Category Archives: Review

Photo Gifts Are The Perfect Choice For The Holiday Season

This is a sponsored post with CanvasDiscount.com and Bravomark. As always my words and views are 100% my own.

Canvas Discount Wall Decor

Photo gifts are an excellent choice for Christmas and holiday gifts. I am a hobby photographer, and I bring my camera everywhere. I love using my photos to create special and unique decor for our home in addition to, gifts to give to my family and friends.

CanvasDiscount Photo Mugs

CanvasDiscount.com has so many ways for me to showcase my treasured photos. I recently created a canvas collage of photos showcasing some of our favorite summer memories. I love the way it turned out and think it is perfect for our family room.

CanvasDiscount Collage

They have more than canvas prints, you can customize mugs, pillows, blankets, mouse pads, and so much more. This year why not create some special gifts for grandparents, aunts, uncles, spouses, kids and friends. You can be sure that they will not receive a duplicate and they will know you took the time to make something really special for them.

SAVE BIG NOW

Mommy Ramblings’ readers can go to this exclusive link to get up to 90% off  NOW!

Canvas Discount Photo Gifts

It is very easy to order on their website, just upload your photos and then put them into the project of your choice. You can crop, enlarge, add text and customize your photo easily on their website. You can follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We have added CanvasDiscount.com to our 2018 Holiday Gift Guide at Mommy Ramblings.

canvas Discount

Let me know if you love giving photo gifts as much as I do.


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Filed under Gifts, Holiday Gift Guide, Photography, Review

Buttonbag’s Learn To Knit & Crochet Dog Kits Giveaway

I love crafts, so I really like to give creative gifts. When I saw Buttonbag’s creative kits for kids, I was hooked. Hooked with a crochet hook and smitten with knitting needles!

The Learn How To Knit Suitcase Kit is perfect for anyone wanting to get into knitting. I plan to try my hand at it, as my daughter (a very skilled knitter) has been pestering me to learn to knit. The kit is so cute and is packed in a small, suitcase. Inside, you find everything you need to get your knit on.

Buttonbag Learn To Knit Kit

The included booklet will go over things like how to cast on, cast off and other basic stitches and techniques. Beyond that, there are all the supplies and tools you need to create several projects. Make some trendy fingerless mittens, a cute hat, a little bag and more. You can check out my unboxing of this kit in the video below.

From knitting to crochet, which I thankfully know the basics of, thanks to my mom who was very skilled at crocheting and knitting. Buttonbag’s Make Your Own Sausage Dog Crochet Kit is so cute. Open the sturdy tube and find all the yarn, crochet hook, stuffing and instructions you need to make the cutest dog in town.  See more in the video below.

ButtonBag Sausage Do Kit

Buttonbag Sausage Dog Kit

We have added these kits to Mommy Ramblings’ 2018 Holiday Gift Guide. We also are so happy to bing you a giveaway. Check it out below, you have the chance to win both of these kits!

Giveaway

Buttonbag is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky winner will win both of these Buttonbag Kits! Thank you to Buttonbag for the review kits and for sponsoring this creative giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. Open to US residents.

Buttonbag Learn How To Knit Suitcase Kit & Make Your Own Sausage Dog Crochet Kit Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

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Filed under Crafts, Giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide, Review

“Into The Deep” Blog Tour & Giveaway

Have you ever wanted to do something, but just could not due to your fear? I am sure like me, most of you can relate to at least one time, your fear held you back from doing something. For author Lauren Gaskill, it was on a family vacation when everyone but her, plunged off a boat into the ocean to go snorkeling. Lauren, an accomplished swimmer, could not get over her fear that there might be sharks in the water, and remained on the boat.

Years later, standing on a pier, Lauren felt that same fear as she was being cheered on to dive into the waves below. This time, she did not let that fear hold her back, and dove right into that deep blue ocean water.

Starting in high school Lauren had intense anxiety, panic attacks at night that continued into college. These attacks made her wonder why God was not helping her, why did it feel like she was drowning in a sea of despair. Lauren was lost in sea of anxiety, depression and chronic pain due to a health condition that continued to worsen.

Lauren began to lose her faith in God. She stopped believing God had a plan or his ability to save her. After graduating from College, Lauren found a Christian counselor and she was able to get out of the undertow and begin swimming with Jesus.

