Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Simply Earth Salon-in-a-Box Review + Giveaway

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Disclosure: I received a sample in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

If you have been curious about essential oils, but feel a little overwhelmed, Simply Earth is an easy place to start!

Simply Earth’s Recipe Boxes come with four different essential oils and a few fun “extras”. Each month there are recipes that tell you exactly how to mix the essential oils to make different formulations for everything from diffuser blends to personal care products. I was excited that the theme of this month’s Simply Earth Recipe Box is “Salon-in-a-Box”. I am overdue for a salon appointment thanks to the pandemic, so I will take any help that I can do at home!

This month’s Simply Earth Recipe Box comes with the following essential oils:

  • Spearmint: uplifts, aids digestion, supports focus
  • Palmrosa: calms, soothes pain, aids sleep
  • Rosemary: uplifts, warms, supports hair growth
  • Fit: curbs appetite, energizes

This Recipe Box also comes with a paraben-free shampoo and conditioner base. You can use these bases to make Strong & Long Shampoo and Strength & Length Conditioner with the included recipes.

Love that this shampoo and conditioner does not contain any artificial fragrances. Adding the essential oils makes your shower into a spa experience!

There are also recipes to make DIY Dry Shampoo, a Salon Day Diffuser Blend, Fit Roll On and Nails Without Fail Oil. I can’t wait to try them all!

Simply Earth Discount Code

Simply Earth is offering a fantastic deal for my readers. When you start an Essential Oil Recipe Box Subscription, you will also receive a Big Bonus Box AND a free $40 eGift card when you use the code LIMBYLIMFREE at checkout. (New subscribers only).

Simply Earth Giveaway Time

Thank you, Mama the Fox, for hosting this Star Spangled Giveaway Hop! Have fun hopping around the different blogs to enter a bunch of fun giveaways, and be sure to enter the Simply Earth giveaway below.

MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.

Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box! Please note that by entering this giveaway, you agree to have your e-mail added to the Simply Earth e-mail list.

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Food, Restaurant Reviews

What to Order at North Italia

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D received a generous gift card to North Italia before the pandemic. North Italia is a mini-chain, with locations from California to Florida. We wanted to use it for a dine-in experience, but like many restaurants, it was only open for take-out. When they started accepting dine-in reservations, we jumped at the opportunity to go.

Although we usually opt to dine indoors, this time we chose outdoor seating since it is more Covid-safe. The Irvine location has a small, but nice patio.

They did a good job of spacing out the tables to be socially distant.

I like to do research before I visit restaurants so I have an idea of what to order beforehand (thanks, Yelp!). Am I the only one who does this? I wanted to try different dishes, so I told my family that we would be ordering “family-style”, which they went along with.

One unanimous recommendation that I read about was to order the White Truffle Garlic Bread ($13.50) house made ricotta, mozzarella, grana padano, herbs as an appetizer. It was good as all the rave reviews talked about! Probably the best garlic bread I have ever had!

I ordered a Caesar salad with salmon ($21), mostly for n (who loves salmon!). This would make a nice entree salad if you are a low-carb person.

I debated ordering the Bolognese ($20) traditional meat sauce, tagliatelle noodle & grana padano cheese, because it sounded a little too simple. However, it is listed as the “House Specialty” so we decided to go for it. The homemade pasta was so good, and we liked the meat sauce too. The only bad thing is that we wished there was more!

Next was Short Rib Radiatore ($22) parmesan cream, fresh horseradish, wilted arugula, herbed breadcrumb. I liked that this was a unique dish that you would not find at another restaurant. It was definitely decadent, which made it a good dish to share.

Finally, we ordered the Italian classic, Chicken Parmesan crushed tomato, aged provolone, mozzarella, parmesan rigatoni. This was a nice rendition, with a fairly large piece of chicken (not sure why the pasta portion was so small in comparison). Again, I am glad we were all able to share a few bites.

For dessert, we had to order tiramisu, because that is D’s favorite dessert. The crunchy chocolate ball topping (not sure what it is called) added a nice texture contrast to the creamy layers. Definitely recommend this if you are a tiramisu fan.

Have you been to North Italia? What is your favorite dish?

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Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Care For Your Hair Naturally With Maple Holistics {Giveaway}

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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 am always in search of personal care products that use natural ingredients. I recently discovered a company called Maple Holistics that is dedicated to using only the highest quality ingredients.

I recently had the opportunity to try the Maple Holistics Castor Oil Shampoo and Conditioner Set. I have to admit, I did not have a positive connotation with castor oil before trying these products. However, after doing some research, I learned that castor oil has long been used to promote a healthy scalp and hair. Some even say castor oil can help with hair loss (although I do not have scientific evidence to prove that). I was eager to try it out.

I have been using the shampoo and conditioner for a few days now, and I have to say that my hair definitely feels healthier! I have not been to the salon in months thanks to the pandemic, and my hair had been feeling dry and blah. I actually think I have combination hair as my scalp tends to get oily and my ends tend to dry out. Even after my first use, I could tell that my hair felt softer, but not oily. My daughter, who has really long and thick hair, had the same result. The slightly medicinal scent while using it in the shower is not my favorite, but it is not detectable once my hair dries. I only have to use a little of both products to work up a good lather. I also feel good about the fact that Maple Holistics hair products are PETA-certified cruelty-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free and safe for color treated hair.

Where to Purchase

Maple Holistics offers a wide variety of personal care products, including hair care, skin care and hand sanitizer. Visit their website or Amazon to order and have their products shipped to your door.

Giveaway Time

Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a set of Maple Holistics Castor Oil Shampoo & Conditioner!

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Uncategorized

Life in the Time of Corona (Days 92-100)

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6.16.20 (Tuesday): After living with this band-aid paint color in our master bedroom for eleven years, I finally started re-painting! The kids have been helping, too.

6.17.20 (Wednesday):

Nothing memorable happened today, but I am grateful for the June gloom.

6.18.20 (Thursday): Our public library re-opened for curbside pick-up!! I think this was the most excited I have been about a re-opening so far.

We had a large stack of books just waiting to be returned.

6.19.20 (Friday):

During my walk I came across this group of dogs sitting ever so patiently with their dog walker. They were so cute I had to sneak a picture.

6.20.20 (Saturday): We dropped off a gift for my dad for Father’s Day. Not being able to see my parents regularly is one of the most unfortunate parts of quarantine.

6.21.20 (Sunday): Happy Father’s Day! We made breakfast for D, who usually makes breakfast for us on Sundays. He opened his gifts and then we tuned into church service.

Later in the morning we drove to Vista for a quick two-night stay in a tiny house in Vista (separate post coming). We stopped in Oceanside for lunch and went to the beach.

6.22.20 (Monday): We visited a local garden and went to a beach in Carlsbad.

6.23.20 (Tuesday): We drove home in the morning. D was able to get a lot of work done even though he was technically still on vacation.

n had his first soccer practice back on the field!

6.24.20 (Wednesday): D went to workout at 24 Hour Fitness today at 5 a.m. for the first time since quarantine. This is a big deal because going there used to be an essential part of D’s daily routine. He had to reserve a workout time through an app the day before and workouts are limited to 60 minutes. He said about 60% of people were wearing masks.

We survived 100 days! There is still a lot of uncertainty, as the numbers in California still seem to be rising and they are still working on a vaccine. However, life does seem to be slowly returning back to “normal”. I think this is an appropriate time to end my “Life in the Time of Corona” series. I will try to be better about doing periodical personal updates in between my product reviews and giveaways.

It will be interesting to see how some things may never change back to how they were. Will we ever shake hands again? Will D continue working from home a lot more and will he have to wear a mask if he is at the office all day? Will people always stand 6 feet apart when they are in a line? How will the school experience be for k and n when they return in August? I guess only time will tell.

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Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Make a Memorable Blanket With Mpix {Giveaway}

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

Digital photography makes it easier than ever to take as many pictures as you want. However, many people end up just keeping those pictures on their phone or camera where no one can really enjoy them. I recently discovered mpix, a website that makes it simple to order quality prints and create photo products to display precious memories.

I decided to make a personalized blanket for my dad for Father’s Day. The mpix website was really easy to navigate. The hardest part was figuring out which pictures to use. I ended up creating a collage from the Alaska Disney Cruise that we took in 2017.

I was amazed that my mpix personalized blanket arrived just a few days after I ordered it. According to their website, all mpix products are made by hand in the Midwest. I was really impressed with how clear the pictures came out! The blanket is lightweight, (but not too thin) and incredibly soft. I was very pleased with the quality.

I was excited to give this blanket to my dad. He said it brought back great memories. My mom said it was a nice conversation piece. These blankets would make such a thoughtful gift for anniversaries, grandparents, milestones, etc.

How To Order

Visit mpix online, and check out all of the different photo products they offer. Right now they are offering 25% off your first purchase when you sign up for a free account and there is free standard shipping on orders over $35.

Giveaway Time

Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win an mpix personalized blanket!

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Food, Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Simple Ingredients Make Jessica’s Natural Foods So Delicious {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.

