Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Ready For Fall In PinkBlush

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

I don’t know about you, but I am so ready for fall to come! Going back to school/work this week in 90 degree weather is not going to be fun.

Fall is my all-time favorite season for many reasons: the crisp air, the cozy homey feeling, the food (all the pumpkin spice!) and the comfortable clothing. I recently had the opportunity to choose an item from a local online clothing company called PinkBlush to review here. I had a difficult time choosing which item because there were so many options! In the end, I chose the fall-ish Rust Ribbed Knit Twist Top.

Here I paired the Rust Ribbed Knit Twist Top with a denim skirt, gray cable knit tights and my favorite pair of boots.

This is my first “rust” colored item of clothing, and I like it! The color is perfect for autumn days. The fabric is really soft and the twist detail in the front makes it just a little different, which is a style I am drawn to. This top ended up being exactly what I imagined from the online pictures. I am sure it will become one of my fall staples!

I should also note that PinkBlush specializes in maternity clothes and plus-size clothes. I really wish I had known about this company back in my pregnancy days! A lot of their items would also be good for those “transition” months post-pregnancy.

It might be several weeks until the weather cools down enough for me to comfortably wear this outfit, but I am looking forward to when I can!

PinkBlush Giveaway

I am excited to announce that one of my readers will win a $75 gift card to shop at PinkBlush!

This giveaway is open internationally and any person who has not won a PinkBlush giveaway in the last 6 months is eligible to win.

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Food, Sponsored

Simple Back to School Lunches With Santa Cruz Organic

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Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Santa Cruz Organic but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

It is hard to believe, but it is officially back to school time in our household. For us, going back to school means packing lunches everyday. It was just last school year that I started having my kids pack their own lunches for school. I am trying to gradually give them more responsibilities so that they are able to become more independent. (Plus, it allows me to have more time to get ready for work: win-win!) Even though I give my kids a certain amount of freedom to choose what they put in their lunches, it is important for me to stock up on foods I actually want them to eat.

Santa Cruz Organic is a line of products that I can feel good about being part of my kids’ lunchboxes. Santa Cruz Organic products use only the highest quality Certified Organic and Non-GMO ingredients. Santa Cruz Organic has been committed to producing organic products since 1972 and I appreciate that they are also committed to sustainability. Today I am sharing about how Santa Cruz Organic applesauce and fruit spreads are the perfect choice for back to school lunches.

Santa Cruz Organic Applesauce

The individual Santa Cruz Organic applesauce cups are such a convenient product to make sure my kids have a serving of fruit in their lunchbox–no prep necessary! I like to stock up and keep them in a separate container in the refrigerator for easy access. (No refrigeration is necessary, but my kids like to eat their applesauce cold!) Each 4-ounce cup of Santa Cruz Organic applesauce provides 100% RDI (Reference Daily Intake) of Vitamin C and my kids think it tastes really good!

Santa Cruz Organic Fruit Spread

The first ingredient in Santa Cruz Organic fruit spreads is organic fruit. My kids are huge mango fans, so they were excited that Santa Cruz Organic makes a mango fruit spread. When my son tasted it, he said it was very “mango-y”! Santa Cruz Organic also makes other kid-friendly flavors such as strawberry and seedless red raspberry.

Here is a super simple recipe for Mango Cream Cheese that can be used as either a spread or a dip:

Mango Cream Cheese Spread/Dip

Combine the Santa Cruz Mango Fruit Spread and the whipped cream cheese until fully incorporated. Be sure to use whipped cream cheese, which makes it really easy to mix with a spoon by hand. Serves 2.

This mango cream cheese can be served many ways. Some ideas are to use it as spread on a mini bagel, a tortilla roll-up, or crackers. It can also be used as a dip for apple slices or mini waffles. The combinations are endless, and it works for breakfast, lunch, or an after-school snack.

Prevent School Lunch Boredom With Santa Cruz Organic

If your kids are like mine, they become bored if they have to pack the same ol’ sandwich everyday. Santa Cruz Organic products make it easy to come up with simple lunch ideas that are sure to brighten your kids’ day.

This cute lunch features mini waffles to dip in the mango cream cheese (which can be made ahead of time with the above-featured recipe). Served with a hard-boiled egg, some sliced cucumbers and an individual Santa Cruz Organic applesauce cup, this is a lunch that is sure to please. Some other ideas would be to swap out the mini waffles for crackers, mini pancakes or a mini bagel, carrots or bell peppers for the cucumbers and a cheese stick instead of the egg. Choose foods that your kids actually enjoy eating so it does not go to waste!

