Thursday, February 3, 2011

Kissmecrafty Etsy Shop Giveaway...

Congratulations to the winner, #62-Tawnya!
About Kissmecrafty:
"Kissmecrafty was started in early 2008 by two sisters (Kristen & Serina) who wanted to share their creations with the world. We create polymer figures, accessories, along with other forms of art we are dabbling with.
Kristen - hair accessories (headbands, bows, etc.), hand crafted (polymer/beaded) jewelry.
Serina - Sculpted polymer figures, hand crafted (polymer/beaded) jewelry"

Some of our favorites from Kissmecrafty:

Blue Flower Scripture Hair Clips


Purple Dove Necklace


Bowed Black Heart Ring


Bow Button Bracelet


Buy It: Find these beautiful handmade creations and more at Kissmecrafty!!

Win It: Kissmecrafty has generously offered one ABCD Diaries reader an item from their shop...winner's choice!! To enter, follow our blog via GFC and comment below.

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Giveaway ends Thursday, February 17, 2010 at 11:59cst. Winner will be chosen via random.org and emailed. They will have 48 hours to reply. Open to US residents 18+:)


Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was in no way compensated for this post. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Vlasic Recipes for your Super Bowl Party...

Check out these awesome recipe ideas from Vlasic....


"It's been reported that by the time the final whistle blows at Super Bowl, Americans will have downed 156 billion calories, mostly from greasy pizzas, fried chicken wings and beer. During Super Bowl, more than 28 million pounds of potato chips will be eaten. Instead of sending party guests into a calorie coma, still offer delicious food, just substitute healthier options with snacks and sandwiches. It's easier than you think—for example, skip all the fat calories in potato chips and eat a crunchy pickle with, or ON your sandwich instead; Vlasic Pickles is low in calories with NO FAT and all the flavor. These original recipes from Vlasic Pickles offer fans of football and food options that taste great but aren't loaded with calories.

For Super Bowl, pickles are the ultimate side and topper for the sandwiches that will be devoured in front of the TV, at tailgates and at the big game on February 6th. Vlasic® Pickles are always delicious with your favorite game day foods and have the added bonus of each serving being low in calories and containing NO fat. Even if fans root for different teams, they can still agree on one thing: great food equals a great party.

Vlasic ®has a pickle for every sandwich and is also the perfect no-fuss snack for game watchers everywhere. This Game Day, Vlasic ® is making it more convenient and affordable than ever to host a great party. Through February 10th, the brand is offering 55 cents off of ANY Vlasic ® product in stores nationwide through http://www.coupons.com/ and http://www.smartsource.com/ –just look for the online banner that says “Vlasic. It’s How a Sandwich Parties.” Here are some super sandwich ideas from the “Food Dude” himself, Chef Kevin Roberts, guaranteed to inspire a touchdown dance or two:
TEXAS-STYLE HOT DOG
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS:
For the Hotdogs:
4 Kosher All Beef hot dogs
4 good quality hot dog buns

For the Pickleslaw:
2 cups shredded cabbage
2 teaspoons celery seed
4 tablespoons Vlasic® Relish
3/4 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups barbecue sauce (use your favorite smoky flavor)

Directions:
1. Add shredded cabbage to a large mixing bowl.
2. Add celery seed, relish, mayonnaise, vinegar, salt and pepper. Mix well and put aside.
3. Grill/boil/bake hot dogs and buns until desired doneness.
4. Now build your Texas Dog. Spread some barbecue sauce on the bun, add the hot dog, as much Pickleslaw as you want and enjoy!


GRILLED CUBAN SUBS
Makes 2 subs
Ingredients:
2 loafs hero-style French bread
4 tablespoons French’s® Yellow Mustard
4 Vlasic® Kosher Dill Stackers
4 slices, Swiss cheese
6 slices, Virginia ham
4 tablespoons roast pork, chopped or pulled

Directions:
1. Half the bread lengthwise.
2. Spread the mustard on both sides.
3. Add 2 pickle slices per sub on top of the mustard, then add the Swiss cheese on top of them.
4. Fold ham in half and add evenly. Then add the pork on top of the ham.
5. Fold Subs together and grill until bread is nice and toasty and cheese is melted.
(You can place a large, heavy pan on top while grilling to make this a true Panini!)

