Planning a party for Super Bowl? Virgil’s Root Beer is a favorite of mine! I actually love making a Root Beer float! Or maybe you prefer a cocktail such as Reed’s Touchdown Mule which features an invigorating bite of ginger! Both would be perfect with game-day snacks!

Virgil’s Handcrafted Root Beer​Virgil’s rich, yet creamy Root Beer is crafted from a perfectly balanced, natural blend of 15 roots and spices. Every ingredient in Virgil’s is all-natural – which means no preservatives, no aspartame and no artificial colors. ($6 / 4-Pack on Instacart)

To prep for your super bowl viewing party, tune into Virgil’s Instagram from February 6^th – February 11^th for a chance to win a variety of entertaining essentials from La Terra Fina, Harvest Snaps, Urban Pie Pizza Co., and of course Virgil’s!

Here’s a great recipe to try for the big game day!

Reed’s Touchdown MuleIngredients:

• 1.5 oz vodka
• 3 strawberries
• 5-10 blueberries
• 4oz lime juice
• 6oz Reed’s Real Ginger Ale
• 1 cup of crushed ice

Instructions:

• Muddle blueberries and strawberries in the bottom of a moscow mule mug
• Add vodka and lime juice
• Add crushed ice
• Add Reed’s Real Ginger Ale & stir
• Garnish with strawberry and serve

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this featured post. Images were also provided.

Looking for gift ideas for the kids besides the typical candy? Here are two of my favorites! This first one is cute, creative, and fun! Valentine’s Day is all about love! Chalk of the Town has designed a t-shirt that allows you to express what you love. Customize the shirt’s special heart-shaped chalkboard surface using the included no-smudge, vibrant chalk markers! The shirts are erasable, reusable, and machine-washable, so you can keep spreading love the other 364 days of the year, again and again! They also have styles in adult sizes! All shirts are available in youth sizes XS to XL. You can find them here. Your child will have so much fun being creative with this t-shirt!

I love this next one! This one will last much longer than the holiday!  Wanderwild’s Valentine-themed backpacks are the perfect practical gift to give any child who loves to get out and explore! I actually received one to try out and took it on our latest outing to the zoo! I love the size because it is just perfect! It’s not too small and it’s definitely not too big!

Wanderwild backpacks come in three styles: The Explorer, The Wanderer, and The Adventurer. They have fun prints and patterns, plenty of pockets, adjustable straps, and details such as fidget tabs for kids’ little fingers. The company encourages families to explore and make memories together through fun curated activities on their website. They also give a portion of each sale to selected organizations that exist to address childhood hunger, education needs, and spreading kindness. 

Wanderwild is available on Amazon and at www.wanderwild.com. They are featured on Share-A-Sale.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this holiday post. Images were also provided.

MyBevi
Price: $13.00+
Affiliated with ShareASale/Skimlinks & Amazon.

MyBevi is your best friend this winter. It’s definitely my go-to water bottle, especially every time I go to the gym! I can leave my gym bag at home but not this water bottle! My favorite is the 18 oz. Clearview bottle. You can find it here.

What sets this brand apart from competitors is how easy it is to carry your phone, keys and a tumbler while on-the-go.

The collection offers stainless steel tumblers for everyone that are made to endure all weather conditions and activities. Get your coffee fix for the day or quench that thirst with ice-cold water.

I really am impressed with how well my water stays cold and this water bottle does not leak like many others I have tried.

Eco-conscious consumers will be glad to know that this small family business is doing its part to
provide sustainable solutions for a healthier future for our planet.

Find out more at https://mybevi.com/

Self Disclosure: I received a free sample to facilitate this post. Images were also provided.

How are the New Year’s resolutions going? I know that I signed up for a gym membership and have been pretty successful so far in trying to eat healthier and exercise more! I do have to admit that I like to snack so I was quite excited to find a healthier snack option!

Looking for a great protein-packed snack that’s easy to eat on-the-go or sprinkled on top of your favorite foods? Meet Festive Chickpeas!

Festive Chickpeas have ZERO preservatives, are non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free and are 100% vegan to accommodate every snacker’s lifestyle. Aside from being plentiful with protein and nutritious, they’re exploding with flavor. Each pocket-sized bag is abundant in fiber, iron and potassium, has 10 grams of protein and no trans fats. The crispy chickpeas are dusted with ocean-fresh sea salt – making them an easy and equally satiating alternative to potato chips.

