Dinosaur Train "Let's Go to Volcano Valley" Review...

"ON THE ROAD TO SUMMERTIME ADVENTURE WITH DINOSAUR TRAIN!
Did You Know That July Is National Recreation and Parks Month?
Summertime is here and what better way to spend the summer with family and friends than on an adventure to visit one of our national parks and/or recreation destinations. July is Park and Recreation Month in the U.S., and the theme for this year’s celebration is “Rock Your Park.” The National Park and Recreation Association wants you to show the country how parks and recreation make your life extraordinary! Whether it is visiting your local park, a playground, swimming pool, or taking a family trip to one of our national park treasures, celebrate our country’s love of the great outdoors this month! Visit the organization’s website to find out ways to get involved: http://www.nrpa.org/july

You can also turn your visit to the local park into a game by participating in the Dinosaur Train Geocache Challenge. Geocaching is a family friendly outdoor adventure that blends technology, gaming and environmental discovery. Each geocache features one of the dinosaurs found on the online Dinosaur Train Field Guide and contains educational information related to that dinosaur. So, perhaps pick your local park as a destination to hide your own Dinosaur Train container. To participate in the Dinosaur Train Geocache, visit http://www.pbs.org/parents/dinosaurtrain/geocachingchallenge/

Buddy and his friends on the Dinosaur Train are always up for an adventure and exploring the world around them. Why not take them along on your adventure to the park or camping or on a family road trip with all-new fun and easy travel product for camping/outdoors, new games and fun to read books to pack on your adventure!"


About the book:
"Get ready to board the Dinosaur Train and meet some new friends! Buddy, the adorable preschooler Tyrannosaurus Rex, and this adoptive Pteranodon family are always on the move. Today, they are going to Volcano Valley. Along the way, the train is making stops at the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous stations to make dozens of dinosaur discoveries. With more than 40 flaps to lift, kids will want to explore Buddy’s world again and again."

What we thought:  This was a really fun  and informative book with a ton of flaps to lift on each page.  This would be a great book for younger kids...it is a sturdy board book...but even 5 year old A loved it and learned a lot from all of the fun dino facts.  The book teaches skills like counting and colors that are geared towards the 2-4 year old range.  We read this one at least once every other day:)  ABCD Diaries gives this new Dinosaur Train book an A+!

Buy It: You can find this fun book and other Dino Train goodies at mass merchandisers nationwide this summer!

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.

Educational Insights Review and Giveaway...

About Educational Insights:
"Educational Insights is a leading manufacturer of learning toys and innovative, hands-on educational materials for classrooms worldwide. For nearly 50 years, Educational Insights has been a trusted source for teachers and parents for quality, award-winning educational products in math, science, social studies, language, language arts, reading, early childhood, Spanish, ELL, ESL teaching and classroom management."


Educational Insights has offered up a great prize package for July including one of each of the following items:

Ring the Bell Electronic Goal Tracker
"Fun sounds and an exciting carnival theme take the goal chart to a whole new level! Teacher writes the goal and reward at the top and the milestones along the side of this freestanding electronic tracker. Each time a milestone is achieved, the “puck” slides up closer to the goal, activating fun sounds and blinking lights. When the goal is achieved, students are rewarded with a sound and light show.
Track anything:
-Books read
-Funds raised
-Perfect attendance
-Homework completed
-And more!"

Inside Out Lenticular Human Body Poster
"Don’t look away! A magical way to present the various layers of the human body, the Lenticular Human Body Poster shifts from two kids to their skeletal systems, muscular systems, and organs. You won’t believe your eyes!"

Batter Up! Whole-Class Game
"Perfect for spelling and vocabulary words, math facts, science content, and more!
This fun, reusable, whole-class game provides a quick and convenient alternative to a common classroom whiteboard game. Simply divide the class into two teams, write students’ names on the included write-on/wipe-off pieces, and ask any question. If the student answers correctly, he or she spins the dial to determine the “play.” The team with the highest score at the end of the game wins! A great way to practice any subject."

KaBAM!™
"The crazy-fast word building challenge! Ages 7-99
The fastest word-builders win this quick thinking, head-to-head word game. Two players or teams draw cards and set them down next to each other, face up. Each card features word parts including suffixes, prefixes, single vowels, consonants and dipthongs. Be the first to build a word by adding one or more letters to the sets of letters on the cards, and you can win the round."

What we thought:  What a great group of goodies from Educational Insights this month!  The Ring the Bell Electronic Goal Tracker has been a great tool for both 5 year old A and 2 year old D.  A has used it to track completion of her chores and D used it for successful trips to the potty.  It would be great for older kids for school work and chores.  The kids really loved the hands-on aspect of this goal tracker.
The Lenticular Human Body Poster found a home on D's bedroom door an he loves it!  I often find both A and D in front of the poster pointing out all they see.  This is a great tool for teaching them about how the body's systems work together.
The Batter Up Whole Class game was great for a "spelling bee" we hosted between B and A...she really loved the competition angle and it would be great for a classroom game.  I wish I had had one when I was teaching(or going to school for that matter!)
KaBam! was a great game to really get those little minds thinking.  A was a little young for the compound letter sounds, but she was great with the single letters.  This would be fun for most kiddos around 6 and up.
As always, the goodies we reviewed from Educational Insights this month did not disappoint.  These products always make learning fun and get the kiddos involved and excited about learning!  ABCD Diaries gives Educational Insights an A+!
Buy It: Find these awesome learning games and supplies at Educational Insights!

