If you are thinking of buying an eco-friendly washing machine, there are a few points to consider. Although most washing machines carry an A grade energy efficiency status, many of them surpass this and include additional extras to tempt you into buying their product. So, if a certain feature is important to you, it is worth checking out individual extras. For instance, do you want to use less water each time you use your machine? Or is saving money on your fuel bills more important by using lower temperatures? How about a machine that has sensors that can determine how hard the water is, or how dirty your washing is and adjust levels accordingly?

Whatever your preference, there is an eco-friendly machine for you. We have listed the best eco-friendly washing machines and added their best feature to make it easier for you to decide.

AMICA – AWM714D – £329

Best for customised programmes

This machine allows you to choose the quantity and temperature of water for your washes. It also has a self clean feature that kills bacteria and mould on a low temperature.

Dimensions: H850mm x W595mm x D565mm

Features: AAB rating, 7kg capacity, 57ltr water usage, 1400 RPM max spin speed, 15 programmes

WHIRLPOOL – AWOE 8760 – £370

Best for analysing your wash

A machine that literally analyses everything, from the water hardness, the detergent and types of fabric in your wash, and how dirty your clothes are. it analyses all these properties and then uses these calculations to come up with the best amount of time, water and temperature.

Dimensions: H850mm x W600mm x D600mm

Features: A+++AB rating, 8kg capacity, 59ltr water usage, 1400 RPM max spin speed, 13 programmes

BEKO – WMB81445L – £380

Best for being eco-friendly

Probably the most eco-friendly of the bunch, this washing machine is a market leader when it comes to saving energy. It uses half the energy of a typical A rated machine at 60 degrees, and has an impressive range of programmes, including a 14 minute wash.

Dimensions: H850mm x W595mm x D595mm

Features: A+++++AB rating, 8kg capacity, 59ltr water usage, 1400 RPM max spin speed, 18 programmes

LG STEAM DIRECT DRIVE – F1443KD – £795

Best for large capacity

if you need a super sized machine then this machine has an enormous drum with a large capacity, allowing you to wash more clothes in one sitting. It does use more water but because you have to use it less often it is ideal for larger families.

Dimensions: H850mm x W600mm x D640mm

Features: A+++AA rating, 11kg capacity, 77lts water usage, 1400 RPM max spin speed, 14 programmes

SAMSUNG – Eco Bubble – £699

Best for gentle cleaning

The way this machine works is that it has a bubble generator that injects air which helps to lift dirt for a better and more gentle clean, it also has small holes in the drum that prevent fabrics from getting snagged in the wash.

Dimensions: H850mm x W600mm x D600mm

Features: A+++AA rating, 8kg capacity, 56ltr water usage, 1400 RPM max spin speed, 15 programmes

AEG – LAVAMAT L84950A3 – £699

Best for cold water washing

For those who want to wash using those specialist cold water detergents, this machine is specially adapted and can wash clothes without the need to heat any water, ideal for saving money on energy bills. This saves up to 83% of the energy used for a standard 40 degree wash.

Dimensions: H850mm x W600mm x D600mm

Features: A+++AA rating, 8kg capacity, 50ltr water usage, 1400 RPM max spin speed, 21 programmes

HOOVER – Dynamic DST10146P – £700

Best for night time washing

Incorporating a quiet, low spin speed, you can capitalise on off peak electricity tariffs using this machine. Has a function which allows you to retain water in the drum for a non creasing effect, and the ‘Eco Cycle’ reduces the amount of detergent needed by 20%.

Dimensions: H850mm x W600mm x D640mm

Features: A+AA, 10kg capacity, 74ltr water usage, 1400 RPM max spin speed, 11 programmes

BOSCH – Logixx 8 VarioPerfect WAS32460GB – £729

Best for faster washing

This machine has a ‘speedperfect’ cycle, which allows a saving of up to 60% from many of its programmes, which also saves water as well as energy. There are also a selection of eco programmes and it is a quiet machine, making it ideal for night time washing, or a larger kitchen.

