Moleskine Addict

I think I have a problem....I'm officially addicted to Moleskines. I used to jot things down on random pieces of paper - receipts, namecards, anything I could get my hands on - but I was always losing them. Then I bought my first Moleskine and haven't looked back. For those of you who have yet to discover them, they are nameless black notebooks that have been used by artists and thinkers for over the past two centuries, among them Van Gogh, Picasso and Hemingway.

I carry a small one around with me everywhere I go and jot down my various thoughts and inspirations in it. I also have a larger one where I sketch and insert clippings from magazines and books that inspire me.
Here's a sneak at my latest page -

And here is my mounting pile of Moleskines -
I first conceptualized Kayu in a moleskine and as I continue to build ideas in my latest moleskine, I see a new line of accessories forming. There are lots of exciting things happening for Kayu in 2010, so be sure to check back here as things unfold.

Peace and love,
Jamie.

Black Friday Sale Extended!

We have extended our sale until Friday Dec 4th. Until then enjoy 50% off all items at www.kayudesign.com. Our glasses are now only $90! As always for every purchase one person in the developing world receives a sight-restoring surgery.

Bamboo bicycles

I'm always on the lookout for new and exciting bamboo products so was psyched to learn of the unique bikes handcrafted by the Masuelli brothers. The bikes take two to three weeks to construct and are built using locally sourced materials. The gorgeous bamboo frames make for a sustainable and eye-catching ride.

My hubby is attached by the hip to his Gary Fisher, perhaps it's time to introduce him to the Masuelli brothers and their one-of-a-kind creations?

From the Rainforest to the Runway

One of the greatest things about owning my own business is all the wonderful people I've met along the way. One particularly inspiring person is Beth Doane the founder and designer of Rain Tees. Beth grew up surrounded by nature and wildlife on a small farm in rural Ohio and created Rain Tees to show how rain forest deforestation affects our planet.

To create Rain Tees school supplies were donated to children in endangered rain forests across Central and South America, and they were asked to draw what they see. Each Rain Tee features the children's thoughts, illustrations and names.

In addition, for every Rain Tee sold, a child involved in Kids Saving the Rain Forest, Costa Rica will receive a tree they can plant to replace one that has been destroyed.

Each Rain Tee is made from 100% certified organic cotton using only eco-friendly inks and dyes. I think they make for a wonderful feel-good Christmas gift don't you?

To find out more about Beth and Rain Tees check out http://raintees.com/.

Goodbye Tim & Lauren

Our good friends Tim and Lauren left this past weekend for greener (and sunnier) pastures. They're off to the Turks and Caicos - a beautiful island in the Caribbean just one hour flight from Miami. While I'm sad to see them go I'm also super excited for them. I'm going to miss the crazy parties at their place and all the dinners and heart-to-hearts. The only good thing about their departure? Caribbean vacation baby :)

New York New York

New York is one of my favorite cities in the world. I lived there in 2000, and since then have visited numerous times. Last week I popped down briefly and as usual had a fabulous time exploring the city.

Lunch in a sun-lit courtyard.

I'm a material girl....

Rooftop garden on 5th Avenue -

The backstreets of Tribeca -I heart New York.

Project Have Hope

Last Sunday was a rainy one and a perfect excuse to hole up in a pub for brunch. I met up with my friend Lauren and we got talking about socially-responsible business. Lauren was recently in India with Dishtree helping women set up a network of health clinics (Yes she is THAT amazing) and has a wonderful network of friends who are in the non-profit arena.

Lauren told me of her friend Karen who started a non-profit called "Project Have Hope". While on vacation in Uganda, Karen noticed the gorgeous jewelry that the Acholi women were making out of discarded paper. She brought some back to the US and they were such a big hit that she soon returned to Uganda to buy some more. Since then Karen has sold numerous bracelets and necklaces through Project Have Hope, and in the process raised hundreds of dollars for the education of women and children in Uganda.

The jewelry is fun, colorful and affordable and can be purchased on-line at Project Have Hope.