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NESCO® 6 liter 4-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker Review & Giveaway!!!

Fear, spine tingling, leg shaking fear is what we experienced when we heard that  sound.  The hissing, rattling, unmistakable sound that my mother was using the pressure cooker. Not just any pressure cooker but the biggest, baddest, pressure cooker, handed down to her from her mother. The regulator on this pressure cooker was like a solid steel hockey puck that danced on top of that pot leaving us all wondering if and when it would explode.

My mother always cooked her stuffed artichokes in the pressure cooker, they were always delicious and we couldn’t wait to eat them but the cooking process struck fear in all of us, even my mother.  She had a love/hate relationship with the pressure cooker.  She loved the way it cooked but she almost seemed deathly afraid and that fear was transferred to all of us kids who my mother would shoo out of the kitchen when it came time to open that pressure cooker.  My mother had us all convinced that the pressure cooker was unpredictable and the very act of transfering it from the stove to the sink took a few Hail Marys.  When it was safely in the sink and I think after my mother blessed herself with the sign of the cross, she then doused that pressure cooker with cold water for what seemed like hours.  When she finally deemed it questionably safe she would again call to us to stay out of the kitchen because she was about to open the pressure cooker.

This was when we all gulped and wondered if this was going to be the time that unpredictable beast was going to explode and sail right up through the roof of our house leaving a gaping hole which the tremendous steam would rise out of, as the neighbors would stand and shake their heads and call the fire department.  My mother would be clear across the kitchen, lucky to be alive and breathing heavily, having the wind knocked out of her as the blast shot her clear over to the refrigerator where she landed with a thud.   When we saw her pry those locking handles loose and the seal was broken, we finally could breath, knowing that we made it.  My mother would tell us all was alright and we could come back in the kitchen.  We made it, the pressure cooker had not destroyed our house, and we were soon enjoying the artichokes and could breathe easy until the next time.

Needless to say I have always found pressure cookers intimidating.  Even when my mother bought a more modern version it may have had a  less intimidating regulator but it still danced and hissed on top of that pot and scared all of us.  I never felt the need to put myself or my kids through that so I never thought about getting a pressure cooker.  When Nesco asked me if I would like to review their new 6 liter 4-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, that old fear came right back.  My husband though, was stoked,  so we agreed to the review.  The pressure cooker arrived and it did not bear any resemblance to the terror inducing pressure cookers of my past.  It looked quite serene, with a digital touch pad and nothing on the top to dance or hiss.

My husband made a pot roast the first time we used it and he could not believe how quickly it cooked the meat and that it was still tender and falling apart the way it would if it had been cooking for hours.  He made another type of roast a few days later and we had the same impressive results.  It’s a new day, a new dawn, the pressure cooker is not something to be feared but it is an appliance to be embraced.  If you have always wanted a pressure cooker but were living in fear of unstable, hissing pots with gauges that could not be trusted, you can rejoice.  Go out and try a Nesco Electric Pressure Cooker and start changing the way the world thinks of pressure cookers one meal at a time, one household at a time, until the world knows that we can pressure cook without fear and have our artichokes too.

The new NESCO® 6 liter 4-in-1 Pressure Cooker is sleek, safe and quiet.

The NESCO® 6 Liter 4-in-1 Pressure Cooker is equipped with several built-in safety features which will not allow the cooker to open while under pressure. The NESCO® 6 Liter 4-in-1 Pressure Cooker is a sealed vessel, As the pressure inside increases, the boiling point of the water increases, which allows the liquid to rise to a higher temperature before boiling so the food cooks up to 70% quicker. Even more impressive, the NESCO® 6 Liter 4-in-1 Pressure Cooker is really four appliances in one: pressure cooker, steamer, slow cooker and rice cooker.

The NESCO® 6 Liter 4-in-1 Pressure Cooker also has a warm setting and browning setting. The warm setting can be manually used or will automatically switch to warm after using a High or Low setting.

Functions are preset and programmable for up to an eight-hour delay, so dinner’s ready when you get home. Self-locking hinge lid and non-stick cooking insert are removable for easy clean-up. The tight lid is secure for transporting food to potlucks. Great for busy people!

Features
• 6 – Liter Capacity
• 1000 watts
• removable hinged lid with automatic pressure release
• dishwasher – safe non-stick cooking insert
• delayed start up to 8 hours
• LED display with soft-touch buttons
• convenient keep warm feature
• programmable with preset functions
• stay-cool lid and handles
• brushed s/s exterior
• removable cord, for easy storage
• 5-Low/10-High PSI

Nesco is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a Nesco 6 liter 4-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker.  Thank you Nesco for the review pressure cooker and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Nesco, 6 liter 4-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!

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Control Brand,60s Mid Century Rocking Chair Review & Giveaway!!!

