What item have you bought that you adore and use a lot?

[loadthewash]

I bought an Amazon Alexa and I can honestly say it's saved me. My life is so much less chaotic! I have ADHD and I can..

Add things to my shopping list just by shouting them out! So I don't have to remember to write anything down, or forget what it was that I was going to write, I just say it there and then

I can ask my Alexa to play brown noise to help me sleep

I can say 'Alexa, start my day' - and she will tell me a random fact, tell me the time and the weather outside, and then put on my favourite radio station

I love her! Not an advert as I don't particularly like Amazon - never really 'same day delivery' and they put their prime costs up

I also use my omelette maker a lot. I suffer from executive functioning issues, big part of my ADHD. This means I get a half decent bit of food that's easy to make

The heated throw Mumsnet told me to get in august

My Pelaton bike - had it 2 years now and it has allowed me to finally incorporate regular exercise into my life - it was expensive but I use it way more than I’ve ever used any gym membership. It’s removed all the barriers that used to stand in the way of working out!

@cleowasmycat It looks like this one but also this one. I think they've changed the designs as was bought about 5 years ago, definitely called La Specialista though. I don't know if I 'love' it, the coffee is good but I've only ever used one other coffee machine and I'm no connoisseur.

It's done probably 4-5 espressos a day for several years and we've had no issues. I find it easy enough to operate after a bit of practice.

Replaced a previous Delonghi one we had that only did ground coffee but lasted us 18 years. We really rate their machines.

Yeah. We've all got one now.

Yep you are my people.

A lambs wool blanket from Toast for the sofa. I bought it as a birthday present to myself and I love it - beautiful and super cosy.

@RhubarbFairy I’ve long been tempted by Dublin boots but I have chunky calves (hockey player muscles, now run to fat). How are they got wide fit calves do you think?

@ARoastPotato My husband looked up how best to froth milk (he’s the kind of person who reads manuals…). My advice would be to think about what kind of coffee you want. For cappuccino, you want frothy so move the steamer end more up to the top of the jug so it froths nicely. If you want a flat white or latte effect, you want smoother milk so keep the steamer end down at the bottom of the jug. Also, steam for longer than you think necessary, and use less milk than you think would be necessary. Just my tips from DH’s research and my trial and error!

@CourtAppointedHairdresser tell me more about your tent pls?

@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie yes there’s a lot of love for Chanel lipstick, isn’t there! They’re eye wateringly expensive. I have two and I really enjoy using them as they feel fancy and special and I don’t think I’ve ever spent nearly £40 on a single piece of make up before.

They don’t work for everyone I guess. There’s a sort of counterpoint thread on ‘what did you splurge on that wasn’t worth it’ that’s also active. Chanel lipsticks have been mentioned - and there’s as much hate for the Dyson Airwrap on there as there is love for it on here!

@mamacattiva

Ooh - can you tell me what chopper?? This is exactly what I need

@stuntbubbles i feel silly even asking this but what’s the name of butter with sea salt that you use? I’ve come across it in France but not here.

Also is the bbhug good when not pregnant too? I ordered one when pregnant and it got lost in the post (TWICE) and if I have a second child I’m considering getting one. But it’s only worth it for me if it is also good when not pregs, I think.

@familyissues12345 if I may weigh in on podcasts, my faves are

• Teacher’s Pet
• S Town
• Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe’s Parenting Hell
• Loremen
• Death, Sex and Money

@RandomCatGenerator I’ll need to check the fridge; I buy whatever’s on sale in Waitrose or farm shops usually!

bbhug-wise, I got this one while pregnant and I’m due next month – I’ve been told it’ll be useful for support in the early days of feeding but not sure whether it’s a beyond pregnancy pillow. DD already has her beady eye on it as a playing snake for her room though so it may pay off that way!

@RandomCatGenerator haven’t tried this one yet, will report back!

I might treat myself to one for Christmas. :)

@RandomCatGenerator tesco finest do a West Country butter with sea salt crystals that is excellent .

Thanks @Floralnomad!

Fab thanks @RandomCatGenerator !

Electric blanket
Eufy
Nespresso machine

I think mumsnet is to blame for all of these purchases !

@familyissues12345 the podcast I've listened to a few times now is called A wish for Afghanistan which is hosted by the BBC's chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet. I've really enjoyed listening to it.

AirWrap. Differing from pp, my hair is super fine and just lies there like an old worn out mop. With AirWrap I literally need 3 minutes to get a just out of salon bouncy sleek hair.

And Kindle of course. I spent all my holidays looking for local book shops when I had inevitably finished all my books. Best thing for reading both in dark and in bright sunshine.

Mostly make up as I am a make up junkie!

Erborian BB and CC creams
Bobbie Brown vitamin cream (cannot remember correct title)
Soap and Glory Blot matting powder (a Godsend!)
Lisa Eldridge lipsticks, especially Palazzo - a great colour!
Caudilie - Beauty Elixer spray
Various perfumes- Femme, Mitsouko, Lheure Bleu, Dune, Alyssha Ashley Musk

Oh and Skechers. Comfort is key!

My IKEA Gronlid sofa makes me so happy. Previous sofa was a fancy one, but with small kids, full of all kinds of stains and surface cleaning only does so much. With IKEA, you can just pull the covers off, throw them into the washing machine and sofa looks like new again.

A bean to cup coffee machine. It’s wonderful, and I don’t buy coffee anymore.

Eyebrow mascara. I’m blonde and don’t wear much makeup, but it honestly completely makes me look put together and along with a slick of mascara gives me a full madeup look without any other makeup.

I also love my Shark pet upright, it’s amazing, and the little vacuum we have for the window condensation. Used daily!

Your bed sounds wonderful! Would you mind sharing the name of the company with us? 🙏

@RandomCatGenerator Bought a Chanel lipstick today in Gabrielle - it's a thing of beauty.