Category Archives: Holiday

Keurig® 2.0 K550 Brewing System Featured On Our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

 

As a blogger with Northeast Bloggers, I was provided a Keurig® 2.0 K550 for my honest review, this did not influence my opinion or views in any way which are 100% my own!

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We have been a Keurig® family since 2010 and we absolutely love the Keurig® brewers.  Keurig® brewers are a great choice for holiday gift giving this season and I want to tell you about the new Keurig® 2.0 K550 Brewing System.  

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This is by far the most versatile Keurig® brewer to date!  You can brew a cup or a carafe of coffee now!  There are also lots of great features to customize your brewer in the settings like different color wallpaper and bright color reservoir lights among others.  The box contains all you need to get started brewing the perfect cup or carafe of coffee.  The reservoir has a water filter that you change periodically and the brewer can even remind you to do so if you like.

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The brewer will also dispense hot water when you choose the hot water selection on the touch screen.  The water reservoir  a large capacity so it really is great when brewing a carafe.  The pop up lid makes it easy to refill the water without removing the reservoir from the brewer.  You can then choose brew strength cup size on the touch screen.  The brewer recognizes the pack and knows whether it is a cup or carafe pack.

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You need to use  Keurig® brand packs, which include nearly 400 different beverages from 60 brands.  Consumers looking for a recyclable option can use Vue® packs (also with Keurig 2.0 Brewing Technology™) and K-Carafe™ packs. The plastic cup used in Vue® and K-Carafe™ packs is made of polypropylene/#5 plastic, which can be separated from the lid and filter and recycled wherever #5 plastic is accepted. Cleaning and descaling is now easier using the touch screen options.

Set up was easy and the only part that was a little hard was the bottom of the filter holder was on pretty tight and took some prying to come out.  after that you soak the included filter pack for 5 minutes and rinse for 60 seconds, then insert it in the filter holder.  You can set the date you put it in and the date to change on a dial on the top of the holder.  The brewer itself can be set to remind you to if you like.  Then you want to do a cleaning cycle before brewing your first cup. After filling the reservoir you then brew a 6 oz cup of boiling water to clean the machine.  After that you are good to go.

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We were sent an additional assortment of some great holiday inspired flavors like Spicy Eggnog, Wicked Winter Blend and Gingerbread that I just love.  My husband likes the carafe brewing option and the four cup carafe gets him through his morning.  He likes his caffeine!  It is so nice to have all the options like the night-light, wallpaper, clock settings, brew setting and more to really make the machine OURS.  It is everything we love about Keurig brewers and more!  Take a look at the following videos to see the brewer in action and learn more about the features.

 

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  • Product Dimensions: 10.43”L x 13.63”W x 13.45”H
  • Product Weight: 13.9 lbs
  • Voltage / Wattage: 120 V / 60Hz / 1470W
  • Includes: 
  • 4-cup starter carafe
  • 4 K-Carafe™ packs:
  •   Green Mountain Coffee® Breakfast Blend
  •   Green Mountain Coffee® French Roast
  •   Green Mountain Coffee® French Vanilla
  •   The Original Donut Shop® Regular
  • 6 K-Cup® packs:
  •   The Original Donut Shop® Regular Extra Bold
  •   Green Mountain Coffee® Hazelnut
  •   Green Mountain Coffee® Nantucket Blend®
  •   Barista Prima Coffeehouse® Italian Roast
  •   Starbucks® Pike Place® Roast
  •   Celestial Seasonings® English Breakfast Tea
  • 2.0 Water Filter Starter Kit with one filter

Mommy Ramblings is adding the Keurig® 2.0 K550 Brewing System to our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide.  If you are looking for a great last-minute gift, consider this Keurig brewer and the recipient will think of you cup after cup or carafe after carafe for years to come!  You can follow Keurig on Twitter and Facebook.

 


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Filed under Christmas, Holiday, Review

Elf On The Shelf-Worst Parenting Fail!!!

I love the Elf on the Shelf but not for the reason you may think.  I love them because they remind me of my absolute favorite childhood Christmas decoration. My parents had the kneehugger elves from Japan and every year I would arrange them hanging with acrobatic skill through the house.  I remember telling my mom they were my favorite and she told me they were hers too.

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When I had my own family she and I were shopping one day and found some very similar elves of which I scooped up more than a few to decorate my home.  So, when the Elf on the Shelf came out, I loved it just on its looks.  I am not one of those over the top parents who cannot wait every night to plan some elaborate hijinks that the kids will find the next day.  Truth be told, my husband and I forget half the time to move them (we have 2) and have to tell the kids things like,”I guess he likes the top of the picture frame so much, he went right back.” or “He is really being tricky, guess he thought you would not look there since he was there yesterday.”

