Expo West Part Two ~ Favorite Products

 Expo West is my favorite work event. I love attending this natural product convention. This is the event where I learn about new products in the natural and organic retail space. This is the event to network and meet brands.

What is Expo West?

 Expo West is the largest trade show in the natural, organic, and healthy products industry. Expo West is the industry's defining event for natural and organic professionals. This is the event where everyone who is in some aspect of the natural products industry comes to network, learn, and have the best time. This is the event where decisions are made about what products will be on the store's shelves. 

 Every time I attend Expo West, I feel like a kid in a candy store. The excitement of seeing all the new products in the natural market and hanging with people who are passionate about healthy living just makes me smile. 

This event has been huge in my healing journey from food allergies and mold sickness. I always discover new foods that are safe for me to eat, as they don't contain dairy, wheat, soy, or mushrooms. I also learn about supplements that can help with my asthma. 

I had no health problems at Expo West #5 

This was my 5th time attending Expo West, and it was also the first time I did not accidentally eat any of my food allergens. Not once did I have to use any Benadryl. I also did not experience any asthma symptoms. It was great to stop by the Olbas booth to say hello and not need any natural breathing relief products. My investment in an infrared sauna has done wonders for my health. 

Some of the products that stood out to me

 Expo West has over 3000 brands exhibiting their new products, and it can be hard to discover them all. With my 4 different food allergies, fragrance preferences, and a mostly plant-based diet, sampling is even harder.

My strategy is to only eat products that I have had before and take packaged samples that may meet my dietary requirements. That way, I can read ingredient labels before I eat or use any products. I will also connect with brands before or after the show for samples of products that I am interested in.

Mooala Simple Organic Plant-Based Milk

I use plant-based milk daily in my health-focused coffee, so I am always open to trying new plant milks. I received an invite from Mooala to stop by their booth to sample their award-winning Simple Organic line. The invite also came with an offer to receive a free carton of Mooala Simple featuring my photo.

I thought it would be fun to be on a milk carton, along with trying their non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and carrageenan-free dairy-free milk. Their milk was creamy and delicious. I love that Mooala is made with just three ingredients (organic oats or almonds, sea salt, and filtered water), and is also affordable.

Mooala is available at (Amazon, Target, Whole Foods Market, Publix, ALDI, Sprouts & more)

Spiceology 

This spice company stood out to me with the bold labels on the jars and also the unique spice flavor combinations. Spiceology has a crave-worthy lineup of blends designed to simplify cooking without sacrificing creativity and bold taste. 

About Spiceology

Founded in 2013, Spiceology is at the heart of the kitchen for all who love food. Spiceology is the fastest-growing spice company in the United States, having appeared on the Inc. 5000 list for six years in a row. Spiceology is home to chef-created, never-before-tasted flavors and over 300 ingredients and blends that are ground fresh and shipped fresh. Bestsellers like Greek Freak and Smoky Honey Habanero have become pantry and counter staples in both professional and home cook kitchens around the world. Spiceology's ingredients and blends can be found in the aisles of retailers large and small, in the pantries of hundreds of thousands of home cooks, and in the kitchens of some of the world's greatest chefs.

You can buy Spiceology on Amazon

Queen St. Bakery Supergrain Sourdough

I’m excited to introduce you to Queen St. Bakery, a game-changing superfood bread brand dedicated to reimagining healthier, better-for-you bread. This bakery just introduced its Supergrain Sourdough. This bread, with benefits, is the perfect bread for those who have food allergies and avoid gluten. This bread is certified Gluten-Free, Vegan, Kosher, and Non-GMO.

 I just had to try this sourdough bread. When I went to the Queen St. Bakery booth, they had samples of the bread with avocado on it. After reading the ingredients on the bread package and verifying that they only put avocado on the bread, I gave it a try. The taste was amazing! 

The Supergrain Sourdough contains no flour and is packed with prebiotic fiber from sorghum, chia, and psyllium. This gluten-free bread supports smoother digestion and keeps you satisfied longer. Queen St. Bakery also makes delicious bagels and English muffins. You can find this amazing bread at Sprouts and Whole Foods.

Felicia Pasta

I love discovering gluten-free pasta brands, especially ones with superfoods. I had to check out a brand that was recently named a 2026 NEXTY Award Finalist in the Gluten-Free Products category for their Organic Oat Penne. While I was not able to get a sample of the Organic Oat Penne, I did get samples of their Brown Rice and Spirulina Spaghetti and their Red Lentil Penne. I can't wait to create a recipe with these pastas.

