After a long and arduous winter and spring season largely spent “sheltering in place,” many are eager for the summer months ahead to make up for lost time on a variety of fronts. This definitely includes eating, imbibing and socializing with family and friends we’re collectively craving re-connection with. To help you get the most out of the season and stay healthier while doing so, I’ve curated this tasty assortment of solutions that’ll further your ability to enjoy the summer journey ahead.
HOTLOGIC Mini Portable Food Warmer (www.HotlogicMini.com)
Have a cooked meal anytime, anywhere this summer—the beach, a picnic, at work or anywhere—with the HotLogic Mini. If you’re tired of cold, boring salads and sandwiches for lunch; expensive, unhealthy restaurant food; or waiting in line at work to use a filthy microwave oven that ruins your meal, then the HotLogic Mini 3-in-1 Personal, Portable Oven is for you. The HotLogic Tradesman’s Package includes the Mini 12V, as well as the HotLogic 5 Cup Locking Lid Glass Dish and Steering Wheel Tray. The 3-in-1 Mini cooks, re-heats and keeps food hot for hours, even while on-the-go. It can cook chicken breasts, a nice salmon fillet and most meats from scratch in around two hours, depending on weight and thickness. Fresh or frozen veggies take a little less time. The genius of the HotLogic Mini is it will “hold” your food at the perfect serving temperature of around 165°F for hours without overcooking your meal, burning it or drying it out. If you get hung up at work and can’t find time for lunch for, there is no need to worry as your meal will be hot, juicy and delicious whenever you’re ready! It also come with a free user guide with recipes you can make from scratch. The HotLogic Mini is great for reheating leftovers, too. Food remains tender, juicy and retains its natural vitamins and nutrients better than when they are nuked in a microwave. Even pre-packed frozen dinners taste better! This lightweight, compact, portable “lunch box” goes everywhere you go. Take a Mini to the office, the work site, or even keep one in your car, truck or delivery vehicle. The HotLogic Mini is ideal for those who don’t like microwaves or are too busy and don’t have time to cook.
Limited Edition GrillBox Home-Delivery Seafood (www.VitalChoice.com)
Seafood-lovers are in for a real treat this summer season thanks to Vital Choice, a company known for delivering high quality and sustainable seafood straight to your door. The company’s new Limited Edition GrillBox has emerged just in time for summer. It’s a great foodie find for any fresh seafood-lover and grill master … whether for yourself or as a tasty and healthy gift for another. With its Limited Edition GrillBox option, Vital Choice has thoughtfully curated their version of an ultimate sampler created with grilling and family meals in mind. This package combines four barbecue favorites with easy-to-use grilling planks. The company’s flavorful, sustainably sourced wild seafood is flash frozen and then delivered to your preferred address. This new box, with a combination of the brand’s favorites for grilling and providing a savings of over $40, has everything your grill master would want for $149 (valued at $196). This includes Skin-on Wild Sockeye Salmon portions; Sockeye Salmon Burgers; Wild Mahi Mahi; Wild Artisan Shrimp and Alder Grilling planks—all professionally packaged to ensure it’s delivered in fresh form.
Mrs. G’s Hot Pepper Jellies (www.MrsGsJellies.com)
What one sweet and spicy condiment can literally elevate hundreds of your favorite summer recipes? I’m here to tell you it’s Mrs. G’s Hot Pepper Jellies. This savory endeavor began over twenty years ago when creator Cindy Greaver started making jalapeño and habanero jellies as gifts for friends and family. Now, in its seventh year of business, Mrs. G’s jellies have caught fire with customers across the country—and I’m personally a huge fan. Home chefs use them on everything from Sweet and Spicy Shrimp Skewers, to “grownup” PB&Js. In Temecula, California wineries, you will regularly find the condiments amping lavish charcuterie boards. Mrs. G’s is widely revered for producing hot pepper jellies with fresh jalapeños and habaneros, using only all-natural, non-GMO ingredients—containing no preservatives and also gluten-free—to ensure excellence in taste and quality. They have just enough sweet “kick” to complement dishes and cheeseboards. Since Mrs. G’s is “Sweet on Heat,” the company offers not just one, but four distinctive flavors: Ja-Ha (Jalapeño-Habanero); Jalapeño Garlic Lime; Mango Ginger Habanero; Peach Habanero. Each one is crafted to enjoy with food and pairs deliciously with grilled meats, fish and roasted vegetables. They even combine into a unique sandwich spread or dipping sauce. Of course, they are great simply served on toast, with cheese or straight out of the jar! Each is also sourced locally, produced and packaged in Southern California.
