Canning and Preserving

Travis grew a ton of cucumbers, but no dill weed. This weekend I went to Ace Hardware to pick up more canning jars, and then to 3 grocery stores to buy dill weed.

Travis did the canning, but I helped with the prep work, meals and clan up.

Travis ran out of the pickle brine, so he decided to ferment the rest. He has a big fermentor crock I got him. 

Next we're going to have a ton of tomatoes. They're a little slow to turn red this year, but are well on their way. Last year I peels, and took the seeds out of the tomatoes, chopped them up and froze them. Then we canned in the fall a few times when it was cold outside. 

Do you do any canning, or do you grow your own food? I'd be lost without Travis. Especially this year I just couldn't be outside with my allergies. About the only thing I do is pick mulberries for 10 minutes each day when I'm at work. I get a small bowl full each day, but there is starting to be less and less of them. I just wash them, cut their stems off and add them to smoothies.

Anti-Dusk Face Mouth Mask Review

Everyone that's been reading my blog for awhile knows I have allergies and asthma. Travis does most of the yard work. I do however suck up leaves when it's fall time. He grew up in the country where the leaves just broke down naturally. Here in the city the leaves get into gutters, or kill the grass if they aren't taken care of.

I have to admit that I wear a respirator when I suck up the leaves. It's tight against my face, and protects my lungs.

When I dust things inside that haven't been dusted in awhile I wear a dust mask.

I recently was sent an Anti-Dusk Face Mouth Mask Ear Loop Washable Dust Mask to review.

You can get this mask here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072PZM21C?th=1

At first I kept thinking that the name in their mask "Anti-Dusk" was a typo, but it's on all their promotional items. I thought it was supposed to be, "Anti-Dust".

Features: 

Material: Cotton and Polyester

Ear Loops: They have 4 elastic bands that come off the mask. They need to be tied to form a loop to fit around the ears.

The Size: 7.5"x4.5"

Unisex: They have masks that are for guys and girls. It's even funny when a guy wears a girl mask and a girl wears a guy mask.

Cost: $12.99

Function: 

Anti-Dust, Anti-Smoke, Anti-Fog, Keeping Warm, Germs, Allergies, Smoke, Pollution, Ash, Pollen, Crafts, Gardening, and Travel.

I'm not sure how functional it really is. The mask isn't tight over the face. If you really want dust and other germs to be gone I don't know that it's really going to be super protective if particles can get through the top, and sides of the mask. The whole reason why I wear a respirator to suck up leaves in the fall is so I'll have something super tight against my face. Other masks have a metal clip on the nose part, so it fits snug against the face. This one does not.

I do think it's functional in the fact that it will help keep me warm in the winter. Cold air is a trigger for asthma. If I go out walking, jogging, or cycling in the winter this mask may be worn. Ha! I'd have to see how well it keeps smoke out. Right now because I had deviated septum and polyp surgery I just have been staying away from smoke. I didn't even go outside during the 4th of July. Smores were made in the oven under broil. I will try it out for smoke though. I could see it helping. I just wish again that the nose part would be more snug.

Fashion:

The mask is well made. I like the material. It's durable, and can be washed over and over again! The fact that it can be washed puts it over disposable masks.

I'm not a big fan of the ear bands. I had to tie them together. I was thinking that they'd have velcro, or just be one piece per ear band.

Funny:

I think more than anything the masks they make are just funny! My boys were laughing so hard when we tried it on! I could see wearing it for Halloween. I'd just have to think of what to be that would go with the mask.

 

Have you ever worn a face mask to protect your breathing nasty things in?

Follow my blog with Bloglovin Disclaimer: I received this mask for the purpose of this review. The company in no way influenced my opinion.

Random Tid Bits

1. We think Isaak is going through a growth spurt; paired up with growing pains. He ate a ton of food on Wednesday, fell asleep at 7 last night because he was so tired, and woke up 2 or 3 times scared of noises and lights that couldn't be explained. Under his knees hurt really bad.
   
   After the second or third time of him waking up Travis put him on the couch in the living room. Travis has never wanted the boys to cuddle with us in our bed. I'm more the type that wouldn't care in a situation like last night. It is what it is.





