I’ll be the first to admit it: sometimes I can have a bit of a spending problem. I do my best to save my pennies, but I’m a firm believer in that you have to spend money to save money. Some of you may be unfamiliar with a seemingly backwards thinking concept, so let me explain how this works. If you are constantly saving, one day you’re just gonna freak out and buy everything in sight until your checking account is insanely overdrawn. Instead, you should save a little, spend a little. It’s a good practice, but someone like me needs to amp it up every once in awhile because my money burning ways get the best of me. So I like to look for items that can serve double-duty, or at the very least give the illusion of a two-for-the-price-of-one deal.
So you can’t look at the Five Finger Fillet Steak Knives (Perpetual Kid, $59.99) as just a set of knives because they’re so much more than that. Sure, this set of six stainless steel knives can be used traditionally for meals and such, but you’ve got to think outside the box. With such a creative presentation, the first thing that comes to my mind is self defense. I mean, they’re super sharp, durable, and apparently fit very nicely either between someone’s fingers or in the middle of their hand. Now that I think about it, these would probably work for some kind of circus act. You know, like a knifethrower and his lovely assistant? Just think of how awesome that would be!
See, the trick here is to look at the bottom line and then divide it by how many “deals” you’re getting. These can range from the blatantly obvious (2 shirts for $25, divide by 2), slightly more creative (one dress equals an entire outfit so divide by 2 or 3), and the generally absurd (spending $250 to get free shipping when all you wanted was one $40 item).
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 8.5″ x 7.75″ base
-Includes six 4.5″ steak knives and black plastic base
-Knives made of 18/0 stainless steel
-Designed by Raffaele Iannello
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
The end of January is almost here, and you know what that means: Valentine’s Day. I’m pretty sure everywhere you look you’re already being bombarded by sickening messages of love, giant displays of heart-shaped candy boxes, and basically anything of the red and pink variety. A lot of people out there, myself included, tend to overlook the possible merits of Valentine’s Day (the heartwarming sentiments) and prefer to focus on reality (a holiday created by card companies to sell more useless products). I mean, why is February 14th so special? Why is that the day where we’re supposed to shower our loved ones with gifts and affection (but most importantly, gifts)? Shouldn’t we be treating our significant others like they matter every day instead of one random day in February? And what about those poor unfortunate souls who are miserable and alone? It’s not like they need another reminder that no one’s interested in them and they’re not getting any younger.
One of the Valentine’s Day staples is the candy heart. Certainly not the most flavorful or exciting of the bunch, the candy heart has become a mainstay because it’s quirky. It’s the little sayings on each heart that make candy hearts special; you never know what you’re gonna get. The Bittersweets (ThinkGeek, $5.99) by Despair, Inc. take that idea and run with it – kicking and screaming in the opposite direction. Instead of spouting sickeningly sweet sentiments, these candy hearts tell it like it is and speak to the singleton in all of us. You can choose from dejected, dysfunctional, or dumped and each set comes packaged in a collectible tin. There are up to 37 unique sayings inside each collection that cater to the “D” you select.
Single people should get their own holiday. I mean, there are so many holidays that are built around togetherness and everlasting love – what about the rest of us?! I mean, I guess you could technically annex St. Patrick’s Day as a singleton holiday, but I’m talking about a true Singles Day. Write in and tell me your suggestions!
5 out of 5 miserable stars.
Specs:
-3 different collections to choose from: Dejected, Dysfunctional, or Dumped
-Each collection features up to 37 unique sayings
-Packaged in a collectible tin
The worst thing about living with roommates is the shared space issue. Chances are, you’re living in a space the size of a one person apartment with at least two roommates – not exactly ideal. But hey, it saves money and there’s always someone to hang out with when you want to avoid your responsibilities (there are actually a lot of perks to living with someone, but those are the top two reasons). But going back to the shared space issue, it can be tough to divide up your common areas amongst a group of people so most of us don’t even bother. Sure, what’s mine is yours, which can include food, possessions, and most importantly, booze. What’s the problem with sharing? A lot of people think it’s Latin for “take it all.”
I can’t help you protect all your stuff, but the Lock Stop (Drinkstuff, £10.00) will at least keep your booze safe. This device fits into the top of most bottle necks to stop unwanted persons from accessing its alcoholic goodness. Well, I guess you could try using it on bottled sodas, but who really drinks those anymore? The lock is equipped with a four-digit combination so you can grant access to as little or as many people as you like, provided they are of a trustworthy nature (memorization skills might come in handy as well).
Yes, you might come off as a bit of a hard-ass for putting your liquor under lock and key, but try to explain to your friends that it’s not them you’re worried about, but other people who come over. And when that little gem falls flat, tell them that it’s all their fault. I mean, if they were able to keep their hands off your booze in the first place, then you wouldn’t have to lock it up. Am I right, or am I right?
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 68mm x 43mm
-4 digit combination
-Securely seals valuable bottles
-Gift boxed
-Works on most bottle necks
-Made of stainless steel
-Not available for delivery in the United States or Canada
