Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Celebrate National Mustard Day with French's!

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.


Celebrate Summer in a New Way
Participate in National Mustard Day –sponsored by French’s Mustard
Mustard Day 2013 is Saturday, August 3rd

"French’s® Mustard has helped bring together the people we love, the moments we treasure and the food we savor ever since it first introduced its Classic Yellow Mustard in 1904 at the St. Louis World’s Fair. While mustard remains the most popular condiment for hot dogs, it’s a secret cooking ingredient that many home chefs are just now starting to share. This year, in honor of National Mustard Day, celebrate America’s #1 Mustard brand* by using a bit ofFrench’s to add more flavor to your favorite everyday recipes. So whether you prefer Classic Yellow, Spicy Brown, Dijon, Horseradish, Honey or Honey Dijon,French’s has a flavor that will take your family favorite recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

In addition, with a new museum designed to celebrate this flavorful favorite, why not take a summer road trip to the National Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin, just steps from downtown Madison, Wisconsin’s 2nd largest city? On Saturday, August 3rd, visit Mustard’s “home” and experience a fun-filled day for the entire family at the annual festival that has made mustard an integral part of celebrating summer across America.

“While most of us recognize mustard for its popularity as a condiment used on hot dogs, burgers and sandwiches,  mustard is about so much more,” says Barry Levenson, Curator at the National Mustard Museum. “It’s the versatility of French’s mustard that also makes it ideal for adding a boost of flavor to everyday recipes and an added benefit of French’s Classic Yellow, Spicy Brown and Horseradish varieties, they are 100% natural and zero calories.” This year’s visitors can expect a fun-filled day for the entire family when National Mustard Day 2013 kicks off at 10 a.m. with free hot dogs, live music, games, mustard samples and more. Festivities continue all day until 4 p.m.

National Mustard Day 2013 Activities include:

·         Opening ceremonies with Dr. Mustard

·         Onsite appearances by the French’s® Mustard Man

·         Live music by the Red Hot Horn Dawgs

·         Free Hot Dogs (*mustard required)

·         Mustard Games that raise money for Restoring Hope Transplant House

·         Magic by Wayne the Wizard

·         Klements onsite grilling brats

·         Oscar Mayer Weinermobile

·         FREE Mustard sampling


Even if you can’t make it to National Mustard Day, you can celebrate the day with these great summer recipes and for more, log onto www.frenchsfoods.com.


BEEF KABOBS WITH DIJON STEAK DRESSING
Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 10 mins

¾  cup              FRENCH'S® Dijon Mustard
¼  cup              olive oil plus additional for skewers
¼  cup              honey
1 tbsp.              FRENCH'S® Extra Tenderizing™ Worcestershire Sauce
12                     bamboo skewers, soaked in water
2 lb.                  boneless sirloin steak, cut into 1-in. cubes; season to taste with salt and pepper
2                      large red bell peppers, cut into chunks
2                      large red onions, cut into chunks

1. WHISK mustard, 1/4 cup oil, honey and Worcestershire in bowl; set aside.
2.  THREAD 4 steak cubes, 4 bell pepper chunks and 3 red onion chunks on each skewer. Brush steak skewers lightly with olive oil.
3. GRILL kabobs over medium-heat for 10 min. or until desired doneness, turning frequently.
4. DRIZZLE kabobs with Dijon sauce and serve extra on the side.
Makes 6 servings, 2 skewers each
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SUPER JUICY  CHICKEN
A simple, classic BBQ technique that yields a moist, flavorful chicken with a subtle flavor of mustard
Prep Time:0 mins        Cook Time:0 mins

3lbs        fryer chicken, cut into 8 pcs
½  cup    FRENCH’S® Classic Yellow® Mustard
3 Tsp      McCormick® Grill Mates® Montreal Spice
                                         
1. PREHEAT grill to medium heat
2. PLACE chicken pieces on large plate and coat both sides with FRENCH’S® Classic Yellow® Mustard. Sprinkle Montreal Spice on.
3. GRILL over medium heat for 20 minutes till juices run clear or 160F internal.
Makes      4-6 servings
TIP- works great on ribs, brisket and pork shoulder to protect and tenderize over low and slow barbecueing
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EASY CHEESY MAC & CHEESE
Prep Time:10 mins     Cook Time:35 mins

