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No matter who you are planning to vote for, we all hold hope for Britain's future. With the General Election just four days away, this is a good time to celebrate our British pride. Snowden Flood have created two patriotic plates for modern Britain. Reinterpreting our icon Union Jack in a quaint appliqué style, these plates blend our both our past and our future. Made in collaboration with Alex at Riyaz Design NY, the patterns are inspired by traditional hand-painted Indian miniatures. Hand made in Stoke-on-Trent, each bone china plate is £29.95 from Snowden Flood's online store.
Blue Union Jack Plate - £29.95
Green Union Jack Plate - £29.95
Posted by Kate on May 3, 2010 12:04 AM
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Art doesn't always have to hang on the wall or simply look pretty; the items we use can also be beautiful creations. The Lovesick Bunnies Sweet Plate offers a whimsical elegance and magic to your table. At the centre stand two small kissing rabbits, their heads popping through the top plate, frozen together forever. The traditional plate forms are softened by applying decorative lace textures, that run over the surface like an ivy. Created in the UK by skilled craftsman, the Lovesick Bunnies Sweet Plate has a unique character and artistic spirit. A dream-like creation of white earthenware, the Lovesick Bunnies Sweet Plate is £73.57 from the Hidden Art Shop.
Lovesick Bunnies Sweet Plate - £73.57
Posted by Kate on May 4, 2010 12:04 AM
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For centuries Terracotta has been used to keep water cool. As the water evaporates, it collects in the pores of the terracotta; naturally cooling the container. Designer Arian Brekveld has reclaimed this traditional material to create a modern Water Carafe. The rich terracotta is paired with a smooth grey silicone base for a contemporary minimalist style. An eco friendly way to keep water cool, there's no need for power cords or batteries. A great choice for alfresco dining, the Royal VKB Self Cooling Terracotta Water Carafe is £17.40 from Made in Design.
Royal VKB Self Cooling Water Carafe - £17.40
Posted by Kate on May 5, 2010 12:01 AM
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I'm fascinated by nutcrackers. While they aren't exactly popular, nutcrackers seem to inspire brilliant and clever designs. The Menu Nutcracker is an obvious example; the matte black dome claims to shatter nuts with just a light tap. A gleaming stainless steel base is paired with a black rubber dome that features an ingenious ribbed metal fitting. Simply place the nut on the plate, pop on the lid and give it a sharp tap. When you remove the top, your cracked nut will be presented on the pretty metal plate ready to be eaten. Fitted with a non-slip base, the nutcracker also won't damage your table tops. A modern way to have a cracking good snack, the Menu Nutcracker is £23.50 from Henry Tibbs.
Menu Nutcracker - £23.50
Posted by Kate on May 6, 2010 12:06 AM
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We're sitting up watching the election results roll in, and we're hoping to see a bit of a shake up. As such it seems fitting to write up the Boomerang Wok. Designed by Niklai Carels, the Boomerang Wok lets you embrace creativity and adventure without the mess. With the Boomerang Wok you can cook with flair and excitement without throwing ingredients all over the cooker. The aluminium Boomerang Wok features a Teflon Platinum Plus finish and a patented food turning method. The plump front sweeps things back into the pan, naturally flipping them over. You don't need to toss a heavy pan, a spatula can easily flip and turn everything from stir-fry to fillets with a single push. Another innovative design by Royal VKB and suitable for all heat sources, the Boomerang Wok is £89.95 from 95% Dutch.
Boomerang Wok - £89.95
Posted by Kate on May 7, 2010 12:01 AM
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A few years ago we started making our own jam. While we don't use much our selves, homemade jam makes a great hostess gift or housewarming present, especially at short notice. Till now we've not picked our own berries, but with one of these clever Berry Pickers it sounds a lot more fun. Traditionally used in Scandinavia where they pick lindenberries, the slotted scoop collects the berries while leaving twigs and foliage behind. Quick and easy to use, the Berry Picker lets you finish the long task before it gets boring and tedious. And when you've finished there is a matching Berry Sieve that is big enough to shake those berries around while washing them. A helping hand for those who pick their own, the Berry Picker and Berry Sieve are available from Lakeland.
