My friend Yuka encouraged me to join inhabitat’s eco-blogger contest and although I don’t consider myself an eco-blogger, it sounded like fun. Of all the cool eco stuff over at inhabitat’s shop I think my favorite are these bags in a garden gardens in a bag (nice catch , me). With the downturn in the economy gardening has become the new American pastime, replacing lavish spa visits and hummer drives. But living in New York, some don’t even have the luxury of a garden, which is where these bags come in!

So everyone head over to inhabitat’s shop. If you find something you like why not treat yourself? Because if you don’t I may have follow my own links and spend a lot of money making purchases just to score points.

Here’s some beautiful woodwork to inspire, and in my case relax, on this Monday morning. Jin Kuramoto, who just recently started up his own design studio, collaborated with Shikoku-based wood company Mikamo to create the exquisite pieces.

Jin Kuramoto will be participating in New Wind From Japan for Milan Design Week starting this Wednesday and running for 5 days.