Strategist’s editors revealed their May shopping haul,featuring a $6 specialty pasta, a 24‑inch Briggs & Riley suitcase that stayed three kilograms under airline limits, and a fast‑paced card game that mixes Solitaire with Spit. The selections span food, travel, fashion and pet toys, offering readers concrete options for everyday upgrades.

Specialty vesuvio pasta discovered for $6

The first item highlighted is a vesuvio‑shaped pasta from the Sfoglini aisle of a local grocery, a shape that provides extra surface area for sauce while retaining a firm bite. While similar pasta typically sells for around $10 at specialty retailers like Eataly, the editor secured several boxes for $6,creating a pantry staple at a discount. As Strategist reported, the lower price point allowed the family to stock up without compromising on quality.

Briggs & Riley 24‑inch suitcase stays three kilograms under weight limit

The travel gear spotlight is a newly released medium‑size checked suitcase from Briggs & Riley, measuring 24 inches in height. The editor noted that after a week‑long European trip, the bag was still three kilograms under the airline’s weight restriction, a rare achievement for a suitcase of that volume. According to the report, the suitcase’s design balances interior capacity with a lightweight frame, making it a practical alternative to the traditional 26‑inch checked bag .

Hybrid card game merges Solitaire and Spit for rainy weekends

Strategist’s entertainment pick is a compact card game that blends the solitary strategy of Solitaire with the rapid play of Spit. Designed for travel, the game doubles as a standard deck for classics like Hearts and Blackjack, providing versatile fun for families during a rainy Memorial Day weekend. The editor praised its fast pace and portability, noting it fits easily into a suitcase or backpack.

Jade‑and‑turquoise sandals from Banana Republic Factory get a perfect fit

On the fashion front, the editor bought jade‑and‑turquoise sandals from Banana Republic Factory, highlighting their lightweight drape and the convenience of Uniqlo’s complimentary alteration service that ensured an exact length. the sandals, described as “breathable” and “summer‑ready,” complement the quarter‑zip bird’s‑eye knit pima cotton sweater also featured in the roundup.

Is the $6 pasta price sustainable?

The article leaves unanswered whether the discounted $6 price for the vesuvio pasta can be expected in future grocery trips or if it was a one‑off promotion. Additionally, the long‑term durability of the Briggs & Riley suitcase under repeated heavy loads remains unverified, and no comparative data were provided for the hybrid card game against similar travel games.