Friday, March 25, 2016

Purifyou Premium Reusable Produce Bags Review

Our family eats a lot of produce. We try and have a vegetable and fruit with every meal. I hate going through plastic bags at the store. I love that I recently got 9 Purifyou Premium Reusable Produce Bags to review. 

Sizes:
  • 2 - 12x17 inch bags for long veggies or fruits like cucumbers or zucchini 
  • 2 - 12x8 inch bags for smaller items like lemons, limes, or raw nuts
  • 5 - 12x14 inch bags for everything else in between
I like that there's so many bags. We will use them. They all condense down to not take up very much room. 


Cost:

Originally $36.00, but on sale for $19.99

It won't stay this cost, so buy them now. This is a launch cost. I think that's a great cost for things you can use over and over again.


Healthier on the Environment:

Purifyou is not only great because they make bags that can be reused; they are also wonderful because they donate a portion of their profit to organizations that help promote sustainable living. 

Their bags are made in a facility free from harmful manufacturing chemicals, and with the highest standards of quality control. 

Other Uses:

You can use these bags for so many things. What's great is that they are slightly see through. 
  • I could see the boys storing their Legos in them for going back and forth from our house to Grandma and Grandpa's house
  • Clothes
  • School Lunches
  • Make-Up
  • Pet Toys
  • Hair Things
And more!





What would you use them for? 

Disclaimer: I received these reusable bags for free for the purpose of this review. The opinions are 100% mine.

Random Tid Bits

  1. I sometimes go to blogs intending on commenting. I read a whole post, get to the bottom, and then see the message, "Comments for this blog post are closed."

    I wonder...do they even know I was there trying to comment? 

  2. One fun thing the boys are getting from the Easter Bunny this year is Dehydrated Ice Cream. If you have kids what is something they will get for Easter?

  3. Source

  4. My Aunt pulls this surprise egg toss on the middle generation. I'm coming prepared this year with a change of clothes. Last time I got egg all over me, even in my hair. 

  5. Isaak was a pill last night until he ate. He's like me if he's hungry he's grumpy. Do you get that way to?

  6. Travis was in the paper this week. :) He learned tips on writing press releases from an art friend of his. If you want to see his work it's here.

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Can't Sleep a Wink

Lately I've been stressed. It's not entirely over Travis being gone, although that adds to it I'm sure.

Health Insurance: 

We decided to go through the Market Place this time around. Holy buckets it was cheaper. We were paying $800 a month on health insurance. Now it's like $350. Way better! Anyone that bashes the Market Place ok I get it. They haven't worked out the kinks.

If it keeps up with the next president we'll know better what to do next time.

Problem A: Travis uploaded all the info needed online. Well none of it went through. We'll mail it for sure!

Problem B: We mailed all the info, but didn't put our policy number on each thing, so none of it counted. The policy number is now on everything!

Problem C: I had 1 number off on Isaak's SS number. I thought I read an 8 when it was a 5. No my eyesight isn't bad, but the numbers were small. That made them cancel all our information, and open a whole new account. We panicked thinking we had no coverage at all. We do.

Problem D: Travis kept waiting on hold for forever and a day. Call at night! We got someone every time!

It's all worth it because now we understand the process. We also are paying way less a month!

Isaak's Expensive Poop:

Isaak was in the hospital around Christmas time because we thought he could have an appendicitis.

Since it was an emergency visit, and they pushed for a stomach scan it's going to cost us: $900. An expensive poop indeed!

Web Help: 

I'm not a coder. I can do, and figure stuff out on here. Creating a website from scratch - not so easy.

My students can. They put a website in my class for Portfolio.

I said I needed help many times!

I was told for 2 years to come up with a schedule for someone to help me. The guy that helped me last year quit to move back home. I came up with a schedule like they said, and submitted it.

Boss Man said: It looks great! Thanks for doing this. Send it over to Mr. So and So. So I did.

Mr. So and So said: I'm not doing this. How dare you expect me to be in your class! So I was in the middle, and felt like an ass.

I apologized to Mr. So and So. I told him that I just did what I was told to do. He said next time ask first. I thought the Boss Man did ask first, but whatever. Mr. So and So is willing to help, just not be in at scheduled times.

The Worst Midterm Experience Ever:

Usually I have a few crappy students, and the rest are good. This year I have a class where hardly any of the students care about their grades. They are slobs. Time management sucks to. I'm really not trying to be negative about them. I'm really hoping it's just a hiccup class. It really can't get any worse.

Flowers on My Pillow

This is the 2nd week that Travis will be gone for an extended period of time for his art residency. This time he left on Tuesday night, and will get back on Saturday to help with some Easter things. 

The one that his absence is getting to the most is Isaak. Isaak is our kid that has a sweet and sour personality. 

I think he's feeling things he can't explain right now. Our children have always been good with words. Isaak has always said, "I don't miss anyone. I don't even know what miss means."

I asked Isaak for help putting groceries away, and he complained because Mica wasn't doing the task. Mica was in the shower.

I stopped and said, "If you can't stop complaining then you can just go to bed. I don't want to hear negativity."

