Disclosure: I received samples in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.
You cannot beat the convenience of having a stash of soup cups in your pantry. I consider them “insurance” for those days when you just need a quick lunch or snack. Therefore, I was excited to hear about Lotus Foods Rice Ramen Soup Cups. Boil some water and three minutes later you have a delicious cup of soup!
Lotus Foods Rice Ramen Soup Cup Flavors
Lotus Foods Rice Ramen Soup Cups come in six unique flavors:
Red Miso
Spicy Kimchi*
Hot & Sour*
Tom Yum
Garlicky Veggie*
Masala Curry
*Includes Freeze-Dried Chunky Veggies
Instant ramen has gained a bad rap because it often contains not-so-healthy ingredients. These Lotus Foods Rice Ramen Soup Cups contain just organic whole grain brown rice noodles and spices and veggies. They do not contain any artificial flavors, colors or preservatives and they are also Non-GMO Project Verified.
We enjoyed the unique chewy texture of the organic brown rice noodles. Our favorite flavor was the Garlicky Veggie. I cannot wait for the weather to cool down so that we can enjoy soup season to the fullest!
Where to Purchase Lotus Foods Products
Lotus Foods offers an expansive line of products, ranging from rice to crackers to rice noodles, all of which can be ordered online through their website.
Lotus Foods Rice Ramen Soup Cups Giveaway
Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a variety of Lotus Foods Rice Ramen Soup Cups (over $25 value!).
Disclosure: I received samples of Lakanto by being a #Tryazon party host. All opinions are my own.
Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener seems to be gaining in popularity quite rapidly. This is not surprising, as many people are searching for ways to cut down on sugar. Monkfruit is all-natural, FDA-approved and does not cause spikes in blood sugar. Look up Lakanto on Pinterest, and there are plenty of recipes to choose from, such as muffins, cookies, and smoothies. Not too long ago, I also noticed that Costco was selling this sugar substitute in the baking aisle.
While I believe that I have tried some energy bars with monkfruit as an ingredient, I had never tried baking with it. Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener is extremely easy to bake with because it is a 1:1 sugar substitute. No math calculations or guessing necessary! I made these chocolate chip cookies using a combination of the Lakanto Classic and Golden Monkfruit Sweeteners. The cookies came out a little thicker than my usual cookies, but they had a good taste and texture.
I must include a warning that some people may experience gastro-intestinal or other side effects from monkfruit. If you already know that monkfruit is something that your body handles well, I would definitely recommend the Lakanto brand. If you have never tried monkfruit before, I would go easy at first and see how your body responds. Lakanto Monkfruit Sweeteners allow you to enjoy the sweet things in life without the sugar.
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.
Poptime Snacks have become our family’s official go-to snacks this summer. A couple of months ago, I did a full review of their wide variety of popcorn and popped chips. We are big fans of Poptime Snacks because they come in unique and delicious flavors, but do not contain any of the unhealthy ingredients often found in other snack brands. Poptime Snacks are vegan, cholesterol-free, preservative-free, GMO-free, nut-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, trans-fat free and artificial flavor-free.
Poptime Snacks Are Available In Variety Packs
Today I am excited to announce that Poptime Snacks is now offering Variety Packs of each of their snack lines: Poptime Creations, Big & Bold Popcorn, Poptime Popcorn and Poptime Popped Chips. Each Variety Pack includes six full-size bags and are a great value. I like the Variety Pack option because it allows serious snackers to easily try an array of wonderful flavors!
Summer Adventures With Poptime Snacks
Here are some places where Poptime Snacks have accompanied us on our adventures this summer.
Can you watch a movie without eating popcorn? Not too long ago our family went to an outdoor movie. There were socially distant tables and they encouraged everyone to bring their own food and snacks. The Chocolate & Vanilla Poptime Creations Popcorn was a nice treat to munch on while watching a movie al fresco.
Next, we brought along Sweet & Salty Kettle Big and Bold Popcorn on our camping trip to Big Bear.
It was the perfect snack to pack for our picnic lunch by the lake.
Hiking always makes us hungry. This time the snack of choice was Poptime Popcorn.
Finally, we packed Poptime Popped Chips for a relaxing day at the beach.
Poptime Snacks Variety Packs can be purchased on the Poptime Snacks website (with free shipping on all orders!) or Amazon.
Poptime Snacks Giveaway
Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a Variety Pack of Poptime Creations, Poptime Popcorn, Big & Bold Popcorn and Poptime Popped Chips. (That’s 24 full-size bags!)
Disclosure: I received samples in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.
I have not been to a salon since we started staying at home due to the pandemic. One thing that I miss about going to the salon is how healthy and hydrated my hair feels afterward. I find that it is difficult to replicate that feeling with my usual shampoo and conditioner. Recently I had the opportunity to try MasamiMekabu Shampoo and Conditioner. I was eager to see if the results would be salon-worthy.
