Saturday, August 2, 2014

Sing, Sing a Song Saturday

Sing, Sing a Song Saturday is all about me discovering something that is different. I don't want to post things that you and I have more than likely heard before. I want to find something different. It could be from another country, someone singing from the streets of NY, and more.

This week I'm going to feature a very cool animation I found. I've been researching graffiti art for the last 2 weeks. There's an upcoming project I have in the works that involves graffiti. No I'm not going to be secretly paining on buildings.

This animation is made by a company called BLU. BLU is an Italian artist who conceals his real identity. He was born in Senigallia, and lives in Bologna. He's been active in street art.

Source

 This animation is pretty cool:

Friday, August 1, 2014

Random Tid Bits

  1. I'm so ready for the weekend. My boys were sick all week long. They get along less when they don't feel good. I think most people are irritable when they are under the weather.

  2. I checked out 7 books for Mica one day. He read 6 of that same day.

  3. Isaak refuses to read. He cries and says, "I can't read!" Mica, Grandma, and I read to him. I've been encouraging. I just don't know what to do now.

    Tips are welcome.

    Isaak had a melt down in the car because Mica wanted to read his own book, and not Isaak's. I said, "Isaak I can't read to you right now because I'm driving. Mica has every right to read his own book. How about you try, and read to me? I'll let you know if the words are, or aren't right. You can read, I know you can." He broke down even harder and said, "Mica you read to me now! I can't read!" I said, "Even if Mica agreed to read to you, I won't let him now. You should not be demanding when you want something." Then cried for 5 minutes.

    Part of me thinks he won't read because he compares his reading to Mica's; just like he compares his artwork to Grandpa's. We've had talks about how they are older, with more experience. It's hard staying positive when Isaak's just plain rude when he wants someone to read to him.

    I think I need to get out The Little Engine That Could to read to him. Then talk about the message of the book. Isn't it funny when you blog about something, and possibly solve your own problem in the blog post?

    Source
  4. I'm so glad that 2 days ago was my last day of summer school. Summer school is hard because students that couldn't make it the first time are there to take it a second. 


  5. To end on a good note, what this:

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Homemade Cough Syrup

My boys sound like old men that have been smoking for years.

Cough, Cough, Cough

The problem with kids is that a lot of the cough syrups out there kids can't take.

I decided to make my own cough syrup. I found a site that has homemade cough syrup recipes.

Some things to get at the store:

Local honey, 1 citrus fruit (we choose lemon and lime), fresh mint, fresh rosemary, fresh or ground ginger, whole or ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and/or ground cardamom.

*Bee careful where you buy local honey. I ran into a bee keeper that said many places that sell local honey, isn't local at all. If you are unsure about what is local, and what is not go to a Farmer's Market in your area, and ask someone there where to buy local honey? Some bee keepers sell their honey in a local store. They will let you know where it's sold at. Why local? Local honey helps fight off infection. For allergy suffers local honey helps build up a resistance to pollen.

Here are links to information about nutrition and healing benefits of:

fresh or dried/ground ginger, cloves & cardamom, cinnamon, peppermint, rosemary, citrus

Isaak wanted Lemon Cough Syrup, and Mica wanted Lime Cough Syrup.


We cut up a small lemon and lime in slices. Remove their seeds. Add in sprigs of fresh mint and rosemary. Then add in the spices you prefer. I put in cloves in the boy's cough syrups. Push and mix with the back of a spoon.

Let it set for at least 3 hours. Refrigerate.

The boys didn't like their cough syrups straight. I heated water in a mug (1/2 full), and added 1 spoon full. They loved it that way.

It did seem like they coughed way less after having their homemade cough syrup.




The best things about this stuff is that it tastes good in tea, or water. You can drink it even when you are not sick. It's great for allergy suffers!

Apple Sandwiches

I love sandwiches. Since I'm trying to be gluten free, I've been trying to stay away from bread. Even some of the gluten free breads have things in them that are questionable.

I saw a simple snack pinned, awhile back. I knew I wanted to try making the snack. Off to the store I went to get some organic apples.

I don't get organic everything, but with apples I get organic ones. Their skins are so thin, that the pesticides sprayed on non organic apples goes right through to the apple. On top of that apple companies put a wax coating to make it shinny, and more appealing to buy.

