7 items that should be added to your Christmas wishlist

7 items that should be added to your Christmas wishlist

Gadgets can make life more enjoyable. They not only give people new fun things to play with, but they also improve their daily lives in ways people could not imagine before.

Here are 7 items that you should be adding to your Christmas wishlist this year…

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1. Mist maker diffuser

Essential oils have numerous health benefits, but not everyone enjoys diffusing them using candles or electric heaters. The mist maker is a safe alternative for homes with pets and kids since it uses water instead of fire to distribute essential oils throughout your room. It also has an ultrasonic ionizing filter that breaks down molecules into micro-sized particles, which means more medicinal properties end up in the air for inhalation!

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2. Automatic milk frother

Ever wake up with an intense craving for a creamy latte or cappuccino? With the automatic milk frother, you can buy whole beans and grind them right before making each cup of coffee, so it’s as fresh as possible. Then, simply place the beans in the hopper, choose between single or double shots of espresso, pour in whole or skimmed milk (or soy/almond/coconut milk if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant), press start and watch it go.

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3. Steam washer & dryer

Two appliances, the steam washer and dryer, are making their way into homes across the globe. These high-efficiency washing machines take much less time than traditional washers to wash clothes. In addition, they use about 45% less water than conventional top-loaders in addition to electricity for heat.

Just remember, as with every dryer, the machine must be maintained and cleaned with dryer vent cleaning. The results are comparable to a front loader, but without having to deal with an agitator in the centre of your clothes. Also, this machine is great if you have sensitive skin because it uses no harsh chemicals or perfumes that can irritate sensitive skin areas like the underarms or neckline, unlike many other detergents.

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4. Gas cooker

A gas stove will allow your cooking to be much speedier as opposed to using an electric stove which takes longer because of the resistance in electricity and also, if you’ve ever used a gas cooker, there’s something extremely satisfying about cooking with a naked flame. But, of course, the price for this will vary because, again, it depends on the brand and model.

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5. Coffee machine

A coffee machine is always a great idea for Christmas, and if you think about it, it’s something that everyone needs, especially in the morning when they’re half asleep and struggling to function.

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6. Coffee grinder

This product isn’t necessary as an everyday thing, but it is a great idea for special occasions such as Christmas. The price varies, but they can get pretty pricey if you’re looking for an electric one that grinds your coffee beans automatically.

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7. Blender

Blenders are one of those things that you really need if you like smoothies or milkshakes, or baby food! They’re a great investment because they usually last a very long time, and they should be one of the items that last for many years in your kitchen as they should be something that is used daily without fail.

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Decorating your house for Christmas, in three simple steps

Decorating your house for Christmas, in three simple steps

Christmas comes but once a year – and yet every time it seems to creep up on you. This time, though, could be your chance to get the edge on the festive celebrations; and with a recent study suggesting that putting Christmas decorations up early can improve your mood, what more do you need? Still, decorating your house for Christmas is a creative endeavour, and it can be difficult to dream up new ideas. In this post, we’ll take a look at three steps to decorating your home in time for the holidays and the various ways in which you can employ them.

Family choosing a tree at a Christmas tree farm

Choosing your tree(s)

There are many shapes and sizes of Christmas tree for you to choose from, as well as the decision of whether or not to purchase a live tree at all. Your selection will depend on the placement of the tree – or indeed trees, in your home. The dimensions and décor of a given space can make a world of difference with regards to how your tree looks. More traditional, mid-century living spaces would benefit from a live Christmas tree, and larger spaces could fit a well-sized Balsam Fir. If your living room is more contemporary in style, you might want to consider a smaller Scotch Pine – which comes with the added benefit of longer-lasting needles.

If you’re intending to go for a live Christmas tree in your living room this season, follow these steps to make sure you get the longest-lasting tree you can: firstly, take a needle and try to bend it between your fingers. A fresh pine’s needle would bend, whereas a fresh fir needle would snap. Now, tug on one of the branches, and see how many needles fall off. If many do, the tree isn’t fresh and may lose its vibrancy before the big day!

Mantlepiece decorated for Christmas

Interior decorations

Your first step when it comes to decorating inside for Christmas should be to remove any visible clutter. This is a great opportunity for a clear-out, after which you’ll be left with the perfect canvas for your creative vision. Start with tinsel across door frames and over to light fittings and consider using fairy lights as an alternative to secondary lighting for an extra festive twist.

An inexpensive way to decorate your living space is to utilise your Christmas cards; there are many solutions for displaying Christmas cards prominently, whether you prop them up on a mantelpiece or windowsill, or create a garland out of twine and small pegs to hang over your fireplace.

Illuminated Christmas decorations in a front yard

Exterior decorations

Lastly, you come to the outside of your home. What you do here is hugely dependent on the kind of space you have available. With a full front garden at your disposal, you have an excellent opportunity to introduce Christmas-tree-style decorations to your garden trees and install Christmas dioramas on the grass. If you don’t have a garden, you can still exercise your creativity with a doorstep nativity scene or even a mini lighting-display above your front door.

Inflatables are an easy and outstanding way to decorate the outdoors of the house for Christmas as well. They come in all shapes and sizes, from Santa Claus to reindeer, and can be custom-made to unrepeatable specifications. What’s more, unique custom-made inflatables are easy to set up and take down, making them a great option for busy home-owners. Inflatables are also a great way to add some festive cheer to your yard or garden, and they can be enjoyed by both young and old. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Santa Claus or something more unique, inflatables are an ideal way to decorate your home for Christmas.

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