2. I've been hit with a few freelance duties. I made a business card for a past co-worker that now lives in Atlanta. Whenever I make things for friends even though they know they are paying me I hate sending over that final bill. The thought goes through my mind: Maybe they are thinking I'm charging them too much, or what if they expected me to charge them more. It's so silly I do that. You'd think I'd be past that already, but I always think that people just don't understand how long design work takes. I have to mention that I don't ever feel this way when it comes to people that are not friends or family.
   
   Here's how the card turned out. I changed all the information to protect her identity. She wanted a 1 sided business card, with purple as her accent color. That's really all she gave me for what to do. She ended up being super happy with the cards, so that's good. It's a screen shot, so if the type seems hazy, it's not on the card.





3. My sister has been wanting things done for SOFT, which is a nonprofit that helps with research for people like Emerson, and any other chromosome deficiencies. So far I've just been doing things out of the kindness of my heart. The work is challenging. Up until now they didn't have a logo, but used a rainbow and balloons for the colors of the chromosome problems. Logos should be only a few colors and shouldn't change with each thing that's done. Considering that their look changes all the time, they don't know what they want - it's difficult.


4. I've been wanting a non-cancerous cyst on my forehead gone for months now. Of course my mind was on bigger things - an upcycled nose. Travis kept saying, "Leave it alone!" Well I can't leave it alone. I don't want it cut out by a dermatologist. They'll squeeze! When I just had surgery I don't need anyone squeezing me. Apple Cider Vinegar it is. Yes my skin will burn from it. I need want it out. Goodness my skin is a mess from that surgery. Dry in some spots, small pimples in others. I can't scrub it because it's all so sensitive. 





5. I go in for an Aspirin Drip at the Allergy and Asthma Clinic next week for 2 to 3 days. I'm so nervous! I'm allergic to it, that's why they are dripping it into me to build up a resistance. Asthma/Allergy sufferers should take Ibuprofen when they have flair ups to help with inflammation. Well I can't because it shuts down my lungs and makes me sneeze a ton. They are expecting a reaction. Fun times!
   
   I accidentally scheduled my ENT follow-up on the last 3rd day of this Aspirin Drip. I don't know if I can go to it, or not. The Aspirin Drip may take only 2 days. I called to see if I should reschedule. They don't know if I should, or not. I'll get an automated call to confirm my appointment that I don't know if I can keep, or not.
   
   At least I get to stare at my cute Asthma/Allergy doctor for a few days. 

WW: Bullfrog and Butterfly {Linky}

We went to Lauritzen Gardens this past weekend. We had plans to go to Lauritzen Gardens and Durham Western Heritage Museum, but by the time we got done with Lauitzen Gardens I was feeling done in. Isaak was crabby, it was hot, and I still don't have my energy all the way back from my surgery on the 23rd. It will take some time.

I do love walking through the gardens!

There's Isaak with his sun hat on:

Mica kept saying, "Isaak stand up for Mom!" Isaak was like, "No I don't want to stand up." A fight nearly broke out between these two boys.

Bullfrog:

And Butterfly:

I was pretty obsessed with taking photos of sunflowers, while the rest of my family rested on benches.

A Spider! Do you see it?

Asian Garden Area:

Do you like walking through botanical gardens?

Leadership Camp

A few weeks ago our boys started back up at their leadership camp. It's Saturday nights.

They usually have Tiers that go all throughout the year, but have breaks between them. Within the Tier they have what they call Capitols, which include: Financial Capitol, Social Capitol, Culture Capitol and so on. They do different things in each one.

All this month they have field trips to different places. It's 5:30 to about 10:45. Saturday nights the boys are up pretty late! 

Their first field trip was to Alley V, which I've reviewed before. It's a place with all kinds of fun things: 

They have: A bowling spot, better than bowling alley food, pool, arcade games, laser tag, and rock wall climbing. 

Isaak came back with all this loot:

I guess Isaak was rolling in the tickets.  

If I was there I would have helped Isaak pick out things.

• Isaak picked out 2 guns. Not that boys can't play with guns, but it's looked at as such a negative toy now a days. I don't think that just because boys play with guns that they are going to turn into mass murders. Boys see themselves as heroes when they play with guns. I really only get Nerf or Super Soaker guns for the kids. Plus these guns make noise, which annoys Travis so much. 

