Ginger Bisquite

Lifestyle, DIY, Family & Food

Samsung Showcase Fridge Freezer Review

October 10, 2014 by Jenni Clutten | 0 comments

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We’ve now been living with the Samsung Showcase Fridge Freezer for several weeks, and as I mentioned during the ‘first look‘ I wanted to come back to do a full review at a later date.  It often takes time to get used to new appliances, seeing how they fit into family life and making the most of all the features.

Here are our thoughts on the Samsung Showcase after several weeks of family use.

The Look:
We still love the way this fridge freezer looks, I’m pretty confident it would fit well into any kitchen.  It’s design is sleek and sophisticated with its sleek brushed steel and simple lines.  Thankfully the door doesn’t get covered in finger prints and is easy to wipe clean when required without worrying about marks and smears.

The Showcase Door:
The unique element of this fridge freezer has to be the innovative ‘showcase’ door which helps you find what you are looking for as well as giving easy access to those cooking essentials you use on a daily basis.  It’s great for keeping the temperature constant, as it stops the mass heat loss caused by opening the full fridge door.  In our house it’s most used for getting drinks and snacks throughout the day.

Layout:
In additional to the clever showcase door, the overall layout of the fridge works well for a family.  The fridge unit has 3 large internal draws which has helped us divide our fresh fruit and veg.  We have divided our produce up with salad in our top drawer, other vegetables in the second drawer and fruit in the bottom.  There are plenty of shelves which help to easy divide up your items, some of these can be rearranged to customise the space further.  Much of the showcase shelving is used for jars, divided between preserves, and sauces and accompaniments like mustard and pickle.  All the shelves are a good size, and I particularly like that some of them pull out so you can see all the way to the back.  There’s also room for 5 bottles on the integrated bottle rack, we use this for wine as well as bottled water.

As I’ve recently returned to work I have less time to get things done at home and I can confirm that it’s been easy to find what I need even when I’m rushing around at 7am to put a packed lunch together.  I can open the showcase door, survey the fridge for what I need, and get everything out in a few minutes, saving me the stress of panicking that there is no food!

Features:
One of the main features, that it can be easy to overlook, is the clever technology that you cannot ‘see’ working.  The Samsung Showcase uses a digital inverter to improve energy efficiency and cooling performance by automatically adjusting in response to cooling demands.  For example, if you leave the door ajar or put a hot plate of food inside the compressor reacts rapidly to provide cold air avoiding inconsistent temperatures.

Freezer:
Most importantly to me, the freezer is well-lit making it easy to find what you’re looking for.  We use our freezer a lot to make the most of the food we cook so the wide shelves of different sizes and two drawers divide up the space well.  The shelves are sturdy and make it easy to stack leftovers, and plan our meals for the next week.  Some of the space is taken up by the ice dispenser but there is still a good 174 litres of space to fill!

Ice Despenser:
The ice and water dispenser is plumed, which means once you have it connected to your mains water you will have ice and chilled water on tap.  We have found the ice dispenser large enough to serve our family needs and we’ve never yet run out.  Our favourite feature has to be the crushed ice which feels especially decadent when you’re relaxing at home on a warm day.

Full Spec Details:

  • Height: 177.4cm
  • Width: 91.2cm
  • Depth: 72.1cm
  • Fridge Capacity (net): 396L
  • Freezer Capacity (net): 174L
  • Energy Rating: A+
  • Average Cost per year: £42

Overall:
The Samsung Showcase is a great family fridge freezer, with many features that make it a cut above the rest.

What are our favourite features?
We are still keen to show off the showcase feature to friends and family, as we have found that it really does work for us.  It’s helpful for our children to gain independence by accessing their own snacks and we are able to monitor what they have access too as the handle for the main fridge is too high.

Disclosure:  I was sent the Samsung American Style Food Showcase Fridge Freezer : £2,549 RRP for the purpose of this review.  For more information, to order or to find stockists, please check the Samsung website.

Grip It Fixings, As Seen on Dragons Den!

