PrinceReigns Review and Giveaway...

Sponsored by Tomoson.com

Thanks to PrinceReigns, we recently had the opportunity to review this in-grown hair serum:



About PrinceReigns: "The Premier shave gel used by celebs/models to remove ingrown hairs and razor bumps caused by shaving/waxing. While also softening and straightening the hair follicle preventing future ingrown hairs. Princereigns also removes dark spots and blemishes leaving you with a smooth and even complexion."

What we thought: After hearing this product was featured in both Allure and O Magazine, and recommended by Gisele Bundchen, we were pretty pumped to try PrinceReigns In-Grown Hair Serum. I was pretty impressed. I really like how this serum reduces redness and razor bumps caused by shaving. It is easy to apply and leaves my skin feeling moisturized and refreshed...I think it's the aloe:) Since using PrinceReigns, my skin has become noticeably softer and smoother and I've had fewer issues with in-grown hairs and razor bumps. The price may seem a little steep, but I would say the results are well worth it, especially during bathing suit season:) ABCD Diaries gives PrinceReigns an A!
Buy It: Find PrinceReigns here.
Win It: PrinceReigns has generously offered one ABCD Diaries reader their own bottle of in-grown hair serum. To enter, comment below!
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Giveaway ends Thursday, October 14, 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 bottle of PrinceReigns for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.
This'>http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOM90fd26a243f6d14c4b3df082cdc8da66">This Product Was a Free Giveaway

little twig Review...

Thanks to little twig, we recently had the chance try out a few samples from their baby products line.

About little twig:

NATURAL LIVING FOR MODERN PARENTS
Children mean the world to us, and the world means everything to our children. That is why little twig products are developed with the advice of pediatricians and real-life parents. At little twig we want to provide families with a safe and natural bath time alternative. We utilize the most effective organic and botanical ingredients in our simple recipe for pure and gentle personal care. Each product is an example of our commitment to quality, and that is why we completely guarantee each product.

Our Family Tree
Making the right choice for your child's health is vital. The little twig online community was created so that parents can feel confident about the decisions they make for their families. The little twig website features information about little twig products and a forum where your opinions and concerns can be voiced. It also provides the latest news on the issues that matter most to families.

Our Growing Circle
All children deserve a promising future. At little twig we recognize that we need to do our part to better our community and environment. Wherever possible, our company supports those in need by donating time, money and marketing efforts to community and environmental focused charities, both locally and globally. little twig encourages you to join in the effort to strengthen our communities.

Each month little twig chooses a charitable organization benefiting our environment and children's issues. little twig donates 15% of the purchases you make every Wednesday to organization we have chosen.

little twig has also partnered with 1% for the Planet to commit one percent of sales to environmental groups around the world.

With each little twig purchase you make our community or environment a better place.

Planting Seeds
Children are affected the most by the health of our environment. For their sake we have a duty to preserve our planet. The little twig recycling program was created to involve families in our efforts to reduce waste. It's one simple way you can give back to the environment and get a little something in return. Let's all do our part; future generations are depending on us.

To bring recycling awareness of our PET#1 bottles, we are offering a BIG discount! Simply return four full-sized, empty containers to us. In exchange you'll receive 30% off of your next online purchase. It's that simple. Give a little, get a little. The planet will thank you."

What we thought: The kiddos really loved the smell of these fun baby washes. The washes were very gentle on their sensitive skin. The washes created lots of bubbles which the kids also really enjoyed. Of course their favorite thing was the sticker sheet with the adorable little spokes"bugs" for little twig:) This is definitely a baby/kid-friendly line of skincare made with quality ingredients and safe for kiddos and the Earth. ABCD Diaries gives little twig an A!

Buy It: Find these bath time goodies with the store locator at Little Twig!

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

HalfTees Review and Giveaway + Coupon Code...

Thanks to HalfTees, we were recently given the opportunity to review this innovative wardrobe must-have:

Amanda Barker Founder of HalfTees

About HalfTees:

"About four years ago I had just had my third baby. As I was trying to feed him, and trying to manage not one shirt but two I asked myself, "why can't they come up with a half shirt that provides the modest coverage a undershirt provides in the neckline and cap sleeve, but ditch all the extra length?" It wasn't until my fifth baby that I decided to take action and design my own under shirt, and designed "halftees" -an under shirt that is "half the tee, with all the style."
Women are tired of having all the layers, yet a lot of women still would like to have the coverage of an under-tee on the shoulder and neck-line. Fashion has started to make shirts longer, which negates the need of a longer layered shirt under the first layer of clothing. We have designed a line of halftees that provide a cap sleeve and modest neckline. Giving women what they want, SIMPLICITY and less to manage."

