Holiday Gift Guide 2011

California Wine Club: Great Last Minute Holiday Gift!

December 16, 2011 By Robin Leave a Comment

Looking for a last minute holiday gift, they will really love? Why not a membership to the California Wine Club . It would be a fantastic present for any wine lover, as well as, the foodies in your life. I have sampled a few shipments, and have been very pleased with the quality of the wines sent.

The club is not stuffy at all. California Wine Club makes tasting wine an easy and enjoyable experience, that you can have right in your own home. Each moth the club sends two bottles of wine from a small (usually family run) California winery. They arrive nicely packaged in a specially designed double wine insulator, to ensure no broken bottles. An informative magazine is also included with each shipment. The magazine shares interesting information about the producing winery, and the family that runs it. There is also a section in the back, offering bottles that have come in earlier shipments (great if you haven’t been able to find them locally). If you have never experienced small estate wines before, you’re sure to be surprised at how distinctive they each are, and knowing about the people that made your wine, adds a little to the enjoyment, as well.

You can send as many months as you like to your recipient. Discounts are available on 3, 6, 9 & 12 month packages. The first shipment will also include a $25 voucher so they can re-order their favorite wines. Each shipment contains two bottles, if you prefer to do two red or two white wines, rather than one of each no problem. To take advantage of this deal and get an additional 10% off your order, use the promo code: blommi and follow this link to The California Wine Club.

Product sample provided.

Filed Under: Food & Beverage, Holiday Gift Guide 2011 Tagged With: Christmas, Shopping

Get Your Kids Outside Again with GeoMate Jr.

December 15, 2011 By Robin Leave a Comment

Want to get your kids outdoors more, and away from the video games, then why not have technology help rather than hinder you in this endeavor. Geomate JR. feeds kids desire for technology and gadgets, but also makes it a fun adventure to be outside and active. This handheld GPS device is specifically created for geocaching, and come preloaded with 250,000 Geocaches. With the help of an update kit, even more geocaches are available. What an exciting way to get your kids interested in the outdoors.

The Internet and television may be dominating leisure activities and zapping outdoor time for kids, but that won’t slow down the fast growing trend millions enjoy: GPS treasure hunting called, geocaching. Thanks to Apisphere, Inc., the company behind Geomate.jr (www.mygeomate.com), children, their families and adventure seekers from all walks of life can get hip with the increasingly popular and fun geocaching phenomenon, a great group activity for scouting, summer camps and schools. Geomate.jr, the first and only device of its kind, combines technology and outdoor play while providing hours of geocaching entertainment; it is preloaded with 250,000 geocache locations.
Sadly, according to the Outdoor Foundation, outdoor activity among children ages 6 to 17 declined 11 percent in 2008. “Geomate.jr offers a way to reconnect our children with family time and nature while encouraging them to be active, get outdoors and explore the environment,” says Warren Hewerdine, co-inventor of Geomate.jr and Apisphere’s vice president of marketing. He says, “Savvy kids will get their technology fix from the easy-to-use device, and it eliminates the traditional fuss of Internet connections, downloads, coordinates and preplanning to provide a spontaneous geocaching experience families can enjoy anytime, anywhere.” Geomate.jr acts as an electronic compass, guiding you to within yards of a geocache.
People all over the world have enjoyed geocaching but up until now, the GPS receivers required were expensive and difficult to use. “Geomate.jr is about the size of a granola bar and built tough so it can take a beating. The contoured grip fits comfortably in the hands of kids and adults,” says Hewerdine. “Then all you have to do is head out to a local park, the back country or just down the street to get started on creating lifelong memories and a new found appreciation for the outdoors.” The Geomate.jr makes a great gift idea any time of year, and thanks to its size, it is a perfect stocking stuffer around the holiday season.
Products available include:
Geomate.jr – Geocaching GPS
Retail: $69.95
Pre-loaded with 250,000 geocaches covering all 50 U.S. states, just switch it on and be directed to your closest geocache. European, Canadian, Australian & New Zealand versions are also available.
Geomate.jr – Update Kit
Retail: $24.95
The key to update any Geomate.Jr with the latest and greatest geocaches for the U.S. or for around the world. Other features such as being able to create a private geocache list and Pocket Query support are also accessible with an Update Kit.
Geomate.jr – Combo Pack
Retail: $94.95
Everything you will ever need in one box including a Geomate.jr, an Update Kit, a Geomate.jr Travel Tag, batteries, lanyard, and documentation.
Geomate.jr is available for purchase at major outdoor retailers including REI, L.L. Bean, Gander Mountain and Eastern Mountain Sports. It is also available through Target, Amazon.com and Geocaching.com. For more information about the Geomate.jr, including demo videos, please visit www.mygeomate.com. Follow on Twitter: @geomatejr and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/geomatejr.

