Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Learn Coding With Let’s Start Coding + Giveaway

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Disclosure: I received samples in exchange for an honest 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.

Coding is a valuable skill in today’s job marketplace. Just like a foreign language, coding takes time to learn. I am also convinced that, like other languages, the younger you learn, the easier coding is to pick up. That is why I am excited to learn about companies such as Let’s Start Coding, which makes products that teach coding in a way that is geared towards kids.

Let’s Start Coding sent me their Base Kit 2 and Code Car to test out. My son could not wait to open them!

Let’s Start Coding Base Kit 2

The Base Kit 2 is recommended for ages 8-12 and includes:

  • Maker Board 2.0 microcontroller (programmable computer chip)
  • Speaker
  • 4 Buttons
  • 2 RGB (red-green-blue) LED lights
  • 1 Red, 1 Blue, and 1 Green LED light
  • USB Cable
  • Component and code reference cards
  • USB cable
  • Carrying case

This kit includes 50 step-by-step projects with over 1,000 lines of example code and over 3.5 hours of video content. Kids will learn:

  • Analog vs. digital logic
  • How fast computers can process logic and sensor readings
  • How computers are programmed to “make decisions”
  • Building basic electrical circuits (ground vs. power)
I really like this carrying case. There are a lot of little parts, and the case is a good way to keep them all together.

This is a great introductory kit that introduces kids to a lot of different coding concepts. My 10 year old son was able to go online, download the app, and try out some of the projects by himself.

Let’s Start Coding Code Car

My son also had a lot of fun experimenting with the Let’s Start Coding Code Car.

The Code Car is also recommended for ages 8-12 and includes 14 free and self-guided projects that help kids build projects like:

  • Brake Pedal ‘if’ statement
  • Honk the Horn
  • Fade the siren
  • Blink the hazard lights

The Code Car kit teaches core coding concepts, including:

  • Variables
  • Loops
  • Functions
  • Statements
  • Operators
  • Syntax
  • Troubleshooting and ‘bug hunting’

n was able to also follow the directions by himself for the Code Car. He liked all of the flashing lights and beeping noises he was able to code for the two-dimensional car. It would make a fun gift for the kid in your life who is interested in technology and/or STEAM.

Let’s Start Coding products can be purchased on their website or through Amazon:

Giveaway Time!

One of my readers will have the chance to win a Let’s Start Coding Code Car kit!

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Food, Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

A Kawaii and Scary October Japan Candy Box

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

One of the fun things about visiting Japan is trying all of their different snacks and candy. When D and I went in 2011, we would go to 7-11 and just pick out random snacks that caught our eye. I know that my kids are definitely looking forward to doing the same during our planned trip to Japan next year.

Japan Candy Box is a subscription box that delivers that experience to your front door!

We had the opportunity to try out the October Japan Candy Box, which naturally has a Halloween theme.

This helpful guide has information in English regarding all ten items that come in the box. I thought it was interesting that the product packaging of this month’s snacks are either cute (kawaii) or creepy scary. Personally, I am a much bigger fan of the cute packaging, but I guess there is something for everyone!

The Kawaii Snacks

  • Tohato Caramel Corn Halloween Mini Pack-sweet corn puff snacks
  • Shimi Halloween Choco Corn Stars-chocolate crunchy corn puffs
  • Black Thunder Halloween Chocolate Bar-crunch rice puffs coated in chocolate
  • Toppo Halloween Edition Biscuit Sticks-chocolate filled biscuit sticks
  • Happy Halloween Umaibo Snack Stick-creamy corn potage soup-flavored corn stick
  • Koala’s March Halloween Biscuits-biscuits filled with rich chocolate with Halloween designs

The Scary Snacks

  • Tohato Bokun Habanero Chips-crispy habanero pepper-flavored potato rings
  • Terrible Ghost Story Gum
  • Monstro Frankenstein Gum-soda and cola-flavored gum
  • Pokemon Halloween Party Chocolate Snack-chocolate coated corn snack pieces shaped like a Pikachu face

Overall, I like how there is an interesting variety of snacks and the sizes are large enough to share. My personal favorites in this box are the Koala Halloween Biscuits and the Black Thunder Halloween Chocolate Bar. The Japan Candy Box is the perfect way to have a taste (literally) of a different culture and would make a unique gift this holiday season. Go here to subscribe (there are 1 month, 6 month, and 12 month plans available).

