Simple Ingredients Make Jessica’s Natural Foods So Delicious {Giveaway}

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!

Continue Reading

You may also like

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

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. 🙂 I hope that we will be able to visit Washington D.C. as a family someday!

Continue Reading

You may also like

A Stellar Cup of Steeped Coffee {Giveaway}

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!

Continue Reading

You may also like

Time to Celebrate With Kawaii Box {Giveaway}

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
Continue Reading

You may also like

Salt Water and Potato Battery STEM Lab Kit Review

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.

Continue Reading

You may also like

Life in the Time of Corona (Days 77-84)

6.1.20 (Monday):

We celebrated the last day of school with a tres leches cake. (I forgot to post these pictures last week, so here they are).

6.2.20 (Tuesday): We all hopped in the car and drove to n’s elementary school so he could return his ipad and pick up his diploma and other school papers drive-thru style.

That night we watched a graduation ceremony video that n’s principal put together, which was nice. With the youngest child, the “lasts” always seem more bittersweet. Can’t believe we no longer have kids in elementary school. It was also kind of sad because all three of the fifth grade teachers are retiring this year (they had decided to retire before COVID-19 hit, and now they are probably thinking that was good timing on their part).

6.3.20 (Wednesday): I took n for his 11-year old check-up with his pediatrician. It was really stuffy wearing a mask in the examination room while we were waiting to see the doctor. He had to have three shots, which he was dreading.

6.4.20 (Thursday): k is still doing her basketball workouts on Thursday afternoons. I’ve been enjoying my walks 2x a day.

6.5.20 (Friday): So nice to have a cool, overcast day!

6.6.20 (Saturday): More restaurants are opening for in-person dining, but we have not tried it yet. D picked up The Habit for dinner.

6.7.20 (Sunday): I saw that some people are starting to attend church again. It will be interesting to see how our church ends up handling the situation, but we are still watching from home for now.

6.8.20 (Monday):

I drove k to school to pick up her yearbook. Again, it was organized as a drive-thru. Too bad she cannot have her friends sign it. However, some of her friends organized a video call so they could go through it together and talk about it.

n and his friend have been keeping up with their book club.
Continue Reading

You may also like

MiSOgood Is So Good {Giveaway}

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

If you have been to a Japanese restaurant, you have probably enjoyed a nice steaming bowl of miso soup to start your meal. MiSOgood makes it super easy to enjoy miso (and all of its health benefits) at home.

MiSOgood products are USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan. As for health benefits, miso contains essential minerals, various B vitamins, vitamins E and K, and folic acid. Because miso is a fermented food, it provides the gut with beneficial bacteria that keeps the gut healthy. (Information taken from the MiSOgood website).

MiSOgood is available in 6 different flavors that can be used for soups and sauces:

  • Sweet and Savory Miso
  • Brown Rice Miso
  • Soy-free Miso (made with fermented rice)
  • Teriyaki Miso
  • Spicy Miso
  • Sesame Miso  

MiSOgood sent us two of their products to try: Sweet & Savory White Miso and Sesame Miso.

First, I tried the Sweet & Savory White Miso as a soup base to make a bowl of miso soup.

Just add 3/4 c. boiling water to 1 T. MiSOgood miso, and you’re set! I added some tofu and green onions.

The miso soup had a nice rich flavor. My family loved it! It will be a nice addition to a quick lunch or dinner at home.

I also wanted to try the Sweet Miso Salad Dressing recipe I found on the MiSOgood website. We eat a lot of salads in the summer, so this is a good dressing to have on hand. It has a nice tang and adds umami at the same time.

Finally, I made a quick stir-fry with the MiSOgood Sesame Miso. Just saute some tofu and add 2 T. of the MiSOgood sauce. Add some vegetables and rice and you have a complete meal in minutes. The Sesame Miso has a nutty flavor with a hint of spice from red pepper and ginger. I can’t wait to try it with chicken or salmon as well.

Where To Purchase

MiSOgood products can be purchased on their website here and they offer free shipping!

Giveaway Time

Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a MiSOgood Summer Soup & Sauce Variety 3-Pack, which includes Miso Teriyaki, Sweet & Savory White Miso and Sesame Miso!

Continue Reading

You may also like

The Edge of Everywhen Book Review

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

Both of my kids are avid readers, so we are always on the lookout for quality kid lit. The Edge of Everywhen, by A.S. Mackey, is a recently published book that combines fantasy with real and valuable life lessons. This novel tells of how the main characters, Piper and Phoenix mourn the loss of their mother, how they learn to overcome their tough circumstances, and how they don’t lose hope in reuniting with their long, lost dad. Even though the book was a little scary when describing the state that their imprisoned dad is in, the story was intriguing, held my interest, and made me keep wanting to read more. I liked how the book provided many unexpected twists and turns, the plot was well thought-out, and how the whole story came together at the end. I think this book would be suitable for kids around the age of 11 or 12.

