Friday, December 8, 2017

Random Tid Bits

I know...it's been a few weeks, since I've written one of these posts.
  1. I've been working my ass butt off to create an art website. It's finally for the most part done! It's up, but it may possibly be glitchy for a day because we (Travis helped) just added the domain to it. Please check it out, and tell me if you see anything that looks odd.

    alissaapel.com

  2. Most independent colleges are struggling now a days. Most universities and community colleges are fine. I've been worried about employment, so I'm A) Working on an art website. B) Baking Christmas cookies. C) Wrapping packages. D) Writing an artist proposal/grant. E) Working on the student's final grades. Finals are next week. F) Absorbed in this case: Finding Sydney Loofe

  3. There's always some case I get hung up on. I don't know why I care so much about someone, or a situation I'm not a part of. The Sydney Loofe case is about a girl that went on a Tinder date. She ended up disappearing after their 2nd date. 2 people put up online videos posting their side to the story, but they hadn't even talked to the cops yet. They just found who they think is Sydney's body. I've been telling my students about dating safety. When you're young, you think you can do just about anything.  

  4. That cyst on my forehead that I was trying to treat with apple cider vinegar never did go away. I called a dermatologist, got in, only to find out that he won't remove it. It's too close to nerves. If the nerves are hit I can be paralyzed on part of my face. A surgeon was called. I can't get in until February. I've already hit my deductible this year. I'm scared and annoyed. 

  5. I have one more treatment I'm going to try for my forehead. My ENT doctor said to try hot packs for 3 or 4 days. I've been in school, so I haven't really been able to try that. Then a coworker was telling me about bread poultice. Have you ever heard about poultice? My coworker said his grandma used this technique a lot. You just wet bread with milk, add salt, and attach it to wherever you have something you want something to come out of your body. I figure it won't hurt. I'm willing to try these 2 things, while the students are on break. 

Travel Professional Artist Paint Brush Set Review

I love reviewing art supplies. I know they will get used! I'm happy to share with you a paint brush set made by Paratek.

You can get them on Amazon Prime for $12.99: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077F2YT2X


This Set Comes With:
  • 12 brushes
  • 1 palette 
  • A fancy case


I'll use everything, but the fan brush. I'm just not a fan of fan brushes. Maybe I should try them again. I don't usually find them that helpful with blending.

I love how the case contains everything. Each bush is separated. The really thin brushes have plastic protectors, and those did keep coming off. They could be made a bit tighter, to stay on better. You can see one fell off in the picture below.


The case zips up, and is easy to take paintings on location. I took the set to work.


Usually I use just an old box for a palette. It's nice to have an actual palette to use. 


These Brushes Can Be Used for a lot of Things:
  • Acrylics
  • Oils
  • Watercolor
  • Gouache
  • Tempra
  • Enamel 
  • Facepaint
  • Fingernail Polish
 I'll be mainly using them for acrylics. I love oil paint, but my asthma doesn't love them. Watercolors are fun, but I find them to be not as permanent as other kinds of paint.


What kind of paints have you used?

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


Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Prebiotic Gummies Review By BeLive


Prebiotic Sugar-Free Dietary Fiber Gummies Supplement for Digestive Health are a wonderful supplement for anyone that has digestive issues. You can get these gummies here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075STV918 for $9.99.


They came sealed really well. A plastic was on the lid. A covering was over the top. I was a little sad that the bottle wasn't filled up as much as the picture shows on Amazon.


They are bigger than most pills, but they are gummies meant to be chewed.



At our house we go through times where we do have tummy problems, but it's been awhile. Isaak's been in the hospital because he had issues going number 2. I thought it was possible that he had to get his appendix out. Nope he was just full! 

At times one of the boys, or I will get a tummy bug that's hard to get rid of. We try the BRAT diet, but even that seems to take awhile to work. These prebiotics will help!




About:

  • They are made in the USA! I love this. So much is made outside the US. 
  • They are sugar free. I don't need the extra sugar that comes in everything. 
  • They are made for kids and adults. This is great because Isaak needs a fiber boost at times.

They Contain:

  • Chicory Root 
  • Inulin 

These things are highly effective fibers to improve digestive function, control blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol levels, and helps in achieving a healthy weight.

They Don't Contain:

  • Gelatin 
  • Other meat substances 
  • Gluten
  • Wheat
  • Peanuts
  • Soy
  • Eggs
  • Fish and Shellfish
  • GMO substances
Care:

No need to refrigerate!

