Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Chewy.com December Pick: Merrick Classic Grain-Free Venison Holiday Stew

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

Chewy.com is your one-stop shop for all things cat and dog!  One of the fantastic products you can find at Chewy.com is from Merrick:


 Full of venison, red jacket new potatoes, carrots, zucchini, peas and red delicious apples, this dish hits your pup's food bowl right from the stove!


Key Benefits:
Grain-free recipe
Added vitamins and minerals
No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
Great for all life stages and breeds


Canned food is a special treat around here and Jessie LOVES it!  She was super excited as we opened this package...I'm pretty sure she knew exactly what as in it:)  This stew actually doesn't smell terrible like lots of other canned dog food and it has big chunks of veggies and meat.  I love it when you can actually tell what's in the cans and it isn't just mush.  Jessie ate it up and gets excited every time we pull out a new can:)  

You can get Merrick Classic Grain-Free Venison Holiday Stew at Chewy.com for just $29.76 for a case of 12 cans, making them a really affordable holiday treat for your pup!


Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Holiday Gift Idea: Minions on Blu-Ray/DVD Today! #HGG

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone.  Information was provided by the sponsor**


Bring home Minions this holiday season!


Minions
GET THREE ALL-NEW MINI-MOVIES ON BLU-RAY OR DIGITAL HD
         
BLU-RAY™ COMBO PACK, DVD AND ON DEMAND DECEMBER 8, 2015
FROM UNIVERSAL PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT

The breakout stars the world fell in love with in Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s Despicable Me global film franchise headline their own movie for the first time in Minions, available on Digital HD November 24, 2015, and on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD and On Demand on December 8, 2015 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. A much anticipated prequel to the unprecedented worldwide blockbusters Despicable Me and the beloved sequel Despicable Me 2, Minions is an immensely entertaining film for all audiences called “inventive and hilarious” by Julian Roman, Movieweb.com.  The Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and Digital HD also come with three all-new mini-movies and even more Minions everyone will want to watch again and again especially during the busy holiday travel season.

The story of Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s Minions begins at the dawn of time. Starting as single-celled yellow organisms, Minions evolve through the ages, perpetually serving the most despicable of masters.  Continuously unsuccessful at keeping these masters—from T. rex to Napoleon—the Minions find themselves without someone to serve and fall into a deep depression. But one Minion named Kevin has a plan, and he—alongside teenage rebel Stuart and lovable little Bob—ventures out into the world to find a new evil boss for his brethren to follow. The trio embark upon a thrilling journey that ultimately leads them to their next potential master, Scarlet Overkill (Academy Award®-winner Sandra Bullock), the world’s first-ever female super-villain.  They travel from frigid Antarctica to 1960s New York City, ending in ‘mod’ London, where they must face their biggest challenge to date: saving all of Minionkind...from annihilation.

Sandra Bullock (The Blind Side, Gravity) heads up an all-star voice cast including Golden Globe and recent Emmy Award®-winner Jon Hamm (“Mad Men,” Bridesmaids), Academy Award-nominee Michael Keaton (Birdman: (Or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance, Toy Story 3), seven-time Emmy Award-winner Allison Janney (“The West Wing,” “Masters of Sex,” “Mom”), Academy Award-nominee Steve Coogan (Despicable Me 2, Philomena), BAFTA Award-winner Jennifer Saunders (“Absolutely Fabulous,” Shrek 2), and Academy Award-winner Geoffrey Rush (The King’s Speech, Pirates of the Caribbean series).  The inimitable voices of the Minions are again voiced by Academy Award-nominee Pierre Coffin (Despicable Me, Despicable Me 2) who co-directs with Kyle Balda (Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax). Minions is produced by Illumination Entertainment CEO and founder Chris Meledandri and Janet Healy. Brian Lynch wrote the screenplay, and Chris Renaud serves as executive producer of the film. 

Minions will be available on Blu-ray™ with DIGITAL HD and UltraViolet™ and DVD
Blu-ray™ unleashes the power of your HDTV and is the best way to watch movies at home, featuring 6X the picture resolution of DVD, exclusive extras and theater-quality surround sound.   
DVD offers the flexibility and convenience of playing movies in more places, both at home and away.
DIGITAL HD with UltraViolet™ lets fans watch movies anywhere on their favorite devices. Users can instantly stream or download

