Reviews, Sponsored

Big Easy Tepache Organic Soda Makes Drinking Probiotics Easy

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Disclosure: I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. This post may contain affiliate links.

Is there anything more refreshing than a carbonated beverage on a hot and sticky day? Thanks to Moms Meet, my family had the opportunity to try Big Easy Tepache, a pineapple-based, fermented carbonated drink with probiotic cultures. Big Easy Tepache will not only quench your thirst, but it also offers nutritional benefits.

Like kombucha, Big Easy Tepache contains prebiotics and probiotics to support gut health and your immune system. However, my family found these drinks to be more palatable than kombucha or apple cider vinegar drinks. I think this is due to the fact that Big Easy Tepache is pineapple-based and the flavors are more fruit-forward. Check out all of their delicious-sounding flavors:

  • Original
  • Mango Mandarin
  • Prickly Pear Lime
  • Strawberry Hibiscus


Big Easy Tepache is vegan, gluten free, and naturally fermented. Each can contains 45 calories, an impressive seven grams of plant-based fiber, billions of live probiotic cultures, and zero added sugar. I also feel good knowing that these sodas contain no added colors, preservatives, or HFCS.

Where To Purchase Big Easy Tepache

Big Easy Tepache is available to purchase at Publix and Harmons, and is now available at amazon.com. To find a store near you, visit drinkbigeasy.com/pages/find-a-retailer.

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Crafts, Reviews, Sponsored

Have An Artsy Summer With Horizon Group Arts and Crafts #HGUHappyMail

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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.

As a child, some of my favorite summer activities involved arts and crafts. My love for creating things carries on today, although I do not always make the time for it. Looking back, those carefree summer days were the perfect time to express my budding creativity. Therefore, I am excited to share these Horizon Group art kits. They are a great way to spark a child’s imagination!

Bluey Paint Your Own Light Up Figurine

This painting kit would be super cool for Bluey fans. This paintable figurine features color-changing LED lights. It is nice how everything that you need is included in this kit, such as twelve colors of paint and a paintbrush.

Pop & Color Activity Sketchbook

The popping toy craze seems to continue, so I am sure kids will be excited about the smiley face one that comes with this kit.

The bright and colorful stickers are also a fun addition to this sketchbook. I have always loved stickers, and still do, in fact!

This would be a great activity book to pack for a road trip or plane trip.

Sand Dough Handprint Stone

Now that my son’s hands are bigger than my own, I can only wish I had captured his tiny hands in stone when he was younger. This handprint stone looks very easy to make, as it only needs to be air-dried. Being able to paint and customize the stone makes it an even more personal and precious keepsake.

Where to Purchase Horizon Group USA STEM and Art Kits

Horizon Group USA makes many different STEM and Art kits that are both educational and fun. Check out more of their offerings at their Amazon store here.

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Giveaways, Movies, Sponsored

Watch The Case For Heaven On Pure Flix

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Disclosure: Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% 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.

Have you ever wondered what happens to us after we die? This is a question that people have been wondering about for years, probably since the beginning of time. Renowned Christian author Lee Strobel presents his answer in The Case for Heaven, a new documentary streaming on Pure Flix.

I had the opportunity to watch a preview of The Case For Heaven and found it to be both fascinating and though-provoking. The movie, based on Strobel’s book, The Case For Heaven, features several first person accounts from people who have had near-death experiences. Their stories provide a glimpse of what happens once the physical body “dies”. There are also interviews with Francis Chan and the late Luis Palau, both of whom provide interesting perspectives on heaven.

The Case For Heaven will definitely make you think more deeply about what you believe happens in the afterlife and how that belief affects your present life. Watch The Case for Heaven on Pure Flix starting July 15, 2022!

Pure Flix Giveaway

Enter a giveaway for a chance to win a three month subscription to Pure Flix streaming service.

