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  • Nucu Pad: Review of the Multisensory Sleep Pad for Babies

    Nucu Pad: Review of the Multisensory Sleep Pad for Babies

    In partnership with Nucu Oy

    The Finnish Nucu Pad is a multisensorysleep pad for babies, designed to support the sleep of the whole family. The second-generation Nucu Pad is coming to Finland this summer.

    In this article, we’ll go through what Nucu is, what it’s for and what first-time users’ experiences of Nucu have been. I’ve been involved in Nucu myself for a couple of years now, so this article includes views and experiences from the inside as well.

    The Nucu Pad can be installed in a bassinet or crib. Photo: courtesy of Nucu Oy

    The Nucu Pad in a nutshell

    • Multisensory sleep pad developed, designed and manufactured in Finland
    • Size: 417x337x17 mm (slightly larger than A3 paper)
    • Put under the baby’s mattress (bassinet or crib)
    • Soothes the baby with feelscapes (sounds and vibration)
    • Monitors the baby’s sleep (timings, in the first versions of the app)
    • Package includes: Nucu Pad, controller and app (plus frame and mattress for installation)
    • Initially only available for iOS (Android support coming later)
    • Monthly paid app (subscription includes 1 year free)
    The gentle feelscapes (sounds and vibrations) of the Nucu Pad can also be felt through the mattress.

    What is the Nucu Pad used for? Who is it for?

    The first generation Nucu Pad was developed to support and comfort premature babies in NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) incubators. Its purpose was to create a sense of togetherness in the clinical environment, which is important for the baby.

    The second-generation Nucu Pad is designed for ordinary families: to support sleep, well-being and good sleep routines. This is how early users have been using the Nucu Pad:

    • Soothing the baby when moving from the parent’s arms to the bed (either sleeping or calm)
    • Improving the solidity of the night’s first sleep session
    • To help the baby fall asleep independently
    • Giving parents peace of mind as the baby falls asleep to a familiar heartbeat

    The Nucu Pad is intended for use up to 24 months – and that age will rise as the app continues to develop. The Nucu Pad supports babies of different ages in different ways:

    • In newborn babies, womb-like feelscapes are important
    • Slightly older babies usually calm down to the natural white noise of the Nucu Pad (rain and storm)
    • For older children, songs and stories are important and can be recorded on the Nucu Pad using the Nucu app.
    • The Nucu app can also be used to monitor your child’s sleep development (at first at a more general level and then more and more as the app develops).
    The Nucu Basic set is intended for use in bassinets and sidesleepers. It comes with a foam frame (white in the picture) to place the Nucu Pad on the bottom of the bassinet. The bassinet is not included in the product set. Photo courtesy of Nucu.

    Will the Nucu Pad solve all your baby’s sleep problems?

    The Nucu Pad is designed to support your family’s own sleep routines and habits. It is not a medical device and is not intended to treat or diagnose diseases or conditions.

    Throughout product development, we have seen that babies’ reactions to the Nucu Pad are very varied:

    • Some families report that they have been able to get their baby to sleep more peacefully the first time they use Nucu, which is of course a huge relief.
    • Other families say that Nucu has had no effect at all
    • There are also experiences in between: sometimes Nucu helps, sometimes not. Sometimes there is sickness, sometimes there are difficult developmental phases.

    We’ve found that the Nucu Pad is most supportive of everyday life when it’s introduced early and at a calm stage. Familiarize the baby with the Nucu Pad gently and as a part of your other sleep routines.

    Nucu is not meant to be a magical baby soother that calms the baby down instantly – at any time and in any situation. Nucu is also no substitute for togetherness and touch.

    Nucu provides comfort and safety for both the baby and the parent who knows that their baby is all right.

    The Nucu Pad is made with safety first. The device’s battery and connections such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are in the controller, which you can put outside your child’s crib. The controller can also be disconnected from the wire for charging.

    What is the Nucu Pad based on? Is it safe?

    The Nucu Pad is based on the same phenomenon as kangaroo care, that is, skin-on-skin contact. In English, it is called multisensory stimulation. Your baby’s senses are developing at a tremendous rate and they experience the world very differently. Multi-sensory experiences support your baby’s development.

