3/15/2025

SOLHETTA LED Buln GU10 (345 lumen, dimmable)

I've been using this with my Sambord lamp. Nothing fancy about it. You plug it, rotate it a bit till clicks, and voila. This Solhetta warm light is perfect to create a relaxing atmosphere and for bedroom settings not as much for office settings. I realised I had ordered a warm white and not a cool white after receiving the order. I prefer cool white lighting for the office as this bulb doesn't light to a distance, or, said differently, is perfect for reading, if you are close to the lamp, but not as much to light half of the room or a good portion of it or help me at my computer. Also, I think the watts are too small for my room. My lamp is not dimmable, but this bulb is, so I can use it with a dimmable lamp I have. The expected life for this bulb is 25K hours and its power is like a 50W traditional bulb.
 
DESIGNER IKEA of Sweden

 

SMARRA Box with Lid (Natural, 30x30x23 cm)

I was delaying the purchase of this basket due to the price but, after having this in my wish list for over two years, I thought it was time to take the plunge.  
 
The basket is made of woven bamboo (a product I  love) coated in translucent lacquer. It looks organic, beautiful and elegant. I was able to put all my sewing materials inside, with plenty of space still left. It's also perfect to store phone charges, cables and small electric items inside, and any sort of crafty materials.

After having this at home, there are several things that I'd like to mention before you purchase this basket:
  1. The colour in the photos and the one you get is different, as the former is a bit more caramel-ish. It's lighter than other bamboo products I've purchased from Ikea. 
  2. This box is really large, so its volume might overwhelm the decor of a small room. It looks great inside cube furniture or on large shelves, though. 
  3. Despite its size and good looks, this isn't a solid basket. It woven loosely and has no internal reinforcements. I reinforced the bottom and the lid with some drawer mat leftovers,which are rigid by light. I wouldn't be storing anything heavy inside for this very reason. Volume doesn't always equal strength. 
  4. The lid doesn't lock securely, so it easily goes off if you stumble upon the basket. 
Overall, this is a lovely good-looking large decorative basket that you can use to store light stuff and hide clutter from view. However, it isn't sturdy. I find this product overpriced due to everything I've said.

DESIGNER IKEA of Sweden
 

SAMBORD Floor Reading Lamp (Black & White)

This Sambord floor and reading lamp is replacing my old studio/office lamp. I wanted something that occupies minimal space, doesn't have much cable out and with and adjustable head. This lamp fits the bill at a terrific price. The head is made of plastic and the rest is made of metal coated in powder paint.
 
The base is really heavy and holds the lamp tube firmly. The upper curved part of the lamp is made of flexible silicone, so you can bend it and adjust the head position, from totally upright to bend to suit my needs. This flexible part blends with the metallic tube beautifully. The cable goes inside the tube. The switch button is on top of the lamp head. 
 
This lamps with a two-point plug LED lamp that you need to purchase separately. Yet, it costs little.  
 
The assembly leaflet is super easy to follow and requires just your fingers and a wrench. 
 
For the price, you cannot expect the best lamp out there, but this is a terrific well-designed product that works well, is functional, looks well and costs little. 
 
DESIGNER Jens Fager
 

DAIDAI Plant Pot (Brass colour, 9 cm)

This is a small metallic plant pot covered in a matt brass coat. It has a vintage look but, due to being matte, it doesn't look tacky or cheap. I use it as holder for different office tools on my desk (scissors, cutting pens, fountain pens, hand cream and what's not). It goes well with the Scandy style of my home studio. Great price. 
DESIGNER Unknown

3/12/2025

YYXR Women Black Elastic Trimmer Belt

I bought this belt for work out of desperation. I wasn't sure whether the sizing would be true or the quality good for the price or would look good on me. I was positively surprised because sizing was correct (perfect), and the belt looks neat, polished and professional. The buckle is quite flat, so it doesn't add bulk to my waist. This sort of belt is really flattering as it helps create a narrow waist; besides, it perfectly tidies up skirts with a loose waist. The minimalist design is perfect as it's almost invisible. For the rest, it's very comfortable to wear all day long despite sitting for many hours.

