Although I own a digital camera (and a pretty good one at that), I find that most of my pictures are taken with my phone. Why? I mean, surely it would make more sense to use my digital camera as its photos are taken with a higher resolution and are usually better in general due to multiple photo enhancement options. Obviously the answer lies in convenience. I’d much rather bring just my phone and its photo capabilities out to the bar than have to lug around a phone and a digital camera. I’m sure you feel the same.
We might not be able to do much about our phone’s camera resolution or lack of flash, but we can make it easier to take the picture. The Belkin iPhone Camera Grip (Convenient Gadgets & Gifts, $34.99) attaches to your phone via the 30-pin connector at its base and provides a stable photo-taking experience. Instead of trying to wrap your hand around the phone and reach the camera button all at the same time (it’s an acrobatic feat for the phalanges), all you have to do is press the shutter button. That’s all. The soft touch design is specially contoured for your hand and allows you to switch from still shots to video with the touch of a button. The grip is case compatible and even features an integrated tripod mount should your photo session turn formal.
Don’t have an iPhone? I guess you’re shit outta luck.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-iPhone camera grip
-2 modes for photo & video
-Fast fire shutter button
-Integrated tripod mount
-Contoured soft touch design
-30 pin connector
-Case compatible
I frequently forget to bring my phone charger with me when I go on a trip. You’d think it’d be something I’d remember to pack, seeing as my phone needs to be charged daily. Oh no, I always end up rummaging through my bag at the end of the day, only to come up empty-handed. The problem with a charging cable is that you usually only have one of them, so transporting it from one place to another is usually a hassle. My charger is plugged in behind my bed – I am way too lazy to unplug it for a short trip.
I’d much rather invest in something like the Credit Card Sized Cell Phone Charger (Hammacher Schlemmer, $29.95) because then I’d never have to wonder if I remembered to pack the right cable. This phone charger is small enough to fit inside the credit card slot of a wallet, micro USB cord and all! Compatible with most Android and Blackberry smartphones (as well as traditional dinosaur-age cell phones), the charger is powered by a lithium-ion battery that can fully charge your device before requiring a power-up itself. Sure, a charging cable doesn’t take up that much room, but it’s way easier to forget in a time crunch. This baby never has to leave the comfort of your wallet, ensuring that your smartphone never has to go without power.
I am addicted to wallet-sized gadgets. Would it be wrong to start carrying two wallets, one for gadgets and the other for actual purchasing properties?
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 3.25″ x 2″ x .25″
-Weight: 1 oz
-Cordless cell phone power hub
-Fits inside wallet credit card pocket
-One cell phone charge per hub charge
-Micro USB cord
-Available in brown or black
-Compatible with most Android and Blackberry smartphones
-Recharges in 1 hour via USB adapter
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 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