    The Nucu Pad creates the same sense of security and familiarity as holding the baby close: with the sounds and vibrations of the chest and womb. The sound levels of the feelscapes are safe and gentle.

    The first-generation Nucu Pad has also been successfully used at Oulu University Hospital NICU to support the most fragile premature babies.

    Despite the safety of the Nucu Pad, the family plays a major role:

    • In your baby’s sleep environment, follow the same good practices as usual: no extra objects in the bed, no loose fabrics, clothes or toys. For example, you can read more about safe sleep for babies on the American Academy of Pediatrics website.
    • The Nucu Pad slips under the mattress and comes with a foam frame to hold the Nucu Pad level. When installing the Nucu Pad, make sure that the mattress is level and that there are no gaps between the mattress and the edge.
    • The cable of the Nucu controller must be pulled from under the mattress and the crib or bassinet, and must not remain inside the bed. The controller must be attached to the outside of the crib so that it cannot fall into the bed.
    • Nucu is in no way a substitute for normal family closeness and parental control

    Your own heartbeat feelscape on the Nucu Pad

    A selection of feelscapes is immediately available on the Nucu Pad: a sound that reproduces the uterine heartbeat and soundscape of the womb, and natural white noise sounds like rain and storm.

    You can record your own heart rate with the Nucu app. Photo courtesy of Nucu Oy

    With the Nucu app, you can record your own heartbeat and transfer it to the Nucu Pad, so your baby can fall asleep to a familiar and safe feelscape. Recording is done with the Nucu app:

    • Nice quiet place
    • Semi-sitting relaxed position
    • A few minutes of relaxed breathing with the Nucu app open on your phone, which is on your chest.
    • Transferring your own heart rate to the Nucu Pad

    Experiences with the Nucu Pad: what families are saying

    The Nucu Pad has been tested with babies of different ages and in different situations. Here are direct quotes from families’ experiences:

    • “It was wonderful that my baby slept better and didn’t wake up right after being laid in the crib.” – Marjo, mom with a 4-month-old baby
    • “When put to bed, the baby listened to the familiar sound of mom’s heartbeat and fell asleep.” – Iida, mom with a 3-week-old baby
    • “Our baby falls asleep best and sleeps more peacefully next to mom or dad, rather than in their own bed. With Nucu, it hasn’t felt so bad putting the baby down in the crib, since they can still fall asleep to the comforting sound of mom’s heartbeat there too.” – mom with a 2-month-old baby
    • “It was a huge relief not to always have to move the baby from my arms to the bed and worry about waking them up. With Nucu, the baby would fall asleep in their bed, cutting down on the time it took to get them to sleep, especially in the evenings.” – dad with a 3-month-old baby
    • “Sometimes getting the baby to calm down for sleep takes a while, but with Nucu, the baby can settle down gently even when a parent isn’t constantly by their side.” – Mariella, mom with a 4-month-old baby
    • “With Nucu, we can have a moment of respite in the evenings, when we don’t have to worry about whether the baby will settle down to sleep and feel safe, without mum or dad being there to watch over them.” – mother, baby 2 months

    Positive user feedback is mainly divided into three categories:

    • facilitating the transition to bed
    • help with sleep routines
    • peace of mind for parents

    In terms of negative feedback, the main points are:

    • Some families would like to have a SIDS monitor (i.e. a warning if the baby stops breathing). There is no breating alerts coming to Nucu, at least not initially. Rather the product will focus on supporting children and families in a positive way.
    • The Nucu Pad does not always provide the desired help: When families are under pressure and sleep-deprived, their expectations for the instant effect of the Nucu Pad may not be in line with the actual effect. Babies’ reactions to the Nucu Pad are individual and also vary from one developmental stage to another. We respond to this in two ways: 1) we try to be open about what parents can expect and 2) we make it as easy as possible to return and resell your product.

    Where can I buy a Nucu Pad? How much does it cost?

    The Nucu Pad will be available on Nucu’s own online shop. It is also the only place where you can buy it.

    There is currently a Nucu Family early access program. The first product drops in Finland will be available in the summer only for members. So it’s worth becoming a member so you can find out when, what and at what price Nucu is coming to your country.

