There a Difference Between Snarky and Rude

I’m a fan of snarkiness. I identify with the Urban Dictionary’s definition of a snarkoleptic, “One whose snarkiness regularly manifests itself so naturally and fluidly that snarky comments could be delivered even from the depths of beta sleep.” That is so me. But I am a firm believer that  there is a difference between being snarky and being rude.  Case in point. While shopping my local Home Depot this weekend for packing tape, I asked no fewer than 4 employees where I might find such an exotic item. Most looked annoyed that I had interrupted whatever delicate thought they had grasped onto during their laborious task of stocking shelves but one guy, taking items out of a shopping cart, didn’t even lift his head to acknowledge my presence. He answered my, “excuse me sir”, with a sharp, “I can hear you”.  As if to say, “WTF do you want?”.

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Could This Three Wheel Scooter be the New Hip Urban Ride?

I usually ride my bike to and from work during the summer. I find the morning ride over the Brooklyn Bridge and the evening ride home, gives me a more energy then a double espresso from Starbucks (and a butt you could bounce a quarter off of). And you just can’t beat the view, although I could do without the tourists. But come late July, the weather in New York City becomes so unbearably hot and humid, riding your bike is about as much fun as taking a spin class in a sauna. On those days I take the subway, which comes with it’s own degree of unpleasantness. So I’ve been looking to invest in some type of motorized transportation to get around this urban metropolis.  I’ve thought about buying a car but looking for a parking is just no fun and I really like the sensation of riding a bike. The wind in your hair and the freedom of weaving in and out of traffic jams and the ability to squeeze into a sliver of available parking space,  gives me satisfaction no car can replicate. I’ve been researching Vespas, but that requires training, more specifically a motorcycle license, and rightfully so. But what about a lighter, sleeker version of a Vespa? Something more akin to a Segway but without the balance issues or geeky label?  Could this ride exist? Well, not yet. But soon, in the not to distant future, I  may be able to plug in my Three Wheelie Scooter at night and make my commute through the urban jungle in the morning.  That is if designer, Hyun-Seok Kim’s, aptly named Three Wheel Electric Scooter ever hits the assembly line.

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Miniature Terrariums Are Home to Some Rather Unique Occupants

I am a huge fan of all things miniature. Miniature people, miniature houses, miniature horses… the list goes on. I am also fond of terrariums. I have tried once or twice to make one on my own, needless to say I could never quite get the hang of it and my creations were abandoned in favor of less demanding pursuits.  I am moving to a new apartment soon (yay!) and have been looking for a terrarium I can introduce to my future abode’s decor. I was delighted to find  Twig Terrariums, a Brooklyn, New York based company run by two old friends, Michelle Inciarrano and Katy Maslow. Their terrariums are unique as each one is home to some rather unusual occupants.

Each terrarium contains miniature figurines in various scenes ranging from tranquil to down right illegal! From peaceful sheep grazing on hillsides to angry punk rockers and Central Park muggings. The terrariums are available for purchase on their website. If you’re in the New York City area, they also hold classes on how to make your own terrariums. I might just have to sign up! Check out more unusual terrarium  scenes after the jump…

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Recycled Skateboards Get Second Life as Home Decor

There’s nothing that warms my heart more than seeing a broken object, headed for the dump, come to life again as a beautiful accent in home decor. I met the fellows from Art of the Board at this year’s ICFF and was charmed, not only by their humorous personalities, but also by their dedication to skateboarding. The Art of the Board takes sustainable design to the streets, literally! They use old, used, sometimes broken, skateboards to create mosaic tile pieces for anything from walls and countertops to backsplashes.

They resource the skateboards through a grassroots movement they call i Ride, i Recycle. And through an intricate network of dedicated skaters, skateshops, skateparks and board manufacturers, receive recycled skateboard decks they use to create their awesome works of art. It’s just their way if giving back to the sport that’s given them so so much. Check out their site for more cool designs.