Friday, June 15, 2018

Random Tid Bits

  1. I never spent my Christmas Bonus until now. I decided to use it to stock up on groceries. The boys have been eating like crazy! They take turns with growth spurts. At the beginning of summer break it was Isaak that was starving, now it's Mica. Mica's the same hight as me now.


    Those that have kids, do you feel like you spend way more in the summer on food than any other time during the year?

  2. Speaking of food...

    I was talking to Travis about garden mulch.

    All the sudden Isaak pipes in to say, "I really love the taste of mulches."

    Curious as to what Isaak thought mulch was I asked, "What is mulch Isaak?"

    Isaak said, "That brown stuff in a cup that comes up from the freezer, that we have to thaw out before drinking it."

    I said, "Isaak that is called Good Rich malts. Not mulches. Mulch is the stuff that's in the garden."

    He said, "Oh! Well I like malts then." On my grocery store run I bought some Good Rich malts." I so want to refer to them as "Mulches". 

  3. Mica's a great kid for the most part. He's always gotten A's in school, but man his lack of effort in tasks at home is more like a D-. I would say it's an age/stage thing, but Isaak's always put in pretty good effort when it comes to home chores. 

  4. Here's how Mica loads the dishwasher when there was all that space...


  5. We went to visit my parents. They just got back from a week long trip. Isaak starts feeling my Mom's arm fat and says, "Wow you're so muscular!" We all had a good laugh! 

Thursday, June 14, 2018

Library Volunteer

Mica's continuing to volunteer at the library a few hours a week. He collects zip codes for their Read to a Dog Program.

The teacher in me already had to get after him. We went to pick him up, and he was on his cell phone checking something. I said, "Mica you're at work. No cell phone!" He said, "Mom they don't care." I said, "I do. Get off it!"

Otherwise I think volunteering is good for him!


The boy has already read his Summer Reading hours. I'm making him wait to cash in for prizes until Isaak gets there. 


I signed the boys up for a few things through the library. 

Babysitting Class:

Mica took a 2nd Babysitting Class. He wasn't too excited about joining in because he took it last year. I said, "You may learn something new. A refresher is good for anyone." 

He came out of the class thanking me. He said he did learn a lot. I guess the girl that headed it up was a different person than his other class. 
  • He learned different games to play with different ages of kids. 
  • They talked about how a lesson is more important than discipline. Example: Instead of taking something away, explain why what a kid did was bad. Then they know not to do it again. That's not to say that they shouldn't be disciplined, but have a lesson first.
  • He learned more First Aid. He's not certified with it, but knows how to deal with certain situations. 
Cupcake Decorating Class:

I kind of thought Mica may not want anything to do with cupcake decorating, but Isaak wanted to take the class when I brought it up. They could choose between just frosting and sprinkles, making a rainbow with an Airhead Strip of Candy, or a Sunflower with the center being a small Oreo. 

Isaak picked the Sunflower. He was happy to eat it afterwards.


We have a few more classes underway:
  • Didgeridoo for Isaak
  • Teen Movie Night (Possibly)
  • Chess (Possibly)
  • Ukulele Lessons

I say possibly because some we didn't have to sign up for all the classes. It's more like you just show up. 

Are you active with your public library?

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Soeos Authentic Szechuan - Red Sichuan Peppercorns Review

Sichuan peppercorns' are not hot like black, white, or chili peppers. 


Taste: 

My family noticed it to have a slight lemony taste and smell.  It's great for people that like that lemony taste. I do, so it worked for me. It was a bit strong for the rest of my family. Maybe we just used too much.


Pacific Rim Stir Fry:

Start 4 servings of rice, or noodles.

Cook in Oil:
  • 2 medium carrots
  • 2 cups of broccoli
  • 1 bell pepper 
  • A handful of split peas 
Once they are cooked, set the veggies aside, and add in a package of skinless/boneless chicken breasts - cut up in bite sized pieces to cook.

Make the sauce and whisk together:
  • 1 Tablespoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 Tablespoon Red Sichuan Peppercorns
  • 2 Tablespoons Corn Starch
  • 1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
Add veggies back into the pan, and add in the sauce. Stir until bubbly and thick.

Serve on top of rice or noodles.


Soeos Authentic Szechuan - Red Sichuan Peppercorns works great in stir fries, and other dishes. I really like that it added a different flavor to the dish we ate. Do you like a lemon flavor? What is your favorite stir fry?

Cost:

It comes in different price points. This is $8.35 for 4 ounces on Amazon Prime. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071CX48ZS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1


Disclaimer: I got this product for a discounted price, in exchange for an honest review.

