#Giveaway 9/11 Film Charlie Sheen Autographed Poster and Gift Pack #Remember911 @9_11Movie

Disclosure: I did not receive anything from the sponsor. All opinions are genuine, based on my experience with the the information out there on 9/11, and I have not been influenced by promotional items.

9/11 opens in theaters on September 8. I really can't wait to see it.

9/11 certainly was a day to remember. We just moved from Atlanta, Georgia to Omaha, Nebraska. Travis started his first dental technician job on 9/11. I had trouble getting work because no one was hiring. One of my friend's got married the weekend after 9/11 occurred. Many of her family members called to cancel if they were flying in for the ceremony. I couldn't watch the TV without crying. I think anyone that was an adult at that time remembers that day.

9/11 features an all star cast including: 

• Luis Guzman (The Taking of Pelham 1, 2, 3)
• Gina Gershon (Showgirls)
• Wood Harris (Justified)
• Jacqueline Bisset (Dancing on the Edge (BBC), Welcome to New York)
• Olga Fonda (The Vampire Diaries) 
• Bruce Davison (X-Men)

About:

In the World Trade Center, a billionaire sits in his attorney’s office awaiting a divorce hearing against his wife. In a west side apartment, a bike messenger kisses his 5-year old daughter and sings her “Happy Birthday” before leaving for work. A maintenance man gets dispatched to help a tenant with his lock. In an upper east side apartment, a young model musters the courage to break up with her sugar daddy. As random as random can be, these individuals step into a crowded World Trade Center elevator.

Wrapped up in their own world, they all ride silently hearing only the sound of the elevator giving notice of each floor. When the elevator stops on the 34th floor, it empties leaving only these five behind. Moments later ... their world changes as the collision of a jet into the North Tower incapacitates the elevator.

With no understanding of what has happened and is happening around them, these fives are forced to band together and fight against all odds to escape from the impending horrific collapse. During these critical minutes, a story of courage, faith, and the will to live unfolds. Visit the official 9/11 movie website for more information.

The Giveaway:

One lucky winner is going to receive a prize pack: 

• 1 - 9/11 poster Hand Signed Autographed by star Charlie Sheen 
• 1 - “Hope” Pendant with necklace 
• 1 - Guide to Talking To Your Children About 9/11 thanks to Tuesday’s Children 

To enter, just fill in the Giveaway form below. This giveaway will end on 9/18/17 and is open to the US only, 18+, only 1 win per household across all blog giveaways is permitted.The winner will be notified via email and will have 24 hours to reply. Thanks again to the sponsor for offering this fantastic prize.

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HICKIES

HICKIES are no tie elastic shoelaces.

Isaak in particular is horrible on the knees of his pants, and shoelaces. He's just the typical boy with clothing. Mica never was a rough and tumble kid. At least Mica was born first, and his clothes can get handed down. I'm always saying, "Isaak get up and walk on your feet, not your knees." and "Isaak tie your shoes!" I really hate when he's playing basketball and his shoes are untied.

If you're like me, and you get after your kids for needing to tie their shoes everyday before they step out of the house, you'll want to try HICKIES.

Hate stopping to tie your own shoes mid-walk or run? HICKIES products turn any pair of sneakers into convenient, comfortable, and stylish slip-ons that are perfect for any activity from a small activity to a rugged workout.

https://www.hickies.com/ Features: 

• They work in any shoe with eyelets. 
•  One size fits all. 
•  Elastic material keeps shoes secure and comfortable. 

Never tie again! Play uninterrupted. Fun look, without messy knots and bows. Adjustable tightness. Quick and easy - simply slip on and off.

@Hickies Never Tie Laces on hickies.com 25% off w/ code USFAM now thru Sept. 20th! http://usfamilyguide.com/coupon.php?bid=13107&dealid=3026 .@usfg

Disclaimer: I will receive 2 sets of HICKIES to review in exchange for writing this post and a follow up review. HICKIES and US Family Guide did influence my writing, or future review.