Giveaway Time!

LimByLim Japan Candy Box Giveaway
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Food, Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Maker Overnight Oats Make A Quick and Satisfying Breakfast

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

Have you tried overnight oats yet? If you are looking for a quick, easy and nutritious breakfast, overnight oats may be your answer. I was excited to discover Maker Overnight Oats at Expo West earlier this year.

Maker Oats comes in three delicious flavors:

  • Apple & Coconut
  • Banana & Coffee
  • Mulberry & Chia

I was able to try the Apple & Coconut flavor. Check out the “clean” ingredient list: Organic whole grain rolled oats, organic dried diced apples, organic raisins, organic dried coconut, organic sliced almonds, organic diced dates, organic chia seeds, organic ground cinnamon, organic ground ginger.

I especially appreciate that the only sugar it contains is that found in the dried organic fruits and nuts. Most packaged oatmeal I have tried has too much added sugar!

The directions for these overnight oats are simple. Just pour in milk (soy, nut, dairy) or water to cover the oats, stir, and let soak overnight in the refrigerator. It will be ready to eat the next morning!

I really enjoyed the Apple & Coconut flavor. The abundant dried fruit really plumps up after soaking overnight and adds just the right amount of sweetness. Each packet contains 7 g of fiber, and the portion kept me satisfied throughout the morning.

Maker Overnight Oats can be found at natural food stores and online at Walmart here. Hopefully they will become more widely available soon!

Enter to win a box of Maker Overnight Oats below!

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Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Multi-Use Mollie Ollie Mimmo Caddy Review + Giveaway

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Disclosure: I received a sample product 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.

I am so excited about my latest product discovery: the Mimmo Caddy by Mollie Ollie. This soft-sided caddy is very well-made and has a simple, modern design.

The material is sturdy, yet soft and chemical-free. I like how the caddy maintains its shape even when it is empty.

Love the charcoal gray exterior and light blue interior!

The Mimmo caddy features inner dividers which can be adjusted with interior velcro tabs, as well as multiple exterior pockets to maximize storage capacity.

This caddy is so versatile. I believe its primary intended use is as a diaper-changing caddy, which I can totally see. It would make such a cute and useful baby shower gift. However, since we are past the diaper-changing stage in our house (thank goodness!), I came up with some other possible uses.

Road Trip Caddy

We take long road trips fairly often, and the kids usually have so much stuff crammed in the backseat. Here, the Mimmo is holding a box of tissue, DVDs, water and snacks and makes everything easy to find.

Homework Station Organizer

Another way in which the Mimmo Caddy can be put to work is as a homework station organizer. The smaller compartment is the perfect size for charging school ipads, pencils, a pencil sharpener, and glue sticks. The bigger compartment can hold planners and notebooks.

The zipper pocket has an elastic organizing band to keep your small items organized.

Music Practice Caddy

Finally, the Mimmo Caddy also does a great job of keeping all of my daughter’s viola paraphernalia (music books, tuner, rosin, metronome and should rest) neat and organized. The handles make it easy to transport around the house.

Purchase on Amazon + Discount

As you can see, the Mollie Ollie Mimmo Caddy has an endless number of uses around the house, and on the go. It can be purchased on Amazon here. Use Amazon discount code: 10Limbylim for 10% discount until October 21, 2019! Also, visit www.mollieollie.com to find out more about how to redeem a 20% discount. 

One of my readers will win a Mollie Ollie Mimmo Caddy. Enter below!

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Family Field Trips, Giveaways, Sponsored

Make Memories At Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic {Giveaway}

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Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Feld Entertainment.

