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Cleaning is never fun, but you can now scrub your kitchen in fashion with the new Sarah Smith Cleaning Cloths! Last week Severn Delta sent us several of the brightly coloured dusters and cleaning cloths to try-out, so we got out our camera and started cleaning. The Sarah Smith Cloths offer a fine balance between disposable and re-useable. The light-weight but durable cloths can be thrown through the washer about ten times, after which you can replace grubby cloths with pretty new ones. I was impressed by how soft the Ultra Absorbent Cleaning Cloths are once wet, they lose the stiff paper feel you expect from disposable cloths and become lovely comfortable cloths that are easy to use. In contrast the Sarah Smith Dusters aren’t as soft straight out of the packet, but they are quite large so you can do a fair bit of dusting before you need to clean it off.
Available in a wide range of patterns, the Sarah Smith Collections include modern florals, graphic prints and pastel classics; so you’re sure to find something to match your own individual style. Practical cloths in bright cheerful colours, you won’t need to hide these cloths when company comes around to visit. Finally, the Sarah Smith Collections are even made in Bridgewater, Somerset! British made, highly fashionable and effective the full range of Sarah Smith Cloths are available online at www.sarah-smith.co.uk.
Pack of 3 - Sarah Smith Ultra Absorbent Cleaning Cloths - £1.50
Pack of 2 - Sarah Smith Dusting Cloths - £1.00
You should also be able to find them in your local Tesco, Sainsbury's, ASDA or Waitrose. Ocado has them listed here:
Pack of 3 - Sarah Smith Ultra Absorbent Cleaning Cloths - £1.50
Pack of 2 - Sarah Smith Dusting Cloths - £0.99
Continue reading "Sarah Smith Cleaning Cloths" »
Posted by Kate on November 3, 2008 12:05 AM
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Last week we also received a few stylish Sarah Smith Microfibre Cloths from Severn Delta. These fantastic kitchen cloths deserve an article all to themselves. Tough and durable, you’ll always want one of these Microfibre cloths close at hand. Featuring bright graphic patterns, contemporary florals and vintage inspired prints, the Sarah Smith Microfibre Cloths will keep everything from cookers to glasses gleaming with effortless shine. The technology in these massive cloths gets you two fabulous features:
Cleans without Chemicals – With just a spot of water these micro fibre cloths scrub up even grease. There’s no need for abrasive scourers.
Perfect for Glass & Stainless Steel – Simply wipe with a wet cloth and polish with a dry one for a streak free shine.
Perfect for bathrooms and kitchens, these microfibre clothes are even large enough to replace your tea towels! A great way to reduce the number of chemicals in your house or simply save yourself the effort of getting them out, the Sarah Smith Microfibre cloths are an easy way to be eco-friendly and fashionable. Like the Sarah Smith Dusters and Cleaning Cloths, the Microfibre Cloths are ‘Made in Britain’ and are machine washable. Soon to be your kitchen’s best friend, the full range of Sarah Smith Microfibre Cloths are available from www.sarah-smith.co.uk
Pack of 2 -Sarah Smith 4 In 1 Microfibre Cloths - £5
You can also find them at Supermarkets like Ocado:
Pack of 2 -Sarah Smith 4 In 1 Microfibre Cloths - £5
Posted by Kate on November 4, 2008 12:09 AM
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It’s that time of year again, when people don their aprons to raise money for Children in Need. If you are joining in on the fun this year, Lakeland have some wonderful products to inspire you. Pudsey shaped cookie cutters and cake moulds help you create adorable baked goods to sell. The cute bear cookies don’t even need much decoration. The brightly coloured aprons are not only affordable, but they work as great advertisements while collecting donations. And finally I love the Pudsey tea towel! Who could resist this eager baking bear? All exclusively available from Lakeland, each item purchased also includes a donation to ‘Children in Need’.
Pudsey Adult Apron - £4.99 - (Includes £1.00 Donation)
Pudsey Child’s Tabard - £3.99 - (Includes £1.00 Donation)
Pudsey Tea Towel - £2.99 - (Includes £1.00 Donation)
Pudsey Cookie Cutter - £1.99 - (Includes £1.00 Donation)
Pudsey Cake Mould - £14.99 - (Includes £3.00 Donation)
Posted by Kate on November 5, 2008 12:09 AM
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Ever find yourself fondly recalling those old fashioned utensils found in Granny’s kitchen? Well it seems Lakeland has too. They’ve recreated their Skyline classics with only one modern improvement. They’ve replaced the old wooden handles with dishwasher-safe polypropylene. Otherwise each utensil is just as you remember it, bringing back some of that vintage magic. I can’t wait to get my hands on a Kitchamajig, I’ve not seen one of those in ages. A Kitchamajig is one of those kitchen all-rounders you can use it for a bit of mixing, whipping, lifting & straining. Perfect for Retro-Divas, there is no need to search through the charity shop for these affordable utensils. At just £3.99 each you can afford to fit out your kitchen!
