It seems that edible wild plants are all the rage right now. Martha Stewart even has a feature on the joys of these overlooked weeds in the April 2008 issue of her namesake magazine. We couldn’t agree more and spring is a perfect time to reap the rewards of wild harvesting.

This is why we are so excited to share with you our new favorite find – Wild Leek Vinegar from Food for Thought in Honor, Michigan. This tiny gem of company specializes in tasty products made from wild harvested, local, and seasonal plants. We got our hands on a bottle of this small-batch elixir and have been slurping it up in vinaigrettes over roasted asparagus and spring lettuces. For a twist (because we like vinegar on potato chips and french fries), we sprinkled some over a batch of salty oven fries and found the delicate, almost garlicky tang to be a great match. The bottle itself is so beautiful that we also pair it alongside our favorite olive oil for an unexpected and welcome hostess gift.

Comments (3) | March 30 - 11:11 AM

category: Gift Ideas, New Products

For the bread enthusiast looking to cut back on plastic and paper bags, Berkeley-based Bamboo-bag is manufacturing a smartly designed alternative. Run by three friends, these sustainable bamboo cloth bread bags come in two sizes - the baguette quiver ($16) can hold up to three long loaves, the loaf pouch ($16) can manage two one-pound loaves or a single challah. We love the diagonal strap which keeps your hands free to squeeze avocados or pick through citrus at the market.

Related Links:
- Bamboo-bag.com
- How to fold your Bamboo-bag
- Bamboo bags on Studio-707

Comments (0) | February 13 - 2:36 PM

category: Eco-Kitchen, Gift Ideas, New Products

While it might be early in the year to break ground on an edible garden, spring isn't too far off on the horizon - and hey, there's no harm in a little planning or daydreaming. Have a look at these precious matchstick garden kits - each cute, petite matchbook opens to reveal ten matches, each containing seeds in their tips. Simply nestle each match tip-first into soil (warm, sunny place), and you're in business. For those of you lacking confidence, directions are inside the cover. You can even plant them indoors if you can't wait for a springtime thaw.

At $5 they make good party favors, or simply thoughtful treats for friends with green thumbs. They'll be thanking you down then line when they're able to snip fresh chives, basil, parsley, and thyme from their own tiny plot.

Matchstick Garden
matchstickgarden.com
$5 (on Perpetual Kid)

Comments (2) | January 13 - 11:53 PM

category: Eco-Kitchen, Gift Ideas, New Products

One great gift idea that keeps on giving well into the new year is a subscription to an edible Of-the-Month-Club. If you are looking to venture beyond typical beer, wine, or books here are a few ideas we're particularly excited about:

Coffee of-the-Month
What you get: Citizen Bean will send out up to a year’s worth of fresh-roasted, sustainably grown, fair-trade coffee beans in 1 lb bags, all from different, small-batch, artisan roasters. The goodness doesn’t stop there either; Citizen Bean also has each roaster choose a charity that is then awarded a portion of the sales.
Cost: $79.99 (4 months, $20 shipping), $119.99 (6 months, $30 shipping), $199.99 (one year, $60 shipping)

Potato of-the-Month
What you get: Each month that you sign up, Maine’s organic Wood Prairie Farm, will send three unique potato varieties with descriptions and a recipe booklet.
Cost: $39.99-$299.00 (1 to 8 month subscriptions)

Garlic of-the-Month
What you get: Straight from Oregon’s organic Hood River Farm, where from September thru February garlic will arrive along with recipes, storage tips, and varietal information. Each month will include a new variety, such as Purple Stripe, Porcelain, Creole, and Artichoke.
Cost: $87 (includes shipping)

Green Tea of-the-Month
What you get: Twelve months of delicious Japanese green tea from O’Cha in Japan. Each package will include a different, anti-oxidant rich tea that should last three to four weeks, just long enough for the next package to arrive. In the warmer summer months, you can look forward to receiving varieties perfect for making iced tea.
Cost: $21.45 per month (includes shipping)

