Food, Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Cozy Up With a Cup of Chai Using Zulay Kitchen Tools

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Disclosure: I received sample products 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 to welcome the first week of fall! Although it seems like I will have to wait a few more weeks for the temperatures to cool down around here, I am looking forward to cozy afternoons at home with a warm drink in hand. One of my favorite hot drinks (other than coffee, of course!) is chai tea. The following is a simple tutorial for chai tea using a couple of handy kitchen tools from Zulay Kitchen.

Pictured here are the Zulay Kitchen Milk Boss Electric Milk Frother and Stainless Steel Frothing Pitcher. I had so much fun testing out these high-quality kitchen tools-they made me feel like a real barista! Both the milk frother and pitcher can be used to make various drinks, including coffee, matcha, cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate. and chai tea.

Chai Tea Tutorial

First, make a chai tea mix using sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and cardamom (exact recipe below).

Store the chai tea mix in a labelled air-tight container to keep on hand in the cupboard.

Brew a strong cup of your favorite black tea.

Measure out cold milk (could also be warm) in a frothing pitcher. The measurements inside the Zulay Frothing Pitcher are quite useful!

Froth the milk using the Zulay Milk Boss Electric Milk Frother. This battery-operated frother could not be easier to use. I also like that it comes with its own stand.

Within a few seconds, you will have a small pitcher full of frothy milk!

Top off your cup of tea with the foamy milk.

Enjoy your cup of chai tea!

Instant Chai Tea Mix Recipe

Ingredients:

1 c. sugar

1 t. cinnamon

1 t. ground ginger

1/2 t. ground cardamom

1/2 t. ground cloves

Stir all of the ingredients together in a bowl. Store the mix in an air-tight container.

Brew a cup of black tea. Add 1-2 teaspoons of the Instant Chai Tea Mix to the cup of tea (depending on how sweet you want it) and stir well. Froth 1/4 c. of milk (can be hot or cold) and top off the cup of tea with some of the frothy milk (this should be enough frothy milk for two cups of tea). Sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon if you’re feeling extra fancy.

Check out some of the other innovative kitchen products that Zulay Kitchen offers here.

Giveaway Time

I am excited to announce that one of my readers has the opportunity to win a Zulay Kitchen Milk Boss Electric Milk Frother & Stainless Steel Frothing Pitcher!

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Crafts, Family Field Trips, Sponsored

Celebrate Fall & Support Local Artists At A Harvest Festival Near You

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Disclosure: I received compensation in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.

Our Family’s Experience At The Costa Mesa Harvest Festival Art & Craft Show

This past weekend, my family and I had the opportunity to visit the Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show in Costa Mesa. The event took place at the OC Fair & Event Center. This was our first time, so we were not quite sure what to expect.

Upon arrival, we saw that there were two large halls with vendors selling a wide variety of products. (Unfortunately, there was a sign prohibiting photographs of the merchandise, so I cannot post any pictures of the booths). There were vendors selling a wide variety of unique handmade products. We saw everything from massage pillows to baked goods to wreaths to clothing and jewelry.

Between the two halls there were food stalls and family entertainment.

The booth that ended up catching our eye (or maybe it was more like our nose?) was Thru The Garden Window. This company sells lovely handmade wreaths, garlands, and potpourri with dehyrdated fruit, bay leaves and cinnamon sticks. We ended up purchasing an Orange Blossom Garland. I love how it adds a touch of fall to our staircase, and the warm citrus/spicy scent is an added bonus.

Shopping at arts and craft shows like this is a great way to support local artists. Plus, they offer products that you will not find at the big box stores. Keep this show in mind if you want to kickstart your holiday shopping!

Ventura Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show Is Coming Up October 4-6!

For the real deal in handmade handiworks, don’t miss the Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show at the Ventura County Fairgrounds October 4-6, featuring more than 24,000 original creations from hundreds of trend-setting artisans and crafters.

Festivities will be in high gear for the 30th anniversary celebration of the Ventura showcase, a treasured tradition recognized as the west coast’s largest and most prestigious indoor showcase, with live entertainment, strolling performers, mouth-watering foods, a Kidzone and pumpkin patch, contests, crafter demonstrations, and more.

Live entertainment adds to the festivities with entertainer Captain Jack Spareribs and the Hyjinx Band, joined by the Jack Kalvan Jugglers and other strolling performers.

Rancho Ventura Conservation Trust hosts a nature interactive in conjunction with the pumpkin patch, co-sponsored by Green Thumb Nursery. The Ventura County Star is the official newspaper. The annual Grand Prize Giveaway is a $200 Amazon gift card (register to win on site at the event).

General admission tickets are $9, Seniors (62+) and military are $7, Youths ages 13-17 are $4, and kids 12 and under are FREE. Tickets are good for the entire weekend. Hours are Friday 10am to 5pm; Saturday 10am to 6pm; and Sunday 10am to 5pm.

