Disclosure: I received free product samples in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.
One of D’s favorite dessert combinations is raspberries and chocolate. Something about the tartness of raspberries and the sweetness of chocolate just goes together. If you agree, then Tru Fru is a must-try frozen treat.
Tryazon gave us the opportunity to try the Tru Fru Raspberries with White & Dark Chocolate. They start out with frozen raspberries, which are immersed in both white and dark chocolate and then hyperchilled (-300 degrees). The concept is simple and unique, and the result is deliciousness.
Tru Fru products do not contain any artificial ingredients–just fruit and chocolate. They are gluten-free, made in the USA, and only have 90 calories per serving.
We shared samples of Tru Fru with k’s basketball team and their parents and they were a hit!
Tru Fru also comes in other varieties such as raspberries with white chocolate and milk chocolate and cherries with white chocolate and dark chocolate. To find Tru Fru at a store near you, go to the store locator here. I found Tru Fru at our local Target.
Disclosure: I received a free sample 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.
I have a confession to make. I have never played chess before. It always seemed too intimidating and complicated. My 10 year old son has been asking to learn how to play, but I could not teach him since I did not know the rules myself! Fortuitously, Winning Moves gave me the opportunity to review No Stress Chess. As a beginner, I must say this is truly an easy way to learn how to play chess.
The game comes with a 2 sided chess board, 16 black pieces and 16 ivory pieces, 56 action cards, black plastic card tray and instructions. One side of the chess board is a traditional board, and the other side labels where each piece should start out-genius! The action cards explain which way each piece can move for easy reference.
Waiting for D to make his move.
n contemplating his next move.
I played a couple of rounds with n, and I can see why the game of chess is so popular. The strategy involved is intense! However, it was nice to be able to play some beginning games without becoming frustrated.
The suggested age is 7 and up, so kids and adults can enjoy playing together. D said that he used to play chess with his dad when he was younger. With No Stress Chess, that tradition can live on!
No Stress Chess can be purchased on Amazon and other retail stores. This would make a great gift for the holidays!
Giveaway Time
Enter to win a copy of No Stress Chess by entering the giveaway below!
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:
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!
Disclosure: I received these samples as a New Hope Network Influencer. All opinions are my own.
I always look forward to receiving the New Hope Blogger Box filled with new-to-me natural products. Here is a rundown of the products I received this time:
Tohi Aronia Berry The Original Beverage: I have never heard of the Aronia Berry, have you? Apparently it is full of anti-oxidants that fight free-radicals. This drink is refreshing and does not contain caffeine.
youtheory Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is Indian Gingseng, which is supposed to decrease stress, and boost mental and physical performance. I find it difficult to discern whether natural supplements like these deliver on their claims. However, if you are searching for help in this area, I would prefer to try a natural supplement before turning to other types of drugs.
Kyo-Green Greens Blend Powdered Drink Mix: This is an easy way to include greens such as barley grass, wheat grass and chlorella in your everyday diet. Just blend the powdered drink mix with juice or water.
Chlorella Udon Noodles: Speaking of chlorella, these udon noodles are traditional Japanese udon noodles with the addition of chlorella powder. The noodles are a lovely natural green color.
Nature Nate’s Natural Raw Energy 100% Pure Organic Honey: I have never really thought of honey as delivering quick energy, but it makes sense. This 100% pure organic honey is in a little squeeze packet which seems more appealing to me than the “goo” that D eats when he is running.
Wellnut Farms Salted Caramel Walnut Butter: The benefit of walnut butter is that it contains ALA omega-3 fatty acid. I like that this walnut butter comes from walnuts grown in northern California. The salted caramel flavor adds another dimension, and is not overly sweet.
MegaFood Elderberry Immune Support Berry Gummies: I have become a fan of elderberry products to boost immunity, but I had not tried this brand before. The gummies are tart and tasty.
L-Nutra Fast Bar: These bars include macadamia nuts, honey, pecans, almonds, cacao nibs, almond butter and coconut, among other ingredients. When I first read the nutrition facts, I was a bit alarmed by the high calorie and fat content (250 calories, 21 g fat). To me, that would be too much for a snack between meals, but I believe it is supposed to be more of a meal replacement, hence the name “Fast Bar”.
RightRice: This “rice” is made of lentil flour, chickpea flour, pea fiber, and rice flour. I have been seeing more snacks made of these legumes, so I am not surprised that they are spreading to other types of foods as well.
ArboryPharm Foods Vegan Protein: I received the Peanut Butter Brownie Parfait flavor, and D gives this plant-based protein powder a thumbs up in terms of taste and texture.
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
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).
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!
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!
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
I currently work in a kindergarten classroom, and as a result I have become hyper-aware of all the germs that my hands come in contact with. Consequently, I have been trying to wash my hands more frequently and have not caught anything yet (*knocks on wood*). I have been also trying to use hand sanitizer more often, as it is not always possible to wash my hands in the middle of classroom time. Therefore, I was excited to try a line of probiotic hand sanitizers from Desert Essence.
My favorite scent is the Tea Tree Oil & Lemongrass–so refreshing and uplifting!
I have heard various warnings about using anti-bacterial products, since they usually kill both good and bad bacteria. However, the Desert Essence hand sanitizer kills 99.99% of germs, while delivering “good bacteria” found in Kefir, which nourishes and conditions the skin. This hand sanitizer also uses natural ingredients such as Tea Tree Oil, Thyme, Elderberry and Echinacea to help reduce bacteria.
I also like how these hand sanitizers come in a mini size, which is perfect for taking with you on the go.
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 KitchenMilk 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!
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.
I have been in the market for a new coffee maker for a while now, so I was super excited to have the chance to review the Keurig® K-Duo Essentials™ Coffee Maker. The one feature I really like about this coffee maker is that it allows you to brew both a carafe of coffee with grounds, as well as an individual cup using K-cup pods. Therefore, it is good for daily use as an individual and for those occasions when there are multiple guests to serve.
This is one good-looking machine! A well-designed coffee machine is important since it is usually constantly on display on the kitchen counter.
This machine is simple to operate. There are not too many buttons to over-complicate things. For the carafe, there is a choice between 8, 10 or 12 cups, and for the K-cup pods, you can choose between 8, 10 or 12 ounces. There is a large 60 oz. water reservoir in the back that automatically dispenses the amount of water according to the size you choose. The water heated up quickly and to the perfect temperature for my taste. If you like your coffee strong, choose the 8 ounce option!
I had fun setting up my own little fall-themed coffee cart to accompany our new coffee maker. I like to add a little flavored syrup and foamy milk to my coffee when I am feeling “fancy”. Do you like to add anything extra to your coffee, or do you drink it black?
The Keurig® K-Duo Essentials™ Coffee Maker can be purchased exclusively on Walmart’s website for $99, which I think is a reasonable price point for a machine like this. Click here or visit momsmeet.link/keurig.
