Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Exercise Your Brain With Winning Moves Games

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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 website, Amazon 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

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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

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a pair of VIM & VIGR Compression Socks (in the Lemons design)!

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Family Field Trips, Sponsored

Escape Into Color With The Flower Fields In Carlsbad

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Disclosure: Thank you to The Flower Fields, for hosting our visit in order to facilitate this review.

Have you ever visited The Flower Fields in Carlsbad, California? My husband and I went a few years ago during an anniversary trip, but this year we brought the kids along. This 50 acre working ranch is conveniently located just off the 5 freeway in between Orange County and San Diego.

The main attraction of The Flower Fields is the millions of beautiful ranunculuses (or is it ranunculi?) that stretch as far as the eye can see. However, there are many different attractions at The Flower Fields, so I will take you along on our recent outing.

Arriving At The Flower Fields

My first tip is to try to arrive early in the day. We went on a Sunday, and arrived about five minutes before The Flower Fields opened at 9 a.m. Parking at that time was plentiful, and it is free! All tickets must be purchased in advance online here. Have your tickets ready (either printed out or on your phone).

Fountain Garden

If you head towards the right after going through the entrance, you will come across the aptly named Fountain Garden. We made this our first photo stop. This is also where you will find the restrooms.

Historical Poinsettia Display

Who knew there were so many types of poinsettias? Here you can see over twenty varieties. I always associate poinsettias with Christmas, but the yellow ones are also quite striking.

Cymbidium Orchid Greenhouse

I have always admired orchids and anyone who is able to keep them blooming. The orchids on display in the greenhouse are truly magnificent.

Tractor Wagon Ride

Tickets for the Tractor Wagon Ride are $6 for adults and $3 for children. The ride around the fields includes an audio commentary of the history of The Flower Fields. We did not go on this ride, but it looked like fun. Click here for more information.

Sweet Pea Maze

We arrived a little too early in the season to full appreciate the Sweet Pea Maze in all its glory. However, it was still fun to walk the maze, and we did not even make it through the proper exit!

Right around the corner from the Sweet Pea Maze there are a couple of fun photo opps:

Ranunculus Fields

Of course, the spectacularly vast fields of ranunculi steal the show!

Isn’t this ranunculus gorgeous?

I have read that they expect the peak bloom period to be between mid-March and mid-April. While many of the beds were just starting to bloom while we were there last weekend, there were still more than plenty of flowers to admire!

There are so many great photo opportunities here. It seemed like everyone was doing mini photo shoots! Another tip would be to be careful of what shoes you wear. There is naturally a lot of dirt, so plan accordingly. Also, do not forget the sunscreen, as there is not much shade.

Purchase Tickets Today!

The Flower Fields are open from now until May 8, 2022. Advanced tickets must be purchased through The Flower Fields’ website before you arrive.

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Food, Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Going Crazy For Mary’s Gone Crackers

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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

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win SIX boxes of Mary’s Gone Crackers!

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Giveaways, Movies, Sponsored

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

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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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Reviews, Sponsored

AGent+ Cleaner & Protectants Nesting Kits

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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.

If your house is anything like mine, it seems like there is always a surface that needs to be cleaned. The battle against dirt and germs is a constant one. Thanks to Moms Meet, I recently had the opportunity to try out a line of products that are effective weapons to aid in this battle: AGent+ Cleaner & Protectants.

I received an AGent+ Hard Surface Sustainable Nesting Kit, a Multi-Surface Sustainable Nesting Kit and microfiber cloth. The Hard Surface kit makes it easy to clean and protect hard surface items around the house such as countertops, door handles, cribs, changing tables, light switches etc. As the name suggests, the Multi-Surface kit is designed for multiple surfaces in the house and car, including porous materials such as couches, rugs, stuffed animals, pet bedding, and upholstery. AGent+ formulas remove fungus and bacteria-causing odors, as well as protect against SARS-CoV-2, Human Coronavirus, and Staphylococcus aureus.

AGent+ Provides Lasting Protection

What really sets AGent+ cleaning products apart from the competition is the fact that they use silver and copper to protect the cleaned surface from the growth and cross-contamination of bacteria and fungus for up to three days after cleaning! Their water-based formulas also use natural citrus oils and isopropyl alcohol.

The AGent+ Nesting Kits come with a concentrate that you just mix with water. One 12oz Nesting Bottle refill yields 106fl oz.! It was easy to mix the cleaning solution in the big jug and fill the sprayers using the included funnel. Although these containers are plastic, the amount of plastic that will ultimately end up in a landfill will be a lot less thanks to this refill system.

