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The Right Choice

November 30, 2011 By Spoonful of Sugar - 4 Comments

 “Sponsored By Nuffnang”
A sandwich press is a handy appliance if you like café style lunches, and is perfect for teens wanting to make themselves a quick lunch over the summer holidays. Our sandwich toaster is about 10 years old and the top plate isn’t adjustable, which makes it difficult to cook with focaccia and other thicker bread types. I am starting to think about Christmas gifts and a new sandwich press would make a great Christmas present for the family as it is something that we can all use (plus I don’t like to be given appliances – much better as a group pressie!)  It would be perfect when trying to think up ways to use the leftover Turkey and Ham in the week after Christmas. There is such a wide variety of sandwich press brands and styles available which makes it hard to choose. This is where Choice Magazine comes in. Choice is a consumer magazine that reviews and test products. In the latest issue, Nov 2011, 187 products were reviewed, including a timely review of sandwich presses. 

11 models of Sandwich press were reviewed including 2 and 4 slice models. They were evaluated on a range of criteria including: colour and evenness of browning (most important!), lockable top plate adjustment, cord storage, heat up time, overall performance, and price. All the presses were put through their paces by toasting cheese and tomato sandwiches, as well as undergoing extra tests using focaccia and crusty panini. This detailed review has made it easier for us to select a model that meets our needs.  The great thing about Choice is that it doesn’t just rate goods according to price, but factors in a whole lot of other features as well – sometimes things you haven’t even considered, which can help you save money and ensure you get the best available product for your dollar. 

Each issue of Choice Magazine reviews a number of products, as well as reports on dodgy organisations, dubious products, and online scams. It is a valuable resource for all things consumer. The November issue also includes reviews of digital set top boxes, child safety devices, bicycle locks, and lawnmowers to name a few. It also includes as interesting article on toy safety which all parents should read before buying toys for their little ones this Christmas. 

With Christmas rapidly approaching, a Choice Magazine subscription will make the perfect present for those hard to buy for relatives. Best of all, they will remember your gift regularly throughout the year with each new issue. 

In fact you can tick off all the names on your Christmas list with the large selection of magazines available to suit every taste. The Australian Women’s Weekly, Top Gear Australia, Australian House & Garden, Shop Til You Drop, UFC, Money, and many more. Personally I love giving, and even better, receiving magazine subscriptions. It is always a treat to arrive home from work and find the latest magazine in your letter box. There is such a terrific range of Australian magazines available. 

Now for the good news – 

Are you looking for the perfect Christmas present? Give your loved ones a magazine subscription this year and you can win a tropical escape to Hawaii with Magshop’s Christmas competition . Treat your family and friends to a magazine subscription today – it’s the gift that keeps on giving all year round! 

What magazine subscription would you love to find in your Christmas stocking this year? 

Filed Under: Our Home

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Comments

  1. Kirsty@Bonjour says

    December 1, 2011 at 5:31 am

    I get too many already, I just love magazines and they are my little luxury. I forgo shoes for them! I really miss my Aussie food magazines over here, so if money (postage) were no limitation, I’d have one sent over. Meanwhile, I use their website, but it’s just not the same!

    Reply
  2. JG says

    December 1, 2011 at 9:20 am

    After looking at your yummy sandwich I realized that my DH would like a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch today. He’s been working outside. 🙂

    I’ve cut back on magazines since giving tours at our local museum. I read a lot of history + art info.
    ~Judy

    Reply
  3. Dea Amorim says

    December 1, 2011 at 10:45 am

    nhumy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  4. K-Sue says

    December 1, 2011 at 7:56 pm

    “dodgy organisations, dubious products, and online scams” – I love that set of phrases. CHOICE sounds a lot like “Consumer reports” here in U.S.

