A Canadian actress and comedian has highlighted how dog beds are just one of the essentials she keeps in her car.

Speaking to Metro Canada, Sharron Matthews notes that she keeps a pair of “huge” dog beds in her 2003 Ford Explorer.

With one of her dogs weighing some 120 lbs, she points out the vehicle is “the only thing” that can carry herself, her husband, their pets and all their gear.

“We had thought about getting a smaller car, but we realized we couldn’t do it,” she claims.

And the Toronto-based entertainer – who has starred in the likes of Beauty and the Beast and Les Miserables – may find her car is not only loaded up with dog beds but a whole host of other possessions as they prepare to take a road trip.

“This summer, we’re taking a road trip out to Fredericton because my husband’s doing a play out there,” Matthews states.

But those seeking dog bean bags may be interested to note the actress isn’t the only one to have dog beds. Writing for The Stir, Juliet Farmer reveals she has three dog beds in her home – one in her living room, office and bedroom – despite only owning one canine.

Film fanatics will have the chance to cosy up on large bean bags while taking in surfing movies at an upcoming festival in New Zealand.

Between April 10th and 17th the Arthouse Cinema in New Plymouth will screen a number of features dedicated to the sport, Taranaki Daily News reports.

With Hana Surf Girls, Dear & Yonder and Sea of Darkness among the titles to be screened, attendants will have the option of settling down on bean bag chairs or sitting on a zebra-striped couch to watch the films.

Some 20 movies to be screened over the week and the numerous food stalls which are to be set up could ensure those chilling on bean bags sofas have something to munch on while they watch some surfing action.

Those keen to take in more of the sport may want to check out the Women’s World Championship Tour competition which is to be held in the city at the same time. However, spectators wishing to watch the action from the comfort of the beach may want to take waterproof bean bags so their seating does not get damaged by the sea!

But this is not the first time that bean bags and surfing have come together. GoldCoast.com.au recently reported that the Komune hotel in Australia – which is dedicated to all things surf and beach culture-related – has a number of “new age” bean bags around its outside swimming pool.

A blogger has highlighted how a gaming conference in Boston saw attendees use bean bag chairs.

Writing for Geekosystem, Susana Polo highlights how the portable gaming lounges at Penny Arcade Expo East event were “littered” with Sumo bean bags.

And not only did people use such seating to play computer games, she notes that the “always well-populated” seating saw people eat and take naps on them.

Trying the bean bags out herself, Ms Polo claims they were “incredibly comfortable” as she sat down for a spot of Sunday lunch.

With Nintendo DS, Sony PSPs, netbooks and mobile phones among the platforms that the games were played on, the convention also offered those in attendance – whether they choose to sit on bean bag chairs or otherwise – the chance to use free Wi-Fi.

Of course this is not the first time that computer games and bean bags have come together. Not only are teenagers and young people across the country likely to possess such seating to play on their favourite titles, but Hampshire Business recently noted the new Southampton office of PEER1 features a number of bean bags and games consoles for staff.