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Tag: love letter

  • This New OXO Storage Gem Helps Me Cut Down on Waste and Save Money in the Long Run

    This New OXO Storage Gem Helps Me Cut Down on Waste and Save Money in the Long Run

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    If I’m being honest, I’ve always been a zip-top plastic bag guy. Whether it’s wrapping up leftovers, packing sandwiches that I take to work, or portioning out meal prep ingredients, my fridge is usually full of the tight-sealing baggies. However, since my little sister is always pestering me about single-use plastics and trying to make my kitchen more sustainable (and since it’s the right thing to do, if you can) I decided to test out some reusable silicone bags. That being said, I’ve heard the horror stories about this sort of product leaking in the fridge — or being impossible to ever really get clean — so I knew I had to spring for some quality items. That’s why I chose the OXO Good Grips Silicone Reusable Bags. OXO is an editor-favorite brand that never disappoints in quality or style, so I knew their reusable bags were probably going to be up to snuff. Spoiler alert: They rock. 

    What Are the OXO Good Grips Silicone Reusable Bags?

    These durable silicone bags from editor-favorite brand OXO feature a seamless design that makes them a snap to clean. The food-grade silicone construction keeps food fresh for longer, and the dust-resistant finish keeps unwanted particles away. Plus, they’re made with a wide opening for “fumble-free filling,” and the secure seal keeps food contained at home and on the go, and prevents those gnarly fridge leaks that I mentioned earlier. They’re available in a variety of flat and stand-up (we’ll get to that) sizes and colors as well. 

    Why I Love the OXO Good Grips Silicone Reusable Bags

    These OXO Good Grips Silicone Reusable Bags do exactly what they say they’re going to do: keep food fresh, eliminate plastic bag usage in the fridge and on the go, and (probably) save you some money in the long run by not having to stock up on zip-tops all the time. However, the coolest part of the OXO Good Grips Silicone Reusable Bags, in my opinion, are the stand-up models. They’re essentially your standard silicone reusable bags, but they’re able to, well, stand up on their own while you fill them. I personally love this feature, since trying to fill a normal zip-top with food — especially straight from a pan — is usually a two-person job, where one person holds the bag open and one person pours. With the stand-up bags, this is no longer an issue. 

    Plus, I’m not the only one who’s a fan of these bad boys. “I’ve tried multiple brands of reusable silicone kitchen bags, and honestly most of them have been a disappointment,” one reviewer wrote. “In my opinion, OXO has finally cracked the code on making reusable silicone bags feel simple and usable, like conventional plastic bags. Actually, I would say this bag is even easier to seal than a traditional zip-top style bag. The lip of the bag is large and easy to align when you want to seal it up. There’s also a nice positive locking sensation when you push the two halves together, so you know it’s sealed.”

    So, if you’re looking for some reusable bags that actually work, don’t spill in your fridge, and help you cut down on plastic (and save money in the long run) you can’t go wrong with the OXO Good Grips Silicone Reusable Bags. 

    Buy: OXO Good Grips Silicone Reusable Bags, $39.99

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    Ian Burke

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  • This “Amazing” Toaster Oven Is Even Better Than My Air Fryer (It’s My New Favorite Appliance!)

    This “Amazing” Toaster Oven Is Even Better Than My Air Fryer (It’s My New Favorite Appliance!)

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    I’ve always been a toaster guy — when I moved in with my girlfriend, the first hill I chose to die on was keeping my old two-slot toaster, since I have two pieces of multigrain bread with eggs every morning for breakfast. However, I’ve never been a toaster oven guy, since I always thought my regular oven could handle whatever I needed to toast or roast. Over the years, my position on that softened (I also moved into an apartment with a comically small oven that takes forever to preheat), so I broke down and got an air fryer, which turned out to be a great addition to my kitchen. Recently, though, I had my mind changed again by a very special appliance from Panasonic: the FlashXpress Toaster Oven. It’s sleek, cool-looking, and seriously effective — plus, it has a few features that set it apart from the rest of the competition. (And, it’s on sale right now!) 

    What Is the Panasonic FlashXpress Toaster Oven?

