Family * Travel * Food

Two Subscriptions to Buy Your Child to Encourage Learning

The Covid-19 pandemic crippled the education system due to widespread school closures. As a result, parents, teachers, and students were left to seek ways to educate their children, with a significant number opting for homeschooling. On the other hand, educators sought out ways to encourage children to keep learning, which has brought the need for subscriptions. These subscriptions help provide kids with the necessary tools and knowledge that encourage learning.

Try the following subscriptions if you want to join the new schooling system and encourage your child to learn. 

Box Subscriptions

Subscription boxes are packages that will encourage your child to learn. This hot trend involves subscribing to a particular educative company to ensure that you receive a box with items and directions regarding a particular education subject, including art, math, and reading.

These boxes cover a wide variety of subjects; do you want to encourage your little one to write? Try a writer's box. If you want to make them inquisitive of the world around them, subscribe to the science subscription box for kids.

Choosing an Ideal Supplier

When subscribing, however, ensure that you choose a supplier whose boxes are written, curated, and created by teachers or educators with master's degrees and a love for teaching and inspiring people. It would also help to get box subscriptions from a site with an online presence to stay updated with new trends. 

Online Subscriptions

In addition, to getting monthly educational boxes for your child, you may subscribe to online platforms that provide educational lessons. While online subscriptions won't provide your kids with tools, they will provide comprehensive education and instructions. For instance, if your kid is a little scientist, you can find online platforms with DIY scientific videos for kids.

It would also help to subscribe to platforms that provide daily education lessons to ensure that your children get the necessary educative interaction. This way, you will remove the monotonous of having just you as the teacher or books as the main source of information. Ideally, before subscribing to an online educational platform, it would help discuss and encourage your kids to undertake these lessons.

Besides, online subscriptions will allow your child to access the specific educational content they need. For instance, if they miss a school lesson or don't understand more about a written topic, they can search that content on the subscribed platform. This way, they will have the content they need at hand.

Choosing an Ideal Platform

When looking for a site that provides educational online subscriptions, you will find platforms that provide education on a particular subject like art, science, or art. Others are more like schools, where different teachers provide learning in their specific fields of expertise.

Both options will help your child learn. However, getting multiple sites with specific subjects can be expensive. However, it will have more content than a general platform. By the end of the day, it's a matter of budget and preference.

Whether or not you are homeschooling your kids, you can help them reconnect with their love for learning with subscriptions. These subscriptions will teach them the ins and outs of math, science, technology, reading, and art. In addition, you can get monthly subscriptions to ensure that your kids receive updated boxes regularly. 

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Perfect Roasted Salmon From Sitka Salmon Shares

If you're anything like me, you might be very particular about the food you buy for your family. When it comes to fresh foods, we tend to buy mostly organic, and almost all non-GMO only products. My husband is the one who does his research and makes his suggestions of what he would like for me to buy or what to avoid. One thing he does not mess around with is fish and seafood. He tells me to never purchase farm-raised fish. We end up spending a good bit more, but stick to wild-caught or locally-caught fish.

We were so lucky to get a special shipment of wild-caught Alaskan Coho Salmon and Pacific Cod courtesy of Sitka Salmon Shares. It's pretty wild (pun intended) to receive fish that was caught by fisherman and blast-frozen to maintain the freshness.



Sitka Salmon Shares is:

  • Wild: Wild-caught from the pristine waters of Southeast Alaska and the North Pacific
  • Sustainable: Harvested using hook-and-line methods to minimize negative ecological impact
  • Traceable: Our relationships ensure that your fish is traceable to the boats of our fishermen-owners and trusted community partners
  • Fishermen-centered: Individually caught by one of our fisherman-owners or partner fishermen (who we hope are on their way to ownership!). Fishermen ownership makes us distinct from our competition and creates a more just system that values hard work, high-quality fish and low-impact harvesting methods.
  • Just: Our fishermen receive an average of 20-30% more for their harvest, which can equate to $10,000 extra income in a given season
  • Premium: Blast-frozen at the peak of freshness to ensure the highest quality, guaranteed
  • Convenient: Home delivered directly to your door, with recipes and a newsletter about the fishermen who caught that month’s share
  • Conscious: Carbon offsets purchased and 1% of revenue donated to efforts promoting small-scale fisheries and conservation in Alaska.  

How does Sitka Salmon Shares work? 

Community Supported Fishery (CSF) members purchase their very own "shares" of their harvest. Similar to preorders or vegetable shares ordered through your favorite CSA, these purchases determine how much fish their fishermen catch! After that, CSF members receive a monthly home seafood delivery - their "share" - of their wild Alaskan catch, ranging 4.5-5lbs per month and ranging 3-9 months during the CSF season (April thru December). Prices range from $18 to $28 per pound, depending on the species you choose and the quantity you buy. Shipping is also FREE, which is a plus! 

