Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Giving The Power of Play: One World Futbol Review + Giveaway

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Disclosure: A sample was provided 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.

With an estimated 4 billion fans, soccer is the most popular sport in the world.  One of the reasons why its popularity is so widespread is that you basically only need a ball and a flat surface to play.  For soccer players like my son, soccer balls come and go.  If it starts to go flat, we use our pump to add air to it; when a ball starts to show wear, we buy a new one.  However, for soccer players in disadvantaged communities, soccer balls are not as easy to come by.  One World Play Project recognized this problem and developed a ball that never needs a pump and never goes flat: the One World Futbol.

The unpoppable One World Futbol is made of a cross-linked, closed-cell foam formula.  It is ultra-durable, nearly-indestructible, and unpoppable!  This ball never needs a pump and never goes flat, even when driven over or punctured.  When my son heard this, he immediately wanted me to drive over it so we could test it out.  Luckily, you do not have to attempt to destroy your own ball because the company made its own video to prove their claims.

Pretty amazing, right?

My son tried out the One World Futbol and we can tell that it is one tough ball that will last a long time.  It is definitely firmer and feels denser than a regular soccer ball.  These soccer balls would be a good investment for schools, where balls usually have a short lifetime.  With the holidays coming up, a One World Futbol would be a welcome gift for any soccer fan.

One World Play Project is a social impact B Corp whose goal is to bring the power of play to youth in need.
They give 5% of their e-commerce sales to provide play resources to organizations using play to work with youth living in disadvantaged communities worldwide.  Collaborating with sponsors, organizations and individuals, this amazing company has delivered play to an estimated 60 million youth in 185 countries.  We love when companies give back!
 
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The One World Futbol is sold online at www.oneworldplayproject.com, as well as Amazon US, UK, Spain, Italy, France and Germany, and via their EU site (http://europe.oneworldplayproject.com).  Look for group discounts and special offers on their website!

For Gift Givers who don’t want a ball for themselves but want to donate a ball directly to organizations impacting youth, the Give a Ball option is perfect and just $25. This can be done easily online here.
 
I am excited to announce that One World Play Project has agreed to give away a One World Futbol to one of my readers!
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Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Let’s Give a #HolyRoar: Chris Tomlin’s Holy Roar Review + Giveaway #FlyBy

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When I first heard that Chris Tomlin’s newest album was called “Holy Roar”, I had never heard that term before.  According to Tomlin, Holy Roar is “the freedom, the experience, the wonder of worship. It is seeing the church come together, hands lifted to God, pouring out our praise with an eternal song in our hearts. It’s every voice together, changing the way we worship.”

After listening to the album, I can say that “Holy Roar” perfectly embodies the worship songs in Tomlin’s latest release.  The title song is an upbeat, catchy anthem.  The chorus explains it all:

A HOLY ROAR / REACHING FOR HEAVEN/ OUR PRAISE POURED OUT / WITH RECKLESS ABANDON /

OUR WORSHIP GOD / IS WHOLLY YOURS

I was also excited to see that a song that I am already familiar with, “Resurrection Power”, is included on this album.  Chris Tomlin has so many songs that are considered Christian “classics”.  I predict that many of the other songs from this album will be added to this collection.

Holy Roar is set to be released on October 26, 2018 and can be purchased here.

Chris Tomlin is one of the most heralded singer-songwriters in the world who has amassed an impressive body of work. He has sold more than 8 million albums, 11.3 million digital tracks with 16 #1 singles. Chris is one of only four artists ever to receive the Sound Exchange Digital Radio Award for over 1 Billion digital radio streams, others include Justin Timberlake, Pitbull and Garth Brooks. 

The Grammy® winner’s list of music awards include an American Music Award, 3 Billboard Music Awards, 21 Dove Awards, a BMI Songwriter of the Year Award and more. Chris’ concert tours have sold-out venues in major cities including New York City’s Madison Square Garden, The Forum in Los Angeles, Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and Red Rocks in Denver, among others. This spring, Chris marked another career milestone by launching his own imprint record label, Bowyer & Bow, in partnership with Capitol Christian Music Group.

I have a quick giveaway to enter to win a copy of Chris Tomlin’s Holy Roar CD, so enter today!

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

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Book Review, Reviews, Sponsored

I Wish I Had This Book Growing Up: The Girls’ Guide To Conquering Middle School Review

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Disclosure: 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 not sure who was more nervous about k starting middle school this year, k or me.  I remember middle school as being a somewhat difficult adjustment.  Grades suddenly seemed more important, there were more teachers and students to deal with, friend groups were in flux, etc.

So far, k’s transition to middle school has been pretty smooth.  However, there are new issues that she has to deal with, and I know that more will arise.  She seemed genuinely excited when I gave her a copy of this book, The Girls’ Guide to Conquering Middle School.  The authors of this book are Erica and Jonathan Catherman and they both have a lot of professional experience in coaching and mentoring kids.

