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.

Continue reading »

BUY AT: Electric Coast Scooters

I confess, I do not own this – yet. But I discovered it a few months ago when, on a trip to Vancouver, I met the Swiss-born engineer who designed and built these battery-powered bikes. That’s right, battery powered.

What this means is you do not have to have a license to drive it. You do not need insurance to drive it. You do not need gas to drive it. And if your battery runs out, there are little pedals for you to push (although most people remove these).

There’s adequate storage, great lightening depending on the model, a comfy seat and power! These things really go! I took one for a spin around the block and it was love. Starting at around $1100 Canadian ($1000.00 US) these are great alternatives to cars, mopeds, bikes and scooters, giving you speed without having to pay for gas and insurance. Love that!

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.