Sunday 6 September 2009

Gin and Titonic - Ice Cube Tray


Price point: I paid $17AUD, but the internet tells me you can get it for as low as $12.

Context: Available at Borders, shops that sell up-market doohickeys and any website that also happens to sell novelty alarm clocks and shot-glasses that look like a 12 gauge shotgun shell.

Before: I've had a weakness for novelty ice cube trays ever since I filled my 1990 plastic happy meal car with water and stuck in a freezer. There's nothing more satisfying than taking a sip from a glass filled with penguins, love hearts, and somebody's half melted attempt to spell juice.


First impressions: The package is suitably well designed, giving off the distinct 'wacky shack for the suffering aesthete' vibe.

During: The ship is pleasingly ship like, although it looks more like something from a game of battleship than the titanic, and the iceberg looks like the kind of sugary lump that rich girls feed to horses.

After: Serve these in a big glass and it ends up looking like the titanic blasted off into space in order to compete in an asteroids tournament. Still, it's a step up from your normal cube, and a conversation starter if nothing else.

Total Score: 7/10

Last words: Perfect if the only drink you ever plan to serve to your friends is half a glass of water.

If you liked this you may also like: personalized toothbrush holders, tastefully conspicuous consumption, details


Nesfrappe Latte in Classic and Mocha




Price Point : S$3.70

Context : 7/11, Convenience Stores, Supermarkets

Before : Hot, bothered, thirsty, sleepy and thus in need of a pick-me-up before going back to the office. My colleague and I stopped by a 7-11, and I notice the sleek and attractive bottle* of Nescafe's new product strategically place at my eye level.

*side note: I have a weakness for unique and nice product packaging

First Impressions : Compared to alternatives, it's slightly more expensive than the Nescafe cans, but it can be capped and drank later for convenience. And it's less expensive than the Starbucks in a bottle. And I always felt the Pokka brand coffees diluted.

During : Ever experienced a feeling whereby when you drink something, you can feel it running though all the veins and muscles, and you feel so alive and oh-so-good? That happens with me with Gloria Jeans' Caramelattes, and it happened again with this sweet drink (at a more affordable price I may add).

The coffee is strong and aromatic, true to Nescafe's promise. And it's not overly-sweet, so you can actually taste the Arabica coffee instead of the milky creamer and sugar.

After : I wished the experience lasted longer, and there really wasn't any use for the cap, because it was bottoms-up in one shot. But it did it's job about lifting up my spirit and mood.

Total Score : 9/10

Last Words : Bigger bottles would be appreciated, more bang for the buck.
But perhaps I will let Nescafe's brand manager, Chrissie Richardson, say a bit more about this product:

If you’re looking for a little something to help you stay at the top of your game throughout the day, why not take a moment to enjoy Nesfrappé, a new range of ready-to-drink chilled lattes arriving in store fridges this Spring. Available in two refreshing variants, Classic Chilled Latte and Mocha Chilled Latte, each one is made with a delicious blend of fresh semi-skimmed milk and 100% quality arabica coffee beans from Nescafé.


They are both low in fat and have absolutely no artificial colours or flavours to get in the way of the delicious fresh taste, making Nesfrappé the perfect little pick up for those on the go.

We’re hugely excited about the launch of Nesfrappé, it’s a delicious and refreshing drink that’s perfect for keeping people with busy and active lives refreshed, clear and focused at anytime of the day, we know people are going to love it!

And girl, I do!

If you like this, you may also like : Kopi-bing, bottled Starbucks, Milo

Wednesday 2 September 2009