The bright “milky” colors and light fruity scents of the AGent+ cleaners I tried were unlike any other cleaning product I have used. They did a great job of cleaning the many surfaces in my house. Once I started cleaning one part of my house using these Agent+ cleaners, the difference between the parts I had not yet cleaned became very apparent. This, of course made me want to clean even more. Although cleaning is not my favorite activity, knowing that I am also providing a healthier environment for my family thanks to AGent+, makes it all worth it!

AGent+ Cleaner & Protectants Discount Code

Save 10% on your first order, plus get an additional coupon for a FREE Nesting Refill when you order AGent+ products online. Use promo code MomsFreeRefill at checkout. Offer expires 7/31/22.

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Food, Reviews, Sponsored

Look For The New Gluten Free Certification Organization Mark #NewGFCO

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

The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) provides important information to consumers regarding whether products have been certified gluten-free according to their standards. As you may have already noticed, the GFCO mark has a new look (see below):

Who Should Know About This Change:

  • Those people with celiac disease
  • Anyone with gluten sensitivity
  • Consumers who are gluten-free by choice
  • Parents/guardians of kids with celiac or gluten sensitivity

Thank you to Gluten Intolerance Group for sending me these samples of gluten-free products. (Hopefully I will be able to write up full reviews and host giveaways for some of these products soon!)

This assortment of products shows the growing diversity of gluten-free products. Some of the products I received had the old GFCO mark and some had the new GFCO mark. Keep this in mind when searching for the mark on packages in the store. The switch is still in the transition process.

Can you spot the new GFCO mark?

The wide variety of GFCO certified gluten-free products becoming available on the market is truly exciting, especially for anyone with celiac or gluten-sensitivity. Seeing the GFCO mark (whether old or new) provides peace of mind that the product has met the strictest gluten-free standards through independent testing. Have you noticed the new GFCO mark?

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Backyard Bliss With Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds

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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!

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a $30 gift certificate for Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds!

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Dewey’s Bakery Cookie Thins Are A Delectable Treat

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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

Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win five boxes of Dewey’s Bakery Cookie Thins!

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Start Your Next Asian Meal With Omsom

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

Our half Japanese-American, half-Chinese American family eats “Asian” food for dinner about 2-3 times a week. I put Asian in quotes because I would not call myself an expert in authentic Asian cooking. Our Asian meals typically consist of a combination of meat/tofu/vegetables with rice or noodles. The key component that gives these meals their Asian flavor is the sauce. That is where Omsom comes in!

Southeast Asian Omsom Sampler

I received the Southeast Asian Omsom Sampler. It includes two packets of each of the following sauces:

Each starter serves 2-3, so this sampler is enough for 16+ meals! This was an exciting sampler to receive, as I do not usually attempt to cook Vietnamese, Thai or Filipino food at home. However, Vietnamese and Thai are two of my favorite cuisines to eat when we go out to restaurants.

The Thai Larb starter is made with Red Boat fish sauce, lime juice, cane sugar, and thai dried chili flakes. It also comes with a toasted rice powder packet. I combined this starter with browned ground turkey. (The recipe card suggested ground chicken, but we eat ground turkey more often, so I just subbed it in).

I threw in some fresh spinach, stir-fried everything together, and had a delicious meal with a spicy kick in minutes. The rice powder offered a nice textural crunch that I would have never have thought of adding on my own. The best part about these Omsom starters is that they include all of the ingredients you need in a convenient packet that can be kept in your pantry. If I shopped for all of these Asian ingredients individually, I know I would inevitably end up with half-used, open bottles languishing in my refrigerator.

I also tried the Omsom Filipino Sisig starter with tofu. This sauce was not as spicy as the Larb and had more of a creamy texture. I felt so adventurous introducing my family to such new flavor combinations.

Each sauce can be used with a variety of proteins, including seafood, chicken or pork. I think I will have my husband try using Omsom’s Vietnamese Lemongrass BBQ starter with salmon for our family Valentine’s Day dinner. The Omsom website has plenty of recipes using their starters that will be sure to inspire your tastebuds!

Where To Purchase Omsom

Omsom sauces and sets are available through their online store. They are currently offering free shipping for orders $35+. A package from Omsom would make a thoughtful gift for anyone who wants to add authentic Asian flavors to their home-cooking (even if that someone is yourself).

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