Holiday Gift Guide: Hello Kitty Headphones!

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.

It's that time of year again!  Time to start making those holiday gift lists.  Here at ABCD Diaries we'd like to make that process a little less painful:)  We will bringing you our annual Holiday Gift Guide in which we hand pick the coolest gifts for the whole family and everyone else on that gift list this year.  From now until mid-December we will be highlighting these wonderful gifts.

Today, we are bringing you a great gift idea for the little music lovers on your list:  Hello Kitty Headphones!

Hello Kitty Kid-Friendly Headphones

"Sakar’s Hello Kitty Kid-Friendly headphones are designed to fit over children’s heads, preventing slipping, dropping, headaches, and overall uncomfortable listening experiences. Additionally, Sakar’s kid-friendly headphones include a volume control feature to protect little ears from loud sounds."

Availability: TRU, Kohls, Amazon.com

SRP: $19.99

What we thought:  These headphones are cute and fun and perfect for the young music lover on your list.  They are durable and fit little ears without slipping which is usually a problem for our kiddos with the one-size-fits-all headphones we've used before.  These fit seven-year-old A perfectly and they aren't constantly falling out like her earbuds.  She even uses them for noise cancellation while she does her schoolwork to help her focus and they work great!  And being a Hello Kitty fan she couldn't be happier:) ABCD Diaries gives the Hello Kitty Kid-Friendly Headphones an A+!

These headphones can be ordered here:

http://www.amazon.com/Hello-Kitty-30309-TRU-Friendly-Headphones/dp/B00ELPIYZS/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1382042494&sr=8-20&keywords=Hello+Kitty+headphones

Bee Free Honee

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.

"Bee Free Honee is a unique sweetener with a slightly tart flavor. It is "apple honey" in that it is made from apples rather than by bees! We use only three all natural ingredients, apple, vegan quality sugar, and lemon juice. There is nothing artificial, no added color and no corn syrup.

Just as you would have more than one flavor jam in your refrigerator, this gives you a new flavor for your pantry. It is an apple syrup for your pancakes as well as an all natural sweetener. It is great for kids and it is Minnesota made while strictly using Midwest apples. It is Bee Free Honee and if your co-op or grocery doesn't carry it, then please be sure to ask for it! 

Bee Free Honee is great for: 
-Vegans 
-Small Children, as there is no fear of Botulism 
-Those allergic to traditional honey 
-Foodies looking for a new flavor 
-Those looking for stable pricing against the fluctuating costs of traditional honey due to the decline of the bee population."

What we thought: Mmmm...this is really good honee...especially when you consider there are no bees employed to make it!  It makes a great substitute for regular honey and works really well as an alternative to sugar to sweeten things up.  We've had it in hot tea, over pancakes and used it as a baking ingredient.  It is very versatile and super tasty:)  Bee-Free Honee could be a great addition to your pantry when it comes time to entertain those holiday guests, whether used as a sweetener or an ingredient in cooking or baking.  ABCD Diaries gives Bee-Free Honee an A+!

Buy It:  Find Bee-Free Honee at a retailer near you or online.

Snow Pearly White Twirly

An Adventurous Little Snowflake, Transformed Into A Droplet, 

Swims The World Making Friends, Even Visiting Santa!

"A new fairytale children’s keepsake picture book with sing-along music CD that encourages activity is perfect for Christmas gift giving.  “Snow Pearly White Twirly” (Pearly Books/Umlaut Inc., 2013) written by Monika Vix and translated to English by Claudia Raschke-Robinson, is available in hardcover and paperback with audio CD, or audio book at http://snowpearly.com/ from $9.98 – $22.90. Recommended for children three to eight years old.

Illustrated by Volker Lettkemann, “Snow Pearly White Twirly” was inspired by the traditional German winter song “Schneeflöckchen Weibröckchen.” Snow Pearly is a curious little snowflake that wonders what Earth is like. Despite her mother’s warning, she jumps off her cloud to visit the kids on the beach. Snow Pearly falls into the water and transforms into a water droplet. Together with her new friend, the nosy fish, she swims around the world to find her way back home - but will it be possible? Even Santa helps!

“Snow Pearly White Twirly’s” lively, charming illustrations encourage young children to read out loud and sing along. The book features figures in white throughout that can be colored in. The CD includes a delightful narration of the story as well as an extra karaoke version of all four songs. This creates a personalized and unique children’s book that becomes a keepsake and true enjoyment for the entire family.

Guitar cords and song lyrics are in the book as well. Author Monika Vix composed the music and Ms. Raschke-Robinson’s young daughter Mirabella voices and sings as Snow Pearly. The story is narrated by Liz Roberts.  Songs and the story can be sampled at www.snowpearly.com.

“The whole point of ‘Snow Pearly White Twirly’ is to be active,” Ms. Raschke-Robinson said. “As a parent, I am always seeking engaging entertainment for my children that offers an alternative to online, and this beautifully packaged book offers that.”