Think you’ll still miss out on your favorite sour cream and onion indulgence? Think again! Festive Chickpeas are celebrating snack time one step further with new fun flavors, including Sour Cream and Onion, Sweet & Smoky BBQ, and Ranch – because who wants to live without such tangy, savory flavor in their life?

FESTIVE IS THE FIRST TO “UNHUSK” THE CHICKPEA GIVING IT A BUTTERY, FRESH CRUNCHYY TASTE!

Festive Foods is introducing chickpeas to a new generation of people making them crunchy, crispy full of protein and fiber; satisfying flavor…

• Spicy, Creamy, Ranch, BBQ – Festive makes America’s favorite flavors fun and healthy to snack on!
• Peanut alternative (tastes a lot like peanuts) / A snack you can enjoy when your family is impacted by food allergies
• Can be eaten as a snack and also used as a topper, for breading
• Convenient small sizes, portion control

Crafted with the love and care of Azaad and Chandra Mohammed and their four sons, Raveez, Sidique, Terique, and Rameez, these munchable, crunchable chickpeas will be your new favorite festivity, all in one neat, tidy bag.

Eat well. Share with family. Keep it festive!

To learn more visit www.FeelFestive.com or @FestiveChickpeas

I actually wasn’t sure if I would like these but I love them! My favorite is the Sweet & Smoky BBQ!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Images were also provided.

Valentine’s Day will be here before we know it and I wanted to give you a head start on some great products for the Foodie on your list! The first one is perfect for romantic or family entertaining! Elda’s Kitchen Grilling Sauces are sure to be a hit!

Elda’s Kitchen sauces are small batch, artisan-made sauces that are vegan friendly, gluten-free, verified non-gmo and contain no preservatives, msg or high fructose corn syrup, so you can grill without the guilt!

• Elda’s Kitchen sauces coat foods on the outside and gets flavors inside.
• Fool-proof, versatile flavor profiles that can be layered
• Elda’s flavor profiles can be used as is or can work into many different recipes with layers of ingredients, not just as a marinade.
• Elda’s Kitchen cooking and grilling sauces are perfectly sized for generous flavoring without waste.

Developed by an immigrant family, Elda’s Kitchen prides itself on its small batch, artisan recipes based on 1950’s kitchen culture. Each sauce is packed with flavorful ingredient combinations meant to compliment any kind of cuisine. Elda’s Kitchen offers a wide variety of sauces inspired by different regions all over the world including but not limited to Ginger Teriyaki, Jamaican Jerk and Kentucky Bourbon.

Elda was consistently in the kitchen, always there for her family, bringing people and meals together with her loving sauces. Today, Elda’s Kitchen replicates the care and love that she put into her family meals into every batch of her namesake sauce brand. Elda’s Kitchen is still made in a large kettle, the same kind of sauce pot Elda used to cook sauces for her family in the 50s.  Co-created by Aldo, Elda’s son and dedicated butcher, and her granddaughter Brie, a self-taught cook and creative in the kitchen, Elda’s Kitchen helps others create comforting meals with a modern twist.

Elda’s Kitchen Gift Sets are the PERFECT gift for the grill master at home!

For all of their great gift sets, please visit: https://eldaskitchen.com/products/

For more information: https://eldaskitchen.com/

Products on Amazon can be found here.

I love this next one! Perfect for your funny Valentine!

Introducing…Funny Nuts!

These uniquely flavored cashews pack a punch when it comes to taste!

These cashews are farmed in the landscape of India and are peppered with natural flavors for a healthy and tasty source of energy.

Made in India, made with 100% natural ingredients, designated Halal, Paleo friendly. I loved the taste of these!

Best Used For:

This healthy, pure, & authentic common & powerful Indian spice can easily overtake

– Energy on a backpacking trip or a hike

– A healthy movie snack

– A section on the charcuterie board

– Great for gifts

For more information, please visit: https://alcoeats.com/collections/cashews

Does your sweetheart like Tea? How about a healthy tea? This tea tastes great and is even good for the planet!

Great taste & far less waste. Oteas ,loose teas, are made from the highest quality leaves, herbs, flowers and spices. Never crushed, always whole. Our bags are made from biodegradable material and are plastic free. Our teas are both good for you and good for the planet.