Go here to get $2 OFF your entry:

https://bit.ly/2L0NEXa

To see a full a list of Harvest Festivals near you, visit: https://www.harvestfestival.com

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Book Review, Sponsored

Nice: Why We Love To Be Liked And How God Calls Us To More {Review}

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

Before reading Nice: Why We Love To Be Liked And How God Calls Us To More, I never really thought about being “nice” as a problem. However, according to the author, Sharon Hodde Miller, God did not call us to be merely nice people. Miller explains how niceness can become an idol, and defines niceness as “the ways we make ourselves pleasant, agreeable, acceptable, or likable in order to get something.” When a Christian’s ultimate goal is to be “nice”, Miller shows how the result can be inauthenticity, corruption, cowardice, cynicism, self-righteousnes, or sentimentality.

Miller is careful to emphasize that as Christians, we are still called to kindness, gentleness and love. In no way is she advocating that we abandon niceness in favor of harshness, meanness, mud-slinging or name-calling. I really admire how the author is able to weave personal stories as well as stories from the Bible to illustrate the ways in which striving to be “nice” can actually lead to strife. Nice is a book that really made me reevaluate my own motives and ultimate goals for being nice. I would encourage anyone who thinks of themselves as a “nice” person to read this book and see if it challenges his or her notions of niceness as well.

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Reviews, Sponsored

At-Home Coffeehouse Experience With Keurig K-Duo Essentials Coffee Maker

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Disclosure: I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

I have been in the market for a new coffee maker for a while now, so I was super excited to have the chance to review the Keurig® K-Duo Essentials™ Coffee Maker. The one feature I really like about this coffee maker is that it allows you to brew both a carafe of coffee with grounds, as well as an individual cup using K-cup pods. Therefore, it is good for daily use as an individual and for those occasions when there are multiple guests to serve.

This is one good-looking machine! A well-designed coffee machine is important since it is usually constantly on display on the kitchen counter.

This machine is simple to operate. There are not too many buttons to over-complicate things. For the carafe, there is a choice between 8, 10 or 12 cups, and for the K-cup pods, you can choose between 8, 10 or 12 ounces. There is a large 60 oz. water reservoir in the back that automatically dispenses the amount of water according to the size you choose. The water heated up quickly and to the perfect temperature for my taste. If you like your coffee strong, choose the 8 ounce option!

I had fun setting up my own little fall-themed coffee cart to accompany our new coffee maker. I like to add a little flavored syrup and foamy milk to my coffee when I am feeling “fancy”. Do you like to add anything extra to your coffee, or do you drink it black?

The Keurig® K-Duo Essentials™ Coffee Maker can be purchased exclusively on Walmart’s website for $99, which I think is a reasonable price point for a machine like this. Click here or visit momsmeet.link/keurig.

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Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Teach Tech With Zivko The Robot: Review + Giveaway

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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.

My ten year old son is a big fan of building things with his hands. He especially likes the Snap Circuit sets (like this one), which emphasize STEM skills. When I found out that Elenco, the company behind Snap Circuits has a new line of Teach Tech robots, I knew they would be something he would be interested in.

Elenco sent us Zivko the Robot to test and review. Zivko the Robot is a Hexiped robot that introduces kids to Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.

When we opened up the box, I have to admit that the amount of little parts seemed a little overwhelming to me. However, n was up to the challenge and went right to work. He was able to put Zivko together without my help, but it was a challenge for him (which is a good thing!) This kit is recommended for ages 10 and up, and I can see why.

Zivko operates in two modes, “follow” or “explore”. When Zivko is in follow mode, it will follow you around like a pet. When Zivko is in explore mode, it is able to explore on its own and avoid obstacles along the way. With all of its lights and sounds, Zivko does have a personality of his own. I like how the learning continues even after Zivko is fully assembled.

The Zivko The Robot is available on Amazon, along with other members of the Elenco Teach Tech Robot family. Gift-giving season is just around the corner, so keep these robots in mind for the STEM-loving kids you know!

GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway below to win Zivko The Robot!

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Food, Reviews, Sponsored

Fit FITCRUNCH Into Your Snacking Routine

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Disclosure: I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

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 watch the Food Network at all, you have probably seen Chef Robert Irvine on one of many shows, including Chopped and Worst Cooks in America. Well, did you know that he has also created a snack called FITCRUNCH Cheddar Cheese High Protein Puffs?

These high protein puffs are loaded with 20 grams of protein, which is 40% of the recommended daily value. They also contain only 2 g of Total Carbohydrates. The ingredients include milk protein isolate, sunflower oil, whey solids and cheddar cheese.

These FITCRUNCH puffs look similar to other cheese puffs that you may find at the store. However, they are made with actual milk and cheese, and no artificial colors. Both my kids and I loved them at first bite! They are cheesy, light and crispy, and are great to snack on straight from the bag. Other suggested uses are to add them in salads, soups, tacos, wraps, etc.