Do you take probiotics, or prebiotics?


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.

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

WW: Cat Drawing {Linky}

Isaak age 9 did this drawing of an abstract cat. I thought it was pretty good for his age.

Do you like to draw?




Monday, December 4, 2017

Fall Sugar Cookie Recipe

Colorful fall leaves didn't happen in Nebraska very much this year. Were leaves all colorful where you live? It's like the leaves went to brown, fell off, and dried up. I do love the crunchy sound under my feet when I step on them.

As much as I would have loved to collect leaves for their colors, I didn't. Someday I'd love to go to a place that has an array of colors. I'll iron them, and put them flat in a book.

This cookie craft will show up on ParentSavvy's Website. Different pictures and writing of course.

Before Thanksgiving happened I made some Fall Sugar Cookies:


I only ate 3. The rest went to coworkers. Travis and I joke that the only reason he was hired at his current work place is because they missed my cookies. He worked at a place for years. His boss ran the company into the ground. Then he was hired on by a company in the same building. His boss asked almost as soon as he was hired, "Can you ask your wife to bring in some cookies?" Ha!



Making them is really pretty easy! Whisk the softened butter, milk, sugar and eggs. I often use almond milk, and sometimes use Costco's Gluten Free All Purpose Flour. I only do that because I have a coworker that's prone to having Celiac Disease. Other times I make it how I want, and she just won't eat any.


Then start to add the rest of the ingredients.



Often times I just start making them. If I'm in a cookie mode, I don't want to stop. Other times I chill them.


I sprinkle flour all over a clean surface to begin rolling the dough out. Try and cut the cookies as close to one another as possible. I roll the dough to be as thin as I can. The more you work with the dough the harder it gets to roll. I have added a tiny bit of water just to make the dough rollable again if it gets difficult.


Sur La Table had the fall leaf and acorn cutters I'm using. I know they are pricy, but these cutters weren't so bad.



Lightly spray the pans with a cooking spray. The two I like to use for cookie are the butter spray and the flour spray. Any will do. The flour spray can be a pain on the nozzle of the spray. If you do use that one, plan to use it for lots of baking things. Then it won't have time to clog up.

I fill 2 pans full of cookies before I turn the oven on to 350 degrees. Then that way while those 2 pans are baking, I roll and cut more. I alternate pans. 4 min in the bottom for one, 4 min in the top for the other, and switch them.


Any broken ones that happen the boys get to eat. I caught Mica accidentally dropping one to eat it.

Decorating:

Let them cool all the way before frosting them. I mix up colors, and add coco powder to make them neutral.

I found Wilton Sprinkles - Turtle Crunch that's perfect for the tops of acorns.


I put some sprinkles in a small snack bowl for Isaak. I frosted them with a rubber baby spoon, and he dipped the tops of the acorns in the sprinkles.


I think the plates turned out nice! I have 3 plates: 1 for each of our works, and 1 for my 1st year students. While I'd love to make the red more vibrant, I hate adding a whole lot of red food coloring. It's the worst color health wise for you.






Did you make any fall recipes?

Portable North Pole - Personalized Santa Videos, Toys and More! Review


If you remember I introduced you to The Portable North Pole awhile back. It really doesn't need too much of an introduction now a days. :) I think most parents have heard of it. The boys go crazy for it at our house. Mica asked about a month ago, "Mom when you get the videos from the Portable North Pole, let me know." It's been a couple years, since he's stopped believing in Santa. He apparently LOVES this tradition.


Make Christmas Magic with Portable North Pole Portable North Pole 2017 (PNP) 

PNP makes Christmas even more magical by sending personalized video messages and calls from Santa from the enchanted North Pole to children young and old. Watch them be amazed as they see Santa in his home, the magical reindeer, and the hustle and bustle of the elves as they prepare for Christmas Eve. As the top free mobile Santa app with more than 160 million videos viewed, PNP is a cherished, modern holiday tradition for families worldwide. In just moments, create an adorable video from Santa that you and your child will remember forever. Simply visit the PNP website or download the mobile app on iOS or Android.


I Made Different Videos for Both Boys.

Possibly this is mean of me, but I always have Santa say that they are on the fence for being nice. Then they have to work towards being good.

