In the Kitchen with Calphalon

One of my most favorite things to do is to get in the kitchen and cook, especially if I can open up a recipe book and find a new dish.   They always say that the kitchen is probably one of the main hubs of the home, and having a family to feed, means I am in there at the very least, three times a day.

We just recently went apple picking with the boys and of course this means that there is baking to be done!   I went right to work looking for the perfect apple pie recipe to try with my new Calphalon ceramic deep dish pie pan.  I have almost always associated the Calphalon name with my pots and pans that I own, and was pleasantly surprised when I found out that they had a new ceramic bake ware line.  I had the chance to try out their pie pan and 9×13 covered dish.   Of the things I use most, it would have to be the 9×13 rectangular baking dish (perfect for casseroles). I currently do not own one with a lid however, so this was something unique to me.  I know that there may be others, but this is the first time I have laid eyes on one and I love this feature!  Not only that, their ceramics can go from fridge or freezer and straight into the oven or microwave.  This is great for make ahead dishes, then all  you have to do is take it out of the fridge or freezer and just pop it in the oven.  Calphalon ceramics are dishwasher safe, which is also a nice feature especially for families like mine who are always on the go.

Calphalon Ceramics Features

• Contemporary Design for sweet and savory baking

• They can go from the freezer, to the oven, to the table, to the refrigerator…allowing for complete versatility through the cooking to storing process

• Glazed interiors — red and cream exteriors

• For oven, broiler and microwave cooking

• Dishwasher safe

• 10 year warranty

Calphalon ceramics would make such a wonderful addition in any cook’s life and is simply a must have if you enjoy cooking as much as I do.   My Beef shell pasta casserole turned out awesome in the 9 x 13 dish and the leftovers, I just put on the lid, and shoved it in the fridge for the next day.

As if Calpahlon’s ceramic line wasn’t enough, I got the privilege to experience their LX series cutlery line.  And I say experience, because it was the ultimate pampering session while I was using their 8 inch chef knife.  If you are one who loves to cook, you can appreciate a good knife.  My husband could hear me ohhing and ahhing from the kitchen while I was chopping my onions for the chili.  I am simply in love with these knives and I actually tossed out my old chef knife because it pales in comparison.  Chopping through that onion was like chopping through melted butter!  I couldn’t believe what I have been missing all these years with my 10 year old knife set.  You would think a knife is just a knife…but it isn’t and Calphalon’s LX Cutlery will prove the point. It even fits comfortably in your hand and you just know that you are holding a well made piece of cutlery simply by the sheer weight and feel of it.  I am completely spoiled now, and I don’t think I will ever go back to my old knives!

Features

• Each knife is made from high carbon German no stain steel

• sharpens more easily than stainless and maintains it’s edge longer. The ergonomic handles  has each knife’s identification etched on the bottom of the handle for easy knife selection!

– Blade:

• German steel—high carbon, no stain steel with Molybdenum and Vanadium

• One piece of metal for blade, bolster and tang

• Fully forged blade

• Full tang for balance and strength

• Fully tapered from cutting edge to spine and from tip to heel for superior strength

• Tempered- heat hardened to 1000 degrees C
  
• HRC 54-56 (Hardness Rockwell “C” scale – a standard measurement of hardness)
  

– Handles:

• Full tang—first ever ergonomic handle which shows the full tang
  

• Made from fiberglass reinforced poly-resin—won’t split, crack or harbor micro-organisms

• Ergonomic handle

• Knife identification etched on the butt of the handle

• Classic triple riveted handle updated with modern ergonomic design

Lifetime Warranty
I am thoroughly impressed with both my Calphalon ceramics and cutlery.  These would make perfect holiday gifts for the cook in your life and come backed by the Calphalon name you can trust.  I still have my pots and pans that are at least 10 years old and they are still just as wonderful as the first day I used them.

In The Kitchen With Calphalon

One of my most favorite things to do is to get in the kitchen and cook, especially if I can open up a recipe book and find a new dish. They always say that the kitchen is probably one of the main hubs of the home, and having a family to feed, means I am in there at the very least, three times a day.

