Handmade chocolates

There isn't a Techno Thursday post today instead I'm doing my bit to sustain local business in my area by frequenting this new chocolate shop called The Chocolateria that opened last year. It's owned by a lawyer  (who presumably burnt out and wanted to do something less stressful) who makes a variety of chocolate delights including chocolate dipped potato chips.

Now I'm not a fan of potato chips but I did try a sample and surprisingly they were really delicious. When we last  visited we had spiced hot chocolate and a huge cookie filled with loads of gorgeous chocolate chunks topped with chocolate drizzles, delish.

An Interview With Green Planet Homes

Here is a recent chat I had with Shawn the owner of Green Planet Homes in Saskatchewan, I was really excited to learn more about this type of construction.

What is straw bale construction?

We build the exterior walls of homes or buildings using standard baled straw.  It is laid in a “running bond” similar to bricks and covered both on the inside an out with a cement lime stucco.

What are the long term benefits of this type of construction?

Straw bale walls have an R-value of about R-40.  This is significantly better heat retention than standard 2x6 construction.  The thick walls are much quieter than a conventional wall and the aesthetic is much more cottage like.

How long does it last?

There are straw bale buildings still in use which are over 100 years old.

Why did you decide to incorporate straw bale construction into your business?

We were looking for ways to do more for the environment and this was an interesting and an attractive alternative.

Do you see this as a possible growing industry?

Yes, I can see it growing to be as common as log or timber frame construction.

Techno Thursday

Here is the latest smart garment created our guest contributor Jennifer Darmour of Electric Foxy.


ZIP from Dos Rios on Vimeo.

A collaborate effort

Since we're still in production of the next issue I thought I'd share a recent collaboration project the magazine is involved in. Since the last issue of the magazine Stylesight will supply the magazine with a comprehensive trend report for the next three issues.

I don't know if you can this very well, but this is the feature they ran with the last issue. You can read part one of  a three part contribution by viewing The Bond issue 007 as my Mother likes to call it. Issue 008 is shaping up to be another great resort issue, I'm looking forward to sharing it with you.

DIY wallet

Since we're working on the resort issue I find myself looking for all things pertaining to travel and holiday, so it  came as no surprise when I found this and it spoke to me. A DIY cassette wallet that you design and construct yourself. Now completely obsolete anyone wishing to reuse their secret supply of old cassettes can do so with this kit. 

If you don't have your own supply you can simply purchase this kit here. It comes with all your materials and how to instructions. I don't know if  I'd carry this myself but it would be great for kids or someone who is in the music industry or a lover of music.

Guess what these chairs are made from?

I"m hoping Toronto based designers  Ryan Allen, Samreet Bal, and Andrea Hardcastle are able to go into production with the rebound chair  because I think they would sell quite well. Made out of  reclaimed inner tubes, the chair only weighs about 15lbs but can seat a person of any stature quite comfortably.

A corseted back and a woven seat make these chairs aesthetically pleasing, I'd love to see them on my patio. They are definitely not a disposable piece of furniture and they store easily by stacking, what more could you want.