Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Resolve To Go Natural With WildRoot Deodorant

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

Why Choose Natural Deodorant?

If you have been contemplating switching to a deodorant that is free of aluminum and parabens, now is the time! In our quest to live toxin-free, it is important to take a close look at the products that we apply directly to our bodies, including deodorant.

WildRoot natural deodorant is a new product that only uses simple ingredients and is aluminum and paraben-free. This is important because sweat is a way for our body to expel toxins from our body. Aluminum, which is often found in antiperspirant, prevents the sweat glands from expelling these toxins.

No Chemical Fragrances

WildRoot deodorant does not contain chemical fragrances. Instead, the scents come from safe, pure essential oils. Check out their selection of formulations and scents:

Performance Line:

  • Wildflower (Lavender and Ylang Ylang)
  • Tall Pine (Cedarwood and Pine)
  • Citrus Leaf (Lime and Sage)

Sensitive Line (no baking soda):

  • Wildflower (Lavender and Ylang Ylang)
  • Meadow (Lemongrass and Mandarin)
  • Unscented

I tried the Citrus Leaf and Meadow scents. My favorite was Meadow because the scent was so light and fresh. I do not have a baking soda sensitivity, but it is nice that there are baking soda-free options for those that do. I have used other natural deodorants in this past, and I was impressed with the consistency and texture of the WildRoot deodorant. It went on nice and smooth (not grainy like some other brands I have tried).

An Easy Resolution For 2020!

Making the switch to a natural deodorant like WildRoot is a simple step to take for living a healthier life. If you have been using antiperspirants with aluminum, you will probably experience a “detox” period while your body makes the adjustment. However, if you stick with it, you will see that your sweat glands will regulate back to “normal”. Allowing your body to expel toxins naturally is worth it!

Giveaway Time!

There are actually two giveaways that you can enter to win. First, sign up here by January 11 to receive a coupon code for 30% off your entire order during WildRoot’s initial official launch from January 13th-January 17th. You will also be entered to win free WildRoot deodorant for a year!

For another chance to win free WildRoot deodorant for a year, enter the giveaway below (US residents only).

WildRoot: FREE DEODORANT FOR A YEAR by LimbyLim
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Camping, Vacation

Stay At A Yurt At Cachuma Lake

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The second stop of our winter break road trip was the Cachuma Lake campground near Santa Barbara. According to Google Maps, the driving time from Ronald Reagan Library should have been about an hour and half. However, it took us a grueling 5.5 hours! I blame it on the fact that I-5 was shut down due to snow and everyone and their mother decided to take the 101 instead.

How to Reserve A Yurt

Cachuma Lake has seven lake-side yurts available. Reservations can be made online here and range from $75-$100 per night, depending on the size. If you are not going to arrive at the campsite before 4 or 5 p.m., be sure to call ahead and let the ranger know. I called since we we were stuck in traffic, and the ranger kindly left the light on for our yurt and left the key inside for us. Since we arrived in pitch black darkness, our yurt was a bit difficult to find on our own, but thankfully we made it! Such a relief!

I reserved the Sage yurt for two nights right after Christmas. We could not even see the lake until the next morning, but what a view!

The Amenities

Each yurt has a door with a lock. The window coverings can be rolled up or down.

The Sage yurt is one of the smaller yurts available, sleeping 4-5 people. There were two bunks, with one of the bunks having a bigger mattress on the bottom. This worked our perfectly for our family of four. The kids slept on the top bunks (they still think this is fun!) while D and I slept on the bigger bottom mattress. We used the other empty mattress as a storage area for all of our stuff. We brought sheets to cover the mattresses and then used our sleeping bags and extra blankets on top. It was actually quite comfortable compared to camping! I seriously slept like a baby!

Besides the bunks, there was one small table and a small space heater. There was also an overhead light and a couple of electrical outlets. We brought an electric kettle to heat up water for cup o’ noodles, oatmeal and coffee/hot chocolate. There was also a fire pit right outside each yurt.

The not-so glamorous side of #yurtlife.

At night we played Bananagrams and Spot It, and read books in our cozy yurt. It was nice to spend some quality family time together.

