So as you’ll know if you read the last review, I’m part of the Vax Voice team.  Basically I get to try out Vax products and give honest feedback about them.  This time I let English Grandma have a go (I was going to tell her it was her Christmas present, but she’d already read about me being a Vax Voice reviewer – dammit).

Grandma got to try out the new Vax Air Total Home cylinder cleaner (model number: C89-MA-T).  Over to Grandma, then:

Opening the box proved rather daunting as I was faced with numerous, [11 in all], parts and attachments, and feared my lack of assembling skills would hinder using the machine!

However, most of the packets turned out to be attachments [hard floor brush, crevice, dusting and upholstery tools etc] and the vacuum cleaner itself only needed minimal assembly – I have to say I haven’t yet tried out all the extras.  It is a bagless cylinder model, light and simple to use, easily cleared of blockages, with a separate little compartment to catch the occasional coin or child’s game part lost under the bed or sofa!

The Vax Mach Air was an immediate success on my carpets – the dirt container was soon full of pet hair from my, as I thought, reasonably clean sitting room carpet, and it gave me great satisfaction to empty [and re-fill!] it twice more on going through the house.  Now I do know my dog is extra hairy and seems to moult all year round, but I am now confident that I can make my carpets practically hair free with the new machine, which obviously they hadn’t been before.

It stores compactly too, with a ‘parking slot’ to keep the extension tube tidily in place when the cleaner is not in use.

And English Grandma’s verdict?

Much recommended, and I will try out some of the attachments in the future. 

Big thanks for Vax for providing the machine for review, and a big, mahoosive snog for our tester, English Grandma xx

For more information, check out www.weloveclean.co.uk and www.vax.co.uk.

Did you watch the Sport Relief version of the Great British Bakeoff? I was actually quite struck by how, if you don’t cook much, it’s actually quite difficult to get your head around it (case in point: Arlene Phillips not knowing that you had to line a pastry-filled tart tin before pouring in the baking beans). The same goes for healthy eating, really – if you want to move away from chucking a pizza in the oven when you get home from work, but have no clue how to do it, where on earth do you start?

This thought occurred to me again when I was approached by hellofresh.co.uk. They offer a delivery service with a difference – they basically deliver all the ingredients PLUS a recipe that’s easy to follow, taking all the hard work and guess work out of it. I was quite impressed. Tell me more, I said to Caitlin.

So first you pop to their website – tell them how many there are in the household and choose how many meals you want, and they do the rest. They do all the shopping, and it appears at your door on a Monday evening between 5 and 9pm with recipes, all ready to go.  All the meals area easy to do and take under 30 minutes to prepare, with no fancy schmancy cheffy tools required.

The sample recipe was, I have to say, very impressive: a chicken breast with creamy rocket risotto and tomatoes for 2 people:

This review did not start well.

When Hotter first contacted me and offered me a pair of boots to review, my initial reaction was ‘erm… aren’t they a bit, well, aren’t they for… erm… older people?’

I looked on the website and honestly didn’t see too many styles that I thought would suit me.

Anyhoo.  I kept my opinions to myself (unlike me, to be honest, generally I’m a chronic blurter) and chose a pair of fur and leather boots off their website.  They came.  I unpacked them.  I thought they were okay.  I wore them.

And wore them.

And wore them.

They’ve tramped round muddy fields (and been subject to undignified hosing off in the garden afterwards), pounded pavements, trudged round Portobello market and Christmas shopped at Westfield.  They’ve cleaned out the garage (not on their own, they’re not that clever), collected Christmas trees, been holly collecting and even to parents’ evening.

They are, I’m happy to say, completely waterproof, and the suede is still unmarked and lovely, and the fur has remained gorgeously soft and unmatted, with very regular use.  Fabulous quality.

The one problem with them, I think, is that they’re not massively trendy.  I can’t even put my finger on why – maybe it’s the seams on the top of the foot?

BUT.  They’re SO warm, and so comfy and so easy to pull on, and look so great with jeans, that I’ve just completely fallen in love with them.  And now I wouldn’t give them up.

So, Mr Hotter (or Mrs Hotter, maybe) – please give us some trendier styles and I will be your avid and loyal customer forever more.

The boots reviewed were Heaven (currently in the sale with £20 quid off).

So my lovely friend, Jane (of Diary of a Desperate Exmoor Woman fame) has written a gazillion books (check out her page on Amazon for the full list) all about stuff like detoxing, Ayurveda, energy and loads of alternative therapies, amongst other things.  She’s been helping me sort my head out recently, getting me in the right mindset to start the year fit and healthy (or at least working towards it).  If you get a chance (and don’t already) do read her blog.  She recently lost four stone and is wonderfully inspiring.

