Saturday, January 3, 2015

Influenza

I've never had the true flu; until now. I mean the beast Influenza. The stomach flu is a breeze compared to this crap. I always heard it feels a bit like you're on your death bed. 

Dad got it when I was prego with Isaak. They were low on flu shots then. He was late in the game for getting Thamiflu, and was out of work for 2 weeks. He's one of those people that's always like, "I never get sick." Then when he does he's a big baby that I love. I was lucky that I got the flu shot that year. I was one of those high risk peeps that could get it because I was pregnant. Influenza is highly contagious. 

Luckily I got on Thamiflu early, Isaak got on it early, and Mica's on a preventative dose. Experts say to get Thamiflu within the first few days of getting the flu; for it to do its thing. Technically I still don't know what all this beast of bug can do because we're lucky enough for meds. 

I do know the first person in Iowa died from Influenza just yesterday, or the day before. My couch days are running into each other. Instead of being pissed about having this nasty bug I'm thankful for modern medicine. I'm thinking of this sweet little girl that died of the same thing we have. They say that people with weakened immune systems are the ones that have to watch out for the flu. True, but look at this little girl that died. She was perfectly healthy before she got Influenza.

Bless her family!

Source
Death from Influenza can happen to anyone. Thank goodness we have modern medicine to help prevent the flu, and help when the flu shot isn't the right strain. It really is a guessing game to get the flu shot right for the following year. Look back in history at how many people died of Influenza back in the pioneer days.

We're pushing through it! Even with the grumpy face, and pale white skin.



 Lots of Sleeping! That's the only time Isaak doesn't have the grumpy face!



Trying to eat. Kids often do not have an appetite. I had less of an appetite, but not as limited as him. He said, "Mom the soup hurts my eyes so bad!" :( Sore eyes is one of symptoms of the flu on the 2nd day.


After he ate his soup crackers, snap peas, and soup he took his meds.


He threw up the meds. Luckily they gave us more than enough for an extra dose. If he keeps throwing up we may be in trouble! 

As for me I'm 1/2 done with my meds.

 I'm thankful for modern day meds today! Happy 2015!

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 posing about Kevin K.O. Olusola. Have you heard of him before? I haven't until a few weeks ago.

Kevin "K.O." Olusola is an American cellist, beatboxer, saxophonist, songwriter, producer, and singer. Olusola is best known as the beatboxer of the widely acclaimed vocal band Pentatonix.

He reworks a lot of well known songs, to have his own sound.

Source
Heart Attack


Mirrors


Next week I'll feature more of the band Kevin "K.O." Olusola is part of Pentatonix.

Follow Pentatonix on Facebook.
Follow Pentatonix on Twitter.
Visit Kevin "K.O." Olusola on YouTube.

Friday, January 2, 2015

Fractionated Coconut Oil Review

Guess who's sick with Influenza now? Isaak is. They weren't fibbing when they said it's highly contagious. I've been staying in one spot, and washing my hands gobs of times. I've gotten good at turning on and off light switches with my elbow. It started with his back hurting this morning, then he felt achy, he has a cough, is pasty, and slower than his slow self. Dad picked up his Thamiflu, and Mica's preventative Thamiflu. We're still waiting on our insurance cards, so it was $600 out of pocket for now. YIKES! At least we'll see some of that money again one day.

I've been babying my baby by giving him a back massage with 100% Natural Fractionated Coconut Oil. I added some drops of peppermint oil in it. 

Little man has a birthmark on his back. Just in case you were wondering what that spot is.

Isaak said, "Mom this feels so good!" It wasn't sticky after I rubbed it into his back.

You can use this coconut oil for massages. There are many hair and skin benefits. It's base oil for therapeutic recipes and essential oil. It's safe to use as a moisturizer and softener. 
  • Great therapeutic benefits
  • Excellent on skin; a natural and very safe moisturizer, softener and non-irritant lubricator
  • It can be mixed with other carriers and essential Oils
  • Wonderful balance of saturated fats helps stimulate hair growth
  • Fractionated coconut oil is a carrier that never goes rancid
  • It leaves skins smooth with no greasy feeling 
  • Odorless and colorless. Does not stain and easily washes out of clothing and sheets
  • Low production costs make it cost effective, you can find it on Amazon for $24.95 and on sale for $16.50
  • It does not aggravate skin problems or clog pores, it being an oil you'd think it would clog up the pores, but it absorbs into the skin quickly


It comes in a 16 ounce bottle. There is a lid you can screw on that allows you to squirt it out. I was thinking there may be a pump lid. It's a liquid, not thick like regular kitchen coconut oil.

Advantages of Using Fractionated Coconut Oil:

Coconut oil has long been used all over the world for its many therapeutic and other benefits to the skin. My step grandma is from the Philippines, and they use coconut oil for cooking, and on their skin. They have very little autoimmune diseases, and young looking skin!

It has antiviral and antibacterial properties, a wonderful balance of saturated fats in its natural form and helps stimulate hair growth. You can mix some in your shampoo.

Many aromatherapy recipes use coconut oil for the various therapeutic benefits it offers. Fractionated coconut oil is a fraction of the coconut oil from which almost all the long chain triglycerides are removed, thus leaving mainly the medium-chain triglycerides and making it an absolutely saturated oil. This saturation gives it a very long shelf life and greatly increased stability. In addition, fractionating raises the comparative concentration of Capric acid and Caprylic acid, thus giving it more of antioxidant and disinfecting effect.

Have you ever used coconut oil on your skin?


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Disclaimer: I'm writing this in connection to Tomoson. I got this Coconut Oil free for review. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Random Tid Bits

  1. I'm off work until Monday. I'm contagious with Influenza for 5 days. I'm just hoping kid number 1, kid number 2, and Dad doesn't get it. I feel better, then worse again. I'm on day 3 of the sickness. The doctor said day 2 and day 3 were the worst days. 

  2. I'm about to let the kids watch moves all day. I feel like sleeping. Actually I convinced Mica to read a book.

  3. The boys want to go to Grandma and Grandpa's house so bad. They were supposed to go there today, but I'm out of commission, so they are here. Even though I've told the boys why they can't go to Grandma and Grandpa's house Isaak keeps asking about going.

  4. Both boys got super hero blanket/snuggie things from Aunt Terra yesterday. Mica's the only one that would pose, but Isaak's more excited about his. Mica got Batman and Isaak got Superman. Mica's just not excited about anything other than toys.


  5. I told the boys, "I don't want to see you holding Legos on the couch, or love seat out anymore. I cleaned too many out from under the cushions when I was vacuuming them out the last time. Every time I look over Mica he has a Lego construction he's holding on the loveseat. It like telling a dog to get off the furniture. 

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Ultra-15 Probiotic for Adults and Kids Review

Since I'm sick with Influenza it's important for me to help boost my immune system. It's also important for me to boost the rest of my families immune system, so they don't get what I have. I was given Ultra-15 Probiotics to review. I love that these can be taken by adults and kids.



Right now I'm on Tamiflu and Ultra-15 Probiotics

I'm also washing my hands like mad, doing a lot of laundry, spraying and cleaning anything I touch, and trying to let my husband do the kitchen work.


Description:

Zenwise Labs' Super Strength Probiotics contains 10 natural probiotic cultures that assist in the body's digestive process. 

I like that these probiotics also serve to fight and protect against harmful bacteria to promote a healthy immune system. Each serving of our probiotics contain 15 billion live probiotic cultures to ensure a natural digestive balance. 

Features:
  • Contains 15 Billion CFU to promote digestive and intestinal health
  • Promotes a Healthy Immune System
  • Improves mood and energy levels
  • Relieves stomach discomfort
  • 100% natural
  • $35 on Amazon with a four star rating
  • 60 vegetarian tablets for a month long supply


I strongly recommend taking probiotics to help prevent sickness, and to help boost your immune system when you are sick.


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Disclaimer: I'm writing this in connection to Tomoson. I got this Probiotic free for review. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

The New Year

Yesterday I had a cough. I didn't think much of it. I mean I took the tree down the night before, and cleaned in spots that don't get cleaned as much - like behind the TV stand. With my allergies coughing is normal.

I met with two of my old friends for lunch.

After that moment things got worse. Then I felt bad exposing my friends, and their children to my germs.

Last evening we watched Night at the Museum - Battle of the Smithsonian and Grease thanks to the Omaha Public Library! For the record in Grease they do have 2 questionable parts for kids like talking about hickeys, and making out in a car. Also for the record as a kid I remember none of this. It went over my head then. I know my boys don't have a clue what "hickeys" are. I'd like to keep it that way for now.

On with the story - I couldn't even sing to Grease. Let me tell you I know the words to every song. The extension of my sickness came on me like a bat out of hell. I got the shivers, and my body ached so bad! I called Grandma to tell her I won't be able to celebrate "Christmas" with my family tomorrow (which is today now). My sister's whole family was sick at Christmas time.

Grandma said, "Call your doctor right away. Get on Tamiflu." I reluctantly called their answering service, they transferred me to an on call nurse. She wouldn't call anything in until I saw someone. Dad called Urgent Care down the street that has a one star rating. I was out of choices. It was 7:50 on New Years Eve. 

They said, "We'll see her if she gets here in 5 minutes." Out of the house I go with flannel pjs on. I was lucky enough to slip a bra on. Sorry for the (too much information bit). You get the point.

It was the last day I could use my insurance card. My new insurance was accepted, but I don't have a card yet. 

It took them awhile to see me. The lady had me fill out paper work even though I'd seen them before. Then they switched my chart with someone else. That got resolved really fast. I could see why they have a 1 star rating.