    Reply

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A lot can change in 10 years ❤️ It’s been fun look A lot can change in 10 years ❤️ It’s been fun looking back at where I was in 2016 and how far life has come since then. Swipe for a little trip down memory lane.Back in 2016, my priorities were firmly centred around family. I was working full‑time, sewing in the guest room, sharing tutorials on my blog, and slowly dipping my toes into selling a handful of patterns on Etsy. It was a busy, full season — and creativity was something I fitted in around everything else.  Fast forward to 2026… I’m now retired and living the creative life I once dreamed of. My kids have grown up and are living in their own homes nearby. My husband and I are free to travel, explore, and enjoy this stage of life. And I get to spend my days designing, sewing, and connecting with this beautiful community.Life looks different now — in the best possible way.Were you following me back then, or what has changed for you over the past 10 years? I’d love to hear your story too.Tagging the lovely makers of my quilt: @arabesquescissors @ministryoffabric @belloquacity @alittlepatchwork @sameliasmum coleandtaffy @quiltymamaof4 @shequiltsalot @downgrapevinelane @lizzierosesews @lovethatfabric @sew_mimi.k #2026isthenew2016 #10yeartransformation #sewingjourney #sewingcommunity #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
Fall in love with sewing all over again ❤️I’ve Fall in love with sewing all over again ❤️I’ve rounded up 10 heart‑themed makes — from quick gifts to charming quilt blocks — perfect for weekend stitching or using up your favourite scraps. Whether you’re sewing for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or just because, there’s something sweet for every maker.Comment HEART and I’ll send you a link to my Heart Pattern Collection.#sewingproject #heartsewing #quiltblock #scrapsewing #easytosew
Raw edge appliqué doesn’t have to feel fiddly or i Raw edge appliqué doesn’t have to feel fiddly or intimidating. With a few simple techniques, you can create neat, crisp shapes — even tiny details like penguin beaks and hearts.I’ve put together My Top 5 Secrets for Raw Edge Appliqué to help you feel confident, whether you’re brand new to appliqué or looking to refine your finish. Save this for your next sewing session.If you’d love a quick, beginner‑friendly project to practise these tips, my Penguin Love Mugrug is the sweetest Valentine’s make — scrap‑friendly, gift‑ready, and such fun to sew.Comment PENGUIN and I’ll send you the link to the pattern. Available now in our Pattern Store and Etsy shop.  #rawedgeapplique #appliquetips #sewingtipsandtricks #mugrugpattern #penguinlove
If you’ve ever wanted to add eyelets or grommets t If you’ve ever wanted to add eyelets or grommets to your sewing projects, here’s a quick look at how I install them using my DK93 snap press. It’s the same tool I use for snaps — and it makes installing eyelets beautifully quick and consistent.For this Ribbon Pouch, I used the Liberty Gifts from the Garden collection (printed on Lasenby cotton and released in January 2026). The colours and motifs pair so well with the little ribbon tie detail.Here’s how to install the eyelets:Punch out the four holes using a hole‑cutting die.Place the eyelet into the hole.Press it into place using the snap press.That’s it — easy peasy, and it gives the pouch such an elevated, professional finish. I love how clean and sturdy the result is.Fabric is Gifts from the Garden by Liberty - kindly provided by @regent_street_fabrics — thank you!If you’d like the Ribbon Pouch pattern (it comes in 3 sizes), comment RIBBON and I’ll send the link straight to you.Ribbon Pouch Sewing Pattern: available in our Pattern Store and Etsy shop ( links in profile).#SewingInspiration #SewingProjects #Eyelets #Grommets #SnapPress
The Twirling Treasures Hot Pad & Placemat Set show The Twirling Treasures Hot Pad & Placemat Set showcases one of my favourite FPP designs — a stunning kaleidoscope‑style block that always turns out beautifully. Kaleidoscope blocks are some of my most popular FPP patterns, and this set is such a fun way to use them.  This set includes six sizes, making it incredibly versatile: use them as hot pads, trivets, placemats, or simply as a way to add a pop of colour to your kitchen.For these samples, I went with a monochromatic scrap‑busting approach, pairing fabrics from the same colour family with a low‑volume background. The black‑and‑white striped binding adds such a crisp, modern finish. It’s a wonderful project for building your FPP confidence — and a fantastic way to use up those treasured scraps.The Twirling Treasures Hot Pad set is our Pattern of the Week. It is currently 25% off this week in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.If you’d like to sew your own set, comment TWIRL and I’ll send the pattern link straight to you.Happy sewing! Lisa 🌸#FoundationPaperPiecing #Quilting #HotPads #ScrapBuster #KitchenSewing
The Ribbon Pouch is one of those little makes that The Ribbon Pouch is one of those little makes that feels special from the very first stitch. I made this sweet trio in the Liberty Gifts from the Garden collection, and the colours couldn’t be more perfect for gifting, organising, or adding a little beauty to your everyday.Each pouch features: 🌼 A simple ribbon tie closure 🎀 Optional sew‑in tags or DIY felt/fabric labels 🧵 Three practical sizes — perfect for notions, treats, or small gifts ✨ A quick, beginner‑friendly sewIf you’d like to make your own, comment RIBBON and I’ll send the pattern link straight to your inbox. Save this for your next weekend project — it’s such a satisfying little sew. Pattern is available in our Pattern Store.Thanks to @regent_street_fabric for the Gifts from the Garden fabric collection. (released Jan 2026)#SewingInspiration #SewingProjects #LibertyFabric #SewingPatterns #BeginnerSewing
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