The Geometry of Pasta - Book Review

Did you know that there are more than 300 shapes of pasta? And that each shape was designed for a particular reason to be served with certain foods? I had no idea! So when I was given the opportunity to review The Geometry of Pasta, written by critically acclaimed chef Jacob Kennedy and illustrated by award wining designer Caz Hildebrand, I jumped at the chance!

I love to cook. I really do. But, with a 16 month old running around my time in the kitchen is limited so I often find myself going back to my old familiar recipes. The dinner table is.... well, boring. We don't shake things up nearly enough. So as I flipped through this cookbook I was thrilled to see that there is a huge variety of recipes for all kinds of cooks.

Here is a little about this unique cookbook:

THE GEOMETRY OF PASTA pairs over 100 authentic recipes from acclaimed chef Jacob Kennedy with award-winning designer Caz Hildebrand's stunning black-and-white designs to reveal the science, culture, and philosophy behind spectacular pasta dishes from throughout Italian history.

With an Italian husband, I have a big job to try and create pasta dishes that live up to his mother's. With this book I am well on my way! Not only do I have some great recipes to follow, but I also have the knowledge for pasta perfection! 

The book is so well written. It's easy to read because the author breaks everything down for us non pasta historians to understand. The translations of the names of the pasta alone are so helpful! Did you know that Farfalle means butterflies? Makes sense! And the black and white design makes it easy to read while still providing the visuals that I need! This book is a must for pasta lovers!

The Geometry of Pasta is published by Quirk Books and is listed for $24.95.

This Place is a Zoo Review and Giveaway

I love stuffed animals. I always have. This love is quickly becoming an excuse to buy every stuffed friend I see for my daughter. But really, how many teddies or puppies can one kid have? That's why when I stumbled up This Place is a Zoo I got excited! Stuffed animals that are unique and different! What makes these stuffed animals so different? They look like real animals. I think this is incredibly cool.

Not only are these animals soft and cuddly, but they also open up a world of opportunities. The educational opportunities are endless. These animals bring the wild into your home. You can build habitats to go with the different types of animals. You can make up plays or open a zoo. You can get creative, have fun and learn about animals all at the same time. And at the end of the day their furry friend can accompany your little one to dream land to continue the adventures!

I was lucky enough to receive the cuddlekin cheetah for review. My daughter absolutely loves it.  She runs around with him making him "roar" even though I think they make more of a loud "meow," but she thinks a roar is appropriate and its her imagination! She also loves to cuddle up with it. It's so soft. The downside? The occasional quick glance in the playroom when I think there's a real animal cuddled up in the corner. Ahh!

We love our cheetah! You can check out the HUGE selection of over 1,100 different cuddly and lifelike stuffed animals here!

GIVEAWAY: One Lucky Reader will win an animal of choice (valued up to $14.95).
 
HOW TO ENTER: Leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to leave your e-mail address!

MANDATORY ENTRY: Check out This Place is a Zoo and tell me your favorite stuffed animal!

EXTRA ENTRIES:
1. Enter another one of my current giveaways(1 entry per giveaway)
2. Follow my blog
3. Follow me on Twitter and tweet (1 entry per tweet - 1 tweet per day)
4. Fan me on Facebook
5. Grab my button and tell me where it is (3 entries)
6. Subscribe to my blog via e-mail (3 entries)
7. Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post

This giveaway is open to US only.
This giveaway ends on October 13, 2010 at 5:00 pm EST. One winner will be chosen by Random.org and notified by e-mail. Please respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected. Good Luck!

Winner!

Random.org has chosen our winners for the ATG Giveaway!!

#172 PetteyTiffany

Congratulations to our winner! An e-mail notification has been sent. The winner will have 48 hours to respond or we will have to choose another winner.

Thank you to everyone who entered!

Wordless Wednesday

Momma Drama's Holiday Gift Guide!

During the month of November I will be bringing you great gift ideas through  

Momma Drama's Holiday Gift Guide!