Honey of-the-Month
What you get: At North Carolina’s Spicewood Farm beekeepers Chris and N’ann offer several different monthly honey clubs, but we really like the Honey Lover's Monthly which sends you a full year’s worth of honey is wide range of tastes, nectar sources, and varieties. You’ll also receive a recipe booklet to help you enjoy your honey bounty.
Cost: $240 (plus shipping)

Comments (1) | December 2 - 5:30 PM

category: Gift Ideas, Lists

We love this set of eight lovely lotus flower bowls. They look delicate but each of the ceramic bowls are actually microwave and dishwasher safe. A perfect set for outdoor summer spreads. The smallest bowl can hold salt or spices, the largest spans nearly ten inches - perfect for colorful grain or fruit salads. Have a wedding you need to shop for this summer? Consider skipping the registry.

Comments (0) | June 6 - 10:59 PM

category: Gift Ideas

We've been dabbling with the full spectrum of O Olive Oils over the past week, and the verdict is in. These olive oils (they come in a range of flavors), are the perfect way to put a finishing kiss of (organic) ruby grapefruit or Meyer lemon or Tahitian lime on your favorite recipes. Now you might think your recipes are pretty good without a fancy finishing oil. Fair enough. But we'd argue that these oils have the ability to add surprising (and delicious twists) to your everyday recipes. They provide a simple way to take your favorite recipes to the next level of deliciousness.

O uses olives from small family orchards near the northern foothills of the Sierras. The oils are neither infused nor flavored after the fact. The whole fruit is crushed with the olives at the same time - and only certified organic citrus is used. The oils are great in dressings, over steamed veggies, drizzled over pasta, brushed on after grilling, and in marinades. Try a slathering inside your favorite panini (use good crusty bread!)

Our absolute favorite preparation involved a bowl of white cannellini beans, toasted walnuts, and crumbled manouri cheese (your favorite soft sheep or goat's milk cheese will work here), drizzled with about a tablespoon of the Ruby Grapefruit Olive OIl, a small splash of champagne vinegar, and a pinch of sea salt.

Two other ideas we found on the O website that we can't wait to try (both with their Blood Orange Olive Oil):

- toss roasted yukon potatoes and yams (or sweet potatoes) with Blood Orange Olive Oil, fresh sage, sea salt and fresh pepper.

- add Blood Orange Olive oil to risotto with crimini mushrooms. (we be this would be great in a barley or farro based risotto-type preparation.

O also has a line of wonderful vinegars that we will write about separately.

Here's where you can buy O Olive Oil online
http://www.ooliveoil.com

Comments (0) | June 5 - 1:48 PM

category: Gift Ideas, New Products, Recipes

If you're going to treat yourself to something sweet, decadent, and indulgent - make it worth it. Katrina Markoff of Vosges Haut-Chocolat has sourced smooth and creamy organic peanut butter to fuel one of her latest creations - outrageously delicious organic peanut butter bon bons made with dark milk chocolate and mineral-rich pink Himalayan salt. Each chocolate square is punctuated with Fleur de Sel. Finding a good organic peanut butter is slowly getting easier, but up until recently it has been a challenge. We look forward to future peanut butter creations from Vosges-Haut Chocolate - this is just the kick-off to their new (and evolving) peanut butter bon bon line. (9 piece Himalaya Peanut Butter Bonbons - $27)

Comments (1) | May 28 - 12:41 PM

category: Gift Ideas, New Products

Famous wine importer Kermit Lynch regularly offers up sampler packs of wine. Six or twelve-packs of bottles grouped under one theme or another. It is a great, and affordable way to introduce yourself to a range of new wines. For those of you dreaming of a green Christmas, the elves at Kermit Lynch have pulled together a selection of six bottles that have all been organically or bio-dynamically produced. It goes for $99 and KLWM can ship inside California and to Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The sampler includes the following wines:

2005 Bouzeron Aligote - A. et P. de Villaine
2003 Bourueil "Clos Senechal" - Catherine & Pierre Breton
2003 Lussac St.-Emilion - Chateau de Bellevue
2004 Dolcetto "Suri" - Aldo Marenco
2003 Coteaux du Languedoc "Montpeyroux" Damaine D'Aupilhac
2003 Coteaux du Languedoc "Podio Alto" Domaine du Poujol

Visit the Kermit Lynch website or call 510.524.1524.

