossom Corsage Brooch $45, 3. Woodland Corsage Brooch $45, 4. Navy Classic Corsage Brooch $40.

Giveaway Winner, and, I've Been Tagged!

You Make Me Feel Like A Winner Retro Smurf Valentine by unicornkidsstudios, $2

The winner of the Flower Pin Brooch Giveaway is....the lovely Kristin from BonBon Rose! Congrats!

Thank you to everyone who entered! I loved the response, and since I LOVE giving gifts I'm thinking I might need to have another giveaway soon! So stay tuned!

FABULOUS OWL TAGS, by PaperWicks, $7 for 100

Also, I was tagged for the first time EVER the other day by the adorable trishiekoh at Under Lock and Key! Here are 10 random things about me:

1. I count to ten anytime I fill up a water bottle or drink
from a drinking fountain. Somehow I can change the pace
of counting to always be right on, no matter the size of the bottle.
I think this is a remnant from lines at the fountain in grade school...

2. I am terrible at making decisions, especially in restaurants.
I once took 45 minutes to order sushi...

3. I enjoy doing homework. During the summer, I see others
doing homework for summer school and I get jealous.

4. Two years ago I was on Wheel of Fortune, and I won.

5. I went to grade school, middle school, high school, college,
and now grad school on the same two streets.

6. When I smell a dead animal I think of my Mom (sweet, huh?),
since she used to take us with her as kids when she did her
research on forensics and decomposition (pigs, not humans).

7. I am fairly conscious of the environment: I take the bus
when possible and I don't get sleeves or lids for my coffee.
Plus I hate it when I'm not able to recycle.

8. Someday I want to have horses.

9. I am terrified of blood: I faint when I cut myself,
especially if its on my hands.

10. If my honey's phone ever goes to voicemail, I like
to leave silly messages pretending to be someone else
(robot, travel agent) and I use a corresponding silly voice.

I now pass this tag on to: Jacey, Monica, and Gigi. Have fun girls!

PS. Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers for Max, my rattie. He passed away last night on my lap while I was doing hw. I'm glad that he didn't have to be sick for very long. Thank you again for all of your thoughts, you all are so sweet. -Carolyn

It's Deer Season, Dear

Today is the first day of deer season (in Iowa at least), much to the excitement of my honey. In honor of the 'holiday' I found some of my favorite deer related items on Etsy. Cute, no?

Fawn and Lace Pillow, by TrackandFieldDesigns $42
I love the lace accent!

Forest Hearts Print, by artandghosts $13
Deer Love! These colors are so fantastic and cheery!

Golden Buck Good Luck Pendant, by BillerCreations $5
To give good luck to the hunter in your life! I'm thinking it would make a neat keychain charm.

Deer Journal - Eco Friendly, by disconsolator $19
I think this is just adorable, I would love to have it in my book bag or on my office desk!

Set of 10 Dear Friend Cards, by farouche $10
I swoon for cute stationary, and these would be so fun to send to a friend!

Fawn Print, by clearcreekart $23
So cute for a nursery or a garden room.

The Gathering Print of Original Painting, by Daydreamers $16
I love the bright colors and textures of this work!

Good luck honey! Get a big ol' buck so that we can decorate with it! ;) Wishing a safe hunting season to everyone!

Meet Max! Pet Parade at The Katillac Shack!

"I'm ready for my close-up!"

Happy pet parade day! Today Kelee of The Katillac Shack is hosting a party to raise money for pets-in-need. To participate I am showing everyone my little guy, Max.

He is a black Fancy Rat with white paws, white belly, and a tiny white dot on the middle of his forehead. I call him my "scaredy rat" since he is jumpy and doesn't like being out of the comfort of his cage (though he did LOVE his photo session!). He is quite the little fudge ball, too, since he doesn't like running on his wheel (maybe he knows I dislike the treadmill, too?). At 2 years old he is the equivalent of a 73 year old person!

Isn't he cute?!?

Being shy.

"Is there food over there??"

Every comment Kelee gets raises an additional dollar for the pets-in-need! So far the total raised through links and comments is over $2,000! If you want to help out, go visit the parade here and leave a comment at The Katillac Shack!

P.S. He looks a little scruffy in these pictures since he just got a bath and wasn't completely "fluffed" yet.

P.P.S. The little guy actually isn't doing too well, in the last couple of days he has deteriorated pretty rapidly, I suspect degenerative myelopathy (spinal deterioration). If you're the praying kind, just include a thought for him that he's not in pain or suffering. Thank you!

A different type of post: My First Feature!!

So I know that all of you expert bloggers have this happen all the time, but I just stumbled upon my first feature!! Eek!! Thanks to my Live Feed on the left, I found that The Unnecessary Stage created a post about my nut necklace, and I am SO pumped! Forgive this post, since again, this is probably old hat to you all out there, but I couldn't contain my excitement. The Unnecessary Stage says "Super innovative and different. I’ve never seen anything like this. "

Now I'll be honest, I was waiting to see the feedback here at PPR about what "the public" thought about the design, and I was considering making these in various colors and configurations and putting them in my (new!) Etsy shop, but wasn't convinced from the response. Not that everyone wasn't totally sweet (thank you everyone!!), but I guess I'm still shy about my designs and was waiting for "You should totally sell these!"...

Do you all think I should put these in my shop? I guess that is mostly a question to all of you expert Etsiers out there. Any feedback would be phenomenal, since I'm such a newbie at all of this, as far as listing items vs. not listing them. Do some of you just put up any crafty thing your hands create? Or are you more reserved about what you list?

Thanks all for bearing with my excitement and questions! Have a great rest of the week, and don't forget to enter my giveaway!

Etsy Monday: Stout Woodworks

Hope everyone had a great weekend! This week I have chosen to feature a shop that further brings out the autumn, nature-loving feelings in all of us, Stout Woodworking. Their gorgeous wooden rings are handcrafted and show off the true beauty of the wood. These are just a few of my favorites, I would love to pair any of them with a warm sweater! Check out the rest of their wonderful designs here.



1. Walnut Ring with Offset Turquoise Inlay $110, 2. Zebrawood Ring $75, 3. Kingwood and French Walnut Bentwood Ring $85

And, don't forget to enter my giveaway!