I love some of the new packaging we've been seeing the past few years. It's what you first see on the shelf and can make or break a purchase. Now, new on the market you will be seeing assorted spirits and mixed drinks available in Pocket Shots, a flexible 50ml stand-up plastic pouch. They are designed as a more portable version of the mini-bottle like you get on airlines. They are practically unbreakable, soft and squishable, and pocket stuffable for easy portability, their slogan is "goes anywhere." So far they come in five types of spirits: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Aged Four Years, Imported Caribbean Gold Rum, Premium Triple Distilled Vodka, London Dry Gin, and Especial Gold Tequila Imported from Mexico. All of these are high quality spirits from premium, well known brands. I expect to see these around a lot from now on and predict that airlines and hotels will be switching over from the mini-bottle in the near future.

Far above a paper bag in terms of design and functionality and probably much cooler than anything you carried while in school, the Lunch Tote from Built NY might just be the ultimate lunch bag. The two-compartment tote is made of neoprene rubber and is fully insulated to keep both hot and cold foods for hours at a time. The smaller compartment is designed as a drink holder, so it is ideal for a water bottle, thermos or a canned drink. When it is fully unzipped, it can act as a placemat, which is useful if you don't know what's been on that table before you or if you simply prefer to set your food out neatly when eating. Because it is flexible, not only can it hold just about any size of container, but it can be stored flat or rolled up when empty. On top of that, it is also machine washable, which makes for easy cleaning. Is there anything not to like?

Let's face it: if you're not in the house, you're probably not using silverware. But eating with your hands is not only messy, but sometimes it's just not all that convenient. Fried chicken and burgers are fine when eaten out of hand, but what about potato salad or pie?

This nomad traveling silverware set attaches to a lanyard that you can wear around your neck when out hiking or keep in the glove compartment of your car (for emergencies). It includes a miniature stainless steel fork, knife, spoon and bottle opener, all of which tuck neatly away in a plastic case when not in use.

You could use plastic silverware, but this is not only more practical, but it's more eco-friendly, since there is nothing to throw away. A few uses, and this $20 gadget will pay for itself - not to mention that it would made a great gift for anyone who is outdoor-oriented and not taking all their meals at a dining room table.

Jif has a new product on the market called Jif Peanut Butter To Go. Are you familiar with those individual containers of applesauce? This is almost the exact same thing, but with creamy peanut butter instead of applesauce. The idea behind it is that the 2.25-oz cups can be tucked into lunch boxes, picnic baskets and the backseats of cars to make a convenient dip for veggies, pretzels or anything else that tastes good with peanut butter.

You might want to limit yourself to veggies, with these though, because although peanuts in general are very good for you, they're also high in fat and calories. Each container has 390 calories and 32 grams of fat - that's 50% of the recommended daily maximum! It's a good source of fiber and quite low in carbs, but that is still a hefty snack for such a little package.

The SteriPEN is a portable, hand-held water purifier that works by beaming ultraviolet light into your possibly unsafe water. Powered by four AA batteries, the SteriPEN can apparently purify a liter of water with about 90 seconds of stirring. According to the manufacturer, SteriPEN destroys "99.9999% of bacteria, 99.99% of viruses and 99.9% of protozoa." They get extra points for using the phrase "levels of destruction" in reference to water purity standards. It retails for about $150 at REI.

[Via Cooking Gadgets]

Margaritas taste great, but can be a hassle to make. You really either need a blender or a cocktail shaker to mix one up and it's not in their nature to be portable, since you also need bottles of both tequila and margarita mix, if not triple sec and a lime to go with them. Jose Cuervo now makes having a margarita as easy as having a beer with their Margarita minis. The 9.95% alcohol by volume drinks come in 50 mL square, glass bottles packed in groups of four. They are lime flavored, made with Cuervo Gold tequila and pack a punch from both. To serve, pour the bottle out into an ice-filled glass or simply chill the individual bottles. They're up to Cuervo's usual standards - meaning that they taste great. Don't forget to share!

 

If you're one of those people who always has an iPod on hand, and, you cook a lot, you should take a look at PodGourmet. It's basically 250 recipes that you can load up on your iPod. You can then view your recipes without all those pesky printouts. Just make sure not to splash oil on your iPod.