It’s the end of May, which means winter is well and truly officially around the corner.
But whether you’re planning on staying at home or you’re heading abroad during the cooler months, there’s plenty of shopping and some great deals to be snatched up this May/June.
Below, I reveal the beauty, fashion, kids’, health and tech pieces I bought and am now obsessed with in May.
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With a trip to Europe on the cards next month, I’ve had my eye on summery pieces I can take to warmer climes as well as wear-everywhere pieces I can use when I’m at home.
1. Sonos Roam 2
I’ve been a fan of Sonos and their smart sound systems since forever, and this new portable speaker is the perfect buy, whether you’re dancing to Taylor Swift in the kitchen or wanting to pack a sound system in your Europe carry-on.
Essentially a revamp of the brand’s popular Roam, the Roam 2 is an ultra-portable, versatile and durable speaker, which makes it easy to enjoy Sonos sound wherever life takes you.
The speaker ($299) features many of the key features you’d know and expect from something from Sonos, whether that’s rich, detailed sound and bass with the clarity, depth and fullness you’d expect from a bigger speaker, or Bluetooth buttons for ease of use.
It also boasts Automatic Trueplay, which essentially means the speaker is always tuned for the best listening experience in any environment.
The Sonos Roam 2 boasts up to 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, and up to 10 days of battery life when it’s not in use.
I also love how quick and easy any Sonos product is to set up and get playing.
As soon as you take it out the box, you can quickly and easily connect to your mobile device on Bluetooth and enjoy music on the go.
The speaker is available in a number of different travel-friendly colours including Olive, Sunset, Wave, Black and White, depending on your aesthetic.
You won’t regret investing in one whether you’re at home or abroad this season.
What other tech products have I been loving this month?
- Ring Battery Video Doorbell Pro: You can see, hear and speak to visitors anywhere with Ring’s latest wireless video doorbell ($349). Whether you’re concerned about security or simply want to keep a track of your parcels and post, this doorbell is Ring’s most innovative battery-powered doorbell to date. It’s been equipped with radar-powered 3D Motion Detection and Bird’s Eye View for unparalleled security at your doorstep.
2. Youngblood Weekender Palette
With packing at the forefront of my mind this month, I’ve been trying to rack my brains for ways I can streamline the family’s suitcases without compromising on what we’re bringing back to the UK.
And nowhere is this harder than with my skincare products and makeup items.
Enter this incredible eye and cheek palette from Youngblood ($115) called the Weekender.
Comprising nine wear-everywhere eyeshadow shades alongside four flattering blush and highlighters, it really has almost everything I need for my face in one compact, stylish palette.
I’ve been trialling various different shades from the palette over the past few days and have found firm favourites in Private Jet and Rose eye shades, alongside the pretty pink First Class blush.
But to be honest, absolutely everything included in this $115 palette is a winner, and while it’s expensive at more than $100, it’s honestly replaced countless different items in my makeup bag.
Reviewers agree with me, with many giving it five stars and writing: “Beautiful colours and easy application plus wears for hours”.
“Colours are amazing. It lasts all day no need to re-apply,” another added.
What other beauty products have I been loving this month?
- Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Oil: This wallet-friendly $25.99 oil is a hero product for winter for so many reasons. Not only is it intensely hydrating and nourishing when your skin is feeling tough, but it’s also lightweight enough that you can pop it on after a shower and dive almost straight into your pajamas so you’re not waiting around naked and freezing for ages while it sinks in. Dermatologist-tested, the oil is free of Mineral Oil, Parabens and Phthalates. What’s not to love?
- Kate Spade Bloom EDT: Looking for something feminine and delicate to transport you to warmer climes in your mind? Look no further than Kate Spade’s new EDT ($116). The floral and fruity fragrance has top notes of Granny Smith apple, Sicilian Lemon and Sweet Orange; middle notes of White Camelia, Orange Blossom and Ylang-Ylang; and base notes of Cashmeran, Cedarwood and Sandalwood.
3. Eight Sleep Pod 4
The newly-launched Eight Sleep Pod 4 (currently $3,949, usually $4,049) is quite simply the secret to a good night’s sleep.
Essentially a smart blanket that sits on top of your regular mattress protector, it is a temperature-controlled topper that works to improve your sleep with dynamic heating and cooling — providing personalised data and insights every morning.
The new Pod 4 is the latest and greatest launch by Eight Sleep.
Having undergone a complete redesign from the Pod 3, the 4 is so advanced, yet so comfortable and 40 per cent quieter that users don’t even realise it’s there while it’s improving their sleep.
The Pod’s biometrictracking technology has also had a boost thanks to Eight Sleep’s proprietary algorithm that automatically detects snoring for up to two individuals in the same bed, without needing any wearables.
This latest Pod generation is available in two models: Pod 4 and Pod 4 Ultra ($6,199).
Both models include the same core technology features like temperature regulation and biometric tracking, but the Pod 4 Ultra includes an exclusive adjustable Base.
This new Base syncs with the Pod’s technology for additional groundbreaking features like snoring mitigation, and adjustable body positions before and during sleep.
