Shabby Chic Euro Pillows

BUY AT: Shabby Chic

Big, square, lovely Euro Pillows are perfect for reading in bed, sitting on the floor, or making an ordinary bed set look smashing. But they can often be hard to find and expensive yet. So go to your nearest Shabby Chic store (the flagship store on Montana Ave in LA if you can!).

For $26, these Euro pillow are simply the best. So comfortable and perfect they’ll make it hard to get out of bed. Especially if you enclose them in one of her lovely poplin patterned pillowcases. I’m obsessed with her prints and linens (not the Target ones - the original line at her stores).

Bedding should be practical and indulgent and the Shabby Chic line and pillows are simply just that!

Simplehuman Dishrack

BUY AT: simplehuman

There is neither a dishwasher nor amble counter space in my kitchen so I needed a dishrack that would fit everything (glasses, knives, cutlery, pots, pans and dishes), not take up a lot of room, drain into the sink and look stylish. Oh, and last.

With a 5 year warrenty, this sleek SimpleHuman dishrack does the trick. It works amazingly well with it’s ergonomic design and great use of space. Almost makes washing up fun.

Huggable Hangers

BUY AT: HSN.com

I have a very tiny closet. Very tiny. So every little centimetre counts. The big, chunky plastic hangers from other stores always tangled, took up space and had my delicate clothes slipping off. Call in Huggable Hangers!

They really do hug your clothes so that they don’t slip off, they do not tangle with other hangers and the best part? They really do give you more room. After hanging everything on these, my closet went down by about a third.

Mysterious Purr Pad

I thought it funny that it was called a “cat magnet” until my cat went everywhere that this pad went - literally. I could sit it up top on a table, she’d be on it. On a couch, she’d be on it. In her carrier (for a 3 day trip), she loved it.

I’ve purchased a few sets to have on hand because, since they’re not washable, I tend to replace them ever few months since they can accumulate pet hair since your pet will never leave it. And they’re perfect to keep kitties off things you don’t want them on because, they won’t get off this. Did I mention that they won’t get off this?

Inexpensive lovin’ for your cat. It will thank you.

BUY AT: PetSmart

Fold Away Pet Carriers

I am so very, very thankful for this carrier. After having those sad, cardboard ones that frightened the bejesus out of my cat ( and made it very difficult to get her in), this one feels like a miracle.

You can load the pet from top or side, there is ample room for the pet to see out which calms the pet like nothing else and the best part? It’s completely foldable! But don’t worry - that doesn’t make it any less sturdy. I’ve used it for my 12lb (don’t laugh) cat for both trips to trips to the vet and three day drives without any issues.

This makes any kind of trip so much easier for both you and your pet.

BUY AT: Nylabone

Kombucha via Nature zone

Although I’d seen this drink recently pop up at my local Whole Foods store, I didn’t know a thing about it. I didn’t know the history of Kombucha and how it was full of helpful probiotics and enzymes that were fantastic for stomachs and health. And when I first drank the Ginger flavour, I didn’t seem to care much about the benefits of the drink because I just really enjoyed the unique flavour. After a week of drinking different flavours, I was feeling great. In fact, I felt that my tummy was quite happy and I swear it has to do with this drink. I can’t say it does all that it claims (I wasn’t into the energy/weight/cancer thing) but stomach-wise I felt better - especially after eating a big steak. And, even if it didn’t make me feel good, I still love the taste - especially the ginger one. It should be noted that there is another Kombucha drink being sold at Whole Foods and specialty markets in a very small bottle and is arduously expensive. This is more like a soda pop and did nothing for me, so ignore it.

Mighty Tea decaffeinated Tea’s

BUY AT: Mighty Tea

I’m a tea girl; I enjoy the ceremony of laying out the table in the afternoon and slowly sipping from my favourite cup. But the process is only as enjoyable as tea (lipton tea will not do!). I first discovered Mighty Tea on a trip to Austin Texas, where it was served at a posh hotel. If it’s good enough for a posh hotel, I thought, it’s good enough for me. Their tea bags are made of cloth and contain wonderful, fragrant loose tea - what a change from your average hard pressed dry tea bag. Their decaffeinated teas from herbal to Roobios are so rich in flavour, that you don’t even notice the lack of caffeine. Their sample packs are the perfect gift for someone who needs that afternoon break - even if it’s you.

Blue Horse CD by the Be Good Tanyas

I plugged this CD into my discman for my daily walk; I had never heard the Be Good Tanyas music before but only raves from my best friend and sister. Their first song, “The littlest birds” hooked me in right away and I noticed a spring in my step as I walked. Listening to the music is easy, trying to define the sound these Vancouver women make is hard; part folk, part country, part rock it’s a mix of everything good. Just buy it.

Ibook by Apple

For three years I have petted the pretty computer when I passed it in the store yet I never brought it home for two reasons; I couldn’t afford to spend $1000+ and I’ve never owned/used a mac. However, since Chris needed lots of computer time for school and I for my writing, one computer wasn’t cutting it. Looking for a second computer that would be all mine, I wanted something portable, inexpensive and creative. PC Notebooks looked too bulky and businessy and their price seemed ridiculous to me. Searching the Apple site I spotted a great deal in a refurbished Ibook that met all the needs I had. I snatched it up, had it delivered and have been swooning ever since. Easy on the eyes, pocketbook and brain power, this computer does everything I need it to and more. With a beautiful, crisp screen, light weight and excellent battery life, this is by far, my favourite good of the year.

Higher Ground CD by The Blind Boys of Alabama

I’ve never owned a Gospel CD and I had no intention of starting a collection. However when a friend played me the first song from this album, I was hooked. With deep voices that have been singing together for over 60 years, they cover songs from David Bowie to Red Hot Chili Peppers and they do it with style - not preaching.