Popsicles

This last post about Wrapables is a gift idea for Father’s Day – just a few weeks away. Give pops a set of Tovolo Popsicle Molds.

The handles catch any of the popsicle dripping so he can keep last year’s gift (another neck tie?) clean. He’ll really appreciate that, I’m sure.

And, they’re extra large so there’s more to enjoy! Everyone will appreciate that. And for good measure, check out the link to Epicurious for popsicle recipes. (Let's hope you can't mess up these recipes...)

Popsicles

Popsicle Recipes from Epicurious

Microwave Smores

I’m breaking one of my cardinal rules. I try to give you new sites to explore but this is a rare exception. Wrapables has too many cool things for just one posting.

Microwave smores. I know what you’re thinking. Who is the genius who invented this? And, what took them so long???

Now you and the family can gather around the microwave and tell ghost stories while you wait for the smores to cook.

Ain't technology great?

Wrapables

Ice Cream Scoop and Stack

Ice cream is the most versatile of the five major food groups (bacon, doughnuts, chocolate, peanut butter, ice cream). Tons of flavors, goes with anything, good any time of the day. (Really, try it as a breakfast food.)

Now, ice cream really doesn’t need much dressing up. But you can make its presentation a little more artistic with the Ice Cream Scoop and Stack. (Frankly, I’m surprised you don’t have one already.)

Now that I've passed along today's tip, I've got to run before my breakfast melts. Mmm, strawberry - I'm quite the health nut.

Wrapables

Peepshow Shot Glasses

Is it finally Friday? Let’s go get a drink after work. In fact, let’s do a couple of rounds of shots. It’s been a rough week.

I’ve got my eye on these shot glasses. You see, when you pour alcohol into them, vintage peepshow images appear at the bottom of the glass. When they’re empty, the image disappears. It's magic.

They are offered in two different series – cheesecake and beefcake.

Better than beer goggles. Another reason to love alcohol.

Modern Poverty

Drink and Dream

Don’t ask me why, but I get a good feeling from feeling today’s web site pick. It’s just this happy feeling I get each time I say their name…

I’ve always thought that blinds should do more than just cover up windows. (Yes, please cover up those windows!)

Addie Gartland must have been reading my mind! She created printed shades that can be custom fitted for windows 17” to 36” wide, and up to 70” in length. Johnny Cash and his wife June not your style? How about Elvis and Priscilla? Or the Ramones?

Think of it this way - buy a set of these and you won't ever have to wash your windows again. I love them.

Drink and Dream

Bronzery

True story. Charles ran a marathon a few years ago. Soon after the race, he ordered new running shoes to continue his running. As a surprise, I decided to have his marathon running shoes bronzed. (OK, well, one of them bronzed - I'm cheap.)

I took his shoe to the UPS store, where the clerk gave me a strange look and asked why I was shipping one shoe. I explained the whole thing to him as he packed the shoe into a box.

Later that evening, Charles asked if I knew where one of his new shoes was. (I had taken the wrong shoe!!!!) All this happened while we were stuck in traffic at 5:45. The UPS store closes at 6:00. Crisis avoided by some very crazy driving to get through traffic, a very frantic phone call at 5:59 and a very helpful UPS clerk who ran out of the store, stopped the truck to retrieve the new shoe.

And here comes the annoying part. The next day, when I switch the new shoe for the old shoe, I notice they look exactly the same. (He never would have known.)

A few days later, I've switched the shoes and Charles now asks if I know where one of his old shoes is.

A couple of weeks later, Charles' birthday arrives and I've got the best surprise - his bronzed marathon shoe. Only by now, the sly guy has realized that he's getting a bronzed shoe because of the two missing shoes. (Who thinks like that?)

Moral to the story? Don't buy him anything ever again. Or, just bronze the first shoe you grab.

The Bronzery

National Doughnut Day

National Doughnut Day is coming up! It's the first Friday of June each year. This very important holiday started in 1938 as a fund raiser for the Chicago Salvation Army.

Here are a few facts about this major food group. In the U.S. alone, more than 10 billion doughnuts are made every year. Per capita, Canada has more doughnut shops than any other country.