September 18, 2014 by Jenni Clutten | 0 comments

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I don’t know about you but there are certain DIY jobs I always put off.  If it’s something hung on the walls, then I’m shy to drag the drill out.  It always seems like such a faff, working out what fixings I will need and finding all the bits.  I’m terrible for putting things away so they’re never where I think they are, just the thought of it is enough to make me give up.  we’ve still got so many pictures and hooks to hang, even though we’ve almost been here a year.  This week I’ve been testing out some new ‘Grip It‘ fixings which are suitable for plasterboard and are a quick and secure solution to my problems.

I particularly loved using this set as everything is there in front of you, ready for you to get to work.  For example it comes with its very own drill bits that match the Grip It sizes (no searching in vain for the right sizes here).  You can see when you use these, just how clever they are, which is a testament to the thought that has gone into designing such an intelligent product.

The fixings were designed by Jordan Daykin when he was just 13 years old, how is that even possible!? Luckily Jordan was able to secure a £80,000 investment from Deborah Meaden on the Dragons Den and it feel lovely to be part of that journey.

Meanwhile. if you’re in need of tips to get to grips with them,I thought that this video was a really useful way of seeing how the fixings work and how easy and secure they are to install.  Interestingly, the largest

So, for your chance to win your very own set of Grip It Fixings, all you need to do is enter using the Rafflecopter below, and keep your fingers crossed.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was sent a Grip it set for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts words and opinions are my own.

Old Fashioned Sweets

September 13, 2014 by Jenni Clutten | 1 Comment

old fashioned sweets Do you have a secret stash of sweets to keep as a little treat to yourself?  I don’t always have something to hand, but I can quite frequently be found rummaging through the cupboard to see if I’ve left any small morsels of chocolate ripe for the picking.  And, I can’t be the only one who goes crazy for those little old fashion sweet shops that you sometimes come across in picturesque towns and villages? I just love to have a good browse, picking out my old favourites and trying some new things too.

So, when I was contacted by Ashby Treats and asked if I’d like to sample some of their traditional sweet shop fares sent straight to my door I was happy to oblige.  A few days later a box appeared, balanced on my front door step, it was a big and brown, and I couldn’t wait to get the children tucked up for their nap and break it open.old fashioned sweets

My box included a great selection of treats, all hand packed and labelled in lovely black and red sweety bags.  It instantly reminded me of our wedding where we had a ‘sweet buffet’ with our own bags and jars.  This is also something Ashby Treats can offer as well as a sweet finding service!

For me, old fashioned sweets are the ones I love, and my favourites from this selection have to be the ultra fizzy cola bottles, bon bons and the gorgeous walkers chocolate eclaires.  I think this is such a perfect gift, and I am planning to order some for friends.  Perhaps these could be the perfect gift for after the birth of a baby?

What would you choose?

Disclosure: This post is in collaboration with Ashby Treats, all thoughts words and opinions are my own.

The holiday rucksack

September 8, 2014 by Jenni Clutten | 3 Comments

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It’s hard to believe that it was just over a week ago since we returned from our holiday to the Isle of Wight.

We had such a wonderful time, exploring an Island unknown to us, as our first family holiday as a family of 4. The weather wasn’t quite as you would expect in August, but equally we quite enjoyed the moody sky’s and refreshing sea breeze.  We wrapped up warm and took in the view from every side of the islands coastline.

Every day of our short break we tried to cram in as much as possible, planning our activities the night before and packing ready for the adventure the next day. On the first day we managed stop off at the garlic farm, take a trip to Blackgang Chine, a browse of Ventnor high street, swimming in the famous paddling pool, as well as some treasure finding on the beach, before coming home for fresh lobster tagliatelle.What's in the bag with House of Fraser

Luckily for us, before we left we selected a bag from the House of Fraser men’s accessories range, and Neil choose a lovely Bag from Original Penguin.  As far a holiday bag can be, it was the perfect fit for a family of 4.  We were able to pack nappy changing supplies for a 9 month old, spare clothes for a potty training toddler, swimming gear, packed lunch as well as any pebbles and souvenirs we picked up along the way.

