Keeping the home clean isn’t exactly at the top of the 'fun things to do' list, is it? But good products that make use of clever technology can certainly make the task easier and quicker, which is why I’m always interested in new innovations that promise to do just that. We’ve been testing out the new Gtech AirRam Mk2 cordless vacuum cleaner, to see how well it performs in a busy family home.The original Gtech AirRam was launched in 2012 ...
Review: Epson EcoTank ET-3600 ink tank printer
A printer is a pretty integral part of any home office. I know I couldn’t manage without one; I use it for work and for keeping up with running the household filing and finances. Ours also needs to cope with the kids’ regular requests to print out something homework-related, or a masterpiece that they’ve created on the computer. Our current printer is a bit of a dinosaur, and I’ve been thinking about changing it for a while now. It’s really ...
Review & Giveaway: Hi-Tec Women’s Kono Espresso Walking Boots
Well autumn is most definitely here: the heating is on, the leaves are all over our garden (time to make leaf mould!), and our outdoor adventures need an altogether sturdier selection of coats, hats and footwear.I've been on the lookout for a new pair of boots that can cope with winter conditions, and with perfect timing Hi-Tec have asked me to review their Kono Espresso women's walking boots. I'm also giving a pair away to one lucky winner, ...
Review & Giveaway: Zoflora ‘Green Valley’ disinfectant
Keeping a family home clean can sometimes feel like a losing battle. Young kids, pets, and the general tramping-in of dirt from outdoor exploring can all make the germs build up surprisingly quickly. While I'm not fanatical about living in a sterile home, I do think it's important to keep areas like sinks, bathrooms and work surfaces hygienically clean. I've tended to use pretty basic disinfectants in the past, and have put up with the ...
Review: BuyDirect4U camping mattresses
I’m starting this camping equipment review with a confession: I’m not a natural camper. I love getting outside and exploring all that the great outdoors has to offer, but I also like my home comforts; things like running water, comfy mattresses, and hairdryers. Mr H, on the other hand, is never happier than when he’s pitching himself against the elements with the bare minimum of supplies. He’s camped, tramped and trekked, and just cannot ...
Review: Robomow Robotic Lawnmower
At this time of year, everything in the garden is growing pretty quickly - and that includes the grass! Our lawn isn’t enormous, but it still requires regular mowing in the Summer, and with the usual chaos of family life it can be hard to find time to look after it properly. We’ve been guilty in the past of leaving it to grow quite long, which makes it difficult to mow and looks pretty messy. Robomow asked us to trial one of their robotic ...
Review: Riverford limited edition Sarah Raven recipe box
As you know from this blog, I’m a big fan of gardening, and we love cooking with the fresh fruit and veg that we grow. So when the team at Riverford asked us to try out their limited edition recipe box, featuring recipes by award-winning chef and gardening guru Sarah Raven, I didn’t hesitate to say yes. Riverford started as a very small-scale box scheme in Devon, and has grown to a UK-wide delivery service, supplied by regional farms. ...
Review & Giveaway: Greenhouse Sensation plant watering kits
Welcome to a new giveaway, courtesy of Greenhouse Sensations. I'm giving away a brilliant Quadgrow Planter worth £42.90, which is perfect for taking the hassle out of plant watering. If you grow plants in a greenhouse of any size, you'll be familiar with the task of regular watering. I've had a greenhouse on my allotment for a couple of years now, and I've learned the hard way that it only takes a day or two to create drought conditions in ...
Review & Giveaway: Primrose solar water feature
Are you planning any garden projects at the moment? This time of year tends to inspire us to make some improvements to our outdoor space, and I'm no exception.I've always wanted to have a water feature in our garden; with the water's lovely sound and gentle movement, they're a real treat for the senses, not to mention their benefits as an attraction for local wildlife. I've never quite managed to install one though, mainly due to my ...
Review & Giveaway: Blokpod lego storage solution
Welcome to a new review and giveaway, looking at a great storage solution for lego and toys with small pieces. We’ve been putting the Blokpod through it’s paces, and I’ve got a great giveaway for you too, with a Blokpod worth £34.99 up for grabs.Lego is probably the most played-with toy in our house. It’s also the one that causes the most mess and storage issues!Over the years we’ve tried various ways to keep our growing lego collection ...