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I'll admit I'm a bit dubious as to how well this will work, but it's too interesting an idea not to explore. These days supermarkets are selling fruit and veg in such large quantities, it can be hard for smaller households to finish everything in time. And there is nothing worse than going to make a sandwich or snack, only to finding your fresh bread and fruit have spoiled. The Vaku Maxx aims to reduce waste by protecting your food with a light vacuum and controlled air quality. Each time the Vaku Maxx lid is closed, a powerful pump removes 15-20% of the air inside. Combined with a built-in dehumidifier and an ioniser to produce ozone, the Vaku Maxx slows down spoiling. A nice sized unit, the Vaku Maxx measures 11” x 17¼” x 8¼”, ideal for several days worth of bread or fruit. Finally with a built-in calender and a fast marinating function, the Scotts of Stow.
Posted by Kate on May 1, 2008 12:04 AM
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While we'll be taking a break over the next couple of weeks, we've made sure you'll still be able to enjoy new kitchen products. Our friends over at Isshoni London will be updating the site for us each day while we escape on honeymoon.
See you all in two weeks!
-Kate & Dan
Posted by Kate on May 5, 2008 12:10 AM
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These new cool containers will thrill anyone who needs to take food on the go. Featuring a unique dual wall design, the EZ Freeze Cool Gear is filled with an insulating gel. Simply pop the containers in the freezer the night before, and the blue gel will keep your lunch or dinner cool for hours. Two designs particularly stand out as innovative solutions. The 'EZ Freeze Cool Gear Salad 2 Go' features a separate compartment built into the lid specifically for salad dressing. A brilliant way to ensure lovely crisp lettuce without sacrificing your tasty dressing, the 'Salad 2 Go' is perfect for light summer meals. The 'Cool Gear Cereal on the Go' is great for late breakfasts or those running late in the morning. Featuring two stacking containers, the top one holds your cereal, while the insulated bottom compartment keeps your milk cool. The 'Cereal to Go' even includes a folding spoon under the lid, so you have everything you need. Brilliant new travel containers, the EZ Freeze Cool Gear collection from Lakeland will make summer picnics and trips even more delicious.
EZ Freeze Cool Gear Salad 2 Go - £5.99
Cool Gear Cereal on the Go - £4.99
Posted by Kate on May 6, 2008 12:07 AM
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Functional and elegant, Michael Graves creates designer utensils at an amazingly affordable price. Available from John Lewis, the Graves Ice Cream Scoop is a prime example of form following function. The plump handle offers a firm comfortable grip, while the sculpted spoon cuts easily into frozen treats. With a simple form, the ice cream scoop achieves a sophistication and beauty despite being a simple tool. Proof that design can transform any tool into a functional work of art, the Michael Graves utensil collection is a feast of vision and style. Exclusively at John Lewis, the Michael Graves Ice Cream Scoop is £10.
Posted by Kate on May 7, 2008 12:32 AM
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Easily add space and character to your kitchen with these vintage inspired Fretwork Shelves. Ideal for displaying your favourite pieces of kitchenalia, these decorative shelves offer an old fashioned charm. Finished in a cream enamel, the metal fretwork shelves offer a clean and uncluttered backdrop for your kitchen collection. Although very pricey at £85 a shelf, the Metal Fretwork Shelves from Re-Foundobjects.com may capture just the style you were searching for.
Posted by Kate on May 8, 2008 12:06 AM
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Joining the ever growing producers of cast iron cookware, Tefal have created a new collection of bright oven-to-tableware. A part of the popular Jamie Oliver range, the Cast Iron cookware features soft simple forms. Ideal for slow cooking, cast iron is safe up to 250C and offers fabulous heat retention. The hard enamel finish is available in both a trendy dark rose and a brilliant lime green. Bringing modern style to classic cookware, the new Tefal Jamie Oliver Cast Iron Cookware is available online at Debenhams.