I'll take the apple with no wax thank you.

I made what I call Apple Sandwiches. It was a hit with Mica and Isaak!

1. First wash an apple, and cut an apple into slices.


2. Next cut out the center of the apple. There is way less waste cutting an apple this way, than any other way.


3. Find the biggest apple pieces, and spread a nut butter on them. I used homemade almond butter. There's sunflower seed butter, and peanut butter you could use to. I try and use nut butters that have little added to them.


4. Next you can sprinkle any or all the above: Nuts, seeds, oatmeal, unsweetened coconut, mini cinnamon, or chocolate chips. I sprinkled pumpkin seeds, oatmeal, and mini chocolate chips on ours.

We looked in the store, and pumpkin seeds have more protein than any of the nuts. I'm trying to use them more.

5. You can put an apple slice on the top, or you can leave the top off. Either way they are yummy!


6. I added a little tiny bit of local honey comb on the boy's sandwiches. They loved it.

It was an easy, peasy good treat!


Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Australian Tea Tree Oil - Including FREE Recipe Guide Review



One thing I love about reviewing products is that I learn a little, or a lot by reviewing things. I've never used Tea Tree Oil, but I've heard of it. Have you used Tea Tree Oil? 

There are so many uses for Australian Tea Tree Oil! First of all it's not an oil you ingest. It's an oil that helps with the skin. You can also use it to clean with.

Natural Skin Uses:
  • Fights off acne
  • Gets rid of toenail fungus
  • Kills lice
  • Kills yest infections
  • Removes skin tags
  • Removes cold sores
  • Helps remove dandruff
  • Helps remove ringworm
  • Kills fleas
  • Removes warts
  • Helps with psoriasis 
It is important that you test this on your skin before using it. Add Olive Oil, or Coconut Oil to it before using. Start out with a 4:1 ratio.

Natural Household Uses:
  • Make your own shampoo
  • Make your own lotion
  • Make your own soap
  • Make your own face cleaner
  • Make your own body wash
  • Make your own toothpaste
Stop polluting your home and make all natural Household Cleaners, Detergents, Shower Sprays, Bathroom Disinfectants, and Kitchen Sprays.

 

Just add 1 to 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil in a squirt bottle, fill the rest with water, and you have a perfect household cleaner.

Things that Australian Tea Tree Oil Does Not Contain:
  • No artificial color
  • No added fragrance - It has a natural scent that I happen to like.
  • No parabens
  • No preservatives
  • No mineral oil
  • No petroleum
  • No chemical solvents
Every large 4 ounce bottle comes with a FREE 100 page ebook.


They provide you with all the ways to use tea tree oil to improve your life, and replace harmful cleaners around the house.

I did have trouble getting the ebook. That was my only problem with the product. I want to see recipes to use it more.


These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose,treat,cure or prevent ant disease. This product has been manufactured and packaged in strict conformance with industry & government standards. Keep out of reach of children. As with anything consult your healthcare professional before use.

Have you used Tea Tree Oil?


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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

WW: Yellow Belt with a White Stripe {Linky}

Isaak thought he'd be able to go down a little further than he actually can.


He ended up getting his first stripe that day. It was only for good effort, but it meant a lot to him! He just started Jiu-Jitsu in June.


A Pushing Match in Jiu-Jitsu. Isaak won 3 times. He does this at home with Mica.



The proudest moment was when Mica tested for his yellow belt with a white stripe. In Jiu-Jitsu they test for a ton of stripes on their belt before they test for new belts. It's a great thing he got his yellow belt with white stripe; his white belt was getting too small. Mica was so excited that he wanted to sleep with his new belt on. For the record he didn't sleep with it on.




Mica had to do a lot of things to get his new belt. Here's just a few highlights:

Recumbent Ankle Throw:

Knife Attack Defense:

Hip Toss:



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Monday, July 28, 2014

Number One Probiotic Review

One thing is for certain probiotics are my friend. I have a very sensitive stomach. It seems like a small thing will set me off into having stomach pains. I am happy to introduce to you a probiotic from Number One Nutrition: Advanced Probiotic.


