Bodum Chambord 8-Cup Coffee Press
I am a tea girl but there is certain times when I just need a coffee. And there’s times when my guests need coffee and so, step in Bodum.
This is by far the best coffee press I’ve ever used - and I’m not the only one who thinks so. It constantly receives highest reviews from coffee connoisseurs and magazines alike. The 8-cup size is perfect but I should let you know that the cup size refers to European sizes and not 8 big American size cups of coffee so if you purchase this in the U.S., you could find the name a little misleading. But you don’t want to gulp down massive amounts of coffee, any way, do you? You do? Well, then this will hold about 4 of those cups. But think about cutting back in the meantime.
You could spend hundreds of dollars on fancy machinery but don’t. Just by a simple press which will brew the best cup of coffee, I swear. Besides, there is something so charming, cosy, and relaxing about this process. And it also looks much nicer on a table that that big gizmo with chords hanging out, don’t you think?
Chef’s Choice 677 Cordless Electric 1-3/4-Quart Teakettle
I’ve been drinking tea since days of yore and have always made it using a tea kettle and gas stove. There’s something about the process (the whistle, perhaps? Using a lovely mitt to remove?) of this that I’ve loved which is why I’ve resisted going modern. Of course, there’s another reason - a bad experience with a tea kettle that involved it gunking up on the inside and then something to do with a chord and washing up. Not good.
But so many people have been singing the praises of the electric kettle that I succumbed to the peer pressure and bought one. Well, that and worrying about my new dog’s tail wagging around the gas stove. I like to brew and walk away, he likes to stand and wag. So I gave into the Chef’s Choice 677.
I do not know who the Chef is but they created a wonderful tea kettle that boils faster than you can say ‘your mama.’ What I love is that you can see how many litres is inside, it has an easy to open top for putting water in, it’s cordless which is great for cleaning and pouring. Also, it’s just pretty. So whether you making tea or instant noodles, this will work. There is no whistle, however. That part’s up to you.
BUY AT: Amazon
Felco F-6 Small Hand Pruner
BUY AT: Amazon
There’s a lot of things that I love that are a given - pink, ponies, and pink ponies. But I would never have guessed that pruning would be something I’d love just as much - perhaps even more. Thanks to the amazing Felco small hand pruner, I’ve been pruning like a mad woman. I’ve even been known to jump fence into the neighbours yard just to snip a little more.
An old tree stump had grown little branches but with some easy snips,it’s all gone. An overgrown, eyesore of a bush? A beautiful plant that is blooming flowers now! And let’s not mention the night time walks where I might be snipping some greens for my vases at home. Maybe.
My little hands don’t strain when using this, the blades are super sharp and are guaranteed for life. A little pricey? Sure but consider the value and the you’ll only have to buy pruners once. Which is good. Because you’ll never want to be without pruners again. I’m telling you, it’s slightly addictive. Must. Now. Snip.
Photobird Photography
Please, please do not, and I’m slightly begging here, buy any more Target or Ikea Prints. Just don’t. There’s no reason when there are so many amazing artists out there that offer affordable, beautiful art. And please do not buy mass-printed generic art if you are an artist - support other artists!
And a great artist to start with if you love photography is Jennifer Causey, whose still life’s are so incredible stunning, simple and wonderful in any home or environment. I’ve purchased a print and a set of postcards, both of which have always elicited ooh’s and ahh’s followed by “where can I get that?”
Her work speaks to me in a subtle, beautiful way. It inspires me a great deal to see the ordinary things in a more extraordinary way - and that’s what art should be about. Inspiring your daily life and not just filling up wall space.
Buy at: Photobird
VillaWare V3200 Classic Belgian Waffler
Now, you don’t think I’d give a glowing review of a waffle mix without including a review of the best waffle maker, did you? So here we go!
A year ago I stayed with a friend who always kept a batter of waffle mix in her fridge to just pour into a waffle maker for a quick and easy breakfast. She’d skip the syrup, putting jam on instead, and eat them on the way to work. Brilliant, I thought, and began my search.
Criteria? Deep pockets. If you’re going to make waffles, make waffles. Price. I didn’t want to spend $100. Ease of use and cleanup. I wanted something nonstick, something that wouldn’t take up a lot of space, something that would heat up quickly and let me know. Something that had control so I could make the waffles crispier if need be.
For under $30, the Villaware Belgian Waffle Maker fit the bill perfectly! After reading rave reviews about it on several sites, I decided to give it a go and haven’t been let down yet (and I use mine a lot. The deep pockets create thick, wonderful waffles that hold the butter and syrup perfectly. It heats quickly and cooks the waffles evenly. And with temperature control you can adjust the crispiness of your waffles.
Breakfast was never so easy - or so good.