GRILLED CATFISH SANDWICH WITH DILL RELISH
Makes 2 sandwiches
Ingredients:
1 pound Catfish, de-boned and grilled
1 tablespoon, Old Bay Seasoning
½ cup mayonnaise
2 Vlasic® Kosher Dill Pickles, finely chopped
1 sprig fresh dill, minced
1 teaspoon hot sauce (use your favorite)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 Torpedo-style rolls, warmed, cut in half

Directions:
1. Clean, season and grill the catfish until flakey.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, make the relish by adding the mayo, pickles, dill, hot sauce, salt and pepper. Mix well.
3. Heat the rolls up on the grill or oven.
4. Build your sandwich by adding the fish, then relish.

PITA BURGERS WITH PICKLE RELISH
Makes 2 pita burgers
Ingredients:
1 pound Ground Meat shaped into burger
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 Pitas, halved and toasted
2 tablespoons ketchup
4 Vlasic® Baby Sweets pickles, chopped
2 Roma Tomatoes, chopped

Directions:
1. Grill burgers to desired doneness. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Toast the pita halves until crispy.
3. Spread ketchup inside the pita halves.
4. In a medium bowl, mix the pickles and tomatoes.
5. Stuff the burger into the pita and add the pickle and tomato relish.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

SLIDERS WITH PICKLE CHIPOTLE SAUCE
Serves 10
Ingredients:
1 pack, King’s Hawaiian Bred Rolls
1 pound CHICKEN, PORK or STEAK, cooked and chopped

FOR THE PICKLE CHIPOTLE SAUCE:
1 small can Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce (use sauce, too)
2 Roma Tomatoes, rinsed and diced
1 Vlasic® Dill Pickle, diced
1 teaspoon Vlasic® Pickle Juice
Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:1. Slice open the rolls and lay flat on a surface.
2. Bake, grill or roast the chicken, pork or steak. Let cool and chop or shred. Put on the slider bun.
3. To make the sauce, add all ingredients to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and add to the meat on the bun. Make sliders."

Thanks to Vlasic for all of these wonderful recipes for the the big game! Enjoy!


Disclosure: ABCD Diaries will receive free product coupons in exchange for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone. We were in no other way compensated. All information in this post was provided by Vlasic.

SwaddleDesigns Review and Giveaway...

We recently had the chance to review a cute hooded towel from SwaddleDesigns.

About SwaddleDesigns:
"SwaddleDesigns is best known for our Ultimate Receiving Blanket® which is much larger than typical receiving blankets and square in shape - and it is the only blanket with swaddling instructions sewn to its edge (patent pending). Parents tell us how much they love our blankets and find the swaddling instructions at their fingertips very helpful.
We offer two types of fabric for swaddling: Flannel and Marquisette.
· Flannel is the #1 Choice in US hospitals for swaddling babies, because it is thin, lightweight, breathable, but not too thick. Cotton flannel is appropriate for moderate to cooler environmental temperatures.
· We also offer a very lightweight open weave cotton Marquisette Swaddling Blanket® which is appropriate for warmer climates or summer swaddling. Cotton marquisette is the highest quality open weave fabric due to its high quality threads and thread count.

SwaddleDesigns is proud to announce our Safe Sleep Program as we strive to help educate parents and caregivers using the most recent information and research to increase awareness of Safe Sleep practices and help parents reduce risk of SIDS. You can find helpful tips and important information at Safe Sleep Page http://www.eswaddle.com/safe-sleep along with our SwaddleDesigns Goldilocks Guide™ which helps parents remember the importance of Temperature Awareness. The SwaddleDesigns Goldilocks Guide explains that baby should be dressed appropriately for the current temperature of their environment - not too hot, not too cold, but comfortably warm.”SwaddleDesigns - Hooded Towel - Lime with Brown Mod Circles
"100% Cotton Terry Velour Hooded Towel with Satin Trim
Premium terry velour is extremely soft and super absorbent
Stylish, functional and fun everyday essential
Keep baby warm and cozy after bath or swimming
30 x 30 inches
Wonderful gift
Machine wash warm and tumble dry low
Made from fine Turkish Terry Velour
Proudly made in USA"


Award Winning Blankets
"SwaddleDesigns Ultimate Receiving Blanket is large, square, lightweight and breathable (42 x 42 inches). It is made from super soft, premium, preshrunk cotton flannel.
Cotton Flannel is the #1 Choice in US hospitals for swaddling.
• Large, square, multi-use blanket perfect for swaddling and much more!

