Jennifer Lambert

A Sacred Balance

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ECOlunchboxes Review

The blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure. Also see my suggested resources.

April 17, 2021 By Jennifer Lambert Leave a Comment

We love trying new products that help our family in our journey to be more sustainable.

ECOlunchboxes are great traveling companions when we go hiking and exploring outdoors.

Plastic-free, stainless steel lunch boxes and cotton bags.

I can fill these bowls with fun colorful healthy goodies and we can share a salad and dip on a picnic wherever we go.

We have an extensive wood and creek in our backyard and often go to look at wildflowers and hunt mushrooms and herbs.

The kids love to play in the creek and look at crawdads.

It’s such a blessing to know that while we enjoy nature, we can care for our Earth with reusable products instead of landfilling disposable products. It takes a little more thought to grab cloth napkins and real utensils with containers that have to be washed instead of items that are just thrown away.

I love that my kids are excited to help us do these things to protect our environment.

I love the versatility of these reusable bento bowls. We can use these bowls for snacks, salads, or anything and they’re leak-proof!

The stainless bowls and silicone lids are dishwasher and oven safe! Not for use in the microwave!

Plastic-free and leak-proof, the Salad Kit is a three-piece container set ideal for packing a variety of foods and keeping them separate.

  • Seal Cup Jumbo, measuring 7 inches diameter by 3 inches tall. Capacity is 48 oz (6 cups). Great for the salad!
  • Seal Cup Mini, measuring 2 5/8 inches round by 1 1/2 inches tall. Capacity is 3 oz (1/3 cup). Ideal for dressings.
  • Seal Cup Solo, measuring 3 1/2 inches round by 1 3/4 inches tall. Capacity 7 oz (7/8 cup). Ideal for croutons, nuts and other toppings best kept separate prior to tossing your salad.

All Blue Water Bento collection lunch containers are designed FOR the ocean and  BY the ocean. It’s the beauty of our oceans that has inspired all our lunchbox designs. Sneak a peek at the behind-the-scenes design process.

Green Gifts from ECOlunchbox

My kids are very concerned about making better choices for our leftover storage and picnic supplies. We are trying to limit or even eliminate our waste and do better not using single use plastics.

We have a whole wish list for ECOlunchboxes now, so everyone can have their own containers for lunches and snacks.

Go Green Gifts for Mother's Day

Please join the ECOlunchbox eco-friendly communities on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

What changes can we make to limit waste?

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Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: review

Firstleaf Review

The blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure. Also see my suggested resources.

February 8, 2021 By Jennifer Lambert Leave a Comment

I really miss the wine culture of Europe.

We’ve had a hard time finding good wine since we moved back to the States and settled in Ohio. The prices are exorbitant for mediocre wines. Many of the wines from the USA give me headaches whereas the lovely wines of Greece, France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy seldom did.

I miss the variety available in Europe and the ability to try new wines with the seasons, comparing grapes and flavors.

My husband I joined Firstleaf for our Christmas present to each other. I like that it included imports and local wines and we can choose between reds, whites, rosé, and sparkling – or a combination.

We took a little online quiz for our preferences and tastes. I don’t really like sweet wines and we drink way more reds than others.

We chose and ordered our first six wines and I was delighted with the unboxing.

FedEx delivered to my front door and since it’s very cold out, the delivery person rang my bell and verified I am myself.

The bottles are well padded and protected.

I love the wine information cards and newsletter about upcoming wine choices and trends.

Our first two boxes included only reds – from California, Europe, and Oceana.

Each wine comes with an information card. On the website, there is a great deal of info about the wine, winery, grapes, and history.

There is even a “wine school” on the site with oodles of articles about wine.

Wines we tried so far:

Marbleize Red Blend from California

We had this wine with grilled steak and plank grilled salmon.

This wine is a New World take on an Old World blend. Hailing from Paso Robles and inspired by the blends coming out of Southern Rhône, this Red Blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Petite Sirah showcases the best of the region. With a savory spicy flavor profile, a medium body, and long fine tannins, this is a wine that is easy to appreciate.