GrandBox

Send Grandma and/or Grandpa a GrandBox. It's the perfect gift for Grandparent's Day, their birthday, Christmas, or just to show them how much they are loved!

My only problem is who do I give it to? 

• My grandpa would love to get this considering he can't drive, and hardly gets mail. If it goes to my Grandpa - I'll add a fidget spinner because he got into playing with one at our house.

• My parents help out the most. They really bend over backwards to help take care of the boys. It would be nice to send this to them. 

• My in-laws never get to see the boys. They would like to get mail as well.  

I'll have to look in the box, and decide. I'll want to add a drawing or creation that Isaak's made as well. That boy is always busy making something.

I do love the idea of sending this to someone the boys and I love!

GrandBox is a monthly subscription box curated specifically for seniors 65 and up. Each box can be personalized with family photos and a note. It's the perfect gift to bring a smile to your loved ones. 

If they go by Grandma and Grandpa, or Nana and Pop it's the perfect gift!

GrandBox, the subscription box for the ones who cared about you. Order yours now! http://www.mygrandbox.com/

My readers get to save!

GrandBox perfect is the perfect gift for your older loved ones! Save on your first purchase!
http://usfamilyguide.com/coupons.php?bid=13139&dealid=3064 .@usfg

Disclaimer: I will receive my own GrandBox to review in exchange for writing this post and a follow up review. GrandBox and US Family Guide did influence my writing, or future review.

Unleashed a Movie Giveaway

Disclosure: I received Unleashed courtesy of the sponsor for the purpose of this review. All opinions are genuine, based on my experience with the product, and have not been influenced by promotional items.

The Apel's certainly have a lot of movie nights. It's relaxing about curling up on the couch to watch a movie. A change from our busy lives for sure. 

The last movie we watched is called Unleashed - Love is a four-legged word. A cosmic event turns Emma's dog and cat into 2 perfect guys, forcing her to reconsider her outlook on dating. 

Emma, a brilliant, but awkward app designer who moves to San Francisco after a massive betrayal by her boyfriend with only her beloved pets, an adorable cat and an energetic mutt, in tow. One night, drawn by the light of a Supermoon, Emma’s pets escape into the night and are transformed into full-grown men, forcing Emma to reconsider her outlook on dating and hilariously work out her trust issues.

Unleashed Stars: Kate Micucci, Justin Chatwin, Steve Howey, Hana Mae Lee, Josh Brener, with Illeana Douglas and Sean Astin. 

You can see it in select theaters now, or through digital download. Be sure to check out the official Unleashed website for more information. 

Pop some popcorn, or grab your favorite munchies and watch Unleashed. 

Win Your Own Copy of Unleashed!

One An Apel a Day reader is going to win Unleashed (either a hard copy or digital download - the sponsor will pick based on what they have). The giveaway is open to the US, 18+ and ends 9/9. Winner will have 24 hours to respond to winning email before a new winner is selected. Only 1 win per household across all blog giveaways is permitted. 

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WW: Bart's Art {Linky}

We went to a friend's art show. We didn't make it to the opening, but still got to see his art on the walls.

Random Tid Bits

1. It's been rainy late at night and early in the morning for a few nights and mornings lately. I take these photos when I just hit a stop light that just turned red through my windshield, or while I'm getting gas.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   It tends to clear up quickly, for a sunny day. I was asthma free, since the spring. Now I'm feeling it again. I'm trying to stay on top of it with my daily inhaler that I wasn't taking when I didn't need it. No real attacks, just a heavy chest. 


2. We went out to eat last night. That's not something we do often. Travis said, "So the boys and I got new clothes, but you didn't get any." I said, "Well we have a choice...1) We could take the boys home, and leave them there. 2) We could take them with us, since we're 1/2 the way to Kohl's. We took them with us. They weren't bad, but giggly and talkative. Travis was getting so annoyed. I've been there. I was actually glad they were happy, and not complaining the whole time.


