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Friday, March 30, 2012

Peter Cottontail DVD Review and Giveway...




Hop To It With Here Comes Peter Cottontail!
"The iconic and fun “tail,” told and sung by Danny Kaye with the voice talent of Vincent Price as Irontail, continues to remain an Easter classic loved by all!

About Here Comes Peter Cottontail
Peter Cottontail wants to be the #1 Chief Easter Bunny and everyone in April Valley agrees...except for his archrival, evil Irontail. Hop along with Peter and his friends as they race through time celebrating all of your favorite holidays to deliver the most eggs...and save Easter for children everywhere!
*Currently available for $9.95 SRP"

What we thought:  It was a lot of fun for me to share this timeless classic with my 5 and 3 year old kiddos.  I remember watching this as a kid myself:)  Its a really cute story and the perfect addition to your Easter DVD collection!  I think we will make watching this DVD as a family an Easter tradition, right a long with dyeing eggs and the annual Easter Egg Hunt:)  ABCD Diaries gives this DVD an A+!





Glow Fusion Bubbles and Hi-Beam Illuminator Blaster Review...





"Imperial Toy is excited to introduce amazing innovation to its Super Miracle Bubbles brand with the new Glow Fusion Bubble Solution Awesome Outdoor Night-Time Fun like never before!
Glow Fusion Bubble Solution begins with Super Miracle Bubbles Premium Plus Solution (Earth’s Best Bubbles), coupled with our special formulated Infusion Activators (A & B) that are carefully constructed to outrageously light up your outdoor play with a fantastic orange glow!
Glow Fusion Bubble Solution is great for any type of outdoor activity to include a family gathering, camping trip, or just livening up a nighttime blast in the backyard! If you want to WOW your friends, be the life of the party or hot topic at school, simply take Glow Fusion Bubble Solution to any outdoor event and you will surely do just that! Available at Walmart, Toys “R” Us, Kohls, Meijer, Michaels, and Shopko! Ages 5+, SRP $4.99
Light Up The Night! Kids will be beaming from head to toe with the Hi-Beam Illuminator bubble blaster powered by the new Glow Fusion Bubble Solution! Simply transfer Infusion Activators (A & B) into Super Miracle Bubbles, mix for 30 seconds but do not shake. Attach and secure bubble solution into the opening underneath the Hi-Beam Illuminator. Compress and hold trigger as glow fusion bubble solution glides through the Hi-Beam Illuminator and creates tons of continuous bubbles! For another super WOW effect, point the blaster up against a wall and see an amazing silhouette with flowing bubble images! Great for livening up any night time outdoor activity for kids and family entertainment! Hi-Beam Illuminator is reusable with any Super Miracle Bubble Solution. Ages 5+, SRP $14.99"


What we thought:  It gets REALLY hot here during the summer, so hot that we spend a lot of time playing outside once the sun goes down.  These bubbles are great for after dark play!  The bubble blaster is a fun way to blow a large amount of bubbles and shines a cool blue light on them which makes for a pretty cool effect.  It has to be pretty dark to see the individual bubbles glowing, but the concentration in the container glows really bright.  The bubbles are easy to mix and kiddos of all ages will love the twist of being able to blow bubbles in the dark:)  ABCD Diaries gives Glow Fusion and the Hi-Beam Illuminator and A+!



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

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Hush Puppies Slippers Review...



GRANDOE INTRODUCES THE HUSH PUPPIES® SPRING-SUMMER BREAK SLIPPER COLLECTION
OF PLUSH, PLAID AND PRINTS IN AUTHENTIC CASUAL STYLE


