I am a major proponent of the theory that anything can be made more interesting if it’s presented in a fun and unique way. This idea applies to abstract concepts but also, more specifically, tangible items. I’ll venture to guess that some things that are already pretty amazing could be even more awesome if someone just took the time to improve on them. For instance, I’m sure all the boozers out there love them some alcoholic beverages, but they would have to agree that some beverages are better than others. Of course, this is all very subjective so there’s no way that you’re going to please everyone by upgrading one type of liquor. However, you could make the method of consuming the hooch all the more pleasurable. I know, it’s hard to believe that’s even possible, but I assure you, it is.
The Yin Yang Power Bomb Shot Cups (KegWorks, $8.50 for 6) take an already fantastic idea (shots) and make it even more splendiferous. How’s that? By separating a four ounce shot glass into two chambers at a 3:1 ratio, you can achieved the perfect way to consume mixed shots. See, everyone loves a Jager bomb (how could you not), but it can get a little less tasty when no one knows how to properly measure out the ingredients. Then you end up with a bomb that’s either so much Jager that it’s like eating a handful of black licorice or has so much Red Bull that your teeth fall out. With perfect portion control, these reusable cups have the power to make your binge boozing experiences completely successful. Best of all, when you tilt the cup to drink, both compartments will mix together to yield a perfectly mixed shot.
In case you’re not a fan of Jager bombs (simply impossible, but we’ll go with it), that doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy these cups. Irish car bombs are another example of tasty drinks that work much better with portion control. And if shots really aren’t your thing, you can even use the cup to put a shot on one side and a mixer on the other. See, I’m all about problem solving.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 3.25″ x 2.75″
-Capacity: 4 oz total (3 oz & 1 oz chambers)
-Portions drink ingredients perfectly
-Reusable
-Made of durable clear plastic
So now that we’ve talked and talked about what cutesy things you can get your sugarlips for Valentine’s Day, I thought it would be only fair to suggest an item for those not looking forward to the card company holiday. Now, I’m not saying that these unattached people are bitter and full of hate…but, deep down, that’s probably the case. They don’t want hearts and flowers adorning every surface of their home and workplace. Whether these people simply want the holiday to pass by unnoticed or are truly out for blood due to a relationship betrayal, I think we can all agree that a box of chocolates is not an appropriate Valentine’s Day gift for your single friends.
If your possible gift recipient is on the warpath this Valentine’s Day, then the Ex Skewer Set (Perpetual Kid, $59.99) is the perfect gift for him/her. Not only is the set perfect for entertaining at parties, but it has a nice voodoo doll quality to it as well. The set includes a small dipping bowl inset in a larger bowl. The top of the small bowl is a figure pierced with 12 stainless steel skewers, allowing the dip to be covered when not in use. Come on, what better way to vent your frustrations than with a harmless figure with skewers sticking out of its body? Perfect for those “Valentine’s Day Sucks” parties, your guests can spear the figure over and over for hours of enjoyment. Oh, and I guess they could occasionally use the skewers to stab cheese cubes, olives, or any other small dippable appetizer.
Mmm, nothing like spending an afternoon sticking skewers into a makeshift voodoo doll. That pretty much describes my weekend.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 12″ x 9″
-Includes 12 stainless steel skewers
-Ex figure is detachable to reveal dip bowl
-Available in white only
-Made of ABS plastic
-Hand wash
Alright, alright, so I may have noted my displeasure for the so-called holiday that is rapidly approaching, but that doesn’t mean that I’m going to ignore it entirely. I’ve tried – it didn’t end well. So I’m sorry to say, but there’s gonna be a bit of cutesy item coverage for the next couple of weeks. I’ll do my best to find fun, spiteful items like last week’s Bittersweets, but occasionally I will have to bow to the masses and humor all the lovebirds out there. Now, without further ado…
The Heart Egg Molder (Perpetual Kid, $5.99) is a good way to jump into all this Valentine’s Day nonsense without going overboard. While making a heart-shaped omelet or eggs-in-a-basket (as shown) for your sweetie pie is nauseatingly adorable, it’s not the only way to enjoy fun shaped breakfast items. Perhaps you just enjoy a tasty breakfast and you’d like to liven it up a bit. You know, start your day off on a positive note, knowing that your eggs and toast will always be there for you (unlike your shady ex). Or maybe you know someone who’s a big fan of food (aren’t we all?) so they’d totally eggpreciate (!) such a thoughtful gesture. And then, there are those people out there who want to buy this contraption as some sort of salute to a ridiculous “holiday” – that’s cool too, I’m not judging.
