We are highly supportive of new companies doing big things, which is just one of the reasons we are so impressed with Nat-2. Founded in 2007, the Munich-based shoe and accessory company is already making waves in the fashion industry with their most recent footwear design – a sneaker with a sturdy zip-off top that reveals a sandal when removed. Slated to win Germany’s acclaimed “2009 Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany,” Nat-2 has created a category all its own. We are especially big fans of the “Elks” and “Jaws” pictured above.  Also find Soulja Boy-esque glasses and heavily zippered bags under their brand name. You can order internationally, but the suggested Web site is in German, so be prepared.  Take a closer look at: www.nat-2.eu.

If you know it, Knol it – at least that’s what Google wants you to do.  A new project from the search engine expert offers users the chance to “create, collaborate on, and publish credible web content.” Writers sign-in through their Google account, then are able to share information on nearly any topic. Although its format is similar to that of other online encyclopedias, Knol sets itself apart by allowing opinion-based submissions and multiple articles that refer to the same subject. Additionally, writers’ names are tied to their postings, allowing reputations to be established or tarnished based on content quality. Authors also decide whether or not to allow ads on their knols, for which a share of the resulting profits are forwarded to them.  Readers can rate, comment on, or suggest edits to entries, while Google professionals rank knols and allow them to appear in search engine results.  Put your two cents in and you could get two cents back at www.knol.google.com.

During this busy summer season, the DRY crew has been on several road trips – both for work and play.  We’ve quickly become sick of seeing such an abundance of artery-splitting foods at convenience stores.  We wish we had a place nearby like Green Spot, a Dallas-based service station that offers an array of affordable organic, natural and fair-trade snacks.  Inside, find fresh sushi and sandwiches, DRY Soda, bright bouquets of local flowers and even free Wi-fi.  You can also fuel your car in a healthy way, with unleaded gasoline, diesel/biodiesel blends, and B100 biodiesel.  Green Spot is even hosting a farmers market, complete with food and wares from local producers.  Visit in-person or online at www.greenspotmarket.com.

Do you find the haze in Bejing discouraging?  Just watching the women’s marathon made us feel queasy for more than one reason.  If only all the athletes had PODs (personal oxygen devices) to give them a breath of fresh air!  A POD provides pure, portable oxygen for times when you need to “recharge, revive and relax.”  Housing 2.5 liters of 95% oxygen and 5% nitrogen, a POD gives its user 30-50 perfect breaths.  The extra boost of O “energizes tired muscles, stimulates brain activity and fuels the heart.”  We also appreciate its easy-to-use, eye pleasing design.  Get more information on this gold medal winning air at www.go2air.com.

Lotions and potions and serums, oh my! The lists of beauty products on certain Web sites are dizzying, bombarding the reader with surface-skimming info on too many products. If you agree, redirect your attention to Cult Beauty. The UK-based internet boutique aims to “bring transparent and extensive knowledge” of high-end wellness products to the public. Using a team of hand-picked experts and celebrities, the site offer comprehensive information on hero items, giving the consumer a less-breadth, more-depth look at the chosen lines. The company does not allow ads on their site, so all published information remains as unbiased as possible. Although their online store isn’t available in the US, pay them a visit to broaden your beauty knowledge. www.cultbeauty.co.uk

After seeing The Dark Knight this weekend, we can’t help but think of the Zigo’s versatile capabilities as Batmobile-esque (sans weapons, of course).  Convertible into four different modes – Leader, Walker, Jogger and Bike – two children plus an adult can easily ride at once.  The “Leader“ setting allows a parent to put their babes in front of them instead of behind, meaning “there’s no looking back” to check on the kids.  The Zigo bike has been specially designed for optimum balance and control, allowing it to feel safer than a traditional cycle/stroller combination.  When a parent needs some alone time, he or she can easily disconnect the child pod and use the bike by itself.  The Zigo will be available in August 2008 through select bicycle retailers and baby stores, as well as online at store.myzigo.com.

Offering out of print and hard-to-find books and magazines, High Valley Books reminds us of our favorite bookstore + antique shop + design gallery rolled into one.  Their main product categories are listed on their homepage, but be sure to click “more” to view High Valley’s extensive list of topics.  Some of our favorite sections were cookbooks (which includes several vintage restaurant menus), leather bindings (because having them on our bookshelf makes us feel so smart), hairstyles, and of course, shoes.  The contents within can be used as a window to the past, as an artist’s inspiration or as a simple coffee table book.  www.highvalleybooks.com

Time to get a watch created by dynamic duo Diane Von Furstenburg and jeweler H. Stern.  Inspired by the shapes of organic crystals, the Sutra Collection has taken time telling to the next level.  “It’s not a jeweled timepiece as much as it is a piece of jewelry that tells time,” commented H. Stern’s chief executive, Ronaldo Stern.  This is the stuff dreams are made of – silk, crystal, diamonds and gold.  Some of the watch faces are strung on delicate, interchangeable leather bands for the wrist, while others are hung boldly as pendants on thick chains.  You can’t officially buy one until September, when the collection will be available at H. Stern and von Furstenburg stores.  Until then, find more information at www.fashionweekdaily.com. 

We are finding more and more that DRY is not only great on its own or paired with a meal, it’s also an excellent cocktail mixer.  We’ve made non-alcoholic mimosas (two parts Lemongrass DRY + one part fresh orange juice = delicious), our founder’s favorite Lavender DRY with gin, and several other fancy drinks.  If you want reassurance straight from the cocktail world, ask the experts at LA-based Pinky Vodka.  For your sipping pleasure, they have created the Perfect Pinky Martini with their oh-so-beautiful vodka and Lemongrass DRY.  Visit www.pinkyvodka.com, choose “cocktail hour” from their drop-down menu, then select “martinis” and you will find a fabulous recipe and video instructions on how to make your Perfect Pinky at home! 

Slicing up fruits, vegetables, meat, tofu – you name it – is a daily occurrence for most of us.  Unfortunately, so is dropping half of the diced contents on the countertop and floor as we attempt to scrape pieces from the cutting board to the pot, pan or bowl.  Our new best friend, the Chop 2 Pot, offers “living hinges” that allow the polypropylene sides to bend when you squeeze the handle.  The resulting barrier prevents even the most rebellious fractions of food from falling to their doom.  Find more details at www.josephjoseph.com and rest easy knowing one of life’s small inconveniences is no longer a cause for concern!