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We all know that feeling. You're at a party having a great time, when you reach for your glass only to find several identical drinks have appeared when you weren't looking. Glass markers are a clever solution, but remembering which arbitrary coloured bead you were given can be difficult at the end of a long night. Vacu Vin have create a bright and colourful collection of figures that both encourage conversation and identify your glass. Each Glass Marker represents a unique character trait your guest may possess. Whether they are honest, cuddly, deep or curious, your guests are bound to remember which figure is theirs. They also make a great ice breaker, giving people something to talk about. Recommended to us by Belgian reader Joke Van Doorne, You can get the Vacu Vin Party People Glass Markers from Amazon UK for £4.
Party People Glass Markers - £4
Click 'Continue Reading' to see all 12 characters in the set!
Continue reading "Vacu Vin Party People Glass Markers" »
Posted by Kate on March 1, 2010 12:03 AM
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Whether you're trying to eat healthy or simply save money, a packed lunch is the obvious way forward. But this doesn't have to be the tired sandwiches you remember from school. Why not be the envy of your workmates with gourmet creations in one of BUILT NY's designer Lunch Totes. Seen on the arms of celebrities, these neoprene bags are inspired by the vibrancy of New York City. Made from a machine washable neoprene, it gives a structural strength to these nearly architectural bags. Finished with bright and bold patterns, these eye-catching bags make a fashionable statement. The neoprene also acts as an insulator, keeping your lunch cool for up to four hours while also gently padding the contents. You can even reassure yourself that a packed lunch is better for the environment; the BUILT NY Lunch Tote is a practical bag for everyday use. Besides the 'Gourmet Getaway' pictured, the BUILT NY collection includes four different styles and several brilliant patterns available online from Forma.
BUILT NY Gourmet Getaway
French Bull Vine (pictured) - £31.42
French Bull Big Dot - £31.42
French Bull Rainbow Flower - £31.42
French Bull Shadow Flower - £31.42
Micro Dot - £24.88
Stripe - £24.88
Raspberry - £22.92
BUILT NY Tasty Lunch Tote
Stripe - £25.50
Micro Dot - £25.50
Black - £21.89
BUILT NY Extra Relish
Micro Dot - £31.93
Black - £31.93
Posted by Kate on March 2, 2010 12:02 AM
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I'm quite happy to take re-useable bags with me to the grocery store; in fact I've acquired quite a collection of bags! The bit that's frustrating though is where to put these huge jute bags while I'm shopping, they often end up in the way or buried at the bottom of my cart, and apparently I'm not the only one with this problem. The new Footprint Bag Set, designed by two mums from Yorkshire, offers a small compact system that makes it painless to bring your own shopping bags. The specially designed case is small enough to fit in your glove box or handbag and hangs neatly from the supermarket trolley. Inside, the case holds four lightweight but strong bags, each in their own pocket. The set even includes a trolley 'pound' coin so you are always prepared. Practical and convenient, the Footprint Bag Set is £12.99 from Lakeland.
Footprint Bag Set - £12.99
Posted by Kate on March 3, 2010 12:07 AM
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Fresh herbs offer the most delicious flavours and the easiest way to keep them on hand is to grow them yourself. The Self-Watering Herb Pot is a brilliant choice for the kitchen. Four removable green pots sit within the white reservoir base. This allows you to grow four different herbs in the same pot, while still easily separating each plant. The patented capillary reservoir holds up to 750mL and keeps your plants fresh and hydrated even if you don't have green thumbs. A brilliant and affordable way to keep fresh herbs always at your finger tips, the Self-Watering Herb Pot is £12.99 from Lakeland.
Self-Watering Herb Pot - £12.99
Posted by Kate on March 4, 2010 12:03 AM
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I can't claim this Home Made Cookie Stamp is practical, but it is quite adorable. A rather ironic addition to your delicious cookies, no one will need to ask if you baked them yourself. With a wooden handle and a plastic stamp, it's also quick and easy to clean. A great way to ensure all your hard work is appreciated; the Cookie Stamp is a tongue in cheek way to remind friends and family. Made by SUCK UK, the Home Made Cookie Stamp is £9.99 from Iwoot.
Home Made Cookie Stamp - £9.99
Posted by Kate on March 5, 2010 12:09 AM
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Recreating classic portrait as modern silhouettes, the Hanne Enemark glasses are perfect for fine art lovers. Featuring figures from Gainsborough and Reynolds portraits, these glasses celebrate 18th century English painters. Each of the featured paintings hangs in the Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire. With a luxurious gold finish, these gorgeous glasses bring a sophisticated glamour to old world beauty. Each glass is sold separately so you can select from Reynold's Lady Jane Halliday or Captain St Leger or Gainsborough's Pink Boy or Lady Sheffield. Available online from the Waddesdon online shop, the Hanne Enemark Glass Tumblers are £20 each.
