Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Learn Chess With No Stress Chess

31 Comments

Disclosure: I received a free sample 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 have a confession to make. I have never played chess before. It always seemed too intimidating and complicated. My 10 year old son has been asking to learn how to play, but I could not teach him since I did not know the rules myself! Fortuitously, Winning Moves gave me the opportunity to review No Stress Chess. As a beginner, I must say this is truly an easy way to learn how to play chess.

The game comes with a 2 sided chess board, 16 black pieces and 16 ivory pieces, 56 action cards, black plastic card tray and instructions. One side of the chess board is a traditional board, and the other side labels where each piece should start out-genius! The action cards explain which way each piece can move for easy reference.

Waiting for D to make his move.
n contemplating his next move.

I played a couple of rounds with n, and I can see why the game of chess is so popular. The strategy involved is intense! However, it was nice to be able to play some beginning games without becoming frustrated.

The suggested age is 7 and up, so kids and adults can enjoy playing together. D said that he used to play chess with his dad when he was younger. With No Stress Chess, that tradition can live on!

No Stress Chess can be purchased on Amazon and other retail stores. This would make a great gift for the holidays!

Giveaway Time

Enter to win a copy of No Stress Chess by entering the giveaway below!

Continue Reading

You may also like

Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Learn Coding With Let’s Start Coding + Giveaway

44 Comments

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.

Coding is a valuable skill in today’s job marketplace. Just like a foreign language, coding takes time to learn. I am also convinced that, like other languages, the younger you learn, the easier coding is to pick up. That is why I am excited to learn about companies such as Let’s Start Coding, which makes products that teach coding in a way that is geared towards kids.

Let’s Start Coding sent me their Base Kit 2 and Code Car to test out. My son could not wait to open them!

Let’s Start Coding Base Kit 2

The Base Kit 2 is recommended for ages 8-12 and includes:

  • Maker Board 2.0 microcontroller (programmable computer chip)
  • Speaker
  • 4 Buttons
  • 2 RGB (red-green-blue) LED lights
  • 1 Red, 1 Blue, and 1 Green LED light
  • USB Cable
  • Component and code reference cards
  • USB cable
  • Carrying case

This kit includes 50 step-by-step projects with over 1,000 lines of example code and over 3.5 hours of video content. Kids will learn:

  • Analog vs. digital logic
  • How fast computers can process logic and sensor readings
  • How computers are programmed to “make decisions”
  • Building basic electrical circuits (ground vs. power)
I really like this carrying case. There are a lot of little parts, and the case is a good way to keep them all together.

This is a great introductory kit that introduces kids to a lot of different coding concepts. My 10 year old son was able to go online, download the app, and try out some of the projects by himself.

Let’s Start Coding Code Car

My son also had a lot of fun experimenting with the Let’s Start Coding Code Car.

The Code Car is also recommended for ages 8-12 and includes 14 free and self-guided projects that help kids build projects like:

  • Brake Pedal ‘if’ statement
  • Honk the Horn
  • Fade the siren
  • Blink the hazard lights

The Code Car kit teaches core coding concepts, including:

  • Variables
  • Loops
  • Functions
  • Statements
  • Operators
  • Syntax
  • Troubleshooting and ‘bug hunting’

n was able to also follow the directions by himself for the Code Car. He liked all of the flashing lights and beeping noises he was able to code for the two-dimensional car. It would make a fun gift for the kid in your life who is interested in technology and/or STEAM.

Let’s Start Coding products can be purchased on their website or through Amazon:

Giveaway Time!

One of my readers will have the chance to win a Let’s Start Coding Code Car kit!

Continue Reading

You may also like

Book Review, Sponsored

Homeschool Bravely Book Review

No Comments

Disclosure: Moody Publishers 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.

I do not homeschool my children, but it has always been a topic that is interesting to me. I have friends that homeschool, and I admire them for doing it. I know it is not easy. I think it would be difficult for me to deal with the negative comments from well-meaning and not-so-well-meaning sources, as well as self-doubt. Homeschool Bravely (How to Squash Doubt, Trust God, and Teach Your Child With Confidence) is a book that I would recommend to all homeschoolers, as well as those considering homeschooling. Jamie Erickson is a veteran homeschooler who has a lot of sage advice for fellow Christian homeschoolers.

The book is divided into three parts:

  • Part 1: The Fear
  • Part 2: The Struggle
  • Part 3: The Solution

Each part consists of chapters devoted to specific issues that may come up with homeschooling. For example, Part 2 has chapters devoted to teaching with kids who are “outside the box”, teaching kids who struggle with academics, teaching older kids while also taking care of a toddler, and homeschooling through a life crisis. I like how Erickson provides specific ideas for keeping toddlers busy, as well as a list of ideas and activities to “sneak learning” into those crazy days that are bound to hit all of us at one time or another.

