PLAYMOBIL Super 4 on Netflix!

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

"One of the world’s most renown toy brands is about to take kids on an exciting journey beyond the playroom.  PLAYMOBIL®-inspired CGI animated series,Super 4, debuted on Netflix in the U.S. April 1st.  Mixing action-adventure and a little bit of comedy, the sensational series for kids ages 5 to 9 vests the fate of a planet in the u-shaped, PLAYMOBIL® style hands of four very unique characters.    Super 4 was co-produced by morgen studios and Method Animation and the release on Netflix will mark its U.S. debut.

Super 4 is a CGI animated series that follows four main characters—Alex the Knight, Ruby the Pirate, Agent Gene, and Twinkle the Fairy─as they explore the distinct island communities of their planet, fight the bad guys, and have fun along the way.  Inspired by one of the most beloved and renowned toy lines in the world, PLAYMOBIL®, Super 4 is a brand new CGI animated series that follows four main characters—Alex the Knight, Ruby the Pirate, Agent Gene, and Twinkle the Fairy—as they explore the distinct island communities of their planet, fight the bad guys, and have fun along the way.  The series truly brings the PLAYMOBIL® playsets to life in the same style that kids play with them—by mixing and matching characters together in incredibly imaginative settings and scenarios.  There will be 26 episodes in season 1, each containing two 11-minute segments.

Favorite characters from the Super 4 series will also be jumping off the TV screen and onto the toy shelf in September when PLAYMOBIL debuts a variety of playsets inspired by the series.  The toys will be available both in the U.S. and globally in territories where the show is currently airing. 

A leading toy manufacturer for over 40 years, PLAYMOBIL continues to create toys loved and respected by parents and children alike.  Understanding the importance of imaginative play, PLAYMOBIL pays great attention to detail, creating intricate and fun toys that adhere to the highest safety standards."

What we thought:

My kiddos loved PLAYMOBIL Super 4! The colorful characters and engaging storylines are very entertaining.  The episodes are short and great for a quick TV break when we need one during the school day.  Another great addition to the Netflix kid's lineup!

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Find Your Spring Balance with Balance Bars! + Giveaway

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

Looking for a little balance in your life?

In a recent effort to define the nation’s level of balance, researchers found that 98% of Americans believe achieving and maintaining balance in their life is important, however, only 14% report that they always feel balanced. To help bridge this gap, Balance Bar Company, makers of Balance Bar® uniquely balanced energy nutrition bars, has launched The Balance Project, a multi-year, multi-platform program to open a dialogue that will aid in improving America’s levels of balance.

While discussions both in the media and by the water cooler focus on the importance of balance, there’s not much out there to help us share how we’re actually finding balance.The Balance Project is an online hub to share ideas, daily victories and challenges and even have some fun as we all embark on a journey to sustain balance.

According to the research, the most common ways Americans try to achieve balance is by keeping their finances in order (66%) and through activities that improve health – like getting enough sleep (68%), eating healthy foods (56%), and exercising regularly (48%). Just because it’s important to find balance in certain areas does not mean it’s easy to achieve. For example, when it comes to health and diet, roughly 2 in 5 Americans think it’s difficult to actually find balance. The Balance Project’s exclusive guide, Gabrielle Reece, a worldwide fitness and wellness role model, entrepreneur, wife, and mother of three, will provide advice, tips and her personal insights for addressing and achieving balance in these areas.

“One the biggest reasons I see people fail at achieving their health and wellness goals is because they don’t go into a program with a balanced approach,” explains Reece. “I’m thrilled to share my perspective on balancing busy lives, families and work with healthy diet and exercise habits that anyone can incorporate into their lives.”

Balancing Act

Balance is a very fluid goal, as our levels of balance are always fluctuating, even day-to-day and season-to-season. For example, Americans report being the most balanced on Saturdays, and the least balanced on Mondays. They also indicate that they are most balanced during the summer months, and least balanced during the winter months, when 61% of Americans report feeling unbalanced.

Gender Wars

According to the survey, 70% of male respondents indicate that they are more likely to feel balanced, while only 63% of women indicate the same. What are men doing differently? Staying calm. When looking for balance, ladies should take the idea of “don’t sweat the small stuff” to heart. In nearly every area tested, women are more likely than men to admit something has a significant impact on throwing them off balance, including finances, sleep, health, and family.

Maternal Instinct

A mother’s work is never done, but at least she knows where to focus her attention to find balance. Nearly every single mom agrees that health (99%) and family and personal relationships (99%) are important to achieving balance in life. How can the busy mom get to a Zen state of balance? For starters, get outside. Enjoying nature (67%) and taking vacations (66%) are the top actions that have a significant impact on achieving balance for moms. Spending time with a significant other (63%) was revealed as the next most impactful way for moms to try and achieve balance.