"Hush Puppies slippers by Grandoe are the natural outgrowth of the collaboration of two companies that have a long history of providing comfortable and casual products to consumers. Their latest shared effort is the Hush Puppies Spring Break Collection for Spring/Summer 2012.
The Spring Break collection is all about Plush, Plaids and Prints. Consisting of casual and unique slipper styles, this collection is designed to appeal to women and men seeking to express their individuality with fashion ease. Each style is ideal for lounging at home, spending time at the pool, beach or spa or even a neighborly stroll with a pet. The FEATHERWEIGHT outsole is delightfully lightweight, yet durable for indoor/outdoor wear.
Two top styles for fashion savvy females are Willow and Ginger, both featuring a soft and super comfy micro-terry foot bed. Willow, a flip flop silhouette comes in lavender and red/taupe each with a solid foot bed and plaid straps, while Ginger, a clog design, is featured in white and black bodies, both with a red plaid trim. They retail at department and specialty stores for $40 and $42 respectively. The women's products run size 6-10 and the men's from 9-13.
April through June are an ideal time to pick up a pair for self or gift use. Hush Puppies slippers are a terrific Mother's Day gift and appeal to all ages. Both useful and stylish, these versatile footwear styles, can be worn year-round."


Retails, $40 and $42 respectively  Get 5% off through May 31, 2012 using promo code: 15HUSH

What we thought:  I reviewed the Ginger style and honestly, they are THE MOST comfortable slippers I have ever worn.  They are soft and cozy and super cushy.  Better quality than the slippers I've worn at higher end spas!  The soles are solid so I can even wear them out to get the paper and not worry about getting the bottoms wet or dirty.  They are absolutely fantastic!  It actually makes me sad when I have to take them off and put "real" shoes on in the morning (I have debated wearing them out in public...they are super cute:)  They would make a luxurious gift for someone special(think Mother's Day!)  ABCD Diaries gives these slippers an A+! 


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

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Little Tikes Garden Leaf & Lawn Bubble Blower Review...


"Chosen as one of the Best Toys of 2011 by Good Housekeeping Magazine and nominated for a TOTY Outdoor Toy of the Year Award for 2012, the Imperial Little Tikes Garden Leaf & Lawn Bubble Blower blows tons of bubbles with a simple squeeze of the trigger. A realistic design just like dad’s leaf blower is complemented by revving sounds and a side window that shows the Super Miracle Bubble solution inside and when it's time for a bubble refill. . The Garden Leaf and Lawn Bubble Blower supplies endless hours of outdoor fun, and helps teach kids the value of grown up chores, to appreciate nature, improve motor skills and build confidence! Available at retail all year long! Ages 3+, SRP $19.99"

What we thought:  The kiddos both loved this bubble toy!  It is perfect for getting the little ones back outdoors now that the weather is warming up again.  Little Tikes is known for making quality toys and this one is no different.  We've been playing with it for a few weeks now and haven't had to replace the batteries yet.  What a fun way to get the kiddos involved in the "yard work":)  This bubble blower has provided hours of fun for our family and will continue to do so all spring and summer, I'm sure:)  ABCD Diaries gives the Little Tikes Garden Leaf & Lawn Bubble Blower an A+!

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

ExfoLatte Body Scrub Review and Giveaway...





"Invigorate the senses with a jitter-free, morning pick me up that stimulates circulation, boosts energy, and primes your face and body for the day. This indulgent body scrub is formulated with a rich blend of freshly ground coffee beans from Latin America and the Pacific Islands.
Our coffee-rich body scrub is designed to shed dead skin cells, restore suppleness, and improve skin texture. The coffee's naturally occurring caffeine improves microcirculation to detoxify and facilitate the breakdown of cellulite and reduce the visibility of varicose veins.
It's time to enjoy coffee beyond the cup and let your skin drink it in."


What we thought:  This was a very very interesting body scrub.  It worked well and left my skin soft and clean.  However, it is basically coffee grounds and glycerin, a good combination for the skin, but kind of a mess in the shower:)  If you can get past the color, you are golden:)  You will probably have to rinse the tub a few time to get all the grounds out, but in my opinion ExfoLatte is worth a try if you've been wanting to try a body scrub with all of the benefits of coffee.  It is definitely a treat for your skin:)  ABCD Diaries gives ExfoLatte body scrub an A!


Find out more at ExfoLatte!

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Bite-Lite Candle Review and Giveaway...




"Last month, Bite-Lite® candles and its now famous monkey mascot were
front and center at an Academy Awards celebration in Beverly Hills, CA… a direct result of
the rave reviews for Bite-Lite, LLC following a successful appearance at this month’s
Grammy’s Red Carpet event.  The Academy Awards recognize the best actors, directors, producers and scores of other professionals for their outstanding performances and contributions to the motion picture industry. Bite-Lite, LLC presented an exclusive, special-edition candle to award nominees and other celebrities at a private pre-event celebration at the luxurious L’ermitage Hotel, in Beverly Hills.
Based on the overwhelming feedback, it is clear that the Bite-Lite® candle brand is a favorite of the best in the film business, and now has “star power”.  Bite-Lite® candles are the only candles that look great, smell great, and repel mosquitoes, at the same time. The candles contain a unique combination of lemongrass and spearmint essential oils, the key components of a patent pending Cloak & Scatter® technology. Test results show that the active ingredients in Bite-Lite® candles repel nearly three times the number of mosquitoes compared to citronella candles.  As a pool of wax forms beneath the lighted wick (usually within about 20 minutes) the active ingredients are released and form a protective “shield” that penetrates the area and discourages mosquitoes from entering this protected zone. By placing a number of candles around the desired area, you will enjoy a delicious scent and sparkling flame, and provide effective protection from biting mosquitoes. 




Unlike other mosquito repelling candles on the market, Bite-Lite®’s unique all-natural candles produce no soot, smoke or unpleasant odors. Currently, these candles are sold through independent garden centers, hardware stores, outdoor living centers, other natural-product retailers and on the Bite-Lite® website. The nationwide buzz continues to grow as these “hard to find” candles become easier to find, using the store locator on www.bite-lite.com."


What we thought:  Our Bite-Lite candle smelled wonderful and it was very pretty, something I happily added to our patio table.  It really keeps the mosquitoes away which is super important since we have those pesky insects pretty much year-round here on the Texas coast.  Now we can enjoy the later hours of  twilight without worrying about getting eaten up by mosquitoes:)  We have tried various citronella candles and we were really impressed with the results of our Bite-Lite review.  ABCD Diaries gives Bite-Lite an A+!

You can learn more about these fantastic, unique candles at www.bite-lite.com  

Anti-Monkey Butt Review and Giveaway...


"If you have a little monkey at home or know someone that does, then we bet your bottom dollar they’ll love Baby Anti Monkey Butt® Diaper Rash Powder and Cream! No ifs, ands or butts about it — this powerful pair is just what your changing table is missing in the battle against baby monkey butt – irritation, chafing – and to help keep baby dry and comfortable. Every baby deserves some tender loving derrière care, so rid their rump of diaper rash with the Baby Anti Monkey Butt line of products!
What’s unique about the Baby Anti Monkey Butt Diaper line, besides the name? It’s the calamine! The diaper rash cream’s unique formula boasts the power of calamine and zinc oxide to help prevent and heal delicate skin that’s irritated. It’s baby monkey butt’s worst enemy; sealing out wetness, while preventing the soreness, itchiness and redness that commonly causes discomfort and irritation in diaper wearers.
The combo of calamine plus cornstarch in Baby Anti Monkey Butt Diaper Rash Powder works double duty to absorb moisture, minimize discomfort, and treat irritation. This silky, fresh-scented powder keeps baby dry and happy.
Think your little monkey has cuteness cornered? Enter the “Cutest Little Monkey Photo Sweeps” on the Anti Monkey Butt Facebook page (www.facebook.com/antimonkeybutt) until March 29 for a chance at great prizes, including a Babies R US shopping spree, fun monkey-themed baby gear and Baby Monkey Butt product. Enter for your chance to win here: http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/191582
Anti Monkey Butt isn’t just for little monkeys, either! Mama and Papa monkeys can stay comfortable, and fight their own irritation and friction from work and play, with original Anti Monkey Butt Powder and Lady Anti Monkey Butt Powder. Learn more about the complete line of Anti Monkey Butt products at www.antimonkeybutt.com. We have a powder for everyBUTTy!"