3. A sale's clerk and I really cracked up when Mica said, ""Dang woman! You look good." I thought, Maybe it's good I have these boys with me if he keeps talking like that! I tried on a bright pink shirt. Mica said, "Wow you look like a pretty, pink flamingo." The sale's clerk laughed again!


4. A thing came up in the news that said kids shouldn't have cell phones until they are 14 or 15. I voiced my opinion. I think it depends on the kid, and situation that kid is in. If a kid is dropped off by their parent everyday to school, and they have a landline then they don't need a cell phone. The bus system last year didn't do so well, Mica has to walk 4 blocks to the stop in a city, so I felt like it was needed. We found an app to track him. We also don't have a landline, so again it's important to have one. It's good for him to be able to look things up for school.
   
   Our kids have never had a game system, so they aren't glued to having screen time. We've taken Mica's charging station, and moved it to the kitchen. Then he isn't playing apps or texting his friend at night.
   
   On the news report - facebook thread there were some people that jumped in saying, "They shouldn't have a phone until they can pay the bill." I just think it depends on the situation your family is in. What are your thoughts?


5. I have a student in first year that has an A- in one of her classes (not mine), and she was panicking. She's going to have to get over that. That's part of the struggle here. They all come from high schools where they all got A's in their art classes. They all can't get A's. 

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Shatter Your Senses!

Both of my boys love Ripley's Believe It or Not! books. 

Where to get it:

Buy it on their website: http://www.ripleys.com/product/shatter-your-senses/ for $28.95 and on sale for $19.99

About the book:

• It has foil on the cover 
• It's hard bound
• Book Size: 9 x 11 3/4
• 256 pages
• Recommend reading age is 10+, although Isaak has loved these books, since he was 8!
• The publication date is: August 29, 2017
• ISBN: 978-1-60991-178-2

I think kids and adult like this books because they have so much to see in them! There are some things that are freaky, but a lot of things are just fascinating!

Specimen Stuffed Shelves:

Extreme Extremity and a Misfortune:

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Shatter Your Senses! is the latest book from Ripley Publishing's wildly popular series that chronicles the most shocking, crazy, incredible and always true stories from around the globe.

I love that the book is for all kinds of ages:

• Tweens 
• Teens  
• Reluctant readers 
• Adults

To be honest...when I pick out books for my kids I find that I want to like them to. I still read to my kids at times. I want to enjoy what I'm reading. I like this book! It's a coffee table type book. Everyone wants to pick it up to take in what's inside.

Displaced Abdomen, Passed Down Traits, and Balancing Acts:

Monkey Love and a Giant Slug:

Batter Up and Wax On:

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Wrote this about their newest book:

Experience Some of the stories that are sure to Shatter Your Senses! 

• See the world's most expensive dress ever sold at auction, worn by starlet Marilyn Monroe and covered in over 6,000 rhinestones!

• Taste the freaky foods featured–from starfish skewers on the streets of Beijing to Australia's witchetty grub!

• Feel the heat as you read about Taiwan's traditional fire fishing!

• Smell the fresh air–which is sold to tourists in Guangdong Province, China, by the bag!

• Hear the crowds roar as performers like AcroBritt, Short E. Dangerously, Captain and Maybelle, and Hammer Head take the stage in Ripley's Exclusive interviews, showcasing their unbelievable talents! 

It's filled with not just weirdness, but art as well:

Were you ever fascinated by something that is different?

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free in exchange for a review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

WW: Grandpa With a Fidget Spinner {Linky}

We had my son Mica's 12th birthday party this weekend. He got a set of Skull Candy Headphones along with another Fidget Spinner.

Here's my nephew Evan and Mica both wearing a Skull Candy ear bud:

Here's the Fidget Spinner Mica got that my 91 year old Grandpa couldn't put down:

I don't think Mica knew what to do to get his Fidget Spinner back. Ha! 