 

We’ve since been using the bag as our swimming bag as both children currently have weekly lessons.  Perfect for stuffing towels and snacks into, pulling the drawstring closure shut and running for the car. (We’re always on the verge of being late…)

Disclosure: Post in collaboration with House of Fraser, all thoughts, words and opinions are our own.

First look at the Samsung Showcase Fridge Freezer

September 7, 2014 by Jenni Clutten | 0 comments

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Today I am excited to share with you, the new Samsung showcase fridge freezer. It touched down in my kitchen just yesterday, and here are my initial thoughts on it’s looks and design.

To look at it externally, the samsung showcase is a standard american fridge freezer and comes in a lovely brushed steel.  The design is very sleek and reflects the light, making it seem somehow elegant and stylish, even though, as an american fridge freezer, it is larger than a standard uk fridge freezer.

Internally, it’s almost exactly the same size as my previous one, but the use of space is really intelligent and allows you to find all the ingredients you need quickly, with the excellent showcase two door function.

I admit, when I originally read about the show case, two door fridge idea, I had no idea how it would work.  However, on arrival I was immediately impressed.  The first door allows you to access those every day essentials, milk for your tea, butter for toast, sauces to grab in a hurry when everyone is sitting down to tea.   Then when you are looking for larger items you can open the ‘inner case’ and still access everything. Overall it’s really changed the way I think about organising my things in the fridge.

I’m excited to see how we get on with the showcase fridge freezer over the next week, my first impressions have been great.  Even the delivery guys were impressed with it, they said they’d never seen one like it and loved the two doors.  I admit I felt pretty chuffed, as these are guys that deliver fridge freezers every day of their lives!

Disclosure: I was sent the Samsung American Style Food Showcase Fridge Freezer : £2,549 RRP for the purpose of this review.  For more information, to order or to find stockists, please check the Samsung website.

Get the industrial look

September 4, 2014 by Jenni Clutten | 0 comments

gb.asdahome.industrialI just love the industrial look, the combination of textured walls of brick or concrete, bare metals and thick cut wood.  It might seem like it’s a difficult look to pull off outside of a new york apartment, but actually with some key pieces it can be pretty simple.

I took delivery of this new Chandler Bar Stool this week and oh, it is a thing of beauty.  When I chose it online, I couldn’t quite visualise how it would look, in situ, but the reality has been even better than the online photos.

Just working with this one piece as inspiration,I think it’s easy to get the industrial look.  The stool seat is very thick and sturdy and the mechanism for making the stool taller and shorter is a simple screw that allows you to move from side to side, perfect for a busy kitchen or office.  It’s even got that cool and simple functional vibe going for it.  The texture of the wood contrasting against the slick grey metal, it’s a match made in utilitarian heaven and it would look great in any kitchen or dining area.

In our house the stool was the perfect addition to my shed office, where I was desperately in need of a stool for the pre-existing worktop.  If you wanted to, you could even take the industrial look a little further by creating your own made of pipe.  Paired with a simple metal lamp you’ve got the makings of a trendy space fit for style police.

Disclosure: Post in collaboration with Asda Direct, all thoughts, words and opinions are my own.

Are you a #yogartist ?

September 3, 2014 by Jenni Clutten | 0 comments

yogartist.Yogurt is a staple food in this house, the children think it’s a wonderful treat akin to chocolate cake.  Evie in fact is becoming quite the demanding soul and shreaks loud enough to set your teeth on edge, if she isn’t provided with her daily supply.  So, when TOTAL yogurt got in touch to ask if I’d like to have a go at being a #yogartist I thought it sounded like a fun activity.  A summer afternoon of messing around with some yogurt, I was sold.

Armed with a lunchbox full of exciting healthy sprinkles, empty jam jars, an apron and stickers, we created some fabulous masterpieces.

First Nye decided we needed to taste test all the different flavours, just to check they were edible, you understand!  We opened the strawberry, lemon, blueberry and vanilla fruyo and tucked in.  Nye decided his personal favourites were vanilla and blueberry which he layered up with a good dose of cinnamon, oats and dark chocolate sprinkles.

