Wish List: Super suitcases, cool kitchen gadgets, perfect picnic blankets
A scents of place
Fragrance zoning is about curating areas of your home with scents that reflect the mood of the room. Think welcoming, fresh scents in the hallway, zesty tangs for the kitchen and calming notes in the bedroom. Ortigia's Fico d'India perfume diffuser blends fig, cactus juice, and wild flowers from Sicily and comes in a beautiful keepsake box.
One whiff and I'm cruising down the Sicilian Riviera in a Maserati, clad head-to-toe in Dolce & Gabbana, a silk headscarf blowing in the Mediterranean breeze (Michele Morrone in the passenger seat is optional). Shop this diffuser, €55, at Pure Boutique, Douglas Court Shopping Centre in Cork.
Keeping it cool
We Irish have many unwritten laws pertaining to the weather. In winter, we hibernate; in summer, we stay out in our gardens past 10pm, without exception. We also have an intrinsic connection to our land — and inexplicably, to trolleys (don't tell me you don't have at least one brilliant story involving your younger self and a trolley).
Keep your summer salads fresh for longer and your drinks cold with the Cooler Be Cool, €330, from Interiosity in Cork. Nobody likes flat 7UP with a side of limp lettuce, am I right? Available to order at Interiosity.ie.
Chic coasters
Did you ever wonder why your elders were so particular about coasters? "They protect the wood," they said, when said wood was hidden under a tablecloth. Add a few years to my birth cert and suddenly, I'm beginning to understand the allure. Forget the "wine o'clock" novelty coasters and choose the gorgeous inlay chequered designs at Tooka, one of my favourite homeware and accessories brands.
Having tea on these beauties? Raise your pinkie in pride. Shop at Tooka.co.uk or Maisonflaneur.com.
Suited and booted
Show me the person who has travelled abroad who hasn't had a suitcase disaster or two. From the rogue wheels that insist on knocking knees with the crankiest of humans to the case of the mistaken suitcase on the carousel, I've learned my lessons the hard way, and my days of poor-quality, fabric suitcases are over.
Away suitcases consistently garner five-star reviews. Scan the QR code to set up the lock and take advantage of the built-in compression pad — some users say it allows for double the amount of clothes. The hard shell carry-on suitcase, about €258 from Away, does not compromise on form or function. It's available from Awaytravel.com or selected stockists.
Birds of a feather
Tell me you haven't beamed at the robin in the garden, convinced it's a sign from above. Or lost an hour looking at newly divorced birds (Google it)? Birdwatching is such a simple joy; it's impossible to feel glum looking at these bouncy, shiny, happy cheeky chappies. Saille Baskets' willow bird feeder, €48, almost resembles a nest.
Made from wicker, its teardrop shape is ideal for feeding smaller birds. Fill it with nuts, seeds and fat balls and watch the little cuties peck, perch and peep to their hearts' content. These beautifully woven bird feeders are all unique and one-of-a-kind and are available at the Irish Design Shop.
A chop off the old block
My nail tech once told me "nails are jewels, not tools". If you spend a significant amount on your gel refills every month, you don't want to ruin them by something as simple as chopping a carrot.
The KitchenAid Classic Mini Chopper, €111.99, does the work for you. Chopping is only half the fun — this mini-appliance also purees vegetables so you can hide them from your fussy toddler because the old adage of seeing in the dark ain't working anymore. How did our parents get away with that one? Shop at Nisbets in Blarney or on Nisbets.ie.
Biophilic design
Some of us were blessed with gardens, and some of us (he who shall not be named) opted for a patch of concrete. Low-maintenance? Sure. Low mood? You bet. You don't need me to list off all the studies that prove the benefits of having indoor flowers, you only have to look to see them breathe life into your living space.
Hang a few of these ATYM globe flowerpots, from €49, to create a gallery-style wall without taking up too much space. Check out Atymdesign.com or available stockists.
Technicolour dream blanket
Not all picnic blankets are created equal, and I'm inclined to agree with my mother that those "skimpy auld yokes" do you no good. The Pavilion plaid block-multicolour blanket from Hubsch, €118, is thick enough to also use as a bedspread. It's made from Oeko-Tex® Standard 100® cotton, meaning it's cosy enough to plant your behind down and read for the day without budging.
Big enough to share space with the family and bright enough to pick you out in a crowd, we love this blanket for so many reasons. Pack some Wexford strawberries, cocktail sausages and brie for the grown-ups and be nice to the seagulls — sure, they can't help being a bit boisterous. It's available at Lampmasters.ie.
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