"The Help" Prize Pack Giveaway...

Congrats to TawndaM!

About The Help:

"Based on one of the most talked about books in years and a #1 New York Times best-selling phenomenon,  “The Help” stars Emma Stone (“Easy A”) as Skeeter, Academy Award®–nominated Viola Davis (“Doubt”) as Aibileen and Octavia Spencer as Minny—three very different, extraordinary women in Mississippi during the 1960s,  who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project that breaks societal rules and puts them all at risk. From their improbable alliance a remarkable sisterhood emerges, instilling all of them with the courage to transcend the lines that define them, and the realization that sometimes those lines are made to be crossed—even if it means bringing everyone in town face-to-face with the changing times.

Deeply moving, filled with poignancy, humor and hope, “The Help” is a timeless and universal story about the ability to create change."

THE HELP

DREAMWORKS PICTURES and participant media

Website and Mobile site: www.thehelpmovie.com

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/thehelpmovie

Follow us on Twitter:  twitter.com/helpmovie

Genre:                          Drama

Rating:                         PG-13

U.S. Release date:        August 10, 2011

Cast:                            Jessica Chastain, Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, Allison Janney, Chris Lowell, Sissy Spacek, Octavia Spencer, Emma Stone, Cicely Tyson, Mike Vogel

Director:                       Tate Taylor

Producers:                    Brunson Green, Chris Columbus, Michael Barnathan

Executive Producers:    Mark Radcliffe, Tate Taylor, L. Dean Jones Jr., Nate Berkus, Jennifer Blum, John Norris, Jeff Skoll and Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei

Screenplay by:              Tate Taylor

Based on the novel by:  Kathryn Stockett

Win It:  Check out the items up for grabs in this awesome prize pack!

ITEMS FOR GIVEAWAY:

- THE HELP t-shirt in adult female sizes of S, M, L, XL

- THE HELP pocket jotter & pen

- THE HELP fan

- THE HELP nail file/mirror

To enter, follow our blog via GFC.

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5.Blog about this giveaway(leave link) +2 entries...comment twice please
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Giveaway ends Friday, August 12, 2011 at 11:59cst. Winner will be chosen via random.org and emailed. They will have 48 hours to reply. Open to US 18+

Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was in no way compensated for this promotion. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Making Silly Faces CD Review...

2010 PARENTS’ CHOICE®  GOLD AWARD WINNER
IN THE NICK OF TIME
CELEBRATES POP MUSIC FROM THE ‘70s TO NOW
ON HIS NEW KIDS’ CD‘MAKING SILLY FACES’

"With a 2010 Parents’ Choice® Gold Award for his album, People, Places & Things, proudly in hand, independent children’s musician and preschool teacher Nick Deysher – who records and performs as In The Nick of Time – eagerly anticipates the September 6 release of his fifth studio CD, Making Silly Faces.

Noted for eclectic recordings that feature a smooth blend of rock, pop, disco, reggae, rap, jazz and funk, Nick Deysher and In The Nick of Time draw on a lush expanse of musical influences from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, and beyond.  

Celebrating the sounds of popular music from the ‘70s to the present day, Making Silly Faces opens with “The Sun Is Up (And So Am I),” a classic rock tune in the style of bands like The Rolling Stones, and then shifts easily to the funky hip-hop sounds of the album’s title track. From there, the music keeps on coming in a deluge of creativity, ranging from Latin mambo rhythms on “I Tried It ... I Liked It”  to the Stevie Wonder-inspired “High Five Hive”  to a ‘70s disco tune (“Dancing Pants”) that’s sure to get parents and kids on the floor doing their best John Travolta moves.  “In The Nick of Time” picks up the sound of melodic rock groups like U2 and Coldplay, while the pop/dance “Slumber Party” is reminiscent of Pink, Lady Gaga and Rhianna. “Punk Rocks” is a driving, punk rock song about – well -- rocks!  There’s even a salute to Led Zeppelin. Nick Deysher has released four previous In The Nick of Time albums, One Man Band (2001), In The Nick of Time (2003), Coconut Groove (2007), and the Parents’ Choice® Gold Award winning People, Places & Things (2009).  Nick lives in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood with his wife, Tracey (who sings on his albums), and dog, Lucy (who barks on his albums).

What we thought:  We really loved the upbeat tunes on this CD.  Making Silly Faces contains such a great mix of fun songs!  The kids loved rockin' with the tunes inspired by bands from my youth (and older, might I add:) and they also really enjoyed the songs inspired by current hot artists.  In the Nick of Time does a fantastic job getting the kids out of their seats and movin' and groovin' to the fun beats.  This is a favorite at our house now...we're definitely adding it to the road trip CD list...entertaining and fun for the whole family:)  ABCD Diaries gives Making Silly Faces an A+!