BONUS FEATURES EXCLUSIVE TO BLU-RAYTM AND DIGITAL HD:
THREE ALL NEW ORIGINAL MINI-MOVIES:
Cro Minion
Competition
Binky Nelson Unpacified
DELETED SCENE – ME, MYSELF AND STUART
AROUND THE WORLD INTERACTIVE MAP - Explore the world of the Minions with this interactive map featuring a collection of games, trivia, featurettes, storyboards, and more all themed to movie locations.
BEHIND THE GOGGLES – THE ILLUMINATION STORY OF THE MINIONS – Get a “behind the googles” look at the history and evolution of everyone’s favorite yellow henchmen.
WRITER - See how the Minions evolve throughout the different time periods. Writer, Brian Lynch discusses creating distinctive personalities for the three main Minions, his VillainCon idea, and the Minion family.
BOSS’ OFFICE – Illumination Entertainment CEO and founder and Minions producer, Chris Meledandri discusses the origins of Illumination Entertainment and the genesis of both Despicable Me and the Minions.
ART DEPARTMENT - See how the Minions came to life, from the original art concept of the henchmen to the final creation of the Minions and how to differentiate them between new time periods. Also, see how the idea of Herb and Scarlett Overkill’s characters came to be.
GALLERY – CONCEPT ART (stills)
GALLERY – COLOR SCRIPT (stills)
COMPOSER - Listen to how composer Heitor Pereira creates the sound of the Minions and what it takes to create big music for small characters.
ACTORS STUDIO - Listen to the actors’ experiences being part of the Minions movie, who their favorite Minions are, and why they love them so much
NOTICE BOARD (stills)
SAFETY VIDEO

ILLUMINATION MACGUFF ANIMATION
ANIMATION - Go behind the scenes and hear about the challenges and excitement behind the Minion characters and bringing them alive through animation in the movie
LIGHTING, LAYOUT AND EFFECTS - A look at the ways in which layout and lighting plays a big role in the emotion and motivation in the movie. Also see the ways in which they try to keep the 60’s vintage look and the challenges they face with very technical shots, where one shot can take weeks.
3D MODELS GALLERY (stills)
DIRECTORS - Directors Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda discuss the unique challenges of creating distinctive personalities for the Minions  
PRODUCERS - Producers Chris Meledandri, Janet Healy and Executive Producer Chris Renaud discuss the three main characters – Kevin, Stuart, and Bob – little family in the movie and the goal of creating a special bond between them and the audience when they leave the theater.
EDITORIAL - Editor Claire Dodgson discusses the distinctive editing style of the Despicable Me franchise and the three-year process it takes to make these movies from the original storyboards to cutting scenes with Minion dialogue.
STORYBOARD ARTIST - Learn how the actions of the words of the script turn into visual drawings and how much work is put in from the rough sketches to the final cut of the movie.
GALLERY – STUART HOT TUB STORYBOARD (stills)

JINGLE BELLS MINION STYLE - This holiday favorite is brought to life in a merry-Minion way. Now you get to sing along to the beloved video that was the most shared piece of content on Facebook in 2014.   

THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS THEATRICAL TRAILER

DVD BONUS FEATURES
DELETED SCENE – ME, MYSELF AND STUART
JINGLE BELLS MINION STYLE - This holiday favorite is brought to life in a merry-Minion way. Now you get to sing along to the beloved video that was the most shared piece of content on Facebook in 2014.   
THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS THEATRICAL TRAILER

Official Website: http://www.minionsmovie.com
Hashtag: #Minions

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Friday, December 4, 2015

Loved + Blessed: An Encouraging Faith-Based Subscription Service December Edition

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**

We recently had the chance to review the December box from Loved + Blessed:


Loved + Blessed is a Christian faith-based subscription box service that delivers a box of encouragement right to your door each month.


Each box revolves around a central theme and comes with a mini poster, a sticker, a purse-sized scripture card and a gift.

The theme for the December box was Joy.


The scripture card featured Romans 12:12-  "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."


The special gift for December was a live recording of the song JOY and 10 other amazing songs featured on the HOUSFIRES II CD.



I definitely think there is room for Loved + Blessed in the subscription box market and I love that their mission is to deliver encouraging products that support a fantastic message!  

If that wasn't enough, Loved + Blessed gives a portion of the proceeds of each box sold to Union Rescue Mission, a charity that offers hope and healing to the homeless.  What an amazing cause!

At just $10 per month you can get your Loved + Blessed box or gift someone else with this monthly dose of encouragement today!



Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Holiday Gift Idea: GourmetGiftBaskets.com #HGG

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**


Looking for a gift basket full of exceptional gourmet goodies?  GourmetGiftBaskets.com carries only the finest quality ingredients from trusted brands for their handcrafted baskets. 


Check out the fantastic selection in the basket we were sent to review, the Holiday Basket Greetings, $59.99


· Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper Kettlecorn by KingOfPOP.com - 4 oz.
· Chocolate Chip Cookies by Kimball Lake Bakery - 4 oz.
· White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies by Kimball Lake Bakery - 4 oz.


· Milk Chocolate Lindor Truffle Bar by Lindt & Sprungli - 3.5 oz.
· Dark Chocolate & Caramel Smothered Grahams by Annalie's Chocolates - .65 oz.
· Milk Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels by Sanders – .5 oz.
· Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt & Almonds by Endangered Species - .7 oz.
· Lindor White Chocolate Truffle by Lindt & Sprungli
· Lindor Mint Chocolate Truffle by Lindt & Sprungli

We really enjoyed the variety in this basket!  So many great treats to share with the whole family...there's definitely something for everyone!  A great balance of products, both sweet and salty, from name brands you are sure to recognize.

