Holiday Gift Guide: "Merry Christmas, Splat" DVD from Scholastic Storybook Treasures!

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.

It's that time of year again!  Time to start making those holiday gift lists.  Here at ABCD Diaries we'd like to make that process a little less painful:)  We will bringing you our annual Holiday Gift Guide in which we hand pick the coolest gifts for the whole family and everyone else on that gift list this year.  From now until mid-December we will be highlighting these wonderful gifts.

Today, we are bringing you a great gift idea for the little ones on your list:  "Merry Christmas, Splat" from Scholastic Storybook Treasures!

MAKE WAY FOR A NEW COLLECTION   OF HOLIDAY DELIGHTS FROM SCHOLASTIC   STORYBOOK TREASURES™ MERRY CHRISTMAS, SPLAT...AND MORE WINTER STORIES    STREET DATE: NOVEMBER 19, 2013 SRP: $14.95 "Ready for this season's holiday family viewing, Merry Christmas, Splat... and More Winter Stories arrives from the nationally acclaimed, multi-award-winning SCHOLASTIC STORYBOOK TREASURES™ series, which brings best-selling children's storybooks to life and promotes a love of literature. With faithful adaptations and celebrity narrations, this critically acclaimed DVD series has won hundreds of awards and sold more than 2.5 million videos.   The DVD is packed with endearing, colorfully animated and expertly narrated tales:  Merry Christmas, Splat (written and illustrated by Rob Scotton, narrated by John Keating): Splat is trying hard to be good before Santa's arrival so he can get all the presents he's dreamed of on Christmas Day! Fletcher and the Snowflake Christmas (written by Julia Rawlinson, illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke, narrated by Katherine Kellgren): It's Christmas Eve and Fletcher wonders how Santa will find his burrow through all the snow. Snowflake Bentley (written by Jacqueline Briggs Martin, illustrated by Mary Azarian, narrated by Sean Astin): Willie Bentley loved and learned all about snowflakes. Owl Moon (written and narrated by Jane Yolen, illustrated by John Schoenherr): A girl and her father search the moonlit woods for the Great Horned Owl in this carefully animated adaptation of a classic children's picture book." What we thought:  Another great addition to the Scholastic Storybook Treasures Library!   The kiddos really enjoyed this DVD full of beautifully illustrated, holiday-themed storybooks brought to life.  Gather the whole family around the fire with some hot cocoa and this DVD for a fun-filled movie night sure to get everyone in the spirit of the holidays:) ABCD Diaries gives "Merry Christmas, Splat" an A+!

Holiday Gift Guide: Give the Gift of Comfort in the Kitchen with WellnessMats!

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.

It's that time of year again!  Time to start making those holiday gift lists.  Here at ABCD Diaries we'd like to make that process a little less painful:)  We will bringing you our annual Holiday Gift Guide in which we hand pick the coolest gifts for the whole family and everyone else on that gift list this year.  From now until mid-December we will be highlighting these wonderful gifts.

Today, we are bringing you another great gift idea:  WellnessMats!

"WellnessMats—the leading brand of anti-fatigue floor mats for the kitchen and home. 

With the holidays upon us, we’ll all be standing in our kitchens for longer periods of time—so why not do so comfortably?WellnessMats, the leader in the anti-fatigue home floor mat market today, are ergonomically engineered to provide maximum comfort, safety, relief and overall well-being while you stand.

Advocated by health care professionals to promote proper circulation that reduces fatigue and back and extremity pain for anyone who stands for longer than 20 minutes—especially while cleaning, cooking and entertaining during the holidays. Our design also encourages better posture, muscle conditioning and improved overall health. And professional chefs love us too! WellnessMats are the mat-of-choice of Mario Batali, Sarah Gruenberg, Guy Fieri, Duff Goldman, Todd English and more.