Natural components are used instead of artificial flavors to create one of a kind tea blends that taste real such as, Strawberries & Cream and Black Tea Caramel. Everything in an Oteas tea bag is whole – the herbs, spices, leaves and flowers. My favorite is the Strawberries & Cream, which would really be just perfect for Valentine’s Day!

Whether it is the Oteas exclusive blends (loose leaf or tea bags), their wonderful collections or one of their beautiful tea accessories, Oteas, has the perfect gift for the tea lover on your list!

For more information, please visit: https://www.oteas.com/

For the International Chef/Traveler and Indian Cuisine Lover…

AlcoEats

Culture, New Cuisine, New You. Exploring something new is difficult but, exploring new cuisine shouldn’t be. We believe everybody is an explorer. We provide relatable, easy-to-use ingredients for your everyday use So you keep exploring new flavors every day.

• AlcoEats is a more gourmet way to prepare and enjoy Indian flavors 
• AlcoEats saves 30 minutes of time and efforts in the kitchen – under 15 minutes of prep, almost 200 times quicker
• AlcoEats uses all natural, very high quality, selective ingredients such as cashew-based gravies
• All whole ingredients, lower in calorie with a really “good punch of taste;” good to eat on a daily basis

Bring out the International chef in you, by getting Indian spices, seasonings and a variety of herbs online in the US to cook quick and tasty Indian food. And AlcoEats, just add water, indie bowls makes it easy to enjoy, authentic Indian cuisine, at home or on the go!

For more information, please visit: https://alcoeats.com/

To purchase from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Alcoeats/EasyIndieBowls/page/F5E90ADB-A08C-44EF-A00E-16CA2B33DC35

Stay tuned for more Valentine’s Day GIft Suggestions next week!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Images were also provided.

Can you believe that Christmas Eve is tomorrow? Here are some more of my favorite gift ideas!

Keep your feet warm and cozy with NAUSENI slippers. Every pair is handcrafted, the soles are Himalayan buffalo suede leather and the rest is 100% natural wool and felt. These sustainable, eco-friendly slippers are handmade by women in Nepal. They mold to your foot for the perfect fit. Choose from kid and adult sizes in a variety of colors: https://www.nauseni.org/ 

I love these! They are comfy!

Cali Weights are brand-new chic weighted bracelets that come in a ton of fun colors to help you look and feel your best. These versatile, durable, and stylish bracelets each weigh ¼ pound, and are meant to mix and match. Cali Weights come in a beautifully packaged case that is 100% recyclable, and each bracelet is made of high-density moldable iron and covered with hand-soft silicone that is water and sweatproof. Each case comes with four bracelets. You can wear four or more bracelets at a time to achieve your fitness goals, and they are available in three different sizes (small, medium, and large) to fit a variety of wrists. They are the perfect accessory to wear all day during school drop offs, Zoom calls, yoga and Pilates classes, spin, teaching, the gym… the options are endless. More information: www.caliweights.com.

GLOBALANCE– Keep lunch cold with sleek and functional GEL-COOL Bento Boxes. These BPA-free bento boxes keep food fresh and safe from hot weather with its built-in ice pack. It’s easy to use… just put the lid in the freezer the night before you plan to use, and then pack your lunch the next day. The bento box will keep your food cold for approximately four hours. Available in nine fun colors like milk white, berry blue, and sesame grey. Components except for the ice pack lid are dishwasher and microwave safe. Lunch ideas and more are available at https://loisthestore.com/collections/bento-boxes.

Good Banana isn’t just a fun thing to say, but they have the hottest kids’ gifts to give this holiday season. From snuggly soft weighted blankets to bed tents, yoga mats and stuffed animals in bright colors and themes like rainbow, dinosaur, donut, pizza and more! These high-quality, super soft products are made with the same design and care as adult products, but in fun kids’ colors and sizes. Check out the weighted blankets! These five-pound weighted blankets are made for kids (or kids at heart) 30 pounds and up. Complete your gift set with a kids-sized yoga mat in fun themes like kitty cat, llama, rainbow and panda… kids can use these mats to practice yoga, relax and more! There really is a gift for everyone… bubble machines, lap desks, loud mouths (plush toys that repeat whatever kids say), toy storage bags, doorway curtains, and gift cards… the possibilities are endless. More information: www.goodbanana.com and available on Amazon.

