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Most of the time when I'm cooking I'm not trying to look good. I just want an apron that is practical, something to wipe my hands on that's always within reach. This Tea Towel Apron Belt turns your pretty tea towels into an instant designer apron. Just slide the corners into the stainless-steel buckles and adjust the elastic band. Available in four different colours, the Pink and Grape belts feature a feminine rabbit buckle while the Black and Blue belts have a masculine stag buckle. Never again be frustrated when your apron is in the wash, the Tea Towel Apron Belt is a stylish apron for everyday of the week, £15.95 from HUS & HEM.
Pink Rabbit Tea Towel Apron Belt - £15.95
Grape Rabbit Tea Towel Apron Belt - £15.95
Blue Stag Tea Towel Apron Belt - £15.95
Black Tea Towel Apron Belt - £15.95
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Posted by Kate on June 1, 2010 12:05 AM
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It's been a while since we've seen a new Eco Kettle, so we were interested to see the M&S Energy Saving Cordless Kettle. We are pleased to see the new design gives you the power to decide exactly what you need. The kettle's base features a key pad that allows you to select the best temperature for the job: 60:70:80 or 90 degrees. It also has a keep warm function for those times when you know you'll need hot water again real soon. I also love the kettle's glass body, which gives it a sophisticated style. With a 1.7 litre capacity and a 360 degree rotating base, the M&S Energy Saving Kettle has all the features you'd expect from a modern appliance. Exclusive to M&S and with a two year guarantee, the M&S Eco-Kettle is £35.00.
M&S Energy Saving Cordless Kettle - £35
Posted by Kate on June 2, 2010 12:03 AM
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Oh this just gives me the heebie jeebies! The latest eco-friendly product lets you grow mushrooms in the back of your...least favourite paperback book. There's no need for a garden, you just place the seeds in the back of a damp book. Your book will never be the same, but if you can get past the mouldering cover, in five weeks you'll harvest a delicious crop of Oyster Mushrooms perfect for use in oriental cooking. A clever gift for cooks and book lovers, Grow Your Own Oyster Mushrooms Book Kit is £11.99 from Eco-centric.
Grow Your Own Oyster Mushrooms Book Kit - £11.99
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Posted by Kate on June 3, 2010 12:03 AM
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A few weeks ago we received an email inviting us behind the curtain at the Emma Bridgewater Factory in Stoke-on-Trent; obviously we jumped at the chance. The Bridgewater company is an important example of both British manufacturing and design, and we are huge fans of their products!
Continue reading "The Emma Bridgewater Factory Tour" »
Posted by Kate on June 4, 2010 12:02 AM
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Ever wanted to capture that freedom and carefree life you experienced as a child, before you felt the responsibilities of work and family? It doesn't always take much to send you flying back to those long summer days. For me the iconic shape of the Chatterbox dish has me grinning with fond memories. We called these folded pieces of paper fortune tellers, and spent many afternoons giggling with my friends as we tried to think of suitable futures and forfeits. Now this familiar form has been recreated as a pretty ceramic dish. A fabulous way to serve a selection of party dips, the Chatterbox Nibbles Dish is £14.99 from Rockett St George.
Chatterbox Nibbles Dish - £14.99
Posted by Kate on June 7, 2010 12:09 AM
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In this hot summer weather, iced cocktails are a brilliant end to a long tiring day. To make these delicious treats at home though, you'll want a good quality blender. The KitchenAid Pitcher Blender is a gorgeous example. The powerful motor can easily crush ice, while the flying ice cubes won't crack the glass jug. The heavy die cast base gives the KitchenAid Blender extra stability and should keep it from shuffling across your counter. And when you've mixed up your favourite drinks, the jug has a generous pouring spout so you can blend-n-serve. Best of all the smooth control panel makes cleaning up a snap. Available in Black, Red, Blue and the online exclusive Pearl Metallic, the KitchenAid Pitcher Blender is £149 from John Lewis
Blue KitchenAid Pitcher Blender - £149
Red KitchenAid Pitcher Blender - £149
Black KitchenAid Pitcher Blender - £149
*Online Exclusive* Pearl Metallic KitchenAid Pitcher Blender - £149
Posted by Kate on June 8, 2010 12:07 AM
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I'm all for re-usable shopping bags, but it requires a level of planning I can't always manage and those big hemp bags don't exactly fit in a briefcase or handbag! Suck UK have come up with a solution that's not only practical but also fun! The Character Reusable Shopping Bag is a light-weight material bag with its own ingenious storage pouch. Pull the white shopping bag though any of the 8 large buttonholes in the black pouch and you can create surprisingly cute critters. From rabbits and squirrels to bears, mice and penguins, the Character Shopping Bag turns a boring bag into an engaging decoration. With a key chain style clip, the Animal bag can be attached to zippers, buckles and loops so it doesn't take up any space in your bag. Perfect for kids, the pouch is also tethered to the bag so you can't lose it! Whether you're grabbing lunch on the go or picking up a pint of milk after work, the Character Reusable Shopping Bag is ready for those spontaneous purchases. Thanks to the website Useful Things for sending us a review sample. They offer amazingly cheap and competitive shipping to the UK, so why not check out their store? Useful Things offer the Character Shopping bag for $11.95 (about £8.30 in June 2010).