Dimensions: H842mm x W600mm x D590mm

Features: A+++AA rating, 8kg capacity, 56ltr water usage, 1600 RPM max spin speed, 15 programmes

NEFF – Integrated W5420 – £750

Best for water saving

A machine that is ideal for those of us who are on a water meter, and for whom saving water is a major consideration. The drum incorporates raised ‘droplets’ which work to further agitate your clothes so they get a good wash.

Dimensions: H818mm x W600mm x D555mm

Features: A+AB rating, 7kg capacity, 49ltr water usage, 1200 RPM max spin speed, 15 programmes

MIELE – W1945 from Miele – £989

Best for showing you how much energy you are using

If you are one of those people who love to know exactly how much energy you are using at a precise moment, this is the machine for you. It’s ‘ECO-Feedback’ function tells you exactly how much energy has been used on every cycle.

Dimensions: H850mm x W600mm x D656mm

Features: A+AB rating, 7kg capacity, 55ltr water usage, 1400 RPM max spin speed, 12 programmes

Article Content first appear on ShoppersBase. © 2012 Joloh Ltd.

Ideal for businesspeople on the go, it is a new Microsoft Office app that will allow users to edit Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents on iOS.

Microsoft’s new app is being made available free of charge for users who subscribe to Office 365, a web-based platform which allows people to access Office through the cloud.

The app has just been launched in America, but will be rolled out in 136 different markets and 29 different languages within the next few days.

The new app is not only a bid by Microsoft to encourage users to access its programs more often and in innovative ways, but will be beneficial to Apple, which will take a percentage of subscriptions purchased through iPhone.

It is the latest indication that Apple is working more closely with Microsoft, coming after an announcement at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference that the Californian tech giant would be using Bing as its default search engine for Siri, rather than Google.

As a business tool, the new Office Mobile app could prove invaluable. It enables users to update their Office content from wherever they are on their phone, safe in the knowledge that the files will sync across all their devices so documents will be instantly updated.

Handily, for businessmen and women who travel a lot as part of their job, the files are stored in the cloud via SkyDrive. But, they are cached locally, meaning they can be accessed even when internet connection is unavailable or unreliable.

The downside is that PowerPoint presentations can’t be created through the new app, but both Word and Excel documents can and users will also be able to edit any documents that are sent in an email attachment.

Also, while the app itself may be free, subscription to Office 365 costs around $100 a year, although that could be money well spent if you need to work from a variety of locations.

When using MS Word, you’ll find yourself with a pared down version. You’ve got all the usual templates, outlines and blank pages

there – but there aren’t as many fonts or options for changing text colour and size.

And, those of you with less than perfect spelling could struggle as there isn’t a spell check or those handy red and green lines which pop up to warn you that you may have made an error in your spelling or grammar.

Excel follows pretty much the same lines. There are only three templates but you can use your data to create illustrations such as pie charts and bar graphs.

iPad users, however, are being left out completely as Microsoft is keen to keep the full-blown Office ecosystem to itself.

But, despite any shortcomings the new Office app is sure to prove popular with those who want to manage their time more efficiently.

Article Content first appear on ShoppersBase. © 2012 Joloh Ltd.

And the amazing thing is, while the most cynical of people might think that customers would take advantage of this system, the restaurant actually makes a profit in each of its stores across the States. This is because many customer who can afford a little extra to help pay for those who may fall short of their bill do so, and on a regular basis.

The first Panera restaurant opened in a St. Louis suburb back in May 2010, and there are now five other such restaurants operating throughout the U.S, that serve an estimated one million people.

The director of Panera’s Societal Impact Initiatives – Kate Antonacci, explains that the restaurants are a way to provide a decent meal for American who have little or no money: “These cafés prove that people can eat in a warm and welcoming place, and be served the same food as everyone else,” says Antonacci. “It’s not compromising the experience, but just changing who would be able to access that food.”