*This study was conducted by KRC Research via an online survey of 1,002 American adults ages 18-64 from November 11-14, 2014.

Visit Balance Bar to learn more on how to keep balance in your life with tips from Gabby Reece. 

Stay In Touch with Balance Bar: Facebook  Pinterest  Twitter

To celebrate the kickoff of The Balance Project, Balance Bar would like to offer one lucky ABCD Diaries reader a prize pack that includes a Balance Bar tote bag, notepad, iPhone card holder, and a box of (15) Balance Bars!

Treat Your Mother to a Gift Basket of Handmade Body Products from Hill Mail Order Co.! + #MothersDay Giveaway

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

 Hill Mail Order Co has been in the mail order business for over 20 years.  In 2005, they started offering an extensive line of natural luxury handmade artisan bath and body products.  They have a huge selection of soaps, salts, lotions, bath/shower bombs, whips, creams, fizzes, scrubs and more!

We received a wonderful assortment of Hill Mail Order Co products to try out.

Included were 5 lovely full soap bars that were just beautiful!  These soaps smell as good as they look and leave our skin feeling clean and moisturized.

We also tried out Lavender bath salt (so relaxing) Black Ice Scrub (great for exfoliating) and a Citrouli Lotion Bar (I love hard lotion and this smelled and worked great!)

The cutest products were the Cupcake Soap, Cupcake Bath Bomb and the Solid Bubble Bath: 

I loved the Eucalyptus Spearmint Salt Scrub.  It smelled fantastic and uplifting and was a wonderful exfoliant!   We also received several pretty soap samples in a variety of scents: Black Rasberry Vanilla, Monkey Chunk, Lemon Kisses, Patchouli, Tropical Blast, Misbehavin', Oatmeal, Milk and Honey, Blossom and Lemongrass Sage.  So many amazing scents!

We love, Love, LOVE Hill Mail Order Co's awesome products!

Hill Mail Order Co. would like to surprise one lucky ABCD Diaries reader with the fun Mother's Day Gift Basket below:

Enter below:

Celebrate Spring With the Star-Studded Cast of "Yellowbird" On DVD Now!

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

Take a journey with the most unlikely hero when the adorable and heartwarming tale, Yellowbird, flies onto DVD, Digital HD and On Demand April 7 from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. Awarded the Dove Seal of Approval, the digitally animated film is perfect for the whole family. Headlined by the voice talents of Seth Green (Austin Powers franchise), Dakota Fanning (The Twilight Saga) and Danny Glover (The Color People), Yellowbird includes a behind-the-scenes look at the voice recording for the film and a “making of” featurette and will be available on DVD for the suggested retail price of $19.98.

Just when it’s time to migrate to Africa, Darius (Glover), the elder of the flock, is wounded.  He will have no choice but to share all his secrets, wisdom and new flying routes with the first bird that happens to come along. The candidate is none other than Yellowbird (Green), an eccentric little fellow, super excited about the challenge, but without the slightest hint of knowledge or natural talent for migrating whatsoever.

New Products from Colgate Help to Protect Enamel and Relieve Sensitive Tooth Pain!

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

Colgate recently introduced two great new products to "spring clean" your mouth!

Colgate Enamel Health Multi-Protection Toothpaste replenishes natural calcium to teeth and provides protection against enamel erosion.  This mutli-protection formula helps relives tooth sensitivity while fighting cavities, freshening breath and whitening, all while protecting against enamel erosion.  It has a pleasant taste and really leaves my mouth feeling sparkling clean!

The Colgate Sensitive Toothbrush + Built-In Sensitivity Relief Pen has been clinically proven to relieve sensitivity directly at the source of pain with continued use.  It was specially designed with extra soft bristles for sensitive teeth and gums.

The built-in pen easily slides out of the brush handle when you need to use it and stays securely put when not in use.  With just a few clicks, you are ready to apply the gel.  Colgate's unique Pro-Argin Technology, used by dental professionals, helps to shield exposed nerves and create a seal against sensitivity pain.

It's so easy to use and lets you target specific teeth. After using it for a few weeks, I am loving the results!  

You can find these new products and other great Colgate products at mass merchandisers and grocers nationwide!

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Kushyfoot's Spring Lineup Keeps Your Feet Happy!

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

Get your feet ready for Spring with Kushyfoot!  The new Kushyfoot collection contains leg wear perfect for showing off your spring footwear, so that you can stay stylish and feel comfortable. The new Kushyfoot products are the ideal accessories to pair with your favorite spring skirts and dresses.  

