The 2010 International Housewares show is wrapping up in Chicago. I wasn't able to attend this year, but I did get some glimpses of amazing new kitchen gadgets on Good Morning America.
First up, the Zyliss Champagne opener. Safety first my friends, especially when drinking. This takes seconds to hook the tip through the foil cover in the wire eye, pivot the device back to break the wire (no need to independently cut the foil), squeeze the walnut cracker-like clamp around the cork, and wiggle a few times until you hear the anticipated "pop!"
Try and say that five times fast. These new sinks from Franke are definitely the future in sinks. This sink is completely decked out with an odor-tight waste bin, prep bowl, colander and measuring bowl. (I'll refrain from making any "everything AND the kitchen sink jokes)
The beach prep sink has a second drain that can accommodate a prep bowl, mixing bowl or colander.
When it comes to all the government rebates out there, I have trouble understanding how to cash in on everything. I totally missed out on the "cash for clunkers" concept, but I want to take advantage of the more than $300 million available in rebates for energy-saving appliances.
"Appliances consume a huge amount of our electricity, so there's enormous potential to both save energy and save families money every month," said Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu in a press release. "These rebates will help families make the transition to more efficient appliances, making purchases that will directly stimulate the economy and create jobs." (source)
I feel differently about Joan Rivers since the New York Times ran this piece about her kitchen. I am finally at peace with her cat eyes and screeching on the red carpet after realizing that I kinda like her home - especially her kitchen.
The home is an 84-acre estate in Litchfield County, Connecticut. She considers it her retreat - and worlds away from her lifestyle in Manhattan.
There's a few cool things going on here.
I think my adoration for appliances stems from the movie The Brave Little Toaster. I swear for years after seeing the film, I didn't see a toaster, task lamp or electric blanket that I didn't love.
Many years have passed, but I seem to have regressed a bit and developed a mild obsession with my Smart Oven. I'm no gourmet chef though I do love to bake. But if I was still single and living alone in my tiny NYC apartment, I'm pretty sure this counter-sized oven would have been the solution to my take-out regime. It also just looks super sleek in it's stainless steel, LED screen, high-tech sorta way.
Here's why it rules:
The Breville oven can...
Cook a frozen pizza
Bake cookies
Toast your morning bagel from a level 1 (barely toasted) to a level 10 (totally charred) for fellow bread afficionados like myself
Broil
Cuts down on burnt finger tips since the oven rack ingeniously slides out when your english muffins area ready
Painting a tired cabinet facade in the kitchen is the hands-down easiest way to update in a weekend. Glazing takes your new and improved surfaces to another level by adding paint or wood stains to the surface once the first coat of paint or primer is dry.
Glazes are available to purchase pre-mixed or you can make your own using a four part water to one part paint or stain mixture. They're sometimes refered to as a "wash" effect and can lend an antiqued look to cabinets.
Here's how to get the look.
