Claire Tei

My name is Claire Tei. I relocated to London from Sydney in November 2010 to write, take photos, travel and do fun things. I love fashion, beauty, food, music, film, bad TV and Lil Wayne. I created this blog to share my thoughts and document my overseas adventure. Plus, the thought of putting pen to paper in an actual diary makes me feel like a giddy teen. Hmmm... blogging? I’ll give it a go…

Recently I discovered Primark’s cheap and cheerful accessories range for smartphones and digital cameras. Behold the wonders of the £2 Kaleidoscope Lens:

Great in theory but I’m a little annoyed that the sticky, suctiony bit that attaches to the lens is quite big and covers the view, creating this distorted tunnel vision look. Kept me entertained for a good 15 minutes though. 

There’s nothing wrong with a cup of instant, but when the alternative is a robust espresso with a touch of frothy milk, we know what we’d rather have. Kick start your mornings in style with Italy’s favourite coffee connoisseurs Lavazza. Combining state-of-the-art technology with limited edition pops of colour – including vibrant blue, sunshine-yellow, bright red and lime-green – these authentic Italian coffee machines will fill your home with full-bodied flavours and heavenly aromas. Cutting-edge extraction forces steaming water through a capsule of coffee that’s been roasted, ground and sealed for freshness, creating a thick, creamy espresso. The practical steam arm allows you to prepare perfect lattes, cappuccinos and it’s great for adding hot water to your favourite brews. A fabulous choice for fans of a fresh grind without the mess or waste, these compact designs will smarten up any worktop.

Click here to view the entire collection and buy your favourite pieces!

Originally published at Dalani.co.uk, May 2012

When it comes to summer entertaining we love treating our taste buds to Mediterranean cuisine. Whether it’s Spanish paella, Italian seafood risotto or an antipasto platter loaded with olives, sundried tomatoes and a selection of cured meats, you simply can’t beat fresh seasonal produce and fuss-free cooking. So make the most of these sun-filled days and prepare for stress-free dining with this T&G Woodware collection. Designed for easy, breezy meals these authentic-looking pieces are beautifully crafted from solid woods (including acacia, poplar and hevea), marble and cork. Featuring rustic serving boards, glossy salt and pepper mills, sturdy spoons, pestle and mortars, coasters and traditional trolleys that beg for alfresco affairs, these reliable and hard-working pieces will send you on a Mediterranean fling year after year.

Click here to view the entire collection and buy your favourite pieces!

Originally published at Dalani.co.uk, May 2012

Contemporary kitchens are spoilt for choice when it comes to new technology and gadgets to solve every cooking problem or dining dilemma. With so many brands claiming clever kitchen designs it takes a lot to wow us but that is certainly the case with this ingenious Vacu Vin collection. We’re blown away by the great minds behind these multi-tasking wonders and to think it all started in 1983 when founder Bernd Schneider tasted spoiled wine and invented the Vacuum Wine Saver. Combining originality and durability, you can see the innovative concepts behind each piece from solving the tricky task of chopping up a pineapple to packing fresh bread and dips for when you’re on the go. Fun and functional, these unique food and wine related offerings will give your kitchen a professional finish.

Click here to view the entire collection and buy your favourite pieces!

Originally published at Dalani.co.uk, May 2012

As we begin to watch the sun rise each day it has us dreaming about last year’s holidays in Saint Tropez and planning where we’ll head this year. Cannes, Capri, Croatia – our wish-list is endless! We can’t get enough of Tobs’ seaside chic home accessories that channel the effortless glamour of a continental getaway. Beautifully crafted from 100% cotton, these nautical-inspired offerings boast modern stripes, anchor motifs, rope embellishments and perennially cool navy, red and white colour combinations. Whether it’s a relaxed coastal bedroom or neutral-toned living area, these pieces are perfect for keeping any space neat and tidy. Set sail with these versatile totes and storage boxes and your beach dreams will be one step closer to reality.

Click here to view the entire collection and buy your favourite pieces!