The new Peep-Toe design gives you the freedom to wear open-toe pumps in comfort and features a heel grip to help keep it in place.  These are available in nude and black and retail for $3.99.

Looking for ultimate comfort that only cotton can provide?  The Sheer Knee High and the Foot Cover offers just that!  Both feature Kushyfoot's signature massaging insole, come in nude and black and will keep you comfy all day!  The Sheer Knee High retails for $5.99 and the Foot Cover retails for $3.99.

Pair the Lace Top Toe Cover with your favorite pair of sling-back shoes and you get comfort and style!  These pretty toe covers are lacy on the top and feature a built-in sling-back strap.  They are available in nude and black and retail for $7.99 per 2-pack.

Get your feet Spring-ready with Kushyfoot!

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Danklo: A Fun Subscription Service That Guarantees CASH in Every Box!!

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

Danklo is a very unique subscription service that deliveries a surprise box of unique and useful goodies every month.  Subscriptions start at just $7.99 and boxes are guaranteed to include cold, hard cash...anywhere from $1 to $1000.  Subscribers take a survey at the beginning of their service to give the folks at Danklo an idea of what kind of products to send. 

Here is what we received in our Danklo Box:

Danklo includes a handy dandy booklet detailing each of the included products.  Our box also contained 3 crisp $1 bills:)

On to the goodies:

Krazy Glue ($2, always useful) a Wallet Ninja ($10, super handy!) and Kinetic Sand ($8, sooo much fun for all ages!)

Magnetic Cloud Keyholder ($6, cute!) USB Car Charger ($5, nice to have) and a Caffeinated Smart Cookie ($2.49, um, yes, please!)

Our box was valued at over $36, so I would say this box is definitely worth it cost-wise!  Plus, who doesn't love getting a random assortment of goodies each month and guaranteed cash!

Sign up for your fun surprises at Danklo!

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

New Episodes of VeggieTales In the House on Netflix!

      

ADK Packworks: Innovative Bags for a Green Lifestyle! #EarthDay2015

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

ADK Packworks builds sturdy baskets that are both functional and nice to look at.  These eco-friendly baskets are durable and portable...they fold flat when not in use.  These baskets have strong metal frames and you can easily remove the bag making cleaning the ripstop nylon bags a breeze. 

The Market Basket is gorgeous and perfect for shopping, a picnic or a beach trip.  It features Comfort Grip Handles and is very roomy. 

The Packbasket features padded handles on the straps for comfort and an adjustable carry strap which can be used to carry the basket over your shoulder freeing up your hands.  It also comes with a matching lid.  

I love that these bags are stylish and super eco-friendly.  They offer lots of room for whatever needs toting at the moment and take up almost no space when folded up.  ADK Packworks makes so me of the most innovative and functional totes I've ever tried!

Check out all of the lovely styles at ADK Packworks!

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Veri Soda: Organic Low-Calorie Soda!

***I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of this product.***

Looking for a light, refreshing, lower calorie soda option?  Then Veri Soda might be just what you need!  Veri Soda is available in four crisp flavors: Cola, Orange, Ginger Ale and Lemon Lime.  If you're looking for sugary sweet drinks, these aren't for you.  They are delicately sweetened with organic fruit juices, organic cane sugar and organic stevia and each an only has 60 calories!  Think flavored sparkling water made with high-quality, organic, non-GMO ingredients.

These delicious sodas would be great as drink mixers when you need just a hint of sweetness and flavor or a refreshing way to cool down on a hot day without downing loads of corn syrup and artificial ingredients.

Visit the Veri Soda website
Veri Soda on Facebook
Veri Soda on Twitter

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Brick Oven Style Pizza Made Easy with the New Emile Henry Pizza Stone!

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

"The new Emile Henry Pizza Stone eliminates two problems encountered when making homemade pizza. The stone features glazed ridges that prevent the fresh dough from sticking and the stone features a raised rim or curb on the back side of the pizza stone to prevent the pizza from sliding too far.  This stone is a grillmaster's must-have tool, as it is designed to make brick-oven style pizzas in home ovens and on backyard grills.

Made in France of Flame technology, the 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 heats up in about 15 minutes. Most pizza stones 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.  Some stones are so cumbersome that they need to be left in the oven all the time taking up precious oven space. 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.

The Pizza Stone is available in three sizes: 10-inch, 12-inch and 14.5-inch. It is available in burgundy and charcoal colors. It is made from all natural materials and is dishwasher safe. Emile Henry is located in the Burgundy town of Marcigny."

