Monday, June 30, 2014

Red, White, and Blue #Giveaway Hop: NourISH Nail Polish Prize Pack! ARV $80! #RedWhiteBlue



What to Due? Preparing for Baby #2 Giveaway!


Summer Movie Night Spectacular #Giveaway!

Get ready for a summer of movies!  ABCD Diaries is excited bring our readers this awesome giveaway!

Little Tikes Slam 'n' Curve Water Slide Giveaway!


Orange Glad: Handcrafted Sweet Treat Subscription! #Sponsored

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

We recently had the chance to review an Orange Glad Sweet Box:


Our box was beautifully packaged and included a card with information on all of the snacks:


There were 5 sweet treats for us to indulge in:




We decided to have a tasting party and split each treat into 4 pieces.


First up was the Hamantashen from Lily's Baker Shop
 These triangle shaped cookies are made to be eaten during the Jewish holiday of Purim The word Hamantashen, means “Hamen’s Pockets”.  These tarts were buttery and filled with a yummy fruit filling.  Not too sweet and a lovely treat!


Next we tried the Luscious Lemon Bar from Fine Stonehenge Baking Co.  If you like lemon bars, you will love this treat!  Mouthwatering and deliciously sweet!


We also tried an iced buttercream sugar cookie from Cheryl's.  This cute cookie was so soft a was a huge hit with the kiddos.


The Salted Caramel Cookie from The Cravory was a favorite for both B and I.  Such a tasty combination of sweet and salty in a delicious soft cookie.


We also love Amsterdam Wafels.  They never disappoint with their chewy outside and creamy center.  These Rip can Wafels are the perfect complement to a cup of tea.

If you have a sweet tooth, Orange Glad would definitely be able to satisfy your craving with 5 special sweet treats each month!

ABCD Diaries gives Orange Glad an A+!

Buy It:
Sunscriptions start at just $15 per month!  Get yours at Orange Glad!

Sassy Wax Soy Melts Bring the Sweet Smell of Summer Inside! #Spon

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

We recently had the chance to review 2 sets of Sassy Wax Soy Melts:


The scents we reviewed were Sweet Citrus & Basil and Home and they were both lovely!  These Soy Melts are dye free and consist of 7 ounces of pure soy wax scented with phthalate free fragrance oil.  Each soy melt contains 12 large break away squares and retails for $8.99.  The melts are easy to break off and melt evenly in your standard wax warmer.  One melt lasted several uses, which makes them a great value.  


Sassy Wax has a ton of scents to choose from.  I am in love with the Sweet Citrus & Basil.  It is so fresh smelling and is the perfect summer scent.  Home features the comforting scent of custard and toasted pecans to simulate a pecan pie in the oven:)  This scent is fantastic and will be great even as summer ends and the fall baking season begins!

ABCD Diaries gives these melts an A+!  

Buy It:
Check out all of the amazing Soy Melt scents at Sassy Wax!

Prepara Kitchen Tools Make Cooking a Breeze! #Giveaway #Sponsored

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

We recently had the chance to review 3 nifty kitchen gadgets from Prepara:



Prepara makes lots of handy kitchen tools that not only perform well, but look great doing so:)

We reviewed the Better Batter Beater, the Deluxe Oil Mister, and the Dressing Whiz.



The Better Batter Beater is so cool!  It is battery operated and motorized to help you beat things quickly and evenly..  It's great for pancake and cake batters, muffin mixes, eggs and much more.  It is features a rubber edge that helps to scrape the side of the bowl while you're beating!  It's super easy to clean, just pop off the beater attachment and wash with the rest of the dishes.
A very cool tool!


The Deluxe Oil Mister is a must-have for healthy cooking in my opinion.  We use a lot of olive and coconut oil when preparing many of the foods we eat every day.  This mister converts liquid oil into a fine spray that goes on evenly in a thin layer.  This is great for greasing pans to prevent sticking and misting salads and other veggies.  One of our favorite ways to cook vegggies is to mist them with olive oil, sprinkle with a little sea salt and roast them in the oven for 10 minutes or so.  This Mister makes applying the oil a breeze!  It's also easy to clean and machine washable!


