What Matters Now!

Very insightful and inspiring ideas to jumpstart your day.

My favorite: "Don’t worry too much about getting things done. Make things happen."

Black Ink - Unexpected Necessities

While on the subject of Japanese products, there is a small store in Harvard Square called "Black Ink". This store has a fascinating range of beautifully designed products ranging from stylish tea pots to drinking straw kits (where you can connect drinking straws with bright-orange connectors) to fragrant color pencils (these pencils are the real deal - cinnamon does smell like cinnamon and not a toxic). Needless to say, most of these products are Japanese and make for excellent gift ideas. I mean which kid doesn't want to scribble with watermelon flavored pencils? (On the other hand, I'm not sure I want to encourage my baby to eat all her stationery).

The tiny store is also very dog-friendly, and there seems to be a resident beagle for all you dog-lovers out there. No points for guessing that there are quite a few innovative pet products as well. If you happen to be in the area, do check out the store. You won't leave empty-handed!

Maximizing Space

Barcodes grace almost every product for sale. Given how much package real estate they command, why shouldn't they look cool? Click here for the fascinating article. Go Japan!

Lego marries Kirigami

This link needs no translation. Absolutely love the way the Lego blocks are used with paper cut-outs to make 3D models of crocodiles, Christmas cards and caterpillars. Nicely packaged too. I think I can by-pass the product, and make these products - all I need is a good ol' punch, some Lego pieces and some colorful card paper.