Category Archives: Review

December 21, 2017 · 2:16 pm

Inspiring Creative Kids with Creativity For Kids Art Kits & Products – #Giveaway

We love drawing, painting and sketching. My kids always have too! Our 10-year-old will draw his favorite super heroes for hours. His drawings are quite good, and we encourage our childrens’ creativity by providing them with all kinds of paper, easels, paint, pencils and more. That is why I was thrilled to check out some art kits and watercolor pencil sets from Creativity For Kids by Faber Castell.

GRIP Watercolor Colored EcoPencils

These pencils are perfect for older children, they feature an ergonomic triangular barrel and patented Soft-Grip zone. This ensures fatigue-free and comfortable drawing. The high pigmentation in the lead makes colors very vivid. The water-soluble pigments give fantastic results: simply draw your picture then apply water to a paintbrush to create beautiful watercolor images. These Watercolor EcoPencils are a winner of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award.

Pencil Features:

Watercolor paint is in the pencil! Smooth colors that dissolve instantly with water
Made from re-forested wood, 24 artist-quality, vibrant colors blend easily
More pigment for richer color lay down
Easy to hold triangular shape with a unique “Soft-GRIP-Zone” for a secure hold and ergonomic grip
Leads are glued the entire length of the barrel and will not fall out
Easy to sharpen in any standard sharpener
Paint brush included
Non-toxic, conforms to ASTM D-4236

The pencils colored so effortlessly and smoothly while the GRIP-Zone provided secure handling which worked especially well, when coloring in narrow lines, and other small detail areas. Using a bit of water on the paint brush, we could create a watercolor paint effect to our designs.

Do Art Drawing & Sketching Kit

This set is ideal for beginning artists. The kit includes quality art materials and step-by-step illustrated project instructions.

The four Graphite Pencils vary in lead density and the book explains when to use each one. Kit also contains 2 Black Ink pens with varying point sizes, a 24 page Sketchbook, Colored Paper, Tracing Paper, a 20-Page Instruction Booklet, Copy Grid, Pencil Sharpener, Eraser and Clear Zippered Pencil Pouch.

The booklet is very easy to follow and explains art concepts and techniques in terms and images that kids can easily see and understand.

Do Art Watercolor Pencil Art

The Watercolor Pencil Art Kit is another beginning art kit with quality art materials and step-by-step illustrated instruction booklet. This kit teaches children to paint with Watercolor EcoPencils and explains the techniques in words and images they can clearly understand and see.

The kit includes 10 Watercolor Pencils, Clear Zippered Pouch, 24 Page Watercolor Paper Pad, 20-Page Instruction Booklet, Pencil Sharpener and Paintbrush.

We love these products so much, you will find them on Mommy Ramblings’ Holiday Gift Guide.

Giveaway:

Creativity For Kids is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win All Three Creativity For Kids Products and Kits Shown Above! Thank you to Creativity For Kids for the review art kits and products and for sponsoring this amazing giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

Creativity For Kids Art Kits & GRIP Watercolor Pencil Set Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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59 Comments

Filed under Art, Creative Activities, Gift, Giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide, Review

Tagged as Art Kits, Coloring, Creative Activities, Creativity For Kids, Faber-Castell, giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide, Painting

December 15, 2017 · 4:05 pm

Watch Ya’ Mouth Throwdown Edition For The Big Mouths on Your Holiday List!

A few weeks ago, I told you about a different game for your family that you might want to consider for your next family game night. The Watch Ya’ Mouth Throwdown Edition would also be a fun gift for kids and families on your holiday gift list.

The Watch Ya’ Mouth Throwdown Edition is the evolution of the original, wildly popular, hilarious Watch Ya’ Mouth game.

Rather than just speak phrases, players now go head-to-head with hilarious and challenging tasks – while wearing mouthpieces. Throwdown Edition takes competition – and laughter – to the next level and builds on the multigenerational gaming phenomena.

We had some time to try this game out and I will admit, while I thought it looked fun, the germophobe in me was wondering about everyone putting this stuff in their mouth and the logistics of cleaning it. This is a thought that never occurred to my kids or husband, lol. Apart from that, it is a very fun game but one that I have sterilization duty after.

Throwdown Edition has already been Awarded Top Holiday Toy of 2017 by Toy Insider & selected for the 2017 Amazon Holiday Toy List. We have added it to Mommy Ramblings’ 2017 Holiday Gift Guide.

The icing on this cake is that you can save 15% Off when you use the Coupon Code 15THROWDOWN when you check out on Amazon.