And statistics show that while 20% pay less than the suggested donation or nothing at all, 60% pay the suggested amount, whilst 20% pay more than the cost of their meal.

The location appears to be a large factor in how well the Panera restaurant is doing, as smaller restaurants in close knit communities tend to get a little weary of paying more after the first few months, however, where there is a regular amount of tourist footfall, and a good downtown office crowd, the diversity of the patrons seems to help the longevity of the project.

There have been problems however, with students from a nearby college coming into the restaurant and abusing the system, by ordering multiple meals and leaving without offering a payment. The manager of the restaurant eventually met up with the school’s principal who had to send letters home to various student’s parents, which appeared to placate the situation.

It was also discovered that many first timer patrons did not understand the system and to clarify, Panera set up a meet and greeter at the door who explained what the restaurant was all about, before they ordered. Other problems arose from the staff themselves, as they felt so passionate about the cause, that they would sometimes get frustrated and judge customers who, in their minds, were acting unfairly.

The Panera experiment has worked so well that there are plans to roll it out more extensively throughout the other Panera restaurants in the U.S. Currently, as part of a test in their regular restaurants, Panera began adding a pay-what-you-want item, so patrons can now order turkey chili in a bread bowl at 48 stores around St. Louis and decide for themselves how much to pay for the item.

Panera’s mission statement is “Panera Cares® community cafes exist to feed each and every person who walks through our doors with dignity regardless of their means.”

To find out more visit their website at Panera Cares.

Article Content first appear on ShoppersBase. © 2012 Joloh Ltd.

But what if there was a compromise? Something that would still keep the feel of an outdoor holiday, but offered a certain style of luxury as well? Welcome to glamping! Whether you fancy camping in a log cabin, a yurt, a log cabin or a wooden wigwam, glamping takes the pain and hardship out of camping,, but still allows you to experience nature at it’s best.

We’ve chosen four special glamping holidays, in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, and all featuring different styles of glamping. See what is out there!

ENGLAND

Posey – Gloucestershire – Shepherd’s huts

®:canopyandstars

We have missed the spectacular bluebell woods for this year, but this is definite choice for next year. The traditional shepherd’s hut is situated at The Bluebell Wood, where you can view the nearby maze of badger sets, and watch the native deer roaming freely in the ancient woodland. The kitchen is fitted with gas hobs, there is a hot safari shower and solar lanterns glow to light your way through the woods. You are surrounded by the beautiful Cotswolds, where there are wonderful walks and cycling paths.

Cost is from £70 per night, minimum of 2 nights. Children can camp alongside in their own tent for an extra £10 per head.

www.canopyandstars.co.uk

NOTHERN ISLAND

Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast – WigWams

©:wigwamholidays

This part of the world has spectacular views across the Giant’s Causeway, and is known to feature picturesque fishing villages, beautiful beaches filled with golden sand, awe inspiring cliff tops, peaceful glens, and even a World Heritage site. The Wigwams are made from timber frames and are entirely insulated, complete with a weatherproof roof material. The doors and windows are double glazed and if required you can order an optional furniture pack. Inside the Wigwam there is a central platform that allows a spacious sleeping area, this can be dismantled during the day for a living space. The Wigwams are designed to be lived in all year round, making them the perfect escape.

Prices start from £35 (based on 2 people sharing).

www.wigwamholidays.com/

SCOTLAND

Scottish Borders – Campervans

©:iconiccampers

Fancy reliving your youth in a classic campervan? Here’s your chance. ‘Dorothy’ is a classic T2 VW Campervan, owned by Iconic Campers and situated in Abbey Saint Bathans in the Scottish Borders. This is a superb location for anyone who wants to explore Scotland and Northumberland, as you can travel up to the Highlands, or if you prefer, stay close and check out the beautiful beaches on the Heritage Coastline of Berwickshire and East Lothian and the Lammermuir hills.

Dorothy comes fully equipped with everything you would need for a camping holiday, from sleeping bags, to crockery and cutlery, to pots and pans and you can even request additional camping furniture such as picnic tables and awnings.

