Licorice International Review and Giveaway...

About Licorice Interntational:
"Licorice International Inc. offers the largest selection of black licorice, gourmet licorice and European licorice available in the United States. We bring licorice candy to licorice lovers who yearn for that good, old-fashioned licorice that disappeared from candy stores and supermarket shelves years ago."

Bridge Mix:
"An old-fashioned American favorite, licorice bridge mix is a colorful combination of nonpareils, pastels, jelly beans, and dots. Buy some today for your next party or family gathering."

Tavener's Liquorice Allsorts:
"These English Licorice Allsorts include all your classic favorites like those pink and blue licorice and aniseed jelly buttons, pink and yellow coconut rolls with the licorice center, and assorted colored fondants sandwiched between layers of tasty licorice. All natural colors and flavors. This item has been approved by the Halal Food Authority UK."

What we thought: As huge licorice fans, D and I were super excited to get to review these items from Licorice International.  I think 3 year old D may like licorice even more than me and he gave these delicious mixes his seal of approval:)  I prefer the crispy coating on the pastels and the jelly beans, while the other members of our family love the nonpareils, dots,buttons and rolls which is why these mixes are so great for sharing with family and friends!  There is something for everyone:)  If you like licorice, whether sweet or salty, red or black and pretty much anything in between, Licorice International is your one-stop shop for yummy goodness!  ABCD Diaries gives Licorice International an A+!
Buy It: You can find this huge selection of licorice treats at Licorice International!  Use the code ABCD5 for $5 off your purchase until 12/31/11:)

Neilsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Review and Giveaway...

"Halloween brings images of ghosts and ghouls, but more importantly it provides the perfect opportunity to satisfy sweet-tooth cravings. Individually wrapped, store-bought candies have always been a staple for kids at Halloween parties, but what about the adults?

Nielsen Massey Vanillas’ Vanilla Cinnamon Apples add an element of sophistication to this year’s festivities and are sure to have guests lining up for seconds. The recipe, found below, combines the savory flavor of Nielsen-Massey’s Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste with the delicious tart taste of fall apples to create a treat that is overflowing with gooey goodness. (Just don’t forget the napkins.)

Vanilla Cinnamon Apples

Serves 4

4 baking apples

3 tbsp. butter

¾ cup firmly packed dark brown sugar

1 tsp. Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste

1 ½ tsp. cinnamon

¼ tsp. allspice

1 tbsp. brandy

¼ cup raisins

¼ cup walnuts

Pinch of salt

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat the bottom of a shallow baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Cut a thin slice from the bottom of each apple so it will stand upright. Scoop out the core of each apple from the top down with the small end of a melon ball cutter, making sure not to core all the way through the apple.

Combine the butter, brown sugar and vanilla paste in a medium saucepan and cook over low heat until the butter is melted, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat and stir in the cinnamon, allspice, brandy, raisins, walnuts and salt. Fill the apples with equal amounts of the filling using a teaspoon. Place the apples in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes or until caramelized and fork tender."

What we thought:  Mmmm...this vanilla was fabulous!  We have baked several treats with this vanilla including cookies and spiced apples and YUMMO!  What a great addition:)  The recipe for the apples above is absolutely mouth-watering and would be a great treat this fall.  Neilsen-Massey has an extensive line of ingredients to really round out your pantry for all your fall baking needs:)  ABCD Diaries gives Neilsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla an A+!

Buy It: Check here for a retailer near you!

Enjoy Life Not Nuts! Trail Mix Review...

"Salty, sweet and crunchy, our trail mix is so good you won’t even miss the nuts. On the trail or on the go, it's the ideal portable snack. With no peanuts or tree nuts (or any other allergens for that matter), it also makes a great school-safe treat."

not nuts!® beach bash®
"A yummy medley of sunflower kernels, pumpkin seeds, dried pineapple, apricots and cranberries. It’s a snack-tacular treat at the beach, on the trail or on the go. Perfect for people with nut allergies, people who don’t like nuts or for school-safe classroom snacks."

not nuts!® mountain mambo®
"Made with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds (pepitas), fruit and chocolate chips, our nut-free trail mix is both wholesome and delicious. Great for people with nut allergies, people who don’t like nuts or for school-safe classroom snacks."

What we thought:  These trail mixes were fantastic! They were super tasty with big chunks of fruit and lots of seeds.  They were great for after-school snacks and to carry in my bag to curb on-the-go cravings:)  I feel good giving these snacks to my family, knowing how healthy they are for them!
ABCD Diaries gives Enjoy Life Not Nuts! Trail Mixes an A+!

Buy It: To get your hands on these yummy snacks find a store near you!


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

Win with ToiletTree and Me, Deluxe Fogless Shower Mirror Giveaway...

