Extraordinique

Fissler Appeals to the Gourmet Chef in You

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:34:33 -0800

Cooking is an art form to me and good cookware is essential. I have just recently been introduced to Fissler INTENSA cooking line. The features are what really amaze me. Not only does this cooking system look totally modern, but every facet of the cookware is smart for the cook!

I have my eye on the 2.4 Quart Casserole with ThermoStar tempature indicator, Cookstar base and special pouring function built into the pan. Each feature here is designed to help reduce time, cook evenly and reduce energy consumption.

Fissler thinks of every aspect of the cooking experience, putting serious chefs or just the weekend enthusiast in better control of the cooking process.

Watch this demo video to see more:

Website | Where to Buy

Gimme Some Kusmi Tea

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:25:10 -0800

So as I have been trading my morning cup of joe for a strong cup of green tea, I have found Kusmi Tea to be a great replacement to my sugary, creamy, coffee concoction. I found the line of Kusmi Teas at Dean & Deluca recently in Napa Valley and tried the Kusmi Detox tea. I've got to say, it's a great, invigorating tea without the coffee jitters - not to mention all those additional calories.

Kusmi Detox tea is a great blend of Maté and chinese green tea with a refreshing hint of lemongrass, which I love.

Kusmi Tea has a 140-year history in teas. Their site offers a variety of teas and recipes too. Their Campus Tea recipe made with Ceylon and dry white wine sounds, extraordinique!

Where to Buy | Website

Extraordinique Turns Two

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:02:50 -0800

It's amazing to believe that two years ago today, Team Extraordinique launched this site in Las Vegas, during Blog World Expo. We had a great party to launch the site and we have been enjoying writing, receiving your comments and suggestions ever since.

On this day, we want to thank you the readers for supporting Extraordinique. In these crazy economic times, we've found amazing and resilient artists and entrepreneurs defying the odds and creating with extraordinary outcomes.

We hope as we continue to find new ways to share what we think is Extraordinique, you'll find the time to enjoy and share with others!

To recap year two, here are some of our favorite finds:

Using What's Natural to Do Your Dirty Work

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:30:49 -0800

Doing some remodeling recently, I have never been more aware of the amount of chemicals and cleaning products you can bring in to your home to finish the job. Cleaning was a big effort after our home improvements and cleaning supplies, like detergents, brushes, scrubbers all seemed both wasteful and un-recyclable once they were used up.

I came across some great environmentally-friendly cleaning products that I thought I would share. Check out Goodbye Detergent! They have interesting scrub, scouring and cleaning pads made with unique materials such as recycled corn cobs, peach pits, & walnut shells.

These scrubs and pads are reusable and have natural abrasives that make it easier to clean with no detergents.

Check out their original Spaghetti Scrubs made with corn cobs!

Website | Where to Buy

V-Moda - A Remix of High Fashion & High Fidelity

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 21:51:32 -0800

My iPhone is always on. Whether I'm talking on the phone or listening to Pandora while I work, a good headset is such a integrated part of my daily experience.

I've tried thinking of the best way to describe how much I love the new V-Moda Vibe II earbuds and microphone. It seems crazy, but when you are tethered as much as I am, having a good, crisp, sharp sound means the world to me. Not only that, since it's an "always on" device, having a headset that looks sleek, is such an appreciated and coveted bonus.

I have not been impressed with the iPhone standard headphones and have been searching for what I feel is the perfect headset (headphones + mic for taking calls).

All about the Vibe II
I can now say, I love my iPhone and Vibe II. V-Moda did everything right. They made this headset just as fashionable and "on the go" functional as the iPhone itself.

Putting these earbuds through the ringer the past couple of weeks, I really feel V-Moda went the extra mile to make the perfect headset (and mic).

Here's what appeals most to me:

The earbuds deliver great sound quality.
The mic delivers really clear pitch and voice sound.
Noise reduction from the outside world is such a treat, especially when I am trying to write.
The fit was perfect for me right out of the box, but the set also comes with three other sizes, which I think is a total necessity.
The sport earhooks make running "fuss free." For runners, you'll know what I mean.
The external ear bud looks really cool. It has a really nice sophisticated design - almost jewel-like in a high-tech geek chic kind of way.

Best of all, the unexpected, yet absolutely favorite feature of V-Moda's Vibe II outside of the style and sound (form and function) is the fabric cabling from the ear bud to the iPhone. I never realized how tangled and knotted the iPhone rubbery cords ended up - always causing me grief and a couple missed calls. The V-Moda's durable black fabric cabling makes wearing the headset more flexible and less restrictive. It's a nice and long cable and feather-light, so it feels like your not wearing a headset at all.

I wanted to write this post all about the great music experiences I have had with V-Moda, but I have to admit this extension of my iPhone appeals to me on such a functional, day-to-day level. Music is always in the background, but V-Moda's "performance" is totally in the foreground for me.

Love it. Love it. Love it.
If you have an iPhone and you are fed up with the rubbery tangled mess of wires, you gotta consider V-Moda. They totally got it right!

Website | Where to Buy

It's ok to play with stickers by dvider

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:05:48 -0800

We're always telling the kids not to write or put stickers on the wall, but what if mom wants to?

Camilla Slattery, owner and creative director of the DUMBO based stickers by dvider, announced some fresh new designs, in particular a new line called "eclectic."

I thought for all those moms out there wanting to do something new and fresh for their kids room, this is a great way to give a room personality and style. Check out a bunch of the new designs in action on Camilla's site - stickers by dvider.

Also check out their gallery to get some great ideas for a great nursery, playroom or "tweenie" looking for a "big girl" room.