He kicked boxes of JELL-O across the floor. He went to get ready for bed in tears.

I called him in to talk with him once he cooled down. He wasn't very happy at his own behavior, that he had to do something that his brother didn't have to do, and that I sent him to his room.

I walked in my room and there was this on my pillow:


I opened it up and there was ground cover flowers in it.


The next night I asked Mica to practice spelling words with Isaak. 

Isaak said, "Mica go get my spelling words, paper, and a pencil!" 

Mica said, "No! I'm asking you your spelling words. I'm not getting all that for you! It's your job." 

Isaak got really grumpy, and demanding. 

I told him, "Mica's right. You need to take some time to chill out." 

Isaak said, "But you told Mica to help me." I said, "Help! Not do. We'll talk about this after you've calmed down."

When I talked to him I asked, "Are you upset that Dad is not here? Is that what this is really about?" 

He said, "Yes" with a sad look on his face. 

I said, "Isaak it's ok to miss someone. That is calling missing someone. It's not ok to take your frustrations out on Mica and I. Do you want to call Dad?" 

He shook his head no. 

I said, "Ok. Go sit down to apologize to Mica for your behavior, and study your spelling words with him. I'll cuddle you after I'm done with dinner. 

I always wonder in situations like this if I'm handling it right. I know some people would say that Isaak needs a harsher punishment. I know that we're (as parents) always around for him. He's not used to one parent being gone a lot. Yes he needs to be punished, but he also needs positive attention like being read to, cuddle time, and board game time - things that he loves.

100% Natural Arabica Coffee Scrub 8.8 fl. oz.

I now love sugar and salt scrubs! Recently I received 100% Natural Arabica Coffee Scrub 8.8 fl. oz. to review. 


Product Description:

Their emulsified formula is made using high quality, all natural gourmet coffee, which softens skin as it scrubs away dirt and dead skin cells. It also contains good things for your skin to help with any skin care regime.

It came all wrapped in plastic, wrapped in bubble wrap and boxed up to ensure nothing would leak out.


Ingredients in This Coffee Scrub:

  • Caffeine will stimulate blood flow and help reduce the appearance of cellulite, eczema, stretch marks, age spots, varicose veins and psoriasis. 
  • Dead Sea Salt will exfoliate your skin, removing dead skin, acne, whiteheads, blackheads, breakouts and other skin blemishes. 
  • Coconut Oil will hydrate and moisturize your skin. 
  • Shea Butter is high in antioxidants which nourish and protect the skin, promoting cell repair and rejuvenation.
  • Cocoa Butter is also high in antioxidants which nourish and protect the skin, promoting cell repair and rejuvenation.
  • Olive Oil is also high in antioxidants which nourish and protect the skin, promoting cell repair and rejuvenation.
  • Sweet Almond Oil helps with acne. 
  • Grape Seed Oil helps with acne, aging and rough spots. 

Benefits of Using this Scrub: 


This product exfoliates your skin, restores the elasticity, increases circulation, reduces fine lines, evens skin tone, and boots your skin's hydration.

If you're a long time reader you'd know that my boys have had skin problems in the past. This scrub helps with that.

There are no harsh chemicals in this coffee scrub. I've had trouble with chemicals in the past, so knowing that this is free of harsh chemicals is great for me!

I did find the scrub to be a bit crumbly. I wish it had more of the oils in it. It's almost like you need a small wooden spoon on the side to apply it. I don't want to waist any of this great stuff!

I loved the way my skin felt after using it though. My skin was smooth! It smelled wonderful! I love the scent of coffee, and it smelled just like that. My sense of smell doesn't always work the best, so it's wonderful when I can smell something. :)


Cost: 

$55.00, but on sale for $14.50.

Why waste money in high-priced spa treatments to get your skin glowing? Indulge in our coffee grounds facial scrub to soften the delicate skin on your face.

Disclaimer: I received this scrub for free for the purpose of this review. The opinions are 100% mine.

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

WW: Flagship Commons

One of our malls has been updated with an amazing food place. It's not really a "food court". This is way more stylish, and healthy. You won't find McDonalds at Flagship Commons. You will find:
  • Amsterdam - Falafel and Kabob
  • Yum Roll - Blue Sushi Sake Grill
  • Blatt - Beer and Table
  • Jaun Taco
  • Clever Greens
  • Yoshi-Ya Ramen
  • Weird Dough Pizza Co.
  • The Bar
We had Amsterdam - Falafel and Kabob. It was good! 

This is a photo from the time I ate there before.

I really love the atmosphere at Flagship Commons! 

Wood tables, hung lights, hand draw doddles, chalk menus, and tile on their walls.




Clever Greens looked wonderful!


Where we went - Amsterdam - Falafel and Kabob.


I'm for sure going there again! I either want sushi, or a kick butt salad.

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Monday, March 21, 2016

Cyber Bullying Recap

On Saturday I went to Do Space for a workshop on Cyber Bullying. 


It was put on by Common Sense Media.

Here's a recap as to what they talked about, or you can read my post. :)

Bullying is a repeated aggression directed to 1 or more person.
  • Physical 
  • Verbal
  • Relational - Manipulating someone's social standing, or destroying their family
Boys in general are more physical, and girls tend to be more relational. Really either sex can do any of the above.

