Celebrate With Gem City Fine Foods

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

Birthday celebrations call for cake and treats. This year I celebrated with samples from Gem City Fine Foods, one of the participants in this year’s recent online Nourished Festival. Their baked goods are certified gluten-free, and made in a dedicated gluten-free bakery. In addition, their products do not contain tree nuts or peanuts, and everything is made in a dedicated nut-free bakery. This is especially important to me, since my kids are allergic to nuts.

This is the Gem City Fine Foods Vegan Chocolate Cake. Gem City ships their cakes frozen on Mondays, and I was amazed how this cake still looked like it came straight from a bakery.

This two-layer chocolate cake with white frosting was a real treat. It would be perfect for anyone who is looking for a cake that is vegan, gluten-free and/or nut-free. The cake was nice and moist and we could not tell that it was gluten-free.

Look at that structural integrity! This cake can be cut up into beautiful slices and does not fall apart. It is nice when everyone can indulge in a dessert together and not feel deprived.

We also had the opportunity to try some other Gem City Fine Foods mini desserts. Aren’t they so cute? Pictured here are the Blueberry Lemon Loaf, Flourless Chocolate Torte, Pumpkin Cheesecake, and Lemon Zest Cheesecake. I like the idea of serving individual desserts so everyone can choose their favorite. I tend to think of gluten-free baked goods as having a strange texture and taste, but that is not the case with these cakes.

I have to say, my favorite dessert was the Pumpkin Cheesecake; luscious and creamy, pumpkin-y and SO good. This should come as no surprise to anyone who knows my love for pumpkin desserts. Did you notice my pumpkin t-shirt in the first pictures? My love of pumpkin knows no bounds!

Where to Purchase Gem City Fine Foods

Gem City Fine Foods can be found at a store near you, or you can order their products through their website.

Gem City Fine Foods Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cheesecake Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a Gem City Fine Foods Gluten-Free 6-inch Pumpkin Cheesecake!

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Fall Is In The Air With Simply Earth Essential Oils

Disclosure: I received samples in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

Fall is officially here, even though the weather continues to feel like summer where I live. I look forward to fall every year; it is my favorite season!

Therefore, I was elated to receive the October Simply Earth Recipe Box (pumpkin not included). It contains ingredients to make the following self-care recipes:

  • Natural Hydrating Body Spray
  • Exfoliating Body Polish
  • Cleansing Foot Soak
  • Muscle Soothing Roll On
  • The Best Natural Lotion Recipe
  • It’s Fall Y’all Essential Oil Blend

This month’s Simply Earth Recipe Box comes with the following essential oils:

  • Mandarin: uplifts, cleans, improves skin appearance
  • Eucalyptus: energizes, clears nasal passages
  • Autumn Air: Fall aroma, cleans
  • Breathe Easy: clears nasal passages

I tried the recipe for the It’s Fall Y’all essential oil diffuser blend, which uses a mixture of Autumn Air, Mandarin and Breathe Easy. It is such a lovely fragrance, and really does put me in the fall mood. This box is one of my favorite combination of Simply Earth essential oils that I have received so far!

Simply Earth Essential Oils Discount Code

Simply Earth is offering a fantastic deal for my readers. When you start an Essential Oil Recipe Box Subscription, you will also receive a Big Bonus Box AND a free $40 eGift card when you use the code LIMBYLIMFREE at checkout. (New subscribers only).

Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box. **Please note that by entering this giveaway, you agree to have your e-mail added to the Simply Earth e-mail list.

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Make Your Laundry Eco-Friendly With ECO Products

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

One of my unexpected discoveries from the Online Nourished Festival was the ECO line of products. These innovative cleaning products reduce waste and eliminate the use of chemicals.

Currently, there are four products available:

  • ECOSCENT: This product eliminates the need of dryer sheets and can be reused for 3-6 months. I personally do not use dryer sheets, but I know many people do. This sounds like a good chemical-free alternative.
  • ECOBOOST: This product reduces the amount of laundry detergent you need to use by 50%. It enhances cleaning, odor reduction and has a potent antibacterial effect on laundry. It can be reused for 300 loads of laundry.
  • ECOWASH: This product is a 100% natural laundry washer that is reusable for 300 washes, or one year’s use. It completely replaces the need for laundry detergent! According to the website, It cleans as effective as laundry detergent, reduces odor 10X better than traditional detergent and has a potent antibacterial effect on laundry.
  • ECOBATH: This product is a pure mineral bath infuser that continuously releases molecular hydrogen (H2) into the bath. According to the website, ECOBATH improves skin hydration, speeds wound healing, enhances skin barrier function and decreases inflammation. It is also effective for stress relief, soaking achy muscles and joints, highly therapeutic for psoriasis, eczema and many other health conditions. It is reusable for 300 baths and does not contain any toxic or synthetic chemicals.