Make and Play Christmas Book – Hands-On Holiday Fun! #Giveaway

I just adore the Make and Play Christmas Book. It is so much fun for my kids to make the fun Christmas decorations and display them throughout the house.

This innovative new activity book includes ten press-out pieces to play and decorate with. The simple die-cut shapes, including Santa, a reindeer, and an angel, are easy to press out and slot together. The book also includes lots of activities, songs, and recipes to help celebrate Christmas!

This is a really nice book to give to any child and it gives them something to do throughout the season to prepare for Christmas Day.

We think this book is so fun we have added it to Mommy Ramblings’ 2017 Holiday Gift Guide.

Giveaway:

Candlewick Press is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their own hardcover copy of Make and Play Christmas Book! Thank you to Candlewick Press for the review book and for sponsoring this amazing giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

Where’s Waldo? Destination: Everywhere! Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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44 Comments

Filed under Books, Gifts, Giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide, Review

Tagged as Activity Book, Books, Candlewick Press, Christmas, Decorations, giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide, Nosy Crow

December 14, 2017 · 1:58 pm

Inspire Future Engineers with the Gadgets & Gizmos Invention Kit #Giveaway

We really like to choose toys for our kids that are fun and educational. That is why when we saw the Gadgets & Gizmos Invention Kit, we knew it was one that our kids would love and let’s face it, I knew my husband would love it too!

This is the ultimate kit for every aspiring inventor! The open-ended kit is packed with parts that kids can mix and match to make tons of gadgets and gizmos.

The step-by-step guide is easy to follow to create 8 projects, like a catapult, helicopter, hydraulic lift car and so much more including their own unique creations.

When they build and invent with this kit, they are exploring exciting science and engineering concepts. My son Ethan is interested in becoming an engineer so this is very exciting to him. The first thing they built with this 180 piece kit is an air powered rocket launcher. After building it, the testing it was super fun for all the boys!

We love this kit so much we are adding it to Mommy Ramblings’ 2017 Holiday Gift Guide.

Giveaway

Lakeshore Learning is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win their own Gadgets & Gizmos Invention Kit! Thank you to Lakeshore Learning for the review kit and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US residents.

Gadgets & Gizmos Invention Kit Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

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61 Comments

Filed under Christmas, Gift, Giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide, Review, Toys

Tagged as Creativity, Gadgets & Gizmos, giveaway, Invention Kit, Inventions, Lakeshore Learning, STEM, toys

December 13, 2017 · 4:25 am

Tender & Delicious Pot Roast Cooked In a Tagine

Wow, the weather has taken a serious dip in the Northeast. Tomorrow is going to be absolutely frigid, the morning will feel like 7 below 0 degrees F. The only bright spot is that next week, we should be back to more seasonable temperatures.

When the weather gets colder, I get into the mood to make hearty meals that stick to your ribs and warm you up. I love a good pot roast, beef stew, pasta fagioli and other flavorful stews and soups, on cold winter days.

If you have been following Mommy Ramblings for a while, you will remember my posts about the best way to cook hearty soups and how to make the perfect beef stew. The right cookware, and the way you cook, really make a difference in how your recipes turn out. I love trying new things in the kitchen and, I have always wanted to try cooking in a Tagine.

A Tagine is a cooking vessel that is used to cook food at a low temperature, for a long time. The unique shape of the Tagine lid allows steam to circulate, which works to keep all the ingredients tender and moist. This kind of vessel and cooking method, works so well with dishes like pot roast. The end result is that type of meat that just falls apart so beautifully, and melts in your mouth.

I just finished cooking my second pot roast in my Emile Henry Tagine, and I don’t think I will cook pot roast any other way. There are so many great recipes you can make in a Tagine. My daughter loves cooking chicken tagine. Any type of recipe that you can cook at a low temperature for a long time, will turn out well.

There are many different kinds of Tagines on the market, but I prefer the Emile Henry Tagine. This Tagine is made of their Flame Ceramic and can be used directly on the heat of the stove or in the oven. This is perfect, because I love starting off on the stove cooking my onions and garlic, browning my meat, and then transferring it all to the oven, to cook for several hours.

You can see the video I made the first time I used the Emile Henry Tagine to make pot roast

We love the Emile Henry Tagine so much, which is why you will find it on Mommy Ramblings’ 2017 Holiday Gift Guide. A gift of Emile Henry Cookware, is a gift any cooking enthusiast will treasure. I know, I certainly do! My Emile Henry Cookware and Bakeware are staples in my kitchen, and they make cooking and baking for my family and friends, easier and better than ever.

