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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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!!!

 

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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.

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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.

 

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ZAQ OIL Diffuser

ZAQ OIL Diffuser

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ZAQ OIL Diffuser

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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:

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

Classic Kids’ Toys That Stand The Test Of Time-#HolidayGiftGuide Giveaway!

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When you think about children’s toys, there are the flash in the pan, flavor of the week toys and there are the classic toys that thrill kids from generation to generation. Parents embrace classic toys because they remind them of their childhood and they know they are a wise investment that will provide their child with years of fun. One of those classics is blocks. Blocks are so great because they are never the same toy twice and the possibilities are limited only by one’s own imagination.

Recently I had the chance to take a look at Lakeshore Learning’s Castle Blocks. These enchanting hardwood blocks let kids create a fascinating fortress, spacious palace & more! The durable, stackable blocks come in 12 unique shapes & are printed on every side with a fun medieval theme—so kids can construct castles from all directions! They come in a set of  60 blocks.

Castle Blocks

My kids loved them and have been playing with them since they arrived. Every day there is a different adventure that awaits them, new castles to build and conquer and battles to be won. This is the kind of creative play I like to see in my child, one that has them really thinking about what they are doing. I think with all the technology today, children need a balance or they will miss out on challenging their brains in a creative way.

The blocks are gorgeous, solid wood and decorated beautifully on all sides. They are a true heirloom toy to be handed down from generation to generation.

Castle Blocks

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Lakeshore Learning has so many toys and games that challenge, teach and entertain kids while they have fun. Right now you can save 20% at Lakeshore Learning. Click HERE  to get a 20% off coupon you can use in-store or online.  Oh and since we think the Castle Blocks from Lakeshore Learning are so great, we are adding them to our 2015 Holiday Gift Guide.

Do you want a chance to win a set of Castle Blocks? If so just read on to the giveaway below.

Lakeshore Learning is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win their own set of Castle Blocks  . Thank you to Lakeshore Learning for the review product and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

 

Lakeshore Learning Castle Blocks Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

 

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Filed under Christmas, Giveaway, kids, Review, Shopping, Special Offers

Enjoy Cocoa, Cookies & Christmas Carols As You Cruise Through The City The Never Sleeps!

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If you are looking for a fun way to take in the sites of New York City and celebrate the holidays, you have to hear this! How does a warm and cozy cruise tailored for friends and family sound? Step inside Manhattan’s toasty solarium which is decked out in holiday decor for a 90 minute cruise to see the lights of New York City! Of course delicious hot cocoa, cookies and treats for all guests are included. Then join in on 20 to 30 minutes of live holiday carols or enjoy 2 live Jazz Trio Sets!

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Aboard the 1920’s style yacht, you can relax on the heated back deck salon to enjoy the gorgeous view of the island. Take in picturesque views from the glassed-in observatory.

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Along the way you will see:

The Yacht Manhattan in Full Holiday Decor!
Cocoa, Cookies & some sing-along Holiday Carols or live Holiday Jazz!
Battery Park, South Street Seaport & the Financial District
Governor’s Island, The Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Parts of Brooklyn & Queens & the NYC skyline
The Williamsburg, Manhattan & Brooklyn Bridges of the East River

A complimentary beer, wine, spiked hot cocoa or champagne from the bar is offered on all trips. Mixed drinks are available for purchase. For more information to see cruise schedule please click HERE!  Receive 15% off each ticket purchased at www.sail-nyc.com using ONLINE promo code 15COCOA – Valid for any Cocoa & Carols Cruise aboard Yacht Manhattan II!


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Filed under Holiday, Review, Special Offers, Travel

Macy’s Men’s Designer Event! Herald Square, November 5th at 6 pm! Fashion, Food & Music!

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I think it is true what the classic ZZ Top song says, “Every girl’s crazy about a sharp dressed man.” Men’s fashion is hot! When the air turns crisp and the leaves are falling to the ground, a man in a sharp suit can really get heads turning! If you love shopping with your man or for your man, I have great news! Macy’s is kicking off their semi-annual Men’s Style Event with fresh looks, refreshments and great music. You can receive 25% off your purchase of $75 or more when you shop for the newest fall trends.

Oh and how great is this? Old blue eyes, chairman of the board, Mr. Frank Sinatra is celebrating his 100th birthday this year and to honor that, when you spend $100 in men’s fashion, take home the new 5 -Film Collection of his. This collection features five classic movies on Blu-ray, this collection includes newly re-mastered releases of Anchors Aweigh, On the Town and Robin and the 7 Hoods on Blu-ray and Digital HD along with favorites Ocean’s 11 and Guys and Dolls.