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My kids love elves too, in fact I picked up several more this year and my little guys was so cute.  In the store they asked if they could touch them and if they were the real elves.  To which I answered, “No, they are just adorable decorations.  Which ones should we get?”  So I have elves all over and the irony is in my biggest confession which I will tell you next.

Last year, someone I know posted on Facebook that her children were traumatized when going through the Christmas decorations to find the Elf on the Shelf packed away with the ornaments.  He was supposed to be at the North Pole, not in a box that was in their basement all year!  The magic was spoiled and I am not sure if the mom or the children was more upset.  So, last year I told my husband we could not put our Elves away with any of the Christmas decorations.   Instead we hid them really good, in fact we hid them so good, we don’t even know where they are!

I am so mad now, because I either have to buy 2 more and you can’t just buy replacement elves, you have to buy the whole set up and I have the books and boxes because they do not take those with them to the North Pole.  I would still need to come up with a story of why they are so late, but I am good at stories so that is not the part that bothers me.

My husband found my childhood kneehugger  elves and a bunch of others along with an Annalee Santa that looks like an elf and asked why don’t I just spin some yarn with these characters.  I have thought about some very elaborate tales, like telling he kids that one of the older and very wise kneehugger elves just made it here, he is old and his magic is not so great any more.  He brought a note that our elves Jingle and Jangle had a very odd thing happen right before they were leaving to come to our house.  They were decorating the tree and their legs got caught in some of the lights in a way that twisted them and they both broke both legs.  They were in excruciating pain and the doctor could not clear them to travel.  That is when the wise but old elf said he would make the journey to explain.   It took him a long time to get here and he cannot possibly fly back every night, so he will just phone in reports and ride back with Santa on Christmas Eve.

No matter what this goes down in the parenting fail book.  I am sure they will both be found January 1st.

UPDATE

A few hours after writing this Jingle and Jangle were found.  They were tucked inside a santa hat behind some of my dolls that were on a shelf.  Hubby tucked them back there and it was like a Clark Griswold moment when he thought about the switch being off when he remembered.  Now they are perched one in the tree and one hanging from a cabinet door handle for the kids to see in the morning.  Better late than never!

 


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Filed under Christmas, Collectibles, Dolls and Dollhouses, Holiday, Humor, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings

Shop Walmart For Rollbacks on Disney Planes Items Perfect For Last Minute Gifts!!! #PlanesToTheRescue

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PlanesToTheRescue #CollectiveBias

Are you looking for the off button on the clock like I am?  I cannot believe how fast the days are flying by.  It seems it was Thanksgiving and now we are already at the last shopping weekend before Christmas.  I am so behind on absolutely everything.  If you are still looking for some last-minute holiday gift ideas, Walmart has Disney Planes merchandise on Rollback.

Looking for last minute holiday gift ideas? Delight the little ones in
your life with Disney Planes items now on Rollback at Walmart! All
items listed below are on rollback through the holiday season!
#PlanesToTheRescue #ad

Disney Planes Flight to the Finish Speedway ($24.97)

Disney Planes: Fire & Rescue Die-Cast Vehicles, 3-Pack ($14.97)

Disney Planes: Fire & Rescue Deluxe Talking Vehicle Assortment ($19.97)

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Filed under Christmas, Holiday, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Sale, Special Offers, Toddler, Toys

ChicoBag, Hobo rePete Purple Potion Bag Review & Giveaway!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

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Do you remember the expression, “Dynamite Comes In Small Packages”?  I do, a boy I went to elementary school who was shorter than most at the time would constantly say that.  He had great self-confidence but he was right, you can have something fantastic packed in a small package.  That reminds me of the Hobo rePETe bag from ChicoBag.

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The Hobo is an expandable carry all that can be worn as a stylish hobo-style bag or just kept to use if you have some impromptu purchases, so great for traveling.  The bag features a large  zippered main compartment, interior zipper pocket, front slip pocket for added organization and storage and a tie together strap that allows for a custom fit and adds a feminine touch. The interior pocket doubles as a pouch for the entire bag, making it perfect for travel. Made of recycled materials and finished with a subtle, heat embossed pattern. The Hobo was designed for the eco-chic adventurista on a mission to tread lightly on the planet, while looking good.

This bag is so wonderful to use every day or to pack when traveling. If you are like me, you probably come back with more than you went with and to have a bag like this for those items is such a convenience. The bag is very well constructed to use as an everyday purse or tote and will stand up to the use with quality workmanship and components.  This bag makes a great gift and even fits perfectly in a stocking!