    This compact, easy-to-use toaster oven from Panasonic lets you toast, bake, brown, and reheat — no preheat required. It features two infrared oven heating elements, a spacious design, and six preset cooking functions. The baking rack is also connected to the oven door, which pulls the rack toward you as the door is opened so you don’t have to stick your hand inside and risk burning yourself. Plus, the auto shut-off helps prevent overcooking and burning. And, at just 13x12x10.25 inches, it’s a dream for small spaces and apartment kitchens. 

    Why I Love the Panasonic FlashXpress Toaster Oven

    I was immediately sold on this toaster oven after whipping up some sourdough toast. It was so quick, easy, and effective, I knew this was going to be a great addition to my apartment kitchen. It also helps that it’s cool-looking in a minimalist way, it’s incredibly easy to clean, and has a surprisingly deep cooking area. My favorite part is that when you turn the light on, whatever you’re toasting is strikingly visible because of the crystal-clear glass, which can help you keep an eye on the level of browning. It also tucks neatly into a corner since it’s not superwide like most toaster ovens. I’m not the only one who’s a fan, either. “I bought mine three years ago,” one reviewer wrote. “It is so accurate, and so useful I almost never use the full oven I have next to it OR the microwave. It uses infrared elements so there is no preheat required. Just instant on. It is just big enough to take an 11-cup Pyrex rectangular baking dish, so it can cook a meal for 4. The digital timed bake means you can set and forget. It is tiny but seems roomy on the inside … It honestly is all you need unless you have a big family.” 

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    Ian Burke

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  • This Space-Saving Rolling Cart Doubled the Storage in My Kitchen

    This Space-Saving Rolling Cart Doubled the Storage in My Kitchen

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    Not only is the storage in my small kitchen unsatisfactory, but the kitchen also leads into the living room in an open-floor layout, which I personally don’t enjoy. To make matters worse, for a while, me and my roommates’ dishes, small appliances, and pantry items were spilling out of the cabinets and onto almost every available inch of counter space, making this general common area look messy and unorganized. We eventually added a couple sets of shelves, but that didn’t fully alleviate the problem. In my previous apartment, my roommate there had had a rolling island, and I figured this might be the only thing that could actually help us organize the kitchen for good. When browsing different carts online, I came across the HOMCOM rolling kitchen cart on Home Depot’s website. 

    I opted to try the cart because it looked like it had adequate storage, and I figured it could break up my common area into two separate spaces. Plus, its clean design and black cabinets would blend in with the rest of my furniture. Now that I’ve had the cart for a few months, I wish I’d gotten it as soon as I moved in. Best of all, it’s under $200 at regular retail price and currently on sale for just $136!

    What is the HOMCOM Rolling Kitchen Cart?

    The cart measures 41 inches wide, almost 36 inches tall, and extends back 18 inches, so although it’s not too big for tiny kitchens, it can still hold a lot. Its impressive storage capacity is also thanks to its two generous cabinets, which each have two tall shelves that are able to accommodate anything from dry goods to your blender or stand mixer. Above that, you get two drawers that measure 16.5 inches wide and 7.5 inches tall, which is enough height so you don’t have to worry about whether bar tools, coffee accessories, or spice jars will fit. The black cabinets contrast nicely against a light-colored rubberwood top, which serves as a great butcher block or general meal prep area. As for the wheels, they roll smoothly and therefore won’t scratch your floors should you choose to move the cart. To keep it stationary, however, two of the wheels lock with easily flippable brakes.

    One piece of advice I have is to avoid putting too much weight on the upper interior shelves, as they’re a bit thin. You could probably get away with putting items that weigh up to 20 lbs. on each one. As a result, I’d put heavier items, like small appliances and bottles of oil, on the lower shelves. Regarding the cart’s assembly, my roommate was able to put it together in about two hours, while I helped minimally by holding certain parts together as she screwed the nails in. It’s definitely a two-person job, but the instructions were detailed and helpful.