Big Bottom Market Biscuit Mix, Honey & Queen Olive Oil (www.BigBottomMarket.com)
Make summer meals far more enjoyable with specialty biscuits and spreads from Sonoma’s Big Bottom Market brings the experience of dining at the market to everyone who can’t make it to Sonoma. The company’s Guerneville Gift Box includes the best of the best from Big Bottom Market: a copy of the Big Bottom BISCUIT cookbook, a bag of the company’s award-winning biscuit mix, a jar of locally sourced honey and an artisanal candle made exclusively by Local Yokel. The company’s biscuit mix and honey were actually chosen as one of Oprah Winfrey’s Favorite Things in 2016, so you know it’s delish! Meanwhile, the Wake Up Gift Set from Big Bottom Market comes from a partnership with Equator Coffees & Teas to bring consumers the Big Bottom Blend, which is paired with the Just Add Water Biscuit Mix and Wildflower Honey. The grouping is sensational and creates a wonderful journey for your palette to explore. Furthermore, Big Bottom Market aligned with Olive Queen to handcraft an amazing Spanish Blend of olive oil right on their own estate. This unique blend of homegrown Arbequina and Arbosana olives creates the rich Extra Virgin Olive Oil, layered with flavors of fresh fruit, almond and a pepper finish. It is medium robust and also bright and balanced. This local olive oil is extra special, as it is perfect for charcuterie platters and bread baskets for dipping and for salad toppings and pasta dishes.
Nectar Bath Treats Mix & Match Gift Set (www.NectarUSA.com)
OK, not a edible item, but they look like sumptuous desserts and deserve an honorable mention: relaxing and moisturizing Nectar Bath Treats. This a charming line of handcrafted and naturally luxurious bath bombs, body scrubs, bubble baths and more were inspired by the bakery and ice cream parlor. Created for versatility, the company’s Mix and Match Gift Set is a top-seller that allows you to choose your favorite scrub, milkshake, bath bomb, macaroon soap and bubble bath ice cream scoops to create the perfect gift—whether for yourself or another. As an added bonus, you receive a free cupcake soap of your choice with purchase of a gift set. The idea for Nectar was born when founder, Tom Taicher, noticed that the majority of skin care products weren’t very fun or made for the whole family. He decided to create a place that put the fun back into functional, through delightful bath and beauty treats that put a smile on customers’ faces. The company’s handmade bath and beauty confections, developed in the United States, prides itself on simple, clean ingredients inspired by nature. The entire selection of the Custom Cooped Up Care Package includes one body scrub; one milkshake; one bubble scoop; four bath bombs; and four macaroon soaps.
Copper-Infused Dual Filter Face Mask (www.CopperCompression.com)
Copper Compression, a designer, manufacturer and provider of a wide range of copper-infused recovery wearables and self-care solutions, now boasts anti-bacterial, reusable and washable copper ion-infused face masks. Copper is broadly recognized for its natural ability to destroy bacteria and the mask’s dual filter is among the highest protection available today. The non-medical mask, reportedly embraced by doctors, nurses and emergency medical technicians, has also reportedly been favored among fitness, fashion, and foodie elites. The mask features a four-layer structure with a protective copper-infused cotton outer layer. Its middle layers include a high-efficiency bacterial filter and supportive lining creating dual filters, which blocks fine particulate matter over a five-year period. The interior of the mask is made with a soft, 100 percent cotton-lining and provides extra space for ventilation and moisture absorption, making it extremely comfortable for extended wear. The copper protection infused within each fiber maintains its hygienic potency throughout the lifespan of the product and never washes out. Each mask comes with a certificate of conformity, ensuring its standards meet the consumer product and safety commission.
The company’s other helpful copper-infused products that’ll help keep students feeling their best by lessening slumping and realizing better posture. This includes their unisex Full Posture Corrector with Support Bars, which provides comfortable specifically designed to reduce pressure on joints, discs and muscles, while providing the necessary protection. Their Slim Back Brace with Extra Support Bars is also helpful. This non-intrusive design effectively engages your core and lower back muscles, giving you back pain relief without feeling cumbersome. Steady pressure from the brace also stabilizes your lower back muscles, giving you better balance and improved posture.
Health and Health ‘Contactless Thermometer’ from Shop LC (www.ShopLC.com)
As folks get out and about to restaurants, bars and more with increased frequency, it’s important to ensure we’re staying safe and healthy. The Health and Health Contactless Thermometer available at ShopLC.com can measure temperature using infrared technology, obtaining an accurate reading within seconds. While it does measure the temperature of the human body, it can also be used to gauge the water or room temperature as well. The clear display of the digital screen, as well as operation buttons make it easy to use. The back-light display is convenient when using the device at night. This back-light is green at normal temperature, yellow for higher temperature and signals red at the sign of fever. Non-contact infrared technology reads from the forehead with no physical contact, preventing cross infection between multiple people to protect yourself and others. The thermometer’s measurements range between 89.6°F to 109.2°F and requires two AAA batteries.
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Forbes Business Council Member Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand analyst, strategist and futurist who reports on noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. Merilee is Founder, Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List” as well as Host of the nationally-syndicated “Savvy Living” TV show. As a prolific consumer and business trends, lifestyle and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker, she keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com and www.SavvyLiving.tv / Instagram www.Instagram.com/LuxeListReports / Twitter www.Twitter.com/LuxeListReports / Facebook www.Facebook.com/LuxeListReports / LinkedIN www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern.
Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided or arranged at no cost to accommodate if this is review editorial, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.
