Cookbook Review and GIVEAWAY!

That’s right! My first review and my first giveaway!! I am very excited about this!

Confetti Cakes for Kids is written by Elisa Strauss, founder of Confetti Cakes in New York City. She has created confections as elaborate as a platter of sushi, a wine bottle in a crate and a designer handbag. Now she focuses her talents on her younger fans with this enchanting collection of cakes, cookies and cupcakes for kids.

Since my cookbook arrived the other day, I thought I’d include a review of the book. First of all, this is a very beautiful book. It has a nice hardback and book cover that is colorful and fun. It is broken into a few key sections:
-Introduction
-Cake Basics
-Techniques
-Basic Recipes
-Cookies
-Cupcakes
-Mini cakes
-Cakes
I love how the hard cover book is actually different than the bookcover. Both are very cute.

After flipping through the book, I realized that it is geared towards decorating techniques, ideas, inspiration, and how-tos. There are some step-by-step photographs to accompany many of these techniques. There are also templates in the back that you can copy and use for your designs.

I personally love new recipes in cookbooks. Funky new flavor combos to inspire my creativity. I didn’t get a whole lot of that from this book (although I can’t wait to try the apple-cinnamon cake with brown sugar buttercream). The recipes are in fact all the basics. There are recipes for a few varieties of cookies, a brownie recipe and a few standard flavors of cake. There are also a few basic frosting recipes including a recipe for lemon curd and rolled fondant.

I decided that in order to complete this review properly, I should make something from the cookbook. I was initially leaning towards yellow cake with chocolate buttercream because I’ve never made a yellow cake. But then I realized I should make something that I know and love. Basically have a mini-throw-down right here in my own kitchen. As loyal readers know, I have a go-to chocolate-cupcake recipe that I got from Laurie (founder of Cupcake Hero, Tuesdays with Dorie, and Layers of Cake). I make this chocolate cupcake a LOT. Everyone loves it and it’s so easy.

So I decided to make the chocolate cake recipe from Confetti Cakes for Kids. Watch for the thrown-down results in a couple days… I’m not going to post the recipe here. Maybe you’ll win a copy of the book to try this and other recipes and techniques yourself.

So here are the rules. Post a comment here and you’ll be entered into the drawing. I will be giving away 5 copies of the book. Entries will be taken until Midnight (EST) on Wednesday, October 15. Be sure to leave an email address so I can contact you if you win. Feel free to use the DOT COM format to prevent spam.

Good luck!!

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126 Responses to “Time for a Giveaway!”

  1. #
    1
    Jecka — May 3, 2010 at 11:05 am

    I’d buy cast iron cookware! I keep meaning to, and I really really need some!

    I’m eyeballing this one: http://www.cookware.com/Emerilware-by-All-Clad-EC81121-EAC1034.html

  2. #
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    Jecka — May 3, 2010 at 11:05 am

    Also, I’ve just followed you on Facebook!

  3. #
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    The Boddies — May 3, 2010 at 11:39 am

    I love, love, love kitchen ware, but I just found out I’m expecting my first baby so I would use $40 to buy an adorable crib set I saw on the site!

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    bellasbistro — May 3, 2010 at 11:39 am

    I am in desperate need of new cookie sheets – so I’d more than likely get a few of those.

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    Amanda — May 3, 2010 at 11:51 am

    We’re moving in a couple of months, so I’d probably save it to use on new furniture for the new house.

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    Amanda — May 3, 2010 at 11:51 am

    I’m a facebook fan.

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    Toby — May 3, 2010 at 12:04 pm
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    holly2460 — May 3, 2010 at 12:14 pm

    Completely random…but this laundry caddy would really come in handy!

    http://www.csnstores.com/Venture-Horizon-4010-11WH-VHZ1004.html

  9. #
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    Jen — May 3, 2010 at 12:21 pm

    I would love to buy some lighting for our daughter’s playroom.

  10. #
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    A — May 3, 2010 at 12:22 pm

    Love the wine rack!