There will be reviews and giveaways to get you started on your holiday shopping. We will be looking at stocking stuffers, products for the home, cooking and baking.... and of course toys, clothes and accessories for children! It's going to be lots of fun and hopefully very helpful!

Hopping Along on a Rainy Tuesday

New smashburger opens in Florham Park, NJ

Last week my husband and I had the great opportunity to visit the new smashburger restaurant before it had it's grand opening in Florham Park, NJ.

smashburger was born to carry the torch for the modern burger lover. Where smash. sizzle. savor means a dedication to creating the best-tasting "cooked-to-order" burger. We start with 100% Angus Beef, smashed, seared and seasoned on the grill, placed on a butter-toasted artisan bun and topped with the highest-quality cheeses, freshest produce and condiments. A place where you can get a 1/3 or 1/2 pound burger with one of our great recipes or you can create your own. A place that is close to home and affordable. Where the energy is comfortable and relaxed. Where the food is served to you quickly and on a plate - not in a bag. -- smashburger is the better way.

Smashburger offers a unique style of dining. You order what you want, how you want it at the counter. You then go and have a seat and your food is delivered to you as soon as it's ready. 

We had a great experience at smashburger. We each enjoyed a smashuburger and my husband ordered a side of smashfries and I ordered a side of fried pickles. Yes, you read that right... fried pickles. They were awesome! They came with a buttermilk ranch dressing and were so good. Who would have thought? The smashfries were also delicious and very flavorful with the rosemary, garlic and olive oil they are seasoned with.

We also each had to try the Oreo shake that I read so much about before our visit. It was fantastic! We left full and satisfied.

Smashburgers are popping up all over the country and you can find a location nearest to you. At each location you will find an affordable menu that also offers more than just burgers. Their salads and chicken sandwiches also looked amazing! I wish I could have tried it all, but I think I would have exploded.  I would recommend you check one out!

Dance with the Rockettes!

Here is a great opportunity for all my local mommas!

The holidays are right around the corner! When I think about getting ready for the holidays I often think of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. And who's the star of the parade? In my opinion, the Rockettes! Shhh... don't tell Santa! But really, I always looked forward to those high kicking ladies! And this year Macy's and the Rockettes are offering you and your children the opportunity of a lifetime!

On October 2nd at 2:00 pm the Rockettes will be teaching their high kicking moves to shoppers and children at the Macy's in Cherry Hill, Philadelphia Metro Area. Imagine getting an up close and personal dance lesson from the most well known dancers around! If you can't make that one they will also be appearing at the Macy's in Bridgewater, NJ on October 16th.

The event is FREE and each participant will receive an "Honorary Rockette" certificate.  Don't forget your cameras to capture this special event! Fun for the whole family!

Check HERE to see if the Rockettes will be visiting a Macy's near you!

Dora Talking Digital Camera Review

My daughter absolutely loves Dora! She also loves my camera. Every time I take my camera out she runs over and wants it. Did you ever notice how kids can have a million toys but they always want what they can't have? My daughter goes crazy for all our electronics... cameras, cell phones, laptops. You know, the stuff that would be really expensive to replace is she broke it!

The Dora Talking Digital Camera has been a life saver! When my daughter comes running for my camera I hand her her own camera and she loves it! This camera not only talks in Dora's voice, but it also takes real pictures that you can upload to your computer using special software that it comes with.
Description:
Key Features

Dora the Explorer Snapshots software to get photos and videos from your camera, manage and organize your images by creating albums, edit images using automatic and manual tools.

Works as a Webcam on Windows and Macintosh computers

3 Voice hints that are alternately heard before taking photos: "We did it, yeah!", "Fantastica" and "…giggle…"

The camera is fun and easy to use! Perfect for all the little explorers! 
You can also take a look at all the other fantastic products offered by Sakar. This electronics manufacturer offers a variety of products for both kids and adults!