Stay connected by liking https://www.facebook.com/SnowPearlyWhiteTwirly and following @SnowPearlyBook."

What we thought:  The kiddos really enjoyed this book.  It is beautifully written and illustrated and really held their attention.  Snow Pearly White Twirly takes us on a fun journey while also gently teaching simple science.  The book and accompanying CD really engage the listeners.  Both intriguing and entertaining, this book would make a great gift this holiday season!
ABCD Diaries gives Snow Pearly White Twirly an A+!

Holiday Gift Guide: Skout Trailbars!

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.

It's that time of year again!  Time to start making those holiday gift lists.  Here at ABCD Diaries we'd like to make that process a little less painful:)  We will bringing you our annual Holiday Gift Guide in which we hand pick the coolest gifts for the whole family and everyone else on that gift list this year.  From now until mid-December we will be highlighting these wonderful gifts.

Today, we are bringing you a great gift idea for the outdoorsy folks on your list: Skout Trailbars!

"For outdoor adventurers from 1 to 92, Skout Organic Trailbars and a few gear trimmings are sure to bring cheer and merriment this holiday season.Available in five flavors, Skout Organic Trailbars are versatile and provide a compact, all-natural source of delicious and nutritious energy for any outdoor quest. Wrap in a pocket knife, flint, travel mug or stocking cap, and let the adventures begin.

Each Skout Organic Trailbar is made from carefully selected organic ingredients, including fruit, oats, almonds and unsweetened dark chocolate. The Trailbars use only a handful of ingredients, contain no refined sugars or fillers, and are certified organic, gluten-free, vegan, soy-free, Non-GMO Project verified and certified Kosher.

Sold online and through retailers nationwide – including REI.com – a box of 12 ($26.99) or a few individual bars ($2.49 ea.) make great gifts and stocking stuffers for the outdoor enthusiast.

Skout Organic Trailbar Flavors:

·         Organic Blueberry-Almond: Blueberries are an excellent source of antioxidants, while almonds bring vitamin E as well as good monounsaturated fats. Dates and oats add texture and more nutrients.

·         Organic Apple-Cinnamon: The health advantages of apples and cinnamon have been known for centuries – plus they’re a great flavor combination. Cinnamon also has extremely high antioxidant properties. Dates, oats and almonds add texture and more nutrients.

·         Organic Cherry-Vanilla: Cherries bring the health benefits of anthocyanins to this delicious Trailbar, which also includes a refreshing natural vanilla flavor. Dates, oats and almonds add texture and more nutrients.

·         Organic Chocolate-Coconut: The unsweetened dark chocolate in this delicious Trailbar is a great source of flavonol antioxidants. In addition to pairing well with chocolate, coconut also brings an abundance of vitamins and minerals.

·         Organic Chocolate-Peanut: Peanuts are nutrient rich and provide a great source of protein. Combined with the antioxidant power of unsweetened dark chocolate, they create a very healthy snack with exceptionally great taste. Dates and oats add texture and more nutrients"

What we thought:  We really enjoyed our Skout Trailbars!  They were very filling and with the variety of yummy flavors, there was something for everyone.  I love that these bars are organic and tasty enough to seem like a real treat.  They are perfect for enjoying in the outdoors or as a replacement for those not so healthy holiday goodies.  They would be perfect for the stockings this year!  ABCD Diaries gives Skout Trailbars an A+!

Holiday Gift Guide: Moonstruck Chocolates!

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.

It's that time of year again!  Time to start making those holiday gift lists.  Here at ABCD Diaries we'd like to make that process a little less painful:)  We will bringing you our annual Holiday Gift Guide in which we hand pick the coolest gifts for the whole family and everyone else on that gift list this year.  From now until mid-December we will be highlighting these wonderful gifts.

Today, we are bringing you a great gift idea for anyone on your list: Moonstruck Chocolates!

"With Christmas on the horizon, Moonstruck Chocolate Co., a Portland, Ore.-based artisan chocolatier, celebrates the season with its newest holiday collection.  With a festive assortment of gingerbread snowmen, Mr. and Mrs. Claus and delightful penguin truffles, Moonstruck captures the holiday spirit in sweet chocolate form.

“The holiday season is a time of tradition, filled with stockings, presents, friends and family,” said Moonstruck Master Chocolatier Julian Rose. “This collection celebrates the sweetness of tradition with a hint of holiday spice.”

Moonstruck Chocolates are available at select retail locations and fine grocers across the country, at the four Portland based Moonstruck Chocolate Café’s and online at www.moonstruckchocolate.com. Holiday orders must be placed by Dec. 21 to ensure Christmas Eve delivery.

What we thought:  These chocolates are amazing!  At first, we were a little skeptical seeing the price tag.  We thought "How on earth can they charge that much for such a small package of chocolates.  After one taste, we decided we would definitely pay $10-$15 per box for these unbelievably delicious treats:)  They are truly decadent and luxurious and worth every penny!  Moonstruck Chocolates would make fantastic stocking stuffers or a lovely addition to a gift basket.  They would also look beautiful on your holiday dessert table .  Truly some of THE BEST chocolate we've EVER tasted ( and we've taste a ton!) ABCD Diaries gives Moonstruck Chocolates an A+!