Comments (0) | December 8 - 10:09 AM

category: Gift Ideas, Organic Wine / Beer

Appropriately named "Help" - this is the perfect mug for those of us who can't seem to get the ratio of water to rice right....ever. By Studio Verissimo, available through Greenergrassdesign.com for $13. (link)

Comments (0) | November 25 - 11:31 AM

category: Gift Ideas, New Products

The Jill Bliss & Saelee Oh 2007 Farmlife calendar couldn't be cuter. It is a limited edition run of 1500 calendars printed on recycled paper with soy inks. Don't freak out, but it is time to start getting organized for the new year (right around the corner!).

"...The Farm Life calendar was "grown" with love and care by Jill & Saelee in sunny California, the state that produces most of the u.s. food supply. Expert farm animals from all corners agree that ours is the best calendar harvest ever! Enjoy a year full of farm seasons, plants and animals, whether you live in the countryside or not!..." (Check it out)

Comments (2) | October 23 - 4:12 PM

category: Gift Ideas

The kind of pottery that makes food look delicious. Much of this collection is beautiful, cream colored, and perfectly imperfect. Have a peek at the Nested Rose Bowls, Wave Plates, and Pasta Bowls. Heck, look at all of it, you won't be disappointed. (via hoping for happy accidents)

Comments (0) | October 14 - 4:17 PM

category: Gift Ideas

We love hearing about young people trying to make a positive impact. Case in point - Nest. A clever, design-savvy non-profit started by 24-year old Rebecca Kousky. It is a nonprofit that funds micro-credit loans to women in developing countries to begin or maintain art- or craft- based businesses. The funds for these loans are produced through the products on the buildanest.com website. Check out the cute kitchenware, we love the signature Nest pottery and the swallow tea cup.

Comments (2) | October 3 - 3:13 PM

category: Eco-Kitchen, Gift Ideas

Certainly this is the most difficult bowl in the world to clean - but the cute, tiny bowls that are combined to form a larger vessel are perfect for fruit! Made by o-d-a, object design alliance.

Comments (1) | September 19 - 10:18 PM

category: Gift Ideas, New Products

Have a look at Vessel's Workplace Dish Set. Stylish and practical design bundles placemat, fork knife and spoon, juice cup, plate, and bowl in one modern, smart-looking, turquoise carry-all. It is heat safe to 150 degrees and the perfect way to take healthy eats on the go. The only thing we'd like to see in future designs is some sort of compartmenting so you can keep your wheatberry salad from getting your panini soggy. Also, a snap on lid for the cup would make it so you could transport soup without spillage.

Click through for more images.

Comments (0) | August 7 - 8:52 AM

category: Gift Ideas, New Products

Tea flavored lollipops on an organic rosemary stick. Does it get any better than this? Six for $15, plus shipping. Follow the link and click on the candy section.

Comments (0) | July 30 - 7:03 PM

category: Gift Ideas, New Products, Superfoods

Dinner plate and after dinner game rolled into one, no pun intended. A cute plate doing double duty - earthenware with pea trick booklet.

Have you ever wondered what to do with peas that have pinged off your plate? Then this is the plate for you. Attempt tricks from the accompanying booklet and score as many points by flicking, rolling or even spitting peas into the numbered dimples. (Soop)

Comments (1) | July 21 - 6:16 PM

category: Gift Ideas

While the monogrammed branding irons from Williams-Sonoma are certainly intriguing, this elegant wine cooler is more our speed. You can even preview what your initials will look like on the cooler before you buy.

