Skippy Natural Peanut Butter | Healthy Peanut Butter Without the Gross Factor

Like many families, our kitchen cabinets are filled with food labeled "Organic", "All Natural" and "Unprocessed". Taking the healthy route when shopping is relatively painless these days, and it feels good to feed the kids meals with a minimum of preservatives and artificial ingredients. The only natural hump I wasn't able to get over easily, though, was peanut butter. As much as I tried to like the "healthy" varieties, I missed the taste of good, old fashioned Skippy. And don't even get me started about that layer of oily goo at the top of those jars, with instructions to "stir well before enjoying"... the experience of mixing in what was never meant to be separated always made me queasy. Well the food science geniuses at Unilever must have research to show I'm not the only one who's squeamish about this, because the label of Skippy's Natural line proudly proclaims "No Need to Stir!" right at the top. The great taste of pure peanut butter (only a bit of salt and sugar added) is now available ready-to-eat, looking every bit as rich as the Skippy you knew and loved as a kid. I've done blind taste tests with friends - putting this stuff up against the best Whole Foods has to offer - and Skippy wins every time. Its not organic, but it is 100% natural. Available in both Creamy and Super Chunk, about $2.99/jar.

http://www.peanutbutter.com/natural.aspx

Scooby Doo Mystery Inc. | Those Meddling Kids Finally Grow Up

There have been so many reboots of shows from my childhood I can hardly keep track; some are really good (BSG, 'nuff said) but most are just violations of cherished memories (Land of the Lost anyone?) Though Scooby Doo has been continuously on the air in one form or another since 1969, Cartoon Network's new spin on the franchise is the first time its been truly remade. The characters we know and love are all there of course, as is the comfortably predictable plot that always ends in the unmasking of the greedy-guy-in-monster-costume trying to scare away business / attract business / collect on insurance policy / ____________. But wow is it all different at the same time... witty dialogue full of pop culture references, adult humor and inside jokes, relationships and sexual tension among the characters that go far beyond Scooby Snacking, and a backstory that promises to develop over the course of the season's 26 episodes which adds a surprising element of maturity to the series. All this is wrapped in a retro-modern color palette that glows with translucent, psychedelic beauty, and voiced by talent of the highest order. I honestly can't take my eyes off the screen. Scooby Doo is finally the sort of show you can enjoy as an adult as you watch with your kids. New episodes air weekly on Monday nights.

www.cartoonnetwork.com

Breville Ikon Toaster | Why Would Anyone Blog About a Toaster?

Making toast isn't rocket science, but you might think it was based on the poor performance of most every expensive toaster out there... in fact there seems to be an inverse relationship between a toaster's price and the quality of toast it produces. Add in some sexy design and that slice of warm bread is almost guaranteed to pop up unevenly, under or overcooked. We've probably gone through 5 or 6 of these pricey stainless lumps, each more disappointing than the last. So after our Rowenta blew out I promised my wife that our next would not only make a design statement, it would actually make a decent slice of toast. Fortunately I found one that lives up to that promise. In spite of its simple, handsome form and intuitive controls, Breville's Ikon toasters handle everything from white bread to waffles with aplomb, evenly cooked just how you like it. With their easy to read digital display - controlled by an adjustment dial that turns so smoothly it might have come straight off a Mercedes dashboard - Breville's designers created an honest, contemporary appliance that performs like no other toaster on the market. $70 for the two slice, $90 for the quad.

www.breville.com

Termite Skateboards | Top Quality Boards, Kid Sized

Parents who want to buy a skateboard for their kid generally have two options. They can get a piece of junk at Walmart or ToysRUs (often "endorsed" by a big name rider) which hardly rolls, won't flex properly and is guaranteed to be an impediment to your child ever learning to ride. Or they can pay $150+ for a proper board with decent wheels, bearings and trucks, but with a deck that's too long for the average child to handle. Do your son or daughter a favor and check out Termite Skateboards for a better solution. Designed by hardcore skaters with a vision - to offer young riders the performance they need in order to learn - Termite boards are in all respects adult quality, scaled down for kids 2 and up. And a wide selection of graphics with age-appropriate, street inspired edge guarantees your little one will look the part when they hit the pavement on their new wheels. Complete decks go for $99, and they even offer discounts to low income families. Good people with a great idea.

www.termiteskateboards.com

Microsoft Arc Keyboard | Even if You Hate Windows...

