Reviews, Sponsored

Make Your Drawings Come Alive With Chalk Alive

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Disclosure: I received a sample 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.

Using chalk to create chalk art on our driveway is one of the activities that the kids returned to during this past year spent mostly at home. Chalk Alive is a set that adds excitement to ordinary chalk art.

This Chalk Alive set comes with 6 washable chalks, 3 reusable stencils and 3 live animations. As you can see, this particular set features a lion, dolphin and tiger, but there are also other sets with a unicorn/mermaid/butterfly and rocket/racecar/dinosaur.

The chalk comes in vibrant colors and is easy to use with the included stencils. My daughter downloaded the free app on her phone and took a picture of my son’s chalk drawing. The app makes the drawing come to life, as shown below. So cool!

This is a great outdoor activity for kids. I like that Chalk Alive combines art, technology and creativity. The recommended age range is for 5 years and up.

Where To Purchase Chalk Alive

Chalk Alive sets are available at several retailers, including Amazon and Walmart.

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Reviews, Sponsored

Cool Down With NewAir

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Disclosure: I received a complimentary product in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own. Please note that this post contains affiliate links.

Here in Southern California, we are already starting to experience warmer temperatures. I know that once summer hits, this NewAir Evaporative Air Cooler and Portable Cooling Fan will be a lifesaver.

The NewAir Evaporative Air Cooler and Portable Cooling Fan comes fully assembled. All you have to do is fill the water tank, plug the unit into an electrical outlet and press the on button!

I had never tried a fan that uses water, so I was curious to see how it works.

As water evaporates from the honeycomb pads, the NewAir Evaporative Air Cooler and Portable Cooling Fan creates a wind chill effect on your skin and circulates cool air.* This unit also comes with two ice packs that you can add to the water for maximum cooling effect. The cool air from this fan could be felt from across a room. I also appreciated that the unit is not too loud.

*Please note that this type of fan is recommended for places with dry heat, not high humidity. I can see how adding moisture to already humid air would not provide much relief.

I like the clean and modern design of this NewAir fan. The casters also make it easy to roll from room to room.

It even comes with a remote control that lets you adjust timer and fan settings from your chair or bed-so convenient!

I think the best aspect of the NewAir Evaporative Air Cooler and Portable Cooling Fan is that it is energy-efficient and eco-friendly since it does not use chemical coolants like air conditioning does. I am looking forward to keeping cool this summer while also keeping our energy costs low!

Where To Purchase NewAir Products + Discount Code

NewAir appliances are available to purchase through their online store. In addition to the NewAir Evaporative Air Cooler and Portable Cooling Fan, NewAir also offers many other products, including other beverage fridges, wine fridges, ice makers and heaters. Use discount code LIMBYLIM at checkout for ten percent off your purchase!

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Food, Reviews, Sponsored

Make Quick Smoothies At Home With SmoothieBox

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Disclosure: I received samples in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.

Smoothies are a convenient way to pack more nutrients into your daily diet. My family enjoys smoothies for breakfast as well as an afternoon snack.

SmoothieBox makes homemade smoothies even easier by delivering freezer-friendly pouches right to your door.

The pouches contain pre-portioned ingredients. All you have to do is pour the contents of a pouch in a blender and add 8-12 oz. of your preferred liquid: e.g. almond milk, yogurt, coconut water and/or water.

SmoothieBox smoothies contain organic fruits, vegetables, and seeds, and are free from additives and artificial sweeteners.

A smoothie is a great way to start your day!

SmoothieBox smoothies come in a delicious variety of flavors.

  • Green: includes organic spinach, organic Granny Smith apples, organic avocado, organic pineapple and organic flax seed
  • Cacao: includes organic bananas, organic zucchini, organic kale, cacao chips and organic coconut water
  • Clementine: includes mandarin, organic sweet potato, organic carrots, organic ginger, and organic coconut cream
  • Berry: includes organic wild blueberries, organic strawberries, organic cauliflower and organic beet juice

Each pouch makes two smoothies, as shown. (This Green flavor is quite refreshing!) I like how the flavors blend together well and that the smoothies had a nice texture from the bits of the fruits, vegetables and seeds.