ChicoBag is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky winner will win a Purple Potion Hobo rePETe Bag!  Thank you to ChicoBag for the review product and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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Filed under Christmas, Giveaway, Holiday, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Review

Loving Pets, Ruff ‘N Tuff® Diamond Plate Bowl For Pets Review & Giveaway!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

We have 3 dogs in our family, an American Bulldog, a Westie and a Maltese.  They are all the best of buddies despite the size differences and often they all eat from the same dish which can cause a lot of sliding and skidding and leads to a big mess.  We recently tried using the Loving Pets, Ruff ‘N Tuff Diamond Plate Bowl in XL.

Diamond Bowl

I was impressed with the quality of the bowl and how heavy it was.  The full rubber bottom prevents it from slip sliding all over as doggies dine. The bowl has a great look and functions well and Delilah, Zoey and Sassy give it 3 paws up!  Mommy Ramblings is adding the Loving Pets Ruff ‘N Tuff, Diamond Plate Bowl to our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide.  The bowl is available in 5 sizes for all breeds, x-small-XL:1 Pint, 1 Quart, 2 Quarts, 3 Quarts, and 5 Quarts

You can enter to win a Diamond Plate Bowl by using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck, open to US residents.

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Filed under American Bulldog, Christmas, Giveaway, Holiday, Holiday Gift Guide, Pets, Review, Westie

Epson LabelWorks LW-600P Label Printer Review & Giveaway!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

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Are you trying to get more organized?  Do you ever pack things up in boxes and totes and forget what’s inside?  Do you ever want to do something crafty like create professional looking monogrammed or personalized ribbons  for cards, wedding favors, hair bows and more?  If you answered yes to any or all of these things, I want to introduce you to the Epson LabelWorks LW-600P Label Printer.  

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This compact desktop label printer will let you create original labels that you can customize with clip art, your own photos and even your own handwriting or drawings.  You can also take a picture of what is in the boxes you are packing and create a bar code label to stick on the outside of the box.  If you scan the bar code label you will see a picture of what is inside the box!

 

 

 

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Labels are not the only thing it prints.  How about printing on beautiful ribbons.  What a great way to make wedding and party favors, your own cards, custom ornament hanging ribbon, hair bows, and so much more.

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It’s so simple to start printing with the bluetooth capability.  I was able to create and print from my laptop, iPad and iPhone in a flash.  Just download the app and I was ready to roll.  I cannot wait to use this to organize our home which is in the middle of at least 4 major home improvement projects at the same time.  I am so excited to start taking back some order and taming the chaos around here.  I will update with more of my own projects and organization examples very soon.  You can find the Epson LabelWorks LW-600P on Mommy Ramblings’ 2014 Holiday Gift Guide!

More about LabelWorks LW-600P:

Print labels smarter

Now, it’s easier than ever to print customized labels — virtually anywhere — with the LW-600P portable label printer. Print labels from your smartphone, tablet, PC or Mac. Print date labels for food items, QR code labels, or labels to organize cables. Create ribbons for gifts, or even labels with symbols or hand-written messages. Preview labels before printing. Or, use smartphones with voice recognition2 to create labels fast. Download the Epson iLabel app for iOS or Android devices or choose from other compatible apps3 available. With multiple tapes to choose from (up to one-inch wide) and an automatic cutter, you’ve got all you need for customized labels on the go.

Connect smarter

The battery-operated1 LW-600P can print wirelessly from iOS and Android devices, via Bluetooth. Simply download the Epson iLabel app or other compatible apps.3 Use your mobile device to create handwritten labels, iron-on labels, ribbons and more. This compact printer can also print from Windows® and Mac systems via a USB cable.

Enter The Giveaway:

Epson is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win an Epson LW-600P Label Printer. Than you Epson for the review product and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Epson LabelWorks  LW-600P Label Printer Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter to win using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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Filed under Christmas, DIY, Giveaway, Holiday, Kitchen, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Tech

Holiday Specs 3D Magic Glasses-Great For Christmas Parties & Stocking Stuffers!!!

Holiday Specs

Holiday Specs 3D Viewers are so much fun.  They are 3D glasses that turn white or colored Christmas lights into candy canes, santa claus, angels, stars, gingerbread men, snowmen, snowflakes and so much more.  I recently took out an assortment of the Holiday Magic 3D glasses when we had a family gathering and everyone was mesmerized by what they saw.  It is truly amazing and the further back you stand, the bigger the images get.  This is so fun for all your holiday parties.  They don’t only work on Christmas lights but work for street and city lights as well.  They make great stocking stuffers.  Also available in heavy-duty paper specs that are great to hand out at parties and events.

