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

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

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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Teach Tech With Zivko The Robot: Review + Giveaway

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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Fit FITCRUNCH Into Your Snacking Routine

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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Kawaii in a Box: Yume Twins Review

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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You Will Crave The Daily Crave Snacks

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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Take Back Your Time Book Review

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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Once Again Almond Amore Energy Bites

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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He Numbered The Pores On My Face

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.

It has been a while since a book made me laugh out loud. And I don’t mean a little chuckle to myself. I mean an audible laugh that would make people turn their heads if I was reading it in a public place. He Numbered The Pores On My Face, by Scarlet Hiltibidal is that book. I originally wanted to review this book so that my daughter could read it. However, I found it to be an engaging and inspirational read with takeaways for myself as a grown woman.

The book is divided into three sections:

  • Section 1: The Gospel Redefines Who You Were
  • Section 2: The Gospel Redefines Who You Are
  • Section 3: The Gospel Tells You Who You’ll Be

The teenage years are a prime time for people to be in search of their identities. Each section of this book is filled with examples from the Bible and the author’s own life. These stories illustrate why it is important to find our identities in the One who created us instead of trying to measure up to worldly standards. Hiltibidal is in her 30’s, but she recalls events from her teenage years with so much detail, it was as if they happened yesterday. He Numbered The Pores On My Face is a great read for teen girls and it can also spark some meaningful conversations between moms and daughters.

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Meet Chester: Our New Travel Companion

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.

If you are in search of luggage that is both stylish and functional, consider Chester. Our family has some big travel plans for next year, and this Chester Minima suitcase is sure to become our essential travel companion.

The Chester Minima suitcase has TSA and IATA approved exterior dimensions (21.5” x 13.5” x 8.5”) that meet domestic and international airline requirements. I like that it is small enough to be used as a carry-on since I hate to pay the extra check-in fees that airlines charge.

In the past, I always gravitated toward soft-sided suitcases because I thought they were lighter than hard-sided suitcases. However, the Chester’s exterior is made of 100% polycarbonate which is unbreakable and lightweight. And since it is hard-sided, the Chester cannot be overstuffed to the point of no longer meeting the airline carry-on requirements.

The built-in combination lock is easy to set and provides an extra level of security during your travels.

Despite its small exterior, the Chester’s interior compartments provide plenty of well-thought out space for clothing and toiletries. I like how all of the compartments have zippers. This helps the contents stay neat and organized instead of turning into a jumbled mess. On the left, there are three pockets that can store both small and large belongings.

On the right, there is also a handy small, zippered water-resistant pouch that contains a removable laundry bag to store dirty clothes.

This short video shows the Chester’s four smooth-rolling wheels and retractable handle. These features would allow the Chester to easily navigate narrow passages, ramps, sharp turns, and anything else that you may encounter during your travels. I have found that upgrading to a four-wheel suitcase is a game-changer. We still have some old two-wheel suitcases, and I am amazed at what a difference two extra wheels makes when trying to navigate through airports, sidewalks, public transportation, etc.

If you are in search of stylish and high-quality suitcase, be sure to look at what Chester has to offer. The Chester Minima comes in seven modern colors, and is available on their company website and on Amazon.

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