GourmetGiftBaskets.com has an enormous selection of gift baskets and more to choose from in every price range.  Who wouldn't love a gift basket full of gourmet goodies this holiday season?!


Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Holiday Gift Idea: Canvas Prints from Fulcrum Gallery!

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**


Fulcrum Gallery prints make great holiday gifts!
Their wide selection of framed art, canvas prints and posters recreate spaces at an affordable price. 


You can completely customize any print from Fulcrum Gallery.  Choose your print and size, then choose from  laminate, canvas or framed options


We chose a canvas wrap on the Texas Flag print from Mollie B.  You can choose a museum wrap, gallery wrap or framed canvas.  Then you can choose regular bars or deep bars and there are even a few different brush stroke options to choose from!  They even let you choose what color the wrap edges are to be painted.  Like I said, completely customizable!


All of their products, including custom framed art, have a 30 day, no questions asked, return policy, so your satisfaction is guaranteed!

Whether you're looking for a famous reprint of fine art or a more obscure work from a lesser known artist, you are sure to find something to love from Fulcrum Gallery.  There are many ways to shop, Styles, Rooms, Subject and Artist, and you can even have your own photo framed or printed on canvas!

Gift someone a lovely piece of art from Fulcrum Gallery this holiday giving season.  It's sure to be a hit! 

Shop this weekend for the 40% off sale, plus free shipping on orders over $50! Ends Sunday Dec.6

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Thursday, December 3, 2015

ASPCA Books for Young Readers that Support a Great Cause! #MomsMeet

**I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this  product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of this product**


Studio Fun International, a Reader’s Digest company, has teamed up with the
ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), the
first animal welfare organization in North America and the nation’s leading
voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s
mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals
throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the
ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach
and animal health services.

As animal lovers and supporters of the ASPCA, we were really excited to get the opportunity to check out these awesome readers!


Just the Facts
• Each story is inspired by a real-life animal rescue story from the pet’s point of
view and includes facts and photographs of the actual pet that inspired the story.

• Each book creates a fun and educational hands-on experience written at a
Level 2 reading level for early readers.

• The importance of care, protection, and love of animals is incorporated into each
tale with a focus on the joyous outcome.

• Four to five percent of the purchase price of every book goes directly to the
ASPCA to help continue its mission.

• Stories are available in paperback, library binding hardcovers, and e-books. The
paperback books are priced at $3.99 (each) or $15.96 (for all four) everywhere
books are sold.

There are books for all ages, including a lift-the-flap book for younger readers and a chapter book for more advanced readers:



ASPCA readers allow you to bond with your child as you use the “Letter to Parents” in each book to explain the connection of the story to real-life inspiration and the ASPCA’s mission as it relates to children.  It's a great way to encourage social responsibility at a young age!

Connect with Studio Fun online to see the newest releases and get exclusive access
to discounts and special offers!


Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Get Your Holiday Table Ready with Hen House Linens + Giveaway! #HGG

**Complimentary products received in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are ours and ours alone**



Time to get your table ready for those holiday gatherings!  Hen House Linens is here to lend a hand with their fine linens and home accessories that are made for everyday, effortless entertaining.


Hen House Linens offers up just about anything you need for your table for everyday and special occasions.  They have print and solid dinner napkins, placemats, quilted placemats, tablecloths, table runners, cocktail napkins, napkin rings, aprons, pillows, oven mitts, and potholders.


We got to try out a tablecloth, runner and 2 sets of everyday napkins from Hen House Linens.  They come beautifully presented which makes them perfect for gifting this holiday season!


Hen House Linens makes it easy to create a beautiful, inviting tablescape that you will be proud to present to your guests.  I absolutely adore the Vixen Midnight Blue pattern:


It is perfect for year round entertaining, but also fits nicely for Hanukkah or Christmas.  It offers a simple, rustic charm and looks absolutely lovely!  It provides a beautiful canvas that, with a few personal touches, will warmly welcome your guests.


Hen House Linens offers you several way to shop in their online boutique.  You can shop by item of course or by color, but my favorite was to "shop the look."

They offer up great suggestions based on expertly crafted tablescapes, for example the Runners Away table here:


What a great way to find decoration inspiration!

Hen House Linens are 100% cotton. color-fast. and super easy to care for.  We have had several spills on our tablecloth an I am super impressed with the way it repels water and allows for quick and easy clean up.

Add a little fancy to your daily routine with Hen House Linens!


One lucky ABCD Diaries reader will win the components that we tested to create their own Vixen Midnight Blue tablescape just in time for the holidays!

Enter below: