Nerdballs

Natural Disaster Survival Kit

After an earthquake, hurricane, and who knows what else Mother Nature has up her sleeve, here are some things worth having for an weather emergency:

Black Diamond Apollo Lantern ($50) @ Amazon.com

While flashlights and headlights are important, so are lanterns. It’s hard to pee in the dark with a flashlight because that flashlight will inevitably get dirty with your dirty dirty hands. JUST DIRTY. A lantern is perfect for room lighting and those awkward bathroom situations.

UCO Original Candle Lantern

I’ve read rave reviews about this item and people have sentimental attachments to it. Anything that has sentimental attachments usually is not a crappy piece of junk and also means that it lasts very very long.

UCO 9 Hour Candles 

Whoa, NINE HOUR candles!? That’s what I said in my head in the camping store. I haven’t tried them out yet but these are not exactly large candles by any means so if they do last 9 hours I will be very very impressed.

Unscented Candles ($7.95) @ CB2.com

Before Hurricane Irene hit NYC, I went to three pharmacies and two camping stores to find candles. Unfortunately, every single store was completely out and it was ravaged by hundreds of desperately unprepared New Yorkers. Then I thought, where do you get candles that no one else would think of? AHA! Furniture store with accent candles. CB2 BOOYAH. I scored four large candles that day and secretly smiled all the way to the subway at my ingenuity. HAHA.

Surefire E2D LED Defender Flashlight ($169) @ Amazon.com

A ridiculously expensive flashlight but it shines at 200 lumens. That’s like staring at the sun kind of brightness…ok, maybe not but it’s still really bright! Plus it feels cool to use a flashlight that special ops teams use.

Black Diamond Headlight ($24.95) @ ems.com

Back to the pre-Hurricane Irene shopping adventure story, so I went to EMS and asked a sales associate if they had any lanterns. He said they were all out of flashlights and lanterns and candles and jetboil fuel but had plenty of headlamps left. So I checked it out and these Black Diamond Spot Headlights were on sale for only $25! Seeing as they were a great deal, I bought one and my brother and I ate dinner with headlamps on until my dad told us to stop wasting the batteries.

Tortilla Chips and Salsa ($4-6) @ Trader Joe’s

These are my mom’s favorite tortilla chips and salsa, hands down. We went through these eat salsa and tortilla chip phase where we bought chips from the standard Tostitos’ scoop chips with Tostitos’ salsa to the very expensive Whole Foods chips’ and dip. Trader Joe’s was cheaper and fresher tasting than the other two. Scoreeee.

Chocolate Chip and Pecan Cookies ($3-4) @ Whole Foods

Oh if I had the words to describe my love for these cookies. I eat two with some Ronnybrook milk and I’m so satisfied. It’s just one of those roll your eyes back into your head because it’s so good moments. 

Ronnybrook Farms Milk ($4.50) @ Whole Foods

Milk is milk right? NO, ABSOLUTELY WRONG. You could not be more wrong! That $1.50 milk you buy at the local deli is just wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong but you’ll never understand until you see the light of drinking really excellent smooth and fragrant milk such as that produced by Ronnybrook Farm cows.

Nissin Five Spices Beef Noodle Ramen ($1) @ Your Local Asian Grocer

These are the best ramen noodles I’ve ever had because unlike the weird tasting flavor packets that don’t resemble anything in the real world in terms of flavor (i.e. Maruchan Beef Flavored Ramen) these actually taste like Five Spice Beef Noodle that you eat in Taiwan. Obviously it is extremely sub par to Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup but in the cheap ramen category, this is really as good as it gets.

Duracell Instant USB Charger ($21.68) @ Amazon.com

It’s the worst when your cell phone dies during an emergency situation so never put yourself in that situation and get a Duracell Instant USB Charger. Make sure that your cell phone is compatible with the USB jack. 

Zippo Venetian Slim Lighter ($24) @ Amazon.com

Aside from being great for lighting candles, I just like Zippos. They’re such a symbol of class and subtle thoughtfulness. 

Tiny Cadet Swiss Army Knife Alox Orange  

This is a great version of the classic Swiss Army Knife because it has this grooved print and is much thinner than the classic version. Why is important to have a Swiss Army knife in emergency situations? Because you never remember to bring the can opener but always buy canned food. 

Gasone Portable Gas Stove UL and CSA List/ With Free Case ($19.75) @ Amazon.com

If you don’t have a gas stove that you can use then I recommend getting one of these cheap gas stoves because it sucks not to be able to eat hot food when you’re stuck at home especially in snow storm situations. BUT remember to cook near a well ventilated area. 

