Olivida: Outstanding Organic Olive Oil Soap

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

Did you know that olive oil has natural anti-bacterial qualities and has been used to make soap for thousands of years? Olivida Soap makes a wide variety of pure castile virgin olive oil soaps from olives grown in the Mediterranean region. I recently had the privilege to try out Olivida’s full line of liquid soaps, bar soaps, and shampoo & conditioner bars. What I found is that in addition to having effective cleaning power, Olivida soaps also add a little luxury to your everyday life.

Olivida Castile Liquid Soap

Olivida Liquid Soaps come in the following scents:

First of all, I adore the simple and elegant packaging. These bottles would look quite attractive sitting at your kitchen or bathroom sink. In addition, each bottle weighs in at a substantial 17 fl. oz, so it will last you a while.

While I enjoyed all of the scents, the Pomegranate is my favorite. The light fruity scent is unique and fun. (Hint: both the Pomegranate and Rose scents would make a pretty and thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift.) The Jasmine and Olive Oil liquid soaps remind me of visiting a spa, even if it is just for the minute spent washing my hands. All of the soaps feel moisturizing and did not leave my hands feeling stripped of moisture as some soaps do.

Olivida Soap Bars

For those of you who are fans of bar soaps, Olivida has plenty to choose from:

  • Pomegranate: antioxidant properties (reverses signs of aging)
  • Lemon: beneficial for oily skin (brightens skin)
  • Dead Sea Mud: gives skin strength, flexibility and purity (deep cleans pores)
  • Lavender: softening and balancing (recommended for youth acne and eczema)
  • Aloe Vera: soothing (treats psoriasis and eczema)
  • Tea Tree: invigorating (helps treat youth acne)
  • Olive Oil: moisturizing (good for psoriasis and eczema)

I had my son try the soaps that help treat eczema, since he still experiences flare-ups from time to time. Olivida Soap left his skin feeling more nourished and less-irritated. I personally enjoyed using the Dead Sea Mud bar in the shower. My skin felt so refreshed and rejuvenated afterward.

Although each formulation offers different benefits specific to its ingredients, Olivida Soaps are all certified organic, cruelty-free, vegan, and contain no artificial fragrances, parabens or palm oils.

Olivida Shampoo & Conditioner Bars

Finally, Olivida also offers two types of Shampoo & Conditioner Bars:

It seems like I have been hearing about the benefits of using shampoo bars a lot lately. However, my personal experience with actually using them is limited. I know that shampoo bars are more eco-friendly, but I was eager to see what they would do for my hair as well.

The Olivida Shampoo & Conditioner bars left my hair and scalp feeling clean and healthy. The scent was light and not over-powering. It felt good to use a product for my hair that contains all-natural ingredients. Again, Olivida managed to provide me with a brief spa-like respite during an otherwise routine shower.

Where To Purchase Olivida Soap

Olivida Soap products are available for purchase through their online store.

Olivida Soap Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for chance to win your choice of one bottle of Olivida Liquid Soap or four Olivida Bar Soaps!

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Spice Up Your Day With Chakra Spiced Coffee

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

Enjoying a hot cup of coffee is something I look forward to almost every day. Therefore, when Chakra Spiced Coffee offered to send samples of their sustainable, single-origin coffee blended with spices, I could not wait to try them.

Chakra Spiced Coffee is available in three unique blends:

  • California Chai: Cloves, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Black Pepper, Star Anise
  • Bali Spice: Cardamom, Turmeric, Ginger
  • Moroccan Seven: Ginger, Cardamom, Nutmeg, Cloves, Turmeric, Cinnamon, Black Pepper

Spices have long been used to add flavor, but they also have many health benefits as well. (Read more about these benefits here). Since many people already consume coffee regularly, Chakra Spiced Coffee is a natural way to consume more of the superfood spices that support the brain, immunity, and digestion.

I tried out the California Chai flavor in our French Press, as suggested on the side of the bag. (This coffee can also be brewed in a Chemex or regular coffee pot). As soon as I opened the bag, I knew I was in for a treat. The aroma of the fresh coffee grounds, combined with the spices, was intoxicating. If you are a fan of both coffee and chai, this blend is for you.

The recommended ratio is 2.5 tablespoon of coffee grounds to 8 oz. of water. This resulted in a strong, rich cup of coffee. I shared a mug with my husband as an afternoon pick-me-up. He too enjoyed the added flavor that the spices provide.

Kickstart your brain with coffee + a jigsaw puzzle!