So if you need that perfect outfit for your husband, boyfriend, significant other or son  for the Christmas photo, holiday party, Thanksgiving dinner or other event head on down to Macy’s because the  Men’s style and designer event is sure to help your man look better than ever! Alexandra from Mommy Ramblings will be covering this extravaganza of Men’s fashion and live tweeting and Instagraming from the event. Join us Thursday, November 5th at Macy’s Herald Square in the city that doesn’t sleep New York, NY at 6pm. As Frank would say, “I wanna be a part of it!” For more information visit http://bit.ly/MensDesigner15.

Macy's Mens Fashion Event

 

“This post is sponsored by Everywhere Agency; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.“


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Filed under Fashion, Life, Mommy Ramblings, Sale

Harry Connick Jr. Departs From His Comfort Zone In “That Would Be Me”

Harry Connick Jr. takes a true departure out of his comfort zone in his new album released today, That Would Be Me. For the first time in 25 years, he worked  in the studio with outside producers on this album which continues to stretch boundaries and embrace the plainspoken instincts that have guided him throughout his life.

 

When talking about the new album, Connick half-jokingly confided: “It’s the only time I’ve violently thrown myself out of my own comfort zone,’ enthusiastically agreeing to work in the studio with two ‘external’ producers.  The noted collaborators he’s chosen are acclaimed musical craftsman in their own right –  Producers Eg White (Sam Smith, Adele, Florence And The Machine), and Butch Walker (Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Pink, Weezer, Fall Out Boy). The result is a riveting album full of surprises and stirring musical conjurations, delivering great songs and new insights into a prolific artist who Butch Walker, himself, has called ‘an American musical treasure.’

TRACK LISTING:

1.       (I Like It When You) Smile
2.       (I Do) Like We Do
3.       Tryin’ To Matter
4.       Songwriter
5.       Do You Really Need Her
6.       You Don’t Need A Man
7.       You Have No Idea
8.       Where Prisoners Drown
9.       (I Think I) Love You A Little Bit
10.    Every Time I Fall In Love
11.    Right Where It Hurtsharry connick

I actually liked the second half of this album this best. I think it is because I am a sucker for love ballads.  So not hard not to believe that Every Time I Fall In LoveYou Have No Idea followed by Love You A Little Bit were my favorite tracks. Yes, this album was a departure from Harry’s usual style but not a derailment by any means. It is true reaching and stretching out of our comfort zone we can discover the best things await us there.

Are these the best things for Mr. Connick Jr. I highly doubt that he has reached his peak. He may say he is one year closer to dead in I Like It When You Smile but I think it is safe to say, “Harry there’s a lot of life in you yet and a lot of music in your soul!” 

You can find this album on iTunes and Amazon. Check out the official Harry Connick Jr. Website and Follow him on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

 

I participated in the That Would Be Me album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided an album to review but all opinions are my own.

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Pink Limited Edition Charms- 50% Donated To Help End Breast Cancer #GlamuletPinkOctober

Glamulet the Charms brand jewelry company was founded in 2014 with a mission to offer every woman a new range of trendy, elegant and quality jewelry at affordable prices. They believe that every woman should have the ability to express herself and feel pretty. The gorgeous charms are able to be mixed and matched to allow women to create their own unique and special bracelet. Charms are available in all kinds of styles and designs.

I want to share some very special charms that Glamulet has created. The Pink Limited Edition Charms were created to support the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign. For every set of charms added to the cart, 50% is donated to a charity organization.

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Breast Cancer is the 2nd deadliest cause of death for women around the world. By 2050, no woman should die of breast cancer. Check out the new Pink Limited Edition Charms and remember that Glamulet is going to donate 50% of every set of charms you buy to a charity fund for breast cancer. To see the charms and learn more about what Glamulet is doing to help put an end to breast cancer click HERE!


This post is sponsored by Glamulet. As always my words and views are 100% my own.

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Filed under cause, jewelry, Life

Spin Master Giveaway- Three $125 grand prizes & 10 runner up prizes. Enter Here!

Take a look at this awesome new Quick Cups video from Spin Master Games and enter the giveaway below for a chance to win 1 of 3 grand games packages including Fibber, Moustache Smash, Boom Boom Balloon, Shark Mania, Rapidoodle, and Quick Cups! There are an additional- 10 Fantastic Runner Up Prizes of the Quick Cups Board Game!” Quick Cups is a great game where kids can outperform their parents if they have a quicker eye and hands! It’s a game for everyone to play and ANYONE can be the winner!”

Check out the Spin Master YouTube Channel for more great videos.

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Easy Solution For Clean Car Seats Plus Giveaway

Kids, pets, muddy feet, spills and more are all in and out of our cars every day. Well, maybe the spills are not out. If you’re a parent you’ve probably deal with a lot, if not all, of what I mentioned. My husband and I have leather seats in our vehicles but they still require cleaning. We also like to have our seats protected against scratches or tears as much as possible. Most of all, we like to protect our leather seats from having the car seats installed right on top of them. Maybe you have thought about car seat covers. We recently installed a full seat cover in the back seat of my husbands truck.