Buy It: You can find this CD in stores in September!

Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given a copy of this CD for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Beethoven's Wig: Sing Along Piano Classics CD Review...

FOUR-TIME GRAMMY NOMINEE BEETHOVEN’S WIG FEATURING RICHARD PERLMUTTER ADDS BRAINY, ZANY LYRICS TO KEYBOARD MASTERPIECES

‘BEETHOVEN’S WIG: SING ALONG PIANO CLASSICS’
SET FOR SEPTEMBER RELEASE

"Beethoven once said, "If my music had words it'd be a lot more popular." His wish has come true, but he had to wait 200 years for the other half of his team. Modern day “co-writer” Richard Perlmutter, lyricist and lead singer with four-time GRAMMY® nominee Beethoven’s Wig, has, in the Beethoven’s Wig series of recordings, added witty and insightful lyrics to instrumental selections by Beethoven (and Bach, Mozart, et al.) that have zipped the works of the longhairs to the tops of the charts and created a charming, fresh, and memorable introduction to some of the world’s greatest music. The fifth Beethoven’s Wig album, Beethoven’s Wig: Sing Along Piano Classics, will be released September 27.

Beethoven’s Wig: Sing Along Piano Classics adds the Beethoven’s Wig spin to giants of the keyboard: Chopin, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Schumann, Debussy, and Mussorgsky, as well as sprucing up works by modern composers Stravinsky, Schoenberg, and Henry Cowell with lyrics that are simultaneously thoughtful and highly amusing."

What we thought: This was a great CD.  The music was recognizable for the kiddos and the lyrics were hilarious!  I really liked that the lyrics, while funny, also gave a lot of information about the composer.  What a great way to teach kids about a sometimes "boring" topic!  I also liked that the CD offered the songs with lyrics and the piano classics on their own.  We can't wait to see what comes next in this series!  ABCD Diaries gives Beethoven's Wig: Sing Along Piano Classics an A+!

Buy It: You can find this CD in music stores in September!

Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given a copy of this CD for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Robert Rothschild Review and Giveaway...

Congrats to Dominique and Purango!

About Robert Rothschild Farm:
"Robert Rothschild Farm, a family-founded company in Urbana, Ohio, is the purveyor of award-winning specialty foods including preserves, mustards, dips, sauces and sweet toppings. Recognized for bold flavors and expert blending, our open and serve products are ideal for busy, yet discerning hosts and cooks."

About Pineapple Coconut Mango Tequila Sauce:
"Delight in this combination of sweet pineapple, coconut and mango along with the zing of crushed red peppers and tequila.
•Brush this sauce over chicken before griling.
•Saute with shrimp and vegetables for a delectable shrimp taco.
•All-Natural
•Kosher
•Gluten Free"

What we thought:  Talk about a gourmet sauce!  At first I was a little worried that there were too many different flavors in this sauce, but I was pleasantly surprised!  The flavors really complemented each other and worked well together, especially on chicken and shrimp on the grill.  This was a fantastic sauce to add a little tropical kick to our kabobs.  I can't wait to try it in a cheese ball!  ABCD Diaries gives the Pineapple Coconut Mango Tequila Sauce from Robert Rothschild an A+!

Buy It: Find this yummy sauce and many more at Robert Rothschild Farm.


Win It: Robert Rothschild Farm has generously offered two ABCD Diaries readers a jar of Pineapple Coconut Mango Tequila Sauce each! To enter, follow our blog via GFC and tell us how you'd use your sauce.

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5.Tweet about this giveaway(leave link)+1 entry per day(1 tweet/day)
6.Enter any other current giveaways on ABCD Diaries and leave a comment saying so. +1 for each entered

Giveaway ends Thursday, August 11, 2011 at 11:59cst. Winner will be chosen via random.org and emailed. They will have 48 hours to reply. Open to US 18+


Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given sauce for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Yum Yum Dishes Review...

About Yum Yum Dishes:
"Limited Portions just got fun!
Use Yum Yum Dishes to enjoy your favorite snacks. It helps remind you when you're all done!
Buy it in a bag, but eat it out of a Yum Yum Dish!
These finely crafted ceramic dishes tell you when to say when... "Yum Yum time is Over!" Each set of ceramic Yum Yum Dishes comes with 4 colors. Yellow, Blue Red and Green. Each dish holds a 4oz. Yum Yum Portion.

