Tag Archives: home

Get kids into gardening with @suttons_seeds ‘Fun to Grow’ Gardening kits #gardens

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Its not only the government who are trying to get kids more green fingered, we’re all thinking about exciting ways to get the youngest of the younger generation excited about their own little green patch. The lovely people at Suttons Seeds have come up with an engaging and light hearted way to get children super excited to put down the playstation and explore their back garden (when the weather gets better of course!)

With more school gardening clubs popping up in and around the country, kids gardening kits could mean big business, and if we help inspire a new mini Titchmarsh then thats not such a bad things…. or is it? Well anyway, lets make gardening cool from the youngest to the oldest member of your family. Give them one of these and get everyone excited about our great British summer ahead. What are you waiting for?

Here’s what the  kits contain:

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  • 4 different themes: Fairy Garden, Butterflies & Bees,Jungle in a Box and My first Garden
  • Each kit includes: Reusable propagator and lid, compost and vermiculite, 4 varieties of seed and plant labels
  • Exciting extras such as board games, crayons, glitter, magnifying glass, bug booklet and pencil
  • £4.99 each
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Ja-maica your pancakes a little more special this week with @appletonrumuk #pancakeday #recipe

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Yes that’s right it really is Pancake Day tomorrow. We’ve been rattling our brains to find out how best to make our pancakes a little different this year and nothing says ‘step away from the children’ and indulge yourself like a little bit of boozy pancake offerings!

Ynxj4gxfscYmk02APD3gwGekjCmI_l6BzRris7cccqMSo forget Blue Peter, lets get down to business with an old (but new to us) recipe from the world famous Appleton Estate rum makers, that dates back to 1749!

And to make it a little more fun, even the recipes look like they’ve come from the olden days – well, the 1980’s at least! (We can thank the PR’s for that!)

Enjoy, but if the kids are going mad from the sugar and lemon toppings, then stay safe in the knowledge that these ones are all for yourself and you deserve it!

Happy Pancake Day Snoochers!

 

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Show how much you love your partner this Valentines with…. a fridge?!! @smeguk @bentallcentre #valentinesgifts #competition #kingstonuponthames

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Just when you thought Valentines Day gifts couldn’t get any more extravagant! Award winning appliance manufacturers (and cool design kings) Smeg released a very special FAB28 red velvet refrigerator (it looks so good it could almost taste as good as Red Velvet cake, seriously!

Anyway, its not all about a fancy fridge on V-Day, Smeg is also teaming up with Bentalls in Kingston-upon-Thames for a week of non-stop fun. From 7th to 14th February, Smeg will showcase their brand new, very special FAB28 red velvet refrigerator, which will be exclusively revealed to Bentalls’ customers and the UK for the very first time. To celebrate, Smeg has devised an exciting competition where one lucky person can win their own red velvet fridge and send a message of love, or even a marriage proposal, to the special people in their life thanks to a clever and innovative built-in fridge cam.n-09

During the event, customers will be invited to use the fridge cam and pose for a photograph alongside their own personal love heart message which they need to tweet with the hashtag #lovesmegfridge and #velvetvalentine to be in with a chance to win. Also don’t forget to look out for the SMEG500R, a limited edition, Fiat-styled refrigerator, which is also debuting for the very first time.

Smeg’s brand manager John Davies says: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Bentalls store in Kingston upon Thames and are excited to show how Smeg always work hard to push the boundaries with experiential activity that engages with our customers. The latest special addition to the Smeg family, the FAB28 red velvet refrigerator is symbolic of our iconic style and with its curved edges, 50s style lettering and soft, matt texture we’re sure this will be a hit!”

But I haven’t got time for a competition, but I do have time for a new fridge! Tell me more! 

With a capacity of 256 litres featuring an ice compartment with a frozen food capacity of 26 litres, the FAB28 red velvet model comes with Smeg’s automatic defrost technology as well as three adjustable glass shelves, one fruit and vegetable container and a chrome wine rack. This fridge has an A++ energy efficiency rating and a 40dB sound level which is far lower than normal conversation levels at 59dB, making it perfect for open-plan living. Priced from £1,275, the dimensions of the Smeg FAB28 measure 60cmW by 69.2cmD by 151cmH and this model is also available in 12 striking colours.