Posted Accord “Coffee” Pinotage from South Africa

We drank this wine with a coffee-rubbed grilled tritip.

Pinotage is indigenous to South Africa, and this beautiful wine is a perfect reflection of the varietal. Grown in the Western Cape of South Africa, Pinotage is often called “Coffee Pinotage” because of the rich mocha and coffee flavors that come forward due to oak aging. This is a characteristic unique to the varietal and is now a rather famous selling point. This particular Pinotage has both bright and dark red fruit flavors with a hint of spice. It is rustic with a rich body and features long fine-grained tannins. Best served with stews or dishes featuring spiced meats or a tomato-base.

Scissor Kick Cellars Shiraz from Australia

We drank this wine with cashew chicken.

South Australia is the heartbeat of Australian wine production, responsible for over half the country’s output each year. A generally warm climate with maritime influences near the coast, the region includes countless appellations, though the most well-known are arguably Barossa Valley and Clare Valley. The continent experiences an environment that creates near-perfect conditions for grape growing, the most famous of the varietals being Shiraz. This wine is bright, well balanced, approachable, and intense all at the same time. It is less nuanced than some of its fellow Shiraz from the region but just as enjoyable. Bright fruit flavors and a savory characteristic jump out of the glass. This wine will shine with rich red meat dishes and is a perfect pair for late fall al fresco dining with friends.

Tres Tigres Tristes Vinho Tinto from Portugal

We had this wine with a grilled eye of round roast.

This beautiful Portuguese blend is a mix of Castelão (a grape also called “little parrot”) and Aragonês (also better known as Tempranillo) and has a beautifully complex bouquet and even more complex flavors. The fruit dominates, but savory flavors peek out from behind the fruit. Mushrooms and savory, gamey notes mingle beautifully with nutmeg and clove. This complexity won’t be overwhelmed by powerful dishes, so we would recommend trying it with steak au poivre, rosemary lamb chops, or even a tomato tart. Judges love it too! It took home a Silver medal at the 2020 Winemaker Challenge and at the 2019 Sommelier Challenge.

Swirl Zinfandel from California

We drank this wine with a grilled Balsamic London Broil.

California’s wine appellations are all individually unique, making the state idyllic for grape growing. The combination of varying temperatures, distinct soils that make fruit work hard for nutrients, and weather patterns influenced by the coast create environments where fruit thrives. The majority of the rainfall occurs outside of the growing season, but also can cool down the heat spikes that often occur just after bud break in the spring. Two mountain ranges run the spine of the state and come together to create near-perfect vineyard conditions. Zinfandel could arguably be considered California’s grape, and this wine is a beautiful example of what the varietal can be. Classic in style, this wine is soft and lush with bold yet smooth fruit compote flavors. Baking spice notes and slight spiciness also jump out of the glass, complementing the fruit-forward profile. Soft tannins round out the mouthfeel and make every sip linger. Enjoy with your favorite rustic dishes.

My favorite so far: Le Douleur Exquise Grenache Pays d’Oc IGP from France

We had this wine with a beef stew.

The 2020 International Women’s Wine Competition is one of the few wine competitions that were held just before the world hit pause on social gatherings. We are thrilled to have earned the accolades of 95 Points and Double Gold and to be named “Best of Class” by women winemakers, influencers, and industry legends. If that weren’t enough to lend credibility to our winemaking team, perhaps winning 98 Points and Double Gold at the 2020 Sunset Magazine International Wine Competition does. Broadly speaking, one aspect of Old World vs. New World flavor profiles is that New World wines are known to be fruit-forward and higher alcohol – Old World not as much. Our French Grenache breaks from that tradition with our 2019 vintage, featuring rousingly prominent fruit flavors in this classic French varietal.

There are special shipments or bundles of wine for holidays – like Valentine’s reds. We can choose to purchase a case of half-case of favorites. Also, Firstleaf Exclusives are available in singles or cases.

I love the ease of ordering wine each month or special selections at other times. The prices are very competitive and I don’t have to leave the house.

We looked into other wine clubs and like the variety of Firstleaf.

