Saturday, February 17, 2018

Borosilicate Glass Water Bottle Review

I ❤️ this glass and silicone water bottle made by Borosilicate.


What I Love:

It has a no slip bottom. That's not to say that it will never tip over, but it's less likely to. I have only glass bottles that tip over too easily.

It has a silicone handle, so if the bottle is hot with tea you can hang onto it without burning your hand.

It has a loose tea basket! That's the most amazing thing ever!


Isaak has a sore throat. I hope he doesn't have what I had last week: Strep Throat! I steeped loose leaf tea with fresh ginger. Travis happens to be breaking up dried hot peppers from our garden last summer, so I told him to sprinkle pepper into his drink. I swear it kills the germs inside a sore throat!

What I Dislike:

The fact that it can't be microwaved is annoying. I know I'll want to use this at work. I thought for sure, since it's glass that it would be able to be microwaved. Nope!

I used a 2 cup measuring cup to pour over the tea. You could use a ceramic mug too.

It is glass and a BPA free silicone. The silicone is probably what prevents it from going in the microwave.


Where to Get Borosilicate Glass Water Bottle:

You can get it on Amazon Prime http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079FPG9QL for $25.99.

Colors:

All of these colors are $25.99 - Lime Green | Pink | Grey

This is $24.99 - Light Blue


What do you prefer to drink out of: Glass, Plastic, Metal, or Ceramic?

Disclaimer: I got this product to review for a discounted price. The company did not tell me what to write. I only review things that my family finds useful, or fun.

Friday, February 16, 2018

Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser Review

I really love my new Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser. I swear I could have them in every room of the house, in my office, and in the classrooms. They just make everything smell better, and I heart that they put moisture in the air.


Where to Get This Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser:

You can pick one up on Amzaon for for $27.48 on Prime https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N8ZUJ9O

They have the dark wood base that I got for review, a light wood base, and a white one.

What it Comes With:
  • A Manual
  • A Standard Cord
  • The Diffuser
  • A Pour Cup

It Glows Green!

I was expecting it to be kind of a blue when the light is turned on, but it's more of a mint green. I'm not sure if this varies. The photo on Amazon looked blue.


Other Features:

  • It uses a LED light, to ensure that it lasts a long time. 
  • It's quite! I can't even hear it when the heater is going.
  • It has automatic shut off when the water level is low. 
  • It has a strong, and weak mist option. I chose the strong. 
  • It holds 250 ml of water.


Can Be Used to Help:




  • Dry air
  • Allergies
  • Asthma
  • A cold or sickness
  • Congestion 
  • Just to make your space smell good


Do you have a diffuser, or a humidifier? 

Disclaimer: I got this product for review. This company in no way influenced me on what to write. I only write about things I think my family, or you my readers would find helpful, interesting, or fun.

Getting rid of the Procrastination Habit

You probably don’t realize you’re doing it, but your day will be full of little bits of time that you waste on something unimportant rather than getting on with what you need to complete. It’s easy to get distracted when faced with an unpleasant chore or find reasons why you should leave a particular task until you have more time/the weather is better/your head doesn’t ache/you don’t need to collect the kids from school etc. How can you beat procrastination?

Everyone does it

No matter how organized you are, or how efficiently you run your life, there will be moments when you know you need to start work on a business proposal or get the laundry out of the drier. Instead, you discover a fascinating article in the local paper or remember that your Jack Reacher collection needs putting into alphabetical order. When you eventually decide it’s time to get on with the original task, you find several hours have passed, and you now need to take the dog for a walk or race off to a dental appointment. Three days later you still haven’t written your proposal, and the clothes are stale and wrinkled. Cue panic stations and stress because your deadline is looming, plus you’ve created extra work for yourself by having to re-do the laundry.

Positive and Negative Loops

I share with my students how you can get on a positive loop and a negative loop. I think it's important to get back on the positive loop.

My first year students are in the positive loop, while my third year students are stuck in the negative loop. I wish I could figure out how to motivate them. I've tried bringing in food, a calming steamer with peppermint oil and lavender oil. I've also played the audio book: The Book of Joy By: Desmond Tutu and Dalai Lama. Nothing seems to help on what I do. In the end of the day I have to realize that they are in control of what they do.

Positive Loop:


Negative Loop:


Two Types of Thinking

Divergent Thinking:  Where the process determines the results in the end. This process uses mostly the right side of the brain.

Convergent Thinking: Where the end determines the means. You know what you are seeking before you begin. This process uses STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

Now STEM is becoming STEAM. Art is added. I think both ways of thinking are important. What way of thinking do you use the most?