As you start stocking up for back to school lunches, be sure to look for Santa Cruz Organic products at a store near you.

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Food, Reviews, Sponsored

A Portable Snack: Lindsay Snack and Go! Olives

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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.

Do you have olive fans in your house? Lindsay Snack and Go! Olives make it easy to add olives to a lunchbox or take them along as a snack for your next outing. The individual packaging contains BPA-free lining, and eliminates the liquid and mess that is usually associated with olives. No refrigeration is necessary until after the package is opened.

Lindsay Snack and Go! Olives come in four varieties:

  • Pitted Black Ripe Olives
  • Sliced Black Ripe
  • Kalamata Pitted Olives
  • Pimiento Stuffed Spanish Manzanilla Olives

Lindsay Olives are a good choice for snacking. They fit into a keto, Whole30, paleo, vegan, and gluten-free diet, do not contain artificial flavors. and are non-GMO.

n had fun using the Lindsay sliced black olives and red bell pepper to make English muffin pizza faces.

Aren’t these mini pizzas fun in a cute/creepy sort of way? Kids could get more creative by adding hair and ears, etc.

Look for Lindsay Snack and Go! Olives at Raleys, Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, Winn-Dixie, and Bi-Lo. To find a store near you, visit: https://www.ilovelindsay.com/products/where-to-buy/

Use the promo code LINDSAYVIP19 to receive 20% off your order of Lindsay Snack and Go! Olives on https://www.ilovelindsay.com/snackandgokids

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Book Review, Sponsored

Strong: How God Eqipped 11 Ordinary Men with Extraordinary Power Review

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Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own.

In Strong: How God Equipped 11 Ordinary Men with Extraordinary Power (and Can Do the Same for You), Catherine Parks features eleven stories designed to inspire young boys. However, I think this book would inspire any reader, young or old, male or female. It shows how God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

The eleven men that are featured in this book are:

  • Alvin York
  • George Muller
  • Dietrich Bonhoeffer
  • Brother Andrew
  • Elka of the Wai Wai
  • Eric Liddell
  • John Newton
  • William Carey
  • George Liele
  • Jim Elliot
  • Jackie Robinson

I like how the people Parks writes about come from a variety of backgrounds and walks of life. Some stories are more well-known than others, but they are all remarkable in their own way. In a time when it seems that people who do evil things receive the most recognition, this book shows the younger generation that heroes exist in real life. The fact that these men are all Christian shows how faith in God can help people overcome obstacles and glorify Him in the process.

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k, n, Sponsored

Build Their STEAM Skills and Life Skills at Galileo Camps

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Disclosure: This post is written in partnership with Galileo Camps. All opinions are my own.

Although I really like the fact that summer means our family schedule is a little more relaxed, I firmly believe that summer is also prime-time for learning. Recently, k and n had the opportunity to attend Galileo Camp’s week-long Summer Quest program. This program is geared for 5th-8th graders, and offers various “majors”:

  • 3D Modeling & Printing
  • Chefology
  • DIY Hoodie
  • Drone Innovators
  • Go-Kart Builders

The kids were excited to participate in the Go-Kart major. D and I are not the “handy” type, so this is not something we would attempt to do at home! I remember taking woodshop in middle school, but those types of classes are not offered at the kids’ school anymore.

The Galileo Summer Quest program we enrolled in was Monday-Friday, from 9-3 (extended daycare available) at a local elementary school. During our initial check-in, I could tell that this was a well-organized program. n was feeling a little nervous, but the enthusiasm and friendliness of the counselors was infectious! The counselors held entertaining opening and closing ceremonies and organized fun activities such as Water Day for the campers throughout the week.

All of Galileo’s Summer Quest programs focus around STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math). For the Go-Kart session, they give the kids a basic design, but encourage them to customize their Go-Kart according to their individual preferences. Some of the fun features that can be added include working doors, foot brakes and license plates.

The kids learn how to use a handsaw, screwdriver, and power tools. They are taught the importance of accurate measuring and how to assemble the kart’s wheels and axles, steering column, hood and seat.

It was such a satisfying experience for the kids to see their project come together. They started out with some wood and screws and ended the week with a fully functioning Go-Kart. They learned how to collaborate and help each other out. They experienced set-backs and learned how to ask for help and keep moving forward. They also experienced first-hand how tiring this type of physical labor is. This type of hands-on learning really provides some invaluable lessons, not only for building, but for life!

