Laundry is Now LOADS of FUN!

This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Samsung Home Appliances

My heart just about jumped out of my chest when BlogHer asked me to chose which brand new SAMSUNG appliance I would like to review (and OWN)! Are you serious?!?!? I made Joe re-read the email over and over to make sure I was translating it correctly. YEP!

And YES--SAMSUNG! They dominate at everything else electric, so why not appliances?

We, the Steece family of 6, are now the proud owners of the Samsung, top-o-the-line, extra large capacity, front loading washer (model: #WF448AAP)
and dryer (model: #DV448AEP)--complete with pedestals!!!

Out with the old...(I'm gonna miss you, 'ole buddy 'ole pal...we've been through LOADS of baby spit up together)

...and in with the brand, spankin' new!
LOVE Mr. Delivery Man's face---"YES! They are quadruplets!" (notice the quad-crowd watching from above?)


Well...whadya think, guys? (The kids were in awe of the giant machines!)


Ben: "OOOOOOOOoooooo!!!"


But enough gawkin'...Mama has work to do! You see, I saved up on laundry so that I could run several different loads in the new W&D! (Yah right...who am I kiddin'...this is Mom & Dad's laundry on a GOOD week!)


Time to sit down and read through those user manuals (Yes! I am THAT particular and thoroughly read through each and every instruction booklet before setting up new gadgets, don't you?) The booklets were very easy and concise.


Samsung Washer Model WF448AAP (isn't she beautiful?!?!)


Click on the image below to view a detailed description of features.


Here are a few of my favorites:

1. EXTRA LARGE CAPACITY!- it can wash a king sized comforter or up to 28 bath towels in a single load! Which is awesome in a house full of 6--the laundry adds up VERRRY quickly! By washing fewer loads--I save time, money, water, and energy! (Ethan checking things out)


2. VRT (Vibration Reduction Technology)- performs smoothly at top spin speeds while minimizing noise and vibration. (Fantastic for sleeping kiddos!)




3. Stylish Design- heck ya! Funny how the most exquisite part of our house has now become our laundry room!


4. Diamond Drum- Tiny little holes that are 36% smaller than conventional drums which prevent fabrics from getting caught or damaged


5. LCD Display & Center Jog Dial- it is SO easy to use and I love how the screen lights up in the dark as well! Look at all of those different cycles! I also love the countdown to completion.



The child lock button will also come in handy with 4 curious kids sneaking in and out of rooms they shouldn't be in! Just press the "Soil Level" & "Signal" buttons simultaneously.


6. Silver Care Sanitation Cycle- 16 million trillion silver (widely known for its antimicrobial properties) ions are released during this particular cycle which does NOT use HOT water---This, in turn, uses 92% LESS energy while killing more than 99.9% of bacteria.



Things to take into consideration:

- Expensive: From what I have researched, this is the "top of the top of the line" when it comes to washing machines and averages around $1400. This particular washer is among the most highly rated front-loading washers in professional appliance testing (Consumer Reports & Good Housekeeping) and I believe it! It is amazing!

- Silver plates must be replaced after 1,000 Silvercare Cycles have been run. If you push the signal button and the silver care button simultaneously, the total number of silver cycles run will be displayed...so it is easy to keep track.


Samsung Dryer Model DV448AEP



Click on the image below to view a detailed description of features.


Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Fuzzy Logic Algorithm- What's this you ask? Sensors measure the degree of dampness and automatically set the drying time! Talk about super energy efficient! I love that it automatically shuts off when it detects that the clothes are perfectly dry to the particular level you choose (5 different drying levels: very dry to damp dry) and not a second longer---no more crisp clothes that have been blown to bits!


2. Mixed Load Bell- When laundry contains various types of cloth which vary in weight and drying time, a bell will alarm when the average dry level is 80% dried---perfect for taking out those polos that Joe doesn't want dried all the way and wrinkled! (I LOOOOVE this feature!)


3. Extra Large Capacity- Again, I am amazed at the amount of laundry I can fit into the washer & dryer! They are HUGE!


4. Refresh or Steam cycle- Say you want to wear something that has been hanging in your closet, smushed and wrinkled---simply throw it in the dryer under "refresh cycle" and it will spray a small amount of water while tumbling with heat. It reduces bad odor and wrinkles! Awesome.


5. Wrinkle Care- It is a button you can push with any cycle-- a small amount of water is sprayed into the drum to release wrinkles from items that have been left in the dryer too long and will continue for up to 90 minutes. I was completely amazed as I pulled load after load out of the dryer and the clothes were hardly wrinkled at all!