Rose Gratin Dish - £30
18cm Rose Tegame - £50
26cm Rose Tegame - £80
20cm Rose Cocotte - £70
24cm Rose Cocotte - £90
30cm Oval Rose Cocotte - £105
Lime Gratin Dish - £30
18cm Lime Tegame - £50
26cm Lime Tegame - £80
20cm Lime Cocotte - £70
24cm Lime Cocotte - £90
30cm Oval Lime Cocotte - £105
Posted by Kate on May 9, 2008 12:06 AM
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On May 12th people around the world try to raise the public's awareness of Fibromyalgia. Invisible to the eye, Fibromyalgia still affects 3-5% of the population. An extensive and complex disorder, it can be difficult to concisely describe. The Arthritis Research Campaign describes Fibromyalgia as follows:
Fibromyalgia is a name for widespread pain affecting the muscles but not the joints. It is a chronic condition, but it is not life-threatening or progressive and does not cause permanent damage to muscles, bones or joints. There are usually no outward signs of the condition and people with fibromyalgia often look well but feel awful. Because of this, other people may not appreciate the pain and tiredness they are suffering and this can cause additional distress. However, it is important to stress that the pain suffered by people with fibromyalgia is real and may be severe, even though it is usually not associated with visible swelling or deformities of muscles or joints.
In support of this cause, Kitchen Critic features the new Doctor Cook pans. For those with chronic fatigue and pain cooking can be difficult to face. Simply standing for long periods and lifting heavy pans can make cooking dinner a huge and painful problem. The Doctor Cook Pans are ergonomically designed to make them easier to lift and use. Featuring a unique curved handle the wrist is kept straight, making the pan seem lighter and easier to carry. Inside each of pan is marked with a convenient measuring scale, making it easier to judge your portions. Made from Stainless Steel, the Doctor Cook pans are suitable on all cooking surfaces and offer a 10 year guarantee. They are even dishwasher safe, saving you the extra effort of cleaning up. The range includes 14cm Milk Jug, 16cm Saucepan, 18cm Saucepan, 20cm Saucepan and 24 cm Skillet perfect for a wide range of cooking styles.
Through careful design, products like the Doctor Cook pans can bring the joy of cooking back to those who feared they had lost the ability, while making everyday that bit easier. For more information on Fibromyalgia you can visit the National Fibromyalgia Association.
For more information on the Doctor Cook pans, visit www.doctorcookware.com
14cm Milk Jug - £24.95
16cm Saucepan - £29.95
18cm Saucepan - £34.95
20cm Saucepan - £39.95
20cm Straining Pan - £42.95
24 cm Skillet - £49.95
Posted by Kate on May 12, 2008 12:04 AM
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With the summer holidays quickly approaching, you may want start planning ways to keep the kids busy! Why not transform a simple trip to the park into a picnic adventure with the Monster Tableware from French Bull. Made from durable Melamine, the Monster cups and plates will survive even rambunctious children. Designed by Jackie Shapiro, each plate features a graphic retro print and a single Monster character for a trendy fun style. The brightly coloured patterned dishes are even dishwasher safe, so you've no fear of them fading. A fabulous product the kids will love, the French Bull Monster Tableware is available from KitchenAria.
Set of Four Monster Tumblers- £19.50
Set of Four Monster Plates - £23.50
Posted by Kate on May 13, 2008 12:04 AM
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While apparently simple kitchen utensils, I love to see designers come up with clever measuring spoon and cups. The Tovolo Measuring Cup and Spoon Set combines both spoons and cups into a single elegant set. Each stainless steel utensil features a spherical cup, while the handle is formed by the bowl of long oval spoons. Perfect for display, the spoons rest in a black rubber trivet keeping them steady and easy to store. An interesting and clever design, the Tovolo set includes a ¼ cup with ¼ tsp handle, a 1/3 cup with ½ tsp handle, ½ cup with a 1 tsp handle and finally a 1 cup with 1 tbsp handle. Each cup is marked inside with graduated measurements. A great addition to the modern kitchen, the Tovolo Measuring Cup and Spoon Set is available for £18.95 from CooksParaphernalia.co.uk or $17.95 from Amazon.com
in the US.