Berry Picker - £6.99
Berry Sieve - £3.99
Posted by Kate on May 10, 2010 12:07 AM
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I love the modern sweeping lines of Jamie Oliver's new Nibble Bowl set. The humble terracotta bowls are given a sharp sophisticated edge with their asymmetrical forms. Their glossy centres contrast the rough earthen exterior for a rich minimalist style. Designed by Russell Pinch, the three bowls can be used for nuts, crisps and even dips and sauces. The description mentions that the bowls fit neatly on an oak serving board, but I'm afraid I haven't yet seen evidence of the board. Ovenproof up to 100 °C they are perfect for serving warm snacks and hot dips. A great way to combine rustic kitchen memories with today's latest styles, the Set of 3 Nibble Bowls is £18 from the Jme online store.
Jme Oliver Nibble Bowl Set - £18
Posted by Kate on May 11, 2010 12:03 AM
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For millions of sufferers around the world, today is a day to make their invisible illness known. Fibromyalgia a chronic pain and fatigue disorder, and as such I'm hoping you'll forgive me when I say I'm too tired to cover it in depth. Instead we'll tell you about one of the many tools that make cooking easier for those with Fibromyalgia. OXO is well known for their universal design, which makes everyday products like the Good Grips Smooth Potato Masher work for everyone. The broad horizontal handle absorbs the pressure, and reduces the stress on your joints. The fine-grid, stainless steel mashing plate is designed to create a smooth mash even suitable for babies. And when you all finished the Good Grips Smooth Potato Masher saves you energy by going in the dishwasher. Available from Amazon UK, the OXO Good Grips Smooth Potato Masher is just £8.97.
OXO Good Grips Smooth Potato Masher - £8.97
Posted by Kate on May 12, 2010 12:05 AM
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These sunny days really lift the spirits, and that's inspiring me to look for picnic baskets. A cheap and cheerful day out, investing in a picnic basket means you can have relaxed alfresco meals for many summers. The Handpicked Collection has a lovely Wicker Picnic Hamper for four. The white wicker basket is lined with a pretty blue gingham for a clean quaint style. The cutlery straps neatly onto the lid, while tumblers and plates attach to the sides. This leaves the centre open to fill with your favourite picnic treats. An adorable basket from the Handpicked Collection, the Wicker Picnic Hamper is £59.95.
Wicker Picnic Hamper - £59.95
Posted by Kate on May 13, 2010 12:04 AM
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Of course you don't always need to pack a basket full of tableware just to eat outdoors. If you simply fancy a relaxed dinner of finger sandwiches and crisps, an open basket like the Cath Kidston Prairie Outdoor is perfect! The light wicker basket is lined with a floral oilcloth, which is easy to wipe clean if anything spills. Without a lid, you can just toss everything in and pop out for an impromptu picnic and there's never a fight with bottles or bags that won't quite fit in! A whimsical basket that inspires spontaneity, the Prairie Outdoor Basket is £30 from Cath Kidston.
