WW: Thanksgiving {Linky}

My sister and brother-in-law took my nephew Emerson that has Trisomy 18 to Ohio. They spent some of their stay in a Ronald McDonald House, and much of their stay at a seizure clinic. They stopped one med, gave him a specific diet, and are trying a new med. Then they have Face Time meetings to see how he's doing. YAY!

I had 3 extra nephews in my care over Thanksgiving. In total I was caring for 5 boys. Thankfully some are the same ages, so they play well together. There are 2 twelve year olds, 2 nine year olds, and 1 three year old that was my helping buddy.

Cousins:

My nephew Evan took this of our family:

My nephews:

The three year old Edison helped me decorate pumpkin spice cupcakes and we put together this veggie tray:

After we ate a gigantic meal at my aunt's house and the boys played outside almost all day, Travis took the bigger boys downtown to see the lighting display and they listened to a free orchestra concert. I took my helper buddy Edison to Target, and home for bed. 

What did you do for Thanksgiving?

Canvas On Demand Review

Canvas On Demand has awesome gifts for everyone on your holiday list! I love the variety they have. 

Ordering and Shipping:

I just ordered from Canvas On Demand last week, and got my 2 canvases in the mail already! I thought for the holiday rush that was pretty good! I did think the box could have been put together better for shipping, but the products looked great!

What did I get?

I got a coloring canvas. I did like their selection! We have a fairly small house, and are kind of running out of room for canvases. I did get one I knew would work in our kitchen. We have pepper colors: Red, Yellow and Green. Then we have Mexican decor. 

I envision a future art project with Isaak coming up! I'd like to work paint, and sewing into the skull. 

This is another example of a color canvas they have:

Canvas:

I couldn't go to Canvas On Demand without ordering a shot of my own family. Off we went to a park to shoot photos for the canvas and our holiday card - coming soon. Does anyone else hate that they have less daylight to take photos? I work, come home and it's dark. Weekends are my only time to shoot! We're busy on the weekends. It was hard squeezing this photo session in!

I tried the self timer. I had seconds to get in that shot. 

On their site they have options for a white edge, black edge, and photo edge. I picked photo edge. I took a photo that had plenty of room around the edge.

I'm happy with the canvas print!

Backside of Canvas:

I love how they have hangers to hang it horizontal and vertical. 

Are you done shopping for Christmas? That is, if you celebrate it. I pretty much hang on to much of what I get for reviewing, and things I've won to give for Christmas. I get stuff along the way.

Canvas on Demand is based in Raleigh, NC, @canvasondemand has everything you need to get your shopping done early. They offer more than just canvas prints. From incredible photo-to-canvas art for parents, Coloring Canvas for kids, and customizable photo gifts, including ornaments & more, Canvas On Demand can help with your holiday haul.

#mycanvasondemand https://www.canvasondemand.com/?coupon=usfam

Disclaimer: I received a 16x20 Premium Gallery Wrap Canvas + 16x20 Coloring Canvas to review in exchange for writing this pre post. There will be a follow up post after I get the canvases.

Tips: Getting the Perfect Car #CarsCom #ad

This is a Sponsored Post.

We thought we'd be getting a new car when we had hail damage in the summer. Travis had to do a lot of calling back and forth to insurance and fix-it shop. We thought the Civic would for sure be totaled because of its age. It turned out that they did end up fixing both of our vehicles. 

I'm happy that there are sites out there like http://cars.com. They are super helpful in all things car related:

• Cars for Sale
• Sell Your Car
• Service and Repair
• Research

Buying cars can be super intimidating. They are just so expensive. Sites like cars.com, make us happy and less stressed.

What do you look for in a car?

For us it's always been something reliable. We've gotten a few Subaru's and a few Honda's. I just don't want the car to fall apart on us. Honda's and Subaru's are pretty reliable, and good on gas.

For our next car I want to go with something less expensive. It will more than likely be the car that Mica learns how to drive on. What we've looked for in the past may not be what we look for in the future.

The key thing is to do your research! Utilize companies like cars.com to help in the process of finding a car that fits your family. They give straight forward answers to questions you may have.

Get more than one opinion. Going to different dealerships, and working with different dealers will help you you get different perspectives that you need.

Try and have fun when getting a new car. Like I said above it can be stressful. Just relax, and enjoy some rides before making a purchase.

For a Great Article on How to Clean and Detail Your Car Interior, check out this article. I have the most trouble keeping my trunk clear from stuff. Does your car need to be cleaned right now? 

Sviuse Women’s PU Leather Tote Review

Sviuse Women’s PU Leather Handbag/Purse http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0771NZ2CD is certainly classy!

Front:

The front has front zippers that are decorative. I think they look fashionable. I could see a Mom that has tiny kids being annoyed because children love to zip and unzip things. For me it's perfect.