From ToiletTree:
"We are excited to announce that our Original Fogless Shower Mirror which was such a huge hit last holiday season will be featured on HSN (The Home Shopping Network) on Friday, October 28th during the 4 o'clock hour (EST).
ToiletTree Products is also excited to announce that we have added a new product into our fogless shower mirror line - The Deluxe LED Fogless Shower Mirror. This mirror is 20% larger than our original #1 selling Fogless Shower Mirror with LED lighting illuminating the entire mirror."

Win It: Like ToiletTree on Facebook and tell them you were referred by ABCD Diaries.  The top 3 referring blogs win a gift card and a winner will be drawn from those three blog's commenters to win the new Deluxe Fogless Shower Mirror with LED lighting, a $49.50 value!

Thanks for your help and Good Luck!

Disclosure: We did not receive any form of payment to post about this promotion, but we are trying to win a gift card from ToiletTree.

Twisted Fish Review...

We teamed up with McNeill Designs to bring you another fun family review and giveaway...the Twisted Fish card game:

About McNeill Designs:
"Founded in 2004, we at McNeill Designs have never considered ourselves an ordinary game development firm. In fact, we prefer to title ourselves a “Think Tank,” where creative ideas are allowed to run wild and innovation isn’t a request, but a requirement. Now, they say that great minds think alike. However, at McNeill Designs we sometimes find just the opposite, due to the sheer number of revolutionary game, novelty, and product ideas generated by our 40+ team members. In 2005 this creativity was put to the test when we brought our first product to market. As our flagship offering, the unique card game “You’ve Been Sentenced!™” now sets the tone for all future McNeill Designs’ endeavors. The result of thousands of man-hours in research, development, design and redesign, this game succeeds where others have failed, by making sentence forming an entertaining, challenging, fun, and easy-to-learn game. So what will we think of next? As it turns out, we've thought of quite a lot. Several spin-off versions of “You’ve Been Sentenced! ™” are now underway with language translations versions, an educational color-coded version, and licensed specialty versions due to hit the market throughout 2006 - 2008. We have already launched our second game, “Twisted Fish” and are currently developing several other unique games and products for 2007. "


About Twisted Fish:
For Ages 8 and up, 30-40 min, 3-6 players
"The old game of go fish just got a very challenging twist. It isn’t child’s play any more! Twisted Fish takes a traditional standby and casts it into the 21st century.
13 unique Fish characters in five different colors, plus 8 unique “Zingers” that allow you to break the rules, makes “Twisted Fish” a unique game experience. The real challenge takes place when asking for the fish cards you are collecting—Now you have to be specific about the type of fish and color you are seeking. “Twisted Fish” challenges you to remember every question asked at the table. It is challenging and fun right down to the very last card!
We promise you’ll fall hook, line, and sinker! Twisted Fish offers laugh-out-loud fun for the entire family.
Will you be the family card shark? Or will you be the lowly shrimp?
Twisted Fish’s game play takes the traditional game of Go Fish and adds new, essential twists. The familiarity of the rules allow for quick learning.
Unique Zinger cards ensure that the game is always exciting and fresh.
Developed by toy and game veteran Martin Uniacke and Hollywood special-effects artist Jody Fedele.
Humorous, original illustrations created by Jody Fedele keep players laughing at the fishy antics of an aquarium full of comical characters.
Suitable for ages 8 and up. The whole family will love Twisted Fish for its hilarious game play and outrageous characters.
Cultivates memory skills as players track cards that “swim” around the table from player to player.
Both Skill and Luck are needed, making it fun for all ages and skill levels."

What we thought: This was a really fun game. It was a little over our kid's heads, but with very little effort we were able to doctor the rules a little to make it work for our 4 year old. I like that the rules can be changed as your kids get older...that means the game will stick around longer and still be a challenge. Twisted Fish is definitely the most fun version of Go Fish we've ever played. The characters are funny and colorful and they each have their own back story on the website. The instructions are easy to read and understand and the versatility of this game makes it worth well over the $10 you pay for it! ABCD Diaries gives McNeill Designs and Twisted Fish an A+!

Buy It: Find this fun-filled learning game online or check the store listing for a retailer near you!

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

10/27/11:This is an updated post from last year...there is no giveaway for this game at this time.

Trick or Treat Blog Hop Giveaway:

Welcome to the Trick or Treat Halloween Hop hosted by Tales From the Nursery,Formula Mom, and Mama on a Green Misson, where you will go trick-or-treating virtually at each blog for a chance to win some totally ghoul prizes. Will they have tricks or will they have treats? You must click through the linky to find out!

Our prize is sponsored by Crafting Joy:

Crafting Joy specializes in handmade crocheted items.  You name it and she can create it:)  Here are some examples of her work:

The winner of this giveaway gets a $25 Gift Card to Crafting Joy which can be used for any ready to ship item or pretty much any item you can dream up:)

You've Been Sentenced Board Game Review...