The Restroom Situation

The closest bathroom was a bit of a trek from our yurt. It was perfectly fine during the day, but kind of a pain at night. However, the bathroom was one of the cleanest we have used at a campsite. Part of the reason may have been because it did not seem to be getting much use from fellow campers. (Who else is crazy enough to camp in December?) We never even ran into one other person while using it! I should also mention that here was a trio of port-a-potties that were closer to the yurts. D used one of them at night, but it was pretty bad, so this is not recommended!

A Spectacular View

Each yurt has a wrap-around deck that maximizes the lake view. Our deck had two plastic chairs for hanging out.

The Sage, Poppy and Lupine yurts have a nice sunset view, while the Oak, Sycamore, Pine and Redwood yurts reportedly have a glorious sunrise.

You could also see tons of stars once the sun went down. The nights we stayed in December were definitely cold (mid 30’s), but the space heater really helped. I would highly recommend the Cachuma Lake yurts if you are looking for a budget-friendly yurt experience in Southern California.

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Reviews, Sponsored

STEAM-Powered Play With Power Blox Light ‘N Flight #myeblox

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

As I have mentioned before, our ten-year old son really likes toys that involve building. From Legos to robots to circuit boards, if it involves putting together small parts, he is interested! Therefore, as soon as I saw Power Blox Light ‘N Flight by E-Blox, I knew it would be right up his alley.

The Power Blox line is unique in that it includes specialty parts such as a motor block, battery block (requires 9V battery), a switch, and LED lights. This 58 piece set includes parts to build five different designs that are featured on the box: helicopter, airboat, fan shooter, double fan launcher, and airplane. Although the box only includes directions for building the airplane, there are a lot more build instructions available at www.myeblox.com.

Of course, the possibilities for creating your own unique builds are actually endless. The only limit is your imagination! This is especially true considering that the Power Blox sets are compatible with other toy brick sets, such as Legos. I am a fan of any toy that promotes STEAM skills, and this Power Blox set does just that.

Note: I would not recommend playing with this toy outside. It launches the propeller really high and can be difficult to retrieve in the bushes or grass. We learned the hard way-ha!

I made a short video that shows just how high the Power Blox Light ‘N Flight airplane propeller can fly!

My son really liked the special LED lights that come with this Power Blox set!

Power Blox Light ‘N Flight is recommended for ages 8 and up and is available for purchase here.

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Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Winter Wellness With Simply Earth Essential Oils

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Disclosure: I received a free sample in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

A new year means a fresh start. The January Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box helps freshen up your home and self with its focus on “Winter Wellness”.

The January Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box includes:

  • Lemon Essential Oil (I always love citrus!)
  • Ho Wood Essential Oil
  • Clary Sage Essential Oil
  • Relief Blend Essential Oil
  • Avocado Oil (carrier oil)
  • 1 oz. Container & 2 oz. Spray Bottle

The January box also includes recipe cards for:

  • Relief Roll On (soothe aching muscles)
  • Relief Massage Oil
  • Meditation Diffuser Blend (promote mental clarity)
  • Circulation Boost Body Butter
  • Relax & Detox Foot Bath
  • Refresh Spray (refresh fabric or the air)

I made the Refresh Spray, and it adds a lovely fresh scent to the air minus the toxins found in many commercial room sprays. I can’t wait to try the other recipes!

Simply Earth Promo Code

Simply Earth is offering a great 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).

Enter to win a Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box!

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Family Field Trips, Sponsored

Roar Into 2020 With Monster Jam

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Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Monster Jam.

If you are looking for exciting family entertainment this new year, Monster Jam is coming to Angels Stadium in Anaheim, CA on January 11, 25, February 8, 22 and 23!

I have never been before, but I have seen clips and the stunts that the drivers do with the monster trucks look absolutely amazing. Where else can you see 12,000 pound trucks do high speed jumps and flips? The Monster Jam drivers are true athletes that compete in skills challenges and racing competitions, thrilling audiences across the nation.

