Support Educational Equality With The 828 Movement Bracelet+ Giveaway

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

This 828 Movement Bracelet is more than just a bracelet; it provides hope. Unfortunately, educational inequality still exists in America. The 828 Movement is a non-profit that donates 100% of its net profits to underfunded urban schools in the United States.

According to the 828 Movement website, 828 represents several significant days in American/Black History:

August 28, 1833: Slavery was abolished in the UK which led to American abolition.

August 28, 1955: Emmett Till was brutally murdered which was a catalyst to the 1960s Civil Rights Movement.

August 28, 1963: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream Speech”.

August 28, 2005: Hurricane Katrina landed in Louisiana and the delayed response for relief impacted mainly black communities.

August 28, 2008: Barack Obama accepted the Democratic Nomination for President. 

Each ring on the American-made 828 Movement Bracelets is symbolic:

 The Past: 13 metal rings 
To remember the 13th amendment and lives lost
in the struggle to abolish slavery. 


 The Present: Engraved ring for August 28th
To honor the date 8/28, when important events in the fight for equality line up in history.


 The Future: a single ring for hope
The pursuit for educational equality continues.

These 828 Movement bracelets come in a variety of colors and are a stylish way to support educational equality. This would be a meaningful gift for an educator or anyone else who appreciates the continual fight for justice in our country.

Giveaway Time!

Enter below to win a 828 Movement Bracelet for yourself, or to give as a gift.

Win A 828 Movement Bracelet #9
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#NewHopeBloggerBox Roundup

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

This quarter’s New Hope Blogger Box introduced me to a lot of new products, many of which I had never heard of before. Here is a list of the items I received, along with my thoughts on some of the products I have been able to try so far:

  • Bou Brands Miso Broth Cubes: These broth cubes are so convenient to have on hand. I like that they do not contain any MSG.
  • FreshCap Mushrooms Ltd. THRIVE 6 Blend: This mushroom extract blend is supposed to help build immunity and sharpen mental capacity.
  • Health Thru Nutrition CelluRex
  • Hudson River Foods Cherry Brook Kitchen Tempt Hemp Brownie Mix
  • Lacorium Heatlh Natralia Heel Balm For Rough, Dry Feet: My heels were in desperate need of this balm. I am happy to report that this product works. It moisturized my feet and made them noticeably softer.
  • LaCroix Beverages Key Lime Sparkling Water: LaCroix sparkling water has become a staple in our house. I do not think we have tried a flavor we do not like, and the Key Lime flavor is no exception!
  • Life’s Grape Vine-Dried Grapes: My husband and kids liked these (I am personally not a raisin fan).
  • Manuka Health Manuka Honey: This honey is supposed to have a lot of health benefits, and can be consumed or used for skin treatments.
  • Miracle Tree Moringa Infusion Cherry Chamomile Tea: This is tea with added health benefits.
  • Natural Factors Fermented Organic Protein & Greens: This product contains a wide variety of vegetables and can be mixed into a protein drink.
  • Nutrawise Health and Beauty Youtheory Collagen Powder Vanilla: This collagen powder can be mixed with water, coffee or fruit juice and is supposed to counteract the effects of aging.
  • NutriBiotic Essential Electrolytes
  • Outstanding Foods: PigOut Pigless Bacon Chips: These “chips” are actually made out of mushrooms, which seems to be a big trend.
  • Seipel Group UROX Bladder Control: I don’t need this yet, but was able to give it away to someone who does.
  • Smart Baking Company Gluten Free Smart Cakes (Cinnamon): I was able to try these cakes at Expo West last month. I would recommend them if you are eating gluten-free but you miss baked goods. These cakes actually remind me more of muffins.
  • Tom’s of Maine Activated Charcoal Toothpaste: I have to admit, using the charcoal black toothpaste was a little disconcerting at first. However, the flavor is fine and my teeth do feel noticeably cleaner due to the texture of the toothpaste.
  • UbU Health Focus Sparkling Beverage (Yuzu & Lotus Flower): This is a refreshing drink with just a hint of citrus and sweetness.
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The Pilgrim’s Progress Is Coming This Easter: Review + Giveaway

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

I had a chance to watch a preview of The Pilgrim’s Progress with my kids, and it is a good one! As I mentioned in my earlier post, I have never read the classic book, The Pilgrim’s Progress. I knew it was an allegory for one man’s journey through the Christian life, but that is about it. The fun part about watching this movie with my kids was seeing them make the connections for themselves. For some of the scenes and characters, the implications are quite obvious, but for others it may be a little more difficult for kids to decipher. I really appreciated how this movie provides a lot of opportunity for deeper discussions about the Christian faith. Watching this movie would be a wonderful way to celebrate the real meaning of Easter with your family. It could also be a way to start a conversation with a non-believer relative, friend or acquaintance.

*Please note that in my opinion, some scenes might be a little intense for younger children.