Felicia is a next-generation better-for-you pasta brand that has a diverse range of nutritious pastas made from 100 percent natural, organic, and allergen-free ingredients such as spirulina, buckwheat, oat, brown rice, chickpea, and red lentil. In addition to using high-quality, wholesome ingredients, the brand is committed to sustainable production practices, responsible natural resource management, and the use of upcycled materials from a circular economy. 

Felicia Pasta has officially launched on Amazon

Redmond Real Salt 

My favorite salt brand not only had samples of their Real Salt, but they also had samples of salt crystal rocks that were from the Redmond salt mine. It was cool to see the large salt rocks. I buy this salt in 10-pound bags and add it to my cooking and my RO water to replace the trace minerals. 

Real Salt is salt exactly as nature made it. It contains 60+ naturally occurring trace minerals, and it’s never processed or chemically treated. Real Salt enhances the flavor of food and does not make it salty. Check out the variety of Real Salt products and save 15% with code MOMKNOWSBEST on any Redmond Salt products.

Gimme K-Crisps

No more having to tear seaweed strips for your poki bowls and vegan tuna. Gimme Seaweed has a new product that is perfect for all your favorite recipes. The K-Crisps™ is a delicious pouch of seaweed goodness.

K-Crisps™ are designed for remarkable versatility, made to sprinkle or snack on, they are a true pantry staple that elevates rice, salads, avocado toast, soups, popcorn, and more with instant umami flavor and nutrition. Made with organic seaweed, non-GMO, vegan ingredients, K-Crisps™ deliver the quality, taste, and texture Gimme is known for in a shelf-stable, resealable format built for everyday use.

Just a few products that grabbed my attention  at Expo West

 Expo West is the largest natural brand expo. With over 3500 brands at the show, it was impossible to discover them all, but I sure tried. I left the expo with tons of samples, and over the next couple of weeks, I will have fun checking them out.

So stay tuned for more information on additional products that I loved from Expo West. 

Check out My Expo West Top Ten Favorite Products 2026

Is Your Home Too Cold in Winter? Here’s What Can Help

 One of the best things about winter is being able to come home and get warm and cozy again. But if your home doesn’t heat up properly, you can’t get comfortable or feel properly relaxed. Here are some quick tips that can help you improve how your house heats up and stays warm in winter.

Image Credit

Check Your Water Heater

 For many people, the first port of call when their heating isn’t working as it should be is to get an HVAC specialist. But the problem can also stem from your water heater or boiler. Depending on how your heating system works, you might be better off contacting a plumber like Bluefrog Plumbing.

 If your water heater isn’t working, you won’t be able to run hot water from your faucets or even your shower or bathtub. For some people, the inability to have a hot bath in the winter defeats the purpose of having a bathtub in the first place.

 As a general rule, it’s important to get your water heater checked out and maintained regularly to prevent it from failing.

Invest in a Smart Thermostat

 If you want more control over the heating in your home, a smart thermostat could easily be a great way to make your life easier and your home more comfortable. Smart thermostats are especially popular because they allow you to keep your bills low without sacrificing your comfort.

 You can adjust the heating from your phone even when you’re out and about. So you can keep it off or low while the house is empty, and then turn the heating on or even boost it just before you get home. This means you don’t walk into a cold house, but you also haven’t had to pay for eight hours of heating that nobody benefited from.

Improving Insulation

 Sometimes the problem isn’t with your heating system, but with the fact that your house loses heat all the time. A well-insulated house should hold onto heat, so you don’t need to keep wasting electricity to try to heat the area around your home as well.

 The weak spots of insulation are often the exterior doors and windows of your home. Ideally, double or even triple-glazed windows should keep heat inside your home, and doors should do the same. But as your doors and windows get older, the seal between them and your walls can fail, letting heat out and drafts in. 

In this case, it’s better to invest in new ones.

A Real Fireplace

 Speaking of investments, one way to make your home much warmer and cozier in winter is to get a fireplace.

 Adding a fireplace to your home isn’t something you should do impulsively. You might need to install a chimney or at least make sure your current chimney and fireplace are in good condition. You also need to think about the type of fuel you use, and there’s the fact that you need to light the fireplace yourself.

But for many families, it’s worth it for the extra comfort and warmth in your living space.

He Calls Me Daughter Movie Review ~ My Personal Story #Giveaway

Every heart longs for a father’s love: a love that’s steady, safe, and unconditional. No matter what your earthly father was like, you have a perfect heavenly Father who longs to show you how much He loves you.

