QUICK FIX ITEMS FOR THE SEASON AND ALL YEAR LONG
On a regular day we seem to always be ‘pressed for time’.
Between our families, jobs, side hustles, managing the home, kids’ homework, exams, we’re always trying to beat deadlines and do the most. Many of us sacrifice our sleep and time which could be used to exercise or decompress for the sake of giving more of ourselves to our loved ones. In this version of life, what we don’t need is to spend more time on mundane household tasks that could be done in half the time if we approach it smartly:
Here’s 5 small appliances we’ve shortlisted to help optimise our time and satisfaction year round but especially during a season that involves more time entertaining.
1. 4 Qt Stand Mixer
Gone are the days where we enjoy mixing cake batter beyond 10 minutes. After a while your arm starts to get tired or your little helper wants to run off and play leaving you with the task. How much simpler (and faster) would it be to measure out all the ingredients for your fruit cake or banana bread and have an appliance do the repetitious chore of mixing? Perhaps the holidays are the only time of year you bake and you’re not sure if purchasing a stand mixer makes financial sense. Ask yourself this, could this appliance become a way to expand my current range of home desserts? Could I get other family members on board and excited about baking more in home and consequently less spending outside? If baking took less of your personal time and simultaneously decreased the amount of snack runs could it not become a smart small investment?
2. 3 Qt Slow Cooker
With a name like slow cooker one can easily overlook this appliance as a time saver. In fact, it can help save time (and significantly reduce ingredient wastage). Slow cookers have been around for the last 40+ years and were the first “electric lunch box”. It’s safe and simple enough for anyone to use in stews, soups and meat tenderizing. What makes its slow cook so efficient is its functional capability to be an overnight chef (or all day one while you’re at work) without posing a threat of the food burning or overcooking. They come in different sizes and price points but one common feature they all share is its utility to be easy, dependable and consistent, key traits for successful kitchen time management. Check out our options on the small appliance section of our website.
3. Grind and Brew Coffee Maker
If you’re a coffee lover (or just love the smell of a good coffee shop ) this is a guaranteed way for your home to smell like one too. A great cup starts with freshly ground beans. It tastes better and its functionality is top tier. This instant grind and brew machine is the right mix of fancy meets functional. It also make a great gift item. All you’ll need is a bag of good coffee beans and you and your coffee loving guests will be fully awake 9and sober) to enjoy every second of the season when this machine is turned on and in use. It will also score you home barista points as the ‘host with the most’. How does this save you time? In two ways: it’s an easy to prepare, low maintenance way to enjoy a brew at home instead of buying one outside and 2) you begin each day alert and well equipped to take on every challenge that comes your way, optimising time and energy levels.
4. Glass Tea Kettle with Infuser
In the spirit of hot beverage equality we cannot ignore the tea drinkers within our Caribbean community. As a region, we have a long, post-colonial love affair with tea. Although tea bags have been our quick and easy go to, over the last 5 years many loose leaf tea varieties have become trendy, giving rise to a growing number of infusers and tea balls (to place the tea leaves in while they steep). This kettle infuser would not be in our stores if there wasn’t such an increase in demand for new tea making accessories. Priced under $300, it’s also an affordable gift for the loose leaf tea adventurers in your life. Having this tea kettle will reduce the effort and time spent in making several cups of tea for your family and allow you to enjoy items normally reserved for a special occasion more often.
5. Handheld Foldable Garment Steamer
The last item that made our seasonal small appliance list is one that’s not kitchen based. Traditional ironing over an ironing board and spray starch remains the most practised despite being a hassle that most busy persons try to avoid at all costs. One way around this is the increasingly popular garment steamer. It also doesn’t require the purchase of an ironing board and is portable. There’s an ease that comes with simply pulling the holiday shirt out of your closet, leaving it on the hanger and steaming off the one or two creases, saving you time and last-minute stress.
At Courts we have a LOT of small appliances and useful conveniences you probably never knew we stocked. Instead of shopping for the season at a crowded mall, take a browse online and make a purchase than can come home to you! If you prefer, come into any store and take a closer look. We’re happy to help you find your perfect small appliance quick fixes to make home yours.