Back:

Has a small pocket. This small pocket is great for keys, loose change, or if you're caring jewelry on a trip.

Sides:

There really wasn't a lot on the sides. I am kind of bummed it doesn't have side pockets. That's one thing I love about the purse I currently have. It's starting to get worn out, and that's why I needed a new purse.

Inside: 

There are different pockets on the inside. Enough to put cards, change, and bigger things like a phone.

The top has small handheld straps, but hooks on the sides to put on a shoulder strap. I actually use both. Usually I use the shoulder straps, but if I'm in a crowd where I'm nervous about theft I'll use the handheld straps. I also use the handheld straps if the purse has heavy things in that are weighing on my shoulders.

Colors:

It only comes in black. Now I do know that they brand sells other purses in different colors. I wish they had a drop down menu for other colors. Colors I think many people would appreciate: Dark Brown, a Red Brown, Grey, Yellow Ochre and Red. What colors would you like to see them carry? 

Cost:

$39.89 on Amazon Prime

Other Details: 

It’s leather, water resistant, and dust proof.

Question: 

Do you call your or your wife's bag a purse, a handbag, a tote, or something else?

 

Disclaimer: I got this purse in exchange for an honest review. This company didn't influence my review. I only review products I think will fit my family, or my readers.

Random Tid Bits

1. I hope you all had a very happy Thanksgiving! I spent most of the day with cousins, aunts, uncles, grandpa, parents, husband, kids and sister.





2. My nephews Evan (12), Elijah (9) and Edison (2) have been staying with us a few nights. Last night Travis took the 9 and 12 year olds downtown to seeing the lighting display and listen to an orchestra - all for free. Yay! 






3. While they were downtown I took the 2 year old to Target. I think I've only been shopping on Thanksgiving or the day after a few times. Travis wanted a sound bar for our TV, and I wanted a few movies for the boy's stockings. I forgot the stress rush feeling one gets when shopping this time of year. 

First off they didn't have Star Wars Rogue One with the rest of the discounted movies. Where all the deal movies were was covered in people. Then when I went to get the sound bar there was a line of people waiting to get a phone. Once I got to where I needed to be there wasn't any on the shelf. The guy said, "Over by produce". I went down by produce and couldn't see any sound bars. After running back and forth with a 2 year old in a cart I finally found it. There were 2 left. It's safe to say that I don't care for shopping on or after Thanksgiving!


4. Backing up...Thanksgiving morning Edison the 2 year old woke up bright and early - 6 AM. I heard him singing his ABCs. Then he was saying in his little sweet 2 year old voice, "Hey look at all the beautiful colors in the sky! There's red, lello, blue, and more lello." 


5. I already spread this on FB, but I think everyone should watch this movie, The Mask You Live In! It's a real eyeopener about where society is going! It made me feel so much. I made my boys watch it, then we had a conversation afterwards. I usually don't like documentaries, but I loved this one! Do you like documentaries? What's your favorite one?

WW: Wrapping Paper {linky}

Electric Engraving Pen Carve Tool

I'm always looking for new tools for Isaak to play with. I recently got an Electric Engraving Pen Carve Tool: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075Z5BDGK for Isaak to try.

It's Carves On:

• Wood
• Ceramic
• Glass
• Metal
• Plastic

And More!

Quality:

It's not the quality of tool I'm used to. I'm used to variable speed, tips that can be changed in and out, and a plug so I'm not waisting batteries.

With a 9 1/2 year old I want him to learn to use tools, but I don't want to break the pocket book. This tool is perfect for him!

Cost:

Only $16.99 on Amazon Prime.

Uses:

• To personalize so many things
• Make patterns
• To draw or sketch on things you couldn't typically draw on
• To write messages to people

I Wrote My Blog's Name on the Bottom of This Mug:

Isaak's already excited to use it, once I showed him what it does. He grabbed a disposable water bottle to sketch on for practice. It works!

Do you like to use power tools? I really enjoy using them. I don't use them all the time though.

Disclaimer: I got this engraver in exchange for an honest review. This company didn't influence my review. I only review products I think will fit my family, or my readers.

Best 50 Billion #naturesbranch #probiotic Review

Probiotics are so good for the immune system. Now that it's sick season, I've been making sure we get one a day.

Luckily I got Nature's Branch: 50 Billion Probiotics: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071F42418 to help with this goal! It's an advanced formula with 15 strains. 

Smoothie:

I pop 3 open to put in our smoothies (enough for a family of 4).