The only downside is the elastic material appearance, which looks a bit unpolished and cheap from a closer look. Yet, nothing that most people would notice from a close distance. 

Excellent value for money.

3/10/2025

Pledge Gentle Wood Floor Cleaner 500 ml

I bought this brand because the one I normally use was not available. I use this cleaner as per the instructions. Unlike other floorboard cleaners, this one has the texture of honey or thick oil.

Two cups of the product in half or three-quarters of the bucket water are enough to get a lot of lather. This product spreads beautifully but the lather doesn't stay on the floor. The water spreads differently on the floor when I use this product even though I use the same mop as with the other brands. This cleaner leaves my floorboards really clean and shiny.

The scent is OK; not a chemical odour, but still noticeable and odd.

I use a self-polishing from another brand when this is dry, and they go together beautifully.

Good value for money.

VARIERA Drawer Mat (150 cm)

This is a large roll of thick good quality rugged plastic that can be used to protect kitchen drawers, cupboard shelves,  kitchen tops,  shelves in general, and even as floor mat on which to place small items of furniture. It can be cut easily. I placed part of it on top of my washing machine to protect it from the metal baskets I have on to of it, and it's great. It also limits the movement of the baskets when the washing machine is spinning. Great price and quality., and so many uses I can give it to it.

3/08/2025

Schwarzkopf Brilliance (89 Bitter Sweet Chocolate)

I've never tried this Schwartzkopf hair tint before even though this is a brand that I like. 
 
The package contains a large colour tube, a bottle with the developer, a generous tube with post-colour treatment, a pair of average plastic gloves and the instructions leaflet. All of this is average for most DIY hair colours I've tried. As I always do, after mixing the colour I used my professional colouring bowl and comb to get the best possible results. 
 
The quantity of product is more than enough for long hair if you want to do both regrowth and cover the rest  of the hair to unify the colour. 
 
I followed the instructions and the resulting colour was not as lovely as in the package photo, but it looks natural and nice. I left it on the roots and the rest o of the hair the time recommended in the leaflet. I would normally leave it longer on the roots as I have many thick rebel greys, but I didn't do it this time. The result is that the colour covered my greys but not enough to make the regrowth the same colour of the rest of the hair. It would have needed more time to fully achieve those results. 
 
The conditioner tube was quite large and it can be used for at least two washes if you have long hair, or three if you have it short. However, my hair is really dry at the moment, so I used it all. It detangled my hair beautifully and left it soft and shiny. 
 
I would say that I prefer other colouring brands, but this is still a good economic option. If your greys are many and thick, wavy or curly you might need to adjust the time to get a consistent uniform colour. 

ÅKERBÄR Plant Pot (Galvanised 6 cm)

This mini plant pot looks like something taken from my parents' childhood, a time when galvanised metal was widespread for household purposes. This size is really tiny. The product page photo does it justice. It does not have a waterhole on the bottom, so small cacti and succulents are perfect for this pot as they don't need much irrigation. They can be used indoors and outdoors, but I've always had them indoors. I use them as crayon holders, and I have them inside the Risatorp desktop organiser.

DESIGNER Willy Chong

SOCKERÄRT Vase/Jug (White, 16 & 22 cm)

I've had this for about 10 years and it still looks on trend and as new. This jug/vase is made of metal coated in a porcelain-like enamel. I've used it mostly as vase but also as stand-alone decor item. This is a timeless modern classic piece that looks beautiful in different rooms and amid different design styles. It's both contemporary in its minimalism and traditional as the Sockerart reminisces of the late-19th and early-20th century Southern European jugs. I delight in contemplation always, because of its creamy whiteness, the porcelain look, and the beautiful curves. The jug comes in two different sizes, and both are great. 
 
 DESIGNER Sigga Heimis
 
 

FLÅDIS Basket (Seagrass, 25 cm)

I've had two of these since they were first released. During these years, I've given them multiple uses and placed them in different rooms: magazines holder, umbrella holder, stand-alone decor item, laundry and crafts materials storage, to leave a winter throw in winter, and anything else you can imagine. I've used them both folded or unfolded depending on the room I placed them and the use I give them. They have an African flair to me, something that I love. They're made of sturdy flexible seagrass. Unlike other seagrass basketry, it doesn't shade at all. These baskets are super-easy to store away because of their flexibility and foldable design. The natural seagrass colour is beautiful and blends well with any home decor. The craftsmanship is fantastic.
 
