INTERNATIONAL HOME + HOUSEWARES SHOW 2016 ~ PART TWO

I had the pleasure of attending this year’s world premier International Home+Housewares Show, which was held at Chicago’s McCormick Place.  This annual show draws over 20,000 trade attendees from 100 countries that check out the latest in design, functionality and technology for all-things home and housewares from over 2,100 exhibitors.  The four-day event isn’t nearly enough time to see all of the exhibits, attend all of the workshops, and enjoy the multi-venues, which include a Cooking Theater that attracts the best and brightest in culinary chef-dom.  Once again, I barely scratched the surface in checking things out.  This show is where the next trends are uncovered and new designs are discovered.  It is THE place where buyers and sellers come to see firsthand the latest and greatest in products that will be on the shelves for consumers in the coming months. 

Products were categorized into exhibit segments, and included: Clean, Contain and Design ~ bath, cleaning, organization, seasonal products; Dine and Design ~ cookware, tabletop, gourmet foods, home decor products; Discover Design ~ tableware, flatware, cutlery kitchen and home collection products; Wired and Well ~ energy conservation, appliances, healthcare products; and, Global Crossroads ~ international pavilions.  Another major show component included the Cooking Theatre, which featured many outstanding celebrity chefs that shared with attendees the latest in cooking and food trends, culinary efficiencies, while featuring their branded products; food samplings and cookbook autograph sessions were also featured.

One of the biggest product trends I noticed at the show this year was that of color in prep pieces, cooking vessels, and serveware. It seems that adding pops of color to the chore, thereby increasing the level of enjoyment from a chore.  Color is also a great way to break-up a chore’s tedium.  For me, using color to the cooking process is like adding the right blend of spices, herbs, and seasonings to the dish, and turning the ordinary into something extraordinary and delicious.  Other trends included products made using silicone materials and sustainable woods, digital technology and connectivity to mobile devices; hydration with more and more filtration systems, infusers, and sport bottle designs; improving the ease of functionality and practicality of items for home cooks of all levels; and, a return to cast iron, safe non-stick cooking surfaces, ceramics, and green and sustainability products.

I had the pleasure of testing the following products, which were all exhibited at this show.  Each one offers a glimpse into some of the unique and innovative products that consumers will want to consider making a part of their culinary and home routines.  For more information on this show, visit https://www.housewares.org/show/

~ Around the Kitchen ~

Berry Breeze Fridge Fresh ~ Fridge Fresh offers an uncomplicated solution to refrigerated food deterioration using a solution based in science and nature and packaged in compact device. The scientific principle behind the device is activated oxygen (O3), which protects upper refrigerator air from radiation by purifying and sanitizing the lower refrigerator air. The device’s activated oxygen neutralizes bacteria, mold and other microbes by inhibiting ethylene gas that triggers decay and destroys foods freshness cycle.  This process also prevents odors.  Fridge Fresh performs better than traditional baking soda by neutralizing odors and keeping the air fresher for longer periods of time.  My fruits and vegetables lasted days longer compared to other methods, plus food odor creep was non-existent.  https://www.berrybreeze.com

DrawerDecor ~ News flash, your drawers aren’t a catchall for whatever you throw into them.  DrawerDecor is a clever, adjustable, and flexible drawer organizer that will not only make you stress less when it comes time to access something, but it’ll be your non-food “mise en place” go-to.

http://www.kmnhome.com/collections/drawerdecor

French Bull Jungle Kids Plate Set ~ Whether it’s a regular meal, or you’re looking to entertain, you’ll love these brightly colored and imaged plates that are perfect for little eaters, or used for appetizers or side dishes.  The plates are made from food-safe colors, are heat resistant (to 365F deg) and made from scratch and shatter resistant melamine; they’re also dishwasher-safe.  These colorful plates are guaranteed to make you smile and come with matching bowls and cups!  http://www.frenchbull.com

Fresh Wave Works ~ If you’ve been searching for a non-toxic, all-natural odor eliminating product, Fresh Wave has the solution.  Whether it’s the odor of fish, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, onions, etc., Fresh Wave products quickly eliminates and neutralizes any telltale cooking odors (and other odors as well) without leaving any residue.  Each product is made from a proprietary blend of lime extract, pine needle, anise seed, clove, and cedarwood.  https://www.freshwaveworks.com/store/pc/home.asp

~ On the Go ~

FlatBox By Solvetta ~ Without a doubt, one of the cleverest insulated carriers for lunches I’ve run across in years.  The Large FlatBox has a comfortable handle for carrying; the unique shape also has zippers on all four sides, which helps to seal in the contents and keep them cool; once unzipped, the Large FlatBox opens and converts to a generously sized 17”x17” placemat.  This clever design always keeps a clean, fresh and sanitary eating surface at your fingertips.  Great also as a carrier for baby needs.  http://www.flatbox-lunchbox.com

Polar Bottle ~ The Ergo Spectrum insulated bottle is light weight and holds up to 22 oz. of hot or cold liquid; handy strap for looping on backpacks or cycle bars; handy cap seals tight and easily opened by turning to drink from the cap.  I tested the Ergo Spectrum with a three-quarter fill of hot coffee, and unfortunately, after thirty minutes, the hot coffee was lukewarm; I’d recommend it for cold liquids.  http://polarbottle.com

Progressive International Kitty Cap Opener ~ Even if you’re a dog person, you’ll fall in love with this clever multi-function bottle top opener that’s shaped like a cat.  There’s a lever (the tail) to pry open pop tops; a multi-grooved opening (the open face) that fits over standard bottle caps for cap removal; a magnet (upper body) that holds the removed bottle caps; and, there’s even a grooved gripper (underside) that grips those hard to open bottles.  A multi-functional gadget that thinks it’s a knick-knack.  http://progressiveintl.com

 

RefresH2Go ~ This BPA-free reusable bottle has a silicone band, and is ergonomically designed to conform to easy gripping; the silicone band avoids slippage; each bottle holds 26 oz., and comes with its own proprietary filtration system to assure consistently pure, thirst-quenching water every time you sip; each filter insert will filter up to forty gallons of tap, drinking fountain, or potable water.  Each filter is made from natural coconut shell carbon; products are Tested and Certified by independent Water Quality Association and given its Gold Seal of certification.  http://refresh2go.com

~ In Closing ~

I’ve enjoyed testing these products in my home, which are available at traditional brick and mortar retailers, as well as online retailers.  Be sure to also check out each brand’s website, as well as their social media platforms to obtain additional information.

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to always celebrate yourself and your culinary curiosity.  Happy creating…happy cooking…happy eating!

By Terry Herman

TERRY HERMAN continues perfecting her passion for food and wine.  She has been covering culinary related for many years as it relates to wellness and a healthy lifestyle.  Her popular blog, Terry's Spa, Beauty and Wellness Go-To has featured formidable reviews of cookbooks, restaurants, wine and food, food prep and tools, chef interviews, and coverage of prestigious events such as the International Home+Housewares Show, the National Restaurant Show and the Sweets and Snacks Expo.  She has been published since the mid-1990s in both consumer and trade publications, and is regarded as an expert in spa, beauty, wellness, travel and lifestyle, and is frequently interviewed by publications for her expert content.  She has also presented at major industry conferences, and has served with distinction on numerous governing and advisory boards.  She has a background in strategic and qualitative management, consulting, and motivational speaking.  In addition to her blogs, her social media outreach also includes Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  Don’t forget to “Like” her Facebook Page, “Terry’s Second Helpings”.  Please note that the “Comment Section” has been disabled.  For additional information, email her at terry.herman@gmail.com.

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(Photo credits as indicated, or as represented by the specific brand.)