ThisNext Blog

I’m something of a magazine whore, especially when it comes to food magazines. So when I saw on Paper Palate that a new pub was hitting the stands, I was all eyes. dazzling delightful delicious is based on the Australian magazine of the same name, and will feature celebrity chefs, kitchen design and an all-around flashy look. I’ve seen the Ozzie mag, and if it comes even close, I’m subscribing right away. Just another reason why we love blogs that bring us all the print that’s fit for news.

Leave it to a blogger to pin down that fuzzy fashion area of “dressy casual” -

Dig these perforated leather sneakers discovered by men’s fashion blog Sleekman.

Just another reason why ThisNext thinks bloggers are the tastemakers of the world (wide web).

ThisNext is no aesthetic nazi: whether a product is hot like a Hilton sister or haute like this croco clutch, we love all well designed products that make your life better, however that translates for you.

Croco clutch via fashion blog What’s Haute.

Beautiful and useful makes ThisNext slap happy.

Check these gorgeous bobby pins that fashion blog Fashion Plate hipped us to.

To my shame, I do not have a green thumb. I’ll admit it here - I think I actually killed a Bonsai.

Imagine my delight in finding these two self-watering flowerpots. Designed so plants can live. Live! And I get all the credit for green goodness.

Self-Watering Flowerpot by Henrik Holbaek and Claus Jensen [via Design Boner]

I.V. Plant Pot by [via Josh Spear]

Fabulist is fabulous on many levels.  They cover art (lots of art), music, literature, fashion, and a good dose of pop culture for your web surfing fancy; and you’re sure to see me noting them quite a bit.

But for today - a lazy, sunny Friday on the last day of June - I’m love love LOVING this Nina Simone playlist of slow, deep, gorgeous Nina fabulousness.

That’s what ThisNext is all about: time-tested classics out there for all of us amidst the bright shiny newsness of web 2.0.

On that note (it is Friday after all) go pour yourself a Pimms, turn up the speakers, and listen to one of the greatest jazz & soul divas of our time.  

ThisNext always knew your home decor and fashion intersected in your personal life, but forgot how literally.

Says Couture in the City: first there was Isaac Mizrahi for Target, then Ralph Lauren with Home Depot, and now bridal gown queen Vera Wang is doing bridal beds. The fashion blog is none too psyched, but

“When John Galliano starts designing living room rugs, give me a call though. Those would probably be awesome.”

ThisNext is all about real people, real lives, and what we really use. So since its a long weekend, and in case you haven’t seen the video of Matt’s latest adventure around the world dancing his little jig everywhere imaginable - here it is. And over at his site that features a blog of his journey - in the faq is a great list responding to “What do you bring with you on your trips?” Pictures and all. Just scroll down and pause where you see pics… Where the Hell is Matt?

ThisNext - soon launching on your wrist? Imagine if when we launch you can be browsing and tapping into the lists and discoveries of other ThisNext readers while out and about town? Ok well, you might be able to do that on your pda/phone/etc now - but this is another wearable tech example of what the future may hold for us all… via Ntronics.

Seems more and more fashion bloggers are getting in on My Style Diary, a profile site in which users photograph themselves in outfits.

Just goes to show what ThisNext has fancied: fashion is more than just buying what Vogue says is in, what Googling “designer denim” turns up. Fashion is your personal style story that tells others about you.

And sometimes lust for another lady’s wardrobe, says Jen at Pretty Things I Find.

Over at Gadget 4 Girls we found a great post discussing the use of headbands - its history, materials, style options - but more interestingly the new Swapsets, which help headbands transcend their accessory status and fall into the realm of technological necessity. You can now accessorize AND use your handsfree simultaneously with one set… but don’t take our word for it, read more here.

