27 June 2011

Granny's Gadgets – 2nd Quarterly Review and Giveaway!

It's been a whole quarter again!

Let's review...just like we did at the end of last quarter...

I may have scared some people with my cleaver... I know I scared myself. But that was a long time ago and wouldn't explain the recent de-followings :P

After the cleaver, we were all befuddled by the mystery french gadget... anyone ever figure out what the heck that thing is for anyway? I still haven't.

My pathetic, 60-year old eggbeater that was twist-tied together had one reader feeling so sorry for me that she very kindly sent me a new one! Thanks, Catey :)

While the first quarter saw many gadgets that were egg-friendly, this quarter was heavy on the garlic...
The garlic peeler (which was also featured a giveaway), the garlic press and the garlic grater plate.

And we saw several gadgets that will help with summer fruit prep...
The strawberry huller, the cherry pitter and the tomato slicer

I demonstrated the perfect tool to use to serve up those summertime fruit cakes and pies... the cake/pie-slice server.

And when Granny's Gadgets hit 21, we made caipirinhas using our muddler (not to be confused with the longer and more tapered spurtle) while the week before, we saw the odd lemon zester tool in action... helpful for making the perfect martini.

This brings us to the year's halfway mark. I think we should  celebrate our 24 gadgets with a giveaway of a...


that way you can begin or continue your very own gadget collection :)

To enter this giveaway is simple... for a change :)... but you must be a follower of Taking It On and tell me so in a comment (that is all you need to do to enter)... after that you can also do any or all of the following (each of which garners an additional entry):
  1. tell me which gadget video from the last quarter (all are linked above) you liked the most   and/or
  2. which gadget you think would be the most useful to you   and/or
  3. let me know what you think you would get from Williams-Sonoma should you be the lucky winner (click image to link to their website)
  4. link to this giveaway via twitter, facebook or your blog.
The giveaway will run until 7/3/2011 at midnight. The winner will be announced on the Fourth of July! It will be so exciting that there may even be fireworks going off in honor of the announcement :)

So leave your entry comments and share this giveaway with your friends! 

Remember... you've gotta play to WIN!

Disclaimer:  Williams-Sonoma had nothing to do with this giveaway, other than selling me the gift card ;-)  This giveaway is solely a way of thanking gadget-lovers, followers and "likers" for supporting my blog... and trying to find out if anyone is actually paying attention to this mess :P 


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While you're here and before you leave... my good friend Sandra who blogs at Absolutely Narcissism is a finalist in a competition for a spot as a permanent blogger over at In The Powder Room. She needs your VOTE! yes, that is singular :) ... just one vote.... one lil' ol' vote for super awesome Sandra! pretty please :)
Here's that extra-easy voting link... click here!
Posted by XLMIC at 7:43 PM

51 comments:

  1. Serial MommyJune 27, 2011 at 8:00 PM

    all right, I'll play! Honestly, I could use a garlic press, my last one broke, go figure. I did like your pie slicer, using it to defend yourself was inventive. What I would get at Williams Sonoma? Honestly, something for my Kitchen Aid Mixer most likely, if they have that. Or a nice big mixing bowl. Or some new cookie sheets. Or a pizza stone. Notice a recurring baking theme here? I'll post this on facebook and twitter (if I can figure out the twitter thing, I'm new to that). I need to get back to blogging more regularly. Probably shouldn't start the first one off with a give away post, eh?

    ReplyDelete
  2. GetrealmommyJune 27, 2011 at 8:01 PM

    Uggg...I am so out of touch with blogger world, but wanted to say good luck with your contest! I love your gadgets, clever, and clearly draws people in!,

    ReplyDelete
  3. Molly @ the F-spotJune 27, 2011 at 8:13 PM

    I really do love this series (and I'm new)! My favorite kitchen gadget is my mini/tiny whisk. I use it for homemade salad dressing and marinades pretty much every night. I couldn't live without it!

    I want one of those garlic peelers/large Chinese handcuffs. I started buying the pre-peeled garlic packages at Trader Joe's just to save myself that step... but the quality isn't as good as fresh garlic.

    I need new baking dishes from WS. My square one just broke this week! Timing is everything, right??

    ReplyDelete
  4. JenJune 27, 2011 at 8:13 PM

    I am a follower, I love reading your blog. Some of the more useful granny's gadgets for me were the strawberry huller or the cherry-pitter. My kids cannot get enough fresh fruit so anything to make washing or preparing for quick and immediate consumption would be awesome.