To see other decals we've featured by dvider, check out Transform Your Space Simply with dVider.

Website | Where to Buy

Use it. Love it. Green Science.

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:29:36 -0800

I'm kinda fickle when it comes to beauty products. I'll use a product half way and then get bored of it. My salon though encouraged me to try Green Science - a face cream that my skin just drinks up! I'm on my third container, so I figure at this point, I'm smitten.

If you like a light, yet emollient face cream, this one is delicious for your skin!

If you are in the Sacramento area, check out Salon B. They are running product specials in September, so don't miss out.

Aveda is recognized for their sustainable practices and beauty products
Aveda received the Gold Standard of Cradle to Cradle (C2C) product certifications for sustainability in beauty products. C2C certification and endorsement are the culmination of 30 years of socially and environmentally responsible business practices.

Website | Where to Buy

Make it bubbly for me

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:40:07 -0800

So a friend and Extraordinique reader has been encouraging me to post about this great gift she got from her dad. Knowing his daughter loves Pelligrino, he bought the family their own "Soda Stream." She loves it and last weekend I saw it in action. Quick, simple, easy and bubbly!!!

I love the idea of reducing all of the plastic we buy weekly for our spring and sparkling water. Now, with Soda Stream, you can turn your water or any types of flavored water into sparkling water or your favorite soda. (That is if you have the keys to the Pepsi recipe vault.)

Website | Where to Buy

Anti-Shoe, Pro-Body

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:20:31 -0800

So, admittedly I am remiss for not posting in a while. Due to some back surgery, my writing took a back burner to my recovery, but it doesn't mean I haven't been keeping my eye out for all things, extraordinique! Oddly enough, while in the surgery center, I noticed all of the nurses had an interesting gait while they scurried from one patient to the next. They rolled when they walked. Trying to catch a glimpse of their shoes, I was surprised to see some really funky footwear. These shoes struck me as odd, but the more I asked the nurses about them, the more I thought maybe I would research them and perhaps even give them a try to help my back. The nurses, who are on their feet all day, loved them.

MBT has an interesting premise, "the human body is simply not built to walk or stand on hard, flat surfaces." MBT has started a crusade to create footwear that's intended to "continuously stimulate the postural and stabilizing muscles of the whole body." Their mantra: "anti-shoe, pro-body."

Check out their video and to understand their philosophy and product design more.

Website | Where to Buy

Mooooove over caffeine, now there's Slow Cow

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:06:25 -0800

I don't know how many times I've said, when are they going to make a drink that is the antithesis of all these "heart-attacks-in-a-can." Well, apparently there is now one on our shelves, Slow Cow - a relaxation session in every can. I love it!

Website | Where to Buy

Light It Up with Luau

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:12:08 -0800

I am loving Vessel's Luau Rechargeable Lantern. This is just such a gorgeous, dimmable lantern that you can move where ever the festivities take you! This beautiful incandescent light creates amazing ambiance and fun "on the go."

Check more out at Vessel and become a Fan on Facebook. We did!

Website | Where to Buy

It's my bling ring...

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:54:01 -0800

Ok, I couldn't resist!
Girls, how much do you love this ring? "It's my bling ring, bitch!" Artist, Ben Blanc, nailed it with this one. It's a must have for those special occasions.

Website | Where to Buy

more for the iPhone

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:12:13 -0800

If you have been looking for the perfect case for your iPhone (and when are we not?), another reader suggested we check out "more."

Twinelite

Twinelite looks really sophisticated and unique. Makes the iPhone even more of an accessory with one of these dressings.

Vintage

The Vintage series is really handsome. I could see this leather breaking in beautifully and look awesome in the back pocket of some G-Star.

Noel
Lastly, for those attracted to the slick and shiny, the Noel collection is hot.

I can't decide! Dare I say, I want "more."

Website | Where to Buy

Get Your MojaMix On

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 10:38:29 -0800

Have you ever craved a unique ingredient in your favorite cereal or love mixing different ones together? One of our Extraordinique readers just turned me on to MojaMix as a result of reading this week's SF Bay edition of the Thrillist.

Looking in to this more, I think this idea is amazing and fun! Create your own favorite cereal in three easy steps. Choose your cereal, add dried fruits, add nuts and seeds and voila!, you have the the perfect hearty and healthy mix.

I love the "Runner's Fuel" recipe and "Happy Camper" too.

What will your mix be? Check out MojaMix on Facebook and Twitter too!

Website | Where to Buy

Iconic Style - Teo Jasmin

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:33:16 -0800

I come from a long line of women who are passionate about art and the artist's vision to create something that never existed before - an interpretation of shapes, designs, textures and color. As a child of the 70s, I think pop art is just in my blood. I have saved every album cover I ever owned. I love working in vintage clothing with a modern flare and when it comes to household design - modern classics are what I adore.

So it was totally serendipitous that I was introduced to Teo Jasmin and their latest collection of amazing cushions, armchairs, wall art and more.

Teo Jasmin offers home decor that combines epic pop art classics with the sophistication and fashion legacy of Brigette Bardot in Paris to the taxi and sky line of the Big Apple.

In learning more about Teo Jasmin's collection, the best way to describe their style is through pictures. If you love sass and sophistication, you gotta love Teo Jasmin's Doggy Queen and vibrant flare of London style. These pieces and their accessories are Extraordinique!
Be sure to check out Teo Jasmin's other items, including fashionable stickers for your correspondence too. I know a few who'd love the Doggy Queen collection, especially this one, entitled King Harry!

Web site | Where to Buy