Thanks to McNeill Designs, we recently had the chance to review this fun board game, You've Been Sentenced:

About McNeill Designs:

"Founded in 2004, we at McNeill Designs have never considered ourselves an ordinary game development firm. In fact, we prefer to title ourselves a “Think Tank,” where creative ideas are allowed to run wild and innovation isn’t a request, but a requirement. Now, they say that great minds think alike. However, at McNeill Designs we sometimes find just the opposite, due to the sheer number of revolutionary game, novelty, and product ideas generated by our 40+ team members. In 2005 this creativity was put to the test when we brought our first product to market. As our flagship offering, the unique card game “You’ve Been Sentenced!™” now sets the tone for all future McNeill Designs’ endeavors. The result of thousands of man-hours in research, development, design and redesign, this game succeeds where others have failed, by making sentence forming an entertaining, challenging, fun, and easy-to-learn game. So what will we think of next? As it turns out, we've thought of quite a lot. Several spin-off versions of “You’ve Been Sentenced! ™” are now underway with language translations versions, an educational color-coded version, and licensed specialty versions due to hit the market throughout 2006 - 2008. We have already launched our second game, “Twisted Fish” and are currently developing several other unique games and products for 2007. "

About You've Been Sentenced:

"For ages 8 and up, 30-40 min to play, 3-10 players, with extensive rule variations available on the website. The latest in the evolution of games, “You've been Sentenced!” is the first game in history to really turn making sentences into a very funny, playable, and challenging game. Using a unique word deck of pentagon shaped cards containing conjugations of funny words, famous names from throughout history, familiar places, and wild cards, players have to make grammatically correct and justifiable sentences. The real fun begins when players have to read their sentences out loud and explain what they mean to the rest of players. They form the jury and vote thumbs up or down on whether the sentence and justification stand and the points are scored. 540 cards with over 2,500 words insure billions of possible sentences so the game is never repetitive and has unlimited re-play value.
Multiple other methods of play are available on our website that turn “You've been Sentenced!” into not just a game, but a full game system! We even have a lesson plan to turn “You’ve Been Sentenced!” into a classroom teaching tool. This game makes learning grammar and sentence construction fun and easy.
Bringing friends and families together“You’ve Been Sentenced!” appeals to all ages and skill levels. Socially interactive, players become members of the Jury and can ask a player to justify and defend the grammar, sense and meaning of the sentence. The player has a chance to convince the Jury to accept their often outrageous and hilarious sentences. Never the same game twice. A word deck with over 2,500 individual words, plus Wild Cards, ensures an infinite number of sentences, guaranteeing maximum re-play value. You’ve Been Sentenced!” offers unlimited play, without ever becoming stale or repetitive."

What we thought: When we first heard about You've Been Sentenced, I was super impressed with the long list of awards it had received. McNeill Designs games have been given awards from Oppenheim, iParenting, Spewgie, Dr. Toy, FAO Schwarz and more!! Since bringing it into out home and adding it to our weekly Family Game Night, we have come to understand why it is so highly praised and awarded. This game is ridiculously fun AND funny and even though are kids are fairly young, they still had a great time playing along with us. I know it will be a wonderful learning tool when they get a little older. I love that it was easy to learn and has so many variations...this game will never get old! You've Been Sentenced is another game that will be added to our Game Night repertoire, no matter which crowd we're entertaining...it has been fun for everyone! We recommend You've Been Sentenced to game-lovers everywhere!! ABCD Diaries gives McNeill Designs and You've Been Sentenced an A+!!

Buy It: Find You've Been Sentenced online or check the store listing for a retailer near you!  Update: This game can now be found at Toys R Us, Barnes & Noble and Kohls!


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


10/27/11:This is an updated post from last year...there is no giveaway for this game at this time.

Robert Rothschild Lemon Wasabi Sauce Review and Giveaway...

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."

Lemon Wasabi Sauce

"A bold blend of lemon, wasabi and raspberry vinegar makes a statement.
•Serve as a traditional dipping sauce for Sushi.
•Also makes a marvelous condiment for roast beef or turkey sandwiches.
•Kosher
•Gluten Free"

What we thought: This sauce was the perfect compliment to fish!  I love, love, loved it on salmon:)  The expert blend of lemon, wasabi, raspberry vinegar and spices was fantastic!  We will definitely be pairing this sauce with fish again and I can't wait to try it as a dip with sushi.  ABCD Diaries gives the Lemon Wasabi Sauce from Robert Rothschild Farms an A+!

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

Surf Sweets Gummy Bears Review...

"Crashing waves on the beach topped with warm sun and gentle breezes…grab your board and ride the waves. That’s what we had in mind when we created Surf Sweets. You won’t find anything artificial here! Inspired by California healthy living and fun, Surf Sweets candies are made from organic and natural ingredients without artificial colors or flavors. Our naturally sweet, organic gummy candies and jelly beans are drenched in fresh fruit flavors. Each sweet treat will send you back to the beach.