    Why I Love the HOMCOM Rolling Kitchen Cart

    Before acquiring the rolling cart, every cabinet and drawer in our kitchen was stuffed with plates, dish towels, snacks, and other miscellaneous items, to the point where it was hard to find space for groceries and new buys. The counters were also lined with tea and coffee gear, as well as bottles of olive oil and spice jars, making meal prep a bit difficult. Once our cart was assembled, we were able to clear up the counters by placing the oil bottles and other ingredients on one of the lower shelves and the spices and tea bags in the drawers. We also decluttered the kitchen sink area by storing cutting boards on a shelf, freed up kitchen drawer space by placing oven mitts and dish rags inside the cart, and also relieved the storage closet of some clutter by placing cat food and bowls on another shelf. Suffice to say, the cart made a huge difference in my kitchen’s organization.

    I also love this product’s light wood top, which is a great little spot for meal prep. Before, there was only enough counter space for one person to cook at a time, but now there’s enough surface area for two of us to make dinner at once. And, it’s so easy to clean. A couple of passes with surface cleaner and a Swedish dishcloth, and it looks as good as new.

    Finally, I couldn’t be happier with the placement of the cart. Before, the kitchen and living room were one long, conjoined space. But we put it in between the two areas, so now it feels like we have a cozy little living room that’s separate from the kitchen. What’s more, the cart doesn’t budge once the wheels are locked.

    If you’ve been thinking about getting your own rolling kitchen cart, I highly recommend this one. Not only does it look great, but it also holds a lot of stuff and is every bit as practical as I had hoped. Plus, for that low price, it’s a no-brainer.

    Buy: HOMCOM Rolling Kitchen Cart, $135.95 (normally $169.94)

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    Nikol Slatinska

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  • The Leak-Proof $28 Container I Swear By for On-the-Go Lunches and Storing Leftovers

    The Leak-Proof $28 Container I Swear By for On-the-Go Lunches and Storing Leftovers

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    Although I love to shop, I have a weird thing about putting off buying items I actually need for as long as possible. I might drop $40 on another candle or eyeshadow palette without thinking twice, yet I couldn’t bring myself to buy food storage containers for over a year — even though I found myself desperately wishing I had one numerous times in 2023. But I resolve to be better in 2024, and I finally got a singular food storage container that’s far more versatile than you might think. Sure, my roommates have a drawer-full of Tupperware bins that I’m free to borrow, but they’re all either too large, too small, or not the right shape for my needs. The container I finally ended up getting was the U-Konserve rectangle container from Grove Co., and it’s perfect in every way. Whether you’re storing leftovers or packing a lunch for the office, this handy (and sturdy) little bin is sure to come in handy every single day.

    What is the U-Konserve Rectangle Container?

    For me, it was important to find a food storage container that’s not made of plastic. Luckily, this container is made of long-lasting, crack-resistant stainless steel and comes with its own tight-fitting silicone lid. You’ll be happy to learn that the lid is completely leak-proof. I was initially skeptical of this claim, but after bringing my lunch to work on a few occasions in this container, I can confirm it’s true. (No spilled rice in my tote bag!) Additionally, the lid is BPA-free, lead-free, and phthalate-free. The container’s size and shape are also noteworthy. Measuring 5 inches wide, 7.75 inches long, and just under 2 inches tall, the rectangle container is roomy enough for a sufficient lunch but slim enough for easy storage and portability.

    Why I Love the U-Konserve Rectangle Container

    I love that U-Konserve’s rectangle container is free of potentially harmful materials; I frequently deposit food into it directly after cooking it for meal prep without worrying. I also appreciate the container’s narrow design. Whether I’m storing it in the fridge or in a cabinet, I never struggle to find space for it. And, I’m not kidding when I say I use this container at least four times a week. I used to cook small meals that I’d eat in one sitting, but now I cook larger quantities and store the leftovers in this, and it saves me so much time. Although U-Konserve makes these containers in a variety of shapes and sizes, I find that the rectangle version is all I need, and this also helps keep my kitchen cabinets free of clutter (for the most part).

    If you, too, are looking for a go-to lunch or leftover container, I can’t recommend this one enough. At $28, it is a bit pricey compared to others, but its durable materials are sure to last a much longer time than your standard plastic container.