We just recently went apple picking with the boys and of course this means that there is baking to be done! I went right to work looking for the perfect apple pie recipe to try with my new Calphalon ceramic deep dish pie pan. I have almost always associated the Calphalon name with my pots and pans that I own, and was pleasantly surprised when I found out that they had a new ceramic bake ware line. I had the chance to try out their pie pan and 9×13 covered dish. Of the things I use most, it would have to be the 9×13 rectangular baking dish (perfect for casseroles). I currently do not own one with a lid however, so this was something unique to me. I know that there may be others, but this is the first time I have laid eyes on one and I love this feature! Not only that, their ceramics can go from fridge or freezer and straight into the oven or microwave. This is great for make ahead dishes, then all you have to do is take it out of the fridge or freezer and just pop it in the oven. Calphalon ceramics are dishwasher safe, which is also a nice feature especially for families like mine who are always on the go.

Calphalon Ceramics Features

• Contemporary Design for sweet and savory baking

• They can go from the freezer, to the oven, to the table, to the refrigerator…allowing for complete versatility through the cooking to storing process

• Glazed interiors — red and cream exteriors

• For oven, broiler and microwave cooking

• Dishwasher safe

• 10 year warranty

Calphalon ceramics would make such a wonderful addition in any cook’s life and is simply a must have if you enjoy cooking as much as I do. My Beef shell pasta casserole turned out awesome in the 9 x 13 dish and the leftovers, I just put on the lid, and shoved it in the fridge for the next day.

As if Calpahlon’s ceramic line wasn’t enough, I got the privilege to experience their LX series cutlery line. And I say experience, because it was the ultimate pampering session while I was using their 8 inch chef knife. If you are one who loves to cook, you can appreciate a good knife. My husband could hear me ohhing and ahhing from the kitchen while I was chopping my onions for the chili. I am simply in love with these knives and I actually tossed out my old chef knife because it pales in comparison. Chopping through that onion was like chopping through melted butter! I couldn’t believe what I have been missing all these years with my 10 year old knife set. You would think a knife is just a knife…but it isn’t and Calphalon’s LX Cutlery will prove the point. It even fits comfortably in your hand and you just know that you are holding a well made piece of cutlery simply by the sheer weight and feel of it. I am completely spoiled now, and I don’t think I will ever go back to my old knives!

Features

• Each knife is made from high carbon German no stain steel

• sharpens more easily than stainless and maintains it’s edge longer. The ergonomic handles has each knife’s identification etched on the bottom of the handle for easy knife selection!

– Blade:

• German steel—high carbon, no stain steel with Molybdenum and Vanadium

• One piece of metal for blade, bolster and tang

• Fully forged blade

• Full tang for balance and strength

• Fully tapered from cutting edge to spine and from tip to heel for superior strength

• Tempered- heat hardened to 1000 degrees C
  
• HRC 54-56 (Hardness Rockwell “C” scale – a standard measurement of hardness)
  

– Handles:

• Full tang—first ever ergonomic handle which shows the full tang
  

• Made from fiberglass reinforced poly-resin—won’t split, crack or harbor micro-organisms

• Ergonomic handle

• Knife identification etched on the butt of the handle

• Classic triple riveted handle updated with modern ergonomic design

Lifetime Warranty
I am thoroughly impressed with both my Calphalon ceramics and cutlery. These would make perfect holiday gifts for the cook in your life and come backed by the Calphalon name you can trust. I still have my pots and pans that are at least 10 years old and they are still just as wonderful as the first day I used them.

Briarpatch joins Thomas and Friends

Briarpatch has unveiled its first Thomas and Friends game!  I know my boys just love playing with all their little Thomas trains and saying “allll aboard!” when they move them along the track.  I was delighted to see that there is now a game that they can actually play.  They are both at a stage where they are getting really involved with counting, focusing on one thing for longer periods of time, and just really interactive with things.

The game is designed for children ages three and up so my two are just about at the perfect age for the game.  Not only that, it is so nice to get together as a family around the table and just interact with the boys.  I think this is of major importance, especially this day in age, when families are always on the go.

We took the game out of the box and Bubs the younger of my twins was like “OHHHH WOW.”  He is always saying this whenever there is something new to look at.  It is so cute how his face lights up.  Both of them recognized the characters right away and were ohhhing and ahhing over Thomas.  Both my husband and I sat with them to play the game.  Each of them are learning to count, so this game was fun and helped that along.  They are still a little young, when it comes to board games but I think this is a terrific start!  If anything, it teaches them the basics of following directions, counting and taking turns.