Here is an up-close look at the ECOBOOST. All you have to do is place it in the laundry machine with the clothes you want to wash and use half of the detergent you normally use. After washing, remove the ECOBOOST so that it can air dry, or leave the laundry machine door open. I tried it out on my sheets, and I could not tell that I had used less laundry detergent. It still had that freshly-laundered feel!

The science that makes these products effective is really interesting. Instead of trying to explain the process in my own words, here is the official explanation found on the Natural Products website:

The mineral in the bag reacts in the water in three ways. 1: The mineral pellets release thousands of molecular hydrogen nano-bubbles which are so small they force their way through clothing fibers pushing out dirt, sebum, germs, bacteria and odor into the water to be rinsed away. 2. The pH level is increased creating ionized alkaline water which enhances the cleaning process. 3. Magnesium hydroxide is released which acts as a natural cleansing agent and highly effective natural antibacterial agent.

ECO Discount Code

Visit www.naturalproducts.shop to purchase ECOSCENT, ECOBOOST, ECOWASH or ECOBATH. Use discount code friend20 to receive 20% off any product until the end of the month!

ECOBOOST Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win an ECOBOOST ($39.99 value). This giveaway is open to US and Canada only.

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Grab The Gold For A Winning Snack

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

This year’s Nourished Festival featuring gluten-free and specialty diet products is going virtual, from September 24-26, 2020. To sign up for updates & prizes, go here: online.nourishedfestival.com. As an official Nourished Festival blogger, I am excited to connect with several brands in this wonderful community. I have been busy setting up a lot of reviews and giveaways for my readers, so get ready!

First up is a new-to-me brand, called Grab the Gold. Grab the Gold Snack Bars come in two delicious flavors: Chocolate Peanut Butter and Peanut Butter & Jelly.

As soon as I tasted one of these Grab The Gold Snack Bars, I knew we had a winner! The first ingredient is organic oats, which gives these bars a nice, hearty texture. They also contain natural peanut butter, which provides 11 grams of hunger-satisfying protein. The chocolate (in the Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor) and the cranberries (in the Peanut Butter & Jelly flavor) provides just the right amount of sweetness.

You cannot go wrong with oats + peanut butter + chocolate! One half of one of these hefty disc-shaped bars makes a good mid-morning snack for me. Of course, there would be nothing wrong with eating the whole bar if you are looking for more sustenance. I should also mention that Grab The Gold bars are gluten-free, vegan and kosher!

The Peanut Butter & Jelly flavor is also super tasty. I seriously cannot choose a favorite between the two flavors because they are both really good. Although these bars are perfect to have on the go, they also make a great work from home snack, as well.

Grab the Gold also sent us a sample of their Immune Boost Shot Berry Drink Mix and a Blender Bottle With Storage. The drink mix contains natural flavors and includes elderberry, vitamin C and echinacea + zinc. It can be combined with water or your favorite drink. It is an easy way to help support your immune health, which we all need these days.

Where to Purchase Grab The Gold Snack Bars

Grab The Gold snack bars and supplements can be purchased through their online store.

Grab The Gold Snack Bars Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a Box of Grab The Gold (12 bars) in the flavor of your choice. The winner will receive a promo code equaling a 100% discount (including shipping).

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Solely Fruit Jerky Bars Are Unbelievably Good

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.

Solely Fruit Jerky is a snack with a very simple ingredient list or just one or two ingredients. Each bar is made with real organic fruit.

For example, the Solely Mango Fruit Jerky contains one whole organic mango, and that is all. It does not contain any preservatives, concentrates, or added sugar. It almost seems impossible!

Solely Fruit Jerky comes in an interesting variety of flavors, including:

  • Banana Jerky
  • Mango Jerky
  • Pineapple Jerky
  • Pineapple With Coconut Jerky
  • Banana With Pecans Jerky
  • Banana With Cacao Jerky
  • Mango With Chili & Salt
  • Pineapple With Chili & Salt

Since my kids are big mango lovers, those are the ones they went for first. Let me tell you, these Solely Fruit Jerky bars were a big hit with my family!