    This is how the drops work:

    • Pre-registered members get the chance to buy the Nucu Pad
    • 20% discount on normal prices for members
    • Product drops are limited (due to low initial production volumes) so products can sell out very quickly
    • Information on the progress of the campaign will be sent to members
    • Membership costs nothing and is not binding (you only get to know about new patterns and can decide what you do).

    The prices of Nucu are not yet public. There are three product ranges: the Basic set for bassinets, the Plus set for cribs and the Plus Pro with an extra breathable mattress and frame. The Nucu Pad and controller are the same for all product sets. That is, the Nucu Pad is always the same size in all sets. All the product sets are on display in the Nucu shop.

    Other questions and answers

    The product is new, so there are many questions. Here’s a collection:

    Why is there a cord in Nucu?

    The Nucu Pad and the Nucu controller always work together. Between them is a cable, one end of which is detachable from the controller. One option would have been to make a pad that goes under the mattress with (battery and all), but we decided to do this for these reasons:

    • Security. Only the Nucu Pad is under the baby. The battery and wireless communications are in the controller and the controller can be placed outside the bed.
    • Use without a phone: the Nucu Pad can also be operated in the dark, without a phone.

    Why is Nucu only coming to iOS initially?

    The Nucu app is indeed coming initially only for the iPhone, i.e. iOS. An Android app is coming later (not necessarily in 2024). In particular, recording your own heart rate is easier in an iOS environment, so limited development resources are being spent on iOS first.

    Is the battery in a Nucu Pad safe?

    Nucu is designed with safety first. The controller’s battery is a stable and reliable LFP battery.

    Do I need a subscription for the app?

    A Nucu subscription is required to use all the features of Nucu. Buyers get a 1-year free subscription with their purchase from the Nucu Shop.

    Is Nucu right for you?

    We have found that the Nucu Pad is particularly relevant in two situations:

    • During the third trimester, you can order a Nucu Pad at the same time you’re getting the other baby gear you need. You can transfer your own heart rate to the Nucu Pad and mount it, so it’s there to support you when you come home with your baby.
    • When you need support with your baby’s sleep. Situations vary and many parents have found the Nucu Pad to be a daily helper that provides security, comfort and a sense of control for both baby and parent.

    Feel free to ask for more in the comments or visit the Nucu website. It’s also worth joining Nucu Family early access program as it’s not binding and allows you to decide for yourself whether a Nucu Pad would suit your family.

  • Removing and Washing the Cover of Your IKEA Långfjell Chair

    Removing and Washing the Cover of Your IKEA Långfjell Chair

    I recently changed my work chair from IKEA’s Långfjell to Martela’s Luna Active. The fabric on the chair was a bit scruffy, so I needed to clean it up a bit for sale. The problem was how to get the cover off the chair. 

    Here’s how it worked.

    Washing the Långfjell work chair cover

    At first, I tried a little rubbing with the foamed dishwasher water on the areas where the grime was most visible. But it didn’t seem to be enough, so I thought I’d put the fabric in the washing machine.

    I got sucked into the depths of YouTube videos, because removing the fabric was not as easy as I imagined.

    How to remove the fabric cover from a Långfjell chair

    Remember that the end result may not be what you want when you take the following steps. You may not even be able to get the chair back to the same condition as before dismantling. But if you want to continue, here’s how. Remember, you do the following steps at your own risk.

    The main trick is to remove the whole mechanism from the base of the chair and cut small flaps in the fabric so that you can remove the fabric without dismantling the mechanism.

    • Raise the chair mechanism to the top position
    • Turn it horizontally on the floor
    • Cut the bottom of the fabric to allow room to slip the mechanism whole through (image below)
    • Remove the mechanism from the chair by unscrewing the four screws
    • Remove the black clips holding the fabric to the chair base
    • Pull out the fabric
    • Wash in a delicate wash to prevent the fabric from shrinking

    Here’s an illustration of cutting the fabric. So we had to cut the fabric, but in the end it was easier than dismantling the chair mechanism.

    Remember these

    The fabric is attached to the chair by strings that go through the chair. You must remove the black clips before the fabric comes off. They are both at the bottom of the chair and in the curved part.