Long-Sleeved HalfTee

HalfTees In Action:

Perfect for those low-cut maternity shirts:

And any other blouse that you need a little more neckline coverage with:

What we thought: This tee was really cool. It is perfect for layering during summer because it lets your mid section breath:) My HalfTee has worked really well with low-cut dresses and long-sleeved shirts. I tried it with short sleeves, but I have the Boyfriend version which has longer sleeves than the cap sleeve HalfTee so it looked a little weird. I am very excited about getting this tee just in time for the cooler weather, because I have a ton of lower cut sweaters that I can't wait to wear and the HalfTee will be perfect for them!! My tee was soft and stretchy, but supportive enough I could wear it without a bra. This is such a cool product and I am so glad I got the chance to add it to my wardrobe:) ABCD Diaries gives HalfTees an A+!

Buy It: Find these cool tees at HalfTees! HalfTees is offering 10% off any purchase made between 9/30-10/7. Just enter the code: abcddiaries at checkout:)

Win It: HalfTees has generously offered one ABCD Diaries reader a basic HalfTee! To enter, visit HalfTees and tell us what color you would chose!
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Giveaway ends Wednesday, October 13, 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 HalfTee for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

I See The Sun In China Book Review...

Thanks to Satya House Publications, we recently had the chance to review the new children's book, I See the Sun in China:

I See the Sun in China
Written by Dedrie King, Illustrated by Judith Inglese

40 pages

Bilingual in English and Mandarin Chinese

For children 5 and up

ISBN: 978-0-9818720-5-6

$12.95

Pub Date: October 1st, 2010

Published by: Satya House Publications

About I See the Sun in China:

"I See the Sun in China received a 2010 PREFERRED CHOICE AWARD -- Books for Kids category -- from the Creative Child Awards Program, Creative Child magazine. Although more and more children today are exposed -- via the Internet and television -- to how people live in various parts of the world, it is important that from a very young age children learn that not everyone lives the way they do. In I See the Sun in China, readers follow a young girl as she travels from a small town in China to the city of Shanghai to spend time with her aunt. After waking and watching her grandfather do his Tai Chi, she eats her congee before leaving for the ferry. Her day in Shanghai with Auntie includes lunch, shopping, tea in the park, supper in a restaurant, and contemplation about her day as she goes to sleep. The text is shown in both English and Mandarin Chinese. Also available in the I See the Sun Series is I See the Sun in Nepal. In this book readers follow a young girl as she spends the day in her village. After waking, her Ama makes her breakfast of chiura and tea. Following her chores, she goes to school and has a some time with her friends before going home to do chores before supper and finally to bed. The text is shown in both English and Nepalese. Both books are beautifully illustrated by Judith Inglese with warm, engaging collages made from photographs, paper cut-outs, and drawings. Unfamiliar words are explained in each book's glossary. Each book also includes a brief description of the country then and now. These are the first two titles in the I See the Sun Series. Each book in the series follows events that take place from dawn until night over the course of one day in a different country. The story in each book is simple, yet accurately reflects the culture as seen through a child's eyes. Children will be able to recognize the similarities as well as the differences between their own daily life and the culture of another place. Seeing the story written in another language also opens children's eyes to the many forms words have. The I See the Sun Series is one more way to help children become familiar with other ways of life around the world. The next titles in the series will be I See the Sun in Afghanistan (Spring 2011), followed by I See the Sun in India and I See the Sun in Russia."

What we thought: The kid's really enjoyed this book. I especially liked that it exposed them to a different culture and the glossary in the back was awesome! It was neat to go through the day of a Chinese child with the kiddos and we had a lot of fun comparing the things the little girl did with the things we do...talking about the differences and the similarities of our lives. It was also pretty cool to see pictures of what a child in China sees everyday. As adults, we sometimes get swept up in our own lives and forget that everybody, everywhere doesn't do everything the way we do, but the bottom line is we all have a lot in common. I am really happy we had the opportunity to open our little one's eyes to a different culture and I can't wait to read the next book in this awesome series! ABCD Diaries gives I See the Sun in China an A+!

Buy It: Find this awesome new line of children's books at your local book seller or online book dealer.

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

Cantilena: Night Songs CD Review and Giveaway...

Thanks to Yellow Tail Records, we recently had the chance to review Cantilena: Night Songs from Around the World:




About the CD:

"Cantilena, the new release by classical guitarist Hilary Field and vocalist Patrice O’Neill, offers an evocative palette of night songs and lullabies from around the world. Spanning the globe from Romania to Sweden, Japan, Ireland, Argentina and beyond, the soothing multilingual vocals and rich musical arrangements highlight the lyrical and dynamic beauty of this music.
Cantilena, the follow up to the multi award winning Siente, also features the virtuoso acoustic duo Mike Marshall and Darol Anger, Grammy award winning English hornist Nancy Rumbel, as well as principal musicians from the Pacific NW Ballet and Seattle Symphony orchestras.
Cantilena is an Italian musical term for a smooth, flowing melodic line. These lyrical night songs and lullabies from world traditions and classical masters transcend generations, lending a blanket of calm in an often busy world."