The Thomas and Friends Great Race Game retails for $24.99.  This would make a really great gift for a Thomas fan this holiday season! Doublebugs would like to give its readers the chance to win a Thomas Great Race game for your special little someone!

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED! THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED!

Prima Princessa for your little princess

If you have little girls, almost all of them love to dance at some point in their lives.   I have a couple of nieces that just love to dance and in particular one of them loves ballet.   I never got the opportunity to go to dance school when I was growing up, but have always hoped that someday when I have a little girl that she will want to dance.

Both of my boys love to dance and they especially love music and in particular classical music as well.  I was given the opportunity to do a review of “Prima Princessa presents Swan Lake” which is a delightful DVD that introduces young children to ballet.   Although my two aren’t particularly into ballet, they were mesmerized by all the little girls dancing, and they just loved the music if anything.

Prima Princessa is a delightful and enchanting DVD that had me wanting to dance around the room. It is presented in such a fun way  to keep your little one engaged. It is so cleaverly done to help maintain a child’s interest and the video is only 40 minutes in length…perfect for a young child’s attention span. Prima Princessa presents the Swan lake ballet and teaches children very basic ballet moves in between.

Mary Kate Mellow and Stephanie Troeller are both stay-at-home moms who were inspired by their children’s love of dance and decided to create this wonderful DVD.  Prima Princessa is the animated fairy ballerina in the DVD, and she magically transports a group of little girls to see select segments of the Paris Opera ballet of Swan Lake.  In between the acts the children are transported home to learn simple basic ballet steps that are presented in a fun whimsical fashion.

Prima Princessa ($17.99) will make a great gift for your little ballerina this holiday season or at anytime.  To purchase a copy of this DVD you can find it here at Amazon.

DoubleBugs will also be giving away a copy of the “Prima Princess presents Swan Lake”  to one lucky winner so leave a comment here an let me know who you would give this DVD too and why you might like to win it.

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!

Thank you to all who entered!!!! I will post the winner shortly!!!

Here’s the scoop:

Leave a comment on why you would like to have this DVD

Please leave me an email so I can contact you if you win

Giveaway starts October 17, 2008 and Ends October 31, 2008

Good Luck!!!

Clean Rest…Help for allergy sufferers

My whole family seems to battle allergies to some degree.  I am always waking up with the stuffy nose, but my husband and one of my sons seem to suffer the worst.  I feel so bad for my little guy because he is always waking himself up because his nose is stuffed up.  I have tried everything from saline drops twice a day, to having him sleep upright.   I even have torn the rooms apart and washed everything from top to bottom in an effort to at least make their sleeping environments as allergen free as possible.  I am always on the lookout for anything that can help eliminate the problem.  I know that their allergies might not totally go away but any help I can get, is one step closer to improvement.

So, when I was given the opportunity to review CleanRest, I was very excited to try their bedding/sleep products out!  At CleanRest, their sole mission is to help you get a better night’s sleep.  They design and manufacture the world’s most advanced and medically effective allergy bedding-barrier products.

CleanRest was designed to provide the user with the cleanest, healthiest sleep possible. It features an advanced technology called MicronOne which offers the highest level of protection available today, against such things as dust mites, pet dander and all common household allergens. . Each square inch of the patented MicronOne™ fabric contains about 3 billion pores; a weave so tiny moisture can’t get in and micro-toxins can’t get to you. It creates a breathable, yet effective barrier between you and what’s in your bedding.  It makes you wonder doesn’t it?

So I immediately got to work, and tried the mattress covers, and covered both the boys mattresses and our pillows.  We have had them on our beds for about a week now, and I have noticed some good changes.  Monkey isn’t having as many issues waking up because he is able to breathe a whole lot better, and I can breathe easier in the morning as well.  My husband’s snoring has subsided too, since allergies make his snoring much worse!  CleanRest products are definitely well worth the investment, if you or someone in the family is an allergy sufferer!

CleanRest products include mattress encasements, pillow encasements, allergy free pillows, travel pillows, comforters and duvet encasements, which all give complete 360° coverage against allergens.  They can be found online at Amazon, or at the CleanRest site, as well as in stores such as Bed Bath and Beyond!

2008 Holiday Gift Guide

The leaves are turning, the weather is still a bit warm and brightening our days, but the holidays are right around the corner.

DoubleBugs has teamed up with Mommy Goggles to offer a 2008 Holiday Gift Guide for your online shopping needs! The savings guide will run from October 11 – December 31st.