The 60’s Mid Century Rocking Chair from Control Brand is a truly unique piece, combining a modern chair with an updated, sleek rocking base.  This rocker is a fun piece and is great to use in the nursery, child’s room, family room, office, bedroom and just about anywhere you want a functional rocker with style that is sure to make a statement.

I received this rocker in white for review and I just love this chair.  It is perfect in a child or adults room for a great accent and at home in the living area too.  It makes such a great accent in my son’s room and is perfect for snuggling after bath time, reading stories and of course for rocking.  It is very sturdy and well made.

The 60’s Mid Century Rocking Chair is an accent chair with rocker legs that will add a combination of modern design and retro style to your living area. This fabulous rocking chair was originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames whom happen to be two of the most influential designers of the modern era.

Made with recyclable polypropylene, keeping the design at the forefront of technology, this chair features real wood rocker legs. The unique design results in a comfortable seat, and easy rocking ability
Control Brand is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win their own white 60s Mid Century Rocking Chair.  Than you Control Brand for the review rocker and for sponsoring this rockin’ giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.
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Spectrum Diversified Designs, Flower Over the Door 5-Hook Rack Review & Giveaway!!!

 

For over 25 years Spectrum has committed itself to providing consumers innovative storage and organization solutions while offering the best in service, quality and value. As one of the leading design and manufacturing firms in the housewares industry, they take great pride in listening to their customers and designing items that meet their needs. Spectrum products are, functional, fashionable and built to last.

Spectrum’s innovative design team is committed to providing organization solutions for nearly every room. If you are looking for kitchenware, pantryware, counter top organization, baskets, hooks, racks, wine racks, or bath accessories, our product design and quality make Spectrum the right choice.

I recently had the chance to review the Flower Over the Door 5-Hook Rack.  This rack can be hung over the top of a door and will provide 5 handy hooks to keep things tidy.  This rack can be hung so that the hook side is on the outside or the inside of the door.  That is handy when you want to hang it so that the hooks are inside the closet door where your can quickly hang purses, backpacks, dog leashes and other items to keep them off the floor and handy.  The over the door racks come in lots of great designs so they look great hanging on the outside of the door as well.

Add extra storage to any room in your home with the Flower Over the Door 5-Hook Rack. Two petals on each flower curve up to form sturdy hooks to hang your hats, coats and other accessories in a functional and stylish way. Made of sturdy steel, the flexible bracket fits doors up to 2-1/4’’ thick.

Care

Wipe with a damp cloth and towel dry.

Features

  • Hang and store your hats, coats, purses and more
  • Flexible bracket is designed to fit doors up to 2-1/4” thick
  • Sturdy steel construction

Spectrum is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win their own Flower Over the Door 5-Hook Rack.  Thank you Spectrum for the review rack and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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COLORFORMS® REVOLUTION™ HD, iPad (and iPhone) app Review and Giveaway!!!

It’s a bright new day for Colorforms…!  The iconic 60-year-old brand from University Games that has changed the way generations of children have played is making its digital debut with the very first Colorforms app, Colorforms® Revolution™.  The new app extends the traditional Colorforms experience, giving players fresh and fun ways to play with sound, motion and animation.  Colorforms Revolution is now making a colorful splash on the App Store for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

The revolution is finally here with COLORFORMS® REVOLUTION™ HD, the new iPad (and iPhone) app celebrates the nostalgia of the stand-out original and allows the family to experience Colorforms® like never before! Combine shapes, colors, patterns and backgrounds in endless combinations to create an infinite number of exciting designs. Or choose a Play Set with themed stickers and backgrounds, put them in a scene and a story is born. Play a Puzzle Board to build a picture and see it animate. Or go wild with the crazy circle, surprise square, kaleido-triangle & radical rectangle. With simple controls you’ll figure out as you go, Colorforms® is good wholesome fun for everyone. Just pick it up, start playing and join the revolution!

A pop culture favorite, Colorforms was invented in 1951 and more than 1 billion of the vibrant vinyl playsets have been sold to date, with imaginative new styles continuing to captivate families worldwide.  Recently, the Toy Industry Association recognized Colorforms as one of the Top 100 Toys of the Century and TIME magazine named it among its “All-TIME 100 Greatest Toys.”

Colorforms were one of my favorite childhood toys and I my kids love Colorforms and have a huge set.  The problem is that the smaller pieces can easily get lost or becomes victims of the vacuum.  So when Grand Communications contacted me to review this new Colorforms Revolution HD, app for iPad and iPhone I was thrilled because I have both and it really looked neat.  I wasn’t wrong and now no matter where you are, a doctor’s office, restaurant, airport and more your kids can have a creative, fun way to design whatever they can imagine.  There are so many great features but the one we like best right now is the Create.  It is so much fun and there are so many design themes like underwater, music, flowers, construction, cars, and more.  The colors are so vibrant and the virtual colorforms pieces can be enlarged, tilted and moved, and that really helps little ones with fine motor skills since it is all touch screen.  I have to admit I was creating some fun sets long after my little ones were in bed.

