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
Is there anything better than the smell of a barbeque on a summer day? Whenever I smell burgers and hot dogs on the grill, it just makes me happy. To make a quality burger, you have to do just that – make it. You can’t expect perfection from a frozen meat patty!
If you’re gonna make your burgers from scratch, then you might as well go all out. Go ahead, get the grass-fed beef, add only the freshest spices, and use the Mini Deluxe BBQ Burger Set (Convenient Gadgets & Gifts, $19.95). With this set, you get everything you need (other than the burger itself) to prep and cook your super tasty sliders. First, use the triple hamburger press to release pockets of air and ensure uniform grilling. Then place the flattened patties into the nonstick wire basket and you’re ready for maximum grillage without any burger casualties. While your burgers are cooking, you can trim the hamburger buns to regulation slider size with the bun cutter. All that’s missing is a surly teenage to overcharge you!
Watch out for the Hamburglar!
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Make sliders at home
-Includes burger press, grilling basket, and bun cutter
-Nonstick basket cooks 9 patties at a time
-Triple press ensures uniform grilling
-Hassle free grilling
-Hand wash
I recently read an article that said multitasking doesn’t exist. When you think you’re multitasking, your brain is actually focusing on one thing at a time. More accurately, you’re probably doing one thing well and totally messing up the other one. Have you ever tried talking on the phone while typing? It’s pretty much impossible – I usually end up typing what I’m saying instead of what I meant to write. If you want something to get done, you’re better off doing it without any distractions.
This is especially true if that something is carrying anything fragile or breakable as you are most certainly going to fall if you try to overload yourself. I know, I dish the advice but I’m never gonna take it because there’s no way I’m making multiple trips when I can stack and tilt myself into one. The Beverage Caddy with Handle (Taylor Gifts, $19.98) sees your need for efficiency and raises you a sense of security. Instead of grabbing everyone’s drinks by smooshing them together waitress style (seriously harder than it looks), simply stick them in this caddy. It has slots for 11 drinks that are deep enough to both hold your bevs as well as ensuring that they won’t tip over if you jostle the caddy a bit. You can fit just about any size cup or glass in here, but I think you’re out of luck with the Big Gulp.
If you have more than 11 drinks to carry, congratulations! You win the friend contest!
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 14″ diameter
-Holds 11 drinks
-Accommodates all cup sizes
-Deep drink wells
-Made of plastic
Sweet mother, it’s hot out there today! Seriously, if you don’t have to go outside then please stay in the comfort of your air conditioning. If you don’t have air conditioning then I suggest you go outside if only to get someplace there is air conditioning, like the mall or Panera (they also have free wi-fi).
I enjoy the slightly warmer temperatures, not these unseasonably scalding ones. Once the weather gets a little more comfortable and a little less immediate sunburn inducing, might I suggest a picnic? It’s been ages since I’ve been on a picnic, but there’s something to be said for a lazy afternoon of food and drink whilst lying in the grass. The Outdoor Wine Bottle Holder (Kegworks, $11.95) is an excellent addition to your picnic basket because nobody wants to accidentally knock over their booze. As an accident-prone person, I enjoy the simplicity of its stake in the ground design as well as its ability to keep my vino out of harm’s way.
It’s about that time of year again, when we make the switch from merlot to chardonnay. Perhaps a white zinfandel will ease the transition?
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 12.5″ x 3.25″
-Wine bottle holder
-Sticks right into ground
-Made of metal
As I get older, I’ve stopped going out and getting all crazy in my downtime. Instead of going to a crowded bar at midnight and fighting to buy overpriced drinks, I’d much rather stay at home with a glass of wine. I mean, not only am I spending money but I’m also being healthy because red wine has many restorative properties. Yup, that’s why I’m drinking it, for the health reasons.
Regardless of your reasons for drinking the vino, there is one universal problem: the drip. Every time I pour a glass of wine, I fall victim to the drip. The drop stains counter tops and tablecloths with wild abandon – it must be stopped! The DropStop Wine Pour Spout (Vat19, $3.99) is a flexible disc that, when inserted in a wine bottle, cuts off the flow of liquid as soon as the bottle is lifted. Why is that important? That, my friends, is the key to defeating the drip. You get two discs per set and each disc is reusable as well as certified food safe. Simply roll the disc into a cylindrical shape and insert half of it into the bottle. Voila! Instant no-spill spout!
As an added plus, you won’t have to deal with constantly uncorking and re-corking the bottle.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 2.75″ diameter
-No more wine spills
-Includes 2 discs per set
-Flexible to fit any size wine bottle
-Reusable
-Certified food safe
-Made in Denmark
