Tales of The Kingdom - Book Review

Disclaimer: I received the following product(s) in exchange for my review. All opinions my own.


   Tales of the Kingdom, written by David and Karen Mains and illustrated by Zhivko Zhelev, is 84 pages full of inspirational stories of multi-ethnic modern fairy tales to teach children and adults. Each story teaches on morals with good and evil, and the significance for trusting in God.

   There are 12 chapters filled with different characters looking for their worth. From Scarboy and his brother, Little Child, in The Enchanted City. They try to escape the evil of the town, and find what they were looking for in the end. Then there's the Girl Named Dirty who lived with pigs and boasted on her dirtiness. She wanted to make a change after she realized she didn't want to live in filth after all. There's the Baker Who Loved Bread who began to share his bread with others once the King explained the pain he feels when others hurt. There are so many other characters... All of the stories work together and form a metaphorical interpretation of stories in the Bible. It's packed full of adventure and lessons with teaching behind each. I enjoyed the illustrations each story carried, though the book was really hard for me to get interested in. I didn't find the stories very appealing, though you might if you're interested in a science fiction-esque genre. It is said to compare with books such as The Chronicles of Narnia and Pilgrims Progress. The art was my favorite part of the book, as it was done with great detail and color.



You can find Tales of The Kingdom available for purchase on Amazon also visit KingdomTales.com for more books and information.


This review is made possible by BookCrash,  in providing me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.

Maud's Sister Hazel(Nut) Coffee N' Frappuccino


Have you tried Maud's Righteous Blends coffee yet?  

Maud's Sister Hazel(Nut) coffee is my favorite flavor from the Maud's coffee pods selection. It has a smooth hazel-nutty flavor, rich in taste and aroma. It is made with premium 100% Arabica coffee beans roasted by their 5th generation roast-master. This coffee is perfect as is, mixed with cream, or turned into a shake. I love blending it with some ice and bananas, and a little bit of sugar, for a smooth frappuccino like drink


  Check out shopblends.com for all the delicious coffee blends. Use my link to get 5% your first order! 

 

Daily Goodie Box - November 2018

Disclaimer: I received the following product(s) in exchange for my review. All opinions my own.


   I received the November 2018 Daily Goodie Box, check it out below, filled with delicious snacks, self care, and more! 

Who doesn't love cereal?!? Are it's not just for breakfast! Sampling Love Grown cereal was as fun as expected. It tasted like Chocolate Pebbles with a harder crunch. My son enjoyed the texture and the flavor, even without milk! It made a great afternoon snack. And can you believe this cereal is made from beans?! A blend of navy, lentil, and garbanzo beans provide this amazing cereal! Who knew!


I have to say, I had high hopes for this drink, but it was disgusting. Orange and coffee flavors just do not mix well. The swizz if the can popping open and the creamy top were divine to experience, but the flavor was not on par with the other senses. I would LOVE to try their other flavors, such as an Oat Milk Latte or Mocha Latte.


I've loved indulging in 2 gummies a day for the added Vitamin C. The flavor is sweet and the texture is just right. It's like eating candy every day, only it's healthy! These gummies are made with organic and natural ingredients, with no gelatin or pectin, seaweed extract is used instead. They provide antioxidants and help repair body tissues, protect cells, fight off infection, and more! 


This product is great for first aid use, but it also helps heal dry, cracked hands and feet, heal insect bites, relieve rashes, sunburns, and other skin irritations. It's perfect for on the go and a definite recommended piece to bring with you on those camping trips! The salve is made of a homeopathic formula to give you a more natural healing and let your body do the work it needs to without added chemicals in the way. I found this product to be soothing to dry fingers when I washed the dishes too many times haha. It's a great product to have on hand and it's really all you need.


I loved these cashew brittle pieces so much! I usually have a difficult time eating normal peanut brittle because of the hardness, so trying these softer pieces was far more enjoyable! They have the perfect flavor and crunch, that kind of softens further once it's in your mouth. These bite sized snacks are made with just 7 ingredients and crafted from a 60 year old family recipe. They're fantastic! 
 

M&M's with personalized words or pictures is such a fun idea for holidays and parties. Most people love these mini chocolates and adding that personalized touch makes it go so much further. You can create yours, all the way from the color to the packaging it arrives in. Adding any photos or words of your choice makes it so much fun! What a great gift!