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Sambucol Black Elderberry Gummies Review

The blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure. Also see my suggested resources.

August 17, 2020 By Jennifer Lambert Leave a Comment

I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

I love all the fun goodies we got for the review! The elderberry stress ball is probably my favorite.

We received Sambucol® Black Elderberry gummies, syrup, and drink powder.

We love elderberry and elderflower! They smell sweet and taste delicious.

The Sambucol® Black Elderberry gummies are perfect.

They taste great! They’re small enough for small hands and mouths. They smell great! We have to remember these are not candy and not treats.

They remind me a little bit of berry or grape gummy snacks in texture and flavor. They were a big hit with the whole family!

Sambucol® Black Elderberry syrup was not good at all.

It didn’t smell good. It tasted like bad medicine. We were very disappointed with the thick texture and flavor and scent.

Sambucol® Black Elderberry Daily Immune Drink Powder is a great way get the benefits of elderberry and stay hydrated.

The drink powder smells great, like the gummies.

Adding about 4 ounces of cold water, the powder dissolved almost completely, even without stirring. It tastes great and my daughter and I loved it! It was similar to but better than grape drinks.

We love the Sambucol® Black Elderberry Gummies and the Sambucol® Black Elderberry Daily Immune Drink Powder.

Sambucol®, the original Black Elderberry extract, provides strong immune
system support to help you and your family stay healthy throughout the
year. Sambucol® Black Elderberry extract conveniently arms you with
some of the best protection nature has to offer. Sambucol® is a unique
black elderberry extract rich in immune supporting flavonoids. Sambucol®
is made from black elderberries which have twice the natural antioxidant
capacity of blueberries and more than 50% the overall antioxidant
capability of cranberries.

Did you know?

Both the flowers and berries have a long tradition of culinary and folk medicinal uses going back thousands of years. In fact, Hippocrates (often
called the father of medicine) called elderberry a medicine chest because of its seemingly endless health benefits and usability.

The stem, bark, leaves, flowers, berries, and root extracts of the plant are all used in traditional folk medicine There are even some elderberry-based recipes dating as far back as Ancient Egypt!

I do not recommend harvesting or using the wild flowers or berries. They can be poisonous if not properly prepared. It’s safer to buy the products from a reputable source!

Just the facts:

• Sambucol® Black Elderberry Gummies offer natural immune support.
• Black Elderberry is high in antioxidants and has been used for
thousands for years.
• Sambucol® gummies are pectin based, sweetened only with pure cane
sugar, and contain no artificial flavors or colors.
• They are gluten, nut, soy, dairy, and egg free.
• The gummies are suitable for vegetarians and vegans and can be
used by adults and children from four years old.
• There is only 1 g of sugar per gummy.
• One 30-count bottle of Sambucol® Black Elderberry Gummies typically
retails for $12.99 and a 60-count bottle for $24.99.

Where to purchase:

Sambucol® Black Elderberry Gummies are available to purchase at
Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, GNC, The Vitamin Shoppe, Ralphs,
Vons, Safeway, and Kroger. To find a store near you, visit: sambucolusa.
com/pages/store-locator

Have you used Elderberry products?

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Plank Grilled Salmon

The blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure. Also see my suggested resources.

January 16, 2020 By Jennifer Lambert Leave a Comment

We are super impressed with the quality – flavor, smell, and texture – of Sitka Salmon Shares.

It’s better than any storebought salmon we’ve ever had.

We all were delighted by the ocean smell of this flash frozen fresh sustainably caught wild coho salmon!

The color is bright and flesh is firm.

Soak a cedar plank in cold water for at least an hour. I cover the plank with water in the sink and place a heavy bowl on top to keep it covered. Otherwise, it will burn on the grill!

Season and marinate the salmon.

Heat up the charcoal or gas grill. Grill indirectly for about 20 minutes or until 145*.

You can also bake the plank on a cookie sheet in the oven at 325* for about 30-40 minutes.

It’s gorgeous!

We like to serve our salmon with rice pilaf and stir fried veggies.

