LimByLim

Organizing for the New Year With Scrigit Scrapers (Review + Giveaway)

January 14, 2019 93 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.

The new year has inspired me to declutter and organize. One tool that has helped me with various projects around the house is the Scrigit Scraper. If you have never heard of Scrigit Scrapers, they just might be the tool you never knew you needed!

The Scrigit Scraper is a pen-shaped tool that is made of a durable but non-scratch BPA-free plastic. It can be used to remove unwanted substances such as adhesive stickers, labels and grime, without damaging surfaces. I must admit I often use my fingernails for such tasks, and broken fingernails are usually the result! Scrigit Scrapers are much more effective and I would highly recommend them for cleaning and crafts.

I recently used Scrigit Scrapers for two home organizing projects. For the first project, I upcycled a plastic candy container into a container for office supplies.

When D brought this little plastic box of candy home from work, I immediately thought of ways I could reuse the container. I used a Scrigit Scraper to remove the label without scratching the box. Now the container is a cute way to store binder clips.

As I was working on this project, I noticed there were some grimy spots on my desk from a prior craft project. So I used my Scrigit Scraper to remove them!

My second project involved transforming a letter organizer into a charging station. It seems like our family has so many electronic devices to charge and the cords were getting out of control. A while back, my mom mentioned that she saw someone on Pinterest use a letter organizer (similar to the one I already had) to make a charging station. After putting the project on the backburner, I finally gave it a go.

The first step was to remove some yellow tape that I had put on the organizer years ago. It was stuck on there pretty well, so I used a Scrigit Scraper and saved my fingernails! I then used my brother in law’s cordless drill to drill some holes in the back for the cords to feed through. (Be smarter than me, however, and use a drill-bit extension if you are trying to go through a small opening!) I covered some chipped areas with decorative washi tape and made labels so everyone knows where their device belongs. We set up the charging station next to a power strip tower similar to this one so that we have enough outlets and USB ports to charge all of our devices.

Scrigit Scrapers can be purchased on Amazon. The 2-pack retails for $6.99 and the 5-pack retails for $11.99. Keep one handy in different rooms, or split a pack with a friend!

I am pleased to announce that the owner of Scrigit Scrapers is offering my readers the chance to win a Scrigit 2-pack, Scrigit 5-pack AND a $20 Amazon gift card!

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Food, Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Snack Healthier in 2019: CHOMPS Review + Giveaway

January 11, 2019 48 Comments

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

The new year means many people are resolving to try to eat healthier, right? Personally, I am on the lookout for healthier snacks year-round since D, the kids and I are all big time snackers. When I received some CHOMPS snack sticks in the latest #NewHopeBloggerBox, they caught my attention.

Each stick contains 9-10 g of protein that is grass-fed, grass-finished, free-range and antibiotic free. CHOMPS do not contain any GMOs, added sugar, dairy, soy or other “hidden nasties” (e.g. binders, fillers, MSG, artificial ingredients). In addition, CHOMPS are Keto and Paleo-friendly and Whole 30 approved. For more information, click here.

CHOMPS snack sticks come in six delicious flavors:

Original (Beef)
Original Turkey
Crankin’ Cranberry (Beef)
Jalapeno Turkey
Hoppin’ Jalapeno (Beef)
Cracked Pepper & Sea Salt (Venison)

If you like heat, the Jalapeno Turkey or Hoppin’ Jalapeno flavors are the way to go. However, even the Original has a little kick to it. The Original Beef and Turkey flavors also come in a mini size and they are called “Chomplings”. These would be the perfect size for lunchboxes or smaller appetites.

n enjoying CHOMPS after school at the park!

CHOMPS snack sticks can be purchased online or at a store near you. (I see they are available at Trader Joe’s in my local area.) Enter to win a 12 ct. variety pack of CHOMPS snack sticks (2 of each flavor)!

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Family Field Trips, Vacation

Following the Footsteps of Huell Howser

January 10, 2019 2 Comments

After checking out Griffith Park Observatory, we drove to Ferndell, which is also located in Griffith Park. Several years ago, I watched an episode of Huell Howser’s California’s Gold where he visited Ferndell. It’s funny how certain things stick with you: I kept Ferndell in my mental filing cabinet of places that I would like to visit one day ever since watching that episode.

For those who are not familiar with Huell Howser or California’s Gold, he was a local icon. I liked his show (which aired on public television) because he explored places in California that were somewhat off of the beaten track. He had an affable on-screen personality and was always curious about everyone and every place he encountered.

So that is how we ended up at Ferndell. First we ate lunch at The Trails Cafe, which is located right by the trail. There is a cute little seating area outside with picnic benches. Perfect for a pre- or post-hike snack or meal.

The kids each had a Snake Dog (hot dog wrapped in puff pastry) with a small side of fruit. They both gave it a thumbs up!

D and I split an egg salad sandwich. We were still pretty full from the breakfast at the Sheraton.

