June 13, 2012 / Heather Somaini

The babies are graduating from pre-school today. Kindergarten, here we come!!!

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June 11, 2012 / Heather Somaini

Hunger Games - the lost tributes…..

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June 11, 2012 / Heather Somaini

“Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain - and most do.”

— American Writer and Lecturer, Dale Carnegie

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tags / dale carnegie

June 10, 2012 / Heather Somaini

NoH8 pics today at Gay Pride in WeHo. Can’t wait to see the actual photos!!

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tags / NoH8

June 08, 2012 / Heather Somaini / Source

Like the looks of this duffel bag!
Oilskin Duffel Bag Kit
There isn’t much we can tell you about this bag outside of the fact it’s produced by Merchant & Mills and it looks good. Oh yeah, and it’s made by you. You buy the kit that includes all t… — Like the looks of this duffel bag!

**Oilskin Duffel Bag Kit**

There isn’t much we can tell you about this bag outside of the fact it’s produced by Merchant & Mills and it looks good. Oh yeah, and it’s made by you. You buy the kit that includes all the parts and pieces (presumably a bunch of oilskin and cord) and comprehensive instructions and then you DIY yourself a pretty sweet looking duffel bag. It includes one large main compartment and a stamped pocket. The final dimensions (assuming you get it together) are 52cm x 25cm. Hey, at least you won’t get sawdust everywhere and there won’t be much cleanup.
**$70**

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tags / cool material, merchant & mills

June 08, 2012 / Heather Somaini / Source

Always looking for a new watering hole on the westside….
The Corner Door
Generally speaking, you come down firmly on the pro-palm-tree side.So it seems wrong to finally get out of the office, rally your friends, put the top down and… h… — *Always looking for a new watering hole on the westside….*

**The Corner Door**

Generally speaking, you come down firmly on the pro-palm-tree side.

So it seems wrong to finally get out of the office, rally your friends, put the top down and… hole up in the back of some dark bomb-shelter bar.

You live in LA. Even when you’re inside, you’d rather be outside.

So take a look at *The Corner Door*, an elegantly low-key corner spot for burgers and drinks with plenty of windows that open up to let the outside in, now open in Culver City.

First off, yes. There is a corner door. So they’ve got the whole truth-in-advertising thing happening for them. Gives you an instinctual sense of trust.

You should probably rely on your instincts here, since you can drop in easily for a seat at the bar or a tall communal table for some cocktails both classic and crafty—an Old Fashioned, sure, or maybe a *Fortune & Glory*, with gin, cantaloupe and absinthe. Wouldn’t be the first time some gin led you to fortune and glory.

But if the nearby Waterloo & City is packed—and you’re feeling more like a burger, fried brussels sprouts and some cider-glazed wings than some veddy English pâté anyway—you’ll want a table up front under those open windows, with views of palm trees, meter-free parking and sky.

The meter-free parking gets you every time.

**The Corner Door**
12477 W Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90066
310-313-5810
official website

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tags / urban daddy, the corner door

June 08, 2012 / Heather Somaini / Source

They had me at “brownie”.
Beverly Hills Brownie Company
Consider the brownie.There’s nothing all that profound to consider here—it’s just that brownies are really good. You kind of want one. And the city is incomprehensibly shy on all-br… — *They had me at “brownie”.*

**Beverly Hills Brownie Company**

Consider the brownie.

There’s nothing all that profound to consider here—it’s just that brownies are really good. You kind of want one. And the city is incomprehensibly shy on all-brownie emporiums.

Or was…

Take a look at *Beverly Hills Brownie Company*, a fancy little shop filled with endless squares of rich, rich chocolate, now open on Beverly Drive.

You’ll find it under a big crystal chandelier—yes, this is a brownie shop; yes, you’re in Beverly Hills. It’s a bright little bakery where pretty much everything is impossibly white, like it just got its SAG card on a toothpaste commercial.

