Crush and Covet: BBQs, Jeeps & Bottle Openers

As Life In Pleasantville writer Kelly Williams says, “There is a constant battle  against clutter.” We’re all in the same boat it seems, and yet it doesn’t prevent us from crushing on things and places and even elusive feelings of contentment. There’s been a lot of mention recently in the media of limiting what we bring into our lives to items that bring us joy or serve a purpose, and that’s what all our contributors’ submissions have in common. It could be a vehicle that gets us from point A to B while helping us create fun, family memories, or a wine opener (because we know that is valuable), or a way for us to hydrate and stay healthy. None of these are frivolous to those coveting them; they all bring joy and serve a purpose.

Kelly Williams – There is a constant battle against clutter happening in my house. Regardless of the amount of purging that happens, stuff seems find its way back. There is one spot in my house that is clutter free (usually) though and that’s my nightstand. A few months ago I picked up two Punch Studio book boxes that now hold all the odds and ends that want to spend their nights beside my head, like hair elastics, spare change, a spare set of earphones, etc. These boxes are so pretty and practical, plus they have given me two square feet of victory over the clutter battle — definitely crush worthy.

Candace Derickx – We have a Jeep Liberty and I can’t lie, it’s the most fun I’ve had driving a car since my Ford Mustang. It’s like a little go-cart and in the winter it handles snow and ice like nobody’s business. Still, my dream since I first got my driver’s license has been a Wrangler. I want the roof off and the wind in my hair even if it’s only for a short two months. My husband is encouraging me to just go for it, but my practical side keeps holding me back. For now, I’ll just ooh and aah from a distance.

Laureen Farnam – About 19 years ago (this week, actually), two crazy kids just starting a new adventure bought a very fancy Zyliss wine bottle opener in a little shop in Halifax inside the Historic Properties. It was awesome and worked like a charm. It removes the foil, removes the cork, and replaces the cork (Not every bottle of wine needs to be emptied in one sitting. See? Crazy!). Well, nearly 20 years, several cities, and two kids later this wine opener still works as well as the day we bought it. I guess some things are still made to last. This updated version even has a snazzy stand, two extra corks, and a vacuum pump to keep your wine fresh! It almost makes me wish I needed a new one. There is just something special about Swiss innovation.

Leslie Foster – The Aqua Zinger might actually help you drink more water. It actually makes drinking water fun! It works by subtly infusing water with natural flavours you choose. Flavour combinations are only limited by your imagination. My personal favourite combo is mint leaves, lime, and strawberries. Tasty, refreshing, hydrating without preservatives, chemicals, or sweeteners. Drink up!

Katja Wulfers – We’ve been without a barbecue for 15 months, three days, and 4 hours. That’s probably against a Canadian law, but I’m hoping the BBQ Inspectors don’t notice. Anyway, being without a BBQ is seriously infringing on my summer of enjoying a beverage while my husband does the cooking, so I’ve been scouring ads and websites. So far the Weber Genesis E-330 is in first place, mainly because it’s pretty, it will handle all the cooking for our family, and it’s solid enough to last a while. Also, my husband likes it and since it will be his baby — I haven’t touched a BBQ since I lost an eyebrow and half my lashes — he gets the final vote.

Image sources: Wanelo, Jeep, Zyliss, ZingAnything, Weber.