Consider it an updated version of the Economist. Monocle Magazine, put out by our friends across the pond publishes 10 issues a year. Started just over a year ago, the magazine hired editors from the New York Times, the BBC, and others. The online version is edited by the founder of Wallpaper Magazine, and a former International Herald Tribune Columnist. Main sections include Affairs, Business, Culture and Design. Not a flimsy magazine, at around 200 pages. SUBSCRIBE £75.

Fred and Friends came up with a much easier way to light up a cake. Instead of 32 Candles why not have XXXII? A more traditional look to a birthday cake? We like it. For $5 you might actually save money on those older birthday celebrations. $5 BUY

These untreated western red cedar grilling planks will hold moisture in steak, fish, or veggies while adding just the right amount of smoke. Why let meat burn on metal when it can roast in its juices on wood? Perfect for wild salmon and vegetables. Best grilling smoke you’ll smell. From Pacific Northwest Fine Wood Products. Measure 5.5″ x 11″. Set of 6 for $13. BUY

When Mr. Clicquot died in 1805, he left the champagne to his widow – or “veuve” in Fench. Mrs. Clicquot was quite the businesswoman and she grew the company by leaps and bounds. Today Veuve Clicquot has a royal warrant for Queen Elizabeth II, and was even Claude Rains’ celebratory drink in Casablanca. While other blogs are promoting the Limited Edition, the Traveler, and the Vertical Limit – we think they are overpriced and overplayed. Stick to the classics – and keep an extra in your fridge for moments that deserve it. A great bottle of bubbly for around $40. BUY

A silicone ice tray that makes ice shot glasses, is….great. Silicone means it not only stays clean (dishwasher safe) but is also easily bendable. Mix drinks by making the ice out of one part (O.J. for example) and pour in the vodka. Cucumber water etc. Endless opportunities for drinking….that’s what we’re here for. $6 BUY

In 1886 William Grant founded a distillery in Scotland, and became the first person to market Scotch Whiskey outside the United Kingdom. In 1960, the chairman of the company purchased one of four Carter-head stills in existence, and restored it to produce Hendrick’s gin. Infused with oil from Bulgarian rose petals, and cucumber – the gin is superb. The recipe suggested by the Grant family, still in control of the company – is take 2 oz. Hendrick’s Gin, Tonic Water and pour the Hendrick’s into a highball glass over ice cubes and fill with tonic water. Stir. Garnish with Cucumber. $28. BUY

Next time you’re buying those red cups for large parties, try grabbing these Greenware Cups. A new line by NatureWorks – who figured out a way to extract the starch from corn and convert it to sugar and lactic acid using fermentation – which results in a plastic called polylactide. All you really need to know is these are made entirely from corn, and they biodegrade in 50 days when met with 150º and 90% humidity (a.k.a composting conditions – don’t worry they will survive shelfing). Keep in mind these are only good for cold drinks. Now to get college students to use these… $105 for 1,000 cups. Buy Here.

So what happens when you take beef that is grass fed on Hearst Ranch’s pastures, family farmed, high in heart-healthy Omega-3 acids, and just tastes fantastic? You get a company that can’t restock the shelves fast enough. Let’s Be Frank Hot Dogs are somewhat hard to come by, but if you can find them – you’ll want to try them. Great taste, sustainable farming, no hormones, no nitrates, even organic spices. The best. Click the link for ordering and markets that carry them.

Sit down, relax and pour yourself a cold one with the Summit Single Tap Kegerator. With chrome tapping tower, single gauge regulator, beer line cleaning kit (to make it all easy), five pound CO2 tank and to top it all off a one year warranty on parts and labor, it couldn’t be easier. Hey – you might even save money in the long run. Only $980.

Keep eating “to your heart’s content” is the literal translation of Dim Sum, but we can’t get enough. Master this traditional Chinese cuisine at home (or reheat your favorite take out) use Chen’s Bamboo Steamer . Steaming keeps the minerals and vitamins in the dumplings and the bamboo absorbs condensation so no water drips back into the food. Recipes easily available. “Food of the gods” we think. Meant to be consumed with tea. $11 for set of 2.

At Boccalone “Tasty Salted Pig Parts” they understand the main ingredient in any curing process is – time. This artisan shop combines high quality pork, Italian sea salt, and the freshest spices. Made in small batches using hands-on traditional curing techniques, Chris Cosentino of The Next Iron Chef fame is founder and chef at this operation. 23 Varieties of pig part. We’re salivating already. $79 for the sampler.

If you enjoy quality salumi (the “u” changes it to a selection of cured meat) – you should enjoy it fully. The Berkel 825a will bring out the unctuousness, the spices, or the decadence of the prosciutto, mortadella, salame, guanciale, or lanzo. Features chromium plated carbon steel knife and built-in, dual-action sharpener. Easy cleaning and space saving design. Break out the cheese, and make the greatest antipasto plate your guests have witnessed -or take that ham and turkey and deli-ize it. $750. Stay tuned for suggestions of where to get the meat…

A little recipe for our readers. Grab one Tovolo Perfect Cube Ice Tray ($10 for 2), fill with hot water (prevents bubbles from forming in the ice, ensuring crystal clear results) and set in freezer (this step is optional of course). Get your hands on a Baccarat Alpha Tumbler ($90 for 2) and one bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label ($190). Combine, and enjoy one of the finest legal pleasures available for under $300.

Looking for a great steak? So are we. Wagyu is the type of beef used to make the famous Kobe. Tender, marbled and grown with no hormones or antibiotics – this incredible steak will stir senses you never knew you had. Quality enough to just sear, or go with the traditional medium-rare. Add in a glass of red wine, and enjoy. 16 lbs. for $500.  BUY

You might as well feed your coffee maker or espresso machine the best. So grab some Coffee Beans from Sant’Eustachio. A coffee bar in Rome located just in front of the Italian Senate, the place is packed all day with locals grabbing the best coffee in Italy. It is so good in fact, the espresso machines are concealed, fearful that someone else might make this magical drink just as well. The 100% Arabica beans ensure low acidity. The perfect cup. $20.