At home I used a single cup coffee brewer with pod cups. Recently I changed jobs. At my former office we had a lunch room and a coffee club. We could buy a cup of coffee from the single cup coffee brewer that uses pods or cups, and had a selection of cups with assorted coffee flavors.

At my new job, if I wanted a cup of coffee I had to go out to the lunch truck on the street, as there wasn’t a shared coffee club. It takes a Committee to organize a club, with requisitioning supplies and doing the accounting. Most offices do, however, have a microwave. But I did notice that my co-workers were making coffee with a French Press right in their office cubicles.

Bring in your own coffee, creamer, sugar or Splenda – add some microwaved water or filtered water and presto – instant coffee!

If you crave a latte, I’ve discovered that the Bodum Brazil is the best way to make coffee, whether you’re on the job in an office, work at home, or just want to relax at home!  I can use my favorite flavored ground roast coffee beans and all that frothy foam at the top makes my coffee taste so rich!

Bodum Brazil French Press Coffee Maker

BODUM is a family owned company, founded in 1944 in Copenhagen, Denmark by Peter Bodum and continues to broaden its collection of beautifully designed everyday life products.

I tried out the 3 cup (12 oz.) BRAZIL French Press coffee maker using a course ground coffee,  filtered water and a timer.

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How To French Press Instructions

Here’s some tips on how to brew a good cup of coffee:

Dishwasher Safe, Available in Black, Red and Lime Green

BODUM also offers tea brewers, travel presses and tumblers, expresso machines, coffee grinders, milk frothers, coffee beans and carafes.

Do you know someone who’s a coffee fanatic? This would make an excellent gift for mom, dad, grandmom, sister or your favorite cubicle dweller!

For More Information Visit: Bodum

© 2012 Moomettes Magnificents

Bodum French Press Coffee Maker Review | How to Use a French Press | Brazil French Press is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. Tassimo Bosch T20 Single Cup Coffee Maker Review
2. Godiva Coffee Gifts | Godiva Peppermint Mocha Coffee Recipe
3. Rise and Shine | Ekobrew Reusable Filter for Keurig Single Cup Brewers | Gift Ideas for Coffee Drinkers

Pennsylvania Dutch Pasta Moments Photo Contest

We all know that the comfort of home means something different to each one of us! Pennsylvania Dutch would love it if you’d participate in their Pasta Moments Photo Contest!

The American Classic Noodle

To enter, simply visit to ‘like’ Pennsylvania Dutch on their Facebook Page  and submit your favorite photo with pasta, including a caption that fills in the blank, “Somewhere in America, home is…” You’ll be entered to win weekly prizes, with one grand prize winner taking home a Kindle Fire! More information and official rules can be found on the Pennsylvania Dutch Facebook page.

How to Make Beef Stroganoff Easy Dinner Meals with Noodles

Here’s a few favorite easy weeknight dinner ideas for Beef Stroganoff recipes on Pinterest that I’ve found. The kids and grandkids enjoy beef and pasta dishes and I thought I’ll be trying them soon with Pennsylvania Dutch Egg Noodles:
 

Martha Stewart Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Crockpot Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

 The contest runs now through March 4th. There will be weekly giveaways up until the contest ends, followed by a grand prize winner in March.

© 2012 Moomettes Magnificents

Bodum French Press Coffee Maker Review | How to Use a French Press | Brazil French Press is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. Tassimo Bosch T20 Single Cup Coffee Maker Review
2. Godiva Coffee Gifts | Godiva Peppermint Mocha Coffee Recipe
3. Rise and Shine | Ekobrew Reusable Filter for Keurig Single Cup Brewers | Gift Ideas for Coffee Drinkers

Disney On Ice 100 Years of Magic is performing at the XL Center In Hartford, CT now through January 16, 2012. New England and Connecticut moms and dads, grandmom and grandpa can receive a $5 promotional discount offer on tickets! This is one event you don’t want the kids or grandkids to miss!

Connecticut was treated to Opening Night on Thursday of the Disney On Ice show at the XL Center in Hartford, CT and it truly was magical to watch the grandchildren enjoy  the excitement of watching their favorite Disney characters come to life before their eyes!