Giveaway

Emile Henry Set of 2 Burgundy #9 Ramekins Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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45 Comments

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

Tagged as Bakeware, baking, cooking, Cooking Video, Cookware, Emile Henry, Flame Ceramic, giveaway, Pot Roast, review, Soup, Stew

December 12, 2017 · 7:11 pm

Meet The Largest Corolle Doll and the 14″ Boy Doll That Uses The Potty #Giveaway

If you have been following Mommy Ramblings for a while, you will probably be aware that we are fans of Corolle Dolls, and just like the last several years, you will find them on our 2017 Holiday Gift Guide. This year we are featuring our first boy Corolle Doll and the biggest Corolle baby girl doll.

Mon Bébé Chéri to Dress is perfect for girls who want a large baby doll that they can dress in real baby clothes. This 20 inch doll can wear real 3 month size baby clothes. She has eyes that close when you lay her down and a cuddly soft body.

Check out our video review of this doll below:

Now, I want you to meet Paul, the drink and wet bath baby doll. This 14″ Corolle boy baby doll is anatomically correct. He can really drink his bottle and he is a very good boy who knows how to use the potty.

He does not leak, but will pee when his belly is pressed. This is the perfect doll to use when toilet training little boys too! To add more fun and realistic play, Paul can also take a real bath and the Corolle Baby Tub is a fun accessory to bathe him in.

You can see our video review and demonstration of Paul below:

The Bathtub for large (14 & 17 inch) My Classique Corolle dolls is an essential accessory for girls and boys to give their dolls a bath. Perfect for all Corolle dolls which can be played with in water.

He comes dressed in underpants and tank top along with his bottle and potty. Children can dress him in any of the Mon Classique Corolle Clothes for 14″ Dolls, like the Smock and Denim Overall Set.

He needed white sneakers and a pacifier too! They are both available as accessories for this Corolle doll.

Another realistic accessory for Corolle Dolls is the Cherry Umbrella Stroller. Just like a real stroller! The Cherry Umbrella Stroller for large My Classique Corolle dolls is fantastic! Lightweight and foldable, The Cherry Umbrella Stroller is easy to take along. The icing on the cake is that the grey wheels don’t show the dirt!

Giveaway:

Corolle Mon Bébé Chéri to Dress Doll and Cherry Umbrella Stroller Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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77 Comments

Filed under Christmas, Dolls and Dollhouses, Giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide, Mommy Ramblings, Review, Toys

Tagged as Corolle, Corolle Dolls, Doll Accessories, Doll Stroller, Drink and Wet Doll, giveaway, Mon Bebe Cheri, Paul, Potty Training Doll

December 9, 2017 · 2:06 pm

Choose TIME Slippers For High Performance Relaxation – #Giveaway

We are getting our first snowfall in New York today. It is the perfect day for me to appreciate the beauty of the falling snow from my windows as I write. Afterward, I plan to do some holiday baking, and then help my kids decorate a gingerbread house.

In the evening, we will build a roaring fire, and watch a Christmas movie together. I really need a day to kick back a little, and let myself enjoy some holiday fun. That can be difficult for me to do this time of year, because my editorial schedule is so full. However, today I am putting that time aside.

I am reminding myself of this today, by wearing my TIME Slippers. Who am I kidding? I have been wearing these slippers every day since I got them. The mid top, wool slippers have hard soles that I can and do wear outside, because they are so warm and cozy. No one even thinks they are slippers, as they look more like a mid top sneaker.

They are so easy to put on and take off, no laces to tie, and the handy hook and loop fastener flap in the back, lets you just slip your foot right in. I have had them for about a week, and I have been wearing them every day because they are so comfortable and they look great!

The yoga mat insoles make my feet feel great with 6mm of cushioning, that was expertly designed to be comfortable under pressure. The wool interior keeps my feet warm when it is cold and wicks away moisture to keep my feet comfortable. I chose the wool exterior, but they also have leather. TIME Slippers are all made using the finest quality materials.

If you travel, you will be able to sail right through TSA in these babies. They have many styles to choose from for men or women. Women, if you have big feet like I do, don’t despair. While their women’s sizes go up to 9.5, the slippers are unisex. That means that you can just order the men’s size that is the equivalent of what you need.

I can tell you, I wear a women’s 11, I ordered the men’s size 9, and they fit perfectly. I was afraid they would be really wide or look huge ordering a men’s size, but they don’t. The stretch laces fit my narrow feet perfectly, but would easily expand to fit wider feet.

I love these slippers so much, they have been added to Mommy Ramblings 2017 Holiday Gift Guide. They would make a great gift for just about anyone!

