It's a 10 Miracle Defrizzing Gel

My hair isn't super curly, but it isn't straight at all either. It's frizzy! When it was longer it drove me nuts! It really only looked good if I used a flat iron on it.

I didn't mind when I cut it, so it was shorter, down to the base of my neck. It curled on its own.

Then I decided to be very brave, and chopped it. I heard people that loved it, while others were like, "I think you should  ____  your hair." Some would fill that blank in with "grow", and others would fill it in with "color". Well I'm just not going to color it. It's uniformly grey. I happen to not mind it. As far as growing it out, I am for now. The great thing about hair is that it will grow back.

Since it is short I do have cowlicks. I also find that if I don't put anything in it it sort of falls in my face.

I just tried a unique gelled oil formula. It's a 10 Miracle Defrizzing Gel: https://www.fashionandbeautystore.com/its-a-10-miracle-defrizzing-gel-5-fl-oz.html. I really like it.

It's not thick, or sticky.

This lightweight formula is for curly hair, straight hair, or me that falls somewhere in the middle. It defrizzes and tames flyaways, which I have tons of both.

This is right after I wet it, and put it on. It dried less wet looking. BUT it held!

The Gel:

• Defines curls 
• Has incredible shine 
• Is never greasy 
• Conditions and improves texture 
• Improves manageability 
• Controls natural body of hair

Let me tell you it works!

Cost:

$16.99, but that's the sale price. It's usually $19.99. Pick it up, while it's on sale!

Do you use any products in your hair?

Disclaimer: I did get this product for a discounted price in exchange for this review. This review was written by me. I only review things that I think my readers (you) or my family will find useful, fun, or entertaining.

Random Tid Bits

I'm thinking this is going to be very random this week. My mind is all over the place.

1. I have 2 summer classes - 1 before surgery and 1 after. They are only 5 days of make up because the students missed too many credit hours. I've taught the the classes and the students before. It should be easy. 


2. Mica's in a crazy annoying stage right now. I don't believe parents should have favorites, but let's face it - kids go through phases that are annoying at times. For the record I love Mica! He's a great kid.
   
   I remember when Mica, and Isaak soon after him went through the phase of scream crying when we left Grandma and Grandpa's house. Why? Because I had to put their shoes on + the TV was taken away. We just don't have the TV running all the time at our house. It was a big deal to have it taken away. I tried to have them turn it off a 1/2 hour before we got there, but that only lasted a week. That was around the age of 4. I still loved them when they went through that, but man I hated the power crying! I pushed through it by asking them nicely to do the things I needed them to do, then I grabbed them to shove their shoes on, and carried them football style into the car, I drove a block away with them screaming, stopped the car and said, "I won't drive until you stop that." They shut up.
   
   Apparently around the age of 11 or 12 there's a stage of being a no it all, not listening, saying and doing goofy things when you think you're really cool. I'm sure teenage years are worse. I am thankful that he's one of the better kids. 


3. I thought this text (featured below) was super funny! I would so laugh if that was Travis sending me a text considering that I'm about to have plastic surgery. Nope I don't wear very much makeup. Travis does tell me with the little makeup that I do wear, "You don't need makeup!" 





4. My co-worker has been so bitchy. When I talk about what all I have to do he grumbles, "Well you don't have to rework a class." No! But I do have to present at the Inservice, when he doesn't. He grumps about there being too many exercises in first year. Well they have to learn the programs before they can dive in to create things. He complains about the bossman giving him work to do. He gives me odd projects to do as well. He's just bitchy lately.


5. Do you ever test people on social media? I post cat videos and memes to those I know like that sort of thing. A few people have been disliking certain things I post. I often wonder why? I know I'm a very open person, and that may rub certain people wrong. I also have a very odd sense of humor. I like the movie Pulp Fiction and the illustrators Joe Sorren and Edward Gorey if that tells you anything. I like to be myself. When someone dislikes my personality - sorry, not sorry. Back to the testing: If I post CUTE things, the same people that dislike posts always love those posts.
   
   I put up that text image above. I said to Travis talking about the few dislikers, "They'll dislike it because it's not nice." They clicked the like and laughing face. They must like when I make fun of myself. That's hilarious!!! 

WW: Pink {Linky}

Ultimate Indoor LEGO Playground!

Explore LEGOLAND Discovery Center Kansas City, the ultimate indoor playground for kids ages 3-10 who are the biggest fans of LEGO! I'm thinking that my son that's 11 almost 12 would love it too!

