Saturday, December 23, 2017

iKlips #iosflashdrive Review

I just got iKlips II 32GB USB 3.1 to review. It's a Lightning Flash Drive. 


What it's Used For:

  • External Memory Storage
  • Transfers Images From One Device to Another

It's for Apple, iPhone, iPad, Mac, iOS, Android & PC. It will not work on Kindles.


Store:

Extended Connector fits with any case. Each port has a cover. It has a USB connector: Mini for my iphone and a normal size for my computer.




App:

It pops up a free app. This is how awkward I am with apps: I had no idea what I was doing. Travis had to tell me what to do. He was giving me the stink eye as I was doing each step. As if to say, Really Alissa! I'm on my computer all the time. I find no desire to mess with extra apps.

The first time I loaded it I didn't click on the right option, so I couldn't get images off the device. I had to remove the app, and put it back up again.

So If you're me you'll find their app a pain. If you're like my husband you'll find it to be easy peasy.

In the end there was success.


I did read some negative reviews. You can only put about 4 images on it at a time. That's kind of annoying if you're a photographer that works with a lot of images at a time. I consider myself to do that. In some ways I'd just rather email myself images, and get them from my email.

Will I use it as my as I thought I would? Probably not. It seems handy though. 

Where to Buy it:

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=me%3DA3MHPFDGCAZAER&field-keywords=ios+flash+drive%2C+B0784FJ3QV

Cost: 

$42.97

What do you store your photos on? 

Disclaimer: We got this product in exchange for our opinion on them. The company in no way told me what to write, or influenced me in any way.

Friday, December 22, 2017

Random Tid Bits

  1. Has it snowed where you live? The first day of winter hit, and boom it finally snowed in Omaha, Nebraska. We need the moisture so bad! I just don't want it to stay dry, the dryness effects the farmer's crops, and food prices go through the roof. That's just the kind of thinking I do. Do I love snow? I could take it for about 5 minutes. I guess I don't mind snow, I just hate bitter cold wind. What do you dislike about winter?

    It's also horrible on allergies if the ground doesn't freeze.

     
  2. I'm excited today to learn that I won a screen printing kit from speedball art. That's one form of art I've never tried. The only printing I've done is a block print. 


  3. Tis the season for people in your family not getting along. I'm stuck in the middle of a few. I love them, but want to scream, "STOP!" 

  4. I had 1 drop in my first year class, and one not pass a class. I had 1 drop in my third year class, and two not pass my class.

  5. I decided to go ahead and try and treat my cyst once again.



    Long story on that:

  6. Me for a few weeks with a hot compress on my forehead! I wish this freaking cyst on my forehead would just flipping go the flip away! I’ve had it for awhile now. I’ve tried apple cider vinegar, which just burned my skin, and made it look worse. I tried going to a Dermatologist, which told me he couldn’t remove it because it’s by nerves, and my face could be paralyzed.  Now I’m trying one hot pack after another, and bread poultice at night. So far nothing. I see a #surgeon in Feb if I can’t get this stupid thing to go away. Anyone have any advice besides taking an X-acto knife to my face?

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

#Snowman #Craft

This is a craft that will go up on ParentSavvy.com 

I have a little story to tell about that. The people at ParentSavvy.com are super nice! They get me a check soon after I've finished a craft. I love making crafts with Isaak.

I met with a person from there. She told me that I'd be writing once a month, and told me to come up with a list of ideas. I came up with 2 lists, and let her choose. We decided I'd just go with the first list, and do the 2nd list the next year. I thought I was supposed to do everything on the list. It was a lot! I was knocking out a few crafts at a time.

She just emailed me this week, reminding me that I only have to do 1 a month. I'm so far ahead that I'd be writing for March. Needless to say, if I do anymore crafts with Isaak they have to be spring related.

Travis said, "I was wondering why you were doing so many crafts. I remembered it was 1 a month." I emailed her back explaining that I thought I had to do the whole list we agreed on, and that I was glad she let me know that we were into March. I swear sometimes I have an Amelia Bedelia brain. Meaning I just think differently. Example: Amelia Bedelia was told to draw the drapes, and she actually drew on them with markers.

I don't know if it's the right brain side of me, if I just take people too literally, or what. I can tell you that my posts for ParentSavvy.com are very detailed. She wasn't at all annoyed with me. I'm just glad we're on the same page now.

Anyhow onto Making a Snowman:


Has it snowed where you live? It hasn't here in Omaha, Nebraska.

I love snowmen. Anyone can get into making a snowman! It doesn't matter what you believe, or don't believe. Making a snowman is fun for all.

First:

Get a set of foam balls with 3 different sizes, and something flat to use as a base. We used a flat circle foam piece.