Posted by Kate on May 14, 2008 12:03 AM
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Posted by Kate on May 15, 2008 12:18 AM
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When in the flurry of cooking, nothing in my kitchen is safe. With a shortage of counter-space, the cookbook I'm using is always being shifted and shoved...often with messy results. The clever Cook-Nook Cookbook Holder solves all these problems neatly and easily. Suspended beneath your kitchen cabinets, the Cook-Nook Holder keeps cookbooks at eye-level and out of harms way. In addition, the Cook-Nook features a magnetic card strip ideal for holding notes and recipe cards. A brilliant way to create space when cooking, the Cook-Nook Cookbook Holder folds out of sight when not in use. A worth while investment to protect your cookbook collection, the Cook-Nook Cookbook Holder is £12.00 online from Store (www.aplaceforeverything.co.uk)
Posted by Kate on May 16, 2008 12:05 AM
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I'm normally not a fan of slicer gadgets as usually a knife will work just as well, but there is something appealing about the new Strawberry Slicer. Perfect for summer delights, the Strawberry Slicer creates a pretty fan of fruit slices ideal for topping desserts and trifles. As the British strawberry season comes into swing, the Strawberry Slicer makes them as beautiful as they are tasty. Featuring stainless steel blades, the Strawberry Slicer neatly and quickly prepares even a box full of fruit. A brilliant way to enjoy fine British produce, the Strawberry Slicer is just £3.99 from Lakeland.
Posted by Kate on May 19, 2008 12:06 AM
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Granted I may still be a little heady after the madness of the last few weeks, but there is something thrilling and exciting about the Giles & Posner Hot Dog Rotisserie. Bringing back childhood memories of watching the slow turning machine at the local cinema, the Giles & Posner Hot Dog Rotisserie finally lets you take control. Featuring five non-stick rollers, the Hot Dog Rotisserie can evenly cook four sausages in minutes, while two bread heaters ensure warm toasty goodness. There is even a removable drip tray, which means your hot dogs while succulent are never greasy. A brilliant gift for hot dog fanatics, the Giles & Posner Hot Dog Rotisserie brings that flavour and taste of special events home. Certainly a gift for that person who has everything, the Joseph Joseph 'Chop and Rinse' is £14.95 from PrezzyBox
Posted by Kate on May 20, 2008 12:03 AM
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While everyone has at least heard of organic vegetables and the benefits they offer, it's surprising that other plant derivatives are often ignored. Cotton production for example accounts for about 16% pesticides used worldwide. While you aren't in danger of ingesting these chemicals, they still make their way into water supplies and eco-systems. Lately there has been a growing trend for organic cotton products; small collections of clothes and towels have been released, but often they are only available in natural creams and beige. So in contrast, the new organic kitchen collection by C'est Ca is quite exciting. Featuring a modern vegetable print with trendy greens and deep purples, these fashionable kitchen gloves offer eco-friendly style. Made from non-GM plants and grown without pesticides, the pretty Turnip Apron and Oven Gloves are ideal for modern ethical kitchens. A brilliant new collection that allows you both style and ethical options, the Organic Turnip textiles by C'est Ca are available from John Lewis.
Organic Turnip Oven Mitt - £14
Organic Turnip Double Oven Glove - £16
Organic Turnip Apron - £18
Posted by Kate on May 21, 2008 12:06 AM
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Beautiful storage containers with clean modern lines, the new View collection by Joseph Joseph brings kitchens a contemporary minimalist style. The solid cylindrical containers feature a soft rounded edge and a clear polycarbonate base. The clever clear base design not only reveals the jars contents, but also ensures that different sized containers retain the same style and look. The durable polycarbonate containers are dishwasher safe and feature an airtight silicone seal. Available in three different sizes, the View Storage Containers are offered in Red, Black and White. A great addition to modern kitchens, the View Storage Containers are available from BethStevens.co.uk.
