Harlem Globetrotters 90th Anniversary World Tour is Coming to Corpus Christi!

The Harlem Globetrotters 2016 North American Tour has Launched!  I have an exclusive special offer to share.  My readers receive 25% off Harlem Globetrotters Tickets to any game!  Use promo code FAMFUN for game dates, times and tickets please visit http://harlemglobetrotters.com/tickets

Celebrating 90 years of providing smiles, sportsmanship and service to millions of people worldwide, the world famous Harlem Globetrotters will bring their unrivaled family show to an arena near you during their 90th Anniversary World Tour. On the court, the Globetrotters' 90-year celebration will feature some of the greatest athletes and entertainers on the planet. With a star-studded roster featuring Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Cheese Chisholm - plus female stars TNT Maddox and Sweet J Ekworomadu* - the Globetrotters' one-of-a-kind show is unrivaled in the world of family entertainment. Every game will showcase incredible ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequaled fan interaction. You won't want your family to miss it - use promo code FAMFUN to save 25% off your tickets.

The Harlem Globetrotters will be in Corpus Christi January 27th.  Get your tickets today!

Start the New Year Off with a Naturally Sweet Citrus Boost Courtesy of Wonderful Halos! + Giveaway

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

Time to celebrate!  Mandarins are back in season!

The winter citrus season is in full swing and one of our favorite citrus snacks is Wonderful Halos, straight from the sunny California orchards. From the people who brought you Wonderful Pistachios and POM Wonderful, Wonderful Halos give families, and their little angels, a healthy snack alternative that’s filled with “pure goodness.”

Wonderful Halos mandarins are:

·         A sweet, seedless and easy to peel snack that’s a healthy alternative to fatty foods

·         About 50 calories delivering 45 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin C

In season November through April, Halos are easy to pack in lunches, great to share at kid’s activities and sporting events, and make a healthy snack choice any time of the day.

We always have Halos on hand during the winter.  They are a quick snack that are easy for even young children to peel and the added Vitamin C during cold and flu season is always appreciated:)

The folks at Wonderful Halos are helping us celebrate Halos season by offering one lucky ABCD Diaries reader a Halos gift basket filled with fun items and free coupons, including Halos branded light up cups, hats, drawstring backpacks, lip balm, and stress ball.

Enter below:

Parragon Books December Pick: Human Body Factivity Kit from Discovery Kids!

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

Parragon is one of the largest illustrated non-fiction publishers in the world. From great selections of Disney, Barbie, Monster High, Ever After High, Discovery Kids, Dora, TMNT, Sponge Bob to in-house favorites including Little Learners, Pinkabella, Dino Supersaurus, Glitterbelle, Life Canvas, Love Food and more, they make books affordable and accessible to readers all around the globe.  They also feature several fun book kits for all ages.

This month we received the Human Body Factivity Kit from Discovery Kids for review:

Journey inside the amazing Human Body! Build the skeleton, learn the facts, and complete the activities, puzzles, mazes, and more. Learning has never been this much fun! Includes 20 piece Human Skeleton model to build and play. Book contains hundreds of facts and loads of activities for hours of fun!

Another awesome find from Parragon Press!  The kiddos have been loving this kit and anything that gets them excited about reading and learning (especially during winter break when school isn't required:) is a hit with me!  The book is filled with engaging facts and activities that are great for elementary school-aged children.  Hands-on activities always makes the lesson stick better with my kiddos and this kit allows for just that.

Parragon Books is a great place for fun, affordable, educational kits like the Human Body Factivity Kit from Discovery Kids.  With their amazing selection, there is definitely something for everyone at Parragon!

Click to buy Parragon Books

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.

Winning Moves Games for the Holidays!

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

Winning Moves has a great selection of cool retro games and even offers several brand new games that are sure to become classics.  Here are a few of our favorite games from Winning Moves that would make great gifts this Christmas!

Classic Guess Who? $18.95

Beloved 1980's version of the classic mystery face game! There's a mystery person on your opponent's card. Can you find the matching face in the crowd?

