Every time I set the table, I always put out a full set of silverware because you never know who’s gonna need a certain utensil. I mean, I wouldn’t think about using a knife to cut my spaghetti, but I have a friend who does it every time he comes over for Spaghetti Thursdays. Likewise, I opt to use the side of my fork instead of a knife to cut my pancakes, and my friend thinks that’s a bit loony as well.
With the Knork 4-pc Set (Amazon, $24.99), neither my friend nor myself will feel odd for not using a knife at mealtime. Plus, it’s one less utensil to put on the table (and to wash later). The Knork features a finger platform in its center that allows the user to press down on it and use a rocking motion to cut food. The outer prongs of the Knork aren’t really all that sharp, but curved instead, making the Knork safe as well as easy to use. Because both outer prongs utilize this technology, the Knock is ideal for everyone regardless if they’re a righty or a lefty. If you know someone who suffers from a disability or medical condition that makes it hard for them to use both hands while eating, this is the perfect solution.
While the Knork is perfect in just about any situation, don’t think that you’re gonna be able to cut cans or your shoe with it. It’s not some silly knife from a crazy infomercial or your first job as a door-to-door knife salesman. Seriously, why did you think you’d be able to make $18.00 an hour so easily? That’s just stupid.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Set of four
-Cuts like a dinner knife and spears like a fork
-No sharp knife edge
-Use finger platform and rocking motion to cut food
-Right or left handed
-Rust, stain, and corrosion resistant
-Matte finish
-Dishwasher safe
It’s the middle of August and the days of summer are rapidly counting down. Soon, it’ll be a little bit cooler, the wind will whip a little faster, and the leaves will fall from the trees. That doesn’t sound too bad, especially considering the continuous heatwave we’ve been experiencing this whole summer, but autumn can’t last forever. You might think you’d appreciate a cold winter’s day accompanied by a light snowfall, but that’s just the heat talking. As soon as it gets colder, you’ll start wishing you can spent more time enjoying the great outdoors when you had the chance. How do I know? Because even I feel that way, and I’m anything but outdoorsy.
If you’re gonna take advantage of this beautiful weather, you’re probably gonna have to venture outside. In my opinion, the best way to spend some quality time with nature involves a patio chair, some adult beverages, and a good ole fashioned cookout. Your partner in crime on this quest? The Can Cooker (Amazon, $79.99). See, not all of us can host a BBQ at our place because we don’t have access to a grill, whether it’s a space issue or inadequate funds. This cooker uses a heat source (fire pit, campfire, etc) to slowly steam cook a meal to perfection, making it a delightful alternative to grilling. Not to mention, this cooker is incredibly easy to transport and requires virtually no set-up to use. You can feed up to 20 people at a time and each meal only takes about an hour to cook. Think of it as a “set it, and forget it” alternative to grilling. I mean, how many times have you hosted a backyard BBQ and you’ve missed out on half the fun because you’ve been chained to the grill the whole time, sweating away? The answer is too many.
They recently outlawed grills at my apartment complex, so I thought I would never again experience the joys of outdoor cooking. Lo and behold, I have found a solution! I mean, they didn’t say anything about fire pits, right?
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 12.5″ x 11.8″ x 15.2″
-Weight: 5 lbs
-Easy to use
-Uses steam to cook
-Creates convenient meals in one hour
-Feeds up to 20 people
-Ideal for camping and tailgating
I never used to be a huge Apple fan. I was doing just fine with rinky-dink little flip phone and my larger than life mp3 player. I wasn’t interested in anything prefaced with the letter “i” or with the word “Mac” in it. Then one day everything changed. One a whim, I purchased an iPod and then before I knew it, I was standing in line for an iPhone on release day. Now, I haven’t broken down and purchased a MacBook or an iPad, but I think it’s only a matter of time before I fully commit to brand-name solidarity. I blame Justin Long.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my pocket-sized technological wonders. So much so that I’m using them 24/7, which inevitably leads to their downfall: usage time. This applies mostly to the iPhone – ever since iSO4, I can’t get a decent charge out of the thing. It’s ok though because I’ve learned how to adapt with the help of the Pebble Portable Charger (Firebox, $59.99). This portable charger carries enough juice in one charge to fully charge your iPhone four times. Unlike other portable chargers out there on the market, this thing isn’t a one-time use and it doesn’t run on a measly AA battery. Powered by USB, it comes with five charging connectors so you can charge virtually any of your portable electronics as long as you have the corresponding connector. And with a power indicator, you’ll know exactly how much electricity you’re carrying around with you. Did I mention this device is small enough to fit in your pocket?
