Fandangling - The Next Generation of Baby Crib Mobiles

Anne Zacharias, creator of Fandangling kits and Fandangling.com, was kind enough to send me a Puparazzi kit to review. In my opinion, these little guys are truly adorable. The concept is more than clever.

In a nutshell, a Fandangling is the next generation of baby crib mobiles… no constant re-winding or batteries required. Simply attach it to your existing ceiling fan blade and it’s good to go. Each kit comes complete with five plush Fandangling’s, Velcro® hanging system and easy instructions.

Besides puppies, you can choose from bugs, butterflies, sea life or safari animals (shown in the photo). You can customize your own kit, as well. What started out as an accidental discovery, now brings happiness to kid’s of all ages.

A Fandangling is child safe, very easy to install and doesn’t interfere with ceiling fan operation. These kits are not available in stores. Purchase them at Fandangling.com, for under $20.

Anne stands behind her product, offering a 100% guarantee. Ten percent of her profits go to charity, as well. Her business is so successful that there are plans in the works for additional kits, geared to appeal to older children.

I think the Fandangling kit, a nifty spin in traditional baby crib mobiles would make a great baby shower or birthday gift. The product is so unique that there is little chance of these little cuties being a duplicate offering.

Personally, I’d like to see a ‘forest babies’ Fandangling kit. I’m thinking maybe a bunny, fawn and kit. What do you think?

Angel Food Ministries

With both my husband and son out of work, I have been contemplating the purchase of a food box, from Angel Food Ministries.

At first glance, their website looks more than promising. So much so that thousands of people, from around the country, take advantage of this service every month.

The premise is simple. You place your order, either by phone or online. Signature food boxes are $30, which supposedly reflects a $25 discount. The menu changes monthly and there are ‘add on’ boxes available, such as a fresh fruit and veggie box ($22) and an eleven pound chicken combo box ($22).

The food boxes, from Angel Ministries, must be ordered by a certain date early in the month. They are then distributed to multiple neighborhood ‘host sites’ (mostly churches and small ministries) where they can be picked up on a specific date, during the last week of the same month.

The June 2009 Signature box includes: (website states box will feed family of 4, for 1 week).

• 1.5 lb. Ribeye Steaks (4 x 6 oz.)

• 2 lb. Homestyle Lasagna Dinner Entrée

• 2 lb. Beef and Bean Burritos (8 x 4 oz.)

• 2 lb. Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breast Chunks

• 28 oz. Jumbo Beef Pattie Entrée with Gravy

• 1 lb. Lean Ground Beef

• 1 lb. All Meat Hotdog

• 10 oz. Individually Wrapped Sliced Cheese (16 slice)

• 20 oz. Shoestring Fries

• 1 lb. Broccoli Cuts

• 12 oz. Peanut Butter

• 1 lb. Rice

• 1 lb. Pinto Beans

• 1 lb. Margarine Tub (Zero Grams Trans Fat)

• 32 oz. 2% Shelf Stable Milk

• Dozen Eggs

• Dessert

At first I thought this sounded like a pretty good deal. But, after thinking it over and doing a bit of research, I think I’m going to pass.

While I’m sure Angel Food Ministries is the perfect solution for some, I just don’t think it will work in my particular family situation.

Even though there are only three of us, in the household, this food box would not last a week. In addition, the majority of items aren’t what I classify as being healthy. I honestly think I could do better shopping with coupons or visiting my local Aldis.

In the last hour, I’ve read numerous comments in regard to food quality, as well. Many folks will tell you that after ordering one box, from Angel Food Ministries, they have decided against future purchases.

Complaints include: fruits and veggies that are past their prime, tasteless frozen entrées and breaded poultry that is almost all breading.

Another thing that concerns me is the fact that the family who started and still heads this organization was recently under investigation, by the FBI, for misappropriation of funds (with exception to their salaries).

