What have been your best presents or purchases over the last two years?

[Imissmoominmama]

Over lockdown, my priorities changed a bit. I realised the benefit of not exhausting myself in the name of work. I craved adventure, and peace of mind over having stuff. That said, I was just pondering on what I wouldn’t want to do without.

My favourite presents over the last two years have been my rescue dog, and the hanging egg chair that I’m currently in, with him on my knee. Both bring me joy.

My favourite purchase was a full face snorkel. I have loved swimming in lakes and rivers over the last couple of years, especially when we were only allowed one lot of exercise a day. I’d walk to a secluded spot on the river and swim around looking at the fish. As we were able to venture further, I’ve taken it everywhere I’ve been camping.

I’m no longer really interested in buying stuff that’s not practical, but these are three things I wouldn’t want to be without now.

What physical thing has enhanced your life since lockdown?

actually it was 2019
i bought a fan.
the following few years i bought more
i had to buy them for work and saw how accessible they were!
very relevant today

😁- we bought one on holiday in Italy (camping in 40 degrees!) a few weeks ago, and it’s proving very useful!

A kindle with a backlight. I can now read in bed without disturbing OH in the small hours when I can't sleep. I still use the old one in the garden so it's not wasted.

Two £1 travel mugs from Asda. Don’t usually shop there. Picked them up as they were so cheap. Use them all the time and have saved a fortune in coffees out.

My Sage coffee machine. I bought it six months ago and I use it every day. I love it so much! Saves me some money buying coffees out and it looks so smart in my kitchen too.

I have also just bought some AirPods and think they have the potential to be very life enhancing but I haven't tried them out in enough situations yet to be sure.

Neck fan which I've got on now and my youngest dog

An air fryer, I love it.

Air fryers are good. I forgot I’d bought one of those too. I can’t remember the last time I used the oven or grill.

Dyson fan, it was the most ridiculously expensive gift to myself during 2020, however a few days every year its the bees knees !

I bet you’re enjoying that at the moment! 💨

Air fryer.

Reclining garden chair.

Electric piano. Piano stool.

A winter onezie. Like a snow suit but for working/fishing in. I no longer freeze during winter nights at Guides/Christmas market/trip to see the lights. It means Im not completely exhausted by an outing.

Weighted duvet.

An electric blanket / throw. I really feel the cold and it's much cheaper to heat me rather than the whole house.
A rice cooker/steamer. We eat a lot of rice and this cooks it to perfection

Back in 2018 2 bargain mini greenhouses..
Currently full of tomato plants, chilli plants, peppers, catnip and beetroots!
In March 2020 I entered the world of gardening!
Saved my sanity for sure.

My best mate bought me a Sonos and I love it. Bought myself a Very Kerry dressing gown with the first month of my pay rise, which I love. Also bought some new trainer socks which may sound like an unexciting item, but these aren't doing that FUCKING RILING thing of rolling down inside my shoes yetand for that, they are priceless.

@DecimatedDreams which socks ? Mine are SO BAD for that. It's either wear bigger ones you can see (hate that) or wear them inside but halfway down my foot 😬

My nespresso machine and my kindle. Put me on a deserted island and I will be happy with life.

I've always had this problem then a friend told me to size down and it has made a great difference. Instead of buying 6-10 I now buy 2-5 (I think)
Mine are only cheapy Primark ones

One is my rescue dog, who I got in 2020. The other is a camera so I can watch her while I’m at work, talk to her and I can feed her treats from it!

One of these towels. I put it on out of the shower and can dry my hair and sit around in it until I can be bothered to get dressed!

Hooded towel robe

A noodle
Kindle
Good slippers & garden furniture
All used everyday

My kitchen aid mixer. Was a treat to myself after an unexpected bonus. Absolutely love it and wonder how I managed without it. Plus it's a beautiful colour so looks pretty too.

Very cheap purchase of a little holder that goes on the dog lead. No more stressing about poo bags or finding them in every single pocket ever!

A tummy tuck last year. I'd toyed with the idea of having one ever since DD2 was born 18 years ago, leaving me with diastasis recti and looking permanently 5 months pregnant. I was a standard size 12 but my busted tummy was a size 16. Yuck.

Finally took the plunge and found a superb surgeon who did an amazing job, that looks so natural and flattering. I'm nearly 52 so certainly didn't want that excessive 'snatched' waist look you see on SM. But my tummy is now smooth and taut and I can casually tuck my tops in without a second's thought. When I cut out the carbs for a few weeks you can even see the very (very, very) faint outline of an actual 6-pack!!!

A Dyson fan (am menopausal and it's currently my best friend 😂)

A garden hammock

A bespoke beech wardrobe. (Cost no more than I'd have paid at Sliderobes etc, but is BEAUTIFUL)

A dehumidifier. Cost £250 so I put I put it off for ages because it's the least fun purchase ever, but my god it is so good. No more condensation or mould or dripping windows in winter! And it purifies the air as well!