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Food, Reviews, Sponsored

Discover New Korean Treats With Seoulbox

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

It seems like Korean culture has been receiving a lot of attention lately, and there is actually a name for this phenomenon: Hallyu Wave or Korean Wave. My daughter and I like to watch Korean dramas (my favorites are Start-Up and Crash Landing On You). In addition, everyone in our family enjoys eating Korean food. Therefore, when I heard about Seoulbox, I was intrigued.

Seoulbox is a subscription box that delivers samples of Korean culture straight to your door.

What Is Inside A Seoulbox?

The contents vary each month, but this is what I received in my Seoulbox:

I found the booklet that came inside the Seoulbox to be both helpful and interesting in deciphering the contents of the box. The booklet also contains a lot of fun facts about Korean pop culture.

Drinks

  • KANU Mild Roast Americano Coffee: I am a fan of Korean instant coffee, but it has been a while since I drank it. These little packets are quite convenient.
  • Vita 500: After doing a little internet research, it appears this drink is apple juice-based, with added Vitamin C. The small bottle is cute and the promise of energy is appealing.

Savory Snacks

  • Tteokbokki Snack (pictured): It is interesting to see these spicy rice cakes in snack form. They are described as “sweet, spicy and savory”. The package features a cute chili pepper that says “So hot!!” These bite-size snacks have a kick at the end.
  • Simtong Potato Chips: These chips are flavored with Gochujang (Korean chili paste), which I think is delicious. I would not be surprised to see more American snacks adopting this flavor profile.
  • Hosigi Soysauce Chicken Snack: Have you had KFC, Korean Fried Chicken, that is? Apparently Hosigi is a well-known Korean fried chicken chain, and these crunchy snacks are based on their soy sauce fried chicken. Even though it is just a sample, this bag is big enough to share. My son and husband gave this snack a thumbs up.

Meal Time

  • Baek (White) Myun: This packet of instant ramen has a seafood and beef-based broth that is a little spicy. I am looking forward to trying this one.

Goodies

  • BTS Boy With Luv Hand Towel: This would be a lovely surprise for any BTS fan. The towel is a nice size and has a plush feel. My daughter gave this to her friend who is a BTS superfan and she was thrilled.
  • Tangerine Wash-Off Mask: Koreans are known for taking care of their skin, so I like that this Seoulbox included skincare products. This mask comes in powder form, which you mix with a little water to make a paste. I tried it, and my skin felt smoother!
  • Cure: the First Solution Aloe Mask: I had my daughter try this mask after she had a long day at the beach. She said it felt hydrating and soothing.

Sweet Snacks/Treats

  • Vita500 Jelly: This is the Vita500 drink in jelly form. The booklet mentions that Vita500 is often seen in Korean dramas, so I guess I will have to keep my eye out for it.
  • Chocopie Banana: This was one of the few snacks that I was already familiar with. I had never tried the banana flavor before, though. I find it interesting that banana seems to be a popular flavor of sweets in Korea. Chocolate, banana and marshmallow sounds like an appealing combination to me!
  • Franzzi Chocolate Yogurt Cookie: This snack features sandy cookies with yogurt cream, which sounds yummy.
  • Dalgona Potato Chips: Dalgona became popular in America due to Squid Game, but this is the potato chip version.
  • Green Tea Crepes Snack: I seem to like anything flavored with Green Tea, so I am sure this will be my cup of tea!
  • Kopiko Coffee Candy: I have tried this coffee candy before-it has a true coffee flavor.
  • Yuja Cheesecake: Yuja is like a sweet lemon and I had not heard of it before. I am looking forward to trying this one.
  • Chewy Bungeo-ppang: This is described as a fish-shaped snack with cream filling, so I am wondering if it is like Taiyaki (a Japanese fish-shaped snack).

How to Purchase a Seoulbox

You can purchase a Seoulbox subscription (or just one box at a time!) through the Seoulbox website.

