Graphic Lap Desk

I love my laptop but I don’t always love the heat it generates - especially when I watch movies on it in bed (I don’t have a TV). But this lap desk by the Container Store solves that problem. It also solves others such as trying to keep the computer even (instead of slightly lopsided as it tends to do when on my lap. What this says about me I’ve know idea) and where to keep my drink (the handy little place right at the top right, of course!).

Unlike a lot of laptop desks, these are stylish so you can keep them out when not in use. And if you don’t use a laptop, you can use them for a myriad of other reasons (crafts, reading, crosswords etc. And if someone is stuck in bed for awhile this is a comfy table alternative).

BUY AT: The Container Store

Graham Brown “Frames” Wallpaper

I know this woman who has a fabulous home - a home that was recently featured in a magazine. And when I saw a picture of one of her walls I was instantly in-love because I’d never seen anything like it. It was a solid wall of frames with photos here and there. It was beautiful, fun, unique and stylish.

Turns out, it’s Graham Brown “Frames” wallpaper with cut out photos of her choosing placed on top. Brilliant! What a fantastic \ way to display photos (better than having to buy generic frames and stick them up all over the place!).

As the site says, it’s completely interactive; you can paste photos on or draw right on it. I’m really anxious to do this but I’m not sure how my landlord would feel about me wallpapering the flat. Maybe we’ll just have to find out!

BUY AT: Graham Brown

Built NY Gourmet Getaway

Since I travel a lot but can’t eat gluten, eating at airports can be a pain. So I bought this bag to bring with me as a stylish way to bring along lunch or dinner. And if you’re in an office or at school? The perfect lunch bag!

What I love (besides the look) is that it’s waterproof, washable, and big enough to hold a drink plus my food. It’s watersuit material so it keeps my food cold (or hot), doesn’t stand and it’s pliable to roll up or lie flat when not in use. It’s also ecofriendly in the sense I’m not throwing out a bag after every meal!

BUY AT: Built NY and REI and Container Store

UGG Roo Slippers

Working on film sets in Vancouver you saw nothing but Uggs on people’s feet. Everyone’s except mine. When I lived in New Zealand we’d make fun of the Australians who wore them - calling them “Uggers” and I vowed never to wear them. Especially since when I moved to Los Angeles and girls were wearing them with shorts in 30C/80F weather!

Never say never.

Although, in fairness, I do not wear the boots (can’t do it) but I do wear these slippers every day. I’ve suffered with cold feet for years and lots of slippers just couldn’t warm them up, or were uncomfortable, or broke down or whatever. But these, these little fluffy friends keep my feet warm, cosy and wear beautiful around the house or a quick dash out in the yard.

They never make your feet sweat, they’re easy to slip on and off but don’t come off easily (so if you sit cross legged or one foot tucked under they won’t pop off). They’re my favourite slipper - so much so I’ve convinced most of my friends to get a pair - even those who once vowed never to own something “Uggers.”

Dyson DC14 The Animal Vacuum

It seems like every year I’d buy a new vacuum since mine (whether it was a Hoover or Eureka) would just plain stop working. When I read that the number one replaced home product was the Vacuum cleaner, let’s just say I wasn’t surprised.

What I was surprised about was that everyone seemed to be in-love with the Dyson Upright. Every place I could find a review (from Amazon to Sears, to Reviews.com) raved about this line of vacuums. I was skeptical despite thousands of glowing reviews - who loves a hoover that much?

Raises hand.

I bought the DC14 Animal for a few reasons; I have two animals that like to leave hair all over the flat. The other models had the ball feature which wasn’t easy for me to maneuver (I like stability). This model came with the right amount of tools (the more expensive versions just come with more tools that you can always buy if you need them - but you won’t).

I love the fact that you don’t need bags, that it sucks the bejesus out of everything (dust balls from across the room get sucked in- it’s brilliant!). The wand quickly pulls out so you can get high to reach places or get fur off the couch or finally get the crevices behind the fridge. The power is unbelievable and the ease? Easy-peasy. It’s by far the best vacuum I’ve ever had. And thanks to its 5-year warranty, I don’t have to worry about replacing it any time soon!

BUY AT: Dyson

Electra Amsterdam Bike, Classic

Last year I bought myself a bike; a Navaro from REI. It was a decent bike except for a couple of things. Since I don’t wear pants, my skirts were forever getting caught. It was pale blue (at least it didn’t have flowers like most ladies bikes on the market), and the sitting position was more mountain bike than cruiser. So I returned it because I had a vision of the perfect bike and that just wasn’t it.

When I returned to Denmark in February, I kept seeing all the girls in dresses and long coats riding their bikes (in winter conditions no less). Sitting upright with pretty bikes I was very, very envious and really debated buying a bike there to just bring back. But time was limited and so I didn’t.

But then I heard about the Electra Amsterdam bike and when I saw it in person I was instantly smitten. It’s exactly what the name implies - a steel European bike with a skirt guard, light, leather seat and perfect seating position. It’s beautiful and riding it is a dream.

True, it only has 3 speeds so it’s best suited to rolly areas instead of very hilly ones but in every other way, it’s a wonderful, comfortable ride (no skirt getting caught!). The only warning I shall give on this bike is that one can start to think they’re in Europe whilst riding it. Actually, that’s not really a problem, is it?

BUY AT: Electra

Jan Marini Age Intervention Eyelash

One (strange) side effect of an illness I had several months ago was the loss of half my eye lashes. They either broke off in half leaving little stumps or a few in the middle disappeared altogether. And they weren’t growing back.

Desperate for some information, I discovered several lash-grower products on the market ranging from $25 to $160. And dang it, wouldn’t the best (and safest) reviews be for the most expensive - the Jan Marini Age Intervention.

As a girl in need of a few lashes, I plunked down my money. In two weeks I stopped missing the cash I’d spent because I was no longer missing eye lashes - they had grown back! And grown in longer and darker (which, for a blond girl, is quite something).

Applying the product once per night I still have a lot left (this is about 3 months later) and my eye lashes are all back to normal (and then some). Yes, it’s expensive but yes, it works. For me at least which is important - I no longer have weird spiky lashes here and there but a full set that makes it worth batting an eye.

Buy at: Skinstore

Once Soundtrack

I haven’t seen the film and I haven’t heard anything about it, let alone the soundtrack. All I knew was that the people in the film were actual Irish musicians and why that made me buy the CD, I’ll never know. And listening to it, it’s not something I’d normally listen to let alone adore. But I do. It’s been on repeat for the last week.

My favourite songs by far are Falling Slowly and Once. They’re beautifully written, simply sung with just the bare amount of instruments. The songs, to me, seem like conversations and the emotion in the seem so pure and strong. It’s unlike anything else I’ve got so it’s quite a nice addition to my musical collection.

Now I’ve just to see the movie!

BUY AT: Amazon