There's a few things difficult about this year: Isaak wants a drone. I don't think it's the right toy for him, so he's not getting one. Most of them are for ages 14 and up, and all the mom's I've talked to say their kids that have one barely play with it. Then I'm worried about my job. They are swiping sick time from me, and retirement gets a big kick too. I'm worried to say the least. All of Christmas is paid for, so I'm applying for some jobs. Independent schools have been hit hard in the media. Every year enrollment is lower and lower. Please be thinking of me. I haven't applied for jobs for years. It's totally different the way the process of applying for jobs is, then when I applied for them years ago.

The videos are fun. I'll keep on going with the traditions we have. 

I started with Mica's video. Mica has to work on listening harder to his parents.





Then I followed up with Isaak's video. The only thing that's hard is that they have a drone flying throughout the videos. A drone is the one thing Isaak wants, and is not getting. Otherwise the videos are really fun! I always love the big book they have to find. They integrate their friend's names in the videos as well. Isaak has to work on not interrupting people when they are talking.


 

PNP make

Packages:

PNP offers a free video for every child with a new option to purchase a single premium video ($4.99) Premium package, including the Video Pass ($9.99) or Magic Pass ($13.99). Both packages provide six enchanting video storylines to choose from, with each offering five or more minutes of footage to watch, from exploring Santa's workshop to the amazing gift-wrapping machine, as well as the Reaction Recorder (available on mobile app only). In addition, you can create an unlimited number of videos, and receive a special "Santa's Coming" video to watch on Christmas Eve. Plus, the Magic Pass includes HD video downloads and five weekly bedtime videos read by Santa leading up to the big day.


I love how they have different videos to choose from. Then if you have more than one kid, the videos are different.

Save:

Save 20% Make Christmas magic With Portable North Pole! - Use Promo Code: PNP7Family Magic Pass Discount:

https://www.portablenorthpole.com/en/?openCart=PAS03&promocode=PNP7FAMILY

Video Pass Discount: Video Pass: EN --> https://www.portablenorthpole.com/en/?openCart=PAS02&promocode=PNP7FAMILY


Disclaimer: We get a FREE Magic Pass From Portable North Pole - Create Personalized Video Messages from Santa! They did not tell me what to write, or influence me in any way.

@RoseTheaterCo - The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Review

The last few musicals we've been to at The Rose Theater have been for a younger audience. I was so glad that The Best Christmas Pageant Ever was a show we all could enjoy!

This musical is by Jahnna Beecham & Malcom Hillgartner. Adapted from the play by Barbara Robinson.

I love when they leave the stage curtains open, so we can see the set before it begins. There's live music that plays during it. My son Isaak always loves to look under the stage at those who play something.


We saw their last rehearsal. There was bound to be some mistakes, but it didn't seem like they missed a beat.

About The Best Christmas Pageant Ever:

It's a feel good kind of a story. 

The Herdman children are the worst. They don't get any attention at home, so they act out to get negative attention. They decide to crash Sunday school and demand parts in the Christmas pageant. The whole town panics. There’s not supposed to be biting in Bethlehem, and while these kids have never even heard the Christmas story, they definitely have rewrites! Soon everyone from the terrified pint-sized shepherds to the furious church ladies are calling for reluctant director Grace Bradley to cancel the whole thing. It’s up to Grace and the Reverend to help their community see the Christmas story (and the Herdman kids) through new eyes in this hilarious musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic. Silent night? Not a chance. But sometimes a little joyful noise is just right for Christmas.



What We Thought:

It's best for ages 5 and up just because of the length. It's 2 hours long with 1 intermission. I think it's a great musical to see for any family! If you have smaller and older children I think this is a great show to go to. It held the attention of my 9 and 12 year olds, as to where some other shows are just too young to hold their attention. This show has different aged actors that each family member may relate to.

There's a lot of discussion you can have after the musical. You can talk about acceptance, empathy, social dynamics, and the true meaning of holidays.

We ended up loving the "naughty" children in the end. They disobeyed because they didn't have anyone that cared for them. When Grace stepped up to the plate to take over the pageant the kids finally saw that someone was willing to give them a chance.


The youngest little girl had spunk and was so cute!



