‘Tis the season for outdoor recreation, so how better to celebrate this wonderful weather than with a party? Backyard celebrations are great because they can range from super classy to your average kegger. Whatever your parameters, you’re got to make sure that you have an awesome spread. I mean, if there’s not good food, then why bother even having people over, you know? Ok, so say you go out and get some tasty snacks for your guests to munch on, are you all set then? Nope. You still need to think about the behind-the-scenes details, like cutlery and plates. Cutlery is a snap; just go out and get a giant box of plastic forks, spoons, and knives. But plates? Plates are a whole different story. Parties have rose or fallen based on proper plate selection. Don’t worry, I’ll help you through this difficult time.
Your party just needs the Go Plate (KegWorks, $48.50) to make it the social event of the season. Another crafty innovation for people like me who are always trying to juggle their food and drink (not literally, thank goodness), this reusable plate allows you to carry both with just one hand. See, it’s your average sectional party plate, with one clever design difference: a slot for your drink. The plate fits over most consumer bottles, cans, and even plastic cups, so you can basically balance your plate on any beverage surface. There’s actually a hole running right through the middle of the plate, which doesn’t interfere with can and cup stacking but allows the longneck of a bottle to pass through. Totally boss, right? And before you start getting all bent out of shape about the price, relax. That price is for a set of 42 plates. That’s right, 42 reusable and recyclable plastic plates that can go straight into the dishwasher at the end of the night.
I wish I had these plates at the last party I went to. It was the whole buffet deal and of course, I got a drink to nurse me through the long line for food. Because I only have two hands, I had to constantly shift my plate and drink from my hands to the table as I moved through the line so I could grab some grub. By the time I got to sit down, I had lost my drink. I know, let’s all take a moment to grieve.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 10″ diameter
-Includes 42 plates
-Designed for freehanded eating and drinking
-Fits over most consumer bottles, cans, and cups
-16 and 18oz drinks fit snugly and plate stays balanced
-Ideal for cold or warm foods
-Made from RPET
-Hand washable or top rack dishwasher safe
-Recyclable
I never used to wear a watch because I found them irritating to wear. At least that’s what I would tell everyone. The real reason is that I always have trouble reading the time when someone asks me. I mean, I’m pretty good at telling time when I’m by myself, but it’s like something horrible happens when I’m asked the time. I look at my watch and all my time telling skills just vanish, and then I just look like an idiot. Same thing goes with regular wall clocks. Somewhere between reading the clock and stating the time, my brain goes haywire. Now I know I could just stick with digital forms of time display, but they’re just never as cool as a regular clock because they don’t have as many different designs.
Now with the Word Clock (Generate Design, $229.00), it’s easy to read and it’s an interesting design. As you may have guessed, this clock has all the time increments spelled out in words instead of numbers. For someone like me who has a difficult time transitioning from numbers to words, this is fantastic. All you have to do is literally read the words in front of you to tell someone the time. Hmm, is it quarter to three? You’ll know because the clock will actually say “quarter to three” on the display. Granted, you have to understand all those catchy time phrases like “quarter to” and “twenty of” but other than that, telling time should be a snap.
I have a friend who is obsessed with buying watches and clocks, so I can’t wait to buy this clock just so I can rub it in his face. That’s right, I’m gonna buy it out of spite so I can say that I had it first. What, like there’s something wrong with that?
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 24″ x 4″
-Tells time in word form
-Left roll spells out five minute increments of time
-Right roll spells out numbers one to twelve
-Made of acrylic and plastic
I am terrible at directions. I mean, I pretty much have the worst directional sense of anyone I’ve ever met. I used to say that I would have trouble navigating out of a cardboard box. It’s still pretty much true, but I’ve gotten a little better over the years. I’m no Rand McNally, but I can hold my own. The reason being that I’ve gotten very cozy with maps and route plotting. My favorite kinds of maps are the ones that are built into something you already own. If I don’t have to whip out a map and look like a tourist, it might just make my day.
That’s just one of the reasons why the NYC Subway Map – Mighty Wallet (Perpetual Kid, $14.99) is my new favorite possession. I mean, not only is it a super strong and functional wallet (more on that later), but the entire wallet is a map of NYC. Remember how I was saying that maps are better when they’re built into something you already own? Well, how often are you carrying around your wallet? Pretty much all the time. Now compare that to how often you get lost, and you get see how a wallet with a map on it would come in handy. What makes this wallet really freaking awesome is that it’s made from Tyvek microfiber, the same stuff that’s found in express mail envelopes. Basically, this stuff is thin, lightweight, and incredibly durable. You can try to rip this wallet in half, and it won’t budge. And even though the wallet is super thin, it can still hold approximately 16 credit cards, has two interior pockets, and two side pockets for business cards. Just think of all the ridiculous amount of crap you can cram into your wallet now!