Cyber bulling is the same thing as bulling, but it's online. 1/3 of 10-18 year olds have had some kind of problem with cyber bulling. The biggest problem is that only 1 in 10 tell a teacher or a parent. They hide it. Many feel like if they tell they are going to make the situation worse.
  1. Target - The person being bullied. Offer support to them. You may need to talk to the bullies parents, a teacher, or principle. As a parent talk to your kids even when they are younger about bullying. When or if bullying occurs discuss all steps you as a parent will take to stop the negative behavior. Otherwise it may cause added anxiety for your child.

  2. Bully - Acknowledge the problem. Try to get at the core of their feelings. Oftentimes a bully has been bullied themselves, or were only given negative attention as a child.

  3. Bystander - Is someone that is around when the bulling takes place. They could be in the friend circle of the target if it's online. Encourage them to keep open communication with you.

  4. Upstander - Is a Bystander, but takes their roll and feeds positivity into the situation. They may do this by adding humor to de- escalate the situation, distracting the bully, or standing up for the Target. Encourage your kids to be Upstanders! Work with your kids to instill empathy. 
Signs of a Target getting Bullied:

  • Anxious
  • Secretive Behavior
  • Unusually Defensive
  • Change in Behavior
  • Spends a lot of time online
  • Loss of interest in achievement - such as grades dropping, unwilling to do things they'd normally want to do
What Kids Should be Taught:

  • Don't share passwords
  • Treat others with respect - Upstander
  • Think before you reveal
  • Document if they are bullied by taking screen shots, or printing things out
Resource: Common Sense media is free to use. You do not have to have a password to use it.

There is much more to browse and use on their website. 

Screen Time is the next topic that Common Sense Media is going to tackle. It's next Saturday from 1 -2:30 at Do Space. School aged kids can be brought with you. 

Free - Please register here.

Beginner's Carving Tool Set Review

I'm to find new things for my kids to try out. It's so important to me to have them be exposed to now things often. Recently I was sent a Beginner's Carving Tool Set to review. 


It's a 12 piece set. Each tool has a different tip:

  • Deep Gouge
  • Medium Gouge
  • Shallow Gouge
  • Narrow Straight Chisel
  • Wide Straight Chisel
  • Rounded Chisel
  • 4 Angled Knives /Chisels
  • Parting Tool
  • Pinpoint Tool
Here are photos of each and every tool in the kit:





These do seem great. I haven't carved in years. Mica started out trying to push down too much. It was like he was trying to use the tools like they were drill bits. I showed him how to carve, and to always carve away from yourself.


He figured it out. He didn't stick with it as much as I wanted him to. At least he knows how. I want to get Isaak to try. He's almost 8, but still will need supervision. He's more of my art lover though. Mica can be good at art, but he looses interest really fast.

I like that this set comes with the tips fixated to the handle. I really don't like the idea of my kids thinking that they can change tips, and possibly cut themselves.


This is perfect for beginners, someone that wants to take it up as a hobby, or if you have a certain project in mind that this can be used on. It's not really for professionals that carve all the time. You can use them for carving projects with stencils and patterns, touching up antique furniture, any miniature or micro models, spoons, bowls, box or animals, such as eagles, fish, bears or even elephants.



This set comes with the free ebook to get you started:


Materials:

Works on linoleum, clay sculpture and soapstone too. You can even cut a potato 1/2 way, and carve into that.

Use as a set or as accessories to your tool chest.

Have you ever done a wood carving before?

Disclaimer: I received this tool set for free for the purpose of this review. The opinions are 100% mine.

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Bamboo Toothbrush with Soft Bristles Review

I know many people think about diapers filling up landfills, but what about toothbrushes? I know toothbrushes are small. Every household uses them.


WooBamboo Eco-Awesome Toothbrushes are a stylish and eco friendly alternative to the typical landfill-cluttering plastic toothbrush. I received a Bamboo Toothbrush to review.


I wanted to try one because I believe that small things in landfills add up.

These toothbrushes are made with bamboo... 

  • that's sustainable
  • that's organically grown
  • that's biodegradable
  • that's antimocrobial
  • that's panda-friendly!


Packaging:

The only thing I wish that was different, is that it wouldn't be packaged with plastic. Just a small box would do. It defeats the purpose of saving on landfills if there's plastic in the packaging. 


The bristles are perfect in my opinion. They say that they are soft. I thought they felt in the middle of soft and hard. I like that! Extra soft bristles just don't get the gums clean in my opinion.




Isaak saw this "new" toothbrush sitting on the sink and he was amazed at the look of it. He said, "Mom that's made from wood!" I said, "Nope! It's made from bamboo." Then we had to look up bamboo. 

Cost:

$4.95 and on sale for $3.99. If it seems like a lot, it's nothing compared to some of the toothbrushes I've gotten for the boys. Those light up toothbrushes are not cheap. 

I do like this toothbrush! It's Eco-Awesome.

Disclaimer: I received this eco-friendly toothbrush for free for the purpose of this review. The opinions are 100% mine.

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