Monday, August 27, 2018

Chewy.com August Pick: Merrick Lil' Plates Mini Medley Grain-Free Variety Pack Adult Dog Food Trays #spon

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Chewy for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

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


Merrick Lil' Plates Mini Medley Grain-Free Variety Pack Adult Dog Food Trays cater to the big appetites of small pups. Featuring Petite Pot Pie, Itsy Bitsy Beef Stew and Tiny Thanksgiving Day Dinner, this pack gives your pooch a lil’ taste of everything with highly palatable flavors that will make him go wild. All recipes start with real meat, fish or poultry as the first ingredient for a high-protein meal, and include farm-fresh fruits and vegetables like apples, sweet potatoes, blueberries, peas and more. Made from locally sourced ingredients in the USA, these recipes deliver high-quality grain-free nutrition for a wholesome and balanced diet. The easy-open trays pack all this incredible nutrition into a convenient, single-serving sized container for small-breed dogs.


Harley is in love with this trio of tiny dinners!  We use them as a topper for her dry kibble and she wipes out the whole bowl every time.  I love that these are made with real meat, fruits and veggies. 


 They are also super easy to take along for road trips since they come in single serve trays.


Harley gives Merrick Lil' Plates 2 paws up!


You can find Merrick Lil' Plates Mini Medley Grain-Free Variety Pack Adult Dog Food Trays at Chewy.com.  A case of 12 3.5 oz tubs is $17.89.




Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Chewy.com August Pick: Greenies Grain-Free Dental Treats #spon

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Chewy.com for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

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


Give your pal the mouth-wowing treat that boosts dental health with Greenies Grain-Free Regular Dental Dog Treats! Made with all-natural ingredients, these uniquely-shaped snacks are designed to control and remove disease-causing plaque and tartar, all while putting an end to dreaded doggie breath. Each tasty chew features added vitamins and minerals for complete and balanced nutrition, while the grain-recipe uses chickpeas and potatoes for even easier digestion. Keep the cuddles coming and give your best friend the dental health he deserves with these veterinarian-recommended dental treats.


Greenies treats are vet-recommended to help prevent gum disease, freshen breath and reduce the frequency of professional dental cleanings.

We love Greenies around here, especially Harley:


She is always super excited to get to try out new varieties of these awesome dental treats.


The Grain-Free version is great for dogs with grain sensitivities and they are easy on the tummy and the digestive system.  Plus, the extra vitamins and minerals are a fantastic bonus!


Greenies are proudly made in the USA and accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council to support doggy oral health.


Harley Mae gives Grain-Free Greenies 2 paws up!

You can find  Greenies Grain-Free Dental Treats at Chewy.com.  A 12 count bag is $17.99.




Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Monday, August 20, 2018

Keep Summer Going with the Watermelon Ball Jr from PlaSmart! #spon


*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to PlaSmart for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Looking for a unique pool toy to add hours of fun to pool time?  Look no further than the Watermelon Ball Jr from PlaSmart!


The Watermelon Ball Jr is neutrally buoyant and looks, feels, and behaves like a real watermelon in water!  It comes with hose adapter, 2 filling needles, and instructions and is simple to fill.


Just fill with water and get your game on! The Watermelon Ball® is designed to look, feel, and behave like a watermelon in water. Real watermelons are nearly neutrally buoyant: first sinking to the bottom then slowly rising to the top, making them ideal for all kinds of water games. 


When filled the ball is 9″ in diameter and approximately 7.8 lbs. 


You can dribble, kick, pass and easily intercept the Watermelon Ball Jr UNDER the water!



We had a blast playing all sorts of games with our Watermelon Ball Jr!  It's super durable and it's bright colors make it easily visible underwater.  This ball is not only fun, but can also give you a bit of a workout...it's basically like a medicine ball for water play:)  The Watermelon Ball Jr. has already provided us with hours of water play and I'm sure it will for years to come!









Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Friday, August 17, 2018

LaLa Horse Subscription Box for Horse-Loving Girls! August Edition #spon

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to LaLa Horse for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Do you have a horse-loving daughter or granddaughter?  Check out LaLa Horse, the monthly subscription box for horse-lovers!


 LaLa Horse creates a box full of fun, inspiring, educational gifts and products for kids who love horses. For just $29 monthly, your horse-lover will receive a box that includes various horse-themed items.  Items vary  each month and could include jewelry, socks, books, puzzles, bags, pillow cases, wall art, keychains, and more! 