What we thought:  We reviewed both the cream and the powder and both are FANTASTIC!  They start working immediately soothing the itching, burning rash and relieving the redness and pain caused by chaffing.   It works for both kiddos and adults alike.  We spend a lot of time at the beach in the summer and after spending all day in a wet swimsuit at least once a week, we are no stranger to chaffing.  The powder works great for this problem!  Anti Monkey Butt products will remain a staple in our medicine cabinet!  ABCD Diaries gives both the powder and the cream an A+! 

Monday, March 26, 2012

ConceiveEasy TTC Kit Review...


"The new ConceiveEasy TTC Kit™ can help parents join in on the Hollywood baby boom. “We are excited to announce the launch of our newest fertility product, ConceiveEasy TTC Kit™, for women who are trying to conceive (TTC),” said Claire Beauchamp, Senior Fertility Specialist at FertiBella ConceiveEasy. “The complete, all-in-one TTC Kit is all you’ll ever need to increase your fertility and help you get pregnant faster with our all-natural solution, without any side effects. Now, for a limited time, moms-to-be can try the new TTC Kit™ and choose to customize their Kit with any combination of an exclusive bonus gift of 20 free pregnancy tests, 20 free ovulation tests, or 10 pregnancy & 10 ovulation tests (a $72 value).” ConceiveEasy is a natural aid that boosts the body’s fertility level by stimulating ovulation and effectively overcoming the seven most common causes of infertility. The formula has been clinically tested and those using ConceiveEasy showed an increased pregnancy rate of 33 percent. The kit assists women in increasing their fertility rate in just 28 days with no unpleasant side effects or dangerous fertility drugs. The human body is a delicate organism and even small imbalances and irregularities can prohibit conception. ConceiveEasy’s proprietary blend of ingredients supports and enhances the body’s own reproductive cycle to eliminate common problems with conception that includes a progesterone deficiency, irregular cycles, poor quality mucous in the cervix and hormone imbalances. The ConceiveEasy TTC Kit™ provides information on how to get pregnant and those with questions can speak with a specialist before making their purchase. The firm is a proud supporter of breast cancer research, with $1 of each kit sold going to benefit the fight against breast cancer.

ConceiveEasy provides new hope for those who have had difficulties in conceiving a child. The blend of natural ingredients enhances the body’s chemistry, helping increase your chances for conception without the use of fertility drugs. The TTC Kit™ allows women to take the first step toward feeling the same joy that celebrity parents in Hollywood are experiencing. For more information, visit the website at http://www.ttckit.com"

What we thought:  This kit is full of everything you need to prepare for a planned pregnancy.  All the tools are packaged discreetly for your privacy and the website is very informative and can answer many of the questions you may have about increasing fertility and maximizing your chances for conception.  We always love a company who gives back and ConceiveEasy donates part of every sale to breast cancer research.   If this sounds like an option you would like to pursue, talk to your doctor about getting started and if this program would be right for you:)  


Disclosure:  ABCD Diaries was given samples for review purposes only.  This is a paid post.  The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone 

Master Lock Password Lock Review and Giveaway...


Product Features:

  • Easy to set & reset - use letters, numbers, symbols or mix them!
  • Interchangeable, removable dials offer over 25 million personalized combinations
  • 5 position combination allows for maximum customization
  • Soft touch dials with 2 grip points for no-slip grip
  • 2-1/2" (64mm) wide metal body for superior strength
  • Hardened steel shackle for extra cut resistance
Best Used For:
School, Employee & Athletic Lockers
Indoor Storage Lockers
Cabinets

What we thought:  This is a really great lock!  It was east to set and would be great for kids (or adults:) that have a hard time remembering strictly number combinations.  It was big enough to be able to manipulate easily, but not overly bulky.  They come in blue, black and pink and are very affordable for the piece of mind you get using a lock from Master Lock:)  ABCD Diaries gives Master Lock an A+!
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Friday, March 23, 2012

Amy's Kitchen Review and Giveaway...