Just please don’t be stupid enough to be opening up your wallet in dark alley ways because you’re gonna get robbed. And I don’t want you complaining to me that you got robbed while trying to look up directions to the subway. Have a little common sense, you know?
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Made from a single sheet of strong Tyvek microfiber
-Made out of 100% recyclable materials
-Holds approximately 16 credit cards
-Has 2 interior pockets for cash or receipts
-2 side pockets for business cards
-Holds many currencies
As I may have mentioned before, I’m not really an outdoorsy person. It’s not that I don’t like nature, but all too often it comes with negative consequences. You know, like bugs and dirt and sunburns. I especially detest sunburns. I’m super fair-skinned so I pretty much just have to look at the sun and I get sunburned. Not only is the hot and peeling skin unattractive, but it’s really painful too. I’ve just about accepted the fact that I need to slather on copious amounts of SPF before I head outside, but there are those times when I’m unprepared for outdoor activities. I mean, if I knew I was going to be hiking out in the sun for five hours, then I would bring sunscreen, but sometimes it’s just not that simple.
All you need to do to survive in such UVA/UVB ray abundant situations is the Emergency Sunscreen Kit (ThinkGeek, $3.99). With these itty bitty sunscreen packets on hand, you’ll never again have to nurse a blistering sunburn precipitated by a lack of sunscreen application. This pack of credit card sized sunscreen packets has three individual packets of sunscreen for your sun protection pleasure. Each packet contains SPF 30 sunscreen that is waterproof, hypoallergenic, and PABA free. Now, as with any waterproof sunscreen, you have to reapply if you’re exposed to water for prolonged periods of time or are prone to excessive perspiration (I won’t tell anyone), but that’s why you have three packets instead of one. Because these packets are so small, you can stick them in your wallet, purse, or even glove compartment to ensure that you’re always ready for sun exposure at a moment’s notice.
I’m kinda on the fence about these sunscreen packets. I mean, on the one hand, they’re pretty awesome because I never have to worry about getting sunburned again. On the other hand, now I have no excuse to get out of outdoor activities. See, it’s a toss-up.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 1 3/4″ x 2 7/8″ x 1/4″
-Includes 3 packets of 1.5g/.05oz SPF 30 sunscreen
-Sunscreen is waterproof, hypoallergenic, and PABA free
-Store between 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit
-Reapply after prolonged swimming, towel drying, or excessive perspiration
-Warnings: For external use only, do not swallow, avoid contact with eyes, discontinue if signs of irritation or rash appear, keep out of reach of children, use on children under the age of 6 months only after consulting a physician
There’s nothing like spending the day outdoors with the fam, is there? I mean, who doesn’t love a good summer BBQ? You’ve got some good eats, an adult beverage or two (if you’re lucky), and quite possibly some amazing tuneage. What could possibly be missing from this day?
If you guessed the Giant Garden Dominoes (Drinkstuff, £15.96), then you are today’s winner! Well, you don’t actually win anything, but you do get the pleasure of learning more about today’s item. Sure, anyone can pull out a traditional board game to spruce up an impromptu get together, but not many just happen to have a larger than life sized domino set in the trunk of their car. What’s so great about oversized game pieces? Just think, isn’t everything better when it’s bigger? Diamonds, houses, pizzas, etc. are all great, but super size them and they’re pretty amazing. So even though most people won’t even know how to play dominoes, you can pretty much guarantee that these ginormous ones will be a big hit. And since they’re made of foam, they’re ultra light and portable. If you’re lucky enough to have one of those super sized houses, you can even play inside if the weather turns ugly.
My only real issue here is that there are 28 of these humungous foam dominoes, so how are you supposed to take them anywhere? I mean, they might fit in your truck, but I foresee some spillage into the backseat. And if you’re like most of us, your car isn’t exactly the cleanest mode of transportation out there. And what if you have passengers? You’re lucky to get 15 or 20 of these babies in there. Better cancel the carpool.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 25mm x 100mm x 205mm
-Weight: 1.35kg
-Includes 28 foam dominoes
-Soft foam pieces for extra family safety
-Light and portable
-Perfect for inside or outside
-Great for the whole family
-Delivery only available in the UK