Character Shopping Bag - $11.95 (About £8.30)
Continue reading "Character Reuseable Shopping Bag" »
Posted by Kate on June 9, 2010 12:09 AM
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Dad always claimed that hot drinks in summer helped keep you cool, but I was never convinced. I'd much prefer something refreshingly chilled. If you're the same, but can't live without tea, you'll love the Tea-Over-Ice Pitcher by Tea Forte. The hand blown pitcher is a gorgeous way to brewing iced tea. You steep the tea in the lidded upper pitcher before pouring it over the ice in the pitcher below. 24 oz of flash chilled iced tea is immediately ready to serve. The stacking jugs are made from a heat-resistant glass, and create a sculptural tableside presentation. For best results, they recommend using their specially designed Over-Ice Pyramid Infusers which balance the flavour perfectly for delicious quick chilled iced tea. Each box of Pyramid Infusers includes three of each of the following flavours:
Iced Ceylon Gold • Iced Pomegranate Blackberry
Iced Raspberry Nectar • Iced White Ginger Pear
Available from Cocoboat, the Tea Forte Tea-Over-Ice Pitcher is £39.95 while a Box of 12 Tea-Over-Ice Infusers is £22.95.
Tea-Over-Ice Pitcher - £39.95
Box of 12 Tea-Over-Ice Infusers - £22.95
Posted by Kate on June 10, 2010 12:05 AM
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These days it seems like we're all so rushed, it's difficult to even have a bowl of cereal in the morning. But breakfast is a great opportunity to add more fruit and vegetables to your diet. The Kenwood Smoothie 2GO lets you create your own delicious smoothies to enjoy on the train, bus or at work. The clever design combines the blender jar and travel mug into one, so there's also less washing up. Powerful enough to crush ice, you just pop your ingredients in the travel mug and fix on the chopping blades. Attach the mug to the base and in seconds you'll have your very own smoothie creation. Swap the chopping blades for the travel mug lid and you're ready to head out the door. A personalised and freshly made drink every day, the Smothie 2GO comes with two travel mugs. A great way to get add to your 5-a-day, the Kenwood Smoothie 2GO is £22.49 from Amazon UK.
Kenwood Smoothie 2GO - £22.49
Posted by Kate on June 11, 2010 12:00 AM
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A great choice for popular herbs, the Chef'n Spice Shot lets you add those precious flavours without the measuring spoons. These brightly coloured dispensers have a revolving door mechanism in the base, which releases a ¼ teaspoon with every press of the button. With one hand and four quick clicks, you can add a teaspoon of spices to your pan without even a pause. The Spice Shot can be refilled through the lid at the top and the clear window offers an attractive view of your flavours, you'll always know when you're running out. Available in three different colours, the Spice Shot offers fluid cooking with your most used spices and herbs. The Chef'n Spice Shot is £6.59 from ThingsatHome.
Red Spice Shot - £6.59
Orange Spice Shot - £6.59
Green Spice Shot - £6.59
Posted by Kate on June 14, 2010 12:01 AM
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Those hot summer day always seem to sneak up on you. One day you'll be wet and chilly only to find the next is boiling hot and sunny. Rather than plan weeks before you'll need them, the Zuko Ice Lolly Maker lets you create healthy treats in just 10 minutes. A great activity for kids, they can mix fruits and juices to make their own colourful treats. Simple and easy to make, you just pour your juice, diluted squash or yogurt into the mould and add one of the reusable handles. The Zuko Maker needs no electricity; you just keep the compact base unit in the freezer. Then when the sun comes out you'll be ready make up to nine lolly ices before it needs freezing again. Don't think this is only for kids though; frozen Mojitos make a fantastic finish to your summer barbeques. Available from Lakeland, the Zoku Ice Lolly Maker is £39.99 and includes six lolly sticks, six drip guards, a recipe book and a large lolly removal tool.