I think now most people know what probiotics are. I first started using them when Mica was a baby almost 9 years ago. 

Probiotics are good bacteria who perform a very important role in our digestive, methabolic and immune systems. They produce enzymes that break down the food we eat, regulate vitamins intake and convert sugars to the essential nutrients our bodies need.

The boys and I use them whenever our bodies feel off. They make me feel healthier and happier. They fix a lot of Mica's eczema issues.


When we went on vacation I started out eating very healthy, but then things slowly went downhill. It's really hard maintaining a good diet, while on a trip. I started taking probiotics as soon as I got back. They certainly do help!

About Advanced Probiotics:
  • All Natural formula that promotes health
  • Improves immune system funtion, colon health, and digestion
  • Can be taken by men, woman, and kids
  • Safe formula with lactobacillus, acidophilus, and billions of live cultures and intestinal flora in each serving
  • 100% vegetarian
  • No known side effects
  • They are on sale right now $39.99 $19.99
  • If you are not 100% satisfied we give you money back guaranteed


Our GI is home to 80% of our immune system! It's important to listen to our bodies signs when something is not right. Probiotics can fix a lot of thing.
  • Drastically improve your digestive health.
  • Balance your intestinal flora.
  • Improve your mood.
  • Break down allergy causing proteins.
  • Accelerate your fat loss.
Live healthy and happy!



What are you waiting for?

Does your well being matter to you?
Yes, we can be healthy and happy with our bodies.
Would you like to wake up feeling energized and ready to carry on your daily routine?
Get your health on track and the rest will fall in place.




Follow Number One Nutrition:

Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter @N1Nutrition

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Sickies

My kids were around their cousins, which were sick last week. When that happens it usually means that my family gets it.

I do have to say that my sister panics about germs because if Emerson gets anything they have to up his O2, he vomits because of the mucus, and any surgeries he has, have to be postponed. Even if my nose is stuffy from allergies I stay away. If you knew me, that's a lot of the time.

The interesting thing is, is that her family gets sick often. They tend to start illnesses, and then it spreads to everyone else.

I should have known illness was going to strike. Isaak woke up crying for me on Thursday night. It's out of character for him to wake up in the middle of the night.

Both boys seemed tired on Friday. They fought more than usual that day as well. I'm not trying to excuse their naughty behavior, but I do know they tend to act up when they don't feel good.

Sure enough Isaak woke up crying in the middle of the night Friday/Saturday saying, "My throat hurts!"
When Isaak, and/or Daddy get sick the world stops for them. They put themselves in their room, and shut the door. When they are out and about they are grumpy! They want everything done for them.

When Mica, and/or I get sick it sucks, we complain, but we still do stuff.

I did my motherly duty and cuddled Isaak up to watch Little House on the Prairie, made him JELLO juice (I just don't let it set, and he loves it to drink!), we read books, and I got a bubble bath ready for him.


Then little man put himself down for a nap. He slept for 2 hours. It's not like Isaak to take a nap during the day. I woke him up to make sure he wasn't dead, he went potty, and went back to sleep after that.


On Saturday his throat hurt, he ached, his tummy hurt, and he saw stars. Luckily he did not pass out.

On Sunday he was snotty, his little nose was raw, coughed like an old man that smoked for year, and he lacked energy. Just when I thought he was coming around like kids do they slip down worse than they were before.

On Sunday night Isaak was feverish, felt fainty, wasn't hungry, and had a major melt down! I put him to bed early. I had to take his clothes off for him. His melt down was that bad. I rubbed some Burts Bees chapstick under his raw nose with a q-tp, put Vics Vapor Rub on his chest (Even though it may do nothing at all. It gave peace of mind to Isaak.), and Travis gave him some medicine.

Mica's turn!

Mica complained about a sore throat on Saturday, but acted fine all weekend. He was just really annoying Isaak and I with robot sound effects.

Then Sunday night he coughed and coughed.

Monday morning Mica was snotty. He's starting this cold.

My turn!

Now I'm feeling light headed. I just don't feel like doing much of anything.

I should not of cuddled Isaak. I have to say that Isaak is a Mommy's boy. He's always by my side. Mica still likes to hold my hand in the parking lot. I kept telling them both to go away from me. They were right there by my side all weekend long.

