Tuesday, 7 April 2026

Freedom Japanese Market Subscription Box Review: A Delicious Taste of Japan

If you love trying new snacks and discovering unique treats from around the world, the Freedom Japanese Market Subscription Box is such a fun and exciting experience.

Each month, this subscription delivers a curated selection of authentic Japanese snacks straight to your door—and honestly, opening it feels like unwrapping a little piece of Japan right at home.

First Impressions



Right away, I was impressed by how full the box was. It wasn’t just a couple of snacks tossed in—this was a thoughtfully packed collection with a great variety of sweet, savoury, crunchy, and chewy treats.

One of my absolute favorite features is the included legend guide. Every item is explained with descriptions, so you know exactly what you’re trying. This makes it perfect for families or anyone new to Japanese snacks because it turns snack time into a full experience.


What We Received in Our March Box


Here’s everything that came in our box—and trust me, it was an amazing mix:

Sweet Treats 🍓🍫

  • KitKat Mini – Strawberry
    A spring-inspired favorite with sweet and slightly tangy strawberry chocolate wrapped around crispy wafers. Light, creamy, and totally addictive.

  • Riska Shittori Choco
    Airy corn puffs coated in smooth milk chocolate. These had a soft-meets-crunchy texture and were a big hit with the kids.
  • Kinoko no Yama / Takenoko no Sato – Uji Matcha
    Adorable mushroom and bamboo shoot-shaped treats made with rich Kyoto matcha chocolate. A perfect balance of sweetness with a gentle bitter green tea flavor.
  • Chiikawa Gummies + Sticker
    Cute character-shaped gummies that were fruity, chewy, and came with an adorable bonus sticker—definitely a fun surprise!

Savory Snacks 🍘🧂

  • Mochi Taro (Ibaraki Local Snack)
    A nostalgic bite-sized cracker with a light salty flavor and a surprise peanut inside. Simple but so satisfying.
  • Kappa Ebisen Shrimp Crackers
    A classic Japanese snack made with real shrimp. Light, crispy, and packed with umami flavor—you can’t stop at just one!
  • Kameda Age Ichiban Rice Crackers
    Crispy fried rice crackers glazed with sweet soy sauce and a hint of honey. A delicious sweet-savory combo.
  • Big Katsu – Special Sauce Flavor
    A fun snack inspired by tonkatsu—crispy on the outside, chewy inside, with a rich sweet-savoury sauce.

Unique & Fun Flavors 🌸

  • Mike Popcorn – Kishu Ume (Plum) Flavor
    Light, crispy popcorn with a sweet-tart plum flavor blended with savory notes like bonito and kelp. Definitely one of the most unique snacks in the box!
  • Umaibo – Cheese Flavor
    A light, crunchy corn snack with a creamy cheese flavor—super nostalgic and easy to snack on.
  • Umaibo – Mentaiko Flavor
    A savory, slightly spicy cod roe flavor with a hint of sweetness. A bold and very “Japanese” flavor experience!

  • Konjac Jelly – Coffee & Grape
    A chewy, refreshing jelly snack made from plant-based konjac. Lightly sweet and a fun texture—plus high in fiber!


  • Almond Fish Snack
    A crunchy mix of roasted almonds and tiny dried fish. A traditional Japanese snack that’s packed with calcium and flavour.


The Experience



This wasn’t just about eating snacks—it was about exploring flavors we don’t normally get to try. Some were instant favorites, while others sparked a lot of “wow, that’s different!” moments (which made it even more fun).


It’s honestly perfect for:


  • Family snack nights
  • Trying something new with the kids
  • Sharing with friends
  • Or just treating yourself




The Best Part: You Can Reorder Your Favorites



One thing I absolutely LOVE about the Freedom Japanese Market box is that if you discover something you really enjoyed, you can actually purchase those items separately.


And trust me… there were definitely a few snacks we wished we had more of!


Final Thoughts


The Freedom Japanese Market Subscription Box is such a fun, unique, and delicious way to explore Japanese culture from home.


With a great mix of flavors, a helpful guide, and the ability to reorder your favorites, it’s more than just a snack box—it’s an experience.