Continuously innovating with new designs, colors and sizes, this year is no exception for WellnessMats—we’ve introduced new lines to ensure endless freedom to complement the décor of any kitchen or season:

Antique Collection:  A new decorative process that washes each of ourMotifMats with texture, character, and the elegance of age—the AntiqueMat process is a sophisticated new decorative addition that is perfect for classic and traditional interiors.

Granite Collection: On the other end of the design spectrum is the GraniteMat. A ‘bold’ innovation, this decorative addition offers strength in appearance while retaining the soft comfort of our Original WellnessMats. The copper and steel colorways make a perfect addition to the kitchen—or even the garage, vanity or any place one seeks a more daring look.

So kiss the cook, and give the gift of comfort this holiday! And don’t forget about yourself—you’ll ache no more with WellnessMats on your kitchen floor!

WellnessMats are sold through Williams Sonoma, Chef’s Catalogue, Sur la Table, Cooking.com, Frontgate and hundreds of independent retailers nationwide. WellnessMats come with a seven year warranty, and are 100% Made in USA!

Check us out on www.wellnessmats.com or on Facebook!"

What we thought:  We really love our WellnessMat!  It makes my time spent in the kitchen a lot more comfortable on my feet and back.  Whether washing dishes or cooking, this mat is cushy, but firm at the same time and is way more comfortable than doing kitchen chores with no mat.  WellnessMats come in beautiful designs and colors to match every kitchen.  They also make mats for other areas of the home including the bathroom and the garage.  These mats would make fantastic gifts this holiday season!  ABCD Diaries gives WellnessMats an A+!

Holiday Gift Guide: Mrs. Renfro's Salsas, Quesos & More!

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.

It's that time of year again!  Time to start making those holiday gift lists.  Here at ABCD Diaries we'd like to make that process a little less painful:)  We will bringing you our annual Holiday Gift Guide in which we hand pick the coolest gifts for the whole family and everyone else on that gift list this year.  From now until mid-December we will be highlighting these wonderful gifts.

Today, we are bringing you a great gift idea for the foodies on your list:  Mrs. Renfro's!

Foodies will love award-winning Mrs. Renfro's salsas this holiday season.

About Mrs. Renfro's Salsas:

. Fat-free and gluten free

. Made only with natural ingredients

. Each jar comes with a simple and tasty recipe right on the label

. Readily found in most leading grocery stores in the US (also

found in Canada, Caribbean, England, Scotland and Spain)

. Priced right - a 16-oz jar retails for about $3.69 depending on
the market

. Come in a variety of innovative flavors
http://shop.renfrofoods.com/ and heat levels.

Two newest products - Mrs. Renfro's Ghost Pepper Nacho Cheese Sauce and Mrs. Renfro's Chipotle Nacho Cheese Sauce.

What we thought:  IMO, Mrs. Renfro's makes some of THE. BEST. SALSAS. EVER.  I'm not exaggerating...they are THAT good!  My personal favorite is the green salsa.  So yummy on everything from eggs to Mexican cuisine and great as a dipping salsa as well of course:)  B loves the spicier salsas and is a big fan of the new Ghost Pepper Nacho Cheese Sauce.  The kiddos prefer the more mild, sweeter flavors like Tequila Salsa.  There is something for everyone in the Mrs. Renfro's line.  These salsas would make wonderful gifts this holiday season and would be great to have on hand for those holiday guests.  ABCD Diaries gives Mrs. Renfro's an A+!

Holiday Gift Guide: PURPOSE Skincare

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.

It's that time of year again!  Time to start making those holiday gift lists.  Here at ABCD Diaries we'd like to make that process a little less painful:)  We will bringing you our annual Holiday Gift Guide in which we hand pick the coolest gifts for the whole family and everyone else on that gift list this year.  From now until mid-December we will be highlighting these wonderful gifts.

Today, we are bringing you a great idea for stuffing those stockings:  PURPOSE Skincare products!

"Fall’s cooler temperatures, and, most importantly, lower humidity, can leave skin feeling out of sorts and more sensitive. Good news is that a regimen from PURPOSE^®  Skincare can help give skin the “pick-me-up” it needs.

