simplehuman Round Retro Pedal Bin

Round Retro Pedal Bin

Recently we brought a caravan, not a new one just a nice older one... well anyway we have been out in it a few times and I was getting a bit fed up of hanging a plastic carrier bag off of the door handle (plus it dripped all down the door which wasn't pleasant).

So my aim was to find a good sized dustbin that wouldn't swamp the caravan and get in the way, but was also dog proof, vermin proof and fly proof.  Our Ruby is clever enough to put her paw onto the pedal and open the lid, but my plan is to keep the bin in the awning but still look funky (well it would have to match the awning wouldn't it!).

So I contacted simplehuman about their Round Retro Pedal Bins, they have six colours to suit every kitchen or bathroom. 

I chose a red bin because my caravan and awning are burgundy, the bin itself is pretty sturdy and would survive rolling around the inside of the van during transit if it ever fell over, although it fits lovely underneath the table for travelling (might even fit in the bottom bathroom cabinet, will have to check that!).

Features include:

•all-steel pedal with a solid steel beam that runs from the tip of the pedal all the way to the back of the bin for maximum durability. This is engineered and tested to last over 150,000 steps - that's over 20 steps a day for 20 years
•simplehuman’s exclusive lid shox® air suspension shocks that control the motion of the domed lid for a slow, silent close
•fingerprint-proof finish resists smudges to keep stainless steel shiny (brushed steel only)
•innovative bag tuck® perforated opening that prevents messy bag overhang
•flared side handles that help make the bin easy to move
•sturdy, non-skid base keeps the bin steady
•10 year warranty

Yes you read that correct .. a TEN year warranty which you register online, so they must be pretty confident that the Round Retro Pedal Bin's are sturdy and efficient.

What I like is that the inside bucket comes out, this means that if your bag does leak then you can take out the bucket and give it a good clean.  Also after a while bins can get a bit whiffy so being able to clean it properly will keep the bin in tip-top shape and smelling fresh too.

The bins come in a variety of sizes:

30 litre version
•dimensions: 35.4cm wide x 38.3cm deep x 69.4cm high
•colours: green, cream, black, dark grey, brushed steel
•price: £99.99

20 litre version
•dimensions: 35.4cm wide x 38.4cm deep x 45.9cm high
•colours: brushed steel
•price: £79.99

6 litre version
•dimensions: 34cm wide x 27.3cm deep x 34.2cm high
•colours: brushed steel
•price: £39.99

3 litre version
•dimensions: 19.4cm wide x 22.3cm deep x 26.9cm high
•colours: blue, pink, green, red, white and brushed steel
•price: £24.99

Available now from http://www.simplehuman.co.uk/
 
simplehuman products are also available from the following...

National retailers:
John Lewis,  Homebase,  Habitat,  Bhs,  B & Q,  Wilkinson.

Catalogue & online retailers:
Argos,  Amazon,  Lakeland,  Littlewoods,  Tesco,  ASDA direct,  Sainsbury's,  gochic.

Nestle Retro Easter Eggs

Nestle Retro Easter Eggs

This year Nestle have brought back their iconic eggs from the 80's, all the types and styles of eggs that I remember from when I was little.

I used to get all egg-cited when someone gave me an egg as they were HUGE :) I am happy to say that in our ever-shrinking price-increasing world the size of Nestles Easter Egg's have stayed the same!

Available this Easter are a selection of Nestle's top quality confectionery as boxed Easter Eggs. All major supermarkets stock them and I think you will struggle to choose which egg to buy for who (and don't forget to tell others which egg you want too!).
The Rolo egg comes with a large hollow chocolate egg, 2 full size packets of Rolo's and a single 'last Rolo' to give to your loved one.

Emma asked me what the single Rolo was for so I told her "Its to give to the one I love most!", she looked at me confused and promptly ate it!

The Smartie Egg is Egg-sellent, it contains a Smartie mug ... how cool is that! When I was little I had a Smartie mug and I think I had a matching egg cup too. Each hollow egg is made from top quality Nestle chocolate which is smooth and creamy, remember to not get carried away and eat a whole egg in one sitting as you could feel quite sick ... but that would be your own fault for being greedy (says the girl who ate a whole egg *ahem*).

I will save the best till last!!! Not only have Nestle egg-selled themselves with their retro styled eggs they have also released a Milkybar Moo-Cow.
Its cool, according to Andy who ate the whole thing while I stuffed my face with Rolo Egg the Milkybar Cow is gorgeous.

Made from pure Milkybar its a hollow cow shaped egg covered in printed foil. Great for little ones and adults, a brilliant gift for family and friends.
Milkybar is made from 100% natural ingredients which is why mums love to give their toddler a small a treat of Milkybar - so they can now have an Easter treat too.

Nestle have really impressed me this year and I hope they bring back more versions next year. I will certainly buy them.

Available from all major supermarkets.
Milkybar Cow RRP £1.99
Rolo, Smarties and Yorkie Eggs also available.

Sew! Cath Kidson

Sew! Cath Kidson

When this book arrived on my doorstep I squealed with delight ... why? I don't actually know as I can't sew ... but oooooh its a gorgeous book.
All the designs featured are exclusive Cath Kidson designs, the book features over 40 simple sewing projects .. all simple enough for even me to master.

But that's not the best bit .. oh no, there is something even better - I opened the front page (which felt a little bulky) and low and behold there was real Cath Kidson fabric!!
You receive with the book everything you need to make the bag on the front cover (see above).

I was amazed, I was astounded, I for some reason which not even I know picked up the phone and called my Mother-in-law to tell her (she pretended to be pleased for me, I know she will be really excited when I take the book round to show her).

This book has excited me, the designs are funky with clear concise instructions. I have even taken it into work with me to show my friends and one wants to buy a copy for her daughter for Christmas.

Have you ever been to the Cath Kidson shop inside Selfridges (Bull Ring, Birmingham)? Its amazing, everything has Cath's retro-girlie popular print all over it, from cutlery to scatter cushions ... its like Cath Kidson World - well one day (when I have found my sewing machine under all my junk) MY house will look like that!!

Sew! by Cath Kidston (Quadrille, £14.99)