Safety Tat Review and Giveaway(+Coupon Code!!)...

Thanks to SafetyTat, we got to try out a sampler of Quick Stick Write-On Tats.



Here's a little info on the product:

"Quick Stick Write-On!
As seen on Good Morning America and featured in Parents Magazine and First for Women Magazine.
Quick Stick Write-On! SafetyTats are the proud Winner of the iParenting Media Greatest Products Award
Requires no water to apply. Quick Stick Write-on! Child ID Tattoo is a peel-n-stick skin applique.
Made with our proprietary tattoo material, Tateck®, this ultra-durable skin safe applique "tattoo" sticker is waterproof and will last an extra long time -- up to two weeks -- until you are ready to remove it. The Quick Stick Write-On! requires no water to apply. Simply peel and stick -- "Quick Stick!" Perfect for traveling with children at theme parks, school field trips, sporting events, scout trips and extracurricular events. These skin applique tattoos are shipped BLANK, so you can write your information on them with the included waterproof tattoo marking pen."

What we thought of SafetyTat:

Even though these are a safety precaution, they were so much fun! The kiddos loved that they looked like stickers/tattoos. I loved how easy they were to apply and that they actually stayed on! We wore them to the store and they lasted all day even after an hour in the swimming pool! These would be really great if you're making a trip to the zoo or a theme park this summer...they give you peace of mind that if your little one is lost, they will be much easier to find while wearing SafetyTat. Keeping your kiddos safe couldn't be easier:)

I also love the idea of the Allergy Alert Tat for those first days of school or class parties. Even if your little one is too young to remember to tell the adults their allergies, the tat can explain for them:)



Buy It: You can buy SafetyTats on the website or check out the store locator for a retailer near you. Use the code ABCDDiaries to get 10% off your purchase of $15 or more through July 14, 2010.


Win It: SafetyTat has offered one lucky ABCD Diaries reader the chance to win one sample pack of Quick Stick Write-On!, their choice of Boy, Girl, or Multi designs. To enter, let us know wear you'd use your SafetyTats:)


Extra Entries:
1.Follow ABCD Diaries via Google Friend Connect(if you already follow, leave a comment saying so)

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3.Like SafetyTat on Facebook
4.Tweet about this giveaway(leave link)+2 entries...comment twice please:)

5.Blog about this giveaway(leave link) +2 entries...comment twice please:)

6.Enter any other current giveaways on ABCD Diaries and leave a comment saying so.


Giveaway ends Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 11:59cst. Winner will be chosen via random.org and emailed. They will have 48 hours to reply. Open to US residents 18+:)


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

Ban Tees Review...

We were recently given the opportunity to review Ban tees. This is the shirt we picked to review:

What Ban tees is all about:

---Alternative T-shirts - we offer apparel that is an alternative to the repetitive conformist clothing that you will find in malls and department stores. Why wear a shirt with the word "Gap" or "Nike" on it when you can make a meaningful statement?
Screen printing delivers a high quality T-shirt print. Our T-shirt designs are screen printed onto 100% cotton shirts, a process whereby each color is printed separately onto the garment - we don't use transfers like some t-shirt sites. All our stock is guaranteed sweat shop free and is made in the USA - and most of our designs are now printed on organic T-shirts.---

I really liked the tee. It was made out of quality cotton and was soft and comfy. I probably should have gotten a size larger, just for the length of the tee, but I prefer longer tees:) I was impressed with the variety of sayings Ban tees offers, and though I couldn't relate to every tee in their large selection, I found several that fit me perfectly. If you or someone you know wants to make a statement with your t-shirt, you should take a look at these tees with meaning:) Duncan Carson, the artist behind Ban tees, does an amazing job! He also has a new UK mini site, http://www.bantshirts.co.uk and a website called STOP SHARK FINNING(http://stopsharkfinning.net/) for those who are interested. ABCD Diaries gives Ban tees an A for those of you who wish to make a statement with your tees:)

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

Ecover Review and Giveaway...

Thanks to Ecover we got to try out another green cleaning option, Ecover All-Purpose Cleaner.


A word from Ecover:

The environment starts in your home! Ecover is a safe alternative to the seemingly endless array of chemical-based household cleaners on the market today. With an entire range of products for cleaning – from the dirty clothes hamper to the washroom to the kitchen sink! – Ecover makes it easy to clean effectively while still making small changes to help the environment. It is sometimes overwhelming when you stop and think about all the environmental issues we are faced with on a daily basis. But taking the steps to make a few adjustments in your routine makes a major impact. Ecover makes it easy to do your part without compromising quality with a full range of products.