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    Nikol Slatinska

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  • The $40 Kit That Lets Me Whip Up Gourmet (and Giftable) Chocolate Truffles in Minutes

    The $40 Kit That Lets Me Whip Up Gourmet (and Giftable) Chocolate Truffles in Minutes

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    With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, my boyfriend and I decided to opt out of the traditional festivities this year. This is our fifth Valentine’s Day together, and neither of us felt like duking it out over Resy or OpenTable for a restaurant reservation on arguably the biggest date night of the year — been there, done that. But, we still wanted to do a little something, so when I got the opportunity to test the Make Your Own Chocolate Truffles Kit from Uncommon Goods, I happily volunteered, and we celebrated early. We’re both millennials, so we love a slightly stressful activity.

    Uncommon Goods is home to many DIY kits and unique gifts. Whenever I’ve bought a present from there, it’s a hit, so I had high hopes for this kit, which shoppers can combine with the Death by Chocolate: Truffles online experience on Uncommon Goods for a total of $75. Though I’m not always the most confident baker, I thought that together we could likely figure it out.

    What Is the Make Your Own Chocolate Truffles Kit?

    The Uncommon Goods Chocolate Truffles Kit contains most of what you need to make a total of 36 truffles of various flavors, including a very essential thermometer. It comes with two 8-ounce bags of 55% dark chocolate chips, organic cocoa powder, organic coconut flakes, sea salt, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract, along with very detailed instructions that you can peruse here.

    But there are a few things that you’ll need to purchase: heavy whipping cream or coconut cream, butter, and parchment paper. You’ll also require a 9-inch-by-13-inch baking pan or three smaller pans if you plan on making all three flavors (regular, peppermint, and vanilla). It also would be beneficial to have a cookie scoop, so you can get perfectly round truffles. I used a small spoon, and the truffles varied in size.

    Why I Love the Make Your Own Chocolate Truffles Kit

    I started this kit with some trepidation, because making a ganache and tempering chocolate sounds scary and like part of a challenge on The Great British Baking Show. I read some shopper reviews to see if they had any hacks for making this easier. The instructions called to freeze the various ganaches after you make them, and heat the chocolate, and then cool the chocolate to 90°F. When my boyfriend and I have made meals kits together, we often get the timing wrong and end up waiting for the side to finish cooking. I knew this would probably be a problem with the truffles. Several reviewers suggested getting the ganaches in the freezer, which takes 45 minutes total, before attempting to temper the chocolate. We made the ganaches, put them in the freezer, ate some takeout pizza while they froze, and then tempered the chocolate. This made the whole process relatively stress-free.

    As a huge chocolate truffles fan, I was really impressed by how delicious they were, though the regular truffles were my favorite over the peppermint and vanilla. They didn’t last long in our house. So, if you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day alternative plan, I highly recommend getting this kit — before it sells out!



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    Alicia Kort

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  • This $50 KitchenAid Hand Mixer Does the Job of a Stand Mixer and Saves Me So Much Space

    This $50 KitchenAid Hand Mixer Does the Job of a Stand Mixer and Saves Me So Much Space

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    Like many others, I got into baking while we were all stuck at home during the 2020 holidays. I usually go home to celebrate Christmas in the Midwest, but my ragtag quarantine pod and I had all decided it was too big of a risk to travel. Because we all missed our respective family traditions so much and decided to make the best of staying in NYC for the holidays, we decided to do a big adult Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner.

    I’ve never loved cooking, but I always loved baking with my mom when I was a kid. I decided that I would recreate a few of her cookie recipes for Christmas, despite having never baked anything by myself before. My mom has a KitchenAid Stand Mixer, but that was not in my budget (nor did I have room for one), so I did some digging and figured that if KitchenAid made such a good stand mixer that their hand mixer couldn’t be half bad. I bought the KitchenAid 5 Ultra Power Speed Hand Mixer, and it’s been my steadfast companion throughout my baking journey.

    What Is the KitchenAid 5 Ultra Power Speed Hand Mixer?

    The KitchenAid 5 Ultra Power Speed Hand Mixer is a 2-pound, plug-in hand mixer that is 60W and 120 volts. The body of the mixer is made out of plastic and it comes with two stainless-steel beaters that are dishwasher-safe. It boasts five different speeds — one being perfect for mixing chocolate chips and five is ideal for whipping meringues. You can change speeds just by moving the middle button up or down to the corresponding number. The beaters always start off slowly and then increase speed, even if you hit speed five. You can automatically eject the beaters by hitting the button at the top. It also has a lockable swivel cord, ensuring that your cord does not end up in the batter that you’re mixing.