What we thought: This CD is incredibly soothing and perfect for before naptime, bedtime or any time you just want to calm things down a bit. The music is beautiful and relaxing and the lyrics are sung quite angelically. This would make a great shower gift for a new baby's nursery or even used as calming music during childbirth. We played it to wind down our day and both of our little ones really enjoyed it. I especially enjoyed the sense of peace it brought to our home...sometimes right before bed can be the most stressful part of our day, but Cantilena definitely helped us ease into our routine without much fuss:) ABCD Diaries gives Cantilena: Night Songs from Around the World an A+!

And if you're in the Issaquah, WA area, check out the Cantilena CD Release Concert, Saturday - October 2nd - 7:30 PM@ BAKE'S PLACE - 4135 Providence Point Dr SE Issaquah, Washington

Buy It: Find Cantilena at your favorite in store or online music retailer.

Win It: Yellow Tail Records has generously offered two ABCD Diaries readers their very own copy of Cantilena. To enter, comment below!
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Giveaway ends Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at 11:59cst. Winners 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 copy of this CD for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Ayala's Herbal Water Review and Giveaway...

Thanks to Ayala's Herbal Water, we recently had the opportunity to sample several flavors of infused waters:

About Ayala's Herbal Water:

"At Herbal Water®, we make our flavored water by infusing organic herbal extracts in pure artesian water. We use no artificial sweeteners, no preservatives, and no additives of any kind. Get your dose of natural bliss in six exotic flavor combinations.
Culinary herbs are the natural way to add real flavor and enhance any food or drink. For centuries, they have been prized for their calming, stimulating, and aphrodisiac qualities. Ayala's flavored water harnesses the power of these natural wonders in a delightfully refreshing, mellow, yet complex, aromatic drink. Enjoy a straight-from-the-garden taste of organic herbal extracts and the crisp freshness of artesian water in every sip.
100% Good For You!™
The Herbal Water story begins in the spring of 2005, in the garden of Dr. Ayala. A passionate cook, trained pediatrician, talented artist and lifelong vegetarian, Dr. Ayala has spent years exploring healthy, tasty ways to feed children and adults.
Seeking an alternative to sugar-laden and artificially flavored beverages, Dr. Ayala created her own blends of herb-infused waters that magically satisfy thirst and restore the spirit. Among her family and friends, Dr. Ayala's herbal waters became famous for their uniquely refreshing tastes and aromas.
Full of flavor yet free of calories, artificial sweeteners, and artificial chemicals, these naturally fragrant beverages evoke happy feelings, like a breeze in a sunny garden.
The growing demand for these tasty herbal waters led Dr. Ayala to bring Ayala's Herbal Water to everyone.
Ayala's Herbal Water is the first nationally available organically certified enhanced flavored water made with all organic ingredients. Each Herbal Water blend is all-natural and sets a new standard for healthy beverages: zero calories, zero artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors, and zero chemical preservatives. And our water comes from an Artesian Well in Virginia.
Nothing but great taste from pure water, infused with the finest natural herbs from around the world and kept fresh in a beautiful bottle for your enjoyment."
A few flavor descriptions:

-Ayala's Lemongrass Mint Vanilla Herbal Water is a bright medley of crisp flavor notes with a smooth finish. Awaken your senses with organic lemongrass extract, refreshing spearmint, and the suppleness of real vanilla.
Especially versatile, the citrusy-floral taste of lemongrass gets an added jolt of cool with spearmint, while the vanilla rounds out the mix with a deep and persistent sweetness that lingers pleasantly on the palate.
Try this citrusy-minty-vanilla drink after a workout or yoga class to reenergize your body and mind while maintaining that blissful post-exercise feeling. Indulge in the sweet aromatic scent and rehydrate with delicious herbs infused in pure water.

-Nourish body and soul with Ayala's Cloves Cardamom Cinnamon Herbal Water. This robust blend caresses the palate with the warmth of deep, rich flavors from some of the earth's most sensual and ancient spices.
Clove Cardamom Cinnamon was a natural choice for us, and this delicate blend pays homage to the longstanding legacy of spiced chai teas. These three spices mingle playfully on the taste buds in a full-bodied medley of warm, earthy flavors.
We use only organic cardamom, cinnamon, and clove extract to infuse our beverages and suggest pairing this drink with a delicious, spicy meal. Of course, it's also good on its own, especially to warm yourself inside-out on chilly days and nights.