    Good luck!

  • Acoustics at Home: Less Echo, More Comfort

    Acoustics at Home: Less Echo, More Comfort

    Partner links marked with *.

    Improving the acoustics at home can have a big effect on the quality of life. And it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The main objective of improving the acoustics is to reduce echo and attenuate disturbing sounds. An additional goal could be, for example, to acousticize a home theater or TV room.

    You can get a feel for the normal, acoustically bare conditions of your home when you’re just moving in. The empty apartment echoes with normal conversation and it feels like all the sounds from outside are coming right in. Once the furniture has been brought inside and put in place, a lot has already been done for the acoustics:

    • The carpets have been put in place
    • Large furniture, such as sofas, absorbs sound
    • Large surfaces on the walls have been (acoustically) broken up by boards or shelves
    • Curtains are put up to cover the windows

    In this article, we’ll go over some tips for home acoustics beyond those basics. We’ve been improving the acoustics of our home a little more than usual, because we’ve been using two different rooms in our apartment as a podcast studio.

    Reducing echoes in the home with acoustics

    Clap your hands together in the middle of the room and listen to the echo of the sound. Do it in different rooms and listen to the differences. In the bathroom, for example, the echo is often more noticeable because there are no soft surfaces to absorb the sound.

    Unpleasant echoes make for a less comfortable living environment. Instead of poor acoustics, it’s easy to blame the source of the sound: children, the television, family hobbies or a neighbour. So if you notice that the echo in a room is particularly disturbing, you can start with these tips:

    Absorb the sound with soft textiles

    Imagine that sound is light emanating from your hands in all directions. Where does it bounce and where does it collect? For example, two hard surfaces facing each other will reflect the sound, making it feel louder. Soft carpets, rugs, tapestries or softer building materials will reduce sound echo.

    Soft materials and curtains absorb echoes.

    Suck out the sound with furniture

    Your interior design choices can have a big impact on the acoustics of your home. Soft furniture such as sofas, chairs or armchairs absorb sound and improve acoustics. Glass tables, glass boards and other hard materials reflect sound and make the situation worse.

    Create uneven surfaces in your home

    Uneven surfaces disperse sound and dampen echoes. Create a variety of uneven surfaces in your home. For example, a bookshelf is an excellent acoustic element because books are naturally of different sizes and form a random and uneven surface. Minimalist interior design, on the other hand, requires different solutions, as there are no everyday objects available to create acoustic surfaces.

    Interior products to improve acoustics

    Here are a few different products that can give you ideas for improving acoustics with small interior design choices:

    • Rugs
    • Pillows and blankets
    • Curtains
    • Acoustic elements (lighting fixtures, for example)
    • Acoustic panels

    Home acoustics with acoustic panels: panels for ceilings and walls

    Acoustic panels have had the biggest impact in our home: a dozen acoustic panels have been installed on the ceiling of our study and bedroom, effectively dampening echoes. Opposite them, there is a wide bed in one room and a carpet that covers almost the entire floor in the other, so the sound doesn’t echo.

    Curtained acoustic panels add a touch of flair and acoustics.
    Curtained acoustic panels add a touch of flair and acoustics.

    Acoustic tiles on the ceiling of a room are a long-term and permanent solution. We’re used to texture and geometry in the ceiling, but it’s worth trying to design the right panelling for your home.

    The acoustic panels shown in the picture are Parafon Royal 60x120x3 cm. They are installed with a thin layer of mounting adhesive. Here are some tips for those considering acoustic panels:

    • Use mounting adhesive. At first we tried taping but the panels came down before long.
    • Accept that the ones with mounting adhesive will stick in place. We installed fabric-covered panels on the wall, which we later wanted to move. The paint came off with the adhesive and there were holes behind the panels.
    • Call a professional to install. Installing panels on the ceiling is both a painstaking and precise job. The easiest way is to get a professional to install the panels. He has the skills and the tools.
    • Do not accept broken acoustic panels. The downside of panels is that they take a hit reasonably easily. Do not install a panel on the ceiling if the corner is bumped or if the inside is peeking out from the edge. The panel is difficult to get off after installation and a bad-looking panel will haunt your thoughts as well as your eyes.
    • With fabric upholstery, you can decorate and accentuate at the same time. We upholstered a few Royal Parafon panels ourselves with Marimekko fabric and we have liked the result. Pre-patterned acoustic panels are also available.