SmoothieBox smoothies can be enjoyed at home, or on the go!

SmoothieBox Discount Code

A SmoothieBox includes four Super Smoothie 5-packs in your choice of Berry, Cacao, Green and Clementine flavors (20 smoothie packs total). You can choose to add on a mug and a daily dose of collagen too.

Receive $15 Off + FREE Shipping On Your First SmoothieBox with code SMOOTHIEFAN15 at SmoothieBox.com through 12/31/21.

smoothieboxFYI #smoothiebox

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Food, Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Snack Naturally With Sweet Chaos Popcorn

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

If you have been following this blog for any length of time, you know that my family loves to snack. I am always extra excited to discover snacks that use natural ingredients. Sweet Chaos is a company that I recently discovered that makes popcorn in an array of delicious flavors. What makes this popcorn stand out is that they pop their non-GMO popcorn in coconut oil. Sweet Chaos popcorn is gluten-free, as well as free from high fructose corn syrup, trans fat, and artificial colors and flavors.

We had the pleasure of trying Sweet Chaos Popcorn in the following flavors:

  • Sea Salt
  • White Cheddar
  • Kettle Corn
  • Honey Chipotle
  • Chaos Mix
  • Jalapeno Blue Cheese

The sea salt flavor is for the popcorn purist. Sweet Chaos uses real sea salt, and the coconut oil adds a unique richness.

My family’s favorite flavor was the Chaos Mix, which is a mixture of cheddar cheese and caramel. The mixture of sweet and savory is just right!

I like how the kernels are nice and crisp. Sweet Chaos Popcorn is the perfect food to satisfy your next snack craving.

Where To Purchase Sweet Chaos Popcorn

Sweet Chaos Popcorn is available through their online store. They also make decadent-sounding drizzled popcorn if you are looking for a truly sweet treat!

Sweet Chaos Popcorn Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win six bags of Sweet Chaos Popcorn: Kettle Corn, Sea Salt, Honey Chipotle, Jalapeno Blue Cheese, Chaos Mix, and White Cheddar!

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Food, Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Treat Yourself To Blake’s Seed-Based Rice Crispy Treats

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

Blake’s Seed Based is another company that I discovered through the Online Nourished Festival. The idea for this company was born as a result of the founder’s own nut allergy. As an athlete, he wanted to create a bar that would provide healthy fuel, without nuts. Since both of my kids are allergic to nuts, I was eager to have them try these products.

I love the bright and fun packaging!

Blake’s Seed-Based Rice Crispy Treats

#MOLDIV

Blake’s Seed-Based Rice Crispy Treats are a treat you can feel good about eating. They come in chocolate chip and strawberry flavors, and both are moist and delicious. These cute bars are made with pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, and brown flax seed. Seeds are a good food to include in your diet because they are nutrient-dense and contain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. If food allergies are of a concern to you, it is reassuring that Blake’s Seed-Based products are made in a nut-free and gluten-free facility and are free from peanuts, tree nuts, milk, egg, wheat, soy and sesame.

#MOLDIV

Blake’s Seed-Based Snack Bars

Blake’s Seed Based also makes nut-free snack bars using pumpkin, sunflower and flax seed. They come in the following flavors:

  • Blueberry Lemon
  • Raspberry
  • S’mores
  • Pineapple

We tried the S’mores flavor and it is sure to satisfy any chocolate craving you may have without being overly sweet. The seeds give the bar a heartier texture but they are easy to eat (unlike some bars I have had where nuts are the main ingredient and they almost break your teeth.)

Where To Purchase Blake’s Seed Based Products

Blake’s Seed Based Snack Bars and Rice Crispy Treats are available through their website or at a store near you.

Blake’s Seed-Based Rice Crispy Treats Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win two 6-ct. boxes of Blake’s Seed-Based Rice Crispy Treats!