Product sample provided.

Filed Under: Children, Electronics, Holiday Gift Guide 2011 Tagged With: kids, Shopping, toys

NewAir AIC-210 Ice Cream Maker Review

December 13, 2011 By Robin 2 Comments

I was recently sent a NewAir AIC-210 Ice Cream Maker for review. This ice cream maker is much different than the one my parent’s used when I was a child. Memories of packing salt and ice into the sides of the old style ice cream makers , and waiting for hours to have any ice cream to eat, didn’t draw me back to the process, as an adult. This ice cream machine is far different from the set-up my parents used though.

The NewAir AIC-210 Ice Cream Maker has a built in compressor, so making ice cream becomes as simple as mixing your ingredients, pouring them in, setting the timer, and pressing the button. I made some frozen yogurt in the machine, and it was ready in just 40 minutes, with minimal cleanup. My daughter loved the yogurt, and it is a great way to try out something unusual. Our frozen yogurt concoction was made with vanilla frozen yogurt, milk, chocolate Slimfast powder & a banana. I figured my daughter and I both liked this combination as a smoothie, so why not a frozen treat.

I will certainly be having some fun with this next summer, making ice cream and frozen yogurt featuring fresh fruits and berries. I might try a couple wacky recipes I have seen online, like bacon ice cream, as well… why not. The Newair AIC-210 would make a wonderful gift for the foodie or ice cream lover in your life. It is quicker and easier to use than most ice cream makers , so I think they will be pleasantly surprised.

Product sample provided. All experiences and opinions presented here are my own.

Filed Under: Food & Beverage, Holiday Gift Guide 2011, Household Tagged With: kitchen equipment, review, reviews

Bialetti Moka Express Espresso Maker Review and Giveaway

December 12, 2011 By Robin

Love espresso, and don’t want to spend a small fortune on one of those expensive boiler models? This simple stove top espresso maker may be just the solution for you. The Moka Espress is made in Italy, and is the same design commonly found in European households.

The Bialetti Moka Express espresso maker is available in a wide array of sizes. There are 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 cup models. The 6 cup model featured here sells for just $29.95, quite reasonable compared with the counter top brew models, many of which produce lackluster espresso. If you entertain a lot, the 9 or 12 cup model would be a good investment even if you have a high end counter top model. They generally don’t brew more than 2 cups at a time, not good if you have several dinner guests who would like a cup.

I found this maker easy to use, and it is foreseeable that the aluminum body could last a lifetime. A Bialetti Moka Express espresso pot would make an excellent gift for the foodie or coffee fiend in your life. Pair it with a bag of fine quality espresso and some demitasse cups for a truly outstanding gift.

Disclosure: Product sample provided. All experiences and opinions presented here are my own.

Bialetti Moka Express Giveaway

One lucky Blommi reader will win a Moka Express espresso pot of their own.