Managing Your Tasks

The truth is that a few minutes spent working towards finishing a task here and there will reduce the enormity of it, and if you chip away at big things, they will get done far more quickly, instead of waiting for the ideal time to do it all at once. Breaking down a large task into smaller sections can make it easier to get going because instead of thinking about the overwhelming job of having to get the spare bedroom cleared and decorated, for example, you know today you just need to empty the drawers in the spare room dresser.

The right rewards Some productivity gurus will claim that the use of rewards is not necessary, and you should find ways to motivate yourself and be disciplined enough to get things done without the promise of a reward at the end. That may be ideal, but in the meantime, it does no harm to give yourself a little treat for completing a task. Treats and rewards shouldn’t mean illicit pleasures, so don’t promise yourself a Hershey bar every time you complete a task, or you’ll soon end up with a weight problem to tackle as well! A ten-minute break sitting in the sunshine with a good cup of coffee, or fifteen minutes laughing at funny photos on a website like lolhit.com, are much better ways to reward yourself.

There are plenty of resources to be found, both on the Internet and at the bookstore, that will offer guidance on how to stop procrastinating, so have a browse around and try different tricks and tips until you find something that achieves results for you. You’ll be amazed when you realize how much time you can save by dropping the habit of procrastination.

Random Tid Bits

  1. My car is in the shop from the crash that happened. Thank goodness it wasn't too bad. It was around $1,500 to fix it. They are paying for it. *I know I already posted a photo on my dented panel, but if I didn't post this, this post would be pictureless, and I can't have that. 


  2. One thing I'm not good with is numbers. The insurance lady said, "Take it in on the 19th.", which is a Monday. Fast forward to the rental car place that said, "Do you need it on Monday?" I said, "Yes." Then I took it in this past Monday, instead of the next Monday. I felt like I did something wrong, but couldn't figure out what it was. I called to, "Touch base" with her, and confirmed I had in fact messed up. OMG this caused some major self beating, and confusion. Then Travis and I that hardly argue, argued about what to do with the rental car. I thought we should return it after the 3 days, and he said we should keep it. This was all discussed in the evening when the insurance lady wasn't available to talk to. The rental car was returned, and after talking to her we get it back. 

  3. Isaak's teacher got in a wreck too. Only it was a much more serious wreck. Her poor car is totaled. Her back hurts! It must have been pretty bad because she's missed class a lot. Isaak said she was crying, and has had to go to the nurse to have her put stuff on her back. :( When I hear about her accident I feel bad for complaining about mine. It's nothing in comparison. 

  4. I forgot to wear my glasses on Monday. I went home, and Travis asked why I look so bitchy. That must have been the look he said I had a lot before getting my glasses. The squinty bitch face. Ha!

  5. Apparently I have, teacher tone when I talk too. Travis says I get, "A teacher tone" when I talk to the boys at times. I needed Mica to do something, so I walked into his room to ask him to pour water for dinner. He said, "Ok." I waited, and waited...No Mica! Finally I yelled, "Mica! If you don't want me to have teacher tone, or to nag like you men say women do; come to me when I call you!" Oh he heard me that second time.

Thursday, February 15, 2018

A Beginners Guide to Electric Food Smokers

If you’ve ever had smoked meats, then you probably know how flavorful they can be. Smoking is actually an age-old tradition that used to be done to safely preserve meat. Although we now have modern refrigeration and freezing available, smoking adds a great deal to the flavor of a good meat. Electric smokers make the process much easier today. If you’re interested in trying smoking on your own, use this guide to get started.

Choose a Smoker

There are a huge number of electric smokers on the market today, so do some research before purchasing one. Sites like Electric Smoker Center can give you some guidelines and expertise in this area. However, you’ll want to consider the size, price, ease of use, durability, and brand to make your choice. Decide how much meat you’re going to be smoking and how often. These factors will help you find the best option for your needs.

Prepare the Smoker

Before you get started, make sure that the smoker is in a safe place. It can’t be in a house or garage, so make sure that it’s in a well-ventilated area and on a flat surface. A concrete slab is a good place if available.

Before adding the meat, you’ll add water to the water pan and wood chips. Some people don’t use the water pan to smoke their meat and this is an area of personal preference. It does help keep temperatures stable though and may be a good idea when you’re just starting. Add wood chips or chunks of your favorite type of wood, as this will affect the flavor of the meat.

