This Full House Reviews

In the Kitchen: With Lori Greiner And Ingrid Hoffmann's Simply Delicioso Cookware

As a self-professed lover of multi-functional gadgets and a longtime fan of QVC (helllllloooooo, Mike Rowe pre-Dirty Jobs!) I was excited to receive samples from the good folks representing Lori Greiner (she's been featured on QVC for the last 14 years) including, these funky little cooking utensils...with a twist.

Key features are:

• Made of stainless steel, the silicone covered handles are specially designed to hang on the side of a pot
• The handles also have a special nylon non stick blend that is highly heat resistant & dishwasher safe
• Set includes a spatula, large stirring spoon, small stirring spoon and slotted spoon
• Available Colors: Red & Black
• Price: $18.00

After turning it over in my hands, a few times, I tried to figure out just what makes them so, you know, special? 

Looks pretty served up with my homemade mac & cheese, right?

These utensils rest quite nicely on the side of a serving dish and won't slip, or slide around, either.  Also, they match nicely with my kitchen (at the moment!)

Just like this pretty 14" Hard Enamel Open Paella Pan from Ingrid Hoffmann’s Latin influenced Simply Delicioso cookware collection launched on HSN.com, recently.

Key features are:

• It has a wide, shallow design and is great for preparing paella dishes or braising meat.
• It is one of the only affordable, easy to clean Paella pans on the market that easily goes from stove top to oven.  
• The Paella Pan also features a unique Thermo-Spot indicator that turns solid red to let you know when the pan is preheated.
• Price $24.99 (Also available at Target and K-Mart stores)

My mother would be interested to learn that, along with gas burner stove tops, this pan also works with electric radiant ring and an electric ceramic/glass-top.

My parents moved into a retirement community a few years ago and she had to actually re-learn how to cook with an electric stove.  I have since inherited one of her stock pots, because it took FOREVER to heat.

Unfortunately, I haven't tried to cook paella (ever) however, I'm willing to give it a shot and, well, you know any good recipes?!?

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Disclosure:  No payment, or any other consideration, besides a sample of the product for review purposes, was received for this blog post.

Making Time For Change Campaign: Kids' Cooking Academy

My oldest girls love to bake; like my husband, Garth (not his real name) they're really good at it, too.

My youngest daughter (she's 9) however, has shown real interest in learning how to cook -- especially, the Hungarian food my mother still enjoys cooking for her grandchildren, every Sunday -- she says it makes her happy...me, too!

My son (he's 12) well, the boy likes to eat.

Last year, I had the extreme privilege of partnering with the Frigidaire Test Drive program and, let me tell you, we gave their appliances a real work out!

On January 18th the brand launched Frigidaire Kids' Cooking Academy, an online school that features daily tips, fun recipes and how-to-videos hosted by Chef Mary Sue Milliken, co-owner of the Border Grill.

Here's the really good part.

Parents can join Kids' Cooking Academy and, when you do (between 1/18/11 and 4/25/11) Frigidaire will donate $1 to Save the Children with a minimum of $35,000 and a maximum of $40,000 to help make sure that more children have access to healthy foods.

Plus, everyone who participates will be entered for a chance to win the daily prize, a kids' apron set and the grand prize: a new Frigidaire Double Oven Range!

Good luck and happy cooking!

© 2003 - 2011 ThisFullHouse.com

Disclosure:  I am working in partnership with the Frigidaire Test Drive Program and received a $50 gift card from Frigidaire for my participation in helping to spread the word on their Make Time for Change Campaign.  However, the words and opinions in this post are ALL mine!

ARM & HAMMER: Odor Eliminating Vacuum Filters - Eureka AirSpeed Bagless Vacuum Giveaway!

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: I am SO HAPPY for the chance to share with Diane Baum (comment #327) please check your email for further instructions!

I am a loyal ARM & HAMMER customer and a HUGE consumer of their line of laundry products.