The trail itself is more of a walk than a hike.

The trail follows along a small creek. There are a lot of ferns (hence the name Ferndell), which gives it a shady, tropical feel.

It is not a place that you would expect to find near the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles.

On our way back to the car, I had to stop and take some pictures of the lovely trees.

Even though this staycation was only one night and just over an hour away from our house, it was nice to get away. Thank you, Huell Howser, for inspiring us to explore California’s Gold!

Food, Reviews, Sponsored

January 2019 #NewHopeBloggerBox

January 9, 2019 No Comments

I always look forward to receiving packages, but one of my favorite deliveries is the New Hope Blogger Box. This latest box that I received did not disappoint. It was full of new-to-me products that help promote a healthier lifestyle.

Here is a list of the products I received, along with my impressions regarding some of the ones I have tried so far:

Tree Below Zero Sparkling Juice Infused with CBD: I have to admit, I am still a little unsure about trying products with CBD. D tried one of these drinks, and liked the taste. If you are interested in CBD, it is worth checking out.
Bellucci Organic Olive Oil Squeeze Pack: I use olive oil to make salad dressing all of the time. These squeeze packs are super convenient to make dressing on the go.
Origin 846 Unfiltered Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Again, high quality olive oil is a must in our house. I was impressed that they sent such a large bottle!
CHOMPS 100% Grass Fed Beef Jerky Sticks: Everyone in our family likes these jerky sticks. (Full review and giveaway coming soon!)
Bone Suckin’ Sauce: I used this sauce to make chicken wings and they turned out delicious!
Fusion Naturals Vegan Collagen Booster: I let my sister try this one. It is fruit-based, so I would not suggest putting it in your coffee like she accidentally did! I think it would be good in a smoothie, though.
Gaia Herbs, Inc. Calm A.S.A.P.: Try it if you need some calm in your life, naturally.
Healthy Gourmet Kitchen Moroccan Red Lentil Soup: I have not had the chance to try this yet, but I think I will be making it soon since we have rain in the forecast.
HumanN Superbeets Immune: I am not a big beet fan, but I know they offer a lot of health benefits. This would be an easy way to incorporate them in your diet.
Laiki Red Rice Crackers: My kids liked these crackers, but I was not too crazy about them. The texture reminded me of Triscuits.
Jakemans Throat & Chest Cherry Flavored Lozenges: D tried these when he was starting to feel a sore throat coming on and he said they helped.
Caratino Palm Oil & Canola Blend: I like the idea of using this to pop yellow popcorn.
MATI Sparkling Organic Energy Drink: Good option if you are looking for a healthier energy boost.
METTA Natural Awareness Beverage: I believe this drink is supposed to be one step down from an energy drink, without artificial ingredients.
Sambucus Mega Gummies 7x: These really are mega-sized! The kids and I have enjoyed these elderberry supplements. These are gelatin-free and vegan.
Panco Foods Mushroom Jerky: I have not tried this yet, but it sounds interesting, especially for vegetarians or vegans.
SmartyPits Deodorant: I like the idea of aluminum-free deodorant. This one smells good, too!
Solely Fruit Jerky: The ingredient list cannot be any simpler: 1 whole organic banana with pecans!
Utzy Naturals U-Mune Immune Support: With all of the illness going around, taking this would be a good idea.
Kyo-Green Energy Greens Blend Powdered Drink Mix: This would be easy to add to smoothies.

I am really looking forward to attending this year’s Expo West so I can discover more products like these and share my finds with you!

Giveaways

Celebrate 2019 With a $25 JCPenney Gift Card!

January 8, 2019 135 Comments

Our two week-long winter break was just what my family needed to rest and recharge for the new year! I have set new goals for this blog and I am excited about continuing to learn and grow. I am in the process of lining up more reviews and giveaways for products that our family enjoys and finds useful, so be sure to check-in and visit.

We have also been doing a major clean out of clutter in our house, and it feels really good. I happened to find a $25 gift card to JCPenney and thought I would hold a reader giveaway to kick off 2019. The card can be used at any JCPenney store or online. This giveaway is hosted by me and is not sponsored by JCPenney.

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I will mail out the prize via U.S. Postal Service. I am not responsible for lost, stolen, or misdirected mail, and the prize cannot be replaced if it is not received by the winner.

Be sure to check out the other giveaways featured below!

Vacation

A Visit to Griffith Observatory

January 3, 2019 No Comments

After eating a mediocre breakfast at the Sheraton, we headed out to Griffith Observatory. I was the only one in our family who had been there before. It is one of those iconic places in Southern California that everyone should visit. I wonder how much the visitor count went up after LaLaLand came out?

Taking in the view, somewhat obscured by what we like to call the “marine layer”.

I had planned for us to watch a show at the Planetarium, but unfortunately it was closed due to “technical difficulties”. We had already pre-paid parking by the hour so that was a bummer.