Print

Plank Grilled Salmon

Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp ginger
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 T honey
  • 2 T soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
  • 1/2 tsp lemon peel
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 T olive oil

Instructions

  1. Combine seasoning and spread on fish.

    Grill with indirect heat on top on plank, skin side down for about 20 minutes or until temperature to 145*

Sitka Salmon Shares delivers premium, sustainable, wild Alaskan seafood from the fishermen directly to members’ doorsteps! Shop Sitka Salmon Shares.

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Kids Smart Fish Oil Review

The blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure. Also see my suggested resources.

January 16, 2020 By Jennifer Lambert Leave a Comment

I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

My kids are 9, 12, 13, and 19.

We all take daily fish oil and I notice behavior, attitude, and attention changes immediately if we forget.

My girls and I take capsules. My son takes a liquid. My husband likes gummies. I buy probably 4-5 different fish oil products to meet our family’s preferences.

I thought these Chewable Burstlets might be a great compromise to satisfy all our needs.

The Trio comes in three fruity flavors: orange, strawberry, and black currant. The regular bottle is a fruit blend. It’s recommended to take 1-2 Burstlets each day for kids over age 3.

The cute little fish-shaped gummies are edible. They’re very tough gelatin capsules and not very chewy, so we did not eat them.

It’s recommended to bite, twist, or cut the tail off and squirt the liquid into the mouth. This is waaaay more complicated than I want. It can get messy if you don’t pay close attention. Then the oil is all over hands and clothes!

The texture of the liquid is thick and viscous. I couldn’t get the fishy/fruity aftertaste or oiliness out of my mouth for a long time. I find it interesting the tiny amount of liquid that claims it contains more DHA fish oil than other brands.

My 12 and 13 year old daughters were polite and said “it’s ok,” but my 9 year old son did not care for it at all.

Just the facts

• Kids Smart High DHA Fish Oil Chewable Burstlets provide up to 10x more fish oil than other kids’ supplements. Kids Smart Fish Oil contains a high amount of DHA fish oil (133 mg) which is higher than many options on the market.

• They are free of gluten, yeast, wheat, and dairy.

• Fish oil provides two essential omega-3 fatty acids: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). As both are essential fatty acids our bodies cannot produce, it is important that we get them from either the food we eat or supplements.

• Kids will love the fun chewable capsule with a great berry taste.

The fun fish-shaped burstlets can be chewed to experience a fruity burst squirt in your mouth. The Burstlet will dissolve in your mouth. You can also twist off the tail and squeeze the liquid out into food or directly into a child’s mouth, or add it to a favorite food.

About Kids Smart

Kids Smart is specifically formulated to assist in providing children with adequate levels of vital Omega-3 Fish Oil nutrients DHA and EPA. These can help to support and maintain healthy brain function, eye health, and nervous system health. They also support learning as well as healthy behavior and temperament in some children.

How to Purchase

• A 30-count bottle typically retails for $9.99. A 180-count bottle typically retails for $54.99.

Kids Smart High DHA Fish Oil Chewable Burstlets can be purchased on Amazon at momsmeet.link/ kidssmartamzn.

Save 20% when you purchase a 30-count bottle of Kids Smart High DHA Fish Oil Chewable Burstlets on Amazon with the promo code 20MM20KS. Offer ends March 14, 2020.

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KaTom Cooking Thermometer Review

The blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure. Also see my suggested resources.

February 10, 2019 By Jennifer Lambert Leave a Comment

We love the features on this cooking thermometer from KaTom.

It has an on/off switch and handy dandy case so the therm stick doesn’t get bent or upset. It’s become our favorite!

We tested out the thermometer on this tasty Caribbean Chicken Recipe.

I used boneless skinless chicken breasts, but thighs would work well too.

Fun spice combos

Mix with oil and honey. I added seeded chopped jalapenos later so it’s not too spicy.

I marinated the chicken almost all day.

Alex did great grilling the checking the temperature!

Easy to read!

I grilled jalapenos from the marinade and they turned all sweet and delicious.

I served the chicken with yellow rice and black beans.