0.9 litre View Storage Container - £10
1.3 litre View Storage Container - £13
Set of Three .65 litre View Storage Containers - £25
Continue reading "View Storage Jars by Joseph Joseph" »
Posted by Kate on May 22, 2008 12:00 AM
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There's nothing better than gabbing over drinks and nibbles at a summer party, but it can often be a difficult balancing act of glasses and plates. But clever party glasses like these from FabStuff.net solve the problem simply and easily. The hand blown glasses feature a sturdy and stable design and then topped with light-earth coloured bowls. The stoneware bowls not only hold canapés or tapas, but also act as a lid for the glass, reducing the chance of accidental spills. A clever way to protect your home from messy accidents, your guests will love the convenience of these Party Glasses. Available from FabStuff.net, a boxed set of four Glasses and Bowls is an affordable £15 or $29.25 USD.
Posted by Kate on May 23, 2008 12:09 AM
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First decision you have to make is where to have your wedding list. You can find services at several large department stores across the country. Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, John Lewis and Argos all offer a selection of products for a variety of styles and prices. Some stores offer money back and discounts, but the most important factor is often which store sells the tableware you like. We chose John Lewis, who honour manufacturer's guarantees and will offer an extended guarantee on larger electrical appliances. They also are known for their price matching policy, so if your Uncle Bob can find it somewhere cheaper he can save those extra pounds. The John Lewis Wedding List is easy to manage on line, perfect for the busy bride!
There are also online lists, which offer discounted prices and a wide selection of items. Personally we wouldn't recommend the Amazon.co.uk wedding list. With the introduction of the Amazon Marketplace, many different companies can sell through the Amazon website. And while Amazon offer free shipping on orders over £15, these other sellers set their own shipping rates. Unfortunately the current Amazon Wedding list won't let you select specific sellers. If you choose an item supplied by Amazon and it goes out of stock, the cheapest alternate vendor is automatically chosen no matter what they charge. We had a George Forman Grill jump from £24 to £109 when a special offer ran out and the only alternate vendor was asking for almost double the retail price! While these changes could be forgiven, you are never notified when sellers are changed or even when prices change. The Amazon list requires constant attention and maintenance. Even with orders through Amazon you are not notified when items have been shipped, and you aren't told where they are going to. While for some people it might not make a difference, our regular delivery person tends to abandon parcels outside. There were a few incidents when we were unsure if parcels were lost or simply sent to the guest. Over all the Amazon Wedding list requires more time and effort than a wedding list should, and with multiple sellers it's easy for less computer-savy relatives to pay too much in either shipping or cost.
Hopefully you might have found a useful tip or two from our experience, and tomorrow we'll have a look at tableware. Have a wonderful Bank Holiday!
Posted by Kate on May 26, 2008 12:31 AM
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I'll admit we cheated slightly . As we had guests coming over from the States, we were able to import two items on our Wedding List. When I lived overseas I really came to love Corelle Dinnerware, it's a perfect everyday china. Made of durable Vitrelle glass, Corelle dishes are light, strong and chip resistant. They are ideal for small kitchens; a stack of eight dinner plates is less than two inches high! Also because the plates are solid glass, if they ever do chip they are still safe to use. There is no risk of germs breeding in the break. Microwave & dishwasher safe, they are even oven safe to 175°C in a preheated conventional oven. Available in a wide range of patterns, we chose the neutral Sandstone to match our accent china. The 16-piece Corelle dinnerware set includes four 10.25" dinner plates, 6.75" bread plates, 18-oz soup bowls and four stoneware mugs. Single pieces and extras like pasta bowls are also available online from Corelle.