We then decided to make a yog monster with curly brown hair and almond eyes, I was pretty impressed with how it came off, and it tasted delicious.

We were really impressed with all the Fage Total yogurts, they are so thick that Evie could pick the yogurt up with her hands rather than having to hand her a spoon to smear all over her face.  So overall, perfect for the whole family!  (And of course I’ve got plans for the leftover yogurt…)

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Disclosure, post in collaboration with Total Yogurt all words, opinions (and masterpices) are own.

Vida Sensor Bin Review

August 22, 2014 by Jenni Clutten | 1 Comment

vida sensor bin

I was recently sent the Vida Sensor Bin to Review.  I know you may well be thinking. “Really we need to hear about your bin!?”  But, hang on in there, this is a pretty cool bin, and a gadget that does come in handy.

Things I like about the Vida Sensor Bin:

  • The bin itself holds 50L so it’s got enough space for a family of 4 to fill in a week, if you are good recyclers.
  • The automatic opening works well and keeps the bin lid free of dirty fingerprints and helps you avoid touching the bin.
  • It comes with a removable inner bucket which you can take out to the bin, and stops you having to carry bin bags through the house.
  • It was also a good choice for us because all the appliances in our kitchen are black so it fits in well with the decor.

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The only points to consider are that the bin requires 4 x D type batteries, and if you overfill it, it is difficult to get the bin bag out.  We managed to pick the batteries up at the supermarket pretty easily and overall are really happy with it’s usability.

Disclosure:  I was sent to bin free of charge for the purpose of this review, all thoughts, words and photography my own.gb.vida (1 of 1)-7

Casetify Review & Giveaway

June 4, 2014 by Jenni Clutten | 3 Comments

I am a big instagram lover, I can often be found browsing through photos or editing pictures.  So when I was asked if I’d like to design my very own phone case using a collection of my photos, I thought it would be a lovely way to personalise my phone.

I made my case using the casetify website, the site can link directly to your social media so it was easy to select a photo layout and insert photos.  I estimate that the whole process took around 15 minutes, and gave me a great opportunity to reminice over some of my favourite snaps.

The case itself was delivered approximately 10 days later.  Arriving beautifull packaged in a layer of tissue paper that I couldnt wait to unwrap.

So now you’ve read the review, do you fancy winning your very own castify case?  Well, how does a 3 month subscription of casetify monthly sound?

About Casetify Monthly

Casetify Monthly is not just your average monthly subscription service, it’s so much more. At $10/month (equivalent of around £6), get custom cases designed by you or choose from one of our artist collections. Available for iPhone 5/5s only.

How it works:

+Join: Connect and choose your plan

+Customize: Your Casetify Token will be emailed to you every 30 days via email. Redeem to customize your case, or select from one of our Artist Collections

+Enjoy: Delivered to you via free shipping. Unwrap, have fun, and look forward to your next Casetify

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Balto Contemporary Vase – Habitat Review

May 11, 2014 by Jenni Clutten | 8 Comments

gb.habitat (1 of 1)-2Who doesn’t love a statement piece to brighten up a boring space.  I find the fantastic thing about some vases is they can look good with or without flowers and the Balto vase from Habitat is exactly like this.  Bold, bright and tactile it’s perfect for any space.  To touch it feels substancial, with its thick textured body and that bold saffron yellow exterior calling your eyes over.

The colour is bold but not brash and the texture catches the light giving it an extra 3d kind of element.  I particularly like it against a contrasting background which is why I placed it in my living room against my teal fireplace wall.

The vase is perfect for cut flowers, at 28cm tall its larger than the avergae vase so stops flower stems from drooping and alows to create a fun arrangement.  I picked flowers from my garden, some cow parsley for foliage, then lovely bright and bold tulips and even a bit of delicate clematis. I think this vase would look particularly good with dafodills too, their tall trumpets picking out the yellow in the vase.  Picking flowers is such a joy, I highly recommend it for a bit of light relief!

Disclosure:
I was sent the balto vase free of charge for the purpose of this review, all word, pictures and opinions are my own.