Many thanks to He Calls Me Daughter for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

 For many women, it can be hard to grasp God as a father figure, and this can have an impact on their relationship with God. The reasons are many for why these ladies struggle, but for most, it starts with not having a father in their life or having an abusive father.

The movie He Calls Me Daughter is made for women who struggle with the pain of not having an earthly father and the reality of what it has done to their relationship with their heavenly father. I am one of those ladies who has carried the pain of not having a father in my life, and I knew I had to see the movie He Calls Me Daughter.

About He Calls Me Daughter

From the award-winning director of the Kendrick Brothers’ documentary Show Me the Father, He Calls Me Daughter is a poignant exploration of father-daughter relationships and the lasting impact they have on a woman’s life. Through honest stories and thoughtful insight, the film examines the deep “father wound” many women carry. He Calls Me Daughter reveals how faith in Jesus Christ brings healing, transforms lives, and restores identity. A Heavenly Father changes everything!

He Calls Me Daughter is for women who have felt unseen, unsupported, or unsure of their worth. Through intimate, first-person stories, viewers follow women as they begin to name the pain they’ve carried for years: father wound. Audiences are invited to reflect on their own story as they walk alongside these women on a journey toward healing. HE CALLS ME DAUGHTER is an invitation to experience the love of a Father who does not withdraw - One who offers peace, belonging, and restoration.

Buy tickets today to see He Calls Me Daughter in theaters only 3/17-3/18!

Watch The Official Movie Trailer of He Calls Me Daugher

My takeaways from the movie He Calls Me Daughter

 As a daughter of a father who was not present in my life, I can relate to this movie. While listening to the various ladies share their stories of their non-exsistent dads or abusive fathers, their words brought up a past life that I have put behind me. I heard myself saying outloud, “Yep, that was me.”

 While watching this movie, it was hard to hold back the tears from the pain of my childhood. As I got further into this movie, I was able to praise God that He brought people into my life when I was a teenager. This movie helped me understand the moments that I allowed God into my life and how he brought me out of the pain from my childhood.

 While God brought me out of the pain, I still struggle with God as a father figure. I struggle with questions like - “Does God love me? Am I worthy of His love?

 I knew that I had to watch this movie. This movie helped me realize that I am not alone and that there are many women out there struggling with seeing God as a father figure. By the time I finished watching this movie, I wanted the healing that these ladies received.

True healing isn’t found in earthly relationships, but in a relationship with our heavenly Father.

Free Resource

 If you are struggling with seeing God as a Father figure, you are not alone. The makers of the film want to offer you a resource to help you heal. The Healing the Father Wound is a 6-week curriculum that you can download for free Here 

A Heavenly Father changes everything. HE CALLS ME DAUGHTER hits theaters March 17 & 18 only

#HeCallsMeDaughterMIN #HeCallsMeDaughter #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Get Connected with the movie

  ~ Movie Website 

  ~ Movie Facebook Page

  ~ Movie Instagram Page

  ~ Movie YouTube Channel

  ~ Buy Tickets Here

Giveaway: $10 Amazon Giftcard 

 I am giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky Mom Knows Best reader. The giveaway is limited to US winners only. The giveaway starts on March 13th, 2026, and ends on March 23rd, 2026. To enter the giveaway ~ enter on the giveaway form below.

~ This giveaway is limited to US winners only

Entry-Form

Why Kids Don’t Need an Outlandish Birthday Party to Feel Special

 

Image credit

 There used to be a time when all it took was a small checklist for a busy parent to make their kid's birthday party feel like a success. Like maybe it was the local arcade, a quick backyard party, just something small like that. And have the expectations changed for kids? Well, not really, actually, it’s the parents' expectations that did. Well, at least nowadays, kids’ birthday parties have gotten a little out of control, and yeah, social media has a lot to do with that. 

 Basically, what used to be cake, a few decorations, some games, and a bunch of kids running around has somehow turned into these full-blown productions with balloon walls, custom signs, matching outfits, themed dessert tables, party favors that cost more than some grown-up gifts, and enough planning to make it feel like somebody’s organizing a wedding for a six-year-old. Does this sound ridiculous? Well, of course it does.

 And sadly, this really isn’t an exaggeration here. Go onto kids' parties Facebook groups, go onto TikTok, go onto Instagram, just go onto Google images, and you’ll see this whole giant production level for yourself. So yeah, a lot of parents do feel pressure to go all out, but that pressure really doesn’t deserve as much control as it gets.