Now for more good news one lucky blog reader will with their own COLORFORMS® REVOLUTION™ HD, the new iPad (and iPhone) app.  So, enter below for this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!

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KD Novelties, Personalized Children’s Book Review and Giveaway!!!

I was recently contacted by KD Novelties to review one of their personalized children’s books.  I gladly accepted and browsed their wide selection of books to finally choose, “My Trip To The Fire Station.”  I chose to have this book personalized for my son Luke because last year he was allowed to accompany his brother’s preschool class as they had a very similar day during fire prevention month.  This book was so relevant and since this fall he will be in that preschool we had it personalized with his teacher and school’s name as well.  We also got to add his siblings names and to put a special dedication in it.  The book shows all of the favorite things that he got to do last fall like trying on the fireman’s hat, getting to sit in the fire truck and pretending to drive, practice the stop, drop and roll, talk about fire safety and more.

KD Novelties is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will be able to order this book or choose one from their website’s exclusive collection of books on this page to have personalized.  Thank you KD Novelties for the review book and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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IViVVa AtHLetica Review!!!

When Lululemon Athletica heard their that their customers were wishing for dance specific athletic wear for a younger age group, they answered with Ivivva Athletica. Ivivva is Lululemon’s line of dance inspired athletic wear for young girls, using the same technical design features, fabrics and exciting colors for which Lululemon is known for.

When I was contacted about having my nieces try out some of their clothing, I was happy to consent. When they saw the outfits, they were eager to try them on. The outfits soon inspired them to try out some new yoga and dance moves. The breathable, 4 way stretch, Iuon light fabric and snug fit allowed them to move with ease and comfort. Flat seams prevent scratches and irritation, and the wide waistbands that feature a hidden pocket, won’t dig in and cause discomfort at the waist. The vibrant colors and patterns of the fabric are eye-catching and coordinate well with their other products. I highly recommend checking out Ivivva Athletica for your daughter’s dance and athletic wear, the quality is hard to beat!


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LightSpeed Base Camp Pro 6-Person Tent Review and Giveaway!!!

We recently had the opportunity to review the LightSpeed Base Camp Pro 6-Person Tent.  The tent is light for its size and comes in a handy tote duffel bag.  The tent was easy to set up.  The only part that was a bit time-consuming was the rain fly but my husband got it all successfully set up in relatively little time.   The interior is large and has handy pockets around the tent to hold things.  The large vestibule with over hang is  great for shade.  If you are looking for a family tent that is easy and quick to set up, then take a look at the LightSpeed Base Camp Pro.

BASE CAMP PRO 6-PERSON TENT

Lightspeed drawstring pole system – no hassle setup!
Oversize bag makes packing the tent effortless.
Oversize front door and high ceiling.
Large vestibule overhang great place to get some shade.
Full Size Rain Fly: Rip Stop polyester.
Inner Tent: Rip Stop Polyester.
Floor: Poly Oxford Floor.
Tent Color: Gunmetal / Red.

LightSpeed is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a LightSpeed Base Camp Pro-6 Person Tent.  Thank you LightSpeed for the review tent and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  Open to US residents only.
LightSpeed Base Camp Pro 6-Person Tent Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
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That’s It Fruit Bars Review & Giveaway!!!

Nutrition on the Go

 That’s It. is the perfect snack to help keep you full between meals. Whether you need breakfast on the go, energy at the gym, nutrition on a hike, or a snack at your desk,  That’s It. bars will keep you going with natural energy.No need to shop, wash, store, slice and peel any longer. We’ve done all the work for you.That’s It.… the all-natural, anytime, anywhere bar!

Our family loves fruit, so when I had the chance to review  That’s It. bars, I was all for it.  With summer in full swing, I know most of us are on the go all day.  That’s It Fruit Bars are perfect for throwing in your beach bag, gym bag, diaper bag or purse.  I love that I can take them to swim lessons by throwing a couple in the beach bag and while I am watching the kids and waiting, if  I get hungry, I have a healthy snack right there that will not make me feel guilty.  When my son gets out of the pool and he is hungry it is the perfect healthy snack.

I received an assortment of  That’s It. bars, and it’s as simple as that, the ingredients in the bars are 2 different fruits with nothing else added.  2 Servings of fruit in a tasty, chewy bar.  These are great for quick snacks when walking, hiking, on the go, to put in kid’s lunches.  They are very apt to eat this yummy bar whereas they may not have enough time or room to eat an apple and then a pear during their lunchtime. The bars are gluten-free, low-calorie, have a low glycemic index, are vegan, kosher and have 3 grams of protein.