Another added bonus is that Chakra Spiced Coffee donates five percent of net proceeds of each bag sold to organizations that spread awareness and recovery for mental health. With mental health issues affecting an estimated 450 million people worldwide, this is an important cause to support.

Where To Purchase Chakra Spiced Coffee

Chakra Spiced Coffee is available for purchase through their online store.

Chakra Spiced Coffee Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win two packages of Chakra Spiced Coffee!

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Flipping Over Flippoly

A few weeks ago we had breakfast for dinner, as I wanted to try the breakfast sandwiches at Flippoly. I believe their first location was in Buena Park at The Source (another place I have on my to-visit list). However, we visited the less-glamorous, but closer outpost in Irvine.

All four of us ordered the same sandwich, something that we do not typically do: the Bulgogi BBQ. It tastes just as good as it looks!

According to the signage, this hefty sandwich contains Bulgogi BBQ (beef), Grilled Scrambled Egg, House Sauce, Brioche Loaf, Cheddar Cheese, and Parsley. Each component is well-executed: the bread is lightly toasted and cut into a nifty pocket, and scrambled eggs are fluffy, the creamy sauce has the slightest kick and the bulgogi beef just raises this breakfast sandwich to the next level.

I thought it was a good deal for $6.99. I was not able to finish mine, so I saved some for breakfast the next day. Surprisingly, it held up really well after a quick zap in the microwave!

They also offer an array of drinks (include dalgona coffee) and soft serve ice cream. D was curious about the black sea salt flavor so he asked the cashier what it tasted like. She graciously offered him a sample:

It is not very photogenic, but tasted pretty good-kind of caramel-y? I am still not sure why it is black since sea salt by itself is not black. Is it black sesame or the trendy charcoal?

It was not too crowded when we went (around 5 p.m. on a Sunday) but I heard there can be lines at more popular times during the day. Check this place out if you are in the area!

Flippoly

14001 Jeffrey Road

Irvine, CA 92620

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The Costco Puzzle From Costco

This 1,000 piece Dowdle Costco Puzzle at Costco was so fun to work on during our winter break. I originally bought one as part of a white elephant gift for a holiday party my son attended. However, a couple of weeks later I saw the puzzle on sale for $7.99 and could not resist putting it in my cart for us to do as a family.

As you can see, the amount of detail in this puzzle is incredible. From the Kirkland chewy granola bars to the mega rolls of toilet paper, this puzzle includes many of the products that we regularly buy from Costco.

The giant hot dogs and slices of pizza that the people are chowing down on are too funny. I think we will one day look back at this puzzle and marvel at the cheap (but currently accurate) prices of the food court. Did anyone else put this Costco puzzle together?

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Happy? New Year: 2022

We just finished our first week back to work and school and everything seems in flux again. Thanks, Omicron. D cancelled his trip to Vegas, where he was supposed to attend CES. k’s basketball games were “postponed” to who knows when? 1/3 of n’s core class was absent on Friday. I registered for ExpoWest in March, but I do not have high hopes for it actually happening in person.

However, one thing I do want to keep a positive outlook about is this blog. I took a little much-needed break last month and now I feel like I have some renewed blogging energy!

During the height of COVID I began a routine of taking walks while listening to podcasts. This continues to be one of my favorite parts of the day. Here are some photos I took between the rainstorms we received between Christmas and Jan. 1.

My favorite podcasts are Happier with Gretchen Rubin and Inside Trader Joe’s. Let me know your favorite podcasts in the comments!

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What I Read & Watched in 2021

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 my opinion, the library is one of the best inventions of all time. I am always searching for books to read (both for me and my kids). We also like to watch family-friendly movies and shows together. Please leave any suggestions in the comments!

See my current ongoing list for 2022 here, also accessible under the Read/Watch tab at the top of the blog. Here is a partial list of what I read and watched this past year:

READING

Autobiographies/Memoirs

Mastering the Art of French Eating: From Paris Bistros to Farmhouse Kitchens, Lessons in Food and Love, by Ann Mah

Lassoing The Sun: A Year In America’s National Parks, by Mark Woods

I Left My Homework In The Hamptons: What I Learned Teaching The Children Of The 1%, by Blythe N. Grossberg.

