Rock N Learn DVD or CD #Giveaway

I got Rock N Learn Earth Science DVD to review. This is a $19.99 value. 

This is the DVD Mica wanted from their catalog! He said, "Mom I like weather, I know I'll love their Earth Science DVD!"

I love that they have CDs and DVDs that are for older kids. This DVD is for grades: 3-8, but can be enjoyed by anyone really.


Earth Science is about:

• Alternative Energy
• Weathering and Erosion
• Volcanoes and Plate Tectonics
• Properties of Minerals
• Geology (Types of Rocks)
• Weather and the Water Cycle
• The Solar System

The DVD is about a boy named Kevin who needs to study for his science test. Marko the Pencil, Terra the globe, and Bailey the butterfly help Kevin learn about earth science.

The boys thought it was funny that there is a character named Terra in it. She is the globe that likes to eat nachos Pacman style. They have an Aunt named Terra, so it added to the humor. 

There is a special bonus section where you can learn about the secrets to scoring high on multiple-choice science tests. Where was this when I was little? 

There are free study materials that go along with the DVD: MarkoThePencil.com

There is also a ruler/bookmark that comes with their products!

I went over with the boys on how to measure. I know this is hard to believe, but I have some college students that can not measure. I don't know if they choose not to listen to that part of school, or if schools just don't have the time to go into measuring. Regardless we have to go over how to measure every year in their Typography course.

It's Giveaway Time!

One US reader has a chance to win a Rock N Learn DVD or CD of your choice!  This would make a great holiday gift. I love that they have products for little kids and big kids.

Can't wait to win? Use this coupon code for 25% off your entire purchase: KR8822 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

  

I received a DVD mentioned above for free. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 

Pure Yacon Syrup Sugar Substitute Review

I was given Pure Yacon Syrup to review. It's a natural sugar substitute. I'm pretty careful about sugar substitutes. Studies on Aspartame have been really bad! Yacon Syrup is a sweetening agent extracted from the tuberous roots of the Yacon plant, which is indigenous to the Andes mountains.

Pure Yacon Syrup is High in Prebiotics

It contains up to 67% FOS (Fructooligosaccharides), which among other benefits helps produce the friendly bacteria Microbiotas improving the function of the intestinal tract.

Unlike many other sugar substitutes and low calorie sweeteners Yacon Syrup has a high fiber content and aids in the lowering of cholesterol and your blood sugar levels. It's great to use if you have diabetes in your family.

It Helps Boost the Immune System, and With Weight Loss

Yacon Syrup naturally boosts weight loss as it not only acts as an appetite suppressant helping curb your appetite and your calorie intake but also by boosting your metabolism and increasing energy levels helping you burn more calories.

Boosts energy levels in the human body allowing you to burn more calories.

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I've mentioned this before on my blog: Yacon Syrup tastes more like molasses than sugar.



What can you use it in?


I've been trying to stay away from making things like cookies {except for bake sales at my son's school}, but you could use Yacon as a substitute for molasses. Any cookie that has molasses in it - use Yacon Syrup instead.



I've used just a spoonful in coffee, and in smoothies.

I Also Make My Own Concoction:

This is great for if you have a cold, dry cough, or just simply feel like drinking something besides water. 

Fill a small mason jar with 2 sprigs of thyme, or rosemary. Stuff it with slices of lemon wedges, add finely chopped ginger, add 4 whole cloves, and pour 1/2 the jar with local honey, and the other 1/2 the jar with Yacon Syrup. Put in the refrigerator for a few hours before use.

Add a spoonful, or 2 to your water, stir, and you have a wonderful drink!

• The Yacon Syrup is full of prebiotics and fiber
• The ginger reduces inflammation of any kind
• Cloves are anti-inflamnitory as
• The rosemary is a great source of iron, calcium, and vitamin B6
• The lemon has vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and fiber
• Local honey can help fight allergies

What Does This Concoction Taste like?
  
It tastes like sweet lemon water.


100% Pure Yacon Syrup Manufactured In The USA at an FDA approved facility that follows Good Manufacturing Process (GMP).

It's originally $49.99, and on sale for  $13.99. That's a huge sale! The link to their Amazon page is in the first line of this post.

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

Organic Whole Cloves Review

I'm really happy to share with you - Jiva Organics Whole Cloves. 
Jiva Organics Whole Cloves are sold on Amazon for $14.95. They have other delicious products on there as well.
 

The word "Jiva" means life.

Jiva Organics is a small family business driven by care and respect for life. They respect both people and our environment.

Their products are completely natural, certified organic and grown with the underlying philosophy that promotes sustainability of mother Earth for the present and future generations. Their spices offer a tremendous value over mainstream alternatives. This product is a USDA certified organic whole cloves that is of extremely high quality.

The organic farms they work with are untouched by modern toxins. They are farms that produce pure and natural spices and grains of the highest quality, that result in delicious, healthy meals.

