Flying Virgin Atlantic From LAX to Heathrow

We recently returned from an amazing British Isles cruise on the Majestic Princess. My plan is to do a multi-post summary of everything we did, including tips for those who might do this cruise in the future.

The first leg of our trip involved catching an Uber to LAX, and then boarding a flight on Virgin Atlantic (Premium Economy) to Heathrow. The Virgin Atlantic agent at the ticket counter was surprisingly cheerful.

Miffy spotting at LAX

We grabbed a couple of bowls at CAVA in Terminal 3 at LAX. I actually thought the price ($15) was quite reasonable for the quality and amount of food considering its airport location.

Our Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy Experience

We boarded our aircraft on time and enjoyed the three inches of extra leg-room that Premium Economy offers.

Always appreciate an airplane snack. These crunchy corn nibbles are pretty good. This Coke Zero can is so tiny, but I try not to drink too much on a plane anyway.

The main course was teriyaki chicken and rice. Do you spot the furikake on the rice? I thought that was a nice touch for a non-Asian airline. I thoroughly enjoyed this meal.

After dinner, the crew dimmed the lights and encouraged passengers to sleep. I was actually able to sleep some, probably thanks to the Bonine I had taken before takeoff.

Breakfast time! Not the best picture, but this breakfast sandwich was just okay.

The addition of yogurt and fruit made it a hearty meal.

Our Wait For the National Express Buss

We landed in Heathrow about 45 minutes earlier than expected. While this would usually be welcome news, it only added to our wait time for the National Express bus. I had made reservations online at home with a conservative guesstimate as to how long it would take us to pick up our luggage and go through customs. I even paid extra for the “flex” option to be able to change our ticket time. However, all of the earlier buses were all full, so we were stuck waiting at the Heathrow bus station.

We checked out Black Sheep Coffee, which seems to be a large chain in the U.K.

This is an acai bowl from Black Sheep Coffee. We substituted with Biscoff for peanut butter for our nut-allergic kids. As you can see, the fruit was frozen, which did not make for an optimal acai bowl experience.

We also shared a lunch meal deal from WH Smith.

We ended up choosing a BLT for the sandwich since the other options were deemed “sus” by n.

It was interesting to see all of the unique chip flavors.

We ended up choosing Walker’s Wavy Spanish Queso-yum!

It was finally time to board our bus, and it was off to Southampton.

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Tosi: Snacks For Everyone

With the new year upon us, I know many people are on the hunt for “clean” snacks. One brand that fits this category is Tosi, which I first heard about at Expo West.

Tosi bars are hefty; I noticed that the cashew varieties are labeled as a “crunchy meal bar”. They are packed with protein from nuts and seeds, along with fiber. They are gluten-free, organic and do not contain any refined sugar.

Reading this description, I was not sure that I would find the taste enjoyable. However, despite the density of healthy ingredients, I found the Tosi bars to be a lighter version of Kind bars. They are crispier, and not as sticky (which my teeth appreciate). They are just the right amount of sweet and serve as a satisfying snack. I would love to try the almond varieties as well. I like how the bars come divided into pieces so they are easy to share or save for later.

Tosi bars would be a good snack to keep in the car for those times you need a snack on the go.

For those who may be nut-averse or allergic to nuts (like my kids), Tosi also offers a snack called Crispy Puffs. While they look similar to the bars, these puffs are nut-free. However, they still contain good-for-you ingredients, including ancient grains and seeds.

I really enjoyed the Tosi Cinnamon Apple Crispy Puffs. These puffs would be good to include in a school or work lunch, or as an afternoon snack. I appreciate how Tosi has created wholesome snacks that can be enjoyed by many!

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Drink Juni for a Positive Lift

Recently, the beverage market seems to be exploding with a constant stream of new products. I first heard about Juni at Expo West. Juni’s tagline is “for a happy mind” which I found intriguing. What also caught my eye is that is a “sparkling tea”. This descriptor appealed to me since I like both tea and bubbles.

