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Take 5: The Best Masala Chai, a Future Landmark + More

Every other week we’re inviting one of the Design Milk team to share five personal favorites – an opportunity for each of us to reveal the sort of designs we use and appreciate in our own lives from a more personal perspective. Senior Editor Kelly Beall returns this week for our Take 5 series…

06.07.21 | By
Take 5: The Best Masala Chai, a Future Landmark + More

throw blanket wrapped around person

1. In2Green Eco Huey Throw by Susy Pilgrim Waters
Know those people who can’t fall asleep without a blanket covering them? I belong to that club. In2Green’s throws are incredible in both pattern and design. This one is part of their Saturday Green collection that’s designed by females and manufactured in the U.S.A. Made of 75% recycled cotton and 25% polyester, that’s also mostly recycled, this throw is the ideal weight for summer snoozes.

loose leaf tea in a dish

2. Dona Masala Chai Loose Leaf
As a longtime coffee lover who can no longer stomach the stuff, my tea consumption has gone up dramatically over the past year and a half. I enjoy a bold blend, and am a fan of both Dona’s loose leaf teas and concentrates. This masala chai brings together ginger, cinnamon, Cloud Forest cardamom and Zanzibar black pepper. Their masala chai concentrate is lightly sweetened, unlike most other brands, and arrives in the prettiest brown glass bottle.

performative architecture

3. Breeze of Innovation by Fernando Jerez + Belén Pérez de Juan
Urban Confluence Silicon Valley recently held a worldwide competition to create an iconic landmark for Silicon Valley. Out of 963 submissions, Fernando Jerez and Belén Pérez de Juan of SMAR Architecture Studio have been named the winners for their Breeze of Innovation design. Intended to sway in the wind, the design utilizes the natural movement of 500 dynamic rods to create a dramatic visual effect while also generating enough power to light the structure. Breeze of Innovation also envisions a conical void within a 200-foot tower, creating a unique vertical space with multiple levels of walkways and a viewing platform with incredible 360-degree views from the top.

lower half of body with arm holding duffel bag

4. Notabag Duffel in Grey
I’m not sure what this Summer holds, but hopefully there will be a few reasons to pack up a bag and go! The Notabag Duffel has room to hold everything you might need for a weekend in the wilderness or a well-appointed cabin. It features multifunctional straps that allow you to carry the bag in your hand, over your shoulder or on your back. There’s a space to keep your shoes separate, a carabiner to keep track of your keys and a strap you can use to hold your yoga mat or skateboard. A removable pouch can hold all the necessities you’ll need to grab: phone, money, etc. The Notabag Duffel is also eco-friendly, water-resistant and machine-washable.

corner of mattress

5. Casper Breathable Mattress Protector
I’ve owned a Casper mattress since 2015, so you could say I’m a loyal customer. This Spring, the brand released a collection meant to help you stay cool while asleep, and I picked up this Breathable Mattress Protector. Not only will it make Summer nights much more comfortable, it will also help protect my mattress against regular wear and tear. Save 10% off with code DREAM10 at checkout, valid until Dec 31, 2021.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.