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Giveaways, Movies, Sponsored

Be Inspired By Colors of Character

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

Have you ever heard of an artist named Steve Skipper? After watching a documentary called Colors of Character, I hope that his amazing story and artwork become more well-known. Skipper’s paintings are evidence of God-given talent, and he does indeed give God all of the glory! The movie goes into great detail about his rough and troubled childhood (I think the recommendation of ages 12 and up is appropriate). As painful as the reenactments and personal narrative are to watch, they are an integral part of Skipper’s testimony. Colors of Character is an inspiring story about the redemptive power of God and how He can do great things through those who heed His call.

Synopsis

Steve Skipper is one of the most prolific artists in the realms of sports, civil-rights, equestrian, portraiture, and Christian artwork. Skipper has shattered barriers of race and education in the art world. His works are on permanent display in some of the most hallowed halls in America, including: the Pro Football Hall of Fame, College Football Hall of Fame, International Sports Halls of Fame, the Lyndon B Johnson Presidential Library and Museum, and has been honored with unveilings at Chelsea Piers in NYC, the MGM Grand and Monte Carlo in Las Vegas, and Millennium Gate Museum in Atlanta.
With no formal training, Skipper openly gives credit to Jesus Christ for his gifts and for every opportunity that he has been given. An ex-gang member and drug addict, Skipper was transformed into an internationally respected artist.

How To Watch Colors of Character

Rent/buy Colors of Character on DVD or on demand from the comfort of your own home, and watch wherever you watch movies!

Colors of Character Digital Code Giveaway #ColorsOfCharacterMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a digital code to watch Colors of Character.

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Food, Giveaways, Sponsored

The Ultimate Grain-Free Cookies With Otto’s Naturals

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

One of the many brands that I learned about at the Online Nourished Festival was Otto’s Naturals. This family-run business makes Cassava Flour, which is a grain-free replacement for wheat flour. Cassava flour is made from 100% Yuca root and it is gluten-free, grain-free and nut-free.

Otto’s Naturals sent me some of their Cassava Flour, along with their Grain-Free Ultimate Cookie Mix (which is also made with Cassava Flour).

The Ultimate Cookie Mix is super easy to use. All you have to do is stir together the mix, 1 egg, 1/2 cup of melted butter (or dairy-free alternative), 1 teaspoon of vanilla and up to 1 cup of mix-ins of your choice. I made “Kitchen Sink” cookies by mixing in candy coated chocolates, chocolate chips and broken pretzel pieces-yum! They turned out delicious and no one in my family could tell that I used a different type of flour. I am looking forward to using the Otto’s Naturals Cassava Flour in some pancakes or waffles next.

Where To Purchase Otto’s Naturals Products

Otto’s Naturals products are available online or at a store near you.

Otto’s Naturals Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win two packs of Otto’s Naturals Grain-Free Ultimate Cookie Mix and a branded spoon.

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National Parks, Restaurant Reviews, Vacation

Zion River Walk & Dinner

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We continued on our spring break road trip by driving from Las Vegas to Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah. I want to write a separate post on parking and the shuttle system since it is a little tricky. We rode a shuttle to the Riverside Walk and ate our lunch from Hoodoo’s General Store on a low stone wall.

I am not sure why I placed the stray onions on the sandwich before taking a picture. We were actually pretty impressed with the Hoodoo’s sandwiches–the bread was fresh, and it had a good amount of meat. Our family has had our share of bad sandwiches during national park visits, and these freshly made sandwiches were much better than many of the others.

This was our second time going on the Riverside Walk (1.9 mi. out and back), but unlike our first time, we did not have to bring strollers-ha! I think this is one of the best paved trails that we have been on.

This is the entrance to the Narrows. We had to laugh at the group who was contemplating hiking into the Narrows without any preparation whatsoever. They were wondering if they should just take their shoes off and go in waist-deep. Um, no. There is a company that will rent you the special pants and boots along with a hiking pole, but it is located at the Visitor Center.

Dinner At Zion Pizza & Noodle

We ordered takeout from Zion Pizza & Noodle Co. I highly recommend takeout, as the wait to be seated was about an hour, even at 5 p.m.! I was a little weary of trying this place again since I thought the crust was too soggy last time.