Everything, that is, except for all those brownies behind the counter. They’re made individually here, so each square of decadent chocolate has a crisp crust all around the edges. And, well, “gooey” would not be a terrible word to describe the delicious center.

They’ve got chocolate. They’ve got Andes mint. They’ve got red velvet, poppy seed and vanilla—but most important of all is the *Black-Out*, with semisweet, bittersweet and milk chocolate… and chocolate frosting. The options change, but generally you can plan on hitting this spot whenever you need a big box’s worth of appreciation directed your way at an afternoon meeting.

If you plan on sharing.

**Beverly Hills Brownie Company**
315 N Beverly Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310-275-1295
official website

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tags / urban daddy, beverly hills, brownie, beverly hills brownie company

June 08, 2012 / Heather Somaini / Source

Cool?
NuForce Cube
The NuForce Cube is like the Swiss Army Knife of gadgets, there’s a lot going on in a really small package (that’s what she said). Besides being a solid portable speaker, the NuForce Cube is also a headphone amp and a digital-to-… — *Cool?*

**NuForce Cube**

The NuForce Cube is like the Swiss Army Knife of gadgets, there’s a lot going on in a really small package (that’s what she said). Besides being a solid portable speaker, the NuForce Cube is also a headphone amp and a digital-to-analog converter. So basically, you’re handling a slew of problems with one crafty little box (that’s what he said). The USB DAC lets you bypass your computer’s on-board one leaving you with superior sound, and the headphone amp is perfect for when you don’t want others hearing that sound. When you aren’t listening through a pair of Marshall Major’s, the NuForce Cube provides big sound despite its diminutive size. **$119**

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tags / nuforce cube, cool material

June 08, 2012 / Heather Somaini / Source

I think these would be awesome for a kid’s rooms or baby’s room!
Alphabet Posters
If you’re anything like us, you already have framed prints waiting for wall space to open up somewhere in your home—a sort of poster queue. It’s probably c… — *I think these would be awesome for a kid’s rooms or baby’s room!*

**Alphabet Posters**

If you’re anything like us, you already have framed prints waiting for wall space to open up somewhere in your home—a sort of poster queue. It’s probably chock-full of redesigned movie prints and photography from 20×200 all eagerly awaiting you getting tired of something you’ve had up for ages. Well, thanks to YeahNoYeah, that queue is about to get longer. These Alphabet Posters are as unique as they are dizzying. Each features one black and white letter repeated over and over like you were Roger Sterling looking at an eye chart after dropping acid for the first time. Of course at over $60 unframed, you might get a little queasy looking at your next credit card statement as well. **$62**

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tags / cool material, alphabet posters

June 08, 2012 / Heather Somaini / Source

Check out this awesome electric lawnmower robot. It’s like a Roomba for your lawn! My dad so needs one of these!

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tags / lawn, lawnmower, lawnbott

June 06, 2012 / Heather Somaini / Source

There’s something simple and intriguing about this….maybe something to try out on Dad for Father’s Day.
The Moneywrap
Since we seem to have such a hard time pairing down the insides of our wallets—mainly because of business cards … — *There’s something simple and intriguing about this….maybe something to try out on Dad for Father’s Day.*

**The Moneywrap**

Since we seem to have such a hard time pairing down the insides of our wallets—mainly because of business cards and restaurant vouchers, unfortunately—we figured it’s time we chipped away at the outside instead. The Moneywrap by Daycraft is smart, minimal and exactly the kind of “wallet” our precious Subway Fresh Fit card deserves. Your cards and cash are folded into the single piece of leather and held in place with a simple band, none of which will scratch up your iPhone if you’re keeping them in the same pocket. All you have to do is open the flap to access your money and then proceed (like us) to spend it on more awesome stuff from overseas. $57

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tags / cool material, father's day gift, moneywrap

June 05, 2012 / Heather Somaini

“Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.”