Entry Options (do as many or as few as you like, but make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry)

Tell how you like to drink your espresso.
For 2 entries! Follow this blog via email or RSS . (remember to leave 2 separate comments)
For 2 entries! Like Blommi on Facebook (remember to leave 2 separate comments)
For 2 entries! Like Bialetti on Facebook (remember to leave 2 separate comments)
Share or “like” this giveaway on Facebook
Follow @TwiMommi on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway, can be done 3x per day at least 1 hour apart (account must be public and have at least 50 followers).
Follow me on Stumble Upon , Pinterest or Google + (one entry each, leave your user name in comment).
For 2 entries! Grab my ad button (available here), or add Blommi.com to your blogroll -> blog must be public with minimum 25 followers. Leave a link where it can be found, in your comment. (remember to leave 2 separate comments)

One winner will be randomly selected from all valid entries, and will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification. If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be drawn. Giveaways hosted on Blommi are sponsored by third parties. Site owner will of course endeavor to see all prizes are fulfilled, but is not responsible for missing or damaged prizes. Contest ends December 27, 2011 at 11:59 pm CT. Open to US residents , age 18+.

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide 2011, Household, Misc. Tagged With: giveaway, kitchen equipment, review, reviews

Curious Critters: A Gorgeous Children’s Picture Book

December 10, 2011 By Robin 1 Comment

My daughter and I received a copy of Curious Critters recently, and I must say the photos in it are amazing. The vivid images of animals are accompanied by information about each creature. This is one of my daughter’s favorite books to browse through on her own. If you are stumped on what to get a child in the 3-8 age range, for the holidays. This book would be an excellent choice.

In his children’s picture book CURIOUS CRITTERS (November 2011, Wild Iris Publishing, hardcover, ages 4-8) photographer David FitzSimmons turns his camera on a variety of animals common throughout North America. CURIOUS CRITTERS presents stunning images of everyday animals, including a red flat bark beetle, an Eastern spiny softshell turtle, a spotted salamander, and many other intriguing creatures. Each Curious Critter is photographed against a white backdrop, showcasing the animals’ colors, textures, and shapes with precision and clarity. Along with each photo is a vignette, told from the critter’s perspective, that educates and entertains. For example, a bush katydid explains her bubblegum-pink color, a poetic opossum opines upon her often-shortened name, and a far-from-modest black swallowtail butterfly lets readers in on her secret for avoiding predators.
When parents read CURIOUS CRITTERS with their kids not only will they have fun reading, but they also inspire in them a life-long interest in nature. Kids will want to swap TV and video games for a trips to the park or more time in the backyard. So, get ready to have a budding biologist on your hands!
Just some of what kids will learn:
What turtles and humans have in common
Why black swallowtail butterflies impersonates their toxic cousins
How Eastern box turtles can live longer than humans (over 150 years!)
If squirrels can fly
Why crayfish grow new legs
How bats find food
Why frogs sing
How jumping spiders jump and why they never have to look over their shoulders.

Media copy provided.

Filed Under: Books, Children, Holiday Gift Guide 2011

Ninja Kitchen System: Review and Giveaway

December 9, 2011 By Robin

I received a Ninja Kitchen System about a month ago and have been using it regularly since it’s arrival. This sturdy well-built appliance has a wide array of functions. It is the 1200 model, which seems to essentially be pretty much the same as the 1100. The system comes with both a 40 oz and a 72 oz pitcher. Five tool shafts are included: 2 bladed shafts (one for each size pitcher), a whipping paddle (great for dessert preparation), dough paddle (good for cookies, cakes, etc.) and dough blade (pizza & breads).

This is not a fragile piece of equipment. I really appreciate it’s sturdiness, after my last multi-use system (from a different company) had two two essential pieces break, making it virtually useless. It is also easy to use. I don’t know about you, but if a kitchen appliance has more than about 3 pieces to put together for use, or are difficult to clean, I just won’t be bothered. They become space wasting dust collectors. The Ninja Kitchen System is no more complicated than a blender, and this thing chomped right through full size ice cubes without whining at all.

A few notable features:

BPA free
suction feet, with locking lever
1100 watts of power
easy -twist lock in
motor will not activate unless cap is properly attached

The Ninja Kitchen System Retails for $159.99, and can be bought right off their website, as well as, from most major retailers.