The t-shirts the kids received at camp nicely summarize the character qualities that Galileo Summer Quest tries to instill: “Visionary & Courageous & Collaborative & Determined & Reflective”.

If you are looking for an educational camp experience that your children will not forget, I would recommend looking into Galileo Camps. Galileo Camps have been around since 2002 and are designed for kids pre-K through 8th grade. Check out the programs Galileo offers near you.

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Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Face the Day With Simply Earth Essential Oils Recipe Box: Review + Giveaway

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

The August Simply Earth Essential Oils Recipe Box is filled with ingredients to make a bunch of products to use in your natural skincare routine. The items in this box include:

  • Clove Essential Oil
  • Frankincense Essential Oil
  • Rosemary Essential Oil
  • Clear Skin Essential Oil Blend
  • Lavender Hydrosol
  • Reusable Sheet Mask (compressed)

The recipe cards and stickers in this month’s box are too cute! The following recipes are included in the August box:

  • Step 1: Frankincense Face Scrub
  • Step 2: Rosemary Facial Steam
  • Step 3: Skin Renewing Face Mask
  • Step 4: Hydrosol Facial Toner
  • Step 5: Moisturizing Face Cream
  • Step 6: Clear Skin Roll On
  • Feel Good Morning Diffuser

I made the Feel Good Morning Diffuser, which has a combination of Frankincense, Clove, and Rosemary essential oils. I have been really enjoying this one. The uplifting fragrance is the perfect way to start the day!

I was also excited about the Skin Renewing Face Mask. We recently bought an aloe vera plant, and my daughter gets a kick out of extracting the gel! I was also intrigued by the reusable sheet mask, which I have never seen before. This is a great, eco-friendly alternative to those disposable sheet masks that are so popular right now.

It is also notable that this month (August), Simply Earth is giving 13% of its profits to Grounds of Grace, which assists victims of human trafficking. Love when companies give back!

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). Be sure to check out their other products too, such as this adorable Essential Oil Car Diffuser!

Enter to win the August Simply Earth Essential Oils Recipe Box + Big Bonus Box below!

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Book Review, Sponsored

Praying When You Need to Move a Mountain

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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.

In When You Need to Move a Mountain, Linda Evans Shepherd outlines key steps to being an effective prayer warrior. Prayer does not come “naturally” to everyone, including myself. I appreciate how this book methodically addresses intercessory prayer. First, Shepherd explains what intercessory prayer is. Next, she provides examples of how intercessory prayer works, both from the Bible and her own life. Some may write-off some of her examples of answered prayer as mere coincidences. However, those who have witnessed God answering prayers will recognize the power of God at work.

Shepherd also addresses the issue of when God does not answer our prayers, or when they are not answered in the ways we request. Ultimately, there are some answers we will not receive here on earth, but this should not stop us from petitioning God through prayer. When You Need to Move a Mountain has several practical chapters, including Prayers for Our Families, Prayers for Others, Prayers for Provision, Prayers for Healing, and Prayers for Communities, Churches, Pastors, and Nations. These chapters serve as an excellent reminder of some of the many topics that we can lift up in prayer. This book is an excellent resource for those who are looking for guidance regarding intercessory prayer.

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Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

A Watch That Mirrors The Sea: Jord Watch Review + Giveaway

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Disclosure: This review was written in collaboration with Jord watches. All opinions are my own.

Even though a lot of people rely on their smart devices to tell the time these days, I am still a big fan of the traditional wristwatch. I like how watches are a functional accessory and can convey an individual’s style.

Jord Watches

Jord (pronounced Yode), a company based in St. Louis, sent me the Olive & Aegean Blue watch from their Cassia collection. When I first opened the box, the quality of the workmanship was immediately apparent. This watch definitely makes an impression! The combination of the warm olive wood and metal band with the large blue domed crystal face is so beautiful! The Jord team designed the Cassia with “Scandinavian street style” in mind, which is so appealing to me.

Just glancing at this Cassia watch reminds me of the beach. Last week I spent the afternoon in Newport with D and the kids. Doesn’t the sapphire crystal seem to blend right in with the blue skies and sea? I love how this watch is dressy enough to elevate an outfit, but not too formal to be worn everyday. Jord has a wide variety of styles for both men and women, so take a look!