These will consist of amazing Holiday gift ideas, discount codes and even some holiday giveaways!

Next to each Holiday Gift Guide post until December 31, 2008, you will see the 2008 Holiday Gift Guide tag next to it.

If you would like to be featured in the 2008 Holiday Gift Guide, please email me at laurie@doublebugs.com. We will have some great gift ideas, discount codes for your shopping needs and even some fun giveaways!

This Page will be updated with all the links to the reviews specific products listed.

Children’s Products (Games, Toys, Clothing etc.)

Little Jet Set Travel Toys and Accessories

All Star Buddies Plush Toy

Briarpatch Thomas Great Race Game

Prima Princessa DVD

Plan Toys

Mattel Skull Mountain Play Set

Cheekeyes Wooden Toys

Melvin Might? Trucktown Book Series

SmartE Bear

Just For Mom (Kitchen/Baking Goods, Books, Electronics, Beauty etc.)

Calphalon Ceramics and LX series Cutlery

Green Girl reusable Eco-Totes

Avon

Gifts for around the Home

Stuff For Dad, Grandpa, The Men in Our Lives

Gifts for Anyone

Scrapbook Fairy

Little Jet Set Keeps Holiday Travel Merry!

The holiday season is fast approaching us!  I always look forward to all the fun things that come along with them, except for traveling with two toddlers.  Like a lot of families, we do a lot of holiday travel out of state to be with our relatives, so this means we spend a good amount of time on the airplane or in the car.  Keeping the trip as stress free as possible, is always a huge undertaking.

I am almost always on the look out for activities and various things to help keep the boys occupied on our trips.  Anything that can make the journey there a little smoother, and help me keep my sanity, is well worth the consideration!  Little Jet Set is just what the doctor ordered.  Started by two Moms who have done a fair amount of traveling with children, Little Jet Set has everything you need to make your travel a breeze! In addition to having one of the internet’s most extensive family-travel oriented selections, littlejetset.com has some of the greatest toys, books and dolls available anywhere.

I love Little Jet Set and I especially love the Zoobies that they have.   Baby Zoobies ($26) are the perfect travel companion for your little one.  Zoobie Pets were developed with a unique 3-in-1 concept.  Each pet is a plush toy, a soft pillow and a comfy blanket all in one – the perfect childhood companion.  Zoobie Pets are ideal for l traveling with children, keeping kids entertained when they are awake and comfortable when they are asleep. Another nice thing about the baby Zoobie is it fits nicely in a diaper bag so it can go basically anywhere.

Another cute idea I ran across at Little Jet Set, is What’s A Dragon?  Art and Activity Backpack($40) ( by Piggy Story. This is a perfect first backpack for young travelers. The backpack is sturdy yet lightweight to endure all kinds of kids’ play without slowing them down. Laminated exterior and water-resistant interior makes cleaning easy and keeps belongings dry. The unique slotted marker compartment will help aspiring little artists organize their tools while the see-through inner pocket allows quick and easy access to all their other gear. There is also a removable pocket pouch for spare pencils, erasers, or anything else your little artist can think of.  My boys love to draw so this will be a big hit for long waits at the airport, driving in the car, or just for trips to grandma’s house.

Little Jet Set has so many things to help make it through the holiday season.  There stuff also makes for great gift giving as well.  Be prepared to find yourself engrossed in the shopping experience when you visit their site.  There is also a lot of helpful tips and information to help you with travel.  So get ready to travel with Little Jet Set and may all your days be merry and stress free!

To kick off the holiday season and help make it a stress free one.  DoubleBugs and Little Jet Set will be giving away a baby Zoobie and a Piggy Story backpack to one lucky winner!  All you gotta do is visit Little Jet Set and find something you like about Little Jet Set and post a comment here at DoubleBugs.

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!!!!!

Thank you to all who entered!

Official Rules:

Visit Little Jet Set and find what you like about their site and post a comment here on DoubleBugs

Please leave me a valid email so I can contact you if you win

Winner has two days to reply before a new winner is chosen.

Contest Starts October 10,2008 and Ends October 31,2008

Good Luck!!!

Earthwise Kids

Earthwise Kids was developed based on the perspective that there was a need to make a difference by providing MUCH needed earth-friendly products and kid-friendly stories to inspire all of us and future generations to take better care of the Earth. Inspired by a Mom, she decided to make it her mission to provide the very best gifts you can give a child in the form of (healthy) earth-friendly products and educational books while developing an ever expanding community of Earthwise Kids and adults who are sharing ideas and experiences for making a difference in the world.