We’re really happy with the thermometer and chicken recipe!

Get the KaTom thermometer and the Caribbean chicken recipe.

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Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: chicken, grilling, recipe, review

Naked Nutrition Matcha Review

The blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure. Also see my suggested resources.

June 19, 2018 By Jennifer Lambert Leave a Comment

I LOVE Naked Nutrition’s brand new Matcha Protein Powders!

There are two versions of the product (one made with whey, and the second with vegan pea protein) and all kinds of amazing recipes!

I LOVE that it only has TWO INGREDIENTS!

There’s no odor or aftertaste in either the pea or whey protein powders.

I have a smoothie every morning and often throughout the day.

I’m often vegan/vegetarian until dinnertime. It helps me to maintain a healthy weight and have lots of energy.

Matcha just makes it all better!

My favorite smoothies:

Wonderful Berry Energy Smoothies

Can easily make this vegan without yogurt. Can use any or no plant milk or liquid.

Mango Pina Colada Smoothie

Can easily make this vegan by using the pea protein + matcha powder.

There are A TON of other products from Naked Nutrition and healthy recipe options (like no carb pizza crust, protein packed quiches, and much more) as well if you are looking for additional options for both sweet and savory items with a healthy twist.

In addition to being delicious and a great way to pack lean, clean protein into all kinds of recipes – Naked Nutrition has pledged to donate between 15-100% (yes, you read that right!) of sales from these two products to the ALS Association’s Golden West Chapter/ Team Nanci for the rest of 2018 in an effort to help raise money and awareness for the organization in hopes of helping to find a cure for this awful disease.

Those affected by ALS will very often be robbed of a simple joy that we seem to have in common (eating solid food), so while it certainly may not be as yummy as Matcha Chocolate Chip muffins (recipe below!), these and all of the other pure and additive-free products the brand offers help to make the smoothies and shakes that those with ALS almost exclusively get their nutrition from a little more fun, and a lot more tasty.

“Matcha is known for being an antioxidant powerhouse so we thought it would be a great idea to support another powerhouse – celebrity publicist Nanci Ryder – by helping to raise money for ALS research,” continued Zieminski.

About Naked Pea + Matcha and Whey + Matcha

These first-to-market, non-GMO protein powders feature the superior health benefits of organic Japanese matcha. This ceremonial ground green tea leaf powder is loaded with healthful antioxidants that help boost metabolism, burn calories and detoxify the body.

Naked Pea + Matcha features a vegan protein made exclusively of raw yellow peas sourced from U.S. and Canadian farms, and Naked Whey + Matcha is made using pasture-fed cows’ milk from small, California dairy farms. Naked Nutrition leverages careful manufacturing processes to create a non-denatured whey loaded with essential amino acids, glutathione and clean protein.

The Naked Pea + Matcha Difference:

  • Vegan, plant-based protein
  • Pea protein is made exclusively from farms in the United States and Canada
  • No artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors
  • 22 grams of protein and 4.9 grams of branched chain amino acids (BCAA) per serving*
  • Only two ingredients: yellow pea protein and organic Japanese matcha powder
  • Non-GMO, soy-free, dairy-free and gluten-free
  • Environmentally-friendly farming practices

The Naked Whey + Matcha Difference:

  • Made from pasture-fed cows’ milk from small dairy farms in California
  • No artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors
  • 22 grams of protein and 5.3 grams of BCAA’s Per Serving*
  • Only two Ingredients: Whey Protein and organic Japanese matcha powder
  • Non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free
  • No rBGH or rBST
  • Cold processed
  • Acid and bleach-free processing

*Nutritional values are verified by independent third-party testing.