 

Forget your Christmas Cooking disasters 2014 is a new year to cook with @smeguk #cooking #recipe #food

 

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So did you to cook the turkey to perfection this year? or did you get ribbed by your family around the table for that slightly over smoked bird? Oh well, either way 2014 is a new year with new goals in work, life and well…cooking! And in terms of the latter, award winning appliance manufacturer Smeg (yes, the one with the uber cook refrigerators everyone wished they had) you can create a new, exciting dish a professional chef would be proud of, from succulent roast pork to melt-in-the-mouth extra lemony sponge cake all because of its brand new recipe card collection? 

 Recipe Cards?? Old School….

Yep, old school style, modern means, via Smegs website,  you can concoct nine delicious, classic British recipes which have been cleverly designed by a qualified home economist to help you produce the tastiest dishes using Smeg’s top-of-the-range, built-in or freestanding cooking appliances (or of course, your own!). SFP390X

The last recipe from this collection, Rotisserie sweet chilli chicken, has just been completed and is now available online. Simply go to www.smeguk.com now where you can download each recipe card and 26 other online recipes from around the globe, which range from party food and starters to sweets and desserts.

 But I just want to start cooking right now…

Oh, ok then, well here’s the recipe just for you!! x

 

Rotisserie sweet chilli chicken

Rotisserie chicken

SERVES 4

Ingredients:

1.6kg whole fresh chicken, finely grated zest 1 lime, 2 tsp dried chilli flakes,1 tbsp sunflower oil

2 tbsp runny honey, flaked sea salt, freshly ground black pepper

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180C on the Rotisserie Grill setting. Place a baking tray lined with foil on the bottom shelf of the oven. This will collect any juices that drip from the chicken.

2. Mix the lime zest with the chilli flakes, a good pinch of salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Stir in the oil and honey until combined.

3. Place the chicken on a board. Do not remove the string holding the chicken together. Carefully thread the rotisserie rod down through the centre of the chicken.

4. Skewer each end with the clip forks and secure by tightening the screw on each fork. Brush the chilli mixture all over the skin of the chicken until it is evenly coated.

5. Place the rotisserie rod securely on to the rotisserie support according to your oven manual. Spit roast the chicken with the oven door closed for 1 ¼ hours or until the skin is deep golden brown and the chicken is thoroughly cooked. The juices should run clear.

6. Carefully remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to a board. Remember, it will be extremely hot and juices could splash. Loosely cover the chicken with foil and leave to rest for 10 minutes. Remove the rotisserie rod and carve the chicken to serve.

Rotisserie works in combination with the grill element whilst constantly turning the food

Get ahead of the Xmas rush and grab a @johnlewisretail bargain for under £50 #shopping #buying #xmas

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The time is nearly upon us, the shops are prematurely changing their in store decorations and we know its not too long until Jingle Bells starts playing on loop! So we thought, to get you all ahead of the game we would showcase one of our favourite Xmas go to shopping centres, John Lewis, and show you the kind of bargains you can expect this festive season. So if its mum, dad, brother or sister, this famous department store has it all, and just for you we have some of the finest selection of goodies for £50 and under! Enjoy!! 

Lets get shopping!! 

BaByliss Pro 200 Nano Straighteners, Pink – £9.95 – Available from end of September

The perfect size for your suitcase or handbag, the Babyliss Nano straighteners provide all the performance but in a handy little package. Great for touch-ups and fringes, they heat up to 200°c and come in stylish purple or pink.

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USB Snowman and Gingerbread Man – £19.95 – Available from October

These cute novelty USB sticks make storing your most important documents fun! With a substantial 8GB of memory available, and no removable cap to lose, your documents will stay safe and secure thanks to the lifetime flash drive guarantee.