I had never heard of Mekabu before, so I was curious as to what it is all about. According to the Masami story, Mekabu is an ingredient that comes from beneath the Wakame leaf. Masami sources Mekabu powder from a family-owned seaweed company in Japan. Mekabu contains ocean vitamins and minerals that provide natural hydration for hair. Who knew?
After washing my hair with the Masami Mekabu Shampoo and Conditioner, the first thing I noticed was how soft my hair felt. In addition, I was amazed at how my hair and scalp felt so nourished and hydrated. This is especially important since my hair tends to feel dry and brittle now that I color it. Both the Masami shampoo and the conditioner have a light scent that is derived from natural ingredients. The scent is difficult to describe, but I found it quite pleasant, both while washing my hair and drying it. I only needed to use a small amount of both products for my hair to feel cleansed. My hair did indeed feel like it does after a trip to the salon!
It is also worth noting that Masami hair care products do not contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, alcohol, or silicone, and are cruelty-free and vegan.
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.
Probably like many others, our family is still spending a lot of time at home. Board games are always a fun option to keep everyone entertained. Winning Moves has some of the best games on the market.
Large Print Tile Lock Scrabble makes significant improvements on the classic Scrabble game. First, the board and tiles are much larger, which makes it easier to read. Second, each tile has its own compartment, which “locks” the tile in place. No more tiles sliding around. Third, the board has a turntable function, which makes it easy to spin so that players do not have to try to look at the board from an awkward position.
Large Print Tile Lock Scrabble is for 2-4 players, and is recommended for ages 8 and up.
Pass The Pigs
Although Pass the Pigs has been around for more than 25 years, it is a new game for our family. The game involves rolling the pigs like dice and adding up points depending on the pigs’ position when they land.
I like how all of the game components fit into the compact dice cup. This game will not take up much room on your game shelf!
Pass the Pigs is easy to learn and recommended for kids ages 7 and up. Have your kids add up the points and they can get some extra math practice in at the same time!
Disclosure: I received samples in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.
Spending time outdoors definitely has its benefits. It is good for the body, mind and soul. However, precautions need to be taken when you are exposed to the elements. All Terrain is a company that is dedicated to providing products that provide natural protection.
All Terrain Herbal Armor DEET-Free Natural Insect Repellant
When you are near a body of water like a lake, mosquitoes and other insects are just a fact of life. I was a bit leary of spending a lot of time near Big Bear Lake, as everyone in my family has experienced some pretty nasty bug bites in the past. We prepared ourselves by generously applying the All Terrain Herbal Armor Natural Insect Repellant generously to our arms and legs. The active ingredients include soybean oil, citronella oil, peppermint oil, cedarwood oil, lemongrass oil and geranium oil. I felt better about using an insect repellant with these natural ingredients rather than questionable chemicals. While there is definitely a strong scent, it is not unpleasant. Despite seeing and hearing several insects during our hikes and at the campground, we all survived the trip without any bug bites!
All Terrain KidSport SPF 45 Sunscreen Lotion
The weather in Big Bear was somewhere in the low to mid 80’s, and there was very little cloud cover. We did several hikes, and I made sure to have everyone to apply liberal amounts of sunscreen. Even though the All Terrain KidSport SPF 45 Lotion is obviously geared towards kids, my entire family tried it out. This sunscreen is oxybenzone and fragrance-free and is water resistant for 80 minutes. The SPF 45 was effective in protecting us from sunburns and did not leave a greasy film like some other sunscreens. I was definitely glad to have this on hand during our trip!
Where to Purchase All Terrain Products + Discount Code
All Terrain products can be purchased through the All Terrain Online Store. Use discount code ATLL083120 for 20% off your purchase, valid until August 31, 2020! In addition to natural insect repellent and sunscreen, All Terrain also carries itch relief products, bandages, topical first aid products, soaps and hand sanitizer. They have everything you need to be prepared for spending time outdoors.
All Terrain Insect Repellant and Sunscreen Giveaway
Disclosure: I received samples in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.
In my constant quest to find natural products to use inside and outside the home, I came across Charlie’s Soap. This company is dedicated to the following motto: “Live Green. Deep Clean.” I appreciate that Charlie’s Soap products contain only biodegradable and hypo-allergenic ingredients both for my family’s health and the environment.
Charlie’s Soap sent us their Natural Laundry Liquid Detergent, Oxygen Bleach and Indoor & Outdoor Surface Cleaner to try out in our home.
Charlie’s Soap Laundry Products
Welcome to the not-so-glamorous laundry space in our garage! I don’t think our blog has ever gone here before-ha!
At first, I was surprised that this small bottle of laundry detergent could do 50 loads! The amount needed is just a small capful. I liked that this detergent is unscented as I personally find strong-smelling detergents to be off-putting. This liquid detergent is also a lot less “gloppy” than other detergents I have used, so there is no messy residue left in the cap. Overall, I was pleased with the cleaning capability of this detergent.