You're probably wondering if the fish is worth it or not. Let me tell you, it is beyond worth it. My husband and I both agree that it is the absolute best salmon we have ever eaten, period! Even better than what we have had from some swanky high-priced restaurants. I simple placed the sealed packs of coho salmon in the kitchen sink with enough water to submerge it. The salmon thawed quickly and I was completely in awe of the beautiful color. I did find some pin bones that I was able to pluck out. I always judge any fish by the smell. This salmon smelled clean and ocean-y, not overly fishy. If fish smells too fishy, I won't mess with it. 


The way I make my roasted salmon is quite simple. I start with rinsing the fish and patting it dry with paper towels. I place them on a parchment lined baking sheet. Next, I season with a blend of sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, creole seasoning, complete seasoning, and garlic powder. I then lightly rub the dry seasonings onto the fish filets, and top with fresh dill sprigs and lemon slices. The last step is to melt 4 tablespoons of butter and drizzle it over the top of the filets. I place the fish in the oven set on broil for 3 minutes, and then at 395° on the convection setting for 10 minutes. If you do not have the convection feature, you might need to add a few additional minutes of cooking time. 



I squeezed some fresh lemon over the top of the salmon when it came out of the oven. I had to sneak a little piece before I plated it and it made me close my eyes. The salmon completely melted in my mouth! SO GOOD! I served the roasted salmon with some simple maple brown sugar mashed sweet potatoes and sauteed asparagus. This was a high-end restaurant-quality meal without a doubt. 





Getting hungry? If you use this special discount code - SITKA25, it will take $25 off any 2020 Premium Sitka Seafood Share. Be sure to follow Sitka Seafood Shares on Facebook and Instagram for the latest product updates and recipes. I definitely plan to cook the cod in a couple weeks. I will browse some recipes and decide from there. My family will co-sign when I say that I highly recommend trying Sitka Salmon Shares. 

Many thanks to Sitka Salmon Shares for providing a seafood box for my family to try. All opinions are my own as always. Thank you for stopping by today. 
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Callaloo Box- Trinbago Seafood Themed Edition (Giveaway)

It's so hard to believe that we are already well into the month of March. The year is flying by already and spring is in the air. I am excited about getting to do more outdoor cooking since the weather is warming up. Just in time, we received the March Trinbago seafood box from one of our favorite subscription box services, Callaloo Box.

Callaloo Box is a monthly subscription box service that offers tastes from the Caribbean including sauces, seasonings, marinades and more. This is perfect if you don't have access to purchase these types of products. I've talked about it before and believe me when I say, they are more expensive on Amazon, so don't be afraid of the cost. I've done the math for myself, and Callaloo Box is a great value.

So what's in this month's Callaloo Box?

Inside the box:

Constance Estate Garlic Infused Coconut Oil, Chief Lime Pepper, Karibbean Flavours Green Seasoning with lime for Fish & Seafood, Chief Tamarind Chutney, Karibbean Flavours Dried Sea Moss, and Karibbean Flavours Fish & Chief Fish Shaker Seasonings.

These fish seasoning packets are perfect to use to marinate fish, or to use while cooking. They are very robust so a little goes a long way! For extra flavor, try adding a little bit of green seasoning.

One of my favorite types of sauces is tamarind sauce. It goes so well with fried fish, seafood fritters or pholourie. It has the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors. The Chief Lime Pepper is perfect if you want some added tangy, fiery-heat to dishes. I like having mine with cook-up rice and grilled chicken. You can even add some into your dishes as they cook. Let me tell you though, it's HOT HOT HOT!



Constance Estate Garlic Infused Coconut Oil is ideal for sauteing vegetables, or in any dish you want a good garlicky punch. It is very strong and absolutely delicious! A couple tips: To get your coconut oil in liquid form, soak the bottle in a tall container with hot tap water until it melts. You can even pour the coconut oil in a container to scoop out as needed, which is what I did. 

If you love lime, this green seasoning is for you. Be careful not to use too much, because it can be overpowering. I feel like this would be better on chicken than fish. 

Last, the dried seamoss or Irish moss is something I have not tried yet. You can use it to make a sweet beverage with (directions on package). I did some research and it is believed to be good for regulating your thyroid and to help with joint pain. I'm definitely going to have to experiment with it!

Purchasing options: 

One-time purchases
You will receive the current month's box offerings.  You will be charged only once when you purchase.