"Amy’s food tastes so good because it’s made from the kind of real food ingredients that people use in their own kitchens…no additives, no preservatives, no GMOs. If a child can’t pronounce it, you won’t find it on an Amy’s label. The cooking methods are like those used at home or in fine restaurants. For mashed potato dishes, fresh potatoes are cooked and mashed instead of being prepared with dehydrated flakes. Pizza crusts are shaped by hand. Sauces and gravies are made the old fashioned way, starting with a roux "


What we thought:  We love Amy's Kitchen!  They provide vegetarian foods made from quality ingredients with a huge variety of meals, snacks and sauces!  We reviewed a burrito, a pizza and a can of soup and were impressed by all of them.  All three were super easy to prepare and delicious!  Amy's Kitchen makes foods that are appealing to both adults and children and offer lots of allergen-free options as well.  I love knowing there is a brand of food that my family really enjoys that is good for them and offers such an all-encompassing line of fantastic options.  We'll never get bored of Amy's Kitchen!  ABCD Diaries gives Amy's Kitchen an A+!



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New Balance Socks Review and Giveaway...





"Spring is here and kids toes will feel great in these socks that keep feet dry and looking good. Bright accents and a genuinely "cushy" feel, New Balance Kids No Show offers moisture management and stability fit arch support designed to keep kids playing for hours in sustained comfort."
  • Stability Fit Arch Support & Hold technology provides gentle compression to support the arch, relieving arch-related pain or discomfort
  • Lightning Dry® socks have a soft hand and wicking technology for maximum comfort
  • Comfort toe seam
  • Y heel pocket fit
  • Body: 68% Polyester, 27% Cotton, 4% Spandex, 1% Nylon


What we thought:  These socks are fantastic!  A loves the bright colors and says they are super comfy.  Her feet stay dry which is great now that the warmer months of the year are upon us:)  What a way to make a sock "statement" with these cool neon colors!  What girl wouldn't love that?!  Another thing we love?  The price... $9.99/6pk...what a great value!  ABCD Diaries gives New Balance Kids No Show socks an A+!

Thursday, March 22, 2012

French's Review...




"With spring and summer just around the corner, everyone is thinking of family barbeques and outdoor parties. Nothing makes a party extra special like delicious foods, and nothing makes food more delicious than French's mustards!
This year, try some of French's NEW mustards - French's Dijon Mustard with Chardonnay Wine and French's Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce. Both of these mustards are perfect for topping foods from burgers and hotdogs to chicken and salmon. The Honey Mustard sauce is also the ideal dipping sauce for any finger foods like french fries or chicken fingers.

New French’s Dijon, made with real chardonnay wine, has a deliciously balanced flavor and is also a high-quality mustard offered at a great price. French’s Dijon Mustard is an ideal ingredient when you’re looking to add more complex flavor notes to favorites like potato salad, deviled eggs and tuna salad. Moms love it as a great way to make everyday recipes and sandwiches taste a little more special and delicious. The suggested retail price for French’s Dijon Mustard is $2.99.
French’s Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce is a creamy and sweet condiment with a perfect balance of sweetness and smoothness that compliments all kid and family favorites such as chicken nuggets but is also ideal for dipping other finger foods like veggies, fish sticks, french fries and even pretzels. French’s Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce is available in a 12 oz. squeeze bottle and has a suggested retail price of $2.49."

CHICKEN WITH CREAMY DIJON HERB SAUCE
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
1/2
cup
chicken broth
6
tbsp.
FRENCH'S® Dijon Mustard
1/3
cup
cream cheese spread, softened
1
tbsp.
minced herbs (parsley, basil or chives)
1
tbsp.
oil
4
(6 oz.)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
1
tsp.
minced garlic
1.
MIX broth, mustard, cream cheese and herbs until well blended; set aside.
2.
COOK chicken in hot oil in nonstick skillet until browned on both sides, about 15 min.
3.
STIR in mustard sauce and garlic. Simmer over medium heat 3 to 5 min. until sauce thickens slightly and flavors are blended.
Makes
4 servings
Tip: Substitute 2 tbsp. prepared pesto sauce for the herbs.


What we thought:  We really enjoyed both of these French's mustards.  The Dijon was great for sandwiches and for using in recipes, like the one above.  The French's site has many other yummy recipes that incorporate a variety of their mustards which is a really useful tool.  The Honey Mustard dipping sauce was delicious for dipping chicken tenders and nuggets.  The kiddos really loved this one!  ABCD Diaries gives French's line of mustards an A+!