Our gummy bears are simply the best! Surf Sweets Gummy Bears are made with organic fruit juice and organic sweeteners and include 100% of Vitamin C per serving. Whether you’re looking for a great snack to share with the family, or a treat for yourself, we know that you’ll be delighted with our gummy bears.
•Made with Organic fruit juice and sweeteners
•100% Vitamin C per serving
•90% Organic
•No corn syrup or GMOs
•Gluten Free and Casein Free
•Made in a Nut-Free facility"

Buy It: Find these yummy gummy treats at Surf Sweets!

What we thought:  The kiddos really enjoyed these gummy treats!  They especially loved the sour gummies.  I loved knowing the treats were better for them than other gummies and that they were made with organic fruit juice and sweeteners and with NO corn syrup!  What a fantastic way to let the kids have a treat without having to worry about the negative attributes of many other candies!  ABCD Diaries gives Surf Sweets an A+!

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

Freschetta Proud to Support Pink Earbuds and Pizza Giveaway...

CONGRATS TO HOLLY!

"Freschetta is announcing national breast cancer awareness month. They are doing their part to support research by presenting the Freschetta "proud to support pink" program from September 25th to October 31st when you purchase specially-marked packages of Freschetta pizza and artisan pizza crusts. You will be helping them reach their goal of a $50,000 donation to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Specially marked packages are printed with codes that you can enter at www.ProudToSupportPink.com. For each code entry, the makers of Freschetta products will donate $1 to this center to support breast cancer research, up to $50,000. The Freschetta homepage also has a place for people to share their breast cancer journey or the journey of a friend or loved one. These stories will be displayed on Proud to Support Pink and on Freschetta's Facebook page to inspire all those who read them. They are also giving away 50 pink iPod Shuffles each week in October. Additionally, 50 pink iPod Shuffles will be donated each week in October to four cancer centers around America to be enjoyed by breast cancer patients during treatment."

One lucky winner will win a Proud to Support Pink prize. The prize includes a coupon to try any Freschetta pizza and two pairs of Freschetta proud to support pink branded earphones. One pair is for you to keep and the other pair is to share with a friend or family member as a reminder of proactive health.

Yumnuts Review and Giveaway...

CONGRATS TO CARRIEK!

"Take nature's perfect snack (the nut) and improve it. How? Make it lighter, crisper, crunchier, and of course, healthier. Better tasting and better for you - Flavor Roasted Cashews and now Almonds. What is flavor roasted you ask? The BNC's (big nut companies) generally cook their nuts at very high temperatures and in bad-for-you oils. This destroys the delicate healthy fats in nuts and produces unhealthy free radicals, and no one likes free radicals. Nuts = Energy. We love nuts because they are nature's perfect source of SUSTAINED ENERGY. They contain the protein, minerals, and smart fats that give us the long-term energy to perform at our best. Eat Nuts!" 

What we thought:  These nuts were fantastic!  I have never been a huge fan of cashews, but my tune has changed since sampling the yummy varieties from Yumnuts.  We tried Easy Cajun, Chocolate and Toasted Coconut Cashews.  They were all quite tasty...slightly sweet and super crunchy...perfectly seasoned and roasted to perfection!  We also tried the Cinnamon Almonds which were all eaten in one sitting by the kiddos and myself...they were THAT good:)  Yumnuts make the perfect snack and hold up really well in the lunch box.  They are also great for on-the-go snacking since they come in a resealable bag.  Yum, yum, Yumnuts!  ABCD Diaries gives Yumnuts an A+!
Buy It:  Find these delicious nuts at Yumnuts! Use the coupon code nutsabout40 for a 40% discount at checkout!! 

"The True Story of Puss 'N Boots" DVD Review...

Would you like to know the real story about Puss ‘N Boots?

Well now you and your little ones can learn all about it with the release of The True Story of Puss ‘N Boots. Coming to DVD from Phase 4 Films, this animated movie is true to the original story based on the famous Puss ‘N Boots character by Charles Perrault.

Starring Emmy and Golden Globe winner William Shatner as the voice of Puss, this movie is a great family film about accomplishing your dreams no matter who you are."

What we thought: This movie was really cute.  It is a more modern telling of this classic story and the kiddos really enjoyed watching it.  The colorful characters are fun and the whole family was entertained by this film.  What a great way to teach the underlying message of this story, that you can accomplish your dreams no matter who you are!  ABCD Diaries gives Puss 'N Boots an A!

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

Big Bully CD Review and Giveaway...

POSITIVE, UPBEAT MUSIC FOR DYNAMIC KIDS & FAMILIES BIG BULLY A ‘BEST FOOT FORWARD’ CD FROM RECESS MUSIC

"Recess Music, a company dedicated to helping kids value a world that is wise, fair, and generous hearted, has launched its “Best Foot Forward” series of CDs with Big Bully, an album featuring songs by such kids music luminaries as Milkshake, The Hipwaders and Renee & Jeremy.
The folks at Recess Music hope that Big Bully will help to encourage discussion among parents, children, and educators about harmony, understanding, social justice, and global peace, as well as the particular challenges caused by the unfortunate presence of intimidation and bullying behavior on our social landscape.