Signature Seoulbox Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a Signature Seoulbox! (Please note, you must both follow Seoulbox on Twitter and subscribe to their newsletter in order to be eligible to win.)

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Vacation

A Walking Tour of the National Monuments in Washington D.C.

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After exploring the National Museum of American History, our next stop was lunch. We ate at District Taco, which received reviews of “ok” to “pretty good” from the members of our family.

I believe we ordered one chicken burrito, carne asada nachos, and two fish tacos for the four of us.

White House

The next stop on our walking tour was 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, aka The White House. Unfortunately, tours are still not being given, so we had to settle with this obstructed view through an understandably tall fence.

It does not appear that taxpayer money is being spent on lawn upkeep.

World War II Memorial

Water was also nowhere to be seen at the World War II Memorial. I am sure it is much more spectacular when the central fountain is running.

Lincoln Memorial

Our next stop was the larger-than-life Lincoln Memorial.

It was amazing to see this magnificent statue up close.

Although there were a good number of people milling around, we were able to stand in a short line to take some pictures without anyone else in the frame. It was also nice and cool (because of the marble?) so we took a short rest inside.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

I know the design of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was controversial, but I think it does a nice job honoring those who sacrificed their lives.

Korean War Veterans Memorial

I found the Korean War Veterans Memorial to have an eerie vibe.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

This was the first time any of us had seen the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. I like the inspiring inscription: “Out of the Mountain of Despair, a Stone of Hope”

This is how the cherry blossom buds looked on the day we arrived.

I hope the kids will remember seeing all of these significant monuments for years to come!

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Food, Reviews

Trying Trader Joe’s: Ube Mochi Waffles

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Scanning the aisles for new and/or limited time items at Trader Joe’s is always fun. I have been reading the Trader Joe’s Frequent Flyer since I was a kid, before I was ever in charge of grocery shopping for a household. My son and I enjoy also listening to the podcast Inside Trader Joe’s, which often inspires me to look for new products.

Today I am sharing our thoughts about Trader Joe’s Ube Mochi Pancake & Waffle Mix. This seasonal item has appeared on shelves during the late spring for the past couple of years. I am not sure about the reason behind the timing; I don’t believe ube (purple yam that is popular in the Philippines) is seasonal,, but I could be wrong.

First of all, I am a fan of the cheery packaging and bubble letter font. This would make a nice addition to a breakfast-themed gift basket.

Clear directions on the back of the box.

Nutritional facts and ingredients for those who care…

I poured the mix into the mixing bowls and added water, eggs and oil (butter can also be used instead). Interestingly, the ratios are the same for making pancakes or waffles. Given a choice, I usually choose to make waffles because they I find them to be less finicky and I adore crisp edges.

After quick whisk, the batter turns into a pretty purple color, presumably from the purple yam puree and vegetable juice.

The aroma of these waffles wafted through our home and brought my teenage kids downstairs for a lazy Saturday breakfast.

As you can see, the waffles had a nice golden exterior, with a light purplish hue on the inside. Everyone in my family enjoyed these Ube Mochi waffles. The ube flavor was present, but subtle. My favorite aspect of these waffles was the chewy consistency thanks to the sweet rice flour. Hats off to Trader Joe’s for once again allowing us to take an international culinary journey while still wearing our pajamas.

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Vacation

Our First Stop in DC: National Museum of American History

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I scheduled us to visit the Smithsonian National Museum of American History as one of our first stops because it was one of the few museums that was open on Tuesdays (at least at the time).

As soon as you walk in, the first must-see exhibit features THE Star-Spangled Banner. No photos are allowed, but take our word for it that this huge flag is impressive.

Industrial Revolution

The exhibits are set up to be a walk-thru of American history, although we did not always find ourselves looking at everything in chronological order.

This picture of a U.S. Customs uniform is for my dad.

Did my mom used to have one of these yogurt machines, or was it just my imagination?