DESIGNER Ikea of Sweden

3/02/2025

PRICKIG Microwave Lid (26 cm)

I really fancied this dome because I use the microwave everyday and I hate using single-use plastic film to cook or reheat food. This seemed like the perfect solution. It's made of sturdy grey-ish plastic with some geometrical motifs printed on it. It's perforated on the top to allow the steam to flow out. 
 
I hate disposing of plastic products, but I ended giving away this lid after months of barely any use. It didn't work for me and the microwave I own due to my microwave heating settings and size. 
 
The Prickig  was too bulky for my small microwave, and also too big to store it away when not in use. The whole point of buying this lid was to prevent food splatters and outbursts, which badly stain my microwave. I thought that the lid's thickness and perforated ceiling would help with those. However, this wasn't the case; so much so that sometimes, the lid will jump up. Also, the lid would heat up considerably.  
 
The lid is dishwasher safe (up to 100 degrees), but you'd need a large dishwasher to put it in. Washing before the first use is recommended. 
 
DESIGNER Unknown.

LAGG Pot Stand (Green, 18x18 cm)

I've had this silicone trivet for almost 10 years and it still looks contemporary. It does the job perfectly and can be stored anywhere as occupies barely any space. Probably, the colour is the only thing that has aged, but leaving aside the colour, it's still a great piece of design at a killer price. It's dishwasher safe and stands temperatures of up to 160°C. 
 
DESIGNER Sarah Fager.

MÅLA 6-piece Brush Set

I decided to give this Mala set a try due to the low price. These brushes are really small and have different tips (3 round and 3 flat) and short wooden handles. They're intended for children, so they won't fit your hands unless, like mine, are very small. The wooden material is birch covered with a translucent lacquer coat that protects the wood. The ferrule is made of aluminium while the bristles are made of soft white nylon. I find them pleasurable to use in sketching and art journaling. They get stained when using strong painting colours if you don't wash them immediately.

DESIGNERS S Fager & C Tubertini.

RISATORP Desk Organiser (White, 50x16x17 cm)

I was after this Risatorp desk organiser for months. First, it was a bit too pricey, then it wasn't delivered to my postcode. I was really excite when I was able to get it. 
 
I felt an immediate attraction towards this piece and design. The killer minimalist white epoxy and caramel bamboo colour combo, the mesh, the simplicity, the originality, the roundness, the floating legs. My eyes still spark when I look at it. 
 
It's longer and heavier than I expected or the product photos make you think. You'd need a long large desk for this organiser to look right on your desk. Otherwise, you might want to place it on the top of a shelf. The inside is compartmented, so this allows you to devote different spaces to different stuff.  I've put some of my crayons in recycled glass containers, a small pen holder with my most used markers and pencils, a small  square tissue box, a tiny tin box with my meds, hand cream, and a few other things, and there is still room for little items. 

Assembly was easy overall, but I had difficulty screwing one of the legs strait. 

DESIGNERS A-M Nilsson & A Wallgren.

3/01/2025

RISATORP Basket with Compartments (White, 33x24x23 cm)

Another stunner in the Risatorp basket world. This is a large basket with an inner bamboo divider and handle. It's made of the same materials as the other baskets in the line in the wonderful  Skandy style that I love. 
 
This basket is quite heavy, but it can be easy transported by the handle. The divider is great to keep different things separate. Like other Risatorp baskets I own, it's versatile. I've used it as bathroom toiletries container; one side for hair products, the other for cosmetics. I've used it as art desk organiser; I kept it on the floor with some basic painting tools and a water bottle. I've also used it to store socks and stockings, one on each compartment. Ditto for my workdays bras & panties, to have them at hand when I dress for work in the morning. I think this is perfect for a picnic or to carry small items of food and drinks to a foodie get-together. 