I have to give credit to Sesame Street for playing a big role in my early childhood education. I can remember watching the television show with my sister and being excited when our favorite characters, songs or segments came on.

Sesame Street makes learning fun, and it is not just ABCs and 123s. It also does a great job teaching social and emotional skills, showcasing occupations, and exposing children to different life situations. Sesame Street has been going strong for about 50(!) years, which is amazing in an age when most kid shows come and go in a flash.

Even though my own kids are now past the Sesame Street stage of life (*sniff!*), I am excited to share some information about the Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic show that is currently touring throughout the United States.

Everyone’s invited on an amazing journey with Elmo to discover the “power of yet” in Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic when it comes to Ontario and Long Beach this Fall!  Building on a successful tour with Feld Entertainment’s inaugural Sesame Street Live! show last season in partnership with the non-profit educational organization Sesame Workshop, this production features favorite Sesame Street pals Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie, Monster, Big Bird and more in a brand-new, magical adventure live on stage.   

Elmo is inspired to learn a magic trick when he meets magician extraordinaire Justin, who has come to Sesame Street to perform a magic show.  But there’s one problem…Elmo doesn’t know how to do magic! Through Justin’s encouragement to practice, work hard and never give up, Elmo embarks on an extraordinary journey.  He learns that it’s okay to make mistakes and that magic can be found anywhere when you believe in yourself and the power of what’s yet to be. Cookie Monster and Gonger uncover the science and fun of baking while Abby Cadabby experiences the transformative abilities of caterpillars.  Big Bird learns about the magnifying magic of shadow puppetry while Rosita orchestrates a rhythmic beat using everyday objects around her. And artist Grover mixes up the pigment power of the three primary colors. With high-energy dance numbers and a soundtrack that’s sure to get everyone out of their seats, Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic is an inspirational introduction to live theater and the art of illusion that the entire family will enjoy.

During the Sesame Street Live! pre-show experience, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and take photos with Elmo and two of his furry friends before the show right in their own neighborhood!  At this unique, up-close-and-personal experience offered at an additional charge, families can tour the on-stage neighborhood with special surprise visits from Elmo & Friends for photos; participate in a scavenger hunt and receive a special prize upon completion and experience up-close magic tricks from a roaming magician. 

Sesame Street Live! Is Coming to Southern California This November

O N T A R I O  Toyota Arena (formerly Citizens Business Bank Arena)

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

  • Show Time:  2:00 PM
  • Pre-Show Experience from 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM*
  • Show Time:  5:30 PM
  • Pre-Show Experience from 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM*

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

  • Show Time:  1:00 PM
  • Pre-Show Experience from 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM*
  • Show Time:  4:30 PM
  • Pre-Show Experience from 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM*

L O N G   B E A C H Terrace Theater

Friday, November 8, 2019

  • Show Time:  6:00 PM
  • Pre-Show Experience from 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM*

Saturday, November 9, 2019

  • Show Time:  10:30 AM
  • Pre-Show Experience from 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM*
  • Show Time:  2:00 PM
  • Pre-Show Experience from 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM*

Sunday, November 10, 2019

  • Show Time:  2:00 PM
  • Pre-Show Experience from 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM*

Sesame Street Live! Ticket Information & Discount

Tickets start at just $20 each! Pre-Show Meet & Greet Experience Pass available for $25 per person. (*Pre-show pass must be accompanied by same day show ticket) *Prices subject to change; additional venue/ticketing fees may apply.

Tickets now available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com or visit the venue Box Office; all seats are reserved.

Save 20% on tickets by using offer code: MOM20 (Expires 11/11/19)

Giveaway Time!

Enter to win a giveaway for four tickets to either of the following Sesame Street Live! performances:

  • Tuesday, November 5 at 2pm  – Toyota Arena
  • Friday, November 8 at 6pm – Long Beach Terrace Theater


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Crafts, Giveaways, Sponsored

Gift A Green Kid Crafts Box To Your Favorite STEAM Kid

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

I am loving all of the different subscription boxes that are available these days. Green Kid Crafts is a company that offers a wide variety of STEAM-focused boxes for kids ages 2-10.