One could consider Recess Music’s “Best Foot Forward” series as the musical complement to a hip, up-to-date, and entirely relevant “course in manners” that reinforces a profound subtext and encourages kids to be the very best they can be. Almost all children really want to have friends and be good playmates, but to achieve these objectives they must learn key social structures and conventions, such as how to say, “I’m sorry” or how to live by the rule of “no put-downs” toward others. Big Bully presents songs promoting these healthy, positive ideas by asking the question “Why can’t we just be friends?” The album also provides a good antidote to the violence and bad manners that permeate so many video games and television shows."

What we thought:  This was a really fun and eclectic mix of music that really promotes positive behaviour towards others, teaches manners, and explains bullying to children.  We have really been enjoying this CD and A has even asked to take it to school to share with her classmates.  They have been learning about bullying and this would be the perfect complement to that lesson.  Big Bully is a fun and entertaining learning tool that kiddos will surely love!  ABCD Diaries gives Big Bully an A+! 

Buy It: Big Bully is available online at www.recessmusic.com, amazon.com and its international affiliates, iTunes, and brick and mortar retailers throughout the U.S.

CD Details: BIG BULLY
For ages 4 - 11.
Label: Big Round Records
SRP: $12.99
Run time: 43 minutes.
http://recessmusic.com/

REMBRANDT Whitening Collection 50% Off Amazon Gold Box Deal-Oct 22!

For 24 hours only, the REMBRANDT® Whitening Collection will be featured on Amazon.com’s Gold Box site offering a discount of up to 50% off the items pictured below:

Freshen up your look for fall with the REMBRANDT® collection to make your smile whiter and brighter! The REMBRANDT® 2 Hour Whitening Kit is clinically proven to visibly whiten teeth three shades in just two hours. Enjoy whiter teeth in just 5 days with premium the REMBRANDT® Whitening Strips that follow the unique curves of your teeth, making the fit more comfortable while the strips stay in place.


Maintain your white smile with the new Deeply White™ collection! These toothpastes and mouthwash work together to provide superior whitening by gently polishing away surface stains and also safely whitening below the enamel to help remove deep stains where they start.

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to shop the exclusive Amazon.com Gold Box deal – a great way to save on these fantastic whitening products right before the holidays!"

Duration of sale: Saturday, October 22 from 12:00 a.m. PST to 11:59 p.m. PST

Link to sale: http://www.amazon.com/gp/goldbox/

Don't miss it!

Phineas and Ferb Listerene Review and Giveaway...

CONGRATS TO KRIS!

"As families start the transition from their laxidasical summer schedules into hectic back to school mode, it’s a great time to get kids and families back on track with their oral care routines. As brushing only cleans 25 percent of our mouths, it’s important for kids to remember that flossing and rinsing are just as essential to keeping our smiles bright and healthy.  Check out LISTERINE®’s new Phineas and FerbTM Bubble Blast Flavor SMART RINSE®.

Unlike other fluoride rinses, LISTERINE® SMART RINSE® works l like a magnet to attract the particles that brushing may leave behind and tints the particles – leaving proof in the sink of a cleaner mouth. Some other benefits include:
· A special post-brush mouth rinse design to help kids protect their teeth against cavities
· The power to clean the mouth beyond brushing alone
· A primary benefit of included fluoride – which is an important ingredient to help provide extra cavity protection
· And because it’s from the makers of LISTERINE®, SMART RINSE® kills the germs that cause bad breath too

Dr. Kaneta Lott’s tips for Engaging Kids Early in Oral Care:
· Show, don’t tell. Floss once a day and brush and rinse twice a day, every day. Share the experience with your child. When leading by example, kids are likely to imitate behavior and make oral hygiene feel less like a "kid thing."
· Clean to the beat. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing are all rhythmic activities. Play music to help kids enjoy oral care routines. On average, brushing should last two minutes and rinsing 60 seconds. Together these activities last the length of a typical song.
· Reward healthy behavior. Offer rewards for achieving brushing, flossing, and rinsing goals. Post a calendar in the bathroom and reward kids with a gold star for each day of great oral care. At the end of each month, praise kids for a job well done."

What we thought:  This Smart Rinse from Listerene has really added an element of fun to A and D's tooth brushing routine:)  They actually get excited about brushing their teeth so that they can use the rinse after brushing!  The rinse is easy to use and has a pleasant taste.  Anything that gets my kids to brush their teeth more often without any fuss gets huge brownie points from me:)  ABCD Diaries gives Listerene Smart Rinse an A+!

Original Christmas Classics Blu-Ray Box Set Review and Giveaway...

CONGRATS TO MISTY!

Check out this great gift idea...the timeless Original Christmas Classics Blu-ray box set!