Skyline Narrow Spatula, Round Ladle, Kitchamajig, Oval Ladle and Straining Spoon - £3.99 each
Skyline Sieve - £7.99
Skyline Masher - £3.99
Skyline Batter Whip, Measuring Spoon, Fish Slice & Fork - £3.99 each
There is also the Skyline Starter Kit for £19.95
(includes the round ladle, straining spoon, fish slice, measuring spoon, masher and a hanging rack.)
Posted by Kate on November 6, 2008 12:08 AM
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If this wave of cold weather has you feeling gloomy, perhaps it’s time to add some vibrancy to your kitchen. Chef’n has created a brilliant collection of silicone utensils in today’s trendy colours. From clever flexible vegetable steamers to handy spatulas and trivets, Chef’n creatively uses silicone to transform modern utensils. Available in a brilliant Avocado and a deep Eggplant, the contemporary colours can even be mixed and matched for a sophisticated scheme. I bought a few of the Chef’n Small Spatulas on a whim last year, and they quickly became my favourites. Great at scraping every last drop out of your pans, the silicone spatulas are also easier to clean than the traditional wooden spoon. A staple of the modern kitchen, the Chef’n collections are worth trying out.
Small Silicone Spatula - £5.25
Silicone Whisk - £10.50
Silicone Tongs - £15
DiscGo Silicone Trivet - £6.50
Silicone Slotted Turner - £9
Large Fexible Turner - £9
VeggiSteam Steamer - £10.50
Visit John Lewis, to view other pieces in either range:
Chef’n Avacado Silicone Range
Chef’n Eggplant Silicone Range
Posted by Kate on November 7, 2008 12:09 AM
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So many people find the holidays stressful, but with some easy early planning you can have everything delivered straight to your door. No more fighting with the Christmas shoppers or braving the cold High Street, let Kitchen Critic highlight the best accessories for your kitchen this Christmas.
Posted by Kate on November 10, 2008 12:02 AM
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Christmas is a time of festive decorations, and there is no reason why you can’t bring festive spirit into your kitchen. This year I’ve found two wreaths that celebrate Christmas with foodie style! The first is Lakeland’s Star Anise Wreath, the star-shaped spice is the perfect choice for Christmas. Both sophisticated and rustic, this wreath has a lovely liquorice-like aroma. Hang it with a gorgeous wide ribbon ('Continue Reading' to see photo) and you’ve a glamorous decoration for both modern and traditional homes. Or if you’re looking for something a bit spicier this Christmas you might find a traditional Chilli Wreath from Papilio more appealing. Popular in South America, the preserved red chillies are bound to a coco-hair wreath making it an eco-friendly choice. Both wreaths bring a unique kitchen theme to the Christmas holidays, and offer a charming change to the normal mass-produced wreaths.
Lakeland’s Star Anise Wreath – £14.99
Traditional Chilli Wreath from ‘Not on the High Street’ - £22.00
Continue reading "Kitchen Wreaths" »
Posted by Kate on November 10, 2008 12:06 AM
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I desperately want a set of these fabulous pails! With a modern Scandinavian feel, these Festive Pails have a cheerful charm. The scarlet pails are adorned with a white decorative hearts tied with rustic raffia. Pop one in the kitchen as a fruit bowl, another in the living room filled with nuts or sweets and the third could make a lovely plant pot or make a cheerful centre-piece filled with Christmas crackers and baubles. A durable child-friendly decoration, you could even use these pails again for Valentine’s Day. Both trendy and affordable, these Festive Pails from Lakeland will inspire you to fill them!
Set of 3 Festive Pails - £11.99
Posted by Kate on November 11, 2008 12:06 AM
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The fastest way to decorate your kitchen is with a few festive tea towels. Textiles always make a quick change that can bring a fresh new style to the kitchen. For an understated Christmas style, the Snowflake towels from Lakeland might be ideal. Suitable for use all winter long, these waffle-weave tea towels have a simple Scandinavian style that compliments both modern minimalism and traditional decoration. With a matching apron to wear Christmas Day, the Snowflake textiles bring a relaxed grown up style to the Holidays. Made from a fairly-traded hand-woven cotton the towels and apron are exclusively available from Lakeland.