Originally published at Dalani.co.uk, May 2012

When it comes to our beauty regime we want the best Mother Nature has to offer. High-quality natural ingredients and multi-tasking products are always on our beauty wish-list, that’s why we turn to French beauty experts Alepia. With formulation teams in Aleppo in Syria and Paris, this health conscience company combines organic components with traditional methods to produce unique soaps, creams and oils you won’t find anywhere else. Its artisanal soaps are made using ancient techniques developed by master Kessab soapmakers and offer distinctive fragrances for a rich, skin-softening lather. One of our favourite items is Argan Oil said to have restorative and age-defying effects. Plus, as well as being high in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, it is believed to help all sorts of skin conditions: dry skin, acne, psoriasis, eczema, wrinkles. This exquisite collection will not only transform your bathroom into a spa sanctuary but also make a thoughtful gift for loved ones.

Click here to view the entire collection and buy your favourite pieces!

Originally published at Dalani.co.uk, May 2012

Set the scene for summer: with a statement outdoor dining set centre stage, you’ll need only a blue sky, barbecue banquet and a garden filled with friends and family. Make this picturesque moment a reality every day with this high-quality furniture collection by Rondeau. Featuring a stylish mix of hardwoods, powder-coated steel, ceramic and mesh, these built-to-last offerings are designed for long-lasting summer fun, year after year. Choose from a variety of outdoor classics including a portable wooden tray table, garden benches, folding tables, sturdy parasols, bistro sets and more. With various sizes available, you’ll find the perfect partner for your alfresco dining whether you’ve got a generous garden, modest deck or cosy corner. These practical pieces will ensure you make the most of the warmer days and beautiful balmy nights.

Click here to view the entire collection and buy your favourite pieces!

Originally published at Dalani.co.uk, May 2012

          

We’re having a frond embrace with this vibrant textile collection by Etoile Home. Mixing bursts of summer shades – including juicy orange, hot pink, sunshine yellow and turquoise – with unbridled print mania – fantastic florals, fresh stripes, modern weaves, bold botanics and retro motifs – these eye-catching pieces are the best way to welcome the warmer months into your home. Whether it’s a cushion, tablecloth or napkin, these fun-filled offerings will create a happy-inducing atmosphere. Plus, as colour is one of this season’s most talked about trends, this clever range makes working the look simple, as you have everything you need to pep up any outdoor dining area. Unleash your inner colour crush and let the summer celebrations begin!

       

Click here to view the entire collection and buy your favourite pieces!

Originally published at Dalani.co.uk, May 2012

Transform your bathroom into a sanctuary thanks to British brand Baylis & Harding. Perfect for lazy wallowing in a big bath or adding some hotel style to your basin, this luxurious bath and body care collection is to be enjoyed, shared and never forgotten. Renowned for their delicately fragranced heritage bathroom essentials, these lovely and ladylike offerings include nourishing body butter, cashmere-feel bath milk, invigorating hand wash and lotion sets and much more. The gorgeous packaging and summertime floral scents – such as peony, jasmine, rose, honeysuckle and English lavender – will have you daydreaming about sun-filled country strolls. The gift sets are ideal for self-pampering and are a great way to thank a special friend or loved one.

Click here to view the entire collection and buy your favourite pieces!

Originally published at Dalani.co.uk, May 2012

There’s a relaxed, folksy feel to this season’s interiors. Whether it is rustic textures, nature’s muted colour palette or fauna and flora-inspired prints, we can’t get enough of statement-making pieces that reflect the country surroundings of their maker. So let handcrafted looks and vintage elements collide in your home with this laid-back mix of homewares by Lucca. From sumptuous textiles, decorative glassware to solid wood furniture, it’s the fine details of these offerings that make them extra special: pretty painted floral sprays, delicate etchings, playful pleats, woven cane and artfully aged punched-metal. One of our favourite pieces is the neutral-hued leather-look magazine holder that will add a shimmer to any sophisticated living area. With touches of folk tradition and timeless appeal, these new heirlooms will have you covered when it comes to dressing up any space.

Click here to view the entire collection and buy your favourite pieces!

Originally published at Dalani.co.uk, May 2012