• 123 Swaddle instructions are sewn to the edge of each blanket

• Premium, super soft cotton flannel

• Made in the USA with superior quality"

What we thought: The hooded towel we reviewed was wonderful! It was really well-made and so soft to the touch. It was very absorbent and got the job done while adding some cuteness to our bathtime routine. I love the mod circle designs! D really loved the towel too. It was actually hard to get him out of the towel and into his jammies and even afterwards he carried the towel around until bedtime:) The products at SwaddleDesigns are cute and functional and I would recommend them to anyone looking to add a little luxury comfort to their baby or small child's world:) ABCD Diaries gives SwaddleDesigns an A+!

Buy It: Find these wonderful blankets, towels and more at SwaddleDesigns.

Win It: One ABCD Diaries reader will win the Ultimate Receiving Blanket in their choice of color and pattern!! To enter, sign up to follow our blog via GFC and visit SwaddleDesigns...come back and comment on your favorite product.
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Giveaway ends Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at 11:59cst. Winner 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 hooded towel for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Shaping the New You Review and Giveaway...

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Shaping the New You: 101 Encouraging Stories about Dieting and Fitness... and Finding What Works for You

Jack Canfield (Author), Mark Victor Hansen (Author), Amy Newmark (Author), Richard Simmons (Foreword)

Product Details
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Chicken Soup for the Soul; Original edition (December 28, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935096575

Product Description
"No one likes to diet, but this book will encourage and inspire readers with its positive, practical, and purposeful stories of dieting and fitness. Readers will find hope, help, and hints on getting fit and staying healthy in these 101 stories from those who have been there, done that, and maintained it. Stories about wake-up calls and realizations, moving more and eating better, self-esteem and support, will motivate any reader looking to start fresh or needing a boost. This is a great book for anyone embarking on a healthier lifestyle.

About the Author
Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen are co-founders of Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Amy Newmark is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Chicken Soup for the Soul."

What we thought: This collection of 101 weight loss success stories gives the reason a ton of ways to lose weight, get fit and eat healthy. These inspirational stories are told by real people who went through real life experience which makes the reader even more motivated to reach their health goals. I felt I could really relate with so many of the stories and their authors...this book is incredibly inspiring and would be great for anyone trying to become healthier, both as a reference tool and a motivational tool:) ABCD Diaries gives Shaping the New You an A+!
Buy It: Find Shaping the New You and other wonderful Chicken Soup for the Soul titles at your favorite book seller!!

Win It: Three ABCD Diaries reader will win a copy of Shaping the New You!! To enter, follow our blog via GFC and leave a comment below.

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Giveaway ends Wednesday, February 16, 2011 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 book for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Illinois Nut & Candy Co. Review...

We recently had the chance to review a few treats from Raising the Candy Bar and Illinois Nut & Candy Co.
About Illinois Nut & Candy:
"Raising the Candy Bar is the latest addition to Illinois Nut & Candy Home of Fantasia Confections. For over a quarter of a century Illinois Nut & Candy formerly Illinois Nut Outlet has been doing just that raising the bar. Since September 2004 Melissa and David's goal has been to constantly raise the candy bar by not only being the largest Kosher candy store in the Midwest but by trying to be the largest niche candy store as well. We offer Gluten Free, Lactose Free, Sugar Free, Organic, Vegan Friendly - all under Kosher supervision.
We have over 600 confections from apple rings to zebra bark. Our expansive selections of nuts are freshly roasted and our dried fruits come from around the world. Our highly trained chocolatiers combined with their experience and our valued recipes have given us world renowned confections such as our own hand made English Toffee as well as our Taffy Apples. Our chocolate confections include miniatures filled with crèmes, barks, dipped glazed fruit, turtles, rocky road bars, and two separate lines of truffles our traditional line and our signature line for the more discriminating pallets. All of our chocolates are available in both a smooth creamy milk chocolate and in a rich semi sweet chocolate. What truly separates us is our commitment to customer service. Our goal is to make your experience a sweet one!"


16 Piece Box of Truffles
"Leave a lasting impression with our Fantasia Confections. This box of handmade truffles is pure decadence."Milk Chocolate Heart Lolli in Semi Sweet Chocolate
"This chocolate heart is about 1" across. The perfect gift for Valentines Day, Sweetest Day, Bridal Shower or party favors.This chocolate heart is about 1" across. The perfect gift for Valentines Day, Sweetest Day, Bridal Shower or party."