Reading through some of her old blog posts, I was particularly taken with her writing on alternative therapies.  This also coincided with an email dropping into my inbox about Katie Hill, a local face and body therapist who has recently developed her own range of therapies, KS Goddess Therapy.

On a whim, I made an appointment .I know, right?  Carpe diem and all that (seizing the fish)…

The first thing I noticed is that Katie looks AMAZING.  She is sprightly, fresh faced and glowing.  I couldn’t quite believe it when she told me she has three children under seven.  Imagine! I’d be lying on the sofa with a big bottle of gin if that was me.  Instead of drinking gin, Katie has been busy with her new range of facials and body treatments, and recently won BABTAC’s Beauty Therapist of the Year award.

As I made myself comfortable on the therapy bed, surrounded by deliciously scented candles and cocooned in pre-warmed blankets, Katie told me a little more about the facial I was about to experience.  The facials include, and I quote, ‘deep cleansing, professional grade exfoliation, deep tissue massage to promote cellular repair and to firm muscle tone with essentail oils, hydration, and much more’.  The ‘much more’ includes the use of ‘Goddess Cards’, crystals and Reiki, something I’m not at all familiar with, but with Jane’s words echoing in my head, I laid back and relaxed.

What can I say? The whole experience was amazing.  Katie obviously has magic fingers and chose the products (a combination of Dermalogica and Ila Spa) to best suit my skin (normal to oily, apparently – bit of a shocker when I’ve been buying dry skin products for years).  The whole experience is definitely enhanced by the beautiful scents of the lotions and potions, and the massage is to die for – especially the amazing neck and shoulder massage which left me so relaxed I actually nodded off in the car outside TK Maxx later when I was actually meant to be shopping).

At one stage a crystal was placed on my heart chakra (I’m not altogether au fait with chakras so I won’t give you a bumbling explanation), and also on my forehead.  The feeling was pleasant and calming (even if you don’t believe in such things, I guarantee you’ll float out of the spa on cloud nine).

Katie explained that the reiki elements of the treatment are felt differently by different people.  To me, it felt like that wonderful otherworldly feeling you get when someone plays with your hair (if you like that sort of thing) but other people feel heat, or just a general sense of wellbeing.  I certainly felt that.

My skin, I have to report, is still soft and glowing, and I’ll be back for another treatment next month.

So that’s my first new experience of the year, then.  My first snapshot, locked away for future enjoyment.  I’m loving 2012 so far.

The KS Goddess Therapy facials and body treatments officially launch in the spring, but for January and February, as Katie perfects the treatments, they’re £25.00 – an utter bargain and highly recommended.  Contact Katie at Totality Day Spa in Tring, Herts.

Dear Santa

I’ve been trying a few bits and pieces over the last few weeks, and if it’s not too late, I’ve finished my list:

First, I’d like a bottle of No. 3 London Dry Gin from Berry Bros and Rudd.  I do love a gin and this one is FANTASTIC!  It’s a traditional gin with a real juniper flavour.  If you can run to two bottles, so much the better…

And then I’d like a membership to Montezuma’s ‘Real Chocolate Club’. I tried one of their boxes of chocolates and oh… they’re lush.  The lemon meringue truffles were just droolworthy… (for £19.99 you get a box of chocolates and truffles delivered to  your door):

If you’re after stocking fillers,  you can bring me a nice selection of connoisseur chilli sauces from Hot-Headz (or English Dad, for that matter – he loves a bit of chilli).  The Pyromania one actually made me cry.  But it’s still awesome.

And back to chocolate again, I’d like a nice Hotel Chocolat hamper too…  I tried the Classic Christmas Basket, containing some Alternative Mince Pies: praline and salted caramel in a milk chocolate cup; Orange Spice Puddles: my absolute favourite – a warming, spicy orange and chilli chocolate in a far-too-easy-to-pop-into-your-mouth-without-thinking button shape; crunchy Cinnamon Almonds, some very addictive spiced hot chocolate and a pack of yummy chocolate Tiddly Reindeer.  Just absolutely lush.  Sadly I do think they’re rather expensive, but hey, you’re a money no object sort of guy, right, Santa?

And if there’s any money left in the kitty, I’d like a clear jug thingy for my KitchenAid like the one Lorraine Pascale’s got.  Thanks awfully, Santa.

