Every so often, I stumble across little gems—products, places, and experiences—that quietly make life better. They’re not always the flashiest things, but they’re the ones I keep coming back to, the ones I end up recommending to friends over coffee. This week’s favorites cover three areas I care deeply about: tech that makes life easier, food that makes life brighter, and music that makes everything feel a little richer.
Tech Spotlight: Lumee Phone Case
Some products feel like gimmicks until you actually live with them. For me, that’s the Lumee phone case. I first discovered it a couple of years ago, and since then, it’s become less of an accessory and more of a necessity.
Sure, it’s branded as the selfie case—with built-in lights designed to give you perfect illumination no matter where you are—but it’s also proven itself in far more practical ways. My phone has survived countless drops and tumbles thanks to its sturdy frame. Out of curiosity, I’ve tried a few other light-up cases from different brands, but none of them have matched Lumee’s durability and brightness.
I currently use the Lumee Duo, which lights up from both the front and the back. It makes a surprising difference—whether you’re taking photos in dim restaurants, out at night, or even just needing an extra bit of light to find your way through your bag. The photo I snapped above was taken in near-darkness with my iPhone 7 Plus and a Lumee case, and it came out crisp and vibrant. Honestly, it’s the kind of tech that once you try, you wonder how you ever managed without.
Food Fix: New Shanghai, The Dubai Mall
If there’s one type of food I’ll never get tired of, it’s modern Chinese cuisine. It’s comforting, flavorful, and endlessly varied—so when I heard that New Shanghai had opened at The Dubai Mall, I knew I had to check it out.
Located on the basement level near Eataly, the restaurant comes from a chain with roots in both Shanghai and Australia. The design is chic and modern, but what really impressed me was how affordable the menu is—without sacrificing taste or quality. That’s not always the case with restaurants that look this polished.
The standouts? The sweet corn soup with chicken (the kind of dish you want to order again before you’ve even finished the bowl), dumplings made fresh in-house (a small detail that makes all the difference), and two classics done beautifully: sweet and sour chicken and Kung Pao chicken. The surprise favorite was the rainbow beef—crispy, tangy, and just addictive enough that we ordered a second plate.
If there was one area for improvement, it would be the desserts. The menu could use more variety to round out the experience, but honestly, the savory dishes more than make up for it. This is one spot I’ll definitely be revisiting.
Music Essential: Bose Soundlink Micro
Music is one of those constants in my life—whether I’m at the gym, working from home, or traveling, I need good sound around me. And when it comes to audio gear, Bose has never let me down.
I’ve been using their wireless headphones for workouts and flights, and recently, I added the Bose Soundlink Micro speaker into the mix. It’s small enough to fit in the palm of your hand but packs a sound far bigger than its size suggests.
Available in black, navy, and a punchy orange (my pick), the speaker is waterproof, rugged, and cleverly designed with a strap that makes it easy to attach to a bike, backpack, or even a shower caddy. The real highlight, though, is the sound quality. The custom-designed transducer and passive radiators give it a depth and clarity that I didn’t think possible from something so compact. It’s the kind of speaker you can toss into your bag and forget about until you press play—and then it completely transforms the moment.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of these finds—Lumee, New Shanghai, and Bose—is that they’re not about excess, but about enhancement. The phone case that makes nights out brighter and drops less stressful. The restaurant that delivers familiar comfort with a modern twist, without draining your wallet. And the speaker that makes sure your soundtrack is always crisp, no matter where you are.
Sometimes it’s the small things—those everyday upgrades—that quietly elevate your lifestyle. These three have done exactly that for me, and I have a feeling they’ll do the same for anyone who gives them a try.