This year, Disney celebrates with 65 unforgettable characters from 18 beloved stories as they come to life in Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic! Join the one and only Mickey Mouse, the irresistible Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio, and all the Disney Princesses in a skating spectacular you’ll remember forever.

Disney On Ice presents 100 Years of Magic!

I’m fortunate that my grandchildren live close by. We enjoy spending family time together and this time last year I had the opportunity to attend the Disney on Ice Mickey and Minnie’s Magical Journey with my oldest daughter, charming son-in-law and my two grandchildren; my grandson Slugger and granddaughter ‘Lil Moomette.  While the grandkids enjoyed last year’s show, what a difference a year makes in their attention span!

Family Memories

Slugger is now 3 and in preschool and ‘Lil Moomette is 5 and is in Kindergarten.  Before the show started she recognized that one of her friends from school was at the same event, and they chatted up about how excited they were to be there.

The kids recognized many of the beloved Disney characters – Mickey, Minnie, Ariel from the Little Mermaid, Pinnochio, Pocahantas, Snow White, Lilo and Stich,  Toy Story, Beauty and the Beast as well as  The Lion King.

The XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut was the perfect venue for this kid-friendly performance.  While last year our seats were slightly to the left of center stage, and provided excellent viewing, this year they were even better!  We were right “on the ice.”  I was speaking before the show with one of the seating attendants who’d been with the XL Center for about nine years.  He told me that the Disney performances are set up to accommodate crowds of about 3,000 to make it a more “intimate” experience.

Prior to the commencement of the event, an announcement was made that there would be theatrical smoke, however it was safe and not hazardous to anyone’s health.  The audience was encouraged to take photographs to preserve family memories.

The average age group of the child attendees ranged from approximately 3 to 8 years of age. The performance thoroughly engaged the crowded XL Center and lasted approximately 2 hours, with about a short 20 minute intermission. There was just enough time to hit the restrooms and get a beverage, popcorn and cotton candy to keep the little ones happy.  Many of the little girls in the audience were dressed in Disney Princess costumes and tiaras!

Costumes were colorful and the action was non-stop! I didn’t hear any crying babies or see any fidgety kids!

Before the show started, I treated the grandkids to some souveniers – Slugger opted for a Buzz Lightyear toy, while ‘Lil Moomette came home with an Ariel the Little Mermaid doll. The enthusiastic crowd marched along with the skaters and the kids were treated to some pyrotechnics fireworks displays in front of the Magic Castle during the Finale for effect.

Memories of a lifetime for kids of all ages – the young, and the young at heart!

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Kid Friendly Events

Playing the XL Center in Hartford, CT now through January 16, 2012!!!

Show times:

• Fri,  Jan 13 2012  7:00PM

• Sat,  Jan 14 2012 11:00AM

• Sat,  Jan 14 2012  3:00PM

• Sat,  Jan 14 2012  7:00PM

• Sun,  Jan 15 2012  1:00PM

• Sun,  Jan 15 2012  4:30PM

• Mon,  Jan 16 2012  1:00PM

Disney On Ice Discounts

How to Buy Tickets at $5 off*:

1. Log on to Ticketmaster

2. Go to the month of January and Select a Performance either the  Fri. 7 PM or Sat. 7 PM for the $5 off discount at the XL Center:

Discount offer:

Save $5

Code: MOM5

Valid on the following performances: Fri. 7PM & Sat. 7PM

Rules: No double discounts, not valid on premium seats

Enter number of tickets, price point and Promo Code MOMS5 in the Advance or Promotion Ticket Selection option.


© 2012 Moomettes Magnificents

Bodum French Press Coffee Maker Review | How to Use a French Press | Brazil French Press is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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2. Godiva Coffee Gifts | Godiva Peppermint Mocha Coffee Recipe
3. Rise and Shine | Ekobrew Reusable Filter for Keurig Single Cup Brewers | Gift Ideas for Coffee Drinkers

Eco-Friendly Reusable Coffee Filter for Keurig

The little K cup single serve pods can get expensive if you drink as much coffee every day as I do.  We bloggers stay up well into the wee hours of the morning. Of course, many people work the night shift, so staying awake throughout the day is important.

Ekobrew.Love coffee. Love the earth.