Connect 4 Twist and Turn $18.95

Just like the classic game play of Connect 4, but each layer of the tower twists! See if you can "Drop, Twist and Win!"

Fish, Fish, Squish! $13.95

Mold your own school of dough-fish and get ready to "squish" your opponents' fish! Every three-in-a-row with the cards earns you a squish. But, stay on your fins! Everyone else is trying to squish your fish too!

These games are sure to brighten up the holidays for kiddos and adults alike!

Click to Shop Winning Moves!

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.

Flavor the Holidays with Nielsen-Massey!

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

 Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, has been crafting the world's finest vanillas and flavors since 1907.  One of our favorite holiday flavors is peppermint and we use it several ways.  Whether in baked goods, beverages or savory dishes, we know that Nielson-Massey Peppermint Extract won't disappoint!

Crafted from the finest mint oils under the strictest quality standards, Nielsen-Massey Pure Peppermint Extract is perfect for flavoring teas and complementing chocolate in cakes, icings and ice cream. And, for a refreshing delight, add to savory dishes such as pork, lamb and poultry.

Available in 2- and 4-ounce bottles. This product is Kosher and Gluten-Free Certified as well as All-Natural, Allergen-Free and GMO-Free.

You can find Nielsen-Massey products at Williams-Sonoma.

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.

Holiday Gift Idea: Loving Pets Treats and More! #HGG

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

One final set of gift ideas for your pups this holiday season: treats and feeding supplies from Loving Pets!

Loving Pets offers treats and supplies for cats and dogs.  They specialize in products that are safe, healthy and affordable for pet owners.  We tried out three of their top sellers, Waggles, Puffsters and a Dolce Diner feeding station. 

Waggles® - a fun name for an awesome treat! 100% farmed and raised in the U.S.A., Waggles are 100% all natural chicken skins. No preservatives, wheat free, gluten free, corn free and glycerin free. 

Jessie LOVES these!  They are super crunchy and and we love that they are a healthy, safe treat for our pup. 

Puffsters®: Join the Pet Snack Food Revolution with these low fat, guilt-free, 100% made in the USA, air-puffed treats. With only 10 calories per treat, 100% all natural Puffsters® are crunchy and flavorful. They have no additives, glycerin, preservatives, soy or corn. Puffsters are a perfect training treat, or are a great snack for your pet – any time! With more than 50 treats per bag, Puffsters are extremely affordable.

Jessie is also a huge fan of these puffed chips.  Another awesome, safe treat for our Jessie:)

Wicker Dolce Diner® – Simulated brown colored wicker base with removable stainless steel bowls.

The look of wicker without the difficulties of cleaning. These double diners feature removable, bacteria resistant stainless steel bowls in a durable, textured, plastic base. The removable skid-free rubber feet help ensure quiet, spill-free dining. All Wicker Dolce Double Diners are dishwasher safe.

This set is stylish and functional.  The stainless steel bowls are easy to care for and the base is fairly durable.  I love that the entire set up is dishwasher safe for quick cleanup and it's just so pretty:)  Definitely a great gift for your fur baby this season!

You can find Loving Pets at PetSmart and Tractor Supply and many other retailers nationwide or click to shop Loving Pets online store.

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.

Holiday Gift Idea: iCoffee Single Serve Brewer from Remington! #HGG

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

Give the gift that gives year round with the iCoffee Opus Single Cup Brewer from Remington!

 The iCoffee Single Serve is the first single-serve machine to use SpinBrew™ technology, which releases the locked-in flavors of coffee while eliminating any bitterness and acidity to deliver an impossibly smooth tasting beverage from a single-serve brewer.

 Brewing 10 ounces in less than one minute, iCoffee Single Serve is compatible with all k-type cups, including K-Cup®, RealCup™, OneCup™ and all private label cups."

This brewer lets you choose the strength and size of your beverage.  The "Dial-A-Brew" function easily lets you choose anywhere between a 4 and 12 oz cup with just a spin of the knob.