Here's Isaak with them all. We kind of mocked it up, so you can see what we're about to make.


Second:

Make a carrot nose. 

I had some cookie dough left, and put it on a toothpick to bake with the cookies. You could use Sculpey, or some other baked clay. 


Sand it  down:


Third:

Paint it orange. A little acrylic paint goes a long way!


This is all I mixed up:





Fouth:

Plug in the hot or cold glue gun.

It was Isaak's first time using a glue gun. He was super excited. 



Fifth:

Use wooden toothpicks and hot glue to secure each styrofoam ball.

For the carrot nose, trim the toothpick with a fingernail trimmer. 




Sixth:

Get stick pins to give your snowman eyes and a mouth.



Seventh:

Add some buttons with hot glue.



Eighth:

Make a scarf with scrap fabric, or felt. It doesn't have to be fancy. I just cut a strip out. Then stick pinned it to Frosty's neck.


Ninth:

Make a hat. 

We collected ahead of time some milk, and other caps. I used a milk cap, and an almond milk cap. 

Fill the bigger one with hot glue - most of the way. Put it on Frosty's head. Then add some more hot clue into the next lid to add that one. 




Tenth:

Add arms. I had Isaak go outside to collect 2 tiny sticks. We only ended up using 1 by breaking it in 1/2. Since I had sandpaper out, I sanded the ended to poke into the middle foam ball. First I added hot glue to the pointy ends to ensure they would stay. 


Eleventh:

We tore apart some cotton balls, squirted hot glue on the base, and added the snow. You could use spray glue to add white glitter. 


My favorite picture!


Twelveth:

Paint the top section of the hat black. If you have trouble with your paint sticking add a drop of hand soap to the acrylic paint.


Isaak loved it! He's wanted to take all our crafts to school to show his school. This one I wouldn't let him. It's a bit fragile. I think it will hold together well. Just not when it's in a backpack shaking around. 

When was the last time you made a snowman? 

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

WW: Wishing for Peace {Linky}


Finally Something I Think Most of Us Can Agree On

I'm really sick of the fact that our political system revolves around money.

Sure anyone can run to be the president of the United States, but only those who have backers will win.

I don't usually post anything political, or controversial, but this is pretty important to watch. It's not on one side, or the  other. To be honest I'm not on one side or the other. I wish I was deeply moved by one party.

Monday, December 18, 2017

Hobo Santa

Isaak's been asking if I hide The Elf on the Shelf, and if I'm Santa. I haven't come clean about any of it. Saint Nicholas is in the encyclopedia, and we have an autobiography about how he came to be.

He is in 4th grade. I stopped believing about then. That's when Mica stopped believing. I took Mica aside and told him because I didn't want Mica to keep asking when Isaak was hearing his questions. When I came clean to Mica I said, "That's why I dropped all the Easter eggs when you walked in on me." He said, "Mom you mean you're the Easter Bunny too!? Don't tell me you're the Tooth Fairy as well!!!" Mica didn't believe in a person - Santa, but he did believe in a bunny and fairy.

I asked Mica, "Does Isaak still believe in Santa?" Mica said, "I don't know. What happens if he doesn't?" I said, "Well I guess there's no reason for Santa to bring gifts then." His eyes got wide. I said, "Just kidding Mica. Santa will still bring you things."

Isaak asked, "Mom is Santa some kind of stalker? He knows so much about me!" I said, "I don't know Isaak." His interpretation of fat, jolly man has certainly made a more dark turn.

The Elf on the Shelf Brita brought this traditional Santa I got to review from CSI Wall Panels.


I thought it was so classic and neat looking.

Mica: The Elf Brita is having a shoulder ride on some man statue.

Isaak: I think the Elf Brita brought us a homeless man.

Mica: Isaak he's called a hobo.

Me: Boys he's a classic Santa.

In Unison They Both Said: He's a Santa? He doesn't look like Santa. He looks homeless.

There you have it...we have a hobo in our living room. 

Did you believe in Santa? If you did, how did you find out there wasn't really a Santa? Or maybe there is one. ;)

I already put up this disclaimer: I got the the item mentioned in this review from CSI Wall Panels. CSI Wall Panels didn't influence me on what to write in this review. I only review things that I feel like my readers - you will enjoy, or are a good fit for my family. 

Isaak Loves to Make Noise

I know I've been bad about blogging lately. I've been on the computer so much, that I just needed a bit of a break from blogging.

It's also hard because I can't take photos ANYTIME. It's dark when I wake up to when I need to leave to go to work. Then it's dark when I get home. I get really frustrated about the lack of sunlight this time of year. I just love posting a photo or photos with posts. It's just so hard to get good ones.