The Dressing Whiz is such a novel product.  I hate it when our vinaigrette separates into layers.  This tool makes mixing any kind of dressing effortless.  With the push of a button, this battery operated gadget quietly emulsifies and separates the salad dressing for a perfect blend with every pour.  It makes it so easy to create healthy, homemade dressings.  It also features a handy measurement guide, a drip-free pour spout and a rubber stopper to help keep your dressing fresher tasting while being stored in the fridge.

Prepara Kitchen gadgets make cooking a lot easier and a lot more fun.  The kiddos have loved using these tools as much as I have and anything that gets them excited about helping in the kitchen gets two thumbs up from me:)

ABCD Diaries gives Prepara an A+!

Buy It:
Check out all of these nifty gadgets at Prepara!

Win It:
One winner will receive a set of the three gadgets we reviewed...a prize package valued at $70!

"The Never Never Sisters" by L Alison Heller #Sponsored

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

We recently had the chance to review The Never Never Sisters by L Alison Heller:
Synopsis:
Marriage counselor Paige Reinhardt is counting down the days to summer, eager to reconnect with her workaholic husband at their cozy rental cottage in the Hamptons. But soon a mysterious crisis at Dave’s work ruins their getaway plans. Paige is still figuring out how to handle the unexplained chill in her marriage when her troubled sister suddenly returns after a two-decade silence. Now, instead of enjoying the lazy summer days along the ocean, Paige is navigating the rocky waters of a forgotten bond with her sister in the sweltering city heat.

As she attempts to dig deeper into Dave’s work troubles and some long-held family secrets, Paige is shocked to discover how little she knows about the people closest to her. This summer, the self-proclaimed relationship expert will grapple with her biggest challenge yet: Is it worth risking your most precious relationships in order to find yourself? 

What we thought:
The Never Never Sisters is a story about love, family and looking within to find out who you really are.  The characters are likeable and realistic and it's easy to get entwined in their story.  It's easy to relate with some of what Paige is going through...self-doubt and worry, addiction in the family, just wanting to make everything okay.  This book is thoroughly entertaining and would make a great summer read!

ABCD Diaries gives The Never Never Sisters an A+!

Fantastic, Fun Products from Joseph Enterprises! #Sponsored

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

We recently had the chance to review a selection of products from Joseph Enterprises, makers of the Chia Pet and more:


The kiddos loved starting their Chia Pet Bunny!  Because I let them do the set up, his coat is completely even, but they still really enjoyed planting him and watching him grow:)  The great news is Chia Pets are reusable, so once the Chia dies, they can plant him again and again!


The 'Ove' Glove proved to be a handy helper in the kitchen.  It works great for removing hot things from the stove top or oven and can even double as a hot pad on the table if need be.  I love that it can be used for right or left handed use and has an anti-slip grip pattern. Plus, it's machine washable which is a must for us.


The Pogo Whisk is amazing!  Really, the best whisk I've used.  It is great for whipping, mixing, blending and frothing.  It made chopping hard boiled eggs for egg salad a breeze!  Plus, it's super easy to clean:)


We also received a jar of CHCHCHChia Seeds.  I love the nutty taste of Chia and it has so many health benefits!  Plus, it is super easy to add to smoothies, salads and lots more.  Chia is an amazing Superfood and these Chia seeds were fantastic!

ABCD Diaries gives all of the products we reviewed from Joseph Enterprises an A+!

Buy It:
Visit http://www.chiapet.com/ to find out more about these fun and helpful products!

Boxtera Snack Subscription Service! #Sponsored

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

We recently had the chance to review Boxtera, a snack subscription service:


We received 3 large bags of snacks and 2 medium sized bags.  Each bag holds 5-7oz of yumminess.
Our treats included Almond Cherry Crunch Granola and Dried Tangerine Slices:


As well as Honey Almond Crunch, BBQ Banana Chips and Wasabi Bean Medley:


I loved that these treats were pretty original and that they came in such large sizes.  They are perfect for sharing or stashing at work for when you get hungry.  Each snack is a healthier choice than many vending machine options so you can feel good about what you are noshing on:)

ABCD Diaries gives Boxtera an A!

Buy It:
Subscriptions start at just $19.95 per month.  Sign up at Boxtera!

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Pirate's Booty Puffed Snacks! #Sponsored

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

We recently had the chance to review some of the new treats from Pirate's Booty:


These treats are made from puffed rice and corn.  They are baked with simple ingredients that the whole family can appreciate and enjoy!