The Girls’ Guide to Conquering Middle School covers topics ranging from Backpacks to Cyberbullies to Gossip to Lockers to Studying.  Each topic is only about one page long, and there are also a lot of graphics to make it fun and engaging.  I like that the book covers both serious and light-hearted topics.  I found that the advice given regarding each topic is age-appropriate and helpful.  Sometimes kids and parents alike do not feel comfortable bringing up certain topics, so this book help spark some discussions.  I certainly would have liked a book like this during my middle school years; I am glad my daughter can read and benefit from it.

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Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Stocking Stuffer Idea #1: IntelliDent Tooth Brush Shields Review + Giveaway

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

Is it too early to talk about stocking stuffers?  I try to find little practical gifts to use as stocking stuffers throughout the year, so I am going to say it is not too early even though it is only October.  I hope to feature various stocking stuffer ideas in the upcoming weeks.  Today I want to share with you a new-to me-product that would be a useful and appreciated stocking stuffer: IntelliDent Toothbrush Shields.

Toothbrushes are susceptible to contamination because they are typically kept in the bathroom where there are multiple surface and airborne microbes.  Storing a toothbrush in a cup on the bathroom counter, or enclosed in a dark space like a medicine cabinet creates a perfect breeding ground for germs.  Not to gross you out too much, but toilets can cause contamination within a six-foot radius!  IntelliDent Toothbrush Shields are breathable, quick drying shields that are laboratory tested to be a 99.9% effective barrier against bacteria.

IntelliDent Toothbrush Shields are disposable, and effective for up to seven days.

We tried one out on my son’s electric toothbrush and the fit was perfect.  I could see these shields also being really helpful when packing a toothbrush for travel.  Anything that helps reduce the chance of illness is a good idea in my book!

IntelliDent also makes Mouth Guard Shields.  The idea is the same, except they are sized for dental devices or mouthguards.  They would be perfect for k’s Invisalign trays.

IntelliDent products are sold at Walgreens and CVS, so look for them on your next shopping trip.  Seriously, tuck some away for stocking stuffers!

I am also pleased to announce that I am hosting a giveaway for you to win three 10 ct. boxes of IntelliDent Toothbrush Shields:

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National Parks, Vacation

Lassen Volcanic National Park Part II

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The next morning we did an easy hike around Manzanita Lake.

One nice thing about visiting less-popular parks is that you have the views to yourself.

Next we did the Devastated Area Interpretive Trail.  There were solar powered boxes at various stations that provided information about what we were looking at.

After our hike we drove to Summit Lake for lunch.  (We had picked up sandwiches from the camper store at Manzanita Lake in the morning).

Taking a dip.

At this point, D had a big headache.  As D likes to say, it was “no bueno”.

We set up camp at Summit Lake South and D took a short nap.

Then we drove to Cold Boiling Lake.  I have to admit, I was bit disappointed when I saw the size of this “lake”.

I would say a more appropriate name would be Cold Boiling Big Puddle!

But, it was cool to see the gas bubbles, and the whole area was quite scenic.

I did not know there was geothermal activity like this in California!  This sulphuric mudpot reminds me of Yellowstone.

We ended up buying a snack and dinner at the Kohm-Yah-Mah-Nee Visitor Center.  The selection was quite limited, and again, I must say I am disappointed with Xanterra’s food service.

This was our pulled pork sandwich.  There was actually a good amount of meat heaped onto the bun.

This was the “pizza”.  A frozen DiGiorno single that you have to heat up yourself in the microwave.  Really??  We really had no other dining options, so they have a monopoly.

We took a post-dinner hike near our campsite.

Although it might not be on the top of anyone’s National Park bucket list, we thought that Lassen Volcanic National Park is still worth a visit.

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Camping, National Parks, Vacation

The Forgotten Park & Post: Lassen Volcanic National Park

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Poor Lassen Volcanic National Park.  It is probably the least known National Park in California.  It was also the last park that we needed to visit in order to check off all of the National Parks in California.  It is also the vacation blog post I have taken the longest to write. (I partially blame that on my shifting work schedule, but things seem to be settling down now).

During the drive from Crater Lake to Lassen, we stopped in the town of Bieber for a pit stop and lunch.

This was the bathroom situation…Bwahahaha.

The food situation was actually not bad.  This BLT salad had a lot of bacon.  And a lot of cheese, as you can see.

We checked into our Manzanita Lake campsite and quickly set up camp.

Then we headed to Manzanita Lake and decided to rent a kayak.  I am pretty sure the kayaks were meant to hold 2-3 people, but the person in charge let us all go in one together.

In retrospect, I am not sure this was the best idea as the kayak felt quite tippy with four.  I was getting a core workout trying to keep us centered.

I did not want to bring my camera, so I used my iphone.  But then I was nervous about dropping my iphone in the water, so I would not consider this a relaxing time.  Thankfully, we did not capsize!

We ended up buying paninis from the camper store for dinner.

Post-dinner s’mores.