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

Sahale Snacks Review and Giveaway...




"Sahale Snacks are packed with flavor and loaded with nutrition because they are made with whole, natural and organic ingredients. Sometimes it’s about what is not in a product that makes it so good….no added fats, no trans fats, no preservatives…no junk." 

What we thought:  Sahale Snacks are DELICIOUS!  The two varieties we tried had everything we look for in a snack...salty, sweet, crunchy and definitely on the healthier side!  Just a handful of these between meals was a satisfying and filling snack and the whole family loved both varieties.  The resealable packages make them great for on-the-go snacking as well.  Sahale Snacks also has more savory flavors in their snack line up and we can't wait to try them!  ABCD Diaries gives Sahale Snacks an A+!



Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Coppertone Review...

We recently had the chance to review a few new products from the Coppertone sun care line.
Coppertone products have always provided us with great skin coverage to protect us from the sun and these products were no different:)

"Got sensitive skin? Try COPPERTONE® Sensitive Skin. This fragrance and alcohol-free sunscreen lotion is hypoallergenic and water resistant. Clinically proven appropriate for sensitive skin, this product provides powerful, yet extra gentle broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

Looking for a simple, moisturizing sunscreen? COPPERTONE ® ultraGUARD is a water resistant sunscreen retains SPF after 80 minutes of activity! Try this non-greasy lotion that screens out the sun’s burning rays to help prevent sunburn.

Need something soft and gentle for the little ones? COPPERTONE® Water BABIES® Sunscreen Foaming Lotion is the #1 pediatrician recommended brand. This delicate sunscreen glides on as a soft, moisture-rich foam. The mild formula won’t sting or irritate baby’s sensitive skin."

We did have some issues with the foaming Water Babies.  Since the formula is so lightweight and we were on a windy beach when we applied it, it would often blow right out of my hands before I got it on the little ones:)  Other than that, we really enjoyed these products and will be using Coppertone all Spring and Summer!  ABCD Diaries gives Coppertone products an A+!


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

InfraShine Spring Curling Iron Review and Giveaway...




InfraShine® Spring Curling Irons- InfraShine Spring Curling Irons use only real ceramic infused barrels that are powder coated and highly polished for the ultimate in smoothness. They also feature PTFC heaters, which were originally designed by the NASA space program. With this new technology these PTFC heating elements work like a brick oven and hold in moisture. Using less wattage and electrical current, the gentle infrared ray-radiant heat with the ceramic multi-layered PTFC heating elements creates negative ions that close the cuticle layer, smooth and defrizz even the coarsest hair adding controlled curls, waves or bends where desired along with unbelievable shine.

These premium ceramic tools heat quickly, produce evenly controlled heat with no cold spots and adjust to six temperature settings from 170-360 degrees Fahrenheit. InfraShine Spring Curling Irons also feature an ion generator light that pulsates when the desired temperature is reached. An extra long 9-foot UL approved swivel cord allows ease of use and prevents tangling. The sturdy built-in stand makes the iron stable and easy to reach while the textured handle provides excellent grip and control for precise styling.

InfraShine Spring Curling Irons are available in ¾-inch, 1-inch and 1 ¼-inch barrel sizes (diameters) to accommodate every styling need.

For more information on the InfraShine line please visit www.InfraShine.com.

What we thought:  This curling iron is AWESOME!  It heats up quickly and creates perfectly smooth, bouncy curls without causing a ton of damage to my hair.  I'm really impressed how smooth and shiny my hair looks after using this iron to style it.  My hair is generally frizzy and using heated styling tools tends to make it feel coarse, but not the InfraShine Spring Curling Iron!  I also the variety of temperature settings.  and the long cord.  This iron would be a great addition to anyone's hair styling tool box:)  ABCD Diaries gives the InfraShine Spring Curling Iron an A+!

You can find out more about these great styling tools at InfraShine! Follow InfraShine on Facebook for all the latest info!