16-piece Corelle Sandstone Dinnerware Set - $29.95
Corelle Sandstone 20-oz Pasta Bowl - $5.00
Corelle Sandstone Bread Plate - $5.44
Corelle Sandstone Luncheon Plate - $2.79
Corelle Sandstone Dinner Plate - $2.99
Corelle Sandstone 10-oz Bowl - $2.89
Corelle Sandstone 18-oz Soup Bowl - $2.99
Corelle Sandstone 28-oz Soup Bowl - $4.49
Posted by Kate on May 27, 2008 12:05 AM
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Now for celebrations and special occasions, we chose the handmade Black Toast creamware by Emma Bridgewater. The cream plates feature elegant black lettering, creating a simple timeless design that will match any future kitchen or dining room style. While not extravagant, the Bridgewater tableware is on the more expensive side. To bring costs down, we only selected two place settings of Black Toast which we can then intermix with the more affordable Sandstone Corelle featured yesterday. While it can't be promised that the Black Toast pattern will be available forever, many of the Bridgewater patterns mix well for an eclectic style. A fine example of British design and craftmanship, the Bridgewater Tableware is one you can add to and collect over time. Dishwasher safe and quintessentially English, the Black Toast Tableware is available from Emma Bridgewater and John Lewis.
Black Toast Tea Cup - £13
Black Toast Tea Saucer - £6.95
Black Toast Cereal Bowl - £14.95
Black Toast Pasta Bowl - £14.95
Black Toast French Bowl - £14.95
Black Toast 21.5cm Plate - £12.95
Black Toast 27cm Plate - £14.95
Posted by Kate on May 28, 2008 12:07 AM
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I'll admit I'm passionate about my flatware, I've always had favourite forks and knives, even as a child. To go with our relaxed tableware style, we chose the classic and elegant Stanton Cutlery. Perfect for both fine dining and everyday use, the Stanton Cutlery features heavy gauge handles and a long lasting durability. The beautiful sweeping forms are a sensual pleasure to hold, and offer a reassuring weight. Created by British Designer Robert Welch, the Stanton Cutlery is made from 18/10 stainless steel. The knives are forged from a single ingot of especially hardened steel to maintain their blades. Available in sets and individually, cost can be reduced by ordering just the pieces you'll use. We only need the basic four pieces, so a single place setting was £17.50. A classic collection that won't go out of style, you never need to worry about replacing teaspoons. The Stanton pattern isn't likely to disappear any time soon.
Stanton Teaspoon - £2.50
Stanton Dessert Spoon - £4.25
Stanton Table Fork - £5.00
Stanton Table Knife - £5.75
Stanton Serving Spoon - £10
Stanton 2-Piece Salad Servers - £22
Posted by Kate on May 29, 2008 12:09 AM
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Now that we've set the table, we'd best look at preparing something to serve. Most obvious on this list is pans. While there are many brands of pans available, many are very similar in design and style. After months of deliberation, we opted for the Thermolon Pans by Russell Hobbs. Featuring the new Green Pan technology, the Thermolon Pans are better for the environment and your health. Designed by Marco Pierre White, the soft rounded pans are made of heavy gauge aluminium and feature cast stainless steel handles. The Thermolon non-stick coating is stable up to 450°C (850°F) and causes less environmental waste during production. Even suitable for use in the oven, the Thermolon Pans offer you flexibility while cooking. In addition to these benefit the Thermolon has an incredible non-stick surface that allows you to cook with less or even no oil. A fantastic example of modern technology creating innovative products for an environmentally sound future, the GreenPan technology may revolutionise cooking. Available in two finishes, the Marco Pierre White 5-Piece cookware by Russell Hobbs is £110.26 for the anodised aluminium
or £133.80 for the white. We chose the white, as though it's not recommended we might want to throw them through the dishwasher occasionally.
Posted by Kate on May 30, 2008 12:04 AM
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