Mango Publishing Books Review

It's been a few months since I last posted, right before we were put on stay at home orders. So how have I been spending my time? I've been getting projects done around the house, cooking and cleaning a lot more, spending more time with the family and of course doing a lot more reading. I love to read but it is sometimes hard to find the time when you are working all day and exhausted by the time you manage to get home. So, I have been finishing up partially read books and reading ones that had been sitting on my bookcase waiting to be opened. Reading is a great way to relax and escape from all the craziness that has been going on lately. So when I was contacted by Mango Publishing and asked if I would like to check out a few of their titles, of course I said yes. One can never have to many books.   

Your Brain on Facts Things You Didn't Know, Things You Thought You knew, and Things You Never knew You Never Knew by Moxie LaBouche is entertaining and brainy. This book is full of facts and trivia from movies to medicine and everything in between. I consider myself a trivia buff, I often surprise my husband by knowing stuff he assumes I couldn't possibly know. My brain has a way of retaining information I've heard, seen or read along the way and I am always eager to learn more. This is my kind of book. Believe it or not many of the things I read about in this book I already knew, but I did acquire some fascinating new knowledge to impress during my next dinner party. For instance did you know that cat's can't taste sweet? Huh? Why does my cat Merlin always try to steal my ice cream than? There is a whole story about pharmaceuticals and antifreeze behind this fact. Get a copy and read for yourself! 

Anxious Art A Creativity Journal to Help Calm You by Elina Diaz and Yaddrya Peralta is a book to help you de-stress. It's part journal, part sketch book and all fun. I decided to gift this one to my tween daughter. Although kids tend to hide it a little better, they do feel stress. With school shutting down, and not being able to spend time with her friends, and being around mom 24/7, she's gotta be going nuts! This book has silly tasks like doodling a snail going on a trip to more thoughtful tasks like starting a breathing journal to share thoughts and ideas as you find your calm.  

The Crafty Gardener Inspired Ideas and DIY Crafts from Your Own Backyard by Becca Anderson has some great ideas to help you get crafty. I know a lot of people are finding more time to show their creative side since we have been at home. Sewing, baking and gardening have made a comeback and this book offers helpful gardening tips and recipes to make the most of your new hobby. 

Check out this rosemary ring my husband made using rosemary and pink peppercorns grown in our front yard. You can also find some things to make and gift or even sell for some extra spending money, for more books! 

You can find these titles and more from Mango Publishing on Amazon or Bookshop.

The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or PR company representing them. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by  anyone.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Discount and Giveaway

Come hither, I have something to tell you! Are you looking for something fun to do this spring break? How about checking out one of Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament shows! This exciting show is filled with knights, horses, swords and complete with some good bellytimber you can enjoy with your hands! This 2 hour Medieval jousting tournament, while you enjoy a 4 course meal, is fun for the entire family.



Medieval Times has locations in 9 US states and Canada so you can find one near your spring break locale. My family is getting ready to visit the Buena Park, California location during spring break and we are looking forward to it. Check out this SPECIAL DEAL currently being offered. In addition enter for your chance to win FREE TICKETS. 
Farewell and see ya at the tournament!

*Gift Ideas* For the creative kid in your life

Yes, Christmas time is only a few short week away so it's time to start sharing some gift ideas. Here are some fun gifts from ooly to spark some creativity in little ones with big imaginations. 

These Stack of Stars Stacking Crayons are the perfect stocking stuffer. They come in 12 fine point colors and sell for only $2.99

These Scratch and Scribble Scratch Art Kits are a great boredom buster. Go from plain black to  colorful art with the including scratching tool. Designs include Fantastic Dragons, Magical Unicorns, Monster Pals, Ocean Life and Colorful Safari. These sells for only $8.99

I love these On the Go Stationary Kits! These are a great way for tweens to keep in touch with family and friends. They are fun and no Internet needed. YAY, Bring back snail mail! These sell for $14.99.

These Scented Erasers are another adorable stocking stuffer. They come in a total of 13 different styles from donuts to mew-maids. These sell for $2.99-$4.99. 

Finally these Chunkies Paint Sticks are just the right size for little hands. These 12 color, quick drying paint sticks are a no mess, no water needed paint "markers" that kids will be using everywhere. They sell for only $14.50. 

You can find all of these products and more online. 

Del Mar Harvest Festival Original Art and Craft Show Review

As I said I was going to do in my previous post, I visited Del Mar's Harvest Festival Original Art and Craft Show over the weekend. The event took place inside the Del Mar Fairgrounds inside one of the exhibit halls. It was jam packed with artisans showcasing their products and shoppers looking for some great finds. Unfortunately we were not allowed to take pictures but there were a ton of things up for sale. Everything from clothing, gourmet food products, home decor, original art and bath products. Outside the hall there were several places to eat, think county fair food. There was also live music, a kid zone and a family juggling act. All in all my family and I had a nice time visiting and we even picked up some honey from Holy Honey because we couldn't resist after sampling their products. 

If you were not able to make it to this show there are still a few Harvest Festival Original Art and Craft Show events coming up around California. 

Pleasanton -October 25-27

San Mateo- November 15-17

Sacramento- November 22-24

San Jose- November 29- December 1

Pomona- December 6-8

Del Mar Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show

The Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show will be at the Del Mar Fairgrounds this weekend and so will I! I can't wait to stroll through all the artisanal products and crafts and of course do a little shopping. From October 11-13 southern California's Del Mar Fairgrounds will be featuring it's long loved indoor showcase of handmade creations from some of the best artisans out there. Alongside live entertainment, specialty foods and a fun KidZone. It is an event you won't want to miss.

General admission tickets are $9, Seniors (62+) and military are $7, Youths ages 13-17 are $4, and kids 12 and under are FREE. Tickets are good for the entire weekend. Hours are Friday 10am to 5pm; Saturday 10am to 6pm; and Sunday 10am to 5pm.

I am so excited for the opportunity to attend and make it a fun family weekend. If you are in or around the southern California area come and join me. You can even click on this link to receive $2.00 off of admission. Support handmade!

Sunless Tanning Towelettes Review

Summer is here! Time to pack up those layers and and pull out some lighter tops, flowy dresses and slip on some sandals. And since it is 2019 we all know the dangers of too much sun bathing, so go ahead and lather on that sunscreen too! Wait! How am I going to get that sun-kissed skin to go with my cute summer dresses you ask. I have the perfect solution, Comodynes Sunless Tanning Towlettes. 

These totally convenient and safe self-tanning wipes will leave your skin summer ready in less than 3 hours and without any help from those pesky UV rays. Sold in packs of 8 and individually wrapped so they are ready to toss into your purse, luggage or beach bag for some quick color. 

So I have to admit I don't wear dresses very often, in fact my legs are a totally different color than the rest of my body, and since I am not a fan of sitting out in the sun I usually have to live with the unsightly color difference when I do decide to show some leg. I was sent samples of these self-tanning towelettes for review and was pretty excited to try them out. You simply apply the tanning towelette in a circular motion starting from your feet and working your way up. I only used from my ankles up since my feet are already pretty tan. You wait about 10 minutes before dressing and your skin will gradually begin to reveal a faux glow. At first I only saw a slight difference but a few hours later I noticed my legs definitely looked more tan. It was that easy! I was also afraid that the towelette would leave my hands looking weirdly orange but there was no trace at all. Another bonus with these towelettes, they leave your skin feeling super soft. It is recommended to use a towelette every 3 to 4 days to keep up that sunbathed look. These also come in a intensive and fast bronzing option if you are are really looking for that deep tan. 

These are available online at www.comodynes.net and www.drugstore.com.