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Design

Care to Air Design Challenge

July 23, 2010

 

Care to Air

Just a friendly little reminder that this is the last week to submit  your entry to the Care to Air contest, which challenges people to design “the world’s most innovative, covetable, and sustainable air-drying solution for clothing.” Sponsored by Levi’s and Myoocreate, the contest prize is $10,000 to be split among the finalists, plus a chance to meet with some really cool judges, including our CEO and founder Dave Bolotsky!

If you’ve got an idea, please visit Myoocreate to submit. Entries are due by July 31. Good luck!

The Uncommon Life

Introducing: UncommonGoods Scavenger Hunt!

July 23, 2010

scavenger hunt_1
Not like you needed another reason to put off work on Friday…but we will give you one anyways:)

The UncommonGoods Scavenger Hunt!

Here’s how it works:

We will put up a cropped photo of something that we sell (see photo above). Clues will be given out every 10-15 minutes on Twitter. Contestants will troll our website looking for the chosen item. The first person to write the correct answer in the comments below wins a $25 gift certificate to UncommonGoods! Be sure to include your Twitter name if you have it.

Here’s your first clue:

I try to dodge work whenever possible.

Tune into Twitter for more clues!

Good luck!

The Uncommon Life

Sweet Treats Week: Recipe #3

July 22, 2010

Orange Pineapple Sunshine Cupcakes

Doesn’t the name alone just make you smile? I’ve never met a more cheerful, upbeat dessert! If you have a summer birthday coming up, these are a fun alternative to typical ice cream cakes. They have a wonderfully delicate tropical-meets-vanilla flavor. And they feel very  light and airy – thanks to applesauce as a substitute for oil and whip cream frosting. Plus, with oranges, pineapples and applesauce – it’s practically like eating a fruit salad! At least that’s what I told myself as I ate one for breakfast this morning… Continue Reading…

Gift Guides

Wrapper’s Delight Debuts!

July 21, 2010

I’m excited to introduce a new feature to the blog: Wrapper’s Delight! Wrapper’s Delight will focus on creative gift wrapping ideas and techniques from both UG employees, and, hopefully, from our customers as well! If you would like to submit your own ideas for Wrapper’s Delight please email us at wrappers@uncommongoods.com with photos and instructions for your idea. Can’t wait to see what you all come up with!

And to kick things off, here’s a post from our very own wrap star/graphic designer – Jessica!

Wrapping Odd-Shaped Gifts

I just couldn’t resist buying Uncommon Good’s Tickle Monster Laughter Kit and the Dino Doll for my friend’s son’s first birthday. The Tickle Kit is sold in an easy to wrap, sturdy box. But the Dino Doll was just his big, green, bulbous self.  How would I ever conceal him from from the other children during this outdoor garden party?

Dino Doll and Tickle Monster

It doesn’t help that I waited until 30 minutes before Continue Reading…

Gift Guides

Do not lick your computer screen

July 20, 2010

It’s about this time every summer, when I feel like I’m no longer living on Earth but on the surface of the sun, that I switch over to a diet consisting mainly of ice cream, iced tea, sherbet, sorbet, watermelon, berries and the occasional piece of icebox pie.  All of these are usually consumed while sitting in front of a fan/air conditioner: a true triumph of heat-induced laziness.

And so, in honor of sugar comas and ice cream headaches, this week is all about sweet summer treats! Below are some of my favorite ways to serve summer drinks and desserts.  And for the rest of the week, we will be posting yummy dessert and drink recipes, including raspberry lime pie, sunshine cupcakes and the perfect mojito. What are your favorite summer desserts and drinks? Share with us below!

Sweet Treats for Summer

From top left: Tweet Tweet Cupcake Set, $12.  Ice Cream Bowls, $36. Old-fashioned lemonade crock, $135. V’reens dessert and appetizer tray, $50. Cupcake corer and decorating set, $20. Pittoon Platter, $45. Glass Ice Cream Bowls, $30.

Maker Stories

Artists Bring Relief to Gulf Wildlife

July 13, 2010
shore birds

Moved by the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Louisiana artist Thomas Mann and Florida artists Mike and Vawn Gray wanted to help bring awareness to local wildlife through their artwork.

Partnering with UncommonGoods, each artist has created a tribute to local shore birds. Ten percent of the proceeds from Thomas Mann’s pelican pins will go to support the National Wildlife Federation & The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana and ten percent of the proceeds from the Grays’ pelican and sandpiper night lights will benefit Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research.

Click here to read the artists’ stories behind these projects