We love our Emile Henry Pizza Stone!  It cooks very evenly, clean up is a breeze and it's beautiful to look at:)  I like that this new pizza stone has a break in the rim to make sliding the pizza off the pan so simple!  So far, we've only used our pizza stone in the oven, but I'm sure it would work just as well on the grill. 

To purchase, visit Emile Henry USA at www.emilehenryusa.com.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

BuddhiBox: A Subscription for Yoga Enthusiasts! + Giveaway

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

BuddhiBox sends subscribers a curated box of items to enhance your yoga practice and lifestyle.

We reviewed our first Buddhi Box last month and I was super impressed.  This box is very well-thought out and includes so many high quality healthy living products!  One of my favorite subscription box services for sure!

The March box didn't disappoint.  It was filled with fantastic products:

As a tea lover, I was super excited about the BlendBee Love Oolong Time tea($2.50) and reusable muslin bag:

I have wanting one of these yoga straps, so I was thrilled to find a Mama Kuka Yoga Strap($8) in the March box:

This box contained several great beauty products- AILA Cosmetics nail polish($17), Ayurvedic 100x Washed Rosewater Ghee($15) from Wellness by Helen, and Quinntessentials Hand Sanitizer($10): 

The nail polish and hand sanitizer are vegan, cruelty-free and organic and the Rosewater Ghee is organic and cruelty-free.  I love using beauty products that actually make my skin and nails healthy AND beautiful!

Also in the March box, a beautiful Mini-Mala Bracelet from SacredxStones ($10) for keeping count while reciting mantras or affirmations:

There were also several extras including a temporary tattoo, recipe, yoga pose, quote card and discount card:

BuddhiBox practices Saucha or pure living which means they only partner with companies who follow ethical and conscious standards of production.  Many of the items they feature are organic, cruelty-free and vegetarian and the proceeds of the boxes are donated to a different charity each month.  The featured charity this month is Poses for Paws whose mission is to raise money through yoga and donate to shelters and organizations who provide a loving life to those less fortunate.

Monthly boxes include 4-6 full size products, come in month-to-month, 6 month and 12 month plans and start at just $25.95/month.  BuddhiBox also offers a monthly sample box and a jewelry subscription box service.

BuddhiBox is an amazing subscription box service for those who practice yoga and those looking for natural, healthy living products for every day life!

Our box was valued at over $62, which makes it a really great deal!  
Get your BuddhiBox today! 

BuddhiBox has generously offered a box to one lucky reader.
Enter below:

Smile Create Repeat: Art Supply Subscription Box for All Ages! + Giveaway

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

Ready for another great subscription box service?  Smile Create Repeat offers a monthly surprise of great art supplies that would work for both kids and adults.  Each month you can look forward to 5 or more quality art supplies and a lesson in each box.

Our box included Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paints in red and blue, a Fredrix cut edge canvas panel and an Ampersand gessoboard panel:

A round Winsor Newton watercolor brush and a selection of Princeton bristle brushes, an a Tombow Mono Professional drawing pencil: 

An easy to read lesson and description of the supplies and a fun project for repurposing the box that the supplies came in and some extra welcome goodies: 

My kiddos listened to me read the lesson, but decided to do their own thing.  They really enjoyed using the different panels...a step up from construction paper for sure:)  It made them feel that their artwork was more permanent. 

They also really loved the selection of brushes.  This particular assortment was great for explaining to them how to use different brushes for different effects.  Here are their finished pieces (top, 6 year old D and bottom 8 year old A):

D had a blast creating the Box Wrap.  This month, the wrap transformed the box into a beautiful fish:

We love fun ways to reuse packing materials!  

Smile Create Repeat would be great for budding artists and seasoned artists alike,  These high quality art supplies didn't disappoint and made for a really fun art lesson.  This art supply subscription would meld perfectly into a homeschool art curriculum or would be a fun surprise for the upcoming summer months.

Find out more at Smile Create Repeat!

Smile Create Repeat has generously offered one lucky reader the chance to win a box of awesome art supplies!
Enter below:

VeggieTales: Noah's Ark on DVD Now!

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

Synopsis:

Noah and his family along with a zoo full of animals take an adventure aboard an orange slice ark.  After 40 days and nights of rain, everyones faith has been tested, and they are ready to jump ship.  Will they chart a new course, or will they remember to trust God s promises?  Grab your umbrellas and find out in this VeggieTales re-telling of the beloved Bible story!

We love VeggieTales and the great messages each new movie teaches.  The characters are always fun and the storylines are modern even though they are teaching lessons from the Bible.  These movies are a great way to teach children important lessons in a way that is interesting and engaging.  We really enjoyed Noah's Ark!  All of the fun characters and the wonderful songs were so great!  If  your kiddos are VeggieTales fans, they are sure to love this new release.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.