8 oz.                        uncooked elbow macaroni (4 cups cooked)
1 (10 3/4 oz.) can   CAMPBELL’S® Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup 
1 ½ cups               milk 
2 to 3                    tbsp.   FRENCH’S® Classic Yellow® Mustard
3                           cups (12 oz.)    shredded American or Cheddar cheese 
2                           tbsp.   butter, cut into pieces

1.  COOK macaroni according to package directions using shortest cooking time. Drain and place into greased 2-qt. baking dish.
2.  MIX soup, milk and mustard. Pour over pasta and stir in 2 cups cheese. Top with butter.
3.  BAKE at 350°F for 30 min. or until hot and bubbly. Stir. Top with remaining cheese. Bake 5 min. until cheese melts.
Makes 6 servings 
Variation: substitute other types of shredded cheese such as Jack, Mexican blend or sharp Cheddar.


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    SALMON WITH DIJON SAUCE
Prep Time: 5 mins            Cook Time: 15 mins      
4  (6 oz.)             salmon fillets
                          Salt and pepper to taste
1/3 cup               FRENCH’S® Dijon Mustard
3 tbsp.                olive oil
3 tbsp.                lemon juice
1tsp.                   minced garlic

1. SEASON salmon with salt and pepper. Place into greased baking dish, skin side down.
2. MIX remaining ingredients. Reserve 1/3 cup sauce. Spread remaining sauce over salmon pieces.
3. BAKE salmon at 400°F for 10 to 15 min. until salmon is cooked through. Serve with the reserved mustard sauce.
Makes 4 servings 

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

#NSNation Nutrisystem 5 Day Jumpstart Wrap Up Review

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.

I am so excited to be working with Nutrisystem and getting the chance to review the 5 Day Jumpstart Kit!  

I successfully completed the Nutrisystem 5 Day Jumpstart Kit!  By eating the provided foods, increasing my water intake and adding 30 minutes of activity a day, I was able to lose 5 pounds in a week!  I'm confident that by continuing these small diet and exercise changes, I will be able to continue to get closer to my weight loss goal:)
Overall, I think this kit is a great way to jumpstart your weight-loss plan.  If you've ever thought about trying Nutrisystem, this is a great way to sample their food and decide if it's right for you.

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

S2O All-in-One Laundry Sheets

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


Check out S2O, a pre-moistened, biodegradable, all-in-one laundry sheet.
"In most households summertime only means one thing, more laundry. Between baseball games and barbecues, chances are that by the end of the day your family’s clothes paint a pretty vivid picture. With all of that laundry piling up, you could be doing up to three loads a day - Not to mention, the amount of detergent, bleach, fabric softener, and stain remover being used which, could be costing you up to $1.40 per load!
S2O makes doing laundry a breeze. Here’s why:
·       S2O is a pre-moistened, organic, biodegradable surfactant, all-in-one laundry sheet that takes the place of detergent, fabric softener, stain sticks and booster products, saving consumers time and money – approximate savings of $1.20 per load!
·       S2O prevents the redeposition of soil from washing machine “grey water,” which means no need for caustic bleach and other products that are harmful to the environment
·       S2O retails for $19.99 for a 100-sheet tub and is sold at CVS, Bed Bath & Beyond, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Boscov's and other retailers as well as online at https://www.s2olaundrysheets.com
·       S2O is made from plant extracts as well as soy, coconut and corn which have a higher degree of efficacy in breaking down stains"

What we thought:  These sheets are so convenient!  We use two at a time because we always have a ton of laundry and the sheets really work to get our clothes clean.  The light, clean scent is really nice too, it's not crazy strong so it's great for my scent-sensitive family:)  These sheets are easy to use and you can feel good about knowing you are saving money and time while gently cleaning your clothes in a safe and effective manner.  ABCD Diaries gives S2O Laundry Sheets an A!

Friday, July 12, 2013

Bazooka Candy Brands: Despicable Me 2 Prize Pack Giveaway!

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.