We were thankful that the air was not as smokey as in Oregon, but there was still a haze.  To be continued…

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Family Field Trips

Visiting The Tanaka Farms x Sanrio Pumpkin Patch

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Last week I took the kids to the Tanaka Farms pumpkin patch before n’s soccer practice.  I wanted to check out their Sanrio collaboration that they started last year.  They offer wagon tours and games on the weekends, but we just did the activities that are included with the $4 basic admission.

There are so many cute photo ops!

Look at n trying to smile without dropping his pumpkin!

In addition to pumpkins, there is also a petting zoo.  Our kids were never too into petting zoos, but this would be fun for kids who are.

There is a small corn maze that the kids enjoyed going through.  The corn is not too tall, so adults will not get lost!

The sunflower patch is a cute idea, but it was a little past its prime.

All of the signage is really just too cute. I was literally squealing at each new sign.

Sanrio Scarecrows = LOVE!

I could not resist the 40% off sale in the gift shop.  (Sale ends 10/12/18, so go now while you can!)

The pumpkin patch is open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Parking is free Monday-Friday.  Reservations are required on the weekends.  Check out their website for more details.

Tanaka Farms

5380 3/4 University Dr.,

Irvine, CA 92612 

949.653.2100 

INFO@TANAKAFARMS.COM

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Celebrations, Featured, Food, Sponsored

Easy and Festive Fall Gatherings With Tyson® Any’tizers®

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This post is sponsored by Tyson Foods, Inc but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

I am so excited that fall is finally here!  One of the reasons fall is my favorite is that it signals gathering around the table with friends and family.  Between Halloween, Thanksgiving, and birthdays for both me and my husband, we have many occasions to celebrate this season.  As the weather cools down, I feel drawn to entertain indoors, in a warm and cozy environment.

Fall entertaining should not be stressful, as the focus should be on spending quality time with those you love.  Tyson® Any’tizers® Snacks are an easy option, and can be used for an appetizer, snack, or light meal.

Here I placed some Tyson® Any’tizers® Popcorn Chicken in mini muffin liners and added some fancy toothpicks to make them portable.  Having different dipping sauces allows guests to customize their flavor experience.

This is an easy recipe for Spicy, Sweet & Sour Sauce:

1 1/2 t. cornstarch

1/4 c. sugar

1/3 c. water

1/4 c. ketchup

2 T. cider vinegar

1 T. hot sauce

Combine the cornstarch and sugar in a small saucepan.  Gradually stir in water, and blend until there are no lumps.  Add ketchup, cider vinegar, and hot sauce.  Cook until thickened.

Tyson® Any’tizers®Boneless Chicken Bites come in Honey BBQ and Buffalo Style.  These flavorful bites add a nice variety and would pair well with a vegetable platter and other finger foods.

Being grateful is something that should be done year-round, but fall is a natural time to really stop and reflect upon all that you have been given.  Delicious food, conversation, and laughter are some of the things for which I am grateful.

This guy could not wait to take a bite!

It is a good idea to stock up on Tyson® Any’tizers® Snacks to make sure you have them ready in your freezer for fall entertaining.  They are available at your local Walmart, as well as other grocery stores.

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Food, Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

A Treat Without The Tricks: Koochikoo Lollipops Review + Giveaway

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Disclosure: Samples were provided 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.

Happy October!   Since today is the first day of October, that means we have thirty days to prepare for Halloween and the trick-or-treaters that come to our door.  Well, I recently discovered a treat without the tricks: Koochikoo Lollipops!

These lollipops are the world’s first organic, no sugar added lollipop brand.  They are sweetened with organic prebiotic fiber and contain 5+ grams of fiber per lollipop.  In addition, they are gluten-free, vegan, Non-GMO and contain only 10 calories each.  Because the sweetness comes from organic tapioca fiber, you do not have to worry about any questionable artificial sweeteners.  These lollipops are also manufactured in a gluten-free, dairy-free, and peanut-free facility.

Koochikoo lollipops

We tried all of the flavors, and they are all super yummy.  They are sweet and tart, and will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Here is k enjoying a Koochikoo Lollipop as an after-school treat.

This is n enjoying one of the lollipops while doing his homework.  And yes, sometimes he does his homework on the floor!

These lollipops are such a great alternative to the sugar-laden, artificial flavored candy that is handed out to kids during this time of year.  Koochikoo Lollipops can be purchased on Amazon.  Use Amazon promo code “lollipower” for a 10% discount. (Code is good through the end of October.)

I am also excited to announce a giveaway for my readers for three of the 20 ct. canisters of Koochikoo Lollipops, (60 lollipops in all!)

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Reviews, Sponsored

New Natural Products: #NewHopeBloggerBox

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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 quarterly arrival of the New Hope Blogger Box is something to which I look forward to now.  It is always filled with new and interesting products that could potentially benefit my family.  This quarter’s box was no exception.  Here are the products that were included, along with some of our thoughts regarding some of them.

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