The Ekobrew Reusable Coffee Filter for Keurig single cup coffee brewers are:

• 100% BPA FREE
• Dishwasher Safe
• No need to remove the Keurig filter holder
• Use your own coffee when you brew
• Save up to 80% on coffee costs
• Save 100% impact on the earth with every use

While I do enjoy the ease of use and try to buy K-Cups when they’re on sale, I still like to be frugal and pick up Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Maxwell House or Eight O’Clock coffee when it’s on sale.  I even picked up some peppermint mocha coffee at Aldi on sale during the holidays.
With the Ekobrew, you just open the lid, fill with coffee and close the lid.  I use regular tap water with my Brita water filter.   Then, insert into the Keurig holster and brew!  There’s no used plastic cup to throw away!

While I already have a reusable filter for my Keurig, I like this one better because I don’t have to switch out the assembly.

This would make a magnificent gift idea for coffee drinkers!

Learn More At:  www.ekobrew.com

© 2012 Moomettes Magnificents

Bodum French Press Coffee Maker Review | How to Use a French Press | Brazil French Press is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. Tassimo Bosch T20 Single Cup Coffee Maker Review
2. Godiva Coffee Gifts | Godiva Peppermint Mocha Coffee Recipe
3. Rise and Shine | Ekobrew Reusable Filter for Keurig Single Cup Brewers | Gift Ideas for Coffee Drinkers

Here’s a listing of the latest Sweepstakes and Contests, Giveaways from my friends around the blogosphere! Please visit their websites for details, rules and ending times.

Serendipitous Sunday Blog Giveaways Linky

Would you like to have your contest listed? Just add your Contest or Giveaway to the Mr. Linky listing below!

Be sure to check out my latest blog Giveaways ending soon!

Entries Must be in the following format:

While not required to link your contest here, please take my banner and display it. Displaying my blog banner helps to promote my site and your Contests and Giveaways. You may also sign up by email to receive my free Newsletter for updates.

All entries will be deleted that don’t follow this format.

Listings are offered here as a courtesy, Family-Friendly only.

© 2012 Moomettes Magnificents

Bodum French Press Coffee Maker Review | How to Use a French Press | Brazil French Press is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. Tassimo Bosch T20 Single Cup Coffee Maker Review
2. Godiva Coffee Gifts | Godiva Peppermint Mocha Coffee Recipe
3. Rise and Shine | Ekobrew Reusable Filter for Keurig Single Cup Brewers | Gift Ideas for Coffee Drinkers

Last year at this time I posted that I would be slip-sliding away and trying to place less emphasis on the merry-go-round of social media. I jumped-ship from some of the groups and communities that I had joined where everyone was trying to one-up the other with shit-chat chit-chat (oops, typo) of conferences attended, ambassadorships and review opps snagged. I found a different group where the members were more than willing to share helpful blogging tips, and the competitiveness wasn’t there. Not surprisingly, these were the very mom bloggers I’ve known and traveled in circles with since I started blogging in 2007.

I also was determined that I was going to try to enjoy life, relax more, get back to some of my favorite hobbies such as cooking and crafts that I enjoy such as crocheting. Pinterest has become a huge inspiration for me and a gentle reminder to enjoy life to it’s fullest. I found tons of craft and DIY ideas for kids and grandkids. We made snow globes together during the Christmas season. I’ve set up boards and have many inspiring pins for winter, spring, summer and fall craft ideas as well as for the holidays – Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving projects.

I was reminded to laugh more. There’s so many funny quips, quotes and sayings I’ve pinned to my “Words to Make You Giggle” Pinterest board.

What would it be like to go around in a serious state of mind all the time? You’ve got to laugh sometime. Laughter is good medicine for you and you should prescribe it to yourself as much as possible. This is definitely stress buster material.

Best Stress Relief

Check out some ways that you can laugh and release stress at the same time:

• First, you must realize that having laughter in your life can increase your energy and take away any negative vibes that you may be feeling. When you laugh, you release the pent-up anger and frustration that has been bottled up inside you from being stressed. You can find some good comedy shows on television that are really funny.

• Think of some situations where the outcome ended up being pretty humorous. You can think on those and get a kick out of them. Let go of the complaining and murmuring.