• He got an off brand Lego set.

• A table tennis set he was super excited about! 

• A candy necklace. 

I'm pretty sure Isaak got the most loot out of anyone. 

Last weekend the boys went to The Amazing Pizza Machine. 

Mica said, "Mom they have a buffet there. The first time I went up I got salad, pizza, and some healthy things. The second time I went up I loaded my plate with sweet treats!" 

Isaak said, "Mica you got pizza?! I couldn't find that!" 

Mica said, "Isaak you just have to read. There was a big sign that said, 'Pizza'. It's called, The Amazing Pizza Machine." 

It sounded like they had fun! 

Then Travis said, "They mentioned that Mica needs to work on talking with the other kids his age. Mica tell Mom why you don't talk to the kids your age."

Mica said, "Well all they talk about is sports and fidget spinners. I don't get into sports, or know anything about them. Fidget spinners are ok, but they just spin around. I don't get why people like those so much." 

I emailed the leader of the nonprofit to explain that Mica isn't stuck up, or shy. He's just not into sports or fidget spinners. But...my email was 3 paragraphs long. I felt the need to explain how I've been in his shoes before. I'm the only artist girl in a family that has 7 nurses. When they talk I can't relate. They have so many abbreviations for medical things. If I started talking about color theory to them they wouldn't understand all of what I was saying either. 

Mica's smart enough to know that he's going to sound like an idiot if he starts to talk about sports, which he knows nothing about. 

My advice to him was to change the subject in between conversation, and/or ask why they like sports so much, or what teams they like and why. You can not get into something, but still have a conversation about it. I do get how he feels though.

Mica's a movie buff, loves to read, is into Legos and Star Wars. He likes school, and doesn't think of it as a drag. He's a nerd with a funny personality. 

Travis said to me, "You really don't have to write him a book to get the message across." 

I had to shorten what I wrote. I tend to over write. I just want people to understand where I'm coming from.

Yesterday the leader for the camp wrote back explaining how much of an asset Mica is to the camp. When they have Capitols Mica really shows how smart he is, which pushes the others to bump themselves up. He was glad I wrote him. 

I had mentioned if he had any more advice on Mica relating to the other kids to just let Mica know. 

Have you ever been in a situation where a bunch of people relate to one another, and you're the odd man out? How did you deal with it at the time?

Aim for the Stars

I feel so behind in blogging about the kids.

The week I had surgery Mica had camp at the university here. The camp is called Aim for the Stars. My sister and I enrolled Mica and his cousin Evan at the same time for their Astronomy class.

The camp is a full week camp from 9-4.

They are super organized! If all schools could have a drop off and pick up system like this camp does every mom and dad would be happy.

It was nice that Mica and Isaak got a break from one another.

Travis dropped the boys off in the morning, and my sister picked them up in the evening.

They did a lot of things, but talked mostly about the solar eclipse coming up, and their rockets that they got to launch.

This camp has a family night on Thursday. I went knowing that I'd have to get up early for surgery the next day. We were expecting to stay extra late that night because Mica's class was going to go star gazing. Mica said to his camp councilor, "Ummm I don't know how my parents are going to feel about this. They are pretty strict about my bedtime." LOL We  have them go to bed between 8 and 9 in the summers because we work, so they have to get up with the chickens with us. Every Saturday they stay up past 11 with their leadership camp. It's not like they never stay up late. Well they ended up canceling the star gazing due to thunderstorm warnings. I wasn't the least bit sad.

We did have a choice that night: Go to their planetarium to see a show about the solar eclipse, or go to a science show. We opted for the science show, since we've always picked the planetarium. It was a good choice! The scientist was older, had a ton of history stories, and tied it into science. The kids were very engaged.

Mica got to pick out a few things at their gift shop with a coupon the camp gives. He picked out a slinky and pink slime. The next day he applied pink slime to his jean shorts. Just so you know if you ever need to get slime off of clothing, soak it in vinegar. 

The following week after my surgery it was Isaak's turn to go to Aim for the Stars with his cousin Elijah. They had NXT Engineering. So they made robots, programed them, and had them do things. 