Label Daddy Review

Save 20% on Label Daddy labels

Label Daddy is the number one solution for labeling your belongings! Remember to label all clothing, sports equipment, electronics, and other personal belongings your kids bring to school, camp, sports leagues, day care, vacation, and other places. Label Daddy labels keep them from getting lost or mixed up with others. 

I get labels for the boys every other year to use for school and camp. Some of their things don't need to be labeled because their school supplies go in a big pile for the whole class to use. Other things do need to be labeled. 

At camps the boys always need a water bottle. I put labels on those.

This year I choose to get basket ball labels for Isaak to use.


The labels turned out great, and Isaak's a happy camper for sure! First camp this year is Camp Invention. We added a label to his water bottle that he needs to take with him every day. 


Order:

I got small all purpose labels. They can go on water bottles, clothing, luggage, folders, and more. There are many sets to choose from! Some sets have labels that vary in size.

I stuck with their basic design: Basketball. They have team icons, princesses, trucks, emojis, monsters, camp, other random icons, or plain solid labels to choose from. One that I did see missing was all the superheroes that they used to have.

They have different colors and fonts to choose from.


They do space the letter different than the preview shows, but they note that in small letters under the preview.


I think we'll have enough for camp and school. For camp the boys typically use it for just their water bottles, and possibly their lunch bag. For school they put them on folders and notebooks.


Here are some tips that Label Daddy sent me:
  • Extra Small Labels work great for all garments. Put the label on the tag if possible. It will last longer there. That's where people look if they are trying to return a clothing item to you. If you have a tagless garment, place the label on the tag that has the washing instructions. 

  • When you apply a label use pressure to get the label down, so that it doesn't fall off. 

  • Wait 24 hours before washing a clothing that has a label on it. Again this will ensure it's had time to adhere to the fabric.

  • Label Daddy has a laminated option. What this is for is if your clothing is going to be used around chemicals such as chlorine, sunscreen, cleaning agents, or extreme heat. 

  • Do not apply labels to clothing that has been pre-treated with a stain/water repellent, such as a scotchguard. They won't stick to a "not-stick" surface.

  • Zipper tags are for labeling, not for pulling. If they are tugged on daily a zipper can break. 
These labels are super durable peel-and-stick washable labels -- they're washer/dryer safe, microwave safe, dishwasher safe and UV resistant! Label Daddy labels are also fun and attractive. You design your own labels! 

Their exclusive laminated coating gives labels an extra layer of protection and is a must for camp! These labels are made in the USA and shipped directly to you worldwide.  
 
Save 20% on your entire Label Daddy order - this is the best discount available anywhere. Use code USFAMILY20 at checkout. http://www.usfamily20.labeldaddy.com



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

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

WW: Earth Oven Pizza {Linky}

We visited a spot here in Omaha where they grow their own food in a City Garden called City Sprouts.

My husband knows the guy that makes Earth Ovens. Travis thinks of him as an artist. He doesn't think of himself as an artist at all. I think it's an art form for sure. It's interesting how different people define art differently.

Mica got to make a pizza in the Earth Oven. They grew the basil and tomatoes (sauce and sun dried tomatoes) in their garden area. It took about a minute to cook.







I got a slice. It was good!


What toppings do you like on your pizza?



Great Ways to Help Your Kids Develop Healthy Habits

Children who are taught good habits at a younger age succeed in life as those habits retain with them lifelong. A right path is set for children in whom right habits are inculcated. Good habits go a long way in giving good thinking, thought process, and ability to achieve success in life. It not only means daily routine and self-discipline, but it also includes good behavior. Be a good example for your children as they mimic the behavior of parents from a younger age. Hygiene and healthy habits taught to children at a young age, so they turn out to be well cultivated and cultured citizens. Listed below are some habits that must be essentially taught to children at a younger age.

Overhaul food habits

Teach children the importance of healthy food habits and nutrition at a young age. Children love candies and unhealthy foods that do no good for their health. When you teach them to read food labels, you are encouraging them to make healthy food choices. Well, it is good to browse through sites such as Access 2 Knowledge in order to get more information about health and food.

Lucky for us our kids have always eaten well! Mica doesn't care for eggs, but that's about it.


Include exercise in daily routine

Do not let them sleep for long hours. Make exercise a fun routine and exercise with them. Children will love this group activity and make it a lifelong habit. Exercise is a healthy habit that children need to learn at a younger age to stay healthy and fit lifelong.

A long time ago Mica was in t-ball. I was his assistant coach. We've also been very active at the Y doing Family Fitness, swimming, and martial arts. Isaak's found his thing: Basket Ball.


Self-discipline in daily routine

Children must be taught daily habits of self-discipline to wake up early and follow a routine, so it gives their life a proper direction at a young age. Self-discipline includes good behavior, respect for others, and self-respect. Every step of self-discipline can be taught step by step through examples and demonstration. For this parents have to be role models and set a good example that the children can follow.

