
Perfect for warm evenings in the garden with a bottle of wine, these attractive polycarbonate glasses aren’t afraid of the occasional tumble off the table. Made in New Zealand, the Strahl picnicware offers the sophistication of glassware without the risk. Safe in the microwave and dishwasher, they are a convenient and durable choice for alfresco dining. A brilliant addition to summer celebrations, the Strahl Polycarbonate Glassware is available from John Lewis.
Strahl Vivaldi Tumbler - £3.90
Strahl Vivaldi Hi-Ball - £5.25
Strahl Goblet - £5.25
Strahl Large Wine Goblet - £5.25
Strahl Champagne Flute - £5.25
Strahl Pina Colada Glass - £8
Strahl Click Clack Pitcher - £20
Strahl Click Clack Vivaldi Small Bowl - £8
Strahl Click Clack Vivaldi Large Bowl - £20
Posted by Kate on July 3, 2009 12:00 AM
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A fabulous collection of vintage inspired accessories, the Wild Mushroom Collection brings a quirky retro style to your kitchen. Over the last few months, I've noticed that the classic red and white Toadstool seems to be making a comeback. It has a fabulous vintage character and graphic style that really appeals to modern tastes. Designed by David van Berckel, the Wild Mushroom pattern has a rich palette of browns and red for a contemporary finish. Featured across a range of items like trays, textiles and boards, the Wild Mushroom Collection is available online from New Home Textiles.
Wild Mushroom Tea Towel - £8.50
Wild Mushroom Oven Mitt - £22
Wild Mushroom Apron - £22
Wild Mushroom Pot Holder - £6
Wild Mushroom Pot Stand - £10.50
Wild Mushroom Chopping Board - £14.50
Wild Mushroom Small Tray - £13.50
Wild Mushroom Large Tray - £20
Continue reading "Wild Mushroom Kitchen Collection" »
Posted by Kate on July 2, 2009 12:07 AM
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I was quite impressed with this dual function scale when I visited Vanessa over at Isshoni London. Salter have come up with a clever design that combines digital scale and kitchen clock into a single seamless unit. When hung vertically the digital display automatically switches to display either 12/24 hour time. When you need to measure something you just need to unhook the unit and it’s ready to go. The top surface of the Easy Store Scale sweeps back to create the simple hook compatible with many kitchen rail systems. With additional features like the ‘Aquatronic facility’ for both wet and dry ingredients, this scale saves you both space and time. A great choice for small (or very full) kitchens, the Salter Easy Store Rail Scale is £59.99 from the Guardian ReaderOffers.
Salter Easy Store Rail Scale - £59.99
Posted by Kate on July 1, 2009 12:05 AM
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Designer tea towels are becoming an affordable form of art and now there is a whole website devoted to these artistic textiles. ToDryFor.com is run by a husband and wife team in Oxford who search out and commission up-and-coming artists to create incredibly fashionable kitchen towels. The towel pictured above was created by Stuart Kolakovic, painting a whimsical picture of village life in a retro graphic style. Just one of a huge collection of contemporary designs (click 'read more' for a few highlights) ToDryFor captures many of today's popular trends. A great way to bring your own unique style to the normally practical kitchen, ToDryFor is bound to have just what you are looking for.
Stuart Kolakovic 'Right On' Tea Towel - £9.95
'Tea Revives You' Tea Towel - £8.50
'Afternoon Tea' Tea Towel - £10
'Worst in Show' Tea Towel - £10
'Ladybirds' Tea Towel - £11.50
Continue reading "ToDryFor.com Tea Towels" »
Posted by Kate on June 30, 2009 12:00 AM
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Jamie Oliver has created a new collection of products that mix modern simplicity with kitchen classics. I love the natural finish on these geometric stoneware bowls. Available in two styles, there is the plain round bowl and a cone shaped bowl with a spout for easy pouring. Strong and durable, you can enthusiastically beat, stir, mix and even bake with them. Resistant to high temperatures, these handy bowls can go straight from freezer to oven. A brilliant addition to your kitchen arsenal, the Jme Mixing bowls are available from JamieOliver.com.