12 Butane Gas Canisters ($14.95) @ Amazon.com

The stove up above needs these canisters as fuel. Please don’t be stupid and keep them all near an open flame. You will blow up your house by accident. Don’t make an emergency situation even worse.

Eton American Red Cross Powerlink ARCFR160R ($29.55) @ Amazon.com

This is an excellent piece of survival gear. Not only does it have a flashlight, radio, USB charger but it can be powered by both solar light or a mechanical crank. Pretty awesome.

Adventure Medical Kit Weekender ($45) @ Amazon.com

It’s important to always have a first aid kit, God forbid, something happens to you or your family which requires medical attention. This kit is a good basic setup for a variety of ailments or injuries.

Pelican EMS 1500 Case ($180) @ Amazon.com

This is for the case only, the price does not include supplies. Yes, it’s crazy expensive but Pelican cases are highly trusted for their watertight seals and durability. Plus, it’s easily organized and accessible for the materials you need when you need it. This would be your motherlode First Aid Kit or one that you would keep in the house or the car (be wary of car temperatures and how that affects medication and the equipment). It’s always a good idea to stock your own first aid kit with things you need and buy better quality items with further expiration dates.

Klean Kanteen ($16) @ Whole Foods

Water is crucial in any emergency situation so remember to bottle water beforehand if you can. If you can’t then try getting bottled water for a clean drinking source. 

Katadyn Pocket Water Microfilter ($284) @ Amazon.com

There are cheaper purifiers out there and as long as the water is drinkable quality it doesn’t matter which one you buy in my opinion. But if you think you can’t get clean water before your bottled water supply runs out, I would highly recommend getting a water purifier.

Vacation Kit

Zojirushi EP-PBC10 Gourmet d’Expert Electric Skillet ($89.95 + shipping) @ posharpstore.com

We used to use a hot water boiler to “cook” our ramen in the hotel room after playing in the pool and soaking in the jacuzzi. I’ve thought about bringing in an induction cooktop but it’s large, you need to bring extra pots and pans, and it makes a pretty audible buzzing noise. This is the perfect solution. It’s deep enough to cook ramen and soups but has enough surface area to make a darn good hot pot.

Snow Peak Chopping Board Set ($34.95) @ snowpeak.com

It’s the worst when you need to find a place to store your knife and have to take up extra space to fit a cutting board. This is the perfect go to solution - a knife stored inside a cutting board. Fair warning, this item is not made in Japan like most Snow Peak items. Are items from other countries poorly made? Nope, but you can see the quality and attention to detail suffers when the manufacturer is not in the same country as the designer. 

Stacking Kitchen Tool Set ($69.95) @ snowpeak.com

You can’t cook without a good set of utensils and the portability of this set it everything you need. It’s important to note that the electric skillet above is only suitable for wooden tools as it is a non-stick surface.

Tableware Set L Family ($159.95) @ snowpeak.com

I sway between plastic and these stainless steel bowls and plates since you can’t microwave metal objects. However, I find that plastic containers are better for microwaving anyways because of the splatter proof lids so leave the dishes for eating non-microwavable foods.

Ultra-light Beige Umbrella ($39.95) @ snowpeak.com

This umbrella caught my eye because it’s really large in diameter and weighs less than an average cell phone. Pretty cool.

Carry-On Chopsticks M ($38.95) @ snowpeak.com

Yes, these are excessively expensive chopsticks yet when you look up close, I don’t think I’ve seen a portable pair of chopsticks made so well before. These could definitely last you a few years.

Titanium Full Silverware Set ($32.95) @ snowpeak.com

This set of utensils is really cool. I hesitated to put these on because it’s three things to wash rather than if you were to buy the spork which on only one thing to wash and one thing to carry but if you’re in a hotel, then whatever!

SPAM ($3-4) @ Your Local Supermarket

Mm spam. This salty treat should not be consumed often but it really hits the spot during late nights. It’s perfect for travel because it’s a canned meat that doesn’t taste too shabby and can stay in room temperature.

Coleman 62 Quart Xtreme Wheeled Cooler ($39.50) @ Amazon.com

If you’re traveling by car you will NEED one of these. It doesn’t matter what kind of cooler as long as it keeps your foods cool. The great thing about this particular cooler is that it’s HUGE, has wheels, two different types of handles and a spout to release extra liquid from the ice. Oh and did I mention it has cupholders on top? 