— Abraham Lincoln

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tags / abraham lincoln

June 01, 2012 / Heather Somaini / Source

Tees, t-shirts…..LOVE.
DiLascia
What do you do when your family’s bakery closes its doors? Start a line of clothing, of course. That’s exactly what Patrick DiLascia did, and now he’s traded in selling cakes in Binghampton, NY for selling his … — Tees, t-shirts…..LOVE.

**DiLascia**

What do you do when your family’s bakery closes its doors? Start a line of clothing, of course. That’s exactly what Patrick DiLascia did, and now he’s traded in selling cakes in Binghampton, NY for selling his t-shirt designs to Nordstrom. Not too shabby. While the entire selection of his freshly baked tees can be found in his Etsy shop, this small sample is now available at the specialty chain. **$35**

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tags / cool material, dilascia, t-shirts, tees

June 01, 2012 / Heather Somaini / Source

They had me at wine and Venice.
Dry Tour: A New Old Wine Bar in Venice
We know.The holiday weekend is so close you can taste it.And oddly enough, it tastes like wine, cheese and wild boar salami…That’s the plan, anyway, assuming you take the … — *They had me at wine and Venice.*

**Dry Tour: A New Old Wine Bar in Venice**

We know.

The holiday weekend is so close you can taste it.

And oddly enough, it tastes like wine, cheese and wild boar salami…

That’s the plan, anyway, assuming you take the opportunity to hole up at *Dry Tour*, a historic new wine bar and dining room just steps from Venice Beach, officially open as of today.

You’ll find the place stowed in an old building that’s been stripped down to its 1904 roots—the chipped tile floors and ceilings are now as they were more than 100 years ago. But we think you’ll agree that adding some Edison bulbs, a bunch of wine bottles from all over and a gray marble bar… well, that represents some progress in the right direction.

It’s an intimate little spot, with just a few scattered tables and a dozen or so stools at the bar, so it’s best pulled out when you’ve spent the better part of an afternoon on a beach blanket with a date—and rather than driving home, you’re both in the mood to stand up, dust off the sand and walk a couple blocks to ride out sundown with some scallop ceviche, lamb shank and a bottle of sangiovese.

You’re generally in this mood when conscious.

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tags / dry tour, venice, wine, ca, la, los angeles, urban daddy

June 01, 2012 / Heather Somaini / Source

Must. Check. Out!
A Piece of Nantucket on the PCH
Let’s talk for a moment about our coastline.We’ve got miles of beautiful beach. Miles of beautiful beach bodies. And an oddly short list of beautiful Nantucket-style drinking shacks…Time to… — *Must. Check. Out!*

**A Piece of Nantucket on the PCH**

Let’s talk for a moment about our coastline.

We’ve got miles of beautiful beach. Miles of beautiful beach bodies. And an oddly short list of beautiful Nantucket-style drinking shacks…

Time to step inside *SHOREbar*, a two-level shanty of classic cocktailing that’s half Santa Monica, half Nantucket, soft-opening tomorrow just off the PCH.

You’ll find this place right between the Hungry Cat and Giorgio Baldi—so if you just had an oyster date that ain’t over yet, this is your new spot for a nightcap. You’ll see white-wood walls, nautical art and sweeping views of Malibu Coastline, Catalina Island and Newport Bay. (Those are the names of booths you can reserve in advance by phone.)

You’ll also want to keep it in mind after a Saturday afternoon on the beach with friends, when a pleasant pre-sundown lethargy demands a thorough, leisurely sampling of the cocktail menu from barman Vincenzo Marianella. If you spent some time running around on the sand in slow motion, you’ll want the *Baywatch*—it’s got gin, orange bitters and Campari, the color of a certain lifeguard’s bikini.

Oh, and upstairs, that’s the members-only area. When it’s up and running in a couple weeks, you can store your favorite booze in a locker, get delivery from nearby restaurants and everything will magically go to your house account. Just call and ask for a membership application—this place is from the h.wood guys, so you’re golden.

Also: s.monica would’ve been just ridiculous.

