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Innovation seems to be woven into the corporate culture at ASUS. Committed to green practices, ASUS recently launched their Bamboo Series notebook, a groundbreaking bamboo-clad product that is reported to be "green" throughout every phase of its life - from its conception, production and use to its eventual recycling and disposal. ASUS' commitment to continually bolstering its green capabilities sees their Bamboo Series notebook as proof that meeting the demands of modern computing can be reconciled with the need to preserve the Earth, especially when a green mentality has become more prominent and necessary for the planet.

The style of the notebook is modernly designed with artisan-grade Moso bamboo paneling. ASUS believes that their latest innovative line has "an arresting aura of spirituality, warmth and old world charm that synthetic materials and cold, impersonal metals will struggle to replicate." Now, that's Extraordinique!

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As a kid, the best part about going back to school was the shopping trip for school uniforms and a new lunch box. The lunch box always seemed to define my connection to what was popular at the time. I had my Holly Hobby, an assortment of Hanna Barbera-themed boxes and then I think I even had a Star Wars lunchbox, or was that my brother? Either way, lunch boxes were a symbol of style, a conversational piece at lunch time, and often packed with goodies and love from mom. Scouting for some Extraordinique items for Back to School this week, I came across EM Tanner Designs, who brings back the lunchbox in a fun and funky way.

Since we have lots of nieces and nephews headed back to school this week, I thought I would feature these personalized retro-inspired lunchboxes so the kids can "kick it old school."

I think I may even need one, like the Party Dots Funky Lunchbox. That looks like fun to carry my Function Light Weight, my PB&J and TCHO chocolates. I'm sure all the kids at work will be jealous too. Hee Hee

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Extraordinique was founded upon the idea of sharing stories about "ideapreneurs" - people who ideate, design and develop the most extraordinary and unique things for modern day life. Their backstories and their products alike are inspiring, fun, creative, influential and often manifest a simple solution designed to perfection. dVider is one such company that I say fits the bill.

This summer, I have been looking to do something fun and dimensional in an entry way to enhance the space. I have been looking for something with versatility and personality. dVider decals seem to provide that simple and artistic solution that can be added for any occasion and refresh your room's personality in style.

With this post, dVider stickers, in my opinion, can speak for themselves.

"We don't want to take over the world, we just want to share our stickers with it." - dVider

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Over the years, I have created somewhat of a organizational system that has helped me keep track of projects, drafts, paper work, clippings, labels and so on. I have come to cherish a set of vinyl clear folios I have had for years. Since they are transparent, they are great for easily identifying what's inside and easy access. The ones I have are sturdy and have stood the test of lots of travel in my laptop bag, suitcase, etc., unlike the standard file folders that bend and tear with a lot of use.

Recently, I have been searching to find more of these folios as I have added on and need more to organize and file. I have had no luck until I came across a great boutique, MaiDo on Santana Row.

MaiDo is perfect for people who love art supplies and cool paper products. They have everything from pineapple-scented erasers to high-end albums drafting kits, portfolio supplies and every type of fun, whimsical, artistic and structural binder/folder product you can imagine. I was in "organizational heaven."

Taking in everything they had, not only did I find single pocket and muli-tabbed folios, I found them in every color, pattern and style I could think of.

Unfortunately, MaiDo does not have their own website, but if you are in the Bay Area, you can find them on Santana Row in San Jose or San Francisco on Market at the San Francisco Center.

MaiDo imports and carries a wide array of products from Japan, from fine stationery, gift boxes made from beautiful, traditional Japanese washi paper, high-quality paper notebooks, as well as an extensive selection of writing utensils. Some of their products are even one-of-a-kind or rare items that are difficult or impossible to find anywhere outside of Japan. MaiDo is quite...extraordinique!

 

Growing up in a family-owned gift store, I have a deep affinity for specialty gifts, greeting cards, stationary and event invitations. I really love unique papers, prints and letterpress designs. I love classically simple designs with a modern expression. Pancake & Franks chic style for everything from personal note cards, baby announcements and wedding invitations are fresh and unique.

Pancake & Franks designs will bring a smile to your face and those you send a handwritten note or invitation to.

Whether you are looking to just send a simple hello or a keepsake for those important memories in life, check out Pancake & Franks. Their products are sustainable, 100 percent organic and biodegradable.

Wedding season is coming soon - consider Pancake & Franks for your Save the Date!

 

For all those parents-to-be, I fell in love with these extraordinique baby announcements as well.

 

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Thanks to Scott Beale over at Laughing Squid, I read about these really cool, "I-want-one-for-my-office" neighborhood posters created by designer Jenny Beorkrem, founder of Ork Posters.

By ditching the 'vintage, illustrated' look of traditional maps, Ork designed these posters with an original, simple, modern style, focused on form more than function. 

The neighborhood maps are available as posters and screen prints, black and white and in select colors.

They are extraordinique!

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Illustrations by: Jenny Beokrem

 

I actually "had" (they are now in the recycle bin) two Starbucks cup sleeves on my desk with the idea to create exactly what Cup Couture has already done -- create a re-usable, fashionable sleeve for your favorite on-the-go paper coffee cups. Cup Couture created The Cup Coat, a high fashion thermal sleeve for most 12, 16 and 20 oz. paper cups.

Cupcoats are an eco-chic alternative to cardboard sleeves or 'double-cupping' typically used to  insulate your hands from your hot beverage.

Cupcoats are thermally-insulating, durable and designed for re-use over and over again. Cupcoats are thin and designed for a proper fit over most conventional paper cups for coffee and tea. Most of all Cupcoats are stylish for men and women, including six different collections. For those who know and follow Extraordinique the Diva line for the "DDK" is my favorite. (Lianne and Marilyn -- You know what I am talking about!)

What I love most about Cup Couture's product line, is that they also offer an accessory to this fashion accessory -- Cup Coat Carrying Cases! This is such great thinking. Not only can you get more than one CupCoat, but now with the accessory case, you can carry all of them (holds three) in your purse, car, laptop bag, etc. That's great thinking. It's also a great gift idea, since the CupCoat Carry Case also has a flap for holding your pre-paid coffee card or a gift card.

Brilliant! Extraordinique!

 

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