Udon Noodles ($1-2) @ Your Local Asian Grocery Store

If you get bored of ramen like I do, I would suggest buying some udon noodles or even the quick 1 minute chinese dry noodles and then adding some chicken broth, fish cake, bok choy, and shrimp to make your hotel room made dinner a masterpiece. Dip it in some Taiwanese Sacha sauce with Soy Sauce and you are set!

Bulls Head Taiwanese BBQ Sauce ($3) @ Your Local Chinese Grocery Store

Mixed with a little soy sauce, this sauce goes perfectly with any boiled/steamed item whether it be steamed chicken, fish ball soup or blanched vegetables. Delicious!

Popsicles & Wishlists

Fudgsicles 12 pack Original Fudge ($5) @ Your local supermarket

Please, real sugar only - no sugar free substitute! I only want these because I haven’t had them in the LONGEST time. 

Yuento Handy Paper Shredder Turquoise ($45) @ Poketo.com

I get a buttload of papers I need to shred daily but I always use scissors and go to town on them which makes my hand tired and therefore makes me want to nap after shredding 20 sheets. Imagine the possibilities with this Handy Paper Shredder!

Quirky Pivot Power ($30) @ Quirky.com 

This flexible power outlet is amazing as you can plug in as many bulky cords as you need and they all fit! So no more wasting a few outlets because of that gnarly and large camera charger or cell phone charger. Did I mention it bends!!

Cordies ($10) @ Amazon.com

This little contraption sits on your desk and holds your cords in place. Wow, not a big deal. BUT if you have to muddle through all your cords behind your desk to find the right one EVERYDAY then I think this simple device is definitely worth another lookie loo. Seriously, I hate looking for my iPod charger cord.

Birkenstocks ($90) @ BirkenstocksUSA.com

My friends say that these sandals are crazy comfortable and I’m in need of a good pair of sandals that will last and wear in well.

Peugeot Paris uSelect Peppermill Walnut 9 inch ($43) Williams Sonoma

I think I set my parents off on a pepper craze which has led my dad to break my plastic peppermill my brother bought at the supermarket. To my dad, everything is fixed with a wad of duct tape - pepper mill + duct tape never looks appetizing. But this beautiful piece of work from France and with a good warranty…speechless.

Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque 5 oz ($23) @ Kiehl’s 

I need to clean my greasy face, ‘nough said. (They say it really helps to clean out your pores)

All Clad Stainless Non Stick Fry Pan 12” ($127.99) @ broadwaypanhandler.com

All Clad is like one of the luxury brands of cookware and non-stick is just plain awesome. Mix the two together and viola - luxury awesomeness. I can just think of so many sticky situations that need a good non-stick, non-peeling, health hazardous inducing nonstick pan. Pan fried dumplings, eggs, pancakes, etc. I wish this came with a lid though. 

Whitestone French Rolling Pin ($21) Kaufmann Merchantile

Making dough is enough of a pain in the butt. Rolling dough is even harder and you need to have a good solid wooden rolling pin. 

Andover Jewelry Box ($89) @ PotteryBarn.com

I don’t necessarily want this yet in real life, but thought it would be cool to have a monogrammed piece of “furniture”. It’s subtle class.

Kozy Shack Chocolate Pudding 22 oz ($4) @ Your local supermarket

My college diet consisted regularly of Arizona Iced Green Tea and Kozy Shack Chocolate pudding. I drank the Arizona because it was the closest tasting thing to water since my school stopped selling bottled water and started only letting us use tap (shakes fist at sustainability efforts, this story is for another day). But Kozy Shack is awesome, I just love to eat it and haven’t eaten since I visited college. 

Cooper-Hewitt Hoody ($48) @ CooperHewittShop.org

I still want it, but I know I would regret actually getting it since it costs so much.

NEW iPod Touch 8GB ($229) @ Apple.com

I don’t want this model, I’m waiting for the next one to come out because I’m looking to get a model with a better camera. One that I can actually take pictures and then put into a photobook or something. Also I want to have more than one app open at a time, like my Pandora running while I surf the web.

Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven, 3 1/2 quart ($200) @ Williams Sonoma

This is also part of the luxury cookware line. They are so pretty and so sturdy and just amazing all around. Truth be told, I’ve never cooked with one but legend says, they’re amazing pots that last generations.