Follow Yum Yum Dishes on FB, Twitter and sign up for our Tip of the Week from Lisa Mosley. Lisa was on Season 10 of The Biggest Loser. You will receive a Tip from Lisa each Monday morning and will also receive notices  of special events and promotions from Yum Yum Dishes available only to those who sign up. 

We just started our YouTube channel and will be posting videos there with health eating tips and special events."

What we thought:  Our Yum Yum Dish rocked!  It was cute and I loved the handcrafted feel of it.  It really helps me determine the correct portion size and I'm enjoying using it every day.  I think these dishes could be really helpful for someone who snacks a lot and just relies on the "handful" method for portion size.  These dishes are a fun reminder and helpful tool:)  ABCD Diaries gives Yum Yum Dishes an A+!

Buy It: You can find these fun bowls at Yum Yum Dishes!  Use the coupon code BANDA (case sensitive) for $5 off each set purchased for the next 2 weeks:)

Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given a dish for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Wild Child CD Review...

LYRICAL SONGS, AFRICAN RHYTHMS, AND THE VOICES OF NATURE CREATE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS FOR KIDS

WILD CHILD
THE NEWEST ‘CELEBRATE EARTH’ CD FROM RECESS MUSIC

"Recess Music, a company that strives to awaken kids to the magnificence of our planet through albums of earth-friendly music, looks forward to the August 16 release of Wild Child, the fourth in its award-winning “Celebrate Earth” series of CDs. Singing the praises of Africa fauna, the 14 tracks of Wild Child showcase musical contributions by a sampling of today’s most gifted kids’ musicians, including Jack Grunsky, Anna Moo, and Danny Adlerman.

Notes Recess Music’s founder, Nancy Doan, “Of all the creatures on Earth, the animals of Africa are some of the most threatened in our world. When I think of the children of future generations, I’m struck by how sad it will be if they never have the possibility of seeing an elephant or a tiger or a hippo in its natural habitat. I believe that Mother Nature intended for ALL of Earth's inhabitants to share our green planet with one another.”
Coming next from Recess Music, in fall 2011, will be U R Some 1, the second in the company’s “Best Foot Forward” series of albums dedicated to helping kids value a world that is wise, fair, and generous hearted."

CD Details: Wild Child
For ages 4 - 12.
Label: Big Round Records
SRP: $11.99
Run time: 47 minutes

What we thought:  We really enjoyed this CD full of fun animal characters.  The lively beats and the funny lyrics were great.  I loved how much educational information was put into these tunes.  I can honestly say the kiddos learned a lot from listening to Wild Child.  The Earth-friendly themes are fantastic throughout and we had a blast dancing around to this CD!  ABCD Diaries gives Wild Child an A+!

Buy It: Wild Child will be available online at www.recessmusic.com , amazon.com and its international affiliates, iTunes, and brick and mortar retailers throughout the U.S.

Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given a CD for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Katz Gluten-Free Review and Giveaway...

Congrats to A Daily Woman!

About Katz:
"We are celebrating our reaching 40 products, as we continue to bring more and more products to the market.
Katz is conducting a grand raffle, with the winner receiving a box containing all 40 items we carry!"

Some of the newest products from Katz include:

Apple Pie

Coffee Cake

Sugar Poppers

What we thought:  We tried the items pictured above from Katz new summer line.  We really enjoyed the flaky crust and the yummy fruity filling of the apple pie.  B loved the coffee cake which actually had coffee in it, not like most "coffee" cakes we've tried.  The kiddos enjoyed the sugar poppers as a fun treat.  As always, if you are looking for a great variety of gluten-free and kosher foods, look no further than Katz!  ABCD Diaries gives Katz an A!
Buy It: You can find these new products and a wide variety of other gluten free goodies at Katz!! They offer free shipping over $30, and for a limited time, special coupons on Cherry and Apple Pies. Coupon Codes SummerPie1 (apple) and SummerPie2 (cherry) save 4 dollars off one pie!


Win It: Katz's has generously offered one ABCD Diaries reader a box of 5 products! To enter, follow our blog via GFC and comment below.

Extra Entries:
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2.Subscribe to our RSS feed +2 entries...comment twice please
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4.Follow Katz on Twitter(leave id)+1 entry
5.Follow ABCD Diaries via Twitter(leave id) +1 entry
6.Tweet about this giveaway(leave link)+1 entry per day(1 tweet/day)
7.Enter any other current giveaways on ABCD Diaries and leave a comment saying so. +1 for each entered

Giveaway ends Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at 11:59cst. Winner will be chosen via random.org and emailed. They will have 48 hours to reply. Open to US residents 18+:) No PO Boxes.

Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given a box of goodies for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Talenti's Cutest Moments Contest...

We just heard about an exciting new contest by Talenti Gelato e Sorbetto. Talenti will be sponsoring a “Talenti’s Cutest Moments” photo contest on their Facebook page, which began on Tuesday, July 26th and will go on for 6 weeks, until September 2nd. All of the contest details can be found here.

Talenti is asking its Facebook fans to post photos of themselves or their kids enjoying Talenti’s delicious gelato or sorbetto. The photos can be cute, messy, funny…anything! Each week, the photo with the most votes will be selected as the week’s winner and will be the Talenti profile photo for the day! Each of these weekly winners will also be entered as finalists for the grand prize (a four-pack of Talenti each month for one whole year. YUM!). The grand prize winner will be announced on September 12th.


Good Luck!!

Purely Products Pocket Purifier Review and Giveaway...

Congrats to Heather!

We recently reviewed a pocket purifier from Purely Products.

About the Pocket Purifier:
•Incorporates ultraviolet light and nanotechnology to eliminate 99.9% of germs that cause colds, and flu, plus e-coli, salmonella, mold, fungus and MRSA staph (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus)
•Built in 4-watt germicidal ultraviolet light deactivates the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens destroying their ability to multiply
•Suitable for purifying masks, kitchen counters, sinks and utensils, bathroom surfaces, computer keyboards, remote controls, cell phones, nail clippers, shoes, clothing, bags, scissors, baby toys, pacifiers, diaper pails, cribs, strollers - most everyday items. UV light will not harm function of surfaces or items disinfected.
•Powered by 4 (AA) batteries for easy carrying and safe usage (Batteries not included)
•Convenient, lightweight, quick and easy to use
•Suitable for disinfecting most everyday items with exposure of 10-15 seconds.
•Available in convenient single, double and family-friendly four packs
•UV-C bulb effective for 9,000 hours

What we thought:  This is a really neat little device!  My favorite place to use it is in the kitchen.  I use it on the counter tops, the sink and our cutting boards as an added precaution after washing.  The bathroom is another great place for the pocket purifier, especially when someone in the house is sick.  The pocket purifier is compact enough to fit easily into the diaper bag for use at public restrooms, restaurants and the playground.  It gives you a little extra peace of  mind that you are doing what you can to keep your family safe and healthy.  ABCD Diaries gives the Pocket Purifier from Purely Products an A+!

Buy It: You can find these healthy pocket purifiers and more at Purely Products!

Win It: Purely Products has generously offered one ABCD Diaries reader a pocket purifier! To enter, follow our blog via GFC and comment below.

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Giveaway ends Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 11:59cst. Winner will be chosen via random.org and emailed. They will have 48 hours to reply. Open to US residents 18+:) No PO Boxes.

Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given a pocket purifier for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

7th Generation Diapers Review and Giveaway...

Congrats to Andrea!

"Are you looking for ways to soften your environmental footprint as you navigate your child´s first steps?

Seventh Generation offers you their newly re-launched Free & Clear diapers. With the same great performance that parents have come to expect from Seventh Generation, Free & Clear diapers have a brand new look that makes it `clear´ what makes them so special.

What Seventh Generation leaves out is just as important as what they put in. Free & Clear diapers do not include chlorine processing, fragrances, latex and petroleum based lotions. In an effort to contribute less overall landfill waste and continue to ensure a premium standard of absorbency, the new Free & Clear diapers have been redesigned with a lighter-weight core. With processed chlorine-free wood pulp in Free & Clear diapers, Seventh Generation also makes certain that no chlorine is released into the environment during the totally chlorine-free (TCF) whitening process of the diapers and training pants.

Seventh Generation has also reduced the size of the diapers´ plastic packaging, meaning that each pack now contributes even less overall landfill waste than before. In fact, Seventh Generation Free & Clear diaper packaging can now be recycled at local supermarkets where plastic bag recycling collection boxes are available."

For information about the whitening process: http://bit.ly/TCFProcess
For information about the role of pigments in diapers: http://bit.ly/DiaperPigments

What we thought:  These diapers were great!  They fit true to size and were easy for D to run around in.  We didn't have any leakage problems and D's sensitive skin stayed rash-free:)  If you are looking for diapers that are friendly to the Earth and your baby's bottom, check out 7th Generation!  ABCD Diaries gives the Free & Clear diapers an A+!