-Ayala's Lemon Verbena Geranium Herbal Water is a pure, sensual delight that pairs the crisp, clean taste of lemon verbena with the flowery softness of rose geranium. Take a diversion into the sweet beyond with this gorgeous herbal blend.
Pair this flowery-citrus beverage with your favorite fruits and other sweet treats. The rosy flavors and bold lemony notes are primed for rich chocolates and dark berries and enhance subtle melons and custards.
We think of Lemon Verbena Geranium as our most romantic blend and have quickly fallen in love with the graceful floral aromas and clean citrusy finish. Try it today-maybe you'll find love at first sip, too. What we thought: WOWZA! Talk about a FULL-flavored water! We have tried our share of flavored waters and we're used to a little bit of flavor and a lot of sugar, so we were really surprised by the strength of the flavoring in Ayala's Herbal Waters. We were VERY impressed! My personal favorite was Lemongrass Mint Vanilla...Refreshing and Herbal-icious:) I loved the tasting recommendations as well. These waters were unlike anything we've ever tasted. There is a flavor for every mood:) ABCD Diaries gives Ayala's Herbal Water an A!

Buy It: Find these full flavored herbal waters at Ayala's Herbal Water.

Win It: Ayala's Herbal Water has generously offered one ABCD Diaries reader 1 sampler prize pack that contains 1 bottle of each flavor plus the tasting recommendation card. To enter, tell us which flavor you'd love to try!
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Giveaway ends Tuesday, October 12, 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+:) (no APOs, PO Boxes or shipments to Hawaii, Alaska, Canada or Mexico.)

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

Winners...

Last week's winners:

Honey Ridge Farms-#60 Crystal, #17 Shannon
EcoMom-#92 ChristinaF
NutraSea-#11 Christie
Soy Delites-#126 jsc123
ThinkSMART-#239 Anon
Good Nite Lite-#187 Tina Reynolds
Stride Everyday-#30 Amber, #80 CathyB
Costume Squad-#56 Naomie

Congrats to the winners! Thanks so much for entering:) Stay tuned for giveaways from Bored Inc., AHCC, Ayala's Herbal Water, Yellow Tail Records, Half Tees, PakNak and more this week!!

AHCC Supplement Review and Giveaway...

We recently had the chance to try a supplement called AHCC:

About AHCC:

"It’s that time of year…the dreaded cold/flu season. Whether you’re having play dates or the kids are back to school, you’re constantly exposed to viruses. While you make sure the kids eat well, take their vitamins and get plenty of sleep so their little immune systems are strong for the cold/flu season, what are you doing to ready your own body? Well, Kinoko AHCC, a natural immune booster derived from Japanese medicinal mushrooms, is a great addition to your cold/flu season arsenal.
During last year’s flu season, Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) became Japan ’s #1 selling immune supplement and the news about this unique compound is finally reaching our shores. And, there’s a new clinical study out of Michigan State University showing that AHCC enhances the effectiveness of the seasonal flu shot. How? Patients taking AHCC showed increased production of “T-cells” and natural killer (NK) cells -- those are the two types of white blood cells that help destroy virus-infected cells and fight off infections.
Kinoko AHCC also has a 20-year history of safety. It’s the world’s most researched natural immune supplement, supported by more than 50 human studies and 25 studies published in NIH-recognized peer-reviewed journals."

What we thought: I have been taking AHCC for a few weeks now and I haven't really noticed any changes, but I haven't gotten sick so that is a good thing:) I did notice the not so pleasant smell of the pills(though not many vitamins/supplements smell good to me:) and I was very happy that they were tasteless. I was a little startled to see the recommended dosage was 4-12 pills before meals. I've been taking 4...I don't know that I could do 12 of any pill at once. They are easy to swallow though. The information that was presented along with the bottle of AHCC(the info above) was definitely intriguing...when the flu hits me, I am seriously down for the count so if I can keep the illness at bay by boosting my immune system, I'm all for it! From our experience with this supplement so far, ABCD Diaries gives AHCC an A!

Buy It: Find AHCC where you usually purchase your vitamins.

Win It: AHCC has generously offered one ABCD Diaries reader their own bottle of AHCC. To enter, comment below.

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Giveaway ends Monday, October 11 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 bottle of AHCC for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Bored Inc. Review and Giveaway...

Thanks to Bored Inc., A recently had the chance to review this adorable organic t-shirt:



About Bored Inc.:

"Hi! We are Bored Inc., a mother & daughter team based out of Los Angeles. Our goal is to create products that make your everyday life a little bit cuter! Our art is inspired by our love of super cute Japanese character art. We have over 13 years of experience working with manufacturers on a wide variety of products and are constantly on the lookout for new product and licensing opportunities as well as freelance design work."

About the review tee:

"Best pals Weiner & Mustard are featured on this super soft organic cotton natural toddler tee."

