When I first moved to NYC from California, I was worried about the winters. Turns out I should’ve considered the summers, too, because the subway station saunas, flash thunderstorms, and sticky humidity are not for the faint of heart. My apartment is always a welcome respite, and I’ve acquired a few new products this year to help recover and relax from a day out in the sun.
Air Purifier from AirDoctor ($399)
Summer wildfires and NYC smog are no joke. Protect your lungs with the AirDoctor 2000, which was voted the best air purifier by Newsweek for two years in a row. A three-stage filtration system removes 99.99% of airborne particles—more than other purifiers. The design is sleek, the machine doesn’t make much noise, and the auto-mode monitors your air quality for you.
Iris Knife Set from KnifeSaga ($229)
I’ll admit—I’m still using the same set of knives I bought off Facebook Marketplace four years ago. They no longer cut through much, and they weren’t that great to begin with, so I was overdue for an upgrade. This 15-piece set comes with everything you need to craft a casual meal or a Michelin-worthy one. The knives are made with durable stainless steel and are sharpened to a 10° edge for effortless slicing. The unique floral design on the wooden block looks cute on my counter, too.
Cami + Shorts Pajama Set from Avidlove ($20)
Comfort is a must during these hot summer nights. Since I switched to this pajama set, I’ve been sleeping a lot better. It’s soft, breathable, and the lace trim adds a sweet touch. There’s a whole range of styles to choose from—I went with Dusty Pink. Fair warning that the lighter colors are a tad see-through, but if you’re just lounging at home, it doesn’t matter too much.
Shower Filter from AquaTru ($149)
If you don’t already have a filter to protect your hair and skin, now is the time to start. AquaTru reduces chlorine, chloramine, and other contaminants for a healthier shower. Choose from four stream settings, like mist and massage, to enhance your experience. It’s super easy to install, and my hair does feel softer since I started using it.
Bistro Candle from Paddywax ($32)
The only thing that can make a candle better is a cute vessel, and these Paddywax ones take the cake. Choose from scents like sweet Strawberry, fresh Tomato, or woodsy Mushroom. Once you’re finished with your candle, use the ceramic pot as a mug, planter, or vase. I love that the vessel is food-safe, which opens up lots of possibilities for a second life.
Protein Powder from Drink Wholesome ($60)
I love adding protein powder to my smoothies, but as an IBS girl, a lot of them hurt my stomach. This powder has a simple list of ingredients guaranteed to be safe for sensitive tummies. There are no food additives, dairy-based proteins, or processed ingredients—just egg whites and natural flavors like vanilla and cocoa. It tastes pretty good by itself, too!