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Kansas City is one of Kansas City's best attractions for kids! 

• Reach out and touch the stars in our 4D cinema
• Build the fastest car in Build & Test
• Save the princess at Kingdom Quest Laser Ride
• Have the ultimate LEGO birthday party.  

Plan your family visit and jump into the biggest box of LEGO bricks!

NEW FOR 2017!

Dream It! Draw It! Build It! Then put your creation on display in the LEGO Ideas Studio! 

The LEGO Ideas Studio is all about creativity and building brand new, unique builds, and is found only here at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Kansas City! With LEGOLAND Discovery Center's Master Model Builder as your guide, you can become a brick engineer, architect or artist in this brand new attraction! Come up with innovative ideas for builds as you gather inspiration from dozens of amazing LEGO creations around you. Then, draw your original ideas by plotting out your build on special brick-paper made specifically for designing LEGO blueprints. Once complete, display your totally-original, awesome builds for all to see on one of the Cool Creations display shelves!

Save at LEGOLAND

My Readers Save $3 off LEGOLAND Discovery Center Kansas City! - Use this promotional offer to receive $3 off full-priced Adult or Child admission at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Kansas City! Code: 1053 http://kansascitykidsguide.com/coupon.php?regionid=31&bid=11545&dealid=1611 @usfg

Disclaimer: I was offered 4 tickets to go to LEGOLAND in Kansas City for writing this post. There will be a follow up post.

Pizza Party

On Friday Isaak had invited over 5 friends for a pizza party. 1 of Isaak's friends has an older brother in Mica's class, so we included him as well. In all 4 kids were added to our 2, and 1 friend was only there for about 20 minutes. It was a super low key party, and I loved it that way!

I wasn't going to make Isaak was pretty excited!

One of Isaak's best friends is on his basketball team. When I saw him earlier in the week he said, "Alissa I can't wait for your Lego Gummy things that you make!" I wasn't going to make Lego Gummies, but when he put it that way I kind of had too. They really aren't that hard to make.

Isaak's best friend grabbed quite a few Lego Gummies and said, "I'm making a Trump wall that I can destroy by eating each block." Ok then!

For the record Isaak's friend only took about 5 Lego Gummies. This is from an old picture.

We were talking about summer school, and Isaak's same friend that was mentioned above said, "I do like education, but not something that's gonna destroy my lifestyle." We were cracking up! Later when I told his Grandma she said, "What lifestyle does he have?" Ha!

We were beginning to think Isaak's friend from Argentina wouldn't show up. He came about 30 minutes late. The poor boy didn't feel well. He had a huge sinus headache. They were super kind to drop off a gift. Isaak handed Ben a piece of paper and said, "Draw." Ben smiled and drew an airplane. When he Ben left Isaak said, "You know Benjamin is just like me." Travis laughed and said, "How?" Isaak said, "We have the same personality. We both like art and sports." Travis said, "You left out the part that he barely speaks English, is from a different country than you are from, and has sisters." Isaak said, "Ya."

We kept the kids entertained while the movie Mr. Peabody and Sherman was going with pizza, brownies, ice cream. We picked that movie

I decided to get out a mason jar, put the kids up step stool height, and had them drop clothes pins in the jar. So many didn't make it. It's much harder than it seems.

We also put square pillows in their shirts to have them "Sumo Wrestle". They certainly had fun doing that!

Have you been to a low key birthday party, or put one on?

Lumbar Support Waist Cushion Backrest Pad Review

My husband's family has bad back problems. His mom, dad, sister, and other relatives have had back surgery, or back pain.

I am really happy to share with you Konnor Strong Lumbar Support Waist Cushion Backrest Pad that you can find here: https://www.amazon.com/Konnor-Strong-Support-Cushion-Backrest/dp/B06XBS39QC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493982040&sr=8-1&keywords=lumbar+support&m=A39BXQKUDFCLWW

Perks for the Lumbar Support Waist Cushion Backrest Pad:

• It helps to support your lumbar and allows for relaxation on your back and spine
• Relieves your back tightness that you may have from stress
• Relieves pressure and pain 
• Soothes your your aching, tired back
• Improves your posture - something I could use for sure!

Side Views:

You can see how it helps with posture!

Front and Back Views:

You can see how straight as a board he's sitting. It clasps on much like a booster seat would for a child.