"This summer, the mischievous Minions of “Despicable Me 2” are not only taking over the world, but also a candy aisle near you!  In conjunction with the highly anticipated Universal Studios sequel, “Despicable Me 2,” Bazooka Candy Brands will be introducing a line of Despicable Me 2 and Minion-themed candy at retailers nationwide.

Among their favorites, fans will find limited edition-versions of Ring Pop, Juicy Drop Pop, Jumbo Push Pop, and Baby Bottle Pop featuring movie tie-in and silly minion-themed wraps.  
In addition to the fun and tasty candy line, Bazooka Candy Brands will also feature two Despicable Me 2 promotional games at Candymania.com, a candy-centric gaming, activities, and pop-culture platform.  Mission ImPOPsible is a complex multi-level game that takes kids through the movie plot so they can live out the action for themselves. The second game, Minion Golf, lets users be as silly as the minions as they try to put their favorite candy to their excited and hungry minion friends."

Want to win?  We are giving away a Bazooka/Despicable Me 2 Prize Pack that includes Baby Bottle Pop, Juicy Drop Pop, and Push Pop Despicable Me themed candies!

Whole Fruit Sorbet & Greek Frozen Yogurt Giveaway!

ABCD Diaries may have been given samples for review purposes. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

"J&J Snack Foods' Whole Fruit Sorbet & Greek Frozen Yogurt has been nominated as one of 15 First-Half Favorite Dairy Products of 2013 in Dairy Foods Magazine!! Now it's time to show them that Whole Fruit is your favorite and we need your help!


The winner is selected by voting in a poll on the Dairy Foods website. It's our mission to get the vote out! We'd like to offer you the opportunity to host a giveaway on your website. We will send 5 Whole Fruit VIP coupons to a single giveaway winner that you select from your site. One of the requirements for entry should be voting for Whole Fruit Sorbet & Greek Frozen Yogurt in the Dairy Foods Poll. The voting is only open until Jul 31, 2013, so HURRY!"

Here's the link! First-Half Favorite Dairy Products of 2013: http://www.dairyfoods.com/polls/36

Thursday, July 11, 2013

#NSNation Nutrisystem 5 Day Jumpstart Kit Mid-Week Update...

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.

I am so excited to be working with Nutrisystem and getting the chance to review the 5 Day Jumpstart Kit!  

I have completed 3 days of the 5 Day Jumpstart kit.  The first few days, I found my self pretty hungry in between meals, but by day 3, I noticed I was staying fuller longer.  I have really enjoyed the meals and snacks from the kit.  Probably my favorite aspect (other thn the food of course:) was the meal plan that was included with the kit.  It is so easy to use and pretty much plans your meals for you.  You do have to provide fresh produce and dairy products, but the plan lists several good options, so even if you are a picky eater, you are sure to find items you will like to add to your meals and snacks.  

The 5 Day Jumpstart kit is packed full of food and I haven't found anything I haven't enjoyed yet.  The portions are smaller than I'm used to, but I am getting used to it:)  I have lost some weight, (I'll reveal the final total in next week's post) but best of all, I'm feeling better, both physically and emotionally:)  

Stay tuned for my wrap-up review of the Nutrisystem 5 Day Jumpstart Kit next week!

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog

Monday, July 8, 2013

Giveaway!! EquityLock Protector Membership + Gift Card $485 ARV!

Fire up the grill, dust off your hammock and prep your pool because summer is here! It’s the perfect time to relax, chill with friends, and enjoy the sunshine. There’s no better way to unwind than with the peace of mind that no matter come rain or shine... your home and appliances are covered, just in case! Typically, homeowner insurance policies don't offer help when your appliances break down. With the EquityLock Protector plan, you'll safeguard up to $50,000 of the value of your property and ensure your six most essential appliances are protected, including: - washer - dryer - refrigerator - microwave - dishwasher - range/oven/cooktop Each of your appliances will be protected (up to $1,500 per 12-month period) including repair or, if necessary, replacement. This summer, get your peace of mind LOCKED!

 

 Explore the EquityLock Protector Blog App. Take the Lock Your Appliances! quiz and download the 6-Tips-to-Keep-Your-House-Happy printable sheet.