Food, Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Make Spritz Cookies With The Zulay Kitchen Cookie Press

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Disclosure: I received a free sample 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 fond memories of my mom baking Christmas cookies during the holidays. Spritz cookies made with a cookie press were always a favorite.

The Zulay Kitchen cookie press is a must-have for making the designs associated with spritz cookies. The cookie press is made of durable stainless steel and anodized aluminum and comes with 20 decorative stencils and four icing tips.

Here is an easy recipe for spritz cookies that can be used with a cookie press.

Easy Spritz Cookies

Ingredients

1 c. butter (2 sticks) (softened to room temperature)

3/4 c. sugar

1 large egg

2 t. almond extract (can substitute vanilla extract)

2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour

1/2 t. salt

Directions

  1. Beat butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl. Add egg and almond extract.
  2. Slowly mix in flour and salt.
  3. Load the dough into the cookie press and follow the cookie press directions.
  4. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. (When I used a Silpat, the cookies did not brown, as in the picture. If you want the cookies to be a little brown on the bottom, bake directly on cookie sheet).

Make sure the dough is chilled before pressing the cookies out on the cookie sheet. It was so fun trying out all of the different stencils! I will definitely be saving the heart stencil for Valentine’s Day.

These spritz cookies are just begging to be dressed up with some chocolate (white, milk or dark) and colorful sprinkles!

The Zulay Kitchen Cookie Press is available on Amazon. Get ready for cookie-baking season!

Giveaway Time

One of my readers will win a Zulay Kitchen Cookie Press, so enter below!

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Book Review, Sponsored

Beginner’s Pluck Book Review

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Disclosure: I received a copy of this book 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 always admired the entrepreneurial spirit. When we hear about small businesses that take off, we often do not realize how much work and failure preceded the success. In Beginner’s Pluck, Liz Forkin Bohannon gives the full story behind her business, Sseko Designs.

I like how Beginner’s Pluck offers unique advice that I have not read already in other books. For example, she urges the reader to dream small (taking the first step is the most important) instead of being overwhelmed by the big dreams that can be intimidating. Another example is that Bohannon says we need to stop trying to “find our passion” and instead working on building it.

Bohannon’s passion is to create educational and economic opportunity for women across the world. The story how she was able to do this through a sandal-making business is truly amazing and inspiring. Bohannon also has both a sense of humor and humility that make this book quite an enjoyable read. Bohannon defines “pluck” as spirited and determined courage. If you want to increase your pluck, definitely give Beginner’s Pluck a read.

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Food, Reviews, Sponsored

Trying Out #TruFru With #Tryazon

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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.

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Learn Chess With No Stress Chess

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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!

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Learn Coding With Let’s Start Coding + Giveaway

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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:

  • Maker Board 2.0 microcontroller (programmable computer chip)
  • Speaker
  • 4 Buttons
  • 2 RGB (red-green-blue) LED lights
  • 1 Red, 1 Blue, and 1 Green LED light
  • USB Cable
  • Component and code reference cards
  • USB cable
  • Carrying case

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!

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Homeschool Bravely Book Review

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Disclosure: Moody Publishers provided a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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 do not homeschool my children, but it has always been a topic that is interesting to me. I have friends that homeschool, and I admire them for doing it. I know it is not easy. I think it would be difficult for me to deal with the negative comments from well-meaning and not-so-well-meaning sources, as well as self-doubt. Homeschool Bravely (How to Squash Doubt, Trust God, and Teach Your Child With Confidence) is a book that I would recommend to all homeschoolers, as well as those considering homeschooling. Jamie Erickson is a veteran homeschooler who has a lot of sage advice for fellow Christian homeschoolers.

The book is divided into three parts:

  • Part 1: The Fear
  • Part 2: The Struggle
  • Part 3: The Solution

Each part consists of chapters devoted to specific issues that may come up with homeschooling. For example, Part 2 has chapters devoted to teaching with kids who are “outside the box”, teaching kids who struggle with academics, teaching older kids while also taking care of a toddler, and homeschooling through a life crisis. I like how Erickson provides specific ideas for keeping toddlers busy, as well as a list of ideas and activities to “sneak learning” into those crazy days that are bound to hit all of us at one time or another.