Snowflake Tea Towels – £7.50
Snowflake Apron - £7.99
Posted by Kate on November 12, 2008 12:03 AM
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If no one in your house likes fruit cake, it doesn’t matter how carefully you prepare your decadent traditional Christmas Cake, it will be left sitting beautifully on the table. So instead of wasting your effort, why not try a new Christmas tradition? The new Lakeland Cake Tin transforms the common sponge cake into a sculptural masterpiece everyone will love. The highly detailed tin produces a lovely Christmas Wreath you don’t even need to decorate. Simple and quick to make, this cake makes a fabulous centre-piece that will have everyone asking for seconds! Designed to take an 8-egg sponge mix, the Christmas Wreath Tin is only available from Lakeland.
Christmas Wreath Cake Tin - £24.99
Posted by Kate on November 13, 2008 12:06 AM
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When throwing a Christmas party, who can resist adding a section of delicious British cheeses. Rather than leave your guest guessing which cheese is which, these little mice can helpfully guide the way. The silver-plated mice markers identify six of Britian’s most popular flavours with quaint charm. Lancashire, Cheddar, Double Gloucester, Stilton, Cheshire and Red Leicester are each displayed below these eager mice. Perfect for an evening of wine and cheese or as a helpful guide for picky eaters, the Cheese Mice are just £7.99 from Lakeland.
Cheese Mice - £7.99
Posted by Kate on November 14, 2008 12:01 AM
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It doesn’t take much to transform your everyday dishes into a cheerful festive table setting. With a just a few pieces of seasonal serving ware, like the Holly Branch Pattern from Caroline Zoob, you can bring an added warmth and charm to your table. Inspired by vintage spongeware, these lovely robins decorate a simple ivory bone china. The mottled sponge effect brings a soft character to these charming birds. The one pint jug is perfect for milk or cheese sauce, while the Large Holly Bowl is ideal for salad or fruit. They are even planning to release a raised platter before Christmas! A beautiful addition to your table this Christmas, the Holly Branch China is available from caroline-zoob.co.uk.
One Pint Holly Branch Jug - £18.95
Large 21cm Holly Branch Bowl - £24.95
Posted by Kate on November 17, 2008 12:02 AM
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If you are expecting Father Christmas to stop by your house this year, you’ll hopefully be planning to leaving him a tasty snack. This adorable Father Christmas snack plate makes a wonderful family tradition. Decorated with cheerful reindeer, Christmas trees & happy snowflakes children will love setting this plate out for their magical visitor. The fine china mug is perfect for serving mulled wine, milk or a more hardy tipple, while the china tray holds a couple of biscuits, mince pies and the ever important carrot. A great way to add excitement to your Christmas Eve, the Father Christmas Snack Plate is £7.25 from DeCuisine.co.uk.
Thank-you Santa Mug & Plate Set - £7.25
Posted by Kate on November 18, 2008 12:00 AM
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If you are planning on baking up a storm this Christmas, these lovely GreenGate Storage Tins will show off your hard work at its best. Each Storage Set includes three tins decorated with vintage inspired floral patterns. The Round Tins feature bold festive colours perfect for the holidays, while the Square Collection combines florals, spots, checks and stripes for an eclectic modern style. Perfect for the modern domestic goddess, the new Round Storage Tins are £22 while the Square Tins are just £20 from LottysLoft.
GreenGate Round Storage Tins - £22
GreenGate Pink Square Tins - £20
If you buy before the 30th of November, LottysLoft is even offering Kitchen Critic readers an extra 10% off all purchases!
Simply enter the voucher code ‘Kitchen Critic’ when you check out!
Posted by Kate on November 19, 2008 12:07 AM
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Sometimes all your table needs is touch of flair, that extra bit of sparkle and shine. For a bit of that Christmas glamour, John Lewis offer a selection of festive napkin rings. Whether you want the high polished shine of the jewel studded Snowflake or the rustic style of the hammered brass Reindeer, these beautiful Napkin rings can bring the finishing touch to your trendy Christmas Table. Available for just a few pounds each, they are an affordable way to update your festive place setting. A brilliant way to add sparkle and charm to you dining table the Star, Reindeer & Snowflake Napkin rings are available from John Lewis.