Gainsborough Pink Boy Tumbler - £20
Reynold Lady Jane Halliday Tumbler - £20
Reynold Captain St Leger Tumbler - £20
Gainsborough Lady Sheffield Tumbler - £20
Posted by Kate on March 8, 2010 12:03 AM
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I love my toaster, but it can still be tricky to tell exactly when my toast is perfectly done. Peering down slots is tricky, so Magimix has revolutionised toaster design. With panoramic glass sides, the Magimix Vision Toaster lets you watch your bread brown so it's perfect every time. Rather than the traditional metal elements, Magimix has replaced them with hidden quartz parts that ensure fast and even browning. With extra-wide slots that are deep and long, the Vision Toaster is ready to tackle everything from crumpets to bagels. The double insulated toughened-glass windows also open for easy cleaning. I can't say the Magimix Vision Toaster is cheap at £160, but you'll never suffer from burnt toast again!
John Lewis
Magimix Vision Toaster - £160
Posted by Kate on March 9, 2010 12:06 AM
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I'm so ready to leave winter behind! I hear spring is going to be gorgeous this year; due to the long winter all the flowers are going bloom at once. The anticipation has me adoring this pretty Daffodil Cake Stand from John Lewis. Perfect for Easter celebrations or spring parties, the two layer cake stand displays cakes of all sizes. Hand-painted daffodils twist up the legs adding a lovely quaint charm. An ideal centre piece for your table, the Daffodil Cake Stand is £25 from John Lewis.
Daffodil Cake Stand - £25
Posted by Kate on March 10, 2010 12:02 AM
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The easiest way to stay hydrated and drink more water is to keep a bottle always on hand. So many bottles are tricky to clean, but the Aladdin Aveo offers practical convenience. The cylindrical bottle features a chunky cap and a wide easy-to-clean spout. Durable and dishwasher-safe, the bottle is made with Bisphenol-A free Eastman Tritan copolyester plastic and finished with a contemporary graphic. 100% leak proof, it's safe to toss in your bag or carry by the handy wrist strap. A great summer investment, the Aladdin Aveo Water Bottle is available in two sizes from John Lewis.
350mL White Aveo Water Bottle - £6
600mL Grey Aveo Water Bottle - £7
Posted by Kate on March 11, 2010 12:08 AM
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Combining solid colours with vintage florals, the new Cath Kidston Provence Rose Collection creates a contemporary retro style. The collection uses a pretty rose pattern sprinkled across four soft background colours, giving it a touch of eclectic energy. Perfect for a morning tea or ladies luncheons, the charming Provence Rose Tableware adds a relaxed sense of vintage glamour. Key pieces including the teapot, sugar bowl and milk jug are available only in the pretty blue colour, which is also my favourite. Made from a durable porcelain, the Cath Kidston Provence Rose Tableware is also dishwasher safe.
Provence Rose Single Cup & Saucer - £6
Provence Rose Side Plate - £3
Provence Rose Ceral Bowl - £5
Provence Rose Milk Jug - £5
Provence Rose Sugar Bowl - £4
Provence Rose Tea Pot - £15
Set of four Provence Rose Cup & Saucers - £24
Set of four Provence Rose Side Plates - £12
Set of four Provence Rose Cereal Bowls - £20
Posted by Kate on March 12, 2010 12:02 AM
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Twenty years ago you'd have found a Popcorn Maker in nearly every household, but time and technology have since moved on, making the Popcorn Maker a bit of a relic. But now Giles & Posner has recreated this kitchen classic, giving it a touch of fifties glamour along the way. Perfect for your next movie night, the hot-air popper creates a healthy low-fat snack for the whole family. A great activity for kids, all you need to do is pour the kernels into the machine, put on the lid and flip the switch. Available online from Prezzybox, the bright and cheerful Giles & Posner Retro Popcorn Maker is £24.95.
Retro Popcorn Maker - £24.95
Posted by Kate on March 15, 2010 12:03 AM
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Simple practical glasses with a touch of luxury, these Gold Bottomed Tumblers offer a distinctive alternative to traditional barware. The hand-painted bases create a pool of warmth at the bottom of each glass. Capturing a sense of modern masculinity, these simple glasses have an understated yet designer style. Perfect for a stag party or whiskey drinking, a Set of Four Tumblers with Hand-Painted Gold Bases are £18.50 from Pedlars.
Set of Four Gold Bottomed Tumblers - £18.50
Posted by Kate on March 16, 2010 12:07 AM
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With the sun finally out, the whole family is starting to look forward to throwing the first BBQ. It's a change for the whole family to celebrate, and lets the men do their share of the cooking! Meat isn't the only thing to serve though. Get your family and friends a few of their five-a-day with delicious veggie skewers. Sagaform have created some fantastically fun and practical Round BBQ Skewers. With a festive star handle, they are simple but attractive. The convenient round wire fits neatly on your plate, much less likely to slide and escape as you move about. Leaving the centre of your plate free, there's plenty of room for burgers, sausages and other tasty sides. A fun and festive choice for summer parties, a set of four Round BBQ Skewers is £12.75 from Forma.
Set of 4 Round BBQ Skewers - £12.75
Posted by Kate on March 17, 2010 12:03 AM
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Last week we received a fantastic package in the post. Our friends at Good Grips have sent us a box full of their brilliant products to play with! The first is the OXO Good Grips Angled Measuring Jug, whose revolutionary design means you'll never stoop to read measurements again. The Good Grips Jug features an internal slope marked with both ml and fluid ounces. When filled with liquid, this creates a clear line letting you read the measurement while stood up. There are still traditional measurements down the side if you prefer, but it won't take you long to appreciate the clever sloping scale. Made with chunky durable plastic and a soft grip handle, it's also lighter and easier to lift. A brilliant kitchen basic, ideal for tall chefs or those with aching backs, the OXO Good Grips Jug is available in either a 1 litre (2 pints) or 500ml (1 pint) size.
1 Litre Good Grips Angled Measuring Jug - £10.00
500ml Good Grips Angled Measuring Jug - £8.94
Continue reading "OXO Good Grips Angled Measuring Jug" »
Posted by Kate on March 18, 2010 12:05 AM
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While they may not immediately catch your attention, the OXO Salt and Pepper Grinders will impress as soon as you pick it up. The hefty Grinders are sturdy and instantly bring to mind professional kitchens. Featuring non-corrosive ceramic grinders, the black top dial allows you to easily select five different settings from fine to coarse. Designed to stand on their chunky soft grip bases, the grinders don't leave a mess on your table. When they need refilling the flat top makes a steady base, leaving your hands free to pour the grains into the wide mouthed opening. Mixing acrylic with steel accents, they have a no-nonsense practicality perfect for use in both the kitchen and on the table. Available from Lakeland, the OXO Good Grips Grinders Salt & Pepper Grinders are £19.99 each.
OXO Good Grips Salt Grinder - £19.99
OXO Good Grips Pepper Grinder - £19.99
Posted by Kate on March 22, 2010 12:09 AM
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From the beginning, OXO Good Grips has focused on universal design. Making practical products that work effectively for everyone, whether you've arthritis, simply broken your arm or are flush with youth, Good Grips creates revolutionary designs that make your kitchen work for you. I was a bit dubious the first time I saw the POP Storage Containers, but after playing with a few samples in our kitchen, I'm really quite impressed. Unlike traditional storage containers, there is no fight to get the lids on or off. Simply press the large button on the lid, and the seal is released making it effortless to remove. When you're finished another light touch of the press-button recreates the air-tight seal protecting the contents. The button pops up a couple of centimetres and is gently sculpted to create a convenient handle. The only warning I'd point out, is make sure you don't fill the containers past the flare at the top, as the lids take up quite a bit of space. A brilliant way to organise your pantry, the POP Storage Containers are available in a wide range of sizes that stack neatly together to make best use of your valuable cupboard space. Available from Amazon UK, there's a huge selection so you're bound to find the perfect size.
Large Square Containers
Tall (5.2L) POP Storage Container - £15
Medium (3.8L) POP Storage Container - £14
Short (2.3L) POP Storage Container - £11
Rectangular Containers
Tall (3.2L) POP Storage Container - £12
Medium (2.3L) POP Storage Container - £11
Short (1.4L) POP Storage Container - £8.50
Mini (0.5L) POP Storage Container - £6.50
Small Square Containers
Tall (2.0L) POP Storage Container - £10
Medium (1.4L) POP Storage Container - £8.50
Short (0.9L) POP Storage Container - £8
Mini (0.3L) POP Storage Container - £5
Continue reading "OXO Good Grips POP Storage Containers" »
Posted by Kate on March 19, 2010 12:02 AM
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These days wine comes in bottles of many shapes and sizes. From small single servings to unusually shaped bottles, you can find yourself with a collection of hard to store bottles. Rather than a series of small compartments, the Bamboo Barrel Wine Rack has a single opening that can accommodate whatever you have. The bottom row has notches for traditional sized bottles, but once this layer is filled you should be able to stack anything on top. With a clean simple form, and a soft organic shape, the wine rack offers modern minimalism without the cool impersonal air. Perfect for use during the holiday season, the Bamboo Barrel Wine Rack also folds flat when not in use. Designed by Luciano Lorenzatti, the Bamboo Barrel Wine Rack is £25.00 from Store.
