While we were in San Francisco for the Fancy Food Show, our Director of Sales introduced DRY’s HQ team to Beard Papa’s Fresh ‘n Natural Cream Puffs.  Upon our return home, we were thrilled to find a Beard Papa’s in Seattle’s International District.  We still don’t know exactly how they do it, but their light, airy confections are to-die-for.  Founder Yuji Hirota first sold his all-natural, fresh puffs in Osaka, Japan in 1999.  Since then, Beard Papa’s stores have sprouted up throughout Asia, Australia and the USA.  Puff flavor options include delights like the original vanilla, chocolate, pumpkin, earl grey tea, and strawberry. The company’s mission is simple: serve a unique cream puff to happy people.  Now we just need to get them to serve DRY!  To find a local location, visit www.beardpapa.com and be happy!

After hearing the horror stories of animals being lost in commercial airline luggage compartments, we are thankful our beloved pets will finally have a happier, safer air travel option.  Founded in 2005 in Delray Beach, Florida, Pet Airways treats pets as “pawsengers”, not packages, and humans are the only restricted animals.  The carrier plans to begin transporting dogs and cats (and other animals soon after) on July 14th, 2009. Pets will fly in the main cabin under the care of trained Pet Attendants.  The airline will serve five major-city destinations in the U.S. including New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles, with plans to begin operations in twenty additional cities within a couple of years.  For more information, and to avoid wearing that guilty look as you place your pet on the baggage conveyor belt, check into www.petairways.com next time you travel.

  

Are you tired of the unlimited number of depressing news stories constantly circulating mainstream media? They seem almost inescapable, which is why we take often refuge with Operation NICE.  Creator, Melissa Morris Ivonne, decided one day that she wanted to spread some love to combat all the negativity out there. Realizing a blog could be the best place to begin, Melissa started using her own experiences to “encourage individuals to be proactively nice.”  Additionally, her site invites readers to share uplifting stories, news, and products, and even highlights a NICE person of the week.  We all need a little more nice in our lives, so pay a visit to www.operationnice.com.

Many said it couldn’t and shouldn’t be done - that instant coffee would never be comparable in taste to true brew.  But after today, we sincerely beg to differ.  A lucky few of us here at DRY HQ had the opportunity to try Starbucks VIA Ready Brew and were surprisingly impressed.  The coffee boasts a full flavor that is great alone, but is also wonderful with a bit of half-and-half… or a splash of Kahlua, as we soon found out.  Remembering the times we’ve visited friends in Europe where no one has a personal coffee maker, thinking of cold coffee-less mornings while camping, and watching stewardesses wrestle with trays and carafes of coffee on airplanes makes us realize just how necessary this product is!  Don’t be surprised if you find us drinking it in the office either…  www.starbucks.com.

 We realize fireworks are actually illegal in many communities in the states, but you can still be a law-abiding citizen and enjoy some sparks now and again.  Look to Chuao Chocolatier’s latest hit - Firecracker Chocolate - for some high quality pop and spice.   Crackling candy and chipotle pepper are mixed into Chuao’s own dark Venezuelan chocolate, creating a finished product that is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.  The playful candy reminds us of our Pop-Rocks days, while the elegant chocolate and hint of heat offer a grand finale that’s not to be missed.  We had the chance to try Chuao’s chocolate at the Fancy Food Show last week and have been hooked ever since!  Grab some for yourself from Whole Foods, Crate & Barrel or www.chuaochocolatier.com.

The recent weather in Seattle has us feeling slightly giddy, but a little out of control.  We’re not dreading going to work tomorrow because, due to snow, we probably won’t have to!  On the other side of the coin, the threat of power outages and endless winter storms brings isn’t exactly comforting.  We wish we would have found the products from 4 Survival To Go much sooner.  Our favorite is their 72-hour survival kit, complete with enough food, water, first aid, technology, and shelter for three full days - all packaged up in a stylishly simple water resistant compact bag.  Their Web site is also clean and easily navigable, so pay them a visit ’cause (as many of us are finding out), you never know when the next winter storm will hit.   

Economy got you down?  Politics putting you in a frenzy?  Significant other acting crazy?  Why not take it out on someone who’s smaller, less important and already in more of a panic than you for a change?  This may sound harsh, but take a look at our new pal, Stress Paul, and you’ll understand.  Designed by the gadget-masters at SUCK-UK, little lavender-colored Paul will help you get a grip on life.  He’s one friend that you can use without feeling guilty. Honestly, he won’t mind – he’s made of rubber.  At first search, we thought we could only find Paul in the UK, but luckily Target bought up an army of them for the holidays.  

Take our word for it - the folks at craft Los Angeles can put together more than just a perfect meal in a great setting.  They are also capable of making some of the most incredible mixed drinks under the sun! Craft LA’s bartender, Luke Sundquist, has given us two DRY cocktails to add to our official list, including the Elderflower Collins and the Rhubaretto. These elegant, yet spirituous drinks will surely take the edge off your day!  Make one for yourself and your friends, or for the full experience, pay our pal Luke a visit at his home court bar in the restaurant.  www.craftrestaurant.com.

Like a shiny new luxury car with power everything, Kohler’s chic DTV II shower system will make you feel like a million bucks.  The “Digital Thermostatic Valve” setup allows its user to program several different settings, delivering an ideal shower experience.  Use the sleek interface to select from eight components that supply perfectly heated water at just the right pressure, along with the steam level and dynamic lighting of your choice.  You can also connect your computer or mp3 player to the system and listen to your favorite tunes.  For an ultramodern home spa experience, sip a Lavender DRY while you’re steaming.  We suspect a simple shower will never be the same again!  www.us.kohler.com

Calling all cyclists - we know you love your bike and love showing it off!  In our opinion, you deserve an equally nice and well-designed way to store your beloved cycle, which is where the Cycloc Bicycle Storage device comes into play.  Mount it on your wall and you’ve got a space-saving, guest-impressing, modern-looking way to keep your bike out of harm’s way.  The simple design makes one wonder - “why didn’t I think of this?” but the reviews will just make you want to buy one.  Composed of 100% post industrial plastic, they’re nearly as earth friendly as your preferred method of transportation.  Get yours at zwello.com.