If you prefer words to numbers, this is the clock for you. The spell it out clock is a creative take on the traditional analogue clock. Instead of having numbers, everything is spelled out, like seven twenty four. Not only does this make for a great looking clock, its probably pretty handy for those new schoolers that struggle telling time on the old analogue clocks (you know who you are!). The clock itself has a clean brushed metal frame, and the words are in Helvetica font. For only $24 this clock is a great deal for any design junkie who loves words.
Available from Signals for $24.

With spring just around the corner, it means that one of our favorite affordable modern stores Ikea is scheduled to have some new products coming out. I was lucky enough to get a sneak preview of some of the goods so I though I would share them with our readers.
This KNUBBIG table lamp was designed by Japanese designer Michiko Nakato and promises to be some great inexpensive lighting. It comes in 5 different colors (flower pink, butterfly green, cherry blossoms/ frosted white, black, and butterfly turquoise) and two different sizes (approx 4.75″ and 8.25″).
Stay tuned for more new goodies!

Even though Crate & Barrel is the less hip older brother of CB2, they still kick out some great products every once in a while. This willow wood tray is a great example. Nothing ornate or fancy here, just some nice clean sweeping lines of the natural willow. At 22″ x 14″ its just the right size for a breakfast in bed, or to carry a bunch of glasses for your next soiree.
Available from Crate & Barrel for $19.

I have featured quite a few different sites that sell vinyl wall art before. Most of them are pretty similar on pricing, and the biggest difference is the selection of designs. DVider is no different in that aspect. They do have a nice selection of wall stickers (I especially like the nature series) and prices start at around $25 which is typical. What I was impressed with was their room dividers. They sell modular kits that are available in different configurations. They are basic pole mounted white canvas sections, but the hardware makes for a very clean installation. When combined with some of their wall art, they make for an impressive little wall divider. Prices start at around $363 for a small 4×6 divider, and while that’s not cheap it’s a lot easier than building a wall and looks better than hanging an old sheet.
Available from DVider.

I am always on the look out for a new simple alarm clock. We have a small round one from Ikea that sits on the floor next to our bed. It takes plenty of abuse on early mornings as I flail to hit the snooze button on the back.
These Wiggle Wiggle Clocks designed by Chris Koens look like they could stand up to my abuse, although I’m not even sure if they are an alarm clock or not. One thing I do know is that they rock, literally! From the description it sounds like the rocking is never consistent, sometimes slow and smooth and sometimes quick and jittery. You’ve gotta like a clock with that much personality.

Available from Generate for $29.

If you haven’t already checked out Slow Home, your missing out. I first heard about it from my parents, who are quite active with the Slow Foods movement with their creamery and handmade artisan cheeses. It seems slow home is an idea that follows a lot of the elements of slow food. The idea behind the website is that too much architecture is mass produced, wasteful, and made without much thought to the user. It focuses on those people who are looking to change all of that and design well thought out spaces that are individualized and concious of the environment. Besides just being a great idea, the website has some great features. It is of course a blog, but it also has a folio section that catalogues different people, projects and products that are useful for the slow home movement. It even has a slow home tv section with all sorts of video clips.

Check it out and let us know your favorite find on Slow Home.

We always said that we would never sell our house for another fixer upper, that we would hold out for that perfect lot and build on it. Unfortunately lots are far and few between in areas that I would want to live. With that in mind I occasionally watch for houses in good areas that could become another epic GRM remodel. This last week I think I found one. We now find ourselves in a sticky situation. Before we can even put a bid on the house we need to sell ours, but we don’t want to sell our unless we can get this new one. It’s really quite frustrating. I have a feeling that this new house will sell in the next couple of weeks, so I put our house up for sale on Craigslist and Zillow just to see if I would get any bites. If we don’t end up getting a full price offer in the next couple of weeks I imagine we will just end up staying here until we can find an affordable lot in a location we would want to live.
Any advice?

April, one of our great GRM readers sent me this link last week. Its for a convetible stool from Costco. The convertible part is the fact that you can throw some castors and a tray on it and use it as a shop stool. Personally I like it just the way it is is. It has a great retro/industrial look to it. The 304 stainless steel seat and crome legs are built to be shop tough, so they will last forever in your home. It is also pneumatically adjustable from 25″ to 30″ which makes it much easier to get just the right height for your countertop. Best of all is that you get all this great stuff for only $39. You gotta love Costco.

Avialable from Costco for $39.

I posted last week about Dwell bedding coming to Target, and a good looking modern crib from Target that was actually affordable. In the comments it was mentioned that Baby Italia was bringing their line to Babies R Us. I checked out Baby Italia’s website, and sure enough it looks like they will be selling through Babies R Us, the only thing I’m not sure about yet is pricing. Any ideas?

I also noticed that Babies R Us is now carrying the Quinny Buzz, which is one cool stroller. I saw one of these last summer and was amazed at how small it could fold up. At the time there was no one selling them in the US. Unfortunately at $550, I probably couldn’t afford one if I had to do it all over again. Besides, were pretty happy with our Bob.