Category Archives: Holiday Gift Guide

The Best Way To Cook Soups & Stews! #HolidayGiftGuide #Giveaway

Logo_EmileHenry_PANTONE_Vertical_Grand_No®

The days are getting chilly and soup and stew weather is upon us. There is something about this time of year that makes it more comforting than any other time to enjoy a savory stew, flavorful soup or even a hearty chili.

stewpot

I love to cook stews and soups this time of year. One of my very favorites that I grew up with, is Pasta Fagioli which means pasta with beans in Italian. It is a warm-you-up, stick-to-your-ribs, bowl of deliciousness.

This weekend I cooked a huge batch of it in my brand new Emile & Henry Stewpot. I love this huge 7 quart, red covered stewpot. It is big and that is good because being Italian we never cook a little bit of anything. I believe it had to be an Italian that coined the phrase “Go Big or Go Home”. We just always have enough for anyone that stops by. I have a big family, but stews and soups are so good the next day and even to freeze.

Emile Henry Pot

emile henry pot 1

Emile Henry 5

Emile henry pot 4

This huge stewpot is an entirely natural cooking vessel. This stewpot is part of Emile & Henry’s Flame® product line and can be used direct on heat  (gas, electric or halogen), in the oven, the microwave, even on the barbecue.  The cookware is highly resistant to thermal shocks and you can take it from the freezer and put right in a hot oven.

The cookware itself retains heat so your food stays hot longer. The cookware is wonderful for cooking simmered dishes like stews and soups but  recommended by word renown chefs to use when cooking caramel due to its even heat diffusion. This stewpot makes caramel quickly and easily. We are going to try that out as my husband has been going on about wanting to make a sea-salt caramel.

Flame® Cookware is produced using raw materials directly from nature like non-treated clay, sand, filtered water and mineral oxides for the colorful glazes. So you know you are cooking in total safety. There is no lead, cadmium or nickel in them cookware and so no risk of contamination when cooking. The cookware is made in France from high fired Burgundy clay.

emile henry pot cook

Since it is such an excellent heat diffuser as opposed to metallic cookware, it diffuses heat and does not conduct it. The cooking process is gentle and food does not burn, so you are left with the flavors of your food intact. Since it is such a great diffuser it performs well on lower temperatures. So very high temperatures are unnecessary and it is advised to start with low heat.

Emile Henry 7

The cookware is very sturdy and resistant to mechanical shocks that make it a great choice in restaurants. The glazes used are very resistant to the dishwasher and the most aggressive of detergents

While my Pasta Fagioli was simmering I made a nice crusty round bread in my Emile & Henry Bread Cloche. You may remember when I showed you those last year. They are still one of my favorite kitchen items and the only way I make bread now!

Emile Henry 8

When my Pasta Fagioli was done I served it with fresh grated Parmesan cheese and the fresh sliced bread. It was the perfect weekend dinner on a cold night for this family.

Emile Henry Pot 8

Emile Henry Pot 9

We think the Emile & Henry Stewpot makes a gift that will delight any cooking enthusiast on your gift list. You will find it on Mommy Ramblings 2015 Holiday Gift Guide!

Emile & Henry is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win their own 7 quart Emile & Henry Stewpot ($240 ARV) . Thank you to Emile & Henry for this gorgeous stewpot and for sponsoring this awesome and extremely generous giveaway for our readers at Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

 

emile henry stewpot

Emile & Henry 7 Quart Stewpot Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

 

Continue reading


28 Comments

Filed under Cooking, Giveaway, Holiday, Holiday Gift Guide, Home, Home & Garden, Kitchen, Review

Diffusing Essential Oils In Your Home-Giveaway #HolidayGiftGuide

zao logoI really love using  essential oil diffusers throughout my house on a daily basis. I think there are real benefits in using the oils. I love diffusing Peppermint in the morning and throughout my day as it is very energizing and makes me feel invigorated. I like many blends and making my own but one thing for sure, you need a good diffuser. I wanted a mid size diffuser and I saw the ZAQ Galaxy. It is a large mid size diffuser and hold 200 ml of water with an 8 hour run time. It has auto shut off and it works amazing well and is very quiet.

