And so a new year begins...

Happy New Year! I hope your holidays were fun filled and 2012 started with a bang.

I had a great time, I had the week between Christmas and New Year's off and spent a few days in Montreal with good friends bidding farewell to 2011. I have lots of plans for the upcoming year to share soon, but first thought I would show a few of the lovely gifts I received and sales items I purchased over the last couple of weeks.

Santa (aka my parents. Yes, I still get a stocking) was very good to me! Along with lots of chocolate and edible things, I received a few fun and useful kitchen items.

Egg-Perfect Egg Timer

I always struggle to get my boiled eggs just right, but this deceptively simple timer makes the process so easy. Just add it to the water with your eggs and the colour slowly changes as your eggs move from soft to medium to hard boiled.

I tried it for the first time last night and my eggs were perfect. The only downside is you have to actually be looking in the pot as the colour changes, but setting a timer to shortly before they should be done helps with that. I also read some reviews that talked about a burning plastic smell, but I didn't have that issue.

Silicone Red Mini Oven Mitt

I have this oven mitt hanging on my oven door for when I need to check a baking sheet or stir some roasting vegetables. It has already become one of the most useful items in my kitchen.

I found some design books under the tree (one was a present to myself!) These are by a couple of my favourite design bloggers: Holly Becker from Decor8 and Grace Bonney from Design Sponge. I haven't had time to go through either book in any great depth yet, but both have amazing photos and seem so inspiring.

I bought the Moose from Indigo Books on sale. I love it so much I'm not planning to put it away any time soon. I think it can pass as a year round decoration item (or at least that's what I'm telling myself). This was the last one in store, but Moose and Squirrel globes are still available online.

And finally, I received the iPod docking system I was hoping for: the Geneva S! I love it, the sound is great and it looks pretty nice sitting in my living room. The bass is strong and it can get pretty loud (too loud for my condo!) I have listened to more music in the last week than I have in a long time. I'm not sure I would pay the regular $350 price for it, but on sale, it's a good buy.

And that rounds up some of my gifts from Christmas 2011! I hope the season was good to all of you too.

The Art of Music

I don't have a lot of space to hide electronic devices in my condo, so it's ideal if my functional items are both attractive and useful.

For the last few years, the only source of music I have had is an inexpensive clock radio in my bedroom, my iPhone and iTunes on my laptop. I would like to be able to listen to music from my iPod as well as the radio in my kitchen and living room, so have put a couple of stereo options on my Christmas wish list. I appreciate good music, but am definitely not an audiophile. I just want a decent sounding player that is easy to use.

Below are some of the high style iPod speaker options I have come across during my research (from low to high). All prices are in Canadian dollars.

West Elm Ceramic Pig Speaker, $52.18

This pig speaker is all over blogland, and with good reason - it's adorable! I love how when it's not in use, it's just a cute ceramic item. The downside for me is that it doesn't contain a radio and it's apparently on back order until March, so won't be sitting ready and waiting under the Christmas tree.

Tivoli Model One Table Radio, $149.99 (on sale)

The Tivoli Model One is a radio first and iPod speaker second. The iPod (or other mp3 players) can be attached to it via a wire. I love the retro look of it and it gets good reviews for its reception capabilities and audio quality. This one went on the wishlist. The only downside is the fact that the iPod power will drain as it plays - I do like a dock that also charges. The Tivoli comes in a number of colours.

Crosley Ranchero Radio, $180.89

The Crosley Ranchero Radio looks like it comes from another time - perfect for that atomic vintage home. Unfortunately, it doesn't really get great reviews for its sound, but if looks are of the utmost importance then I think this one is a definite contender.

Vers 1.5R - Natural Walnut, $235

The Vers 1.5R is attractive to look at and apparently has good audio quality. While I like the fact that it is a clock radio, it's not something I really need, as I will be using it in the living room. This went on the wish list as well, but I am guessing I'm more likely to receive the less expensive Tivoli. The Vers is available in a number of wood types, including Bamboo.

Geneva Model S, $249.99 (on sale)

The next step up is the Geneva Model S, which is the entry level Geneva model. It's a radio and iPod dock with some cool features like a dock that is usually hidden but rotates into position when needed. It can be supported by the silver stand as shown, or small feet (my preferred look). This is on my list as the "if Santa is feeling generous" option. The Geneva is available in white, black, red and silver.

Geneva Model M, $650

Finally, there is the Geneva Model M, which is one of the higher end Geneva models. It looks good, and gets great reviews, but is not for me. I'm not enough of a music appreciator to need quite such a high end option, but I can certainly appreciate its nice and clean design. The Model M is available in white, black, red and walnut.