Juni: Special Ingredients

Admittedly, I am somewhat cynical about ingredients that claim to have special powers. Here are the five unique ingredients that support Juni’s claim for a “happy mind”:

  • ashwagandha (memory & endurance)
  • lion’s mane (stress & anxiety)
  • green tea or hibiscus (brain health & metabolism)
  • reishi mushroom (fights fatigue)
  • acerola cherry (vitamin C & antioxidants)

Juni: My Opinion

While I think it would be difficult to ascertain whether these ingredients actually have the desired effects, I can report that Juni is a highly refreshing drink. It is not too sweet, but has more flavor than other non-caloric sparkling waters. Juni is exactly what I want in my fridge during a mid-afternoon slump. I feel better about grabbing a can of Juni than a “regular” soda, that is for sure.

Here is a shot of the nutrition facts and ingredient list if you want to check them out.

Juni: Unique and Inspired Flavors

The Juni flavors I have tried include raspberry, cherry lime, peach, tropical and yuzu pineapple. Honestly, it is difficult to pick a favorite because they are all so tasty and refreshing. However, if I had to choose one, I think cherry lime would be my top choice.

I also appreciate that the Juni cans are so vibrant and eye-catching. This would be the perfect beverage pick for an outdoor party or picnic. Juni would definitely add a positive vibe to any gathering!

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My Better Batch Cookies

Earlier this month I had the opportunity to attend Expo West along with thousands of other attendees and exhibitors in Anaheim, California. I always look forward to this event because it is a great way to learn about new companies in the natural product space. One of the brands that I was able to connect with is My Better Batch. My Better Batch makes cookie mixes with all natural ingredients. According to their website, the company started when a mom wanted an easy cookie mix that tastes homemade.

My Better Batch comes in several flavors, including Celebration and Chocolate Chunk (shown above), as well as Double Chocolate Chip and Classic Sugar.

A couple of days ago I realized I needed to bring dessert for a potluck. We had just returned from our spring break vacation and I did not have time to plan out a trip to the grocery store. This was the perfect opportunity for me to try out the My Better Batch Chocolate Chunk Cookie Mix. All you need is one egg and six tablespoons of butter, which I always have on hand.

On the back of the Celebration Cookie Mix box, there was a picture of a recipe that suggested adding in freeze-dried strawberries. Since I had already some freeze-dried strawberries on hand, I decided to mix them in as well.

The mix and ingredients can be combined by hand or stand mixer. I went with the stand mixer, and this is what the dough looked like. It literally only took a couple of minutes-super simple!

Here is how the cookies turned out-don’t they look good? My family and I can attest that they were also very tasty. In fact, my husband did indeed think that the cookies were made entirely by scratch. He was surprised to hear that they came from a mix.

Funny story, the next day my daughter realized last minute that she also needed to bring a dessert to her own get-together. I told her we still had the Celebration Cookie Mix, so it saved me another trip to the grocery store. Her cookies came out just as well and were a hit! My Better Batch saved the day, again!

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Tokyo Treat: Valentine’s Day Gift Idea

Disclosure: I received a sample box in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

The best Valentine’s Day gifts show a little creativity and originality. The February Tokyo Treat box is a great gift idea for the special person in your life who is interested in learning about other cultures, or in all things Japanese.

Did you know that people in Japan celebrate Valentine’s Day? According to the informative pamphlet included in the Tokyo Treat box, Japan started celebrating Valentine’s Day in the 1950’s. However, the Japanese celebrate the holiday a little different than in America in that it is tradition for the women to give gifts to men. Consequently, in 1978, White Day became the day that Japanese men give gifts to women in return. White Day is now celebrated on March 14th, one month after Valentine’s Day.

No matter who is doing the gift-giving, it is always thoughtful to give out treats for Valentine’s Day. Here are some of the treats included in the February Tokyo Treat box:

KitKat Red & White

I always enjoy trying Japan’s unique KitKat flavors. This Tokyo Box generously includes 10 Red & White KitKat bars. The flavor is milk chocolate and white chocolate, which does not seem that different from what we have in the United States. However, I do appreciate the red and white packaging with the sakura design-perfect for handing out to friends for Valentine’s.

White Chocolate Strawberry Latte

This white chocolate strawberry latte drink sounded interesting. The directions said to add 1 cup of hot water and mix. The strawberry flavor was a little too artificial-tasting for my liking, but it was fun to try out. I actually ended up adding it to my coffee to instill more of a latte flavor.

PokeHearts Ramune Candy

The designs on these little heart candies are so adorable. They are the Japanese version of Sweet-tarts.

