Beer is an acquired taste. Even if you like one type of beer, there are so many other varieties out there to choose from that it can be downright exhausting to pick one. The easiest way to decide which beer to make your brew of choice it to participate in a beer tasting. You can do this in the comfort of your own home, but a lot of cities have festivals around this time of year for that very purpose.
The problem with trying multiple beers at one time is that it’s kinda tricky to carry them without spilling a drop. Fortunately, the BeerBat Drinks Paddle (Drinkstuff, £12.99) makes it easy to carry three of your favorite brews at once with minimal effort involved. The only issue here is that the paddle is designed to hold 1/3 of a pint glasses, essentially tasting glasses, which is fine but wouldn’t it be awesome to have a paddle that held full-sized beers?
Don’t get any ideas now; this paddle is specifically designed for beer carrying (not fraternity hazing!).
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 110mm x 420mm x 10mm
-Capacity: 3 third of a pint glasses
-Carry beer with ease
-Ideal for beer festivals, breweries, pubs, and parties
-Dishwasher safe
-Made of bamboo wood
Grilling out is one of the best things about summer. Obviously, nothing compares to sunny days and pool parties, but grilling is a close third. Vegetarians take note, you don’t even have to dig on the meat to benefit from the deliciousness that is outdoor cooking because veggies are also 10x yummier when cooked over hot coals.
There’s no better way to branch out, pun totally intended, this summer than with the Chef’n Barbeque Branch Skewer (Amazon, $9.95). Yes, it operates with the same basic principles as any skewer – you put your food of choice onto the skewer (veggies, meat, fruit) and cook it over a controlled flame until doneness (that’s a technical term) has been achieved. Obviously this skewer is super awesome though because it’s shaped like a branch, which means you can stuff twice as much food onto it as a traditional skewer. Also, it looks pretty awesome so you can get your kabob on in style.
One reviewer complained that the handle was a bit short and that they were afraid of burning themselves when sticking this baby over an open flame. Sounds like a valid complaint, right? It would be, if the instructions didn’t explicitly state “not for use over an open campfire.” Better luck next time, dude.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 6.2″ x 3.1″ x 18.3″
-Holds twice as much as a traditional skewer
-Perfect for kabobs, sausages, vegetables, and more
-Not for use over open campfire
-Made of stainless steel and wood
-Hand wash recommended
How many times have you heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day? While that may be true, a lot of us simply ignore this bit of information as we rush out the door on the way to work. No one’s saying that breakfast has to be this huge homemade production, but it’s still probably a good idea to eat something substantial like eggs and toast instead of a granola bar.
It’s not like the Breville Radio Toaster (Firebox UK, £52.99) is going to make a full breakfast for you, but it will allow you to listen to some cool tunes while enjoying a couple of slices of hot toast. A full service toaster, this gadget features two wide slots that can handle both thick and thin slices of bread as well as variable browning control, a reheat and defrost function, mid-cycle cancel, and an extra high lift for easy toast removal. Everyone knows that a decent toaster is the cornerstone to a kitchen, but not many have a built-in FM/AM radio as a bonus. You get a digital display with 10 preset radio channels and you can even jack in your mp3 player if you feel like making a special morning playlist.
Did you know that you can even make grilled cheese in a toaster? Toasters: not just for breakfast anymore.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 20cm x 28.5cm x 17.5cm
-Radio and toaster in one
Toaster:
-2 slice, wide slot capacity
-Variable browning control
-Reheat and defrost function
-Mid cycle cancel
-Extra high lift for easy toast removal
-Fully removable crumb tray
-Blue illuminated toasting controls
-Non slip base
-Cord storage
Radio:
-Integrated high quality FM/AM radio
-Illuminated digital display
-Preset graphic equalizer
-10 preset radio channels
-Aux in (plug in an mp3 player)
I love the summertime, don’t get me wrong, but I could do without all the insects. There’s nothing better than hanging out with friends, barbecuing up a storm, and enjoying the sun – except for the bugs. It’s like they know when you’re having a good time and they’re just waiting for you to turn your back so they can attack. You can slather yourself up with bug spray to ensure they won’t devour your flesh, but what about your precious food? Is there no saving it?
The Giant Food Umbrella (Taylor Gifts, $9.98) is exactly what it sounds like: a giant umbrella for your food. The umbrella design allows you to place the cover over an entire table of food without having to worry about your food being subjected to the elements while you chat with friends, finish grilling, or even hang out indoors for a bit. Made of nylon mesh attached to a metal frame, this cover is sturdy but probably won’t help you if it rains (bummer). Then again, who’s hanging around in the rain?
It’s your job to make sure there aren’t bugs inside the umbrella before running off to frolic in the sunshine.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 17″ x 49″ x 27″ (open)
-Covers food to keep away bugs
-Button press open
-Made of nylon mesh with metal frame
A friend of mine just had a baby and I don’t wanna say that she wasn’t prepared for it, but it wasn’t exactly planned. It wouldn’t really be an issue if she knew a lot of people with babies (or even one person) because then she could consult with them about day to day child rearing tasks. Since she doesn’t have anyone like that in her life, she’s figuring things out for herself. She’s doing a pretty good job too, but everyone needs a little help sometimes.
Anyone will tell you that one of the most important tools in caring for a baby is a schedule. Mess with a baby’s schedule and you might as well just befriend the devil because the rest of your day is shot. The Day to Night Baby Log (Generate Design, $39.00) can help keep you on schedule as well as maintain some sleep-deprived sanity. The binder contains a six-month daily log where you can record feedings, diaper changes, naps, and any other activity your little one is engaged in. The center of the binder features an illuminated time capsule that includes the time and date as well as a timer and four lights, making it easier than ever to note exactly when you put the baby down for a nap. There are also special sections to keep track of things like doctor’s visits and baby gifts.
Now if only the binder would watch the baby while you took a nap…
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 8.5″ x 9.5″ x 2″
-Easily keep track of your baby’s routine
-6 month daily log book
-Special sections for doctor visits and baby gifts
-Illuminated time capsule includes clock, date, timer, and 4 lights
-Translucent day marker keeps your place
-Canvas cover
-Requires 2 AAA batteries (not included)
