American institution, Cook's Illustrated have a selection of cookbooks in their repertoire but for basic, fool proof recipes that will stand the test of time, the Cook's Illustrated Cookbook is the only cookbook you will ever need.

With over 2000 recipes, all of which have been thoroughly tested in Americas Test Kitchen, the book is full of interesting information as to why each recipe works, educating us as we cook - without the preaching. With recipes for everything from their classic mashed potato (beloved by many celebrity chefs) to their fool proof pastry dough, the recipes are user friendly and, more importantly, hard to mess up

Available on Amazon »

A high protein diet may suit some women, but now and again the craving for a bowl of soothing pasta or spicy noodles can take over.

Now that feeling of deprivation could be a thing of the past with the launch of Eat Water's Slim Pasta. Made from Moyu (Konjac), a natural vegetable fiber that isn't absorbed by the body, the range is gluten free, carb free and sugar free, making it also suitable for diabetics.

Slim Pasta is the first product of its kind to be listed with the Coeliac Society of Ireland. Available from health food shops nationwide.

With surgery being a last resort, padded pants are the newly discovered saviour for those who desire a curvy bum to fill out their jeans. Asos offer a range called Magic Padded Bum Pants (€30.20), which claim to enhance your behind and create a voluptuous bum. The range also includes adhesive bum pads - just make sure they are firmly fixed to avoid any mishaps.

It's no surprise now that Penneys have followed suit with their range of ‘Under Control’ Surgery Free Curves. The range has built in padding to create the illusion of a curvaceous behind, whatever you are wearing. Available in Penneys stores nationwide.

Photo: myspace.com/ourlittlesecretie