Win It: Educational Insights has generously offered one ABCD Diaries reader a prize package including one of each of the 4 items we reviewed! To enter, follow our blog via GFC and "Like" Educational Insights on Facebook.

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Giveaway ends Tuesday, August 2, 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 these games for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

TruKid Review...

We recently had the chance to review sunscreen and a sunscreen stick from TruKid!

What we thought:  The kiddos liked the citrus-summer smell of this sunscreen better than any we've tried before.  The sunscreen was thick, but easy to apply and I liked the waterproof feature since we spend so much time at the beach.  We applied this sunscreen several times while at the beach for a few hours...you have to remember to re-apply even though it is waterproof, as with all sunscreens.  TruKid has a big line of fun body products for kid's.  ABCD Diaries gives TruKid an A!     

 Buy It: Find these sun-safe products and other great kid-friendly body products at TruKid!

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

Ball Discovery Canning Kit Review and Giveaway...

Congrats to Annette!

We recently had the chance to review the Ball Discovery Canning Kit!

About the kit:
"The Ball® Canning Discovery™ Kit provides an easy and affordable way to start canning in just three simple steps. This kit is designed to demystify the home canning process and make fresh preserving accessible, for even the most novice canner. Whether a person has limited kitchen space or looks to preserve a handful of fresh produce from the farmer’s market, the kit offers a beginner’s approach to small-batch canning."

What we thought: This kit was really great for a beginner canner.  We have a local farmer's market that has super great deals on fruits and veggies that are nearing the point of overripe and we have been talking about stocking up on these deals for a while now.  So far we had only gotten things we could freeze for use at a later date, but that meant we passed up on some pretty awesome deals on things that couldn't be frozen or eaten in a few days after purchase.  Now that we have the Ball Discovery Canning Kit we won't have to do miss out any any great deals!  One particular thing we use a lot of is tomatoes.  Whether in sauces or salsas, we go through a lot of them.  We were excited to try this canning kit on a batch of B's famous salsa and it couldn't have been easier.  The kit is three steps...prep your jars, make your recipe and preserve.  Easy peasy!  I was a little intimidated at first, but this couldn't have been simpler and it was fairly quick too!  Of course, this was what is considered "small batch" canning, but perfect for our needs of saving 2-3 jars of something at a time.  You can of course buy additional jars and lids and can as much as you'd like:)  The Ball website can help you through the process with helpful tips, recipes and plenty of information on what to can and when to can it.  ABCD Diaries gives the Ball Discovery Canning Kit an A+!


Buy It: Find the Discovery Canning Kit for only $11.95 at Ball!
Win It: Ball has generously offered one ABCD Diaries reader a Discovery Canning Kit! To enter, follow our blog via GFC and comment below.
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Giveaway ends Monday, August 1, 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+:) No PO Boxes.



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

The Executive Gift Shoppe Review and Giveaway...

Congrats to Sherry!

About Executive Gift Shoppe:
"Executive Gift Shoppe is a retailer of personalized gifts for young professionals. Our products include flasks, business card holders, money clips and groomsmen gifts. Our goal is 100% customer satisfaction. We have been in business since 1999 and online since 2000."

Stainless Steel Finger Dispensing Business Card Holder
"The Finger Dispensing Business Card Holder in stainless steel is a sleek, functional piece of equipment you will love to use. The satin finish surface is the ideal location for a personalized inscription, engraved for you at no cost. Between fifteen and twenty cards are kept at your fingertips, easily dispensed and in mint condition.

-Cards can be dispensed with a push of your finger
-Size: 3 3/4 X 2 1/4 X 1/4" H
-Free engraving on broad side opposite the thumb dispenser
-Packaged in an elegant gift box
-Hold 15 to 20 Business Cards
-Features the Executive Gift Shoppe Guarantee

What we thought:The Executive Gift Shoppe has a pretty impressive variety of business card holders.  The holder we were given to review was really neat.  B picked it because it was compact and lightweight and would easily fit in his shirt pocket, which it does perfectly.  The engraving was expertly done and the holder itself has worked wonderfully and has gotten B several compliments:)  The Executive Gift Shoppe specializes in great gifts for professionals.  It would be a great place to buy wedding party gifts, for example, engravable flasks or lighters.  ABCD Diaries gives The Executive Gift Shoppe an A+!

Buy It: You can find fantastic gift quality, engravable items at the Executive Gift Shoppe!