Prairie Outdoor Basket - £30
Posted by Kate on May 14, 2010 12:03 AM
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Lightsaber Chopsticks are the perfect compliment for a boys' night in. Break out the video games and order a Chinese take-away, these Star Wars Chopsticks will help you fend off any mates that try to nick your crispy duck. Each set of Chopsticks has translucent coloured blades and features the iconic handles of Darth Maul, Darth Vader or Luke Skywalker's Lightsaber. The red and blue Chopstabers belonging to Darth Maul, Darth Vader & Skywalker are 9 inches long. A brilliant choice for film buffs, each sets of Lightsaber Chopsticks is £10.99 from Firebox
Luke Skywalker Lightsaber Chopsticks - £10.99
Darth Vader Lightsaber Chopsticks - £10.99
Darth Maul Lightsaber Chopsticks - £10.99
UPDATED SEPT 2011: Links Updated
Posted by Kate on May 17, 2010 12:07 AM
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Just bring out the Sagaform Schnapps Carafe, and you'll have a quick way to get any party started! The single unit includes everything you need to serve Schnapps at its best. Made from hand-blown glass, the carafe, glasses and ice box all fit together like a grown-up puzzle. First fill the glass base with ice and the brightly coloured shot glasses, then the Schnapps Carafe stands on top. Chilling both your glasses and the liquid to the perfect temperature, the Sagaform Carafe lets you enjoy the drink's flavours. I love the depth created by the layers of glass, it instantly engages the user, inviting them to use and explore the Carafe's modern forms. A sophisticated addition to parties and gatherings, the Sagaform Schnapps Carafe is £17.95 from Pelican Pear.
Sagaform Schnapps Carafe - £17.95
Posted by Kate on May 18, 2010 12:04 AM
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There is nothing better than sitting out in the warm sun with a relaxing afternoon brew. Rather than risk breaking your favourite Bridgewater mug on stone patios and paths, why not invest in a colourful alternative. Made from a robust melamine, these plain mug have the iconic Bridgewater form. Perfect when you're working in the garden or watching the kids play outside, the Emma Bridgewater Melamine Mugs are £6 each.
Red Bridgewater Melamine Mug - £6
Orange Bridgewater Melamine Mug - £6
Blue Bridgewater Melamine Mug - £6
Lilac Bridgewater Melamine Mug - £6
Pink Bridgewater Melamine Mug - £6
Posted by Kate on May 19, 2010 12:06 AM
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The Tree Glasses by designer Snowden Flood capture the austere beauty of winter forests. The solid black prints reveals bare branches and scraggly pines, which have a surprising charm. Bringing to mind walks through a snow covered wood, these glasses complement the reflective nature of a late evening drink. The heavy bottomed glasses are perfect for whisky or mulled wine. Celebrating the beauty all around us, a set of four Snowden Flood Tree Glasses is £39.95 from Snowden Flood's online store.
Snowden Flood Tree Glasses - £39.95
Posted by Kate on May 20, 2010 12:00 AM
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While we can appreciate the beauty of good quality food containers, our families may not agree. If you're tired of watching your best containers disappear into the office kitchen or lost on the playground, an EasyLunchbox may be the solution. Walking a line halfway between disposable containers and investment storage containers, the EasyLunchboxes are multi-use containers you can afford to lose. Designed by Kelly Lester, a busy American Mum, the EasyLunchboxes want to reduce waste, stress and help you pack a healthy lunch in minutes. Sent to us by Becky & Lolo we've taken time to really get to know the new kid on the Lunch Box scene. Designed for dry foods, the EasyLunchboxes don't offer an air-tight or leak-proof seal, but each container does have three different compartments. Great for Bento style lunches, there's no need to search for plastic bags or extra containers. One lunch = one container. The EasyLunchbox Kit includes four containers and an insulated bag (though a set of four boxes is also available independently if you'd rather use your own lunch bags). The Easy Lunch food container sits flat on the bottom of the insulated bag, leaving plenty of room for a drink, ice pack and a piece of fruit. With four containers included in every set, you don't need to wash the containers every night and you can prepare meals a fews days at a time. Made from high food grade polyprolylene plastic, the Easy Lunchboxes are free of PVC, BPA and phthalates and safe in the dishwasher, freezer and microwave! Now in the UK from Becky & Lolo, the Easy Lunchboxes save you time and stress on those busy mornings.