At the Monster Jam ® Pit Party, you can see the massive trucks up close, meet your favorite drivers, get autographs, take pictures and enjoy other family-friendly activities. Also fans can enjoy an exclusive extra hour in
the Pit Party with the limited quantity Pit Party Early Access Pass that provides fans early entry to beat the crowds and have more time to experience all the Monster Jam fun!

We are especially looking forward to seeing Grave Digger® , Max-D™, and El Toro Loco®. Buy your tickets here. Use discount code: MJMOM for $5 off per ticket. See you there!

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Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Ditch Single-Use Straws With Zoku Pocket Straw

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

During our recent travels, I have noticed that a growing number of restaurants are getting rid of plastic straws. We have all heard how those single-use straws are bad for the environment, so not using them is a step in the right direction. However, sometimes a straw comes in really handy. Enter the Zoku Pocket Straw!

The Zoku Pocket Straw is a reusable stainless steel straw that includes:

  • 1 telescoping straw
  • 1 carrying case
  • 1 cleaning brush

I really like the simple design of this straw. It has a lightweight, “telescope” design which makes it compact and easy to carry on the go. I also appreciate how everything fits in the small carrying case, which features a loop hole for a key ring. The cleaning brush makes it easy to clean, and it is dishwasher-safe. It is also reassuring to know that this straw is BPA and phthalate free.

Make a resolution this year to stop using single-use straws!

The Zoku Pocket Straw is available on the Zoku website, Amazon and Target.

Giveaway Time!

Enter to win a Zoku Pocket Straw by entering the giveaway below:

Win Zoku’s Stainless Steel Pocket Straw #12
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Family Field Trips

A Walk Through The 80’s: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

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Happy 2020! My blogging goal for this year is to have a better balance of sponsored vs. non-sponsored posts. To kick things off, here is a non-sponsored post about our visit to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

Since I was born in the late 70’s, Ronald Reagan is the first president I can remember. Reagan is my “childhood president”, if you will. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is located in Simi Valley, California. After receiving several recommendations, we added it to our winter break road trip itinerary.

First of all, the grounds are beautiful. The library is perched on a hilltop with a nice view. It was neat to see the flags with all of the past presidents along the road leading up to the library.

The fairly new Gold Star Families Memorial Monument was a nice tribute. It is important to remember the huge sacrifices that military families make.

There was also a Gold Star Memorial Christmas Tree. (We were able to see the Christmas decorations since we visited the day after Christmas.)

n is always willing to pose for the photo ops!
I told the kids they probably should not smile for this picture, but they could not help it.

The Cold War exhibit was eye-opening. It is hard to believe it happened not that long ago. (On another note, have you seen the movie, The Boy In The Striped Pajamas? n read the book for school so we watched the movie as a family. It is so sad and depressing, but does spark important conversations about history. Warning, it definitely deserves the PG-13 rating.)

A piece of the Berlin Wall is on display outside.

There is a replica of The Oval Office. A visit to Washington D.C. is on our list places to visit before the kids graduate from high school.

A definite highlight is walking through the Air Force One that served the presidents from 1973-2001. (We brought our lunch and ate at the tables below).

There was also an exhibit of Christmas Trees Around The World. I thought it appropriate to take a picture of the kids in between the trees from China and Japan-ha!

I also took a picture of D next to the Canada tree, since he was born there.

This portrait captures Reagan’s love of jelly beans. (It’s made from actual jelly beans!) There were a lot of jelly bean items for sale in the gift shop.

D resisted the urge to buy something a souvenir, including a $60 Presidential Tie.

Be sure to go around the side of the library to see the Stealth Fighter outside. We almost missed it.

There is also a rotation of temporary exhibits at the library. There were artifacts from Egypt when we went. However, I would save this part for the end so that you can avoid a long line at Air Force One.

It was pretty chilly that day!

This was our first visit to a Presidential Library and now I want to visit all of them! Next up: Nixon Library.

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Family Field Trips, Reviews, Sponsored

Celebrating A Milestone Birthday At Medieval Times #MTCelebrate

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

Last night we celebrated k’s 13th birthday at Medieval Times in Buena Park, CA. Medieval Times is a fun place to celebrate because it seems like everyone there is celebrating something. This makes the atmosphere very lively and energetic.

The holiday decorations added another layer of charm to the castle.

