I’m not very strong. It doesn’t really bother me all that much because I’m usually around someone who can help me out when I need to lift something heavy or can’t get the lid off a pickle jar. There are times when I’d like to at least pretend I’m an adult and that I have the ability to function on my own. Specifically, when I can’t get the cap off a beer bottle, it almost seems like I shouldn’t even be allowed to drink it.
I could go to the gym and try to build up my muscles, but that sounds like a lot of work. Instead, I’d rather trick people into thinking that I’m stronger by using the EZ Botop Bottle Opener (Drinkstuff, £7.99). Not only does this baby allow you to easily open beer, soda, anything with a bottle cap, but you can do it one-handed! Along with its innovative design, this opener creates a fulcrum that allows you to open a bottle with little to no effort. The top part is also magnetic, so the cap sticks to it after you’ve opened the bottle. I’m a fan of this feature because I am well known for attempting to uncap a beverage, only to have either the cap or bottle go flying because of my underdeveloped biceps.
Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s been a long week and I need to conduct some further testing on this bottle opener.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 40mm x 170mm x 45mm
-One handed bottle opener
-Remove cap and pour contents in one fluid motion
-Magnet retains bottle top
-Not available for delivery in Canada
Calling all beer pong enthusiasts: are you ready to win that next tournament? Sure, you might think you’ve got what it takes to play in the big leagues, but chances are you’ve still got a lot of training to do. For one thing, I bet the table down at your local watering hole isn’t even regulation sized. How are you going to compete amongst champions when you haven’t even practiced on a full-length table? And I hope you haven’t been bragging too much about your triumphs in six cup pong because there’s a lot more beer on a regulation table. Maybe you should work on your game a little bit.
If you’re looking to be the best pong player out there, then you need to be ready to play at a moment’s notice. With the Portable Beer Pong Table (KegWorks, $89.95) and a bit of practice, you’ll be an unstoppable beer pong force! Official tournament size (8 feet long), you might think you have no room for such a monstrosity, but you’d be oh so wrong. See, this terrifically awesome table folds into the size of a briefcase when not in use so you don’t have to worry about it taking up too much space in your living room. Not only does its size make for ease of portability, but when folded up, the case also features ergonomic carrying handles. With an aluminum frame and waterproof surface, this table is built to endure many a beer pong game without showing signs of wear. And in case you’re a bit new to the game (or are prone to technical disagreements), there are outlines on each side of the table indicating proper cup placement.
Now, I like beer pong as much as the next college-nostalgic adult, but this table is not for inexperienced. Take a look at those cups – you’re not seeing things, there are 15 on each side of that table. You’d better be really on your game or you’ll be drunkity drunk drunk drunk.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 96″ x 27.5″ x 24″ unfolded
24″ x 24″ x 5.5″ folded
-Weight: 21 lbs
-Official tournament size
-Folds easily into a briefcase
-Ergonomic carrying handles
-High strength aluminum frame
-Waterproof
-Cups not included
There’s nothing worse than being out at a fantabulous party or event, having a great time, only to have it interrupted by feeling uncomfortable. There are many things that can make for a less than stellar atmosphere, most of which are beyond your control (obnoxious drunk, bad music, inedible food), but sometimes we fail to properly prepare ourselves for these outings. For example, a wedding can be a joyous occasion, but it is most certainly an event that you need to prepare for. One of the key comfort elements at weddings (and most events) is footwear. Guys, you tend to have this covered. Ladies, you need to work on it. Now, I know that comfortable footwear and stylish footwear are hardly ever the same thing, yet you’ve gotta know that you’re gonna be miserable at the end of the night if you insist on sporting five inch heels the entire time.
I’m not saying you should forgo that sassy fashion sense. Instead I would suggest bringing along the Butterfly Twist Shoes (Drinkstuff, £14.99) as a supplement to your party attire. The set includes a pair of gift-boxed rubber soled ballet flats as well as a drawstring bag for your other shoes. What makes these flats so amazing is that they twist into a small triangular shape that easily allows them to be stored in a small purse or compartment. Not intended for day-to-day wear, these flats are for when you’ve been out and about wearing your sky-high heels and your feet feel like they’re going to fall off. Available in four different colors, you’re guaranteed to be both comfortable and fashionable. Who’d have ever thought that was possible?
I was at a wedding this past weekend where gaggles of girls were running around with no shoes on, presumably because their high heels were causing considerable foot pain. Either that or they were a bunch of hippies. Probably the first thing though.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Sizes: small, medium, or large (see site for sizing details)
-Available in black, blue, red, or gold
-Includes one pair of foldable shoes and a drawstring bag
-Butterfly design on the toe of each shoe
-Small and compact
-Rubber grip soles
-Comfy and fashionable
-Gift boxed
-Not intended for day to day wear
-Not available for delivery to Canada
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