Print

Matcha Muffins with Chocolate Chips

Course Breakfast
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 12 muffins

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups 1 3/4 cups unbleached flour
  • 1/4 cup Naked Whey + Matcha
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 Tablespoon matcha powder
  • 1/2 cup coconut palm sugar plus 1 Tablespoon
  • 1 1/3 cups almond milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°. Line and grease a muffin pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, Naked Whey + Matcha, baking powder, baking soda, salt, matcha powder and 1/2 cup of sugar.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, egg, oil and extracts.
  4. Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Fold in the chocolate chips.
  5. Spoon the batter into the muffin cups. Sprinkle the tops with the remaining tablespoon of sugar.
  6. Bake for 16-18 minutes, until the tops are lightly browned. Let cool slightly in the pan and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Totally Awesome Tie-Dye Book Review

The blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure. Also see my suggested resources.

June 18, 2018 By Jennifer Lambert 6 Comments

Looking for a fun event idea this summer? Consider throwing a tie-dye party!

This is great warm-weather fun! Perfect for VBS, birthdays, block parties, anytime.

My three kids have been dying to try tie-dye.

This book offers lots of different techniques that are easy enough for the kids to do on their own!

Why Totally Awesome Tie-Dye book is great:

  • There are easy tutorials.
  • There’s a list of all the items you could possibly need to make fun tie-dye creations.
  • We like the charts of basic methods to help with decisions.
  • The trouble-shooting guide is important to correct mistakes.
  • If you want to have a big tie-dye party, there’s a handy guide for that!

We had a little family tie-dye party.

I bought a big tie-dye kit with oodles of colors and plastic gloves.

We used disposable baking pans and did the tie-dye in the driveway to minimize mess.

We pre-washed the shirts so they were damp and then the kids got to work.

My son chose two-tone crumple.

We let the shirts sit overnight with plastic wrap so they would soak in all the dye. Then we washed them.

His favorite colors!

One daughter chose swirls with black spikes.

It turned out perfect!

Another daughter chose to spray dye.

It looks well-saturated.

She wants to redo it a bit with more dye. She was actually cautious for once!

We really love all the fun ideas in Totally Awesome Tie-Dye. There’s a Japanese technique, yarn dying, and lots of other fun projects we plan to try!

About the Author:

Suzanne McNeill is the author of more than 200 craft & hobby books, including Joy of Zentangle®, The Beauty of Zentangle®, the 11-volume Zentangle® series, and Zen Mandalas. Suzanne founded the leading publisher of Zentangle® books, Design Originals (an imprint of Fox Chapel Publishing). She was voted Designer of the Year and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Craft & Hobby Association. Suzanne has been called “the trendsetter” of the arts and crafts industry.

Tie-dying is a wonderful way to create dramatic fashion statements without using too many materials or spending a lot of time. “No group is too large for tie-dying,” says author and expert crafter Suzanne McNeill. “It’s a great activity for family reunions, scouting events, parties, and fundraisers.”

Nicknamed “The Trendsetter of the arts and crafts industry,” McNeill is the author of the new book Totally Awesome Tie-Dye: Fun-to-Make Fabric Dyeing Projects for All Ages (Design Originals, May 2018). Filled with stylish projects, McNeill shows step-by-step instructions on how to accomplish ice dyeing, crumple dyeing, resist dyeing, and Shibori—shaping cloth and securing it before dyeing. Everything you can imagine about the art of tie-dying is covered in Totally Awesome Tie-Dye, even tips for tie-dying with children.

McNeill also shares how to tie-dye several items of clothing in her tie-dye manifesto, including fashion designs for t-shirts, dresses, socks, caps, scarves, and even embellishments for home décor. The goal of McNeill’s book is to make this entertaining craft fun for all ages. “The joy of creating art is for everybody,” she says. “I hope to inspire people to discover their own creativity.”


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Dr. Ginger’s Coconut Oil Toothpaste

The blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure. Also see my suggested resources.

June 2, 2018 By Jennifer Lambert 2 Comments

I loved my sample of Dr. Ginger’s Coconut Oil Toothpaste.

*I received a free sample in exchange for my honest review.*

I haven’t used mainstream brand name toothpastes in years. Our family also hasn’t had a cavity or any oral problems since we went natural.

It’s a challenge finding a natural toothpaste that everyone likes. We’ve experimented over the years and *this one* tastes good or *that one* whitens and cleans the teeth best. Seldom is there an all-around great natural toothpaste that checks off all the necessary boxes on my list.

