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Products and equipment to make your home run smoothly.

Giveaway: Rubbermaid 2-in-1 Recycler for Tidy Recycling

Like many owners of older homes, I have some major storage issues.  There is simply no spot under my cabinets to store recyclables.  I have been placing the large ugly bins in my backroom and bringing recyclable items back there, as they are used.  Not the most convenient set up, considering the already impractical design of the kitchen.

Rubbermaid 2 in 1 recyclerI was sent a Rubbermaid 2-in-1 Recycler for review a few weeks ago, and am quite pleased with the quality of construction and ease of use.  It certainly looks far better than the blue & green bins from the city, and the compact design makes it easy to find a spot for.

Convenient handles on both the top and bottom bins make transporting recyclables simple.  The bottom bin tilts out and holds a standard 8-gallon trash bag.  The bag is held in place by the  LinerLock™ bag system so it stays put without slipping.  The Rubbermaid 2-in-1 Recycler is also appropriately made with recycled materials, and is in torn recyclable itself.

I liked my recycler so much, I ended out buying a new Rubbermaid outdoor trash can, a few days after it arrived.  It has been very effective at keeping out the opossums that were raiding my trash.  I really should pick up another one.

storing recyclables neatly

Check out the Rubbermaid Adventures in Organizing blog, for some great tips to help you organize your household.

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

Giveaway

One lucky Mom Foodie reader will win a Rubbermaid 2 in 1 Recycler, like the one shown above.  Open to residents of US and Canada, age 18+.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Renuzit Fresh Accents Mini Living Room Makeover #FreshAccents #cbias

orange gold and red living room

renuzit makeover before pic

Before... blank wall, one measley pillow remained & rug had seen better days.

My living room was last fully done over about 9 years ago.  It has been showing it’s wear, and over the past couple years, the pillows have dwindled, the artwork above the sofa fell and the frame & glass broke (never to be replaced), the finish on the top of the side tables has worn, I have scrubbed out more stains than I could count with a ticker & always seem to be fighting odors from our dog.  Thus, I was very happy to participate in a Renuzit Fresh Accents mini-makeover.renuzit fresh accents makeover shopping

My goals for this makeover are to freshen up what we already have.  I don’t have the budget to buy any new furniture, and while I plan to repaint in here some time this year, I simply don’t have the time to tackle that yet.  I still want a  fresh look, something more modern and reflective of our new family dynamic.  Since it is just my daughter and I now, I think she should be reflected more in the design (and I don’t mean all the toys she loves to dump everywhere…lol).  A few simple DIY projects will be the cornerstones of the design project, and Renuzit Fresh Accents is in charge of the olfactory  aspects of the makeover.

decorate with child artwork

What could be more special than artwork done by your child. Give them a real canvas and let them go crazy on it!

We picked up the Renuzit Fresh Accents at Walmart, after the first store we tried didn’t carry them.  We also bought supplies for my daughter’s contribution to the living room makeover, a giant artwork on canvas (see the full  Google + shopping story). That evening, I covered a large ugly painting on canvas with flat white spray paint, so that it would be ready for my tiny artist to work on the next morning.  I explained to her that the picture would be going on the wall, and she seemed pretty excited about it. Operation wall art complete.

Hint: give your child art supplies in colors that won’t completely clash with your decor

new pillows for living roomNew pillows are another big part of the makeover.  The few we had left were not exactly “ready for prime time” anymore.  I grabbed some great upholstery remnants at the fabric outlet up the street, and dragged out my old sewing machine. I knew the mix of colors and textures in the fabrics would make for a more modern look.

Before I even finished the pillows, I knew the old rug had to go.  The crisply fresh fabric in the room, really brought out the ugly in it.  I have wanted to replace it for quite some time, but hadn’t gotten around to it.  A quick trip to the discount warehouse store on the other side of town, netted me a durable  rug with a cool circular textural design, that really brightened the room up.

renuzit makeover

The last project on my hit list was a quickie refinish of the top surface of the side tables.  I used a can of stain and polyurethane all-in-one, since I didn’t want to get into a major refinishing project.  The  sides and legs were fine, so I left well-enough alone there.

Renuzit Fresh AccentsI am happy with the results of the mini-makeover, and am relieved that it is done, since we will be having some super-terrific weather here next week, and I will be tackling outdoor projects then.  The Renuzit Fresh Accents air freshener not only had an attractive look, that tied in well with my decor, but the noticeable, yet not overpowering, raspberry scent it emitted sure boosted the ambiance of the room :)

The Fresh Accents air fresheners are reasonably priced to start with, and the printable coupon on their Facebook page, makes them even a better deal.

Ladies make sure to spoil yourself with some fine eye candy too.  Renuzit has made getting information about this new product all the more enjoyable, with the help of some hunky models, on their website and this special Facebook Page.  Now that got you attention didn’t it ;)

This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. All experiences and opinions presented here are my own. #CBias 

Huge Limited Time Deal on Quality Linens

maggies direct logoI have the pleasure of introducing you to Maggie’s Direct, a new sort of online shopping, that not only offers great deals, but rewards you for your online social sharing. I will be filling you in on more about Maggie’s soon (as well as their awesome Blogger’s Program), but at the moment, I would like to give you a quick heads up about a big sale that kicked off this morning.
Exclusive Shopping Event for friends of this blog. Get 50% back in Social Bucks (1 Social Buck = 1 dollar in product credit) on any of these items.