The Tournament

The arena is just the right size so everyone has a good view of the action. Little kids do not have to worry about having their view blocked by an adult in front of them, so that is nice.

The show itself is action-packed. It includes trained horses, a falcon, jousting and sword-fighting, along with some humor for good measure.

A Meal Fit For A King (Or Queen)

The Bill of Fare (aka menu) includes:

  • Tomato Bisque
  • Toasted Garlic Bread
  • Roasted Chicken (large portion, we needed a to-go bag)
  • Sweet Buttered Corn
  • Herb-Basted Potato
  • Dessert of the Castle (small cup of vanilla ice cream with caramel sauce)
  • Beverages (choice of Pepsi (reg. or diet), Sprite, or water)
  • Coffee (reg. or decaf)

It is fun eating without utensils, but a small wooden spoon is included with the ice cream!

Our waiter was courteous and prompt and provided great service. Be prepared to leave a cash tip at the end!

Discount Code

Medieval Times has nine locations across the United States:

  • Buena Park, CA
  • Dallas, TX
  • Baltimore, MD
  • Orlando, FL
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Lyndhurst, NJ
  • Myrtle Beach, SC
  • Chicago, IL
  • Scottsdale, AZ

Save 40% on Adults & 20% on Kids when you use code USF4020 at www.medievaltimes.com.

Enter Giveaway to Win 4 Tickets to Medieval Times!

Medieval Times is giving away 200 tickets! Five random winners will be selected monthly through September 2020 for a total of 50 winners. Enter giveaway here: https://woobox.com/ajdqrz

Winners will be notified via email during the first week of each month. Tickets will be emailed within two weeks. Not valid Saturdays at the Buena Park, CA castle.

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Family Field Trips, Movies, Reviews, Sponsored

Luxury Movie-Going Experience at Century Stadium 25 and XD Theatre in Orange

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

It is amazing how much some movie theaters have upgraded the movie-going experience. With more people opting to skip going to movie theaters and watching movies at home, movie theaters realize they need to improve in order to attract audiences. The Century Stadium 25 and XD Theatre in Orange, California has met that challenge!

Yesterday we went as a family to watch Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker during a morning showing. It started at 9:10 a.m.! The time was perfect for our early riser family. It was easy to purchase tickets online and reserve seats weeks ahead of time here. The Century Stadium Theatre is located in the Stadium Promenade just around the corner from the Honda Center.

We made a stop at the concession stand even though it was early in the day. I think movie popcorn tastes good any time of day, right?

The 25 auditoriums are furnished with Cinemark Luxury Loungers – electric-powered, plush, oversize recliners with footrests, cup holders, swivel trays and heat-controlled seats. I do not think there is a “bad” seat in the house!

The swivel trays came in handy to hold our snacks. No more trying to balance a bag of popcorn in your lap! The picture quality and sound were both quite impressive and we had a great time. This is the movie theater to go to in Orange County if you want the ultimate movie experience!

The Century Stadium 25 and XD theatre is located at 1701 W. Katella Ave., Orange CA 92867 within the Stadium Promenade. For more information on showtimes, click here. 

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Book Review, Sponsored

Reimagine Retirement Review

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Disclosure: I was 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.

D and I are both in our early 40’s, so we have a way to go until retirement. However, it is always fun to imagine how our life will be once we retire. In the book Reimagine Retirement, C.J. Cagle writes about retirement from a Christian perspective. When thinking about retirement, most people think of having a lot of extra free time, vacationing, etc. while being on a fixed income. In contrast, Cagle urges readers to figure out how we can use the retirement years to glorify God.

This book has three parts, including reimagaining your perspective on retirement, remimagining your plan for retirement, and reimagining your life in retirement. While Cagle does not claim to be a financial professional, he outlines a lot of the basic financial and pragmatic considerations that are necessary to take into account before retiring. I also thought the section about being a good steward of our resources: Time (serving and mentoring); Talents (calling and vocation); Testimony (character and perseverance); and Treasure (stewardship and generosity) was especially thought-provoking. Whether retirement is years away or a current possibility, Reimagine Retirement is a valuable resource.

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