I’m not getting an iPad, and you can’t make me! Steve Jobs, I’m talking to you.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 3 3/4” x 2 3/4” x 3/4“
-Capacity: 5000mA
-Includes charger, USB cable, 5 charging connectors, soft pouch, and user manual
-Charging connectors: iPod/iPhone, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, and Mini & Micro USB devices
-Takes 5 hours to fully charge pebble charger
-Charges empty iPhone in just over an hour
-Charge status indicator: low/med/full
-Polymer Li-ion battery
So you’ve probably heard all the hoopla about how we should be working harder to not kill our already ailing environment. You have a few ways you can go about this without cramping your style too much, such as recycling (duh), using low energy light bulbs, and by not driving a tank. Let me elaborate on that last one because it seems to be the one most people are having trouble with. No one, outside of the United States Army, needs to be driving a Hummer. Seriously, there is nothing you could possibly say to me that would justify the utilization of that vehicle. Not only that, a lot of us are driving huge SUVs when it would be much more economical, not to mention kinder to the environment, if we scaled it back a bit. Just because you might need to move a large object in the distant future does not mean you need to buy an 18 wheeler.
A simple (and cost effective) solution to this fictional problem is to opt for the Adjustable Bungee Cord (ThinkGeek, $9.99). Instead of purchasing an oversized, overpriced automobile that you don’t really need, why not just throw this bungee cord in your trunk? That way, in case the need to move a large object suddenly arises, you’ll be prepared because this 9mm cord is 10 inches long and can expand to a maximum of 48 inches. Because the cord uses self-clipping carabiner clips instead of open hooks, the cord will actually lock onto its anchor points and the extra length secures to itself so it won’t flap around. And because this bungee cord is made of high quality cord instead of the standard elastic, it’s not going to wear out over time.
Go on, buy that hybrid car. I hear the Prius is lovely this time of year.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: Adjusts from 10″ to 48″ long
-9mm cord
-Self clipping carabiner clips on each end for secure hold
-End caps have self locking gates
I’m always on the hunt for a new travel mug. In my mind, you can never have too many because they’re constantly getting misplaced or stolen by friends or family members. I don’t know if you know this, but it’s incredibly hard to find a decent travel mug. First, it has to be functional, in that it can accommodate hot or cold beverages. Second, it has to fit in the car, on your desk, or basically wherever you intend to use it. Lastly, and perhaps more importantly, it mustn’t leak. Finding a travel mug that does all these things is considered the holy grail of beverage containers.
The Coffee & Teabrew Travel Mug (Wrapables, $24.95) satisfies all the above requirements and even takes it one step further by offering fresh brewing. That’s right, you can brew fresh coffee or tea on the go, directly in your new favorite travel mug. With a special fine mesh filter basket, you just have to put the makings for your beverage of choice in the filter, pour in boiling water, and you’re all set. The stainless steel mug’s vacuum thermal construction keeps your beverage hot and features an easy open top instead of a small drink hole. The set also includes a convenient travel bag for your mug, with a carrying handle and an exterior mesh pocket for your coffee or tea supplies.
Did you know that by brewing loose tea, you’re eliminating all that excess packaging (tea bags, staples, string) and actually helping save the environment? I bet you had no idea you were such a humanitarian. On behalf of people everywhere, I’d like to say thanks.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 8″ x 2.75″
-Capacity: 14oz
-Includes convenient travel bag with carrying handle and exterior mesh pocket
-Mug brews fresh tea or coffee
-Mesh filter brewing basket
-Vacuum thermal construction
-Easy open top
-Made of stainless steel