These bars are a genius idea to provide natural energy in each, using a full cup of antioxidant-rich, fair trade coffee and nutrients to get you through that slump. Unfortunately, I expected this bar to be much better than it actually was. I could taste the coffee and the dates, but it really didn't strike me as a "caramel macchiato" flavor. I didn't find it to give me energy as a cup of coffee would, but it was still fun to try it out. I would be interested in their other flavors!

I love trying out different tea brands and this particular one did not disappoint. Made using a blend of Ceylon and Indian black teas with Italian Bergamot essential oils, it made a nice cup to get me going.  I like that they have a decaf and a caffeinated choice as well, along with many other tea flavors!


A sunscreen that doesn't wear off when you sweat makes for the perfect beach day! With a broad spectrum SPF of 30 and being water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes, you can enjoy an hour+ worth of fun in the sun. This sunscreen is made of natural mineral zinc only, it's coral reef friendly, and non greasy. Ready for summer!


It's been another fun month of my Daily Goodies Goodie Box. What product did you like most? If you would love to sample products like those above, check out dailygoodiebox.com and sign up!
 I received complimentary product(s) in exchange for an honest review. All opinions my own.

Making Knee Holes Cute Again


Do your kids tend to get a lot of knee holes in their jeans? 

   In the warmer seasons, you can always cut the pants off into shorts, but what about for the colder seasons? Or if you just want to keep the pants as...pants? Sewing up the hole, with a patch on the inside (where it can't be seen) then adding on little embellishments can turn your jeans into a fun, new, and wearable style! All it takes is a little bit of imagination and craftiness. I made this cute monster face design using felt! It was so easy and look how cute it came out? The hole is now a little monster face...perfect for a crazy little monster of a boy!



Easy Cake Mix Drop Cookies + Recipe



If you're in need of an extremely easy cookie recipe that requires just 3 ingredients, indulge in the recipe below!! 



 1 Box of Cake mix (your choice of flavor)
 1/2 cup vegetable oil 
2 eggs 
1 cup of mix-in item such as chocolate chips, M&M's, sprinkles, ect. (optional)


Dump all of the ingredients into a bowl and blend or whisk til mixed thoroughly, without clumps. Batter will be sticky so scoop dough onto a greased cookie sheet, using a spoon. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. 
Let cool and enjoy!


I used a yellow cake mix for my cookies, and added sprinkles as my "mix-in". They came out delicious and were so easy to make!

 

Daily Goodie Box - October 2018

Disclaimer: I received the following product(s) in exchange for my review. All opinions my own.


I received a Goodie Box for the month of October 2018 and it's filled with all kinds of goodies. From nuts and toothpaste to coffee and shampoo, there's something for everyone in this kit! Check it out below. 



This is a great shampoo and body wash, that works so well for cleaning your baby's skin. It's also good for those with sensitivities as it is free of phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, and parabens. It is all pH-balanced and tear free. The soap foams well and washes away with ease. I would prefer it to have a slight oil feel to it because it just feels so airy but overall it's really great. I really enjoy the soft Chamomile scent as well. 

NightFood Bars for when you're feeling a little munchy. 
These bars are great to eat if you need a midnight snack. They are snackable and give you just enough to feel satisfied, without overdoing it. Each bar provides the right amount of protein while being high in fiber and low in calories. One bar has less sugar in it than a cup of skim milk so you can indulge in a tasty treat instead of a warm glass of milk! I received the flavor Midnight Chocolate Crunch for my bar, and though I wasn't in love with the flavor, I like the idea of this product. It makes you feel like you're eating a candy bar but without the extra junk. I would love to try their other flavors!

Said to be an 'elegant coffee with balanced flavor, aroma, and acidity' ... At first taste of this coffee, I thought it was too bitter. The balance feels off and it didn't fell elegant, but the aroma was satisfying. I found that once I added more grounds to the brew, the better the coffee started to taste. It's not a flavor that would be my first choice, but I like this coffee brand and love that is it ethically sourced, organic, fairtrade, and kosher. They also have a good variety of other flavors to enjoy.

This is a pretty handy wallet to add to your phone. It makes for easy grabbing when you need specific cards and don't want to take your wallet with you. I'm always afraid the cards will slide out but this one seems to be pretty good. It has a snap closure to keep the cards in place and it's slim enough to keep in your pocket. It's also compatible with all the latest phones so it would make a great stocking stuffer gift.

I really enjoyed trying out this toothpaste and could really taste the Tea Tree and Clove flavors. Though it contains no fluoride or sodium lauryl sulfate, it produced suds well and left my teeth feeling clean. I like that Coral White helps prevent cavities by raising the pH in your saliva while it also works on whitening the teeth and keeping the breath fresh. I also like that it's said that the whole food mineral complex from the fossilized stony coral minerals in this toothpaste, will also help re-mineralize the enamel on your teeth! Now that's pretty cool.

I really wanted to love this product but Matcha tea is a strong taste that makes it really hard for me to enjoy. I found it to be bitter with really small amounts of mint. It would have been nice to taste the mint a bit stronger. I like that matcha is supposed to help improve your mood, memory, and concentration, among other great benefits to drinking, but I have a hard time enjoying the taste. If you like drinking matcha, this would be a great tea for you!

This is the first time I've tried Vegan Mayo so that was exciting for me. I was shocked on the flavor as it was more tart than I was expecting. I wanted to like it, but I have to admit I prefer regular Mayo to the vegan one. I do like that this is made from garbanzo beans and 100% pure avocado oil. It's a good substitute for vegans to eat Mayo, and it's a flavor I could adjust to if I had to. The texture is perfect and just as you would expect it to be.

Cashews are my number one favorite nut, so trying these was a fun chance in a unique flavor. Peri Peri Roasted Cashews were the ones I got to try. They have a hint of exotic red chili spice, giving them a little kick. The full list of seasonings contain Chili, Onion, Garlic, Sea Salt, Natural Cane Sugar, Lime Powder, Natural Chili Extract, Natural Onion Extract, Natural Garlic Extract, so you can imagine the flavor on these nuts. I would have liked to try one of their other sweeter flavors, as I am not a big spice fan, but these were still great!

If you like energy drinks, you might enjoy trying an Iron Energy. It's a drink crafted in Europe, designed with organic products and sweeteners to provide a 'better for you' energy drink. I;m not a fan of energy drinks, but I did try the one I received, which was in the flavor: Tutti Fruity. It's nothing I want to drink but I'm sure others might enjoy it!



As always, I have enjoyed trying each product from this round of Goodie Box. If you would like to sample your own products, visit DailyGoodieBox.com and sign up!

I received complimentary product(s) in exchange for an honest review. All opinions my own.


Find the Perfect Apparel or Bag at Literary Book Gifts


*Guest Post by: Melissa Chan, designer of Literary Book Gifts


   "Literary Book Gifts is a brand new online store that has unique products for readers and writers of all ages. Sometimes it can be easier to turn on the TV or read magazines than to open up a book and read it from start to finish. Each item in the shop is created with the idea in mind to promote the love, enjoyment, and discussion of reading. In particular, the collection focuses on vintage designs and classic novels. These books have been around for such a long time that you can easily find and read them for free online or at your local library.

   I started Literary Book Gifts earlier this year. I had a few designs ready and I loved the idea of a wide selection of apparel and bags being available online for delivery right to your door. The collection showcases unique in-house designs, you will not find the same products elsewhere. Today I will be focusing on just a few of the products available in the store. In addition, there is an exclusive promo code just for you at the end of this article!



   The Typewriter Tote Bag is just one of the many bag options available. Perfect for carrying an actual typewriter, but also great for carrying books, binders, sweaters, and other daily necessities around town. This vintage typewriter is lightly distressed and in a black print on a beige background. The handles are black and made of cotton. Style this tote bag with a neutral color palette for a complete literary look!

   To go with the tote bags there is a wide selection of shirts available in both men's and women's sizing. The Vintage Book T-Shirt showcases a subtle literary design. A small book encapsulated by rays of sun. All the women's designs are also available in men's shirts as well.

   The Frankenstein T-Shirt for men is perfect to wear for Halloween and year round for fans of Mary Shelley's classic. What I love about the collection is that it has specific titles such as this one and more generic literature related clothing, such as the items mentioned above. I hope you enjoyed reading a bit about the designs and the shop."