Galaxy_On_Red4

The outer portion of the diffuser is a white ceramic designed to resemble outer space. It is a very tranquil diffuser that has colorful changing LED lighting or can be used without the lighting effects. I have been using my diffuser every day and it works so well, is easy to keep clean and is just such a great addition to my home. ZAQ diffusers have a 1 year limited warranty and they have awesome customer service if you ever need it.

 

diffuser large

 

 

 

Zao 6

ZAQ OIL Diffuser

ZAQ OIL Diffuser

zao 4

Zao 7

ZAQ OIL Diffuser

ZAQ OIL Diffuser

zao 11

We think the ZAQ diffusers like the Galaxy make a great gift this holiday season so we are adding it to our 2015 Holiday Gift Guide here at Mommy Ramblings.

ZAQ is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a ZAQ Galaxy Diffuser!  Thank you ZAQ for the review product and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

 

ZAQ Galaxy Essential Oil Diffuser Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

Continue reading


20 Comments

Filed under Christmas, Gifts, Giveaway, Holiday, Holiday Gift Guide, Home, Review

Chuggington: The Big Freeze DVD Giveaway #HolidayGiftGuide

Last Sunday when I awoke to find a coating of snow on my van, I was not impressed. October 18th is way too early to be seeing that white stuff. It was short-lived thankfully and this week saw us getting into the high 60’s and low 70’s. However as much as I hate to admit it, that white stuff will be here and we are supposed to be in for another cold, harsh winter. I am hoping they are wrong this time but I guess time will have to tell us that.

Cool winter fun is coming down the tracks with the newest Chuggington DVD: The Big Freeze!

Chuggington The big freeze

This super-sized release from Anchor Bay Entertainment features a Never-Before-Seen Holiday Special, to Warm Hearts All Winter Long

 

The latest release in the popular DVD collection is jam-packed with six fun-filled adventures – including a never before seen holiday special episode from the top-rated Disney Junior series. “The Big Freeze” pulled into retail stores on October 13, 2015, just in time to help families from coast-to-coast celebrate the season – Chuggington style!

The chuggers perform one heroic rescue after another in this cool new seasonal collection of “Chuggington” adventures! When icy temperatures cause the town to run out of fuel and all diesel engines are grounded, it’s wheels-to-the-rails as Chief Jackman and his team of brave Chug Patrollers work together to find a way to the frozen docks to retrieve fuel and get the town of Chuggington moving once again. Fans can join Fletch as he tries to repair the lighthouse, chug along with Calley as she tests to become a first responder, watch as Brewster gets closer to being a Chuggineer, and more! “The Big Freeze” will help teach little chuggers nationwide important lessons about safety, responsibility and teamwork as they ride alongside their favorite friends, Wilson, Koko, Brewster, and Asher!

This is a great movie to give to little ones on your wish list this holiday season. You will find it on a pick for kids on Mommy Ramblings’ 2015 Holiday Gift Guide!

Episodes:

  • The Big Freeze – Never-before-seen holiday special!
  • First Responder Calley
  • On Track Brewster
  • Hodge Can’t Wait
  • Zephie’s Star Club
  • Toot’s New Friend

DVD Bonus features:

  • Badge Quest Episode: “Share the Load”
  • Character Montages: “Daley” and “The Docks Crew”

Dove.org reports: “Now this is what good children’s entertainment is about! The stories are terrific, the characters are delightful, and the animation is awesome!” And, for double the turbo-charged adventures, Anchor Bay Entertainment will release in tandem the new-to-DVD dino-sizedChuggington” title, “Wilson and the Dinosaur.”

Young fans can experience even more “Chuggington” fun at Amtrak Train Days events, taking place across the country. For information click HERE!

Now in its fifth season on Disney Junior, “Chuggington” is a colorful and contemporary CGI-animated TV show from Ludorum that reinforces early social readiness skills. The series has become a global sensation since its debut in September 2008 in the U.K. The show has been licensed to more than 175 territories worldwide and has established ratings records in several key international markets, including the U.K., Germany, France and Australia. The series made its U.S. debut in January 2010.

