The Icona Bar-Pump coffee machine has professional 15-Bar pressure and comes with a traditional stainless steel milk frother to make the perfect cappuccino or latte. Built to accommodate two full sized cappuccino or espresso cups, the machine has an easy-to-use three button system. The milk frother is a great addition to the machine; it fuses steam and air which make for a delicious frothy milk. The result of which are the smoothest lattes or cappuccinos! The two-in-one professional filter holder holds either ground coffee or Easy Serve Espresso (ESE) pods.
Hands on review
I had a bitter sweet experience with the Icona Coffee machine, let me explain why…
To begin with the design was beautiful and sat nicely on the kitchen top. The stainless steel and high-gloss frame make for an impressive looking machine. It was also really easy to put together and came with comprehensive set up instructions.
A good start.
To start the process you simply fill up the back water tank with water and then flick the on button to heat up the water. Once this is done you place your espresso cup on the stainless steel drip tray and then pop the tamper into place and press another button – the machine will then dispense a lovely, flavoursome shot of espresso. If you fancy it you can then froth up some milk to make a latte or cappuccino.
When it came to using the machine it was actually a bit of a fiddly process, and a slightly messy one too! Maybe it was just me being cack-handed, but it didn’t seem to be as easy to use as other coffee machines on the market, although, with a little more practice this may have been improved. This is a great machine if you have time to use and clean it, but if you don’t then it may cause you a bit of a headache, especially if you are looking for a quick coffee fix before work.
Now to the taste – I have to award top marks to the De’Longhi in this category. The quality of the espresso produced was superb, the latte’s and cappuccinos were also of extremely high quality.
The coffee machine comes in many colours, including aubergine/purple and really is a very unique and exciting gift for the mum that loves coffee. It is available to buy from John Lewis and http://www.delonghi.co.uk and is currently available for £129.99 from John Lewis.
We were recently sent our review copy of The Logo board game, 2011’s best selling board game and one we’ve read lots about over the past year. If you are unaware of what the game is all about then here’s a brief summary:
It’s for 2 – 6 players from the age of 12 and up. The idea is to get round the board the fastest by answering as many questions correctly as you can about consumer brands and products you would have come into contact with throughout your lifetime.
It’s inspired and a game that really makes you realise the impact and power of advertising. There are a range of questions from naming the brand by looking at the logo, to more detailed, tougher questions relating to flavors of famous food products to where logos appear on products.
Read more...
The weather has been pretty savage recently, with parts of the UK losing power to homes as a result. In the event of a power cut, how prepared are you?
I bet there is a stash of candles somewhere, maybe with a lighter close by if you are lucky. But that is so last year and the many years before.
I need to tell you about the Bright Light Ranger, a rechargeable torch that is simply the best torch in the world, it’s that good.
So how is it the best torch in the world?!
Firstly, my eyesight is really bad…I mean really bad. I cannot see a thing once it goes dark, so a good light source is important to me.
The Bright Light Ranger is a great light source, with 12 Power LED’s (much brighter than ordinary LEDs – and 12 of them) and a huge wide angle beam that spans a 40 square metre area.
Secondly, this is an eco torch, with no doubt. The LEDs are low energy, the rechargeable element displaces batteries and it also has a hand crank when the charge runs down.
The charge running down would be rare though as a full charge lasts for over 12 hours continuous use.
The re-chargeable battery can be charged via the mains adaptor supplied, a 12V car socket, or with the wind-up handle in emergencies.
A 6V DC socket is provided on the rear to allow even more lights to be plugged when required.
Best torch in the world? I think I am swaying you!
There are not many portable high-intensity lighting solutions that can match the long range, wide scope beam.
The uses for the best torch in the World are endless. It is a home necessity and would be perfect for camping too.
The Bright Light Ranger’s final good point is the price, retailing at £69.95, you will not find a better performing torch at this price.
You can get the best torch in the world from Amazon, you will not be disappointed.
Nevada’s Managing Direct says, “Power LED’s are a fantastic new light source and when used in the “Bright Light” will illuminate a complete back garden, workshop, stables, or other large area, for over 12 hours between charges.”
Wadworth the brewers in association with Debrett’s - the nation’s exclusive arbiters of etiquette, would make an amusing present for Valentine’s Day or any other occasion.
Thoroughly Decent Manners for Men (What Women Really Want) is an entertaining, wise and informative book for the modern man. Mind you, being a woman, I rather enjoyed it too! We all know (sorry guys) that men don’t always understand the finer points of polite society. For etiquette tips on tricky matters such as going on your first holiday together, sensitive issues of money, going public, commitment and much more, this book covers it all!
Wadworth states:-
“We at Wadworth believe that 6X drinkers are discerning gentlefolk who carefully consider their social standing and their social interactions. In essence 6X drinkers are thoroughly decent people, which is why we have teamed up with Debrett’s to combine our expertise to produce this ultimate guide to etiquette in the 21st century.”
This incredibly smart looking soft back book contains 188 pages of etiquette wisdom, is illustrated with beautiful colour photographs and contains nine generous chapters covering all the important issues of life and women. It really is the perfect book to buy him, if you want to point him in the right direction! As wadworth say-
“Persuade your man to spend a few quiet moments with this book. Settle him down with a perfect pint of malty, fruity 6X and let him take a browse through these valuable pages. You’ll both appreciate the benefits!”
The book is for sale at £12.50 plus £2 p&p. See the online shop at http://www.wadworth.co.uk for details.
Snapfish is a leading online photo service with more than 90 million members and one billion unique photos stored online. With the help of Snapfish, you will be able to share, print and store your most important photo memories. With a superb range of personalised photo products, ranging from calendars, mugs and mouse-mats, to books, puzzles and teddy bears, finding a gift with the personal touch couldn’t be easier!
Snapfish products could well make the perfect Valentine’s gift for loved ones because they are sentimental, thoughtful, reasonably priced and with Snapfish really easy to make! You can create a masterpiece with just a few clicks, which is quick and delivers amazing results.
Why not share your love with personalised photo cards and gifts this Valentine’s Day. From personalised one-of-a-kind photo book from cover to cover; you could capture you most endearing moments together. Or, turn one of your favourite ‘together’ photos into a work of art with the elegant and eye catching acrylic (from £24.99) and canvas prints (from £29.99). Hang this in your bedroom or even anywhere in the house to showcase your love for each other to all who visits!
From personalised Stamps and fun collage mugs, to cute little personalised teddy bears, the choice is endless with Snapfish.
I had the pleasure of putting together a Calendar with Snapfish, and am more than thrilled with the results. The calendar itself is of splendid quality, looks amazing in my kitchen and is always commented on by our quests. With these calendars, you can customise special dates with a photo and caption – no more forgetting birthdays!
Starting at £3.99 for a Collage Poster Calendar up to £19.99 for a Classic Hallmark Calendar, there is one to suit everybody at whatever price you are willing to pay! So go on, treat your loved one to that special and personal gift at http://www.snapfish.co.uk today!