Wisdom by Winston Tote ($17.99) @ ModCloth.com

HA, I LOVE THIS BAG! I love this bag for no other reason than that it makes me laugh every time I look at it. I know it’s juvenile for me to laugh and enjoy such things but SO WHAT I’m young folks!  

The North Face Isabella Dayback ($53) @ Sunnysports.com

I need a new backpack since my kind young brother has decided to take my old college one for his own use as it is far superior to his own backpack. I like this one because it’s smaller - I don’t have any books, it has awesome colors and it’s cheaper than most North Face packs. All in all, I just want it. 

Hillman Hunter ($100) @ Crumpler.com

I still don’t understand the concept of a purse, it puts such a strain on your shoulder and is difficult to gain access to for quick paying purposes. It’s just straight up annoying. This Hillman Hunter though, looks so comfortable and easy to use. I wish work was casual wear ALL THE TIME.

Bird Planter (as shown above on left) ($38) @ Etsy.com/people/prettyrandomobjects by Joanna Mendicino

She isn’t selling the bird piece right now but I really love almost all of her pieces. I’m thinking of growing a cactus or some other small shrubbery on my desk either at work or at home. The hard part is waiting for her store to sell more planters rather than vases. 

Crocs Shayna in Aegean Blue ($30) @ Crocs.com

I saw this woman in Soho while I was crossing the street in this really nice beige dress and I look down at her feet and was surprised to see Crocs on her feet. She had really cute blue glittery ones. I’m usually not one to notice these things but it added a whimsical quality to her personal style that I like - she’s an adult but isn’t afraid to have some fun with it. 

Spring is Here!

Asics GT2150 Women’s Running Shoes ($54.99) @ eBay.com

This was a Runner’s World Editor’s Choice Award Winner from last year, 2010. These shoes normally run about $120+ but are much cheaper now because they’re “last year’s shoes”. Cheaper prices comes to those who wait.

Muji Markable Foldable Umbrella ($13.99) @ Muji.us/store

This umbrella is cheaper online than in store just as a forewarning but you won’t be able to find the orange color online. Feels like a solid umbrella, I haven’t tried it out yet but I always appreciate a bright colored lightweight umbrella that I can stow away in my bag.

Wafels and Dinges LivingSocial Coupon ($14) @ LivingSocial.com

Great deals can be had by signing up for coupon websites like Groupon, LivingSocial and BuywithMe. I got a great deal for Wafel and Dinges for only $14 - 8 waffles and a jar of Spekulos (to-die-for gingerbread spread). Excited to use it!

NYC Bagel toasted with Butter ($1.25) @ Your local NYC bagel shop

I love NYC bagels. They say it’s all the water’s doing but who cares! It’s like eating crack…with butter. It’s not only cheap and filling but satisfies the soul. Good stuff, foreals.

Uniqlo Collard Shirt Jacket ($149.90) @ Uniqlo.com

Now that the weather is warmer, it’s time to get a sweet trench or one of these nicely structured collard shirt jackets. Nothing too over the top or with too many straps or frills, riding the subway is an art that requires non-bulky clothing. 

Mind Gurgling

Unisex Flex Fleece Hoody ($46) @ AmericanApparel.com

Yes, it’s a ridiculous $46. Yes, the guy who runs the company is a perv and needs to get kicked in the you know where to straighten him out because what he does to his employees is just messed up. The bright color and contrast of the white drawstring always just draws my eyes in to the subject. Plus, they use good zippers. Everything else about the company seems like it’s going on a downhill trend known as bankruptcy.

Yummy Donuts Enamel Zipper Pull 1-inch ($2.95) @ KidRobot.com

I saw these on a whim at an art supply store in a hipster area. I’m a sucker for zipper pulleys. I don’t know if it’s the blind box deal behind it or the fact that I just like to buy small trinkets that are practically guilt-free moments of euphoria. Who knows? The one I got is now attached to my raincoat and, yes, I’m wearing that raincoat to work.

MunnyWorld Enamel Keychain 2-inches ($4.95) @ KidRobot.com

Munny is coming up with great designs for their Munny accessories but I wish the enamel keychains were smaller like the 1-inch donuts. At two inches, they become less of a zipper pulley and more of a substantial keychain item. Trust me, my keychain is bulky enough as it is.

Lonchamp Le Pliage Large ($145) @ Longchamp.com

I know, I’ve posted about this bag a million times. I just want it because it’s lightweight and “professional” looking so I can carry it to work and not suffer on the subway-ride-pole-holding-in-a-squished-space-for-more-than-an-hour-standing-ness. BUT I can’t justify spending $145+tax+shipping for it so I’ve been scavenging on eBay to find a real one. It’s easy enough to bargain for a cheap fake one in Chinatown but I want one that is built well and will last me for years.

