As an ex-pat, I always get a giggle out of seeing Australiana pop up elsewhere in the world. Today was no different, when I came across these totally cute “Amigo” leather desk accessories by Vacavaliente over at the MoMA store. Along with the kangaroo message organizer (for your cell and miscellaneous notes), there’s a piggy bank (who, rather charmingly, ‘poops’ out your money via a flap in its uh, bottom) and a caterpillar (for your pencils, pens and business cards). What a fun way to add a pop of color and personality to your boring cubical. Check out their full range of Amigos, plus a slew of other products, right here.

“Corn is for cars, sugar is for soda” is the tagline accompanying Jones Soda’s new line of sodas made with sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup. Coca-Cola has been playing with a similar concept, as they introduced a sugar version of Coca-Cola classic in April for Passover. Lately, we’be been seeing more and more companies “go back to nature” by using sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup. Jones Soda says they made the switch because of a change in consumer behavior– people are actively avoiding high-fructose syrup these days - and plus - sugar gives soda a better flavor.. Mmmm…pure cane Cream Soda.

Steve Lidbury may hail from the U.K., but he has made quite a splash in Tokyo with his stellar interior architectural design work. Twenty-eight years young, he’s already amassed quite the project portfolio: among his contributions, he’s been hired to design top-end boutiques like Tokyo’s Sunao Kuwahara Boutique (above, left), several Rubyrivet Aquagirl stores (above, right), and the numerous Smacky Glam stores throughout Japan (photo after the jump); Steve has also dabbled with office design– you can see the work he did on the Eat Office in Tokyo after the jump as well. Formerly at Fabrica in Italy - where he became an Atelier Master - Steve seems quite content to be adding his flavor to modern Japanese architecture - and given his popularity (and gorgeous work product to back it up), it’s safe to say Japan is quite lucky to have him around.

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I’m not what can be referred to as a “morning person.” I no longer own an alarm clock, thanks to my tendency towards hurling them indiscriminately across the room - causing damage to walls, furniture, pets and people alike. The Glo Pillow seeks to remedy such occurrences through a more gentle approach. A combination of memory foam and a series of LED-integrated fabric layers, slumber is theoretically broken by a gentle “glowing” that simulates a sunrise, as opposed to traditional shock-inducing bleating) allowing for a more peaceful start to your day. An RSA Design Directions Award winner in ‘06, the induction-charged pillow is controlled by a panel of six “soft buttons” on the side; the wireless transmitter allows free movement for those who are prone to tossing and turning. Not that you’ll be doing a whole lot of that after you discover what a “good night’s sleep” actually entails.

Via GeekSugar

Finding a wine storage solution that combines environmental and pleasing aesthetic values has proven to be somewhat of a challenge for me…so much so that the “storage” situation basically consists of the 8+ bottles of wine we usually have on hand sitting on a shelf next to the coffee maker in our kitchen. This very well may change though, now I’ve come across Modern Cellar: a line of wall-mounted and freestanding wine furnishings crafted from reclaimed and sustainable wood, designed by wine enthusiasts, for wine enthusiasts with both functionality and beauty in mind. From the Mono Server which handsomly displays a single bottle and two glasses to the Sporadic Wall Panel that doubles as both art and storage, the clean and elegant lines are sure to fit right in, no matter your space or design situation is.

Everyone needs a good pair of boat shoes for the summertime– hell, some of my friends from the East Coast aren’t afraid to break them out in the dead of winter. Why not go with something a little “not so obvious” this year? For instance, these subtle looking (besides the red, white, and blue of course) Cr8tive Recreation Gambi sneaks. Those of you who refuse to wear Crocs on deck can pick these up from cr8rec starting in June for $175– at that price, hopefully you already own a boat. Anchors away! I’ll see you at the yacht club!

Via Complex