[see picture above]

In fact, I am considering a new tagline:  This FULL House - where EVERY DAY is Laundry Day!!! 

What do you think?

[sound of crickets chirping]

Aaaanyway, when the good folks representing the brand reached out to me about the HEPA vacuum filters also by ARM & HAMMER (they must have read Doofus-Dawg's review) of course, it seemed like a REAL good fit at the time.

Unfortunately, turns out they do not have a filter that fits my beloved Dyson :( but, offered to send me the Eureka AirSpeed Upright Bagless Vacuum along with additional ARM & HAMMER accessories.

I really love and have had great luck with ARM & HAMMER products!

[see picture above]

However, I do NOT need another vacuum and would really rather share it with someone who, you know, could use an extra helping hand, or twenty.

Tassimo T20 Single Serve Coffee Brewer from Bosch Review & Giveaway

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: I am SO EXCITED to be able to share this with you, Nadine L. (comment #92) please check your email for further instructions!!!

 TFH Holiday Pick 2010

I often joke about how I can't make a decent pot of coffee to save my life, literally.

I don't know what it is.

Besides, the fact that I am mechanically deficient in situations that require anything more than pressing a button...I mean.

Even my own mother insists, "No, that's okay, you just sit, relax and I WILL MAKE THE COFFEE!!!"

So, when the good folks representing Bosch (the makers of the cool new ¹Tassimo T20 Single Serve Coffee Brewer) offered to help build on my coffee making cred (heh) it took me less than 60 seconds to make a BANGIN' cup of coffee...every time!

Want to see?

Pledge Multi-Surface: In the Fight Against the Household Chore That Shall NOT Be Named!

Thanks to Pledge for sponsoring my writing about cleaning.

I know, I know, housecleaning is a SUCH a dirty word (sorry!) but, raising 2 teens, 2 tweens and 2 pets, while waging war on a 7 room house (notice how I refer to it as a battle and NOT cleaning, you're welcome!) my friends at One2One Network asked if I'd be interested in testing out Pledge multi-surface capabilities.

Why?

Because, they know that, you know, I am also a lover of multi-functional stuff!

All of the Pledge aerosol (Natural Beauty, Clean & Shine, Dust & Allergen, Protection Plus and Extra Moisturizing) family of formulas can be used to clean following surfaces: 

Frigidaire Test Drive: Wash, Rinse, Dry, No Repeats - Okay, Just One More, Maybe!

As a Frigidaire Test Drive Mom (yeah, I don't know how that happened...either) my family and I have tried, really, really hard to break test the awesomeness that is our new dishwasher, microwave, gas range and refrigerator!

Then, the washer and dryer came and, well, things turned a little, you know, ugly (not Frigidaire's fault, btw) I finally HAD to admit (out loud) that, you know, I'm kind of enjoying doing the laundry...sort of...and I no longer fear feeding the laundry monster.

In fact, I'm feeling a bit spoiled at the moment -- my laundry, not so much -- want to smell?

Frigidaire Test Drive: Dryer, Dryer Pants on Tighter - Not as Long as There's Auto Dryer!

As a Frigidaire Test Drive Mom (yeah, I don't know how that happened...either) my family and I have tried, really, really hard to break test the awesomeness that is our new dishwasher, microwave, gas range and refrigerator!

Then, the washer and dryer came and, well, things turned a little, you know, ugly (not Frigidaire's fault, btw) and I finally HAD to admit (out loud) that, you know, I'm kind of enjoying doing the laundry...sort of.

Then, a few weeks went by (gotta love the summertime, right?) and, although, I'm a little behind on my posts (see: summertime) I no longer fear feeding the laundry monster -- in fact, I sort of look forward to it.

Finding another pair of incredible shrinking pants...not so much.

Frigidaire Test Drive: Washer and Dryer - 'Cause, If You Don't Like It Then Maybe You Shoulda Put a Pedestal On It!