Comments (0) | July 10 - 2:53 PM

category: Gift Ideas

Quite possibly the best pin cushions. Ever. Each is hand stitched, and a steal at $6. Available in Cheese, Vegetables, Carbs, and more. (via notcot)

Comments (1) | June 23 - 9:26 AM

category: Gift Ideas

Could this stylish Eva Solo tabletop grill be any more perfect? Actually, we would love an XL version of it, but the tiny version will do for now. (via Better Living Through Design)

Comments (0) | June 20 - 10:57 AM

category: Gift Ideas, New Products

It's described as a beer mug, but we imagine ourselves drinking tea from this stone and porcelin Sakamoto piece. No two are identical. Cheers.

Comments (0) | June 19 - 12:54 PM

category: Eco-Kitchen, Gift Ideas, New Products

Cute, hand printed pea pod recipe cards on Etsy. Only one set in stock!

Comments (0) | June 16 - 6:06 PM

category: Gift Ideas

A second or third-hand rumor has it that Lotta is leaving San Francisco for the bright lights of the Big Apple? Say it's not so, I'm not sure her local fans could handle a strictly mailorder relationship. Speaking of which, look at this cute cooking apron on sale for $24 dollars.

Comments (0) | June 13 - 6:19 PM

category: Gift Ideas

For your favorite vegan. A limited edition entirely letterpressed vegan cookbook via Etsy. Printed on Mohawk Superfine Soft White Eggshell finish cardstock. 12 recipes.

Comments (0) | April 10 - 10:15 AM

category: Gift Ideas, Vegan / Veg

Bad breath? Meet Breath Palette. For the discerning brusher, this robust line of all-natural toothpastes and mouthwashes provides an alternative to the staid state of the current oral hygiene market. For the chefs and sommeliers in the crowd, flavor zero is a neutral-PH selection that can be used as a palette cleanser.

Want a bit more adventure during your morning brush? Try the ZEN palette of flavors (rose, honey, lavender, lemon tea, and cola), or brush that sweet tooth away with the palette that includes Vanilla, Bitter Chocolate, Caramel, L'Espresso, and (gasp) Pumpkin Pudding.

The benefits as cited on the Breath Palette site:

Breath Palette provides real benefits with its all-natural blend of herbal extracts and Xylitol.

- Sugar-free – BP is sweetened with Xylitol, a natural white crystalline substance that helps prevent plaque build-up naturally.

- Alcohol-free – without the dehydrating effects of alcohol, Breath Palette promotes a healthy saliva balance, which is the best preventative measure against bad breath. Saliva itself has natural antibacterial properties.

- Low effervescence – less foam is ideal for electronic tooth- brushes and for children who are first learning to brush.

- Less abrasive – the abrasive particle is one-seventh the size of standard toothpaste allowing you to brush your teeth more closely and gently.

- No synthetic surface-active agents – with no surfactants BP is kind to your body and the environment.

Read more about Breath Palette .

Comments (4) | March 19 - 2:49 PM

category: Gift Ideas, New Products

Have you seen the Little Dumpling collection? The concept looks cute, but it is hard to see the quality of the charms from the photograph. There is the mixed dumpling charm bracelet which has an assortment of five charms, or you you can commit to a favorite single dumpling by going the necklace route: empanada, wonton, apple turnover, tortellini, ravioli, gnocchi, or potsticker.

Comments (0) | February 17 - 10:36 AM

category: Gift Ideas

June has a fresh batch of Rangpur Lime Jelly ready for takers. This beautiful, brightly flavored jelly is a favorite of mine - a kiss of sweetness rounds out the clean, edgy, tart complexity of the citrus. Made with organic Rangpur limes, June prepares her jams, jellies and fruit cheeses in small batches, by hand, with minimal sugar and no pectin. Surprise a friend with a jar - you can order online or buy in person at San Francisco Bay Area Farmers markets.

