Book Review, Sponsored

Breaking Anxiety’s Grip 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.

If you struggle with overwhelming worry and anxiety, Breaking Anxiety’s Grip by Dr. Michelle Bengtson is a book you need to read. It is filled with Bible-based wisdom regarding how to overcome feelings of anxiety using the power that God has given to each of us. The subtitle, “How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” is key, as God’s peace is the ultimate anecdote to anxiety.

The author shares many several personal experiences with her own feelings of worry. A significant source of her anxiety stems understandably from her husband’s cancer diagnosis. Dr. Bengston is in a unique position as a board-certified neuropsychologist in that she has the professional training and experience to help others with their mental health problems. However, even with her extensive head knowledge about mental health, Dr. Bengston is not immune to the worry that can creep in when a crises hits. It is this vulnerability that makes this book feel authentic and helpful.

Breaking Anxiety’s Grip is filled with Bible verses that are a great reminder to us of God’s faithfulness through all of life’s circumstances. This book is a valuable read because it offers pragmatic ways to gird our faith in God’s plan and to equip us with strategies to fight back against anxious thoughts.

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Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Multi-Use Mollie Ollie Mimmo Caddy Review + Giveaway

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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!

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Family Field Trips, Giveaways, Sponsored

Make Memories At Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic {Giveaway}

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Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Feld Entertainment.

I have to give credit to Sesame Street for playing a big role in my early childhood education. I can remember watching the television show with my sister and being excited when our favorite characters, songs or segments came on.

Sesame Street makes learning fun, and it is not just ABCs and 123s. It also does a great job teaching social and emotional skills, showcasing occupations, and exposing children to different life situations. Sesame Street has been going strong for about 50(!) years, which is amazing in an age when most kid shows come and go in a flash.

Even though my own kids are now past the Sesame Street stage of life (*sniff!*), I am excited to share some information about the Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic show that is currently touring throughout the United States.

Everyone’s invited on an amazing journey with Elmo to discover the “power of yet” in Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic when it comes to Ontario and Long Beach this Fall!  Building on a successful tour with Feld Entertainment’s inaugural Sesame Street Live! show last season in partnership with the non-profit educational organization Sesame Workshop, this production features favorite Sesame Street pals Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie, Monster, Big Bird and more in a brand-new, magical adventure live on stage.   

Elmo is inspired to learn a magic trick when he meets magician extraordinaire Justin, who has come to Sesame Street to perform a magic show.  But there’s one problem…Elmo doesn’t know how to do magic! Through Justin’s encouragement to practice, work hard and never give up, Elmo embarks on an extraordinary journey.  He learns that it’s okay to make mistakes and that magic can be found anywhere when you believe in yourself and the power of what’s yet to be. Cookie Monster and Gonger uncover the science and fun of baking while Abby Cadabby experiences the transformative abilities of caterpillars.  Big Bird learns about the magnifying magic of shadow puppetry while Rosita orchestrates a rhythmic beat using everyday objects around her. And artist Grover mixes up the pigment power of the three primary colors. With high-energy dance numbers and a soundtrack that’s sure to get everyone out of their seats, Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic is an inspirational introduction to live theater and the art of illusion that the entire family will enjoy.

During the Sesame Street Live! pre-show experience, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and take photos with Elmo and two of his furry friends before the show right in their own neighborhood!  At this unique, up-close-and-personal experience offered at an additional charge, families can tour the on-stage neighborhood with special surprise visits from Elmo & Friends for photos; participate in a scavenger hunt and receive a special prize upon completion and experience up-close magic tricks from a roaming magician. 