•  Go take in a comedy club. Check out the up and coming comedians at local venues in your area.

This past week we got together with my daughters, charming son-in-law and nephew and all went to see Jeff Dunham, one of our favorite comedians. Jeff Dunham – Controlled Chaos along with his friends Walter, Peanut and Achmed were at the Hartford XL Center.

Earlier this year the hubby and I got out to see and enjoy Orange County Choppers at MGM Grand Foxwoods Resort.  We also visited Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum in NYC and were delightfully entertained by the Broadway show, Wicked.  In January I’ll again be taking my grandchildren to enjoy Disney on Ice.  (If you’re local, be sure to check out my post for Discount Promo Codes for the upcoming show.)

• Smile more often. If you’re not used to doing this, then start now. Did you know that smiling can be contagious?

Learn to spread your laughter and joy to others who need it.  Not only will it help them, it’ll also help you.

What about you?  Do you have any special ways to live a healthier lifestyle and de-stress in 2012?

Happy New Year everyone!

© 2011 Moomettes Magnificents

Photo Credit: EduLeite

Bodum French Press Coffee Maker Review | How to Use a French Press | Brazil French Press is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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2. Godiva Coffee Gifts | Godiva Peppermint Mocha Coffee Recipe
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Online Coupons

SavingStar’s eCoupons are totally paperless. There’s nothing to clip or print since they are 100% digital! They work at over 100 chains in 24,000 stores nationwide.

Here’s how it works:

1. Join SavingStar for free and register your grocery and drugstore loyalty cards on SavingStar.

2. When you use your card at checkout like you normally do, your savings are automatically added to your SavingStar account within 2-30 days depending on when the store sends the purchase data to SavingStar. (Note: the savings are not given at checkout in the store and they are not printed on your receipt).

3. Once your accumulated savings in your SavingStar account reach $5, you can pick your payout from a deposit into your bank or PayPal account, an Amazon gift card, or a donation to American Forests. It’s that easy!

SavingStar eCoupons are updated each week. This week you can save money on Pepsi, Campbell’s Soup, Lipton Tea, Playtex, Wet Ones, Lay’s Kettle Cooked Chips, Scott Bath Tissue, Cheetos, Fritos, Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, McCain’s French Fries, and more.

Get grocery coupons at SavingStar.com today.

Bodum French Press Coffee Maker Review | How to Use a French Press | Brazil French Press is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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2. Godiva Coffee Gifts | Godiva Peppermint Mocha Coffee Recipe
3. Rise and Shine | Ekobrew Reusable Filter for Keurig Single Cup Brewers | Gift Ideas for Coffee Drinkers

Take Small Business to the Next Level

Since I’m from New England, normally I travel up north to Vermont a few times a year, and visiting the King Arthur Flour company store or taking their baking classes is on my bucket list. My friend from New Hampshire keeps saying she’s going to take me there one of these days.

Supporting small businesses, especially a local small business, has always been a priority of mine. Just recently I participated in Small Business Saturday on Facebook. My mother-in-law was a local small business owner of a cheese and gourmet shop back in the 70s, although the most she tried to expand her reach was to open a second brick-and-mortar store in an adjacent town.

As a Tastefully Simple independent consultant small business owner, I have a website where I sell specialty beer bread mixes, dips and sauces. Since I’m a mompreneur, I rely on social media networking communities such as Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest to help with the web sales and internet marketing end of my mom-owned small business.

On the internet marketplace Bonanza, I’m also a small business owner and have a boutique website where I sell and offer vintage sewing and craft patterns and other home items for families.

Like King Arthur Flour, as a small business owner I’m trying to expand my reach via social networks, gain name recognition and develop a national customer base.

To attain my goals, I recently switched to using the Google Chrome web browser as my primary internet browser. After experiencing multiple browser crashes when using Firefox, I’ve found Google Chrome to be much more reliable than any of the other browsers I’d been using.

If you’re a small business owner, make it a New Year’s resolution to let Google Chrome help take your business to the next level.

This post is sponsored by Google Chrome

Bodum French Press Coffee Maker Review | How to Use a French Press | Brazil French Press is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

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2. Godiva Coffee Gifts | Godiva Peppermint Mocha Coffee Recipe
3. Rise and Shine | Ekobrew Reusable Filter for Keurig Single Cup Brewers | Gift Ideas for Coffee Drinkers

Turning a New Leaf

What have we done?

