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.
Is it getting hot in here? Yes. I love summer but not what it does to my flat. Stuffy, hot, undesirable air fills my tiny space, making it hard to work during the day or sleep at night. Windows open don’t work. What does? The Vornado!
My flat is tiny, my kitchen even smaller so I can’t have blender and gadgets all over my very limited counter space. Besides, in the morning, I’m not the brightest bulb and shouldn’t be operating electrics, anyway.
These are my everyday-isn’t life grand-time for tea mugs. They’re what I use for simple occasions, morning drinks, afternoon tea, hot chocolate and sometimes ice-cream. The size is generous, they’re easy to hold (which is perfect for warming up cold hands) and they’re incredibly pretty. Each one has a unique pattern.
Savouring a latte on a cold day becomes an experience when you do so with one of these true latte bowls. In various pretty colours to mix and match, they’re easy to hold, beautiful to look at and practical for both coffee, soups and cerals. Also excellent as a hostess gift.
It’s passe to bring wine and flowers as a hostess gift (learned after hearing “I’m a recovering alcoholic one too many times or “i have allergies”) so instead, bring something useful, beautiful and unique - and this wonderful hand washing and cream seems to be perfect.
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 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.