    These tips to make your home more cosy

    Use the tips in this article to improve the acoustics of your home. I recommend walking around your home giving yourself a round of applause, so you can see where the acoustics need to be improved. The echoes reduce the comfort of living, especially in large and high spaces.

    Also share your own tips for improving acoustics in the comments!

  • Clothespin Alternatives: What to Use in a Pinch?

    Clothespin Alternatives: What to Use in a Pinch?

    Your sparkling white sheets are ready to hang but you realize that you don’t have any clothespins. Or maybe you’re making some festive decorations but realize you tossed out the clothespins. What could you use instead of clothespins? 

    Clothespins are cheap and easy to find, but there are plenty of other things you can use in a pinch. Here’s a bunch of clothespins alternatives you can use.

    Best alternatives for clothespins

    Here are clothespin alternatives you’ll likely have lying around the house or the yard:

    • Binder clips
    • Paper clips
    • Hairpins
    • Magnets
    • Spring clamps
    • Half-split twigs

    If you don’t have clothespins, you can use paperclips, binder clips, or even rubber bands to hold your clothes on the line. Just take care if using anything too heavy or metal, as it could damage your clothes. 

    Some of the heavy-duty alternatives such as spring clamps used for woodworking may be too strong and you may have to use something between the clamp and the fabric.

    Whatever you use, just make sure it can hold your clothes securely and won’t damage them in any way. 

    More alternatives for clothespins

    Getting a bit more creative you can try these tips:

    Use the clothes themselves

    Hang a button-up shirt to dry using the buttons themselves. The same goes for trousers.

    Trust the weight

    If it’s not too windy, your clothes may dry on their own. Trust the process but be prepared to wash them again!

    Hang from the care label

    You don’t have to be so careful not to damage the fabric if you use the care label as the point of contact.

    How do clothespins work?

    To understand what you can use instead of clothespins, it’s worth it to consider how clothespins work.

    A clothespin is a fastener used to hold a piece of fabric in place. The fabric is inserted between the two halves of the clothespin and the tension of the clothespin keeps the fabric in place. 

    A clothespin is made up of two pieces of wood that are connected by a metal spring. The spring is what allows the clothespin to open and close. 

    When you squeeze the clothespin shut, the spring is compressed. This causes the two pieces of wood to move further apart. When you realize the spring, the cloth is pinched between them. The tension of the spring keeps the clothespin closed, and the tension of the fabric keeps the clothespin from opening.

    So, in a pinch, use anything that has some pinch!

    Do you have any other tips for drying clothes without clothespins? Let us know in the comments below.

  • Can I Use an Electric Toothbrush in the Shower?

    Can I Use an Electric Toothbrush in the Shower?

    Electricity and water don’t go together, but what about a shower and an electric toothbrush? Can an electric toothbrush be used safely in the shower?

    According to the manufacturers’ websites an electric toothbrush can be used in the shower, depending on the model and condition of the toothbrush. Not all models are recommended to be used in the shower.

    Ad

    How do I know if my electric toothbrush can be used in the shower?

    If you want to make sure whether your electric toothbrush can be used while showering, you can try searching by model or manufacturer name. For example, the Oral-B manufacturer’s website says that all their their models are waterproof and can be used in the shower.

    Is an electric toothbrush safe in the shower?

    Most electric toothbrushes are waterproof. They are charged by induction, so the entire brush can be covered with plastic and there is no need to leave charger holes.

    In addition, the battery of the electric toothbrush has a low voltage, which makes it safer even in the shower. However, you shouldn’t try to charge an electric toothbrush from an outlet and use it while singing about raindrops under the shower.

  • Best Dog Sweater Knitting Patterns

    Best Dog Sweater Knitting Patterns

    Small dogs, in particular, require a little extra warmth during the colder months of Finland – namely autumn, winter, and midsummer. This post has a variety of dog knitting patterns for various skill levels, from simple to difficult.

