Just arrived at the Vidafine store – the Essey Pen Pen pencil holder. This is pretty much the award winning Bin Bin paper bin on a smaller scale for holding pens. Available in black, red or white.

As part of the on going green movement, there’s a huge reduction in plastic shopping bags. A great environmental alternative we came across are these reusable Baggu shopping bags. Available is a variety of sizes and colours, see more on their site.

(AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

From what we consider the most perfectly orchestrated dazzling spectacle of choreography we’ve ever seen, the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics simply left us breathless. It majestically showcased the best of China’s most abundant and valued asset – human capital. The execution was perfect as the performers moved in unison with one another. And when we thought it couldn’t get any better, it was topped off with China’s national hero Li Ning literally walking around the walls of the bird’s nest stadium. It was without a doubt a treat to witness and easily the best event of 2008.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Vidafine.

And don’t forget to keep track of where Santa is tonight with the help of NORAD via Google Maps.
[ NORAD Santa ]

I’m not sure if it’s only us (possibly due to an increase in alcoholic consumption), but we’ve noticed in recent years, there’s been a huge influx of alcoholic beverages with emphasis placed on bottle design As seen on NOTCOT, they were lucky enough to receive and nice enough to share with us the Limited Edition 1800 Tequila bottles which were designed by 8 North American artists. $8 million dollars were actually spent for their billboard advertising campaign across the US with a goal of bringing pop art to the people. For those who are lucky enough to come across this, definitely pick it up if you have the chance!

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

As the year slowly winds to an end, it’s that time to slowly reflect all that’s gone down. Boston.com has put together a compilation of the most stunning photos summing up the major in events that made up 2008. Whether you hated or loved the year, it will surely go down as one of the most important ones in recent memory.

The Big Picture: [ Part 1 ] [ Part 2] [ Part 3]

…and the quote of the day goes to superstar designer Phillipe Starck. The LA times invited Starck and his family to a shopping spree adventure at discount shopping chain Big Lots. While picking out furnishings and art supplies for kids, he leaves us with this thought provoking and meaningful quote,

“In a crisis, we have to think about our children and especially push their creativity. If capitalism is failing because it is a selfish system, we can teach them to reinvent society so that it is based on sharing.”

In these difficult and grim times, it’s harder than ever to agree on what ideology is best. But what most can agree on is that creativity is needed and should be encouraged to bring about positive changes in society.

Read the LA Times article here.

Video gaming has moved far and away from the classic 8 bit days, but many who grew up in the 80’s will still have a soft spot in their hearts for it. Regardless if you’ve played the game or not, Pac-Man serves as a iconic representation of the early days in gaming history. For all those who spent countless hours and loose change on the game, this Pac-Man fused glass mirror is sure to bring back nostalgic memories. Orders can be taken at Jamie Burress’s Etsy shop where the mirror will be custom made and will take approximately 5 days to finish. More info here.