June 14th, 2011 by Shopaholic
Popping a dry bath towel in with your wet clothes may improve the performance of the Hotpoint-Ariston AQCF 852 BU / 852 BI Electric Dryer.
This is according to the Ottawa Citizen, which pointed out too many people use their tumble dryers incorrectly, resulting in a tangle of garments.
To counteract this, the publication suggested homeowners shake their laundry out thoroughly before loading it into the tumble dryer.
And, although full loads have been suggested to be more economically and environmentally friendly, it is important to take care not to overload the appliance.
The newspaper explains the bath towel solution could help separate clothes so they do not end up squashed together – a problem which may be particularly prevalent when laundering bedding.
Tennis balls may also do the trick and be cheaper and easier – but be careful as the dye on these could run into the rest of your clothes.
June 14th, 2011 by Shopaholic
The size of a TV isn't necessarily the most important feature
Consumers across the region are getting to grips with new TV equipment in different ways, a new study has found.
According to the report, published by LG this week, people across the UK are experiencing some confusion about the way the digital switchover and new high-definition services were being implemented.
Lancashire showed the highest regional awareness of the former at 93 per cent, while also being the most concerned about the price of the latter.
North Staffordshire was listed as the place where education was needed the most on the end of analogue TV services, with 71 per cent admitting they were unaware of the switch.
Commenting on the report, LG spokesman George Mead said the firm was planning a tour of the UK that would hopefully address some people’s concerns.
"We’ve recognised that there is confusion surrounding TV tech jargon and the ongoing research we conduct supports this," he added.
The digital switchover could encourage some to shop for new compatible equipment like the 19-inch
LG 19LU5000 LCD panel.
June 14th, 2011 by Shopaholic
Coffee grinders may be a great and luxurious way to make your cup of morning joe – but why not consider using them to help you whip up a delicious dessert?
Retainer Fruisana has suggested turning to a light, indulgent mousse to brighten up your winter.
And grinding your favourite coffee beans to use in the recipe could give your frothy dessert a delicious and unique flavour.
Simply grind the beans into granules then heat them with some milk to create a smooth paste.
Add them to egg whites, cream and sugar for a fluffy treat.
You could garnish your dessert with some chocolate or fruit for an extra kick.
Mousse, the manufacturer claims, is a great dish to serve at dinner parties or on special occasions as it "can be made well in advance, it looks impressive and it tastes delicious".
According to celebrity chef Martha Stewart, the best way to store mousse is to place a paper towel over the cup before sealing with Clingfilm to prevent condensation affecting the set.
June 14th, 2011 by Shopaholic
When it comes to defrosting leftovers, your Samsung SAMSUNG CE107B-B 900 Watts Convection / Microwave Oven could be your best bet.
This is according to Malaysian newspaper the Daily Sun.
When considering ways to keep your kitchen clean and your food germ-free, the article states that it is better to use your microwave oven to defrost food rather than keeping it out on the counter.
Your microwave can do a better, more thorough and faster job, the author points out.
Otherwise, you could put the item in question straight in your Hotpoint-Ariston FFA52S (8.12 cu. ft.) Bottom Freezer Refrigerator to defrost.
And when it comes to the placement of food in your fridge, think carefully, the Daily Sun advises.
"Food placed in the refrigerator should be stored in sealed containers. Raw meat should be stored in the lowest compartments and always beneath food that has already been cooked," it adds.
June 13th, 2011 by Shopaholic
TV is a big part of many lives
The company behind the 37-inch LG 37LH7000 has explained why it is essential for people to have the right home entertainment set up.
A spokesman for the South Korean manufacturer explained that as the digital switchover takes effect across the UK, consumers need to make themselves fully aware of the terminology regarding the changes.
George Mead, TV marketing manager for home entertainment at LG Electronics said leisure time spent in front of the box is a big part of the lives of many, but some have admitted to being confused about what certain things mean.
“It’s a point that we are actively addressing through a variety of ways – including the LG Xperience educational roadshow and the LG Online Buyers Guide,” he added.
The manufacturer’s 37-inch 37LH7000 model is compatible with high definition Blu-ray equipment and features an integrated Freeview receiver, 1,920 x 1,080 pixel resolution and a 16:9 enhanced aspect ratio.