Subscriptions
The final day for new subscribers to sign up for the current month's box is the last day of each month. Subscriptions auto-renew on the 15th of each month and every 2nd month for 2 month deliveries.

Shop the Callaloo Box grocery store for individual items. This is a great way to get specific things in the event you don't want an entire box. They also have a Callaloo Snack Box if you're craving goodies from 'back home'.

If you create an account at Callaloo Box, you can earn rewards. Also, if you use this code: MOMFILES5, you will get $5 off your first box with subscription or a 1 time box purchase.

Giveaway
The very sweet ladies from Callaloo Box have offered us to host a reader giveaway. One lucky winner will receive their very own Callaloo Box shipped to their doorstep. Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only and will end on March 26, 2018. Please follow entry rules in Rafflecopter widget. Mom Files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!
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January Ipsy Glam Bag Review #IpsyGameFace

Every month I look forward to receiving my Ipsy Glam Bag in the mail. I subscribed about two years ago, and I'm hooked! I tell everyone that it is the best $10 I spend. You get a cute bag, 5 beauty products, and FREE shipping for ten bucks! I can easily spend $10 on dumb stuff, so this makes good sense. Also, makeup. Over time I have received products from some of my favorite brands like: Tarte, Smashbox, Urban Decay, Bare Minerals, Caked Makeup, and Doucce to name a few. 

My glam bag subscription has become a part of my self-care routine, and it's nice to look forward to something that is just for me. My older daughter has her own subscription and often gets different products than I do. We have so much fun sorting through our goodies and sometimes trade items. I am digging the January "Game Face" themed bag. The bag itself it so cute. It has a sporty, retro feel. 

Inside the bag: 

  • NYX Professional Lip Lingerie in Beauty Mark- goes on creamy with a matte finish. I do love the color, but it has a slight sticky feel initially. Once it wears in, it feels a whole lot better. 
  • CIATÉ LONDO Fierce Flicks Liquid Eyeliner- I actually gave this to my younger daughter because I have tons of liquid liners already. This one is supposed to dry quickly and not smudge. Perfect for the cat eye look. 
  • BellaPierre Cosmetics StayPut Brow Gel in Licorice- I love the way it is packaged. The brush is on the top of handle and the product is in a jar on the bottom. I tried it and don't really care for it. The gel didn't apply as well as my normal brow makeup. I gave it to my older daughter and she seems to really like it. 
  • BeFine Skin Care Exfoliating Cleanser- made with all-natural ingredients brown sugar, almond, and oats. It leaves your skin crazy smooth, and soft. It also moisturizes. I will definitely be buying this in a full-size tube. 
  • BioRepublic Skincare Sheet Masks- I got two: Aloe Rescue & Pomegranate Crush. I haven't tried them yet, but the product description makes them sound promising. Here are the details: These eco-friendly masks are 100% biodegradable. Aloe Rescue has phytocollagen, aloe vera extract, and Vitamin E to soothe and moisturize dry skin. Pomegranate Crush is loaded with antioxidant-packed pomegranate extract and vitamin E to hydrate, brighten, and smooth *all* skin types.



I am happy with my January glam bag overall. Even though I couldn't use all of the products myself, my daughters were able to. It makes it worth it. I can't wait to see what I get in February. If you are interested in receiving your own monthly Ipsy Glam Bag, you can use my sign-up link. I will get 250 points for every sign-up I receive to use towards products. If you become a subscriber, you can refer friends and get points too! They add up quickly since you get more points if you do a quick review on the Ipsy site. So far I have cashed in so many points that gave me around 6 freebies. 


Ipsy is a great way to try products out before you consider buying the full size. Do you have a favorite monthly beauty subscription? I'd love to know! 
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Callaloo Box Makes The Perfect Gift (Giveaway)

I have been living in South Carolina for close to two decades now. It’s hard to believe that so many years have passed that quickly. I have watched the city of Columbia really grow and get a lot more diverse. Sadly it still lacks something very important to me, culturally. We have so few West Indian/Caribbean grocery stores, and the ones we do have aren’t great and don’t carry all of what I need.

A couple months ago, I was so lucky to get connected with Callaloo Box. If you'd like, you can read this post for a little background. Callaloo Box is a U.S. based subscription service that brings you many of those hard-to-find Caribbean sauces, snacks, and other food products right to your doorstep. I can’t even begin to tell you all how excited I get when a box shows up at my house. It’s like Christmas every time! Speaking of Christmas, the December box is themed for the holiday season and they didn’t miss a thing.