What we thought: A really liked her Weiner & Mustard tee. The organic cotton tee was super soft and the screen printing was really well-done. We have washed this tee several times now and it still looks brand new. A has gotten compliments on this tee each time she has worn it and it is now one of her most requested tops:) Bored Inc. has some really cute designs. They feature items from several lines including Stinky Poo, Save Our Sushi, Yummies and TokyoBunnie. They have a variety of products, much more than just tees for all ages, but also bags, aprons, plush, wall decals, greeting cards, belts, and jewelry just to name a few. If you are a fan of super cute art, you should definitely check out Bored Inc. ABCD Diaries gives Bored Inc an A!

Buy It: Find these super cute designs at Bored Inc.!

Win It: Bored Inc. has generously offered one ABCD Diaries reader the tee of their choice! To enter, check out the website and tell us which tee you'd love to have!
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Giveaway ends Monday, October 11, 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 tee for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Bolthouse Farms Review...

Thanks to Bolthouse Farms, we recently had the opportunity to review some delicious drinks and carrots.

About Bolthouse Farms Products:
Fresh Carrots
"Our Carrots are grown in the optimal soil and sunshine from seeds specifically selected to produce the sweetest, most delicious, and "tender-crunchy" carrots possible. We harvest carrots daily all year long, ensuring the best product possible for our customers.

To make Baby-Cut carrots it takes everything Bolthouse Farms® has learned in the past 90 years. We start with carrot seed selected for sweet flavor and a small core, bask them in warm sunshine, and then harvest while young and tender. Baby-Cut carrots are on their way to your local supermarkets within 24 hours of harvest.

Beverages
Our Philosophy is simple: start with the best fruits, vegetables, and other nutrients, and you'll get the best beverages. All Bolthouse Farms' beverages are 100% healthy, 100% natural, and 100% delicious. There is nothing artificial added, so they are as flavorful and healthy as nature intended.
Bolthouse Farms® Strawberry Banana Fruit Smoothie starts with vine-ripened strawberries and hand-picked bananas, and adds premium apple juice to give you a classic combination of our freshest tasting fruit.
Fresh pressed strawberry juice and banana puree.
No preservatives and nothing artificial added.
Flash pasteurized and cold-filled for longer shelf life and superior nutrition.
100% Juice, 100% Natural and no sugar added.Bolthouse Farms® Green Goodness® starts with wheat grass, spirulina, spinach and blue-green algae. We add apples, kiwis, mangos, bananas, pineapples and dragon fruit to make it a good source of iron and Vitamin B6, naturally rich in Vitamins A, C, and B12, and packed with powerful phytonutrients found in nature's most nutritious greens.
Blend of 8 delicious juices/purees.
Packed with 14 powerful nutrients delivering unmatched healthy green phytonutrients.
No preservatives and nothing artificial.
Flash pasteurized and cold-filled for longer shelf life and superior nutrition.
100% Juice, 100% Natural and no sugar added.
Our Perfectly Protein® Vanilla Chai Tea is a smooth blend of soy protein, brewed green tea, and chai spices all naturally sweetened with a subtle hint of vanilla. In addition to energizing the body with a heart-healthy supply of protein, this delicious drink is brimming with nutrients like Vitamin C, B6 and B12, iron, zinc, magnesium, 18 amino acids, and 37 grams of isoflavonoids per serving.
Made with a unique blend of exotic chai tea and healthy brewed green tea.
Made with smooth tasting, high quality soy milk.
No preservatives and nothing artificial.
Flash pasteurized and cold-filled for longer shelf life and superior nutrition.
Dairy free.
Low fat and cholesterol free.
Contains .24 mg of caffeine per serving (One cup of brewed coffee contains 115mg).


What we thought: We really loved these delicious, fresh-tasting beverages and the crunchy baby carrots from Bolthouse Farms. My personal favorite was the Vanilla Chai Latte...oh my! It is smooth and decadent and so completely satisfying. It was perfect for in between meals...the soy protein makes the drink very filling. The fruity juices were really enjoyed by the kiddos. The were very tasty and thirst quenching and requested often by both A and D:) I love that Bolthouse Farms made these super healthy drinks so yummy to drink!! I don't know that I would normally would have wanted to drink something with grass, algae, spinach and spirulina in it, but turn it into Green Goodness and YUMMO! You don't even notice what you're drinking is so incredibly healthy! A definite plus when you're dealing with picky kiddos:) ABCD Diaries gives Bolthouse Farms an A+!!

Buy It: Find these delicious Bolthouse Farms products at your local supermarket.

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

Peeled Snacks Review and Giveaway...