Would I order it again? 100% yes.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely.


How To Keep Children Safe Around Your Pool

A young boy and girl splash and smile while swimming in a backyard pool as water sprays in sunlight.

A backyard pool brings fun, relaxation, and family memories, but it also requires thoughtful safety planning. Parents and homeowners must stay proactive to prevent accidents and create a secure environment where kids can enjoy the water responsibly. Understanding how to keep children safe around your pool starts with awareness, preparation, and consistent safety habits. When adults combine supervision with smart safety features and clear rules, they reduce risks and create a safer space for children to swim, play, and learn confidence in the water.

Saturday, 4 April 2026

Spread of Spice Jelly Review: Delicious Local Jellies Made with Love in the Okanagan

I love working with local companies, it’s such a great feeling to bring exposure to hard working Canadians like myself. If you’re searching for locally made jelly in the Okanagan, a delicious homemade fruit spread, or a way to support young entrepreneurs, you’re going to fall in love with Spread of Spice.


Created by Greta and Kesla, two motivated and adorable teen entrepreneurs, Spread of Spice is quickly becoming a must-try for families who value fresh ingredients, small-batch quality, and community support. These young creators are working hard to fund their upcoming college journeys—and they’re doing it in the sweetest way possible.


Why Spread of Spice Jellies Stand Out

In a world full of overly processed spreads, Spread of Spice offers something refreshingly different. Their jellies are:

  • Made with fresh, local Okanagan fruit
  • Crafted in small batches for quality and flavor
  • Packed with natural goodness
  • Made with love and care in every jar



From the moment you open a jar, you’ll notice the difference. The vibrant color, the fresh aroma, and the rich fruit flavour make it clear—this is not your average grocery store jelly.


Whether you’re spreading it on toast, adding it to yogurt, pairing it with cheese, or baking with it, Spread of Spice delivers a delicious and nutritious option your whole family will enjoy.

Supporting Young Local Entrepreneurs


One of the most heartwarming parts of Spread of Spice is the story behind it. Greta and Kesla are not only creating an incredible product, but they’re also building something meaningful as they prepare for their college journeys.


When you purchase from them, you’re doing more than buying jelly—you’re:


  • Supporting local youth entrepreneurship
  • Investing in future education goals
  • Encouraging hard work, creativity, and ambition


It’s the kind of feel-good purchase that truly makes a difference.


Easy Ordering, Local Delivery & Where to Find Them


Getting your hands on Spread of Spice jellies is easy and convenient:



Their friendly, personal service makes the whole experience even better—you’re truly supporting real people in your community.


The Perfect Ingredient for Easter Treats


With Easter around the corner, Spread of Spice jellies are the perfect way to elevate your baking and treats. Here are some fun and delicious Easter ideas using their fresh jelly:


🐣 Easter Thumbprint Cookies


Soft, buttery cookies filled with a dollop of fruity jelly—simple, beautiful, and kid-approved.


🐰 Jelly-Filled Cupcakes


Inject your favorite cupcakes with jelly for a sweet surprise inside. Top with whipped cream or frosting for a festive look.


🌸 Easter Charcuterie Board


Pair different jelly flavours with cheeses, crackers, and fresh fruit for a stunning and easy Easter spread.


🍓 Jelly Swirl Cheesecake Bars


Add swirls of jelly into cheesecake batter before baking for a gorgeous and flavorful dessert.


🥐 Breakfast Croissant Bake


Layer croissants with cream cheese and Spread of Spice jelly, then bake for a rich and comforting Easter morning dish.


🍞 Classic Hot Cross Buns with a Twist


Serve warm buns with a generous spread of local jelly instead of plain butter.


These ideas are perfect for family gatherings, brunch tables, or homemade gifts, especially if you love creating meaningful, edible treats.


Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Local Gem

Spread of Spice jellies are everything you want in a local product—delicious, nutritious, handmade, and meaningful. With fresh Okanagan fruit, incredible flavour, and a story that warms your heart, it’s easy to see why they’re gaining so much love in the community.

If you’re looking to support local, shop small, and treat your family to something special, this is one brand you don’t want to miss.