Jiva Organics - It's a simple choice that makes a big difference. 

I've used Jiva Organics Whole Cloves for 3 things so far: In loose leaf tea, in homemade cough syrup that I use when I'm stuffed up with allergies, and Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins. The cloves worked well in all 3 things.

I'm going to share with you the recipe for: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins.

Feel Free to Download the Recipe Below

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

If possible I try and ground my spices right before I use them.

The boys loved their muffins, cabbage, and apple as a snack. 

What kind of muffins do you like?

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

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.

I really like the animations below. They are by Animusic. The animations are really well thought out!

I entertained the boys for a long while with their videos. They both were in awe. 

Animusic's founder Wayne Lytle began to envision algorithmically synchronizing music and animation almost 30 years ago, and started experimenting in 1989. 10 years later on computer artist David Crognale was on board.

Right now they are on Kickstarter.

Pipe Dream is their most popular video

Visit Animusic's website.
Visit Animusic's facebook page.
Visit Animusic's twitter page.

Random Tid Bits

1. Even though this week has been busy, I've been thinking about my Dad AKA Grandpa Spiehs a lot! This past weekend he was in the hospital. He has atrial heart fibrillation. I know it's common, but he had a surgery that was supposed to take care of the issue years ago. It worked. Now all the sudden he's having issues again.
   
   In the past his heart would go all out of wack beat wise, and they couldn't get him regulated. It took them a few days to get his heart beating normal.
   
   One back story: One time he came in from being outside, and he looked horrible. I sent him to the couch, and made him drink tons of water. I didn't know it was his heart at the time, I thought he was dehydrated from working outside. When my mom took him to the ER he kept having to ask for a bed pan to pee and pee. I felt so bad. It was one of those stories that was funny after the fact.
   
   I was just hoping since he had his surgery he was over this! He has to wear a monitor, and see a Cardiologist sometime soon.


2. My boss called and told me that he had a project to give to me that would take no more than 1 hour. He said, "Only if you have the time." I agreed because when he presented it to me later he said, "I want you to do this!" The project took literally all afternoon. 


3. I was excited to see that my sisters actually talked at our last family function. I hope they just get over things, and move on. What they were fighting over seems silly now. 


4. We went to this place to eat called Gandolfo's. I have no clue if they are local, or a chain. They claim to be NY style sandwiches. They were good. It's just that the menu was a little overwhelming. There were too many choices in my mind. It was all up on the wall to read. 

I did manage to get a photo op. It's a little blurry, but fun. I'm pretty sure other people in Gandolfo's thought we were a little on the crazy side for taking this photo.





5.  I'm ready for the weekend! I know I'll have some yard work to do. Leaves are taking over our driveway. What do you have planned for the weekend?

 

 

Selfie Time

I don't take a lot of selfies. We were waiting for Dr. Seuss to start. What better way to pass the time than to take a bunch of selfies? 

At least I didn't hear, "When is the show going to begin Mom?" 5 times over again. Instead I heard, "Let me see my pictures."

Mica and I

Isaak and I

Daddy and Isaak

Kids Probiotic Review

I'm all about trying to prevent my kids and myself from getting sick. We get a flu shot, we wash hands on a regular basis, and I have our kids take Kids Probiotics by Hyperbiotics. 

Our bodies need bacteria. Probiotics keeps the good healthy bacteria in your body. They fertilize our systems just like a garden thrives after being fertilized. This makes the GI tract healthy. Not all probiotics are the right strain for kids. That's why Hyperbiotics Pro-Kids is so great!
 

About Pro-Kids:

• It comes with 60 tiny, sugar free pearls

I love that they are tiny. I just wish the container was tiny to match the size of pearls. There is a lot of wasted space in the container. That's my only issue with many companies. I'd pay just as much for a smaller container.

• Kids can take it once daily

Taking probiotics prevents sickness. 

• They are time release pearls 

That means that they are effective all day long. Not just when you give your child the probiotic.

• 15x more effective than capsules with patented delivery technology 

 I love that they are effective. So many probiotics don't advertise their strain. As a consumer I'd like to know what I'm getting.

• Ideal probiotic supplement for kids ages 4 and up 

My kids are both of age to take them. Talk to your child's doctor if they are in need of probiotics, and are under the age of 4. There are some that come in a powder form. It can be mixed with formula, or breastmilk. If your child is on antibiotics, it's important to get that healthy bacteria back into their system. We also found it helpful with eczema issues.

• 4 targeted strains including Lactobacillus acidophilus 

In my experience when they advertise the strains they are legit. 

• 100% natural & lactose free 

I have a milk allergy, so I like to stay away from milk products. I think it's great that they are lactose free. There is no artificial colors in the probiotics. Tumeric is the only thing they use for color, which that is good for you.