Thanks to Peeled Snacks, we recently had the chance to try out this Organic Fruit Picks Variety Pack:

About Peeled Snacks:

"In New York City in 2004, Noha Waibsnaider founded Peeled Snacks when she noticed something missing from the world of snack foods. Store shelves were full of processed potato chips, corn syrup-filled candy, and energy bars made with too many mysterious ingredients. But you couldn't get anything healthy and tasty that made you feel good about snacking. So she set about to fix that problem.
Her solution? Three tasty and nourishing varieties of fruit & nut mixes that became Peeled Snacks. Peeled Snacks are made with ingredients that you recognize. Large, easy-to-eat pieces of fruit and nuts provide a natural source of vitamins, minerals and fiber - with NO added sugar or fat. The nuts are dry roasted and lightly salted. And for the chocolate lovers, we use the finest rich dark chocolate with 61% cacao in our Shock-olate variety.
At Peeled Snacks we know that food starts out delicious and nutritious, and it doesn't need some machine to improve it, or engineering to perfect it. We bring you food that's as close to its natural state as possible. So make snacking a satisfying part of your lifestyle by eating food as it was meant to be: peeled."

About the Organic Fruit Picks Variety Pack:A delicious variety of snacks perfect for your kids lunchbox
Enjoy our 6 organic fruit Picks
Natural source of vitamins, minerals, iron & fiber
Contains 12 snacks: 2 each of Cherry-go-round, pine-4-Pineapple, much-ado-about-Mango, Banan-a-peel, Apricot-a-lot & Apple-2-the-core

What we thought: If you are looking for a healthy snacking alternative, Peeled Snacks may just be the answer for you. We were very impressed by the taste of these yummy little snacks. I have to be honest, at first sight we were a little concerned because some of the pieces of fruit aren't the prettiest to look at, but the flavor was deliciousness enough to keep all of us coming back for more:) I was especially impressed with the cherries and the apples, but all of the flavors tasted like real dried fruit without the super sugary taste of some of the processed dried fruit that is out there today. I loved the larger pieces that made snacking easier for little hands and big hands alike. These snacks were perfect for on-the-go snacking and I felt really good about what the kiddos were eating when I served them Peeled Snacks. At first, I thought I might prefer a bag with a zipper closure, but then I realized we could finish a whole bag at once:) And because it's so healthy for you, that is okay:) ABCD Diaries gives Peeled Snacks an A+!

Buy It: Find yummy Peeled Snacks online or check the store listing for a retailer near you including Nordstrom, Whole Foods and Starbucks in the US and Canada!
Win It: Peeled Snacks has generously offered one ABCD Diaries reader an Organic Fruit Picks Variety Pack. To enter, visit the website and let us know the flavor you're most interested in trying!
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Giveaway ends Sunday, October 10, 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 sampler of Peeled Snacks for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Happy Birthday Aunt Janie!!!

Hope you have a great day!! You deserve it:) We miss you and love you very much!!

ABCD

Chicken Soup For The Soul Review...

Thanks to Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, we recently had the chance to review the newest CSS title, A Book of Miracles:

Chicken Soup for the Soul: A Book of Miracles
"101 True Stories of Healing, Faith, Divine Intervention, and Answered Prayers
Everyone loves a good miracle story, and this book provides 101 true stories of healing, divine intervention, and answered prayers. These amazing stories prove that God is alive and very active in the world today, working miracles on our behalf. Regular people share their personal stories of God's Divine intervention and healing power as He makes the impossible possible! The incredible accounts shared by people from all walks of life show His awesome love and involvement in our lives. This book of miracles will encourage, uplift, and recharge the faith of Christian readers."

What we thought: I have been a fan of the Chicken Soup For the Soul series since the very first book came out. I was super excited to get the chance to review a copy of their latest addition, A Book of Miracles. This book is truly inspiring, motivating and touching. If you enjoy uplifting spiritual anecdotes, you will really love this book. The thing I love the most about this book is that, true to CSS tradition, the stories are quick to read and truly meaningful. Any time I am feeling down or drained and need a little pep talk, I just read one of these stories and my spirit is instantly uplifted. I think, "Wow, if that person could get through their problem and find their silver lining, I can get through this day:)" These stories are truly relatable. I believe miracles happen every day in our lives, but sometimes we overlook them because we expect them to be on a larger scale than they usually are. This book is definitely testament to that. If you need a spiritual lift, A Book of Miracles is the book for you:) ABCD Diaries gives Chicken Soup for the Soul: A Book of Miracles an A+!!


Buy It: Find this book and many other uplifting Chicken Soup for the Soul titles at your nearest book seller or online book dealer.


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

Too Many Cooks Review...