Isaak wanted a drone for Christmas. He's not getting one. I just think it's one of those toys that he plays with a handful of times, then it just sits in the box. Plus many drones say for ages 14 and up. Isaak's 9. Just a few days ago he said, "I'd like to have a hover board." He won't be getting that either. It may be a disappointing Christmas for him. Oh trust me he's getting things; just not those two things.

When you were a kid, did you have a certain Christmas where you were disappointed with what you got? 

I remember I wanted a Cabbage Patch Kid. I got a homemade doll. I didn't want to seem ungrateful. The following year I got that Cabbage Patch Kid. Kids can't always get everything they want.

Isaak's getting a Lego set he wants, a gold fidget spinner he asked for, nice headphones for his kindle, a Spirograph, a leather wallet, he's getting a few other toys, a game, the Lego Batman movie, and some clothes. Mica's pretty much getting the same things with variation.

Truth be told: Isaak hardly plays with any toys. He likes crafts, art, music, basketball, chess, other games and playing outside.

One thing he asked for last year was a keyboard. I got a cheap keyboard. I just didn't know how much he'd use it. It's the one thing I wish I would have splurged on. The boy plays it daily. You can't even play 2 keys at once.

Source

Isaak sits in his room pounding away on his cheap $15 keyboard. Then he stops and starts singing, "Shot through the heart and you're to blame. Darlin' you give love, a bad name."

Isaak is so me, and Mica is so Travis when you get to the core of their personalities. 

Mica at 8:10: Isaak stop pounding on that keyboard!

Isaak kept on playing.

Mica: Isaak it's time for bed. STOP!

Isaak played hard, and faster.

All the while Travis and I are in the kitchen giggling because Mica's the serious one that abides by rules. Isaak's the goofy one that pokes Mica with teasing him non stop. Mica can have fun too, but not when he's supposed to be in bed. Yes they still go to bed that early because they wake up with the chickens. Listening to them fight was like listening to Travis and I fight.

It's interesting...some nights I get so annoyed with their fighting. Even the sounds of their voices make me want to scream. There's nights like the night above where I felt like laughing at them. I found them amusing. I wonder why parents are that way? Possibly we're that way with everyone. I love my husband, but I need time to myself too.

A month or so ago I saw a harmonica in an end cap at a store. I'm not a shopper. Seriously I've been to 3 stores besides grocery shopping. 

Travis a day ago: I could see Isaak really enjoying a harmonica in his stocking.

Me: I thought about that. The boy loves to make noise. He's either singing, playing his violin, playing his keyboard, or creating something. I thought Isaak having a harmonica might drive you and Mica to your breaking points.

Travis: Just get him one. He'd love it!

Me: Where in the heck did I see one? I can not remember! I saw one somewhere!

Travis: Just get one off Amazon.

Isaak's harmonica is supposed to get here before Christmas. Guess what? I found a gold one. His favorite color. Well not quite. He likes Sparkly Shimmery Shiny Gold. He'll tell you that too. I couldn't find a Sparkly Shimmery Shiny Gold one. You know one that looks like it has gold glitter. 

Source
He may not be getting a drone or a hover board, but by golly he's getting a harmonica.  

What gift are you excited to give someone?

Heavy Duty #Art #Portfolio Carry Case Bag Backpack Review

This is a Heavy Duty Art Portfolio Carry Case Bag Backpack! ou can get this Welldeal case here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076H2TXXB for $34.99 on Amazon Prime. That's not a bad price for it's size, quality, and many pockets!

Size: 

26"x19", so a 24"x18" sketch pad will fit in this.


Pockets:

There are so many pockets. I may be missing some, but I think I counted 8 in total.

The circle opens up. This is great for a paint palette, or paints.


The pocket behind the circle opens up as well! A big box of colored pencils would fit great in there!


There's a pocket on the bottom. It's big enough to fit a smaller tripod, or long handled brushes.


There's two pockets on the side/front that would be good for erasers, or miscellaneous pencils. Although I would never encourage pencils to bag around in a pouch. That's how they break in the inside.

Tip: If colored pencils keep breaking, try putting them in the oven under a low heat. It will melt the pencil back together again. I wish graphite and charcoal worked that way!


The case can be carried as a backpack, hand held, or there's an attachment to carry it over your shoulder. If there's a lot in there, caring it on the back may be best.


The straps have pockets too! I think this would be wonderful for business cards, or keys. Anything you want to carry, but hide.


It works great to take art supplies different places, drawing class, if you are a student, or for a way to store your art supplies.


Disclaimer: We got this product in exchange for our opinion on them. The company in no way told me what to write, or influenced me in any way.

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