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This year, we’re returning to sedentary life. Having only one suitcase each, we have to buy everything else. Fortunately, our apartment is already furnished. Before settling in Lille, JB sent me a Reddit post that lists expensive purchases that are worth every penny. Most talk about the importance of good bedding, others mention high-tech appliances. We noted the ideas, and as soon as we settled in Lille, we made several purchases that really improved our comfort exponentially. The article contains some affiliate links to Amazon, but you’re not obligated to use them.
Transforming our apartment into a 5-star hotel
Having spent our best nights in Marriott hotels, we drew inspiration from the bed and bath linens used at Marriott for our shopping. I wrote in this article about how I found the same products as at Marriott, but here’s the list of things you can buy to make your apartment as comfortable as a 5-star hotel:
- Goose down pillow: if there’s one thing to buy, it’s definitely a suitable pillow!
- Mattress topper: whenever a bed is comfortable, there’s always a mattress topper.
- Bed linens (duvet cover, pillowcases, sheets) in cotton sateen, minimum 120 thread count or silk
- Bath linens (thick cotton towels, waffle-weave cotton bathrobe)
- A down (goose) comforter
- Quality slippers (wool or memory foam)
Then, the ultimate luxury is a double-sided cashmere throw. I hand-sewed it myself and I showed you how to order it from Italy (even if you don’t know how to sew). It’s a game-changer, I use it all the time! I’m always cold and I drag it everywhere I am. Even for sleeping, if it’s cold, I put it over my comforter for extra warmth.
Clothing in natural materials
No longer needing technical clothing for travel, we can now afford natural materials, more delicate when washing (silk, linen, merino wool, cashmere, pashmina, cotton). I have to shop on Vinted because nowadays, it’s very difficult to find clothes in stores with impeccable composition.
The game-changer is having quality loungewear & pajamas: 100% silk in summer, and merino wool & cashmere in winter.
You’ll find on Vinted many new base layers in 70% merino 30% silk from Hanro, I wear them as loungewear or as base layers in winter.
If you find Sea Island cotton on Vinted, I highly recommend it, it’s as soft as cotton & silk blend, but rarer.
For cashmere, opt for Gobi or Goyol, a Mongolian cashmere group. There are also pajama pants in 100% cashmere, you just have to search.
For chic work clothes, count on wool trousers & wool coats at Suistudio or cashmere jackets at Pauw.
I really like the reversible sleeveless puffer vest in down & feathers + cashmere at Falconeri. If you find it on sale, don’t hesitate!
And to take care of my cashmere clothes, I put them in mesh bags and use Eric Bompard shampoo. For large garments or those requiring ironing, I simply take them to the dry cleaner.
High tech
We bought a robot vacuum (Amazon link) and it’s a joy! We still have a cleaning lady who comes once a week, but at least the floor is cleaned several times a week.
JB bought and configured smart plugs (Amazon link) & temperature and humidity measuring devices (Amazon link) to automatically turn on/off the heating (we use oil-filled radiators) in each room & the dehumidifier.
Having wireless chargers (Amazon link) is so pleasant! Mine charges both my iPhone and my AirPods. I highly recommend it because it also serves as a phone stand.
It’s not an essential tool, but for those interested in crafts, a cutting machine (Amazon link) is non-negotiable! It’s so practical! It can draw, cut, score fold lines…
It’s not an essential tool, but I still love my e-readers with stylus: reMarkable 2 and reMarkable Paper Pro.
Since my computer broke down, I treated myself to the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i and I’m delighted with it! Dual touch screen, with mouse, stylus, keyboard included, it opens like a book.
Kitchen
The Cookeo (Amazon link) is my greatest ally for making good meals without spending an eternity in the kitchen. My sister lent it to me. I think there are more powerful machines, but for now the Cookeo suits me.
I also have a small smoothie blender (Amazon link) to help me consume the 5 fruits and vegetables per day.
My Japanese knife has been very useful to me. Without this knife, I wouldn’t have cooked so much.
Other
A book stand (Amazon link) may not be most people’s top priority, but what a difference it makes to reading comfort! I often have very large books, difficult to read when placed on the table. With a stand (and a tool to keep the pages open), I no longer get neck pain.
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