Daily skincare begins with a gentle and calming cleansing routine, especially during the colder months.PURPOSE^® Gentle Cleansing Wash ($5.99-$9.99) is a soap-and oil-free, foaming wash that is designed not to clog pores or leave skin feeling tight and irritated. It removes dirt, oil and make-up without stripping the skin like soap can, leaving skin looking and feeling healthy.  

Apply PURPOSE^® Dual Treatment Moisture Lotion with SPF 15 ($9.99) after cleansing to help ensure that skin is well-moisturized and protected from incidental sun exposure. Remember, UVA rays are present all year and are responsible for aging the skin. PURPOSE^® Dual Treatment Moisture Lotion with SPF 15 features a light, water-based formula which absorbs quickly and won’t irritate sensitive skin."

What we thought:  I hate it when a cleanser leaves my skin feeling tight and dry.  PURPOSE Gentle Cleansing Wash is one of the few that I have found that doesn't dry out or irritate my skin.  The Dual Treatment Moisture Lotion is fantastic as well since it has SPF 15 in it and can provide moisture and sunscreen without feeling heavy.  These products would make great, affordable stocking stuffers!  ABCD Diaries gives PURPOSE Skincare products an A+!

Holiday Gift Guide: Lotty Dotty Dress Up Doll T-Shirts!

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.

It's that time of year again!  Time to start making those holiday gift lists.  Here at ABCD Diaries we'd like to make that process a little less painful:)  We will bringing you our annual Holiday Gift Guide in which we hand pick the coolest gifts for the whole family and everyone else on that gift list this year.  From now until mid-December we will be highlighting these wonderful gifts.

Today, we are bringing you a great gift idea for the little fashionistat on your list:  Lotty Dotty Tees!

"Check out this cute children’s clothing brand, Lotty Dotty, which allows children to get hands on and creative with their outfits every day. Lotty Dotty has developed a new interactive clothing concept that allows one to change the look of one’s T-shirt by using 3D detachable parts. 

Lotty Dotty, a name that invokes souvenirs of our childhood was born from the founders' fond memories of playing with paper dolls as children.

Lotty Dotty T-shirts and handbags feature a screen-printed figure, reminiscent of a paper-doll, on the front of the T-shirt/bag, with a sewn-on Velcro bathing suit on which a variety of mini designer Velcro-backed “outfits” can be attached and detached.  The outfits are designed by talented up-and-coming clothing designers from all over the world.

The brand focuses on recycling materials and allowing for several “t-shirt designs incorporated into one actual t-shirt.”

What we thought:  These tees are SO CUTE!!  The interchangeable outfits are easy to switch and stay on tight so you don't have to worry about losing them.  What a fun way to allow your little fashionista to express herself!  Lotty Dotty offers a great selection and these tees would make great gifts this holiday season:)  ABCD Diaries gives Lotty Dotty an A+! 

 For more information, please visit www.lottydotty.com.

Holiday Gift Guide: See's Candies + Giveaway!

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.

It's that time of year again!  Time to start making those holiday gift lists.  Here at ABCD Diaries we'd like to make that process a little less painful:)  We will bringing you our annual Holiday Gift Guide in which we hand pick the coolest gifts for the whole family and everyone else on that gift list this year.  From now until mid-December we will be highlighting these wonderful gifts.

Today, we are bringing you a great gift idea for anyone on your list: See's Candies!

 "See's Candies is a premiere chocolate candy store that has been specializing in high quality chocolates and friendly, old-fashioned service since 1921. See's has maintained an excellent reputation by producing the best possible boxed chocolates from only the finest grade raw ingredients. We offer over 100 varieties of candies and chocolates in all. Whether you're looking for custom chocolate assortments, nuts & chews, or decadent chocolate truffles, at See's there's something delicious for every candy lover!"