Social Media Makes Normal Feel Like It’s Not Enough

 Why be normal when you can be extra, right? Well, that’s the push that the internet has at least. And yes, this is probably the biggest issue. Once a parent sees enough giant bounce-house parties, pony rides, luxury picnic setups, custom backdrops, and all the rest of it, a simple birthday can start feeling weirdly inadequate, even when it’s actually completely fine. 

 Like, all that matters is that your kid is happy, that they feel celebrated, but everyone online (not just influencers) is pushing this narrative (or at least feeling the pressure). So it’s like the standards need to go up, or else you don’t love your kid, or it’s about stroking your own ego, honestly, there’s an array of reasons here why parents feel the pressure. 

But Spending More Doesn’t Mean Loving More

 And thanks to consumerism, there’s this idea that money equals love, when in fact, it doesn't. This part really matters because parents can start attaching way too much meaning to party spending. Like if the decorations aren’t elaborate enough, the venue isn’t exciting enough, or the favors aren’t fancy enough, then somehow they’re falling short. And no, that’s just not true. Your kid wants to feel celebrated; they want to feel loved. Very rarely does a kid care about all these elaborate decorations.

Simple Parties Can Still Be Really Fun

 So, why not go back to something a little more simplistic? You know, like what an old school kids' party used to be before social media had to ruin it? Honestly, some of the best kid parties are the ones that don’t try so hard. Instead, just a few activities, a cake, some music, maybe a backyard setup, maybe a park, maybe just family and a couple of little friends, that can be more than enough. You don’t need to make a bunch of fancy recipes from Pinterest; instead, there are plenty of pizza places you can choose from. 

 Besides, kids and parents absolutely love pizza, so it’s not like you can go wrong here anyway. You really don’t need to overcomplicate any of this; there’s nothing wrong with being a bit lazy every now and again. And it’s not even lazy (unless you want it to be), it’s just practical, it’s cheaper, it’s so much less stressful too.

How to Host the Best "Backyard Bliss" Girls' Night

 The backyard can become the most comfortable room in the home as the sun begins to set. A few chairs placed at the patio table, some twinkling string lights above, and the soothing sounds of water flowing in the hot tub create a memory-filled night. However, hosting a casual girls’ night in your yard doesn’t have to be complicated. Typically, all you need are a few small, thoughtful ideas.

Via Unsplash

Overplanning Your Food Choices

 Many hosts will go overboard planning what to serve at their outdoor gathering. They will spend the entire night moving back and forth between the kitchen and patio, rather than socialising with their friends.

 Outdoor environments are best suited to easy-to-serve food like an oversized wooden platter filled with cheese, crackers, sliced fruit, and olives that can be kept out for hours; along with an oversized pitcher of cold sparkling lemonade or chilled rosé to be poured by guests as needed, allowing everyone to serve themselves while keeping the conversations flowing. Easy menus foster a casual, relaxing environment. Guests will feel no pressure to sit down at a formal meal.

Not Considering Comfortable Lighting

 Most homes have only one brightly lit patio light. While useful, it can give off a harsh and unwelcoming impression. Soft lighting creates a different ambience. Using a strand of warm string lights hung from a fence, a few table lanterns, or solar lights lining the walkway softly illuminates the space. Guests can still clearly see their beverages and snacks; however, the space now has a calming, inviting atmosphere. Even a handful of candles in glass votives can change the overall atmosphere of the evening.

Not Preparing the Hot Tub Before Guests Arrive

 Hot tubs add an element to any party. The hot tub must be ready for use before guests arrive. This means there should be no waiting for the water to heat or for the host to skim the surface of leaves.

 By checking the water temperature early in the day and ensuring the water is clean, the potential problems associated with this issue are eliminated. Many homeowners also contract a hot tub cleaning service before parties, so the water is clean and properly balanced, and it takes little effort. Having a folded stack of towels near the hot tub and a small side table for beverages will make the experience easier for guests.

Not Providing Simple Comfort Details

 Evening comforts and practicalities that contribute to the guest experience can mean as much to your guests as the decorations. Anything that makes your guests feel more comfortable during the evening will help create a welcoming environment

 Having a basket of extra blankets or throw blankets placed in the general seating area of your party is useful in case it gets cooler once the sun goes down. A convenient drink station near seating areas provides your guests with an easy place to set down their beverages. A small, portable speaker in the background, playing soft music during those quieter moments of the evening, can be another way to show your appreciation for your guests.