My daughter could not believe that the Solely Pineapple Fruit Jerky actually contains a half of an organic pineapple.

As some kids start to go back to school, we need to start thinking about what to put in their lunchboxes. A Solely Fruit Jerky bar would be a welcome, wholesome treat! Actually, I want to bring them to work for my own healthy snack on the go.

I also wanted to show you a sample that we received of Solely Fruit Jerky drizzled with cacao–yum!

Where to Purchase Solely Products

Solely Fruit Jerky and other Solely products can be purchased on their website, Amazon (see below), or at a store near you.

Solely Fruit Jerky Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a mixed pack of two strips of each of the eight flavors of Solely Fruit Jerky AND a pack of their new dried mango drizzled with cacao.

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Papa’s Skinless Popcorn Pops Are A New Way To Eat Popcorn

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

Have you ever had the hard part of a piece of popcorn become stuck in your teeth or throat? It is a very unpleasant experience, which I can attest to from personal experience. Papa’s Skinless Popcorn Pops came up with a popping process that eliminates the skin (aka hull). The resulting fluffy “pops” are soft and easy to eat.

Papa’s Skinless Popcorn sent us the following flavors:

  • Sweet Cinnamon
  • Creamy Ranch
  • White Cheddar
  • Sweet & Salty
  • Smokin’ BBQ
  • Honey Mustard

My kids were eager to try these snacks out, although we were not quite sure what to expect.

As you can see, the individual pieces are a good size. I was surprised by how flavorful they were. The Honey Mustard had a good balance between sweet and savory. I also really enjoyed the Sweet Cinnamon flavor for when you are looking for a sweet snack that is not too sweet.

Besides being delicious, Papa’s Skinless Popcorn Pops are a snack that you can feel good about. They are non-GMO, gluten-free, nut-free, kosher, and do not contain preservatives, trans-fats or cholesterol.

Where to Purchase Papa’s Skinless Popcorn Pops

Papa’s Skinless Popcorn Pops can be found at a store near you. I am hoping they will become more widely available soon!

Papa’s Skinless Popcorn Pops Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a variety pack of Papa’s Skinless Popcorn Pops.

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Spark Your Creativity With Chalkola Chalk Markers

Dislosure: I received samples in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own. If you make a purchase through the affiliate links in this post, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

The art of lettering is something that I have always enjoyed doing. My daughter recently started dabbling in it too, and she has quickly surpassed my skill level.

We recently had the opportunity to try out Neon, Pastel and Metallic Colors Chalk Markers – 6mm Reversible Nib | Pack of 40 Pens and they are so satisfying to write with! The colors are bright and vibrant and go on so smooth.

This Chalkola chalkboard is the perfect writing surface for Chalkola chalk markers. I had my daughter write out an ode to my fall favorite, pumpkin spice!

Chalkola chalk markers come in a wonderful array of colors. I like how there are metallic and neon colors available too.

Although the ink looks permanent, it is easily erasable with a damp rag. Mistakes are not a big deal with Chalkola chalk markers! Some ideas for using these chalk markers include crafts, signs and seasonal displays. The possibilities are truly endless!

Where to Purchase Chalkola Products + Discount Codes

Chalkola art supplies may be purchased on the Chalkola website. Use discount code LAURENLI10 for 10% off your purchase.

Chalkola products are also available on Amazon. Use discount code CHALKOLA10 for 10% off.

Chalkola Chalk Marker Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win Neon, Classic & Metallic Colors Chalk Markers with 6mm Reversible Nib – Pack of 21 Pens!

**Note this giveaway is open to the US and UK!**

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Treat Eczema Naturally With All Terrain

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

My son has had eczema since he was a baby. Although his eczema is improving as he grows older, he still has periodic flare-ups. All Terrain has a trio of products to treat kids’ eczema that contains natural ingredients: Kids Eczema Soothing Soap, Kids Eczema Cream, and Kids Eczema Spray.

The All Terrain Eczema product line is appealing because I have always been weary of using strong steroid creams that could cause harmful side effects. The All Terrain Eczema Cream and Spray contain colloidal oatmeal, which soothes dry and sensitive skin. They also contain other natural nourishing ingredients, such as shea butter, tea tree oil, neem oil and eucalyptus oil. These products can also be used to treat atopic dermatitis.