Cleaning up shouldn’t be a dirty job! Ecover manufactures its cleaners in the worlds first ecological plant. From the sedum roof to the recycled bricks down to the end product, every step is taken to ensure the most ecologically sound methods for household cleaning are used. The onsite laboratory takes great strides in testing ingredients and formulas that result in the quick and complete degradation of the end product. This means that after each use all Ecover products totally and completely degrade ensuring their reversion to nature’s intended “building blocks”. Make a positive choice for your family and you – invite just one change into your home and see just how safe and effective ecological cleaning can be!" What we thought:
I really enjoyed using Ecover. The All-Purpose Cleaner had simple, easy to follow directions and immediate results. I loved how versatile the cleaner was...it was safe and effective enough to use in every room of our house. The ingredient list was short and simple and I especially love that in a cleaner..you really know what you're putting into your home:) We are very sensitive to scents and the light lemon fragrance didn't seem to bother any of us. Overall, Ecover All-Purpose Cleaner is a green cleaner we will continue to use and feel good about it:) ABCD Diaries gives Ecover an A!



Buy It: You can find a huge range of Ecover products for your entire home at HEB, Whole Foods, and many other retailers...check the store locator for your nearest location.

Win It: Ecover has generously offered one ABCD Diaries reader $their own Ecover product!! To enter, go check out their site and let us know one thing your doing to be green:)

Extra Entries:
1.Follow ABCD Diaries via Google Friend Connect(if you already follow, leave a comment saying so)
2.Follow ABCD Diaries via Twitter(leave id)
3.Follow EcoverUS via Twitter(leave id)
4.Check out the Ecover blog
5.Tweet about this giveaway(leave link)+2 entries...comment twice please:)
6.Blog about this giveaway(leave link) +2 entries...comment twice please:)
7.Enter any other current giveaways on ABCD Diaries and leave a comment saying so.

Giveaway ends Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 11:59cst. Winner will be chosen via random.org and emailed. They will have 48 hours to reply. Open to US residents 18+:)


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

Popcorn, Indiana Review...

"Simply put, there is nothing not to love about popcorn. For starters, it smells simply divine when a bag is first opened; most folks can't help but dip their nose into the bag to take a great sniff. Popcorn is crunchy. It is flavorful. You can toss individual kernels into the air and try to catch them in your mouth for spontaneous displays of silliness. It makes movies, ballgames, and even the circus more entertaining. It is an incredibly sociable snack. Popcorn never fails to put a smile on the face of those who grab a handful.

The other thing about popcorn, especially Popcorn, Indiana popcorn, is that for all the fun and frivolity found in every bag, it is also quite the healthful little munch. Popcorn is surprisingly low in calories, especially when compared to other snacks, and can actually provide a significant amount of the USDA recommended amount of whole grain in your daily diet. So as you laugh and joke with your friends and family, enjoying the rich taste and irresistible texture of freshly popped, farm-grown popcorn from Popcorn, Indiana, you are actually giving your body something it really wants.

So don't ask the question "Why eat popcorn?" Ask, "Why not eat popcorn?"

ABCD Diaries was given the opportunity to try out Popcorn, Indiana. With the two little ones running around, we are always up for new snacks that are not only delicious, but good for the whole family. Popcorn, Indiana products definitely fit the bill! I loved the variety of flavors...we got to try Original Kettle, Movie Theater, Smoked Cheddar Kettle and Aged White Kettle. We especially loved the movie theater popcorn and the original kettle corn, though D seemed to have a thing for the cheesy varieties. The only issue we had was with the first bag we opened...we just didn't eat it fast enough(we went out of town for 2 days and should have taken it with us:) and when we got back to it, the popcorn was a little soft. Even still A said it was her favorite and finished the bag:) None of the other bags stayed around long enough to go stale:) Overall, we LOVED Popcorn, Indiana and the next time we are looking to buy pre-popped popcorn we are buying Popcorn, Indiana from our local HEB! ABCD Diaries gives Popcorn, Indiana an A+ for the whole popcorn-loving family!!

Buy It: Check out the store locator to find Popcorn, Indiana products near you! You can find them at many stores including HEB, Kroger, Safeway, CVS and Walgreen's. They even have these convenient lunch box or snack size packages!!

Disclaimer:ABCD Diaries was given a sampler of Popcorn, Indiana for review purposes. We were in no other way compensated. All opinions expressed in the post are ours and ours alone.

Talking Rain Review...