Check out the items in our August LaLa Horse box:

Stirrup Necklace

 Horse Diary Set

Musical Horse Jewelry Box


 Horse Figurine #1

Horse Figurine #2

Arabian Horse Poster with facts on the back:


Evolution of Popular Horse Breeds Poster:

A really enjoyed her LaLa Horse box!  The figurines are great for collector's or kiddos who like to play with horses.  She was a huge fan of the DIY diary kit and the jewelry box...the perfect spot for her horse-themed necklace!  I loved the addition of the educational poster:)

All around, we think LaLa Horse would make an excellent subscription box for young horse lovers!



Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Loved + Blessed: A Christian Faith-Based Subscription Box August Edition #spon

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Loved+Blessed for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own.

We recently had the chance to review the August box from Loved + Blessed:


Loved + Blessed is a Christian faith-based subscription box service that delivers a box of encouragement right to your door each month.


Each box revolves around a central theme and comes with a mini poster, a sticker, a purse-sized scripture card and a gift.

The theme for the August box was Relax:



 The scripture card this month featured Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."


The special gifts for August were awesome!  


They included a satin pillowcase, a Love Inspired Christian romance novel and a bookmark with lots of relaxation ideas and tips.

This box also included an encouragement kit to pass along to a friend:


I definitely think there is room for Loved + Blessed in the subscription box market and I love that their mission is to deliver encouraging products that support a fantastic message!

If that wasn't enough, Loved + Blessed gives a portion of the proceeds of each box sold to Union Rescue Mission, a charity that offers hope and healing to the homeless.  What an amazing cause!

For just $15.99/month + $4 shipping and handling in the US, you can get your Loved + Blessed box or gift someone else with this monthly dose of encouragement today!



Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Entertain Your Pup with TrustyPup Fling-A-Longs Pig #spon


*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to TrustyPup for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Our Harley Mae is a chewer.  She is pretty hard on toys, especially tennis ball toys, but we are constantly trying out new ones to satisfy her need to chew.  We were excited to get to try the TrustyPup Fling-A-Longs Pig:


 The Fling-A-Longs Pig is a durable, longer lasting soft plush pig toy with Chew Guard Technology. Chew Guard Technology is a special manufacturing process that adds a super tough and durable lining to soft plush toys.  Even though no pet toy is indestructible, soft toys with Chew Guard Technology are tougher and last longer than standard plush.


 This toy has two balls inside for toss, tug of war and chase fun.   Harley really enjoyed playing with it independently.  



Unfortunately, she was eventually able to completely obliterate this toy, but she really is an extreme chewer.  If you have a dog who is a little more gentle on toys, I have no doubt this would be a great toy for them!




Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Thursday, August 9, 2018

Chewy.com Challenge: Only Natural Pet RawNibs Beef and Tripe Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Food

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Chewy.com for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

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

Give your pup or feline friend the supreme health benefits of a raw diet in Only Natural Pet RawNibs Beef & Tripe. The easy-to-feed, bite-size nibbles are never cooked, heated or steamed, but are freeze-dried to lock in flavor and nutrition. It’s great as a complete meal, a healthy topper or nutritional boost, or even a healthy, raw snack on the go. This holistic formula contains raw freeze-dried, beef and organ meat for a tasty kibble with maximum nutritional benefits. It’s filled with fresh whole vegetables and fruits, such as sweet potatoes, broccoli, and apples for a nutritional powerhouse packed with fiber, potassium, vitamins and minerals. Plus, organic goat’s milk—rich in electrolytes, enzymes, protein and fatty acids—making it easily digestible for your furry friend’s stomach, and no grains, soy, corn or wheat.


Harley was lucky enough to be chosen to do a 30 day trial of RawNibs and she loved everything about it!  This vet-formulated food can be feed as a topper or complete meal.  You can even stuff it inside dog treats for a fun and stimulating play-time with a tasty reward!


RawNibs features real beef and organ meat along with veggies and other organic ingredients for an amazing balance of antioxidants, electrolytes and healthy fats in every bite.  It is safely made in the USA without the use of grain and comes in an easy-to-use resealable package.


After our 30 days, it's safe to say, we are sold on RawNibs!  Harley goes nuts when she sees us pull the bag out of the pantry and she devours it once it's put in her bowl.  We've noticed more consistent stools, a shinier, smoother coat and increased energy since starting to feed her RawNibs.  This grain-free freeze-dried food is a winner in our house!

You can find Only Natural Pet RawNibs Beef & Tripe Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog & Cat Food at Chewy.com. This is a fairly affordable option for a raw diet at just $19.99 for a 10 oz bag.



Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Monday, August 6, 2018

Introducing Teaching Textbooks 3.0...A Homeschooling Must-Have + Giveaway!!


*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Teaching Textbooks for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own.


We've been homeschooling for nearly seven years now and finding a reliable math curriculum that doesn't leave the kiddos or myself in tears has been a challenge.  Our math journey was a bumpy one for the first four years, trying curriculum after curriculum, wasting time and money and slowly losing my mind in the process.  Then we heard about Teaching Textbooks, we bought our first set of CDs and have never looked back!  Seriously, math has become smooth sailing with Teaching Textbooks, even getting my self-proclaimed "math hater" to look forward to doing math each day.

We have been completely in love and content with Teaching Textbooks 2.0 and when we heard there was a new version we jumped at the opportunity to try it out!  Teaching Textbooks 3.0 is the same amazing program, but it's all online.  No need to keep up with loose CDs or worry about careless kiddos scratching or breaking the discs.  It's pretty much the same as Teaching Textbooks 2.0 material-wise, but with some pretty sweet upgrades.

 Set up couldn't be easier, just put in your kid's name, age and password and your good to go.  Then they get to do the fun stuff like picking out the perfect background from a great list of options and browsing the extensive Buddy section to find their perfect match.  If you aren't familiar with Teaching Textbooks, Buddies cheer the student on and provide encouragement along the way.  My kiddos were super excited to find so many new Buddies to choose from and have had a lot of fun trying out different ones each day.


Parents have the ability to change the "Hint" and "Second Chance" features, but these are two of my favorite things about Teaching Textbooks, so we left them on.  I have a perfectionist who absolutely loses it when he gets a problem wrong, so having the second chance to find and fix his mistake saves both of us from major day-ruining meltdowns.

Another awesome feature of Teaching Textbooks 3.0 is the ability to access the program remotely, which is great when the kiddos are doing school during my work hours.  If they need help with a question, need me to edit or delete answers or I need to check grades, I can access their accounts without having to even get up from my computer.  Nice!


I also love that Teaching Textbooks offers permanent grade storage.  We have lost grades twice using the 2.0 version, once when the computer crashed and again thanks to Hurricane Harvey.  Even if you aren't using the program any longer, you can access past grade books to get info for transcripts or record-keeping purposes.


Each 12 month subscription also allows for 90 days' worth of pause time. You may activate the pause any time you choose, but you must use at least 7 days of pause time before unpausing.  We school year-round, but this is great for when we take a week of here and there for vacation, hosting company or the holidays.
 As I mentioned earlier, the academic content is the same as the 2.0 curriculum and includes over 100 hours of multimedia instruction.  The physical books have been replaced by eBooks.  3.0 works on ALL desktops and laptops, and it will even work on flash-enabled tablets and smartphones (check the TT website to confirm your device will work)


Phew!  Those are all of MY favorite things about Teaching Textbooks 3.0, but it's also super important that the student loves it too.  Find out what my kiddos thought about their experience with Teaching Textbooks 3.0:

12 year-old A, Algebra


Favorite part of 3.0:
"I love all the backgrounds and buddy characters.  Customization is my jam."

Preference of 2.0 or 3.0:
"No question, 3.0"

9 year-old D, Math 7

Favorite part of 3.0:
"You don't have to find the discs to do Math and I don't have to share my laptop with A anymore."  (A uses a Chromebook which has internet capability, but no disk drive.)

Preference of 2.0 or 3.0:
"3.0 big time"

As you can see, 3.0 was a huge hit with both kiddos and we will be sticking to it.  Yay for Teaching Textbooks!

Pricing:

Math 3, Math 4 and Math 5 are each $43.08 for a 12-month subscription which works out to  $3.59 per month

Math 6 and Math 7 are each $55.08 for a 12-month subscription which works out to  $4.59 per month

Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2 and Pre-Calculus are $67.08 for a 12-month subscription which works out to $5.59 per month

And check out this great news for families with 4 or more students:


The Teaching Textbooks™ 3.0 Large-Family
Discount Plan
Complete Program: 12-Month Subscription for 4-8 Students: $199.08
(which works out to only $16.59 per month!)

You can still purchase the 2.0 disc sets and physical copies of the books if you 'd like. 

If you'd like to try before you buy, Teaching Textbooks is offering a free trial!


Sign up on the Free Trial Page!


Teaching Textbooks has also generously offered to sponsor a giveaway for a 12-month subscription to one lucky ABCD Diaries reader! Enter below: