Winning Moves For Family Fun

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.

I have reviewed several games from Winning Moves over the past couple of years, and I am so impressed with the variety of family-friendly games that they offer. From card games to board games, Winning Moves’ games provide hours of screen-free entertainment. Today I am sharing about two games that I have never played before: 13 Dead End Drive and The Mermaid’s Jewels.

13 Dead End Drive

13 Dead End Drive is a board game that has been around for over 25 years! The object of the game is to be the last surviving heir and inherit Aunt Agatha’s fortune. Aunt Agatha’s “mansion” is quite elaborate. Just to warn you, setting up this game takes some time. As a person who likes putting together IKEA furniture, this part was fun for me. However, once you put all the pieces together, setup for your subsequent games will not be as time-consuming.

The most fun and unique aspect of this game is the five hidden traps that can knock characters out of the game. For example, the chandelier can fall down, and there is a trap door in the staircase. This game is recommended for 2-4 players, ages 8 and up.

The Mermaid’s Jewels

The object of The Mermaid’s Jewels is to gather enough “pearls” to complete your necklace. The setup for this game is quite simple. The “treasure chest” is well-designed and easy to put together. The game comes with 200 plastic colored beads, so keeping them all confined to the treasure chest might be the biggest challenge! Each player takes turn rolling the die and then choosing a pearl the same color indicated on the die. Strategic thinking comes into play because you want to create a chain reaction with two or more of the same colored pearls touching when you remove a pearl. You add the pearls in the chain reaction to your necklace to make it longer. I believe my elementary school self would have been really into this game. The Mermaid’s Jewels is recommended for 2-4 players, ages 5 and up.

Where To Buy Winning Moves Games

Winning Moves games and toys are available on their websiteAmazon and other retailers near you.

Winning Moves Games Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win 13 Dead End Drive and The Mermaid’s Jewels.

*This giveaway is open to US residents only, not including Alaska or Hawaii.

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Mazoola: A Smart Debit Card For Kids

I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. This post may contain affiliate links.

Recently I have been on a search for a debit card for my kids. Both my daughter and son are now at the age where they hang out with their friends and pay for various things on their own. Unlike the “olden” days, it seems that using cash is a dying practice and considered inconvenient (especially by Gen Z). Therefore, when I heard about the Mazoola app through Moms Meet, I immediately wanted to find out more.

What is Mazoola?

Mazoola is an app that allows parents or guardians to set up a family mobile wallet. Parents electronically transfer money from their checking account to their kids “wallet” through the app. When the kids download the Mazoola app, they have access to a virtual debit card on their phone that they can use at stores (or online). This debit card can be used wherever Apple Pay or Google Pay is accepted. Parents can also set spending limits and approve or block where the debit card can be used. Of course, since Mazoola provides access to a debit card, kids are limited to only making purchases within the amount of money that you make available in their account. No need to worry about wild spending sprees!

One of the best aspects of the Mazoola app for our family is that I can now transfer my kids’ allowance directly to their electronic “wallet”. Before, I would give my kids a set amount of cash every week, but this was starting to become problematic. First, my husband and I do not keep much cash at home, and hardly ever visit the bank or ATM. Additionally, sometimes I would forget to give my kids their allowance. Then I would have to remember if I owed them double allowance the next week, etc. Using Mazoola, I was able to set up an automatic weekly transfer-so convenient!

Learning Valuable Lessons In Financial Responsibility

Although my kids do have chores around the house that they are expected to complete, our family does not directly correlate chores to allowance. However, for families who do tie chores directly to monetary compensation, Mazoola also allows parents to make a transfer of money contingent on the completion of said chores.

In addition, Mazoola can teach teens responsibility by allowing them to donate to charities and set savings goals.

Families understandably have different philosophies and systems regarding money. The tools Mazoola offers are valuable for teaching financial literacy and responsibility for everyone. In addition, Mazoola has been independently certified as COPPA*-compliant, and won ‘Best in Tech’ in the 2021 National Parenting Product Awards!

*Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act is a U.S. federal law designed to prohibit the collection and use of personal information about children by the operators of Internet services and websites. Passed by the U.S. Congress in 1998, the law
took effect in April 2000. It is administered and enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Try Mazoola For Free!

I know for me, one of the main reasons I resisted trying other debit cards designed for kids is that I did not want to pay a monthly fee. The good news is that Mazoola is currently offering families a one-year membership at no cost with the ability to cancel anytime. This is the perfect opportunity to see if this kind of virtual family wallet/debit card works for your family!

Mazoola is available to download through the Apple App Store or Google Play. Mazoola is FREE for one year, plus receive $10 when you sign up* through this link: momsmeet.link/mazoolaapp.

*Eligible set-up includes the following actions: 1) Create a profile 2) Fund an account


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The Cloud Bread Company Cloudies Are Light As Air

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

Apparently, I missed the entire #cloudbread TikTok/internet sensation. When I recently attended a Nourished Festival presentation by The Cloud Company, their spokesperson said the company started making Cloudies Cloudbread because so many people had a difficult time making cloud bread at home. Although I personally never jumped on the keto train, I am always interested in trying new food products. After trying The Cloud Bread Company Cloudies, I can see why they are so popular!

The Cloud Company makes three varieties of Cloudies:

  • Original
  • Cheddar
  • Garlic-Herb

The basic ingredient list for these Cloudies is simple: eggs, cream cheese, baking soda, and baking powder. Cloudies are found in the freezer aisle to preserve freshness as they contain no preservatives. They are gluten-free, have zero carbs and are only 35 calories each.

Cloudies can be defrosted in the refrigerator or the microwave and then toasted. When I tasted one, I could not believe how fluffy and bread-like the texture was!

I made a breakfast sandwich by tucking some scrambled eggs and baby spinach between two Cheddar Cloudies. I would also like to try using Cloudies instead of buns the next time we have turkey burgers for dinner. Other suggestions include using Cloudies as the base for tostadas, mini pizzas, or even a strawbery cloudcake!

Where To Buy The Cloud Bread Company Cloudies

The Cloud Bread Company Cloudies are available for purchase through their online store or at a store near you.

The Cloud Bread Company Cloudies Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win six packages of The Cloud Bread Company Cloudies Cloudbread!

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Olivida: Outstanding Organic Olive Oil Soap

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

Did you know that olive oil has natural anti-bacterial qualities and has been used to make soap for thousands of years? Olivida Soap makes a wide variety of pure castile virgin olive oil soaps from olives grown in the Mediterranean region. I recently had the privilege to try out Olivida’s full line of liquid soaps, bar soaps, and shampoo & conditioner bars. What I found is that in addition to having effective cleaning power, Olivida soaps also add a little luxury to your everyday life.

Olivida Castile Liquid Soap

Olivida Liquid Soaps come in the following scents:

First of all, I adore the simple and elegant packaging. These bottles would look quite attractive sitting at your kitchen or bathroom sink. In addition, each bottle weighs in at a substantial 17 fl. oz, so it will last you a while.

While I enjoyed all of the scents, the Pomegranate is my favorite. The light fruity scent is unique and fun. (Hint: both the Pomegranate and Rose scents would make a pretty and thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift.) The Jasmine and Olive Oil liquid soaps remind me of visiting a spa, even if it is just for the minute spent washing my hands. All of the soaps feel moisturizing and did not leave my hands feeling stripped of moisture as some soaps do.

Olivida Soap Bars

For those of you who are fans of bar soaps, Olivida has plenty to choose from:

  • Pomegranate: antioxidant properties (reverses signs of aging)
  • Lemon: beneficial for oily skin (brightens skin)
  • Dead Sea Mud: gives skin strength, flexibility and purity (deep cleans pores)
  • Lavender: softening and balancing (recommended for youth acne and eczema)
  • Aloe Vera: soothing (treats psoriasis and eczema)
  • Tea Tree: invigorating (helps treat youth acne)
  • Olive Oil: moisturizing (good for psoriasis and eczema)

I had my son try the soaps that help treat eczema, since he still experiences flare-ups from time to time. Olivida Soap left his skin feeling more nourished and less-irritated. I personally enjoyed using the Dead Sea Mud bar in the shower. My skin felt so refreshed and rejuvenated afterward.

Although each formulation offers different benefits specific to its ingredients, Olivida Soaps are all certified organic, cruelty-free, vegan, and contain no artificial fragrances, parabens or palm oils.

Olivida Shampoo & Conditioner Bars

Finally, Olivida also offers two types of Shampoo & Conditioner Bars:

It seems like I have been hearing about the benefits of using shampoo bars a lot lately. However, my personal experience with actually using them is limited. I know that shampoo bars are more eco-friendly, but I was eager to see what they would do for my hair as well.

The Olivida Shampoo & Conditioner bars left my hair and scalp feeling clean and healthy. The scent was light and not over-powering. It felt good to use a product for my hair that contains all-natural ingredients. Again, Olivida managed to provide me with a brief spa-like respite during an otherwise routine shower.

Where To Purchase Olivida Soap

Olivida Soap products are available for purchase through their online store.

Olivida Soap Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for chance to win your choice of one bottle of Olivida Liquid Soap or four Olivida Bar Soaps!

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Spice Up Your Day With Chakra Spiced Coffee

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

Enjoying a hot cup of coffee is something I look forward to almost every day. Therefore, when Chakra Spiced Coffee offered to send samples of their sustainable, single-origin coffee blended with spices, I could not wait to try them.

Chakra Spiced Coffee is available in three unique blends:

  • California Chai: Cloves, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Black Pepper, Star Anise
  • Bali Spice: Cardamom, Turmeric, Ginger
  • Moroccan Seven: Ginger, Cardamom, Nutmeg, Cloves, Turmeric, Cinnamon, Black Pepper

Spices have long been used to add flavor, but they also have many health benefits as well. (Read more about these benefits here). Since many people already consume coffee regularly, Chakra Spiced Coffee is a natural way to consume more of the superfood spices that support the brain, immunity, and digestion.

I tried out the California Chai flavor in our French Press, as suggested on the side of the bag. (This coffee can also be brewed in a Chemex or regular coffee pot). As soon as I opened the bag, I knew I was in for a treat. The aroma of the fresh coffee grounds, combined with the spices, was intoxicating. If you are a fan of both coffee and chai, this blend is for you.

The recommended ratio is 2.5 tablespoon of coffee grounds to 8 oz. of water. This resulted in a strong, rich cup of coffee. I shared a mug with my husband as an afternoon pick-me-up. He too enjoyed the added flavor that the spices provide.

Kickstart your brain with coffee + a jigsaw puzzle!

Another added bonus is that Chakra Spiced Coffee donates five percent of net proceeds of each bag sold to organizations that spread awareness and recovery for mental health. With mental health issues affecting an estimated 450 million people worldwide, this is an important cause to support.

Where To Purchase Chakra Spiced Coffee

Chakra Spiced Coffee is available for purchase through their online store.

Chakra Spiced Coffee Giveaway

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Year-Round Gift Ideas

Disclosure: I received samples in partnership with Horizon Group USA. 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.

The holidays may be over, but it is a good to keep a running list of ideas for gift-giving occasions throughout the year. Horizon Group offers a wide range of toys that encourage discovery, exploration and creativity.

Slimy Sand Aqua Splash

Slimy Sand Aqua Splash is a mash-up between kinetic sand and slime. This slimy sand is for play both in and out of water. Kids will love being able to make their own creations using molds, or just their hands. The possibilities really are endless. This small tub holds 1.5 pounds of slimy sand and will provide hours of fun. The recommended age is 3+.

You’niverse Cosmetic Colorist

This You’niverse Cosmetic Colorist set is another toy that would be great for kids that like to create. This kit allows kids to set up their own cosmetic lab and make a cute eyeshadow palette. While I do not think young children should be wearing makeup on an everyday basis, it is fun to use cosmetics for dress-up and pretend play. The Cosmetic Colorist provides the ingredients necessary to make fifteen different color combinations. This set is recommended for ages 6+.

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Sing 2 Is Sensational!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Universal Pictures.

I have fond memories of the first Sing movie because we took a group of my daughter’s friends to watch it in the theater for her birthday. I cannot believe that was in 2016, five years ago! Now we can look forward to Sing 2 coming out soon, on December 22.


This holiday season, the new chapter in Illumination’s smash animated franchise arrives with big dreams and spectacular hit songs as the ever-optimistic koala, Buster Moon, and his all-star cast of performers prepare to launch their most dazzling stage extravaganza yet …all in the glittering entertainment capital of the world. There’s just one hitch: They first have to persuade the world’s most reclusive rock star—played by global music icon Bono, in his animated film debut—to join them. Rated PG

Watch The Sing 2 Trailer

The animation in Sing 2 is spectacular. I know that animation technology keeps improving, but it is difficult to imagine how it can become any more life-like. Everything from the massive crowd scenes to the minute facial expressions of the characters really blew me away.

As a U2/Bono fan, his participation in Sing 2 is especially exciting for me. In fact, it is kind of amazing how much star power there is behind all of the animated characters in this movie. The cast, coupled with the amazing soundtrack make for a must-see theatrical experience.

Buy Tickets To See Sing 2 Now!

Purchase tickets to see Sing 2, starting December 22. This would be a wonderful movie to watch with the family during the holiday break.