We were recently given the opportunity to try out a few different Talking Rain beverages. Talking Rain specializes in flavored waters with an array of natural flavor, antioxidant, vitamin, mineral and electrolyte options.

First up was the actiVwater. actiVwater is an enhanced water beverage electrified with essential vitamins, antioxidants and electrolytes. We got to try "Energy"-Tropical Citrus with Vitamin B, Green Tea extract, and Caffeine, "Fuel"-Strawberry Kiwi with Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamins C, B12, D and K, "Resist"-Pomegranate Berry with Tea extract, grape seed extract, Vitamins A, B, and C, and "Wake Up"-Orange Mango with Vitamin C and Green Tea Extract. I loved "Energy", B liked "Resist" and the kid's liked "Fuel." Not too shabby for flavored waters:)

We also got to sample a few of Talking Rain's twist line of waters. Simply put, twist is a USDA certified organic, low-calorie, non-carbonated, preservative-free, all natural premium water available in a medley of fruit flavors. We tried Mandarin White Tea, Mango Acai, Pomegranate Blueberry and West Indies Lime. These didn't go over as well as the ActivWater, but were enjoyed by all. The flavors were a little to strong for our tastes, though A said the Pomegranate Blueberry tasted like yogurt, while B said a blueberry pop tart:)

Buy It:You can find Talking Rain beverages for about $1.29/ bottle at your local grocery stores including HEB, Kroger, Meijer, Publix and more...check out the store locator for your nearest location.

Disclaimer: ABCD Diaries was given a sampler of Talking Rain beverages for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Zen Threads Review and Giveaway...

We have another awesome Etsy shop for ya'll to check out! This giveaway is sponsored by Zen Threads, your one-stop Etsy shop for custom, urban, vintage and retro t-shirts and accessories!





A word from our sponsor:


"Every Zen Threads is a hand printed creation made especially for you. As our commitment to the environment, we use biodegradable eco-friendy inks on every item we print. All of our tees are vintage soft and sweatshop free American Apparel. All prints are available in a Men's or Women's style tee, in the shirt Size AND Color of your choice. When noted, you also have the option to choose the ink color, so we encourage you to GET CREATIVE!"

Buy It: Check out Zen Threads shop here or the website to get your very own hand printed creation!

Win It: The folks at Zen Threads have generously offered one lucky ABCD Diaries reader the tee of their choice. To enter, go to Zen Threads and let us know an item that catches your eye.

Extra Entries:
1.Follow ABCD Diaries via Google Friend Connect(if you already follow, leave a comment saying so)
2.Like Zen Threads on Facebook

3.Follow ABCD Diaries via Twitter(leave id)
4.Follow Zen Threads via Twitter(leave id)

5.Tweet about this giveaway(leave link)+2 entries...comment twice please:)

6.Blog about this giveaway(leave link) +2 entries...comment twice please:)

7.Enter any other current giveaways on ABCD Diaries and leave a comment saying so.

Giveaway ends Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at 11:59cst. Winner will be chosen via random.org and emailed. They will have 48 hours to reply. Open to US residents 18+:)

Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was in no way compensated for this promotion and giveaway. The info in this post was provided by the sponsor.

Winners...

Lots of winners today:

Knight Life: Congrats to Jason and Anonymous(babybunny)!

Secrets of Newberry: Congrats to Nicole C, Sue, and Nancye!

You have all been emailed...Thanks to everyone who entered!!

Bummas Review and Giveaway...

ABCD Diaries was recently given the opportunity to review Bummas. If you've never heard of these before, Bummas are small, soft, luxurious baby-sized cloths made especially for drying baby bottoms, as well as blocking those surprise squirts. The story behind Bummas is something most new parents can relate to. Here is what the creator says lead to the creation:


"The creation of Bummas came about when we had our first baby boy. When your first arrives, you are given all kinds of advice: "Use the wet commercial wipes, don’t use the wet commercial wipes, use gauze; use whatever is handy to block the pee; use another diaper to block the pee; don’t use that, use this; use powder to dry them off, don’t use powder-it contains talc and studies have linked talc to cancer.” The one thing that was never mentioned was how to dry our little guy’s “stuff” off after the clean up. Our baby’s bum was just way too wet to put a diaper back on--and blowing down there until you’re blue in the face just wasn’t working. Thus Bummas were born. A soft absorbent, luxurious baby cloth to soak up all the wetness."


