If you look at history, now is a flippin’ sweet time to be alive. Need proof?

We have problems like “I want to constantly witness the beauty and mystery of a butterfly, but without harming it“. Beats the pants off of “I hope we chopped enough wood to make it through the winter”, doesn’t it?

Like an adorable confirmation from above, these electronic butterflies remind you how good life is. Simple, fascinating, beautiful. This is exactly the kind of gift I give to my Type A friends. When you tend to “live in your head”, reconnecting with simple pleasures is key.

What about kids? Check out the video below to see how enraptured they are playing with their butterfly.

Hmm, can you think of anyone else who might enjoy these little marvels?

It was many months ago that I randomly discovered ibride. They were featured on several design blogs and I instantly fell in love with their line of ornate wall art trays. Since they were seemingly everywhere at the time, I didn’t bookmark any online stores. Of course the name ibride quickly slipped from my memory and I have spent the last few months keeping en eye peeled for those gorgeous baroque flourishes and collages of anthropomorphic animals. Quite a hybrid of style, eh? In fact, the name ibride is actually a play on words that is meant to represent “hybrid”. The company consists of 4 French relatives, Rachel, Benoit, and Carine, who I wish I could find more info about online. Their official website is in French and is Flash based so it doesn’t lend well to translating. Anybody know more about them?

Their stunning art trays come in 3 different themes; vintage ladies, animals in nature, and hybrid human/animals attired in exquisite vintage clothing. The imagery is simply amazing, but it’s the colors that really grab me: brooding, muted shades with splashes of vivid color. Everything they make is truly a hybrid of modern and classic. Better still, the laminated trays are made from a recycled wood core!

And lest I forget to mention their newer offerings: furniture shaped like the lower half of an animal. The Basset Stool and Dog Stool (both shown above) are available in black or red. Joe the Polar Bear book shelf measures nearly 4′ tall and is super limited edition.

Available at Switch Modern.

Hippocrates was right on the money when he said “let food be thy medicine”. We know that what we put in our bodies is responsible (at least in part) for how we feel, and that how we raise and prepare our food is responsible for the state of the environment. But how do we go about lessening our “global footprint” on the earth while eating foods that are both nourishing and satisfying?

Increasing your intake of organic fruits and veggies with vegetarian, vegan, or raw meals is a great way to start. You don’t have to be a full-time vegetarian to reap the benefits either. Reducing the amount of pre-packaged foods and animal products that you eat is far easier on the earth and your body. The only question left then is, will I enjoy the taste? You better believe it! In a hands-on cooking class designed for beginners and budding chefs alike, you’ll learn to make delicious plant-based meals that will impress and satiate everyone. After the courses you will understand the basics of creating fast, healthy, yummy recipes, allowing you to align your diet with your green ideals. An excellent gift for yourself or anyone who wants to eat better and feel better.

Raw Cuisine (L.A. or Miami) $270-370
Vegetarian Cooking (L.A.or O.C.) $305