Category Archives: product reviews

Reviews of various products.

August 16, 2011 · 8:52 am

Fykat Grill Review

The one thing I don’t like about living in an apartment in Chicago is that I’m robbed of my ability to grill.  Sure, I could wheel my grill out every time I want to cook and flare it up in the parking lot…but that just doesn’t sound awesome.

Then, a few weeks ago, I discovered the Fykat Grill while shopping around Crate and Barrel.  Suddenly everything seemed possible.  I could make veggies!  Chicken!  Ribs!  Steak!  Pork chops!  AND I could get it in a wide variety of colors.  Score.

I WANT!

I have yet to purchase this adorable little accessory, but it’s definitely on my wish list.  I’d like the orange one, please.   🙂

The FYRKAT  grill is a perfect fit for terraces, porches and even the back of your car so you can take your grill with you wherever you go!  Its body is made from enamel coated steel, its legs from chrome plated steel. The handle is made from heat-resistant silicone. Its diameter is just perfect for your favorite piece of meat or fish.  You can find them here, as well as at a few gadget stores, such as Crate.

Here’s one with food on it so you can get a better idea of the size:

Knowledge is power!  Learn fun facts, hints and tips, and creative ways to use every day items with “The Buzz” posts on Thursday.

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July 12, 2011 · 9:14 am

5 Fun (and Practical) Kitchen Gadgets

When my boyfriend and I go to Crate and Barrel, it’s like two kids in a candy store…especially when we’re playing around with kitchen gadgets.

Granted most gadgets on the market are kinda pointless, since they often have one useful job that can be done just as easily with something you probably already have in your kitchen…but here are some gadgets I came across that are not only fun, but practical.

Okay, so maybe this isn’t practical, but come on!  How cute is this?!  This doggie tushies hold towels in the kitchen or bathroom and are just innocent enough to not be gross.  BUY!

These are brilliant.  These 5-blade shears allow you to quickly and easily chop herbs and spices for cooking and garnishing.  And with 5 sets of blades, your chopping is done quicker and looks professional.  BUY!

I love this cutting board!  I often use the same board over and over if I’m cutting lots of fruits and veggies and stuff always gets in the way.  With this prep bowl board, you can chop onions, garlic, and more and easily set it aside so you can move on to the next thing.  BUY!

Nothing like a glass of freezing cold iced tea in the summer…and with these nifty spider webs, you can enjoy your cold beverage without having blocks of ice hit you in the face as you tip the glass.  Keep your drink nice and cold till the very last sip.  BUY!

Here’s another “grate” gadget.  This Grate n’ Store is a measuring bowl with 3 attachable grating lids, plus one solid lid for storage.  Prevent messy cheese grating and ensure proper measurement with this fun little gadget.  BUY!

Knowledge is power!  Learn fun facts, hints and tips, and creative ways to use every day items with “The Buzz” posts on Thursday.

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March 1, 2011 · 9:00 am

Egglings Review

It’s hard to believe, at least here in Chicago, that spring is indeed coming (hopefully!).  I’m more than ready to welcome March with open arms in the hopes that it will bring with it a beautiful spring season.

To get in the spirit, I want to show you these adorable little planters I discovered a few years ago.  You can find them in many novelty magazines and can also order them directly from the Eggling website.

A spud that sprouts!

You can get little Egglings that look like animals, eggs, potatoes, and more.  While most of them only grow grass, others grow herbs…and you can easily use the planters once the plant is finished growing.

Knowledge is power!  Learn fun facts, hints and tips, and creative ways to use every day items with “The Buzz” posts on Thursday.

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January 25, 2011 · 9:05 am

Contigo Kangeroo Water Bottle Review

I saw this water bottle reviewed in the Chicago Tribune this past weekend and I thought I would pass it along…since summer (slowly) is coming and people are always looking for easy travel tips and ideas (or even a more convenient way to hold keys, identification, etc. while at the gym).

The Contigo Kangaroo water bottle is a 24-oz plastic water bottle with a hard plastic pouch for holding identification, money, credit cards, keys, etc.  This ultimate travel companion comes in your choice of colors:  blue, purple, charcoal, fuchsia, and turquoise (my favorite!).

You can find more information about the Kangaroo bottle at www.gocontigo.com.  The Contigo Kangaroo water bottle sells for $12.99.

Knowledge is power!  Learn fun facts, hints and tips, and creative ways to use every day items with “The Buzz” posts on Thursday.

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December 7, 2010 · 3:17 pm

The Pancake Pen Review

Who doesn’t love a good stocking stuffer?  Are you shopping for a foodie?  A new mom?  A teenager?  A pancake lover?

The Pancake Pen, from cooking.com

Check this out.  The Pancake Pen (cooking.com) is bringing the fun back to your mornings.  With this fun kitchen gadget, you can create pancakes in any shape you’d like.  You can mix the batter right in the bottle, saving on dishes and time.  Throw this in with a cook book and the makings of your grandma’s famous pancakes (minus the wet ingredients, of course) and you’ve got a great gift for a hostess, friend, or daughter of a friend who is preparing to make it on her own.

Stay tuned for more stocking stuffer ideas to come…

Knowledge is power!  Learn fun facts, hints and tips, and creative ways to use every day items with “The Buzz” posts on Thursday.

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November 9, 2010 · 3:24 pm

Universal Napkin Rings Review

Setting the table is one of my mom’s favorite things do to during the holidays.  She has the Thanksgiving table set by the week before Thanksgiving and has the buffet table ready to go with Post-Its reminding her where all the food goes.

While browsing the Crate and Barrel catalog the other day, I came upon these super clever napkin rings.  Not only are they elegant and will match any decor (since they’re white!), but you can write on them with a marker and wipe the writing off for next time.  Write names or just decorate them to match the napkin rings.

They are available in packs of four or individually.

Porcelain Napkin Rings

Knowledge is power!  Learn fun facts, hints and tips, and creative ways to use every day items with “The Buzz” posts on Thursday.

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September 14, 2010 · 3:54 pm

Silicone Book Mark Review

While browsing around the Internet the other day, I came across this amazing book mark.  Not only is it silicone…so it won’t move around or fall out of your book, but it literally points out exactly where you left off reading!

These would be great gifts for friends, family, book club buddies, college bound kids, or just cute stocking stuffers for holiday time.  Right now they only come in 3 colors, which kind of bums me out…but what a cute idea!  Click on the photo shop.

Silicone bookmarks!

Knowledge is power!  Learn fun facts, hints and tips, and creative ways to use every day items with “The Buzz” posts on Thursday.

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