Koikeya Farm Salt & Seaweed Chips

While most of the snacks in the Tokyo Treat box are sweet, there are some savory options as well. One that caught my eye is this bag of Salt & Seaweed chips. There is also a package of spicy ramen noodles, which I know my kids will enjoy. The wide variety of snacks in the Tokyo Treat box is a major plus in my book. There is something for everyone!

How To Subscribe To Tokyo Treat

Tokyo Treat offers monthly, three month, six month, and twelve month plans. According to the Tokyo Treat website, each box contains 15-20 full-size snacks, and their boxes are the biggest Japanese snack boxes on the planet (2.86 pounds). Treat yourself or someone you know to a box or subscription this Valentine’s Day!

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Fair & Square Crackers Make Snacking Fair For All

Disclosure: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Demand for plant-based foods is definitely on the rise, and Fair & Square Crackers are a prime example of the innovative products answering the call. I must have missed seeing them at Expo West last year, but they are making their presence known in the market. Fair & Square Crackers are gut-friendly, gluten-free and plant based. The first ingredient is green banana flour, which is intriguing.

These crackers come in a variety of flavors, including Sea Salt, Cheddar Cheeze, Cinnamon Sugar and Honey. I love the whimsical designs on the packaging.

When I first tried the Fair & Square Sea Salt Crackers, I was a little surprised by its darker color. However, the cracker is nice and crisp and had a nice savory flavor. These crackers would go well on a charcuterie board because the flavor would harmoniously meld with other components.

Fair & Square crackers also come in snack-size bags, which are perfect for packing lunches.

Where To Buy Fair & Square Crackers

Fair & Square Crackers are available to purchase at major retailers, including Amazon, Whole Foods and Sprouts, including a store near you.

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Celebrate With Spritzal Cookies

Spritzal Cookies are made with simple ingredients from a family recipe going back one hundred years. These bite-sized cookies are made with flour, sugar, real butter and eggs. The Spritzal story is so inspiring-the mother/daughter team built their business from their kitchen to farmer’s markets to national retailers like Costco.

Spritzal cookies come in a variety of flavors, including: Birthday Cake Shortbread, Key Lime Shortbread, Almond Chocolatey Chip Shortbread, Blueberry Pie Shortbread and Ooh La Lemon Shortbread.

Spritzal Cookies Are a Bite-Sized Treat!

The brightly colored packaging of all the varieties is cheerful, but the Birthday Cake Shortbread packaging is particularly fun. Wouldn’t this be so cute to include in a birthday surprise package? These Spritzal cookie bites contain colorful sprinkles without any artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.

Even if you do not have a birthday to celebrate, Spritzal cookies make the everyday special. These Key Lime Shortbread cookies are a nice afternoon treat. The lime flavor really shines in this buttery shortbread.

Where To Buy Spritzal Cookies

Spritzal Cookies are available to purchase through the Spritzal online store and at a store near you.

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Like Air Puffcorn

Did you see Like Air Puffcorn on Shark Tank? I guess I missed that episode, but it is always exciting to see a smaller company gain momentum. I believe the first time I saw their products was at Expo West. This snack is non-gmo, has no artificial ingredients and is gluten-free. It is also dairy-free and made in a nut-free facility. Unlike regular popcorn, these puffs do not have kernels. Therefore, these snacks are very easy to eat for all ages. They are lightly crunchy, but almost melt in your mouth, if that makes sense. The name “Like Air” is quite apt.

Keep Like Air Puffcorn On Hand For Packing and Snacking

This school year I have started to pack my lunches again. It is always convenient to have pre-packaged individual snacks on hand in the pantry. Like Air is a welcome addition to any lunch bag, for kids and adults alike.

This is a close-up of the Cinnamon Bun flavor. It has just the right amount of sweetness (less than 2g of sugar per serving) and the cinnamon flavor really comes through. If you are looking for a light sweet treat, this will satisfy your craving.

The savory flavors, including white cheddar and sour cream and onion are also very tasty (my kids’ favorites). They are a healthier alternative to chips.

Where To Purchase Like Air Puffcorn

Like Air Puffcorn snacks are available to purchase through their online store or at a store near you. I also want to mention that Like Air does daily giveaways on their Instagram account. There are five contest winners every day, which is pretty amazing. The best part is that in addition to winning a pack for yourself, they also give you a code so that you can send a pack to a friend. Share the Like Air Love!