Buy It: You can find these diapers and other 7th Generation products at grocers and mass merchandisers nationwide! Grab a moneysaving $2 off coupon here!
Win It: 7th Generation and MyBlogSpark have generously offered one ABCD Diaries reader a package of Free & Clear Diapers! To enter, follow our blog via GFC and comment below.

Extra Entries:
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6.Tweet about this giveaway(leave link)+1 entry per day(1 tweet/day)
7.Enter any other current giveaways on ABCD Diaries and leave a comment saying so. +1 for each entered

Giveaway ends Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 11:59cst. Winner will be chosen via random.org and emailed. They will have 48 hours to reply. Open to US residents 18+:) No PO Boxes.

Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given a package of diapers  for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone. The coupon, prize pack, information and giveaway were all provided by Seventh Generation through MyBlogSpark.

Duralex For Kids Review and Giveaway...

Congrats Emily N!

We recently had the chance to review a set of kid-friendly dishes from Duralex.

About Duralex for Kids:
"Trendy, licensed kids tableware is generally made of plastic, lasts a year or so, and gets worn or broken as a child gets older. Kids tableware is often really a disposable product. Not so with the Duralex For Kids collection of glass, bowls, tumblers and plates. The products are BPA-free, 100% recyclable, dishwasher and microwave-safe and an eco-friendly alternative to plastic. Made in France, the Duralex For Kids collection is 4 to 5 times stronger than standard glass—so it is surprisingly shock-resistant. Plus there’s no chemical leaching. Duralex For Kids, a must-have for the active American child.
The transparent bowls capture the attention of young children as foods are in full view all the way to the bottom of the bowl. The easy-to-grasp drinking glasses have been the primary drinking glass for children in France for decades in both homes and school cafeterias. The tumblers are solid and won’t topple over easily even when bumped as a plastic cup will. The tumblers and the bowls are made from tempered glass, stronger than standard glass, withstands heating and cooling changes and is shock resistant. The tempered glass is non-porous so it does not retain odors, scratch or stain.
The Duralex For Kids collection is tough and durable and will last for decades without breaking or chipping. It is likely that the toddler drinking out of a Duralex tumbler today will be drinking out of the same tumbler as he or she goes off to college.
The Duralex For Kids includes collection includes 15 items. The most popular is the three-pc set that retails for $8.50 and is available in three sizes."

What we thought: These were great dishes!  The kid's loved that you could see through the plate and bowl.  It really added an element of fun to the meal:)  These dishes are in such high demand around here that A and D have to take turns using them and I have to wash them between each meal and snack:)  They have been thoroughly tested too...all three have been accidentally dropped and not a single on has broken.  I like knowing my kiddos can have safe dishes that make them feel a little more grown up:)  Duralex has a variety of safe dishes and their kids line is perfect for families with small children.  ABCD Diaries gives Duralex an A+!

Buy It: You can find these fun, safe dish sets at Duralex!

Win It: Duralex has generously offered one ABCD Diaries reader a set of these dishes including a plate, a bowl and a glass! To enter, follow our blog via GFC and comment below.

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5.Enter any other current giveaways on ABCD Diaries and leave a comment saying so. +1 for each entered

Giveaway ends Monday, August 8, 2011 at 11:59cst. Winner will be chosen via random.org and emailed. They will have 48 hours to reply. Open to US residents 18+:) No PO Boxes.

Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given a set of dishes for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Emile Henry Pizza Stone Review and Giveaway...

Congrats TawndaM!

We recently had the chance to review a pizza stone from Emile Henry.

About the Emile Henry Pizza Stone:
"Emile Henry debuts a Pizza Stone designed to make brick-oven style pizzas in home ovens and on backyard grills. Made in France of Flame-Top technology, this 14inch ceramic round stone absorbs moisture from the pizza dough while distributing heat evenly throughout the pie. The result is evenly cooked pizza dough that doesn’t burn on the bottom before the toppings have cooked. Unlike other pizza stones, this one is glazed so that it is easy to clean leaving no food, stain or odors.
The Emile Henry Pizza Stone heats up quickly and cleans up easily changing the process of making homemade pizza from a time-consuming event to a fast meal. This stone, due to its flame-top characteristics, heats up in about 15 minutes. Most substantial pizzastones take much longer, some nearly an hour.
This stone is light-weight and features large handles making it easier to lift and manage unlike other pizza stones which are hard to maneuver on a grill and are even awkward in an oven. Cooks, using potholders, can lift the stone by the handles and carry it to a trivet or counter for cutting and serving. Cooks can cut right on the stone or they can slide the pizza off onto a cutting board. The stone is naturally non-stick so a pizza slides right off.
The stone doubles as an appetizer or cheese tray that can go from refrigerator or oven to the table. The Flame-Top Pizza Stone, made of a proprietary flameproof ceramic, is the first Pizza Stone of its kind available on the market today."

