AHAlife

Clever Book-Inspired Gift Ideas

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:00:00 -0500

We love a sexy librarian moment—i.e., the moment in old films where a presumably buttoned-up spinster takes off her glasses, lets down her hair, and is transformed into a five-alarm hottie. There’s an element of that same faux staidness about all of these products, which mix serious façades with tongue-in-cheek attitude. We’ve got four classic books wrapped in custom jackets that spell out “Read me,” which we see as a gauntlet thrown at the foot of the ubiquitous e-book; another set of American history hardbacks whose spines form the Stars and Stripes; books that open up to reveal mouth-watering chocolates and flasks of alcohol; frankly fake spectacles for days when you want to look that extra bit intellectual; and bookshelves that are hidden behind portraits of 19th-century dandies who just happen to have rams' heads. Which just goes to show that you can’t judge a book—or the shelf it sits on—by its cover.

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Routine-Busting Punk Rock Creations

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:00:00 -0500

Routine is the enemy of edginess. And everyone, no matter how much they prize edginess, is susceptible to routine. Which is fine, except habit is not the stuff of inspiring style. And so we’ve put together a few products that are guaranteed to snap you out of the same-old, same-old rut and bring a little punk rock-inspired fierceness into your life. Do you usually carry a canvas tote? Switch it up with a spiky clutch. Have Impressionist prints on your walls? Swap them out for some rock ’n’ roll portraits. Is your jewelry confined to a watch and wedding band? Try some glamorous diamante skull pieces on for size. Keep clicking for more ideas. Before you know it, your edge will return in full force.

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14k Gold & Silver Charms for Charity

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:00:00 -0500

Selfless acts can improve your mood, health and disposition—and that’s not just us guilt-tripping you into helping little old ladies cross the street. Numerous psychiatric experiments have shown that humans are hard-wired to find solutions to social problems, and we're happier when we do. To this impressive list of side effects we can now add: fabulous accessories. Thanks to Altruette, which donates 50 percent of the net profit sales of its charms to charity partners, being socially responsible has never looked so, well, charming. And because Altruette works with more than two dozen non-profits, you’ve got not only a wealth of good causes to choose from but a jewelry shop’s worth of charms to wear. Of course, don't forget to shop Altruette's 14k gold and sterling silver necklaces and bracelets to display all of your beautiful new charms!

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Upcycled Goods with a Message

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 09:00:00 -0500

What have you got to say for yourself today? With A Lot To Say, you’re never at a loss for words. This California-based lifestyle company, a favorite of celebrities such as Sienna Miller, Justin Timberlake and Martha Stewart, makes genuinely green products that aren’t shy about making their views on the environment, wellness and politics heard. And that’s not just talk: A generous portion of A Lot To Say’s profits are donated to a range of environmental and political groups and causes. The company’s manifesto, written on the first day they were in business, sums it all up: “If you think something, say it. If you believe something, say it. If you want something, say it.” Words to live by.

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Limited Edition Organic Wood Watches

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:00:00 -0500

Attention WeWOOD watch lovers (and anyone else who loves a tastefully designed, environmentally responsible accessory): We’ve got a new style to add to this best selling line, a particularly fabulous item that's one of our faves. The limited edition Jupiter, available in cool beige or slick black, features a bold, easy-to-read rectangular face and two Miyota movements. Like all WeWOOD products, it’s toxin-free, hypoallergenic, made of 100 percent organic wood and amazingly light on the wrist. And, as ever, WeWOOD partners with American Forests, the oldest nonprofit conservation organization in the U.S., to plant a tree for every watch sold.

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5 Pet Products to Make You Purr

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:00:00 -0500

Our pets don't ask for much. In exchange for shelter and a bowl of chow, they generously provide purring, tail-wagging, cuddling affection. Now isn't it time we show them some love in return? In this four-legged-friendly round up, we've put together items that bring joy to pets—and convenience to their owners, too. So without further ado, a selection of goods to inspire lounging, leaping and frolicking...with an occasional happy bark (never bite).

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Karl Lagerfeld Glass Collection

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:00:00 -0500

Karl Lagerfeld, a.k.a. the Kaiser, a.k.a. the hardest working man in fashion, never ceases to amaze us. At an age when most people are doing as little as possible, the man who revived the House of Chanel has been taking up fresh projects, such as this exquisite new glassware collaboration with Orrefors. Strong and graphic, these beautifully sculpted glasses are the essence of Karlness, which is to say—subtle and functional, of the moment and utterly timeless. But then, we wouldn’t expect anything less from the Kaiser.

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Deepak Chopra Law of Attraction Playbutton

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:00:00 -0500

Are you getting the most out of your life? It’s a question we all must ask ourselves at some point, though many of us don’t reach satisfying conclusions. Enter: Deepak Chopra, the world’s foremost authority on spirituality. When we took our nagging query to the wise teacher, he not only had an answer—"Practice the Law of Attraction," he said—but he also kindly recorded a guided meditation to teach us how to do it. We are absolutely thrilled to offer this recording to you as an AHAlife exclusive MP3 Playbutton. In this half-hour long meditation, you’ll learn the philosophy behind the Law of Attraction—a popular subject of late—and how to utilize these fundamentals to achieve harmony with the universe. You may be surprised to discover that his position does not require only positive thoughts, but rather, a balanced approach. Dr. Chopra explains the process—and far better than we can—so defer to his words on the button to master and harness the Law of Attraction. A portion of all sales from the Law of Attraction Playbutton will be donated to the Chopra Foundation.

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Peaceful, Provocative Gun Lamps

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:00:00 -0500

Guns are exciting. Even while your rational brain tells you that they're used to do terrible things, your subconscious, primal self thinks, “Cool.” Well clearly, these gun lamps are cool—and as they’re completely peaceful and wouldn’t harm a fly, we think they’re the bee’s knees. Designed by Loaded Objects, they are made with the stated intent of exploring “associations to recognizable and symbolic forms void of their function.” Which, in non-art speak, means they trigger worthwhile thought. And when it comes to guns, a little more reflection could be a very good thing. All in all, these lamps allow you to indulge in fashionable décor while engaging in healthy dialogue about guns. You can see why we love them.

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22-karat Gold Safari Cuffs

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 09:00:00 -0500

This time every February, we start dreaming about sojourns to exotic locales (or, heck, non-exotic locales—any place warm). At the top of our list: Going on safari. While that may not be in the cards this season, these vibrant, richly textured gold cuffs from Évocateur bring a little safari spirit to even the chilliest of days. The 22-karat gold leaf cuffs are made using a centuries-old gilding technique and are inspired by the designers’ trip to Botswana, where they met private guide/photographer Humphrey Gumpo. The designers feature striking, wild images that Gumpo has captured on his safaris. And to honor the work he does to improve life for Zimbabwe school children, a portion of proceeds from each item are donated to the Mcheni Primary School Project.

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