Start the Smoker

Turn on the electric smoker to the recommended cooking temperature without the meat. After the smoker has been preheated, check to make sure that there is adequate smoke. You may need to wait a little longer. It’s a good idea to wait until the wood chips start to ash and you begin to see coals.

Add the Meat

After you’ve gone through these steps, open the smoker doors and place the meat on the doors inside. Do this as quickly as possible to retain heat. Now that you’ve gone through these steps, all you have to do is wait for the meat to finish cooking. This time will vary depending on the amount of meat, types of meat, and your smoker itself. You should monitor the temperature and condition of the meat throughout the cooking process.

Once the meat is done, take it out and allow to cool slightly before enjoying. You can also store smoked meats until you’re ready to serve them. Most people smoke larger batches at one time for efficiency so that they can space out their smoking times.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve got the basic directions for smoking meats, you’re ready to get started. When you get a smoker, make sure to read the user manual carefully, as there may be some more specific directions to follow. These electric smokers are easy to use and will help you make delicious smoked meats at home easily.

Do you like smoked meat? 

Disclaimer: This is a guest post.

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Happy Valentines Day!

I gave each of my students one of these button Valentines along with a chocolate heart:


I gave a couple to Travis and the boys as well. I was surprised that the boys put them on all excited like; just like the girls did. I have a guy student that was beaming that he got a Valentine. Mica was annoyed that I gave Isaak a kiss one. He's like, "I wanted that one." I didn't think they'd be a big hit with the boys.

I liked them so much, that I wore one too:


Mica has a crush. He's at that age where it's ok to like a girl. I actually spotted her name on a product in the grocery store. I said, "You should get her that for Valentine's Day." So he did. I think I'd be impressed if a boy found my name on a product at that age. 


Isaak made a Mr. Candy coffee pot for his Valentines box. He was super stoked! 



We don't typically do anything on Valentines Day. Restaurants are so busy. We just go out the night before, or the night after. Last night we went out to an Italian place. It was good! 

This morning each of us, including myself had a box of chocolates at our spot on the table. 

What do you do for Valentines Day?

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

WW: Shower Time {Linky}

Most people wouldn't end there shower with, "Hey son can you get me my camera? No worries! I have a towel on."

I just had to capture the water drips.










Do you ever stop what your are doing just to snap some random photos?

Monday, February 12, 2018

How to Get Your Kids Interested in Food

How to get your kids interested in food

Are your kids’ fussy eaters, or do they already have set ideas about certain foods? Perhaps your kids are afraid of vegetables, or maybe they will refuse to try new foods, meaning that you have to prepare the same meals day-in, day-out. Well, it’s time to make a change that will benefit your entire family, and see your kids become seriously interested in the food that they eat. Fussy kids will turn into fussy adults, so it's essential that you change their relationship with food now. Get your kids back in the kitchen, and the garden, remain calm, and you will soon start to see a difference that will be for the good of you all.

Back to basics

Do your kids think that all food comes out of a tin? Perhaps they’ve never been involved in sowing and growing vegetables, for that authentic garden to table experience? If your kids have no interest in food, then try taking it back to basics and get them involved in the entire food sourcing process. If you have space in your allotment or garden, then encourage your kids to grow their own produce. It will improve fussy eaters’ understanding of how long it takes for certain foods to grow, plus it may even get rid of their fears of fruit and vegetables at meal times also.

Isaak Digging Up Potatoes When He Was Younger


Be open

Your kids may suddenly decide that they don’t want to eat any animal products, or that they would prefer to be vegetarians, and that’s ok too. It’s important to be open and welcome any diet or lifestyle changes that your children want to trial. Remember that your kids are sure to have questions about particular foods too, so it’s important that you are prepared to answer them. Online resources including hcgdietreview.com can provide you with the information and nutritional advice that you need. Remaining open and honest will ensure that your kids have a healthy relationship with diet and food.

Stay calm Your kids will pick up on your mood and stress levels at meal times. A stressed mom will mean cranky, short-tempered kids who aren’t happy sharing their table, or time, with you. So if you get upset and snap at your children if they won't even try your food, then bite your tongue. It’s time for you to grow up and change your attitude too if you want to see a difference in your family meal times. Remember, introducing any new food that your kids aren’t sure of, or haven’t tried, will take time. So remain patient and try not to fly off the handle if this doesn’t go down well during your first attempt. Make sure that meal times remain a positive and upbeat experience for the entire family to enjoy, rather than feeling like a chore or punishment.

Finally, keep calm, remain honest and open and take your kids back to basics to ensure that they are interested in food. Meal times shouldn’t feel like a chore!

Disclaimer: This is a guest post.

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