There are some strange widgets out there… incluing this one i just stumbled upon at The Widget Broker, which says “The brushed finish and unique band set this widget apart. Not to mention the placement of the dials makes it look like a freakin’ alien! Also had a role in the movie “Equilibrium”! “. It kind of resembles a crazy bug-eyed creature of sorts, but also go discover the Tri-pod for the i-pod, and the mini cooper cuckoo clock (yes the mini cooper pops out on the hour, every hour!) at the Widget Broker.

My Best Gadgets discovers some great gadgets to better your life - like this Stixx Suctionware Cheese Grater… They say “Introducing Stixx Suctionware, a revolutionary line of kitchen products with a unique suction base that sticks to countertops to prevent slipping, sliding or tipping. Contained within the base of all Stixx products is a patented mechanism and suction cup. As the lever is pulled counter clockwise, the suction cup lifts and locks into place, forming a powerful partial-vacuum that bonds the suction base to any flat, non-porous surface. This ensures that the products will be extra safe and secure on a surface so that you don’t have to worry about it accidentally slipping and causing an accident.” This is a great little gadget blog covering everything from your kitchen gadgets to spy cams to headphones with built in mp3 players.

To kick off this long weekend, how about this unbelievably flashy Hello Kitty Stratocaster? Even if most readers may not be ready to drop $21,695 on it, that image is priceless enough to put a smile on your face. And if you are wanting it, there were only 3 manufactured! And Engadget has always been great for those mornings you want to browse everything from the latest cellphones coming out in the next year, or the strangest gadget that has come across their emails.

Now that ThisNext has tipped you off on the latest in fitness footwear, it’s time to get a skirt to match. Probably lots more practical than those Adidas heels, Everything is Connected…’s new Running Skort (purchased from Running Room) is helping her achieve her dream of becoming a “skirt-wearing runner chickie.” We think the skort is supercute and wonder if its design does indeed help prevent chafing as promised.

Traditionally, a Pimm’s Cup is made with ginger ale, a spear of cucumber and, of course, Pimm’s, a mildly spicy, gin-based liqueur. It’s a refreshing and cooling drink, perfect for balmy summer days, especially when croquet is involved. But my mixological lexicon with respect to Pimm’s was limited to that one concoction, until now. Hungry Magazine offers an alternative version of the drink, with lemonade, 7-Up, citrus and cucumber. It’s a more complex rendition, yet none the less refreshing. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to put on my tennis sweater and Docksiders. Has anyone seen my mallet?

For anyone with a chronic illness, sorting through the overflow of health advice online can be more than daunting. That’s why ThisNext likes to turn to the experts, such as Dr. Paul Enright at Allergies and Asthma. The pulmonologist and allergist gives five stars to The Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema Handbook, recommending that anyone with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease check it out. Written by pulmonary physiologist Francois Haas and his psychologist wife Sheila, the handbook addresses everything “from expectorant herbs to sexual positions and portable oxygen.” Taking an integrative approach to wellness, the authors also devote a chapter to alternative medicine for COPD and discuss herbal remedies such as garlic, propolis, and kava.

While we dig form following function at ThisNext, these Adidas heels count as one of our beloved Products That Make Your Life Better.

Just because we’re totally amused.

Thanks, fashion blog Monglee

We love products at ThisNext because the items in your life tell your story.

Which is sometimes just a great fairy tale you remember. Says La Femme:

“Pumpkin transport, ballgowns, and embroidered shoes came to mind when I saw these charming “carriage” earrings from Atelier VM. I know, I know, I’m supposed to have outgrown the Cinderella fairy tale by now, but I haven’t. Hopefully never will”

Life is far too short to waste valuable calorie intake on bad candy. So when a sweet treat gets a coveted rating of 10 - Superb on Candy Blog, you know it’s worthy of your sweet tooth’s attention. Unfortunately, these Pink Grapefruit Mentos, already popular with Europeans and Canadians, are not available in stores in the good old U. S. of A. (Don’t fret: they are available online stateside.) With the help of bloggers like Candy Blog, we can all make the world a sweeter place. (Photo credit: Cybele May)