Going Wild For Wild Planet Foods Sustainable Seafood

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

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Make Summer Memories With Classic Wham-O Toys

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 websiteAmazon and other retailers near you.

Winning Moves Classic Wham-O Toys Giveaway

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Pop Daddy Pretzels and Popcorn Pack A Punch

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

One of my favorite finds from Expo West 2022 was Pop Daddy Snacks. Their boldly flavored pretzels and popcorn are highly snackable (and difficult to stop eating!). Their motto is “Bold Snacks made with Big Heart,” and this care is evident in the quality of their products.

Pop Daddy Pretzels

Pretzels are one of my favorite snacks in the salty category. However, Pop Daddy really elevates the pretzel experience with their innovative and delicious flavors.

Pop Daddy pretzels are available in the following flavors:

  • Yellow Mustard
  • Dill Pickle
  • Cinnamon Sugar
  • Garlic Parmesan
  • Perrin Beer Cheese
  • Hot Sauce
  • Peppercorn Ranch
  • Smoked Gouda
  • Maple & Brown Butter

That’s quite a lineup, right? When I was at their booth at Expo West, I had a difficult time choosing which flavors to sample since they all sounded so good. Pop Daddy uses natural ingredients and each flavor really comes through with their pretzels. Each individual pretzel is coated with just the right amount of seasoning, which results in a craveable and crunchy snack.

This guy gives the Pop Daddy Garlic Parmesan pretzels his seal of approval!

Pop Daddy Popcorn

As its name would suggest, Pop Daddy’s original product was popcorn. The founder wanted to make a healthier alternative to microwave popcorn which can contain questionable chemicals and artificial flavors. Pop Daddy popcorn uses pure olive oil and natural ingredients, so you do not have to feel guilty about munching away. Pop Daddy popcorn is available in the following flavors:

  • Original
  • Kettle
  • Butter
  • White Cheddar
  • Dill Pickle
  • Chipotle BBQ
  • Hot Sauce
  • Black Pepper
  • Smoked Gouda
  • Garlic

Pop Daddy uses non-GMO kernels grown on family farms in Michigan and Indiana. As soon as I opened the bag I immediately noticed that each piece of popcorn is fluffy and tender. It turns out that Pop Daddy uses a special type of popcorn with little hull, so there is less of the often annoying hard part of the kernel. Just as with their pretzels, Pop Daddy popcorn’s flavors are bold and addictive!

Where To Purchase Pop Daddy Snacks

Pop Daddy Snacks are available for purchase through their online store or at a store near you.

Pop Daddy Snacks Giveaway

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Snack Better With Brave Good Kind Tender Chicken Bites

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

My son is starting to have a growth spurt and it seems like he is constantly on the search for something to eat. The challenge for me is to find non-junky snacks that will help fill him up. At Expo West I found a delicious snack for him with natural ingredients: Brave Good Kind Tender Chicken Bites.

When I first heard about these chicken bites, I was a little skeptical. While I am a fan of beef jerky, I have never tried a chicken version. However, we found these Tender Chicken Bites to be quite tasty. They really are tender, unlike many other types of tough jerky that can be difficult to chew. Each bite is very flavorful-my son could not stop eating them!

Brave Good Kind Tender Chicken Bites are available in three flavors:

  • Original
  • Hot Honey
  • Teriyaki

We enjoyed all of the flavors, but the Hot Honey was our favorite. It was not too spicy (at least to our palate), but had a nice little bite.

Brave Good Kind products have all-natural ingredients that are minimally processed. The chicken they use is raised without antibiotics. Each serving of the Tender Chicken Bites contains 9-10 grams of protein, which makes it a great snack choice to keep you satiated. These snacks are also gluten-free and do not contain MSG. If you are looking for a healthier version of jerky, I would definitely check out Brave Good Kind!

Where To Purchase Brave Good Kind Products

Brave Good Kind products are available through their online store or at a store near you.

Brave Good Kind Giveaway

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Exercise Your Brain With Winning Moves Games

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

After reviewing several games from Winning Moves, I find that they always provide a fun way to spend time with family. Today I am reviewing two of their “classic” games–Checkers & Chinese Checkers, along with a new game called Snail Mail. All three of these games are a smart way to engage your brain and have fun at the same time.

Checkers

Checkers is a perennial favorite, but would you believe we have never actually owned a version of this game? The Winning Moves version contains everything you would expect, including a durable game board and black and red plastic checkers. Checkers is a necessity for any home game collection! This game is recommended for ages 6+.