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Holiday Magic 3D Viewers are made by American Paper Optics.  Follow Holiday Specs on Facebook and Twitter.

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Filed under Christmas, Holiday, Holiday Gift Guide, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Review

SantaWillWrite.com Personalized Santa Letters-Packages-Postcards-From The North Pole-Save 15% Now With Promo Code!!!

 

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The magical time of Santa Clause for kids is so fleeting.  I am treasuring the time with my youngest children because I know how quickly it passes by.  Start a new Holiday Tradition that will quickly be your child’s favorite! Santa is ready to send a beautiful package fully personalized just for your special loved ones.

 

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Simply select the package you would like and watch your child’s absolute JOY when he or she receives a letter straight from the North Pole that talks all about them personally – what they want for Christmas and what they have done to be good. Watch your child’s eyes light up when they see their names on the Nice List! Bring the magic of Christmas into your child’s life with santawillwrite.com. 15% off any purchase – Use promo code: FG15 HERE !

 

We are ordering these for our kids and I cannot wait to see their faces.  I will update with our pictures when it arrives.  Let me know if you order and what your kids thought of the package.  Merry Christmas!!!

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Filed under Christmas, Holiday, Holiday Gift Guide, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Shopping

The Night Before Hanukkah By Natasha Wing Book Review & Giveaway Blog Tour!!!

We are participating in a blog tour to celebrate the release of  bestselling children’s author Natasha Wing’s new picture book, The Night Before Hanukkah.  This book celebrates the 8 nights of Hanukkah and follows a family as they light the candles of the menorah each night.  We get to see their family traditions like playing the dreidelal  game for chocolate gelt, enjoying potato pancakes called latkes, exchanging gifts and reading the story about the Maccabees.

The Night Before Hanukkah

Kids will love the adorable illustrations from Amy Wummer that fill the book.  This book is great to teach kids how different cultures and religions celebrate their holidays.  You can purchase the book on Amazon.com.

About Bestselling Author Natasha Wing
Natasha Wing graduated from Arizona State University in 1982 with a B.S. in Advertising.  Wing lives in Fort Collins, Colorado, with her husband, Dan and their cat, Purrsia. They moved to Colorado for the outdoor life and Wing was “happy to find a thriving writing community and a library that is open seven days a week with excellent programs for writers.”  She has been publishing for 22 years and is a frequent presenter at conferences and schools and loves to Skype with classrooms.

Would you like to win a copy of The Night Before Hanukkah By Natasha Wing?  If so, just use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter.  Open to US residents.

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Filed under Books, Holiday

Safari Ltd® Educational Toys That Teach & Giveaway!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

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My seven-year old is so interested in planets and the solar system and his little brother is full of questions about the size of the sun and which planets are hot or cold.  I think it’s wonderful when I can find toys that let us expand on those topics with tactile objects that will let them really see and understand the world around them.  Safari Ltd.  has been  a leader in producing “Toys that Teach” since 1982. Their mission is to teach children the importance of nature and conservation through the joy of imaginative play.

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Safari Ltd® TOOBS® are collections of hand painted figures.  There are so many collections to choose from like Ancient Rome, NYC, Sea Life, Babies, Dinosaurs, Ancient Egypt, Around The World, Coral Reef, Deep Sea Creatures, Butterflies, Arctic, Trains and so much more.  TOOBS® are great to use for kids projects, for teaching, sharing, playing, collecting and so much more. TOOBS® are perfectly sized to make awesome stocking stuffers.   My kids loved the Trains and NYC TOOBS® and I thought the babies TOOBS® were perfect for using in miniature scenes and especially in doll houses.

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The Solar System Set from the Safariology® collection was a huge hit, my boys loved handling he planets and seeing where they were in relation to the sun and other planets.  The tray has a cover that holds the planets in place when they are done so that everything stays right where it belongs.
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This set includes 8 planets and the sun, all hand-painted for detail and accuracy using the latest information from astronomers. Also includes an acetate tray for display, and a blister card with educational information in English, Spanish, French, and German.

For when my guys go exploring the  Safariology® Luminoculars  have them covered.  Made of durable ABS plastic with 3.5x magnification, a light beam that shines up to 100 feet, and a built-in compass. Now explorers can discover more, see farther away, and still find their way home! Luminoculars are available in translucent red, translucent blue, and camouflage.

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You can find Safari Ltd® Toys on our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide!

Safari Ltd® is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win their choice of a regular  TOOBS® set or one figure (subject to availability)!  Thank you Safari Ltd® for the review products and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Safari Ltd® Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

 

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Filed under Christmas, Giveaway, Holiday, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Review, Toys