Sesame Street Live! Is Coming to Southern California This November

O N T A R I O  Toyota Arena (formerly Citizens Business Bank Arena)

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

  • Show Time:  2:00 PM
  • Pre-Show Experience from 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM*
  • Show Time:  5:30 PM
  • Pre-Show Experience from 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM*

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

  • Show Time:  1:00 PM
  • Pre-Show Experience from 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM*
  • Show Time:  4:30 PM
  • Pre-Show Experience from 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM*

L O N G   B E A C H Terrace Theater

Friday, November 8, 2019

  • Show Time:  6:00 PM
  • Pre-Show Experience from 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM*

Saturday, November 9, 2019

  • Show Time:  10:30 AM
  • Pre-Show Experience from 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM*
  • Show Time:  2:00 PM
  • Pre-Show Experience from 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM*

Sunday, November 10, 2019

  • Show Time:  2:00 PM
  • Pre-Show Experience from 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM*

Sesame Street Live! Ticket Information & Discount

Tickets start at just $20 each! Pre-Show Meet & Greet Experience Pass available for $25 per person. (*Pre-show pass must be accompanied by same day show ticket) *Prices subject to change; additional venue/ticketing fees may apply.

Tickets now available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com or visit the venue Box Office; all seats are reserved.

Save 20% on tickets by using offer code: MOM20 (Expires 11/11/19)

Giveaway Time!

Enter to win a giveaway for four tickets to either of the following Sesame Street Live! performances:

  • Tuesday, November 5 at 2pm  – Toyota Arena
  • Friday, November 8 at 6pm – Long Beach Terrace Theater


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Reviews, Sponsored

Kill Germs And Preserve Good Bacteria With Desert Essence Hand Sanitizer

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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.

The Desert Essence Hand Sanitizer comes in three scents:

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.

Use promo code DEprobioticpower and receive 30% off Desert Essence Probiotic Hand Sanitizers when visiting desertessence.com. Visit https://www.desertessence.com/store-locator for a full list of locations.

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Crafts, Giveaways, Sponsored

Gift A Green Kid Crafts Box To Your Favorite STEAM Kid

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

I am loving all of the different subscription boxes that are available these days. Green Kid Crafts is a company that offers a wide variety of STEAM-focused boxes for kids ages 2-10.

We had the opportunity to review the Soaring Into Flight box. This box is full of fun projects, including:

  • Homemade Hovercraft
  • Bernoulli’s Experiment
  • Wooden Airplane Kit
  • Glider Kit
  • DIY Paper Airplane Kit (with 3 different designs)
  • Dragonfly Spinner Kit

The box also includes a booklet that has instructions for the projects, as well as kid-friendly scientific explanations regarding how they work.

n always enjoys making paper airplanes. I like how this kit challenges kids to make a “control” airplane and then modify the other airplanes to show how the center of balance and stabilizers can change the flight pattern.

Another project in this box has kids compare the flight distance of a glider, dragonfly spinner and a wooden plane. The project includes a measuring tape, and the booklet has a log to record data.

n’s favorite project in this box is the homemade hovercraft . We had actually recently seen a demonstration of this project, but we did not have all of the necessary supplies. I like how this box includes everything you need for each project–instant gratification!

Green Kid Crafts offers monthly subscriptions, as well as individual boxes with various themes that range from music to chemistry to animals. Keep this site in mind when shopping for gifts that are both educational and fun!

Green Kid Crafts is generously offering my readers the chance to win a 3- month subscription!

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Book Review, House, Sponsored

M.O.M. Master Organizer of Mayhem 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.

Organizing my house and life seems to be a never-ending battle. When I came across this book, M.O.M. Master Organizer of Mayhem, the title immediately spoke to me. Mayhem is the perfect word to describe the state of my house on many days. I have read countless books about organizing that offer various tips, but the difficult part is actually implementing them on a consistent basis.

Kristi Clover, the author of M.O.M., offers her organization advice in three phases. Phase I is about “Ten Simple Rules That Will Change Your Home Life”. Phase II talks about six “Systems That Will Make Your Home Efficient”. Phase III is entitled, “Bringing It All Together to Create a Home You Love!”

Clover’s advice is based on first-hand experience regarding what has worked for her own busy household. However, I like how she emphasizes that every family has different needs and phases of life. She does not claim that there are certain organizing techniques that work for everyone. She encourages the reader to persist through the trial and error phase and not give up altogether. One little tip that I am trying with my own family is to write out a list of to-dos for each family member instead of constantly nagging. It will be interesting to see if it works in the next few weeks! If you are looking for inspiration to kick-start an organized life, M.O.M. Master Organizer of Mayhem is a good place to start.