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American Underdog: An Inspirational, Uplifting Story

Disclosure: Many thanks to Kingdom Story Company for providing this product/product information for review.  Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive the product in exchange for this review and post.

American Underdog is an inspirational movie biopic about quarterback Kurt Warner that is coming to theaters everywhere on December 25th.

American Underdog Synopsis

American Underdog tells the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi from Shazam), who went from a stockboy at a grocery store to a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback. The film centers on Warner’s unique story and years of challenges and setbacks that could have derailed his aspirations to become an NFL player – but just when his dreams seemed all but out of reach, it is only with the support of his wife, Brenda (Anna Paquin) and the encouragement of his family, coaches, and teammates that Warner perseveres and finds the strength to show the world the champion that he already is. American Underdog is an uplifting story that demonstrates that anything is possible when you have faith, family and determination.

My Review

Before I watched American Underdog, the only thing I could tell you about Kurt Warner was that he was a quarterback. However, I am a fan of feel-good movies that revolve around sports, so I wanted to see what this movie was all about. My husband knew some of the background of Warner’s story, so we watched the movie together. Warner’s character in the movie is instantly likable. He has both charm and determination, which helps him meet the woman who eventually becomes his wife. Warner’s life revolves around football because it is the only thing he feels he is good at. When his football dreams are squashed, he has nothing left. He and his wife experience several setbacks that seem like they could only happen in a movie. The fact that these events are based on Warner’s actual life make the movie all the more compelling. There were several points in the movie where I could feel the emotional pain and desperation of the characters. Witnessing Warner and his family triumph over all of their obstacles is truly inspirational, and his underdog story is definitely one to cheer for.

Purchase Tickets Now For American Underdog

Buy tickets now for American Underdog, in theaters everywhere Christmas Day!

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A Card Game For Everyone: Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

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.

If you are searching for an easy, fast-paced game that everyone can play, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is your answer. This card game is simple to learn and is sure to provide lots of laughs. I have been hearing rave reviews about this game on podcasts and reading about it all over the internet. Have you come across this game with the funny name?

Dolphin Hat Games sent us four of their card games to review:

We played the original Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza card game for the first time during a recent camping trip. I immediately fell in love with the cute illustrations. How can you not have fun playing a game that features smiley tacos?

After playing a couple of rounds, I realized that my kids have faster reflexes than I do! Since the game involves racing to slap the card in the middle, be sure to cut your fingernails short before playing (once you play, you’ll understand). The expansion pack makes the game even more interesting since there are more characters and actions to keep track of.

The Halloween edition features the Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese and Pizza dressed up in Halloween costumes.

The Christmas version is also extremely adorable. It would make a terrific stocking stuffer for all ages. My fourteen year old daughter said it was the type of game she would have fun playing with her friends.

Where To Purchase Dolphin Hat Games

Dolphin Hat card games are available through their online store, as well as Amazon, Target, and other major retailers.

Dolphin Hat Games Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win the four Dolphin Hat Games featured in this post.

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Treat Your Legs With Vim & Vigr Compression Socks

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

Since hearing about the benefits of compression socks, I have been wanting to try them out for myself. Vim & Vigr kindly sent me a few pairs to test, and now I am a believer!

Vim & Vigr socks use graduated compression technology to apply therapeutic pressure that starts at the ankle and gradually squeezes your leg to increase circulation. Their socks can reduce swelling, achiness, fatigue and discomfort.

One weekend morning, I had the perfect opportunity to try out these Vim & Vigr compression socks. Earlier, I had gone for my usual morning walk and also decided to do a short gym workout. My legs were not accustomed to this double dose of exercise, and they felt achy. I wore Vim & Vigr compression socks for the rest of the day, and it felt like a gentle massage! The high quality of the construction and materials is evident in every step.

Vim & Vigr socks would be especially helpful for those who are always on their feet (health care professionals, retail workers, etc.) I will definitely need to remember to pack them the next time we travel, since we always end up doing tons of walking.

In addition to being technologically advanced, Vim & Vigr socks also make a bold fashion statement. Their designs and colors are so fun and will add some pop to your wardrobe. This Window Pane design has a real fall vibe.

When I first saw this pair of Alpine socks, I literally squealed with delight. The whimsical fair isle/mountain pattern is perfect for the holidays. I just want to put these socks on, curl up on the couch, relax my legs, and watch Christmas movies.

Where To Purchase Vim & Vigr Compression Socks

Vim & Vigr socks are available for purchase through their online store.

Vim & Vigr Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a pair of Vim & Vigr Holiday Socks!

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