As a Frigidaire Test Drive Mom (yeah, I don't know how that happened...either) my family and I have tried, really, really hard to break test the awesomeness that is our new dishwasher, microwave, gas range and refrigerator!

Then, the washer and dryer came and, well, things turned a little, you know, ugly (not Frigidaire's fault, btw) but, it HAS been 2 weeks (okay, maybe even 3 weeks, June is a blur, I forget!)

Today, it's ALL coming out in the wash...er...I never thought I'd say it, out loud, but....

Frigidaire Test Drive: Congratulations - It's A Washer and a Little Dryer Drama!

As a Frigidaire Test Drive Mom (yeah, I don't know how that happened...either) my family and I have tried, really, really hard to break test the awesome that is our new dishwasher, microwave, gas range and refrigerator (spell-checked in honor of my friend, Belinda) and, besides working out a few kinks (they're mechanical, it happens) it's been a pretty good ride, so far!

Then, the washer and dryer came and, well, things turned a little, you know, ugly.

Oh, the washer and dryer are truly prettiful -- they match the curtains in my play/laundry room, beautifully -- turns out, I should have been more concerned with what lies underneath!!!

Dryer Drama! from Liz Thompson on Vimeo.

Morale of the story:  Make sure that the lint exhaust is installed AND vented properly!!!  Educate yourself about what you are bringing into your house and keep a close watch on the folks who will be installing it, too!

In the meantime, if anyone needs me, I'll be upstairs...asleep...wake me up when Ty Pennington calls!

 

© 2010 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.

“I wrote this review while participating in a Test Drive Campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Frigidaire and will receive a Frigidaire Refrigerator, Range/Microwave, Washer/Dryer set, and a Dishwasher to facilitate my review.”

Frigidaire Test Drive: The FINAL Countdown - Microwave of Microwaves

I am very excited (okay, so, this is where my kids would interrupt and suggest, "SHOCKED," as a more accurate description of my reaction) to have partnered with Mom Central as one of their Fridgidaire Test Drive Moms - Team Everything!

Why?

Well, as I mentioned in my inaugural post, 'cawse nobody breaks stuff, like I do! 

Here's a quick recap (you're welcome!)

• We survived THE BIG INSTALL
• My attempts at burning down the house
• Not to mention, nearly snapping the wheels off the dishwasher
• Using the over-the-range-microwave as a, well, on-the-counter-for-now-microwave
• Playing a game of Fridge or Dare
• Then, about six weeks in at this point, really began working out the kinks

We're in the final countdown of the program:

• Dishwasher still working? [check]
• Gotten over my fear of the convection oven? [check]
• Refrigerator STILL running? [check]

Aaaand, if you're still reading along, with me, well, you might as well consider yourself family, at this point, which means you are also very surprised I haven't broken anything yet, and here's why...

Frigidaire Test Drive: The FINAL Countdown - Is Your Refrigerator Running?

I am very excited (okay, so, this is where my kids would interrupt and suggest, "SHOCKED," as a more accurate description of my reaction) to have partnered with Mom Central as one of their Fridgidaire Test Drive Moms - Team Everything!

Why?

Well, as I mentioned in my inaugural post, 'cawse nobody breaks stuff, like I do! 

Here's a quick recap (you're welcome!)

• We survived THE BIG INSTALL
• My attempts at burning down the house
• Not to mention, nearly snapping the wheels off the dishwasher
• Using the over-the-range-microwave as a, well, on-the-counter-for-now-microwave
• Playing a game of Fridge or Dare
• Then, about six weeks in at this point, really began working out the kinks

We're in the final countdown of the program:

• Dishwasher still working? [check]
• Gotten over my fear of the convection oven? [check]

Aaaand, if you're still reading along, with me, well, you might as well consider yourself family, at this point, which means you are also very surprised I haven't broken anything yet, and here's why...

Frigidaire Test Drive: The FINAL Countdown - Got Convection?