However, Homeschool Bravely goes deeper than just providing ideas for teaching at home. Erickson has a sincere heart for homeschooling and is passionate about God’s calling to homeschool her children. This book will be sure to encourage the homeschooler that may be feeling defeated or questioning God’s calling to homeschool.

Continue Reading

You may also like

Reviews, Sponsored

Fall Finds: #NewHopeBloggerBox

No Comments

Disclosure: I received these samples as a New Hope Network Influencer. All opinions are my own.

I always look forward to receiving the New Hope Blogger Box filled with new-to-me natural products. Here is a rundown of the products I received this time:

  • Tohi Aronia Berry The Original Beverage: I have never heard of the Aronia Berry, have you? Apparently it is full of anti-oxidants that fight free-radicals. This drink is refreshing and does not contain caffeine.
  • youtheory Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is Indian Gingseng, which is supposed to decrease stress, and boost mental and physical performance. I find it difficult to discern whether natural supplements like these deliver on their claims. However, if you are searching for help in this area, I would prefer to try a natural supplement before turning to other types of drugs.
  • Kyo-Green Greens Blend Powdered Drink Mix: This is an easy way to include greens such as barley grass, wheat grass and chlorella in your everyday diet. Just blend the powdered drink mix with juice or water.
  • Chlorella Udon Noodles: Speaking of chlorella, these udon noodles are traditional Japanese udon noodles with the addition of chlorella powder. The noodles are a lovely natural green color.
  • Nature Nate’s Natural Raw Energy 100% Pure Organic Honey: I have never really thought of honey as delivering quick energy, but it makes sense. This 100% pure organic honey is in a little squeeze packet which seems more appealing to me than the “goo” that D eats when he is running.
  • Wellnut Farms Salted Caramel Walnut Butter: The benefit of walnut butter is that it contains ALA omega-3 fatty acid. I like that this walnut butter comes from walnuts grown in northern California. The salted caramel flavor adds another dimension, and is not overly sweet.
  • MegaFood Elderberry Immune Support Berry Gummies: I have become a fan of elderberry products to boost immunity, but I had not tried this brand before. The gummies are tart and tasty.
  • L-Nutra Fast Bar: These bars include macadamia nuts, honey, pecans, almonds, cacao nibs, almond butter and coconut, among other ingredients. When I first read the nutrition facts, I was a bit alarmed by the high calorie and fat content (250 calories, 21 g fat). To me, that would be too much for a snack between meals, but I believe it is supposed to be more of a meal replacement, hence the name “Fast Bar”.
  • RightRice: This “rice” is made of lentil flour, chickpea flour, pea fiber, and rice flour. I have been seeing more snacks made of these legumes, so I am not surprised that they are spreading to other types of foods as well.
  • ArboryPharm Foods Vegan Protein: I received the Peanut Butter Brownie Parfait flavor, and D gives this plant-based protein powder a thumbs up in terms of taste and texture.

Continue Reading

You may also like

Food, Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

A Kawaii and Scary October Japan Candy Box

29 Comments

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

One of the fun things about visiting Japan is trying all of their different snacks and candy. When D and I went in 2011, we would go to 7-11 and just pick out random snacks that caught our eye. I know that my kids are definitely looking forward to doing the same during our planned trip to Japan next year.

Japan Candy Box is a subscription box that delivers that experience to your front door!

We had the opportunity to try out the October Japan Candy Box, which naturally has a Halloween theme.

This helpful guide has information in English regarding all ten items that come in the box. I thought it was interesting that the product packaging of this month’s snacks are either cute (kawaii) or creepy scary. Personally, I am a much bigger fan of the cute packaging, but I guess there is something for everyone!

The Kawaii Snacks

  • Tohato Caramel Corn Halloween Mini Pack-sweet corn puff snacks
  • Shimi Halloween Choco Corn Stars-chocolate crunchy corn puffs
  • Black Thunder Halloween Chocolate Bar-crunch rice puffs coated in chocolate
  • Toppo Halloween Edition Biscuit Sticks-chocolate filled biscuit sticks
  • Happy Halloween Umaibo Snack Stick-creamy corn potage soup-flavored corn stick
  • Koala’s March Halloween Biscuits-biscuits filled with rich chocolate with Halloween designs

The Scary Snacks

  • Tohato Bokun Habanero Chips-crispy habanero pepper-flavored potato rings
  • Terrible Ghost Story Gum
  • Monstro Frankenstein Gum-soda and cola-flavored gum
  • Pokemon Halloween Party Chocolate Snack-chocolate coated corn snack pieces shaped like a Pikachu face

Overall, I like how there is an interesting variety of snacks and the sizes are large enough to share. My personal favorites in this box are the Koala Halloween Biscuits and the Black Thunder Halloween Chocolate Bar. The Japan Candy Box is the perfect way to have a taste (literally) of a different culture and would make a unique gift this holiday season. Go here to subscribe (there are 1 month, 6 month, and 12 month plans available).