Watch the trailer:

Genre: drama/ animated
Rating: NR
Run time: 1:45
Studio: Revelation Media
Talent: John Rhys-Davies (THE LORD OF THE RINGS), Kristyn Getty, Ben Price

The Pilgrim’s Progress has a very limited engagement in theaters. It will be playing for only 2 days –April 18 & 20, Easter weekend!
Thursday, April 18, 7:00p
Saturday, April 20, 12:55p

Giveaway

I am excited to have the opportunity to hold a giveaway for The Pilgrim’s Progress! Three winners will each receive a Fandango gift card loaded with $25 (good only toward The Pilgrim’s Progress movie on April 18 or April 20) AND a hardcover illustrated storybook of The Pilgrim’s Progress.

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More Spring Break Fun With Goliath Games + Giveaway

Disclosure: I received these games 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.

Goliath Games has a wide variety of games that are fun for kids of all ages, as well as adults. We had the opportunity to try out three of their games: Word Search, Googly Eyes and Build Or Boom.

Word Search

As a word game fan, Word Search is right up my alley. The special circular board reveals the word that everyone needs to find and the person who finds it puts colored disks on top of the board to mark it. This is a great games for kids and parents (or grandparents!) to play together. It is for 2-4 players, ages 7 and up.

Googly Eyes

Googly Eyes is a drawing game with the addition of goofy glasses that distort your vision. The space you land on the board determines whether you use the easy, medium or hard lenses in the glasses. The glasses definitely make drawing a challenge! This game is for 4-16 players, ages 7 and up.

Build or Boom

Build or Boom is a fun game for kids who like to build (and destroy!) It is a race to see who can replicate the structure and then squeeze the air hose to knock over the opponent’s structure first. This game is for 2 players, ages 4 and up.

All of these games are sure to keep your kids entertained. Plus, playing games like these is a fun way to develop important social skills. Enter below to win Googly Eyes, Word Search AND Build or Boom for yourself! Be sure to also enter the other #HoppyEaster blogger giveaways below!

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Mozaics Chips Are A Must Try Snack!

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

In my continuing quest to find healthier snacks, I want to share my newest find: Mozaics Chips. I first saw them at the Nourished Festival and then again at Expo West. Mozaics Chips are organic popped veggie chips with green & yellow peas as the #1 ingredient. In fact the entire ingredient list is very simple and wholesome. For example, the Original Sea Salt flavor contains: organic peas, organic potato flour, organic rice flour, organic black beans, organic extra virgin olive oil, and sea salt. A 1 oz. serving (23 chips) contains 110 calories, 3 grams of fat, 4 grams of dietary fiber and 0 grams of sugar. They are also produced in a peanut & tree nut-free facility. **Please remember that it is important to review the product packaging and labels for yourself before consuming.** They also come in Sour Cream & Onion, BBQ, Cheddar, and Salsa flavors–yum!

Healthy Snackin’ On The Road!

We took a bag of Mozaics on our seven day spring break road trip last week and they were a big hit with my family. We all liked the light and crispy texture with just the right amount of olive oil and salt. They were a great alternative to snacking on potato chips.

Use code: delicious20 for 20% off Mozaics Chips at deliciousness.com

I am also excited to have the opportunity to give away three bags of Mozaics Chips to THREE of my readers!

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Preview The Pilgrim’s Progress + Giveaway

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

Have you heard of the new animated movie based on the classic book, The Pilgrim’s Progress? I must confess, I have not read The Pilgrim’s Progress even though it is one of the most popular books of all time. In fact, it is second only to the Bible in the number of copies and translations! I had a chance to preview The Pilgrim’s Progress movie. It is an inspiring story with spiritual implications that the whole family can enjoy together.

Watch The Trailer:

Genre: drama/ animated
Rating: NR
Run time: 1:45
Studio: Revelation Media
Talent: John Rhys-Davies (THE LORD OF THE RINGS), Kristyn Getty, Ben Price

THEATRICAL RELEASE

Buy your tickets now! 2 days only–April 18 & 20, Easter weekend!
Thursday, April 18, 7:00p
Saturday, April 20, 12:55p
Get tickets

I am also hosting a giveaway for The Pilgrim’s Progress digital interactive storybook!

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Games to Play For a Fun Spring Break + Giveaway

Disclosure: I received these games 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.

Spring break is fast approaching and families everywhere are looking forward to having a little “down time”. I found a couple of games from Pressman that will provide plenty of family fun.

Mastermind For Kids

I remember playing the original Mastermind game when I was a child. It is a good way to teach kids logic and deduction. This version has instructions for three levels of play and is designed for kids ages 6 and up.

The animal playing pieces are so cute!

Mastermind is a classic game for a reason. After initially testing this game out, the kids kept asking to play for days later.

Hydro Strike

Hydro Strike is easy to set up and to learn how to play. It operates like a two-sided pinball machine, but if your opponent scores, water sprays in your face!

This game is designed for two players and is recommended for ages 7 and up.

My kids had a lot of fun with this game as well. The amount of water that comes out is actually pretty small, so it is not as messy as I thought it would be. Just be sure to play in an area that is easy to wipe down.