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    Goddess of Cooking — May 3, 2010 at 12:22 pm

    I would either buy a new spring form pan as mine is as old as I am, or those ramekin’s! I have wanted ramekins for a long time!

  12. #
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    Marcie — May 3, 2010 at 12:23 pm

    Great giveaway, I despserately need new cookware

  13. #
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    JLYNCH6341 — May 3, 2010 at 12:24 pm

    Very cool, really could use a new cookie sheet, mine are lookin old!

  14. #
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    Goddess of Cooking — May 3, 2010 at 12:24 pm

    I’m a fb fan too

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    teresacooks — May 3, 2010 at 12:38 pm

    well I’m either a facebook fan or I just like you. . . not sure. I could really use some new sheet pans. . . but I can always figure out something to spend $40 on relating to my kitchen;)

  16. #
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    Cara! — May 3, 2010 at 12:57 pm

    I would LOVE to get some new kitchenware or a new Kitchen Aid Mixer!!

  17. #
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    Cara! — May 3, 2010 at 12:57 pm

    I am a facebook friend!

  18. #
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    yumventures — May 3, 2010 at 1:04 pm

    I would buy a crock pot from their cooking site. I have been dying to have one and make some pulled chicken for a summer barbecue!

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    EJacks — May 3, 2010 at 1:33 pm

    I think I’d probably get those ramekins that you posted! I’d love to have a set. 🙂

  20. #
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    EJacks — May 3, 2010 at 1:33 pm

    Also – I’m already a fan on FB! 🙂

  21. #
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    Jen@Notes From the Heartland — May 3, 2010 at 1:38 pm

    I love the ramekins….I would love to have a set!!

  22. #
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    Jen@Notes From the Heartland — May 3, 2010 at 1:39 pm

    I just followed on Facebook!!

  23. #
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    Travis — May 3, 2010 at 1:40 pm

    I would buy the Haan Floor Steam Cleaner for Hard Surfaces because I have a 9 month old who is all over the place and my wife and I want piece of mind knowing that the floors are always clean and he wouldn’t be exposed to unnecessary germs 🙂 When my wife was pregnant, she would watch this infomercial all the time at night and she fell in love with this thing!

  24. #
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    suzie — May 3, 2010 at 1:43 pm

    I would buy some wall art for our kitchen.. we have nothing

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    suzie — May 3, 2010 at 1:44 pm

    I am a fan on Facebook 😉

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    YogaGracie — May 3, 2010 at 1:56 pm

    I’d use the $40 toward the purchase of an EarthPan cookware set!

  27. #
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    YogaGracie — May 3, 2010 at 1:57 pm

    I “like”‘d Beantown Baker on FB!

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    Eva — May 3, 2010 at 2:01 pm

    DH and I never registered for formal place settings, so I’d get some of those!

  29. #
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    Michelle — May 3, 2010 at 2:01 pm

    I have those ramekins and love them 🙂

    I’d buy this mortar and pestle set http://www.cookware.com/Cuisinox-MOR12-CNX1236.html

  30. #
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    Michelle — May 3, 2010 at 2:02 pm

    I am also following you on facebook now.

  31. #
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    Lisa — May 3, 2010 at 2:21 pm

    I like their stuff, I am sure I can spend $40 on “something”.

  32. #
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    Lisa — May 3, 2010 at 2:24 pm

    I joined the facebook fan club.

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    Manne — May 3, 2010 at 2:46 pm

    I’ve been looking to get another paring knife for my kitchen, so I’d get the Zwilling JA Henckels Twin Four Star 3″ Paring Knife.

    And I need a slicer, so the Jaccard Advanced Ceramic Hand Held Dual Direction Mandolin Slicer

  34. #
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    Meredith — May 3, 2010 at 2:58 pm

    Those ramekins!

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    JulieD — May 3, 2010 at 2:59 pm

    I would get one of these cutting boards: http://www.cookware.com/John-Boos-2XX-JB1042.html

    Thanks for this giveaway!