Still taking suggestions for that singles only holiday – we need a name, a date, and a way to celebrate. Scratch that, I think I know how the celebration will go.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 5″ x 6.5″
We’ve covered a lot of cool kitchen gadgets on here, but my favorites are the ones that are so obvious, yet took forever for someone to invent. I mean, I cook all the time and can come up with about a thousand things that I would love a new gadget to make easier. But nothing ever comes of it. I just continue with my same routine, much like all of you out there, cursing that pot of boiling water when it burns me for the umpteenth time. Seriously, every time I’m boiling potatoes I cringe as I put them in the pot because I know that scalding backsplash is coming. And then I think, if only there were some way I could live a potato-filled existence without constantly burning myself!
Thank the heavens above! The Foodpod Cooking Vessel (Wrapables, $14.95) has heard of my plight and has come to rescue my fingertips from blistering! When I first saw this strange contraption, I didn’t quite understand its genius – I mean, it just looks like some weird silicone pod. What the hell am I supposed to do with that? Upon closer inspection, I realized that this strange contraption was my cooking savior. Used primarily for boiling, this pod also works great for blanching and steaming a variety of foods. All you have to do is put your food in the pod, close the lid, and pop the pod in a pot of boiling water. Your foods will cook quickly and evenly, but more importantly, you won’t burn yourself on hot water backsplash because you’re not dropping small items into a giant empty pot.
Just think of all the foods you can now cook without burning yourself – eggs, red potatoes, broccoli, or shellfish. And I’m not just suggesting those because they’re featured in the four photos directly at the bottom of this post. Oh wait, that’s exactly why I’m using those examples.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 9″ x 9″ x 9″
-Nonstick
-Built in grip clip
-Easy to use
-Ensures even cooking
-Time saving
-Top rack dishwasher safe
-Made of silicone
If you’re like me, it seems like you never have enough space. I recently moved into a slightly smaller house, and at first, it seemed like everything was fine. I mean, the house I lived in before was too big for just me, so moving into a smaller one seemed like a logical step. You know what the problem with that logic is? It doesn’t work. You get too used to a larger space, so you accumulate more crap, and then pretty soon you need to live in a three bedroom house because you have so much stuff. Guest room? Forget it, that’s where you keep all your LEGOs and Star Wars action figures. You also need at least two bathrooms because you bought all that soap and toilet paper on sale at Costco and now have nowhere to store it. Oh, and don’t even get me started on the cramped quarters of a smaller kitchen!
If you spend even a decent amount of time in the kitchen, you tend to acquire your fair share of gadgets. Sure, you hardly ever use your mini chopper or George Foreman, but it’s comforting to know they’re there. The only problem is that, no matter how big or small a kitchen is, it seems that the cabinet space is always at best described as limited. The Origami Colander (ThinkGeek, $19.99) understands your need for storage space, which is why it lays flat in your cupboard. I know, you’re wondering how a flat colander can help you wash your veggies or drain your spaghetti dinner, but the answer is simple: it’s not flat. Sorry if I just blew your mind, but the reality is that this colander has the ability to go from upright to flat faster than you can say, “Why’s it called a colander anyways?” or some other interesting short phrase. Using a not-so-complicated system of hinges and locking latches, you can take this flat colander out of the drawer and pop it together in no time. Oh, and my personal favorite of any kitchen tool? It’s dishwasher friendly.
I know, it’s not the technological breakthrough of the century, but it’s still pretty cool. I mean, it’s not like you came up with it, which has to be pretty upsetting. If only you had, you could be sitting pretty in a home much bigger than your needs, with a room just for your action figures. Too bad, so sad.
5 out of 5 flat stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 42cm x 32.5cm x 1cm (flat)
27cm x 22cm x 14cm (folded)
-Available in black, green, white (only $17.99), and red
-Folds flat
-12 hinges and 4 locking latches keep it together
-Easy to store
-Dishwasher safe
-Made of polypropylene
