Blog Bash Giveaway 1: Rowenta Iron Giveaway!! $100 ARV!!

Congrats to js22!

Our first Blog Bash sponsor is...

"Rowenta creates home appliances with a streamlined design that convey a sense of well-being.Beauty and intelligence inform each and every appliance: steam irons, steam generators,vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, hair styling or beauty appliances."

We reviewed and are giving away the Rowenta Focus Steam Iron:

Rowenta Focus Features:
-3-Way Smart Auto-Off: turns the iron off in 8 minutes if vertical and 30 seconds if horizontal or tipped over
-Vertical Steam: allows to remove wrinkles from drapes and hanging garments
-Burst of Steam: steam is concentrated at the tip to remove hard-to-reach wrinkles
-Comfort Handle: provides comfort and control while ironing
-Large Soft-Touch Rear: provides extra stability when iron is on its heel
-Large Water Tank: holds 10 ounces
-Covered Filling Inlet: helps prevent spilling of water and spotting clothes
-1700 watts/weight: 3 lbs. 6 oz.

Microsteam400 Stainless Steel Sole plate: provides a smooth surface with excellent glide; 400 micro steam holes provide perfect steam distribution and high precision tip delivers steam to hard-to-reach areas
Auto Steam: adjusts steam output to sole plate temperature

High precision tip: Delivers unsurpassed ironing performance in even the hardest to reach areas

What we thought:  The Focus was a really awesome iron.  It has top of the line features, is easy to use and gives you professional results every time. As the mother of 2 young children, I especially love the auto-off features...if it gets tipped over or left laying flat, it shuts off within 30 seconds.  I also like the vertical steam feature.  It allows me to steam out wrinkles in hanging garments.  ABCD Diaries gives the Rowenta Focus Iron an A+!

Buy It: Find an awesome selection of steam irons at Rowenta!

Win It: Rowenta has generously offered one ABCD Diaries reader the Focus Iron, a $100 value!

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Giveaway ends Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at 11:59cst. Winner will be chosen via random.org and emailed. They will have 48 hours to reply. Open to US 18+

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

flipflop wines Review Round 2...

We recently had the chance to review a merlot and a cabernet sauvignon from flipflop wines.

About flipflop wines:

"With flipflop wines, we have embraced the movement toward individualistic expression, instead of manufacturing wines into some cookie-cutter style that’s all the rage. Our goal is to craft expressive, well-balanced wines that evoke just what the grapes inside intended, without being over-wrought or over-explained, and that can be enjoyed at any occasion."

Appellation: California

Tastes like: Full-bodied, Cabernet Sauvignon with blackberry fruit, dark cherries and a long, lingering finish.
It is full of: Black pepper notes and berry aromas

Eat with: New York strip steak, spinach ravioli or Portobello mushrooms

Serve: Room temperature

Appellation: California

Tastes like: Medium-bodied, silky Merlot with plum and mocha notes, soft tannins and a balanced, luscious finish.

Eat with: Texas chili, black & blue sliders, cheddar cheese broccoli or your favorite tacos

Serve: Room temperature

What we thought: Yummy-licious!!  This time around we got to try two reds from flipflop wines.  First up was the Cabernet Sauvignon, which is B's favorite kind of wine.  He said he was pleasantly surprised by the deliciousness of this particular bottle.  You can definitely taste the spicy black pepper notes in this one (which we loved) and it was the perfect pairing for a nice, juicy steak dinner!  The Merlot was equally tasty with it's slightly fruity flavors.  It was delicious with burgers fresh off the grill...yep, we don't need a super special meal to enjoy a bottle of wine around here:)  I love that these flipflop wines go so well with grilled foods because our grill is employed year round here...at least 3 times a week.  flipflop wines has a fantastic variety of affordable wines, perfect for a special dinner or a backyard BBQ...love the versatility!  ABCD Diaries gives flipflop wines another A+!

Buy It: Find flipflop wines at grocers and liquor stores nationwide.

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.

***Please remember to drink responsibly!! NEVER drink and drive!!***

"How Back-Back Got His Name" Book Review...

How Back-Back Got His Name (The Lima Bear Stories)
Thomas Weck (Author), Peter Weck (Author), Len DiSalvo (Illustrator)

Product Details
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Lima Bear Press; First edition (July 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1933872144

Product Description
"Can you imagine what it would be like to lose your back!!? Well, that is exactly what happens to Plumpton, the Opossum. Lima Bear and his clever friends become detectives searching for this missing back. Follow them as they try new and different ways of thinking to solve the mystery. See how they band together to protect each other in times of danger! Will they ever find Plumpton's back? The message of the story is: The tolerance of difference in others yields benefits. In the series entitled The Lima Bear Stories, each has a distinct personality that shines through in every story. While the children have no idea what twists and turns the story may take, they come to know the characters and have a pretty good idea of how they are likely to act in different situations and settings. In essence, the children become friends with the characters. There is a form of bonding that develops. Each story carries an important overriding message (such as courage, tolerance, honesty), and we believe that knowing the characters creates a better understanding and appreciation of the message."

