They say home is where the heart is — and it’s also where most people spend a majority of their time — so it’s important that your abode is not only comfortable, but also practical for your lifestyle.
And whether you’re single and living in a micro-suite in Yaletown or a family enjoying life in the River District, you’re going to want to add a touch of personality to your home. For some that means hitting the thrift stores, for others it’s checking out discount retailers, such as HomeSense or Real Canadian Superstore, while yet others head to high-end design stores.
The days leading up to the holidays are a great time to take a look around your place and take stock — and maybe plan a re-fresh. It often doesn’t take much to make you fall back in love with your home, so here are just a few ideas to get you started — just in time for the holidays.
Fans of one-pot cooking, slow cookers, steaming food, baking, frying, rice cookers and more will enjoy showing off their mad kitchen skills with this all-in-one T-fal Acticook and Stir, which also includes an intelligent stirring paddle. This multi-cooker features 18 cooking settings, as well as a manual mode for customized cooking. It’s also compact, making it ideal for small spaces (Hello, Vancouver rental and real estate markets).
The cooker’s durable pot, made up of six layers, with convenient auto-rinse function, provides even heat circulation for more successful cooking. Thanks to smart Fuzzy Logic technology, the time and temperature are automatically adjusted for perfect results, while a delayed-start function of up to 24 hours ensures your meals are ready when you are. Included with the multi-cooker are a rice spatula, soup ladle, measuring cup, steam basket and recipe book — everything you need make delicious meals easy.
And with the holidays coming, you can use the T-fal Acticook and Stir for everything from duck with cherry sauce to Christmas pudding and seafood risotto to green chicken curry pilaf with rice and vegetables — all in one pot! Available locally at London Drugs and Canadian Tire.
SodaStream Fizzi: Rose gold
This classic sparkling water maker turns tap water into wine — kidding — but it doe takes your tap water from flat to fizzed in seconds. The compact cordless design doesn't require electricity so it easily fits anywhere in your home. Even better, a SodaStream also helps cut down on single-use plastic. Numerous locations, including Walmart, London Drugs, Canadian Tire.
Honda ultra-quiet 2200i: Power outage protection
In the last big power outage we lived through a couple of years ago, we lost a freezer full of food and, even worse, access to social media because we had no way to charge our phones and computers.
The 2200i will help you get through a short-term power outage with peace of mind. The 2200i offers 2,200 watts of 120 VAC power, perfect for fridges, TVs, coffee pots, phones and more.
All of Honda’s generators come equipped with Cold Climate Technology and a breather heat system helps prevent generator shutdown, so you’re never left out in the cold. With a rated load sound output of 57 dB, the 2200i operates at about the same volume as normal conversational speech.
Lightweight in a charming suitcase-style shell, this turntable is easy to use and a delight to hear. Built-in speakers can project music the old fashioned way or a headphone jack means you can also listen solo. Available at various locations, including Indigo.
Burdock & Co cookbook: Poetic recipes inspired by ocean, land and air
At Burdock & Co, chef Andrea Carlson harnesses the essence and power of the Pacific Northwest's coastlines and creates ground-breaking menus. And, now you too can create some of her award-winning recipes with this beautiful book, available at various locations, including Burdock & Co restaurant at 2702 Main St.
You don’t need a lot of space to enjoy this 10-litre etched-glass aquarium from Aquariums West on Beatty Street, which is small enough for a child’s room or an adult’s desk.
For the hockey player(s) in your life. These bowls and mugs ($5 each) from Real Canadian Superstore also come in white and grey with tree and mittens designs, but the red versions with hockey sticks are my favourites. Enjoy or serve holiday food (or cereal) in this festive bowl. Dishwasher and microwave safe.
sthomas@vancourier.com
@sthomas10