Isn't that as novel idea!
While we don't have a newborn(our youngest is 20 months) we still found uses for these awesome little cloths! They are super absorbent and can easily clean up spills...the kids love using them instead of paper towels:) They are also soft enough to use as wash cloths at bath time and when we wash up after a messy art project, dinnertime or when we come in from playing outside. They are also just the right size to carry in the diaper bag for on the go use. The are machine-washable and won't pill, shrink or fade. They have a variety of color combinations to match your nursery themes. We love finding useful eco-friendly products to replace the more wasteful items we previously used! Bummas will last until your little one is out of diapers and beyond:) ABCD Diaries gives Bummas an A+ for the little ones in your family! Buy It: You can find Bummas in-stores or on their website.
Win It: The folks at Bummas have generously offered one ABCD Diaries reader the set of their choice!!! To enter, go check out their site and let us know which set you'd choose:)

Extra Entries:
1.Follow ABCD Diaries via Google Friend Connect(if you already follow, leave a comment saying so)

2.Follow ABCD Diaries via Twitter(leave id)

3.Follow Bummas via Twitter(leave id)
4.Tweet about this giveaway(leave link)+2 entries...comment twice please:

5.Blog about this giveaway(leave link) +2 entries...comment twice please:

6.Enter any other current giveaways on ABCD Diaries and leave a comment saying so.

Giveaway ends Sunday, July 4, 2010 at 11:59cst. Winner will be chosen via random.org and emailed. They will have 48 hours to reply. Open to US and Canada residents 18+:)

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

EcoMom Review and Giveaway...

We love sharing info on healthy and fun food and snacks for kiddos with our readers. So let's talk about our latest find...EcoMom!

EcoMom is an amazing site on which you can find quite a variety of healthy living products for you and your family. They have so many ways to keep you in the know on the latest products and information including a community of like-minded moms, an informative blog, EcoMom TV and a relevant newsletter.
EcoMom says: "Healthy living doesn't have to be overwhelming.Small steps matter, and make a big difference. We Make It Easy. Founded to address the connection between the health of our environment & the health of our children, EcoMom is committed to making eco-conscious living easy, affordable, & rewarding with education, support, tools & products." And what a fabulous job they do!!

For our review, EcoMom sent us samples of Plum Organics and Revolution Foods. Every single item was a HUGE hit with both our 4 yr old and our 20 month old. They tested out Plum baby food, Plum Tots Organic Mish Mash, Revolution Grammy Sammy and Jammy Sammy bars, and a variety of Revolution Organic Mashups. They loved the squeezable pouches that made eating snack even more fun and I loved the convenience and the no-mess factor! Plus, you know these are healthy for your kiddos so you don't feel bad about indulging them:) All of these pouches and even the sammys come in a wide range of flavors and EcoMom even offers variety packs of many of them...I think it would take a while for my kiddos to get bored of these awesome little good-for-you snacks:)

EcoMom offers a wide variety of products from the high chair to the lunch box, so you should definitely go check them out for all your eco-freindly needs! They also have a new program called the EcoPass that allows you to purchase a $99 annual membership that provides a 15% discount on every order as well as frees shipping with no $75 minimum requirement. This could easily pay for itself if you order your eco-frinedly products online!

Buy It: Find your eco-friendly baby products at EcoMom! Especially for ABCD Diaries readers....if you purchase before June 30 use the code SBBL426 to save 15% on your order!

Win It: EcoMom has generously offered one ABCD Diaries reader $15 worth of Plum and/or Revolution foods!! To enter, go check out their site and let us know one item that catches your eye.

Extra Entries:

1.Follow ABCD Diaries via Google Friend Connect(if you already follow, leave a comment saying so)
2.Follow ABCD Diaries via Twitter(leave id)
3.Follow EcoMomCEO via Twitter(leave id)

4.Become an EcoMom fan on Facebook

5.Sign up for the EcoMom newsletter

6.Tweet about this giveaway(leave link)+2 entries...comment twice please:)
7.Blog about this giveaway(leave link) +2 entries...comment twice please:)
8.Enter any other current giveaways on ABCD Diaries and leave a comment saying so.

Giveaway ends Sunday, July 4, 2010 at 11:59cst. Winner will be chosen via random.org and emailed. They will have 48 hours to reply. Open to US and Canada residents 18+:)

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

5 Etsy Shops Worth Browsing, Week 1...

I love Etsy browsing! If you like amazing handmade creations you should check out this weeks "5 Etsy Shops Worth Browsing!"

CreaShines- Absolutely gorgeous polymer clay jewelry!

Lover Dovers- Lovely retro aprons, retro girls dresses, party dresses and costumes!