6. Rack Dry- Items such as stuffed toys, sweaters, foam rubber pillows, shoes, etc. can be dried on a drying rack so they won't be tossed around. Very COOL!


Things to take into consideration:

- Expensive: Average price is around $1300. (But you definitely get what you pay for and you end up using less energy so it all evens out, right?!)


And now, without further adu---are you ready for the contest???
How would you like to win a $200 Best Buy gift card?!

To enter, leave me a comment below and tell me:
"Which Samsung appliance would make your life easier (refrigerator, microwave, range, dishwasher, or W/D)?"
- Or you may leave a link to your post on your own blog in the comments below. The contest will begin at 10/5/2009 @ 7pm CST and will end 11/15/2009.....Make sure that the e-mail address you leave is correct!

Rules:

No duplicate comments.
You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
This giveaway is open to US-Residents, age 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
Please see the official rules here: Official Rules
Link to the Random Number Generator

Don't forget to check out the BlogHer.com review/giveaway round-up page to see what fun & exciting brand new Samsung appliances the other BlogHer reviewers received:
You've got 8 chances to win a $200 Best Buy card.


Visit Samsung's site for more information.


THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH BLOGHER AND SAMSUNG!!! WE CANNOT TELL YOU HOW MUCH WE LOVE OUR NEW W/D! WASHING LAUNDRY HAS NEVER BEEN SO FUN (but don't tell Joe I said that! ;)

Wonderful Week of Ragu Recipes

*This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Ragu*

I LOOOVE to cook and try out new recipes every week---so I was beyond thrilled to review 4 different RAGU sauces: Homemade Style Pizza Sauce, Cheesy Classic Alfredo, Old World Style Margherita, and Old World Style Sweet Tomato Basil. The last two are brand new flavors and have a full serving of veggies in every half cup!--That's music to a sneaky Mama's ears! You see, my 2 yr olds are not fond of their vegetables and meals have become somewhat of a battle at times...so I am forced to get creative with my dinner-time-veggie-hiding-food-tactics.

I was VERY impressed with the Ragu website--you guys must check out all of their fantastic recipes! They even have short videos to walk you through your meal preparation- hosted by one of my Food Network favs, Robin Miller! Check them out HERE! But the BEST part about the RAGU recipe collection is a section devoted to Budget-Friendly items with the "cost per recipe/cost per serving" located at the bottom of each dish.

Affordable (many dishes less than $2 a serving), quick (20-30 minute prep) and super easy (5 ingredients or less) meals with a full serving of veggies??? Doesn't get much better than that! So now I'll take you through the Steece Family of Six- Wonderful Week of RAGU Recipes!



MEAL #1: EASY HOMEMADE PIZZA with RAGU Homemade Style Pizza Sauce

Ahhh...homemade pizza! The possibilities are endless--I am an artist and the pizza crust is my blank canvas! I take my pizza making skills VERY seriously---so, likewise, I must have the BEST of the best when it comes to pizza sauce.



I also have the best (and most adorable) little sous-chefs in the whole world!

Big Ben ready to help with the sauce...



...Sweet Savannah piling on the toppings and cheese (stopping ever so often to nibble as she goes--as evidenced by the pasta sauce surrounding her mouth!)



Everyone gathers around to watch the "magic machine" cook the pizza.



YUMMO! How good does this look?!



I must say, I was impressed with the Pizza Sauce---not too thin, not too thick---just right! It had the perfect combination of spices and flavors without being too powerful. (Andrew and Ethan chowing down--the pizza recipe was their favorite)



MEAL #2: CHICKEN ALFREDO WITH FETTUCCINE with RAGU Cheesy Classic Alfredo Sauce


My little helpers are back!



After cooking the chicken in the skillet, I add the RAGU sauce and simmer on low for about 5 minutes. Mix it all together with the pasta--and PRESTO! Dinner is served.



This 4 ingredient meal was a cinch to make! Doesn't it look oh-so-good?



The true test...Ben (God bless him- my pickiest eater) got a couple of bites in



Sav LOVED it and asked for "MO PEEZ" (more please)


Andrew and Ethan ate about half of theirs (which is good)



Daddy was chowin' down! (Gotta love all of these eating pics...classy!)



And you know its good when you end up with Alfredo sauce on your glasses, covering your face and in your hair---Job well done, baby girl! The creamy Chicken Alfredo was easily Savannah's favorite.