"The cute and family-friendly box set contains four of the most beloved holiday TV specials of all time, including the Rankin/Bass classics “Frosty the Snowman,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” and “Frosty Returns.” Watching these iconic TV specials are part of the American holiday tradition, just like baking cookies or trimming the Christmas tree! The holiday season just wouldn’t be the same without them…

The Original Christmas Classics box set will be available wherever Blu-rays are sold for $44.99 SRP."

What we thought:  I have always loved watching these Christmas classics when the come on around Christmas.  I am so excited to be able to share the fun if these animated classics with my kiddos!  Now, we can watch them over and over whenever we like and not have to wait for them to air on regular TV:)  And yes, we have already watched all of them and its still October:)  We have really enjoyed this Blu-Ray box set and I know we will continue to enjoy it for years to come.  This set would make a great gift this holiday season:)  ABCD Diaries gives The Original Christmas Classics Blu-Ray box set an A+!
Win It: One ABCD Diaries reader will win a Blu-Ray box set of these Christmas classics!

Winnie The Pooh DVD/Blu-Ray Giveaway...

CONGRATS TO KIMBERLY!



Return to the Hundred Acre Wood, for the latest adventure featuring the world’s beloved bear, Winnie The Pooh! Join Pooh, Tigger, Rabbit, Christopher Robin, Owl, Kanga, Piglet, Eeyore, and all of the classic characters you know and love when Walt Disney Pictures releases Winnie The Pooh on DVD and Blu-Ray October 25, 2011!

VeggieTales "The Little Drummer Boy" DVD Review and Giveaway...

CONGRATS TO KATHY!

"Check out the all-new VeggieTales holiday-themed DVD, VeggieTales The Little Drummer Boy. The title is a heartwarming tale that retells the classic The Little Drummer Boy story. The DVD offers a timeless message of hope during the holiday season, and will feature multi-Grammy and Dove Award-winning artists BeBe and CeCe Winans, singing their version of the iconic “The Little Drummer Boy” song.

DVD Synopsis
In this Veggie-version of a holiday classic, Junior Asparagus stars as The Little Drummer Boy, a lonely child who finds the true meaning of Christmas when he stumbles upon the birth of the baby Jesus. A story of generosity, hope and love, this timeless tale will warm the hearts of children everywhere!

Bonus Features:
Audio Commentary
“The Little Drummer Boy” Music Video
Sing-Along Songs—“The 8 Polish Foods of Christmas” and “Can’t Smile Without Ewe”
Behind the Music of “The Little Drummer Boy”
Visit a Drum Factory with Junior
Family Activity—Make Your Own Drum
Interactive Book Preview—Christmas Is Finally Here"

What we thought:  This is a really fun and inspiring DVD.  Our kiddos really love VeggieTales and B and I love the lessons they learn while watching them.  The Little Drummer Boy is based on the original story, but all "Veggie"-fied and we really loved it!  Full of funny characters and catchy songs, this DVD is a great addition to our holiday collection and a great watch to teach children about the reason for the season:)  ABCD Diaries gives VeggieTales The Little Drummer Boy an A+!

Buy It: Find this DVD at your favorite book or video store or amazon.com!

Win It: One ABCD Diaries reader will win a copy of VeggieTales The Little Drummer Boy! 

Chill It Bags Review...

About Chill It Bags:
"Sleek, contemporary and cool - the new freezable Chill It bags from Bella Vita have been a hit! Keep these bags in the freezer and they become instant coolers for your wines, champagne, spirits, beer, sodas or whatever other beverages you want to keep chilled.

There are six bold, eye-catching colors to choose from and they come in three different designs - square, cylinders, and cooler totes. These cosmopolitan bags are festive, fun, and make for unique gift items. Please do not forget to reuse them.

                        

Available in a variety of sizes and colors for wines, spirits, beer and whatever else you are looking to Chill!"

What we thought:  These bags are so much fun!  They really add a lot of style and are super functional as an on-the-go cooler bag.  They kept our drinks colder longer and I love that they come in a variety of sizes to hold both wine or other tall bottles and six packs of bottled drinks.  I also like the gorgeous array of colors:)  These coolers are great for our weekend trips to the beach, tailgating parties and even just hanging out in the backyard:)  Chill It bags would make a really fun gift this holiday season!  ABCD Diaries gives Chill It bags an A+! 
Buy It: Find these awesome cooler bags at Chill It Bags!

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

A Toy Garden Review...

About A Toy Garden:
"We offer a broad selection of open ended, natural, creative & fun toys for children & their families. Great selection of Fair Trade & Made in the USA toys, too. Waldorf & Montessori families and anyone who appreciates quality toys at reasonable prices will enjoy our family run webstore."

Forest Friends Herbal Play Bean Bags
"Our Set of 8 Beautiful Forest Friends Bean Bags are home-made in a variety of quality cotton prints and are filled with beans and organic herbs (lavender, mint, or chamomile) for a multi-sensory effect. They sound, feel, look, and smell wonderful. These 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" bean bags can be played with, tossed, stacked, counted, matched, slept with, used as doll furniture, carried in wooden trucks, balanced on one's head, juggled, used as weights to hold silks over play stands, moved from basket to basket by busy little children. Made by Sonya. USA."