Continue Reading

You may also like

Good Man Book Review

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

Good Man, by Nathan Clarkson, immediately caught my attention because I am a big fan of his mother, Sally Clarkson. I have read her most of her books and even attended a few of her conferences. Sally Clarkson’s books are about motherhood, and I was always impressed with the accomplishments of her four children, (who are all now young adults). It would be easy to have an impression that the Clarksons are the “perfect” Christian family, but we all know that everyone has struggles. Nathan Clarkson’s book offers a glimpse into some of his personal struggles, and it is quite eye-opening. Just because someone was raised in a strong Christian household that cares deeply about education does not mean that they will automatically become a “good man”.

Clarkson writes about his journey to becoming the man that God wants him to be by weaving personal stories and passages from the Bible. The chapters of the book each address a different attribute of what he believes a good man should be (e.g., heroic, honest, emotional, authentic, wise, etc.) Clarkson also comments on the current culture of manhood and explains how it differs from God’s desire for him as a man. He explains why it is important for young men to recognize this dichotomy and not to succumb to sin or settle for mediocrity. I will be saving my copy of Good Man for my son to read when he is a little older, perhaps in high school.

Continue Reading

You may also like

Add Pop to Your Summer With Poptime Snacks {+Huge Giveaway!}

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.

Judging by the popularity of some of my recent posts, my readers enjoy snacking as much as we do! Poptime Snacks is another company that I missed seeing at Expo West this year. They currently offer four different lines of snacks, and today I am excited to have the opportunity to share about ALL of them with you!

Poptime Popcorn

First up is Poptime Popcorn. Our family has been having a lot of movie nights recently, so popcorn is always a good snack to have around. Poptime Popcorn comes in six delicious varieties:

  • Honey BBQ
  • White Cheddar
  • Butter
  • Spicy Jalapeno
  • Sea Salt
  • Sweet & Salty

You can munch on this popcorn without the guilt because it is non-GMO, cholesterol-free, contains zero trans fat, is gluten, dairy and nut-free, and contains no preservatives or artificial flavors.

Our family especially liked the white cheddar flavor. To me, it had just the right amount of cheesiness/saltiness. I was also impressed that there were hardly any unpopped kernels or popcorn “crumbs” that you often find with bagged popcorn.

Poptime Creations

For those who like exciting flavor combinations, check out the different varieties of Poptime Creations popcorn:

  • Sriracha & Lime
  • Marshmallow & Cinnamon
  • Truffle Herb & Parmesan Cheese
  • Chocolate & Vanilla

Don’t these flavors sound amazing?

This is the popcorn to choose when you want an “elevated” popcorn experience. The fun flavors would be perfect for a picnic or a party! Pop Creations popcorn is non-GMO, dairy-free and kosher. This line of popcorn also contains no artificial ingredients, trans fat, or preservatives.

Poptime Popped Chips

Poptime Popped Chips are “popped” potato chips, and they come in the following flavors:

  • BBQ & Honey
  • Sea Salt
  • Jalapeno
  • Truffle

These snacks are non-GMO, cholesterol free, gluten free, dairy free and nut free. They contain zero trans fat, no added sugar and no preservatives or artificial flavors.

These Poptime Popped Chips are so good! They are light and crispy and full of flavor. They are exactly the type of snack that my kids like to pack in their school lunches. I like that they are a lower-fat alternative to regular potato chips.

Big & Bold

Sometimes you just want a big bag of popcorn. That is when you need Poptime Big and Bold Popcorn. These large bags come in the following flavors:

  • Salt & Pepper
  • Butter
  • Sea Salt
  • Sweet & Salty

Poptime Big and Bold Popcorn is vegan, dairy-free, kosher, non-gmo, has 0g trans fat, and contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives.

This popcorn definitely lives up to its name! Each bag contains several generous servings, and the flavors are definitely bold. Sometimes air-popped popcorn can taste like nothing, but that is not the case with Poptime Big and Bold Popcorn.

Where To Purchase

Poptime Snacks can be purchased through their website and Amazon.

Giveaway Time

Poptime Snacks is generously offering a giveaway prize of one bag of each of their snacks–18 bags total! You will be all set for summertime snacking!

Continue Reading

You may also like