Above are the Aged White Cheddar Treasures that come in four shapes picked by the Pirate himself: Crunchy the Parrot, Anchors, “X” Marks the Spots and Steering Wheels. 

 If you are craving a sweeter treat there is the new Fruity Booty:


These yummy treats are sure to fulfill that sweet tooth, but in a healthy way!

These puffed treats are great for lighter snacking and our whole family enjoyed them:)

ABCD Diaries gives Pirate's Booty an A+! 

You can find Pirate's Booty at grocery stores and mass merchandisers nationwide!

Make Breakfast a Celebration 24/7 at Denny’s #Giveaway!

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



Make Breakfast a Celebration 24/7 at Denny’s

"Denny’s isn’t just for pancakes and eggs in the morning! The family-friendly restaurant is open 24/7 to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner around the clock for you and your family. America’s diner that’s “always open” is the perfect place for your next celebration. 

Here’s another reason to celebrate! Kids eat free on Tuesday nights from 4 to 10 PM with the purchase of an adult entrée of $4.00 or more. Denny’s is an affordable option for any family meal, with regular kids’ meal pricing at around $3.29.

There are over 1,600 Denny’s in the United States, so this promotion should reach a wide range of your readers. To find the one nearest you, visit http://dennys.com/#/location.

One lucky ABCD Diaries reader will win a prize pack of two cupcake drink cups and a $25 gift certificate to Denny’s. The cups, which are available in stores for $1.99 each with the purchase of a drink, are complete with a red and white striped straw and are great for milk, juice, water or even to bring snacks on the go."

We love enjoying Denny's yummy menu with the whole family!  Denny's is a super family-friendly restaurant and has an affordable menu with options that are kid-friendly!

Win It:

Quinn Popcorn: Microwave Popcorn Reinvented! #Giveaway #Sponsored

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

We recently had the chance to review Quinn popcorn:


Quinn is a different kind of microwave popcorn, a "cleaned up" version of the tasty treat.  The makers of Quinn created a chemical-free Pure Pop Bag that is made from paper that is pressed to make is grease proof, it's even compostable!  But they didn't stop there.  They use non-GMO corn, no preservatives and no artificial ingredients.  The popcorn is organic and the perfectly blended seasonings make a truly delectable bag of microwave popcorn!  

We tried three flavors, Olive Oil & Herbs, Hickory Smoked Cheddar and Parmesan & Rosemary and loved every blend of this better-for-you microwave popcorn!

ABCD Diaries gives Quinn Popcorn an A+!
















Buy It:
Check out all of the fantastic flavors at Quinn

Win It:
Enter to win a free product voucher for Quinn popcorn:

ResQthreads Tees Support a Great Cause! #Sponsored

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

We recently had the chance to review two tees from ResQthreads:


"ResQthreads was founded to give people and their pets a stylish way to promote adoption and support the rescues and shelters they care about.  The mission of ResQthreads is to put adoption in the spotlight and make it a cultural norm.


Every item you purchase on the ResQthreads website sparks a donation to the rescue of your choice. The amount that is donated is indicated on each product page and ranges from 20-35% of the purchase price. 100% of each donation tied to the product's selling price price is sent directly to the rescue." 

These shirts are fantastic! They come in so many great styles and colors and they are super comfy!  We are firm believers in pet adoption.  Our current pup, Shiner, is a pit bull mix and was considered to be an aggressive breed.  Because of this, he was put on the fast track to euthanization.  Luckily, we got him and since bringing him home over a year ago he has proven himself to be the most laid-back and fun-loving dog we've ever known.  He definitely doesn't fit the profile animal control had given him.  This happens far too often and I love that ResQthreads allows you to support your local shelter so that more adoptions for these wonderful dogs can be completed.

ABCD Diaries gives ResQthreads an A+! 

Buy It:
Check out the great selection of products for pets and pet owners at ResQthreads!


Thursday, June 26, 2014

Bazooka Wincredible Sweeps + #Giveaway!

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


BazookaJoe.com has become the ultimate destination for fun online content, including game shows and more.  Now Bazooka Bubble Gum is taking it to the next level with the launch this week of their “Wincredible” contest where fans can win weekly prizes and a grand prize including fun tech gear, room makeovers and more!
The “Wincredible” contest runs through 9/28 winners can enter by visiting Bazookajoe.com and submitting a code from a Bazooka Bubble Gum wrapper or via email.  No purchase is necessary.

