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Until someone finds a cure to Alzheimer’s and dementia, we’re all going to have to deal with its effects on those we love. Here’s just three items geared towards improving a patient’s quality of life when cognitive tasks become difficult.
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If you’ve ever dug through lots of boxes trying to find a specific thing, you may just want to get a hold of a pack of Quick Peek Smart Labels. When used with the free Quick Peek App, the labels will help you keep track of all your stuff.
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It’s that time of the year when stacks of logs in your living room are entirely permissible… unless you don’t have a fireplace, because then you’ll just look like a hoarder. This Mixrack is a simple frame of powder-coated steel that can accommodate firewood, wine bottles, or magazines. As long as you keep the stack tidy and avoid any other compulsive gathering of multiple materials, it’s an excellent way to store whatever you choose in a minimal way.
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This Arid Umbrella Stand uses the inherent properties of terracotta clay to wick away moisture. Smart, right? That’ll dry your umbrella a little faster than an ordinary stand. Also, raise your hand if you’ll be tempted to use it as a planter (*raised hand*).
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There’s a certain nostalgia connected to a Triangle Dinner Bell like this one from Pat Kim- perhaps period films have us immediately imagining dinner time at an old farm? Whether your estate is vast or your apartment small, ringing a triangle will signify it’s time to sit down and eat, hopefully without our devices. The English Bridle Leather hanger conveniently holds the solid brass striker, making this hand bent steel triangle appropriate for display as well as use. A U Dinner Bell is also available.
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When it’s raining out, you’ll need a spot to rest your wet umbrella. Sure, you could lean it up against a wall to let it drip down on the floor, possibly creating a safety hazard where someone could slip and fall, hurting their pride and also possibly breaking a few bones, or you could do the sensible thing and get an umbrella stand. The Hoop has a heavy and compact cast-iron base with a slender oval wire rim suspended above; it’s both minimal and functional. The pink color is my favorite, but if you want to stick to the tried and true black option no one will fault you.
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You may not need a door chime, but wouldn’t it be nice to have a gentle announcement of a door opening or closing? Assassins Friends and family members (or customers?) would be thwarted from sneaking up behind you to scare you silly, that’s for sure, or you can just think of it as a ‘welcome’ and ‘goodbye’ each time someone comes and goes. The Tama Door Chime installs easily via its magnetic back or included mounting plate.
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Trust me, you don’t need a $700 wood basket. However, if you’ve got loads of money in the bank, then you might enjoy placing your logs in this powder-coated metal basket trimmed with leather (from Swedish tannery Tärnsjö). To complete your fireplace accessory kit, consider adding Eldvarm’s Fireplace Tool Set Emma and their Brush and Shovel set to match.
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I think I linked to this on a previous Friday Links list, but a few new product photos get it extra recognition. The Stol is a collapsible guitar stand that’s very easy on the eyes. It’s composed of two A-frame pieces that slot together to create a simple stand worthy of your best guitar. Knock the stand back down for flat storage, no tools necessary.
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I know, it’s not really the rainy season where most of us live, but it is somewhere in the world, so let’s just say it’s entirely appropriate to feature a very minimal umbrella stand right this very second. It’s a half cylinder, so it will hug the wall and keep your entryway super sleek. Small spaces will love it. No tripping hazard, either, though you might not need that pointed out unless you’re a big klutz. Another plus? A perforated back will reduce dampness.
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You might talk the talk, but do you walk the walk? And, if you’re not thinking about your integrity and instead you’re wondering who the hell uses a shoe horn, you need better shoes (at least one pair, come on, grow up). This brass shoe horn will last probably longer than you, so it’s a sound investment should you ever need assistance in putting on your nice shoes without ruining them.
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If you have a fireplace (lucky you), you’d best have a decent set of fire tools to keep the flames under control. This set by Arik Levy includes tongs, shovel, brush, and a bucket with the word ‘fire’ on its side just in case anyone gets confused. The tools are constructed of sturdy lightweight aluminum with rubber handles for a strong grip.
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What’s this round, iron object for? Wood storage, of course, as the photo above shows. It’s perfectly sized for kindling and other small logs for the many fires you’ll light this fall/winter season. The powdercoated iron loop floats just above the ground on angled legs. Also, five imaginary dollars goes to whoever can think of the best use for this offseason.
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Correct me if I’m wrong, but it’s not everyday that you run across decent firewood holders, much less one that doesn’t cost half a grand (to be fair, that link is to a log carrier, not holder) or more. Now, this holder won’t catch the dirt/debris that firewood is bound to shed once brought indoors, but it is made of square-section iron and it’s in the shape of a simple, line-drawn house. That shape (and its price) seems preferable to most other wood holders available nowadays. A few others that seem decent around the $200 mark are linked to below.
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If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace that works, you might be in need of a wood basket. This one is super simple and made of coated iron, so it’ll be sturdy enough for cords of wood, year after year. Designed by Thomas Bernstrand.

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