About “Chuggington

Chuggington” is a contemporary, action-based, energetic and vibrant CGI series for children ages 2-5. The series follows the adventures of three young trainees – Wilson and his friends Brewster and Koko – as they ride the rails and take on exciting challenges that test their courage, speed and determination. Along the way, and with help and support from a strong community of engines and people, they learn positive values and new skills that empower them to become the best trainees they can be. Further information is available at www.chuggington.com.

The Big Freeze

Street Date:                  October 13, 2015

 

Audio:                         Surround 2.0

Retail Price:                 $14.98

Genre:                          Children’s, TV on DVD

Rating:                         Not Rated

Run Time:                    73 Mins

Year:                            2015

Enter The Giveaway

Anchor Bay Entertainment is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a DVD of Chuggington: The Big Freeze!. Thank you Anchor Bay Entertainment for the review product and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Chuggington: The Big Freeze!  DVD Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

Continue reading


9 Comments

Filed under Attractions, Gifts, Giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide, kids, Movies, Toddler, Toys

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.

Continue reading


2 Comments

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

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.

Holiday Magic

Holiday Specs 5
Holiday Specs 2
Holiday Specs 1
Holiday Magic 3D Viewers are made by American Paper Optics.  Follow Holiday Specs on Facebook and Twitter.

4 Comments

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

Amber Artisans Healing Baltic Amber Jewelry

Have you heard about the healing powers of natural Baltic Amber?  Closely examined, the composition of natural Baltic Amber is dominated by Succinic Acid, the key to our own body‘s natural immune system – and equally rare. When natural Amber comes in contact with our body, it creates not only healing but also peace and calm. Since Baltic Amber supports our immune system through contact, it also provides a form of energy that restores physical well-being.

raw amber bracelet

Amber Artisans creations  are as unique in their composition and abilities as you are. Whether you’re looking for a remedy to reduce bodily aches and pains or mental stress, natural Baltic amber adapts itself to your condition and works with you immune system to create the perfect solution.

Amber Children's Bracelets

There are so many facets to the healing power of Amber such as promoting good health, providing recovery from addictions, healing the mind and spirit and so much more. Many wearers believe that Amber also inspires prosperity and success.

mens-Amber -bracelet

Along with the significant impact of healing mid, body, and spirit, Amber Artisans jewelry statements are exceptionally beautiful and stylish. You can enjoy being in fashion regardless of your person fashion statement. Amber jewelry comes in a variety of shapes and colors and will fit well with any wardrobe for the fashion conscious. More importantly, no one but you knows what incredible healing you’re experiencing while wearing it.

Children-Teething-Necklaces

Every single amber healing bracelet or amber healing necklace designed by craftsman that has been working their trade for many generations is a work of art.

I have heard about the healing properties of Baltic Amber and we have featured other products before on our blog.  I was eager to try one of the adult necklaces and after browsing the Amber Artisans website chose the 20″ Rainbow Sunshine Amber Beads Healing Necklace and was also sent a ring and some raw amber stones.  

Amber healing-necklace-rainbow sunshine

The beads on the necklace are beautiful and polished to perfection.  They are so smooth and beautiful.  The ring is colorful and comfortable as it is stretchy and I find during the day I move it from finger to finger.  It is soothing just to hold the necklace and the ring when I am switching it from finger to finger.  I really do feel like thy are making a difference in my spirit and I have only recently started wearing them.  I really want to get a bracelet as well.

Amber Healing-Neclace-Rainbow-Sunshine-1

Mommy Ramblings has added Amber Artisans to our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide.

Baltic-Amber-Necklace

Baltic-Amber-Necklace-Ring

If you have been eager to try Baltic Amber for its healing properties, take a look at all the great designs on Amber Artisans website.  They have bracelets, rings, teething necklaces, adult necklaces and more.

Amber Artisans is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky reader will win a Rainbow Sunshine Amber Beads Adult Healing Necklace.  Thank you Amber Artisans for the review necklace and ring and for sponsoring this terrific giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  Open to US residents.

Amber Artisans Adult Healing Necklace Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck.

Continue reading


11 Comments

Filed under Christmas, Fashion, Health, Holiday Gift Guide, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Natural, Review, Shopping

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

 

leaderboard_SWW728x90v2 (2)

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.