Multicolored Beeswax Candle Making Kit
"Our Make It Yourself Candle Kit has everything to make 12 or more beeswax candles! It includes 12 8x8 inch sheets (twice as many sheets as some other companies provide) of the highest quality 100% honeycombed beeswax in 12 different beautiful colors, 4 yards of cotton wick, and instructions.

Children love making beautiful candles as gifts from the heart for family members, friends, and teachers. They also love to watch their own creations burn beautifully during dinner, evening, or special celebrations. Ages 4 and up with some supervision."

What we thought:  The toys we received from A Toy Garden were wonderful!  They really have a great selection of natural and handmade items to choose from.  The bean bags were great because they were so versatile.  We have used them in various ways and they are great for sensory play.  Both kiddos love sleeping with them because of their comforting scents:)  The candle project was a lot of fun and so simple!  These toys are a great way to teach children the beauty and simplicity of natural fun!  ABCD Diaries gives A Toy Garden an A+!

Buy It: You can find these fantastic toys and more at A Toy Garden!  A Toy Garden is having a fantastic giveaway for their fans via the Facebook page.  Check them out!



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

Dinosaur Train "The Spooky Scavenger Hunt" Review and Giveaway...

CONGRATS TO RENEE!

"Halloween is right around the corner, and The Jim Henson Company has all the right ingredients for a spooky fun holiday!
• All New Episodes from Dinosaur Train and Sid the Science Kid scheduled to air on PBS Kids®
• Halloween Costumes to Make at Home Designed by The Famous Jim Henson Creature Shop
• Dinosaur Train Halloween Costumes from California Costume Collections Available for Purchase
• “The Spooky Scavenger Hunt” New Book Available from Grosset & Dunlap

Get ready for the festivities to begin in October with: Dinosaur Train NEW EPISODE Haunted Roundhouse/Big Pond Pumpkin Patch premiere 10/20 on PBS Kids (check local listings)
Repeats- 10/24, 10/28, 10/30 , 10/31

Dinosaur Train Halloween Costumes for Purchase, from California Costume Collections.
Buddy is the main character on the hit TV series, Dinosaur Train. This colorful costume includes the orange colored T-Rex jumpsuit, Buddy the dinosaur hood, and the shoe covers to match the costume. Available for toddlers ages 3-4, and children between the ages of 4-6. SRP: $34.99 -39.99.

Additionally, for those who are feeling a little adventurous, Jim Henson's Creature Shop — the folks who brought you Elmo and Miss Piggy, among many others — have created a Buddy costume that can be made at home!
For sew and no sew options, click this link: http://www.pbs.org/parents/dinosaurtrain/costume  And to see a video of the sew version, click this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QANroqbPing

For a little scary Dinosaur Train Halloween Fun – enjoy reading The Spooky Scavenger Hunt” from Grosset & Dunlap in which Mr. Pteranodon takes Buddy and Tiny on a nighttime trip to the Big Pond for a spooky nature walk! Mr. Pteranodon and the conductor insist they can't be scared, but when the conductor's mom jumps out at them, everyone gets a good scare! This simple storybook is perfect for read-aloud fun! Ages 4 - 8; SRP $3.99."


What we thought:  This is a really fun and educational books that A and D really enjoyed.  It is perfect for preschoolers this Halloween...not too scary:)  I loved the implementation of the lesson on using your senses.  I don;t think the kiddos even realized they were learning:)  ABCD Diaries gives The Spooky Scavenger Hunt an A+!
 
Buy It: You can find this book at toy stores and mass merchandisers this Halloween season!

Win It: One ABCD Diaries reader will win a copy of The Spooky Scavenger Hunt!

The Outlaw Album by Daniel Woodrell Book Review...

The Outlaw Album: Stories
Daniel Woodrell

Product Description
"Twelve timeless Ozarkian tales of those on the fringes of society, by a "stunningly original" (Associated Press) American master.

Daniel Woodrell is able to lend uncanny logic to harsh, even criminal behavior in this wrenching collection of stories. Desperation-both material and psychological--motivates his characters. A husband cruelly avenges the killing of his wife's pet; an injured rapist is cared for by a young girl, until she reaches her breaking point; a disturbed veteran of Iraq is murdered for his erratic behavior; an outsider's house is set on fire by an angry neighbor.

There is also the tenderness and loyalty of the vulnerable in these stories--between spouses, parents and children, siblings, and comrades in arms-which brings the troubled, sorely tested cast of characters to vivid, relatable life. And, as ever, "the music coming from Woodrell's banjo cannot be confused with the sounds of any other writer" (Donald Harington, Atlanta Journal Constitution)."

What we thought:  The stories in this book are raw and vivid.  They seem at times absurd, but are thrilling and thoroughly engrossing.  Woodrell's writing is unsettling, yet brilliant in The Outlaw Album.  ABCD Diaries gives this book an A!