We had the opportunity to review the Soaring Into Flight box. This box is full of fun projects, including:

  • Homemade Hovercraft
  • Bernoulli’s Experiment
  • Wooden Airplane Kit
  • Glider Kit
  • DIY Paper Airplane Kit (with 3 different designs)
  • Dragonfly Spinner Kit

The box also includes a booklet that has instructions for the projects, as well as kid-friendly scientific explanations regarding how they work.

n always enjoys making paper airplanes. I like how this kit challenges kids to make a “control” airplane and then modify the other airplanes to show how the center of balance and stabilizers can change the flight pattern.

Another project in this box has kids compare the flight distance of a glider, dragonfly spinner and a wooden plane. The project includes a measuring tape, and the booklet has a log to record data.

n’s favorite project in this box is the homemade hovercraft . We had actually recently seen a demonstration of this project, but we did not have all of the necessary supplies. I like how this box includes everything you need for each project–instant gratification!

Green Kid Crafts offers monthly subscriptions, as well as individual boxes with various themes that range from music to chemistry to animals. Keep this site in mind when shopping for gifts that are both educational and fun!

Green Kid Crafts is generously offering my readers the chance to win a 3- month subscription!

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Food, Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Cozy Up With a Cup of Chai Using Zulay Kitchen Tools

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Disclosure: I received sample products 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.

I am so excited to welcome the first week of fall! Although it seems like I will have to wait a few more weeks for the temperatures to cool down around here, I am looking forward to cozy afternoons at home with a warm drink in hand. One of my favorite hot drinks (other than coffee, of course!) is chai tea. The following is a simple tutorial for chai tea using a couple of handy kitchen tools from Zulay Kitchen.

Pictured here are the Zulay Kitchen Milk Boss Electric Milk Frother and Stainless Steel Frothing Pitcher. I had so much fun testing out these high-quality kitchen tools-they made me feel like a real barista! Both the milk frother and pitcher can be used to make various drinks, including coffee, matcha, cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate. and chai tea.

Chai Tea Tutorial

First, make a chai tea mix using sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and cardamom (exact recipe below).

Store the chai tea mix in a labelled air-tight container to keep on hand in the cupboard.

Brew a strong cup of your favorite black tea.

Measure out cold milk (could also be warm) in a frothing pitcher. The measurements inside the Zulay Frothing Pitcher are quite useful!

Froth the milk using the Zulay Milk Boss Electric Milk Frother. This battery-operated frother could not be easier to use. I also like that it comes with its own stand.

Within a few seconds, you will have a small pitcher full of frothy milk!

Top off your cup of tea with the foamy milk.

Enjoy your cup of chai tea!

Instant Chai Tea Mix Recipe

Ingredients:

1 c. sugar

1 t. cinnamon

1 t. ground ginger

1/2 t. ground cardamom

1/2 t. ground cloves

Stir all of the ingredients together in a bowl. Store the mix in an air-tight container.

Brew a cup of black tea. Add 1-2 teaspoons of the Instant Chai Tea Mix to the cup of tea (depending on how sweet you want it) and stir well. Froth 1/4 c. of milk (can be hot or cold) and top off the cup of tea with some of the frothy milk (this should be enough frothy milk for two cups of tea). Sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon if you’re feeling extra fancy.

Check out some of the other innovative kitchen products that Zulay Kitchen offers here.

Giveaway Time

I am excited to announce that one of my readers has the opportunity to win a Zulay Kitchen Milk Boss Electric Milk Frother & Stainless Steel Frothing Pitcher!

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Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Teach Tech With Zivko The Robot: Review + Giveaway

47 Comments

Disclosure: I received a sample 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.

My ten year old son is a big fan of building things with his hands. He especially likes the Snap Circuit sets (like this one), which emphasize STEM skills. When I found out that Elenco, the company behind Snap Circuits has a new line of Teach Tech robots, I knew they would be something he would be interested in.

Elenco sent us Zivko the Robot to test and review. Zivko the Robot is a Hexiped robot that introduces kids to Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.

When we opened up the box, I have to admit that the amount of little parts seemed a little overwhelming to me. However, n was up to the challenge and went right to work. He was able to put Zivko together without my help, but it was a challenge for him (which is a good thing!) This kit is recommended for ages 10 and up, and I can see why.

Zivko operates in two modes, “follow” or “explore”. When Zivko is in follow mode, it will follow you around like a pet. When Zivko is in explore mode, it is able to explore on its own and avoid obstacles along the way. With all of its lights and sounds, Zivko does have a personality of his own. I like how the learning continues even after Zivko is fully assembled.

The Zivko The Robot is available on Amazon, along with other members of the Elenco Teach Tech Robot family. Gift-giving season is just around the corner, so keep these robots in mind for the STEM-loving kids you know!

GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway below to win Zivko The Robot!

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Food, Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

You Will Crave The Daily Crave Snacks

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

One of my favorite booths at Expo West was the one for The Daily Crave. I had never heard of this company before, but the newspaper-like packaging caught my eye. Once I tried these plant-based snacks, I understood why the company is called “The Daily Crave”!

The Daily Crave has an impressive line-up of products. I was so excited to receive a variety pack that included:

  • Himalayan Pink Salt Lentil Chips
  • Aged White Cheddar Lentil Chips
  • Organic Veggie Straws
  • Spicy Sriracha Veggie Straws
  • Spicy Thai Chili Quinoa Chips
  • Himalayan Pink Salt Quinoa Chips
  • Barbecue Veggie Chips
  • Veggie Chips

I really like how these light and crunchy snacks contain plant protein and fiber. I am glad to find snacks with natural ingredients that my whole family actually enjoys eating!

n’s 5th grade teacher allows them to eat snacks in class, but only if they are “better-for-you” and not junk food. She specifically allows the kids to eat veggie straws, since that is her favorite snack! I think we will have to gift her a bag of The Daily Crave Veggie Straws so she can try them out!

Go here to see if The Daily Crave snacks are carried at a store near you. They are also available on Amazon.

GIVEAWAY

Thank you to The Daily Crave for offering my readers a chance to win a case of The Daily Crave snacks!

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Giveaways, Movies, Reviews, Sponsored

An Inspirational Movie: Overcomer + Giveaway

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Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Movies can be a powerful tool to deliver important messages to large audiences. Therefore, I think it is exciting that faith-based movies are becoming more widely distributed and promoted. The Kendrick Brothers are largely responsible for this expansion. They wrote, directed and produced several recent faith-based movies, including War Room, Courageous, Fireproof and Facing the Giants. On August 23, a new Kendrick Brothers movie, Overcomer, will be in theaters throughout the United States.

SYNOPSIS

Life changes overnight for coach John Harrison when his high school basketball team’s state championship dreams are crushed under the weight of unexpected news. When the largest manufacturing plant in town suddenly shuts down and hundreds of families begin moving away, John must come to grips with the challenges facing his family and his team. Urged by the school’s principal to fill-in and coach a sport he doesn’t know or like, John is frustrated and questioning his worth … until he crosses paths with a student struggling with her own journey.

The inspiring family film stars Alex Kendrick, Priscilla Shirer, Shari Rigby, Cameron Arnett, and introduces Aryn Wright-Thompson. Opening nationwide on August 23, OVERCOMER dares to leave you filled with hope, inspired to dream, and asks the question: what do you allow to define you?

Overcomer is a movie that is designed to spark meaningful conversation between kids and their parents. The Overcomer website even has resources to facilitate such conversations, including a Parent Primer, Family Guide and Team Guide for coaches and small group leaders. Go here to see when and where Overcomer is playing near you.

Giveaway

Enter to win two Fandango codes to see Overcomer!

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.  No Canadian winners please, Fandango does not reach to our Canadian friends.

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