As I read this book, I could relate so well to the anxiety that Lauren faced in high school and college. I remember that in my own life, and I was hooked from that first chapter. If you want examples and tools to take your faith to the next level and help you control your reactions to overwhelming situations, you should read this book.

If you are ready to exchange fear and frustration for the boldness, courage and holy confidence that lead to a life of deep faith and joy, check out Into the Deep.  You can also find this book on Mommy Ramblings’ 2018 Holiday Gift Guide. 

You can see more in my video below:

Following Jesus doesn’t guarantee sunny skies and smooth sailing. In fact, the waters of life are often tumultuous, crashing over us. Sometimes we can feel that we’re drowning in a sea of confusion, division, frustration, complacency, or disillusionment. We need more than a shallow faith to survive these deep waters.Get ready to exchange fear and frustration for the boldness, courage, and holy confidence that lead to a life of deep faith and joy!

Giveaway

Audra Jennings PR is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky reader will win their own copy of Into the Deep! Thank you to Audra Jennings PR for the review book and for sponsoring this inspirational giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. Open to US residents.

Into the Deep Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

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Filed under Blog Tour, Books, Giveaway, Review, Spiritual

Inspirational Art Journals From Ellie Claire Make Great Gifts

I love journals, I am a firm believer in “write it down and make it happen”. Beyond that, they are a wonderful tool to write down your feelings, thoughts, dreams and fears. In years to come, going through your journals can be so profound.

In high school one of my favorite English teachers had us keep a journal. I remember she told us, if we were truly honest that our journals would be amazing to look back on some day. She was so right. Sometimes I come across an old journal of mine and am just amazed at either things I had forgotten or how much I have grown.

 

Ellie Claire Journals

The journal itself is important to me. I like a beautiful journal with quality paper and a great feel. Not too big, nor too small. I was happy to have had the chance to review 3 beautiful art journals from Ellie Claire. So much more than just a journal, they appeal to my crafty artsy side as well. Learn a new way to make your journals pop with style.

Illuminate Your Story Journal

Illuminate Your Story Journal

Use the almost-lost art of illuminating letters to enhance your writing, Bible journaling, or sermon note-taking. Rich illustrated manuscripts in the Museum of the Bible’s collection inspired these gorgeous letters. Easy to follow instructions, practice pages, and encouragements in the Illuminate Your Story Journal will guide you through the creation of amazing start letters, flourishes, and more.

Illuminate Your Story

Faith & Lettering Journal

Faith and Lettering Journal

Drawing from more than ten years of graphic design experience, Krystal Whitten has cultivated a large following of creatives on Instagram who have embraced her unique combination of lettering and faith. The Faith and Lettering journal is available on Amazon.
Faith and Lettering Journal
Faith and Lettering Journal
Faith and Lettering Journal

The Illustrated World

The Illustrated Word
The Illustrated Word Journal lets you create your own masterpiece with its forty glorious illustrations from ancient manuscripts that have been recreated as line drawings. Just as medieval monks brought Scripture to life through intricate inked illustrations in handwritten manuscripts hundreds of years ago, you can now create your own stunning keepsake that will be treasured for years to come.
The Illustrated Word 1
The Illustrated Word
Check out my video review of these great journals below:

We think these journals make great gifts so you will find them on Mommy Ramblings’ Holiday Gift Guide. Let me know what you think of these journals.

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Filed under Books, Home & Garden, kids, Life, Review

Zoomer The Playful Pup – Interactive Dog- Giveaway

https://amzn.to/2DmQDWC

Interactive, robotic toys are always a huge hit that are bound to make the hottest toy lists for the holiday season. Zoomer Playful Pup is no exception, not only is Zoomer on the Holiday Toy List at stores like Amazon, Zoomer is also on Mommy Ramblings’ Holiday Gift Guide!

Zoomer is an adorable, interactive, robotic dog who responds to your touch and voice. The next generation of Zoomer interactive pets, this puppy behaves more dog like than any other Zoomer with realistic sounds and actions. Thanks to Zoomer’s multiple touch sensors, when you rub or tickle his belly, Zoomer will beg for more! Pet Zoomer’s head and hear cute barking sounds, nuzzle Zoomer’s nose for licking noises and so much more!