Zuko Lolly Ice Maker - £39.99
Posted by Kate on June 15, 2010 12:09 AM
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So often we are sold the 1950s housewife dream, the pearl necklaces and quaint flowers all in the perfect house. So these Lipped Floral Bowls from Pedlars immediately caught my attention. At first glance they are covered with familiar pretty roses, but look a bit closer and you'll see the other side of the 50s. Pretty pin-ups and space rockets add a depth and contrast to those nostalgic dreams. Handmade and decorated in Sweden, each bowl is a unique commentary on modern life. Revealing our contemporary culture through images of the past, the Lipped Floral Bowls are £125 from Pedlars.
Blue Lipped Floral Bowls - £125
Pink Lipped Floral Bowls - £125
Continue reading "Lipped Floral Bowls" »
Posted by Kate on June 16, 2010 12:06 AM
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Whether you're celebrating that important anniversary or merely a World Cup win, we often use champagne to mark these special occasions. While once new and modern, the champagne flute has become a bit tired and common. Still the best for capturing that bubbly flavour, the tall thin glasses always feel precarious and ready to topple. But there is an alternative, the champagne saucer adds a bit of retro glamour and decadence to your parties. I expect to see many more of these appearing on shop shelves next season, but if you want to be ahead of the trend I've found two modern champagne saucers you can pick up now. The first is the sleek and swirling Linea Spirit by House of Fraser. Made from cut crystal the Spirit Champagne Saucer has the weight and sophistication perfect for those romantic occasions. The second is the tall and spindly Champagne Saucer by LSA. High on drama, these mouth-blown handmade glasses have long slender stems and wide shallow bowls. A contemporary interpretation of the classic Champagne Saucer, the LSA is a contrast of form and shape. A brilliant revival of a classic glass shape, the Champagne Saucer is a brilliant choice for your next big event.
Linea Spirit Crystal Champagne Saucer - £12
Set of 4 LSA Glass Champagne Saucers - £39
Posted by Kate on June 17, 2010 12:05 AM
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Another eye-catching product sent to us from Useful Things, the Sun Jar is a quirky interpretation of modern environmentalism. Combining a traditional Kilner Jar with modern electronics Suck UK have created a magical object. When it arrives you open the lid and press the power switch, and that's the last time you'll need to adjust it. Lock the lid down again and place it on your kitchen window sill. The sunny rays will reach through the frosted glass to the solar panel, storing away over 5 hours of that lovely glow. Next to the solar panel is also a small light sensor, which automatically turns the Sun Jar on when darkness falls. Perfect for the kitchen, you can use the Sun Jar as a nightlight, preventing any stubbed toes when you sneak in for that late night snack. Completely waterproof, it would also make a brilliant centrepiece for evening barbeques and garden parties in spring and autumn. (If the Sun Jar doesn't quite think it's dark enough to light up, you can always trick it by placing a piece of card over the light sensor like we did for some of our photographs.) Available from Useful Things, the Sun Jar is $34.95, but don't worry even though they are posting from the states the shipping costs are similar to stores within the UK.
Sun Jar - $34.95 (Abt. £24)
Continue reading "Sun Jar" »
Posted by Kate on June 18, 2010 12:08 AM
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Since the first iPhone was released, we all know someone who can't resist tapping away at those brightly coloured icons every minute of the day. It can be difficult to get their attention, but with a set of these cute magnets you might just tempt them into the kitchen. Instead of organising your life, the App Magnets organise your fridge door. The set includes 18 small magnets featuring all your favourite apps:
Messages • Calendar • Weather • Camera • YouTube • Stocks • Maps
Photo Album • Clock • Calculator • Settings • iTunes • App Store
Compass • Phone • Mail • iPod • Safari
A great gift for your favourite technophile, a set of App Magnets is £9.99 from Firebox.
App Magnets - £9.99
Posted by Kate on June 21, 2010 12:01 AM
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Last month as part of their birthday celebrations, Emma Bridgewater ran a bit of a photo competition. As Bridgewater fans we couldn't resist the chance to win one of their limited edition Silver Baby Mugs. So dressed up in my very best dress and carrying my Black Toast Gavy Boat we wandered down to our local park for a photo. Unfortunately we didn't win (especially after attracting the embarrassing attention of the local children in the park), but we did receive a £10 voucher for Emma Bridgewater. For the last two weeks it's been burning a hole in my pocket as I debated what I should spend it on. Should I get a personalised mug or a lovely plate? In the end I decided to put it towards something normally too expensive to buy: one of their gorgeous Glass Tumblers. We're lucky enough to own a set of their Small Wine Glasses, after finding them in an astonishing half price sale several years ago, but never expected to get anymore glassware. All the Emma Bridgewater Glassware features etched words, which match their iconic Black Toast tableware. A decadent treat courtesy of Emma Bridgewater, you can order the Glassware Tumbler for £19.95 from Emma Bridgewater's online store.