I like how it's easy to put on, and easy to take off. If someone needed to they could use this at work, and at home. You can even use it in the car!

I plan on using it on the couch for when I have surgery. I need something to keep me upright. We don't have a recliner.

Cleaning:

I do like that it's a gray color. It would be nice if they carried it in a lot of other colors. I think I'd prefer brown to grey. The neutral color matches most decors, and one can't see dirt on it. That's perfect because often times Travis is outdoors working in the yard, welding, or grinding on a sculpture. The outside material is a soft velvet, which is both comfortable and warm. The pillow case is breathable, removable and machine washable.

The he pillow inside can not be washed. So bare in mind that you will need to keep it away from wet, or damp areas.

Cost:

$29.99 and on sale for $18.99 Prime

Do you have a support cushion for your back?

Disclaimer: I did get this product for a discounted price in exchange for this review. This review was written by me. I only review things that I think my readers (you) or my family will find useful, fun, or entertaining. 

Random Tid Bits

I'm going to try and think up what we've talked about this week. Welcome to our sick, twisted way of thinking.

1. We went to Tractor Supply Company. We were walking around just looking at things. All the sudden we came to the section where there were a bunch of axes.
   
   
   
   
   Mica said, "Oh this is the spot where people get axes to hack up little children." Say what?! I laughed, but wondering if I should be worried. 


2. I was driving, and saw someone with their arm stuck out of their window. I thought to myself, That's disturbing when people do that. What if they got side swiped? They'd no longer have an arm. I told Travis that when I got home. He said, "Only you would think that way." I said, "Just think about all those single shoes you see on the interstate, or highway. It's always just one shoe. What if there were lonely arms laying around like that?" By that time I was laughing so hard tears were flowing from my eyes.


3. Isaak's love for paper continues. He now likes cutting out paper chain dolls. I happen to love this about him. I love that I find them in odd spots. He's all boy, but gets into sparkly gold, and crafts. I like that he's not afraid to be himself. 





4. I had Travis draw a line down my face to see how crooked my nose looks on the outside.
   
   
   
   
   I left the line on my face for 1/2 a day. Travis is like, "Are you ever going to take that line off?" I said, "Maybe." One of my old students posted this:
   
   
   
   
   I was cracking up! Maybe I'll have nightmares. I look like an alien or the late Michael Jackson in the first one, and a Gorge character from Fraggle Rock in the second one. 


Gorge Character from Fraggle Rock



5. The Education Director asks me for my files for my Friday class every time when she's going over them on Thursday. She says they are missing. I reply back with, "That class hasn't happened yet." May I can get a DeLorean, and time travel to get my final grades, video, review, and test results just to get her my files early. It was seriously funny the first time. Now it's a moment in time where I want to slap my forehead and say, "Jeez-us!"

Happy Birthday Isaak!

Isaak you turn 9 today! Next year you'll be double digits!

It's so stressful that I had you almost on the last day class (it is the last day this year), and Mica on practically the first day of class August 10! What was I thinking?

You love basketball and soccer. You jumped in to help Mica's soccer team when they were way low in players.

If given the choice you pick basketball to play!

You started to do something new this month. That is reading on your own accord. I was reading Wonder and Auggie and Me with you. The book that got you hooked is, The Million Dollar Shot. You also love, Captain Underpants and Dog Man.

You really dislike two things this year: Kisses and getting your photo taken - without me asking first.

Your best friends are: Jacob, Daniel and a new kid from Argentina named Benjamin. If people are nice to you, you have their back for sure. If they cross you, or your friends you let them know that, that isn't ok! 

You've figured out ways to communicate with Benjamin, since he primarily speaks Spanish. You draw, and have actions to communicate with him. You picked out a movie that is in English, but has Spanish subtitles for Ben to watch on your birthday. Mr. Peabody and Sherman was the winner for that. *Let's hope Ben comes! This is about the 3rd time we've asked him over. He's a maybe for the birthday RSVP.  

You still gets into crafts. Mostly paper. You were super excited that you got to make a pop-up book in school. I got a kick out of this mask and paper dolls that I find in funny spots around the house. 

Your favorite food must be donuts! You got all excited that I picked a donut shop for Mother's Day breakfast. You made a Donut card for Dunkin Donut workers. I sure hope they send you something special for the card! ;)

You love the outdoors, are willing to get your hands dirty, and tear holes in knee area of every pant leg.

