I’m always on the lookout for things that make life a little easier, a little more enjoyable — or simply put a smile on my face. So, each month I’m sharing four of my favourite discoveries, from clever garden gadgets to beauty treats and brilliant days out.
NO. 1 — AIPER IRRISENSE 2
My garden gadget of the month
If, like me, you love a beautiful garden but aren’t quite so keen on the daily chore of keeping it watered, the Aiper IrriSense 2 could be just the thing.
This clever system takes the guesswork — and quite a lot of the hard work — out of watering. Controlled through an app, it allows you to create watering zones and schedules, while its weather-sensing technology can adjust the watering according to the conditions.
What I particularly like is that there’s no need to start digging up the garden to install complicated underground irrigation. The IrriSense 2 is designed to be set up in around 15 minutes, making it a much more accessible option for anyone who wants a smarter way of looking after their lawn and plants.
It can cover up to 445m² and, thanks to its EvenRain™ technology, distributes water evenly across the area. Aiper says it can reduce water consumption by up to 40% too — something that makes this a particularly appealing gadget for the summer months.
PRICE: APPROXIMATELY £390–£430
MY VERDICT: A clever, time-saving bit of garden technology that lets you spend less time worrying about watering — and more time enjoying the garden.
NO. 2 — THE BEAUTY CROP SUMMER BEAUTY BAG
My summer beauty essential
I absolutely love a beauty bag that takes the stress out of getting ready for summer — and The Beauty Crop’s Ultimate Summer Beauty Bag is a little treasure trove.
For £85, you get an incredible 25 full-size beauty products, all packed into a spacious travel tote. It’s the sort of bag you can throw into your suitcase and know you’ve got your summer beauty routine pretty much covered.
There are plenty of The Beauty Crop favourites inside, along with the limited-edition Oui Cherie Watermelon Twist Hydrating Setting Mist, which sounds as delicious as it feels on a hot summer’s day.
What really caught my eye is the value. Rather than buying lots of individual products and trying to decide what you actually need for your holidays, this gives you a whole beauty wardrobe in one go — makeup, glow and skincare essentials all together.
PRICE: £85
MY VERDICT: A brilliant summer beauty haul, particularly if you’re travelling or simply fancy giving your makeup bag a seasonal refresh. At £85 for 25 full-size products, it’s a lot of beauty for your money.
NO. 3 — NATIONAL ART PASS
My ticket to a summer of culture
This month’s pick is one for anyone who loves discovering somewhere new — and at just £20 for three months, I think it’s fantastic value.
The National Art Pass, from Art Fund, gives you free entry to more than 250 museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, as well as 50% off major exhibitions. There are also discounts in selected museum shops and cafés.
It’s a brilliant excuse to get out and explore, whether you’re looking for a rainy-day museum visit, a beautiful gallery to wander around or a new exhibition to see. And there are plenty of hidden gems as well as the big names.
I also love that your membership helps support Art Fund, a charity that raises money for museums and galleries across the UK — so your day out is helping the arts at the same time.
PRICE: £20 FOR THREE MONTHS WITH THE CURRENT TRIAL OFFER*
* Available until 17 August only
MY VERDICT: A brilliant little investment for anyone who enjoys art, culture and exploring. If you visit just a couple of the places included, you could easily get your £20 back — and then some.
NO. 4 — LEE STAFFORD HAIR PERFUME MIST
My secret weapon for gorgeous-smelling hair
This is one of those little beauty discoveries that has quickly become a handbag essential for me.
Lee Stafford’s Hair Perfume Mist is a clever way to give your hair a quick refresh between washes, leaving it beautifully scented without weighing it down. It also adds shine and helps tame frizz, making it perfect for those moments when you want your hair to feel instantly fresher.
I love the idea of keeping one in your handbag and giving your hair a quick spritz before heading out — especially after a long day, travelling, or when you simply want that freshly-washed feeling without actually washing your hair.
There are several scents to choose from, including the Original Lee Stafford, Papaya Punch, Caramel Brûlé and Red Idol. The Papaya Punch is particularly lovely for summer, with its juicy, tropical fragrance.
And the price makes it even more appealing.
PRICE: AROUND £8.50–£9.99
MY VERDICT: A fabulous handbag-sized pick that makes your hair smell gorgeous, adds a little gloss and gives you that instant freshen-up feeling. At under £10, it’s a beauty buy that’s very easy to recommend.
If you missed my picks for June – check them here:
