Snap 35mm photos 🌞 raise chickens 🌞 light the mood – #54

Buonasera from Merano!

Welcome to this week’s edition of what’s hot in brands and products.

This newsletter isn’t curated by algorithm or checklist.
It’s personal taste, a mix of instinct and curiosity — and there’s always at least one specific reader I picture while putting it together. Could be you. Could be someone else. But always someone real.

What ends up in here might be something that looks great.
Other times, it’s about how it works.
Or just a strange little object that feels too good not to share.

But not everything makes the cut.

The other week, I asked for product recommendations from some of Europe’s smaller countries.

And Daniel from Andorra (👋) delivered. Thanks!

He shared a few local gems, and if you ever find yourself there, you might want to stop by El Pastador, a small jam brand that looks as heartfelt as it is homemade. Not quite my aesthetic lane, but charming all the same.

If you’ve got something up your sleeve — maybe a sculptural lamp from Malta or a beautifully made desk accessory from Liechtenstein — send it my way. Always happy to discover more.

If you’re new around here: Every week, I share 5 of the coolest products from Europe I’ve discovered in the past 7 days.

I scout, you explore. Let’s get to it!

With love 🌞
Jakob

Amalfi Blowfish Plate [🇪🇸]

There’s a fine line between kitsch and charisma — and this isn’t your average “nice plate.” It’s a moody little pufferfish, hand-thrown in Mallorca by Paparkone and glazed in cobalt like something out of a 70s sketchbook.
The kind of plate that sparks stories — and would also look great on a wall.
Takes five weeks, but it’s worth the wait.

Order the most charming plate

PL1 Lamp [🇮🇹]

Designed by Sowden, this portable lamp looks like a friendly mushroom and runs on USB or battery — no cords required if you're setting the mood al fresco.
Great for dinner tables, bookshelves, or anywhere that needs a glow-up. Touch-controlled, three settings, and just enough personality to spark a “Where’d you get that?” If you're trying to put your outdoor setup in a moody situation, this one does the job without trying too hard.

Add light, not clutter

aF-1 Point and Shoot Camera [🇳🇱]

A new 35mm point-and-shoot, designed in Amsterdam by the team behind analogue.
They’ve got great branding, a real love for film, and now they’re aiming to build a camera from scratch — something few in Europe have pulled off lately.

At €399, it's not exactly cheap, and yes, the preorder model always makes me a little nervous. But the concept is solid, and if they can deliver what they promise, this could be a go-to camera for casual shooters who don’t want to hunt eBay for something decent.

I shot our New Zealand trip on the Rollei AF35 (also featured here a while back), and I’m always rooting for more tools that make film photography feel accessible again. Fingers crossed this one makes it to the finish line.

Follow the journey or take the leap

Chicken Coop [🇳🇱]

A few years ago, we had chickens for a summer. Total chaos. Totally great.
There’s something quietly satisfying about collecting eggs in the morning like it’s the most normal thing in the world.

I’ve been thinking about doing it again — and this setup from Nestera makes it feel doable: modular, fox-proof (allegedly), made from recycled plastic, and easy on the eyes. Downside? Less spontaneous travel. Or finding a neighbor willing to split hen duties. (Co-parenting chickens? Stranger things have happened.)

If you’ve ever dreamed of a slower life with better breakfasts, this might be your sign.

Tripod Cloud Coffee Tables [🇮🇹]

Peltiä makes metal furniture that looks like it belongs in a Pixar short about furniture with feelings.
Their designs sit somewhere between Bauhaus and bubblegum: clean, graphic, joyful. This cloud-shaped table is a standout. Almost cartoonish. Made in Italy, powder-coated in punchy colors, and built with just three legs. If most modern furniture says “don’t touch me,” this one says “let’s play.”

Add a pop of joy

THIS WEEK’S SPONSOR:

Want unlimited AI, ASAP?

Get up to 6 months of Plus plan + unlimited AI free!

Launch and scale your startup faster with Notion.

Visit the Notion for Startups page to get the offer.

Get Notion AI for free