One thing I have always hated about OS X is the Apple Mail icon. It is way over the top, displaying a stamp with a photo in it and the stamped mark saying “Hello from Cupertino.” Johan Prag decided to take things into his own hands with a series called Redesigning OS X on his blog, &seen. It’s simple, identifiable, and beautiful. I, for one, am glad to have it in my dock.

via swissmiss »

I’m not sure why it took me this long to write a Free Gems post about an AIR app, but it’s time. Focus Booster is a fantastic little utility for improving your time management. It uses the Pomodoro technique, which is based on the following five steps:

1. Choose a task to be accomplished
2. Set the timer to 25 minutes
3. Work on the task until the timer rings
4. Take a short break
5. Repeat, taking a longer break every four rounds

The app keeps this technique simple with a single-click to start and a stop button if need a timeout. You can even set your own work/break length. The UI is beautiful and a pleasure to have on the desktop.

I think time management and personal workflow are essential for any profession. I’ve been trying to start a routine lately, beginning jotting down a list of to-dos for the day. And since I work from home, I take a walk around the block to get into the working-mood. On the walk, I make sure my car is where I left it, especially after my recent impound experience. It’s also nice to get some fresh morning air.

I bring this up because life in front of the computer takes a toll on your body and surrounds you with an endless array of distractions. The more complex the workload, the more stressful it can be to focus. What techniques or apps do you use to stay on top of things?

I’ve been dying for a decent looking Gmail ever since I signed up. For the past year, I’ve made do with the “Shiny” theme, but it just doesn’t make the cut anymore. Lately, Helveti-anything has been a big hit (see Helvetwitter, Helvetical, and the original Helvetireader). Perhaps that’s telling Google something—people care about design. As much as Google is tied to rainbow colors, I think they’re due for a “Pro” series of web apps that consider design a bit more.

via swissmiss »

This is a great photo by Jim Lind. I really appreciate the balance of raw photography and subtle retouching. There was certainly a solid amount of time put into the composite, but it doesn’t scream photoshop like his other images.

via ShareSomeCandy »

I definitely don’t need another clock, nor do I need anything, besides my thermostat, telling me what the temperature in my apartment is … but WoodStation makes me rethink those claims. This beauty is a clock, an indoor weather station, and a block of wood. It even has an unnecessary proximity sensor that turns off the LED lights when too close. And at $99, it’s a bit of a stretch, but it will certainly add some variety to your aluminum-filled room.

via Uncrate »

QLOCKTWO goes straight to the list of Things to Buy If Money Were No Object. It’s such a gorgeous clock with a fantastic idea behind it. I immediately thought, this would look great in my office, right? Unfortunately, the downside of this beauty is the $1200 price tag. Maybe someday, when I get back into Arduino programming, I can build one myself.

via Design Milk »

I need this. I need this. I need this. This is The Paperclip Lamp by Teague. It’s simply beautiful—the only downside being I’d feel wrong putting anything on my desk with it.

via Design Milk »

I’m really loving these tea kettles by Vessel. They recently won the Tea Off! Tea Kettle Design Competition. Adding Space Invaders to anything makes it an instant winner in my book.

via Gizmodo »

This chair is simply amazing. It’s titled Lathe Chair IV, part of a series by Sebastian Brajkovic. Though his site is a bit of a mess, it has a solid amount of work, including process photos for each project.

via Heather Rasley »

I typically don’t post about nature or animals (excluding Macy), but this image instantly caught my eye. Not only is it beautiful, but the concept behind it is brilliant. Scientists have been able to study hermit crabs a lot easier by using man-made glass shells. The hermit crabs volunteer to move into their new, glass homes, so the scientists aren’t forcing them, which is important. Apparently, the transition typically takes between 7-10 days before the hermit crab is comfortably settled—good to know.

via Jen »