Limited Time Deal on Quality Hotel Linens

Maggie’s Direct already has prices significantly below MSRP, and Free Shipping on all orders within the continental United States ($15 to AK/HI and $20 to Canada), but this exclusive sale event really sweetens the deal, so dress your whole bed.

All purchases from the Hotel Collection event page will earn the purchaser 50% back in Social Bucks, no minimum order.  Social bucks are Maggie’s Direct online currency. 

1 social buck = $1

maggies social bucks

I recently received a lovely European made Matelasse duvet and shams from Maggie’s, and am quite pleased  with them (a more thorough review with personal pics coming very soon, but they are just as pictured & described).

I will use my own order as an example, of how things work during the event:

  • MSRP of the Queen size European Duvet and 2Queen  shams = $303
  • Maggie’s direct price for these items = $183 (already a significant discount)
  • You would get $91 back in social bucks, to use toward your next purchase*, even clearance (big 75% off clearance event coming up soon BTW).
  • So it is like getting the set for $92 !

Plus, you can earn even more social bucks by sharing the deals you get with your friends.  You will get a 10% credit in social bucks for your friend’s purchases, and if they in turn refer someone, you will get a 5% credit from their purchases.

* Social Bucks from product orders vest in 30 days to allow for returns.

NewAir AIC-210 Ice Cream Maker Review

ice cream makerI 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.

homemade frozen yogurtThe 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.

Bialetti Moka Express Espresso Maker Review and Giveaway

Bialetti Moka ExpressLove 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+.

Ninja Kitchen System: Review and Giveaway

ninja kitchen system 1200I 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+.

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

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.vtech ls6475-3 review

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.

Everyday Exotic: The Cookbook – Review

everyday exotic cookbookIf you want to experiment in the kitchen a bit, but have trouble integrating exotic ingredients into your menu, or just want to zing up traditional fare, this is a great cookbook for you.  It would also make a lovely gift for the foodie in your life, especially if they are a fan of the Everyday Exotic show on the Cooking Channel.  Since the cookbook is a new release, so it is unlikely they have it already, and some of the recipes in this book are quite interesting, even for more seasoned foodies.

The Everyday Exotic Cookbook has large colorful pictures depicting the completed recipes, as well as some nice ingredient shots.  Pictures are important to me in a cookbook, and I was not at all disappointed with this title by Roger Mooking & Allan Magee.

Everyday Exotic: The Cookbook has a suggested retail price of $29.95, but is currently available at Barnes & Noble for $19.57 (Free shipping on orders over $25).  Why not pair this book with a few of the exotic spices and other ingredients used in it, and make a gift basket no foodie would be soon to forget.

Media copy provided.

Bialetti Aeternum Eco-Friendly Non-Stick Pan Review and Giveaway

Bialetti LogoI received a Bialetti Aeternum 10″ non-stick saute pan for review about a month ago. It has quickly become my go-to pan for making omelets.  The eco-friendly nonstick nano-ceramic interior surface, has performed outstandingly well.  Not only have my omelets slid smoothly out, but I have been able to brown meats, and caramelize vegetables successfully in this pan as well, and clean-up was a breeze.
bialetti aeternum cookware reviewAs someone who frequently photographs food preparation for blog posts, I also like that the interior surface is white.  My kitchen is poorly lit, and my dark colored and stainless pan are hard to photograph.  The white reflected the light, but not as harshly as stainless.  It also makes it a little easier to monitor how much your food is browning.
making an omelette in nanoceramic panBelow is a graphic showing the layers of the pan.  As you can see, there is a scratch resistant exterior.   The bulk of the pan is aluminum, providing great heat distribution, and the interior coating in nano-ceramic.  This coating can withstand temperatures up to 750°, anything higher than that would be insane to cook with anyway.  I have found it to be very scratch resistant, much more so than typical non-stick coatings.  The pan is also PFOA, PTFE and Cadmium -Free.

nano ceramic coating

I have no problem whatsoever recommending Bialetti Aeternum cookware to my readers. My only complaint would be that they didn’t send me more pans… hint, hint…lol

The Aeternum is Italy’s number one selling nanoceramic nonstick cookware line. The highly advanced and easy to clean nanoceramic coating paired with the heavy-weight coined base provides excellent thermal properties and even heat distribution, so dishes are cooked to perfection every time. Users also love that it is eco-friendly– PFOA free, and its nonstick coating is applied at a low temperature, leading to a lower emission of C02 into the atmosphere. With pans available at $39.95 and under – they are a great value!

 

aeternum  cookwarePan Giveaway

One lucky Blommi reader will win a Bialetti Aeternum pan (particular pan to be determined by stock on hand).

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

            • Tell what you want to cook in a pan like this.
            • Like Blommi on Facebook
            • Like Bialetti on Facebook
            • Share or “like” this giveaway on Facebook
            • Follow this blog via email or RSS  (One entry each).
            • Follow me through Google Friend Connect (bottom of page)
            • 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 if you like: “ Win a Bialetti Aeternum Eco-Friendly Non-stick Pan from @TwiMommi http://su.pr/2Bgds0 #giveaway
            • Follow me on Stumble Upon (leave your user name in comment.)
            • Stumble Upon Thumbs Up any of my non-giveaway post that appeal to you. (Good for one entry per day).
            • 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 November 10, 2010 at 11:59 pm CT. Open to US residents , age 18+.