The inner wooden pieces have to be assembled. I found the positioning and screwing of them easy if you 'plug' the two wooden pieces to the handle bar before you position it inside. 
 
DESIGNER Wiebke Braasch.
 

LENNART Drawer Unit (30x34x56 cm)

I have three pieces of this Lennart drawer unit at home. I bought them because of the sweet clean simple design and great price. I can put these units under my desk or forming a mini console against the wall. I use them to store A4 notepads and loose paper sheets, acrylic paints tubes and inks. Despite its feeble appearance, this unit holds a lot of stuff and weight, 5 kilos per drawer, and a bit extra on the top. 
 
Personally, I'd buy a different drawer unit if I wanted to store office documents or have it in a home office that receives visitors. However, this unit is great for arts and crafts storage, especially if you're on a budget and you expect paint splashes to fall on it. Said differently, I wouldn't cry if this got ruined by my paints.
 
Assembly is easy, and the resulting unit is light, cute and compact.  

I suggest reinforcing the drawers base with thick cardboard to make it stronger. 

DOWNSIDES
  • > The unit only has castor on the back legs. It had been great if it had it on the four legs. They are OK to move the unit, by lifting the front and rolling the back. Yet, if the drawers are full, they aren't the best rolling castors.
  • > The front lowest side has a lot of empty space that could have been used to place another drawer.   
  • > The back crossbar doesn't properly protect the drawers rear. The bar is meant to act as a stop for the drawers not to fall off backwards, but the crossbar is a bit too thin and on the short side; shorter than they should be, I think.  
DESIGNER Jon Karlsson.

SANNAHED Frame (White, 50x50 cm)

This Sannahed frame is the largest of the line and is made of a sturdy fibreboard conglomerate coated in matte white. It comes with an enclosed acid-free paper mount, a glass-like glossy plastic cover, a back rest flap and wall hook. It's easy to assemble especially if you follow your intuition and not the confusing assembly leaflet! 
 
This frame is really large but still looks amazing. Like the rest of the line, it's minimalist, stylish and contemporary. I cannot stress enough the compliments that this frame gets me. I placed it on an easel with a painting of mine, and it looks like taken out of an art gallery.

The thickness of the edge is the same as that of the smallest frame, 6 cms. That being the case, I wouldn't place this large frame vertically on its edge because would tip-over. Use the back flap, an easel or hang it from the wall instead. 
 
MIND
> The 'glass' cover is coated with a thin piece of removable self-adhesive film that you have to remove before display. 
> This 'glass' is very glossy, so mind the light source and where you place the frame; otherwise, the glare would ruin the display. 
> If you use the mount, you can only showcase a 30x30 painting/picture; or a 50x50cm painting without the mount.
> Frame overall sizing is 52x52 cms.  
> Instructions leaflet isn't the best.

DESIGNER  Who knows.

ASSEMBLY LEAFLET

 


SANNAHED Frame (White, 25x25 cm)

This Sannahed frame is made of a solid sturdy conglomerate coated in matte white paint and comes with an enclosed acid-free paper passepartout (mount). The 'glass' is actually a translucent glossy plastic. The frame comes with a resting back flap and a wall hook attached to it. 
 
This frame is perfect for both small paintings and dimensional art projects (light boxes for example). It looks classy, stylish, contemporary and professionally made. I cannot stress enough the compliments that this little frame gets me. People are surprised when I tell them that this is from Ikea and the price I paid for it. 

My preferred display position is not on the wall, but resting vertically on its edge on a shelf, console or similar, something easily achievable due to the edge being 6cm thick.  You can easily recline it by using the back flap.
 
THINGS TO MIND
> The 'glass' cover is coated with a thin piece of removable film that you have to remove before display. 
> This 'glass' is very shiny, so mind the light source and where you place the frame, as, otherwise, the glare would ruin the display experience. 
> If using the passepartout, you can only showcase a 13x13 painting or picture; or a 25x25 painting without the passepartout.
> The frame overall sizing is 27x27 cms. 

DESIGNER  Not mentioned.