Check out my unboxing and demo video here:

Zoomer has a floppy tongue and soft furry tail. Zoomer is full of energy and as you can see in my video above, I would not classify Zoomer as a quiet toy. Zoomer will delight kids with playful yips, yaps and yelps and will keep going until he needs to be charged. Zoomer has a rechargeable battery that you charge via a mini-USB to USB charger which comes with Zoomer.

A back button will let you change modes and a microphone on your doggie’s back will let you give Zoomer voice commands. You can even give Zoomer a new name that he/she will respond to. In the manual you will find special voice commands to make Zoomer do things like dance, play dead and more. When you give Zoomer a name you will be able to unlock even more tricks!

Here is another Zoomer video for you to check out.

Spin Master is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their own Zoomer Playful Pup! Thank you to Spin Master for our review pooch and for sponsoring this doggone good giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US residents.

Zoomer Playful Pup Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

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

Grace + Soul & Mother Wit Cookbook Giveaway

Who remembers when Will Smith’s character got in one little fight and his mom got scared? If you do, then you know he was sent to live with his auntie and uncle in Bel-Air.

Okay, I know it was just a sitcom, and Daphne Maxwell Reid was not Will Smith’s real auntie, but she is a respected artist, designer and education activist. She also has a new cookbook out called, Grace + Soul & Mother Wit, filled with much more than recipes, it is actually a mini-memoir dressed as a ring-bound cookbook.

The beginning of the book is filled with Daphne’s family photos  and her  travels around the world while working on and off of television. This cookbook takes you through the basics of starting your own family memories centered around home cooked meals.

Early chapters include setting up a kitchen, essential tools and supplies, basic cooking terms, how to set a formal table, and measurements & abbreviations. The recipes include sections for appetizers, soup, bread, poultry, seafood, red meat, side dishes, dessert, beverages and remedies.

Please see my in-depth video review of this cookbook below:


This cookbook makes a great gift for just about anyone. That is why you will find Grace + Soul & Mother Wit on Mommy Ramblings’ 2018 Holiday Gift Guide.

About Daphne Maxwell Reid:

Everyone remembers Daphne Maxwell Reid as an iconic TV mom of the 1990s, from her three seasons as Aunt Vivian on “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.”  These days Reid is a Renaissance woman, respected artist and designer, and education activist.  Working from her home in Virginia, and still happily married to pioneering television actor/producer/writer/director Tim Reid (“WKRP in Cincinnati,” “Frank’s Place”), Daphne Maxwell Reid is living proof that a passion for creativity and a dedication to hard work can ensure a lifetime’s worth of success.

Breaking new barriers is nothing new to Reid, who decades ago became the first African-American homecoming queen at Northwestern University and shortly thereafter one of the first African-American women to appear on the cover of Glamour magazine.  But many fans of her modeling and acting career probably don’t know that Reid is a lifelong shutterbug, a hobby passed down by her father that has now become a focal point of her career.

With five books and 5 annual calendars already published, Reid specializes in fine art photography that features doors and doorways from around the world, including Cuba, Venice, France, China, Germany, and Belgium.  Now she’s added to her publishing resume with her first cookbook, “Grace + Soul & Motherwit,” which offers her favorite recipes spiced with personal memories and reflections from her life and travels.

Reid has also been a seamstress for much of her life, creating many of her own outfits and costumes as a young actress and model, and has now developed those skills into an exclusive, custom clothing line called Daphne Style, making Chinese silk brocade jackets that are wearable works of art.

Daphne also keeps busy as the Host of Virginia Currents (PBS), and as a spokesperson for Virginia State University, a historically black college/university (HBCU), doing outreach, public relations, and speaking engagements that allow her to preach the importance of education and career prep for students of color.

A thoughtful, inspiring, and fascinating professional with over five decades of experience, Daphne Maxwell Reid continues to demonstrate that mastering a new skill is always possible for an artist with a generous spirit and self-determination.

Giveaway:

Enter for your chance to win your own copy of Grace + Soul & Mother Wit. Thank you to Daphne Maxwell Reid and her PR company for sponsoring this giveaway and for the autographed cookbook. Open to US residents. 

Grace + Soul & Mother Wit Cookbook Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

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

See It And Stream It With Google Chromecast

I have a very crazy schedule and I don’t watch much TV. However, I like to have something on in the background when I am working on my computer or writing late at night.  My Google Chromecast  lets me stream whatever I want straight to my TV.
 