I really admire the story behind Jessica’s Natural Foods. Jessica developed her gluten-free granola, mixes and syrup in response to her own family’s gluten-free lifestyle. I think it is amazing when someone sees a market need and creates a business. While our family does not follow a gluten-free diet, I am always interested in healthier eating. Therefore, I was excited to try some of the gluten-free products offered by Jessica’s Natural Foods and today I am going to share them with you.

Jessica’s Gluten-Free Granola

My family really likes granola, so we were excited to try out Jessica’s Gluten-Free Granola. This granola starts out with certified gluten-free oats and adds in natural ingredients such as ground flax, coconut, organic honey, real maple syrup and pure vanilla extract. It is made by hand in small batches and contains no artificial colors or ingredients. Jessica’s Granola comes in the following flavors:

  • Gluten-Free Almond Cherry Granola
  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Granola
  • Gluten-Free Vanilla Maple Granola
  • Gluten-Free Cherry & Berry Granola
  • Gluten-Free Pecan Almond Granola
  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Hazelnut Granola

We had the opportunity to try the Chocolate Chip Granola and the Cherry & Berry Granola. Both of the flavors that we tried were hearty and delicious. I like how there are sizeable clusters that offer a satisfying crunch.

I like to use granola as a topping for a fruit and yogurt parfait. It would also be good with some milk or just eaten by itself as a snack.

Jessica’s Gluten-Free Mixes

We also had the opportunity to try Jessica’s Muffin Mix and Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix.

Although I enjoy baking from scratch, I also really appreciate the convenience of using a mix! Jessica’s Muffin Mixes contain ancient grain teff and oat flour. I was very curious about ancient grain teff, as I am not sure whether I have tried this ingredient before. According to the package, teff contains protein, fiber, calcium, amino acids and iron. Sounds good to me!

I used the muffin mix to whip up a batch of blueberry muffins. (You can use any add-in that you want, such as other types of fruit or chocolate chips). They turned out really tasty! The muffins had a really tender texture with lightly crisped edges. I would not have guessed that these muffins are gluten-free.

Baking cookies with this mix was super quick and easy. As you can see, the dough looks just like traditional cookie dough. The cookie mixes are also made with ancient grain teff and oat flour.

My family (including my son shown here) really enjoyed these chocolate chip cookies. I think the butter that I used was a little too softened, so the result was a really thin and crisp cookie. However, my daughter said she actually prefers her cookies this way, which I never knew-ha! Again, I would not have guessed that these cookies are gluten-free. I like that I can feel good about the ingredients, and I am sure that feeling would be that much stronger for those that are gluten-free.

Where to Purchase

Jessica’s Natural Foods products can be purchased at a store near you, through their website, or on Amazon.

Giveaway Time

I am excited that Jessica’s is offering the chance for THREE of my readers to win their choice of two Jessica’s Natural Foods products!

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Uncategorized

Life in the Time of Corona (Days 85-91)

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6.9.20 (Tuesday): It was way too hot today, at 97 degrees. It is crazy how much my productivity level goes down when it is hot outside.

6.10.20 (Wednesday): I received my dreaded driver’s license renewal notice from the DMV. Since I wanted to also get the RealID, I had to go into the office. I uploaded all my documents and printed out my pass from the “express” line. Unfortunately, I was not able to make an appointment to go in.

6.11.20 (Thursday): The DMV opened up at 8 a.m., so I arrived just after 7:30. There were already about 70 people in line! Because I had the Express Pass, I was able to finish in about 25 minutes, which was not too bad.

I had to take n to the orthodontist again because he had a loose wire.

6.12.20 (Friday):

I went to Costco in the morning. n was hankering for a chicken bake, so I tried to make some at home:

Our HOA pool opened! There are strict protocols in place. D and n were excited to be able to go again, and it was pretty empty.

6.13.20 (Saturday):

I saw these bunnies during my walk today. They are really camouflaged, right?

6.14.20 (Sunday):

We watched our church service online and participated in virtual communion.

For dinner, we went to our first dine-in restaurant since quarantine began! D had some North Italia gift cards burning a hole in his pocket. We were hoping that they would survive the shutdown so we could still use them. I hope to do a separate review soon.

6.15.20 (Monday):

Another 1,000 piece puzzle complete! I guess people know that we like map puzzles. đŸ™‚ I hope that we will be able to visit Washington D.C. as a family someday!

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Food, Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

A Stellar Cup of Steeped Coffee {Giveaway}

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

Today I am excited to share about Steeped Coffee, a company based in Santa Cruz, CA that delivers coffee in a whole new way.

