Just made these buns for the first time...truly sensational Chookie. Thank you for your inspired modifications. 

I just had a panic this morning myself when I couldn't budge the lid! It seemed jammed on. I carry it to & from our apartment & our bush house & thought it had been knocked in the car(inside its case). My clever hubbie looked at it for me & after some careful easing of the lid from the right side location switch, we realised that it had not been completely turned off & the location switch had locked the jug in place! Scary as,like all of us, I am in a Chrissy cooking fest. After I relaxed & got back into cooking I though it was an interesting discovery & might be useful info for someone else who got into this situation. 

It's something to look out for as the dial looked as if it was on zero but wasn't quite! Dont know how I'd got the lid on but my hubbie was able to too when the dial was in the wrong position & before we discovered the problem.

Anyone else had this experience?

I think I'm just unlucky as Sunbeam replaced my machine twice & the 3rd one lasted only a couple of months too. They said they wouldn't replace it again when I got the 3rd one...which I guess I should have kicked up about! But that was a couple of years ago now. I've since read a forum where many people talk failing VAC440s after owning for a few months. My first one worked for about 8 months before dying. I think it won't cope with heavy use! I was using them a lot! And that seems to be the common thread amongst those who've had dead machines.
Anyway, I also rang a service guy who tells me they're not really repairable & that they don't work with non-Sunbeam bags. I did use Sunbeam bags, but I'm putting it all down to experience. It wasn't that expensive in the scheme of things so I'm going to buy one from ebay!!  Yay!!!
I think I'll try the Bigland one...at the price it seems ok if it fails after 6 months!
We'll see.
Thanks for your help girls...I really like the Eiffel Rogizoja & may end up tracking one down eventually!
Meanwhile...shopping is fun!

I was told you paint the trees in mid winter(when it's in hibernation) with a sulphate compound that's blue. Can't remember which but Bunnings should have it.
If you're only putting in a couple of trees, I thik lemon & lime.. I have a Eureka lemon which is great but I love d the Meyer I had in my last place. Tahitian limes are great..hardy & tons of fruit.
I also have pear, peach, nectarine persimon & plum. Justput in an avocado & cherry, but have a constant battle with birds & wallabies. Managed to get some beautiful pears last year with protection bags from Green Harvest which I highly recommend! Unfortunatley the magpies figured out what was in the bags towards the end of the season but it was good for a while!
 

Thanks Thermominx..just harvested last of my celery so will make this tomorrow! Sounds great. Love the photo too. Cheers

Hi everyone. Several years ago I bought a Sunbeam vacuum sealer which I initially found to be fabulous for saving & freezing food that I take away on our boat when we travel. However, it didn't last very long & the "vacuum" function failed. I took it back & it was replaced...but unfortunately the same thing happened. Sunbeam replaced that one too but it failed also! Since then I've been using it as a sealer only which it still does effectively but I'd really like a vacuum sealer that works. Has anyone got any recommendations?

 Sorry Judy...didn't realize it was a year since you posted this recipe. Misread it as 2012.  I made the pie last night & it was very successful. Had only 500 gm chicken thighs so added a cup and half of peas & corn.We're trying to lose weight anyway.
 Was great so will certainly use it again. I'm still learning how to use TM! Though I certainly use it a lot! Thanks again..you're very attentive.