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We used to use the seat protectors that just go where the car seats are but this cover fits over the entire back seat. It was easy to install. The car seats fit great, there are Velcro openings for the seat belts. The cover we chose is the VersaVia , this cover comes in three colors; black, tan and gray. The cover is quilted with a non-slip rubber backing that keeps it in place. It looks like a custom cover. The cover is waterproof, and 54″ wide so with the adjustable tight-fitting straps it fits most trucks, SUVs and vans.

 

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Giveaway

Versaliving is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog winner will win their own VersaVia Car Seat Cover in their color choice of black, tan or gray. Thank you t Versaliving for the review product and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

 

VersaVia Car Seat Cover Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Filed under Baby Gear, Family, Giveaway, Home & Garden, Life, Review

Safari Tales-Kids Learn Reading, Vocabulary & Reasoning Skills Through Games!

Earlier this month we went on a family safari. My kids loved it and so did my husband and I. It was all our younger kids talked about in the following days. They are still bringing it up and asking all kinds of questions about the animals. They are so curious about the lions, tigers, bears, rhinos and more!  In keeping with the safari theme, I want to introduce you to a great learning game. One that parents won’t mind their kids playing, because they are learning reading, vocabulary and reasoning skills through highly engaging games.

SAFARI TALES™, is an enchanting animal adventure game which encourages exploration in reading and vocabulary skills by casting the player as both adventurer and storyteller. Following in the fossilized footsteps of award-winning DINO TALES™, children join five baby animal friends as they explore a vast African Savannah bursting at the seams with wildlife, mini games to master and artifacts and relics to discover and collect. Throughout their in-game adventures, kids learn countless facts and figures about the various environments, their inhabitants and items they encounter on their way, building knowledge and enhancing reading skills.

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I downloaded this app on iTunes to try it out. My husband and I were both amazed at how much there was to do and how interactive and fun it was. You start out with an adorable baby elephant named Eshe.  You can change Eshe’s appearance with fun textures and colors, teach her tricks and walk with her to find other animals and go on quests together. The graphics are so much fun and there are lots of surprises to discover at every turn. screen640x640

You also learn about what your animal can eat and what is not an appropriate food or drink for them. All along  the way you can stop and ask questions to your adorable Meerkat host, Darwin. The game has great music and realistic sounds that make it even more fun. I have only just started discovering all there is to do and I can see why Kuato Studios, is the world-leading developer in learning-through-games.

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SAFARI TALES further feeds inquisitive minds through an adaptive gaming engine built around Apple’s SIRI technology. Curious kids are encouraged to construct over a thousand different questions to ask their in-game guide, Darwin, who will supply intelligent and fact-filled answers, aiding literacy skills in sentence structure, reading and creative thought.

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At the end of each play session, SAFARI TALES uses patented technology to convert children’s adventures, discoveries and achievements into an incredible interactive storybook. Each new tale can be saved and stored to be read over and again with parents and loved ones, strengthening literacy, reasoning and inquiry skills.

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I was happy to see this game encourages parents  to participate in their child’s SAFARI TALES playtime through ‘Parent Corner’, selected from the home screen. From here, access to the game can be PIN-restricted, parents can set their child’s reading age and can control game length from a variety of session times, ensuring playtime fits the family routine. Additionally, notifications can be received each time a new creative artwork is produced in the game, allowing parents to monitor their child’s learning and share in their creativity.

Aimed at children aged between four and ten, SAFARI TALES has been developed in conjunction with pupils and teachers, to ensure that content is age-appropriate and game play fun. “Feedback from both kids and adults is invaluable for us as a studio,” said David Miller, award-winning teacher and now Director of Learning at Kuato Studios. “This participation in the development allows us to pinpoint particular opportunities where the child’s engagement with the game play, their creativity and performance peak, producing the perfect learning experience.”

Safari Tales is avail able now on iOS and Android platforms on iTunes, Google Play and Amazon. Just click the links and check it out yourself. You can join the adventure at Safari Tales and follow Kuato Studios on Facebook, TwitterYouTube and Instagram. Get a Safari Tales Coloring Book HERE!

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About Kuato Studios

Kuato Studios is a learning company building fun and interactive products that inspire kids to learn the new skills of the future. Kuato Studios was founded in 2012 by the creators and investors behind Siri, to disrupt, innovate and lead the education market, and is working on integrating the latest cutting edge technology, like next generation conversation AI from SRI International, into a smart tutoring platform. Beginning in March 2013 with the release of Hakitzu, a game that teaches coding skills and problem solving, Kuato Studios has pioneered the next generation of educational video games. Through the recent release of Dino Tales and Safari Tales, Kuato Studios continues to be at the forefront of educational technology.

I was provided with a code to download this app for free and while compensated my words and views are always 100% my own.


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