In the past, I have been weary of using bleach with my laundry. Let’s just say I have had some bad experiences in the past. However, I do have a lot of white towels and sheets, so I know that laundry products with bleach could be my friend. Charlie’s Soap Oxygen Bleach comes in a powder form that can be added to your load of laundry. It does not contain chlorine, nor does it contain any perfumes or dyes. I was quite pleased with how my whites came out whiter, all without any harsh chemicals.
Charlie’s Soap Indoor & Outdoor Surface Cleaner
I have to admit, cleaning outdoor surfaces is not on the top of my to-do list. It was not difficult for me to think of places in my backyard where I could try out Charlie’s Soap Indoor & Outdoor Surface Cleaner.
The application could not be simpler. I sprayed the cleaner onto the surface I wanted to clean and waited the recommended thirty minutes. I used a brush to scrub the dirt off and used a hose to rinse it down.
I was impressed with the results. This stain had been there for a long time. I think if I repeated the process again, it would look even better! Charlie’s Soap Indoor & Outdoor Cleaner does not contain any abrasives, perfumes, phosphates, bleach, lye or dyes. The bottle says this cleaner can be used for cars, boats, bikes, driveways, siding, walls, pets, hands, engines, grills, and furniture. The cleaning possibilities seem endless!
Where to Purchase Charlie’s Soap
Charlie’s Soap products can be purchased through their website, or at a store near you. I was actually surprised to see that this brand is available at several stores where I shop. I will need to pay more attention to the shelves the next time I am shopping for cleaning supplies.
Charlie’s Soap Giveaway
Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win Charlie’s Soap Natural Laundry Liquid Detergent, Oxygen Bleach and Indoor & Outdoor Surface Cleaner!
Disclosure: I received a sample in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.
I was so excited to hear that the July 2020 Kawaii Box theme was “Sanrio Summer Splash”. Sanrio characters bring back special childhood memories for me. Their cuteness has stood the test of time! Take a look at all of the goodness included in this Kawaii Box.
Gudetama Custard Biscuits
Are you familiar with Gudetama, the “lazy egg”? The detailed drawings on these simple cookies are so cute!
Sanrio Die-Cut Letter Set
My Melody used to be my sister’s favorite Sanrio character. This letter set is perfect for sending a sweet note to someone. Let’s bring back the art of letter-writing!
Munching Pudgy Hamster Pen
Cute writing utensils are my weakness.
Japanese Motif Washi Tape
Add some flair to your mail with pretty washi tape.
Sanrio Characters Sticky Notes
These Pompompurin sticky notes bring back me way back. He was one of my favorite characters. How can you not love a dog who likes to eat pudding? This set of sticky notes fit perfectly in a planner.
Hello Kitty Strawberry Jelly Marshmallows
The strawberry jelly filling really sets these Hello Kitty marshmallows apart.
Sanrio Character Socks
These Little Twin Stars socks are my favorite item in this month’s box!
Sanrio Soft Plushie Purse
This is a plushie, coin purse and bag charm all-in-one!
How to Order a Kawaii Box
To subscribe to Kawaii Box, sign up here. There are 1 month, 6 month and 12 month plans available. A box of cuteness will be delivered to your doorstep.
Kawaii Box Giveaway
Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a Kawaii Box!
Disclosure: I received samples in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.
I think everyone knows by now that applying sunscreen before going outside is essential to protect your skin from UV rays. However, it is also important to consider the ingredients in the sunscreen that you use.
Olita skincare products are all-natural and organic, which also makes them environmentally-friendly. Olita sent us some of their skincare products, and our family put them to the test.
Olita Organic Mineral Sunstick
I really like the idea of the Olita Organic Mineral Sunstick, which is sunscreen in a “stick” form. It is less messy than lotion and the small, TSA-approved size makes it so easy to toss into your bag. I received both the Coco Bronze and Light Tan Tints.
These sticks are SPF 30, last 80 minutes and are water resistant. They are fragrance free and zinc oxide is the only active ingredient. They leave a nice subtle sheen to the skin when applied instead of obvious white streaks.
Olita Kids Mineral Sunstick
Olita also makes a Kids Mineral Sunstick that offers SPF 30 protection. It is the perfect way to apply sunscreen to smaller areas such as your face, neck and ears. The small tube also makes it easy to carry along on a hike for reapplication.
Our family spent a lot of time hiking in the mountains this past weekend, and I am happy to report that we all ended the trip sunburn-free.
Olita Hydrating Body Oil
Olita Hydrating Body Oil is a spray for those days when you receive a little too much sun or just want to feel refreshed. It contains natural ingredients such as coconut oil and aloe. I was happy to try out the Soothing Citrus since grapefruit is one of my favorite scents!
Where to Purchase Olita Skincare
Olita Skincare products can be purchased through the Olita online shop.
Olita Sunscreen Giveaway
Enter the giveaway below for your chance to receive the products I reviewed: 2 Olita Organic Mineral Sunsticks, Olita Kids Mineral Sunstick and Olita Hydrating Body Oil!