Dark Chocolate Nuts & Chews
This traditional dark chocolate assortment is packed with top-quality peanuts, California-grown English walnuts, almonds, chewy Caramel, honey Scotchmallow® and more - all coated with dark chocolate. Also available as: Nuts & Chews and Milk Chocolate Nuts and Chews.

Little Pops
It's the little things that count. Our beloved gourmet lollypops - perfectly bite-sized. Made with the same cream, butter and rich flavors of Butterscotch, Chocolate, Vanilla and Café Latté. Approximately 30 individually wrapped pieces per box. Kosher. 

Almond Royal
Holidays. Birthdays. Every day. Featuring rich, chewy chocolate caramel made from premium Dutch cocoa. With two plump, roasted almonds in every piece. Individually wrapped. Kosher."

What we thought: Mmmmmm...chocolate:)  Whether you want to give delicious chocolate as a gift, set them out with your holiday spread or simply indulge yourself after a long day of holiday planning and shopping...See's Candies has the treats you need!  Their wide selection of affordable options offers something for everyone and they even offer gift wrapping.  The products we reviewed were fantastic and perfectly giftable!  They have large assortments and smaller gooides like lollypops and hard candies that would be perfect for stockings.  ABCD Diaries gives See's Candies an A+!  

Natalie's Orange Juice-The best bottled juices we've ever tried!!

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.

Natalie's Orange Juice
"Natalie's Orange Juice is fresh squeezed 365 days a year and is made with only one ingredient -- Florida oranges.

Natalie's also just released a line of fresh blends, including Strawberry Lemonade, Orange Pineapple and Orange Mango. The juice blends have no added sugar, no preservatives and are vegan, gluten-free and kosher."

What we thought:  Oh my goodness!  The whole clan agrees...Natalie's are by far the best tasting bottled juices we've ever tried!  They taste fresh-squeezed, which is pretty impressive for a bottled juice.  My favorites were the Pineapple Orange and Honey Tangerine flavors and the kiddos loved them all.  Really, there wasn't a bad one in the bunch!  Natalie's offers a large selection of delicious citrus juices and lemonades.  They are great for cooking with and using as mixers for adult beverages as well, so stock up before those holiday guests arrive!  ABCD Diaries gives Natalie's juices an A+! 

Whole Foods Market for Fall Entertaining!

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.

"With crisp, cable-knit sweater season in full swing, Whole Foods Market^®’s 365 Everyday Value® line has just what you need to jazz up the classic fall flavors of pumpkins, apples and cranberries without putting a strain on your wallet or skimping on quality!

The fall season also brings about new reasons to entertain—whether it’s football Sundays, Thanksgiving or simply welcoming out-of-town guests, Whole Foods Market has everything you need to create a fun and easy event right at home. From breakfast staples to side dishes to desserts (and everything in between), we’ve got you covered.

Pumpkinspiration:

• 365 Everyday Value® Pumpkin Ice Cream
•  365 Everyday Value® Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Sandwich Cremes
• 365 Everyday Value® Canned Pumpkin
• 365 Everyday Value® Shelled Pumpkin Seeds
• 
  

Getting Cozy with Cranberries:

• 365 Everyday Value® Organic Jellied Cranberry Sauce
• 365 Everyday Value® Organic Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
• 365 Everyday Value® Organic Cranberry Stuffing Mix
• 365 Everyday Value® Cranberries Sweetened Dried

Apples-to-Apples:

• Everyday Value® Organic Apple Cinnamon Mini Waffles
• 365 Everyday Value® Apple Juice
• 365 Everyday Value® Organic Apple Sauce Unsweetened

Entertaining in a Pinch with Frozen Appetizers:

• 365 Everyday Value® Beef Taquitos
• 365 Everyday Value® Chicken Taquitos
• 365 Everyday Value® Mozzarella Cheese Sticks                 
• Whole Foods Market™ Spinach & Cheese Spanakopita
• Whole Foods Market™ Mini Quiche Trio               
• Whole Foods Market™ Tandoori Chicken Samosas
• Whole Foods Market™ Potato & Pea Samosas
• Whole Foods Market™ Vegetable Egg Rolls          
• Whole Foods Market™ Chicken & Vegetable Egg Rolls
• Whole Foods Market™ Pork & Vegetable Potstickers
• Whole Foods Market™ Vegetable Potstickers
• Whole Foods Market™ Wood-fired Buffalo Milk Mozzarella with Cherry Tomatoes
• Whole Catch® Coconut Shrimp
• Whole Catch® Popcorn Shrimp
• Whole Catch® Buffalo Shrimp
• Whole Catch® Tempura Shrimp

Meatless Alternatives:

• 365 Everyday Value® Meatless Meatballs
• 365 Everyday Value^® Chickenless Nuggets

Dip “inspiration”

• 365 Everyday Value^® Organic Cocktail Sauce
• 365 Everyday Value^® Organic Hoisin Sauce
• 365 Everyday Value^® Organic Peanut Sauce
• 365 Everyday Value^® Organic Soy Ginger Sauce
• 365 Everyday Value^® Organic Tartar Sauce
• 365 Everyday Value^®  Organic Teriyaki Sauce

What we thought:  We tried out several of the items off the list above and were very impressed with them all. The shelled pumpkin seeds are great for snacking or adding in to recipes.  The Organic Jellied Cranberries were a huge hit at our early Thanksgiving dinner and so easy to prepare, as was the cranberry stuffing mix.  The Teriyaki and tartar sauces are yummy and always great to have on hand while entertaining.  Whole Foods Market definitely has you covered for Fall entertaining...visit you store today for a wide selection of affordable, family-friendly foods!    

CosmoCamp Storybook and Games Apps!

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.  This post is part of a sponsored campaign with CosmoCamp and MomSelect. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"Our kids love playing with apps but it can be challenging to find ones that are both entertaining and educational. CosmoCamp, a series of interactive storybooks and creative game applications!

CosmoCamp offers interactive adventure books that include two reading modes designed to reinforce the learning experience of toddlers (2-3) and preschoolers (4-5) through stimulating interactions. These wonderful storybooks were created to stimulate toddlers' brimming imaginations and appeal to preschoolers' taste of adventure, thanks to their bright, whimsical illustrations, funny tactile animations and educational narration mechanics. The CosmoCamp interactive storybooks are specially designed to introduce children to the joy of reading, while the game applications they are paired with will spark their creativity while providing hours of interactive fun!"

What we thought:  The kiddos loved playing the match game and reading the interactive storybooks.  These apps were a great mix of learning and fun... providing what I like to call "edutainment" :)  IMO, if they are playing an electronic device, why not let it be something they can learn from? CosmoCamps apps offer just that.  Entertaining learning time that the kiddos really enjoy!  And with a price tag of under $2 per app, they can't be beat.  Get these apps today just in time for holiday travel:)

ABCD Diaries gives CosmoCamp apps an A+!

Nature's Own Bread

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.

Nature's Own Bread
"Nature’s Own, America's favorite soft variety bread, is launching a new fall product line featuring three new products -- Honey Oat Bread, Pumpkin Spice Swirl Bread and Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Toasters. 

Nature's Own Honey Oat Bread is a delicious new oat topped loaf with a hint of honey. Moist and flavorful, this hearty bread is perfect for a delicious sandwich. The new Pumpkin Spice Swirl Bread and Oatmeal Toasters are a limited time offering, first in a line of seasonal items introduced by Nature's Own, and will be available through the end of the year.

Nature's Own bread has no artificial preservatives, colors or flavors and no trans fat or cholesterol."

What we thought:  We reviewed a few loaves of bread and they were great!  Perfect for sandwiches, burgers, toast and more, Nature's Own bread would be great to have on hand for those extra guests this holiday season!  Delicious, hearty bread that everyone can enjoy:)  ABCD Diaries gives Nature;s Own bread an A+!

Holiday Gift Guide: Animal Planet RC Pterodactyl

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.