    Why I Love the KitchenAid Ultra Power Speed Hand Mixer

    This hand mixer will always have a special place in my heart because it was the first appliance I bought myself. This hand mixer (I opted for the Ice Blue) has been through several gasp-inducing battles with the floor and came out no worse for wear — though I don’t recommend putting it through this test. As far as I can tell, my bakes are coming out just as good as my mother’s, so I still don’t see the need to upgrade to a massive stand mixer. It mixes ingredients well and isn’t intimidating for a total beginner to use. I think it’s actually easier to get at the mixing bowl with a spatula than a stand mixer. I’ve made cookies, brownies, and even cakes with this.

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    Alicia Kort

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  • I Swear By This Delicious Non-Alcoholic Sip to Help Me Relax and Unwind at Night (Plus, It Helps Me Sleep!)

    I Swear By This Delicious Non-Alcoholic Sip to Help Me Relax and Unwind at Night (Plus, It Helps Me Sleep!)

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    My unpopular opinion is that I hate most seltzer and sparkling waters and am immediately suspicious of anything that looks like it could be one of the above. I find that it makes me more thirsty for actual water instead of refreshing. And as my friends and boyfriend would argue, once I have an opinion, it’s incredibly difficult to get me to change it. After complaining about six months ago to Tamara, our commerce managing editor, that I had been having trouble sleeping, she suggested the alcohol-alternative drink Recess. She said specifically to “get the one with the clouds on it,” because it contains magnesium, which can be considered a sleep aid.

    After four sleepless nights (and I am someone who must sleep or I am essentially non-functional), I capitulated and decided that I needed to try Recess Mood. Although, honestly, I didn’t think it’d do anything.

    Recess Mood is a sparkling water beverage with magnesium and adaptogens. (Recess Mood used to contain CBD, but it no longer does.) It does have magnesium L-threonate, L-theanine, and lemon balm — and only 4 grams of sugar. The variety pack includes five flavors: raspberry lemon, lime citrus, strawberry rose, and grapefruit tangerine. They also sell packs of individual flavors, like lime citrus, if shoppers would rather go all-in on one flavor.

    It was love at first sip — and now I like to have one Recess Mood a week to help me unwind. Where I would have wanted a beer, a glass of wine, or a cocktail before, I now want Recess instead, since it provides nearly the exact same effect. My thoughts stop racing, my body relaxes, and I’m able to take a beat and chill out with a book or a TV show. My boyfriend also loves them. I never thought I’d find a non-alcoholic beverage (other than coffee) that I liked. I’ve always exclusively been a water, coffee, and alcohol type of beverage drinker, but Recess has changed that. It also tastes great — it’s flavorful without being overpowering! I particularly gravitate toward the raspberry lemon flavor. The only flavor I’m not a huge fan of is the strawberry rose because it’s a bit too sweet for me.

    It even makes me pleasantly drowsy and helps me drift off to sleep at night. That being said, it is not a 100% easy-sleep success rate. I have had a few nights where after having my Recess, I have tossed and turned and spent many hours staring at the ceiling. I think of it more as a wind-down sip than a sleep aid. Although I will say when I wake up, I usually feel pretty refreshed.

    Recess can be a bit pricey, but honestly, I think it’s worth every penny. It’s definitely a drink I’ll be bringing into 2024. It also comes in a powder supplement form, though I have not tried that yet.

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    Alicia Kort

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  • This Pasta Sampler from Celeb Hot Spot Rubirosa Lets Me Enjoy Their Most Popular Dishes Right at Home — No Reservation Required

    This Pasta Sampler from Celeb Hot Spot Rubirosa Lets Me Enjoy Their Most Popular Dishes Right at Home — No Reservation Required

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    If you ask me for a restaurant recommendation in New York City, or if you’re visiting me, the first spot that quickly comes out of my mouth is Rubirosa. I first discovered this iconic NYC Italian-American spot when someone suggested we eat dinner there one night in 2017, and it’s been my go-to since then. While their Instagram-famous Tie-Dye pizza has my total heart (we’re talking tomato, vodka, and pesto sauce on this pie!) and you absolutely have to get it when you go, I wouldn’t dare replicate this masterpiece at home. However, Rubirosa now sells a variety of their staples like olive oil, sauces, and pastas so you can bring Rubirosa’s delicious glory straight to your kitchen. And I was lucky enough to give the popular NYC restaurant’s Pasta Sampler a try!