Steeped Coffee is a convenient way to make coffee without the need for a coffee maker or any special equipment. Each packet contains a filter bag of 100% specialty coffee (much like a tea bag).

Steeped Coffee comes in the following varieties:

  • Sunrise Light Roast
  • California Medium Roast
  • Odyssey Dark Roast
  • Driftwood French Roast
  • Eventide Decaf

The directions for Steeped Coffee could not be simpler. Place the Steeped filter in a cup and pour 8 oz. hot water over it. Dunk for 15 seconds and let it steep for five minutes (or more) according to how strong you like your coffee.

The quality of the Steeped Coffee was quite impressive. Their direct trade, ethically sourced coffee is hand roasted in small batches and does not involve any additives, solubles, crystals or freeze-drying. Steeped Coffee does not taste like “instant” coffee, but more like coffee you would make in a French press. It is nice how you can control how strong the brew is just by letting it steep longer. (I prefer mine on the stronger side.)

Steeped Coffee makes it really convenient to enjoy a fresh brewed cup of coffee at work or home. I can also see how Steeped Coffee would be great to take along on a camping trip or while traveling.

Where to Purchase

Steeped Coffee can be purchased on their website and they also offer subscriptions.

Giveaway Time

Enter the giveaway below and enter to win an assortment of Steeped Coffee and a Steeped Coffee mug!

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Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Time to Celebrate With Kawaii Box {Giveaway}

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

I always look forward to checking for our mail each day (except Sundays, of course!) Packages are always the most exciting, and a Kawaii Box is cause for celebration!

Each monthly box has a different kawaii (“cute”) theme. The theme of the May 2020 Kawaii Box was “Kawaii Birthday Home Party”.

Opening this Kawaii Box really is like a birthday in a box for the recipient. There was a nice assortment of products and they were all “kawaii”!

Sweet Bow Hair Tie Set

I miss the days of using cute hair accessories for k’s hair. Any little girl would love these hair ties.

Butterfly Blossom Pen

This elegant pen writes really smoothly. Since I love office supplies so much, I think there should be a separate Kawaii Office Supply Box!

Chocoball Brisk White Soda Japanese Candy

It is always interesting to try candy from other countries. This one is unique because it has popping candy inside that crackles when you eat it.

Little Fairy Tale 2-in-1 Sharpener & Eraser

I like the dual use of this sharpener and eraser in one.

Neon Candy Highlighter

The shape of this highlighter really tricked me into thinking it was candy. This would be a fun addition to a pencil box.

Amuse Character Egg Shaped Hair Brush

This is a nice compact brush that would be good for travel.

Sakura Washi Tape Set

Can you ever have too much washi tape? These sakura (cherry blossom) patterns are really lovely.

Kawaii Dreams Handbag

This bag is my favorite item in the box! Love the design, and the rainbow charm is an extra bonus.

How To Subscribe to Kawaii Box

To subscribe to Kawaii Box, sign up here. There are 1 month, 6 month and 12 month plans available. A box of cuteness will be delivered to your doorstep.

Giveaway Time

Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a Kawaii Box!

LimByLim Kawaii Box Giveaway
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Reviews, Sponsored

Salt Water and Potato Battery STEM Lab Kit Review

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Disclosure: I received a 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.

With summer vacation here and literally no where to go, the kids have a lot of time on their hands. STEM Lab offers kits that teach science and engineering in a fun, hands-on way.

We were given the opportunity to review the Salt Water and Potato Battery Kit.

This kit includes:

  • 6 Copper Nails
  • 6 Zinc Nails
  • 6 Cups
  • 12 Packs of Salt
  • 2 Wires with Clips
  • Fast Color Blinking LED
  • Slow Fading Color LED
  • White LED
  • Jumbo LED
  • 10 plain wires

Salt Water Battery

I liked how the everything you need is provided in the kit (aside from water and potatoes). n was able to follow the detailed directions and make the light bulbs work all by himself. It is recommended for ages 8 and up, and I would say that is accurate.

Potato Battery

The idea of a battery powered by potatoes is such an interesting concept. It is difficult to see the small LED light in this picture, but it really worked. However, I’m not sure it would be practical to use as a nightlight as suggested-ha! The direction booklet also suggests different experiments that can be done by using various fruits and vegetables such as lemons or tomatoes. The direction booklet also has a kid-friendly explanation of how batteries work which I also found informative. STEM Lab kits are great learning tools for kids who are curious about how things work.

Where to Purchase

STEM Lab kits can be purchased through their website here or Amazon.

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