Cast:

Grace Bradley – Sarah Gibson
Bob Bradley – Dan Chevalier
Helen Armstrong – Theresa Sindelar
Reverend Hopkins – Kabin Thomas
Luanne Wendleken – Jennifer Gilg
Betty Brown – Moira Mangiamelli
Conne St. Clair – Marguerite Bennett
Youth Pastor – Robby Stone
Miss Brandel/Nurse – Ashley Laverty
Imogene Herdman – Kaeli Vondra
Gladys Herdman – Chase Robinson
Ralph Herdman – Wayne Hudson
Leroy Herdman – Luke Nieland
Claude Herdman – Josiah Hydeen
Ollie Herdman – Jonas Caruso
Beth Bradley – Lilly Weak
Charlie Bradley – Carson Bishop
Ivy Reed-St. Clair – Chloe Irwin
Elmer Hopkins – Mason Lindsey
Teddy Shoemaker-Brown – Kian Roblin
Alice Wendleken – Annabella Mosher
Ensemble – Hayden Blayney, Briana Nash, Phoenix Nehls

They use a lot of students for the cast.


This is when all the spunk turned friendly:



Run Dates:

December 1 - 23. Catch a show soon!

Friday, Dec. 8 - 7 pm
Saturday, Dec. 9 - 2 pm
Sunday, Dec. 10 - 2 pm
Friday, Dec. 15 - 7 pm
Saturday, Dec. 16 - 2 pm
Saturday, Dec. 16 - 7 pm
Sunday, Dec. 17 - 2 pm
Friday, Dec. 22 - 7 pm
Saturday, Dec. 23 - 2 pm

Tickets Please:

2017-18 memberships are on sale now. Members save $7 per ticket on up to 10 tickets. Call now to get reservations: 402.345.4849. Member tickets can be purchased by members for $20 Main Floor | $15 Balcony. (Regularly $27 Main Floor | $22 Balcony.)

There is a break during the show where they serve drinks and cookies. They do have a question and answer time after the shows, or you can opt to get your child's program signed by one of the actors.

Will you be seeing any Christmas plays, musicals, movies, orchestras or ballets this season?

I received tickets from The Rose Theater to see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Sunday, December 3, 2017

Tartek Kitchen Leak-proof Bento Lunch Box Review

I like cute lunch boxes. A tiffin is one of my favorites. Now I have a Bento Box made by Tartek. It's so cute! You can get it here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0775TBBDQ


This is dishwasher and microwave safe!

I will not put it in the dishwasher. I just think things like this last longer if I hand wash it.

As far as the microwaving goes it has stainless steel compartments that come out. The food can come out to be put in the BPA free plastic to be heated up, or you can put water in the BPA plastic to heat it up in the microwave to steam what's in each compartment.


The lid snaps shut!

I like the snap feature. I do think for kids it's hard to use. Certainly no problem for adults. 

Travis did have the green seals come off in the sink when he washed it. They were hard to put back on. 


Colors:

It comes in Light Blue and Mint Green.

Cost:

$25.95, which is fair for all the perks. Some may find that more than what they'd want to spend.


Disclaimer: I got this Bento Box in exchange for an honest review. This company didn't influence my review. I only review products I think will fit my family, or my readers.

Chifave Women's Dress Review

I have a little something special to show you. It's my favorite color and dress:


This is Chifave Women's Long Sleeve Deep V-Neck A Line Crossover Waist Swing Floral Casual Dress: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075R1397S?th=1&psc=1.


Colors:

My favorite color is red, but I like their blue color as well. 

Sizes:

Small $14.99
Medium $18.99
Large $18.99
Extra Large $18.99
Extra Extra Large $18.99

I went with a large. I'm heavy busted. 


I'm glad I got the size I did. It fits well. I love how it feels. I'm always worried about buying clothes online just because I like to try things on first. It's kind of risky to buy things that fit snug. I am so happy with how it fits. I can wear it with tights or pantyhose.

Materials:

Polyester 95%
Spandex 5%

Wash it in cold, and hang it to dry. I already had to wash it because I headed off to a park to take pictures of my sister's family. Let's just say that I had to go into nature to take some photos. It washed up great! 


I think it's perfect for Christmas Eve. It's not super dressy, but dressy enough for any place I'd go. I call it casual dressy. We go to my Mom's church for a service, and head over to my parent's for a Christmas Eve dinner and gifts.

What do you do for Christmas Eve?


Disclaimer: I got this dress in exchange for an honest review. This company didn't influence my review. I only review products I think will fit my family, or 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