Not since prehistoric times have we been so perplexed about creating fire.

Whether one uses a Zippo, a box of matches or even one of those over-the-top, blue-flamed $100 cigar lighters, lighting your cigarette or cigar almost says more about you than the smoking does.

We’ve always been big fans of the matchbook. Whether because of its slim profile or its place in history as the choice of speakeasy-going guys and femme fatales in oh-so-many golden era films, there’s just a certain romance tied up in carrying one around (and the fun of watching the unfamiliar struggle to spark a flame…).

That’s why we’re so impressed by this leather matchbook cover from Jack Spade. Although the name of the sleazy motel you picked up the matches from will be obscured, the hand-tanned leather and “FIRE” embossing are as hard to resist as the $10 price tag.

Jack Spade leather matchbook cover [via Luxist]

So you live in luxury while your dog sleeps each night on a filthy old blanket in a basket outside?

Time for the guilt to stop! Your dog deserves to live better than the homeless. Are we right?

That’s surely why the furniture world has brought us this luxury dog bed. Apparently inspired by classic modernists such as Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe, its sleek lines, stainless steel details and durable and stain resistant faux-leather cover is sure to impress. Because dogs are really hard to impress.

(Maybe it’s just because the photo features a particularly evil-looking dog, but we’re reminded a lot of the villian chair when we look at this.)

Postmodern Pets [via Neat-O-Rama]

Caffeine and alcohol are no strangers (just think of all the painful young types slowing down bar lines the world over as they depth-charge Jägermeister into highballs of Red Bull…), but bringing together espresso coffee and vodka is certainly new to us.

The team at Single Serve Espresso (don’t let anyone ever tell you that they’re always in a rush) have experimented around by taking some of their favorite grounds (well, concentrates) to the cocktail bar for a (long?) night of java-infused martinis, and the like.

Quick Espresso Martini
1 1/2 Ounces of Stomping Grounds Espresso Concentrate
1 1/2 Ounces Vodka
Top off with a floating espresso bean

Sleep is for the dead. When it gets to 4.30am and you’re hitting a wall in your strict partying regime, a round of these should do the trick. It’s like Gatorade for alcoholic caffeine addicts.

Review: Stomping Grounds Espresso Concentrates [Single Serve Espresso]