Giveaway Time!

LimByLim Japan Candy Box Giveaway
Continue Reading

You may also like

Restaurant Reviews, Sponsored

Celebrate Sweetest Day At Black Angus This Weekend

No Comments

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Black Angus. All opinions are my own.

Do you celebrate Sweetest Day? I had personally never heard of it, but apparently on the third Saturday of October, Midwesterners and Northeasterners celebrate with those people that make their life “sweet”. Sounds like a great idea to me! In honor of Sweetest Day, Black Angus has a special offer going on this weekend, October 18-20. D and I had a sneak preview of the Sweetest Day Dinner For Two last night.

Every year, the “Sweetest Day,” October 19, celebrates random acts of kindness and spreading love far and wide. This year, Black Angus is celebrating by turning the sweetest day into the Sweetest Weekend!
Next weekend, Oct. 18-20, Black Angus will be offering a $47 dinner deal for two, including an option to add a bottle of Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon for $10.

Black Angus Steakhouse is a classic American Steakhouse that has been in business for 55 years! According to our waitress, the location we visited in Santa Ana has been around for about 45 years which is quite amazing in a time when restaurants seem to come and go.

The dinner has an optional $10 add-on bottle of wine: Century Cellars Chardonnay or Canyon Road Cabernet Sauvignon. D went with the Cabernet and said it was very nice.

Black Angus is known for their Molasses Bread, and I can see why. It is warm and soft and has just the right amount of sweetness.

We tried two Steakhouse Starters, the Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail and the Crispy Fried Garlic-Pepper Zucchini. *I believe that the deal actually includes one appetizer per table, as shown in the first picture in this post (I do not want to mislead anyone, so please check with your server).

The Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail is an excellent choice if you want something on the lighter side. The cocktail sauce had a nice little kick to it.

If you are looking for something more filling, the Crispy Fried Garlic-Pepper Zucchini is the way to go. It is so good dipped in the housemade cucumber dip.

Each person has a choice of an entree and two Classic Sidekicks. D chose the New York Strip, garden salad and loaded baked potato.

I ordered the Ribeye (+upcharge), fresh green beans with bacon and fresh broccoli with garlic butter.

We were really satisfied with all of our choices and we ended up sharing so that we could try everything. The steaks were cooked to our liking (medium) and we ended up having to take some of the leftovers home.

A Sweetest Day celebration should end with a sweet dessert, right? We chose the Sky-High Mud Pie (fudge-swirled mocha almond ice cream in a chocolate cookie crumb crust) and it was an excellent way to end our lovely meal together.

Sweetest Day Offer Details

  • Main – $47 dinner for 2 (+$10 for optional Century Cellars Chardonnay or Canyon Road Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • Hawaii – $49.95 dinner for 2 (+$15 for optional Century Cellars Chardonnay or Canyon Road Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • Alaska – $47 dinner for 2 only, no wine bottle add-on

Click here to find a Black Angus location near you and celebrate Sweetest Day with someone that makes your life more sweet this weekend (October 18-20, 2019)!

Continue Reading

You may also like

Food, Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Maker Overnight Oats Make A Quick and Satisfying Breakfast

38 Comments

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

Have you tried overnight oats yet? If you are looking for a quick, easy and nutritious breakfast, overnight oats may be your answer. I was excited to discover Maker Overnight Oats at Expo West earlier this year.

Maker Oats comes in three delicious flavors:

  • Apple & Coconut
  • Banana & Coffee
  • Mulberry & Chia

I was able to try the Apple & Coconut flavor. Check out the “clean” ingredient list: Organic whole grain rolled oats, organic dried diced apples, organic raisins, organic dried coconut, organic sliced almonds, organic diced dates, organic chia seeds, organic ground cinnamon, organic ground ginger.

I especially appreciate that the only sugar it contains is that found in the dried organic fruits and nuts. Most packaged oatmeal I have tried has too much added sugar!

The directions for these overnight oats are simple. Just pour in milk (soy, nut, dairy) or water to cover the oats, stir, and let soak overnight in the refrigerator. It will be ready to eat the next morning!

I really enjoyed the Apple & Coconut flavor. The abundant dried fruit really plumps up after soaking overnight and adds just the right amount of sweetness. Each packet contains 7 g of fiber, and the portion kept me satisfied throughout the morning.

Maker Overnight Oats can be found at natural food stores and online at Walmart here. Hopefully they will become more widely available soon!

Enter to win a box of Maker Overnight Oats below!

Continue Reading

You may also like

Book Review, Sponsored

Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Review

No Comments

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.

Continue Reading

You may also like

Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Multi-Use Mollie Ollie Mimmo Caddy Review + Giveaway

49 Comments

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!

Continue Reading

You may also like

Family Field Trips, Giveaways, Sponsored

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

3 Comments

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


Continue Reading

You may also like