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    JulieD — May 3, 2010 at 2:59 pm

    I’m already a fan on facebook. 🙂

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    Gillie — May 3, 2010 at 3:15 pm

    I would buy a new 3.5″ paring knife because my mom decided it would be wise to use my old one (which I loved) to scrape old glue off of something. Since then I’ve been cooking with a knife that has no tip (go figure!). 🙂

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    Catherine — May 3, 2010 at 3:16 pm

    I’d put it towards a Le Creuset French or Dutch Oven in Dune… *swoon*

  39. #
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    KV — May 3, 2010 at 3:17 pm

    I would buy some bakeware pieces or for a splurge a chandellier for the kitchen to replace my dingy white ceiling fan.

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    KV — May 3, 2010 at 3:17 pm

    I am also a FB fan

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    Reader — May 3, 2010 at 3:35 pm

    I would also shop for dining chairs!

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    sneakypillowjumper.com — May 3, 2010 at 3:59 pm

    I would use toward the purchase of a French oven- although the hubs will have to pitch in for the difference.

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    sneakypillowjumper.com — May 3, 2010 at 3:59 pm

    Following on FB too!

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    Ashley — May 3, 2010 at 4:04 pm

    I’d buy this rolling pin because I do not have one and always have to borrow my neighbors!

    http://www.cookware.com/Paderno-World-Cuisine-47034-52-WCS2293.html

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    Ashley — May 3, 2010 at 4:09 pm

    Just “liked” your site on FB!

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    JackieA31509 — May 3, 2010 at 4:16 pm

    I would put it towards a new cookware set for my sister! They will be moving soon and she could use new pots and pans!!

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    Tara — May 3, 2010 at 4:18 pm

    I like the “evening sun” pattern dishes and would love the pitcher or serving platter.

  48. #
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    Tara — May 3, 2010 at 4:18 pm

    I’m already a fan of your page on Facebook!

  49. #
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    Sarah — May 3, 2010 at 4:43 pm

    I would put it toward some home accessories, I’m lacking in that department.

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    Mindee and Eddie — May 3, 2010 at 4:44 pm

    My sister is getting married in the fall so I would likely get her some new cookware.

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    edmontonjb — May 3, 2010 at 4:56 pm

    I think I would use it towards the Bissell Little Green Compact Deep Cleaner. My full-sized carpet cleaner bit the dust.

    dftrew(At)gmail(dot)com

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    Britt Weighs In — May 3, 2010 at 4:58 pm

    we are in need of a coffee table, and have been looking for a square one for ages. and lo and behold, i found one on the site! so i would order this:

    http://www.allcoffeetables.com/Woodbridge-Home-Designs-1376-01-HE2870.html

    and pay the excess to buy the coffee table.

  53. #
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    Britt Weighs In — May 3, 2010 at 4:58 pm

    i’m also a facebook fan

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    bonappetitbeantown — May 3, 2010 at 5:03 pm

    I would ABSOLUTELY use it toward a Le Creuset 2.75 Quart Round French Oven in Kiwi 🙂

  55. #
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    Travis — May 3, 2010 at 5:08 pm

    I became a fan on FB

  56. #
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    Joanne — May 3, 2010 at 5:30 pm

    Awesome giveaway! I love CSN.

    With $40 I would…probably get some new bakeware…there are so many shapes, colors, and sizes that I don’t have!

  57. #
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    gaga — May 3, 2010 at 5:37 pm

    Those ramekins are pretty darn adorable, I think I’d have to go with those.

  58. #
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    mrs. c — May 3, 2010 at 5:41 pm

    i know what I want…the white 6 quart stockpot! i have always wanted a stockpot and this is the one! Please, please, please!

  59. #
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    Mrs. in May — May 3, 2010 at 5:59 pm

    How fun! I would get a new outdoor light for our lamppost! I cannot believe how many options there are!
    Craftmade – Z285-04 / Z285-05 / Z285-07 – Cast Aluminum Outdoor Post Mount

    That’s the one I have my eye on now!
    Thanks!

  60. #
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    Mrs. Walk — May 3, 2010 at 6:19 pm

    Hard choice! I would probably put it toward a new griddle, or a Dutch oven!

  61. #
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    Stephany — May 3, 2010 at 6:47 pm

    I’d probably buy some slip covers for my sofas in the living room and some new pillows for them.

  62. #
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    Stephany — May 3, 2010 at 6:48 pm

    I’m a facebook Fan!!!

    I would prob. also buy or put this towards a new grill.

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    amsterwill83 — May 3, 2010 at 7:29 pm

    Oh I definitely need a big ole skillet. I’m sick of trying to saute a mountain of veggies in my medium sized one!

    Amanda @ WannaBe Chef

  64. #
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    andstuff — May 3, 2010 at 7:32 pm

    I am about to close on a house so I need everything!

  65. #
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    Catherine — May 3, 2010 at 8:14 pm

    I’m a fan on facebook too!

  66. #
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    tsaulter — May 3, 2010 at 8:53 pm

    I have never had any cast iron cookware and would love to use it so I would definitely use it for that!

  67. #
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    Scrapper Pearl — May 3, 2010 at 9:06 pm

    accent pillows…something I really need but never put the $$$ out for…

  68. #
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    The Boddies — May 3, 2010 at 10:01 pm

    I’m a facebook fan 🙂

  69. #
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    CMB — May 3, 2010 at 10:24 pm

    I would buy a new dog bed for my dog.

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    Wehaf — May 3, 2010 at 10:54 pm

    I’d get myself a waffle iron!

    urchiken at gmail dot com

  71. #
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    Sarah — May 3, 2010 at 11:00 pm

    I absolutely love that wine rack! If I splurged and spent my own money too, I would have to put the $40 toward a TV stand. Hubby’s pride and joy is his 60-inch flat screen, which we currently have sitting on my college coffee table. We need a grown-up place to put it!

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    Surge — May 3, 2010 at 11:05 pm

    I really like this rug: http://www.diningsets.com/Nourison-ST17-GLD-NO10036.html

    THanks for the giveaway!

    contact email: tsgiveaways(at)hotmail.com

  73. #
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    Sarah — May 3, 2010 at 11:08 pm

    I am a fan on Facebook too.

  74. #
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    Meghan — May 3, 2010 at 11:41 pm

    I would love to buy the : Meco 9000 Series Pedestal Tabletop Electric Grill… because I can’t grill on my condo patio!

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    Ashley — May 3, 2010 at 11:52 pm

    I have a small dining room myself, and have been looking for chairs to match our table as well. It’s is pub height which is perfect for the highchair to sit next to, but the chairs don’t have backs and they are SO uncomfortable. I would LOVE to have the $40 to buy some instead of having to put out for a whole new dining set.

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    Jenni @ Project Cookie 365 — May 4, 2010 at 12:15 am

    I would buy an ice cream maker!! We’ve been down in the dumps since our son was diagnosed with a nut allergy, and have known that we can’t have those wonderful summer trips to dairy queen, or the ice cream shoppes. I’ve been wanting to get an ice cream maker so we can start our own summer-time tradition, allergen free 🙂 It would just be a bonus to get part of it free 😉

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    Jenni @ Project Cookie 365 — May 4, 2010 at 12:17 am

    I’m a fan on facebook 🙂

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    Puppydogs — May 4, 2010 at 12:22 am

    Oh those ramakins are so cool. I love the color!

    Hmmmm I guess I would have to say knives. My boys have taken the knives I have outside ….I am not sure why or what they did.

  79. #
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    Lindsay — May 4, 2010 at 1:15 am

    I’d probably use it towards a pot rack…not sure which one though!