All Terrain also has similar eczema products designed for adults: Eczema Soothing Soap, Eczema Relief Cream, and Eczema Relief Spray.

All Terrain Three Step Eczema Regimen

I had my son try the All Terrain Eczema Soothing Soap, Cream and Spray for kids.

Here is the three step process:

1. Lather the soap, let it sit for 1-2 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.

2. Apply the cream.

3. Apply the spray. (Spray can be applied after the soap as a second step if the eczema affected area is too sensitive to apply the cream.)

All three products had a tea tree oil scent. His skin felt moisturized and less scaly after using these All Terrain Eczema products. I only wish we had discovered them when he was younger!

Where to Purchase All Terrain Eczema Products

All Terrain products can be purchased through the All Terrain Online Store.

TWO All Terrain Eczema Giveaways

All Terrain has generously offered to provide prizes for TWO separate giveaways. Enter the giveaways below for your chance to win a set of All Terrain Kids Eczema products and/or All Terrain Adult Eczema products!

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Noshing on Nora Seaweed Snacks

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

I find it interesting that eating seaweed has recently become a lot more mainstream in the United States. If anyone brought seaweed in their school lunch when I was a kid, it was considered weird. Now I see kids munching on seaweed as a snack and no one bats an eye.

Nora Seaweed Snacks uses seaweed to make a unique, bite-size, munchable snack. Seaweed makes a good snack because it is high in vitamins A, B6, and B12, as well as protein, iron, and fiber. Nora Seaweed Snacks are also non-gmo, vegan, contain no trans-fat and no artificial flavors.

Nora Seaweed Snacks come in three flavors:

  • Crispy Original Flavor
  • Tempura Original Flavor
  • Tempura Spicy Flavor (we did not find this flavor too spicy).

Nora Seaweed Snacks are light crisps that are SO delicious! Seriously, my family is addicted. If you like salty snacks, Nora Seaweed Snacks are worth a try!

Enjoying Nora Seaweed Snacks by the seashore!

Where to Purchase Nora Seaweed Snacks

Nora Snacks can be purchased on their website or at a store near you.

Nora Seaweed Snacks Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a variety pack of 24 grab and go packs – 8 Crispy Original Flavor, 8 Tempura Original Flavor, and 8 Tempura Spicy Flavor!

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Sambucol Black Elderberry Review #SambucolMom

Disclosure: I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

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.

Have you been noticing Sambucol Black Elderberry products on more and more store shelves like I have? Elderberries have been used for centuries because they contain an extremely high concentration of certain flavonoids called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system. I do not want to make any unfounded medical claims, but I think we can all agree that having a strong immune system is always important.

Sambucol Black Elderberry Gummies

I have come to the conclusion that my kids will pretty much try anything if it is in gummy form. Sambucol Black Elderberry Gummies are so tasty, I do not have to remind my kids about taking them. Instead, they actually request them!

These gummies contain no artificial flavors or colors, are gluten-, soy-, dairy-, nut- gelatin- and egg-free, and are vegan/vegetarian. In addition, each gummy only contains 1 gram of sugar. They are a dietary supplement that I feel comfortable giving to my kids, which makes me a #SambucolMom.

Sambucol Elderberry Syrup

Southern California recently experienced a serious heat wave, so this recipe for Refreshing Mango and Peach Iced Tea with Elderberry Ice Cubes sounded appealing. I made the Elderberry Ice Cubes simply by mixing water with Sambucol Elderberry Syrup and freezing it in an ice cube tray. I took a shortcut and brewed some mango iced tea that I already had at home.

I like that the Sambucol Elderberry ice cubes added a subtle fruity elderberry taste without being overpowering. The syrup form also makes it easy to add to smoothies, juice, yogurt or even as a pancake topping (that sounds interesting!)

If you want to make it easy to ingest Sambucol Elderberry on the go, I would suggest the Sambucol Elderberry Immune Drink Powder with Vitamin C.

Where to Purchase Sambucol Black Elderberry Products

Sambucol Black Elderberry products are available to purchase at
Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, GNC, The Vitamin Shoppe, Ralphs,
Vons, Safeway, and Kroger. They are also for purchase online through Amazon.

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