Enter below for a chance to win both Mastermind For Kids and Hydro Strike!

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A Sneaky Snack: Undercover Quinoa Review + Giveaway #undercoverquinoa #undercoverchocolate

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

When I first heard about Undercover Quinoa, a snack that combines quinoa and chocolate, I was intrigued. Quinoa and chocolate is a combination I had never heard of before. However, after trying it, I can say the combination definitely works! The quinoa is light and crispy and the chocolate offers just the right amount of sweetness to make this the perfect treat. Plus, Undercover Quinoa is gluten-free, and made of non-GMO, fair trade and all-natural ingredients.

Pictured here is the Dark Chocolate + Blueberries flavor. I like how the dried blueberries add a little hit of tart to the flavor profile.

The resealable packaging makes Undercover Quinoa an easy snack to share and enjoy on the go. My kids really liked it even though quinoa is an ingredient that they do not regularly eat.

Undercover Quinoa comes in five delicious flavors:

  • Milk Chocolate
  • Dark Chocolate + Blueberries
  • Dark Chocoalte + Sea Salt
  • Dark Chocolate + Seeds
  • Milk Chocolate + Currants

Undercover Quinoa Giveaway

Undercover Quinoa can be purchased online, or at a store near you. I am also pleased to announce that my readers have the chance to win a bag of each of the five flavors in the giveaway below!

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The Restoration Series: Jonathan’s Walk #TheRestorationSeries #FlyBy

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  I received a sample of the product and compensation in exchange for this review and post.

Documentaries are one of my favorite genres of movies. The stories are so riveting because they are real. An example of such a riveting story is told in The Restoration Series: Jonathan’s Walk, a 5-part documentary film produced by Prison Fellowship. This documentary is about what happens to a man who has been in prison for fifteen years. Here is a preview clip:

More about the series:

For years, Jonathan has been in prison. As a result, he has missed milestone moments with his family. He wasn’t there for his daughter’s first day of school or a thousand little experiences with his wife and as a father, he is devastated to be separated from those he loves most.

Jonathan has been looking forward to his release from prison for over a decade. So many life events have been missed and he is now ready to be with his wife and kids again. Of course, this transition isn’t going to be easy. The odds are against him: with over half of prisoners returning to prison within two years, Jonathan is aware of the challenge set before him.

Still, he is determined to take the skills he has learned into the world outside of incarceration and stay there, helping build the community that he is part of for years to come.

Prison Fellowship presents The Restoration Series: Jonathan’s Walk, a 5-part documentary film series following one man as he re-enters his community after 15 years in prison. It demonstrates in imagery, powerful storytelling and social interaction what it means to be human and the shared need of all people to see communities restored.

Though America is home to only 4% of the world’s population, we house more than 20% of its prisoners. Recidivism–the tendency of a criminal to reoffend—is out of control. The Restoration Series tells the story of men and women who have experienced The Academy, a revolutionary in-prison program that is combatting incarceration and recidivism head on.

Just watching this short clip makes me want to root for Jonathan and others who may be in his same position. Crime and incarceration are complicated issues that have continued to plague our country. Recidivism is an important topic when thinking about prison reform. It is inspiring to see that a program like The Academy can bring hope and make such a difference in the lives of prisoners and their families.

Go here to watch more of this riveting series!

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Miso Soup Made Easy: Tsubi Soup Review + Giveaway

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.

Last weekend I attended the Nourished Festival in Del Mar as one of their official bloggers. I went with my sisters and n, and we had fun sampling different gluten-free and allergen-free foods. One of our favorite finds was Tsubi Soup. These freeze-dried miso soup cubes are made in Japan with the highest natural ingredients. They are also vegan, gluten-free, non-gmo, and contain no MSG!

I have always enjoyed miso soup as an appetizer at Japanese restaurants, but I rarely have it at home. However, considering miso’s health benefits, I am thinking I should include it more in my regular diet. Miso is a complete protein in that it contains all of the essential amino acids. It is also packed with B vitamins and antioxidants, which are great for anti-aging and cell regeneration. Miso is also beneficial for digestive health since it contains probiotics from the fermentation process. It really is a “superfood”!

Miso on the go!

Making Tsubi Soup is so easy: Put a Tsubi Soup cube into a bowl or cup and add 6 oz. of boiling water. Stir and enjoy!

It really is amazing how the ingredients taste so fresh and the vegetables have a good consistency.

Tsubi Soup comes in four delicious flavors:

  • Classic Miso Soup (Eggplant, Ginger and Onions)
  • Miso Soup (Spinach, Crunchy Cabbage & Carrots)
  • White Miso Soup (Aosa Seaweed & Tofu)
  • Spicy Red Miso Soup (Japanese Mushrooms & Green Onions)

Tsubi Soup can be purchased at select retail stores, their online store, or Amazon.

Tsubi Soup has generously offered my readers the chance to win a box of each of their four flavors!

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