Save Me The Plums: My Gourmet Memoir, by Ruth Reichl

I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness, by Austin Channing Brown

The Magnolia Story, by Chip & Joanna Gaines (Audiobook)

Becoming Michelle Obama, by Michelle Obama (Audiobook)

Cookbooks

Smitten Kitchen Every Day: Triumphant and Unfussy New Favorites, by Deb Perelman

Sister Pie: The Recipes and Stories of a Big-Hearted Bakery in Detroit, by Lisa Ludwinski

The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook: Recipes and Wisdom from an Obsessive Home Cook, by Deb Perelman

Magnolia Table, Vol. 2, by Joanna Gaines

Harumi’s Japanese Home Cooking: Simple, Elegant Recipes for Contemporary Tastes, by Harumi Kurihara

The Gaijin Cookbook: Japanese Recipes from a Chef, Father, Eater, and Lifelong Outsider, by Ivan Orkin & Chris Ying

Theo Chocolate: Recipes & Sweet Secrets From Seattle’s Favorite Chocolate Maker, by Debra Music & Joe Whinney

Healthy Eats With Six Sisters Stuff: 101+ Delicious Recipes and Tips for a Healthy Family, by Six Sisters Stuff

Big Food Big Love: Down-Home Southern Cooking Full of Heart from Seattle’s Wandering Goose, by Heather L. Earnhardt

Crafting

Kawaii Crochet, by Melissa Bradley

Kawaii Craft Life, by Sosae Caetano

Drawing

How To Draw Cute Stuff, by Angela Nguyen

Gardening

Grow Food At Home: Simple Methods for Small Spaces, by John Tullock

Misc.

World of Glass: The Art of Dale Chihuly, by Harry N. Abrams

Novels

A Man Called Ove: A Novel, by Fredrik Backman

Where’d You Go, Bernadette: A Novel, by Maria Semple

Picture Books

We Are The Gardeners, by Joanna Gaines

Self-Improvement Books

Project 333: The Minimalist Fashion Challenge That Proves Less Really is So Much More, by Courtney Carver

The Lazy Genius Way: Embrace What Matters, Ditch What Doesn’t, and Get Stuff Done, by Kendra Adachi

The Clutter-Free Home: Making Room For Your Life, by Kathi Lipp

Cozy: The Art of Arranging Yourself In The World, by Isabel Gillies

Joy At Work: Organizing Your Professional Life, by Marie Kondo

The Power of Small: Why Little Things Make All the Difference, by Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval

The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox, by Katie Wells

Didn’t See That Coming: Putting Life Back Together When Your World Falls Apart, by Rachel Hollis

L’art de la Simplicité: How to Live More with Less, by Dominique Loreau

The Big Book of Less: Finding Joy in Living Lighter (Flow), by Irene Smit

Travel

Pacific Coasting: A Guide to the Ultimate Road Trip, from Southern California to the Pacific Northwest, Danielle Kroll

YA

All Four Stars, by Tara Dairman

Frazzled #3: Minor Incidents and Absolute Uncertainties, by Booki Vivat

Frazzled #2: Ordinary Mishaps and Inevitable Castastrophes, by Booki Vivat

Frazzled: Everyday Disasters and Impending Doom, by Booki Vivat

A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, by Laura Taylor Narney

WATCHING

Movies

The Big Year

Crazy Rich Asians

Luca

Father of the Bride

The Mitchells vs. The Machines (Netflix)

A Week Away (Netflix)

Back of the Net

In The Heights

Raya and The Last Dragon

Hidden Figures

You’ve Got Mail

A Plastic Ocean

I Am Greta

Dora and the Lost City of Gold

Where’d You Go Bernadette?

I Am David

Television

Big Shot (Disney+)

The Flay List

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Year-Round Gift Ideas

Disclosure: I received samples in partnership with Horizon Group USA. 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 holidays may be over, but it is a good to keep a running list of ideas for gift-giving occasions throughout the year. Horizon Group offers a wide range of toys that encourage discovery, exploration and creativity.

Slimy Sand Aqua Splash

Slimy Sand Aqua Splash is a mash-up between kinetic sand and slime. This slimy sand is for play both in and out of water. Kids will love being able to make their own creations using molds, or just their hands. The possibilities really are endless. This small tub holds 1.5 pounds of slimy sand and will provide hours of fun. The recommended age is 3+.

You’niverse Cosmetic Colorist

This You’niverse Cosmetic Colorist set is another toy that would be great for kids that like to create. This kit allows kids to set up their own cosmetic lab and make a cute eyeshadow palette. While I do not think young children should be wearing makeup on an everyday basis, it is fun to use cosmetics for dress-up and pretend play. The Cosmetic Colorist provides the ingredients necessary to make fifteen different color combinations. This set is recommended for ages 6+.