Chinese Checkers

I am not sure how Chinese Checkers earned its name (did it actually come from China?) but I would also consider it one of those “classic” games that everyone should have in their game closet. The Winning Moves version includes a sturdy cardboard platform and sixty glass marbles. Playing with theses marbles brought back fond childhood memories of my marble collection.

The object of the game is to move all of their marbles to the opposite triangle first. It requires strategy and thinking ahead, which are useful skills for anyone to hone. Chinese Checkers is recommended for 2-6 players, ages 7+.

Snail Mail

The object of Snail Mail is to help your Snail Mail carrier make deliveries by matching your Mail Cards to different delivery requirements. The first player to complete six deliveries wins the game. The four plastic snails are so cute, and I also found the mail cards to be charming.

Snail Mail is for 2-4 players, ages 7+. This is a great game for kids because it encourages them to think about numbers, colors and following directions.

Where To Buy Winning Moves Games

Winning Moves games and toys are available on their websiteAmazon and other retailers near you.

Winning Moves Games Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win Checkers, Chinese Checkers AND Snail Mail!

*This giveaway is open to US residents only, not including Alaska or Hawaii.

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VIM & VIGR Compression Socks: Your Legs Will Thank You

Disclosure: I received samples in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

As you may recall, I first reviewed VIM & VIGR Compression Legwear towards the end of last year. I am happy to report that I put the socks I reviewed in my regular sock rotation, and they have held up beautifully. VIM & VIGR socks use graduated compression technology to apply therapeutic pressure that starts at the ankle and gradually squeezes your leg to increase circulation. Their socks can reduce swelling, achiness, fatigue and discomfort. During our recent trip to Washington D.C. I wore my VIM & VIGR socks on the plane and during our days of marathon sight-seeing. My legs thanked me!

L–>R: Mountain Sun (nylon, seamless toe), Lemons (cotton), Rise Stripe (nylon)

Recently, VIM&VIGR sent me some of their newer designs. As a fan of statement socks, these bold socks speak to me!

These VIM&VIGR Lemons socks scream spring. Love the colors, and of course I had to try them out at the neighborhood lemon grove. One of the podcasts I listen to encourages everyone to adopt a personal symbol as a reminder of the type of person they want to be. I think making lemons your personal symbol would be a wonderful reminder to be resilient (i.e. make lemonade when life gives you lemons).

I also adore these Mountain Sun VIM&VIGR seamless toe socks. They are soft and comfortable for all-day wear. I also appreciate how the design celebrates the outdoors.

Where To Purchase VIM&VIGR Compression Legwear

Vim & Vigr socks, along with their other products, are available for purchase through the VIM & VIGR website.

VIM & VIGR Compression Socks Giveaway

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Going Crazy For Mary’s Gone Crackers

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

ExpoWest is happening this week, and one of the many exhibitors that will be showcasing their natural food products will be Mary’s Gone Crackers. Mary’s Gone Crackers are organic, plant-based and gluten-free. I had the opportunity to try out a few different varieties, and they are not your “ordinary” crackers.

The “Original” Mary’s Gone Crackers contain four key, whole ingredients – brown rice, quinoa, flax and sesame seeds. They come in four flavors:

  • Original
  • Jalapeno
  • Black Pepper
  • Herb

The Super Seed Mary’s Gone Crackers add pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds to the mix. They come in five flavors:

  • Classic
  • Everything
  • Seaweed & Black Sesame
  • Basil & Garlic
  • Rosemary

As you can see, these hearty crackers are packed full of seeds and goodness. They are the perfect snack for when you are craving something crunchy.

We also tried Mary’s Gone Crackers Real Thin Crackers. I would say these crackers have more “kid appeal”. They come in the following flavors:

  • Tomato Basil
  • Olive Oil + Black Pepper
  • Chipotle
  • Sea Salt
  • Garlic Rosemary

These snackable crackers contain chia seeds, which I am trying to incorporate more of in my diet. The two flavors we tried, Garlic Rosemary and Chipotle, are both savory and satisfying.

I made a simple mini charcuterie plate with Mary’s Gone Crackers, cheese, salami and grapes. These crackers would also pair well with hummus!

Where To Purchase Mary’s Gone Crackers

Mary’s Gone Crackers are available for purchase through their online store or at a store near you.

Mary’s Gone Crackers Giveaway

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Run To See Tyson’s Run In Theaters #TysonsRunMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Many thanks to Collide Distribution for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own

Tyson’s Run Synopsis

When fifteen-year-old Tyson attends public school for the first time, his life is changed forever. While helping his father clean up after the football team, Tyson befriends champion marathon runner Aklilu. Never letting his autism hold him back, Tyson becomes determined to run his first marathon in hopes of winning his father’s approval.