TOMS Ash Canvas Women’s Classics ($44) @ Toms.com

Honestly, these shoes are not the most comfortable to wear or easy to match with clothes and you can’t wear socks with them unless you want to look like a dweeb. They also don’t last very long because I managed to wear about four holes in these shoes over a single summer of wear. Obviously, the wear and literal tears are to be expected because they’re made out of canvas. BUT they’re really easy to wear and it feels good to know you’re helping someone else. Otherwise, I would totally buy the knockoffs or look alikes that they’re selling for $10-20 in some shoe stores. Oh, and this whole barefoot running movement that’s going on, I guess running in TOMS would then be better than wearing those $100+ shoes with gel cushioning to prevent pain from constantly heel striking.

New Finds

The North Face Isabella Dayback ($54) @ Sunnysports.com

Wacom Bamboo Pen Tablet ($58) @ Amazon.com

be.ez LA robe Sleeve for Wacom Bamcoo 2 Small ($20) @ Amazon.com

Autodesk Sketchbook Pro 2011 ($67) @ Amazon.com

Fujifilm instax mini 50s Instant Film Camera Piano Black ($164) @ Amazon.com

Toyota RAV 4 ($22,025) @ Toyota.com

BC Afghan ($56) @ BC.edu/bookstore

Squirrels and Acorns Bitty Bag ($12) @ Etsy.com/bhive

New finds

Hillman Hunter ($100) @ Crumpler.com

I love this little bag. I just want a bag that I can put all my crap in and then go off road biking (not that I ever go off road biking). It also has a quick release buckle for the quick swing around easy access.

Sakurako Shimizu @ http://sakurakoshimizu.blogspot.com/

These rings are custom made to the sound of your voice. Each ring can display the audio waves of you saying a phrase like “I love you” or “I do”. I know, so sappy, but so cool at the same time.

Casio F-91WC ($35) @ Watchshop.com

This watch is mainly found in the UK market, compared to my Timex 80, it’s much more suitable for a woman since it has a smaller face and is comparably thinner in size. The light only lights up from one side and leaves much to be desired. However I appreciate every other aspect of this watch from it’s very clear and readable screen to its easy to setup time functions without reading the instruction manual. 

Muji Corkboard ($10.75) @ Muji.us

I’ve been looking for a lightweight, easy to install corkboard for my room and I think I’ve found it! Muji always makes great utilitarian items.

Muji Mini Tape Dispenser ($4.50) @ Muji.us

My desk is lacking standard supplies but I don’t want the old traditional items you buy at Staples because who needs more clutter?

Muji Mini Stapler ($6.95) @ Muji.us

I love this mini stapler, as I have owned many mini staplers in my lifetime, this one is by far the most travel-friendly, most compact, and easy to use. If only I would stop lending it to my mom who without a doubt loses it the second it lands in her hands. 

It’s Party Time!

Bananagrams ($15) @ BN.com

Bananagrams, also known as Speed Scrabble, is great for high speed fun. And the tiles come in a cute banana shaped bag. It’s also great to keep the loud nieces at bay. 

Uno ($6) @ BN.com 

I used to love playing Uno as a kid. It was one of the most thrilling card games especially when you got the wild card and “yo mama’ed” other players by turning the tables on them.

Pepperidge Farm Milano ($3.50) @ Duane Reade/CVS/Walgreens/ Your Local Supermarket

I loved eating these as a kid, they were the ultra special treat that we would only get during special outings. They are fairly price prohibitive being so expensive but they’re pretty darn good.

Asics Men’s Volleyball Shoes 1130V ($59.95) @ CCAthletic.com

A little secret in online shopping - good reviews, good price, good looks = great buy. Endless.com has free shipping but the take puts it $2 above the shoes at CCAthletic.com. 

Twister ($20) @ BN.com

Ever get a stinky whiff of some boy’s dirty sweaty socks? Well if you haven’t, you’ve never played Twister before. It is an intense game of twisting in ways you never could imagine. Gross.

Verizon Motorola Droid X ($199) @ Verizon.com

I was in the Verizon store looking at the smartphones and I’ve got to say, the Droid X is way better looking than the iPhone 4. It has a better camera and just has a better overall feel in addition to the bigger screen. Sure, Apple has great things to offer too like a front facing camera and retina display, but I really love the Droid X for some reason. Now we just need Verizon to stop making those annoying Droid commericals. 