Disclosure: Product sample was provided. All experiences and opinions presented here are my own.

Ninja Kitchen System Giveaway

One lucky Blommi reader will win a Ninja Kitchen System 1200 of their own, courtesy of Ninja.

Entry Options (do as many or as few as you like, but make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry)

Tell me what you want to make in a Ninja!
For 2 entries “Like” Ninja Kitchen on Facebook (remember to leave 2 separate comments)
For 2 entries “Like” Blommi on Facebook (remember to leave 2 separate comments)
For 2 entries Follow this blog via email or RSS (pick one).
Follow @TwiMommi on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway can be done 3x per day at least 1 hour apart (account must be public and have at least 50 followers). feel free to use this tweet: ” Win a Ninja Kitchen System from @TwiMommi http://blommi.com/?p=24565 #Giveaway ”
Follow me on Stumble Upon , Pinterest or Google + (one entry each, leave your user name in comment).
For 3 entries! Grab my ad button (available here), or add Blommi.com to your blogroll -> blog must be public with minimum 25 followers. Leave a link where it can be found, in your comment. (remember to leave 3 separate comments)
For 3 Entries! Blog about this giveaway with a live link back to this post -> blog must be public with minimum 25 followers. (be sure to leave 3 separate comments)

One winner will be randomly selected from all valid entries, and will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification. If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be drawn. Giveaways hosted on Blommi are sponsored by third parties. Site owner will of course endeavor to see all prizes are fulfilled, but is not responsible for missing or damaged prizes. Contest ends December 21, 2011 at 11:59 pm CT. Open to US residents , age 18+.

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide 2011, Household Tagged With: giveaway, kitchen equipment, review, reviews

Merry Christmas! Nickelodeon Favorites DVD

December 7, 2011 By Robin Leave a Comment

Looking for some holiday entertainment for the kids? This DVD has all their favorites from Nickelodeon. My daughter seemed to enjoy the Dora, UmiZoomi & Ni Hao Kai-lan episodes the most, but all were entertaining. Merry Christmas! has a suggested retail price of $14.99, but I have seen it for less from various retailers.

Dora the Explorer – A Present for Santa -It’s Christmas Eve and Dora and Boots are going all the way to the North Pole to deliver a present to Santa. They must travel over the snowy mountains and across an icy river, but by the end of the journey, everyone is filled with the holiday spirit.
Go, Diego, Go! – Diego Saves Christmas! -When Santa’s sleigh gets stuck under a snow hill, Diego enlists the help of Linda the Llama to pull the sleigh out of the snow.
The Wonder Pets! – Save the Reindeer (Double Length Episode) -The Wonder Pets are celebrating Christmas Eve when they get a call from Santa’s baby reindeer. They head to the North Pole and find her stuck on ice. It’s up to the Wonder Pets to save Christmas!
Blue’s Clues – Blue’s First Holiday -Mr. Salt and Mrs. Pepper give a special holiday present of two home videos that show Tickety, Slippery and Joe as babies. Viewers also see when everyone met Blue and played Blue’s Clues for the first time. Guest stars: Wynona Judd and Tyrese.
Team Umizoomi – Santa’s Little Fixers -It’s Christmas Eve and someone calls in on the Umi Alarm from far away… it’s Santa Claus! Santa’s toy-making machine is broken and Team Umizoomi must help fix it.
Ni Hao, Kai-lan – The Snowiest Ride -Kai-lan wakes up to see snow blanketing the whole backyard. After borrowing a sled from Yeye, she gathers all her friends together to sled down a hill. Everyone is excited except for Tolee and Kai-lan must help him overcome his fear of sledding.

Media copy provided.

Filed Under: Children, Holiday Gift Guide 2011

Fijit Friends Review: Great Toy for Kids with Autism or Sensory Issues

December 3, 2011 By Robin 2 Comments

My daughter (M) and I were sent a Sage Fijit for review a few weeks back. It was not the first item she went for that day (a Little Mommy doll also came in at the same time), but a couple days later she brought me the box. M is non-verbal due to her autism, so she generally brings me items or picture cards to express what she wants, and Fijit had caught her attention.