Batgirl93- Unique bat-related creations and flour sack hand towels!

Kissadesign- Modern paper Polish porcupine ornaments & more!

Carvel Country Soaps- Natural Bath & Body Goodness! (right now Carvel Country Soaps are offering a 15% discount on regular priced items, shipping excluded, when you mention ABCD Diaries at check out!!!)

Thanks to all of these AMAZING Etsy shops for permission to link to you!

Wetheads Towel Giveaway...

ABCD Diaries is excited to share an awesome Etsy shop giveaway this week! Our sponsor is...


A little info from the shopowner:


"I am a mom to 18 month old twin boys. I found that the hooded towels I got for my baby shower were too thin and flimsy for my liking. I started sewing towels for myself then friends and family and people were asking for more! Each towel is made from a full size bath towel with a matching hood. I add a strip of fabric to the hood then an initial or a shape to the bottom. I can customize the towels however you like and if you have an idea or a special request please let me know! "


Here are a few samples of her awesome work:

And here is one of the adorable towel "models":





Buy It: You can outfit the little ones in your life with these gorgeous towels at the Wetheads Shop or the Wetheads blog. She even does custom orders!



Win It: Wetheads Towels is generously offering one lucky ABCD Diaries reader their choice of either the alligator or the flower towel below. To enter, check out Wetheads other creations and let us know you're favorite. Don't forget to check out the extra entry methods as well!

Extra Entries:

1.Follow ABCD Diaries via Google Friend Connect(if you already follow, leave a comment saying so)
2.Grab Wetheads button from their blog and post it on yours and get an extra 5 entries!!
3.Follow the Wetheads blog via Google Friend Connect
4.Follow ABCD Diaries via Twitter(leave id)
5.Tweet about this giveaway(leave link)+2 entries...comment twice please:)
6.Blog about this giveaway(leave link) +2 entries...comment twice please:)
7.Enter any other current giveaways on ABCD Diaries and leave a comment saying so.


Giveaway ends Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 11:59 cst. Winners will be chosen via random.org and emailed as well as announced here. They will have 48 hours to reply. Open to US residents 18+

Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was not given any product or compensated in any way for this Promotion/Giveaway. The statements in this post were provided by the sponsor.

Honest Tea Review...

Honest Teas Mission:

Honest Tea creates and promotes delicious, truly healthy, organic beverages. We strive to grow with the same honesty we use to craft our products, with sustainability and great taste for all.

ABCD Diaries was given the chance to try a sampling of Honest Tea and Honest Kids beverages. Let me preface this review by saying I am a huge fan of tea, I drink it daily, but I'm from the South and I like my tea "southern style." I often get teased that I like a little tea with my glass of sugar, so when I read on the label of my Half and Half(half tea, half lemonade) "just a tad sweet" I was a little reluctant to jump on the bandwagon. Luckily, the natural flavors of Honest Tea didn't make it seem like such a sacrifice:)

B tried out the Pomegranate Blueberry flavor and loved it so much he went straight to our fridge and added it to our grocery list:)

The kiddos tried out a variety of the Honest Kids pouches including Berry Berry Lemonade, Tropical Tango Punch and Goodness Grapeness. They loved them. I loved knowing I was giving them a healthy, refreshing beverage that provided them with 100% of the daily Vitamin C! ABCD Diaries gives Honest Tea and Honest Kids an A+ for the whole family!!

Buy It: You can find your nearest Honest Tea retailer here or buy online from Honest Tea's website.

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

Growing Cooks Review...

Thanks to Growing Cooks, A and D got to test out the Basic Chef Set.

The Basic Chef set comes with the following matching items:
6 cookie cutters
5 plastic measuring spoons
2 wooden spoons
plastic spatula
wooden spatula
metal whisk
mini wooden rolling pin
Everything is packaged in a vinyl oven mitt case. This set is best suited for children 3 - 6 years of age.

The kiddos had a lot of fun helping to prepare treats for a Family Game Night party last Saturday. First, we made Rice Krispy treats. The plastic spatula was perfect for pressing the treats down and once they were set, the cookie cutters were put to use for making fun shapes for our treats. After the RK treats, we made a batch of our family favorite, No-Bake Cookies. The kids had fun using the measuring spoons to measure our ingredients and the wooden spoons to stir. Finally, we made mini chocolate pies. The whisk was employed this time around to stir up the pie filling. Overall, the kids had a blast using utensils made especially for their small hands. The utensils were really put to the durability test in 20 month old D's hands and they passed with flying colors! ABCD Diaries gives Growing Cooks Basic Utensils Set an A for the little bakers in your family:)

Buy It: You can get your own Basic Chef Set along with other cool cooking stuff for kiddos like the oven mitts and apron sets above at Growing Cooks. The Basic Chef Set is only $7.95 and Growing Cooks offer a discount on large orders!