 

santaLetterDescr2Santawillwrite package

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!!!

niceListDescrSmall2014

logosww (1)

 


2 Comments

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

Shop Wonder Forge Games This Holiday Season & Enter Our Giveaway To Win 2 Star Wars Games!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

wonder-forge-logo

Wonder Forge has consistently offered top-quality experiences, raising the bar for preschool and family games everywhere. The preschool titles celebrate the “can do” attitude in all kids—engaging them physically, socially, and creatively. The family games bridge generation gaps and create wholesome family moments and lasting memories.   If you are shopping for kids big and small this holiday season, Wonder Forge has some great choices that will have the whole family playing and interacting together.  Check out these great games:

 

Disney Pictopia Family Trivia Game

 disney-pictopia-game-contents

Our family loves games we can play together and Pictopia is certainly one that fits that description.  This uniquely collaborative yet competitive trivia game will have your family teaming up and testing their knowledge on 1,000 questions covering the World of Disney!  Questions range from Disney Jr., Disney XC to the Disney Parks and classic films.  Players place wagers based on knowledge of those images, and then work together or on their own, to answer the question.  For ages 7 and up.

 

Promotes:
  • Family together-time
  • Strategic thinking
  • Cooperation and teamwork
Product Contents
  • 200 Cards (1000 Questions)
  • 30 Wager Coins
  • 1 Game Board
  • 6 Movers
  • 6 Scoring Dials
  • 1 Die
  • Instructions

Pictopia

Pictopia 5

Pictopia 4

Pictopia 2

 

Do you have Star Wars fans in your house like I do?  If so, check out these great games:

Star Wars Face Off Dice Game:

 

star-wars-face-off-contents

Go head-to-head in this action-packed bluff ‘n’ battle dice game!  Roll hero combos to rack up points or push your luck and “go villain” to steal the win!  Pack it all up in the collectible cup and play anywhere!  For ages 8 and up and 2 to 4 players.

Product Contents
  • 1 Darth Vader/Luke Skywalker Dice Cup
  • 5 Dice
  • Instructions

Star Wars Face Off

Star  Wars Face Off 1

Star Wars Force Grab:

 

star-wars-force-grab-contents

Force Grab is edge-of-your-seat fun! Race to spot when the Star Wars objects match the pictures. React fast! Look out for decoys, bonus scoring twists, and other disturbances in the Force!  My kids love playing this race to action game with us   Ages 6 and up and for 2 to 6 players.

Promotes:
  • Physical dexterity
  • Memory
  • Quick reflexes
Product Contents
  • 15 Objects
  • 4 Lightsaber Markers
  • 1 “3” Marker
  • 1 “0” Marker
  • 50 Placards
  • 15 Score Tokens
  • Instructions

Star Wars Force Grab Game

 

Star Wars Force Grab Game 1

Star Wars Rebel Missions:

It’s a dark time in the galaxy as the evil Galactic Empire tightens its grip of power. Work together as the ragtag crew of the Ghost starship and fight Imperial forces on the remote planet of Lothal! In this exciting team strategy game, race against the Imperial Timer to complete daring Rebel missions and find the four secret codes that will deal a blow to the Empire! Every game is a different edge-of-your-seat adventure!  Ages 6 and up and 2 to 4 players.

Promotes:
  • Cooperation and teamwork
  • Strategic thinking
Product Contents
  • 1 Imperial Timer
  • 2 Dice
  • 44 Resource Tokens
  • 28 Mission Placards
  • 5 Rebel Profiles
  • Instructions

Star Wars Rebel Missions

 

Star Wars Rebel Game

 

When you are ready for a stretch, it is time to play Disney Junior Super Stretchy Game:

disney-jr-super-stretchy-contents

 

Get moving with the beloved characters from Disney Junior, including Doc McStuffins, Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Sofia the First, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse! While you stretch your body, other players flip over cards and call out characters, colors, and shapes. How many can you reach at the same time? It’s active fun for your wiggly ones!