Prices start from £85 per day.

www.iconiccampers.com

WALES

Carmarthenshire – Gypsy Wagon

©:oldoakgypsywagon

If it is the gypsy’s life for you then head across to West Wales, where father and son team Will and David Robinson have lovingly restored this 20th century Romany bow top wagon. The gypsy wagon has been fully converted to provide a stunning living space, complete with a full size double bed, with underbed cupboards for storage, cushioned seating and a battery lantern and fairy lights for lighting. Alongside the wagon is a log cabin that includes a private decked area, with a handmade bench and table. There is also find an open fire pit for your use, where you can sit and roast marshmallows should you wish to do so. Inside the log cabin you will find a log burner, a sofabed and tv and a selection of books to read. There is also a fitted kitchen that has all the basic essentials. A shower room, with sink and flushing toilet complete this wonderful cabin.

Prices start from £120 for 2 nights.

www.oldoakgypsywagon.co.uk

Article Content first appear on ShoppersBase. © 2012 Joloh Ltd.

The campaign features a short video clip of the boys, promoting a new range of products from Office Depot, with individual messages from each and every one of the band. The campaign is said to be hoping to raise £64k, and it is hoped that the inclusion of the popular band will make it a profitable and worthy success.

Any profits made from the sale of products from the campaign will go towards educating children in schools to adopt a ‘kinder behaviour’.

The video clip, which stars the band, has already be viewed over 93,000 times on YouTube, and it will also be played at the group’s Take Me Home tours over in the U.S.

Items to purchase include a set of brightly coloured nail varnish, with each colour dedicated to a band member, with a neon bright yellow for Zayn, sky blue for Harry, eye-popping orange for Louis, bright pink for Niall and brooding purple for Liam. and there will also be stationery items such as fun stickers which are aimed at promoting self-confidence and the pursuit of success, pens, notebooks and folders.

In the video clip you can see each band member, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan talking about bullying and raising up placards to emphasise their points of view.

Liam says: ‘Join us in being brave and true,’ says Liam.

Louis embraces ‘being original and empowered’.

Zayn wants you to be ‘courageous and unique’.

Niall speaks of the importance of being ‘confident and successful’.

Whilst Harry sums it up nicely by adding: ‘Simply put – choose to live nice.’

All the products will be available to buy online from the start of July 2013, and although it is an American collaboration, UK fans can still order the items. as the company have pledged to deliver to Britain.

In an interview with The Sun, Niall Horan said: “We’re really excited to partner with Office Depot and help spread the anti-bullying message with our fans and students in schools across America,” adding: “And you know we’re not long out of school ourselves so we can relate. It’s a problem that’s fresh in our minds and we’re eager to raise awareness on this subject. We hope the video will help raise awareness, especially since it will be played at our concerts across America.”

For more information fans can visit the official One Direction website.

All pictures courtesy of One Direction/Office Depot.

Article Content first appear on ShoppersBase. © 2012 Joloh Ltd.

In their Vintage Couture: Handbags and Accessories auction, Christie’s are selling the most iconic designer handbags ever to be created, from Hermès Birkins and Kellys, Louis Vuitton’s monogrammed luggage, to Chanel’s finest mini chain linked bags. The team at Christie’s have gathered together an amazing collection of used vintage designer handbags, and with lots starting from only £250, now is your chance to bag a real bargain.

The auction runs from June 14 – 24 and is online only, and each of the lots has been verified and authenticated by the Christie’s auction house team. With every bag you can see a detailed description of not only the condition, but as with some cases, the authenticity stamp details.

In amongst these classic vintage bags are around 40 Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags, so beloved in celebrity culture, with Victoria Beckham owning several in different colours and styles, there are also many Louis Vuitton luggage styled bags, the designer who reigned supreme back in the mid eighties and spawned a host of market fakes, and there is the ultimate in design – Chanel, instantly recognisable and sought after.

L-R: Black Matt Crocodile Birkin Bag, Grass Green Matt Crocodile Birkin Bag, Chocolate Brown Matt Crocodile Birkin Bag and an Amethyst Matt Crocodile Birkin Bag

The most expensive lots in the auction are all designed by Hermès, and include a Black Matt Crocodile Birkin Bag, priced at between £26,000 to £28,000; an Amethyst Matt Crocodile Birkin Bag, priced at between £24,000 to £26,000, a Chocolate Brown Matt Crocodile Birkin Bag, priced at between £22,000 to £24,000 and a Grass Green Matt Crocodile Birkin Bag, priced at between £22,000 to £24,000.

L-R: Rose Jaipur, Argile and Etoupe Taurillon Clemence and Veau Swift Leather Casaque Birkin Bag, Tri-Colour Black, Olive and Russet Alligator Kelly Bag and an Etoupe Leather and Horsehair Crinolin Birkin Bag

There are also some very unusual coloured bags, which collectors will be keen to own, such as the Tri-Colour Black, Olive and Russet Alligator Kelly Bag, priced at £8,500, an Etoupe Leather and Horsehair Crinolin Birkin Bag, at £6,000, and a rare Rose Jaipur, Argile and Etoupe Taurillon Clemence and Veau Swift Leather Casaque Birkin Bag, at a respected £9,000.

L-R: Limited Edition Louis Vuitton Miss France Paperweight Trunk, Limited Edition Monogram Mirage Canvas Speedy Bag and a Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas France World Cup Football

There are a few limited edition bags, which will certainly set the prices rising, and include a Limited Edition Bi-Colour Etoupe and Gold Leather Jypsiere Bag, at £4,000, a Limited Edition Louis Vuitton Miss France Paperweight Trunk, at only £450, a limited Edition Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas France World Cup Football, at £650, and finally, another Louis Vuitton, this time a Limited Edition Monogram Mirage Canvas Speedy Bag at £ 950.

L-R: Mink Shoulder Bag, Navy Blue Leather Shoulder Bag, Framboise Leather Classic Flap Singapore Bag and a Dusky Pink Caviar Leather Half Moon Bag

Classic Chanel bags include a much coveted Mink Shoulder Bag, at a starting price of £800, a Dusky Pink Caviar Leather Half Moon Bag at £650, a Navy Blue Leather Shoulder Bag at £650 and an Exclusive Framboise Leather Classic Flap Singapore Bag at £ 2,000.

This is a great opportunity for anyone who has ever dreamed of purchasing a top designer bag, as many designers have waiting lists of months and years for their most iconic creations.

Pat Frost, who is the director of Christie’s fashion department says: “Hermès is known as the leading luxury handbag designer and it is unsurprising that the iconic Birkin and Kelly designs continue to thrive at auction,” and added: “Exquisite quality is at the heart of Hermès handbags and this sale offers the crème de la crème of Hermès designs with a number of timeless pieces and rare exotic leathers. The online-only format of this sale follows hot on the heels of our successful Vintage Couture: Handbags, Luggage and Accessories sale in April this year. This sale which runs for 10 days provides another extended opportunity for buyers around the world to purchase handbags and accessories by some of the greatest designers of all time.”

Bidding started on June 14 and will end in ten days time on June 24. Visit Christie’s for more information and how to place a bid.

All pictures courtesy Christie’s.

Article Content first appear on ShoppersBase. © 2012 Joloh Ltd.

The ex TOWIE star, who went to to open her own beauty salon, and has designed five designer collections since last year, is certainly going from strength to strength, as she finds her own particular style within the fashion world.

At first, the designs by the 22 year old reality TV star were sneered at by the industry, but as her fanbase has grown and grown, the snooty types have had to eat their words, and some are even saying that this collection is her best ever, something that we whole-heartedly agree with.

Rihanna £55

Amy has taken the classic trends of the last year and given them a summery twist, with what I have to say is the prettiest skater dress I have ever seen. The flattering skater dress has what could almost be described as a vintage floral print over it, but it really suits the trendy style. Amy has also reworked the maxi dress, including frills at the bust for more oomph and slits up both thighs for added sexiness.