With the help of an unlikely friend and his parents, Tyson learns that with faith in yourself and the courage to take the first step, anything is possible.

Why You Should Watch Tyson’s Run

Tyson’s Run is an inspirational movie that is relatable on many levels. As a fifteen year old teenager on the autism spectrum, Tyson has trouble fitting into his new school. At home, Tyson feels like he must earn approval from his father, who has never full-accepted his son. Watching both Tyson and his father change as a result of difficult trials makes this movie deeply moving and heart-warming.

Runners, (like my husband), are sure to enjoy watching Tyson train for his first marathon. My favorite character in the movie is Aklilu, Tyson’s patient and wise running mentor. Anyone who has set big goals for themselves and worked hard to achieve a dream will appreciate Tyson’s grit and determination. Tyson’s Run teaches many valuable life lessons, which makes it a great movie to watch with the whole family!

Buy Tickets Today To See Tyson’s Run At A Theater Near You Starting March 11

Tickets for Tyson’s Run are available for purchase here.

Tyson’s Run Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

Be sure to spread the word about Tyson’s Run and enter to win a $20 Amazon gift card here.

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Backyard Bliss With Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds

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

Spring is around the corner, and that means it is time to start thinking about what to plant in your garden. Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds offers an amazing array of possibilities.

After consulting with my mom for some advice, here are the heirloom seeds I picked out to try from Baker Creek:

  • Cosmos Double Dutch
  • Cucumber Muncher
  • Swiss Chard Perpetual Spinach
  • Zinnia Purple Prince
  • Tomato A Grappoli D’Inverno
  • Salpiglossis Grandiflora Mix
  • Squash Zucchini, Fordhook
  • Snapdragon Tall Deluxe
  • Beans Cantare
  • Aster-China Pale Pink Dwarf Milady

I have not had much success gardening our backyard, but I only really started trying in the past couple of years. I guess being stuck at home during a pandemic really causes you to be more aware of your surroundings. Now, I find myself going outside to check on my flowers, plants and tiny patch of lawn a few times a day. These little breaks provide me with moments of calm that bring me joy.

Unfortunately, I am unable to fast-forward time and show you the growth of any these seeds just yet. My intention is to update this post with any progress, however. The glowing reviews on the Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds website definitely give me hope!

Everyone always says zucchini is one of the easiest vegetables to grow. However, in the past, my zucchini plants never survive past the flowering stage. Only time will tell.

I love the pops of color that flowers add to a garden. Isn’t it amazing that such tiny seeds can grow into such beautiful flowers? That is the “magic” of gardening, I suppose.

Where To Purchase Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds are available for purchase through their online store. They also have a free catalogue that is sure to provide a lot of ideas and inspiration for what you should plant next. In addition, Baker Creek offers FREE shipping for U.S. orders of their heirloom seeds!

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Dewey’s Bakery Cookie Thins Are A Delectable Treat

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

Expo West is fast-approaching, and I am looking forward to attending in-person after a three year hiatus. I cannot wait to connect with more natural food brands and share about them with you. Today I am talking about one of the hundreds of exhibitors, Dewey’s Bakery. For those of you in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Dewey’s probably needs no introduction. The first Dewey’s Bakery opened there in 1930!

Dewey’s sent us an assortment of their Cookie Thins in the following flavors:

After sampling these delectable flavors, it is truly difficult to choose one standout. Dewey’s Bakery Cookie Thins are all delightfully thin and crisp. As a ginger fan, the Triple Ginger’s use of three types of ginger (candied, pureed, and ground) really spoke to me. The touch of sea salt in the Salted Caramel cookies adds just the right savory note to balance out the sweetness of the caramel. I also appreciate that Dewey’s Bakery uses clean, non-GMO ingredients and no preservatives, artificial flavors or synthetic colors.  

I paired the Meyer Lemon Cookie Thins with a mug of green tea for a lovely mid-afternoon tea-time snack. The bright citrus flavor really shines through in these cookies.

Another pairing that would make a nice Valentine’s Day surprise is a small plate of Dewey’s Bakery Brownie Crisps served alongside a cup o’coffee. The Brownie Crisps are perfect for any chocolate lover (like myself).

Where To Purchase Dewey’s Bakery Products

Dewey’s Bakery products are available for purchase through their online store, or at a store near you.

Dewey’s Bakery Giveaway

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