I can stream from my iPad, laptop or Smartphone right to my TV. No matter what I want to watch, it has never been easier to just cast it on my TV. I can cast movies, videos, songs, games, photos, sports and more from over 2000 apps like Netflix, YouTube, HBO Now, TLC, YouTube TV and so many others.
 
 
It couldn’t be easier to hook up Chromecast to my TV. All I had to do was plug the Chromecast into my TV’s HDMI port and plug in the power. Then I was set to  stream to my hearts content, and watch what I want, when I want. You can even do it hands free when you want to watch from compatible apps, with Chromecast and Google Home working seamlessly together.
 
 
Chromecast allows you to upgrade your TV without having to buy a new one.  Since Chromecast is so affordable, we can have one on every TV in our house. You can enjoy high-speed wireless connectivity with the built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi that connects to the Internet through your wireless home network (wireless router required and sold separately). Chromecast is compatible with your existing HDTV and easily connects to HD TVs with HDMI connectivity. Subscriptions are required for some services.
 
 
I love streaming YouTube tutorials for my husband and I to watch together, my daughter enjoys sharing her favorite video podcasts with me and of course we can binge watch our favorite shows. Chromecast makes a great gift too! Do you have a Chromecast? Let me know in the comments.
 

This is a sponsored post as a blogger working with the Best Buy Blogger Network. As always, all my words and views are 100% my own.


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Filed under Home & Garden, Review, Tech

“Chomp Goes The Alligator” Large Interactive Board Book Giveaway

Talk about a fun book, Chomp Goes The Alligator, is that and more! This large, interactive board book has loads of things for little ones to touch and feel as well as a pull tab so you can make the Alligator’s mouth chomp throughout the story. 

Check out my video to see more about this great book.

The book is written by acclaimed novelty book creator Matt Van Fleet. His innovative books have been introducing children to basic concepts for more than twenty years. His other books include Dance Cat, Heads, Alphabet and Moo as well as, the #1 New York Times bestsellers Tails and Dog. His books have sold more than eight million copies and have been translated around the world. Hi lives with his family in New York.

Giveaway:

Simon and Schuster are sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their own copy of Chomp Goes The Alligator! Thank you to Simon and Schuster for the review book and for sponsoring this amazing giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. Open to US Residents.

Chomp Goes The Alligator Interactive Board Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

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Filed under Books, Giveaway, kids, Review

Show Your Passion With Wind Passion’s Nautical Braided Bracelets

I live on a lake year round and I love everything about the water. Swimming, sailing, kayaking and more make up most of our days during the summer. If you have someone who loves to sail, they might appreciate Wind Passion’s nautical bracelets.

These bracelets are handmade using the finest materials and can be worn by men and women. I recently received 3 bracelets from Wind Passion.

WIND PASSION - Rope Bracelet for Men and Women - Adjustable Nautical String Bracelet for Sailors, Surfers and Outdoor Lovers - Waterproof Sailors Knot Bracelet

 

 

Wind Passion’s braided bracelets are made of highest quality marine rope made in Europe. Bracelets make a simple fashion statement. The Unisex cord bracelets are perfect for people living an active lifestyle. The bracelets are easily adjustable as shown below.

 

 

Wind Passion’s handmade bracelets are higher quality than other nautical bracelets on the market. Check out how Wind Passion’s bracelets sail circle around the competition.

 

Let me know what you think of this great nautical jewelry in the comments.


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Filed under Fashion, jewelry, Review

Chrissy’s Knee High Socks

Several weeks ago I was sent a few pairs of socks from Chrissy’s Knee High Socks. As it is summer, I am not wearing knee socks, but I do like wearing socks in the fall and winter. I thought I was being sent knee socks, but the socks I received were extremely long, they went way past my knees, and looking at their site, it looks like I was sent thigh high socks.

Frankly, I would have preferred to select the kind and style of socks that I will actually wear. The socks are colorful and seem well made. They have socks for men and women on their site.

You can find socks for all kinds holidays as well. They even have custom socks you can order, like socks for your roller derby or sports team.

 

If you want to check them out, they are having a sale now. Let me know what you think.


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Filed under Fashion, Review