I am happy to report that the pizza was much better this time around! There was one spot where the dough was a little doughy, but overall this was a good pizza experience. There are not many dining options in Springdale, so I am glad that Zion Pizza & Noodle has survived. (I am sorry to say that the same cannot be said about the Bumbleberry Gifts, where had Bumbleberry Pie during our first trip. They had a fire last year and are currently re-building. So sad).

The aptly named Cholesterol Hiker Pizza: Tomato sauce, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, Italian sausage, mushrooms, mozzarella & cheddar cheeses.
The White Sun Pizza: Garlic infused Olive Oil, Spinach, Pineapple, Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, cheddar & parmesan cheeses. This was a hit!

Our hotel (Holiday Inn Express-Springdale Zion) had a nice firepit which was nice to sit around in the chilly night air.

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Movies, Sponsored

New Family-Friendly Netflix Movie: A Week Away

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

I am always on the lookout for family-friendly movies with a positive message. Therefore, I am excited about a new movie coming out on this Friday, March 26: A Week Away.

Synopsis

Troubled teen Will Hawkins (Kevin Quinn) has a choice to make – go to juvenile detention or attend a Christian summer camp. While at camp, and with the help of his music, new friends and love interest (Bailee Madison), he learns the healing powers of kindness, forgiveness, and faith can be found in the most unlikely of places.

As you can see from the trailer, this movie has a musical format. The upbeat and inspirational songs, along with the choreography, seem like they add a lot of energy to the storyline. It is exciting to see that the movie has “reimagined songs” from For King & Country, Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant.

As a Christian, I am interested to see how the movie portrays Christianity through the lens of a Christian summer camp setting. I personally know how powerful “a week away” can be for someone who is searching for answers to life’s questions. My hope is that watching this movie with my kids will open up some meaningful dialogue about the movie’s themes of kindness, forgiveness and faith. Be sure to be on the lookout for A Week Away on Netflix this Friday, March 26!

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Vacation

Spring Break Visit To Red Rock Canyon

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Happy spring! Our school district’s spring break is relatively early, so we already completed our spring break road trip to Nevada and Utah.

Seven Magic Mountains

The first stop on our itinerary was Seven Magic Mountains, an art installation located just outside of Las Vegas.

The first time we visited, I thought that this place would not be around for much longer. Three years later, it still seems to attract a steady stream of visitors.

I took pictures of k for her newly established IG account. 🙂

Hiking In Red Rock Canyon

Our next stop was Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The first time we tried visiting this park they turned us away because it was too crowded. In November of last year, they instituted an online reservation system for timed entry from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through May 31. The fee is $15 and it was well worth it.

My plan was for us to do the Calico Tanks hike first, but we ended up stopping at Calico Hills instead.

Looking around, it is quite apparent how this park received its name!

The variety of geological features along this hike is truly amazing.

There are rock climbing opportunities for kids (and adults!) everywhere you turn on this hike.

Lost Creek Children’s Discovery Trail

After exploring Calico Hills, we drove along the Scenic Loop to the Willow Creek picnic area. As usual, we ate sandwiches that we packed from home.

Our next stop was the Lost Creek Children’s Discovery Trail. This is a short hike, at only .80 miles and is rated easy-moderate.

One of the neat features of this hike is a small waterfall.

n looks so young in this picture. He is like a mountain goat and easily scrambles over rocks when we hike.

M Resort & Slater’s 50/50

I found a good deal at the M Resort in Henderson, so it was worth it do a little back-tracking.

The M Resort is now the official Raiders hotel. There was branding everywhere.

The standard rooms are quite spacious, especially the bathroom.

We took turns in the soaking tub and it felt quite luxurious. There is even a television embedded in the bathroom mirror-cool!

For dinner, we splurged (price-wise and calorie-wise) on burgers from Slater’s 50/50. Since I am still not completely comfortable eating at restaurants indoors, we brought our food back to our hotel room. I told n this was his birthday dinner since the food options later in our trip would be limited. It was a tasty dinner, especially after a day of hiking!

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