Tag Archives: baking

November 18, 2011

“Holiday Crafting & Baking With Kids” by Jessica Strand Review & Give-Away!!!

‘Tis the Season for crafting and baking with your kids!!! I recently received “Holiday Crafting & Baking With Kids to review. This book by Jessica Strand is full of all kinds of crafts and baking for the holidays. Children ages four and up will love selecting their own materials and digging into these cheerful projects. There is something here for everyone and every winter occasion—Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, New Year’s, and Boxing Day! Step-by-step instructions, helpful templates, and color photos make it a cinch for little ones to follow along. Best of all, the materials and ingredients for these projects are inexpensive, easy to find, and even easier to turn into amazing gifts, decorations, and treats.

One of the first crafts we decided to try was the shimmering snowflakes. The directions were straightforward and you could improvise on them creating larger or smaller snowflakes. I really like that since snowflakes are unique, that this did not have to be a “perfect” craft. You can definitely let your kids add their own spin on them through colors, size or shape. This is a very fun craft to do together. It may be harder for 4 and 5 year-olds to do unassisted since there is a bit of intricate twisting but I think it is great for older kids. When you are finished you can hang them up around the house and you have a festive start to your holiday decorations.

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Chronicle Books is sponsoring a give-away on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their own copy of “Holiday Crafting & Baking With Kids.” Thank you Chronicle Books for the review book and for sponsoring this great give-away on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

“Holiday Crafting & Baking With Kids” Book Give-Away on Mommy Ramblings:

Mandatory Entry- Visit Chronicle Books, and let me know another book you like. Leave your answer in a comment on this post. (If this entry is not done, all others will be deleted)

Extra Entries: (make sure you leave a separate comment for each entry or they will not count)

1. Like Mommy Ramblings on Facebook and leave me a comment here that you did.

2. Like Chronicle Books on Facebook, and leave a comment on their wall about Mommy Ramblings and this give-away. Then leave me a comment here that you did that.

3. Follow Mommy Ramblings on Twitter, and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name.

4. Follow Chronicle Books on Twitter , and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name.

5. Follow Mommy Ramblings by email, and leave me a comment here that you did.

6. Vote for Mommy Ramblings on Picket Fence Blogs (Button is on the side of our blog, “We’re on the Fence) and leave me a comment here you did. You can do this once a day, just make sure and leave a comment each time you do.

7. Rate Mommy Ramblings on Top Mommy Blogs (button is on the side of our blog) and leave me a comment here that you did. (Can only be used as one entry per give-away.)

8. Tweet this give-away on Twitter and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name. You can do this once a day, just make sure and leave a comment each time you do.

9. Like Blueberry Hill Photography on Facebook and leave me a comment here that you did.

10. Write a review for Mommy Ramblings on Alexa.com (button is on our blog right under the We’re on the Fence button) and leave me a comment here that you did. Can only be done once per give-away.

Good Luck Everyone!!! Give Away Ends December 11th at 12am EST. Winner will be selected by Random.org.

“Holiday Crafting & Baking With Kids” by Jessica Strand Review & Give-Away!!! {Give-Away Ended}

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“Holiday Crafting & Baking With Kids” Book Give-Away on Mommy Ramblings:

Mandatory Entry- Visit Chronicle Books, and let me know another book you like. Leave your answer in a comment on this post. (If this entry is not done, all others will be deleted)

Extra Entries: (make sure you leave a separate comment for each entry or they will not count)

1. Like Mommy Ramblings on Facebook and leave me a comment here that you did.

2. Like Chronicle Books on Facebook, and leave a comment on their wall about Mommy Ramblings and this give-away. Then leave me a comment here that you did that.

3. Follow Mommy Ramblings on Twitter, and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name.

4. Follow Chronicle Books on Twitter , and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name.

5. Follow Mommy Ramblings by email, and leave me a comment here that you did.

7. Rate Mommy Ramblings on Top Mommy Blogs (button is on the side of our blog) and leave me a comment here that you did. (Can only be used as one entry per give-away.)

8. Tweet this give-away on Twitter and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name. You can do this once a day, just make sure and leave a comment each time you do.

9. Like Blueberry Hill Photography on Facebook and leave me a comment here that you did.

10. Write a review for Mommy Ramblings on Alexa.com (button is on our blog right under the We’re on the Fence button) and leave me a comment here that you did. Can only be done once per give-away.

Good Luck Everyone!!! Give Away Ends December 11th at 12am EST. Winner will be selected by Random.org.

231 Comments

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Tagged as "Holiday Crafting & Baking With Kids", baking, Chronicle Books, Crafts, give-away, Jessica Strand, Mommy Ramblings, review

November 16, 2011

Do You Bake? Review & Give-Away!!!