I love when I discover healthy snacks like this and I wish they would be found in more stores and schools all over.  It is so important to teach our children healthy eating habits and there should always be healthy options available for them to choose from.   That’s It. bars are a great way to keep healthy snacks on hand for growing bodies.

 

Good news!!!   That’s It. is sponsoring a give-away on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a variety pack of  That’s It. fruit bars just like me.  Thank you  That’s It. for the review bars and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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DII For The Home, Cheri Cherry Vintage Apron Review & Giveaway!!!

I have loved to bake since I was a child and one of my favorite things when baking was wearing an apron because it made me feel very accomplished in the kitchen.  I have never stopped liking aprons and have quite an extensive collection but there always seems to be room for one more.  I recently had the opportunity to review something form DII For The Home, and I was very impressed with the selection of great items but finally chose the Cheri Cherry Vintage Apron.  It reminded me of an apron my mother had and the pattern is very retro and it just called to me.  I received it and I was not disappointed, it is very well made and really has a very nice retro look and feel.  You can easily feel your inner June Cleaver coming through when you put this on to bring some fresh lemonade and homemade chocolate chip cookies out to Wally and Beaver, err I mean your own kids.  Whether you are a whiz in the kitchen or just want to look like you are this apron is fun and functional.  Vintage cherry print accented with coordinating candy striped trim, pockets and ruffles. 35-inch length by 30-inch hem. 100-percent Cotton. Machine washable.

 

DII For The Home is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win their own Cheri Cherry Vintage Apron.  Thank you DII For The Home for the great review apron and for this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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Mishi Design, Grow Up 3 in 1 Toy; Walker, Ride On & Shopping Cart Review & Giveaway!!!

Mishi Design, an Italian based company established back in 1995 developed a really cool line of transformable toys in 2007. Mishi Design noticed that during the first years of their lives, kids are going through many physical and mental changes. They noticed that parents often bought many toys as their children transitioned from one stage to another leaving a trail of useless products once outgrown that needed to be stored, sold or recycled. Their Grow Up 3 in 1 Walker, Ride-On and Trolley is quite an ingenious alternative.

This toy will grow with your child from pre-walking stage of 8 or 9 months until 72 months plus. You can start assembling it as a baby walker cart and it is a sturdy little cart that won’t topple and baby can gain confidence and strength pushing it around. When toddler thru preschool stage the walker cart can be disassembled and reassembled with the included extra parts to a neat little foot powered ride on with a wagon in the back. For even more variety and years of use the ride on can be converted to a tall shopping cart or trolley. Wow, talk about a sustainable toy!

I easily assembled this into the ride on with very little trouble, it was a bit scary bending the thin flexible wood piece that forms the wagon or cart part so I called my husband in for that. After assembly my three year old and five year old could both ride it. My boys love wagons and carts and carting things around. The little cart in the back is great for giving a favorite bear a ride or toting some trucks around the house. The shopping cart is great for interactive and imaginative play. Sturdy and tall it has a long life span. Talk about a toy going the distance!

Mishi Design is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a Swing Up 2 in 1 Rocking Horse to Toddler Trike Toy.  Thank you Mishi Design for the great review 3 in 1 toy and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Mishi Design Swing Up Transformable 2-in-1 Wooden Toy – Rocking Horse to Toddler Trike – Suitable for Ages 12-36 Months

The Mishi Design Swing Up wooden toy is aimed at accompanying babies from the moment they can support their upper torso until the age of three years, giving this piece of handicraft a 2-in-1 value.

Swing Up is a rocking horse that can be transformed into a toddler trike with each design offering different gravitational challenges which exercise motor stability development. As the main framework remains the same for both toys, transforming between the two is a very quick and easy process allowing great enjoyment flexibility for your little one.

As a parent, aunt, uncle or even grandparent, you are always looking for toys that the little one will love to play with and toys that will last. Mishi Design’s Swing Up transformable toy is just that. An innovative Italian design that starts as a rocking horse that transforms into a ride-on trike.

Features

  • Mishi Design Swing Up 2-in-1 toy
  • Transformable rocking horse and toddler trike design
  • Helps your child develop motor stability
  • Makes a great gift
  • Swing Up comes flat packed, easily assembled by an adult
  • Materials: Plywood, solid timber, metal parts and EVA wheels
  • Colour: Green, orange and blue
  • Rocking Horse Dimensions: (L) 62cm x (W) 34cm x (H) 45cm
  • Toddler Trike Dimensions: (L) 50cm x (W) 30cm x (H) 40cm
  • Designer: Mishael Tzoreff
  • Model: Swing Up
  • Brand: Mishi Design
  • Suitable for children ages 12 to 36 months
  • Assembly required

Package Contents

  • Swing Up components including Allen key and wrench
  • Instructional manual
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