Butter Hub is a smarter butter dish. This kitchen must-have has four features that make it stand out from others on the market. Butter Hub’s magnetic lid (to hold a knife), extended feet (to keep butter mess off the table), scoop ramps and a scrape edge comes in seven colors to match any kitchen décor. With more than a 4.5 star rating, the simple look, lightweight, dishwasher safe and microwavable, BPA-free dish will keep your butter soft and ready for spreading! More information and available at: https://butterhub.com/ and Amazon.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples of the above products to facilitate this holiday featured post. Images were also provided.

Looking for some really cool stocking stuffers for the family? Here are some of my favorites!

One of my top choices for the entire family is GoSili, a sustainable brand that provides colorful reusable straws & cups for those who love the planet.

The brand has options for stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, and holiday parties such as silicone cups, straws, and a Universal Silicone Straw Top with Straw designed to turn any cup into a straw cup. 

GoSili provides the best European grade silicone tumblers, cups, and straws on the market that are stylish, modern, tough, and 100% nontoxic. GoSili Silicone Goods is an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastics. All under $10 – super cute and visual — and available on Target, Amazon, and GoSili.com.

I love all the great choices that they have! My favorites are the Silicone Ocean Drinking Cups and the Reusable Straws!

The next one is wonderful for parents and young children!

Mindfulness for young children is extremely important.  Little Renegades Daytime and Bedtime Decks are 4×6” chunky cards just right for little hands, inspired by nature with so-sweet watercolor art that empowers kids to practice emotional regulation by tuning in to their feelings and surroundings. Little Renegades’ Mindful Journals are 128 pages of prompts and space to record their feelings and the world around them, printed on recycled paper in a take-it-anywhere 5×8” size for kids and adults of all ages (Gratitude, Outdoor and Creativity journals in the series). To purchase and find out more go to https://www.littlerenegades.com/

Holiday Notes from MyWish4U Connect with your kids this holiday season with Christmas Facts & Funnies or Hanukkah Notes from the popular MyWish4U Lunch Notes. Each book is overflowing with cool holiday facts and jolly jokes to make the season extra merry! Tear off a note and use as a thoughtful gift topper, tree decoration, or as place cards at the holiday table. These happy Christmas and Hanukkah Notes tell your kids that even in the midst of the busy holiday season, you stopped to think about them. 

Popcorn? Yes, please!

Sweet Chaos Drizzles Sweet Chaos is the perfect mix of your favorite sweet & salty snacks… especially their seasonal offerings that include NEW Black & White Sugar Cookie, Maple Brown Sugar, Iced Gingerbread, Vanilla Chai, and Peppermint Crunch! Sweet Chaos Drizzles are Gluten Free, made with Non-GMO popcorn, and have NO artificial colors or flavors. Handmade kettle corn made by real people. Non-GMO popcorn is popped in Coconut Oil, with just the right amount of Cane Sugar and Sea Salt, and then sprinkled with delicious drizzles! 

My favorite is the Iced GIngerbread! Yum! Great for family holiday movie nights too!

Happy Holidays!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples of the above items to facilitate this holiday featured post. Images were also provided.

Looking for a gift for someone who loves running, hiking, or even just walking? This next one is also great for keeping those healthy, getting fit New Year resolutions! The fitness apparel brand, HYLETE, is already spreading cheer with the release of transitional apparel featuring multiple new products, new collections, colors, and much more. Keep the workouts going all season long with unique fabric blends, layered insulated apparel, and lightweight breathable fabric available for a limited time at www.hylete.com. I received some great products to try out and I love their shorts and pants.

I especially like that the pants have pockets! I’m not a runner but I do love walking!