What we thought: Another cute story from The Lima Bear series, "How Back-Back Got His Name" teaches the important lessons of courage and tolerance, as well as the skill of problem solving.  Once again, our kiddos enjoyed the fun and colorful story of these adorable animal friends.  This book would be great for little ones 2-8.  ABCD Diaries gives "How Back-Back Got His Name" an A+!

Buy It: Find "How Back-Back Got His Name" at your favorite book seller.


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.

"The Complete Idiots Guide" VS. "For Dummies": Glycemic Index Cookbook...

We were recently asked to participate in a better book challenge featuring The Complete Idiot's Guide Glycemic Index Cookbook VS the Glycemic Index Cookbook for Dummies.

First, here is a little background on each of the books:

The Complete Idiot's Guide Glycemic Index Cookbook
Product Description:
"Cook these recipes up-and keep blood sugar down.
With over 325 delicious and healthy recipes, The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to the Glycemic Index Cookbook is an invaluable reference for choosing foods according to their GI-a system of classifying carbohydrate-based foods by how much they raise blood sugar. Diabetes, insulin resistance, heart disease, and obesity may be avoided by following the glycemic index. Practical and easy to use, this is the one cookbook anyone concerned with their blood sugar will want to have in the kitchen.
More than 325 recipes *Includes both the GI value and a GL (glycemic load) rating for each recipe *18 million people in the U.S. have type 2 diabetes and the number is growing"
 
Glycemic Index Cookbook for Dummies
Product Description:
"150 delicious and simple recipes with a glycemic index and glycemic load rating level for each
Includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, on-the-go, vegetarian, and kid-friendly recipes
Full-color insert showcases many of the book's recipes"

What we thought:  This was a super fun challenge.  We loved the section of color photos in the "For Dummies" book and the recipes were pretty tasty for the most part.  However, the "Complete Idiots Guide" had way more recipes...definitely more bang for your buck.  The recipes were simple and used easy-to-find ingredients.  Even the beginner chef could successfully pull off the delicious and healthy recipes.  The GI value and GL rating for each recipe were present in both books, which is extremely helpful when preparing foods for this diet.  Overall, we'd say the "Complete Idiot's Guide" won this challenge based on the recipe count and variety.  ABCD Diaries gives "The Complete Idiot's Guide Glycemic Index Cookbook" an A+!

Buy It: Find "The Complete Idiot's Guide Glycemic Index Cookbook" at www.idiotsguides.com. Use the code CIGBlog11 for 50% off of one order of regularly priced books from www.idiotsguides.com. The discount is effective immediately and runs through July 1^st.

Disclosure: ABCD Diaries was given copies of both books from TCIG for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

"Thunder of Heaven" by Tim LaHaye Review and Giveaway...

Congrats to Karen!

Thunder of Heaven: A Joshua Jordan Novel (End Series, The)
Tim LaHaye (Author), Craig Parshall (Author)

Product Details
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (June 28, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310326370

Product Description
"The End Series by New York Times bestselling author Tim LaHaye and Craig Parshall is an epic thrill ride ripped from today's headlines and filtered through Scriptural prophecy. As world events begin setting the stage for the 'end of days' foretold in Revelation, Joshua Jordan must weigh the personal price he must pay to save the nation he loves. Thunder of Heaven appeals to the tens of millions of readers who have already made Tim LaHaye a household name and one of the best selling authors of all time. This book is a return to form for Tim LaHaye whose previous prophetic fiction series, Left Behind, has sold roughly 70 million copies. Those who have read Left Behind and are eager for more highly charged fiction based on biblical prophesies will embrace Thunder of Heaven for the same reasons that turned Left Behind into the world's most celebrated publishing phenomenons of the last two decades."

What we thought:  This book takes place in the future, yet the events don't seem all that far-fetched.  If you are a fan of LaHaye's previous prophetic fiction, you won't be disappointed with "Thunder of Heaven."  It is an intriguing tale that you can really get lost in.  ABCD Diaries gives "Thunder of Heaven" an A+!

Buy It: Find this book at your favorite book dealer starting June 28th!

Win It: One ABCD Diaries reader will win a copy of this book! To enter, follow our blog via GFC.