    I already had the pleasure of trying Rubirosa’s extra virgin olive oil months ago, which made any dish I made instantly feel fancier, so I was over-the-moon to get the chance to try out this Popcorn Factory-sized tin of the restaurant’s popular pastas. The restaurant’s new online storefront is especially exciting because if you’ve tried to snag a table IRL, you know it’s quite the challenge — I’ve often waited two hours once I added my name to the waitlist. So, taking their pasta and sauces home is the best way to get the Mulberry Street experience without a reservation!

    What is the Rubirosa Pasta Sampler?

    The trio includes three unique pasta shapes that’ll make weeknight dinners feel so much more elevated: Lumache, Trottole, and Casarecce. This ultra-giftable tin includes 1 pound of each pasta — now that’s a lot of noodles! Whether you mix them together or keep them separate, there are so many combinations you can create. Add on Rubirosa’s signature Vodka Sauce, Marinara, and Olive Oil, and you’ve got a fancy dinner that even you’ll impress yourself with (you can buy a gift set of all these goodies). Psst: Rubirosa is kind enough to have their recipes online, so I recommend taking a peek for some seriously mouthwatering inspo!

    Why I Love the Rubirosa Pasta Sampler

    What’s more iconic than the beloved popcorn tin around the holidays? A popcorn tin overflowing with Rubirosa’s pasta, of course! Whether you live in NYC or not, it’s the perfect way to bring Rubriosa’s flavor into your kitchen without having to leave your home. And best of all, when you’ve eaten all of it (which I promise won’t take long), you can repurpose the tin however you like. Might I suggest buying more Rubirosa pasta and filling up the tin again? If you don’t want to purchase their pastas individually, this is the ultimate way to try them all at once.

    And if you’re looking for the perfect holiday gift for the pasta lover in your life, you can’t go wrong with this sure-to-delight sampler.

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    Tamara Kraus

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  • The Mini Crock-Pot Lunchbox That Lets Me Take Cozy, Cold-Weather Meals On the Go and It’s on Sale

    The Mini Crock-Pot Lunchbox That Lets Me Take Cozy, Cold-Weather Meals On the Go and It’s on Sale

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    As my coworkers will tell you, I am hit-or-miss (but mostly miss) about bringing my lunch into the office. And if I do, it’s usually a sad Trader Joe’s salad — don’t get me wrong, I love Trader Joe’s and its salads, but they are not enough food for an entire lunch. Now that it’s chilly in NYC and I vastly prefer cozy foods like soups, stews, and pasta, I’m going to endeavor to bring my lunch. Here’s another thing I’m picky about though — I don’t like leftovers very much. I don’t like the way they turn out after a trip to the office microwave. They never seem heated evenly, and I swear the leftovers lose some of their original flavor.

    But I can’t use that excuse anymore, because I found a cute little gadget that warms up leftovers as if I were heating them on the stovetop at home. Enter: the Crock-Pot Electric Lunch Box. I saw this while I was browsing Amazon a few months ago and thought it’d be interesting to try, but I’m not the only person who was intrigued by it; 20,000 Amazon shoppers bought it during the past month. That’s a pretty big number, even for Amazon.

    What is the Crock-Pot Electric Lunch Box?

    The Crock-Pot Electric Lunch Box almost looks like a mini-slow cooker. It has a removable basin and inner lid (both of which are dishwasher safe) and then the warmer itself and outer lid, which has a handle for easy carrying. These two lids work in tandem to keep your food from spilling into your backpack, tote bag, or purse. The inner layer can hold up to 20 oz., which is basically a bowl of soup or maybe a dip serving for 3-4 people. It also comes with a cord, which is removable and storable at the bottom of the outer warmer. Basically — you need an outlet to warm your food, so I wouldn’t recommend bringing this on a camping trip unless you have access to electricity. It comes in four retro colors, which at least makes taking food to work a little more fun.