What we thought:  I love this pizza stone!  We make a lot of homemade pizza, but we usually use a baking sheet instead of stone because the stone we had previously took forever to heat through and often burned the crust before the top of the pizza was thoroughly cooked.  The Emile Henry pizza stone fixed that!  First of all, this stone is gorgeous!  I love the built in handles...our old stone had the metal attachment thingy that slipped a lot.  The Emile Henry cooked our thick crust pizza perfectly.  The crust didn't burn and the pizza was cooked evenly throughout.  Cleanup was a breeze.  We even tried this stone on the grill with a flat bread pizza and it didn't disappoint.  We will be using this stone every time we make pizza from here on out and probably as a serving dish too...its soooo pretty!  ABCD Diaries gives the Emile Henry Pizza Stone an A+!

Buy It: You can find these beautiful pizza stones at cooking.com!

Win It: Emile Henry has generously offered one ABCD Diaries reader a pizza stone! To enter, follow our blog via GFC and comment below.

Extra Entries:
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2.Subscribe to our RSS feed +2 entries...comment twice please
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4.Tweet about this giveaway(leave link)+1 entry per day(1 tweet/day)
5.Enter any other current giveaways on ABCD Diaries and leave a comment saying so. +1 for each entered

Giveaway ends Monday, August 8, 2011 at 11:59cst. Winner will be chosen via random.org and emailed. They will have 48 hours to reply. Open to US residents 18+:) No PO Boxes.

Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given a pizza stone for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Frank's RedHot THICK Review...

We recently had the chance to review Frank's RedHot THICK.

About Frank’s® RedHot THICK Sauce:
•Same great taste as Frank’s RedHot Original, but with a thicker consistency
•Great for grilling burgers, chicken, ribs, and even corn on the cob
•Perfect for dipping appetizers, such as spring rolls, chicken nuggets, French fries, and mozzarella sticks
•Ideal for dipping and spreading
What we thought: We used our sauce to spice up our Chicken Ranch Pizza.  We have a copycat recipe for Papa Murphy's gourmet chicken pizza that is divine and what better way to spice it up than with Frank's RedHot?  The sauce on this pizza is ranch dressing so we added equal parts of dressing and Frank's RedHot THICK and it was great!  The consistency of the hot sauce really worked well for a pizza sauce and the results were delicious!  This sauce was also great for dipping chicken nuggets among other things:)  ABCD Diaries gives Frank's RedHot THICK an A+!

Buy It: You can find Frank's RedHot THICK at grocers nationwide.


Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given a bottle of Frank's for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Bialetti Pasta Pot Review...

About the BIALETTI Pasta pot:"Three Rich Colors of Purple Passion, Blue Cheer and Orange Spice; Cook N Strain Convenience 

Bialetti, the leading Italian coffee and cookware brand known for its forward thinking in both innovation and style, announced the 2011 colors for its

Italian line of Pasta Pots. Reinforcing Bialetti’s commitment to quality, innovation and style, the world’s original 5-quart Pasta Pots feature a comfortable and oversized, ergonomic, heat-resistant handle and convenient non-stick interior

coating and is available in three colors: Purple Passion, Blue Cheer and Orange Spice—three of 2011’s hottest colors.

Featuring a distinctive oval shape, they are designed to handle the length of uncooked spaghetti and lasagna noodles without breakage. The hi-temp exterior finish coupled with the bright colors of Purple Passion, Blue Cheer and Orange
Spice makes the Pasta Pots both durable and eye-catching. When in use, the Pasta Pots feature an innovative lock-on lid with built-in strainer, eliminating the need for a colander. The pots are made of aluminum to allow for advanced heat conduction and safe handling when cooking. A non-stick interior contributes to evenly cooked pasta every time."

What we thought: This pot is so awesome!  I have never like my metal colander for draining pasta.  Its big and bulky and gets that starchy buildup stuck on which makes it hard to clean.  The Bialetti Pasta Pot has solved the problem and given me a stylish way to cook, drain and serve pasta!  The pan cooked our pasta perfectly and the cool locking lid made it super easy to drain without fear of burning myself or anyone else in the kitchen with scalding water.  Then we popped the lid off and served the pasta straight from the gorgeous orange pot!  The pot is coated with non-stick material and so super easy to clean and its big enough to handle a family-sized portion of pasta.  We had company over on one such pasta night and got lots of compliments on our Bialetti Pasta Pot...my new favorite pan:)  ABCD Diaries gives Bialetti an A+!

