For more information, go to http://www.naturesdryer.com. Or come and see it at the Spring Preening seminar being done by LMP columnist Vicky Sanderson at the International Home and Garden Show. Vicky will share tips of the joys of line drying (longer-lasting clothes, reduced energy use) along with other ideas on how to welcome the season into your home.

And when it’s time for a change, forget the steaming and soaking. These gorgeous papers simply peel off from a corner. For more information, go to www.grahambrown.com

The VillaWare Infinity Blender, for example, makes short work out of chopping, blending or pureeing large loads. With a 1,000-watt motor, this blender packs a lot of punch. The product literature even warns users to exercise restraint with the speed button. I did notice the tendency to over-process food the first few times I tested it. But I soon found that the speed control dial, which doesn’t have set “points”, offers great flexibility and control over blending speeds.

The machine comes with a plastic wrench to take out the blade assembly for cleaning. But it’s fairly easy to remove by hand, which means the user won’t have to go searching in kitchen drawers for the wrench  — a useful feature in many kitchens, where the refrain “where’s the thingie for the thingie?” is too frequently heard.

A clever little two-ounce measuring cap fits in the lid of the 1.8 quart polycarbonate jar, so flavourings and ingredients can be added at any point in the recipe. Like many of these products, this one comes with an instruction book that includes recipes, and I can personally recommend the VillaWare’s version of Potato and Leek Soup, especially if you use the ingredient cap to add a dash of sherry at the end.

The Villaware Inifinity is available at Canadian Tire for about $300.

Breville’s stylish and sturdy ikon 550 and ikon 600 blenders feature 600-watt and 750-watt motors respectively. The blade system for both has two types of prongs  — four conventional blades for chopping and blending, and two l-shaped blades that help turn food and prevent it from getting trapped under the blade.

The ikon 550 has four speeds, a pulse function, a pre-programmed Smoothie function in which pulsing and blending actions alternate for 60 seconds, and an ice snow setting that works better than some professional ice-crushers I’ve tested. Its big sister, the 600, has five settings, as well as a smoothie and ice crush setting. Both blenders have a 1.8 quart borosilicate glass jar with “ribs” that are designed to push food into the blades. Other noteworthy features: the entire blade assembly can be removed with a quick twist, which makes clean up easy and the snug-fitting rubber and glass lid has a ring tab for quick removal.

The ikon 550 sells for about $180, while the ikon 600 goes for about $230. For a full list of retailers, go to http://www.breville.ca/. If you’re really into juicing, check out Breville’s juicer, which is desiogned specifically for that purpose. 

For some jobs, a hand-held blender is extremely useful. Many of the newest models, unlike the first few generations, have a variety of attachments for blending, chopping, whisking, and food processing.

Home Depot carries a new hand-held blender from Wolfgang Puck’s line of kitchen gadgets. Puck’s immersion blender/chopper is well-designed, with a variable speed dial at the top of the wand, and a push button “turbo” setting that will take the blender up to maximum speed from any setting.

It also comes with an extra-long blending rod that can be used in a stock pot of hot liquid without spattering, and the stainless steel whisk is perfect for whipping up a tasty egg-white omelets. The five-cup chopper bowl and removable blade turns the tool into a mini food-processer, which is great for making spreads like tapenade. Available at Home Depot stores for $68.

Cusinart’s newest blender is the SmartPower Supreme. With a 600-watt motor, 1.6 quart jar and six settings, it offers good value at $139. Cuisinart also makes a Premium 2 in 1 Blender, which sells for about $100. Along with standard features such as an ice-crushing mode, a 1,500-watt motor and a measuring cup in the lid, it also has a removable dispenser tap. That makes it the perfect tool for serving up a party-sized batch of parsley juice — or strawberry daiquiris, when memories of holiday excesses finally begin to fade.     

Achieving healthy indoor air is a complex issue, especially given the ubiquitous use of synthetic s and chemicals in home building, décor and household cleaning products. Fortunately, the CMHC has useful information on indoor air quality, and how to assess and correct air problems in your home, that you can access by going to www.cmhc.ca/en, clicking on the “Browse by Topic” menu, and choosing “Indoor Air Quality”. 

One small step you can take to reduce airborne biological contaminants such as dust mites, pollen and pet dander is to vacuum frequently, preferably using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. (HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter, which removes 99.9 per cent of airborne pollutants.) If you’re shopping for a vacuum, there are a couple of new HEPA vacuums on the market worth looking at. 

The Bosch Formula Electro Duo Plus has, in addition to a HEPA filter, 1400 watts of power, which means it really sucks - literally. This canister-style machine comes with a detachable 11-inch carpet brush that works on carpet and bare surfaces. Three other nozzles, for furniture, upholstery and crevices, fit snugly into a compartment on top of the machine, so they’re always handy.  The telescoping hose handle hooks into a slot on the bottom of the machine, making it easy to store. And because this sleek little machine weighs less than 12 pounds, pulling it out for a fast whip around the living room isn’t a daunting task. The Bosch Formula uses bags, and has a little indicator light that goes on when the bag needs changing.It sells for about $600.For retail locations, go to  http://english.bosch-appliances.ca/

Hoover’s latest entry into the market is the WindTunnel, a bagless upright that has a washable, life-time HEPA filter. It also has what its makers refer to as cyclonic technology, which is supposed to lift and trap dirt rather than letting fall back onto the surface being cleaned. The multi-surface brush works on hard and carpeted surfaces, and has a 28-foot retractable cord. It also comes with a pet hair tool, dust/ upholstery brush, a crevice attachment and two extension wands. The WindTunnel sells for about $250. For a list of dealers, go to http://www.hoover.ca/  

Vacuums without HEPA filters also have a role to play in household cleaning.  Those who like a tidy floor, but find the chore of cleaning as dull as — well — dirt, should consider investing in a robotic vacuum, such as the Roomba 560, a 13-inch cordless vacuum that looks like a Frisbee on steroids. It can be programmed to clean hard and carpeted floors daily, and runs for about three hours before having to return to its charging base.  

