I'm a big fan of the Dyson Fan

 

The temperate air of Spring can turn oppressively hot and soggy before you know it, as it has recently here in the Centre of the Universe (aka Toronto). Shop now for a fan, while stock is good. The Dyson Air Multiplier is super-cool (in several senses). There are no spinning blades to chop the air ineffectively — or, very effectively, small fingers — and it’s designed to draw in up to 27 litres of air a second, amplify it up to 18 times, and spread it soothingly across your hot, sweat-slick, grumpy self. It comes in two shapes, a round version - great for tabletop and, for larger spaces, an oblong version, shown above with My Close Personal Friend James Dyson (well, not really, but I have met Sir James, who is a delightful cross between your cool uncle and a mad genius.)  Both versions are  gorgeous. Last summer, these babies flew off the shelves and were sold out in no time. Govern yourself accordingly. Prices for the line, available at major retailers, start at about $380. Pricey? Yes. But so worth it if you get years and years of summer cooling out of it.

A cause that's close to my heart

 
Autism affects about one out of every110 kids. In my own family, it turns up in the form of Asperger’s Disorder, so I’m pleased to share news of how you can help —  just in time for World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd.  As with  all mental illness, there's not enough research done into it, and families suffer silently, because there's still such a  taboo about talking about disorders of the mind. That's a shame, because these family need support. Scentsy, makers of decorative warmers that use a 25-watt bulb to melt scented wax to produce a candle-like light without an open flame, are donating 100 per cent of net proceeds from the sale of each “Piece by Piece” warmer to Autism Speaks Canada. You can buy a “Piece by Piece” warmer for $42 from now through August 31. Click here for more information.