You still love sparkly shimmery shiny gold. 

I hope you have a golden birthday! 

Love,

Mom

MAX 2: White House Hero Blu-ray Giveaway! Plus Exclusive Run Game!

**“Warner Bros. Home Entertainment provided me with a free copy of the Blu-ray I reviewed in this Blog Post. The opinions I share are my own.”**

The All-New Original Movie MAX 2: White House Hero Is Available on DVD, Blu-ray™ Combo Pack On May 23, 2017 & Digital HD Now.

About MAX 2: White House Hero:

In the brand new original family film, Max has a new assignment that brings him to Washington D.C. where he’s on a highly-sensitive mission that will push Max’s specialized skills, intelligence and loyalty to the test.

Duty calls again, and our hero dog Max returns to action in Max 2: White House Hero. His new assignment brings him to Washington, D.C. to serve on the U.S. president's Secret Service detail. When a foreign leader arrives with his precocious daughter Alex (Francesca Capaldi), tensions arise between both countries. First Son TJ (Zane Austin), along with Max and Alex, uncover a dangerous plot that puts both kids and both nations in jeopardy. A highly-sensitive mission will push Max’s specialized skills, intelligence and loyalty to the test.

It’s an adorable film that the whole family will love!

Max 2: White House Hero RUN GAME Blog App:

• Help Max save TJ and Alex! 
• Click anywhere on the game screen to jump over obstacles and make your best time. 
• Watch the trailer and buy Max 2: White House Hero on DVD & Blu-ray May 23.

To celebrate the release of Max 2: White House Hero, we’ve created an amazing game where you can help Max save TJ and Alex! Click on the game screen via the app to jump over obstacles and make your best time.

ask your readers to play the RUN GAME and post their results in the comment section! We will give you a copy of Max 2: White House Hero on Blu-ray to giveaway to one lucky reader as well as one for yourself!

WIN! 

Now it's your chance to win Max 2: White House Hero! *Note: Only open to US readers and no PO Boxes. This giveaway ends 6.2.17 You must claim your prize after 48 hours of my email. After that I email a different winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

10 Varieties of Gourmet Avocado Toast

Do you love avocados? I sure do! I like that they can be prepared differently.

At the Apel House We Have Avocados on and in:

• Salads
• With Tacos
• Southwestern Egg Dishes
• Smoothies With Mango, Kale Powder, and Orange Juice
• Guacamole

I Also Use the Avocado Seeds in Smoothies:

1. Slice the seed with a knife. Be careful it's slippery!
2. Run the seed under warm water, and start to peel the dark brown peeling off the seed.
3. Cut the seed in 4 sections. 
4. Grind a section in a coffee grinder.
5. Add it to a smoothie. 

*Note: the seed of an avocado lasts a really long time, much longer than an avocado its self! I keep the unused seed in a bag in the refrigerator.

10 Ways to Make Gourmet Avocado Toast:

*Note: I got the test and pictures below from this site. They asked me to share their article. It is edited by me.

I never knew that avocado toast was a thing. Now that I know about it, we're certainly going to have it in our house!

This combination of avocado on toast is super easy to make. It is creamy, rich, and full of flavor. You might be surprised at how easy it is to make gourmet avocado toast. Of course, before you can start working on these (and your own) gourmet avocado toast creations, it pays to quickly refresh ourselves on the quickest and easiest ways to get into an avocado, remove the seed, and prepare it for toast. It might seem elementary, but you’d be surprised at the number of people who approach cutting avocado the wrong way. I know my husband has corrected me a time or two. View the graphic below for the steps involved. You’ll note the graphic suggests either slicing or mashing the avocado before applying it to your toast. This is a personal preference. Suggestions: Lemon, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili flakes below, but there are no limitations to seasoning. We even like paprika on ours.


Source: eReplacementParts.com blog

To Spark Some Inspiration, Below is a List of Ten Non-traditional Ideas:

1. Eggs Benedict 

For a hip take on a traditional American brunch, make Eggs Benedict Avocado Toast. Toppings Include: Canadian bacon, poached egg, and hollandaise sauce. You could use a toasted English muffins for the base.

If you’ve never poached an egg before, don’t worry. It’s actually pretty easy! Start with a pot of water. About two to three inches should do the trick. Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to boost the acidity; this will help the eggs stay intact. Heat the water to a rolling boil, then bring it back down to a simmer. Add the eggs with a metal measuring cup or ladle. After five minutes, scoop them out and serve.

2. Goat Cheese + Chives

If you love the creaminess of avocado, you’ll adore the richness of goat cheese. To combine the two, add chunks of goat cheese to avocado toast. You can also swirl softened goat cheese with mashed avocado for a mouthwatering marbled effect. Complement the dish with a pinch of chives. Lucky for us, we have chives coming up in our garden already. :)

*Did you know - Goat cheese and Feta cheese are more tolerable than most cheese for people with lactose intolerance. They are both filled with calcium.

3. Tomato + Mozzarella + Basil

Fans of classic Italian food will adore this yummy combination. Simply add tomato slices and fresh mozzarella to avocado toast. Small cherry tomatoes work best. Top it off with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. Enhance the Italian vibe by using thin slices of ciabatta bread for the toast.

4. Goat Cheese + Pomegranate Seeds

Goat cheese is an amazing complement for sweet flavors. On avocado toast, its rich, tangy taste can really take things up a notch. It can be added in chunks or swirled into mashed avocado (brie would also work amazingly here). Finish it off with a handful of vibrant pomegranate seeds; your taste buds will love it.


5. Salsa + Corn + Cheese

Turn your love for Mexican food into a fancy avocado toast. Start with a layer of your favorite salsa. You can even use mango salsa for a fun summer twist. Add a spoonful of corn followed by a layer of grated cheese. Cheddar works best, but use what you love or have on hand. If you would like, add a dash of taco seasoning and lime juice. The result is one big tasty nacho.


Source: eReplacementParts.com blog

6. Quail Eggs + Tomato + Parsley + Sunflower Seeds

Nothing says “gourmet” quite like quail eggs. These delicate and delicious eggs are a little more difficult to source, but worth it for the taste. Of course, if sourcing quail eggs is too tricky, regular hen eggs will work. Eggs and tomato pair perfectly in many breakfast combinations, but the magic here is in the texture of the sunflower seeds and the sharp freshness of the flat-leaf parsley (fresh, not dried!).

7. Cream Cheese + Manzanilla Olives + Tomato + Herbs 

This combination will give avocado toast a delicious Mediterranean spin. Marinated olives and tomatoes are a must, especially if you want to bulk it up. For easy serving, chop up olives, into small cubes. For added flavor, finish it off with oregano, dill, or mint. Toasted pita bread or flat bread can be used as the base.

8. Blueberries + Spinach + Lime + Sea Salt

If you’re looking to get the best nutritional bang for your buck in an avocado toast combination, look no further than this. Blueberries, or in our case June Berries. Spinach. Avocado. The added bonus is that this vitamin-packed combo tastes great. The acidity of the lime juice will cut through and complement the creamy avocado, while the spinach and blueberries will provide texture and added flavor.

9. Mango + Red Cabbage + Lemon 

Mango and lemon can add a summery touch to any meal, and avocado toast is no exception. This idea calls for mango slices, chopped red cabbage and fresh lemon (plus the zest, if you’re feeling particularly, well, zesty). Complementary spices include ground black pepper, basil, and cilantro. You can also prepare a mango relish ahead of time. It is a deliciously easy way to up your daily fruit and veggie intake!

10. Crab Meat + Corn + Chipotle Powder

Inspired by the notes of Caribbean cuisine, this arrangement is full of personality. Imitation crab meat is perfectly fine if you don’t have access to fresh crab. It’s easy to find and budget-friendly. To make this version, mix chunks of crab meat with corn and chipotle powder. Cayenne pepper, mint, and cilantro are also excellent choices.

 This list is just the beginning. Look for inspiration in your favorite meals and dishes. By using unconventional ingredients that you know and love, gourmet avocado toast will just be a slice away.


Source: eReplacementParts.com blog

No article on avocados would be complete without some hacks on how to capture the elusive “ripe window”. We’ve all been there; an avocado is too hard to use on toast one day, and then overnight it’s brown and overripe and unusable. It borders on criminal neglect to allow a good avocado to go to waste, so before we send you out into the world to make your own avocado toast combinations (and the ones we’ve suggested), we thought it imperative to create the illustration above, to show you how to buy, store, and preserve the ripe window of avocados for longer.

Happy shopping, slicing, mashing, and toasting!

How would you use avocado on toast?