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tags / shorebar, urban daddy, dine, dining, food, nantucket, la, los angeles

June 01, 2012 / Heather Somaini / Source

My Dad NEEDS one of these but he’ll have to wait, he’s getting something else for daddy’s day. :)
Best Made Co Apron
When you think about manly clothing accessories, the apron is probably not the first thing that comes to mind, bu… — My Dad NEEDS one of these but he’ll have to wait, he’s getting something else for daddy’s day. :)

**Best Made Co Apron**

When you think about manly clothing accessories, the apron is probably not the first thing that comes to mind, but it should be. If there was any company that could make the manliest of them all, it would be Best Made Co. Each of these aprons is made of hickory stripe, 10oz twill weave 100% cotton and reinforced with 8oz denim. With two all-purpose waist pockets, a pen pocket on the chest and a hip loop for a hammer (or a pair of tongs!), it’s not your average “Kiss the Cook” umbrella you stole, or got as a gift, from your better half. And you don’t have to worry about beating the shit out of it because a) it will look better, and b) it’s machine washable. So stop destroying your clothes when you drunkenly play with power tools and get an apron. **$58**

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tags / cool material, father's day, gift guide, best made co apron

June 01, 2012 / Heather Somaini / Source

Uh….do I really need to explain this? It’s GRILLED CHEESE. ON SUNSET.
Late Night Grilled Cheese on Sunset
Finally. You couldn’t wait for that holiday weekend to be over.All that sun and camaraderie and sweet, sweet barbecue smoke—it w… — *Uh….do I really need to explain this? It’s GRILLED CHEESE. ON SUNSET.*

**Late Night Grilled Cheese on Sunset**

Finally. You couldn’t wait for that holiday weekend to be over.

All that sun and camaraderie and sweet, sweet barbecue smoke—it was rough. When all you wanted was business attire, fluorescent lights and some earth-shattering intel on a late-night grilled-cheese emporium…

Take your first look at *Heywood*, your new spot for beautifully melted goodness between bread, soft-opening any day now on Sunset Boulevard.

It’s a simple spot next to Lark Cake Shop, and it feels sort of sunny even after dark—think yellow tablecloths and round mirrors radiating gold sunbeams. But you’re not really here for the atmosphere.

You’re here because it’s 1am on a Friday night, all of you just had a bunch of whiskey at the Thirsty Crow—or hey, it’s lunchtime—and you want, nay, need, nay, crave a *Muy Caliente* (fontina and spicy jack cheese on jalapeño bread) or the *Bon Appétit Brie*, with triple-cream brie on cinnamon-raisin bread with fig jam and raspberry sugar sprinkles. Yes. That.

So stay vigilant—they had an open house over the weekend, but just decided to close back up for a few days to take a deep breath before opening very soon.

Melting cheese is generally worth the wait.

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tags / urban daddy, food, dine, dining, la, los angeles, heywood

June 01, 2012 / Heather Somaini / Source

Loooove movies outdoors…at night.
Alfresco Movie Nights in Hollywood
The good news is, Hollywood hasn’t dared to try and remake Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.Yet.The better news is, you can catch it on the big screen this summer anyway.With basket… — *Loooove movies outdoors…at night.*

**Alfresco Movie Nights in Hollywood**

The good news is, Hollywood hasn’t dared to try and remake *Ferris Bueller’s Day Off*.

Yet.

The better news is, you can catch it on the big screen this summer anyway.

With baskets full of wine and cheese, spread out on the welcoming grass of Hollywood’s new backyard…

Introducing *Oscars Outdoors at Academy Hollywood*, your new outdoor movie joint from the kind folks who hand out the Oscars—tickets go on sale this Friday.

What you’re looking at here is a 40-by-20 screen mounted over the lawn of the Academy’s new Hollywood complex, and they’re making movie night real easy for you.

1) Take a look at the calendar of Friday and Saturday night screenings happening throughout the summer—think Oscar-y classics like *Casablanca* and more modern, less award-winning fun stuff like *Raising Arizona*. (Cage was robbed.)