Here are a few shots of our iCoffee brewer in action:

 iCoffee also offers reusable cup that you can use with your favorite coffee or tea, making it easy AND affordable to have just what you want, right when you want it!

 The water is stored in a nifty see-through reservoir (that lights up blue when in use:) on the side of the machine, so it's easy to refill.  The brewer heats the right amount of water in just seconds and is ready to brew!

Push the button and in less than a minute, you have a hot cup of coffee, tea or cocoa ready to go!  You can pull out the bottom tray to fit your larger travel size containers.

As an added safety feature, iCoffee installed the SafetyLock two-step safety system on its line of single serve brewers. iCoffee is the first single serve brewing system on the market to include this kind of safety device, which locks the brew head and helps protect consumers against burn-related injuries.  SafetyLock is a standard feature on the Opus, as well as on new single serve models introduced in early 2015.

The iCoffee Single Serve Opus Brewer has an MSRP $139.99, making it an affordable investment and saving you money by allowing you to quickly make your favorite hot beverages at home instead of buying them at a coffee shop.

You can find iCoffee Brewers at Bed, Bath & Beyond and other fine stores.

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.

Start a Christmas Tradition: Movie Night with the Original Christmas Classics Anniversary Collection! #HGG

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

Keep Your Office Safe with MMF Industries Steelmaster LockIt Boxes #ShopletReviews

**ABCD Diaries was provided with the products in this post by Shoplet.com as a member of the Shoplet Product Review Program. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.**

Thanks to Shoplet and MMF Industries, we recently had the chance to review a collection of STEELMASTER boxes that are sure to keep your office secure.

MMF Industries STEELMASTER Lockable Suggestion Drop Box $20.64

Multi-purpose box is ideal for securely collecting keys, suggestion cards, key cards and more. Multi-orientation design enables front or top opening door to suit user needs. Mounts to vertical wall studs with diamond shaped hole pattern. Drop slot accepts larger key fobs while providing anti-fishing deterrenceDurable steel construction with scratch- and chip-resistant finish. Non-slip, non-mar feet will not scratch surfaces.

MMF Industries STEELMASTER LockIt! Desktop Inbox  $28.80

Lockable compartment provides privacy and security for confidential items such as interoffice mail envelopes, file folders, delivery sleeves and more. Inbox provides storage and stacking of standard mail and deliveries. Durable steel construction with a scratch- and chip-resistant finish. Non-slip, non-mar feet will not scratch surfaces.

MMF Industries STEELMASTER LockIt! Monitor Riser $28.80

Provides privacy and security for personal items. Lockable compartment secures personal items including tablets, phones, data devices, wallets, keys and more. Rear-access ports allow device charging cords to pass through while locked or unlocked. Unit can be cable-secured to work stations through rear and bottom openings (cable not included). Durable steel construction with scratch and chip-resistant finish. Supports monitors up to 40 lbs. Black color blends seamlessly with most monitors and other computer equipment. Ships with rubber feet to prevent movement, slippage, or scratching surfaces.

These boxes are really well-made and work great for keeping sensitive items secure.  If you need an extra level of security in your office, check out all of the great LockIt products Shoplet has to offer!

Buy It:

Shoplet.com is your one-stop shop for office supplies, medical supplies, cleaning supplies, and office furniture. 

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.

YummySnack Bars: Candy Bars Get a Healthy Makeover! #HGG

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

We always put some sort of candy in the kiddos' stockings.  They love chocolate, but we all know many of the candy bars out there aren't the healthiest treats. YummySnack to the rescue!

YummySnack® Bars™ are the “better-than-candy” bars. They’re made of wholesome, real-food ingredients like flaxseed, coconut, natural peanut butter and cocoa—yet still taste like your kids’ favorite candy bars! 

These bars are gluten-free, low in sugar and high in fiber, protein and omega 3s.  All YummySnack® products are made of real ingredients with absolutely nothing artificial!