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    Crystal's Creations — May 4, 2010 at 1:54 am

    I would get a dresser for our baby girl that will be here in a month! Love this one: http://www.csnstores.com/Powell-Furniture-407-005-407-020-PW3480.html

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    Crystal's Creations — May 4, 2010 at 1:55 am

    I’ve also became a fan, had done it just moments before I read this post!

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    Carly — May 4, 2010 at 1:57 am

    Oooh… I’m all about the Le Creuset baking dishes:

    http://www.cookware.com/Le-Creuset-PG051926-17-LEC2065.html

  83. #
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    Carly — May 4, 2010 at 1:58 am

    Signed up as a fan on facebook!!

  84. #
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    Ruthie — May 4, 2010 at 1:59 am

    I would choose a wall art called IMAX 4 Piece Bess Wall Decor Set

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    BecomingDomestic — May 4, 2010 at 3:50 am

    I just recently learned about CSN stores, and now I love it! I love that vertical wine rack you posted, but I think I’d go with a sushi set. I’ve been itching to make my own sushi, but have yet to buy the tools for it!

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    Nina — May 4, 2010 at 4:42 am

    I think I would get either a wine refrigerator or exercise equipment.

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    Christie — May 4, 2010 at 5:38 am

    I’d buy the cake wire slicer: http://www.cookware.com/Paderno-World-Cuisine-47031-44-WCS4130.html. Boy would that make my life easier! Or a mandolin: http://www.cookware.com/Jaccard-200421-JCD1004.html, which I’ve been meaning to get for a while. Or a julienne peeler: http://www.cookware.com/Cuisipro-747069-Julienne-Peeler-CPR1447.html for me and me friend. And if I was feeling generous, I’d get my friend a food mill: http://www.cookware.com/Cuisinox-MIL22-CNX1227.html. I could go on and on…

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    Christie — May 4, 2010 at 5:44 am

    …and I just became a fan on facebook!

  89. #
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    Arlene — May 4, 2010 at 6:42 am

    Hoping to find out that we are expecting soon, so I would use it for the baby 🙂

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    Arlene — May 4, 2010 at 6:42 am

    I am a facebook fan now too!

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    Elina — May 4, 2010 at 12:07 pm

    Man, I really need to prepare my giveaway post. I’m so lazy sometimes. lol
    I’d get a larger pot. I have a small one and a giant one. I need something in the middle there 🙂

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    Carrie — May 4, 2010 at 12:16 pm

    Because we are in need of one I would get a booster seat for our daughter.

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    Dunne' — May 4, 2010 at 12:39 pm

    I have been eyeing the Citron Duvet Set by Ashley for months and while $40 wouldn’t cover all of it, it would certainly help!

  94. #
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    Dunne' — May 4, 2010 at 12:39 pm

    I’m a an on FB!

  95. #
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    Danielle — May 4, 2010 at 3:50 pm

    I love that wine rack–its perfect for our living room!!

  96. #
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    Danielle — May 4, 2010 at 3:51 pm

    i joined on FB!

  97. #
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    Lisa — May 4, 2010 at 3:54 pm

    I would love to get some more kitchen ware- new cookie sheets and cake pans, maybe the cool saute pan, or the ramekins! Or…or….or- there is just so much!

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    Lisa — May 4, 2010 at 3:54 pm

    Following you on FB, too….

  99. #
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    Vanessa — May 4, 2010 at 4:08 pm

    We just moved in to our house a few months ago so my list could go on for days! But I am really in need of some new bake ware!!

  100. #
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    Neyeke — May 4, 2010 at 4:11 pm

    I’d buy cast iron cookware or glassware!

  101. #
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    Kim — May 4, 2010 at 4:31 pm

    I am a follower on facebook!

  102. #
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    Kim — May 4, 2010 at 4:32 pm

    I love that hanging wall wine rack!

  103. #
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    Amber2Zoe — May 4, 2010 at 5:53 pm

    I think I would have to put it towards a good saute pan.