Here I am, the blogging Baby Boomer Grandmom from New England.  NEW ENGLAND!

Land of four seasons – Spring, Summer, Fall and … Winter!

Winter – which in most people’s minds, means, snow, cold, more snow, more cold; ice, more snow and ice, slush ….  and real Christmas Trees!  You get the picture.

Having been married seemingly forever, we’ve always had a r.e.a.l. tree.  Right – REAL, as in not artificial.  Nope, not us.

There’s plenty of Christmas tree growers here in Connecticut, so the Hubster and I had been trudging through the woods (and agricultural Christmas Tree farms) here in Connecticut, in all kinds of weather (see above, and add rain) to cut down (with a saw), a real – live – natural Christmas tree.

Over the years, we’ve had some that barely fit through the door.  Actually, the first year we were married and in an apartment (where no live trees were allowed), we ever so silently dragged our real.live.tree up the stairs and through the hallway and set it up in our living room.  Until, oh, maybe February?

When it was dry as a bone, we then opened the living room window and shoved it out from the 2nd floor to the ground, where it landed – not a needle on it!

Although the homes decorated for Christmas with live trees look pretty, talk about having to clean up a mess every year – with the dry heat here in New England, cleaning up the pine needles that have fallen to the ground, or that the various fur balls over the years have chewed up, is certainly a challenge.

So what makes this year different than all those others?

Now that the kiddos are grown and launched, I am simplifying my life and have decided I wanted an artificial tree.  Mostly because they come pre-lighted, and I don’t want the hassle of having to string the lights by myself since nobody else will help me.

We drove for about 5 hours looking everywhere – Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes, Home Depot again, and finally gave up trying to find one that looked like a natural Christmas tree.  Not to be one to give up, a light bulb went off and I got the idea to call my brother-in-law (he & sister-in-law with the straight out of  Martha Stewart Living beautifully decorated home) and asked where they got their artificial tree.

So off to the locally-owned Vinnys we went.  They had such a beautiful selection and even the Hubster is happy!  Only thing missing was the real.live.tree smell.  Nothing that a  Home for the Holidays Yankee Candle couldn’t fix.

And of course, to go with my beautiful tree – I found the most gorgeous vintage Battenburg Lace white Christmas tree skirt on Bonanza!

So here it is, in all it’s splendor, and my very favorite Christmas ornaments adorning it for the very first time.

Do you have a real.live.tree or have you gone the artificial route? Link up here!

I am sharing my holiday home decor and cleaning tips for the chance to win prizes from The SITS Girls and Great Cleaners.

Bodum French Press Coffee Maker Review | How to Use a French Press | Brazil French Press is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. Tassimo Bosch T20 Single Cup Coffee Maker Review
2. Godiva Coffee Gifts | Godiva Peppermint Mocha Coffee Recipe
3. Rise and Shine | Ekobrew Reusable Filter for Keurig Single Cup Brewers | Gift Ideas for Coffee Drinkers

Here’s a listing of the latest Sweepstakes and Contests, Giveaways from my friends around the blogosphere! Please visit their websites for details, rules and ending times.

Serendipitous Sunday Blog Giveaways Linky

Would you like to have your contest listed? Just add your Contest or Giveaway to the Mr. Linky listing below!

Be sure to check out my latest blog Giveaways ending soon!

Entries Must be in the following format:

While not required to link your contest here, please take my banner and display it. Displaying my blog banner helps to promote my site and your Contests and Giveaways. You may also sign up by email to receive my free Newsletter for updates.

All entries will be deleted that don’t follow this format.

Listings are offered here as a courtesy, Family-Friendly only.

Bodum French Press Coffee Maker Review | How to Use a French Press | Brazil French Press is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. Tassimo Bosch T20 Single Cup Coffee Maker Review
2. Godiva Coffee Gifts | Godiva Peppermint Mocha Coffee Recipe
3. Rise and Shine | Ekobrew Reusable Filter for Keurig Single Cup Brewers | Gift Ideas for Coffee Drinkers