Bamboo Barrel Wine Rack - £25.00
Posted by Kate on March 23, 2010 12:03 AM
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There's no reason why kitchen tools can't be fun and practical. Fred have created an adorable set of measuring cups with whimsical charm. Inspired by traditional Russian matryoshkas, the cups stack together and nest neatly inside each other. The set includes six dry-measure cups ranging in size from ¼ to a full cup. Made from a white heavy-duty food-safe plastic, the decorations are sculpted into the plastic surface. A measuring set that is both decorative and useful, the M-Cups by Fred are £9.99 from ShinyShack.
M-Cups Measuring Cups - £9.99
Posted by Kate on March 24, 2010 12:00 AM
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I've seen a lot of interesting cake moulds since I started Kitchen Critic, but I'll admit that the Cakewich may be the oddest. Perfect for a traditional Victoria Sponge, the Cakewich transforms it into a huge jam butty. With no need for decoration, it's a quick and easy cake for any occasion. The Cakewich mould is made from pure silicone: super-strong and dishwasher-safe. Unusual and quirky, the Cakewich is £14.95 from PrezyBox.
Cakewich - £14.95
Posted by Kate on March 25, 2010 12:04 AM
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There's something quite attractive about the popular silicone bun cases, but I've always felt they somehow hadn't reached their potential. Other than being reusable, they didn't bring anything extra or exciting to baking. So I'm thrilled to see the Tea Cup Cakes which bring a creative and atmospheric touch to party cakes. Designed by Fred, these charming cases have a cute little handle and matching saucer. Served individually they make a quirky yet elegant dessert, perfect for afternoon teas. Available as a set of four, the TeaCupCakes are £14.99 from Iwoot.
Tea Cup Cakes - £14.99
Posted by Kate on March 26, 2010 12:01 AM
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Because I have several intolerances, we need to take food wherever we go; but a packed lunch doesn't mean you need to eat sandwiches or leftovers all the time. Clever lunch boxes like Black + Blum's Box Appetit let you enjoy a delicious meal where ever you are. While made from plastic, the Box Appetit has a sophisticated style that would be appropriate on any dining table. Inside the container there is a triangular bowl which can be removed, allowing you to microwave either portion of your meal. So you can serve a fresh salad and a warm pasta dish in the same box. In the opposite corner there is also a small sauce pot perfect for salad dressing, ensuring your lettuce is always fresh and crunchy. The clear lid of the Box Appetit locks on to the bowl creating a water-tight seal, which is always important when you're on the run. The lid also holds the fork/knife and features a convenient dipping area if you fancy something like sushi. A sophisticated alternative to the packed lunch, the Black + Blum Box Appetit is £14.99 from Totally Funky. (There's also a matching Recipe book if you need inspiration!)
Box Appetit - £14.99
Box Appetit Recipe Book - £4.99
Posted by Kate on March 29, 2010 12:08 AM
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A friend sent me this, thinking it was a bit over the top, but I can see potential for the Union Jack Deluxe Range Cooker. Placed alongside smooth shining high-gloss cabinets, I think the Falcon Union Jack could be the centrepiece of a bold contemporary kitchen. The Union Jack offers a dramatic graphic style, with a touch of patriotic pride (perfect for the upcoming 2012 Olympic Games). Featuring a multifunction main oven, a heavy duty glide-out grill, a powerful wok burner, and a high speed electric grill, the Falcon Deluxe Range Cooker offers solid construction and a professional quality. Created to celebrate's Falcon's 75th anniversary, the Deluxe Union Jack is a limited edition at £4,995 from RangeCookers.co.uk.
Falcon Union Jack Deluxe Range Cooker - £4,995
Posted by Kate on March 30, 2010 12:02 AM
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A home should be where you relax and feel comfortable. Mixed patterns like John Lewis' new Polly's Pantry Tableware, allow you the reassurance that everything doesn't have to be perfect. The collection features patterns of pale blue on cream stoneware accented with small raspberry spots, but beyond these soft gentle colours, there are three distinct patterns in the range. This variation brings the Polly's Pantry collection its eclectic shabby chic style. Available exclusively from John Lewis and painted by hand, Polly's Pantry Tableware has a warm and welcoming country-cottage charm perfect for family dining.
Polly's Pantry Side Plate - £4
Polly's Pantry Salad Plate - £6
Polly's Pantry Dinner Plate - £8
Polly's Pantry *Stripe* French Bowl - £6
Polly's Pantry *Flower* French Bowl - £6
Polly's Pantry *Spot & Stripe* French Bowl - £6
Polly's Pantry Pasta Plate - £9
Polly's Pantry *Stripe* Mug - £5
Polly's Pantry *Flower* Mug - £5
Polly's Pantry *Spot & Stripe* Mug - £5
Polly's Pantry Teapot - £20
Posted by Kate on March 31, 2010 12:09 AM
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