Hi, I’m Erin – a self-proclaimed kitchen appliance and kitchen gadget junkie. The number of times I’ve told Shawn that we NEED an ice maker, a Margarita Machine, adorable slotted spoons, espresso maker, a new paper towel holder and my newest fascination — a hot dog toaster is more times than I care to admit. There’s just something about a new addition to the heart of the home [in our house – that’s the kitchen] that makes my heart skip a little and my stomach growl just a little bit more. Please tell me I am not the only one suffering from this “need all of the kitchen items” epidemic.
With spring in full swing and summer on the horizon, I ventured off to Macy’s to look at some new home items [you can see how I refreshed our home last year for spring!] and immediately got lost in their kitchen section the minute my eyes laid themselves on this Nostalgia brand. Here’s the deal – slap a cute color and design on anything and I’m intrigued. Slap a cute color and design on a KITCHEN TOOL and I’m drooling, adding to cart and tracking the shipping every other hour. I did what I do best and went overboard [sorry, Shawn]. Thankfully Macy’s knows how to ease the blow with their killer sales events! Now through May 5th their Friends and Family event is happening [30% off w/code FRIEND and 15% off Cosmetics and Fragrance]! Needless to say, my kitchen is now full of the cutest gadgets that I feel like I need to tell you about, so here we go…
I’m bringing you the best first because hello, it’s hot dogs we’re talking about. I was so curious when I spotted this Nostalgia 4-Slot Retro Hot Dog Toaster, Aqua as to how it would really work. It turns out that it toasts hot dogs in the same way your grill cooks ’em [bubbles and all] and will inspire you to eat hot dogs for DAYS. Yes, speaking from experience. If you have kids [or you’re one yourself] and can’t get enough of a good dog, this machine is for you. I love that it toasts the buns as well and gives you the perfect hot dog in less than 3 minutes. We entertain constantly in the summer [it’s amazing how much a pool brings out ALL your friends and family] so I know this gadget will get a ton of use in the next several months.
Naturally, you can’t have a hot dog without a cool beverage. I added these fun ban. do Cocktail Tumblers to my cart as fast as I guzzled down this bubbly water. Being outside on the patio all summer long, I refuse to use heavy glass cups [nobody needs to be stepping on glass shards while trying to get a tan] so acrylic it is for me. Now all I need is that Margarita Machine and these cuties will be put to all sorts of use.
Let’s heat things up for a second with this OH SO FUN Nostalgia Retro 12-Cup Coffee Maker which will quickly become our office best friend. Are you waking up at The Max [that was for you all Saved by the Bell fans] or your own home? You’ll never know when you’re brewin’ up your coffee in this diner style coffee maker. I added these J.a. Henckels Zwilling Sorrento Double Wall Coffee Mugs to complete the experience because I am a sucker for clear coffee mugs. I know. I’m a sucker for everything.
And now to end things on a cool note — we’re shakin’ things up in this Nostalgia Two-Speed Milkshake Maker. One of my favorite songs over the past several years is “Milkshake” by Kelis [because I am c-l-a-s-s-y] so I felt it was time to make that song come to life, every day, in my kitchen. You better believe my milkshake brings all the boys to the yard now [and by boys I mean my husband and two dogs but still, THEY COME]. If you’re trying to up your coolness factor with your nieces and nephews, sons or daughters, heck, grandmas and grandpas, this baby will do the trick. Simply add your ingredients [I went with some milk, vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, whipped cream and chocolate wafers on top YUM] and in a matter of minutes you’ve got yourself a milkshake that will keep ’em coming back for more.
Nostalgia Two-Speed Milkshake Maker // BergHoff Leo Collection Ice Cream Scoop
Now who’s ready to party? As for me and my kitchen, we are. BRB, I’ve got a hot dog to eat. Don’t forget to take advantage of Macy’s Friends and Family event with code FRIEND. Your 30% off discount [15% off Cosmetics and Fragrance] awaits!


Founder and creator of LIY, Erin turned her dream of a hobby blog into a full-time career which she now runs alongside the LIY team! When not in front of her computer screen [with a La Croix or wine in hand] or in front of a mirror taking mirror selfies, you can find Erin spending time on the water, cuddled up with her two pups and husband most likely watching the latest Shark Tank episode, or getting lost in an easy beach read.