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

Truvia Review and Giveaway...

ABCD Diaries was given the opportunity to review Truvia. Here is some info about Truvia from their website:

"Stevia: the plant with a sweet secret
Sweetness born from a leaf, not in a lab. Meet the stevia plant. The proud parent of our natural sweetener. People have been sweetening foods and beverages with stevia leaves for hundreds of years. The taste comes from a natural ingredient from the leaves called rebiana.
Rebiana is what gives Truvia™ natural sweetener its clean, honest sweet taste. Simple. Who knew going green could be so good?

3 Interesting tidbits about Truvia:

1.Truvia™ natural sweetener is refreshingly uncomplicated. Sprinkle it on your grapefruit. Spoon it in your coffee. It won't end up on your conscience or your thighs.

2.One packet of Truvia™ natural sweetener provides the same sweetness as two teaspoons of sugar.

3.Truvia™ natural sweetener is a great alternative for people with diabetes. It is also kosher certified"

What we thought:

We have tried quite a few sugar substitutes and I must say, Truvia is the closest we've come to an artificial sweetener tasting like sugar. You can still tell it isn't the real deal, but the taste isn't nearly as obvious as many others. It dissolves easily in cold or hot liquids and works really well in baked goods to. They also have an extensive recipe collection on their site and I've picked a few to share with ya'll. This apple crisp sounds divine, especially for the cooler autumn months.

Is your mouth watering yet? We love smoothies, so we will definitely be trying the banana berry smoothie. I was also surprised to find recipes for alcoholic drink mixes...I never would have thought of that! B is a fan of the Tom Collins, so I'm going to have him try the Steve Collins next:) As we slowly wean ourselves from sugar, Truvia will be our go-to substitute:)

ABCD Diaries gives Truvia a B+ for anyone in your family looking for an alternative to sugar.

Buy It: You can find Truvia at your loacl grocery store.

Win It: Truvia has generously offered a box of Truvia to a lucky ABCD Diaries reader. To win, let us know if you've ever tried Truvia.

Extra Entries:
1.Follow ABCD Diaries via Google Friend Connect(if you already follow, leave a comment saying so)
2.Join Truvia's Honestly Sweet e-club

3. Like Truvia on Facebook

4.Follow ABCD Diaries via Twitter(leave id)
5.Follow Truvia via Twitter(leave id)

6.Tweet about this giveaway(leave link)+2 entries...comment twice please:)
7.Blog about this giveaway(leave link) +2 entries...comment twice please:)
8.Enter any other current giveaways on ABCD Diaries and leave a comment saying so.

Giveaway ends Monday, June 28, 2010 at 11:59 cst. Winners will be chosen via random.org and emailed as well as announced here. They will have 48 hours to reply. Open to US residents 18+

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

Captivity, A Book Review...

This masterful historical novel by Deborah Noyes, the lauded author of Angel & Apostle, The Ghosts of Kerfol, and Encyclopedia of the End (starred PW) is two stories:The first centers upon the strange, true tale of the Fox Sisters, the enigmatic family of young women who, in upstate New York in 1848, proclaimed that they could converse with the dead. Doing so, they unwittingly (but artfully) gave birth to a religious movement that touched two continents: the American Spiritualists. Their followers included the famous and the rich, and their effect on American spirituality lasted a full generation. Still, there are echoes. The Fox Sisters’ is a story of ambition and playfulness, of illusion and fear, of indulgence, guilt and finally self-destruction.The second story in Captivity is about loss and grief. It is the evocative tale of the bright promise that the Fox Sisters offer up to the skeptical Clara Gill, a reclusive woman of a certain age who long ago isolated herself with her paintings, following the scandalous loss of her beautiful young lover in London.Lyrical and authentic—and more than a bit shadowy—Captivity is, finally, a tale about physical desire and the hope that even the thinnest faith can offer up to a darkening heart.

What we thought:

This novel is hauntingly spectacular! Captivity is a gripping tale, and Noyes tells this spellbinding story beautifully. It is spooky and eerily fascinating. If you're looking for a captivating read, you should really consider this story!

Buy It: You can find Captivity at your nearest bookseller or on Amazon.com

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