Win It: The Executive Gift Shoppe has generously offered one ABCD Diaries reader a gift certificate for $25! To enter, follow our blog via GFC and "Like" The Executive Gift Shoppe via Facebook.  Don't be shy...feel free to comment on their wall and share with your friends:) Then follow The Executive Gift Shoppe via Twitter and link back to their website:  http://www.executivegiftshoppe.com/ (They will verify both have been done before sending the winner the gift certificate code)
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Giveaway ends Monday, August 1, 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+:) No PO Boxes.


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

YoCrunch Greek Yogurt Review...

About YoCrunch Greek:
"Americans continue to search for affordable options to meet a growing desire for Greek yogurt. Many moms are also searching for Greek yogurt options that offer a taste their kids will love.

YoCrunch has introduced the first Greek yogurt with convenient mix in granola topping attached. With 11 grams of protein and a sweeter flavor, YoCrunch’s Greek Yogurt is a value that’s available in four flavors: Strawberry, Blueberry, Peach and Honey. YoCrunch Greek is an affordable $1.09 to $1.39 per six ounce container as compared to nearly $2 for brands with similar sizes.

It’s the perfect choice for moms and kids who want the extra health benefits of Greek, without the tang that many yogurt fans don’t enjoy. With 3 to 6 grams more protein than traditional yogurt, it’s no wonder Greek yogurt continues to experience growth: Business Insider says Greek yogurt has grown by 100 percent, according to Business Insider."

What we thought:  We loved this tasty, crunchy version of Greek yogurt.  We use plain Greek yogurt a lot for tzatziki dip when we have pitas and other Greek entrees...it really complements cucumbers well.  However, we prefer the yogurt we eat for breakfast or snacks to taste fruity.  I am so excited to say, YoCrunch has made a Greek yogurt snackable for us!  We get the benefits of the Greek yogurt and the sweetness of fruit or honey AND the crunchy granola bits...perfection:)  ABCD Diaries gives YoCrunch Greek yogurt an A!

Buy It:  Find YoCrunch Greek yogurt parfaits at grocers nationwide.  Print your $1 off coupon here!

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

Spoonful of Comfort Review and Giveaway...

Congrats to Homemade Baby!

We recently had the chance to review an amazing gift basket from Spoonful of Comfort.

About Spoonful of Comfort:
"You can't always be there when a loved one is sick or struggling, but you can still show them how much you care by sending homemade soup gift baskets. Whether they are ill, having a hard time in school or simply in need of a pick-me-up, a bowl of gourmet soup can go a long way in restoring the mind, body and soul. Just by showing them that you are thinking about them, you can raise their spirits and bring some happiness to their situation.

If you need get well gifts that have all the handmade care of a hug, then look no further. Made with simple, natural ingredients that will warm the heart, this comfort soup has no preservatives or additives-giving it the delicious taste of home. Full of flavor that is unmatched by any commercially processed soups, these soup baskets will show your loved ones how deeply you care for them.

In addition to helping those who are closest to you, your purchase helps struggling cancer victims by bringing them that much closer to a cure. A portion of your sale goes to The American Cancer Society, which aims to prevent cancer and help those who are suffering from it.

A little homemade goodness can go further than you can imagine. With a thoughtful gourmet chicken noodle soup basket, you can give cheer to someone who needs it, even from a distance. Spoonful of Comfort is here to help you, so you can send the perfect gift that says everything you wish you were there to say."

What we thought:  Our package from Spoonful of Comfort couldn't have come at a better time!  Little D was sick with a stomach bug and the first thing he did was curl up in the super soft fleece blanket that accompanied our soup, rolls and cookies:)  The entire family enjoyed the soup and it really was a lifesaver...B had to work late nearly everyday that week and the days seemed soooo long for the rest of us (if you've ever had a sick two year old, I know you understand how trying these times can be:)  It was such a blessing to have home cooked comfort at my fingertips without having to spend hours I didn't really have in the kitchen.  I only had to leave D's side to warm up the soup and the rolls which took just a few minutes and then everyone sat down to an incredibly tasty and comforting, made-from-scratch meal.  And the cookies...oh, my!  D wasn't feeling up for cookies, but the rest of us agreed they were the BEST oatmeal cookies we'd EVER had!!  They were a really awesome treat and the perfect pick-me-up for those of us who had been a little worn down for the duration of D's week long illness.  I am happy to say D is feeling much better and now we know where to find super awesome and thoughtful gifts for those who need a little TLC...Spoonful of Comfort!!  ABCD Diaries gives Spoonful of Comfort an A+!

Buy It: You can find these amazing items, gift baskets and care packages at Spoonful of Comfort!

Win It: Spoonful of Comfort has generously offered one ABCD Diaries reader a prize package valued at over $50 that will include:
-1 64oz Jar of Chicken Noodle Soup
-Half a dozen (made from scratch) Rolls
-Half a dozen oatmeal raisin cookies
-Standard 2-3 day shipping!

To enter, follow our blog via GFC and comment below.

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Giveaway ends Thursday, July 29, 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+:) No PO Boxes.


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