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Sing 2 Is Sensational!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Universal Pictures.

I have fond memories of the first Sing movie because we took a group of my daughter’s friends to watch it in the theater for her birthday. I cannot believe that was in 2016, five years ago! Now we can look forward to Sing 2 coming out soon, on December 22.


This holiday season, the new chapter in Illumination’s smash animated franchise arrives with big dreams and spectacular hit songs as the ever-optimistic koala, Buster Moon, and his all-star cast of performers prepare to launch their most dazzling stage extravaganza yet …all in the glittering entertainment capital of the world. There’s just one hitch: They first have to persuade the world’s most reclusive rock star—played by global music icon Bono, in his animated film debut—to join them. Rated PG

Watch The Sing 2 Trailer

The animation in Sing 2 is spectacular. I know that animation technology keeps improving, but it is difficult to imagine how it can become any more life-like. Everything from the massive crowd scenes to the minute facial expressions of the characters really blew me away.

As a U2/Bono fan, his participation in Sing 2 is especially exciting for me. In fact, it is kind of amazing how much star power there is behind all of the animated characters in this movie. The cast, coupled with the amazing soundtrack make for a must-see theatrical experience.

Buy Tickets To See Sing 2 Now!

Purchase tickets to see Sing 2, starting December 22. This would be a wonderful movie to watch with the family during the holiday break.

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American Underdog: An Inspirational, Uplifting Story

Disclosure: Many thanks to Kingdom Story Company for providing this product/product information for review.  Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive the product in exchange for this review and post.

American Underdog is an inspirational movie biopic about quarterback Kurt Warner that is coming to theaters everywhere on December 25th.

American Underdog Synopsis

American Underdog tells the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi from Shazam), who went from a stockboy at a grocery store to a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback. The film centers on Warner’s unique story and years of challenges and setbacks that could have derailed his aspirations to become an NFL player – but just when his dreams seemed all but out of reach, it is only with the support of his wife, Brenda (Anna Paquin) and the encouragement of his family, coaches, and teammates that Warner perseveres and finds the strength to show the world the champion that he already is. American Underdog is an uplifting story that demonstrates that anything is possible when you have faith, family and determination.

My Review

Before I watched American Underdog, the only thing I could tell you about Kurt Warner was that he was a quarterback. However, I am a fan of feel-good movies that revolve around sports, so I wanted to see what this movie was all about. My husband knew some of the background of Warner’s story, so we watched the movie together. Warner’s character in the movie is instantly likable. He has both charm and determination, which helps him meet the woman who eventually becomes his wife. Warner’s life revolves around football because it is the only thing he feels he is good at. When his football dreams are squashed, he has nothing left. He and his wife experience several setbacks that seem like they could only happen in a movie. The fact that these events are based on Warner’s actual life make the movie all the more compelling. There were several points in the movie where I could feel the emotional pain and desperation of the characters. Witnessing Warner and his family triumph over all of their obstacles is truly inspirational, and his underdog story is definitely one to cheer for.

Purchase Tickets Now For American Underdog

Buy tickets now for American Underdog, in theaters everywhere Christmas Day!

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A Card Game For Everyone: Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

Disclosure: I received samples 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 searching for an easy, fast-paced game that everyone can play, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is your answer. This card game is simple to learn and is sure to provide lots of laughs. I have been hearing rave reviews about this game on podcasts and reading about it all over the internet. Have you come across this game with the funny name?

Dolphin Hat Games sent us four of their card games to review:

We played the original Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza card game for the first time during a recent camping trip. I immediately fell in love with the cute illustrations. How can you not have fun playing a game that features smiley tacos?

After playing a couple of rounds, I realized that my kids have faster reflexes than I do! Since the game involves racing to slap the card in the middle, be sure to cut your fingernails short before playing (once you play, you’ll understand). The expansion pack makes the game even more interesting since there are more characters and actions to keep track of.

The Halloween edition features the Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese and Pizza dressed up in Halloween costumes.

The Christmas version is also extremely adorable. It would make a terrific stocking stuffer for all ages. My fourteen year old daughter said it was the type of game she would have fun playing with her friends.

Where To Purchase Dolphin Hat Games

Dolphin Hat card games are available through their online store, as well as Amazon, Target, and other major retailers.

Dolphin Hat Games Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win the four Dolphin Hat Games featured in this post.

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