Buy It:  Find this book at your favorite bookseller this Ocotber!


Disclosure:  We were given a copy of this book to review.  Our opinions are ours and ours alone.  We were in no other way compensated.

Darryl Hall "Laughing Down Crying" Review and Giveaway...

"Legendary singer-songwriter Daryl Hall is set to release his fifth solo studio album, Laughing Down Crying, on September 27 (Verve Forecast). With his iconic soulful vocals, Hall’s newest collection feels fresh and current while still maintaining his signature style and songwriting prowess. Hall was joined in the studio by co-producers Greg Bieck (Jennifer Lopez, Destiny’s Child, Ricky Martin) and Paul Pesco for the making of this album. Powerhouse producer, the late T-Bone Wolk (Billy Joel, Carly Simon, Elvis Costello) lent his expertise on stand-out tracks “Lifetime of Love,” “Wrong Side of History” and “Problem With You.” This album serves as the last project they worked on together after a prolific 30-year relationship.
Laughing Down Crying will surely hit home with all of his loyal fans who have been waiting over a decade for his next solo effort."

What we thought:  This was a fantastic CD!  If you are a Daryl Hall fan, I would bet you are going to love "Laughing Down Crying"!  Its been a while since we've heard anything from this wonderful artist, but his newest release is well worth the wait:)  The kids and I love rockin' out to this CD at home and in the car.  This CD was so awesome, I can't wait to see what is next for Daryl Hall!  ABCD Diaries gives "Laughing Down Crying" an A+!

Buy It: You can find this CD wherever you buy music!

Win It: One ABCD Diaries reader will win a copy of Laughing Down Crying!
 

Luden's Orange Throat Drops Review...

About Luden's:
"Luden’s®, the iconic throat drop brand that has been soothing scratchy throats for over 130 years, is expanding its line to include a new orange flavored product made with real orange juice. The Luden’s® Orange Supplement Drops have a great-tasting, soothing formula that is vitamin-enriched with 100 percent of the recommended daily value of Vitamin C.

Traditionally used for temporarily relieving minor discomfort in the throat, the newest addition to the Luden’s® line also tastes great – just like the rest of the Luden’s® products. The new Luden’s® Supplement Drops are available in a 25-count bag and have a suggested retail price of $1.79."

What we thought:  These new throat drops were awesome!  Luden's have been the only drops the kiddos will take for a sore throat and we were very excited to see a new flavor.  The new orange drops were a huge hit!  I love the added benefit of cold-fighter Vitamin C:)  These will definitely be a staple around our house this cold season.  ABCD Diaries gives Luden's an A+! 


Buy It: You can find Luden's at drugstores and mass merchandisers nationwide.


 

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

Avery Sticky Notes Review and Giveaway...

CONGRATS TO CAROLW!

Check out the “Avery® Sticky Notes Mark the Spot” sweepstakes!

"Twenty-thousand people who register for the sweepstakes will randomly be selected to win a FREE pack of Avery® See-Through Sticky Notes. Five of those winners will be randomly selected to receive 100,000 Box Tops coupons (valued at $10,000) that will be applied to a school of their choice. The selected schools of the “Avery® Sticky Notes Mark the Spot” promotion will be presented with credit for the 100,000 Box Tops for Education®.

All anyone has to do is go to the Avery Facebook page and sign up to win a free pack of Sticky Notes and then choose the school they’d like the money to go to should they win. Pretty simple and it’s a great cause!
· The tagline of the campaign is: Imagine what you can do with Avery Sticky Notes and what schools can do with ½ Million Box Tops coupons!"

What we thought:  These are super cool!  I love being able to mark things with a sticky note without covering up the information underneath:)  This promotion is fantastic as well!  A's class has been collecting Box Tops for Education, which is a really rewarding program and we're really excited about the chance to win the awesome prizes in the Avery sweepstakes!
ABCD Diaries gives Avery an A+!
Buy It: You can find Avery products at mass merchandisers and office supply stores nationwide.


Win It: Avery has generously offered one ABCD Diaries reader 6 packs of See Through Sticky Notes!

Educational Insights $50 Gift Card Giveaway...

CONGRATS CAROLSUE ANDERSON!!

Educational Insights is trying to get their Facebook fan base up to 10,000 by the end of this weekend. They are currently at 9,560 fans. As an incentive, I have ONE $50 EducationalInsights.com gift card to give away to ONE very lucky ABCD Diaries reader that “Likes” EI on Facebook

Win It:  Like Educational Insights on Facebook and comment below.  Easy peasy!

Giveaway ends Sunday, October 16, 2011, 11:59 pst.  Winner will be chosen and announced on Monday!   Stay tuned...:)

Disclosure: ABCD Diaries will be given a $50 gc in exchange for this post.  The opinions in this post are ours and ours alone.  We were in no other way compensated.