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Do You Bake? is a great company that makes an extensive line of simple yet delicious beer breads, scones, biscuits, brownies, seasonings and dip mixes, with new items being developed constantly. You can also keep your dogs happy with their all natural healthy dog treats that are so simple to make you’ll love making them all the time for a happy canine pal. All Do You Bake? products are 100% natural. Each and every one of their products is hand-packed. Their ingredients are locally sourced, fresh and oh so yummy!

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I was recently sent an assortment of Do You Bake? products to review. I received the Classic Beer Bread Mix, Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares Mix, Garden Vegetable Dill Cheese Ball Mix, Chicken Tortilla Soup Mix, Tuscany Oil Seasoning Blend and the Sweet ‘N’ Spicy Pecan Date Cheese Ball Mix.

One of the first things I tried was the Chicken Tortilla Soup Mix. I had a bunch of chicken breast that was just cooked so it was perfect to cut in cubes and add to the soup. It was super easy to prepare and it tasted great with a kick of spicy.

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Next, I made the Classic Beer Bread. We used root beer and it turned out great. It could not have been easier to prepare. All you need to do is empty the contents in a bowl and mix with 12 oz of beer or your choice of carbonated beverage. Then you just stir unitil mixed and pour into a greased loaf dish. You pour some melted butter over the top and bake until golden brown. It came out great!!!

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If you are looking for some great shortcuts this Holiday Season you should check out the Do You Bake? line of products. We are adding them to our 2011 Holiday Gift Guide under Products to Help You This Holiday Season.

More great news!!! Do You Bake? is sponsoring a give-away on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win the same great assortment of products that I did. Thank you Do You Bake? for the review products and for sponsoring this delicious give-away on Mommy Ramblings. Open to US residents.

Do You Bake? Give-Away on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Mandatory Entry- Visit Do You Bake?, and let me know another product you would like to try. Leave your answer in a comment on this post. (If this entry is not done, all others will be deleted)

Extra Entries: (make sure you leave a separate comment for each entry or they will not count)

1. Like Mommy Ramblings on Facebook and leave me a comment here that you did.

2. Like Do You Bake? on Facebook, and leave a comment on their wall about Mommy Ramblings and this give-away. Then leave me a comment here that you did that.

3. Follow Mommy Ramblings on Twitter, and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name.

4. Follow Do You Bake? on Twitter , and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name.

5. Follow Mommy Ramblings by email, and leave me a comment here that you did.

7. Rate Mommy Ramblings on Top Mommy Blogs (button is on the side of our blog) and leave me a comment here that you did. (Can only be used as one entry per give-away.)

8. Tweet this give-away on Twitter and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name. You can do this once a day, just make sure and leave a comment each time you do.

9. Like Blueberry Hill Photography on Facebook and leave me a comment here that you did.

10. Write a review for Mommy Ramblings on Alexa.com (button is on our blog right under the We’re on the Fence button) and leave me a comment here that you did. Can only be done once per give-away.

Good Luck Everyone!!! Give Away Ends December 10th at 12am EST. Winner will be selected by Random.org.

Picture of Chocolate Cupcake

Do You Bake? Review & Give-Away!!! {Give-Away Ended}

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Do You Bake? Give-Away on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Mandatory Entry- Visit Do You Bake?, and let me know another product you would like to try. Leave your answer in a comment on this post. (If this entry is not done, all others will be deleted)

Extra Entries: (make sure you leave a separate comment for each entry or they will not count)

1. Like Mommy Ramblings on Facebook and leave me a comment here that you did.

2. Like Do You Bake? on Facebook, and leave a comment on their wall about Mommy Ramblings and this give-away. Then leave me a comment here that you did that.

3. Follow Mommy Ramblings on Twitter, and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name.

4. Follow Do You Bake? on Twitter , and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name.

5. Follow Mommy Ramblings by email, and leave me a comment here that you did.

7. Rate Mommy Ramblings on Top Mommy Blogs (button is on the side of our blog) and leave me a comment here that you did. (Can only be used as one entry per give-away.)

8. Tweet this give-away on Twitter and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name. You can do this once a day, just make sure and leave a comment each time you do.

9. Like Blueberry Hill Photography on Facebook and leave me a comment here that you did.

10. Write a review for Mommy Ramblings on Alexa.com (button is on our blog right under the We’re on the Fence button) and leave me a comment here that you did. Can only be done once per give-away.

Good Luck Everyone!!! Give Away Ends December 10th at 12am EST. Winner will be selected by Random.org.