Screen Shot 2013-09-29 at 17.09.19Krups F20342 Coffee Grinder – £19.95 – Available from end of September

With the Krups F20342 you can grind beans with ease and efficiency. The oval, easy to hold shape gives even grinding and a single speed assures fast results at the touch of a button. With a large grinding capacity of 75g, this can guarantee up to 15 cups of coffee; perfect for entertaining.

Screen Shot 2013-09-29 at 17.09.24 John Lewis Boom Bar Wireless Speaker, Graphite – £29.95

The John Lewis Boom Bar features great sound, Bluetooth connectivity and a huge battery. Ready to play all of your music in exceptional quality, it even features a built-in microphone to use it as a hands-free calling device.

Screen Shot 2013-09-29 at 17.09.31John Lewis Spectrum DAB/FM Radio, Red – £29.95

Compact, functional and fun; the John Lewis Spectrum DAB/FM radio is a smart choice for digital listening. It can be fully powered by mains or battery making it just as at home on the move or on a shelf at home. The soft touch finish also makes it easy to pick up and carry around.Screen Shot 2013-09-29 at 17.09.37

Barbour Quilted Flip Case for iPhone 5, Olive – £34.95

Protect your iPhone 5 in style with this quilted flip case from heritage brand, Barbour. The exterior is quilted with a small leather section displaying the Barbour logo, while the interior features a mix of leather and the Barbour tartan pattern. The click in shell keeps your iPhone safe with cut outs for your camera and volume controls.Screen Shot 2013-09-29 at 17.09.48 John Lewis Spectrum DAB/FM Clock Radio, Aubergine – £34.95

The new John Lewis Spectrum DAB/FM clock radio is a great choice if you need help waking up in the morning! The clever snooze function is activated by its feet, so it can be turned off by touching the radio anywhere. Fully powered by mains or battery, it also features a soft touch finish.Screen Shot 2013-09-29 at 17.11.20Wild and Wolf Trim Classic Corded Telephone in Peacock Green – £35.95 – Available from October

For those who love retro styling, Wild and Wolf’s replica of a 1970s classic will help complete the look in any room of the house. Available in stunning Peacock Green, features include last number redial and ringer volume control.Screen Shot 2013-09-29 at 17.11.24Lomography Fisheye 1 Analogue Camera, Orange – £44.95

Lending itself to the current Instagram trend, the Lomography Fisheye camera captures great shots with fun distortion. It sees a sweeping 170-degree view, compacting everything around you into a circular image. Whether you get right up close or use the huge depth of field, the built-in fisheye lens offers bright colours and great contrast.Screen Shot 2013-09-29 at 17.11.29Wild and Wolf 746 1960’S Corded Telephone in French Blue – £49.95 – Available from October

Based on the original post office telephone model from the 60s, Wild and Wolf have brought the 746 right up to date in a range of striking colours, featuring the bold curves of the original design. For modern convenience, the dial has been replaced by buttons and the phone simply plugs into a standard phone socket. It also includes a re-dial button and authentic bell ring sound!Screen Shot 2013-09-29 at 17.11.35

Get creative this party season with these amazing #baking products from @passion4cakes @hobbycraft @therangeuk #cakes #baking

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So party season is not too far away, and all you budding bakers out there may need a bit of inspiration if you’re trying to impress with your culinary skills this Autumn. Well fear not, if it’s a ghoulish delight that you’re after for the perfect Halloween party next month, its time to invest! We’ve found this devilishly brilliant bakers airbrush kit from Shesto that may just put you into the highest rankings when it comes to sweet treats!  Screen Shot 2013-09-17 at 18.44.52

Using  the Cassie Brown Cake Craft Airbrush Kit, this special cake decoration technique gives beautiful, professional-looking results every time, and you don’t have to be an experienced chef or baker to use it (phew!) . The airbrush kit is quick and simple to set up, use and clean, and comes with three mixable colours, so it’s ready to go – straight out of the box.Screen Shot 2013-09-17 at 18.45.01

Why all the fuss about airbrushing?! 