Whether it’s a pair of extra-cozy fleece joggers, sweat-wicking compression leggings, or stylish crews and hoodies, the right pair of performance attire can make all the difference through the coldest months of the year. HYLETE’s winter apparel is available for purchase today and include:

• Women’s Altium Sports Bra II, available in Peony, Black, and Gray. 
• Women’s Valena Crew, available in Raisin and Gray.
• Women’s Versa Short, available in Peony, Black, and Navy.
• Women’s Urban Fleece-Lined Jogger, available in Black.
• Women’s Tempo Tight, available in Black and Sienna.
• Women’s Terras Fleece-Lined Tight, available in Black and Olive. 
• Men’s Nexus Crew, available in Olive and Black.
• Men’s Verge III Short, available in Olive, Black, and Gray.
• Men’s Strata Crew Fleece, available in Olive and Black.
• Men’s Flexion II Jacket, available in Olive, Black, Navy, and Gray.
• Men’s Flexion II Jogger, available in Olive, Black, Navy, and Gray.
• Men’s Ion Pant, available in Black, Olive, and Gray.

Shoppers who need help finding the right gift can take a quiz to Find Their Perfect Short by selecting preferences like activities, attributes, and fit based on the recipient. Electronic gift cards are also available for purchase in multiple denominations. 

For more information on HYLETE, visit www.hylete.com.

Here are a few great suggestions for your College students! They will make a great addition to a holiday care package too!

For busy college kids, finding easy ways to strengthen your immune system and add an extra dose of energy is a must-have during these crazy, busy times. And what better way to do this than with a healthy cup of coffee!

Nora’s Naturals Coffee is on a mission to support health and wellbeing by sourcing high antioxidant single-origin coffee with tremendous physical and mental health benefits. Their coffee is grown in volcanic soil, rich in silica (essential for collagen production – hello better skin, hair, and nails), and packed with antioxidants for brain health and physical health. Perfect for any busy college kid! 

Looking to add a little something extra to your care package? Try gifting jewelry! Throwing in a chic, affordable, tarnish-resistant piece of jewelry is the perfect way to gift something they will continue to wear and cherish far past the school year. 

Female-founded jewelry brand Starlette Galleria offers rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that are made of high-quality metals and synthetic gemstones (Say bye-bye to skin irritation and green skin!).

Starlette Galleria caters to the woman on the go, offering necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that won’t break the bank and won’t leave you crying if you happen to lose or misplace your precious jewelry when out and about. Perfect for any budget-conscious college kid! There is sure to be a perfect gift and would also make a great surprise in a stocking!

I love the next one! It would be a great gift for Moms too! Tough as a Mother Tribe utilizes the power and meanings of gemstones to design jewelry that honors the most joyous and raw parts of being a woman. Throw on Tough as a Mother Tribe’s “COOL MAMA” (Chalcedony), “GOOD VIBES MAMA”(Labradorite), and the “BALANCED MAMA” (Quartz) necklaces to help ground, relax, and revitalize you for your next beach day. These necklaces are just too cool!

The next items are a must for the kids!

Air Hunterz Wrist Bow (Zing): The mini-arrow firing device is just what you need to make battling with friends easy and fun! With launching distances of up to 30 feet, your arrow will soar through the air! Available on Amazon for $14.99. I do recommend this one for ages 8+.

The Gift Box Ornament Decorator (Hey Buddy Hey Pal): The perfect DIY craft to embrace the holiday season, allowing both kids and adults to make perfect, hand-decorated ornaments for the tree! Place one of the three different ornaments included with the kit on top of the gift box-shaped decorator and let the fun begin! The machine holds and spins the ornaments, while the included markers are used to create bright colorful ornaments with stripes, lines, and other designs! Each kit comes with one decorator, three different ornaments, caps, hooks, and eight colorful non-toxic markers. Available on Amazon for $24.99.

Chalk of the Town Christmas T-Shirt Kit (Chalk of the Town): Ring in the holidays this year with Chalk of the Town’s new Christmas Tree T-Shirt Kit. This shirt features a “chalkboard” Christmas tree on the front to decorate with the included chalk markers — and thanks to the patent-pending design, when you proudly wear your Christmas masterpiece, it won’t smudge or bleed.  Christmas Tree T-Shirt Kits come with a 100% cotton, Kelly Green long-sleeve shirt; pink, green, & blue water-based chalk markers; & an erasing cloth. Available in youth sizes XS (2-4), S (6-8), M (10-12), L (14-16), & XL (18-20) and adult sizes S, M, L & XL. Available on Amazon for $27.95.

Go Go Bird Butterfly will surely be a hit! This one is from Zing and looks and flies like a real butterfly! You can find it on Amazon.

I recommend this one for ages 8+ and I like how lightweight it is.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this holiday gift guide. Images and information were also received.