The Reverend, along with his wife, two sons and daughter-in-law, each received ‘paychecks’ of more than $500,000, in 2006. They also appropriated another 600,000, to their church indicating it was a housing allowance.

The court order, stemming from this investigation, prevents them from using corporate credit card on any type of personal expenses.

I’m not saying that you shouldn’t consider Angel Food Ministries, as a means to feed your family. There are many people who have been very happy with their purchases.

I’m only suggesting that you investigate alternatives, as well. Things like using coupons, shopping at local farm markets or joining a neighborhood food co-op can go a long way in stretching your food budget.

Have you purchased food boxes, from angel food ministries? If so, I’d LOVE to hear your comments, as would the rest of the MRB readers.

Photo by: Jessica Reeder

Win a $10 Walmart Gift Card or $10 via PayPal

Win your choice of a $10 Walmart gift card or $10 deposited into your PayPal account. Simply sign up to receive updates from Mom Reviews Blog and you will be automatically entered in the contest.

Drawing will be held on August 2nd, 2009. Winner will be chosen using a random number generator and emailed on August 3rd, 2009.

To recieve extra entries:

• Tweet about the contest (1 entry)
• Mention the contest on your blog (1 entry)
• Add the site to your blogroll (5 entries)

Please tell me about your extra entries, by leaving a comment.

Photo by: Eric Lewis

Bisquick Cheeseburger Pie and Other Recipes

If you are in search of a Bisquick cheeseburger pie recipe or any other Bisquick related recipe, the Betty Crocker Ultimate Bisquick Cookbook is for you. As an avid cookbook collector, I can honestly say that it is one of my favorites.

I’m probably dating myself when I say I grew up on cheeseburger pie. This ‘impossible’ creation came to be in the 1970s and was an immediate hit in kitchens everywhere. Since then, Bisquick has come up many more impossible pie recipes… ranging from breakfast entrées to desserts.

One of the reasons I love the cookbook is the fact that it contains 280 brand-new recipes, not included in any other publication. It includes a bit of Bisquick history and several pages of baking related questions and answers, as well.

Whether you are on a quest to bake the perfect biscuits, pancakes, waffles, dumplings, shortcakes or muffins, the question and answer section will assist you in making it happen.

Even though food prices continue to rise, Bisquick remains extremely affordable (not to mention versatile). Pair this cookbook with a copycat Bisquick recipe, for an even greater savings.

It has over 400 pages of yummy recipes, photos and suggestions, for making the most out of your box of baking mix.

Are you a Bisquick cheeseburger pie lover? If so, I highly recommend that you pick up a copy of this wonderful cookbook. In the meantime, feel free to share your favorite ‘impossible pie’ recipe, below.

Sunbeam Hot Iron Storage Case Will Prevent Accidental Burns

If you do a great deal of ironing AND have small children at home, I hope you’ll consider the purchase of a Sunbeam Hot Iron Storage Case.

Thousands of children receive emergency room treatment, each year, as a result of accidental heat and fire related injuries, occurring in the home.

The sad truth is that many of these same injuries could have been prevented, simply by utilization of a product such as this one.

For under $20, this storage case will keep your hot iron away from curious little minds and fingers, alike. It accommodates all full size irons and can be mounted on a wall or placed on a shelf, whichever is more convenient. (A separate compartment holds the cord and water cup.)

The locking mechanism, located in the ergonomic handle, provides an additional level of safety and security.

The Sunbeam Hot Iron Storage Case would make a unique, low-cost, baby shower gift. Think about it… there is little chance that it would end up being a duplicate gift. Bundled with a few other small safety items, it’s something that every new Mom would more than appreciate.

What safety product do YOU utilize, in your home, that you just can’t live without? Inquiring Moms want to know!

Green Bean Casserole

Easter is almost upon us. It is a day of goodie-filled baskets, spiral ham, floppy eared bunnies and MY all time favorite… green bean casserole. (It’s not just for Thanksgiving anymore!)