Emma Bridgewater Glassware Tumbler - £19.95
Continue reading "Emma Bridgewater Glassware Tumblers" »
Posted by Kate on June 25, 2010 12:04 AM
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Good design engages you, giving you hints and suggestions every time you look at it, but what do our kitchens say? We spend so much time hiding things away, that we lose both beauty and inspiration. The ingredients we cook with are full of rich textures and mouth-watering colours, but you never see these in the kitchen. No wonder so many people struggle to be creative cooks, instead choosing a safe and simple fall back. The Eva Solo Deli Jars are a gorgeous step in the right direction. The mouth-blown glass offers a clear uncluttered view of dry and preserved foods in unique sweeping jars. The wide open mouths aid filling, while the tapered necks are easy to hold. The lovely simple lids are made from stainless-steel and have a silicone seal so they fit snugly, protecting your ingredients. A shelf full of these jars would instantly add depth and interest to your kitchen. Available in four sizes, you can order the Eva Solo Deli Jars from Made in Design.
0.7 litre Eva Solo Deli Jar - £29
1 litre Eva Solo Deli Jar - £34
1.5 litre Eva Solo Deli Jar - £40
2 litre Eva Solo Deli Jar - £47
Posted by Kate on June 22, 2010 12:00 AM
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While I normally prefer the practical, I love the wild shape of Leonardo's Eros Cups. The orbit like bowl reminds me of futuristic drawings from the 60s. Like it's been inspired by The Jetsons, the Eros Cup abounds with whimsical charm. I suspect they may be easier to drink from once you're already tipsy, but they'll add dramatic style to your next party. Available from Made in Design, the Leonardo Eros Cup is £29.50.
Leonardo Eros Cup - £29.50
Posted by Kate on June 23, 2010 12:03 AM
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Now that we've passed solstice, summer has officially begun, and these Portmeirion Glasses by Sophie Conran are perfect for the season. Shaped like little bee hives, the Conran Glasses have a wonderful shape and texture. Apparently designed as a combination of Japanese serenity and English eccentricity, Sophie Conran creates dynamic forms that seem to flow. A brilliant collection suitable for both casual and formal dining, Conran Glasses are a versatile investment. Available online from John Lewis, the Sophie Conran Portmeirion Collection is a brilliant reflection of summer gardens.
Two Small Sophie Conran Wine Glasses - £23.50
Two Large Sophie Conran Wine Glasses - £28.00
Two Sophie Conran Hiball Balloons - £22.50
Two Sophie Conran Champagne Flutes - £26.00
Continue reading "Portmeirion Sophie Conran Glasses" »
Posted by Kate on June 24, 2010 12:07 AM
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While our World Cup dreams may be over, that doesn't mean we need to give up our patriotic pride. These British Isles Biscuit Cutters are a brilliant way to celebrate everything we love about Britain. Plus there's plenty more sport to watch, whether it's Murray at Wimbledon or Hamilton & Button in the F1, there are plenty of British sportsmen to support. So shake off the last match and get ready for the rest of summer, with these brilliant British biscuits. Available from Re-found Objects, a set of two British Isles Biscuit Cutters is just £4.
British Isles Biscuit Cutters - £4
Posted by Kate on June 28, 2010 12:00 AM
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We should appreciate this lovely sunny weather while we have the chance, and eating outdoors is an obvious choice. However that doesn't mean you have to haul huge baskets around, in India they use an interesting container of stacked bowls called a Tiffin Box. The word Tiffin simply means lunch or light meal, but the boxes offer an easy way to serve several different courses. The colourful boxes pictured are hand painted in Kashmir, and help support the local craftspeople. Each of the coloured layers is a different compartment, and the Tiffin box includes four metal plates. Use them for picnics, storing cakes and biscuits, or as pretty serving bowls, these Hand Painted Tiffin Boxes are £65 from Rose & Grey.
Hand Painted Tiffin Box - £65.00
Posted by Kate on June 29, 2010 12:00 AM
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I've always had a passion for flatware. When I was ten I used my pocket money to buy a single place setting from a local outlet store. I had to search through huge bins full of random forks, knives and spoons to find a matching set of my favourite pattern. So it's with that child-like fascination that I found the Wonderland Cutlery by Tina Tsang. Handmade in England, each sculptural pewter utensil represents a different character. They are covered in beautiful details and each has a magnifying glass in the handle. Like Alice herself, you'll be able to make your food appear to grow in size (while also getting a detailed view of your dinner). Unique and charming works of art, the Wonderland Cutlery is £42.50 each from The Hidden Art Shop.
Wonderland Killer Rabbit Knife - £42.50
Wonderland Lady Emmanuel Fork - £42.50
Wonderland George Spoon - £42.50
Posted by Kate on June 30, 2010 12:01 AM
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