Set of four Easy Lunchboxes - £15.98
Red Easy Lunchboxes Kit - £24.49
Olive Easy Lunchboxes Kit - £24.49
Blue Easy Lunchboxes Kit - £24.49
Purple Easy Lunchboxes Kit - £24.49
Black Easy Lunchboxes Kit - £24.49
Posted by Kate on May 24, 2010 12:08 AM
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Do you covet those gorgeous vintage Cake Stands, but know you haven't the space or the money to buy one? We've found a fantastically kitsch alternative that won't hurt your pocket book. Made from printed card, the Truly Scrumptious Cake Stand has all the fabulous vintage prints you love, but comes apart for flat storage. With its own quirky retro charm, this Cake Stand looks cute and cheerful despite not being the real thing. Great for those occasional parties or to show off your latest cupcake creations, the Truly Scrumptious Cake Stand is £8.95 from Colloco.
Truly Scrumptious Cake Stand - £8.95
Posted by Kate on May 21, 2010 12:02 AM
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Now I've seen ceramic 'notebooks' before, but few are as practical and elegant as the Stelton Porcelain Memory Stone. Perfect for sitting next to the phone, the Memory Stone ensures you're never without a pen and pad. Just the right size to note down telephone numbers and important appointments, the Memory Stone keeps them safe till you can transfer the details on to your calendar or mobile. The matching pen rests in a hole at the top of the smooth round porcelain, while the base doubles as a cleaning sponge to wipe old messages away. A sophisticated way to keep your counters clear of paper clutter, the Stelton Porcelain Memory Stone is £28.95 from HUS & HEM.
Stelton Porcelain Memory Stone - £28.95
Posted by Kate on May 25, 2010 12:01 AM
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Part of the Polly's Pantry range we featured in March, John Lewis has added a charming set Measuring Cups to the collection. Though the photo doesn't quite do them justice, these cute Measuring Cups are instantly engaging and will always bring a smile. The pretty hand-painted birds are made from ceramic stoneware, and nest neatly together. Even the wavy tail feather handles stack perfectly, while their small beaks act as a spout. Adding a quaint country charm to your baking, the Polly's Pantry Measuring Cups are £15 from John Lewis
Polly's Pantry Measuring Cups - £15
Posted by Kate on May 26, 2010 12:08 AM
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Another Carafe by designer Arian Brekveld, the Royal VKB Carafe & Tumbler Set is brilliant choice for outside dining. Perfect for sharing a cool drink with a few friends, the carafe set includes four melamine tumblers which stack in the neck of the carafe. This saves you several trips back to the kitchen as you can carry everything in one hand. Made from stainless steel, the carafe features a double wall design that insulates your drinks, keeping them either hot or cold. A sleek minimalist design, the Royal VKB Carafe offers beauty through practical functionality. Available in an Anthracite finish with white tumblers, or a brushed steel finish with coloured tumblers, the Royal VKB Carafe & Tumbler set is £49.95 from 95% Dutch.
Steel & Red Royal VKB Carafe & Tumbler Set - £49.95
Steel & Blue Royal VKB Carafe & Tumbler Set - £49.95
Anthracite & White Royal VKB Carafe & Tumbler Set - £49.95
Posted by Kate on May 27, 2010 12:07 AM
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Cute and adorable, I've seen the ToddlerTäble Cutlery turn someone into cooing goo faster than a basket full of kittens. Their soft chubby handles are ergonomically designed for tiny hands, giving them a firm grip as they develop their co-ordination. The small cute utensil heads are specially designed to be both practical and safe. The fork has no sharp teeth, but uses its unique prong shapes to create enough friction to hold food on the tines. The knife can cut soft food like boiled vegetables, bread and cheese, but the plastic blade won't hurt little fingers. Finally the spoon has a comfortable shape and makes it easier to get food from the plate and into their mouths. Dishwasher-safe, and free from harmful chemicals like BPA, Phthalates and PVC, the adorable ToddlerTäble Cutlery Set is £29.95 from HUS & HEM.
Pink ToddlerTäble Cutlery - £29.95
Orange ToddlerTäble Cutlery - £29.95
Blue ToddlerTäble Cutlery - £29.95
Green ToddlerTäble Cutlery - £29.95
Continue reading "ToddlerTäble Cutlery Set" »
Posted by Kate on May 28, 2010 12:01 AM
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