👉 Reach out today on Instagram (@spreadofspicejelly) or Facebook, place your order, and enjoy the taste of something truly made with love. Or simply give them a share and follow to encourage their entrepreneurial spirit! 💕 


Thursday, 2 April 2026

What to Tackle for a Better Spring at Home

Woman cleaning an interior window with spray and mop beside white curtains during a bright spring home refresh.

Spring always feels like a good time to reset the house, clear out the stale winter energy, and make everyday spaces feel a little easier to live in. However, you do not need to overload your weekend with chores. Instead, it helps to focus on a few practical steps that can make the home feel cleaner, lighter, and more comfortable as the season shifts. Read on to understand what to tackle for a better spring at home!

Wednesday, 1 April 2026

Why Partnering With Me for Product Reviews Just Makes Sense (and Saves You Thousands)

In today’s marketing world, getting your product in front of the right audience isn’t cheap—and it’s definitely not easy. Brands are spending thousands (sometimes tens of thousands) just to get a single post or campaign off the ground.


That’s where I come in—and why working with me is such a smart, cost-effective decision.


The Real Cost of Influencer & Marketing Campaigns


Let’s talk numbers—because this is where it really matters.


  • A single influencer post can cost anywhere from $100 to $5,000+ for mid-level creators  
  • Larger influencers charge $5,000 to $50,000+ per post depending on reach  
  • Full campaigns often range from $1,000 to $10,000+, and can climb to $500,000+ for larger strategies  
  • Video content (like YouTube or reels) can cost $1,500 to $50,000+ per piece of content  


Even more eye-opening?

  • Many influencers charge roughly $10 per 1,000 followers per post  

And that’s before you factor in:


  • Marketing agency retainers
  • Content production costs
  • Ad spend
  • Campaign management fees


Agencies alone can charge thousands per month plus commissions just to manage influencer campaigns  .


What You Get Working With Me (For a Fraction of the Cost)


Now imagine getting that same type of exposure—without paying thousands upfront.


When you send me your product, I don’t just post once and disappear. I create real, layered exposure:


  • I use your product in my everyday life
  • I share it with my family, friends, and community
  • I recommend it directly to my daycare clients and families
  • I create photos and videos that showcase real experiences
  • I post across my blog and social media platforms



This is organic marketing, and it’s the kind people actually trust.


In fact, nearly half of consumers buy products monthly because of influencer content  —but only when it feels real.


That’s exactly what I deliver.


Why This Is a No-Brainer for Brands

Instead of spending:


  • $1,000–$10,000 on a small campaign
  • $5,000+ on a single influencer post
  • Thousands more on agencies and management


You can simply:


👉 Send product

👉 Pay shipping

👉 Get authentic, multi-platform exposure


No inflated fees. No middlemen. No wasted budget.


Just real content, real people, and real results.


Experience You Can Trust


I’ve been doing this for over 15 years, and I’ve seen everything in this space.


I’ve seen brands overpay.

I’ve seen creators underdeliver.

I’ve seen campaigns fall flat because they weren’t authentic.


That’s not how I work.


When I partner with a brand, I give it my full effort because I know what it takes to actually influence buying decisions—and I take that seriously.


More Than Just Products


I don’t just review items—I create experiences.


I also work with:


  • Hotels & stays
  • Family outings & attractions
  • Car rentals
  • Events and local experiences
  • Etsy products


These collaborations allow me to create story-driven, highly engaging content that resonates deeply with families and communities.


What You Get Is Unbeatable



You’re not just getting a post—you’re getting:


✔ Real-life integration

✔ Trusted recommendations

✔ Multi-platform exposure

✔ Word-of-mouth marketing

✔ Content that lives on


All for a fraction of what traditional marketing costs.


Let’s Work Together

If you’re ready to get your product or experience in front of a real, engaged audience without spending thousands on agencies and ads—I’d love to connect.


📩 Email me: amandageering@hotmail.com

📎 Check out my media kit:Funky Frugal Mommy Media Kit

📲 Follow along on my socials to see the wide variety of brands and experiences I’ve worked with


Let’s create something authentic, impactful, and truly worth your investment.