It has been argued that being a woman is a lot harder than being a man. I mean, obviously there’s that whole childbearing thing, but there are also an outstanding number of appearance maintenance issues. Clearly one of the most time consuming issues is hair removal – whether it’s shaving, plucking, waxing, or tweezing. And as if the time spent undertaking this task wasn’t enough, just think about the cost! But what choice do women have? It’s either hair removal or Amazonian status.
While you probably won’t be using this to get rid of your leg or under arm hair, the Natural Hair Removing Threader (Hammacher Schlemmer, $124.95) brings the latest trend in facial hair removal right into your home. You’ve seen those eyebrow threading booths everywhere (even in the mail) and as tempting as it would be to try it out, I don’t think I’d want strangers staring at me. Regardless if you’re new to the process or a seasoned veteran who’s tired of paying someone else to do this simple task, you can use this device to remove hair right at the follicle. What’s so great about that? Well since hair is removed from the root, the skin stays smoother longer than shaving or waxing. This kit includes a numbing lotion, rice powder (to absorb skin oils), and an after threading moisturizing lotion as well as nine months of hair removal threads.
The one big bummer about this set? It’ll take a long time before your purchase becomes cost effective.
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 11″ x 7.5″ x 2.75″
-Easily removed unwanted hair
-Includes threader, 24 thread sets, emollient lotion, rice powder, and lotion
-Removes hair from the root
-Lasts longer than waxing or tweezing
-Up to 9 months of hair removal
I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve ruined dinner because I had something to do that would “only take a minute” – it always takes longer than that, and by the time I’d get back to the kitchen it’d almost be on fire. Setting a timer seems like it would work except when I’m running around different parts of my house I can’t exactly see the stove, if you know what I mean. I need a quick and easy visual cue to keep myself on track…
…which is exactly what the Color Alert Kitchen Timers (Vat19, $9.99 – $14.99) do. Instead of relying solely on a faint beeping noise, each of these timers uses color codes to signal how much time is left before your kitchen bursts into flames (or, dinner is done). Whether you choose analog or digital, the method is the same: simply twist the timer clockwise to add time or counterclockwise to deduct it. The timer has a 60 minute set time maximum and will glow green when there are more than 10 minutes remaining. Once you hit that 10 minute mark, the color switches to yellow and will stay that way until you whittle your way down to a minute. At this point the timer will glow red, sounding an alarm to signal the end of the allotted time and continue to glow red for another full minute. Basically as long as you can remember to look at the timer, you and your food should be fine.
“Danger, Will Robinson! Your souffle is burning!”
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 4″ x 2.5″
-Color changing timer alert:
-Green: 10+ minutes remaining
-Yellow: 1-10 minutes remaining
-Red: 0-60 seconds remaining
-Turn clockwise to set time
-Available in analog or digital
-60 minute maximum timer duration
-Digital timer can be paused or restarted
-Digital timer features 12 hour clock
-Batteries included
I have a pretty extensive hoodie collection. For awhile, it was all I really wore. Who needs a jacket when you’ve got a hoodie? A hoodie will not only keep you warm but it renders fussy umbrellas obsolete. As a side note, I find it hilarious when people think an umbrella is a good idea in the middle of a windy thunderstorm. Not only is it going to turn itself inside out almost immediately, but it’s also just a fancy lightning rod.
If it’s one thing I don’t need, it’s another hoodie. That being said, I really do need the HoodieBuddie (Convenient Gadgets & Gifts, $34.95). It looks like your standard black zip-up (perfect for any occasion – even formal!), yet it’s oh so much more. Finally giving those useless drawstrings a purpose, this hoodie features integrated headphones built into the drawstring ends. Follow the embedded cables down through the hoodie to the front pocket where you’ll find a standard headphone jack ready to plug into your musical media of choice. And if that’s not enough to dazzle you, the whole shebang is machine washable – headphones included!
Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll look a lot less goofy than the guy in the banner pic. No guarantees though.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Zip up hoodie with built in headphones
-Available in unisex sizes small, medium, large, and extra large
-Headphones built into drawstring ends
-Standard headphone jack
-Compatible with most mobile devices
-Machine washable (even headphones)
I was off yesterday so I decided that it would be a good day to cook something a little more involved than my traditionally half-assed dinner creations. And since it was bitterly cold out, I thought stew would be the perfect meal for such an occasion. I got out all my ingredients and started with the potatoes. In no time flat, I had turned my kitchen into a trash receptacle. There were potato peelings all over the counter, the floor, even myself. Sure, I could have dragged my trash can to where I was and peeled the potato hovering over it, but I’ve lost many a potato that way.
The Counter Edge Cutting Board with Collapsible Scrap Bin (Amazon, $24.99) allows you to go about your cooking preparations without turning your kitchen into a compost heap. The cutting board itself features an L-shaped design that easily fits over sinks or counters and has non-skid feet to ensure that it stays put. The removable scrap bin attaches to the edge of the cutting board with a seal between the two so that even liquid rich foods won’t leak out onto the floor. The bin’s four cup capacity is more than enough for most cooking preparations and the set is designed to collapse for snug storage. You might have to get accustomed to standing a little further back from your vegetables, but at least clean up will be a breeze!
In case you were wondering, my dinner was stew-licious.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 11.5″ x 15.5″ x 1.8″
-Integrated bin collects scraps
-Board fits over sink and counter
-Bin attaches to board
-Bin has 4 cup capacity
-Collapses for easy storage
-Dishwasher safe
-Patent pending design
I’m trying to be good about eating breakfast every morning because when I don’t I just get grumpy and I don’t want to do anything. I like a no muss no fuss breakfast, so I usually go with cereal. Or at least you would think that was the easy way out, but how am I supposed to deal with the soggy cereal epidemic we have on our hands? I can’t let my cereal sit for two seconds before it’s rendered inedible by it lactose counterpart. Something has to be done, for the good of breakfast cereals everywhere.
An answer to my plight at last! The EatMeCrunchy Cereal Bowl (Latest Buy, $13.95) lets you have your cereal and eat it too! The secret to this bowl’s plan is a hidden removable shelf within the bowl that separates milk from cereal until you’re ready to mix the two. Only a small part of the bowl lets the milk and cereal mix, until then you keep your cereal dry on higher ground. When you’re ready to eat a bit, just slide some cereal into the lower portion. Amazeballs!
Don’t even tell me you’ve managed to eat a whole bowl of corn flakes without a serious case of the soggies because that’s just nonsense.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 6.7″ x 2.4″ x 5.7″
-Keeps cereal from getting soggy
-Removable shelf inside bowl
-Dishwasher safe