I felt so nostalgic the moment I saw the contents. It’s as if I was transported to my childhood during Christmastime. Here’s what is in the December 2017 Callaloo Box:
Dried Sorrel- which is dried hibiscus. You boil it with cinnamon sticks, cloves, bay leaves and ginger, then sweeten to taste. You can also make alcoholic beverages with it.
Mauby Bark & Spices- It is dried buckthorn bark, which is a species of tree found in many Caribbean islands. It’s been likened to root beer by many. You prepare it just as you would the sorrel.
Mixed Essence- Growing up, we called extract ‘essence’. This is a key ingredient in ice cream, baked goods and certain beverages like mauby. I remember my mom used to make freshly squeezed lemonade or limeade, and always added a few drops of essence.
Lime Flavoured Hot Sauce- A blend of hot peppers, lime & herbs, pickled in vinegar. It’s perfect with any dish, especially seafood and fish. It has the perfect zesty kick.
Hot Chow aka Chow Chow- It’s a spicy, mustard-based pickled relish that’s the Caribbean’s version of the English “Piccalilli”condiment. It contains small chunks of vegetables and tropical fruits. It’s got quite a kick!
Split Channa- It’s salted fried chickpeas spiced with pepper. It was a common snack in our house, and my dad used to make it for us and fill it in jars. This one tastes exactly like I remember.
Black Cake- This is a true sign of Christmas time. My mom made this cake every year and would soak her dried fruits in rum months in advance. I can remember the smell in the kitchen as they baked. She made the best black cake ever. Now let me tell you, this cake tasted exactly what my mom used to make. I got a little teary-eyed being transported back to my childhood. It is the star of this box!

The ladies of Callaloo Box did a great job with the items they chose to make this box perfectly themed for Christmas. I think this one is my favorite so far, but all of them are my favorite! You can tell that they hand pack the boxes with love, and leave no details out. They include an information sheet with descriptions and suggestions of how to use or serve each product.  I am also so happy that they are now offering items for sale individually. Their prices beat Amazon hands down! I ordered a couple packs of pholourie mix since I can’t find it anywhere locally. I'm also very proud to help support a small business at the same time. By the way, they have pretty speedy shipping, which is always a plus.


Not only does Callaloo Box offer monthly boxes, they also have a new snack box ($29.99) and product bundles (ranging in prices under $30). If you or someone you know is interested in Caribbean/West Indian cooking or simply can’t get many products locally, Callaloo Box is for you. It makes such a great Christmas gift, and the recipient would LOVE it. The monthly boxes are $39.99 and if you use this code: MOMFILES5, you will get $5 off your first box with subscription or a 1 time box purchase.

Our generous friends from Callaloo Box want you to experience a box for yourself. One reader will win the December box valued at $39.99. Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only and will end on December 15, 2017. Please follow entry rules in Rafflecopter widget. Mom Files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

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Limited Edition "Head of the Class" Birchbox for Teens

Birchbox is thrilled to announce their latest limited edition box, Head of the Class - their first-ever limited edition box curated specially for Birchboxers-in-training (and for the young at heart!). Just in time for back to school shopping, this box contains all of the necessary essentials to prep for school with style. Teens and parents can snag this box here for just $28 (an $80 value).
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Try It, Before You Buy (Lots Of) It | Goodies Co. Taster's Box only $7/month #spon

This article is sponsored by Walmart Labs

Have you ever purchased snacks for your family only to find out that they didn't like it? I have done that numerous times and it is such a waste of money. There is a fun new solution to fix that problem. Goodies Co. offers a Taster's box for the low cost of $7 a month. Each Taster's box contains 5-8 snacks that your family can sample. The good thing about it is you won't be wasting a full package in the event you don't like it. If you do like what you try, at least you know you won't waste your money on a full size! With so many subscription box services around, Goodies Co. Taster's boxes are a great value. You can't beat the Try It, Before You Buy (Lots Of) It method!
Goodies Co. Cereal

Goodies Co. Fall Box

Goodies Co. Winter Box
Goodies Co. Nuts

Another great incentive is At Goodies, your opinion matters, and you get rewarded for it. After you try your snacks, go back to the Goodies website and give a review of your box. By doing this you will earn points to redeem for rewards and free tastemaker boxes.

Here is how you can get started on receiving your own Goodies Co. Taster's box you will need to visit the Goodies promo page and enter the code JUNEVIP to instantly receive your invitation. Typically, there is a waitlist to get an invitation, however through our partnership with Goodies Co. you can skip the line and get right in.

Once you enter the code into the promo page, you will receive 2 emails from Goodies. The first will state you are in line for your invitation, the next will instantly tell you your invitation has arrived. This shows you how you skipped the line! So what are you waiting for? Start your Goodies Co. subscription today!
Shelly, Mom Files
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