Save $5 when you purchase FITCRUNCH Cheddar Cheese High Protein Puffs on Amazon with the promo code 50FF4FITMOM. Offer ends Novemer 14, 2019.

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Reviews, Sponsored

Kawaii in a Box: Yume Twins Review

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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. I will receive a small commission for purchases made through these links.

Yume Twins is a subscription box dedicated to Japanese cuteness. I received the August 2019 box, and the theme was “Totoro Picnic”. Totoro is a popular Japanese anime character created by Hayao Miyazaki. It has been a while since I watched “My Neighbor Totoro”, but the character has become an icon.

I was quite impressed with the contents of the box:

  • My Neighbor Totoro Lunch Box Set (comes with two lunch boxes!)
  • My Neighbor Totoro Cup
  • My Neighbor Totoro Mini Towel Set
  • My Neighbor Totoro Bamboo Chopsticks
  • My Neighbor Totoro Picnic Sheet

I like how all of these items are practical and cute at the same time.

I am always on the lookout for cute food containers, and these Totoro boxes are a great size to take on the go. The Totoro chopsticks are also fun. k can’t wait to bring them to school for her lunch!

The Yume Twins subscription box would make a wonderful gift for anyone who appreciates everything kawaii!

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Food, Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

You Will Crave The Daily Crave Snacks

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

One of my favorite booths at Expo West was the one for The Daily Crave. I had never heard of this company before, but the newspaper-like packaging caught my eye. Once I tried these plant-based snacks, I understood why the company is called “The Daily Crave”!

The Daily Crave has an impressive line-up of products. I was so excited to receive a variety pack that included:

  • Himalayan Pink Salt Lentil Chips
  • Aged White Cheddar Lentil Chips
  • Organic Veggie Straws
  • Spicy Sriracha Veggie Straws
  • Spicy Thai Chili Quinoa Chips
  • Himalayan Pink Salt Quinoa Chips
  • Barbecue Veggie Chips
  • Veggie Chips

I really like how these light and crunchy snacks contain plant protein and fiber. I am glad to find snacks with natural ingredients that my whole family actually enjoys eating!

n’s 5th grade teacher allows them to eat snacks in class, but only if they are “better-for-you” and not junk food. She specifically allows the kids to eat veggie straws, since that is her favorite snack! I think we will have to gift her a bag of The Daily Crave Veggie Straws so she can try them out!

Go here to see if The Daily Crave snacks are carried at a store near you. They are also available on Amazon.

GIVEAWAY

Thank you to The Daily Crave for offering my readers a chance to win a case of The Daily Crave snacks!

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Book Review, Sponsored

Take Back Your Time Book Review

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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.

The subtitle of Take Back Your Time, by Morgan Tyree, is what piqued my interest in this book: Identify Your Priorities, Decrease Stress, and Increase Productivity. Yes, yes, and yes! Time is often talked about as the most valuable commodity in life. Everyone is given 24 hours a day, but what we do with those 24 hours can vary greatly. With a God-centered focus, Tyree offers practical advice about how to make the most of each day by studying your own personality, season of life, priorities and capacities.

The main lesson I learned from this book is that we should look at our time as being in one of three zones.

  • Green Time Zone: Focus Time (check the box, get it done)
  • Yellow Time Zone: Flex Time (work on several simple tasks at once)
  • Red Time Zone: Fill Time (personal restoration time)

Frustration can set in when these these three zones are out of balance. I found Tyree’s advice regarding time management to be pragmatic and helpful. With the start of the new school year, a new soccer and basketball season, scouts, etc., it feels like our schedules become so busy. If you are facing a similarly busy season of life, Take Back Your Time may help you do just that.

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Food, Reviews, Sponsored

Once Again Almond Amore Energy Bites

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I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

Once Again Organic Amoré Almond Spread With Milk Chocolate is a smart product to have on hand for when you need a chocolate fix. The ingredient list is simple: organic cane sugar, organic roasted peeled almond paste, organic skim milk powder, organic low fat cocoa powder, organic sunflower oil. I also like that this spread is organic, fair trade, and gluten-free. The Once Again Amore Spreads, which also comes in hazelnut, can be used in many ways. For example, they make a tasty dip for fruit, or can be used as a topping for ice cream, waffles, or crepes.

Here is a recipe I adapted to make “energy bites” using the Once Again Amore Almond Spread With Milk Chocolate:

Once Again Almond Amore Energy Bites

3/4 c. rolled oats

1/4 c. unsweetened coconut flakes

2 T. ground flax seed

1/2 c. Once Again Amore Almond Spread With Milk Chocolate

(Makes about 9 Bites)

Stir the dry ingredients (rolled oats, coconut flakes, flax seed) together in a bowl.

Stir in the Once Again Amore Almond Spread With Milk Chocolate.

Form into golf ball sized balls and store in the refrigerator.

Once Again makes several other delicious organic products, including peanut butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, almond butter and tahini. Click here to find Once Again products at a store near you.

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