MEAL #3: PASTA MARGHERITA with RAGU Old World Style Margherita Sauce


Drew with his RAGU



Cook the pasta. Throw in some cheese, pepperoni, and RAGU Margherita Sauce and WHALLAH! (easy as 1-2-3) Quite possibly the easiest, best tasting dish ever made.



Mr. Picky gave it 2 enthusiastic thumbs up! YAY!



Sav (always saying "CHEEESE"- how appropriate) enjoyed picking the pepperoni out with her fingers.



Drew loved playing with the stringy cheese more than anything



And I'll let Ethan's face do the talkin' (the kid couldn't get enough!)



MEAL #4: HEARTY BAKED RIGATONI with RAGU Old World Style Sweet Tomato Basil Sauce


Savannah- SO eager to help!



After throwing the pasta, sauce, and cheeses together- the dish baked for an easy 30 minutes. What I pulled out of the oven was warm and gooey GOODNESS!



Ethan loved it...Drew took a couple of bites but mostly played around with his pasta



I guess I know who my big-pasta-eater is...look at that mouth! (I don't know who she gets it from! Hee hee) Give her a fork and slap some pasta in front of Savannah and she's good-to-go!



And Benny boy...he was just absolutely sick and tired of eating pasta 4 meals in a row. (Can't help but laugh at this pic...poor guy! Ha)



To recap our favorite recipes:

1) Pasta Margherita was AMAZING!--easily our favorite. The robust flavor of the sauce mixed with the spicy pepperoni and mozzarella was out of this world. Cook it for dinner TONIGHT and you WON'T be disappointed! ($1.70 per serving)

2) Hearty Baked Rigatoni- great taste, love the ooey gooey cheese, reminded me of lasagna, the sauce is a wee bit sweeter than the Margherita sauce and has a hint of basil ($1.27 per serving)

3) Easy Homemade Pizza- can NEVER go wrong with homemade pizza, the sauce is perfect- wouldn't change a thing! Such a quick and EASY meal to put together within minutes! (cost varies with ingredients)

4) Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine- I was expecting the sauce to taste "store-bought" but was pleasantly surprised, great flavor- but not something that I cannot live without (cost not given)

For more fun with the Steece Family, please stop by our main blog: STEECE'S PIECES! We'd love to have you! ;)

AND NOW THE FUN PART!!! Want to win a $100 Visa gift card?

Simply leave me a comment below and tell me: "How do you feed your kids/family well?"

- Or you may leave a link to your post on your own blog in the comments below. The contest will begin on 10/1/2009 and will end 11/11/2009. Make sure that the e-mail address you leave is correct.

Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
This giveaway is open to US residents, aged 18 and older.
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
Link to the Random Number Generator: http://www.random.org/integers/

Check out the rest of the BlogHer Reviewers' RAGU meals by clicking on this link- you have 10 chances to win a $100 Visa gift card.
(If not working, this link will be up and going sometime today)

For kid-friendly recipes, healthy tips and more, be sure to visit Ragu.com.

Happy Cooking & Good Luck!

Week 2, Day 5- Crystal Light Water Way Challenge

This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Crystal Light Water Way Challenge

Hey, I’m taking the Crystal Light Water Way Challenge- check here for updates each day for the next two weeks and join me over on the Water Way Challenge group at BlogHer.

I am personally vowing to (1) drink 8 glasses of Crystal Light/water a day and (2) resist the urge to drink ANY sodas during the next TWO weeks!
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WOOO HOOOO!!! I have made it through my two week Crystal Light Water Way Challenge and I am feeling great. Carbonated beverages are SUCH a thing of the past! I feel SO much healthier while drinking water constantly throughout the day...I really encourage you to start your own Water Way Challenge and to get started on a healthier life, a healthier YOU.

A quick recap of my favorite Crystal Light flavors:
1. FRUIT PUNCH
2. POMEGRANATE LEMONADE
3. WILD STRAWBERRY
4. RASPBERRY LEMONADE
5. CHERRY POMEGRANATE
6. SUNRISE ORANGE

...and this is only the beginning! I still have so many more to try. I absolutely LOVE mixing it up and trying new flavors. Are there any specific ones that are YOUR favorite that I haven't tried?

Good luck to you and your own water consumption, my fellow bloggie buddies! Hope you have as much fun incorporating water into your life as I do! :)
Blessings,

Week 2, Day 4- Crystal Light Water Way Challenge

This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Crystal Light Water Way Challenge

Hey, I’m taking the Crystal Light Water Way Challenge- check here for updates each day for the next two weeks and join me over on the Water Way Challenge group at BlogHer.