Holiday Gift Guide: A+E Network's DVDs for the Whole Family!

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.

It's that time of year again!  Time to start making those holiday gift lists.  Here at ABCD Diaries we'd like to make that process a little less painful:)  We will bringing you our annual Holiday Gift Guide in which we hand pick the coolest gifts for the whole family and everyone else on that gift list this year.  From now until mid-December we will be highlighting these wonderful gifts.

Today, we are bringing you a great gift idea for anyone on your list: DVDs from A+E Networks!

Lifetime Holiday Four Film Collection
"This delightful Christmas package of Lifetime® Original Movies has everything you could ever wish for!  David Hasselhoff  brings in the merry as a sought-after consultant hired by a workaholic mother (Caroline Rhea) to get her family through the holidays in "The Chistmas Consultant"; take a "Holiday Spin" with Ralph Macchio in a heartwarming story of a former dance champion and his estranged son; warm up to "The March Sisters at Christmas",  a contemporary take on the timeless novel "Little Women" and "Holly's Holiday" in which Claire Coffee plays an advertising executive who's strangely attracted to a mannequin in a holiday window. After she's knocked unconscious by a falling icicle, he comes to life as the man of her dreams - until she learns that his personality is still plastic! ($14.99,  Amazon.com).  Also available is THE 12 FILMS OF CHRISTMAS, a collection of 12 Lifetime Holiday films in one affordable 6-disc gift-set!  Lifetime Original Movies featured include "The Road to Christmas", "Recipe for a Perfect Christmas", "Home By Christmas", "A Christmas Wedding", "Holiday Switch", "A Very Merry Daughter of the Bride", "Under the Mistletoe", "Holiday Wishes", "Christmas in Paradise", "Deck the Halls", "His & Her Christmas, Will You Merry Me"? ($17.99, Amazon.com)

Duck Dynasty, Seasons 1-3 Collector's Edition
Keep the camo-clad Robertsons in your sights at all times with this DUCK DYNASTY gift set from A&E. With these down-home millionaires from Louisiana, there's always somebody up to something that you can rest assured somebody else isn't going to like. See what happens when Willie hosts his own radio show, but makes the mistake of bringing Uncle Si on the air with him. Watch how his employee retreat fails to build trust among the Duck Commander team. And you'll want to catch Jase's plans to prevent Missy from finding out he's lost his second, newly replaced wedding ring. But the Robertsons never back down from a challenge, always taking on new adventures. Whether it's a family cooking, fishing or football competition; a blind leap into winemaking; a spontaneous road trip in the RV; or their run-ins with critters of all kinds, this clan makes the most of their funny business. And now you can, too. But please, don't fight over who gets to wear the enclosed DUCK DYNASTY bandana! ($49.98, Amazon.com)"

What we thought:  What a great way to spread holiday cheer!  We love gifting movies that have the potential to bring families and friends together.  A+E Network offers inspirational and entertaining DVDs that do just that.  Whether you want a romantic holiday comedy or the comic relief of the Robertson clan, A+E Network's DVD collection have you covered this holiday season!  ABCD Diaries gives A+E Network DVDs an A+!

Holiday Gift Guide: Razor Subscriptions from 800razors.com!

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.

It's that time of year again!  Time to start making those holiday gift lists.  Here at ABCD Diaries we'd like to make that process a little less painful:)  We will bringing you our annual Holiday Gift Guide in which we hand pick the coolest gifts for the whole family and everyone else on that gift list this year.  From now until mid-December we will be highlighting these wonderful gifts.

Today, we are bringing you another great gift idea: Razor Subscriptions from 800razors.com!

"800razors.com, the burn-free razor company, ensures people get the best razor for the best shave at the best price or it will provide a full refund via Burn Free Guarantee – no skin burn, wallet burn, or American job-loss burn. Through its subscription-based system (similar to Netflix/Birchbox), subscribers receive burn-free razors straight to their door (did I mention free shipping?).

A basic subscription comes in at $9.99 with a handle and 4 or 5 razor cartridges depending on order type.

Women's 5-Blade http://www.800razors.com/womens/5-blade-womens-razor.html (lowest cost $1.95)

Men's 5-Blade http://www.800razors.com/mens/5-blade-mens-razor.html (lowest cost $1.95)

Men's 3-Blade http://www.800razors.com/mens/3-blade-mens-razor.html (lowest cost $1.56)"

What we thought:  What a cool and super useful gift idea!  800razors.com offers subscriptions for every budget and the razors are great!  They are just as effective as the name brand razors we spend way more money on.  Whether you're looking for men's razors or women's razors, 800razors.com have great deals for everybody and with free shipping the deals are even better.  Who wouldn't love this gift this holiday season?  ABCD Diaries gives 800razors.com an A+!