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.

I have reviewed several games from Winning Moves over the past couple of years, and I am so impressed with the variety of family-friendly games that they offer. From card games to board games, Winning Moves’ games provide hours of screen-free entertainment. Today I am sharing about two games that I have never played before: 13 Dead End Drive and The Mermaid’s Jewels.

13 Dead End Drive

13 Dead End Drive is a board game that has been around for over 25 years! The object of the game is to be the last surviving heir and inherit Aunt Agatha’s fortune. Aunt Agatha’s “mansion” is quite elaborate. Just to warn you, setting up this game takes some time. As a person who likes putting together IKEA furniture, this part was fun for me. However, once you put all the pieces together, setup for your subsequent games will not be as time-consuming.

The most fun and unique aspect of this game is the five hidden traps that can knock characters out of the game. For example, the chandelier can fall down, and there is a trap door in the staircase. This game is recommended for 2-4 players, ages 8 and up.

The Mermaid’s Jewels

The object of The Mermaid’s Jewels is to gather enough “pearls” to complete your necklace. The setup for this game is quite simple. The “treasure chest” is well-designed and easy to put together. The game comes with 200 plastic colored beads, so keeping them all confined to the treasure chest might be the biggest challenge! Each player takes turn rolling the die and then choosing a pearl the same color indicated on the die. Strategic thinking comes into play because you want to create a chain reaction with two or more of the same colored pearls touching when you remove a pearl. You add the pearls in the chain reaction to your necklace to make it longer. I believe my elementary school self would have been really into this game. The Mermaid’s Jewels is recommended for 2-4 players, ages 5 and up.

Where To Buy Winning Moves Games

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

Winning Moves Games Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win 13 Dead End Drive and The Mermaid’s Jewels.

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

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:

• Pomegranate
• Rose
• Jasmine
• Olive Oil

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:

• Jasmine (calms hair and mind)
• Sandalwood (repairs damaged hair)

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!

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.

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!

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:

• Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
• Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza On The Flip Side
• Santa Cookie Elf Candy Snowman
• Halloween Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

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 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.

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

Since hearing about the benefits of compression socks, I have been wanting to try them out for myself. Vim & Vigr kindly sent me a few pairs to test, and now I am a believer!

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.

One weekend morning, I had the perfect opportunity to try out these Vim & Vigr compression socks. Earlier, I had gone for my usual morning walk and also decided to do a short gym workout. My legs were not accustomed to this double dose of exercise, and they felt achy. I wore Vim & Vigr compression socks for the rest of the day, and it felt like a gentle massage! The high quality of the construction and materials is evident in every step.

Vim & Vigr socks would be especially helpful for those who are always on their feet (health care professionals, retail workers, etc.) I will definitely need to remember to pack them the next time we travel, since we always end up doing tons of walking.

In addition to being technologically advanced, Vim & Vigr socks also make a bold fashion statement. Their designs and colors are so fun and will add some pop to your wardrobe. This Window Pane design has a real fall vibe.

When I first saw this pair of Alpine socks, I literally squealed with delight. The whimsical fair isle/mountain pattern is perfect for the holidays. I just want to put these socks on, curl up on the couch, relax my legs, and watch Christmas movies.

Where To Purchase Vim & Vigr Compression Socks

Vim & Vigr socks are available for purchase through their online store.

Vim & Vigr Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a pair of Vim & Vigr Holiday Socks!

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

It is officially November, which means holiday shopping is upon us. If you know someone who likes all things kawaii (cute), I have the perfect gift idea: a Blippo Surprise Kawaii Mixed Bag.

The bag itself is cute, but what could be inside? As I started opening the bag, I could not believe how many items they stuffed inside!

Although the contents of the bags vary, you can see that there is a wide variety of kawaii items. My bag contained snacks, plushies, masks, stickers and stationery items, just to name a few. Below are some of the highlights.

My favorite item in the bag is this Pompompurin pineapple pencil case. I remember this cute Sanrio dog character from back in the day!

This small zippered pouch is just the right size to hold my colored pens.

Here is a puffed cereal snack and a small plastic plate with an adorable design. I always find it interesting to try snacks from other countries-this one was light and crunchy. Snack time will bring a smile to your face with this plate!

The surprise bag also contained a cheerful key chain, which immediately brightened up my otherwise drab, boring key ring.

When I first saw this set of pastel-colored ice cream cones, I was not sure what they were. When I took off the top, I saw that they are highlighters–so fun!

How To Order A Blippo Surprise Kawaii Mixed Bag

To order a Blippo Surprise Kawaii Mixed Bag, or other kawaii goodies, visit the Blippo online store.

Blippo Surprise Kawaii Mixed Bag Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a Surprise Kawaii Bag. This giveaway is open worldwide!

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

We are all washing our hands more these days, so I am excited to share about Hand in Hand. This company makes body care products with clean ingredients and modern, sustainable packaging.

Even more importantly, the founders of Hand in Hand wanted to help the millions of children who die each year due to the lack of clean water and soap. For every purchase, Hand in Hand donates soap and water to countries in need around the world. Since 2011, the company has donated an incredible 13.8 million bars of soap and 120K gallons of water.

Hand in Hand soaps and lotions contain natural ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, cocoa butter, essential oils and aloe vera. Also notable is what their products do not contain, including palm oil, parabens or phthalates.

Each of Hand In Hand’s body care products are available in a variety of scents. This Island Mimosa Body Wash smells like “fresh coconut and mango leaf”. The scent reminds me of a tropical summer vacation! I also tried the Sea Salt Sugar Scrub, which smells like “sweet mint and eucalyptus”. It provides an amazing energizing lift in the shower and left my skin feeling soft and smooth. Their other scents include: Cactus Blossom, Citrus Grove, Pink Peony, Lavender, Sweet Grass and Poppy.

I often do not remember to apply lotion until I am about to go to sleep. Keeping this Hand in Hand Sweetgrass Body Lotion on my bedside table looks nice and is a good reminder to keep my skin moisturized.

I hope that Hand in Hand continues to expand, as they offer body care products that you can feel good about using on multiple levels!

Where To Purchase Hand In Hand Soap Products

Hand in Hand soap products are available through their online store. They are also available at a store near you, including several major retailers such as Target, Whole Foods and Walmart.

Hand In Hand Soap Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a set of Hand in Hand soap products, including hand soap, sugar scrub, bar soap, body wash and body lotion.