I am personally vowing to (1) drink 8 glasses of Crystal Light/water a day and (2) resist the urge to drink ANY sodas during the next TWO weeks!
---------------------------

Ahhhh....what a nice way to start the day! Pulling out of my garage with my Sunrise Orange Crystal Light---how appropriate.


I'm going to need to stay well hydrated to shuffle four toddlers in and out of the burb with the smoldering Texas heat beating down on me. GOODNESS GRACIOUS! I think I'm losing more water from sweat than I'm putting back in to my body! But back to the Orange flavor--I really like it. It was very refreshing and reminded me of a watered down Sunny "D".

I've got one more day to document my Water Way Challenge, here, on my review blog---but I feel confident in knowing that I will continue to make a daily choice to drink more water. This weekend we will very busy, but I have every intention of reaching my 8 glasses of water/day quota! In fact, I keep my little Crystal Light singles in my purse for easy access when I'm out and about! I should start making the tubs of Crystal Light in one of my pitchers to keep around the house. However, I really like the versatility of changing up the flavors each time I make a new bottle. Keeps it fun, fresh, and exciting for my taste buds.

Week 2, Day 3- Crystal Light Water Way Challenge

This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Crystal Light Water Way Challenge

Hey, I’m taking the Crystal Light Water Way Challenge- check here for updates each day for the next two weeks and join me over on the Water Way Challenge group at BlogHer.

I am personally vowing to (1) drink 8 glasses of Crystal Light/water a day and (2) resist the urge to drink ANY sodas during the next TWO weeks!
---------------------------

What's that, Suz? A nice refreshing glass of classy blush wine?


Nope---that would be a nice refreshing glass of classy Raspberry Lemonade Crystal Light...you betcha! Love it...this flavor has always been my husband's favorite. I thought I could fool him with the wine glass (he's not fond of wine), but I caught the little stinker red handed! You've got 3 seconds to put down that glass, buddy...I'm almost at my daily quota!


I'm currently working on getting Joe to join the Water Way Challenge--or at least drink more water with me. So far so good. I don't know about you, but I can tell when I'm dehydrated by the massive headaches! I feel so much better when I am staying well hydrated throughout the day. What kinds of symptoms do you guys experience when water takes the back seat?

Week 2, Day 2- Crystal Light Water Way Challenge

This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Crystal Light Water Way Challenge

Hey, I’m taking the Crystal Light Water Way Challenge- check here for updates each day for the next two weeks and join me over on the Water Way Challenge group at BlogHer.

I am personally vowing to (1) drink 8 glasses of Crystal Light/water a day and (2) resist the urge to drink ANY sodas during the next TWO weeks!
---------------------------

Today I tried a new flavor:


I liked the Pomegranate Lemonade so much that I decided to try the Cherry Pomegranate--LOVED the fact that it gives a little boost to my immunity. It was okay--tastes like liquid jello...but the more I drank of it, the more I liked.

My favorites are still: Fruit Punch, Pomegranate Lemonade and Wild Strawberry. Maybe its just me, but after I drink the caffeinated Wild Strawberry--I have tons of energy! YOU try it and tell me what YOU think---is it all in my head? ;)

Week 2, Day 1- Crystal Light Water Way Challenge

This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Crystal Light Water Way Challenge

Hey, I’m taking the Crystal Light Water Way Challenge- check here for updates each day for the next two weeks and join me over on the Water Way Challenge group at BlogHer.

I am personally vowing to (1) drink 8 glasses of Crystal Light/water a day and (2) resist the urge to drink ANY sodas during the next TWO weeks!
---------------------------

Well, the past few days have been pretty rough. We spent the weekend in the hospital with my little girl. (Click HERE to read up on my main blog)

It was one of those weekends that just wears you out---mentally, emotionally, physically...Although I had the necessary tools to continue my Water Way Challenge (my nifty little Ziploc baggie full of Crystal Light singles)...I simply did not have the energy. However, I believe that had I been drinking enough water---it would have actually given me MORE energy!

Today, I resumed my 3 big bottles of water/Crystal Light and felt SO much more refreshed and re-energized. It is amazing what proper hydration can do for the body! I also tried out a new flavor over the weekend: White Peach Tea- skin essentials. I wasn't a huge fan---but only because I'm not big on tea flavored drinks to start with. However, if you like that sort of thing, I truly believe that you would enjoy the White Peach Tea....very refreshing and light. (Not to mention that its good for your skin!)

Hope you guys are doing well with your challenge! And don't forget to join me over at the BlogHer Water Way Group Forum to chit chat about how things are going. I'd love to hear from you!!!