The Irish Times Index

Eco-friendly candles from www.indigoessences.com.
Photograph: The Irish Times

A guide to what's hot and what's not.

WHAT'S HOT?

Give an experience (not a gift token) Promise a walk, a long lunch, a concert with dinner beforehand, a boat trip . . . The upside is that you get half the gift.

Long, indulgent breakfasts Light the candles, add a drop of whiskey to the porridge and Baileys to the coffee.

No commuting A week of seeing your kids more than you see the M50. Hooray!

Rachmaninov's Vespers Stirring stuff. Turn the volume up high.

New Year cards So you didn't get around to writing to your friends? Worry not. Do what the French do. Bonne Année.

Freegans New name for pro-recycling anti-consumers.

Indigo Essences We love these Irish-made, eco-friendly candles.

WHAT'S COLD?

Traffic chaos One truck falls over; one city stops. Imagine if two trucks fell over.

"Self gifting" An unseasonal turn of phrase.

Night lights Gorgeous, yes, but not when they leave burn marks. Require jars or saucers.

Frozen turkeys Don't forget they need at least 24 hours to defrost.

Personal breathalysers What happened to the golden rule of not drinking and driving?

© 2007 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times