If you’re like me, you try to cut back in little ways instead of making big changes so you don’t go crazy. Like, instead of going completely vegetarian, I only eat meat a few times a week. That way, I don’t go out and grab a Big Mac at 3am because I’m jonesing for a cheeseburger. I use my dishwasher because I’m totally lazy, but instead of the heated dry setting I opt for air dry. I still don’t have to wash dishes, but this way cuts costs and saves energy with very little inconvenience on my part.
The catch here is that without some sort of heat, it can take a little while for your dishes to fully dry. With the Lawn Countertop Drying Rack (Perpetual Kid, $27.49), it’s not an issue. I used to just set my clean dishes on a dish towel on the counter – so low-tech. Not only does this drying rack look a whole lot more awesome than my lowly dish towel, but it’s actually a lot more efficient. You can dry anything from cups and bowls to utensils and kitchen accessories without worrying about them falling over. The secret is in the flexible grass blades that secure your dishes in place while still allowing air to penetrate. Any extra water drips onto the tray below, which is easily removed for cleaning.
If you have pets, you might want to tread lightly here – this grass does look a lot like the real thing.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 13.5″ x 11″ x 2.5″
-Dry items of all shapes and sizes
-Two piece
-Flexible grass blades
-Easy to clean
-BPA, PVC, and phthalate free
One of the biggest obstacles I’ve had to face as an amateur chef is my own laziness. Sure, a home cooked meal made from scratch sounds delightful but it’s a lot of work. More ingredients mean a better melding of flavors as well as more preparation and opportunities to make a mistake. I mean, I know the difference between teaspoon and tablespoon but you’d be surprised how many times I grab the wrong one when I’m frazzled in the kitchen.
What I need, what I’m always looking for, is a product to make cooking less intimidating. The Sink Drainer Cutting Board (Uncommon Goods, $32.00) marries an organic bamboo cutting board with a silicone strainer and I can instantly breathe easier. I don’t have to worry about dropping all the vegetables I just chopped into the sink when I transfer them from the cutting board to the strainer because it’s built right in. The whole thing fits over your sink so you can slide your vegetables or meat directly into the strainer as you go. Usually I end up doing this in batches because my cutting board is too small to sustain an entire meal’s raw materials. Because this cutting board is meant to be used over the sink, it’s quite large and could be a bit tricky to store – something tells me it won’t be spending that much time tucked away though.
It’s probably a good idea to get a jump start on your Father’s Day shopping, so if Dad isn’t into cooking you can still find a bunch of other great ideas at Uncommon Goods.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 24″ x 12″ x 0.8″
-Cutting board with integrated strainer
-Fits over sink for easy chopping
-Wash in warm soapy water
-Made of silicone and organic bamboo
I wouldn’t say that I like getting up early, but it doesn’t bother me nearly as much as other people I know. When my alarm sounds, I immediately turn it off and get out of bed. I didn’t even know how to use the snooze button until a few years ago – true story. Once I’m out of bed, everything else is gravy – all it takes for me to get up is to literally get up. To say this is not true for some people is a clear understatement. If someone tells you that they’re not a morning person, believe them. Your life depends on it.
If there’s any doubt in your mind about your roommate’s temperament, the Mood Mug (Generate Design, $25.00) will clear it up. There are four possible designs available, each depicting a different mood so everyone you encounter will know exactly how you’re feeling without any words exchanged. It doesn’t matter if you’re happy, moody, sleepy, or even hungover – your mug will say it all. Besides the benefit of less morning chatter, these mugs save space by forgoing handles in favor of double wall insulation. Cool to the touch, your coffee/tea stays hotter longer with no pesky handle to slow you down!
Just remember: Sip slowly, lest you burn your entire mouth.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 4.75″ x 2.95″
-Capacity: 7 fl oz
-Handleless mug reflects mood
-Double wall insulation
-Space saving
-Available in Happy Larry, Seriously Sleepy, Monstrously Moody, and Horribly Hungover
-Dishwasher safe
-Do not microwave
-Made of Grade A food safe porcelain
You know what Batman Begins taught me? One must always mind their surroundings. If it’s smart advice for Bruce Wayne, then it’s good enough for me. It should actually be my mantra because I am forever running into things. Ra’s Al Ghul would be so disappointed in me.
Until I can master the fine art of walking without tripping over my own two feet, the Lappers Non-Slip Dining Trays (Vat19, $15.99) will have to help me out. What looks like a regular serving tray actually features two removable non-skid silicone mats to keep your plate and drink from sliding around. Because I frequently don’t pay attention to where I’m going, this tray would be instrumental in getting my food from Point A to Point B. The plate and drink areas of the tray are also recessed to provide even more dishware support – a place for everything and everything in its place.
“Justice is balance.”
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 18″ x 11.5″ x 2″
-Non slip dining tray
-2 removable non skid silicone mats
-Recessed areas for plate and drink
-Large handles
-Eliminates spills
-Available in 3 designs: circles, trellis, or tuxedo
-Dishwasher safe
-Made of sturdy melamine plastic
I love cheese. If I had to pick only one thing to eat for the rest of my life, it would have to be cheese. Think about it – what isn’t better with some cheese on it? Also, what are your favorite foods? Chances are, they are comprised of cheese in some capacity. I always have cheese on hand, usually in hand if you know what I mean.
With a love for cheese as great as mine, a capable grater is a must. The Grip Grater Multi-Position Cheese Grater (Amazon, $24.99) really ups the ante because it offers three possible positions. Three! That’s two more than most graters! When not in use, the grater folds flat for easy storage – great for small kitchens or big kitchens overrun with a plethora of cooking gadgets. Grating can be achieved in one of two ways: arms together offers the traditional hand-held option while arms out allows you to grate over a bowl or dish. Non-slip grips on both the arms and under hinges prevent the grater from sliding around in either position, so it’s really a matter of personal preference. For me, it’s gotta be arms out because you can shred block after block of cheese without feeling the burn. But that’s just me.
You don’t like cheese? As Liz Lemon would say, “That’s a dealbreaker.”
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 8″ x 2.5″ x 6″
-Multi position cheese grater
-Three positions:
-Folded for storage
-Arms together (hand held grating)
-Arms out (grating over dish)
-Includes 2 grater plates
-Non slip grips on arms and under hinges
-Stainless steel plates with hard plastic frame