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Winning Moves Card Games For The Win

Disclosure: I received samples in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

It is always a good idea to have a few card games on hand. You never know when an opportunity to play a quick game will present itself. Not too long ago, my son was on a camping trip with his scout friends when it started to rain. Thankfully, he had packed a card game to keep them entertained. These Winning Moves games are all easy to throw in a bag or keep in a small box at home.

Scattergories The Card Game

I know that I have professed my love for Scattergories on this blog many times. This card game version makes it easy to play, without the need for pencil and paper. One deck of cards lists categories, and the other deck has the letters of the alphabet.

I like that the categories are creative but not too obscure. This game is designed for 2 or more players, ages 8+.

Instant Insanity

Instant Insanity is not actually a card game, but it comes in a card game-sized box. Although the concept is quite simple, it is definitely not an easy puzzle to solve. The goal is to arrange the four cubes in a row so that each of the four sides show four different colors. According to the box, there are over 82,944 possible configurations. After several attempts, I can see why this game is called “Instant Insanity”! This one player game is for ages 7+.

Canasta Caliente

Canasta is one of those games that I have heard about, but have never actually played. This card game involves laying down sets of cards and adding to them. The object is to form a Canasta (7 or more cards of the same type). There are also special Caliente cards to make the game even more exciting. Canasta Caliente is for 2-6 players, ages 8+.

Where To Purchase Winning Moves Games

Winning Moves games and toys, including Scattergories The Card Game, Instant Insanity and Canasta Caliente, are available on their websiteAmazon and other retailers near you.

Winning Moves Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win Scattergories The Card Game, Instant Insanity and Canasta Caliente. (Open to U.S. continental residents only).

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Getting Lost In teamLab Borderless

If you are visiting Tokyo with teenagers or pre-teens, a visit to a teamLab digital art museum is a must. After doing a little online research, I chose to book tickets for teamLab Borderless. teamLab also has another museum in Tokyo called Planets. Planets is known for an orchid exhibit and one where you walk barefoot through water. That sounded kind of gross to me, but the main reason I chose Borderless was because it is bigger and has more exhibits. Planets is set to expire in 2027 while Borderless is currently set as “permanent”, so that may also factor into your decision-making.

teamLab Borderless Know Before You Go

Make sure to buy your tickets online, well in advance. Tickets are not sold at the venue. Our tickets were for 1:30 entry on a Thursday afternoon. It felt crowded, but not overly so. Also, double-check the Borderless website for the exact address, as I read that Google Maps may lead you astray if you just type in “teamLab Borderless”. (We did rely heavily on Google Maps throughout our trip and it made transportation SO much easier. I am not even sure how we survived during our 2011 trip without it!)

You will need to place all of your personal belongings in a locker before you enter the exhibits, so bring along a 100 yen coin. (The coin will be returned to you when you return the key). If you want to go to the tea house located inside the museum, bring a credit card or money so that you can pay for it (of course, it is a good idea not to leave your wallet in the locker anyway). Also, be sure to bring your phone so you can take lots of pictures!

Getting Lost In teamLab Borderless

As the name “Borderlss” implies, this museum encourages wandering and exploration. There is no set path to follow, which makes it easy to get lost. If you are with small children, be sure to keep them close! The rooms are all dark and all the light displays are quite disorienting. I purposely did not watch any YouTube vlogs about Borderless beforehand so that I could feel a sense of discovery.

One tip I read was to wear light-colored clothing to maximize the lighting effects in photos.

Another tip is not to wear a skirt or dress since there are mirrored floors. k wore shorts under her shorts!

This is one of the few pictures of the four of us all together from the trip.

D got into the selfie action too.

En Tea House

If you have time, I would recommend stopping in at En Tea House, which is located inside teamLab Borderless. I had a Cold Brew Yuzu Green Tea, and it was a nice and refreshing break. As you drink, flowers appear to bloom in your teacup. Looking online, it seems like they have since added rice milk tea lattes, which also sound good. The room is dark, and there is eerie music to set the mood. I believe that everyone in your party needs to order something, but I thought it was well worth the experience.

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