Like most designers, I'm an Apple kinda guy. I use Windows when I have to, but in the same way I use a public restroom - I wash my hands as soon as I'm done. Well I guess I do that in any restroom, but you get the idea. I've always appreciated the quality of Microsoft's hardware design though, and their new(ish) Arc Wireless Keyboard doesn't disappoint. Incredibly compact, lightweight and elegant, this little wonder replaced my full-size keyboard and I'll never go back. Whether on my desk or lap, everything about this product looks and feels just right. From its ergonomic curvature to the surprisingly tactile response of the low profile keys, I type with effortless comfort (and greater accuracy) on the Arc than any keyboard I've used to date. And in sharp contrast to Windows' arcane installation process and confusing operation, the Arc is purely plug 'n play for any Mac or PC - just insert the tiny wireless receiver in a USB port (it smartly snaps to the board for transport) and you're ready to type your next brilliant blog post. $59, available in stealth black and looks-like-Apple white.

www.microsoft.com

Automoblox | One from the "Where Was This When I Was a Kid?" File

I usually don't swipe images directly from manufacturer's catalogs, but in this case could not find a more descriptive photo to convey why I so love a product. To be sure, Automoblox have won praise from numerous sources since their introduction almost 3 years ago, but having recently enjoyed them (by myself and with my son) felt they more than deserve a fresh plug here. Beautifully designed vehicular toys are hard enough to come by these days, but Automoblox's emotive forms manage to capture the essence of car styling - from sports cars to minivans to SUVs - in the purest forms, lovingly sculpted from silky wood and richly molded plastic. Better yet, their ingenious design lets kids mix components from various sets to create an endless range of imaginative combinations, so durably constructed that they can be played with and enjoyed long beyond the construction phase (ever see the pained look on a child's face as they try to roll a Lego car around while its parts disintegrate into bricks?). Automoblox transcend traditional play categories like "building toy" or "vehicle", a rare product that's managed to create a niche all its own. Prices are commensurate with the quality, $12-$45 depending on size.

www.automoblox.com

Electrolux Ergorapido | Great Little Vacuum, Silly Name

I'll start this post off with the first negative thing I've said on the blog, but this needs to be said. I hate our Dyson vacuum. Its design, though eye catching, is horribly awkward to use. Its heavy. Its plastic housing is poorly assembled and has cracked in four places (with only light use.) And while it may pack the brute "power" to pick up a variety of heavy objects, its real world suction is severely limited by a brush / head design that leaves my kids' Cheerios scattered on the floor even after numerous passes. And I know I'm not alone in feeling this way... in fact friends of ours from Britain took their Dyson to the curb to ceremonially smash it to pieces before moving to the US, a cathartic act for which they found final closure by purchasing a Hoover upon their arrival in LA. But I seriously digress... Don't let its name dissuade you, Electrolux's brilliant mini vac is as elegant and functional as a Dyson is overwrought and bloated. This sleek little machine, available in several hip shades, can clean your whole house on a single charge, get into small spaces via its removable handvac, and dance around furniture like Fred Astaire as its head twists and turns almost telepathically linked to your hand. So get that baseball bat and let your Dyson know how you really feel, then head to Target and grab an Ergorapido for $99.

www.electrolux.com

Mucinex Cough Suppressant | Brings New Meaning to the Phrase "Breath Easy"

Some people get head colds, others have sinus problems. When I catch a cold I suffer from the worst chest congestion you can imagine... day after day of coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. That's all history since I discovered Mucinex, the first cough medicine that truly lives up to the promises on its package. Not sure what's in there that Robitussin and the like don't have, but if you can get past its somehow discomforting name you'll find honest 12 hour relief in each tablet, even at night when things tend to be at their worst. Within minutes of swallowing the large pill it feels like there's a little guy chiseling away at the tightness in your lungs, breaking up blockages and opening up the airway (I'm trying hard to avoid using the word m_cus here, which has always grossed me out for no rational reason.) There's also a children's version - in cool little packets of flavored powder that melts on kids' tongues - which safely allows everyone in the family to get a good night's sleep. Don't know how I survived eleven Chicago Winters without it (or how I survived 11 years in Chicago period, but that's for another post.) About $12 for a pack of 14, which will last you a week.

www.mucinex.com

Kinexium Shave Oil | Change your Life for $7

Contrary to popular belief, I don't walk around with an average 3 days stubble just to enhance my manly good looks. Truth be told, I hate to shave. I hate the entire concept of shaving, and I avoid it until the face looking back at me in the mirror simply demands that I do it. Well that may be history since I tried King of Shaves' Kinexium Shave Oil, a product that's been around a while but somehow evaded my medicine cabinet until a few weeks ago. Simply put, this magic in a bottle will completely transform the experience of dragging a sharp blade across your face (also works great with electric razors), creating an invisible layer of ultimate slipperiness that allows the razor to glide effortlessly over skin yet trim your beard as close as you could want.... without any burn or irritation. And your face feels absolutely soothed afterwards - smooth, soft and moisturized like the proverbial baby's bottom. If there's a slight downside, some may object to the product's synthetic smell, but it washes off completely with a bit of water. Hard to find at most US shops (King of Shaves is a British firm known throughout the world but oddly undiscovered by Americans), grab it from Drugstore.com for about $7.

www.kingofshaves.com

Bionaire Tower Heater | A Space Heater that's Earned the Name

Winter nights get pretty cold in LA, and as our baby has yet to figure out how to use a blanket beyond security mode we needed a heater to keep him comfortable (translation: not wake us up 4 times per night). I really have the hots for the solution we found, a space-aged arc of temperature control from Bionaire, a firm that's always had a knack for well designed devices like this. With an easy to read LED display, two heat settings and useful modes of operation including a timer and thermostat for temperature hold, this unit will silently keep a small room toasty regardless of how chilly it gets out there. Save some money this Winter by turning down the central and plugging in this tower, then enjoy it as a whisper quiet fan the rest of the year. Also available in a smaller model which doesn't oscillate. About $70.

www.bionaire.com

Miracle Gro LiquaFeed Fertilizer | Lock n' Load Plant Food

Whatever the opposite of a green thumb is, I've got it... and every attempt I've made at a decent looking lawn or flower bed has ended in a brown, dried-out reminder. Enter Scott's Miracle Gro Liquafeed, an ingenious combination of spray nozzle and fertilizer that's worked like magic for me. Simply screw on a fresh bottle of plant food, flip the switch from "water" to "feed" and squeeze the trigger. Within a week of each use I've seen significant increases in new growth and overall healthier looking plants, bushes, flowers and grass (the food is a multi-use formula.) Aside from Scott's chemistry, their designers did a great job on the delivery system too. Unlike other liquid feeders, their integrated handle / nozzle / bottle is well balanced and ergonomically sculpted, and actually works as a pretty good hose (with 6 spray settings) for the majority of times you're just going to use it to water those plants.

Plantronics 975 Headset | Sound and Vision Artfully Combined

I risk violating a prime tenet of Product Fetish by posting about Plantronics' latest bluetooth headpiece - that this blog wasn't going to become a "latest and greatest" gadget collection. But having this sleek handsfree glued to my ear for the past three months has solidly placed it in the category of "Stuff I Want to Hug", so perhaps I'm not breaking the rules too badly. In any case I'll dispense with the performance specs available elsewhere and just say that the clarity of sound offered by the 975 is unmatched, its battery lasts longer than you'll ever need it to, and the ingenious leather case (with integral battery to fully charge the headset up to 3 times when you're on the go, no need to drag along an AC adapter) makes this the best hands free solution available. Top notch build quality too, down to flawless stitching on the surprisingly supple leather. Worth every penny of its admittedly high-end price, you really can't put a dollar value on not looking like a dork. $130.

www.plantronics.com

Prince Aha Stool | Why Philippe Starck Earns the Big Bucks

I have to admit to a love / hate relationship with Philippe Starck's work... most of his designs seem largely superficial, paying only passing consideration to issues of functionality or ergonomics. But truth be told, the guy captures wit and charm in a hunk of plastic as few designers can. His Prince Aha Stool for Kartell (1999) is a modern classic, bridging the gap between fun and function in amazingly versatile ways. We've used these indoors and out as seating and side tables; the high-quality plastic and sophisticated color options work well in just about any setting. Sure they're getting ubiquitous, but for all the right reasons.

www.kartell.com

Hansaware Metal Wallets | This is Your Grandfather's Cigarette Case

I've never really liked leather wallets; the way they stretch to fit just about whatever you can shove in is a recipe for disaster. Over the years I've tried many alternatives, and compromised with a money clip until I came across these little gems from a German firm that truly makes things the way they used to. Hansaware offers an incredible range of nickel and brass cases, sized to hold anything from contact lenses through eyeglasses. Manufactured using the original tools dating to the 20's and 30's, their deco-cool retro look is the real deal. And best of all, a cigarette case perfectly sized for credit cards won't expand... no matter how hard you try to pack in that extra Starbucks card, this is a wallet that forces you to carry just what you need and no more. A distinctive way to stash your cash and keep your pocket bulge-free, $25-35 depending on style and materials.

www.hansaware.com

Batman: The Complete Animated Series | Meet the Real Dark Knight

To say that Batman: The Animated Series redefined what a "cartoon" could be is an understatement; this is truly among the most influential works of animation ever made. Paul Dini and Bruce Timm's vision portrayed the Dark Knight in his truest form ever, capturing the essence of Batman and distilling it into a slickly styled, witty package that will continue to win fans for generations to come... and blessedly purged our memories of the Adam West / Burt Ward travesty which shaped perception of this complex character for so long. As much adult fare as it will thrill kids (and there are some dark episodes that, frankly, are not appropriate for children), the show looks as fresh today as when it took the Fox Kids network by storm in 1992. Some great bonus material rounds out this beautifully designed set, about $150 from Amazon.

Batman Animated at Amazon

Sherlock Holmes: The Complete BBC Series | Boycott Robert Downey's Version

Many people are surprised to hear that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic tales of the great Victorian detective are among the most widely read in the world, a close second only to the bible in terms of print copies (and, I'd venture, in the lead with respect to actual readership). What makes them so wonderful, why his characters have captured readers' imaginations across every nationality and culture for the past 100+ years, is a subject better left to the numerous websites devoted to that subject. But I'd like to ensure - particularly before Robert Downey Jr. does irrevocable damage to the franchise in his upcoming action movie (loosely based on the stories) - that people have a chance to appreciate their true greatness in the form of Jeremy Brett's definitive embodiment of Holmes, along with the two perfect Watsons who shared that role over the course of several seasons on the BBC. Whether you are new to the tales or already an avid fan, this remastered box set is one of those rare DVD collections that's worth owning. About $185 from Amazon, watch out for inexpensive bootlegs from China that sell for much less.

Holmes Collection at Amazon

Playsam Saab Concept 001 | The Essence of a Once Great Car Company

The recent bankruptcy of Saab, after years of mismanagement by its owner GM (what hasn't General Motors mismanaged?) was a sad event for anyone who appreciates the brilliant and sometimes quirky designs the Swedish firm was known for. I'll always be able to recall Saab's best while caressing this gorgeous hardwood homage to Sixten Saxon's 1949 concept 001, which evolved into the production model 92 that set the tone for all pre-GM Saabs to follow. Swedish toymaker Playsam lovingly crafts these executive gifts (at $140 it isn't a toy for kids) and other Saab-inspired toys that I recommend to anyone with a bit of extra desk space. And for the record, Sixten Saxon is the coolest name. Ever.

www.playsam.com

Stelton Oil Lamp + Ashtray | Perfection in Stainless Steel

I've always had a soft spot for pure geometry in my environment, and like many am a sucker for the cold touch of stainless steel. Stelton, the Danish firm known for excellence in both since 1960, has thus been my go-to brand for tabletop accessories and these two products exemplify why. The Revolving Ashtray by Arne Jacobsen and Oil Lamp by Erik Magnussen optimize the functional possibilities of cylinders in ways that look as contemporary today as when designed (1970 and 2001, respectively), and even if you don't smoke that spinning dish (a perfect hemisphere floating inside a perfect circle) creates a relationship of forms you'll never tire of playing with. Heirloom pieces your kids and grandkids will love, a steal at $100 each.

www.stelton.com

Honeywell Fresh Breeze Tower Fan | A Well Designed Breath of Fresh Air

Fans may seem a bit old fashioned when you have central air, but the recent heat wave in LA taught me that air conditioning isn't always enough to keep cool. For my home office I've found Honeywell's Fresh Breeze Tower packs the power of many larger rotary fans in a footprint that's virtually invisible. What you do see is clean and efficient, and though the LCD display's user interface could be better it's easy to manage all of Honeywell's useful features (including a built-in ionizer and a randomized speed option to simulate the gusts of a natural outdoor breeze.) At about $65 this whisper quiet air circulator is a great way to augment AC in the summer and keep air moving through the winter months ahead.

www.honeywellstore.com

TidyCat Breeze Litter System | This Litterbox Doesn't Stink

With two very smelly cats, we've tried just about all the pseudo-solutions available which promise to minimize litter odor, and have been disappointed by all but one - TidyCat's Breeze System. Its use of proprietary pelletized litter, through which liquid waste drains into a special absorbent pad in the base, seems almost too simple to work. But work it does, and you'll never go back to an ordinary box (or exorbitantly priced "self cleaning" electric gadgets) once you try it. A bit more expensive than a basic box as the pads must be replaced weekly, but it will seriously change the quality of your olfactory life if you have indoor cats. Its easy-to-maintain functionality even lets me overlook the low rent design and color palette. About $30 for the starter set, pads go for $6/pack of 4.

www.breezeforcats.com

IC Berlin Frames | Eyeglasses Evolved

Once in the rarest while an object comes along that represents the pinnacle of design for a particular category of product. For eyeglasses, that event occurred about 5 years ago when a small German firm hit the market with a revolutionary concept in materials and engineering. IC Berlin frames are laser cut from thin sheets of surgical stainless steel... an incredibly flexible, feather light metal that can withstand any abuse you throw at them. The unique qualities of the steel are harnessed in a magical hinge that has to be played with to understand its genius - no springs, screws, or additional parts whatsoever. Available in every shape and size imaginable (sunglass and prescription) at price points starting about $350 they're not inexpensive. But instead of paying that kind of money for oversized "designer" logos that will be out of style next summer, IC Berlin makes glasses for those who prefer to wear brilliant design as all the logo they need.

www.ic-berlin.de

Usher Audio S-520 Speakers | Big Sound for Small Spaces

At just 7"x10"x12", I don't blame you for being skeptical that these little boxes from can pump out sound rivaling speakers three times their size and price... check the audiophile reviews (as I did before buying) and you'll be convinced. These multi-award winners bring a depth and richness to music that really needs to be heard to be believed, and their somewhat bland design comes to life with surprising presence through Usher's obvious build quality and incredible attention to detail. If you need great sound in a compact space, at $400/pair the only hard choice will be selecting from Usher's available palette of mirror finished laquers - everything from traditional piano black to Ferrari yellow.

www.usheraudio.com

Method Aroma Spray | Just Don't Call it Air Freshener

Like most designers (and lots of other consumers) I'm a total sucker for Method's home care products and soaps... regardless of whether I need it, their environmentally friendly ingredients in great looking packages always finds their way into my shopping cart at Target. So it was only a matter of time until I tried their Aroma Spray, and I'm sorry I waited so long. More a mist than a spray, Method has achieved a perfect balance of effective odor removal and subtlety, without any dangerous aerosol propellants or harsh chemicals (they're made with natural essential oils rather than artificial scents). As for the can, that translucent halo inviting your fingertip says it all.