Love,

Becky xx

I think cookbooks are sometimes overlooked as Christmas presents.  Maybe it’s the ‘domestic’ element of it?  I’m not sure.  I remember when the brevren were small, English Dad bought me a breadmaker for Christmas.  At the time I was devastated and offended and saw it as insulting that he’d bought me something so ‘homey’ and boring.  I don’t know what was the matter with me – I’d love it if he got me one now!!  Anyway, if you’ve got a food lover in your life, here’s my top ten of some of the more recent books that have been released.  I’ve reviewed some of them before, and have provided links to my reviews.  I’ve also given you links for books on the WHSmith website where I can.

Allegra McEvedy’s Bought Borrowed and Stolen has become one of my absolute favourite cookbooks.  I’ve reviewed it here so you can read all about it.  A beautiful travel/cookery book written in a no nonsense style that is truly unique.

Dan Lepard’s Short and Sweet - a perfect pressie for anyone who loves to bake.  Dan’s friendly nature (he’s lovely on Twitter – look him up) comes across really well in this chunky book full of sweet treats.  I know I’m probably silly, but how a book looks and feels is important to me and this one is gorgeous – I love to be able to flick through photos and pick something that takes my fancy.  If you’re like me, you’ll adore Dan Lepard.

Jamie’s Great Britain - I’ve LOVED the series on the TV and this book is a really great accompaniment.  Not only are there all the recipes from the series but tons more besides.  I know Jamie has his critics but I absolutely adore his food – big flavours, creative combinations and no fiddly twiddly bits.  The book is split up into nice easy sections – my fave being breakfasts (I’ve had a go at the Yemeni pancakes – they’re delicious) and mmmmm bubble and squeak with a runny egg on top.  Heaven.

Donna Hay’s Fast Fresh Simple - Aussie Donna Hay’s book is absolutely gorgeous to look at and the recipes don’t disappoint either.  I really like Donna Hay’s no nonsense approach to cooking, and her books reflect it really well.  There are some fab shortcuts and inventive ways to get classic recipes on the table in half the time too.  I love it.

One Sweet Cookie - Another really lovely looking book (making it perfect to be given as a gift, in my opinion) full of all sorts of yummy baking.  The author, Tracey Zabar, herself famous as a jewellery designer, and stylist on Sex and the City, approached some of the most famous chefs in America (which is why you may not recognise some of the names) and asked them for their favourite baking recipes.  The result is a treasure trove of amazing recipes.

Silver Spoon - Phaidon have recently published a new edition of this absolute monster of a classic cookbook.  It’s got loads of new photographs and a really luscious red cover.  Any foodie would be delighted to discover this one under the tree – everything you could possibly need to know about cooking Italian food.

Leith’s Cookery Bible - I was lucky enough to be given one of these after my recent trip to Leith’s.  It’s another real weighty tome but it’s got absolutely everything in it – every recipe you can ever imagine co0king is laid out here, clearly and succinctly – I love the wine tasting section too.  Really interesting.  This would be a great pressie for a serious amateur cook.  It really is a bible.

The Great American Cookbook - this one is quirky and fabulous.  I adore it as much for the story behind it as for the actual recipes.  Back in 1948, Clementine Paddleford set out on an epic journey to travel across the United States seeking out regional recipes, bringing them together in one enormous tome which was published in the 1960s.  This reprint has all the spirit of the original and every truly great American recipe will be found nestling in its pages, from Creole cooking to New York cheesecake and Southern fried chicken.  A fantastic read and a really great reference for any keen cook.

Next up will be my top ten Christmas books.  Happy shopping!

So straight on with the Christmas Countdown, then… this time I’ve got some gorgeous, and distinctly grown-up gifts from Disney.  The Imagination Winter range is a scrummy set of products to scent your home.  And, even though I’m the biggest Disney fan EVER, there’s not a Mickey in sight.  The candles and spray contain festive cinnamon bark, nutmeg and clove and I love that they should ‘transport you to a winter wonderland of enchanted pine forests lying under a blanket of snow ‘.  Count me in!

And the verdict?  Gorgeous.  Even with the spices, the scent is not at all cloying or ‘Christmas puddingy’ – I’ve had the candle burning in the evenings for the last couple of nights and the fragrance is actually really light – almost herbal… I think the hint of orange helps here.  The packaging is beautiful and would make a really lovely pressie, not just for a Disney fan either!

The range consists of mini candles (£10), a large candle in a glass (£12) and a scented room spray (£8).  All are available from Disney Stores and via www.disneystore.co.uk

We are, dearest reader, a household divided. Nothing new there, you might think – we’re already divided into the pasta haters vs pasta lovers (that’s us three against English Dad), the creamy sauce lovers vs the creamy sauce haters (yup, that’s us three against English Dad too)…  hmmm, there seems to be a pattern emerging.