What we thought: The chocolate treats we sampled were scrumptious! The assorted truffles were absolutely decadent and indulgent, not to mention beautifully crafted! Each one was like a little piece of chocolate bliss:) The kiddos really enjoyed the heart lollipops. They had never gotten to experience a chocolate lollipop before and A said it was the best lollipop she had ever tasted. 2 yr old D didn't say much of anything, but his chocolate covered mouth spoke volumes:) The variety at this candy store is pretty impressive...they have a lot more than just superior specialty chocolates. The variety of goodies for Valentine's Day is pretty awesome so if you're looking for a sweet treat for your sweetheart, check out their online store! ABCD Diaries gives Illinois Nut & Candy Co an A+!

Buy It: Find these yummy treats at Illinois Nut & Candy Co! Use the code ABCDdiaries to get 10% off your order!


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.

Goodnight Sweetheart Game for Couples Review and Giveaway...



We recently had the chance to review a couples game just in time for Valentine's Day...Goodnight Sweetheart.About Goodnight Sweetheart:
"Goodnight Sweetheart LLC provides do-able, easy, and FUN ways for you to better connect with the people who matter most – your “family”. As Goodnight Sweetheart founder, Evon Creger, explains, “Having those wonderful moments - heartfelt connections - with your significant other and your kids – THAT’S what makes for a satisfying life. At the end of the day, when you feel CONNECTED to those who matter most to you, you… feel… happy.”
At Goodnight Sweetheart, we offer you fun, EASY ways to get there!
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
Goodnight Sweetheart LLC donates 5% of all profits back to the community in areas that benefit women and children. Current donation sites include the local domestic abuse shelter for women. Others sites to include these:
• Foster care support
• Service dog funding
• Armed forces family programs"

Goodnight Sweetheart Couple's Edition
"2 cards…2 people…2 minutes… Sweet, FUN, adorable!!!! Create your “better together” today. A card each before bed….or play it in its longer version for a DATE NIGHT that will become your favorite.
Details
• 1 box, 1 game bookmark, 4 categories of cards, 52 count deck.
• At minimum, it's a card each before bedtime…
• Some are romantic, some silly, ALL fun - easy to answer.
• Value -- of feeling tingles?…always PRICELESS!"


Goodnight Sweetheart Night Cap Notes
"Delightful, endearing notes, finished by you! The good stuff that’s already in your heart, is now easy to express in a flash. They fit perfectly into a back pack, lunch box, or wallet. Or, as the name suggests, leave one on your loved one’s pillow for a wonderful way to end their day (and yours)! 10 pack (2 each of 5 messages)."
What we thought: This was a super cute game:) It was quick and easy to do each night before bed. Some of the cards cutesy and others more romantic. Regardless, each card gets you to communicate with your partner verbally or physically and that is super important no matter what "stage of life" you and your partner are in. This is a really sweet game and would make a nice gift for your loved on for Valentine's Day. The Night Cap Notes would be great to express yourself with a surprise note...super cute idea! ABCD Diaries gives Goodnight Sweetheart products an A+!

Buy It: Find these wonderful Valentione's gifts at Goodnight Sweetheart!
Win It: One lucky ABCD Diaries reader will win the Goodnight Sweetheart Couple's Edition card game!! To enter, sign up to follow our blog via GFC and comment below.

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Giveaway ends Tuesday, February 15, 2011 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 card game for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Help a Shelter Pet this V-day through Facebook!

HomeAgain Pet Recovery Service is offering pet lovers a special way to celebrate Valentine’s Day: the “HomeAgain Hearts, Share Your Heart & Help Shelter Pets” campaign.


Here’s how it works:

(1) Visit the HomeAgain PetRescuers Facebook page (contest is live on February 1), http://www.facebook.com/HomeAgainPetRescuers?v=app_172865006090891
(2) Post a heart on your Facebook page (There are four options!)
(3) $.25 will be donated to the PetFinder.com Foundation (up to $5,000) for each heart posted
(4) The campaign runs Feb. 1-14

This is a simple and fun way to share the love this Valentine’s Day season!

Disclosure: We were in no way compensated for this post.