gifts i love: anyday

I HAVE just a few words for you… crispy bacon in 4 minutes. In the MICROWAVE. Yess! When we got our first microwave when I was little, my mom made us stand in the other room while it was on so we didn’t get our brains fried or something. The microwave still has a bit of a bad rep as a sort of pedestrian tool for people who can’t be bothered to make food from scratch. Or as a tool good only for heating up leftovers. BUT Anyday Cookware is out to dispel that myth once and for all and I’m here for all of it. They have designed cookware that’s not just ‘microwave safe’ but that fully harnesses the incredible power of the microwave to make entire gourmet meals in one bowl. Really fast.

WHEN I saw that you could make crispy bacon in 4 minutes, I knew that my paleo-eating dad and bacon-loving son both ‘needed’ this thing. And it has not disappointed. I have used mine so far to make that perfect crispy bacon in 4 minutes and beautiful fork-tender potatoes in 6. I’ve also made Shrimp Scampi in 9. Yep, 9 minutes. The pasta that I made to go with it was the most labor-intensive part. You can also make Kimchi Tofu and Mushroom Stew or Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake with the same ease. And then you just plop the whole thing in the dishwasher and call it good. They have 5 different sizes and 3 colors to choose from, or just go with a Set. Anyday has also continues to develop an impressive, diverse catalog of recipes that look super amazing. Even if your special people are the most staunch make-from-scratch chefs, this thing will impress. It’s an awesome gift for grads, new moms, weddings, house warmings and anyone who could use a little more time or simplicity in their lives [so… basically everyone]. Check out the Gift Guide to Foodies + Home Chefs for lots more ideas. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

MORE IN… foodies + chefs + bakers

gifts i love: the james brand

MY HUSBAND somehow lost both his trusty knife AND multi-tool last summer. Ah, oops. They’re both tools that he uses ALL the time when we’re out adventuring, so I knew I had to replace them for his birthday and I knew I was going straight to The James Brand to upgrade his knife with something really special.

FOUNDED more than 10 years ago by a group of designers and adventurers in Portland who set out to improve ‘everyday carry’ for people like them (and my husband. And maybe someone you love), they make really stunning knives and other ‘essentials.’ Their attention to detail, premium materials and elevated minimalist style result in a collection that defines the balance of form and function, beautifully including everything you want and nothing you don’t. They have put so much thought into reinterpreting classic favorites with updated materials so that even your grandfather would recognize their impeccable traditional styling.

Photo / The James Brand

THEY’RE ALL so beautiful, I had trouble choosing just one, but my boys landed on The Folsom and it’s really gorgeous and super functional. The packaging is really well-done, too, so you can be ready to hand over your handsome gift with minimal effort. The Hell Gap is made for rugged outdoor chefs who need top-quality gear for every condition. They also have some super sleek mulit-purpose ‘Everyday Carry’ stuff that will elevate anyone’s daily routine. The James Brand is a really solid gift for anyone you love who likes to set out prepared with style, like my rad husband. xo

MORE IN… travel + adventure