Isaak was super excited about his camp. Even more so than Mica. Maybe it's his age. His partner in making his robot was his cousin Elijah. They had Mica and Evan drawing up ways to make their robots move faster on paper, then were testing those ways out in class. 

Everything was going great. Then all the sudden the camp had the kids switch partners. Isaak got a kid that was bossy. He missed having his cousin as a partner. That was the only flaw of the week. 

That Thursday night became my first big outing. I don't even think I put on actual clothes until then. Ha! Isaak was so excited to show us everything, so it was good I went.

Isaak picked out this rock with his Aim for the Stars coupon. He was super protective of it. I tried shoving it in his lunch box, so everything was together. Isaak took it out, and carried it. 

Did you go to camp when you were younger?

Natrogix Probiotic Supplements with Advanced Prebiotic Review

I've blogged many times about the perks of taking probiotics. I've read that it's important to change brands often to get different strains in your body. Recently I tried out Natrogix Probiotic Supplements with Advanced Prebiotic: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N0ZP0QE?th=1 to review.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health. They really aid in boosting your digestive system. We usually think of bacteria as something that is negative, or bad. Bacteria is even known to cause diseases. Just like there is good and bad cholesterol there's also good and bad bacteria. Your body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are often called "good" or "helpful" bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy. Probiotics are naturally found in your body.

You can also find them in some foods and supplements such as Greek Yogurt. I suggest getting plain Greek Yogurt, and adding your own fruit, or using it as a sour cream by adding lemon juice. The flavored Greek Yogurts are loaded with unhealthy sugar. If you feel you need an extra sweetness just add local honey.

When Do You Need Probiotics?

Probiotics can really be taken anytime. I stress the need to take them when the immune system is compromised, or you're on your road to recovery.

This may include: Skin irritation, nail infections, sickness, auto immune diseases, surgery and more.

I just had a pretty big surgery. I consider it big because it was right up by my brain and eyes. I feel like the recovery is more than either c-section I had. Maybe not emotionally, but certainly with energy level and pain. I was prescribed antibiotics. With that I took these probiotics. Usually when I have antibiotics I have trouble bathroom wise. This time with these probiotics in my system I didn't have trouble at all!

Pills, Pills and More Pills:

I feel a bit like a pill monster lately. I take a vitamin, 2 natural cholesterol reducing meds called Ahi Flower, an allergy pill, a puff of Steroids, and a Seroid pill in my sinus rinse. Then I have 3 allergy shots a week. I start feeling like a walking pill body. 

Much of the time instead of taking probiotics, I open them up and add them to a smoothie. Then I'm not taking 1 more pill. These help with wellness, my digestive track, and brain function. My thinking is all there, but because my energy level isn't all the way back I find myself not being as quick on my feet as I was before in the thinking department. I need all the help I can get with thinking things through right now.

What I Thought of Natrogix Probiotics:

• I certainly think they are well worth taking! 

• Cost: $34.99 on sale for $19.99 + on Amazon Prime. You can catch a deal!

• They are made in the USA! That's always a perk in my mind. 

• They have great health benefits! I went over those already. This one has 15 strains. 

• I don't get why it even comes with a box. The pill container wasn't even in the box when it shipped to me. What was the point of manufacturing that? 

• Like many things these days I dislike how the pills don't fill up the container! I'd rather pay more for more pills, or just had a smaller container. Am I alone on this? It seriously is my biggest pet peeve with packaging. 

• I like the pill style. Because I add probiotics to smoothies often it's important to be able to open them up. Some probiotics don't open up.

What about you? What do you take daily in pill form? Do you take probiotics?

Disclaimer: I received Natrogix Probiotics in return for writing this post. The store certainly inspired me to write this post. I only review things that I think my family or readers will enjoy, or find useful. 

Random Tid Bits

1. I was told I could go back to work two weeks after having surgery. I have to say that I wasn't really feeling it until 2 1/2 weeks. I'm now finding myself being goofy like I was. I don't know if all my family is happy about that one. ;) I tend to be really goofy in the morning. Not everyone is ready for that. Travis is more the type of person that prefers to not be talked to until he's had his coffee. Are you a morning person?


2. Mica's really into two bands right now: Queen and Led Zeppelin.

He say's Bohemian Rhapsody is his favorite song. One day he kept singing it over and over again. I started singing it, but changing the lyrics to fit what Mica was doing. That's something I do often!