www.methodhome.com

Flensted Mobiles | Art that Moves Your Space

Crafted by a family business in Denmark since 1954, Flensted Mobiles are art disguised as home decor. Available in an incredible range of themes, sizes and colors, each mobile is a perfect balance of elements which enriches any space with harmonious motion and ever-changing perspectives of form. My personal favorites among their abstract designs are "Wings" (shown above), "Futura" and "Tango", but it's tough to beat "Shoal of Fish" for a witty addition to a child's room... my son loves to watch the black silhouettes of fish float around the bright red worm. Absolutely brilliant.

http://www.flensted-mobiles.com/start.html

IKEA Markus Chair | An Aeron for Everone

This is probably going to sound like heresy coming from a product designer, but I have never really liked Herman Miller's Aeron chair. Looks cool sure, but perhaps I'm in the minority thinking that it actually isn't very comfortable to sit in for long periods (particularly for someone with lower back issues.) Their Mirra is more accommodating, with a better price to boot. But if you're on a budget I'd advise a look at IKEA's $199 Markus chair. In black leather with an Aeron-esque mesh back, it's honestly the most comfortable option I've found regardless of price. A handsome design that works well in both contemporary and more traditional environments, the hardware may not be Herman Miller quality, but after hours in this seat your back and butt will feel as refreshed as your wallet.

www.IKEA.com

4D Master Anatomical Models | Almost too Cool for Kids

The manufacturer calls these puzzles, but that's really selling them short... super frickin' cool detailed models which show the insides of everything from snails to the Space Shuttle would be a better description. All parts come beautifully painted, snap together, and the quality of the ready-to-display finished product is at a level you would expect to find in a college biology lab. One side of each model is fully "covered", the other sealed by a crystal-clear shell allowing full view of the intricacies within. Fantastic for anyone with a passion for what makes things tick.

www.famemaster.com

Teach Me Time Clock | A Brilliant Idea for Sleep Deprived Parents

If you're a parent, you know the sound of those footsteps early each morning... the pitter patter of little feet that want to start the day at 5am. In addition to a slew of cool features to help kids learn to tell time, the Teach Me Time Clock has the ultimate killer clock app - it glows green at the wake up time you set to let kids know its OK to get out of bed, like a traffic light for early risers. So simple, so effective. Wrapped in a glowing toylike form with big buttons for little fingers, this is a must have gadget for parents that kids will love too.

www.americaninnovative.com

Vtech DECT 6.0 | The Phone to Get if you Still Have a Landline

We almost never use our land line anymore, but for those rare occasions you might as well have a cordless phone that sounds crystal clear and looks great as it collects dust. Look no further than Vtech's DECT 6.0 line, which includes the basic set (shown above) as well as more expensive models featuring digital answering recorders. All feature the best digital signal processing around, with amazing range and absolutely zero static or interference. Its no iPhone, but from their slim profiles to cool blue glow Vtech has hit a home run in this shrinking market.

www.vtech.com

Toro Power Sweep | A Mini Electric Leaf Blower that Doesn't Suck

If you have leaves to clear off your lawn but hate the smell and noise of gas blowers, Toro has a beautiful solution to your gardening needs. Light enough to carry around for an afternoon of yard work without breaking a sweat, the Power Sweep line of electric blowers is quiet and maneuverable while packing a punch of wind that gets the job done as quickly as any "full size" blower. And with its efficient motor wrapped in a sleek, black ergonomic housing, you might not mind the weekly clean up chore so much anymore. The model I have (shown above) is the smallest available and sells for only $30.

www.toro.com

IMCO Lighters | Cooler (Hotter?) than any Zippo

No disrespect to the legendary Zippo, but IMCO lighters are really in a different category entirely... produced since 1918 in Austria (the Triplex Super above since 1936 with the same design), IMCO has sold over 500,000,000,000 lighters. No, that's not a typo. Wind proof and retro-sleek, these solid little chunks of nickel plated steel are truly timeless in design and virtually flawless in functionality. At $10-15 an IMCO lighter is a fantastic piece of design history available to anyone, and a great way to light your cigarette if you happen to smoke.

http://www.imco.at/en/