However, we were able to check out all of the cool solar system exhibits.

I always like going on educational field trips. Wherever you live, I am sure there are a lots of places to discover. Make 2019 the year you go out and explore!

Vacation

Staycation at Sheraton Universal Studios

January 3, 2019 No Comments

The nice thing about staying overnight when visiting a theme park is the ability to take a break at the hotel room to recharge. We made reservations at the Sheraton Universal Hotel, conveniently located about five minutes from Universal Studios. From the outside, the hotel did not look too impressive. They were doing some construction, so maybe they will be working on a facelift.

The interiors and the room itself were quite nice, minus the odd odor that greeted us every time we got off the elevator.

Somehow, D has maintained his Platinum status at Marriott, so we had access to the Club Lounge. We filled up on the evening appetizers (pizza bites, cheese and crackers, veggies, etc.) so that we would not have to buy a full dinner!

Waiting in the lobby for the shuttle to take us back to Universal Studios.

At nighttime, Universal City Walk felt like a PG version of Las Vegas!

We splurged on a large boba drink from Mini Monster. Thankfully, security let us bring in the empty glass jar (I didn’t think about it until after I had already bought the drink). I am not sure if that is standard protocol, or we just got lucky. The mason jar says California, and does make a nice souvenir!

The periodic snowfall in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter added even more magic to the ambience.

The lighting of Hogwarts Castle was pretty spectacular! Our viewpoint from the stand where they sell Pumpkin Juice was nice because it was not too crowded.

We were also able to catch one of the Whoville Christmas tree lightings. What a fun way to start off our winter break and celebrate k’s birthday!

Vacation

Visiting Universal Studios During Christmas, Part II

January 2, 2019 No Comments

While we enjoyed trying out all of the newer rides at Universal Studios, the tram tour is still one of our favorites. It is nice to just be able to sit back and relax for an extended amount of time.

The Back to the Future set is still a popular stop!

Before checking into our hotel room, we made a stop at Whoville to see the decorations. We also caught a performance by the Whoville Singers.

So many Christmas-y picture opportunities!

Vacation

Visiting Universal Studios During Christmas, Part I

December 29, 2018 No Comments

We kicked off our Winter Break at Universal Studios. It also happened to be k’s 12th birthday, so we made it a mini staycation. A few months ago we bought the three day pass from Costco and went with my parents in October. It was nice not feeling like we had to see everything in one day.

Harry Potter World was all dressed up for Christmas. The Christmas scenes are some of my favorite in the movie, so it was nice to see it come to life.

All Aboard the Hogwarts Express!

Going down the massive escalators…

…and back up again. D and the kids each walked up one of the adjacent flights of stairs for fun. The only ride we went on in the Lower Lot was Transformers. The kids were not up to doing The Mummy ride again!

Minion tree!

We ate lunch at The Three Broomsticks. It was crowded, but the lines to order the food and seating system were quite efficient.

The namesake, “Three Broomsticks”.

D and I shared The Holiday Feast (turkey) and a chicken salad. I was impressed with the brussel sprouts and the overall freshness of the food.

The kids shared Fish & Chips and Mac & Cheese.

I thought it would be more crowded, but I think some kids were still in school and others were busy preparing for Christmas. The Christmas decorations really added to the magical feeling all around the park.

Book Review, Sponsored

Start 2019 Off Right With Ellie Claire 365 Day Devotional Journals

December 27, 2018 No Comments

Dislcosure: I received copies of these journals 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.

As a Christian, it is important to set aside time everyday to be in God’s Word. However, I know that the busyness of life can become an easy excuse to skip quiet times. As 2019 quickly approaches, now is as good a time as ever to make spending time with God a priority. These three 365-Day Devotional Journals are a wonderful way to start. All three of these journals include a page for each day of the year. There is a passage, a short devotional, and several blank lines in which you can record your thoughts.

As the title indicates, Peace Begins With Me is a devotional journal that focuses on instilling inner peace through the pursuit of God. Even the cover, (which is in my daughter’s favorite color), evokes a sense of calm. Life’s circumstances often leave us feeling anything but peaceful. However, being grounded in Scripture can provide us with us with hope and ease our anxieties.

The devotionals in Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus are intended to help the reader to trust Jesus with her life and not to become distracted by everything else that often gets in the way. Each devotion begins with a line from a classic Christian song or hymn and includes a verse and prayer. Just having this book out put the hymn “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” in my mind and I found myself humming it throughout the day. Similarly, it is helpful to start your day off with Scripture so that you may be mindful of it even as you do other things.

Finally, The Earth Is the Lord’s and Everything In It serves as a reminder that God’s handiwork is all around us if we take the time to stop and appreciate it. This would be a nice choice for the nature lover in your life. Appreciating His creation draws us closer to Him and is something that we can do every day.

All of these Ellie Claire journals are beautifully bound and provide year-round inspiration, which is something we could all use!

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