BUY AT: Amazon
Stainless Steel Shower Caddy
BUY AT: The Container Store
There’s shampoos, conditioners, razors, soap and washcloths in your shower. They take up space and, if you’re lazy like me and don’t always close lids, gunk up the shower and caddies like crazy. The solution? This stainless steel organiser from the Container Store.
This one really has the space to hold lots of bottles, wonderfully little holders on the bottom shelf to hold razors upright and hooks for your washcloths on the bottom. The style allows for any shampoo or soap to just flow through so no more gunk collecting at the bottom of the caddy. And since it’s stainless, it’s virtually rust resistant!
So organise your shower quickly and easily with this. You’ll thank me when it’s 7AM and you’re looking for your shampoo with very closed eyes.
Organic Eqyptian Cotton Blanket
BUY AT: Under the Nile or Select Whole Foods
I am what one might call a bedding snob. I believe if you’re going to spend more than half your life someplace, it might as well be as divine as possible, no? For me that means bedding that not only feels amazing, but is amazing with no dyes, chemicals, fumes, etc. etc.
It is hard to find eco-friendly bedding that is also luxurious - trust me. But I just don’t want sheets that have been sprayed with a fire retardent or chemicals so it doesn’t wrinkle. Who wants to be inhaling all that junk whilst sleeping? Not me - I need all the help with beauty sleep that I can get!
So when I first petted the Eqyptian Cotton Blanket I was in-love. Indrecibly soft it just feels amazing. With a night light weight perfect for summer nights or as an added layer over a duvet, this blanket delivers light warmth, comfort and cosiness without bleach, dyes or perfumes. And the best part? Machine washable!
The next time your tucking yourself in at night, ask yourself if you’re giving yourself the best possible sleep. And if not, perhaps look into this blanket. Or four.
Herman Miller Chair
BUY AT: Herman Miller
I don’t quite think I’ve ever fully conveyed how much I adore this char and I should mention, I rarely adore furniture - especially office furniture. And I should also mention I rarely adore spending a lot of money on furniture - especially $900.00US for one chair.
However.
I’m a frugal girl which means I don’t mind spending as long as its worth it and for something that will last. And this was indeed a frugal purchase as I adore this chair and have never once regretted spending all that I did.
I seem to live in this chair. The ergonomics of it actually help me to work longer, more comfortably and with less fatigue than with any other chair. I’ve had it for a few years now and it still looks brand new - even after several moves and my careless ways.
I was staying at a friends place who had one and when I asked where she got her comfy new chair she said, “I got it over 10 years ago and hate getting out of it!” I knew I had to copy her and get one.
On a trip to their showroom in L.A., I went up the secret elevator, was greeted by a personal sales assistant who explained all the chairs, what it could do, fitted me and then wrote up a proposal. With a 25 year warrenty combined with everything else, it seems like money well spent. It was delivered without a hitch and has literally changed the way I work on the computer - no more fatigue or sore back. And I feel kind of swank when I sit to boot.
If you think of spending $200 on a chair you think is good, think again and go the extra mile for the Herman Miller. There’s a reason why they’re all in the top companies and why, once people buy them, fall in-love.
I’m still swooning.
Kenmore Elite Washer & Dryer
BUY AT: Sears
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had to use coin operated washing and drying machines which meant that often my clothes would go missing or come out not so clean. The old machines would leave smells that weren’t mine and it seemed almost futile to use “free” detergents (free of chemicals and perfume) for my sensitive skin since other people always put in bleach in for their clothes. And, of course, there was always the need for quarters and always being one short.
So when faced with a new home and having to purchase a new washer and dryer, I seized the opportunity to really find a great set that would suit my needs.
Chinese Bed Warmer
BUY AT: Gaiam
Years ago when I lived in England, I was in a constant state of cold for the home I lived in was terribly old (over 400 years) and drafty (3 wings with a bazillion windows, no insulation and stone floors). Despite having a fireplace in the room, I would still freeze and, jumping into bed, I would freeze some more until I got into the habit of using a bed warmer.
I thought bed warmers were for people who wore those ugly long nightcap things and spoke old english or the like. But, considering I was living under the same kind of roof as them (not much changes in an old home) then perhaps there was something to these bed warmers. And, after heating one up once and running it through my sheets, I was hooked.
Even though I don’t live in a drafty old home and I have a working indoor heating system, I think a bed warmer is still useful. I like to sleep with the air a bit chilly but this doesn’t help make a bed warm. If I warm up their air, then I have a warm bed but follow with a terrible sleep. Plus, not so economic to keep heat running.
Luckily, Gaiam sells a Chinese Bed Warmer which is not only funcional, but looks beautiful. Just add a little hot water, run it over your sheets and voila, warm bed without running high electric or gas bills for heating.
There’s something charming about tradition and something wonderful about simple function - and this covers both. But if it’s not enough, I’m sure you can find one of those ugly old nightgowns and caps, speak with a funny accent and pretend your sleeping in times of yore.