The test came up negative for Influenza, but they are treating me for it anyhow. The doctor said, "The test is only right 70% of the time. You are on day one. Day one usually doesn't come up positive." Off I went to pick up my meds. 

I've been washing clothes like crazy. Dad slept on our clean bed that he made, and I slept on the couch (since I was resting there before going to Urgent Care).

I know I have Influenza despite what the test said. I was feverish last night, I had chills, I was aching all over, I had a dry cough, I was around someone at work that left and was off of work for 2 days that shared the same symptoms, and today my eyes ache, and I'm coughing up stuff. 

I came home expecting my boys to be asleep. Nope! They were wide awake. Isaak fell asleep at 10, and Mica blinked heavily from 8:30 to 11:15. 

Daddy was sipping on wine and said, "Oh come on let them stay up." I didn't have the energy to argue. When the boys stay up they are grumpy the next day, and fight more than normal.


  
So far 2015 isn't nice. I'm hoping for a better year as we get a little more into the year.

*By the way I did get a flu shot, but it's strain wasn't right this year. Boo!

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

WW Happy New Year! {Linky}

This little gif took awhile to make. It's a work project. Lots of dots!


I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas that celebrates it!

One of the boy's stocking stuffers was clear glasses. They've never seen Harry Potter, but I put it on hold at the library. Santa may have gotten the glasses on clearance at Halloween time.



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Monday, December 29, 2014

Nutritional Yeast Superfood Review

I've only used yeast in the past to make bread rise.

Nutritional yeast is a delicious salty, creamy, nutty, cheese-tasting superfood can be sprinkled on just about everything! It's naturally very low in sodium and fat and is dairy and gluten free!


I love that Sari Foods sends out a PDF recipe book once Nutritional Yeast is purchased.

A recipe I tried out is their Hashbown Casserole. Oh my goodness it's so good! It has an middle eastern taste.



Our Brunch: Hashbrown Casserole, steamed kale, 1 egg, Veggie Sushi Rolls, 1/2 a homemade cinnamon roll that Grandma made for us, and each person had a different fruit (grapefruit is in the picture).


They have many more recipes in their PDF book. Nutritional Yeast is also great on vegetables, tacos, pasta, popcorn, soup, baked potatoes, dips, salads and more.

Why Choose Natural, Non-Fortified Nutritional Yeast?

Most nutritional yeast products are fortified with excessive amounts of synthetic vitamins to increase the nutritional count. Sari Foods believes that synthetic, man-made vitamins are not only unnecessary, but that they can be harmful and toxic to our bodies, causing nutrient imbalances and forcing our kidneys and liver to work overtime while our bodies struggle to absorb them.
The abundance of vitamins & nutrients + the delicious cheese flavor found in this bag of molasses-grown nutritional yeast are 100% whole food based and naturally occurring - nothing is synthetic. It's just as nature intended!

Also get it because it's on sale. It was originally $29.99 and is on sale for $12.95!
  • It's comprised of 50% protein (a complete, bioavailable and vegan source)
  • Over 20% fiber
  • Contains all 18 amino acids
  • 15 different minerals (including iron, selenium and zinc) 
  • Natural vitamin B-complex 
  • Beta-glucans (known for their extreme immune enhancing properties)
Other Benefits of Adding Nutritional Yeast to Your Diet:
  • Optimize your health with super nutrients
All the ingredients listed above help strengthen people's immune system, helps lower bad cholesterol, and reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers.
  • Lose weight naturally
Enjoy guilt-free deliciousness with this salty, creamy, nutty, cheese-tasting superfood that can be sprinkled on just about everything and is bound to become your secret weapon in weight loss! In addition to being extremely low in calories, fat and sodium, it is dairy free, gluten free, MSG free and chocked full of vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein. Thank you mother nature! Of course it helps to exercise to!
  • Fight aging and free radicals 
With highly absorbable amounts of nucleotides (the building blocks of DNA & RNA), Nutritional Yeast promotes cellular repair and regeneration. Then, by combining the two antioxidants glutathione and selenium, our Nutritional Yeast Flakes create a special enzyme called glutathione peroxidase that is known to neutralize free radicals and protect us from their damage.
  • End your energy crisis 
15-40% of Americans are deficient in B vitamins which can lead to deep and ongoing fatigue, brain fog, irritability, depression, and even insomnia (as they play a crucial role in melatonin production). The body depends on B6 to make the hormones serotonin and norepinephrine, which affect both mood and feelings of happiness. Improved Vitamin B intake helps us sleep well and helps balance our hormones. increase our energy levels, clarity & overall mental function.
I'm so glad we got Nutritional Yeast Superfood to Review!

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Disclaimer: I'm writing this in connection to Tomoson. I got this Nutritional Yeast free for review. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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