The Vivienne Files

Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature

  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Articles
    • Starting From Scratch
    • Common Wardrobe
    • Packing
    • Start With Art
    • Project 333
    • 4×4 Wardrobes
    • Weekly Timeless Wardrobes
    • Archives by Date
    • Archives by Categories & Tags
  • Support The Vivienne Files
    • Books, Clothes & more
    • Templates & Color Planners
  • Contact
Home » Wee gizmos that make my life easier and better

Wee gizmos that make my life easier and better

July 9, 2013
 
First thing in the morning, chez nous, is coffee. Not negotiable, and certainly not optional.  But in the super-hot weather, heating water for the French press can bring added heat to the wee apartment that is NOT necessary.  But we discovered the idea of the electric kettle when we lived in Ireland – furnished apartments included the kettle!  And it heats up a full pot of water in about a minute, AND you can adjust the temperature for the nuances of optimizing black tea, green tea, French press coffee etc. It doesn’t leave behind a hot stove burner, and it uses electricity for only a very short period of time.  Through the day, when I want to drink tea, I turn it on repeatedly…
 

electric kettle – Breville

 
Our very lovely little apartment has one ENTIRE wall of windows.  Most of the time this is a source of beauty and delight, but sometimes, it makes sleep more difficult.  I could never wear sleep masks because the pressure on my eyelids made me feel claustrophobic.  One of belovedest’s closest friends bought us a couple of these nifty masks  – they’re molded foam, shaped so that you can OPEN YOUR EYES while you’re wearing them.  It takes about 2 minutes to get used to wearing them – they’re feather-light – and they transform sleep during the “long daylight” parts of the year.  And on an airplane, they’re amazing.  The flickering from other people’s movies and activities is completely blocked out.  When coupled with good earplugs or headphones, sleep is almost possible, even in coach class!
 

eye mask – Bucky

Extremely inexpensive, lightweight, folds down into most handbags, and essential when power surges hit – I would be a very unhappy girl without my hand fans.  Muji carries them from time to time, with aluminum frames – if you ever see those, grab a couple.

hand fan – Luna Bazaar

I have a problematic relationship with nail polish; while I’m certainly not immune to the appeal of shiny toes during sandal season, I’m not really willing to get involved in spending the money, the time, the chemicals, nor the non-recyclable little bottles and brushes. It’s maddening to me to get my nails done, knowing full well that it’s only the most temporary of gestures, due to start looking worn and chippy in just a short time.  Even the “chip-proof” gel polishes will grow out… But I DO like nice-looking hands, so I’ve started buffing my nails.  These little blocks cover all of the necessary steps, take up no space, and last for months…

nail buffer – Sephora

As with all things, your mileage may vary!

 
love,
Janice
Tweet
Pin
Share
0 Shares

07.09.13 10 Comments

<<Building a Capsule Wardrobe by Starting with Art: L’Estaque by Georges BraquePacking for Special Occasions: A Floral Coat, and Flower Colors>>

Comments

  1. VPL says

    July 9, 2013 at 11:03 am

    unexpected post from a fashion blogger lol I have that exact kettle cheap as chips here in Australia – LOVE IT !!

    Reply
    • Janice Riggs says

      July 9, 2013 at 11:40 am

      Ah, I am trying to be a STYLE blogger – more long-term than fashion. And sometimes, I just want to talk about some of my favorite things, that someone may not have noticed, but that make life a bit better. Making our lives more joyful is what I most want to do!

      Reply
    • VPL says

      July 10, 2013 at 3:01 am

      well the eye mask tip may just improve my travel life for the better so goal achieved Janice xx

      Reply
  2. Virginia says

    July 9, 2013 at 1:34 pm

    Found one of those lovely folding fans in a box from my mom's apartment. Fabulous little gizmo to get the internal thermostat back into normal range. And a nail buffer should be a required tool for all women; you'll never smear a buffed nail. :)

    Reply
  3. Kristien62 says

    July 9, 2013 at 1:56 pm

    I love pedicures and manicures, but agree that they are expensive and time intensive. In summer, I indulge while my toes are still exposed and will do the occasional manicure. But why should I not have the manicure and ask the technician to simply buff? The manicure would certainly last longer, wouldn't?

    Since I do the occasional mani/pedi, I have opted to stop buying nail polishes which simply languish in a box until they turn to goop. When the mani-polish wears off, it stays off.

    Reply
  4. Cornelia says

    July 9, 2013 at 9:14 pm

    I am with you on the manicures. It is filed under the life I would like to live.I don't ever seem to be still long enough to get my wear out of it. Now for the toes, at least I can do my weekly ironing while I tend to them. Love my Breville kettle, and will give these shades a try.

    Reply
  5. Wendy says

    July 10, 2013 at 1:23 am

    You're so right about the electric kettle. I have a Cuisenart version that I cannot imagine living without!

    Reply
  6. Gillian Layne says

    July 10, 2013 at 10:22 am

    Loving that kettle, thanks so much for the tip!

    Reply
  7. Anonymous says

    July 11, 2013 at 2:07 am

    Eye mask is on my list of "must buy" purchases- will make great small gifts too!

    Thanks – oh, and please, please do a collection based on a Gauguin painting.

    Reply
  8. Molly says

    February 15, 2016 at 9:31 am

    The electric kettle, liked the most. The ultimate one of this collection. Thanks to you for sharing. :)

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

logo
The Vivienne Files is a unique personal style blog with carefully-selected capsule wardrobes based on color palettes drawn from works of art, nature, and more. It helps women buy less clothing, and to love what they buy. Read more...
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS

STAY UP TO DATE

Privacy Policy

Recent Posts

  • A Different Take On Scarf Colors Start With a Scarf - Fleur Royale scarf by Artifact.A Different Take On Scarf Colors: Start With a Scarf – Fleur Royale scarf by Artifact.
  • Uncertain Weather on Your Long Weekend Start With Art - Study for Spring Madonna by Mainie JellettUncertain Weather on Your Long Weekend? Start With Art – Study for Spring Madonna by Mainie Jellett
  • May 2025 Six Paintings – 12 Months #6 – Eiffel Tower by Robert DelaunayMay 2025 Six Paintings – 12 Months #6 – Eiffel Tower by Robert Delaunay
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 The Vivienne Files | All Rights Reserved - Built with ♥ by RockFort Media

THE VIVIENNE FILES IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR US TO EARN FEES BY LINKING TO AMAZON.COM AND AFFILIATED SITES.