Picture of Chocolate Cupcake

274 Comments

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Tagged as 2011 Gift Guide Pick!!!, baking, Bread, Do You Bake?, give-away, Mommy Ramblings, review, Soup

June 15, 2011

Kimber Cakeware Batter Daddy Review & Give-Away!!! {Give-Away Ended}

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Those of you that follow Mommy Ramblings should remember that we did a review and give-away of Kimber Cakeware Batter Babies a few months back. Well, we are reviewing the Kimber Cakeware Batter Daddy today. The Batter Daddy is a batter separater that allows you to create single cake layers with two or more colors (or flavors). The Batter Daddy is adjustable and made to fit cake pans 8″ to 14″ wide. Works well in 2”, 2.5” and 3” deep pans. It easily fits most beveled-sided pans, and can be inverted to fit most square pans. The Batter Daddy also fits many shaped pans (round, heart, oval, etc.). It is made from a foodgrade plastic, and is dishwasher safe.

I made a round two layer cake with one layer half hot pink and half yellow. The next layer I made a turquoise and yellow.

I have to apologize for my sloppiness because I was working fast and literally slapped the cake together after making my chocolate butter cream. The good thing is, if my results turned out like this in a hurry while I was on the phone and doing 3 other things, then you can achieve really nice results if you are not multi-tasking like a crazy fool.

Kimber Cakeware is being gracious enough to sponsor another give-away on Mommy Ramblings. They are sponsoring a give-away for 3 lucky Mommy Rambling’s Followers. These 3 lucky winners will receive their very own Batter Daddy. Would you like a chance to win one of the Batter Daddies? If so, just follow the rules below and good luck!!! Open to US and Canadian Residents.

Mandatory Entry-Tell me in a comment here if you win what colors/flavors you would like to bake first. (This entry must be done or all others will not count and be deleted).

Extra Entries: (make sure you leave a separate comment for each entry of they will not count)

1. Like Mommy Ramblings on Facebook and leave me a comment here that you did.

2. Like Kimber Cakeware on Facebook, and leave a comment on their wall that Mommy Ramblings sent you. Then leave me a comment here that you liked them on Facebook.

3. Follow Mommy Ramblings on Twitter, and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name.

4. Subscribe to Mommy Ramblings by email and leave me a comment here that you did.

5. Vote for Mommy Ramblings on Picket Fence Blogs (Button is on the side of our blog, “We’re on the Fence) and leave me a comment here you did.

6. Vote for Mommy Ramblings on Top Mommy Blogs (button is on the side of our blog) and leave me a comment here that you did.

7. Post this give away on your Facebook status and leave me a comment here that you did.

8. Tweet this give-away on Twitter and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name.

9. Like Blueberry Hill Photography on Facebook and leave me a comment here that you did.

Good Luck Everyone!!! Give Away Ends July 6th at 12am EST. Winner will be selected by Random.org.

79 Comments

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Tagged as baking, batter babies, Batter Daddy, cake, give-away, Kimber Cakeware, Mommy Ramblings, review

May 4, 2011

Jillie Willie Suzy Q Apron Review & Give-Away!!! {Give-Away Ended}

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If you have never heard of Jillie Willie, then you are in for a real treat. These super cute and feminine aprons are so functional and nostalgic. I love aprons and I love using them for cooking, baking and even carrying in the veggies from the garden.

“There’s something about aprons that conjures up unforgettable memories of days gone by, of mothers and kitchens.” -Jill Grover, owner of Jillie Willie.

daypron black

Jill sent me the Suzy Q Apron to review and I will just tell you, that I adore it!!! It is so functional with the attached towel and handy lined pocket. It is done in adorable coordinating fabrics and is very cute and trendy. I think it is very unique and love that it has an attached terry towel that can be used to wipe your hands or the hands of your kiddies. I love wearing this apron when cooking and baking. It is also going to come in very handy in the vegetable garden this summer. Jillie Willie is also providing Mommy Ramblings with another Suzy Q apron for a give-away for one of our lucky blog readers.

Jillie Willie, Suzy Q Apron Give-Away Rules:

Mandatory Entry: Go to the Jillie Willie Website and tell me another apron or product you love. Leave your comment here.

Extra Entries (make sure you leave a separate comment for each entry of they will not count)

1. Like Mommy Ramblings on Facebook and leave me a comment here that you did.

2. Follow Mommy Ramblings on Twitter and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name.

3. Subscribe to Mommy Ramblings by email and leave me a comment here that you did.

4. Vote for Mommy Ramblings on Picket Fence Blogs (Button is on the side of our blog, “We’re on the Fence) and leave me a comment here you did.

5. Vote for Mommy Ramblings on Top Mommy Blogs (button is on the side of our blog) and leave me a comment here that you did.