 
   For readers of Temporary Waffle, the exclusive code TemporaryWaffle20 can be entered at checkout to receive 20% off! There is no minimum and this code does not expire.

*Written by Melissa Chan book enthusiast and designer at Literary Book Gifts.


Hormel's Curemaster Reserve: Vermont Maple and Campfire Ham

Disclaimer: I received the following product(s) in exchange for my review. All opinions my own.


   I recently had the opportunity to try Hormel's Curemaster Reserve Campfire Ham, Vermont Maple Ham, and their amazing glazes. Both of these hams arrive frozen, precooked and presliced, so when you're ready to serve dinner to your family, the hams take a fraction of the normal cooking time! And everything is there for you, with easy to follow directions, and three different sauces to choose from. This is so great, especially for big holiday get togethers! 


   The Campfire Ham is by far the best ham I have ever tasted. It was so easy to cook and the Cranberry Chipotle Glaze made the flavor spectacular. The ham was tender and juicy in all the right ways and it gave off a very delicious aroma. I loved that the ham was precooked and presliced, making it such a time saver! If you're looking for the perfect ham for the holidays, I definitely recommend this one!


   The Vermont Maple Ham was very tender and juicy, releasing all the flavors to make a delicious main course. I used the Honey Dijon Glaze but I think the Cranberry Chipotle Glaze would have been a better choice. The Dijon flavor was very strong and didn't quite mesh well with the Maple flavor. It did give the ham a great glaze and color though!




If you're on the hunt for a delicious and easy to cook ham, I highly recommend the Hormel's Curemaster Reserve Hams. They are perfect for holidays, family dinner nights, or even when you're just craving a juicy ham. Check your lcoal stores for these products, and visit hormel.com for more information and products.



I received a complimentary product in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.


World Peas and Healthy Snacking With Peatos

Disclaimer: I received the following product(s) in exchange for my review. All opinions my own. 


Let's face it; Snacking is something we all do, but looking for healthier alternatives makes snacking better for everyone. Got that crave for a crunchy, cheesy, snack? Peatos has you covered. 


   Peatos is a healthy alternative to Cheetos, made with real cheese, peas and lentils. They pack in 2x the protein, 3x the fiber, and less fat than other munching options out there. They bring in the "junk food" without all that extra junk, so you can feel good about snacking on these delicious crunchy morsels. Each bite is packed with nutrients giving you "pulse power" which are edible seeds from beans, lentils, chickpeas, and peas, making this an excellent source of plant based protein and fiber. Peatos are also GMO-free and gluten free, made without any artificial flavors. They are currently available in four flavors: Classic Cheese, Chili Cheese, Fiery Hot, and Masala. 


   In trying the four flavors of Peatos, I have a severe love for their Classic Cheese. If I find myself craving Cheetos, but don't want the unhealthy aspect, I will reach for the Classic Cheese Peatos and find myself more than satisfied. Each bite has the right amount of crunch and flavor, made with real cheese, and seasoning that includes Buttermilk solids, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and tumeric.

   When I want a more savory flavor, I reach for the Chili Cheese Peatos. These would me my 2nd favorite, as they remind me a bit of the Chili Cheese Fritos I love so much. They have a similar chili seasoning, but are more fulfilling due to the healthier ingredients that include cheese, tomato powder, onion and garlic powder, whey, paprika, jalapeno powder, and natural smoke flavor.

   If I want a more spicy version, I would reach for the Fiery Hot Peatos. These are spicy, I would say maybe they are similar to Takis. They contain seasoning that includes white distilled vinegar, citric acid, vegetable juice, malic acid, natural smoke flavor, and Annatto extract.

   And last, for a more unique savory flavor I would reach for the Masala Peatos. These have a very nice flavor and are probably my 3rd favorite. Some of their added ingredients include onion and garlic powder, natural flavor, citric and malic acid, and beta carotene. 


Each bag of Peatos is delicious in their own way and make an excellent snack the whole family will love. You can find Peatos available for purchase in your local grocery stores or you can shop for them online at Amazon


Visit worldpeasbrand.com for more information! 

*What flavor are you most interested in?  
Would you like to try Peatos for yourself? One reader has the chance to win a kit of Peatos snacks to enjoy! Enter through Rafflecopter below. Good luck!
 


I received a complimentary product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions my own.