Dale and Thomas Easter Treats Review and Giveaway...


Check out the yummy goodies Dale and Thomas has for celebrating Easter this year:




Whether you choose the Easter Popcorn Tin overflowing with three Dale and Thomas favorites, the Easter Chocolate Tower with toffee, Popsters and more, or stick to the more traditional Four, Six or Twelve Pack Sampler, you won't be disappointed!  Dale and Thomas always provides delicious popcorn treats made with  high quality ingredients.  From mouthwatering chocolate varieties to satisfy that sweet tooth to savory, salty-sweet options, Dale and Thomas has got your Easter treats covered!  ABCD Diaries gives Dale and Thomas an A+!

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

FunBites Review and Giveaway...



BITE-SIZED FUN SHAPES. Try with even the pickiest eaters!
"Each funbites® Pack includes a high performance curved blade cutter that quickly creates small bites and a matching popper top that pops out food instantly so hands are clean, food is untouched. funbites® is 100% MADE IN THE USA, top shelf dishwasher safe and BPA Free."



What we thought:  FunBites cutters are super handy!  They make cutting up a snack or meal fun and easy in just one step.  A loves taking quesadillas in her lunch and with the heart shaped FunBites cutter I can quickly turn her quesadilla into a puzzle that is a fun to eat as it is tasty:)  She loves showing off her cute little bite-sized snacks!  The square cutter works wonders with fruit, cheese and sandwiches to make perfectly shaped finger foods.  I love that the cutters are dishwasher-safe...easy peasy!  These cutters help you add a little fun and creativity to so many foods!  ABCD Diaries gives FunBites an A+!


Want free shipping? Use the code MarchMadness at FunBites.com!



Sun-Maid Review...



"Sun-Maid has served consumers and customers since 1912 by providing premium quality raisins and dried fruits from the raisin and fruit farms of California to homes and eating establishments around the world. As a cooperative, Sun-Maid Growers of California is owned by family farmers who grow raisin grapes all located within 100 miles of each other in the Great Central Valley of California, midway between Los Angeles to the south and San Francisco to the north.
This fertile agricultural valley produces some of the best fruits and vegetables in the world, including a wide assortment of grapes, peaches, plums, apples, figs, apricots, blueberries, strawberries, and melons. When appropriate, Sun-Maid reaches beyond this geographical area to source a complete array of dried fruits."

Sun-Maid offers a variety of recipes on their website from old favorites like oatmeal raisin cookies to more savory dishes like the one below:

Lemon Garlic Chicken with Raisins


Carrots provide the vitamin A and lean chicken breast supplies the protein, while raisins, lemon and garlic add an intriguing twist to this entrée. There’s plenty of niacin (vitamin B3) … 147% DV to be exact. Niacin has been shown to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
  • 2 cups sliced carrots
  • salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 3 cups hot, cooked brown rice
  • 1/2 cup Sun-Maid Natural Raisins
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

  • Directions:
    HEAT olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat; add garlic and cumin and sauté until aromatic, about 2 minutes.
    ADD chicken breasts and sauté about 2 minutes, turning chicken over to brown on all sides. Add lemon juice and bring mixture to a simmer.
    COVER and simmer 20 to 30 minutes until chicken is fully cooked, adding lemon zest and carrots after 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    COMBINE cooked rice, raisins and parsley.
    SERVE chicken over brown rice.

    Makes 4 servings.

    Nutrients per Serving: Calories 583; Protein 60g; Fat 11g (Sat. Fat 2g); Carbohydrate 57g; Dietary Fiber 6g; Cholesterol 137mg; Sodium 212mg
    Daily Values: Vitamin C 29% Vitamin A 151% Protein 119%   
What we thought:  We have always loved Sun-Maid raisins.  Whether we are making cookies, granola bars or adding them to our main dishes, we are never disappointed with their quality!  Raisins make great healthy snacks and are super convenient too.  I would definitely recommend taking a look at the recipe collection on the Sun-Maid website to get a little "raisinspiration" for some yummy ways to incorporate raisins into your family's diet:)  ABCD Diaries gives Sun-Maid an A+!

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