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Giveaway ends Monday, July 4, 2011 at 11:59cst. Winner will be chosen via random.org and emailed. They will have 48 hours to reply. Open to US 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.

Appleton Estate Reserve Review...

Father's Day Gift Idea #12

About Appleton Estate Reserve:
"Luxurious and sophisticated. A superbly balanced blend of 20 Estate-produced rums personally selected by our Master Blender, distilled in specially designed copper pot stills and aged in handcrafted oak barrels. Appleton Estate Reserve is a full-bodied rum, perfect on the rocks or enhancing your favorite cocktail."

Shake Down Highball
Ingredients:
◦2oz Appleton Estate Reserve
◦0.50 Lemon juice
◦0.75 Ginger agave nectar
◦Muddled fresh berries
◦Top with soda
◦Garnish: 2 raspberries & 1 blackberry on a pick
◦Ice: Kold Draft or cubed ice

Glass:
Highball

Preparation:
Add 2 raspberries and 2 blackberries into your shaker and muddle. Add the rest of the ingredients by order of the recipe. Add four Kold Draft cubes and shake. Strain ingredients over fresh ice into your highball glass and top soda and stir. Garnish with 2 raspberries & 1 blackberry on a pick.

Privateer Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
◦2 oz Appleton Estate Reserve
◦0.25 oz Maple syrup (grade A or B)
◦0.50 Bar spoon all spice dram
◦Garnish: Long orange peel & lemon peel
◦Ice: 2”x 2” large format cube

Glass:
Double Old Fashioned

Preparation:
Add all ingredients into a dbl old-fashioned glass by order of the ingredients. Gently add the cube and trim if necessary. Stir in the glass 20 times and garnish with the oil of lemon and orange. Place the long peels around the cube and cross them as the stick out of the glass.

Reserve Mojito
Ingredients:
◦1.5 oz. Appleton Estate Reserve
◦0.75 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice or Muddle a Half a Lime
◦1.0 oz. Simple Syrup (1-1 Sugar to Water)
◦8-10 Mint Leaves
◦Top with Soda Water
◦Garnish: 2 Mint Sprigs

Glass:
Highball, 10-12 oz.

Preparation:
Add lime juice to your highball glass, add mint leaves and muddle slightly to open veins, release aromas and to infuse. Add simple syrup, Appleton Estate Reserve and ice. Top with soda. Fold all ingredients together with bar spoon to insure a balanced cocktail. Garnish with two mint sprigs tightly together without stems and placed gently in the cocktail.

What we thought:  This was a really yummy rum.  We served it at a small get together and it was a hit!  The ladies preferred the mixed drinks...the mojitos and the fruity drinks were refreshing and tasty; perfect for summer:)  The guys said it was smooth enough to drink straight with just a little ice.  It was also fantastic in a classic Cuba Libre:)  If you have a liquor connoisseur Dad, this could make a really classy Father's Day gift.  ABCD Diaries gives Appleton Estate Reserve an A+!

Buy It: Find this yummy rum at your local spirits store!


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

FeelFitWear Review...

We recently had the chance to review an exercise tank from FeelFitWear!

About FeelFitWear:
"At FeelFitWear you will find tank tops, sports bras, athletic jackets, exercise pants, workout crop pants, exercise shorts, and one–piece exercise suits that are designed to make you look and feel great from the inside out. Our fabrics do not fade or shrink so if you are looking for clothing that is easy to care for, you will find it here.
All of our apparel is made of cutting edge fabric that will be gentle to your skin, providing comfort with a stylish look.
FeelFitWear wants you to look fabulous even through the toughest workout."

About the All Exercise Tank Top
"Look your best in this all exercise tank top. Non see-through, mesh fabric bra accentuates this unique fitness tank style. V- neckline height adjustable.

• Designed to all types of exercise from running to yoga.
•Moderate CompressionFlex® technology with Lycra® for freedom of movement, comfortable and breathable fabric that will wick away moisture, keeping you dry and enhancing your exercise performance
•Form-fitting
•V-neck; Mesh bra; Extra long length for more coverage
•Easy-care; Pre-shrunk; No-Iron needed; Color doesn’t fade, looking new longer
•FeelFitWear® activewear brand"

What we thought: I really enjoyed this exercise tank.  It fit well and offered both support and breathability.  It was very flattering in all the right places and super stylish.  If you are looking for comfortable fitness wear check out the huge variety of tanks, pants, bras, bodysuits and other women's activewear at FeelFitWear!  ABCD Diaries gives FeelFitWear an A+!

Buy It: Find this awesome tank and more fabulous women's exercise wear at FeelFitWear!


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