    I don't know what I would buy. I have lots of kitchen wants right now. A cheese slicer, new cookie sheets, another pizza pan (we make A LOT of homemade pizza in this house), my husband wants a wok and both a grinder and a sausage stuffing kitchen aid attachment. I grind lots of my own flours too so a nice grinder would be great... Oh, see now there I go dreaming again about money I just won't have for awhile;)

    ReplyDelete
  5. CarolineJune 27, 2011 at 9:27 PM

    I follow of course

    ReplyDelete
  6. CarolineJune 27, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    My favorite is the strawberry huller

    And
    The mystery thing...would love to know what it is

    ReplyDelete
  7. catherine kruegerJune 27, 2011 at 9:39 PM

    ok i follow from facebook!! so much easier!! I am still puzzled at your french mystery gadget and would love to figure out what that is. I am going to France in a month and will snoop around... I try not to want too many things but I need a new crepe pan. My 2 are 20 years old and are sticking a little from others scrubbing them hard without my looking!!!
    Go, keep rocking and sharing your gadgets.. it is entertaining for sure. What progress since sitting at the back to school night and the RSS feeds talk!!! ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  8. CarolineJune 27, 2011 at 9:41 PM

    I would get a zoku quick pop maker!

    ReplyDelete
  9. JulieJune 27, 2011 at 10:20 PM

    Of course I follow-u made me smile and laugh and not take all the 'shite' too seriously.

    ReplyDelete
  10. JulieJune 27, 2011 at 10:24 PM

    And speaking of not too seriously, my favorite gadget would have to be, hands down, the spurttle. It's fun to say. It's a little known word that I imagine can be injected into conversations about almost anything because few will know the word is a noun and not a verb :-)

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousJune 27, 2011 at 10:58 PM

    If racing/running has taught me anything, then it is this: you only win if you go all out.

    Without further ado...
    1. The cake/pie slice/server, because A) I don't have one, B) I love desserts, and C) I had never before thought of all the uses for such a gadget (though, the term gadget seems a bit of stretch. Perhaps a tool).
    2. The cake server would also be the most useful for the simple fact it would enable me to eat more cake.
    3. Perhaps some cast-iron cookware (my favorite), or a fancy chef knife, or a waffle maker (this is my favorite).
    4. FB
    5. Follower

    ReplyDelete
  12. NattyBumpoJune 27, 2011 at 11:15 PM

    I don't know if this will count as three entries or not, but:

    1- I ain't leaving no matter what you say about Disney movies. Or how many times you throw me under the bus.

    2- I think the herb shears (when properly used) would be the most useful. I love chives and scallions and chopping them takes time.

    3- I would get my Mrs. a full set of odd-sized measure cups and spoons.
    http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/all-clad-stainless-steel-measuring-cups-and-spoons/?pkey=cctlmixmes

    ReplyDelete
  13. Patrick MahoneyJune 28, 2011 at 12:17 AM

    I personally like the strawberry huller because "huller" as a nuun oops I mean noun is pretty awesome.

    I am entering for Mary by proxy, that gift card is better off in her hands.

    What else do I have to do again?

    ReplyDelete
  14. KovasPJune 28, 2011 at 6:11 AM

    Follower; How could anyone vote for anything besides the cleaver?; I'd like to get the de Buyer Kobra Adjustable Slicer because it's dangerous looking and danger is my middle name and it's also on sale for $50; Tweeted; FBed: will do a Gadgets Video if I win.

    ReplyDelete
  15. ~K~June 28, 2011 at 7:36 AM

    fav video - 60 yr old egg beater!

    ReplyDelete
  16. ~K~June 28, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    strawberry huller would be most useful since we're such unhealthy eaters no one at my house eats garlic or tomatoes or pie...

    ReplyDelete
  17. ~K~June 28, 2011 at 7:40 AM

    What i would get: My kids would adore the Cars 2 cakelet pan ... as if mine would turn out as cute as the picture! ha!

    ReplyDelete
  18. AubreyLaineJune 28, 2011 at 9:40 AM

    Thanks for the giveaway! I follow via GFC!
    littlegray88 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  19. AubreyLaineJune 28, 2011 at 9:40 AM

    I liked the spurttle the best!
    littlegray88 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  20. AubreyLaineJune 28, 2011 at 9:41 AM

    If I were to win, I'd get the Villa Manadori Balsamic Vinegar :)
    littlegray88 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  21. AubreyLaineJune 28, 2011 at 9:43 AM

    The Tomato Slicer would be the most useful to me!
    littlegray88 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Irish Italian BlessingsJune 28, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    Well, of course I'm a stalker...I mean follower :) I would probably say one of my favs is the tomato slicer because it reminds me of an egg slicer that my grammy used to use every Friday night because Friday night was Tuna and hard boiled egg night...yummm right?

    ReplyDelete
  23. LaimaJune 28, 2011 at 10:44 AM

    Follower - love your gadget videos! Tweeting and linking giveaway on my blog.

    ReplyDelete
  24. CateyJune 28, 2011 at 11:36 AM

    Are we leaving separate comments? I follow you like a lemming. Right off that cliff after you!

    ReplyDelete
  25. CateyJune 28, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    You know you love comments.
    My favorite video...hmmm...loved the mystique behind the cake slicer/server. hahaha :) The muddler was kind of fun too.