When I had selected a Fijit Friends doll as one of the items I would like to review, I didn’t realize it was geared towards children a little older than M. I pretty much expected her to investigate the Fijit for a few minutes and toss it aside forgotten… I was oh-so-very wrong. You see this little Fijit named Sage is actually a fantastic toy for children with strong sensory needs, like my daughter. I don’t think the dolls were created with this demographic in mind, but they are a perfect fit.

Fijit Friends are covered with a rubbery skin. It is the same material used to make those stretchy “tentacle” balls, that many occupational therapists and teachers use with children who have sensory processing disorders and/or autism. The Sage character has ears that stick out and are flat like a leaf. My daughter likes to gnaw on these, when she needs a little extra sensory input. Sage has become one of my daughters favorite toys, and he is often dragged around the house with her, When my MIL & SIL saw how much she likes this Fijit , they picked her up one of the other characters for Christmas.

Fijits are intended for girls around 6-10 years of age. They’re cute interactive little dancing pals, but I can’t really tell you how girls this age will like the toy. I can tell you my preschool age autistic daughter is in love with hers. I think the toy would be fine for little boys in her age group with similar sensory issues, as well. Sage is not particularly “girly”, and Logan seems to be a male Fijit.

Disclosure: Product sample was provided. All experiences and opinions presented here are my own.

Filed Under: Autism, Children, Holiday Gift Guide 2011 Tagged With: autism, kids, review, reviews, toys

Vtech Multi-tasking Phone System is a Great Gift for Busy Moms

November 21, 2011 By Robin 2 Comments

As a blogger who frequently features recipes, I am often in the kitchen preparing a dish for publication, while watching my daughter and recording the ingredients as I add them. Several other things are probably happening at the same time as well. I simply can’t hold a phone and get things done efficiently, but I still want to keep in touch with my friends and family. Answering the phone, when I have my hands covered with flour or just touched raw meat, is just not going to happen. I assume most busy moms can relate with that scenario. We don’t want to miss important phone calls, but dropping everything to check who is calling, is inconvenient to say the least.

These issues were a constant annoyance for me, so when Mom Central, was looking for bloggers to review the Vtech LS6475-3 phone system, I jumped at the chance. The feature list was quite impressive, and would solve most of the phone issues that had been troubling me. I have not been disappointed.

Upon opening the box, I was immediately impressed with the sturdy sleek well thought out design. The handsets while thin, still have a decent weight and length to them, making then comfortable to hold. They seem like they could readily handle being dropped, which inevitably happens. I also like the ample size of the push buttons. The buttons on my old phone were far more difficult to press accurately. The audio is a bit clearer too. The answering machine has an effective simple design. The primary functions are toggled across from each other on a large circular button, so I barely have to look to play, skip, delete or repeat a message. A vast improvement on my old system.

The Vtech LS6475-3 has already beat my old system in all the functions they share, but the Vtech has many additional convenient features:

Voice Announce Caller ID The phone announces who is calling. This saves me from dropping what I am doing, for telemarketers and such.
Push -to-Talk This handy walkie-talkie feature will avoid the need to holler to family members from different sections of the house.
Handset Speaker Phone Put the phone down and continue your conversation, even let other family members join in the discussion.
Cordless Headset Continue about your business, while having a conversation. You are completely hands free to do household chores or projects, while talking on the phone, anywhere in the house.

I am very pleased with this multi-tasking phone system, and have no qualms about recommending it. I actually have no complaints so far with using it. It has made having phone conversations while dealing with daily household activities far easier.

This would make a terrific gift for the busy mom in your life. The set comes with two handsets and one headset, but is expandable up to 12 devices (two of which can be cordless head sets), and retails for $99.95.

I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of VTech and received a product sample to facilitate my review.

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide 2011, Household Tagged With: review, reviews, Shopping