I am very excited (okay, so, this is where my kids would interrupt and suggest, "SHOCKED," as a more accurate description of my reaction) to have partnered with Mom Central as one of their Fridgidaire Test Drive Moms - Team Everything!

Why?

Well, as I mentioned in my inaugural post, 'cawse nobody breaks stuff, like I do! 

Here's a quick recap (you're welcome!)

• We survived THE BIG INSTALL
• My attempts at burning down the house
• Not to mention, nearly snapping the wheels off the dishwasher
• Using the over-the-range-microwave as a, well, on-the-counter-for-now-microwave
• Playing a game of Fridge or Dare
• Then, about six weeks in at this point, really began working out the kinks

We're in the final countdown of the program:

• Dishwasher still working? [check]

Aaaand, if you're still reading along, with me, well, you might as well consider yourself family, at this point, because I'm just very surprised I haven't broken anything yet, and here's why...

Frigidaire Test Drive: The FINAL Countdown - Dishwasher

I am very excited (okay, so, this is where my kids would interrupt and suggest, "SHOCKED," as a more accurate description of my reaction) to have partnered with Mom Central as one of their Frigidaire Test Drive Moms - Team Everything!

Why?

Well, as I mentioned in my inaugural post, 'cawse nobody breaks stuff, like I do! 

Here's a quick recap (you're welcome!)

• We survived THE BIG INSTALL
• My attempts at burning down the house
• Not to mention, nearly snapping the wheels off the dishwasher
• Using the over-the-range-microwave as a, well, on-the-counter-for-now-microwave
• Playing a game of Fridge or Dare
• Then, about six weeks in at this point, really began working out the kinks

We're in the final countdown of the program (and, if you're still reading along, with me, well, you might as well consider yourself family, at this point) and I'm just very surprised I haven't broken anything yet, and here's why...

Frigidaire Test Drive: Week 6 - Working Out the Kinks

I am very excited (okay, so, this is where my kids would interrupt and suggest, "SHOCKED," as a more accurate describe of my reaction) to have partnered with Mom Central as one of their Fridgidaire Test Drive Moms - Team Everything!

Why?

Well, as I mentioned in my inaugural post, 'cawse nobody breaks stuff, like I do! 

We survived THE BIG INSTALL and my attempts at burning down the house, not to mention, nearly snapping the wheels off the dishwasher, using the over-the-range-microwave as a, well, on-the-counter-for-now-microwave and playing the game, Fridge or Dare.

Seriously, if there was an Olympic event, specifically for "breaking and/or making appliances smoke," well, our walls would be covered with gold, instead of fingerprints and dog snot.

You're welcome!

Today, I've got a few suggestions to the Frigidaire folks (having abused their appliances, since February) FWIW:

Frigidaire Test Drive: Week 5 - Play Fridge or Dare!

I am very excited (okay, so, this is where my kids would interrupt and suggest, "SHOCKED," as a more accurate describe of my reaction) to have partnered with Mom Central as one of their Fridgidaire Test Drive Moms - Team Everything!

Why?

Well, as I mentioned in my inaugural post, 'cawse nobody breaks stuff, like I do! 

We survived THE BIG INSTALL and my attempts at burning down the house, not to mention, nearly snapping the wheels off the dishwasher and using the over-the-range-microwave as a, well, on-the-counter-for-now-microwave.

Seriously, if there was an Olympic event, specifically for "breaking and/or making appliances smoke," well, our walls would be covered with gold, instead of fingerprints and dog snot.

You're welcome!

It's been a rough couple of weeks, at our house, since my last post (gosh, but I hate it when real life happens) and, truth be told, my family is STILL having a hard time adjusting to my work schedule.

[rubs sore muscles, behind neck]

Me, too!

Today, I thought we'd have some fun ('cawse, it's my blog) and perhaps play a little game, I just made up called, Fridge or Dare!  So, what's in your fridge?