Close the Evening Gracefully

 In many cases, a successful backyard gathering does not require a specific closing time. As the evening comes to a close, the guests tend to gravitate towards quieter conversations under the lights.

 Providing a final cup of tea, packaging leftovers into individual snack bags or helping guests to their cars by walking them to the gate will allow for a natural closure to the evening. The longer a guest lingers, the more likely the evening was a success.

Can You Change a Custody Arrangement?

 

According to the Pew Research Center, many first marriages end in the first decade. In 2023, about 16% of divorces happened in the first five years of marriage. Another 24% happened between five and nine years. When it comes to divorce, the most pressing matter is the custody of the children.

 Most parents wish to know about the possibility of changing their custody arrangements. The unpredictable nature of life brings changes that require people to change their existing arrangements. The process requires parents to understand its procedures when the custody agreement needs to be modified as a result of a job or health issue.

When it comes to custody arrangements, it's usually the parents creating an arrangement that the judge can review and approve. 

Let’s look at the legal grounds you can use to successfully request an alteration of the existing custody agreements.

Recognizing When to Modify Your Custody Arrangement

 When divorce happens and custody has been approved, there are times when changes in life require modification. The process may be difficult without enough knowledge of the factors that can affect it. 

 According to Cincinnati prenuptial & postnuptial agreement lawyer Scott Hoberg, the well-being of their children is the most important thing for a parent to deal with during and after the divorce process.

 Acknowledge the changing needs or behavior of your toddler. Review the current parenting plan at this point to see whether there have been any significant changes in the social, emotional, or academic needs of your child.

 Compensate for any potential changes in your conditions, like the occurrence of job changes or possibly having to be quite a distance away from your home state. You may both need to speak frequently and openly about possible modifications if you find that your child’s needs are not being met by the custody agreement.

What Legal Reasons Can You Use to Change Custody?

 The legal requirements for proving your case through custody modifications need to be studied before you can start your custody case. The courts need evidence of substantial changes in existing conditions before they will approve changes to custody arrangements.

 Your child's legitimate needs now require a different reason than what previously existed. One valid ground for custody modification is if the custodian has been proven to resort to substance abuse and neglectful behavior. These characteristics pose a danger to your child’s safety and the court will allow for a change in custody arrangements.

 Parents can find justification for custody changes through their children's expressed wishes, which become more valid as their children reach older ages. Should either parent establish residency in another state, the terms of custody should be altered to suit this change. Such issues would involve serious legal counsel and case support.

How to File for a Custody Modification Request

 Collect all necessary papers substantiating the case, such as medical records, school reports, and papers explaining the increased circumstances since custody was decided. Next, you have to take the time to fill out the appropriate documentation as found on the website of the state court.

 In amending the arrangement, information about the reason for the change is needed. After you complete the forms, you need to submit them to the court while paying all necessary charges. You will have to actually hand over the documents to the other parent until he or she is informed about the change. You also need to prepare your case for the hearing before the judge. The process will become simpler for you when you maintain both organization and knowledge of the matter.

What to Expect in the Custody Modification Process

 The custody modification process consists of multiple steps that you must complete through your active work and necessary preparations. 

 First, gather evidence that supports your request for a change. The evidence should include documentation that shows any major changes in the situation between the child and both parents. 

 After submitting the motion, both parents must present their arguments at the court hearing. Be ready for mediation sessions. This procedure is an easier method to reach a settlement without going to court.

 The judge intervenes to decide based on what would be in the best interests of the child. The involvement of a judge requires you to explicitly state your planned modification for custody and how it caters to the child's interests.

How to Ensure a Smooth Transition After Custody Changes

 Keeping the child and the other parent directly linked will foster an optimal transition within the changed custody.

 Parents should build a safe environment that permits a child to express themselves. They should establish a workable schedule, remain involved in discussions about their current needs, and plan changes.

 Your child will feel safer in both homes when you establish predictable activities that create a sense of comfort. Your co-parenting relationship must work together to decide key matters, which will strengthen your partnership. 

 Give the child time to adapt. During this time, both parents must show understanding and cooperation. Adhere to the changes in the child’s needs while maintaining your commitment to their best interest. 

 The chosen method creates a positive atmosphere that benefits all participants in the process.

 The legal system requires you to show actual changes in your situation before you can establish new custody arrangements. It is very important to know the conditions under which modification may occur.

 Understand that whatever you plan on implementing should be in the best interests of the child. Structured planning and a further examination of the facts are needed to make an appropriate custody arrangement in favor of the children.