Giveaway:

$150 Gift Certificate to TIME Slippers Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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134 Comments

Filed under Gifts, Giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide, Review, shoes

Tagged as Comfortable Slippers, Gifts, giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide, Performance, shoes, Style, TIME Slippers

December 8, 2017 · 1:27 pm

The Smart Way To Cart Your Stuff Around #Giveaway

If you are a parent, crafter, teacher, in direct sales or more, you will love the Smart Cart by DBest Products. It is the easier and less awkward way to transport your stuff. Easily haul and store your craft supplies, instructional books, presentation items and so much more.

The Smart Cart is an easy to operate, convenient, collapsible rolling cart with telescoping handle. The smooth gliding wheels lets you maneuver the cart easily, even in tight spaces. The cart is lightweight and can carry up to 110 lbs. It folds compactly for easy storage. The patented, ergonomically designed handle has a non-slip rubber grip.

Made of durable, flexible waterproof material, the smart cart is ideal to haul important files or electronics. Available in 3 colors (red,black and blue) the smart cart is perfect to bring with you to the grocery store and to use to cart bags from your car to the house. The handy front pocket lets you store items you want to have easy access to.

I am loving these carts, they are ideal for so many things. Love to store my craft supplies in them because I can just roll the cart out to where I am working. When I am finished I just put everything inside and roll the cart right into the closet.

The carts are very handy when traveling, because I can load quite a few items inside, like my kids tablets, stuffed animals, books and toys and they can roll it in and out of the hotel or anywhere else we are staying. It also gives them a place to keep all their stuff while we are away from home, so less chance of them leaving something behind when we leave.

Cart Dimensions:

L 11″ x W 13″ x H 17″

Handle extends to 41″

The smart cart makes a perfect gift and that is why we have added the Smart Cart to Mommy Ramblings’ 2017 Holiday Gift Guide.

Giveaway: 2 Winners!!!

DB Products Smart Cart Giveaway (2 Winners) on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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81 Comments

Filed under Crafts, Gift, Giveaway, hobby, Holiday Gift Guide, Review, Shopping, Travel

Tagged as Baby Gear, Crafters, DBest Products, Groceries, Haul, sales, Scrapbooking, Smart Cart, Store, Teachers, Transport

December 7, 2017 · 10:37 pm

Celebrate The Traditional Rituals of Decorating The Christmas Tree with “Pick A Pine Tree” #Giveaway

Pick A Pine Tree by Patricia Toht and illustrated by Jarvis, is a book all about picking and decorating the perfect Christmas tree. This book is a festive, read-aloud children’s picture book that will have you all brimming with the joy and excitement of Christmastime.

Part of the magic of the Christmas season comes from the holiday traditions we look forward to and take part in each year: hanging stockings, putting candles in the windows, stringing lights outside, and one of the most important of all, picking out and bringing home the Christmas tree.

With palpable warmth and style, debut author Patricial Toht reminds us of all the rituals we go through to decorate our tree. Follow along as one family digs out the boxes brimming with ornaments and trimmings.

To make it more fun, they call their family and friends and invite them to an impromptu, tree trimming party. With family and friends, they deck the tree out, and then, turn on the twinkling lights.

Pick A Pine Tree Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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23 Comments

Filed under Books, Christmas, Giveaway, Review

Tagged as book, Christmas Tree, giveaway, Pick A Pine Tree, Traditions

· 1:52 pm

Give A Watch That Does More Than Tell Time-Save 25% Now! #JordWatch #Giveaway

If you are looking for a special gift, one that is unique, hand-crafted and stylish, you should check out Jord Wood Watches. These beautiful timepieces are made by a company that is run by artists, designers, marketers and minders. They spend their days working together to create watches modeled after a modern lifestyle.

Jord values sustainability, efficiency and experiential living. Their watches are made for individuals who don’t just have somewhere to be, they have somewhere to GO!

These beautiful, wood watches make you aware not of how much time has passed, but more the need to make your time count. Life’s moments are bigger than minutes and your watch should tell you more than time.

Recently, I had the opportunity to order my very own Jord Timepiece. I chose the unisex Frankie series which means, I often find my husband has taken my watch. I guess that means, I will have to put another under the tree for him.

This watch is packaged in a gorgeous wood box that opens to reveal the individual characteristics of the wood it is made with. It is nice and large, comfortable and fits great.

The blue watch face really makes it stand out and we both get many compliments on it when we wear it out.

Mommy Ramblings’ Readers Save 25% Off JORD Watches – Hand-crafted wood timepieces when they use the promo code “mommyramblings” when you checkout on woodwatches.com.