Budokon DVD

BUY AT: Amazon

A workout fanatic I am not; a walker and a part-time yoga’er I am. However, yoga, for me at least, can become rather boring after awhile. I’m not into the medatative, slow poses. I like a little action.

This DVD quite happily blends them both.

Beginning with 20 minutes of ashta yoga, it then goes into 20 minutes of basic martial arts. With lots of kicking, punching and resting inbetween poses, this CD was pretty good for a beginner (I’m intermediate and could have done more so if you’re advance this might be not enough). The music is good - low key but moving and Cameron Shayne is not annoying at all. In fact, I’m thinking of taking up his class here in LA.

R&H Binder via See Jane Work

These binders are amazing with their sturdy cardboard exterior (which you can leave alone or collage on top of), bright binding colours, wipe erase board on the inside and rubber band holder to keep the binder closed or stuff paper in.

I have several of them for work and play and they look so pretty and clean on my desk. More expensive than a tranditional binder, yes, but they look and function better than a $2.99 special.

Brasserie All-White Dinnerware Pieces

BUY AT: William Sonoma

When I moved into my new flat I had no plates as I donated all my crap Ikea ones when I moved last winter. I decided this time I’d buy good plates that were white to show off the new food I’d make and also so that I could mix and match plates more.

This line from Williams Sonoma is beautiful, reminding me of french cafe’s. Microwavable and dishwasher safe, these plates are meant to last. And with their open stock, you can always add more peices (but if they get rid of the line, you can return your entire set for a new line).

Although white plates might sound boring, they really are elegant and beautiful, making a plain meal look fabulous. Now I just have to learn to cook…!

Capri Blue Jar Candle #6 Volcano

BUY AT: Anthropologie

This candle is my all-time favourite (very seldom do I repurchase the same candle). It’s a sexy, soothing, subtle scent that both men and women seem to love.

The large, glass candle is both attractive and useful; helping to keep the scent going longer and really filling up your home. Light it and your home will glow and smell good. Plus, it’s just beautiful and makes a really wonderful gift!

La Perla Lingerie via La Perla

One step into the La Perla botique and I was hooked - literally. After coming to America five years ago I had been unable to find bras that weren’t padded like mad and pushed the breasts together so they wouldn’t move. Oh, and hide the nipple.

This french lingerie shop doesn’t dissapoint with all it’s pretties. Arriving to the store I was instantly measured and hooked with new bras that made me feel (and look) fabulous. Even if one can’t afford a whole drawer full, you should at least have one (or two) things from this collection. Your body will thank you.

Nike Yoga Bag by Nike

Needing a large bag to hold my yoga clothes, washing up bits and yoga matt, I found this bag at my local Nike Store. Picking up the one in Burgandy (with a pale pink/lavendar matt) has proved to be a wise move. Not only does it work well as a workout bag, but by simply removing the hooks for the matt on the bottom, it becomes an excellent travel or camera bag. And the matt is thick - working well for pilates or yoga.

Bobbi Brown

I’m in-love with several Bobbi Brown products; in fact, when I use them is when I get the most compliments on my skin. Although I began using her products ten years ago, I’ve really begun to fall in-love with them over the past year.

My current favourites include: Rose Shimmer Brick, Nude Shimmer Wash Shadow, Rose Sugar Shimmer Lip Gloss, Lip Tint SPF, Extra Eye Balm, Short Handle Makeup Brushes (especially the eye-liner)

Creme de la Mer

BUY AT: Gloss.com

This has been a staple of mine for over 5 years, however, when I ran out last fall I decided not to repurchase. Big mistake because as I quickly discovered there’s just no other cream like this. Especially for the reasons I love it.

It’s the only cream that can save really dry, nasty patches, a pimple I might have picked at, a scratch from the cat that needs healing or hang nails that just won’t go away. I use it in small amounts (it’s too rich for all over) so a small jar lasts me about a year which is good because it’s not the cheapest cream out there. But it just really, really works at healing the skin quickly - regardless of what the issue is.

For those who have very dry skin, this would be an excellent every day moisturiser but for me, I use it just when needed (which ends up being close to every day!) so I make sure to never travel without it.

The trick is to rubbing it between your fingers then pressing it into the skin. A little goes a long way and you’re skin will thank you.

Puff Comforter by House Inc

I’m a sucker for good linens - it’s just important for me and for my guests. The only problem was, I was having a guest come over and had no linens for her to sleep in. Step in House Inc Puff Comforters.

Coming in an array of patterns, these double sided comforters are made with beautiful poplin material and lots of down - literally feeling like a big, cosy puff on you. It’s perfect for cosing up on the couch or on a guest bed. Light enough for summer, warm enough for winter. I keep mine out year round on the couch to use for TV nights, it’s just that pretty. But when guests roll into town, voila, instant bed and breakfast.

Tempur-Pedic Mattress

BUY AT: Relax the Back

In the past I’ve tried Serta’s and Simmons only to be dissapointed with them after a few years (the individual mattress coils don’t work very well if you move a lot). I had wanted a Four Seasons bed but after ringing them they told me they were no longer making the ones I loved and the new models wouldn’t be available for 8 weeks. SInce I’d been sleeping on an aero bed for over a month, a real bed was needed asap.

Bed shopping is worse than car shopping; all the sellers were sleezy, wheeling and dealing and just generally icky. A trip to the Relax the Back store, however, was different. There the sales person explained the bed, it’s warrenty (25 years) and it’s return policy (90 days without stocking fee!). And if you had a medical reason, you could even get 10% off.

After several months of sleeping on it, I can tell you it’s the best bed I’ve ever slept on - and I’ve slept on amazing beds. I almost always fall asleep instantly, cannot feel the boy on the other side and I sleep sounder and wake up less stiff than I ever did. I so highly recommend this bed.