Rebecca £60

She has kept some of her best sellers, notably the lace dresses that featured so heavily in her winter collection, but she has removed the sleeves to give a more summery feel, and chosen bright spring hues such as orange and turquoise.

Matilda £65

What we love about Amy is she designs clothes that people actually want to wear, she models every single one of them herself, and they are totally affordable.

Amy said of her collection: “I work really hard on all of my designs and I want to be taken seriously as a fashion designer. It took us six months to do my Spring/Summer Collection. I have just been out to the Far East to look at fabrics with my designers and we are now putting the finishing touches to the Autumn/Winter Collection which I am really excited about.”

Madeline £65

So what does she think when she sees people wearing one of her items: “I get so excited seeing people out in my collection – I have just been out in Marbella and I saw quite a few Amy Childs’ Collection pieces. The other week I saw a lady on the train who was wearing my dress and she told me she was 65!”

Sheridan £65

Proof that anyone can wear Amy’s clothes. Amy gets her ideas from people that she meets whilst she is out and about: “I am always thinking about my collection and how I can make it different. I take inspiration and ideas from what I see people wearing out and about. I want to cater for everyone – some of my dresses are below the knee and have sleeves for people who want to cover up a bit but I still have shorter and maxi dresses as well for day and evening.”

Rochelle £60

Her favourites include her new maxi dresses amongst others: “I love the floaty maxi dresses like my Rochelle and the Rhianna skater dress for the daytime and the Giselle and simple, chic Faith dress for glam nights out,” she added: “I have also added in some really cute leisurewear and playsuits like Ashley and Nicole that are perfect for the beach that have gorgeous detailing on them.”

Vivienne £60

Amy has an enviable figure, and after she ran the London Marathon, she took an interest in a more healthier lifestyle: “It’s so important to look after yourself inside and out. I’ve been criticised about the way I look and even been asked if I have had lipo. I want girls to know they can stay fit by eating well and working out. Since I finished training for the marathon I just do my fitness DVD three times a week. I feel really confident at the moment and think I have curves in the right place but I’m not too skinny.”

Rachel Pink £70

You can purchase Amy’s collection online through her official website in her two boutiques in Brentwood and Basildon, Essex.

All pictures courtesy Amy Childs.

Article Content first appear on ShoppersBase. © 2012 Joloh Ltd.

Falmouth’s International Sea Shanty Festival – June 14 – 16

Falmouth’s annual sea shanty festival is a mecca for budding singers all across the globe. Did you know that sea shanties were first sung to keep the rhythm of the rowing at a regular speed? These and many more questions are answered by the knowledgeable staff, the artists and performers present at the event, and of course, it includes the singing of popular songs. The event supports the RNLI and one guest who visited a few years ago who emptied his change into a collection box said: “when you have been floating in the sea for many hours the lifeboat is a wonderful sight”.

Penzance Mazey Festival – June 28 – 30

This annual festival weekend is held in Penzance, and follows the end of the Golowan festival (Cornish for midsummer) which is held in Penzance each year in late June. The Golowan festival lasts for 10 days, and was revived back in 1991 by schools and a group of artists. It culminates in the Mazey weekend and notably Mazey Day on the Saturday. All the streets leading up from the beach are packed full of market stalls, entertainers and parades, and on Mazey Eve, the Friday, the “obby oss” creature is let loose.

