Crush and Covet: Cruiser Bikes, Charger Wallets & The Happiness Equation

It’s like the Crush and Covet contributors were reading my mind: aqua-coloured bikes (just add a basket for trips to the grocery store and the LCBO), an endless charge for the phone, and books to simplify and inject more happiness into every day. What’s the one item here you’ll add to your summer wish list?

Leslie Foster – I’m in love with the Liv Suede 2 by Giant Bicycles. With its robin’s egg blue colour with lime accents and BROWN tires, this bike takes stylish into the stratosphere. But what makes it truly special is that its stable frame geometry is designed specifically for women. You can touch the ground while seated! It’s also nice that the step-through frame makes it easy to get on and off. This bicycle is perfect for tootling around town or cruising on a bike path. My favourite design feature? The handlebars. No hunching over. Does that make me old?  Nah, just smart!

Dee Brun – I just bought this from Marshalls thanks to a friend who showed me hers and I LUV it!!! Where has this clutch/wallet complete with a battery charger for your phone been all my life? It’s only $24.99 in sore (and sells for $80 online). The Adrienne Vittadini charging wallet sells for $24.99 at Marshalls and has iPhone and android adapters. It’s the perfect travel clutch!!

Laureen Farnam – I had to pop into Walmart to pick up the Pico de Gallo we enjoy for Taco Tuesday a few weeks ago and as is my ritual when seasons change, I took a detour through the PJs to see if there was anything summery on sale. Well, lo and behold, only two of the most awesome 100% cotton nightshirts ever were put directly in my path. So instantly happy making and fitting I couldn’t possibly pass them up. They are both just *so* ME! The bright pink one with the sweet little yawning coffee cup is pretty much perfection (plus it serves as an excellent *hint hint* for my Barista/husband) and the heather grey with its wannabe Unicorn pug with BIG dreams could not possibly have been left behind. My kids are crazy about Pugs and I knew this one would make them “Awww!” (I was right. It did.) Morning or night, these $12 – TWELVE DOLLAR – jammies are just right.

Gwen Leron – I had been coveting the book The Happiness Equation by Neil Pasricha for quite a while since I’ve heard rave reviews from many friends. It kept coming up in conversations—over…and over again. So it must be good, right? All of us can use a little more happiness in our lives, so I ordered it yesterday. Now, I have to wait just a few more days to see what all the buzz is about. Have you read it? What did you think?

Katja Wulfers – For years I’ve promised myself to learn more about photography and dedicate time to improving the photos I take. And for years, the most learning I’ve done is through trial and error. So, on a practical note I want photography courses I can somehow fit into my schedule. But on a pie-in-the-sky note, what I really covet is a Nikkor 24-70 mm f2.8G ED lens for my camera. Oh the photos I could take!