Looking through my drawer labelled ‘Miscellaneous’, I came across a sampler for a fragrance that has been around for a couple of years. SMILEY is marketed as the world’s first anti-depressant fragrance. It is sold as a psycho-tonic perfume that activates happiness. At $45 for a 1.7-ounce bottle, it’s cheaper than an hour with a psychiatrist, but with possibly less conclusions. Let’s see if it helps me through the day…

Managed to miss these lovely ice cube makers when I was in Tokyo a couple of weeks ago. Designed by Atsuhiro Hayashi, these silicon cups feature a polar bear and a pair of penguins. As you drink, they gradually melt. Nothing like your very own global warming in the privacy of your own house. Sold online at Monos but despatch to Japan only sadly. Have to wait for another 6 months to get them.  http://a-hayashi.com/polar.html

Ever fancied having Bowie on your pounds? Well now you can for a limited time. The initiative, Brixton Pound, has issued a second edition of local currency which is available as of tonight. Amongst others, it features David Bowie on its ten Brixton pound note. The currency has a parity with sterling, and people in Brixton are encouraged to trade sterling for Brixton pounds in order to keep the money in circulation in the area specifically. http://brixtonpound.org/

If you happen to be in Paris anytime up until September 24th, try to get along to Colette Store, 213 Rue Saint-Honoré. Vahram Muratyan presents a friendly visual match between two cities: Paris and New York. It’s the look of a lover of Paris on a New York filled with details, clichés and contradictions. Follow along at Colette for the occasion of an exhibition of quality prints, sold in a limited series, and then on November 5th, for the French release of the book (éditions 10-18) and a signing with the author starting at 5 pm.

My love for New York is well documented. So, what better than a piece of furniture that will constantly remind you of that city when you are far away? www.fakturadesign.com have created a range of furniture which does just that. West coast version available too for those LaLa lovers.

The Crumpled City Map is an ingenious must have for every city traveller. It solves the problem of trying to fold a map along its original creases and trying to read it in the wind and rain. It is great to see a product that gets reinvigorated, after having been taken for granted for so many years. Designed by Emanuele Pizzolorusso. www.pizzolorusso.com

The name of ominous looking restaurant in Tokyo. Believe me, Mam was big when we saw her through the window.

New York is full of great stores. Kiosk is one of them. They specialise in finding odd products from around the world which are inexpensive but fulfill simple design functions admirably. Featured here is a lovely old german bottle opener which has great information graphics embedded on it.