Airbrushing is a relatively new cake decorating technique and is one of the quickest and easiest ways of adding colour to a cake, eliminating the need to work with multiple pieces of coloured sugar paste or royal icing, and at the same time reducing waste and mess. The liquid cake colours are sprayed smoothly through the tip of the precisely-designed airbrush using compressed air, giving the user complete control over the design and finish.

So if you fancy yourself as an ‘artisan artiste’ this winter, we would highly recommend that you give this a go!

Where can I buy this amazing contraption?! 

The Cassie Brown Cake Craft Airbrush Kit is available directly fromwww.shesto.com, or from leading craft and kitchenware retailers including Hobbycraft, The Range and craft and cake decorating shops nationwide, at a suggested retail price of £99.99.Screen Shot 2013-09-17 at 18.45.19

What? There’s more?! 

And just in time for some ‘spooktacular’ spell binding cake decorating, Cassie Brown has also brought out a “How-To Christmas and Halloween DVD (£14.95) featuring top tips from the award-winning sugar craft expert on how to make stunning seasonal cakes.

So what are you waiting for… get baking and share with us your creative creations!

 

Willy Wonka eat your heart out…we’re growing Chocolate Flowers!! @prezzybox #gift

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Calling all you chocoholics… now tasting chocolate is just one thing, but smelling chocolate (everywhere) takes it to a whole new level…

With this in mind, those clever people at Prezzybox have made us aware of a cunning little gift which is bound to inspire you a) to eat more chocolate and b) to take up gardening!

Introducing the  GROW YOUR OWN CHOCOLATE FLOWERS kit! What a cool (if not slightly bizarre) gift this would make! So if you know any budding Willy Wonkas, or if you just want to celebrate the fact that Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is hitting the West End, then this is the perfect opportunity to get yourself growing some amazing chocolate flowers! Yes, you will impress your friends…you will!!!

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This kit includes everything you need to cultivate a daisy patch that gets Umpa Lumpa’s going gaga! Just follow the instructions on the packet and watch your flowers blossom into chocolate scented blooms – money might not grow on trees, but chocolate does!

The Grow Your Own Chocolate Scented Flowers Kit is just £9.95 from: www.prezzybox.com

What do you get in the box?

·         Beautiful flowers with chocolate aroma

·         Full instructions provided

·         Full equipment suitable for any beginner; including 2 x Packets of Chocolate Daisy Seeds, 4 x Coconut Husk Starter Pots,4 x Coconut Husk Compost Discs which expand when watered and 4 x Wooden Plant Marker.

Good work Snoochers!

Forget getting a new TV, its all about having @NowTV #gadget #smarttv

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Are you ready for a revolution? Well it’s upon us and is about to uplift your living room! As if Sky TV wasn’t revolutionary enough, we can all take a step into the future and turn our TV’s into smart TV’s with the help of NOW TV (is that enough TV’s in there for you?!)

Launched only a couple of weeks ago, this beautiful little white box (its smaller than a pub beer mat!) can help you to transform your TV watching with just your wi-fi router! Its super easy to set up (we particularly loved the mini-explanations as to why you were doing certain things in the booklet) and once you’re all logged in, there is already a plethora of channels for you to peruse!

Coming in at an affordable £9.99 if you need yet another excuse to be on Facebook or Spotify, then this is it!  As well as getting on internet specific sites such as Flickr and Vimeo, you can catch up on lots of your favourite shows via 5 Demand and iPlayer. There are also a large number of channels which you might not be too familiar with such as TED  and Crunchyroll (Japanese anime programmes). Our only word of caution on this is that some of them require specific subscriptions such as USTV Now, so you may end up forking out a bit more money than you’d originally intended, but the majority are free to view.

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If you’re also not a Sky customer, what’s really handy is that you can still get Sky Movies and Sky Sports as an instant add on. For this, you would pay on a day by day basis and it isn’t the cheapest option, but these packages are essentially premium if you were a Sky customer or not; so we would recommend that you really pick a specific event that you’re willing to part your hard earned dosh for rather than making these regular occurrence.

