I hate trying to decide what to have for dinner. If I don’t plan it out the week before, I either end up ordering take-out every night of the week or I eat every snack in the house instead of cooking a real meal. The issue here is that most of the stuff in my kitchen takes way too long to make, probably because it’s either out of a box or sitting in the freezer. There are actually only about three things I know how to cook that require little to no effort on my part. My favorite go-to meal is spaghetti because, come on, it really can’t get much easier than that.
I think the most annoying part about making spaghetti when you have to drain it. You’ve got this pot full of boiling hot water and you’ve got to dump it into a colander, without burning your hands. That doesn’t seem like a big deal because you can just put the colander in the sink, right? Well, you could, except when was the last time you actually cleaned your sink? Do you really want all those nasty food remnants from your sink to seep into your freshly cooked spaghetti? I didn’t think so. The Silicone Pop Colander (Amazon, $29.99) not only stores flat in your cabinet to save space, but it also features collapsible legs that keep its contents above the sink floor. And because it’s non-porous, non-absorbent, and dishwasher safe, you can be sure that your cooking won’t be tainted by those of previous meals. The only drawback is that you need a sink a bit on the larger side in order to fit the collapsible legs. I’m afraid those out there with double sinks won’t be able to partake.
Not only is spaghetti incredibly tasty, but it’s dirt cheap and it lasts forever. I could probably eat nothing but a box of spaghetti for a whole month. Ok, well maybe it won’t last that long, but you get the idea.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Collapsible design keeps contents above sink floor
-Space saving
-Withstands heat up to 250 degrees
-Non porous and non absorbent
-Available in red or gray
-Made of silicone
-Dishwasher safe
I’m getting to that age where just about everyone I know is married or getting engaged. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with cohabitation and legal unification, but I’m running out of gift ideas for these people. You don’t want to be that guy who gets a toaster for every wedding, regardless of whether the couple even wants/needs it, just because you’re too lazy to get a little creative in the gift department. When selecting a gift for someone, the most important thing to remember is to know your audience. Is the recipient an artsy type? Do they live in a tiny apartment? Will they be so embarrassed by your lack of good taste that they’ll be forced to hide your gift in the closet, only to take it out when you come over? These are all very important questions to consider.
With those ideas in mind, the Stacking Drinking Glasses (Plasticland, $20.00) make a fantastic housewarming/engagement/wedding present. For starters, who couldn’t use a couple more glasses at their disposal? You always think you have enough, but glasses have a weird way of migrating throughout the house, not to be heard from for months. Those with storage-deficient kitchens will love this set of three glasses because they nest. Just like the Russian dolls printed on the side of each glass, these glasses fit together to save space. And don’t fret about hand-washing them because even though the glasses have cute colorful prints on the side, they’re dishwasher safe!
These glasses are so cute, I’m tempted to chuck my current ones and buy a bunch of these. Not only are they are they space saving, but they’re adorable. Can you say the same about your glassware? I didn’t think so.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Capacity: 8 oz, 10 oz, and 14 oz
-Set of 3 nesting glasses
-Features brightly colored babushkas on each glass
-Made of borosilicate glass
-Dishwasher safe
Like I said yesterday, I can appreciate an item of ingenious design, but I’m generally pretty laid-back. I like to throw a good party or two, when the mood strikes me, and I’m usually fine with just a couple of beers and a bowl of chips. Sometimes though, I feel the need to class it up a bit. I mean, I love playing Wisest Wizard with about 20 of my closest friends until the wee hours of the morning, but there are times when I’d like to have people over and not have to worry about ridding my house of the beer stench the next morning. You know, maybe something a little bit classier than that.
One of the essential items you’ll need to throw an adult soiree is a quality cocktail shaker. Some might be swayed by looks, but this is the one time you’ll need to think substance over style, which is why you should invest in the Good Grips Plastic Cocktail Shaker (Amazon, $9.99). Although it might not look that fancy, it’s actually even better than your regular metal cocktail shaker. For one, it’s made of double walled plastic, which means that it’s insulated to keep your cocktail cold without causing your hand to freeze. The outside also offers a non-slip grip, making shaking and pouring easier than ever. With a measurement marked jigger cap and built-in strainer, this shaker encompasses all the usual attributes that you would need to mix up a batch of cocktails for you and your friends. The only downside is the small size, but your friends will just have to wait a few more minutes for their bevs – no biggie.
A serious issue with this shaker is that it doesn’t have a cheat sheet of cocktail recipes written on it – I mean, how else am I supposed to know how to make a Tom Collins or a Cosmopolitan? What, learn the recipes? Sheesh, that’s asking a lot!
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 3.5″ x 3.5″ x 9″
-Capacity: 16 oz
-Includes shaker, jigger cap, and built in strainer
-Double walled construction for insulation
-Measurement markings inside jigger
-Soft nonslip grip
-Dishwasher safe
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
You know when your mom would make brownies and she’d make you her little helper? Wasn’t the best part of that whole task not the chocolaty result, but licking the bowl while the brownies baked? I mean, back in the day before anyone cared about raw eggs and the threat of salmonella, your mom would hand you a wooden spoon and let you go to town on that mixing bowl. I never used the spoon though. Sure, you might be able to start out that way, but when it gets down to the last little bits, it’s your trusty index finger all the way.
What if you could lick the bowl without actually licking the bowl, thereby appeasing the fears of all those germaphobics out there? The Finger Food Spoons (Perpetual Kid, $7.99) act as a go-between, allowing you to relive one of your favorite your childhood pleasures while at the same time clearly defining your sophisticated hygienic boundaries. Made of food-safe plastic, these little spoons fit onto the tip of your finger and give you the illusion of dipping your finger into the bowl to have a taste. Packaged as a set of four in varying colors, each member of the family can claim their very own.
I know, I know, this does nothing to alleviate your feeds about raw eggs, but if I were you I’d just suck it up and eat the brownie mix. I mean, people have been doing it for years and they’re fine. I’m not saying you should forgo the baking entirely (although that could be pretty awesome), maybe just live a little dangerously by enjoying a finger spoonful or two.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 3.25″ x 1.25″
-Designed with soft curves
-Set of 4 in varying colors
-Made of food safe plastic
-Hand wash only
