In search of the finer things in life — because the finest ones still cost too much.

Isn't That Handy?

Three finds as convenient as they are cool.

Petra Canan Trudell

Feb 13

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Millennium Bridge, London. Photo by Matteo Angeloni.

It’s always nice when a product surprises you. Maybe you were skeptical about the promised results or had a bit of buyer’s remorse—after all, there’s a lot out there that gets overhyped and overpriced. We all want to get what we paid for. Is that really so much to ask?

This week’s three featured products all surprised me. I wasn’t sure they would deliver as advertised, but they ended up being exactly what I was looking for. Each one proved to be a quick fix that elicited a genuine, “Well, isn’t that handy?”

Here’s to welcome surprises.

1. Patchology FlashPatch® Rejuvenating Eye Gels (£14 for 5 sets)

patchology

A post shared by Patchology (@patchology)

I have a love-hate relationship with eye masks. While I have found some that provide great de-puffing and brightening results, I usually can’t stand wearing them. They slide down my face and hold me up from finishing the rest of my routine quickly. When I first picked up these five-minute eye gels from Patchology, the brand founded in 2014 by Chris Hobson, I was skeptical they would provide results in that little time. But their combo of caffeine and hydrolyzed collagen really delivers. They still slide a bit, but I can let that go for how quickly they woke up my eye area.

2. Honeylove CrossOver Bra (£74)

honeylove

A post shared by Honeylove (@honeylove)

While having a wardrobe of different bras is essential and fun, having a go-to brassiere that provides the support, coverage and shape you want at the ready is just as essential. And if it’s comfortable, even better. After seeing and hearing about Honeylove, the brand launched by Betsie Larkin in 2016, everywhere for more than a year, I tried their signature bra and was immediately impressed. The padding isn’t too thick (and is removable). It also can be converted to a racerback and provides real support while remaining nearly invisible under my clothes.

3. Joseph Joseph CupboardStore™ Film, Foil & Bag Organiser (£12)

josephjosephofficial

A post shared by Joseph Joseph (@josephjosephofficial)

Organization is my love language. I live for efficiency and hate clutter. With limited drawers but plenty of cabinets in our new flat, one of my first tasks after moving in was figuring out the best way to store all of our kitchen essentials. And it’s always the little extras that pose the biggest problems—for example, all those rolls of cling film, foil and parchment paper. Luckily, one of my favorite home brands Joseph Joseph (previously featured here) came to the rescue with this inexpensive find that clips to your shelf and adds storage for all manner of food wraps and bags.

Something to think about …

oxfamgb

A post shared by Oxfam GB (@oxfamgb)

The devastation caused by the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria is almost incomprehensible. If you’re able, consider donating funds to an organization like Oxfam to help those who have lost everything.

Last week on MIDDI …

MIDDI

Meet Me at the Barre

Let’s talk about first loves. Not the first people we loved, but rather the first things we did that made us feel alive. These activities pulled us out of our comfort zones and helped us express ourselves in new ways. They helped us grow, and for that, we’ll always be grateful…