I’ve been using the Pod 3 for several months now, and could honestly not go back to a regular mattress, my sleep is now that good.
I’m excited to see how much better the Pod 4 is, and would recommend it to anyone wanting to keep track of and stay on top of their sleep health.
What other health buys have I been loving this month?
- Ember Smart Travel Mug 2+: The new Smart Travel Mug 2+ ($299) uses proprietary smart technology to keep your favourite hot beverage at the perfectly-desired temperature while on the go. Ideal for people with busy lifestyles, it blends functionality and sleek design with technology that includes hidden LED touch display for precise temperature control, Apple Find My compatibility to locate your mug if misplaced, and a long-lasting battery to keep your drink warm for hours.
- SodaStream Bubly Drops: If you’re a fan of sparkling water and want to jazz up your morning tipple without the calories and sweeteners, look no further than these new delicious SodaStream Bubly Drops ($7.95 each or $23.85 for a three-pack). Flavoured lime, blackberry and passion-fruit, the drops quickly and easily add delicious flavour to your drinks. Reviewers are already calling them “the best thing SodaStream have put out”.
4. Poss & Soss Overalls in Cream Denim
I stumbled upon this new kids’ brand this month, and have since fallen head over heels for their stunning, gender-neutral kidswear.
Recently spotted on Ellidy Pullin’s little girl, Minnie, which sparked an immediate sales rush, the new collection features adorable luxury separates in oat, denim and neutral ginghams to liven up your little boy or girl’s wardrobe.
Each piece is also made using premium and high quality materials that are soft for children’s delicate skin.
The global gender neutral clothing market is expected to grow at a rate of 6.5 per cent from 2021 to 2030, attributed to the increased awareness about gender neutrality.
So it’s a great idea if you’ve been considering investing.
“We have two precious little girls and found gender-neutral, high quality clothes super tricky to find (especially when we were new to this whole parenting thing!) and with that, Poss & Soss was born,” co-founder and parent of two-under-two Simona Stirling told Best Picks.
“We wanted clothes that could be passed down for generations to come and become treasured heirlooms. Particularly in the current financial climate, having clothes that are made to last and can be worn by every child we have, whether that be a boy or girl next, is so important to us as we know parents are doing it tough.”
My favourite piece from the debut collection is the Overalls in Cream Denim ($69), which I’ve already had on my little girl, Florence over the weekend.
But there are so many pieces to love, and I also adore the Oversized Gingham Knit ($55).
Made with 100 per cent organic cotton threads, everything feels as soft as butter and really is something I’ll want to pass down to any other family members or children.
What other kids’ buys have I been loving this month?
- The Birthing Class: With number two on the way in September, I’ve been looking around for something to guide me about giving birth round two, and may have found it with The Birthing Class. Created by celebrity Pilates instructor and mum Jacqui Kingswell and entrepreneur Tash Oakley, it aims to be a convenient, supportive and judgement-free sanctuary designed to guide you on your birthing journey. I’m relatively new to the platform, but am loving the access to doulas, pre and post-natal nutritionists and fitness experts. There’s so much that changes when you’re pregnant and about to give birth, but this teaches you that you can feel confident and happy with knowledge.
- Bannisters’ new Mummymoon package: Looking to treat yourself post-partum? Look no further than Bannisters’ Hotels newly-launched Mummymoon packages. Designed to nurture and rejuvenate new mothers, this luxurious escape prioritises postpartum self-care and wellbeing in a serene coastal setting. Over two nights, a new mum will be able to re-connect with a friend, partner or family member or dedicate precious time for themselves. “Mummymoon stays offer a stress-free break for Mum’s to relax, prioritise self-care and unwind for themselves,” said Alice O’Hara, CEO of Bannisters by the Sea.
5. Bondi Active Piped Leggings in Chocolate
If you want to buy some new activewear to help you stay accountable this winter, look no further than Bondi Active.
The Aussie brand’s Riptide collection is stuffed full of flattering, unique, purpose-driven buys you’ll be wanting to wear both in the Pilatesnstudio and outside it.
My favourite piece from the latest launch is these Piped Leggings in Chocolate ($110), which I’m loving pairing with the Connection Reversible Crop Top in Chocolate ($80).
Both pieces are reversible, so you get two outfits for the price of one in both chocolate brown and dusky pink.
They’ve also been crafted from soft, flexible fabric, ensuring comfort and style wherever you take them.
What other fashion products have I been loving this month?
- Step One Smooth Fit range: The Step One Smooth Fit range (from $25) has long been a favourite of mine, principally because they are so comfortable. Step One products are made from organic bamboo viscose fabric that is luxe soft and naturally anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and moisture-wicking. And now, Step One has released more in the Smooth Fit range, but in new colours.
- Rip Curl Snow Series: Iconic surf brand Rip Curl has just released its latest snow collection, and there are so many cute buys to love. I’ve particularly got my eye on the Core Apres Snow Jacket ($399.99). Made from twill polyester fabric, this relaxed fit outerwear offers both comfort and functionality. The jacket would be perfect if you’re heading to the snow this winter.