Medium Round Blue Mixing Bowl - £8
Medium Round Green Mixing Bowl - £8
Medium Round Purple Mixing Bowl - £8
Small Green Mixing Bowl with Spout - £12
Large Blue Mixing Bowl with Spout - £15
Large Green Mixing Bowl with Spout - £15
Posted by Kate on June 29, 2009 12:07 AM
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If you’ve got small children around the house, an Induction Hob is a great choice because there are no hot rings to burn little hands. The only catch is that some pans don’t work. Valira have created some pans specifically designed for induction hob (but suitable for all). Their special TAI technology inserts a steel plate inside the base rather than bonded to it, which offers an even heat distribution without hotspots. The Frying pans have nearly four times the magnetic steel found in other pans ensuring they heat up within minutes! The robust cast aluminium pans have a triple layer of non-stick and the casserole pans feature tempered glass lids which are safe in the oven. Versatile pans that are designed to work efficiently with Induction Hobs, the Valira Induction Collection is available from Lakeland.
Valira Induction Shallow Casserole - £44.03
Valira Induction Deep Casserole - £48.93
Valira Induction 24cm Frypan - £41.10
Valira Induction 28cm Frypan - £48.93
Posted by Kate on June 26, 2009 12:08 AM
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There really is a gadget for everything. Lakeland have even found a machine to make the perfect omelette. With a unique hinged design, you’ll no longer worry about broken omelettes or flipping failures. First sauté your mushrooms, onions, bacon or other fillings on the smooth non-stick plate. Then add your eggs and cook for about three minutes, before flipping the machine over to finish the other side. Able to makes 2-egg omelettes for one or two people, this gadget will let you make hearty breakfasts even on busy mornings. Creating professional fluffy omelettes every time, the Omelette Maker is £39.99 from Lakeland.
Lakeland Omelette Maker - £39.99
Posted by Kate on June 25, 2009 12:08 AM
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Now I’ve loved the Natural Slate Cheese Board since we covered it last Christmas, so finally to have one in my hands is a pleasure. Hand crafted with a slate knife, this creates a lovely scalloped edge around the board. The Scottish Slate has a wonderful rough texture that is finished in an acrylic resin which seals and hardens the surface. This shiny finish accents the delicious textures of your cheeses making them irresistible. The stone’s natural properties help keep your cheese cool, while allowing their flavours to flourish. I especially love ‘The Handpicked Collection’s idea to use chalk to name each of the cheeses on offer. A fabulous serving board I can’t wait to use, the Natural Slate Cheese Board is £14.50
Natural Slate Cheese Board - £14.50
We also ordered one of the Kuhn Rikon coloured knives. These bright and cheerful knives use a revolutionary process to bond the colour to the metal blade without losing its edge. But my favourite feature is the handy plastic sheath. We often take food with us when we travel, and you can’t always be sure you’ll find a knife where you are going. This sturdy knife sheath means you can safely take a knife along with you. Great for picnics or just when you want a fruity snack on the run, these Coloured Knives let you safely prepare meals where ever you are. Available in Blue, Green, Red, Pink and Yellow the Coloured Knives are £5.95 from ‘The Handpicked Collection.
Coloured Knife - £5.95
Posted by Kate on June 24, 2009 12:01 AM
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We got an email a couple of weeks ago from Jo at ‘The Handpicked Collection’ letting us know about their new Birthday Reminder Service and offering us a free voucher to try their service out. As I’ve been coveting their Natural Slate Cheese Board this was too good an offer to pass up! Their Birthday Reminder Service is a clever program that lets you enter important birthdays and events which will send you reminders by email or mobile texts 5, 7, 14 or 30 days before. The best part though is that they’ll also send you a few present suggestions, specially chosen for your recipient! So if you never know what to get for your Great Aunt Gertrude or your new sister-in-law, ‘The Handpicked Collection’ will help get those ideas rolling.
So with the perfect opportunity to try these items for ourselves, we ordered the Natural Slate Cheese Board and one of the Coloured Knives. The day after I placed the ordered I received a friendly phone call to let me know there would be a slight delay in shipping my items because they were moving warehouses. Even with the delay it only took 5 days though! A brilliant service that offers unique gifts you won’t find in every high street shop, The Handpicked Collection brings that personal touch back to gift giving.
Posted by Kate on June 23, 2009 12:01 AM
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All this bright and sunny weather has me wishing I had some flowers in my garden. But even if you can’t have flowers outside, you can always bring florals into the kitchen. With a sophisticated palette; the M&S Linen Dinner Set creates a contemporary floral pattern perfect for modern and transitional kitchens. The fashionable teal has a strong presence without making the dishes dark and imposing. The dinner plate, side plate and bowl has a unique pattern created from layered silhouettes. A fabulous choice for everyday dining, this quality Linen Tableware is available from Marks & Spencer.
4 Linen Mugs - £12
12 Piece Linen Dinner Set - £39.50
Posted by Kate on June 22, 2009 12:04 AM
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