Dr. Ginger’s Coconut Oil Toothpaste is one of the best natural toothpastes I’ve tried!

Here’s one of the two samples I received to try:

The texture is smooth and creamy.

Don’t expect a lot of foamy action with natural toothpastes and you don’t need as much as I show here.

Yes, natural toothpastes are usually more expensive and there aren’t coupons in your Sunday paper, but it’s so much healthier and better for you and especially your kids!

The flavor is delicious – sweet and minty from the xylitol, a sugar-free sweetener.

My teeth feel clean and smooth. It’s not abrasive but very gentle!

I feel my breath is fresher than with my regular natural toothpaste.

Ingredients

Coconut Oil Toothpaste: Pure Water, Coconut Oil, Hydrated Silica, Glycerin, Xylitol, Irish Moss, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Aloe Vera Juice, Titanium Dioxide, Natural Mint Flavor.

Have you read the ingredients list on store bought national brand name toothpastes? Do you know what all those things are? Why is there a poison control warning on something you put in your mouth at least twice a day?

I love that Dr. Ginger’s products have NO Sodium Lauryl Sulfate!

It’s often used in soaps, detergents, and toothpastes as a cleaning agent, but it’s also a known irritant because it removes oils from the skin. I have to be really careful reading labels since we have one kiddo who’s really sensitive.

Get the FAQs.

Read more about Dr. Ginger and products!

I highly recommend this delicious and natural toothpaste!

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Natural Dental Care

Our Dental Unit

Is Your Family Always Sick?

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Amazon Prime Book Box for Kids

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May 21, 2018 By Jennifer Lambert 18 Comments

Story time just got better with Prime Book Box, a subscription that delivers hand-picked children’s books every 1, 2, or 3 months.

Discover new favorites that inspire a love of reading—new adventures await in every box!

Prime Book Box saves you up to 35% off List Price, and provides the best value on books sold by Amazon.com.

What’s in a Prime Book Box?

Each box contains 2 hardcover books or 4 board books. 

Who’s It For?

The age ranges are Baby-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.

For babies and the little readers, you’ll get up to 4 board books in your box.

Older kids will get 2 hardcover books (picture books for the younger kids, middle reader books for the older kids).

How Much Does it Cost?

The subscription rate is $22.99 per box, charged at the monthly interval you choose.

It’s a 35% discount on the cover price. If Amazon’s advertised price happens to be lower when your books are shipped, they’ll give you back the difference!

But What If I Already Have the Book?

Amazon will keep an eye on your recent purchase history to avoid books that you’ve already purchased through them. They’ll also give you a notice before your books ship so that you can review what will be in the box.

If you don’t like the selections that month, Amazon provides a list of four alternates that you can choose. If you don’t like any of the titles that month, you can skip it, just like any Prime subscription.

I hope that the Amazon editors make a concerted effort to promote female authors, authors of color, and alternate viewpoints. We shall see!

Where Can I Sign Up?

Prime Book Box is currently only available to Prime members, and those interested must request an invitation on the Prime Book Box web page. I got an email and that’s how I first heard about it. There’s no word whether the subscription box will ever be made available for non-Prime members.

The new subscription box offering also comes shortly after Amazon announced a price increase for Prime memberships—up from $99 to $119 annually. The company cited new Prime features and increased costs as the reasons it will raise the annual Prime fee starting May 11, 2018, for new members and June 16, 2018, for existing members. So now might be the time to join if you haven’t already!

Prime Book Box for Kids

Our first Amazon Prime Kids Book Box opening:

The kids were excited to get a fun mail surprise!

In the future, I will have them help choose the book selections, but I wanted to surprise them the first time.

Wishtree  by Katherine Applegate

The Secret Life of Lincoln Jones by Wendelin Van Draanen

We may do these as family read alouds or the girls may just read them on their own. These are great for a summer book club!

I requested a 2nd invitation for my son, who’s 8.

We can’t wait for next month!

Learn more about Prime Book Box here:

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Filed Under: Amazon Tagged With: Amazon, reading, review

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