To help fans get into the spirit, Bazooka has offered one lucky reader a month’s supply of Bazooka Bubble Gum! Enter below:


Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Motivate Your Little Readers with the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge! #Sponsored

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


We recently had the chance to review a selection of goodies from Scholastic in honor of the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge Kickoff:


Scholastic challenged kids to read one million minutes and on June 3rd they met and exceeded the million minute mark!

The Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge aims to prevent the “summer slide” - or the learning losses a child experiences when he or she does not read over the summer months.

Scholastic has so many great books for summer reading no matter what reading level your kiddos are!

A loves the Rainbow Magic Series:


This year’s Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge theme is “Reading Under the Stars.” Scholastic  partnered with planetariums across the country with their museum sleepovers (e.g. The Smithsonian, Adler Planetarium (Chicago), California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco) and more) to get kids reading about science, STEM and more.

Scholastic has plenty of books to encourage learning about science and math, including The Magic School Bus series and more:


There are plenty of great books to choose from.  The kiddos really enjoyed both of these:


Plus, Scholastic has a ton of free parent resources to get your kiddos reading!  Reading logs and award certificates are great for keeping little readers motivated:


Here are more helpful reading tools and fun stuff from Scholastic:

FREE Summer Reading Tools for Parents:
  1. Online summer reading program for kids: Parents can register their children grades K–8 (ages 4–14) for the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge from now until September 5. Kids can log their reading minutes, win prizes and help set a new world record for summer reading. 
  2. Daily tips and prizes for parents: Scholastic Parents Facebook has a summer calendar app with expert tips, articles and activities. Every Friday, parents can enter for the chance to win Friday Freebie prizes including great books for their kids.
  3. Track reading minutes with a mobile app: Parents can monitor their children’s progress and help their children enter reading minutes on-the-go with the free Scholastic Reading Timer app.
  4. 2014 summer booklists:  Curated by Scholastic experts, these lists feature more than 700 books for children in Pre-K–8, including this year’s “Reading Under the Stars”–themed list, which showcases books about space, stars and astronomy, as well as spooky stories to read by a campfire.

  5. Free book offer: Parents can receive a free Scholastic book by mail when they buy two specially marked packs of EVEREADY® Gold® batteries or EVEREADY® flashlights and redeem the package codes online. Visit eveready.com/reader to learn more. 
ABCD Diaries gives Scholastic an A+!
Happy Reading!

Cate&Chloe VIP Jewelry Membership! #Giveaway #Sponsored

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

We recently had the chance to review a VIP Subscription from Cate & Chloe:



Cate & Chloe is a jewelry subscription company that likes to make sure their subscribers are adorned in the hottest, classiest, most stylish jewelry out there.  They want to make gorgeous jewelry available for every woman, no matter how tight their fashion budget may be.  They have created an opportunity for women to pamper themselves or other women in their lives with high quality, affordable pieces.

Their jewelry is simple, versatile and elegant and will complement pretty much everything in your wardrobe, from casual to fancy!

If you sign up for the VIP subscription you get the standard 2 pieces of Cate & Chloe jewelry AND a bonus welcome gift.  So 3 pieces of jewelry worth over $200 for just $39.99!

Every 15 days they ship out a new piece of stunning jewelry straight to your doorstep.

Here are the beautiful pieces we received over the course of our first month: 

ARV $115
This sweet feminine necklace is created with seven stones encircled by five hearts is a perfect gift for a grand-daughter, best friend, or sweetheart.

ARV $34
Another simple stone pendant necklace but this one is more of a teardrop shape with a little twist in the conjunction between necklace and pendant. It adds a little bit of flare to jazz this piece up for eveningwear. 

ARV $125
hese regal earrings are elegant enough to adorn a monarch with the crown inspired setting and sparkling round CZ stone. They would make resplendent addition to any collection. 

I've loved every single piece!  What a fantastic subscription service!
ABCD Diaries gives Cate & Chloe an A+!

Buy It:
Sign up for your VIP Jewelry Subscription at Cate & Chloe

Win It:
One lucky winner will receive one month’s worth of free VIP shipments!