Do not bribe children

It is important that parents curb a few habits of alluring and bribing children in exchange for good behavior or doing a job. Doing so registers wrong information with regard to any task in the subconscious mind of children. They must instead be taught values and integrity and its importance in the long run.

Encourage outdoor activity

The digital world has influenced children at a very young age, and they are likely to develop wrong notions about a lot of things without the parents being aware of it. Parents must encourage outdoor activities of children and limit their use of technology. Their use of technology must be monitored, so they do not get badly influenced by any information or incident online.

Let them eat junk once in a while

Do not be stern and so strict that it hampers their freedom of expression and development. Reward them with their favourite food when they show discipline and good behaviour but do not overwhelm them with rewards.

Hygiene and cleanliness

Being tardy is a bad trait nobody likes or encourages. Teach them to be neat and clean. Give them small tasks to clean like make their bed and stay groomed. Small habits and tasks that inculcate cleanliness and hygiene keep them healthy.

Good habits are fundamental hallmarks of self-discipline. Children can be taught good habits in a way that makes it fun for them to follow and make them understand its importance. Get creative in disciplining your child and instill good habits in them and make bringing up children fun for you as well as them.

Monday, June 11, 2018

Drama on Our Street

Towards the end of last week I said, "Mica go outside to play catch with Isaak!" The 2 Apel boys were outside throwing a football around.

I was busy making dinner. I felt the vibration of a helicopter. It was so low to the ground, circling our house! My first thought was, Damn it's going to crash! My second thought was, What is going down?!

Travis rushed out there, saw the look on the neighbor's face, and told the boys, "Get in the house! Lay on the ground!"

Soon after about 4 or 5 cop cars showed up with a state trooper.



Warning: The pictures are through my windows. I was not about to go outside, unclear of what was going on.

I've heard a few stories, but I'll go with the most believable:

A guy was fleeing from Council Bluffs, Iowa, which is about 30 minutes away. He robbed a car. He decided it would be a great idea to go 50, in a 25 speed limit zone. He crashed into a car.


Then took off on foot. Thankfully the other family he hit is ok. Their car isn't ok, but they just have bumps and bruises.

He decided a great place to hide was my neighbor's lawn. Yep he was probably hiding in their backyard, while my boys were playing catch. YIKES!

My neighbor saw him, and he tried to jump a fence. It had vines all over it, so he was slipping all over. The fence won. He ran to their front yard to hide by their retaining wall.

That's when the helicopter started circling our yard.

We all stayed inside not knowing exactly what was going on. Once we found out there was just one guy they were looking for, and he was cuffed I took a few photos.


We learned that we need to react earlier. Mica was just outside, staring up into the sky. He would have let a helicopter hit him I think.

Thankfully the guy was unarmed.

What's a crazy situation you've been in?

True Citrus - Be Healthy, Be Happy, Be True Sweepstakes

Wouldn't it be fun to win a ton of money? What would you do with $10,000? 

I would pay off something big. If I had to use it to buy things - I'd use it to buy a new washer and dryer. Then I'd update the kid's bedrooms.



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To enter the sweepstakes and for details on how to increase chances of winning, visit www.truelemon.com/be-healthy-be-happy-be-true-sweepstakes through June 15.

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Interested in trying True Citrus for yourself? 

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Disclaimer: I'm getting some True Lemon products in exchange for sharing this post.

Sunday, June 10, 2018

Brain Supplement Review

It's hard to know if vitamins help long term. I'd love to say vitamins I get to review change my life, but time wise it's hard to know. I do see a dramatic change when my family uses probiotics and vitamins.

This supplement is made by Activa Naturals. It replaces my daily vitamin. I love what's in it!


It Has 90 Veg Caps Filled With:
  • Lions Mane Mushrooms
  • Bacopa Monnieri
  • Alpha GPC 
  • Ashwagandha 
  • 7 Botanical Herbs
  • Antioxidants
All of which help with focus, energy, memory, and mental performance. I'll take them in the morning before work. They will help me function throughout the day. I need to keep my brain strong.


What They Don't Have in Them:
  • No Fillers
  • No Additives 
  • No Artificial Colors
  • No Harmful Chemicals 

Where to Get Them:


I am excited to see if these do help long term. I do think they are a bit more pricy than what I usually spend on vitamins. They are packed full of good things. They do want to make sure people that purchase are 100% satisfied, or you can get your money back. 


Do you take a vitamin supplement? What brand do you take?

Disclaimer: I got this product for a discounted price in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way influenced on what to write by the company. All opinions are my own.

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