Anyway, we’re two for two on the tea/coffee debate. I have the largest mug in Christendom (pink Minnie Mouse), which I fill on a fairly regular basis with builder’s tea, liberally topped up with milk. The Mad Prof is a tea lover too, whereas the Death Wish Dude and his Dad are confirmed coffee lovers.

Since we’ve been testing this Tassimo whatnot though, the house has been filled with the delicious smell of coffee, and I’ve even had the odd tongue-scorching, molten lava temperature cup of espresso. I know – not like me at all. It’s like when you really don’t fancy a mince pie, then someone warms one up and you smell it and really want one.

Anyhoo. Digressing. The Tassimo has these little plastic yokes that you pop in and press down on the thingy and then, voila! you get a freshly brewed mug of coffee! No filter papers or coffee grounds or any of that messy stuff. I love it.

Happily, I’ve also got one to give away. Pop over to my Facebook page here and leave me a comment (say hello, say ‘bum’, say whatever you like) on the Tassimo post and you can be entered into the draw. Good luck!

Draw closes Sunday 27th November. No cash alternative. Winner chosen at random.

I absolutely love Diana Henry.  Her book ‘Food from Plenty’ is one of my absolute favourites, so I was delighted to be offered a copy of her ‘Roast Figs, Sugar Snow’.

This book is just gorgeous.  It’s all about Autumn and Winter, and the ingredients: figs, pumpkins, maple syrup, chestnuts, cranberries, quinces, are so evocative of the seasons.  It’s like a massive warm hug in a book (with an optional hot chocolate).

Some of the recipes I’ve already got bookmarked include Danish Christmas Rice Pudding, snow biscuits, a steamed apple and marmalade pudding and roast figs and plums in vodka with a cardamom cream.  You’re drooling already, right?  It’s the perfect book to curl up with in front of the fire – not just recipes, but a lovely, seasonal read that will get you in the mood to get in the kitchen and rustle up some comforting winter food.

Inspired by this gorgeous book, and by the beautiful soft, dusky orbs in my local farm shop, I thought I’d have a go at roasting some figs.  The result was utterly delicious.  And so easy:

Roast figs with brown sugar and cinnamon

6 figs

50g butter

50g soft brown sugar

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Preheat the oven to gas 5/190 degrees.  In a non-stick baking tin, place the figs, cutting a deep cross into the top of every one.

Melt the butter and brown sugar gently in a pan on the stove, add in the cinnamon, then pour the whole lot over the figs.

Roast for about 15 minutes.  Serve with some thick double cream (Henry adds crushed cardamom seeds and a little icing sugar to hers) – a sprinkling of crushed pistachios would be gorgeous too.

Roast Figs, Sugar Snow: Food to Warm the Soul is available now, published by Octopus.

There are some cookery books that I definitely class as bedside books.  Some are just a plain old list of recipes, and that’s fine, I like those ones as well, but others tell amazing stories and warrant bedside-table space along with the handcream and glass of wine (everyone does that, right?).

Take Sophie Dahl’s beautiful Miss Dahl’s Voluptuous Delights.  It’s one of my favourite books – I thinkSophie Dahl writes amazingly well, and her gorgeous prose interlinked with anecdotes, rememberings from her childhood and other snippets enhance the lovely recipes and really make the book what it is, a classic to be treasured.

Allegra McEvedy’s new book, ‘Bought, Borrowed & Stolen. Recipes & Knives from a Travelling Chef’ is definitely a bedside book.  Part recipe book, part travel tome, it’s a wonderful mixture.  McEvedy has travelled extensively and started to pick up knives here and there on her travels.  Along the way, she lists the knives she purchased in different places, then goes on to give local recipes in a friendly, matey way that I absolutely love.  She starts one Mexican recipe with ‘My Spanish is crap’.  I love that.

In my usual, destructive way I’ve turned down loads of pages to mark recipes that I really, really want to cook.  They are miriad: Clafoutis aux Abricots, Szechuan Crispy Pork Ribs and Caldo Verde, temptingly subtitled: ‘A Soup of Greens, Spuds and a bit of Pig’.  What’s not to love about that?

If you count a food lover amongst your nearest and dearest, especially one who loves to travel, lovingly wrap this book for them for Christmas.  Like me, they will absolutely adore it.

Bought, Borrowed & Stolen is available now, published by Octopus.  Click below to take you straight to Amazon.