This touch-sensitive wall lets you leave your mark, at least temporarily.

The Greensboro Lunch Counter Exhibit was a powerful reminder of America’s history of racial segregation. (We watched the short documentary film from these comfy chairs).

Dorothy’s iconic ruby slippers have their own separate wing in the museum.

The ruby slippers don’t actually look too glamorous up close, but they are still neat to see in person.

Can you imagine riding this bicycle around town?

I was excited to see my beloved Fisher Price Little People house on display. I used to love the ringing doorbell and rearranging the furniture.

This miniature dollhouse was fun to look at-so many details!

A replica of Julia Child’s kitchen is a main attraction in the FOOD: Transforming the American Table exhibit.

I ended up watching the 2021 Julia documentary on the plane ride home. Julia Child was quite a fascinating character in American history.

There was a small room that honored the birth of jazz. As a former jazz trombonist, I had to stop and take a picture.

This old school computer reminded me of the computers we used at my elementary school. It was fun to walk down memory lane!

n tried his hand at spinning, which was pretty cool.

I really enjoyed the National Museum of American History because we do not really have anything like it here in Southern California. If you are in DC, I would highly recommend making this one of your stops!

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Food, Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Going Wild For Wild Planet Foods Sustainable Seafood

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

I have been trying to increase our family’s intake of DHA Omega‑3s, which are linked to reduced inflammation, improved blood flow as well as optimized heart and brain health. Therefore, I was excited to learn more about Wild Planet Foods, which specializes in canned seafood that cares about the planet. Read more about their commitment to sustainable fishing practices here.

Wild Planet Albacore Wild Tuna

When I opened my first can of Wild Planet Albacore Wild Tuna, I could immediately tell a difference between Wild Planet and other brands of canned tuna. The directions say not to drain it, because the tuna is only packed with the natural juices from the tuna itself (no extra water or oil is added).

My son made a quick tuna salad for a picnic lunch by simply adding some olive oil-based mayo and relish to the Wild Planet Albacore Wild Tuna.

I remember my mom making tuna salad sandwiches for dinner on the days we had piano lessons because there was no time to cook! Having some cans of Wild Planet tuna ready to go in your pantry can definitely be a timesaver.

Wild Planet Skipjack Wild Tuna

One of my kids’ favorite snacks is onigiri, which are Japanese rice balls with filling. We recently bought tuna and salmon onigiri from a grocery store in Little Tokyo, so I thought why not make them at home?

I mixed a can of Wild Planet Skipjack Wild Tuna with a tablespoon of mayo and a couple of squirts of sriracha.

Using my onigiri mold (this can also be done with your hands), I scooped in some rice, layered some of the tuna mixture and topped it with more rice. The mold helps you achieve the perfect traditional triangle shape.

Serve with some sheets of nori (seaweed) for a quick and easy snack! One can of Wild Planet Skipjack Wild Tuna and two cups of rice (before cooking) was enough to make eight onigiri.

Wild Planet Tuna Ready-To-Eat Meals

Wild Planet also sent me a few of their Wild Tuna Ready-To-Eat Meals. These meals are perfect for eating on the go because they do not require any refrigeration, heating, cooking or additional preparation. They would be perfect for my son and husband to pack for their next Boy Scout camping trip.

The Wild Planet Ready-To-Eat Meals come in three flavors:

  • Wild Tuna Pasta Salad
  • Wild Tuna White Bean Salad
  • Wild Tuna, Bean & Corn Salad

I brought the Wild Tuna Pasta Salad along on our picnic. The chunks of tuna were sizable and the flavors from the tomatoes, red peppers, olives and pasta melded well together. It was surprisingly filling!

Where To Purchase Wild Planet Foods

Wild Planet Foods are available online, Sprouts, Ralphs, and a store near you. I have also been stocking up on cans of Wild Planet tuna at my local Costco!

Wild Planet Foods Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win an assortment of Wild Planet Foods!