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Although the NOW TV box is still in its early stages, we can definitely see the potential for what it can offer. Not everyone can afford Sky TV or its competitors, and with all of our busy lifestyles we certainly like the idea of watching what we want, when we want. Apparently it’s a whopping 2 out of 5 people who stream their ‘must see’ shows on a regular basis, so something like the NOW TV device could be the way of the future. As with every device which is brand spanking new, we’re still waiting for what more can be offered. At first glance the variety is pleasantly surprising, so with this offering growing, we could say good bye to our old TV habits, and quite easily embrace these new ones!

To purchase your Now TV box, visit www.nowtv.com 

 

Nicole Phillips England launches fabric by the metre to brighten up your home

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So a few weeks back we visited the Spirit of Summer show at Olympia and found this fantastic textile designer. Well, if its kitsch cloth that you’re after then Nicole Phillips is your lady. There are some new designs out now, so check them out and see how you could make your house look amazing! And don’t forget, we’re all for supporting Buy British, and this designer is just one of the great reasons why its so important! 

Here’s more about the new products! 

The perfect way to freshen up any kitchen table or window, fine textile design company Nicole Phillips England has launched a range of fabric by the metre, available in a variety of designs and a choice of oilcloth or cotton to suit every style of home.Screen Shot 2013-06-10 at 11.46.43

Offering a practical yet pretty solution to protecting your table from spills and scratches, the new oilcloth fabric can be ordered by the metre in the quirky fish or crab-on-a-line designs that are ideal for coastal homes as well as the strawberry, asparagus and trailing rose patterns, which will complement all country inspired interiors. The high quality 100% cotton fabric is available in all Nicole Phillips England patterns on request and can be used for anything from curtains, cushion covers and blinds to tablecloths and other beautiful homemade accessories.

Screen Shot 2013-06-10 at 11.47.00Designed and created by artist, Nicole Phillips, the collection of fabric by the metre highlights Nicole’s hand-painted watercolour designs that have been printed on carefully selected high quality materials.

Inspired by country and coastal themes with a foodie influence, the full Nicole Phillips England range also includes aprons, tea towels, hob covers, napkins, cushions and tote bags, all of which are made here in Great Britain.

The fabric range starts from £26 per metre for oilcloth and £38 per metre for cotton, and is available to buy online at www.nicolephillips.com.

So who is Nicole Phillips?

Founded in 2012 and launched in March 2013, Nicole Phillips has used her creative skills to bring a fresh perspective to fine textile design. The company delivers a broad range of new products with unique designs made to the highest quality standards within the UK.Screen Shot 2013-06-10 at 11.47.14

Founder Nicole Phillips had an idyllic childhood growing up on a small island in the Bahamas before moving to England to complete her education. Her early experiences continue to influence her art today and many of the Nicole Phillips England designs feature themes relating to the sea and nature. Nicole gained a degree in Ceramics at Bath University and she ran a successful studio in West Sussex for 6 years before taking a break to start a family.

The eureka moment came one evening in 2012 when Nicole realised that her artwork was ideally suited for printing on fabric and since then she has been immersed in creating and exploiting the possibilities that this medium of textiles can bring.

Nicole now runs the business with her small team in West Sussex.

 

Get ready to Assault and Pepper @prezzybox #giftideas #kitchen #homeware

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Sometimes we cant help but love the weird and wonderful gizmos we see on the net, and this week its no exception!

Fancy spicing up your salt and pepper shakers? Then look no further than Assault and Pepper!

Forget your bland salt and pepper shakers, Prezzybox has got this year’s naughtiest shakers! Guaranteed to add extra fight to your bite, these hard hitting Assault and Pepper shakers will surely be the only ones fighting over your family dining table!

Now your food won’t be a crime with these aggressive shakers. The Assault and Pepper Shakers cost only £7.95 from www.prezzybox.com cheaper than a county court fine.

So if you’re looking for a fun, quirky present for someone, these get our vote!

Happy Shopping!!