3. Mica was telling my Dad (Grandpa) about Led Zeppelin. My parents aren't/weren't music seekers. There's a lot of bands they don't know about. Grandpa told Mica about The Righteous Brothers, and had him listen to that.  


4. Here's something really funny about Led Zeppelin when it comes to the boys: Robert Plant does a lot of "Ahhhs-ah's" in his music. The boys both say, "Ahhh-ah choo". Like Robert Plant needs to sneeze after his, "Ahhh-ah's". One sound he made, Isaak said, "I'm just waiting for him to get done grunting. He sounds like he needs to poop." *Insert eye roll. 




5. This weekend we're going to my cousin's lake property for my Grandpa's 91st birthday. Fancy right?! I was just told, "Bring life jackets if you want to have some lake fun." *Insert eye roll. As if this city girl has life jackets laying around. They made it sound like, if we didn't have them the boys couldn't participate in any water fun. No I don't want my boys to drown, but I also didn't want to go out and pay for life jackets either.
   
   I feel a bit overwhelmed with big bills, and am seriously trying to watch my pennies! I don't want to buy things we may or may not ever use again. Maybe I'm just grumpy because 1/2 the time I still feel like doing nothing. I have my personality back, but I'm not motivated to go out of the house. Nor do I want my boys to loose out on fun with their cousins. I appreciated the lake idea, but was starting to wonder if just having it at a park would have been better. I really don't think my sister, or other cousin that have kids has life jackets either. I ask to have parties outside, and get a lot of negative responses from my family, so that bothered me too. Then I felt bad because my mind was being negative instead of positive. I should be happy my cousins are sharing their lake property with us. 

I just asked if anyone had life jackets to borrow for the weekend on facebook. It couldn't hurt - right? Well one girl who has an adult kid was happy to give up her kid life jackets. It all worked out. When our friend dropped them off, the boys were so excited! They wore their lifejackets all throughout their new favorite show, Just Add Magic. Do you have any new favorite shows?

The Apel Show

About four years back we won a DVD: The Cosby Show. It was a combo of their best episodes.

Mica said, "You know we're just like the people in the Cosby Show." It made me giggle. Mainly because he wasn't even seeing the fact that our skin shades and tints are different.

It's great that Mica sees past the color of one's skin.

For the record I think Mica is a combo of Theo and Vanessa. I think what he was referring to at the time was the fact that they are a funny family, which we can be funny too.

Well then Bill Cosby got accused of many things. For awhile I didn't even want to watch the show. I decided that there's more characters than just Bill Cosby in it.

The Cosby Show is on Amazon Prime right now. I do have to say that I'm not the type of person to ban things just because I don't agree with someone, someone's actions, something said, or something done.

The person that played Elmo on Sesame Street was caught in a scandal, the dad from 7th Heaven was caught in a scandal, and Dukes of Hazard was pushed off TV because of their flag. I like Madonna's music from the 80s, but that doesn't mean I agree with everything she's ever said. I love Subway, but I don't agree with Jarad Fogle's actions!

The boys enjoy The Cosby Show.

The first one we watched on Amazon Prime was all about Vanessa Cosby not wanting to practice her instrument. We've struggled all summer with Mica not wanting to practice his trumpet. It certainly chimed in with what we were experiencing with him.

Do you ban shows, shopping places, or listening to music based on something that has happened with an actor, owner, spokes person, or singer in real life?

WW: Hail Damage {Linky}

I just got done getting an upcycled nose: Deviated Septum fixed and Polyps removed. Then it happened! Lots of baseball sized hail! The biggest I've ever seen!

Boy were we hit! Our newish Subaru Outback has about $6,500 worth of damage. Our old Honda Civic has about $3,500 worth of damage. 

Rings of broken glass on the windshield:

The inspector finally gave up on counting the dings on our vehicles. :( I know it's a little hard to see with all the reflections.

My husband checked out the roof, and said it looked fine. I said, "We need to have an inspector out anyhow." We need a new roof, and all new gutters.

Thank goodness for insurance, but it still is expensive with all my medical stuff on top of it. 

What's the worst damage you've ever experienced?