(Why don't I live in Canada? Why doesn't Hallmark have any cards for this holiday? Is there a National Bacon Day? All valid questions.)

To get in the mood (after all, Christmas season starts in October), go to Dunkin Donuts to create your own doughnut. Entry in the contest is now closed, but starting today, you can vote for your favorite among the top finalists. You can also design your own and post it to Facebook or send it to your friends.

My doughnut has jelly filling, peanut butter glaze and chocolate sprinkles. (Like a PB&J sandwich, only way better.)

Dunkin Donuts

Annie's Sweatshop

Every member of the family should be involved in recycling, even the pooch. At least that’s what Ann Marie Matott believes. Along with her two mini-dachshunds, Porter and Stout, she’s created a line of pet products using eco friendly materials.

Check out her website to find collars and leashes made from 100% silk ties sewn onto renewable and strong cotton webbing.

And, they will recycle your old leash parts and give you a $5 Rebate.

Even if you don’t have a dog, you need to check out the dachshunds in their Hound Hoodies with a little pom-pom on top of the hood. It will make you smile. (And, wonder how much they had to medicate the dogs in order to get them to stay still for all those photos.)

Annie's Sweatshop

Fishs Eddy

There's a great store in New York that got its start selling dishware from hotels, restaurants and diners.

Fishs Eddy has since created their own designs, such as Floorplan, Alphabet, Nursery and Memo, just to name a few. You definitely won't see these patterns in every store around town.

Buy some unique dishware from Fishs Eddy. You're guests will talk about your good taste, even if dinner doesn't taste good. (Not that we've ever had that happen, huh?)

Fishs Eddy

Finish Line Door Mat

Hallelujah, it’s finally Friday! You’ve made it through another work week. It’s time to relax at home.

Take a look at this doormat. The finish line welcomes you home. Sorry, the mat doesn't come with someone waiting to put a medal around your neck or a free t-shirt just for finishing the race.

Raise your hands anyway and celebrate while you run across the threshold. (Umm, assuming it is your home. You are planning on going to happy hour tonight, right? I mean, it is Friday.)

Shop Fosters

Cats Gone Bad

Dogs have always believed cats to be the scourge of society. Now the pups have gotten better about communicating their disdain. (Rather than barking at the door all day).

Bad Cat books, calendars and stickers show us the true nature of felines. The inner thoughts of Frisky and Fluffy have been exposed and some of them are just plain evil, I’m afraid to say.

The series is a collection of cat photos with names of the guilty party along with a few words that capture the essence of the moment.

My Cat Hates You

Bad Cat Stickers (You'll have to search for Bad Cat Stickers - this site doesn't allow links directly to their products...)

Delta Omega Gamma

The members of Delta Tau Chi (the fraternity from Animal House) had better look out. There’s a new Greek organization of party animals in town – Delta Omega Gamma. (Also known as DOG. OK, now you got it, huh?)

You’ll recognize members of this not-so-illustrious club by their matching hoodies, collars and leashes which proudly bear their name. Watch for the secret handshake when they meet. I think it involves sniffing.

Your pooch feeling left out? Your canine can pledge at Five Star Fido. And you don’t even have to pay school tuition (thank goodness for that).

Five Star Fido

Margaritas

Cinco de Mayo is Tuesday, only four days away. I’m about to share one of the most valuable – and dangerous – recipes ever. It’s Jean’s Demon Margaritas. Demon....? Have a couple and you’ll know why.

The official recipe is six parts tequila, three parts triple sec, two parts fresh squeezed lime juice. Jean's most important rule: Absolutely no prepared sweet and sour or “margarita” mix will be tolerated! (Seriously, have some self respect people.)

Also, use a decent grade of tequila (100% blue agave). It’s not really necessary to use sipping tequila since you’re mixing it, but don’t use cheap stuff, or you’re likely to end up with a headache the next day. (Not to mention a few new tattoos, although the grade of tequila really can't save you from that!)

Salt the rim of the glass, pour in the margarita and drop in a couple of raspberries. (Yeah, who would have thought about raspberries?)

Drink in moderation. And by moderation, I mean eight to ten a night. And raise your glass to Jean for sharing her Demon Margaritas.