Margate RIBA Sandcastle Challenge June 29

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is holding a Sandcastle Challenge on Saturday 29 June 2013. Anyone can enter so you can challenge your friends and family and spend a great day on the beach. Registration is free and starts at 10am and the judging starts from 2.30pm with the winners to be announced at 3pm. You can enter the competition as a team or on your own and prize categories include: tallest sand structure (Betteridge & Milsom Prize), Most technically daring (Hornby Prize), Life’s a Beach (Joss Bay Surf School Prize), Curiosity (Turner Contemporary Prize) and the Mayor’s prize. If you want to take part you have to inform the RIBA in advance by emailing emma.hardy@riba.org

Bridlington Vintage Fair – August 25

If you have a passion for everything vintage and collectible then head up to the Bridlington Vintage Fair, situated at the Spa in Scarborough. The event hosts promise a fabulous time of browsing, following the last two very successful fairs, in which over 2,500 people attended. The table top event last year showcased a huge 1907 Gavioli Fairground Organ, along with classic cars, scooters, bikes and plenty of vintage clothing and jewellery stalls.

Mablethorpe & Sutton on Sea Bathing Beauties Festival – September 13 – 15

©Bowhunter Websites

A weekend of fun and entertainment awaits you along the three-mile promenade from Mablethorpe to Sutton on Sea. The town literally comes alive as the beach huts are turned into mini art and craft galleries whilst the beach is the perfect backdrop and canvas for contemporary art installations, sculpture and much more. There are quirky and fabulous live performances and inter-active activities for all the family. At the heart of the festival is the “Bathing Beauties Beach Hut Trail” which you can see along the promenade. There are also more ‘serious’ artists showing their work.

Essex Old Leigh Regatta – September 21 – 22

This is a charity event situated within Leigh-on-sea Old Town by the local scout groups. On this weekend the high street closes and there is an array of fun-filled events and entertainment to be had. Live music will be played throughout the weekend, or you can watch the Morris dancing, take part in the banana, cracker and cockle eating competitions, there are also a selection of various stalls selling local delicacies. A number of water-based activities, especially tailored for the 2 Sea Scout groups, will see them taking part in a competition known as the Annual Scout Pentathlon. The scouts have been training for this event all year and the series of challenges will test both team work and skill. The tests include a Dinghy Tug of War, Dinghy Sculling, and the famous ‘Leigh Marsh Race’.

Article Content first appear on ShoppersBase. © 2012 Joloh Ltd.

WWF Together

This interactive app lets you experience the world’s most amazing animals in an innovative way. You can find out about the lives of elephants, whales, rhinos and other fascinating species, trying out “tiger vision”, hunting as a polar bear or chopping bamboo as a panda. This app impressed Apple with its beautiful aesthetic and music score, talking advantage of all the capabilities of multi-touch.

Procreate

Billed as a complete art studio at your fingertips, Procreate is simply dripping with innovative features including true-to-life pencils, inks and brushes. You can also easily share your masterpieces on the likes of Twitter and Facebook.

Badland

An action adventure platformer that is a cut above the rest when it comes to production values, Badland features luscious graphics, with gameplay taking place in an idyllic forest setting. Players must discover traps and overcome obstacles.

Yahoo! Weather

There are lots of apps to choose from if you’re looking for the weather forecast. But Apple says Yahoo! Weather stands out because of its “simple, uncluttered, and beautiful visual design”. It combines practical information with stunning photography based on the time of day, location and conditions.

Letterpress

A deceptively simple yet highly addictive wordplay game. Players must find words, steal tiles and colour the board. It’s a game which has won across-the-board rave reviews, with the Daring Fireball tech site saying: “It’s the first game that’s made my iPhone’s first home screen in years.”

Ridiculous Fishing

Now, we have to admit, we’re not exactly fans of those extreme fishing TV shows. But Ridiculous Fishing is as far removed from those as can be. The game has been lovingly handcrafted to feature fishing with a difference. You can even use high-calibre weaponry to blast the fish right out of the water.

Sky Gamblers: Storm Raiders

With World War II 70^th anniversary events still fresh in our minds, this app is a timely affair featuring World War II arcade-style combat action. Aircraft are accurately rendered and there are special effects to make in-app flying more realistic, including heat haze and sun glare.

Coda 2

A niche app, this is one for developers. It offers all-in-one editing features for web coding, making any task simpler and more enjoyable. It’s been specially designed so that it’s flexible and extendable with keyboard shortcuts and plug-ins. It also has a handy tool called AirPreview to let you preview any site design on iPad.