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Food, Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Cozy Up With a Cup of Chai Using Zulay Kitchen Tools

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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 Kitchen Milk 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!

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Crafts, Family Field Trips, Sponsored

Celebrate Fall & Support Local Artists At A Harvest Festival Near You

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Disclosure: I received compensation in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.

Our Family’s Experience At The Costa Mesa Harvest Festival Art & Craft Show

This past weekend, my family and I had the opportunity to visit the Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show in Costa Mesa. The event took place at the OC Fair & Event Center. This was our first time, so we were not quite sure what to expect.

Upon arrival, we saw that there were two large halls with vendors selling a wide variety of products. (Unfortunately, there was a sign prohibiting photographs of the merchandise, so I cannot post any pictures of the booths). There were vendors selling a wide variety of unique handmade products. We saw everything from massage pillows to baked goods to wreaths to clothing and jewelry.

Between the two halls there were food stalls and family entertainment.

The booth that ended up catching our eye (or maybe it was more like our nose?) was Thru The Garden Window. This company sells lovely handmade wreaths, garlands, and potpourri with dehyrdated fruit, bay leaves and cinnamon sticks. We ended up purchasing an Orange Blossom Garland. I love how it adds a touch of fall to our staircase, and the warm citrus/spicy scent is an added bonus.

Shopping at arts and craft shows like this is a great way to support local artists. Plus, they offer products that you will not find at the big box stores. Keep this show in mind if you want to kickstart your holiday shopping!

Ventura Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show Is Coming Up October 4-6!

For the real deal in handmade handiworks, don’t miss the Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show at the Ventura County Fairgrounds October 4-6, featuring more than 24,000 original creations from hundreds of trend-setting artisans and crafters.

Festivities will be in high gear for the 30th anniversary celebration of the Ventura showcase, a treasured tradition recognized as the west coast’s largest and most prestigious indoor showcase, with live entertainment, strolling performers, mouth-watering foods, a Kidzone and pumpkin patch, contests, crafter demonstrations, and more.

Live entertainment adds to the festivities with entertainer Captain Jack Spareribs and the Hyjinx Band, joined by the Jack Kalvan Jugglers and other strolling performers.

Rancho Ventura Conservation Trust hosts a nature interactive in conjunction with the pumpkin patch, co-sponsored by Green Thumb Nursery. The Ventura County Star is the official newspaper. The annual Grand Prize Giveaway is a $200 Amazon gift card (register to win on site at the event).

General admission tickets are $9, Seniors (62+) and military are $7, Youths ages 13-17 are $4, and kids 12 and under are FREE. Tickets are good for the entire weekend. Hours are Friday 10am to 5pm; Saturday 10am to 6pm; and Sunday 10am to 5pm.

Go here to get $2 OFF your entry:

https://bit.ly/2L0NEXa

To see a full a list of Harvest Festivals near you, visit: https://www.harvestfestival.com

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Book Review, Sponsored

Nice: Why We Love To Be Liked And How God Calls Us To More {Review}

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Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this 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.

Before reading Nice: Why We Love To Be Liked And How God Calls Us To More, I never really thought about being “nice” as a problem. However, according to the author, Sharon Hodde Miller, God did not call us to be merely nice people. Miller explains how niceness can become an idol, and defines niceness as “the ways we make ourselves pleasant, agreeable, acceptable, or likable in order to get something.” When a Christian’s ultimate goal is to be “nice”, Miller shows how the result can be inauthenticity, corruption, cowardice, cynicism, self-righteousnes, or sentimentality.

Miller is careful to emphasize that as Christians, we are still called to kindness, gentleness and love. In no way is she advocating that we abandon niceness in favor of harshness, meanness, mud-slinging or name-calling. I really admire how the author is able to weave personal stories as well as stories from the Bible to illustrate the ways in which striving to be “nice” can actually lead to strife. Nice is a book that really made me reevaluate my own motives and ultimate goals for being nice. I would encourage anyone who thinks of themselves as a “nice” person to read this book and see if it challenges his or her notions of niceness as well.

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Reviews, Sponsored

At-Home Coffeehouse Experience With Keurig K-Duo Essentials Coffee Maker

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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.

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