I change up my smoothies daily, but this one had:

• A Handful of Spinach Leaves
• A Scoop of Kale Powder (From Our Garden)
• A Scoop of Protein Powder
• A Handful of Frozen Cherries
• 2 Bananas
• 3 Probiotics (Taken Apart to Put in)
• A Glass of Ice
• Unsweetened Cashew Milk

It tastes cherry like more than anything.

Cost: 

The probiotics are $39.99, but they are on sale for $10 right now! The product is on Prime.

They are made in the US.

I do wish the bottle was a bit more full. They could charge more to fill the bottle up, or just make the bottle smaller.

Do you take probiotics?

Disclaimer: I got these probiotics in exchange for an honest review. This company didn't influence my review. I only review products I think will fit my family, or my readers.

Random Tid Bits

1. My mother in law came to visit. The Father in Law got left behind this time. It all went well, but I have to admit I got behind in blogging. 


2. It's been 4 years, since we've seen my husband's parents. That's almost 1/2 of Isaak's life. I hate that we don't see them more. We're so close to my family.
   
   Here's some Apel's: My nephew Payton, my sister in law Laura, my mother in law Grandma Apel, then of course my boys. I took the photo, so I'm missing. My father-in-law was back in Arizona keeping their cats company.
   
   
   


3. Isaak had a few days off of school when my mother in law was visiting. That was great for him. He got to spend time with his long lost grandma. :) To a youngest it feels like the oldest always gets all the perks. I was happy Isaak got to spend time with Grandma. 


4. Isaak's won most of his basketball games, but of course when the grandparents come to a game his team lost big time. At least he made one of the few baskets. 


With the Grandmas:



Just Apel's:



My Parents:



5. Isaak was so excited to see his name in a graphic novel series Amulet.  Have you ever seen your name in a book?

@MapleHolistics Argan Oil Shampoo #Giveaway

I've used argan oil on my skin, to flatten my fly away hairs, but have never used it in shampoo before. That is until now. I have to be careful with skin irritations because of my allergies. Argan Oil is super great for you! No worries about breakouts for me.

Maple Holistics makes some of the best shampoos! I got Argan Oil Shampoo to review and giveaway!

About Argan Oil Shampoo:

This shampoo has really a great haircare formula. It has not just one, but six healthy oils packed into this 8 ounce bottle. It's great because during the winter time especially my scalp gets super dry, so these oils help prevent the flaky scalp that leads to dandruff.

The oils also feel like you get a head massage. Who doesn't love a head massage? I've always sworn that there should be back scratchers, and head massage therapists out there. I think I'd go to either or those before I would a traditional massage therapist, and I don't like anyone messing with my feet. Seriously this shampoo feels wonderful on the scalp!

Maple Holistics is proud to support The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence! For every bottle of Argan Oil Shampoo sold $9.99, Maple Holistics will donate $1 to NCADV. Buy your bottle today!

Ingredients:

• Aqua
• Argan Oil
• Botanical Keratin
• Peach Kernel Oil
• Almond Oil
• Jojoba Oil
• Camellia Seed Oil
• Natural Vanilla
• Honey Fragrance
• Avocado Oil

It's for all skin types, which is great because I tend to get a bit dry in the winter and my husband is always the opposite. It's also sulfate free, which totally makes things better for my allergies. 

All these oils help not just with your hair, but also your scalp. This shampoo will help tame unruly hair, and will prevent hair from breaking. 

Directions:

1. Rinse your hair
2. Massage a quarter-sized amount throughout the scalp
3. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes
4. Rinse

It was really easy to use for sure!

About Maple Holistics:

They aim to make their products to be natural. This will improve one's health and enhance your hygiene experience.

They strive to be sulfate free and BPA free.

They make their products right here in the United States.

What Else Does Maple Holistics Sell:

• Oils: Almond, Apricot, Argan, Argan Oil Shampoo and Hair Conditioner Set, Avocado, Assuage Beard Oil
• Lubricant: Berry Flavored, Cooling, Mint and Personal
• Soaps: Botanical Therapy Shampoo, Tea Tree Oil Shampoo, Castile Soap, Eucalyptus with Bubble Bath, Lavender with Bubble Bath
• Dead Sea Salts: With Lavender, With Eucalyptus, 

They even sell food!

• Berries: Goji Berries, Milberries
• Nuts: Brazil, Macadamia, Pistachio, Almonds
• Seeds: Flax, Pumpkin
• Honey
• Essential Greens Superfood

You can sign up to get free products from Maple Holistics here.

Win the Same Argan Oil Shampoo I Reviewed:
Rules: You must be 18 years, or older to claim this prize. Please get back to me within 48 hours if you win this giveaway, or I'll have to pick another winner. No PO boxes please. This is a US giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway Disclaimer: I got this Argan Oil Shampoo in exchange for an honest review. This company didn't influence my review. I only review products I think will fit my family, or my readers.