2) Get tickets. They’re five bucks.

3) Show up at 6:30pm, when the gates open, and park in the free lot. All you need is a blanket, some low chairs… and as much wine and cheese as you and your date can carry. (Surprisingly strong, that one.)

4) Don’t worry if you forgot the food. There’ll be a rotating cast of trucks on-site, selected to complement the movie being screened.

Let’s just say the casting couch got a little strange.

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tags / movies, film, hollywood, los angeles, la, urban daddy, oscars outdoors at academy hollywood

June 01, 2012 / Heather Somaini / Source

Need I say more…..
13 Gifts For Dad That Don’t Suck

Any (or all) of these could be true: Your dad explained screwdrivers to you using some easy to remember saying about a girl named Lucy. He taught you how to ride a bike and how to drive a c… — *Need I say more…..*

**13 Gifts For Dad That Don’t Suck**

Any (or all) of these could be true: Your dad explained screwdrivers to you using some easy to remember saying about a girl named Lucy. He taught you how to ride a bike and how to drive a car. Showed you how to throw a ball. Made mustaches look cool. Helped you design and create a ridiculous shelving system for your dorm/apartment/condo/house. Picked your drunk ass up when you were younger and never mentioned it to your mother. The argument is an old one, but fathers really do only get one day a year. Make it count. Buy the bottle of scotch or the six pack anyway, but pick him up another piece of cool material that will mean something to go with it.

1. Giant Socket Drink Holder – $15
2. SOL Survival Kit – $60
3. Abbey Road Coasters – $17
4. Gourmet Chocolate Covered Jalapenos – $50+
5. The Hell With Work Flask – $22
6. Garrett Wade Combination Knife & Precision Rule – $30
7. Best Made Co Apron – $58
8. Hand-Engraved Zippo Lighters – $36
9. Roller Rock Glass – $21
10. Vintage Leather Glove Wallets – $60+
11. Cabin Fever Maple Whiskey – $20
12. Jeweled Hex Watch Cufflinks – $87+
13. Stake 3-in-1 BBQ Tool – $46

Check out the Father’s Day Gift Guide for more of our picks for Dad. **$10+**

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tags / father's day, dad, gift guide, cool material

June 01, 2012 / Heather Somaini / Source

I’ve loved this NEST thermostat for awhile now. It’s genius and beautiful!
Apple Turns up the Temperature for New Product
Ask anyone to compose a list of products manufactured and sold by Apple, and there’s a good chance no one wi… — *I’ve loved this NEST thermostat for awhile now. It’s genius and beautiful!*

**Apple Turns up the Temperature for New Product**

Ask anyone to compose a list of products manufactured and sold by Apple, and there’s a good chance no one will ever include on that list what has just turned up on the Apple online store. Earlier today, following a protracted site outage for upgrades and repairs, Apple added to its product line a new Nest Learning Thermostat, which sells for $249.95.

“The Nest Learning Thermostat helps you stop wasting energy, while providing control using your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac,” reads the product description posted by Apple.

So where did this product come from? For starters, it was created by Tony Fadell, a former Apple employee - the retired VP of Apple’s iPod division - although he no longer works for or with Apple in any official capacity.

Originally Posted by :
At $249.95, and requiring professional installation (except for the maker crowd), these won’t exactly fly of the shelves, but Apple is making a point about the intersection of its technology and the everyday aspects of the home. The thermostat is right up there with the TV, stove and refrigerator as default appliances of the modern dwelling.
As of this writing, Apple isn’t thought to be planning any additional products in the realm of kitchen or household appliances. So if you were really excited about the iToaster or iMicrowave, you’re out of luck for now.

Source: Forbes

_{This article was originally published in forum thread: Apple Turns Up The Temperature for New Product started by Michael Essany}_{View original post}

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tags / apple, nest, nest thermostat

13 Gifts For Dad That Don’t Suck