The Roomba navigates around furniture, automatically adjusting to hard or soft surfaces.  A bumper system slows the machine as it approaches walls or other objects, and two “lighthouses” can be placed around delicate objects, to insure that the Roomba won’t plow into your priceless Ming Dynasty vases.  There’s also an “anti-tassel” feature that means the machine won’t chew carpet fringe or other cords.  One of the advantages of this machine is that it easily gets to hard-to-reach areas, such as the space under a couch or chair. And you never have to worry about losing the instruction book for the Roomba 560 – it has a built-in voice tutorial describing features and functions.  

The Roomba 560 sells for about $350, and is available some COSTCO location and at Bed Bath & Beyond. For information, go to http://www.irobot.com/. 

Dirt Devil has two new hand-held vacuums that are handy for quick clean-ups. Both the Kurv and the Kone have a bagless dirt cup and a soft tip that’s easy on delicate surfaces. While the nozzle is probably too small for any major cleanup, it’s works very well in tight corners and along straight edges such as door thresholds. (A quick daily swipe across door thresholds will help outdoor dirt where it belongs.) Designed by Karim Rashid, they’re also so good looking that guests could mistake them for sculpture. The Kone and Kurv both come in a range of colours. Prices start at about $60. For more info, http://www.dirtdevil.com/..  

You’ll find new products, trends and informative seminars and workshops on all things home-related at this event. And there’s a new focus on green living. Best of all - this year, LoveMyPlace will be there - with fun and fact-filled seminars from the LoveMyPlace team. For more information, go to http://www.home show.net/homeandgardenshow/index.html

My pick for best shopping ‘hood is Marylebone and its delectable “high street.” It’s the main drag of one of London’s most charming urban villages, and it’s  full of what you need and want to live the good life with charm and style.

My saunter (I always saunter in London when shopping - it helps me see so much more) begins at the top of the road near Paddington. Then I stop at:

Entre Nous — a sweet café perfect for your morning cappuccino.
106 York St., London W1H 4QL tel. 0871 971 7541

If you find yourself missing the good ole’ days of the mid-20th century, pop into Sixty 6, which carries classic pieces of clothes and furniture from that extraordinary moment in time.
66 Marylebone High St., London, W1U 5JG tel.  020 7224 6066

Just down the street, Century Noho also showcases perfect pieces of mid-century modern, including Eames and Sarrinen.
68 Marylebone High St., London W1U 5JG tel.  020 7487 5100

Le Pain Quotidien is the best spot for lunch. Breeze in, plop yourself down at the long communal table and order away. The bread, like everything else, is delicious.
72 Marylebone High St., London W1U 5JW tel. 020 7486 6154 http://www.painquotidien.com

If you’re in the mood to buy some terrific art, Thompson’s is the place for you. Dealing in the best British paintings and sculpture, one could spend hours there!
76 Marylebone High St., London W1U 5JU tel. 020 7935 3595 www.thompsonsgallery.co.uk

Not far down the road is Emma Bridgewater’s joyous and colourful pottery, tableware and cookware - all English-made and hand-decorated. Such fun!!
81 Marylebone High St., London W1U 4QL tel. 020 7486 6897
www.emmabridgewater.co.uk

Sidle up to Skandium for classic Scandinavian furniture, lighting, rug and goods for home and office. So practical and so chic!
86 Marylebone High St., London W1U 4Q4 tel. 020 7935 2077 www.skandium.com

A few doors down you’ll find Cologne and Cotton. This bubbly boite stocks the loveliest, most luxurious bedroom and bathroom linens, as well as tablecloths for every occasion. You won’t be able to stop at just one…
68 Marylebone High St., London W1U 4Q4 tel.  020 7486 0595

After all that shopping, you may need a little pick-me-up. Not a problem. Neal’s Yard Remedies are within a few steps. With herbal and homeopathic remedies, essential oils, skin and hair-care products, purchases from this shop can help for weeks to come.
112 Marylebone High St., London W1U 4SA tel.  020 7935 0656
www.nealsyardremedies.com

Finally, finish as you start, with a wonderful coffee and bit of deliciousness at Paul, a boulangerie and patisserie that you will never forget. Tell them Bill sent you…..
115 Marylebone High St., London 4SA W1U

So there you have it. Tuck this little list in your tote and whip it out when you find yourself in London town. And remember to saunter so you don’t miss anything!

Talley Ho!

For a virtual tour of Marylebone Street, visit http://www.streetsensation.co.uk/marybone/mh1_west.htm