Buy It: The Pasta Pots are available in a 5-quart size at specialty and gourmet stores nationwide with a suggested retail price of $34.95.


Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given a Pasta Pot for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Byron Bay Cookies Review...

 
About Byron Bay Cookies:
"From humble beginnings Byron Bay Cookies were originally baked on an old farmhouse stove in the hills of Byron Bay, a small coastal hamlet on the most easterly point of Australia. With the region famous for its fresh ingredients and unique flavours one of the original cookie flavours, White Choc Chunk & Macadamia Nut is still one of our most popular flavours!


At Byron Bay Cookies we are passionate about baking cookies. Our delightfully decadent, deliciously different cookies are still baked in Byron Bay, right where it all started...

Wafer thin crispbread, with a unique crisp texture & subtle flavours - perfect for entertaining in the upcoming summer months and festive season. Packaged in 75g box. It's subtle flavour makes it the best match for your favourite cheese and dips.

What we thought:  The drop cookies we tried from Byron Bay were divine!  They were melt-in-your mouth shortbread flavored with lemon and chunks of Macadamia nuts!  Yummo!!  The crispbread were delicately flavored with cracked peeper and chives and were great with a variety of cheeses, both hard and soft.  They were also great for dipping.  Even though they are super thin, they could hold a good amount of toppings.  Both the cookies and crispbread crackers would be great for party fare.  ABCD Diaries gives Byron Bay Cookies and A+!

Buy It: You can find these delicious snacks at Byron Bay Cookies!

Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given a samples for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Laser Pegs World of Bugs Review...

 We recently had the chance to try out Laser Pegs Mini Bug Kit.

Laser Pegs™ is the first construction toy set in the world in which each piece feeds the next piece low voltage current, allowing children to build creations that illuminate in a brightly colored, LED light display.

Laser Pegs® shapes include square, wheel shaped, t-shaped, straight, 45 degree and 90 degree pegs that easily slide together to create a variety of model designs or your own unique creation. Laser Pegs® 3 in 1 Kit comes with 72 pieces, one power unit, an instruction booklet and a plastic tray to store your Laser Pegs® in along with model designs you can follow to build the Mini Monster Bug, the Tractor, and the Dune Buggy. Additional model designs for creations like the “Robo Stevo,” “Wicked King Cobra,” and the “Baja Jumper” can also be downloaded from the Laser Pegs® website."

 
What we thought:  This kit has provided hours of fun for the kiddos.  They absolutely love building new designs and lighting them up.  They have built countless bugs and other things...the different combination possibilities are endless!  This set proved to be very educational and even though we've had this set for a few weeks now, the kids are still super interested in playing with it quite often.  I love toys whose newness/coolness doesn't wear off too quickly:)  It is no wonder why these neat pegs have been given some really prestigious awards in the toy world:)  ABCD Diaries gives Laser Pegs an A+!

Buy It: You can find these super cool Laser Pegs kits at toy stores nationwide...check them out here!

Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given a Laser Pegs kit for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Jash Botanicals Review...

About Jash Botanicals:"Emerging from humble beginnings, Jash has been and always will remain family owned and operated. Our highest priority is integrity. We are dedicated to being a company with a conscience and our commitment includes using only the highest quality, most environmentally responsible product possible. We know that you are concerned about what you and your family use, so we want you to know what makes Jash Botanicals so special. We strive to provide accurate and up to date herbal information by searching the world over and bringing safe and effective herbal formulas to consumers that are looking for natural alternatives in the development of personal health and well-being."

                                               


What we thought:  Jash has quite a variety of supplements for quite a variety of ailments:)  We sampled Dream On, Mood Mender and Ultra Immune.  Honestly, they aren't very tasty, but I haven't noticed any adverse effects of taking them.  Since starting the regimen, I haven't caught a cold and I've been sleeping better.  If you are looking for physician's grade botanical supplements, check out Jash Botanicals!

Buy It: You can find these botanical supplements at Jash Botanicals.
Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given products for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Be Prepared for Back-to-School with Masterlock...

 Be prepared for Back-to-School with Masterlock.

"Master Lock® has hired a new specialist on student life to help students safely and securely navigate this school year in style. The Master Mind, a suave and funny college grad, is staring in a humorous online video series on in which he, along with his clever Little Sister, are setting out to answer students’ most frequent, awkward and perplexing questions on www.facebook.com/masterlock


Parents and students are invited to submit their own questions for the Master Mind and participate in daily sweepstakes for a chance to win back-to-school must-haves, including popular Master Lock school and campus security products."