• Easy to swallow (Though still tastes great if chewed!) 

With kids it's important for pills to be easily swallowed. My kids can swallow pills now. Sometimes they chew them on accident. 

• Cost: $19.95 on Amazon

You can get 3 bottles of pills on Amazon for $76.85. They are to supply probiotics for the whole family. There is 2 bottles for adults, and 1 for kids.

Top Foods That Contain Prebiotics:

Get your probiotics today!

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

Mica's a Punk!

I generally make a smoothie about 5 mornings a week. They are loaded with spinach, or kale, frozen bananas, and another fruit. I add in ground up pumpkin seeds, peanut butter powder, or vanilla protein powder. There's water, or almond milk in there to.

I make smoothies because: 

A) The boys need more nutrients. Especially considering that school thinks a potato is a vegetable. A potato is a starchy carb.

B) I know we don't in general get enough greens. No one gets enough greens. They are oh so good for you.

You really don't taste them with all the other stuff added. It takes on a peach, cherry, or banana flavor over a green flavor.

I admit some smoothies are better than others. I sometimes try different things. In general I got the smoothie making down. 

Mica generally puts them on the table after I've made them. He checks them out to see who has the fullest glass, and gives that to Dad, then I come in the mix, then he, and last, but not least Isaak gets his.

I never really thought too much about his process. I just went with it. He's helping, that's all that mattered, so I thought. Really the adults are always about the same amount, and the kids are about the same amount. It doesn't really matter who got what.

This morning Daddy said, "Mica gives himself more if he likes the smoothie. If he doesn't like it, he gives Isaak the one that has more. I have our son figured out. That child thinks of himself first." 

I said, "Mica is that true?"

Mica laughed and said, "Ya."

Then we all started laughing. Isaak stood there with a big ? look on his face as if to say, "What are you laughing about?"

Proof that Mica thinks of himself first, and foremost.

The Cat in the Hat

We were so lucky to get tickets for The Cat in the Hat at The Rose Theater in Omaha, Nebraska.

Source

It was a surprise for the boys. We let them know where we were going right before we went. They were excited. Even Mica was excited, and he's 9 years old. He loves The Rose Theater.

Mica's actually at The Rose Theater today for school. They are giving his class some acting lessons. I know he's loving it!

There set wasn't as complicated as Tarzan, but Dr. Suess' illustrations were not very complicated. One of my favorite scenes was when the cat was throwing stuff around. They had furniture, and stuff flying in the air.

The Cat in the Hat is recommended for families with children ages 3 and up, and is 45 minutes long without an intermission.

Show Times:

The Cat in the Hat runs Oct. 3-19, 2014, with performances on Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Two additional shows are available Sunday, October 5 at 5 p.m. and Sunday, October 12 at 5 p.m.

Interpretation for the hearing impaired will be offered at the 2 p.m. show on Saturday, October 11. 

I strongly recommend getting there early. The place was pretty packed. I imagine the bathrooms were a zoo, but we went before we left the house.

Ticket Prices:

Tickets are $18 per person. Discount ticket vouchers are available at all area Hy-Vee stores for $14 each. Members of The Rose receive four free tickets to the production.

About the Show: 

Source

We didn't go to a preview showing, so I couldn't take photos while the show was going.

It starts out with a simple house. Kids sit there with nothing to do. Then the Cat in the Hat showed up.

Things got wild, and they have fun. All while the fish is telling them not to do this and that, while their mother is out.

Thing 1 and Thing 2 show up, and add to the craziness. They did a great job fitting Thing 1 and Thing 2 in a box that is open on the bottom for them to go under the stage. Isaak leaned over to me and said, "Mom how did Thing 1 and Thing 2 fit in there?"

In the end things do get picked up before their mother got home.

"I think the moral of the story is this: even when you are faced with a gloomy day, don’t let it get in the way of having a joyful life,” says Ehrhart. "As The Cat says, ‘Even though the sun is not sunny, we can have lots of good fun that is funny.'"

I teach my illustration class about Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. Isaak's bedroom is in Dr. Seuss theme. You can say we are fans.

The stars of the show are: 

The Cat in the Hat............................................. Noah Diaz
Conrad.............................................................. Robby Stone
Sally.................................................................. Jackie Kappes
Fish, Mother’s Voice.......................................... Lauren Krupski
Thing 1, Kitten................................................... Sue Gillespie Booton
Thing 2, Kitten................................................... Aaron Ellis

A trip to The Rose Theater is a must. It is such a great place to take kids. The Cat in the Hat even had Daddy laughing.

With the performances they often times have a question and answer session with the actors. We stayed for that. Other actors sign programs. It's much for interactive than most plays, or musicals. 

2001 Farnam Street • Omaha, Nebraska • 402 345 4849

Disclaimer: I did get tickets to go see Cat in the Hat from The Rose Theater.