6. Post this give away on your Facebook status and leave me a comment here that you did.

7. Tweet this give-away on Twitter and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name.

8. Like Blueberry Hill Photography on Facebook and leave me a comment here that you did.

Good Luck Everyone!!! Give Away Ends May 12th at 12am EST. Winner will be selected by Random.org.

daypron black

27 Comments

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Tagged as Apron, baking, Cleaning, cooking, give-away, Jillie Willie, Mommy Ramblings, review, Suzy Q

April 12, 2011

The Tractor Cake!!!

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Ethan’s tractor cake was a big hit. Such a big hit, he did not want to cut it but wanted to play with the tractors on top of it. It was delicious too filled with a vanilla buttercream and iced with a decadent chocolate buttercream and then decorated with crushed oreos and green buttercream icing with a grass tip. It went very fast and was a lot of fun. Here are some pictures. If you have any questions, ask away!!!

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Tagged as baking, birthday cake, buttercream, decorating, john deere, Tractor cake

March 19, 2011

Batter Babies Review & Give-Away!!!

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Kimber Cakeware (http://www.kimbercakeware.com/) sent me some products to review, and yesterday I tried out one of them. I used the Batter Babies. Batter Babies allow you to make one of a kind cupcakes of two flavors or colors. This neat little gadget works really well and is very easy to use. You just put the Batter Baby in the cupcake liner that is in the pan. You put one kind of batter on one side of it and another kind on the other side and remove the Batter Baby and bake. The result, is a cupcake that has different colors, flavors or both. It is really neat for making special cupcakes.

You could do pink and purple for a princess party, or use school colors for a sporting event, the possibilities are as vast as your imagination. To make this really neat and easy you can put the different batters in squeeze bottles and it makes filling the cupcake molds very easy. I did not do that because I was in a bit of rush and my cupcakes still turned out great.

Kimber Cakeware is sponsoring a give-away for my blog readers. We will be giving away 3 sets of these to 3 lucky winners. Each set contains 6 Batter Babies. So get ready to bake some cool cupcakes and your friends will be wondering how you did it. All you have to do is leave a comment on my Mommy Ramblings FB page ( http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mommy-Ramblings/142284565832382) of what you think would be the first combination you would bake if you won. That will get you one entry, you can earn another by visiting Kimber Cakeware on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kimber-Cakeware/146735632016017?ref=ts) and liking their page and leaving me a comment that you did that on my Mommy Ramblings FB page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mommy-Ramblings/142284565832382). Give-away will end Monday March 21st at 12am. Give-away is open to residents of USA & Canada. Good luck and happy baking!!!

A friend let me know she really wanted to enter this give-away but gave up Facebook for lent. So I am modifying the rules that you can leave the comment on this blog of what combo you would bake first if you win the give-away.

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Tagged as bake, baking, batter babies, Colors, cool, gadget, Kimber Cakeware, two flavor cupcakes

February 22, 2011

Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract Review & Give-away!!!

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I was so excited when asked to review this Nielsen-Massey Vanilla. Excited, because this is a product I use and love. I remember our first bottle had to be purchased through Chefs Catalog but now it is available at Wegmans. We use this in so many of our recipes and love the flavor. We use it in our ice cream that we make, all of our baking and we especially love the flavor it adds to our belgian waffles. If you have never tried it, then you are in for a treat. Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, Inc. has an exclusive cold process method that extracts the essence from selected vanilla pods, the finest available, producing rich and delicious flavor that is unsurpassed. Nielsen-Massey Vanillas is proud to announce that its Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste was a 2010 Silver finalist for the NASFT Sofi Awards in the “Baked goods, baking ingredient or cereal” category. Take a look at their website for more information at www.NielsenMassey.com.

Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla

The world’s finest and most consistent vanilla comes from Madagascar. Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla from Nielsen-Massey has a creamy, sweet, velvety flavor that is perfectly suited for a range of products from baked goods to ice creams, salad dressings to barbeque sauces. Madagascar Bourbon vanilla does not have anything to do with the American whiskey of the same name, but is rather named for the Bourbon Islands off the coast of Africa. Madagascar supplies more than 60% of the world’s vanilla.

Give-away rules:

The Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, Inc. is being gracious enough to let one of my readers try this vanilla by sending out a 2 ounce bottle of this great vanilla to the winner. To be eligible for the give-away you MUST subscribe to my blog, LIKE my blog Facebook Fan Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mommy-Ramblings/142284565832382, and send as many friends over to my Facebook Fan Page to post a comment that “you” sent them. The person with the most referrals by this Thursday night 12am will be the lucky winner. Good luck everyone and thank you Nielsen-Massey!!!