Our best advice...be prepared!  From school supplies to lunches and snacks to keeping your stuff safe...never underestimate the power of planning ahead.  I promise, it will save you a lot of headaches! 

Stay tuned starting August 1st for some awesome reviews and giveaways for fantastic back-to-school gear for the whole family!

Disclosure: We are entering a contest for a Master Lock back-to-school prize pack as a member of the Mom Bloggers Club.

scrappynaps Review and Giveaway...

Congrats to Erica!

We recently had the chance to review a super cool placemat/napkin set from scrappynaps!

About scrappynaps:"scrappynaps are reusable fabric placemats that conveniently hold a matching napkin and utensils (utensils not included).
They easily roll up and are secured by an attached elastic band.
They're perfect for lunch boxes, picnics or at home. No more worries about your kid's eating off a table covered with who knows what! The placemat serves as the perfect barrier.
scrappynaps are made from 100% cotton and are machine washable."

What we thought:  D reviewed the space-themed Beam Me Up scrappynap set and he loved it!  The mats have a little pocket with a matching napkin and a pocket for silverware.  scrappynaps are a great way to make each kid feel special at meal time and they have a good variety of mats to match the personality of your little ones.  scrappynaps' cool patterns and prints appeal to both children and adults.  They are super easy to care for and roll up to conveniently fit in a lunch box or diaper bag.  Spruce up your meal with a stylish all-in-one placemat set from scrappynaps!  ABCD Diaries gives scrappynaps an A+!

Buy It: You can find these fun dining sets at scrappynaps!

Win It: scrappynaps has generously offered one ABCD Diaries reader their choice of scrappynaps set!  To enter, follow our blog via GFC and comment below.
Extra Entries:
1."Like" ABCD Diaries via Facebook +1 entry
2.Subscribe to our RSS feed +2 entries...comment twice please
3.Like scrappynaps on Facebook +1 entry
4.Follow scrappynaps on Twitter(leave id)+1 entry
5.Follow ABCD Diaries via Twitter(leave id) +1 entry
6.Tweet about this giveaway(leave link)+1 entry per day(1 tweet/day)
7.Enter any other current giveaways on ABCD Diaries and leave a comment saying so. +1 for each entered
Giveaway ends Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at 11:59cst. Winner will be chosen via random.org and emailed. They will have 48 hours to reply. Open to US residents 18+:) No PO Boxes.

Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given a placemat set for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Twooth Timer Review and Giveaway...

Congrats Emmy Coffee!

We recently had the chance to review a Twooth Timer.

About Twooth Timer:
"Using Twooth® Timer twice a day
Helps your kids fight tooth decay!
•Recommended by dentists and hygienists
•As seen in leading magazines, newspapers and on TV!
•Convenient size - 3¼" H x 2¾" W x 2½" D
•No batteries needed
•Helps reduce dental bills by improving dental hygiene
•Works with all types of toothbrushes - manual and electric
Easy to use! Simply turn the top to the ‘2’ and begin brushing. Stop brushing when the bell rings after two minutes."

What we thought:  Twooth Timer makes tooth brushing more fun, plain and simple.  Our kiddos are opposites in tooth brushing timing...D is done in 30 seconds or less and A takes 15 minutes if you let her.  Twooth Timer made it super easy for them both to know when they've been brushing long enough.  The cute design of the Twooth Timer is very kid-friendly and the kids love taking turns starting it.  A says the timer is a little loud so we set it outside the bathroom door while she is brushing...she does startle more easily than most kiddos though.  Other than that our Twooth Timer was a hit!  ABCD Diaries gives the Twooth Timer an A+!

Buy It: You can find this fun tooth brushing tool at Twooth Timer!
Win It: Twooth Timer has generously offered one ABCD Diaries reader a Twooth Timer of their own!
To enter, follow our blog via GFC and comment below.

Extra Entries:
1."Like" ABCD Diaries via Facebook +1 entry
2.Subscribe to our RSS feed +2 entries...comment twice please
3.Like Twooth Timer on Facebook +1 entry
4.Follow Twooth Timer on Twitter(leave id)+1 entry
5.Follow ABCD Diaries via Twitter(leave id) +1 entry
6.Tweet about this giveaway(leave link)+1 entry per day(1 tweet/day)
7.Enter any other current giveaways on ABCD Diaries and leave a comment saying so. +1 for each entered

Giveaway ends Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at 11:59cst. Winner will be chosen via random.org and emailed. They will have 48 hours to reply. Open to US residents 18+:) No PO Boxes.


Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given a Twooth Timer for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.