Too Many Cooks: Kitchen Adventures with 1 Mom, 4 Kids, and 102 Recipes

by Emily Franklin

Synopsis:

"Hilarious and wise, Too Many Cooks celebrates a year in the family kitchen with one mom, four kids, and a picky pediatrician husband.
Emily Franklin's food memoir Too Many Cooks was born of two simple loves: food and children. A foodie and former chef, Franklin wants to pass on her love of food and cooking to her kids; she wants them not only to enjoy what they're eating but to know what they're eating. So, over the course of a year, she introduces her children to new dishes--some exotic, some thrown together with whatever she has in her cabinets--with varying degrees of success. Undaunted by failure ("This tastes like sand!"), Franklin pursues her culinary mission from the heartland of Indiana to the Umbrian countryside. Some meals conjure visions of pleasure while others are utter catastrophes. Along the way, she discovers how a delicious (or even disastrous) meal can bring families together and feed the soul.
As Franklin chronicles her family's year around the kitchen table, season by season, she shares original recipes. From comfort, kid-friendly food like Mummy Nuggets, to the more adventurous Saffron Fish Chowder, to food made on the fly like Orange-Oaty-I-Don't-Know Cookies, each recipe follows a charming or bittersweet or laugh-out-loud anecdote that captures the chaos of cooking for four young kids.
Franklin seasons her stories with how-I-did-it advice on cooking and parenting that makes this such a delightful and inspiring read. And with more than 100 simple, mouthwatering dishes, Too Many Cooks is a happy mix of recipes, memories, and good storytelling."

About the Author:
"EMILY FRANKLIN is the author of Liner Notes and The Girls' Almanac and a dozen young adult novels. Franklin studied at Oxford University and received her BA from Sarah Lawrence College and her MA from Dartmouth College. Prior to becoming a mom, Franklin was a chef on historic and luxury yachts. Her recipes have been published in the cookbook Tea-Time Journeys and, recently, in the Boston Globe. She writes about food and family for Wondertime and Parenting magazines. She lives with her husband near Boston, where she is a full-time mother to four children ages nine and younger. With no childcare."

What we thought: This book reads so true to life...I could really relate:) I loved the way Franklin could turn the everyday challenges we face as moms into funny anectdotes that were enjoyable to read. Too Many Cooks was an inspiration to me and motivated me to follow in Franklin's footsteps to make my children's palates more worldy and well-rounded. I loved that this wasn't just a cookbook full of recipes, but more like a useable, interactive memoir:) A truly enjoyable read written by an amazingly engaging storyteller!! ABCD Diaries gives Too Many Cooks an A+!

Buy It: Find Emily Franklin's wonderful book, Too Many Cooks, at your favorite book seller or online book dealer.

Disclosure: ABCD Diaries received a copy of this book as a member of The Bloggers' Book Club from the author, Emily Franklin for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Shirts That Go Review + Coupon Code...

Thanks to Shirts That Go, D recently had the opportunity to review this fun bulldozer t-shirt:

About Shirts That Go and the Bulldozer Tee:

"Our bulldozer tshirts showcase a modern dozer working hard and pushing boulders right off the t-shirt! We did not miss any details on this one which makes it a perfect choice for that bulldozer lover in your family.

Our bulldozer t-shirt showcases a modern diesel bulldozer printed huge and pushing boulders right off of the shirt. This is one awesome kids t-shirt!
Our bulldozer tees all feature very soft material so they are comfortable right out of the box. Even the kids (like ours) that fuss about shirts being itchy or somehow not comfy will be amazed! We are talking about 100% American ring spun cotton that is made right here in the USA by American Apparel. A bulldozer is a crawler (caterpillar tracked tractor), equipped with a substantial metal plate (known as a blade) used to push large quantities of soil, sand, rubble, etc., during construction work and typically equipped at the rear with a claw-like device (known as a ripper) to loosen densely-compacted materials. The term "bulldozer" is often used to mean any heavy equipment (sometimes a loader and sometimes an excavator), but precisely, the term refers only to a tractor (usually tracked) fitted with a dozer blade. That is the meaning used here. Our bulldozer tees are printed in the USA using direct to garment (DTG) printing technology. With DTG the printed image is soft and very bright so it looks great. This is all accomplished with eco friendly water based inks.All orders are shipped via the USPS and include our custom truck box so you will not miss it when it arrives in your mailbox. The tshirt(s) are folded neatly inside with packing slip (up to 4 tees per box). We use no plastic bags for safety and environmental reasons. Shirts That Go! t-shirts make really nice gifts and the packaging delights the kids and grownups alike."

What we thought: D absolutely LOVES this shirt. He wants to wear it everyday!! We have pictures of B when he was deployed driving many of the heavy equipment vehicles and I'm pretty sure that is what inspired D to pick this particular shirt. I made the mistake of referring to it as his dump truck shirt one scatterbrained morning and he quickly said "Nooo, dozer mommy, " like "C'mon lady, get it right already":)...he definitely knows his trucks better than me:) This shirt is super soft and the printing is done very well, it looks super realistic. It fits D really well, though we did go a size larger than he usually wears. I kinda wish they had tees in colors other than white, but so far every stain has come out of D's bulldozer shirt, so it has lasted stain-free way longer than I first expected. I love the variety of kid's t-shirts at Shirts That Go, whether you're looking for a Firetruck Shirt, a Train Shirt, an Airplane Shirt, a Motorcycle Shirt or even a Garbage Truck Shirt...whatever your little guy's (or girl's:) addiction, if it "goes", you can most likely find it at Shirts That Go.