I was recently given the opportunity to review Earthwise Kids and was delighted with the presentation of their products. Their gift sets ($32) come with an organic cotton t-shirt, and a book about how to help the Earth all in child size jute reusable shopping bag. I am a huge fan of organic cotton because it Earth friendly as is much softer than ordinary cotton. My boys thoroughly enjoyed sitting down with me and reading about ways to conserve energy. They are only two years old but can still understand some of the basic ideas, and starting them early will only help to benefit them in the future.

The gift sets come in either Land, Ocean or Wildlife.
* 100% certified organic cotton – super cozy!
* Unbleached natural color
* Tag-less neck
* Machine washable-dryable
* Recycled paper and soy based inks
* Paper back
* Packaged and ready to give in our Biodegradable/Reusable jute gift bags!
* Each gift item comes with a to/from hang tag for easy giving

Earthwise Kids Company will provide a portion of the revenue generated each year to eco-friendly organizations. Why not make the world a better place for our children? Check out Earthwise for a fresh idea in gift giving this year.

Venettini Shoes…Total class for your little guy or gal

About Venettini Shoes

For almost 20 years, Venettini has been designing and manufacturing luxury children’s footwear with a large emphasis on fashion and style.  Founded in 1989, the brand has grown steadily under the management of Kinderland Inc, a family business dedicated to designing, manufacturing, and distributing high-end and luxury children’s footwear.  Fashion, fit and comfort are the driving forces behind Vennetini designs.

When it comes to dressing my boys, I must admit (sheepishly), that I love putting on all their new clothes and shoes.  I am happy in my sweats, but love to give my boys the best fitting clothes and shoes.   I know for me, when it comes to shoes, I look for a shoe that is well made and comfortable.   Venettini shoes offer both when it comes to shoes for children.

When opening the boxes for the first time, I was busy ohhing and ahhing over how adorable and classy these shoes look and feel.  Both of my boys (they are only 2) were already telling me to put them on…  “On mommy on” as they would say.  I guess they love their new shoes too, because they ask to wear them all the time now.  I don’t think I will ever return to the realm of boring, clunky, and uncomfortable shoes for my kids again.

The new Fall/Winter collection is to die for with adorable names like Bert, Ace, Billy and Able just to name a few.  Whether you are getting your little ones all gussied up for the holidays or just going out on the town, Venettini shoes will compliment any outfit, and are total class right down to the tiniest details.   Venettini will definitely be top choice in my new shoe addiction, when it comes to buying new shoes for my little men.  Venettini shoes can be found at Zappos.com or Endless.com

Haba Toys..A block party for your little one.

This year’s newest Haba wooden blocks are guaranteed to beat the television for entertainment.  Kids will quickly forget about lounging in front of the television and turn play time into a “block party”

Haba Stack the Trix Mix Pull Toy ($50)

This is such a bright and whimsical toy for your little one ages 1 to 6 years. It is designed to stimulate the child’s creative skills, large motor skills and spatial thinking. There is no right or wrong way to stack the brightly colored spools each with a color or unique feature like a face or a fabric tail.   It encourages your child to think creatively.  Then your little guy or gal can pull it around showing off their new creations.   I even found myself playing with it.  Haba toys are well worth the money because these toys will stand the test of time.

Haba Curioso Fabric Shape Sorter ($45)

Which blocks fits where? The Curioso shape sorter is a matching game designed for ages 12 months and up, that acquaints children with shapes and colors.  Each block has a special optical or acoustic element about it such as a bell, or a mini kaleidoscope that stimulates perception.  Each block has a different shape which encourages your little one to develop cognitive skills as well.  I must say that I am impressed with Haba’s quality and the blocks have such bright and fun colors.  When you are holding them in your hand they don’t feel cheap and are well made.  The boys love trying to fit them through the shaped slots and even love to stack them.  These will definitely be on my list of things to give for Christmas.

You can tell that Haba takes pride in designing toys that can stand the test of time and can be passed on from generation to generation.  Many of their products have received German and American awards such as Parents’ Choice, and Dr. Toy and Best Toys of the Year recognition.  Haba toys can be found at many online specialty toy retailers such as Maukilo.com

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