June 13th, 2011 by Shopaholic
Portable Blu-ray players - the future?
Brand-new portable
Blu-ray players have been unveiled at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Manufacturer Panasonic launched its two new models in what Which? called the "second generation of portable
Blu-ray disc players" after the retailer’s world-first DMP-B15 in 2009.
Which? called the new Panasonic DMP-B100, with its 8.9-inch screen, a "simpler model" compared to the DMP-B500 which has a HDMI output allowing it, if hooked up to a television, to act like a regular player.
The website claimed there had been dismissive reactions to the concept of HD-less portable players – but Panasonic has apparently claimed that, among the growing popularity of the HD players, travellers will want to watch their Blu-ray collection on-the-go regardless of the definition quality.
But if you prefer the traditional model – particularly in this ongoing cold snap, in which many of us would prefer to stay at home – the
Samsung BD-P4600 (1 GB) Blu-Ray Player could be a good option.
June 13th, 2011 by Shopaholic
If you are one of the many people who use their mp3 player or walkman when they are exercising, you may want to purchase some quality headphones – such as the Sony MDR-XD200 Consumer Headphones – to ensure your tunes stay pumping as fast as your heart.
One of the most important points to consider when purchasing headphones, according to Jasmine France writing for CNET, is how comfortably they fit.
"[It's] important that they fit securely and keep any cables at least somewhat out of the way," she explains.
This might include using headphones with earbuds or around-the-neck models, such as the Sennheiser CX 400-B Consumer Headphones.
Many people find that exercising while listening to music helps as they have a rhythm to work out to, as well as a distraction from aching muscles and fatigue.
Often songs or music with a strong bass rhythm work best as people often find they exercise more thoroughly while keeping to the beat.
June 13th, 2011 by Shopaholic
Anybody hoping to save money on their utility bills this spring may do well to turn down the temperature on their Delonghi V550715 Vento 1.5kw Oil/fill Radiator Oil Filled Heater.
This is the advice from blogger Dealman, writing for Savings.com.
He points out that while it is necessary to keep living quarters at a sensible and cosy level of warmth, a couple of degrees should not make too much of a difference to homeowners’ comfort – but may have an impact on the size of household costs.
"It may not be ideal to, say, wear a sweater inside to stay warm, but that sweater won’t cost you anything," Dealman explains.
Another tip he offers is to ensure all washes in the machine are done at lower temperatures – this will not only help squash electricity bills but it should get clothes just as clean as a higher heat would.
June 12th, 2011 by Shopaholic
The Samsung model was given full marks
Consumers looking for a pocket camcorder may welcome some of the positive comments on reviewer has offered the
Samsung HMX-U10.
In an article for Stuf.tv, it was noted there are a number of compact gadgets of this type now available, such as the Kodak’s Zi8 and Sony’s MHS-PM1.
However, it was advised that where the first of these to arrive from Samsung differs from its rivals is in its stylish ergonomic design that makes it particularly comfortable to hold.
The gadget can take ten-megapixel still shots and offers full high-definition video shooting. Support for USB charging is also something that the piece suggested is a welcome option.
"Colours and level of detail are impressive for a cam – and lens – this small," it concluded. "So, whether you’re watching them on your computer or sharing them with your family online, everyone will be impressed."
The design of the
Sony MHS-PM1 was considered by the same site in September this year, where it was noted it was not as good looking as some of its rivals.
June 12th, 2011 by Shopaholic
New classic Polaroid camera
Fans of classic
film cameras may be eager to hear news about Polaroid’s recent relaunch – and the retailer did not disappoint, revealing details of its new instant film model at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
According to Wired, which has seen a sneak preview of the new unit, the manufacturer has "pulled the design off nicely".
In terms of its appearance, Polaroid has apparently gone for a "retro-futuristic" style – although Wired concede that the emphasis is much more on the former than the latter.
"The lines are sleeker than the boxy Polaroids of yore, but they clearly preserve the distinctive shape of the old models," the preview said.
Although prices have not been released, Polaroid has confirmed that the models – available in a wooden look, black or silver – will be on the shelves by October.
They will still work with the classic film, as well as a newer brand.
The camera company recently appointed singer Lady Gaga as one of its creative directors.