Evernote

If, like us, you have to jot everything down before you forget it, then this app could be perfect. A popular note-taking and archiving service, it allows you to save all your ideas along with audio and video footage of the things you see and hear, so it’s perfect for creative types.

Finish

Designed by Ryan Orbuch and Michael Hansen while they were sophomores at Boulder High School in Colorado. The pair were inspired by students floundering during their finals week. Finish is a task manager which allows you to build up a to-do list of short, mid and long-term tasks.

Mosaic.io

Another student development, this app was created by a team of self-taught iOS developers. It cleverly allows you to connect multiple iPhones into one big screen so you can use them to view photos or share files. You simply connect devices by swiping across screens.

With such a variety of apps making the grade, there’s sure to be one that you just have to download.

Article Content first appear on ShoppersBase. © 2012 Joloh Ltd.

We have featured some of the more distinct and different picnic hampers to show you exactly what a huge choice there is.

BHS – Heart Red Polka 2 Person Hamper – Was £70.00 – Now £28.00

For romantic couples everywhere! We have never seen a hamper in a heart shape before, but this one from BHS is sure to get you in the mood for love and snuggles on a blanket, shading from the sun beneath a tree. Comes complete with 2 porcelain plates, 2 acrylic wine glasses, 2 sets of cutlery (knives forks and spoons), salt & pepper set and that all important corkscrew.

Measurements are: L:40cm W:35cm H:20cm

Greenfield Collection Henley Two Person Buff Willow and Red Lining Picnic Hamper – £58.99

We love the shape of this attractive picnic hamper as it features a special space for a wine bottle, a must on picnic these days. Manufactured from the highest quality buff willow, this cylinder shaped hamper is robust yet lightweight. Comes complete with stainless steel cutlery for two as well as two china plates, a stainless steel bottle opener and two glasses.

Measurements are: 406 x 280 x 228mm (with handle 483mm)

Next – Four Person Insulated Back Pack – £35

For those of you who think a basket hamper is a little twee, check out this backpack from Next. Fabric is a fashionable stripe design, and you even get your very own blanket. Comes complete with 4 plastic plates and wine glasses, 4 stainless steel knives forks and spoons with plastic handles, a cheeseboard and knife, bottle opener, salt and pepper pots, 4 fabric napkins, insulated bottle holder and picnic blanket.

Measurements are: H43 x W28 x D22cm.

Picnicware – Super Deluxe Two Person Backpack with Flask and Mugs – £39.99

Another backpack here but this one is decidedly more masculine, so you can get your partner to carry it without him having an embarrassing moment. It is altogether a much more serious affair, as it contains stainless steel mugs and a 1ltr flask . Comes complete with polycarbonate glasses, stainless steel cutlery and melamine plates, and the fully insulated food compartment keeps food cool or hot for 5-7hours.

Measurements are: 30cm x 18cm x 41cm

Mountainwarehouse – 36L Picnic Hamper Basket – Was £59.99 – Now £29.99

A beautitfully coloured hamper basket from Mountainwarehouse, with a fabric that features a bright flower print. The light aluminium frame is durable and sturdy, and there is an insulated compartment to keep food and drinks cool. Comes complete with a cutting board & serrated knife, cork screw, 4 cotton napkins, salt and pepper shaker, 12 piece stainless steel cutlery set (4 knives, 4 forks, 4 spoons), 4 plates and 4 wine glasses.

BHS – Vintage 2 Person Hamper – Was £50.00 – Now £20.00

The prettiest hamper amongst our collection from BHS. The white wicker outer is complimented with a brightly coloured patchwork effect interior. Comes complete with porcelain plates, glasses, cutlery & cool bag section. Contains 2 plates, 2 acrylics wine glasses, 2 sets of cutlery (knives forks and spoons), salt & pepper set, corkscrew. Contents not suitable for dishwasher or microwave use.

Measurements are: L:42cm W:28cm H:18cm

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