More Reasons to Choose a Jord Watch

  • Jord watches make a wonderful gift! Most watch backplates and their presentation boxes can be engraved with a special sentiment.
  • The watches may be sized for the recipient.
  • Every watch comes with a one year warranty and options for return & exchange.
  • Jord offers free worldwide standard shipping.

Jord Watch Giveaway

For your chance to win a $100 gift code toward the purchase of any Jord watch, enter my giveaway here: www.jordwatches.com/g/limbylim

As a bonus, all entrants will receive a 10% off gift code, so enter today!

Wooden Wrist Watch
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Vacation

An Almost Perfect Day at Coco Cay

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Our second and last stop in the Bahamas was at Royal Caribbean’s own private island, Coco Cay. Thankfully, the kids and I were feeling better, but still not 100%.

We ate breakfast early and debarked before most of our fellow passengers. We wanted to avoid the crowds and the heat that was to come later in the afternoon. It was nice because our ship was the only one docked that day.

As you might expect, our experience walking off the ship was vastly different from our experience at Nassau. No one was trying to sell us anything, and the grounds were well-kept and beautiful.

n did not spend much time in this hammock, but you could if you wanted to!

The umbrellas and chair were set up, free to use, and ready to be used by guests.

The lagoon was pretty, but the kids preferred the pool.

This was the beach that led out to the ocean. D and the kids did some faux snorkeling with regular goggles.

I waded in at one point, but spent most of my time on a beach chair under an umbrella!

A free lunch buffet was set up on the island. My appetite was still not great, but I did have some of a Cubano sandwich. There were also hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, taco bar, etc.

The mango was refreshing, and there was also a soft serve ice cream machine.

Back to the pool!

We returned to our cabin in the afternoon. This picture shows our crazy sleeping arrangement. See the two bunk beds on the top? That’s where k and n slept. It was cozy, to say the least!

Here is a peak of the multi-story dining room. I could not believe it was already our last dinner!

Shrimp Cocktail
Wedge Salad
Celebration Cake
Too sweet, even for n!

The nightly entertainment on the ship did not sound too exciting to us (ice-skating clowns?) so we skipped out. Plus, our dining time made it difficult for us to even make the shows. However, the wait staff put on a little dance number on the last night that was pretty entertaining (Gangnam Style!)

It really was too bad that we were not able to fully enjoy our cruise due to illness. However, we made the most of a bad situation and for D, it was the best part of our whole vacation! We’ll need to look into a cruise to Mexico next!

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Crafts, Sponsored

Kickstart Your Back to School Shopping With STEAM Activities At Walmart

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #WalmartSTEAM #CollectiveBias

It is hard to believe, but our summer vacation is already about halfway over! That means it is time to start thinking about shopping for school supplies. 

Walmart STEAM Day of Play

Hover over the picture to start your back to school shopping!

On Saturday, July 27, a select number of Walmart stores across the country (2,000 to be exact) will be hosting in-store STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) activities. Use the Walmart event locator to find a participating store near you!

Walmart’s STEAM Day of Play events will feature hands-on activities that parents and their kids can do together, such as making tie-dye shirts, slime, and cereal necklaces. Sounds like so much fun, right?

STEAM Activity: Easy Rock Candy Tutorial

I think it’s great how Walmart is promoting STEAM activities that can be done at home with everyday materials. Here is an easy tutorial for making rock candy.

  1. Combine 2 cups of water and 6 cups of sugar into a microwave-safe bowl. Put the mixture in the microwave and heat for two minutes. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Microwave for one more minute, or until the sugar is completely dissolved. Pour the hot mixture into jars and let the mixture cool. (We had enough sugar solution for three mason jars). We also experimented by adding flavored drink mix into two of the jars.
  2. Dip skewers into the sugar solution, and then dip them in a plate of dry sugar. Set the skewers aside and let them dry.
  3. Use a clothespin to hold the non-sugary end of the skewer and dip the sugared end into the jar with the sugar solution. Balance the clothespin on the edge of the jar so that the skewer does not touch the bottom of the jar.
  4. Set the jar in a cool place and watch the sugar crystals grow every day for a week. (The last picture is of our results after only one day!)

Remember To Visit Walmart on July 27!

Walmart is the perfect store to find all of the supplies my family needs in one place, both for school and home. Back to school time is a busy time for families, so it is important to stock up on the essentials now.Be sure to find a Walmart STEAM Play Day event near you and make it a combined play date/stock-up day for the whole family!

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