-All natural colors and flavors

-No high-fructose corn syrup

-No artificial preservatives

-No trans fats or hydrogenated oils

And they taste great!  The many different flavors are comparable to some of my kiddos' favorite candy bar brands in taste, but their health benefits way surpass those name brand bars.  I know my kiddos will be super excited to find YummySnack Bars in their stockings this year!

Visit YummyHealth for more info!

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.

Brazi Bites Featured on Shark Tank!

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

One of our favorite gluten free breads was featured on ABC's Shark Tank just a few weeks ago:

Brazi Bites!  We couldn't be more excited for this small company and the growth that is sure to come with this awesome opportunity:)

If you’re looking for fresh-from-the-oven snacks that are ready in minutes, taste amazing and happen to be naturally gluten-free, they’ve got you covered. Their four uniquely delicious flavors are great party appetizers, after school snacks, game day munchies, or served alongside your favorite meal.

Brazi Bites are inspired by a South American staple and my absolute favorite gf bread, pao de queijo.  They come in four flavors: Original, Garlic Asiago  Jalapeño Pepper Jack and Nitrate-Free Bacon.

They can be made in minutes because they don't need to rise or defrost. Just pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes and you get delicious, chewy cheese bread! Brazi Bites can be found in hundreds of stores across the U.S. 

Click to find out more!

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.

Chewy.com December Pick: KONG Holiday Jumbler

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

Chewy.com is your one-stop shop for all things cat and dog!  One of the fantastic products you can find at Chewy.com is from KONG:

KONG Holiday Jumbler Football Dog Toy

The KONG Holiday Jumbler toy is just what you need to get your dog in the holiday spirit! It's is a 2-in-1 ball toy for twice the interactive fun. The interior tennis ball and loud squeak entice play, while the handles make pickup and shaking easy. The Jumbler stands up to tough play, making it ideal for games of fetch. Available in two shapes and sizes, the KONG Jumbler will ensure an exciting, active play session for you and your dog.  Festive colors for the holiday season, available in red and green!

KONG toys are always so durable and fun and the Holiday Jumbler is no exception:)  It is very sturdy, but allows some give to add a little squeaker fun to playtime.  This toy would be a really fun gift for the pooch on your holiday gift list!

This toy can be found at Chewy.com for just $12.99, making it a really affordable treat for your pup this holiday season!

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.

Evol Meals: A Delicious, Quick Meal Choice this Holiday Season!

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

The folks at Evol Foods came up with a novel idea in frozen foods...offer frozen meals with ACTUAL food ingredients.  Ingredients that are easy to identify and just as tasty as fresh made.  Brilliant, right?  They have a huge variety of frozen meals and side dishes that can ready in just minutes.

We were sent so many amazing meals and cups to try out and have really been enjoying them over the last few weeks.  

The meals come in great choices with Mexican, India and Asian and Italian influences.  

The cups come in three versions: Fajita Cups, Veggie Cups and Scramble Cups:

Just peel back the plastic seal and pop in the microwave for a few minutes and you are left with a tasty and portable meal-in-a-cup that is perfect for on-the-go!

Evol Foods also offers Meals For 2, meals large enough for two people to share.

We tried the Thai Style Curry Chicken and the absolutely amazing Truffle Parmesan Portabella Risotto.

All of the meals and cups we tried were gluten-free, which is a huge bonus in our household, but Evol makes many other products including frozen burritos.  My personal favorite of all the meals we tried from Evol was the Smoked Gouda Mac 'n' Cheese:

Just a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and this dish was good to go!  I was super impressed by the texture of the pasta, not mushy at all:)

Evol Foods is changing the way the world thinks about frozen food.  Their meals feature antibiotic-free chicken, pork, beef and cage-free eggs; herb-roasted skin-on potatoes; house-made green chile and salsas; and numerous local and organic ingredients.  Their dedication to raising the bar in the world of frozen foods is apparent in all of their meals!

Click to shop Evol foods

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.