ASSEMBLY LEAFLET

BERGENES Holder for mobile phone/tablet

Less is more and this Bergenes phone holder is the perfect example. It's made of a solid piece of bamboo protected by a translucent lacquer coat. It looks stylish, it's environmentally friendly and lasts for a long time. I'd dare to say that it's almost unbreakable. I've had this for years and still looks as new.

The two slots have different thickness, which allow phones and tablets of different sizes (up to 11") to fit in. The phone or tablet stands in an inclined vertical position that is really handy if you put it on the table while video-calling. 
 
You can store this holder anywhere and, if you want to keep it in view, it occupies barely any space. Price is ridiculously cheap. 
 
DESIGNER Ikea of Sweden team. 

TROTTEN Storage Unit on Castors (White, 35x47 cm)

I have two of these and I was going to buy another two when the product was discontinued in Australia (still available in other countries' Ikea). 

The versatility of the product, how easy is to tuck it away and the many rooms I can use it in, make it a perfect storage solution for my home. I can use it as office storage, which is what was designed for. I can also use this unit as a sofa coffee table in my living room to keep a water bottle, mugs, glasses, napkins and other coffee/tea tools easily tucket away. I can use it as bedside table to store my pyjamas, sleepers/ugg boots, and a light throw). I currently use it as an office storage box with materials that I don't use often, and I've put an Eket cube with door on it, and they look fabulous together.  
 
The Skandi style is minimalist but eye-catching. The bamboo lid is excellent quality, very thick, sturdy and good looking. The shell is metallic, coated in an elegant matte antique-white epoxy. It's easy to carry around by hand if I don't put much stuff inside; otherwise, the castors do the job. Despite it's apparently wobbliness, this unit can securely hold tons of stuff inside and on top of it. The castors are also excellent, and roll smoothly.
 
The main downside of this unit was the tricky assembly. The instructions leaflet is good. You have to click in the different panels together, align them properly, and then insert the castors' screws perfectly as these are the only thing that hold the structure together. Getting all perfectly aligned without the structure falling apart was difficult. The unit looks less sturdy than it is. 
 
DESIGNER Francis Cayouette

RISATORP Square Basket (White, 25x26x18 cm)

This is the first Risatorp basket that came to the market and the first one I bought. I have several already and they are a must at home. This basket looks small but accommodates tons of stuff, and it's easy to store anywhere. If you want to keep it outside,  looks great and stylish. I've given this basket different uses, from my office to my laundry, from my kitchen to my bedroom and currently sit in my bathroom.  The mesh body makes it light, and the bamboo handle makes carrying stuff inside a breeze. This is an Ikea classic  design, easily recognizable, and has has been imitated by big stores (Target and Kmart for example).
 
DESIGNER Wiebke Braasch

 

RISATORP Rectangular Basket (White, 27x42x23 cm)

I love the Risatorp baskets line, and this model is the most useful of the many models I have. This has proven to be the most versatile, the one with most capacity and the easiest one to store. I've moved this around my place many times and and I've given it different uses. As  storage for my laundry cleaning products on top of my washing machine. I've used it as shower "caddy" to put all my most used daily toiletries. I've used it as sockets and stockings 'drawer'. I've used it as stationary storage.  

This basket is great. It looks good in my studio/office, laundry, bathroom and kitchen. It hasn't broken or deteriorated despite the weight I've put inside. It's easy to move around thanks to the sturdy handles. It's easy to clean. The rectangular narrow shape makes it easy to use in small spaces, and it's easy to stack too. I've had it for several years and still looks as new. In one word, this is a must at home and I have a couple o them.  

DESIGNER Wiebke Braasch
 

KNALLA B&W Bag (40x25x47cm, 47 L)

This is a very good looking XL weightless plastic storage bag, that I use to put away my winter lining and mattress covers. The bag can be used to store laundry, or to put your recycled plastics, or when packing towels and linen if you move houses.  I love the cool geometric B&W pattern. It can be washed by hand. Maximum load is 10 kg, which is remarkable for such a light bag. The zips are secure and are still intact after 2-3 years of use.

DESIGNERS Edholm/L Ullenius