Star Napkin Ring - £2
Reindeer Napkin Ring - £2
Snowflake Napkin Ring - £3
Posted by Kate on November 20, 2008 12:03 AM
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The photos on this one just don’t do it justice. The country style Reindeer Cakeplate by Laura Ashley is an adorable way to display small cakes and biscuits this Christmas. The white enamel plate is pierced with a ring of leaping reindeer and accented with a vibrant red edge. A subtle and understated Christmas addition, the Laura Ashley cakeplate complements the Scandinavian style that is so trendy this year. Simple enough for modern homes and traditional enough for rustic kitchens, the Reindeer Cakeplate is a safe investment this Christmas. Available online from Laura Ashley, there is even a free delivery offer on at the moment!
Reindeer Footed Cakeplate - £15
Posted by Kate on November 21, 2008 12:08 AM
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I have to admit I wasn’t impressed with the Jamie Oliver collection when it was first released, but it’s certainly grown on me since. The white tableware has a clean simple style that mixes easily with other china patterns. The only decoration is a white lattice pattern that sweeps across each piece for a subtle contemporary design. I’d love one of Jamie Oliver’s Party Kits for serving my family and friends this Christmas. The Mini Party set includes three triangular bowls that stack within a square plate for easy storage. The Big Party Kit (pictured above) then adds an additional square bowl and long rectangular plate. Great for serving a range of nibbles from peanuts to sandwiches, these Party Kits ensure you are always ready to serve up food in style.
Jamie Oliver Mini Party Kit - £51.50
Jamie Oliver Big Party Kit - £91
Posted by Kate on November 24, 2008 12:08 AM
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If you’re tired of the traditional red and green, patterns like the new Lakeland Star are a fashionable way to celebrate the season. The Lakeland Christmas Spatula & Worktop Saver adds a bit of glamour to your Christmas cooking and baking. The contemporary design recreates the excitement of Christmas, perfect for the sophisticated hostess. Manufactured by Joseph Joseph the toughened glass Worktop Saver is scratch, stain and odour-proof and can even be used as a trivet (safe up to 280 °C). A brilliant choice for the trendy cook, these festive pieces can be used year round for birthdays and celebrations.
Lakeland Christmas Spatula - £4.99
Lakeland Christmas Worktop Saver - £9.99
Posted by Kate on November 25, 2008 12:02 AM
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I absolutely hate the timer on our oven. It has just two push button controls, which are too easily pressed when reaching across the hob or when simply chatting in the kitchen. I’m constantly changing the time and timer accidently. What I need is one of these handy Klip! Timers. With a built in belt clip, detachable lanyard, magnet and worktop stand the Klip! Timer is always near to hand while your food is cooking. Never again will your cookies toast, the Klip! display features a curving countdown graphic that so you’ll know with a glance how long is left. If you do manage to miss the beeps, the timer will then start counting up so you know exactly how long things have been cooking. Best of all it features a keypad lock to prevent those inadvertent changes. With a sleek modern style, the hourglass shaped Klip! Timer will hopefully keep the kitchen running like clockwork. You can find the Klip! by following the link below to Lakeland.
Klip! Kitchen Timer - £14.99
Posted by Kate on November 26, 2008 12:04 AM
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While I love the idea of Chocolate Fountains, in practise, they are a pain to clean and use an awful lot of chocolate. And while I might want a decadent treat, I don’t always want to eat so many calories! For a quiet night in, one of these Individual Fondue Pots by MENU is a much better choice. The elegant porcelain cup conceals a simple tea light and the soft warm glow escapes as an alluring sweeping line. With just enough chocolate for one, you can use the sophisticated forks to dip your marshmallows and fruit. Pamper yourself with modern luxury; the MENU Individual Fondue Pot is available for £25.25 from The Handpicked Collection.
MENU Individual Fondue Pot - £25.25
Posted by Kate on November 27, 2008 12:03 AM
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Well the decorations go up this weekend, so it’s time to turn on the Christmas carols and really get into the Christmas spirit! When fighting with the tree and untangling the Christmas lights, festive treats can help keep your inner Scrooge at bay. In this cold weather there’s nothing better than a warm glass of mulled wine (and a plate of mince pies)! Rather than buy all those expensive spices and try to assemble them yourself, Lakeland have found a set that does the prep work for you. The wooden whisk is filled with all the cinnamon, nutmeg and star anise you need to make 1.5 litres of delicious mulled wine. Bring the taste of Christmas home with the Lomer Wine Whisk; £5.99 from Lakeland.
Lomar Mulled Wine Whisk - £5.99
Posted by Kate on November 28, 2008 12:06 AM
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