I break out the sweaters and forgo my summer mason jars filled with iced coffee when the temperature drops even slightly in September. As soon as the weather dips into the 60s, Iām ready for steaming hot joe in celebration of fall returning. Even if itās going to be back up to 80 the next day.Ā
I was curious about the kitchen tools, serveware, and appliances my colleagues bring out come fall. So, with that question in mind, I bring you another edition of Whatās in the Epi Staffās Carts? Weāve got products like comfy new bathrobes, temperature-controlled mugs, lunch boxes for the school year, and all your other standard kitchenware.
Silicone mats
I use these-semi transparent silicone mats as placemats to protect our new(ish) wood dining room table from my kids and their messes (my toddler also likes to stab the table with his fork when he gets really excited, which is fun). Iām considering getting a few more to help protect my butcher block countertops on both sides of the sink. āEmily Farris, senior commerce writer
Parachute Turkish cotton bathrobe
Can someone please buy me one of these already? Iāve been staring at this fluffy robe for over a year, but I canāt justify the purchase because I already own two bathrobes that, unfortunately, arenāt as soft. This plush bathrobe looks like it belongs in a spa, and I have a feeling wearing it around the house will make each day feel like the staycation I need. āGenevieve Yam, assistant editor
Ember temperature controlled mug
A little while ago, I was doing an extended stay at my parentsā house and they have three Ember mugs: one for each of them and one for a guest. I am on record as a person who continually refills half-full cups of coffee Iāve let go cold, so it was a true game changer to have a mug that keeps my coffee warm. I considered stealing their third mug and bringing it back to New York with me, but I guess I'll be a good person and just purchase one for myself. āEmily Johnson, associate commerce director
Kids lunch box
School finally started in New York, and it was definitely time to replace one of my kiddoās threadbare lunch boxes. This one has a built-in fidget toy on the front; I think itāll be a hit. āMaggie Hoffman, digital director
3-tier hanging basket
Iāve decided that I hate storing things on kitchen countertops. I have an aversion to any flat surface with more than two items resting on top of it. That means all tools, utensils, pantry goods, et cetera, need a spot in my cupboards. And, of course, I ignore anything in my cupboards, which leaves me no choice but to turn my kitchen into a lame art installation and hang everything from these 3-tier hanging baskets. āTravis Rainey, associate photo editor
Sharp pebble premium whetstone knife sharpening stone
My knives are in need of a true sharpening, which my $8 manual sharpener just canāt provide. There is always a learning curve with a whetstone, so Iām steeling myself (apologies) to go through with purchasing one, learning to use it properly, and finally giving my knives the care they deserve. āJonathan Wise, director of programming
(Editorās tip: Follow our guide to sharpening a knife with a whetsone.)Ā