This same birthday party my 3 year old nephew made this Baby Trump happen:  

Sewing Leather Tools Review

I tend to look for arts and crafts that are great for boys. There just isn't a lot out there. Most of them are geared towards girls.

I was so happy that I got a Sewing Leather Tool Set to review: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XDMB7H5! It's something Isaak will love for Christmas coming up. I'm going to get him a leather belt to work on.

15 Pieces Included:

I was thinking it would be a small kit with a few things. Nope! It's really full of stuff!

• All different needles: glovers needle, carpet needle, sail needle, straight upholstery needle, sack needle and 2 pieces of curved mattress needles 

• 3 Colors Flat Wax Rope: Black, Burnt Umber and Raw Siena 

• 1 x Adjustable Stitching Groover 

• 1 x Black pressure cloth tooth distance of 4 mm 

• 1 x Log pressure cloth tooth distance of 2 mm 

• 1 x Solid wood awl 1 x Straight head awl

• 1 x Hook the awl 

• 1 x Hollow awl 

• 1 x Scissors 

• 1 x Thimble 

• 1 x Beeswax 

• 2 x Finger cots

It also comes with a bag to fit the tools.

The whole set costs: $18.29 on Amazon Prime.

I think it's a great set for a beginner. Of course I'll help him figure it all out.

There are no metal stamps, but there's a variety of tools to make letters, or patters on your own. Certainly enough for personalizing your leather projects.

Would you buy someone a belt to begin using these tools, or just a slab of leather? 

Disclaimer: I received this set in exchange for writing this review. I was in no way influenced by anyone in regards to this review.

Are You Ready for the Solar Eclipse?

It's Solar Eclipse Day! 

I kind of wish each eclipse had a name like hurricanes do. There just isn't enough of them, so instead a year is just attached to it. How cool would it be to call it a name like Solar Eclipse Sally, or Solar Eclipse Sam? 

What would you name it?

Since I live in Nebraska, and it's the path of the eclipse - hotels have been booked for quite some time. 

Bill Nye is here in Beatrice, Nebraska. I already got an ear full on him. I mentioned him being here, and one of my co-workers apparently doesn't care for him because he's not a real scientist and he's anti Christian. I'm pretty sure anyone can be a scientist just for having an interest in science and doing science experiments. Much like anyone can be an artist, musician, landscaper... I'm sure he's not anti Christian. He's just anti some of their practices and thoughts. You can't tell me he doesn't have some Christian relatives and friends that he loves deeply. So there. I didn't say anything. I don't know the guy. I just thought it was odd she went there with such passion; like he's deeply offending her. I'm pretty sure she doesn't know him either. 

There's that. Ya it doesn't really have anything to do with the solar eclipse. I too was like, What the heck? Where is this coming from?

NASA is flying jets across Nebraska. That's pretty cool! 

I guess traffic may be nuts here! I'm hoping no one I know gets into an accident.

Travis has the day off, so he's traveling to Auburn to get out of the city. 

The boys have been learning about the eclipse in school. In particular talking about the safety of wearing legit glasses. They do have school, and will partake in the viewing. 

I have a lot of friends that live in Kansas City who found out last week that their kids do not have school. They are worried about kids taking their glasses off, having eye damage, and their parents suing the school. 

 

What are your thoughts on if school should get cancelled for the Solar Eclipse of 2017?

Isaak was excited to try his glasses on:

I'm pretty sure the boys will get glasses in school. We wanted to make sure they had some just in case, as glasses were not mentioned.

Before you decide to take photos, or use your phone in anyway read this: https://www.idropnews.com/news/solar-eclipse-iphone-photography-warnings-tips/47339/

You could damage your phone, or camera. 

Just enjoy the experience! There are people trained to take photos and videos with filters for their lenses. I'm sure it will be all over the news, so if you can't get a good view - check it out later. 

Protect those eyes! Peace out!