    ReplyDelete
  26. CateyJune 28, 2011 at 11:39 AM

    Could I use the muddler on my kids? Actually I think the spurtle would be more useful on the kids.
    So then from this quarter, love all the garlic gadgets. The peeler was fantastic! And the plate was pretty darn cool too.

    ReplyDelete
  27. CateyJune 28, 2011 at 11:42 AM

    Oh dear, how does one narrow down what to get at WS?? I'm in hosting baby/wedding shower mode again, so my first thought is a cake stand. The cabbage one is super cute, LOVE the square one too!

    ReplyDelete
  28. CateyJune 28, 2011 at 11:45 AM

    I may just start leaving five comments on every post of yours. Just for fun.
    Facebooked the giveaway. :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. AnonymousJune 28, 2011 at 1:28 PM

    I follow your blog! Thanks for this wonderful giveaway, I love Williams-Sonoma! :)

    shevilkenevil1 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  30. AnonymousJune 28, 2011 at 1:30 PM

    I shared the giveaway on Twitter:
    http://twitter.com/#!/roomofmyown/status/85807326145155072

    shevilkenevil1 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  31. AnonymousJune 28, 2011 at 1:32 PM

    My fav gadget so far is the Garlic Press, I use garlic a lot when I cook and this gadget is definitely one I need in my kitchen!

    shevilkenevil1 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  32. AnonymousJune 28, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    I have my eye on this Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker!

    http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/cuisinart-stainless-steel-electric-ice-cream-maker/?pkey=celectrics-cuisinart|eltcuiice

    shevilkenevil1 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  33. UnknownJune 28, 2011 at 7:45 PM

    I follow your blog & really need that tomato slicer!! Can't wait to feature you tomorrow!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Chris KJune 28, 2011 at 8:44 PM

    What the heck is HTFU?

    ReplyDelete
  35. Becky JonesJune 29, 2011 at 2:49 PM

    1. I love kitchen gadgets so it is so hard to choose. Hummmm, the cake slicer or garlic peeler or butter thingy.

    2. I would probably buy a knife for my hubby from WS.

    ReplyDelete
  36. JillJune 29, 2011 at 3:25 PM

    1)Happy Follower :)
    2)Cherry Popper..er Pitter - duh
    3)Cherry Pitter, of course
    and a slew of other things I NEED!
    4)Posted on my Blog Giveaway tab :).

    ReplyDelete
  37. Maria MalaveciJune 30, 2011 at 7:10 AM

    I am a Follower of Taking It On!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Maria MalaveciJune 30, 2011 at 7:11 AM

    My favorite is the cake/pie-slice server.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Maria MalaveciJune 30, 2011 at 7:13 AM

    The cake/pie-slice server would be the most useful for me, because I make a lot of cakes!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Maria MalaveciJune 30, 2011 at 7:13 AM

    I saw that someone else wants what I want too -- The Zoku Popsicle Maker. Would love this for the family!

    ReplyDelete
  41. DevinJune 30, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    1.I am a follower:)
    2.Definitely the cake slicer, make it easier to eat cake!
    3.waffle maker, i love them!

    ReplyDelete
  42. TaraJuly 1, 2011 at 6:26 AM

    I'm a gfc follower!
    tara.huff(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  43. TaraJuly 1, 2011 at 6:28 AM

    I like the garlic press video!
    tara.huff(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  44. TaraJuly 1, 2011 at 6:28 AM

    The garlic press would be most useful to me. My husband is a HUGE fan of fresh garlic.
    tara.huff(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  45. TaraJuly 1, 2011 at 6:29 AM

    I would love to use this toward
    the Wüsthof Classic 7-Piece Knife Block Set.
    tara.huff(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  46. TriciaJuly 2, 2011 at 10:17 AM

    loved the garlic plate with paint brush thing mainly because it looked cool and required two parts. And I just thought, how would anyone keep up with BOTH parts?

    ReplyDelete
  47. TriciaJuly 2, 2011 at 10:18 AM

    the thing I'd use most is the strawberry huller. we got through strawberries like crazy in the summer

    ReplyDelete
  48. TriciaJuly 2, 2011 at 10:18 AM

    and I follow ;)

    ReplyDelete
  49. TriciaJuly 2, 2011 at 10:23 AM

    great,now I'm going to waste half my day on the william sonoma site. sheesh

    I'm leaning towards a tortilla press. Or the zoku pop maker for the kid.we already make our own,but that one looks cool

    ReplyDelete
  50. XLMICJuly 2, 2011 at 11:12 AM

    This is Carrie the Hockey Player's entry :)

    ReplyDelete
  51. FlyCoreyJuly 3, 2011 at 7:38 PM

    I love my red knife that I don't have to sharpen. I want a table cloth from WS

    ReplyDelete

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