Promotes:
  • Self-confidence
  • Teamwork and cooperation
  • Physical dexterity
Product Contents
  • 44 Game Cards
  • 1 Card Holder
  • 1 Play Mat
  • Instructions

Super Stretchy Game

Super Stretchy Disney Game

 

Where to Buy:  You can purchase these great games at Major Retailers like Toys R Us, Walmart, Kohls and Amazon.com.  You can find Wonder Forge on our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide at Mommy Ramblings.

 

Giveaway!!!

Wonder Forge is sponsoring a giveaway and one lucky Mommy Ramblings’ reader will win their own Star Wars Rebels Mission and Star Wars Force Grab Game!!!  Thanks to Wonder Forge for the review games and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

Wonder Forge Star Wars Rebel Missions and Force Grab Game Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

 

  Continue reading


15 Comments

Filed under Family, Family Fun, Giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Review, Toddler, Toys

Lakeshore Learning Beginner’s Science Lab Review & Giveaway!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

LakeShore 60 Year Logo

 

Are you looking for gifts for the kids on your holiday gift list that are as much fun as they are educational?  If so, you should check out Lakeshore Learning.  They have a full inventory of educational and fun toys for all ages and many are on sale.  You can view their Holiday Flyer and see for yourself the wide selection and great prices.  Click HERE for a coupon that will save you 20% on any regularly priced item.  There is also an additional coupon you can use in store and online on the back of the digital flyer!

We picked the Beginner’s Science Lab from the Holiday Flyer for our budding scientists.

Lakeshore Learning Science Lab

The boys were thrilled to see the huge box filled with all kinds of science equipment and materials.

 

Building a volcano was the first project.  It was very simple, there is a non-toxic paper mache mixture that you just add water to and mix with your hands.  Then on some wax paper you mold into a volcano shape and form the opening.  It must dry for a couple of days before you can have an eruption.  Ours is drying but we will take a video and update this post in a couple of days.

Science Lab

Science Lab 1

Science Lab 2

Science Lab 3

 

Science Lab 4

Sciene Lab 4

Science Lab 5

Science Lab 6

Another great experiment, is the liquid layers, using pancake syrup, cooking oil and colored water, the boys observed how the colored water formed a ball that actually passed through the oil layer into the water layer.  They thought that was really neat.  We have some more experiments lined up for today and they are really looking forward to it.

 

 

Science Lab

Science Lab 1

Science Lab 7

Science Lab 8

 

Science Lab 9

Science Lab 10

 

We love this Beginner’s Science Lab so much we are adding it to our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide.  Would you like a chance to win one?  Great!  Just enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!  Open to US Residents.  Many thanks to Lakeshore Learning for the review kit and for this awesome giveaway!!!

Lakeshore Learning Beginner’s Science Lab Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings:

Continue reading


3 Comments

Filed under Christmas, Education, Entertainment, Family, Giveaway, Holiday, Holiday Gift Guide, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Review, Sale, Shopping, Special Offers, Toys

Star Kids, Snack & Play Travel Tray Is Perfect For Holiday Traveling!!!

starkidslogo

The day before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year!  If you are traveling over the river and through the woods by car, boat, plane or train with kids, bring lots of activities.  Little ones have a harder time gauging the time it takes and lucky us if they are great sleepers in the car, but we are sure to hear at least 10 “Are we there yet?” questions. Having fun things they can do in the car can eliminate at least 5, maybe even 6 of those.

The Snack & Play Travel Tray is ideal for traveling and it is perfect to use with your car seat, on airplanes and even strollers.

snack-and-play

 

snackandplay-4halfinch

The Snack & Play Travel Tray is made of a soft, durable, 100% nylon that is easy to clean.  The tray easily buckles around the child or stroller, has large mesh storage pockets for all their toys and books and a 2 inch wall to stop things from rolling off the top and falling.

trayedgeinset-4halfinch

Star Kids Products is an innovative children’s product manufacturer that specializes in making fun and safe products for busy, traveling families. Travel tray makes a great gift. Snack & Play Travel Tray can be purchased through their retail network.  You can follow Star Kids on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest to stay in the know.  Mommy Ramblings is adding the Snack & Play Travel Tray to our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide.

 


2 Comments

Filed under Baby, Baby Gear, Christmas, Giveaway, Holiday, Holiday Gift Guide, Review, Toddler, Toys, USFG