    If you’re interested in knitting patterns in English, have a look at:

    You can also purchase knitting instructions in Finnish (it’s not that difficult to learn!) from Aalho’s store and have them sent straight to your e-mail address.

    Here is a selection of our Nappi’s wardrobe:

    How to knit a credit card for a small dog

    This sleeveless dog sweater pattern is available on Etsy.

    This Icelandic dog sweater pattern is available on Etsy.

    Beautiful Christmas knit for a small dog

    Popular Dog Knitting Patterns at the Aalho Store

    The popularity of Icelandic knitted sweaters has continued for several years and will continue. We’ve also seen a huge demand for the stylish, gray Archipelago Sweater. It’s breathable and warm – and makes any dog look like an experienced seafarer.

    How to knit a credit card for a small dog

    Why buy a knitting pattern from Aalho?

    • Clear instructions with images
    • Easy to print in A4 format
    • You can also read instructions on your tablet or phone
    • Designed and tested: Nappi is the best test audience

    How to Identify a Good Knitting Pattern for Dogs?

    We’ve discovered that a great knitted sweater is, of course, stylish, but most importantly, dog-friendly. You can ensure that the design fits your dog by knitting the garment yourself.

    The durability and washability of a good sweater are two additional characteristics. These are based on the yarn’s properties. The yarn used in our instructions is Icelandic, which also stands up well to harness usage.

    The shape of the back part of the sweater is also significant: Aalho’s designs emphasize the rounded rear, which doesn’t roll up and stays in place even when playing.

    What Kind of Yarn for Knitted Dog Sweaters Should You Use?

    An average of about 100 g of yarn goes into a small dog’s knit. Our instructions use e.g. these yarns:

    • Wool, 100% Finnish wool, 100g, 180 tex x 2
    • Istex Lettlopi, 100% Icelandic sheep wool, 50 g

    Tips for Sizing the Sweater

    Our model, Nappi has a chest size of 36 centimeters and a back length of 30 centimeters.

    Modifying the sweater according to the instructions in the leaflet can make the garment smaller or larger, depending on the dog’s body structure.

    Beginner’s Knitting Guide: First Time as a Stylist?

    Knitting for dogs is an excellent way to get started with a new pastime. At least our Nappi has never complained about the style or colors of their sweaters, and she’s always thrilled about them. To get started you need:

    • Knitting patterns
    • Needles (according to handwriting and instructions)
    • Yarn (usually about 100g)
    • Time (about 4-8 hours or 2–3 evenings)

    If you’re interested in getting started with some Nordic designs for your dog, check out the Icelandic Sweater knitting instructions:

    Buy the knitting pattern on Etsy

  • Knitting Pattern: A Warm Icelandic Sweater for Dogs

    Knitting Pattern: A Warm Icelandic Sweater for Dogs

    Nappi the toy poodle recently got a stylish Icelandic sweater for the cold days of autumn. It was the most recent iteration of our dog sweater knitting patterns. In addition to the Icelandic pattern, it comes with a comfy collar and a curved hem that doesn’t roll up but stays in place.

    This knitting pattern is also available if you want to make your own. The downloadable pdf has all the information you need to get started on making this stylish Scandi-style sweater for your furry friend.

    Buy this knitting pattern on Etsy or buy from the All Good Great shop.

    • US and UK
    • Inches and cms
    • Difficulty: intermediate

    Icelandic Sweater Inspiration for Dogs

    Nappi has a full collection of sweaters both based on our own designs and patterns picked up from popular Icelandic knitting patterns.

    Islantilaisneule villakoiralle

    The colors in this sweater represent the Nordic winter sunsets with their deep purples and smoky blues. Wearing it Nappi is reminded of her ancestral days of running with the wolves.

    The light brown Icelandic sweater pictured below is inspired by the windy days of the Scandinavian autumn.

    What You Need for This Knitted Sweater for Dogs

    The knitted sweater is fairly simple. It works best for smaller dogs. Nappi’s chest circumference is 36 centimeters and her back is c. 30 cm long.

    The yarn used for the sweater is 100% Icelandic wool, called Léttlopi. For the sweater, you’ll need 4 x 50 gram balls.