If you’ve never tried a recipe for green bean casserole, you don’t know what you’re missing. It is the true American classic, lovingly created by Dorcas Reilly (and her trusty team of Campbell Soup Company staff members), in 1955.

Mrs. Reilly’s intention was to come up with a simple, nutritious, recipe that everyone could afford. Needless to say, she was more than a little bit successful, when it comes to her yummy green bean creation. So much so, in fact, she was aptly deemed the ‘mother of comfort food’.

The original recipe for green bean casserole has changed very little, over the years. However, versatility is its middle name if you find yourself in a creative mood. You also have the option of using canned or fresh when it comes to the green beans and canned or homemade when it comes to the French fried onions.

Whether you decide to add cheese, fresh mushrooms, bacon, Italian seasoning, slivered almonds or even broccoli instead of the beans, green bean casserole is a dish that can’ be beat.

I can honestly say that if I could get away with doing so, I would make it twice a week. My heartfelt thanks goes out to Dorcus, for coming up with a recipe that is served at more than 30 MILLION tables during the holiday season.

My question to you is this. Do you ‘jazz up’ your recipe for green bean casserole or do you prefer to make it as Mrs. Reilly did? I’d really love to know.

Photo by: Pirate Alice

GE Electric Roaster Oven

I recently became the proud owner of the GE 17 Qt Electric Roaster Oven with Buffet Server. My original intent was to go with a smaller Rival, but I just couldn’t pass up a great bargain.

When I brought it home, my husband looked more than a little perplexed. The first words out of his mouth were ‘Isn’t it a bit BIG, for just the two of us’?

At the time, I almost agreed with him. But, I’m happy to report that I use my electric roaster oven, at least twice a week. I have become accustomed to making extra of whatever happens to be on the menu and freezing it in serving size portions. What a time saver!

I anticipate using it even more during the hot summer months. Not only will it help to keep our electricity bill in check, it will keep the kitchen a whole lot cooler.

I am SO happy with this oven. Honestly, I have found that even though this particular model will accommodate an 18 pound turkey, you don’t have to be cooking for a crowd to use it.

The buffet server consists of three large compartments. I’ve used it twice and think it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread… well almost.

The enamel on steel roasting pan is removable, for easy clean up. Of course, the roasting rack is removable, as well.

If an electric roaster oven is frequently used in your kitchen, I’d love to hear more about the types of meals you prepare in it. What specific recipe have you had the most success with?

Starbucks Recipes eBook

Are you addicted to Starbucks? If so, Mom Reviews Blog wants to help. Simply subscribe to our updates and you will receive a groovy compilation of copy cat Starbucks recipes that will make your taste buds jump for joy.

I haven’t tried any of these recipes, yet. Honestly, I just acquired this 30 page eBook myself. But, I can attest to the fact that they all sound delicious. Latte’s and Cappuccino’s and Frappe’s, oh my!

Let’s face it; a trip to Starbuckscan be rather expensive, especially in these faltering economic times. Fortunately, the recipes in this eBook will help to satisfy your Starbucks cravings without the hassle of leaving home and spending more than you can really afford.

To get an idea of some of the yummy copy cat Starbucks recipes you will receive, I have listed a few below:

• Starbucks Frozen Frappuccino
• Starbucks Gingerbread Latte’ for Two
• Starbucks Vanilla Iced Coffee
• Starbucks Caramel Macchiato
• Starbucks Simple One Cup Chai
• Starbucks Minty Hot Mocha
• Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte’
• Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars
• Starbucks Maple Oat Scones
• Starbucks Peanut Butter Cookies
• Starbucks Mocha Crumb Cake… and much more!

After you subscribe to Mom Reviews Blog or follow us on Twitter, please send me a quick note or leave a comment, indicating that you have done so. I will then send you e-book (It will be sent manually, so please allow up to six hours. Requests received after 9pm EST will be processed the next day.)

Photo by: Leonid Mamchenkov