Have you ever been asked 'how do you like your coffee?' with the answer generally being something like '1 milk, 1 sugar'. Now you don't have to worry about trying to work out a scientific method of explaining how much milk you want (while assuming your lovely servant can comprehend it) resulting in the perfect cuppa. 

The cup has a whole host of colour coded labels on the side from 'milky' to 'builder's brew' that helps you guide your able-bodied servant to mix the right amount of milk in and make that perfect cup for you. All they need do for the sugar content is decide how sour you are and add accordingly to 'sweeten' you up!

Only in this world full of pedantic coffee experts would there be such be such seriousness when it comes to things like this but don't you fret - there is a similar cup for tea lovers as well.

Available from Generate.

So, although we love to stand around the braai and talk rugby, how great would it be if the braai could be ready in 60 seconds? Don't believe us..? Check out this new contraption which gets your charcoal going in a minute.

Similar to the heat-focusing technology used in paint-stripping hot-air guns, the charcoal starter emits hot air at 600° C (1,290° F), providing a constant, precise flow of heat from the tip of the unit. Simply plug the device into a standard wall outlet, place the metal tip into the charcoal and hold down the button.

[Via]

We were thinking about Mezzaluna's today, namely because they exist and that we could; and putting the two together (and the need to occupy the mind for a time) we did some research and wrote this little article.

Now a Mezzaluna is a very different way of cutting up your herbs (or equivalent) on a chopping board. While most people will pick their herbs all daintily from the garden and place them on their board, grab a normal knife and proceed to hack, stab and chop away at them, the Mezzaluna allows you to do it with dignity, style and some reserve.

The Mezzaluna's name comes from the Italian word for half moon (spot the half moon in the picture) and the motion of your 'chop' will be a light swishing back and forth resulting in more placid and happy herbs that will be of more benefit to your digestion. You wouldn't want those herbs to be entering your stomach all bitter and angry would you?

Anyway we thought it was fascinating that you can get such an interesting looking chopping device for your kitchen and have so much fun at the same time. All we want to see now is a miniature guillotine for taking the ends off of carrots, cucumbers and the occasional courgette - now that would be exciting!

If you don't have a Mezzaluna you can find one here.