    As you can see in the picture, the sweater fits nicely around the neck and front paws. The shape of the back covers the back without rolling up.

    Icelandic Knitting Patterns for Dogs

    Icelandic knitting patterns have been really popular in the last few years. Despite their intricate details, they’re easy to knit and won’t go out of fashion for the next… few hundred years.

    If you’d like to start working on one, get the knitting pattern on Etsy and start make it your own!

  • Review: Portable Monitors for the Home Office

    Review: Portable Monitors for the Home Office

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    An additional monitor makes work easier, especially on a laptop. You can move the source document or a web page to another screen, for example. We were recently looking for a small display for a remote workstation at home: the goal was to find a monitor that looks good, fits in a small space and doesn’t cost a lot.

    Surprisingly, we found a great display whose only downside was the lack of a decent stand. So if you’re looking for a little extra monitor, we may have what you’re looking for.

    Smaller than a 24-Inch Display for Remote Work

    Most monitors are 24 inches or bigger. Prices have fallen in recent years and you can get one for a few hundred euros. We are looking for an even smaller screen than 24 inches for a remote workstation.

    The best answer to this problem turned out to be mobile screens, i.e. small additional monitors of about 15 inches. We ended up buying a Blackstorm MobileMonitor 15.6″ Full HD screen from Verkkokauppa.com. See lowest price in Finland*.

    What we like about this monitor:

    • Lightweight (about half a kilogram)
    • Gets power and image via USB-C
    • Comes with all the required cables (USB-C-USB-C and USB-A-USB-C and HDMI-mini-HDMI)
    • Does the job

    What we didn’t like:

    • The case is flimsy and the magnet is too weak
    • The bottom of the screen is thicker than the top. If you want to set the monitor to portrait mode, it will have balance issues

    Hands-On with the Blackstorm MobileMonitor 15.6″ Full HD Screen

    The Blackstorm monitor costs a couple hundred euros. And gets the job done beautifully for that money.

    It is portable and receives both power and image signal via a single cable (USB-C). The image quality is more than good enough for office work. The investment of a couple of hundred euros in a remote workstation has definitely been worth it. In addition, the screen is thin and convenient to take with you when you telework away from your teleworking office, to a summer cottage for example.

    For the display stand, the monitor comes with a magnetic cover – practically speaking, a black, folded rubber mat. If you have pets, children in the household or open windows, the monitor will be on the floor before long. I also had to take Mensa’s intelligence tests before I learned how to fold the protective cover into a stand.

    We ended up buying a ten euro Mozi Portable tablet holder (compare prices in Finland* ). It works reasonably well horizontally, but is unfortunately unbalanced in an upright position.

    I’m dreaming of attaching some Velcro to the back of the screen, but haven’t got around to it yet. Despite the wobbly stand, I give this monitor two thumbs up.

  • Where Can You Get Disney+ Gift Cards in Finland?

    Where Can You Get Disney+ Gift Cards in Finland?

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    The short answer to the question is: There are currently no Disney Plus (Disney +) gift cards available in Finland. Online search results look fairly suspicious and we do not recommend trying them out.

    Disney Plus gift cards are available in the United States, but you can’t use them in Finland.

    Disney Plus as a Gift?

    If you want to give away a Disney Plus gift card, you could create a Disney account normally and share its login information with the gift recipient. Charges will go to your card, but the account will be used by someone else.

    This is neither the easiest nor the most secure way, but the only way currently to pay for someone else’s Disney streaming service in Finland.

    In this situation, it doesn’t make sense to use your own email or especially your own passwords. We recommend that you create a new Google Account just for the gift.

    Also be mentally prepared to solve connectivity issues, login issues, payment issues, bad TV series issues, and that’s-not-my-favorite-actor issues.

    What Are the Other Options?

    Although gift cards are not yet available on Disney+, you can give a Netflix gift card as a gift. The same series or movies are not available on all platforms, so donating an alternative service may not make sense.

    Other gift cards for streaming services (such as HBO Nordic, Elisa Entertainment or Viaplay) are also not readily available in Finland currently.

    How Much Does Disney Plus Cost per Month?

    Disney Plus can be purchased for a month or a year at a time. It costs € 8.99 per month and € 89.90 per year.