by Nancy on January 27, 2012
I am on a beach getaway vacation at a villa in Mexico. And, not to sound like a whiner, I keep thinking there are two small just the right things I wish I had here with me that I don’t.
The first is my AccuSharp Knife Sharpener. It occurs to me I ought to put this on my permanent packing list when going on get-aways to condos/vacation homes or anywhere the kitchen is likely to be supplied with crappy dull knives. The knives here are so bad I can hardly puncture the skin of a tomato. I tried chopping some cilantro and it turned into a bruised gloppy mess. My nifty, light-weight AccuSharp weighs hardly anything and would tuck easily into a suitcase. Added bonus: it’s cheap, $8.49 on Amazon.
The second thing I wish I had is an Ice Bag. No, not the old-fashioned kind you put on twisted ankles. This ice bag is a portable beverage chiller. It looks like a paper wine bottle bag only it’s made from PVC. My friend Liz discovered it on a cycling trip to France and Spain last fall where she was charmed to find them sitting on cafe tables chilling bottles of water and wine. My Ice Bag would be just the right thing for taking a couple cans of beer down to the beach.
Ice Bags are also affordable ($5.50 on Amazon) and would tuck easily into a suitcase. Plus the Ice Bag has lots of uses. They come in clear, blue, red and pink. I can envision them as a fun and functional table centerpiece. Liz told me she bought a new employee a bouquet of tulips and put them in an Ice Bag to keep at her desk. Not only does it look good but an Ice Bag would be far less likely to get tipped over. I’m guessing there are tons of uses for the Ice Bag. It’s not widely available yet but you can find them on Amazon. I think they’d make a lovely hostess gift.
Lest you think I am lounging away on my vacation let me say I am sacrificing my toenails to science by testing shellac nail polish. I figure if it can stand up to 10 days in the sand on the beach that’s one mighty polish. Look for a report next week.
by Joan on January 25, 2012
Yummy, even in the snow!
We’ve had a few days of beautiful, warm sun around here and I’ve been hanging out in the yard doing some winter landscaping duties. OK, mostly I’ve been watching the chickens, throwing the ball for Keela and dreaming about the outdoor projects I’m going to throw myself into as soon as spring arrives.
Anyway, all that “work” makes a girl thirsty and I’ve been making my SodaStream work overtime to keep me hydrated during my outdoor activities. I’ve been loving glass after glass of sparkling water topped with a big squeeze of lime.
I think my SodaStream is definitely a Just The Right Thing. Here’s why…
- It’s easy. Fill a bottle with water, stick it in the fridge, and when you want sparkling water it takes about 15 seconds to make. I’ve read the fizz lasts for about three days, but I wouldn’t know since we’ve never let a bottle sit in the fridge that long.
- It’s good for the environment. No more recycling all those plastic bottles and cans. AND it uses no electricity. AND the carbonators are recyclable. It’s very, very green.
- It’s infinitely customizable. I don’t like my water very fizzy. So I go light on putting the fizz in. And there’s over 50 flavor concentrates available to make that sparking water taste like soda, diet soda, energy drinks – you name it, they’ve got a flavor for it. And of course, if you use the SodaMix flavors you can experiment and make those in varying intensities. (I must admit I haven’t had a Coke in over thirty years so I’m not an expert on the flavors, but Excellent Son Sawyer says they’re good.)
- Best of all, it’s really great, fresh-tasting water. Nancy and I don’t know exactly what it is, but we both think it simply tastes better that any sparkling water we’ve purchased in a bottle or can.
I’ve seen SodaStreams on Amazon, and at my local Sur La Table, Bed Bath and Beyond (use your 20% 0ff coupon!) and recently at Costco. They’ve got a bunch of models – mine is the Genesis. You can also see it or buy it on the SodaStream website.
Here’s my two favorite recipes using SodaStream sparkling water. (You CAN use seltzer out of a can or bottle, but you won’t be quite as happy…)
Pomegranate-Lime Fizzy
Fill your favorite glass (make it a pretty one, or at least a mason jar) with ice. Add 2 oz. pomegranate juice and a big squeeze of lime (I use at least 1/4 lime chunk) Top up with sparkling water and stir gently.
Gin Rickeys for a Crowd
Make a simple syrup – 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water. Let cool. Combine simple syrup, 1 1/2 cups of gin, 3/4 cup lime juice in a pitcher. Carefully add 1 just-made bottle of sparking water. Stir GENTLY to combine (gently or it will foam up and practically explode out of the pitcher.) Pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish with something pretty. You’ll be amazed at how light and refreshing this drink is!
Holiday Gifts: Things People Need Done
Holiday Gift Ideas for the Practical People On Your List
Just the Right Gift Baskets
8 Gifts Ideas for Sports Lovers