It's that time of year again!  Time to start making those holiday gift lists.  Here at ABCD Diaries we'd like to make that process a little less painful:)  We will bringing you our annual Holiday Gift Guide in which we hand pick the coolest gifts for the whole family and everyone else on that gift list this year.  From now until mid-December we will be highlighting these wonderful gifts.

Today, we are bringing you a great gift idea for the little ones on your list: The Animal Planet Radio-Controlled Flying Pterodactyl!

'Dino-soar' through the skies with the Animal Planet Radio-Control Flying Pterodactyl, found exclusively at Toys'R'Us. This prehistoric reptile flies with the power of wireless radio-control technology, while built-in propellers provide extra precision and stability. The dual joystick transmitter is easy to handle, even for beginners. 

The Animal Planet Radio-Control Flying Pterodactyl features:

• Includes 1 radio-control flying pterodactyl, 4 replacement propellers, and a transmitter
• Lightweight pterodactyl is designed with built-in propellers for speed control and awesome flight stability
• Use the dual joystick transmitter to fly straight, left, or right
• Durable foam construction withstands crashes
• Dimensions: 20 x 9.5 x 4 inches
• Package Weight: 1.5 lbs

What we thought:  If you are looking for an easy-to-control RC toy for your kiddo, this Pterodactyl from Animal Planet fits the bill.  It is durable and lightweight and my little dino-lovers had a blast reviewing it!  It is a great, affordable and super fun gift.  ABCD Diaries gives the Animal Planet RC Pterodactyl an A+! 

Holiday Gift Guide: Book-Lovers Round-up #2

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.

It's that time of year again!  Time to start making those holiday gift lists.  Here at ABCD Diaries we'd like to make that process a little less painful:)  We will bringing you our annual Holiday Gift Guide in which we hand pick the coolest gifts for the whole family and everyone else on that gift list this year.  From now until mid-December we will be highlighting these wonderful gifts.

Today, we are bringing you another round-up of great books for the book-lovers on your list!

My Lost Cuba by Celso Gonzalez-Falla (fiction, based on true events)

So often, we take where we live – where we come from – for granted. Our lives feel comfortable and secure, and for most, the idea of having to leave our home, all of our belongings, and everything we have worked so hard for is inconceivable; but many have been forced to do it before. In Cuba during the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, families fled as political exiles from everything they knew, finding themselves starting over from scratch in America. Many people believe they know what Cuba was like before Castro, and what it’s like after Castro, but nobody can truly know unless they lived it. Celso Gonzalez-Falla transports us there in his stunning new novel, My Lost Cuba.

The Trial of Dr. Kate by Michael E. Glasscock III (fiction)

Blending history, culture, and controversial topics including alcoholism, bigotry, medical ethics and more, The Trial of Dr. Kate explores the complexity of friendships, relationships, rivalry, and “right” versus “wrong.”          

In the heart of Tennessee in the 1950’s, one small town is rocked by scandal after a wheelchair bound woman is found dead of an overdose. With suspicions brewing about foul play, the woman’s friend and physician, Dr. Kate Marlow, is questioned, but due to dark secrets and personal demons Dr. Kate can’t recall where she was at the time of the death. So begins the fascinating ride of The Trial of Dr. Kate, the second novel in the Round Rock series written by Michael E. Glasscock III.

The Great Pain Deception by Steven Ray Ozanich (non-fiction, self-help)

Back pain, foot pain, hand pain, head pain…whatever type of pain you experience, you know what a large role it can play in your day-to-day life. Pain is a topicthat touches everyone, as we’ve all experienced it to some degree; it’s also a topic that’s frequently discussed, as new treatments and experimental solutions are constantly being introduced. But these “solutions” won’t really solve anything, and Steven Ray Ozanich will explain why.

In his new book, The Great Pain Deception: Faulty Medical Advice is Making Us Worse, a 2012 International Book Awards award-winning finalist, Ozanich, a mindbody health consultant, reveals what will finally help people to heal and it’s not going under the knife.