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    katie — May 4, 2010 at 6:50 pm

    I would DEFINITELY buy this mirror – I’m in the market for a new entry mirror and the price tag is almost perfect! 🙂

    http://www.csnmirrors.com/Ashton-Sutton-STM034-ASH1133.html

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    Beeb — May 4, 2010 at 7:44 pm

    i’d either put it toward my nesting – fiance and i are house hunting! or i’d use it to help my bakeware supply grow. i am in desperate need of some very useful pieces.

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    Cassykins — May 4, 2010 at 7:49 pm

    I would probably put it towards a pizza stone. I have been wanting one but need a push to actually GET one

  107. #
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    Tiff — May 4, 2010 at 8:45 pm

    We need some lights for the dining room, but selfishly I would want to get something for the kitchen!

  108. #
    108
    Tiff — May 4, 2010 at 8:45 pm

    I just liked you on facebook!

  109. #
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    Shari — May 5, 2010 at 2:44 am

    I would use the $40 to buy these:

    – Paderno World Cuisine Non-Stick 4 Baguette Pan
    – Paderno World Cuisine Cannoli Form in Stainless Steel

    I love baking and these would give me the opportunity to try some new recipes!

  110. #
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    Luv to Save — May 5, 2010 at 3:10 am

    I would get the little tikes wagon for my kids
    luvtosave at gmail.com

  111. #
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    Domestic Diva — May 5, 2010 at 4:00 am

    I’d get a NettoCollection Polar Bear Rocking Horse

  112. #
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    Topher — May 5, 2010 at 7:10 pm

    I could use some of my own cookware pans. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Chris

    zekks at yahoo dot com

  113. #
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    Kerstin — May 5, 2010 at 8:06 pm

    I’d like to get a huge bamboo cutting board!

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    Dyanna — May 6, 2010 at 12:30 am

    We just bought our first house and need more space in my kitchen so I would buy this kitchen cart.

    http://www.allkitchencarts.com/Home-Styles-5023-95-88324-HO1239.html

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    Bonnie — May 6, 2010 at 1:52 am

    I would use it towards a Le Creuset Dutch oven…a guilty pleasure for me!

  116. #
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    Carolsue — May 6, 2010 at 6:13 am

    I would get the The Memory Company Boston Red Sox 12″ Art Glass Clock
    digicat {AT} sbcglobal {DOT} net

  117. #
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    Carolsue — May 6, 2010 at 6:13 am

    I like you on Facebook!
    Carol Anderson Ezovski
    digicat {AT} sbcglobal {DOT} net

  118. #
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    mgonyeo — May 6, 2010 at 5:05 pm

    I would get Guidecraft Center Stage Tabletop Puppet Theater for my nephew!

  119. #
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    Elaine — May 6, 2010 at 7:05 pm

    Looking for a red kitchen hand mixer or a special housewarming gift. Each of my daughters move this next month to a new place, so I am shopping around!

    Thanks,
    Elaine

  120. #
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    Beeb — May 6, 2010 at 9:13 pm

    i’m a fan!!!! yaaaaaay!

  121. #
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    Mandy — May 7, 2010 at 1:49 am

    I’d put it towards bar stools, we’ve been looking for a pair to put at our kitchen island!

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    jelly — May 7, 2010 at 2:12 am

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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    Linda and Matthew — May 7, 2010 at 2:32 pm

    I’d probably get a wall clock for my sun room.

  124. #
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    Linda and Matthew — May 7, 2010 at 2:32 pm

    I’m a fb fan!

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    shadow_elan — May 7, 2010 at 8:37 pm

    I would have to buy either new glassware or new cookie sheets! My poor neglected cookie sheets really should be retired 🙂

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    Jude Delage — May 2, 2013 at 4:48 am

    It is commonly agreed that the dining table is the staple of any family home; a chance for hectic lifestyles to take a pause and children and parents to sit down, share a meal and gather their thoughts. In today’s modern day, technology obsessed, fast paced lifestyle; meal times are now quite easily the only time for family members to communicate with one another yet having said that it is still common for many to neglect their choice in dining furniture.”‘

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