Have you had a cold this summer?

Sunday, July 27, 2014

10 Activites to Do in a Group


I've been brainstorming different ideas of things to do in groups. Mica has a few friends like like to do things as families. It's good to not have to pay to do things all the time, so I was trying to think of different things to do that doesn't cost a lot, or is free.

  1. Find a park to go hiking.

  2. Have a BBQ. Everyone can bring their own meat, and a side. It's fun in the backyard. 

  3. Go camping. You don't have to go far. In fact you could camp in one person's backyard.

  4. Go fishing. We have yet to do this. We don't have a fishing license, nor do we have pools. It sounds fun to me. I'd like to do go fishing sometime.

  5. Have a picnic. If it's winter time (not an ideal time in some places for a picnic) lay out a table cloth on the floor indoors. You can have a floor picnic. 

  6. Have a movie night. Popcorn is always good. Everyone loves a good movie. A few games could be played before, or after the movie.

  7. Go bowling. It's not free, but it's something everyone can enjoy.

  8. Have a smoothie party, or an ice cream bar. If it's the summer time this is a cool treat to enjoy. You can stock up on supplies, or have each person bring something.

  9.  Build a snowman. If it's winter time this is fun. You can get a snowman built in less time with a group of people. Have hot chocolate afterwards.

  10. Have a dance party. This is something that works better in the winter because it gets darker earlier. Stock up on mirror balls, strobe lights, and glow sticks. 
Do you have any ideas family group activities? I like to keep things as simple as possible.

Friends With School Kid's Families

Mica has a few friends who's families like to get together. I'm still not sure how I feel about this. I like that they are involved with their kids, that I'm free to go along with Mica if I'm unsure about the situation. It's more calming to know where your kid is at, how they are acting, and how others are acting towards them.

It is however a challenge to entertain, or be entertained when whole families are involved. I don't want to feel like my husband and I have to be friends with Mica's friend's parents. I'm cool with spending a few hours with them, but longer than that I feel like we're done. Weekends sadly are often time to get things done for us. Having extended family that lives here makes for a lot of family events. I also like time for just us.

Then there's that part of me that wants the opportunity for just Mica and his friend(s) to hang out, and not have all their siblings there.

Sometimes they stay longer than I'm prepared for. If it's just a kid, no big deal. If it's their whole family it's much more difficult when it's meal time.

I've been trying to do the Lowes Clinic with one family. It's free, time is limited, and I don't have to have a clean house for that.

They wanted to see us again. Then Daddy got a text from the other family saying that they wanted to do something with us to.

I was thinking, What should we do? It's got to be something we all can enjoy.

We asked each family if they wanted to go hiking where Mica had his day camp, at Hummel Park?

Both families said, "Yes".

So we went. Another dad showed up. He didn't even have his kids. They were staying with their Grandma and Grandpa in another state. I wish he would have had them because he has a daughter that is Isaak's age, and a son that's Mica's age. Isaak gets left out often. I think this dad wanted to check out the park, and go hiking.

I guess this is it: We're all friends. Kids or no kids. All these kids play after school on the playground together. It's the after school clan.

I had no idea that one family had never been hiking before. They didn't bring bug spray, and their little girl wasn't wearing hiking type shoes. Their mom is/was very over protective. She kept saying to her kids, "Watch out!", "Be careful!", "Let me help you.", and "Here's the hand sanitizer." Another dad and I looked at each other and laughed.

I'm protective in the fact that I won't let my kids walk around the neighborhood without me. They can't play in the front yard by themselves. I do however let them wrestle, box with gloves, go to camps without me, they are in ju-jitsu, so they fight there. To me they are kids, boys no less, they need to get their energy out.

We hiked, played on the park's tire swing, collected snails, snacked, and took photos of bugs. We had a good time.





Disclaimer

The opinions on this blog are my personal take on products and topics relating to motherhood. This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me.

I am not compensated to provide opinions on a variety of topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are my own. If I claim to show knowledge of certain topic or product I will only endorse products or services that I feel, based on my expertise, are worthy of such endorsement.

If you have any questions about this blog, or want to get in contact with me please email me at: anapeladay@gmail.com