Cultured Living

Trader Joe’s Blueberry Tart @ Trader Joe’s

In college, I used to buy wine at my local Trader Joe’s and they always have those helpful guys who can answer your wine questions. One time I asked what I could pair with this cheap bottle of white wine I bought and, VIOLA!, the most tasty buttery blueberry tart imported from France was discovered! Even though it was a frozen tart, it was still really good hot out of our toaster oven. Good stuff.

Metrokane Rabbit Wine Opener Kit ($49.95) @ Surlatable.com

Everytime I see one of my friends own/use one of these, I think to myself, good job self, you’ve made sophisticated cultured friends who can afford a $50 wine opener and not trashy friends who use a screwdriver to open wine. Good job! But on a serious note, I’ve used many different type of wine openers and this one by far is my favorite. My second favorite is the kind you get on edge of your swiss army knife - those just come in handy right when you need it.

 

Riedel Vinum Pinot Noir 24oz (4) Glasses @ Target.com

I’ve never used Riedel’s before, nor do I know why they’re so cool - I guess because their Austrian? I’ve just heard good things about how they add air into the wine and I really like their packaging design. 

Jackson-Triggs Icewine 2006 ($22) @ Your local beer,wine and spirits store

I bought one of these 187mL ones for my college roomies to enjoy once. Literally we all had less than a sip because this bottle is tiny. But it was very sweet and fruity. We had it again over New Years but this time in the double sized 375mL bottle which was much more satisfying to drink since there was more to drink. I’d definitely recommend this to those who don’t really like regular wine but like a little alcohol flavored juice - because that’s what this tastes like!

Bob Acri ($16) @ Amazon.com

I got this free song (Sleep Away) on my computer that I loaded onto my iTunes. It was Bob Acri playing his sweet piano jazz. It’s good stuff to relax to when you just want to melt into your thoughts on your commute home.  

Grown Up Items

Goetz Sofa ($3,599) @ HiveModern.com

This sofa is so beautiful, sophisticated, sleek and it looks comfortable to sit in. We used to have this old couch that if you really sat in it, laid down on it, wrestled other people on it - it would look like a bulldozer razed through the couch. It always just looked messy unless you didn’t sit on it. I feel like you could do whatever you wanted to do on this couch and it would still be as beautifully kept as Day 1.

Calvin Five Drawer Chest ($1,499) @ RoomandBoard.com

This drawer chest comes in more natural wood tones but there’s something about grey that I love. It’s not a void of color color like black or white so it still has character but it’s such a neutral that helps highlight other pieces of furniture. But you notice that contrast pulls your eyes to the two items that bring about that contrast - the bright color items and the dull colored items.

Bay Stool ($349) @ RoomAndBoard.com

The only reason I like this is because the butt print is already carved into the seat for supreme butt shaping.

Contoursleep Bed Wedge System ($228) @ Relaxtheback.com

My goodness, I really want one of these. Why the heck would someone pay $228 for a bunch of triangular pillows? Because it’s pillow heaven! Especially after a leg injury that requires you to have your foot elevated. It doesn’t seem like such a bad thing to just stack a few pillows and throw your foot up on some regular pile but your knees start to ache and so does your leg muscles. Plus you can read and watch TV in bed in a super lazy reclining position!

Thermos Sipp ($22) @ Amazon.com

I bought this for a friend. You would be surprised the number of reviews you can find on YouTube for this one simple tumbler. The things that sold me on this one besides it’s ability to retain heat and cold is it’s truly leakproof quality. American tumblers have finally gotten to the same standard that Asian, particularly Japanese tumblers, were in quality and engineering a decade ago. The stainless steel and easy to clean design are also big draws.

Scrabble Diamond Anniversary Edition ($36) @ Amazon.com

I saw this at Barnes and Nobles for only $20 + tax with a 50% BN coupon. Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough coupons and bought Twister for my nieces instead. It’s one of the most well put together scrabble sets I’ve seen where everything is put back nicely into a nice plastic hard case. No more psycho monopoly half eaten board game sets.

Fish Eddys Carnival Umbrella ($15) @ FishsEddy.com

This umbrella is currently 50% off ($15) at Fishs Eddy. It’s rare to find a good looking bright color umbrella on normally gloomy days. This umbrella has a rubberized handle, auto-open and a whimsical carnival pattern to match. 

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