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Reviews, Sponsored

Summertime Fun With Horizon Group USA STEM and Art Kits

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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.

Summer vacation means more time at home with the kids, which means more time for hands-on activities. Horizon Group offers a wide variety of STEM and art kits that will inspire hours of play.

Nature Adventure Kit

This Nature Adventure Pack contains a lot of neat tools that young scientists can use to explore the outdoors.

The mini hard plastic backpack contains the materials for 14+ different activities, including creating bug mobiles, bug houses, scavenger hunts, and an animal tracks memory game. This toy is perfect for budding biologists or entomologists and is recommended for ages 4+.

Made By Me Explore + Create Sensory Bin

Full disclosure: I am usually not a fan of toys that create a lot of mess. My kids had very limited access to slime when it was a trend. I was never even a fan of Play-Doh! (Does that make me an un-fun mom?) However, this Made By Me Explore + Create Sensory Bin was a pleasant surprise. The “sand” is a natural color Aqua Splash sand that is stretchable and moldable. It does not smell and stays nicely contained in the high-quality storage case.

I tested it outside (just to be safe) and I can see why it received rave reviews on Amazon. It is easy and satisfying to mold the Aqua Splash sand into the different shapes. The kit also comes with cool-looking expanding water beads, which can be reused over and over again. This kit is recommended for ages 3+.

Donut Worries Positivity Jewelry

This Donut Worries Positivity Jewelry kit is positively adorable. If you know any crafty kids, they will be into this line of Just My Style toys. This particular kit is recommended for ages 6+. As someone who worked in a second grade classroom, I can attest to the popularity of this type of activity.

Each \kit contains enough components to make three bracelets. I like that the donut carrying case can be used as a key chain when you’re done making the bracelets as well.

I think these bracelets turned out pretty cute! They are a good reminder for kids to stay positive and shine their light to the world.

Where to Purchase Horizon Group USA STEM and Art Kits

Horizon Group USA makes many different STEM and Art kits that are both educational and fun. Check out more of their offerings at their Amazon store here.

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Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Make Summer Memories With Classic Wham-O Toys

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

Summer break is just a couple of days away for us, and that means more free time to spend outdoors. In addition to board games, Winning Moves offers Classic Wham-O Toys that provide hours of outdoor entertainment.

Classic Wham-O Hacky Sack

Back when D and I were in college in the 90’s, we remember certain people playing with a hacky sack everyday in the quad. I am not sure if they were students, as they seemed to have an awfully large amount of free time. Maybe the hacky sack was just their preferred method of stress relief?

My son the soccer player is a natural with the hacky sack since he practices juggling a soccer ball with his feet.

D wanted to try it out as well. The appeal of the hacky sack has officially lasted multiple decades. According to the package, it has been around since the 1970’s and is “a great way to improve your motor control, coordination, strength and balance”.

Classic Wham-O Superball

An even older classic Wham-O toy is the Superball, which first came out in the 1960’s. This bouncy ball contains 50,000 pounds of compressed energy.

This Superball definitely has impressive bouncing capability. Kids will have fun seeing how high they can bounce it!

@limbylim

♬ NOTHING – Westover

Classic Wham-O Frisbee

A high-quality frisbee is a fun toy to have around, whether you are playing at a park, a beach, or anywhere with wide open space.

The retro design of the Classic Wham-O Frisbee is cool and simple. This Frisbee has a 141 gram weight that is ideal for throwing and catching. The cheap freebie flying discs do not compare.

Have you mastered the different Frisbee throwing techniques? Curve It, Overhand It, Sidearm It, Skip It and Backhand It?

Where to Purchase Winning Moves Classic Wham-O Toys

Winning Moves games and toys are available on their website, Amazon and other retailers near you.

Winning Moves Classic Wham-O Toys Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a Classic Wham-O Hacky Sack, Superball and Frisbee!

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