    Why I Love the Crock-Pot Electric Lunch Box

    After a few uses, the Crock-Pot Electric Lunch Box won me over and I joined the throngs of fans on Amazon. It boasts more than 16,000 5-star reviews. Truthfully, I’m not a huge lunch meal prepper (despite my goal to be one) and this lunchbox makes it easy to dump a can of soup in and then trot off to work. It heats soup more quickly than meals like chicken and rice, which reviewers agree with, and it doesn’t burn anything. I can let my soup sit there plugged in for 15-20 minutes, and it’s fine. My quick lunches and warmed-up leftovers taste so much better than they would have in the microwave.

    The lunchbox is surprisingly lightweight and not difficult to carry for multiple blocks to the subway. Some people leave the outer part of the Crock-Pot at their desks and just commute with the inner container and lid, which I think is genius and something that I will be doing moving forward.

    As it’s on sale for under $30, I think this compact, stylish, and practical lunchbox is worth every penny.

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    Alicia Kort

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  • This Compact, Ultra-Powerful Blender Is My Go-To for Smoothies (Snag It On Sale Now!)

    This Compact, Ultra-Powerful Blender Is My Go-To for Smoothies (Snag It On Sale Now!)

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    From the beginning of the year up until a couple of months ago, I’d been living without a blender, and it was a sad time. Before that, I’d used a NutriBullet for years to make fruit smoothies every day — sometimes even twice a day. The reason I put off getting a new blender for so long is because my new kitchen is tiny and barely has any space for another appliance. My roommates have their own blenders and juicers, which are huge and take up a ton of counter space, though I have no interest in sharing with them.

    For a minute, I had a rechargeable personal blender, which wasn’t super powerful, but it did the job — until its battery died and refused to recharge. Okay, I thought, it’s officially time to get a real blender. I did some research and came across Ninja’s Nutri Pro blender. It seemed perfect! Not only did it sport a similar design to my beloved NutriBullet, but it also looked compact enough for my small kitchen. Now that I’ve been using it every day for a while, I can say it fully lived up to my expectations. You can shop it directly on Ninja’s website, though right now, it is 20 perfect off on Amazon.

    Design Features That Stand Out

    When I say this blender is compact, I mean its base measures just under 7 inches wide, which, compared to a lot of other blender bases, is nothing. I store it and the included cup on my dedicated shelf inside one of our cabinets, and I still have plenty of space for my pots, pans, and dishes. Size aside, the base is hefty and has little suction cups on the bottom, so once you stick it on your counter, there’s no budging. This is important because the blending capabilities of this little machine are intense. You’ll also find that the blender’s blades are removable. Once you remove the blade cap, you can drink right out of the 24-ounce single-serve cup, or twist on the spout lid, which allows you to bring your beverage on the go.

    Although there’s a dedicated “smoothie” button on the blender, I typically just use the start/stop button, and my smoothies are done in 7 seconds flat. This holds true even when I use frozen berries and ice cubes. Of course, you can also crush ice and chop other tough, fibrous fruits and veggies with the dedicated “crush” button. “Smoothie” and “crush” are both Auto-iQ preset programs, so if you’re not sure how long to blend, they take the guesswork out of the process. No matter which button you press, your concoction will be ready to go in a few seconds. If you’re looking for a tiny but mighty machine that’ll be a workhorse in the kitchen and take care of all your blending needs, look no further — because this is it.

    The only downside to this blender is that it’s quite loud, but then again, what blender isn’t? Plus, if you live with people who like to sleep in, you could always make your breakfast smoothie the night before instead of first thing in the morning.

    Should You Buy the Ninja Nutri Pro Compact Personal Blender?

    Yes! I genuinely think this blender would be a great fit in just about any kitchen, but especially if you’re looking for the following features:

    Where to Buy the Ninja Nutri Pro Compact Personal Blender

    Here at The Kitchn, we test products first-hand to let you know if they’re worth buying. Although we have affiliate relationships with the brands we cover, we never promote products that we don’t personally test, love, and own.

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    Nikol Slatinska

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