Buy It: Come shop for your kids t-shirts at ShirtsThatGo. They have fire truck t-shirts, train t-shirts, airplane t-shirts, and garbage truck t-shirts all made in the USA. Shipping is free! Save 10% on single shirt orders with coupon code: abcdDisclosure: ABCD Diaries was given a tee for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

30 Day Method Review and Giveaway...

Thanks to Hatchette Book Group, we recently had the chance to review this new book:

Tracy Anderson's 30-Day Method

The Weight-Loss Kick-Start that Makes Perfection Possible
By Tracy Anderson

Category: HEALTH & FITNESS
Format: HARDCOVER BOOK
Publish Date: 9/20/2010
Price: $25.99/$28.99
ISBN: 9780446562041
Pages: 272
Size: 7" x 9"

Synopsis:

"Did you know muscles get bored, just like people do? And did you also know that there's a 9 out of 10 chance that you're working the wrong muscles when you exercise? With TRACY ANDERSON'S 30-DAY METHOD you don't have to worry--her unique workout will help you drop the weight and shrink your body in just 30 days.Based on ten years of scientific research and experience getting not just herself, but A-list stars and everyday people, red carpet ready, Anderson has developed a unique 30-day diet and workout routine that reshapes the body and defies genetics to tone the muscles and drop the pounds. While most people incorrectly target their major muscle groups, like the bicep or hamstring, the focus should be on the smaller accessory muscles that can create a long, lean, balanced look--instead of bulked up look. Anderson's program is composed of a groundbreaking three-tiered approach, including a mat workout and cardio routine targeting the all-important accessory muscles, and an exclusive 30-day meal plan, complete with dozens of delicious recipes. This comprehensive kick-start program is unlike any other workout on the market and it leaves no chance for anything but terrific, fast results!"

What we thought: I loved this concept, and if you are good at following a strict exercise and diet regimen, this may be the book that changes your life. It is an inspiring book and it gets you pumped about losing weight, so thats great! However, when I got to the exercises, I found some of them very difficult to follow. Luckily, this book is accompanied by a DVD:) This book really has potential and, if you commit yourself to the plan, I think you would see the desired results and probably very quickly, possibly even within 30 days:)

Buy It: Find Tracy Anderson's 30 Day Method at your favorite book store or online book dealer.

Win It: Hatchette Book Group has generously offered two ABCD Diaries readers a copy of 30 Day Method. To enter, comment below!
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Giveaway ends Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at 11:59cst. Winners will be chosen via random.org and emailed. They will have 48 hours to reply. Open to US and Canadian residents 18+:)

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

Charm Factory Review and Giveaway...

Thanks to the Charm Factory, we recently had the opportunity to review this gorgeous sterling silver charm bracelet:

About Charm Factory:

"We feature almost 5000 high quality, unique sterling silver charms, bracelets, beads and more. Silver charm bracelets are so easy to personalize. Start by choosing a charm bracelet (or necklace). Then add as many .925 sterling silver charms as you like. Each charm comes with a free jump ring to attach it to your bracelet. Made in the USA!
Our charms and beads are .925 sterling silver and manufactured in the United States, all lead and nickel free. Our pewter charms are also nickel and lead free. Charm Factory products do not contain cadmium, which is a concern with some products made in Asia."

About the Silver Heart Bracelet:"Hearts are the universal symbol for love and affection. The heart is the one instantly recognized symbol that uniquely signifies the deepest desire of any heart. Have you given your heart to someone? Let this precious, endearing sterling silver Heart Charm Bracelet express the depth of your feelings! The beautiful foundational bracelet as well as all the amazing heart charms and the lobster clasp are made from .925 sterling silver, simply the finest quality available. Material: .925 Sterling Silver Bracelet Length: 7" + 2" extender One size fits most"

What we thought: This was a really gorgeous charm bracelet. It was tested by both 4 year old A and myself(and I guess little D as well, since he is very grabby with anything shiny:) We both loved they way it looked when we wore it and how many compliments we each got while wearing it. And it passed the grabby-D test, so we know it is very well-made with quality sterling silver. A said she also loved the tinkly sound it makes when she shakes her wrist:) I appreciated that it was "one size fits all" so we could share it. I was also pretty impressed by the variety of charms Charm Factory has to offer. With the holiday season creeping up on us, keep Charm Factory bracelets and charms in mind...they would make great stocking stuffers!! ABCD Diaries gives Charm Factory an A+!
Buy It: Find these beautiful bracelets and much more at Charm Factory!!

Win It: Charm Factory has generously offered one lucky ABCD Diaries reader their very own sterling silver charm bracelet. To enter, tell us which bracelet you would choose from here.
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Giveaway ends Wednesday, October 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 given a charm bracelet for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.