Comments (0) | February 11 - 5:33 PM

category: Gift Ideas, New Products

Check out Rosanna's Playing House line of cake plates, pie dishes, and nested mixing bowls. Think about how cute a six-pack of carrot cupcakes would look in that light-blue cupcake tray. The bakeware is oven/dishwasher safe and the whole line is surprisingly affordable. Pieces range from $17-$55. Perfect for those springtime birthdays that are right around the corner.

Comments (0) | January 27 - 9:31 PM

category: Gift Ideas

Have you seen Adagio's display teas? A cluster of leaves unfolds in your tea cup to reveal a beautiful, delicate flower inside. The tea blooms are hand-made in China from early spring leaves. Because the leaves are harvested young, you don't end up with the bitterness you otherwise might experience by leaving leaves in the cup.

Two types of display teas are available from Adagio - a Jasmine-infused green tea and a full-bodied black tea. No expansions of the line are planned at the moment citing Adagio's desire to, "offer a product that is visually impressive AND tastes great." Apparently making a pretty tea is easy, making a pretty tea that also tastes good is much more of a challenge. A box of ten costs $10 dollars.

Comments (0) | January 17 - 2:04 PM

category: Gift Ideas, New Products

Looking for a list of organic coffee producers? We found one. The Organic Coffee Collaboration offers up a range of organic coffee products from a number of producers. Easy shipping makes coffee a good little holiday gift/gesture.

Comments (0) | December 13 - 10:43 PM

category: Gift Ideas, Lists

Lotta Jansdotter prints on 100% natural linen fabrics, and we love her Chick Brick cafe apron. It comes in under $40, is a perfect shade of bricky-orange, and adds a pop of color to any kitchen (or outfit). ( Visit the Lotta Jansdotter site )

Comments (1) | December 12 - 10:30 AM

category: Gift Ideas, New Products

What would a weeks worth of food look like in your household? Hungry Planet presents a study revealing how people eat around the globe. In many cases it is a fascinating collision of tradition and globalization. Through riveting portraits and detailed text, thirty families in twenty-four countries are profiled. From Ecuador to Egypt, Guatemala to Great Britain, Peter Menzel took the portraits and Faith D'Alusio constructed the text.

This is a book that should top every holiday wish list.

Comments (1) | December 9 - 10:36 AM

category: Book Reviews, Gift Ideas, Studies + Trends

When you've got the $500 Vita-mixer, the $400 Wolfgang Grain Mill, and the $800 FrancisFrancis - you've certainly got the coin for this $1000 made-to-order ice bucket set. Think ice bucket couture and you are on the right track. Each ice bucket is handmade from recycled glass processed by a wind-powered electric furnace at Portland-based Esque.

Comments (0) | November 26 - 8:15 AM

category: Gift Ideas, New Products

This one is for the herb lover in your life. San Francisco artist and designer Jill Bliss spent a month hanging out at the Strybing Arboretum (and combing through friends' yards) studying native herbs. The resulting limited edition posters are printed on recycled matte cardstock with soy-based inks. On a budget? You can get one for $16, or splurge for the entire set of 3 for $45. Check them out here.

Comments (0) | November 20 - 12:55 PM

category: Gift Ideas, New Products, Vegan / Veg

Nassau resident Amos Ferguson paints a colorful world of Pumpkin People, Pineapples, Black Crabs,and Grapefruits.

Comments (0) | November 19 - 1:06 PM

category: Gift Ideas

For black and green thumbs alike - Egglings make growing basil, thyme, or month stylish and easy. A trio of these will beat out a Chia pet anyday. What could be better than an egg-shell that functions as a plant or flowerpot? They look like real eggs (made of ceramic), you crack them, give them a drink, a little light, and you have your own little edible herb garden. They were on display at Green Fest 2005 and are just as loveable in person.

Comments (0) | November 19 - 11:53 AM

category: Gift Ideas, Vegan / Veg