However, Homeschool Bravely goes deeper than just providing ideas for teaching at home. Erickson has a sincere heart for homeschooling and is passionate about God’s calling to homeschool her children. This book will be sure to encourage the homeschooler that may be feeling defeated or questioning God’s calling to homeschool.

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Reviews, Sponsored

Fall Finds: #NewHopeBloggerBox

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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.

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A Kawaii and Scary October Japan Candy Box

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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
  • Shimi Halloween Choco Corn Stars-chocolate crunchy corn puffs
  • Black Thunder Halloween Chocolate Bar-crunch rice puffs coated in chocolate
  • Toppo Halloween Edition Biscuit Sticks-chocolate filled biscuit sticks
  • Happy Halloween Umaibo Snack Stick-creamy corn potage soup-flavored corn stick
  • Koala’s March Halloween Biscuits-biscuits filled with rich chocolate with Halloween designs

The Scary Snacks

  • Tohato Bokun Habanero Chips-crispy habanero pepper-flavored potato rings
  • Terrible Ghost Story Gum
  • 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).

Giveaway Time!

LimByLim Japan Candy Box Giveaway
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Restaurant Reviews, Sponsored

Celebrate Sweetest Day At Black Angus This Weekend

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Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Black Angus. All opinions are my own.

Do you celebrate Sweetest Day? I had personally never heard of it, but apparently on the third Saturday of October, Midwesterners and Northeasterners celebrate with those people that make their life “sweet”. Sounds like a great idea to me! In honor of Sweetest Day, Black Angus has a special offer going on this weekend, October 18-20. D and I had a sneak preview of the Sweetest Day Dinner For Two last night.

Every year, the “Sweetest Day,” October 19, celebrates random acts of kindness and spreading love far and wide. This year, Black Angus is celebrating by turning the sweetest day into the Sweetest Weekend!
Next weekend, Oct. 18-20, Black Angus will be offering a $47 dinner deal for two, including an option to add a bottle of Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon for $10.

Black Angus Steakhouse is a classic American Steakhouse that has been in business for 55 years! According to our waitress, the location we visited in Santa Ana has been around for about 45 years which is quite amazing in a time when restaurants seem to come and go.

The dinner has an optional $10 add-on bottle of wine: Century Cellars Chardonnay or Canyon Road Cabernet Sauvignon. D went with the Cabernet and said it was very nice.

Black Angus is known for their Molasses Bread, and I can see why. It is warm and soft and has just the right amount of sweetness.

We tried two Steakhouse Starters, the Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail and the Crispy Fried Garlic-Pepper Zucchini. *I believe that the deal actually includes one appetizer per table, as shown in the first picture in this post (I do not want to mislead anyone, so please check with your server).

The Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail is an excellent choice if you want something on the lighter side. The cocktail sauce had a nice little kick to it.

If you are looking for something more filling, the Crispy Fried Garlic-Pepper Zucchini is the way to go. It is so good dipped in the housemade cucumber dip.

Each person has a choice of an entree and two Classic Sidekicks. D chose the New York Strip, garden salad and loaded baked potato.

I ordered the Ribeye (+upcharge), fresh green beans with bacon and fresh broccoli with garlic butter.

We were really satisfied with all of our choices and we ended up sharing so that we could try everything. The steaks were cooked to our liking (medium) and we ended up having to take some of the leftovers home.

A Sweetest Day celebration should end with a sweet dessert, right? We chose the Sky-High Mud Pie (fudge-swirled mocha almond ice cream in a chocolate cookie crumb crust) and it was an excellent way to end our lovely meal together.

Sweetest Day Offer Details

  • Main – $47 dinner for 2 (+$10 for optional Century Cellars Chardonnay or Canyon Road Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • Hawaii – $49.95 dinner for 2 (+$15 for optional Century Cellars Chardonnay or Canyon Road Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • Alaska – $47 dinner for 2 only, no wine bottle add-on

Click here to find a Black Angus location near you and celebrate Sweetest Day with someone that makes your life more sweet this weekend (October 18-20, 2019)!

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Maker Overnight Oats Make A Quick and Satisfying Breakfast

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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!

Enter to win a box of Maker Overnight Oats below!

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