Random Tid Bits

1. I've been listening to The Book of Joy with Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu and Douglas Abrams. I won it off of Moms Own Words. It's inspiring. Mica likes it, but even for him some of it is a little over his head. They discuss how to bring joy into your life. There are 8 compact discs, so it's hours long.





2. It was a super cold Halloween! It even snowed, but nothing stuck. Travis wore my witches hat, Mica wore a scary Witches mask (bulgy eyes), Isaak wore a Zombie mask (the darker grey mask), and I was Pac Man. I was so layered by Halloween night you couldn't probably tell what I was.








3. Grandma Apel will be coming to our house next week. It's been so long, since we've seen anyone on that side of the family. We haven't told the boys that she's coming. Do you see one side of the family more over another? We don't live anywhere near Travis' family.


4. I had a dream a few weeks ago that I was taking care of puppies. I woke my husband up be barking and singing in my sleep. 


5. I keep hearing the same songs playing on the radio. I can't tell if it's just the radio that keeps repeating, or maybe it's a message to me. 

WW: Cuteness Overload {Linky}

It was Stuffed Animal Day at Isaak's elementary school.

He greeted me as I got off of work like this:

Did you like stuffed animals when you were a kid? I was more into Barbies and dolls.

Zoobooks Magazine Review

I typically like to give different gifts to my nephews. Something that I know they don't have. Once I gave them all face plates, I've gven lots of money gifts, but fold the money up different ways, one nephew got a scratch board map, and there's more unusual things I've given them.

The latest unusual thing I got to review is Zoobooks Magazine. It really should have an (s) on the end of Magazine because there is more than one of them. One of my nephews is getting the set: https://shop.zoobooks.com/LandingPage.aspx?tid=262&aid=I1701A29

What the Set Included:

Zoobooks really gives a lot of insight into different animals. 

What You Get:

• Free Poster
• Free Stickers
• Free Digital Subscription
• Zoobies Free Animal Songs and Learning Games!
• Lots of Stories

Some of the Inside Pages:

I love that they have so many different stories, illustrations, pictures, and games inside the magazines. 

Ages:

• I had my nephew Edison in mind to give these to. The age range is 6 and up for Zoobooks! There are 9 issues in all. I let Isaak look them over, and draw from them. I think I'll hand them down to Edison soon enough. He's 3 1/2 now, and time seems to go faster the older I get. When I signed up for the review I had him in mind though. In the meantime Isaak (age 9) can use them to draw from. 

• They have another magazine called Zootles for ages 3-6. There are 6 issues in all. This is what I should have gotten Edison, but that's alright I have plenty for him. I'm never lacking in gifts for this age. 

• They have another magazine called Zoobies for ages 0-3. There are 6 issues in all.

Lots of different choices for different ages. 

Cost:

$19.95 + Shipping and Handling $7.95. I don't think the cost is bad considering all that you get. They do have a great return policy. Kids lot getting things in the mail! 

Did you get a magazine in the mail when you were a kid? I got Cricket and Highlights. 

Disclaimer: I received this set of magazines for the purpose of this review. Zoobooks did not influence me to write a positive review. The opinions in this post are my own. 

Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speakers With FM Radio

Mica's addicted to music. He plays Queen the most, but likes other bands/singers as well.

I'm so happy to give him this Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speakers With FM Radio made by: Ancord for Christmas. You can get it on Amazon Prime for $26.98: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F4PZ898

Come With:

• Speaker that's also an FM Radio
• 2 cords
• A Manual 

You can add a 3 year $1.84 or 4 year $3.87 warranty. The cost isn't a lot. I just usually don't get the added warranty for something that isn't that much money.

Colors

• I got green to review. It's more of an army green color.
• They also have an orange, which is a rusty orange color. 

I really like both colors!

Easy to Use

It has 2 cords.

Play time lasts up to 12 hours!

It does have bluetooth capabilities. I didn't play with this too much. It's going to be for Mica's phone, not mine. 

The circle button just needs to be held until a blue light comes on. Then you can start to hear sound. One click of a button will change it to FM radio, which is handy for an emergency tornado, snow storm, or other crazy event that may occur. 

I love the cord that is durable! 

It's Waterproof!

I'm not saying it should be taken into the water, but it can go around water without too many worries.

• One can take it into the bathroom when taking a shower or bath
• One can take it to a pool to set on the deck, while dipping in for a swim.
• One can set it on the edge of a hot tub. 
• It can be placed on a towel at the beach. 
• It can be set on the counter, while dishes are being washed. 

Maybe I can get Mica to wash dishes more than before. He can add music to the process.  ;)

I don't really have anything negative to say about this device just yet. I like that it's durable!

Do you have a speaker for your phone, or device that you like? 

Disclaimer: I received this speaker for the purpose of this review. Ancord did not influence me to write a positive review. The opinions in this post are my own. 

Art Opening

My husband had his residency opening at El Museo Latino a few weeks ago.

I remember when he applied to it he was nervous because of how little Mexican is in his blood. He's just as Mexican as Frida Kahlo is. His Grandpa was 100% Mexican.

It was a 2 month residency during June and July. Boy with my nose surgery, and his residency we were ultra busy! I thought for sure he'd make many of the dinners, but thankfully I had some things made ahead of time in the freezer.  Travis wanted to be in the studio as much as possible.

He talks about his residency project here. He made Nomads, which was carved out of Limestone, and yucca's that he dug up on a trip were planted into the sculpture.

Travis showed up to his opening with rain water in a squirt bottle to water the yucca's. 

Source

He had a few other pieces in the show. Then 2 other artists showed along with him. 

At the opening they had Salsa Dancing lessons. None of use got into it except for Isaak. He couldn't wait to dance. 

Here Isaak is dancing with one of Travis' bosses:

It's not the best photo, but they sure did have fun! 

This Friday we're heading out to art openings. We haven't been in awhile. For the last 2 Fridays we've had our nephew's Edison (3), Elijah (9) and Evan (12) over to spend the night. It's been busy with 5 boys in the house. 

Do you ever go to art openings? Usually they are the first Friday of the month where we live.

GrandBox Review

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!

Before I got the box I didn't really know who to give the box 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.  

Now I still don't know. My Dad is on a very limited diet due to psoriasis around his eyes, my Mom is on that same diet trying to loose weight, my Mother in Law is dieting due to weight loss, my Father in Law I can't see liking many of the snacks, and my Grandpa I can't see liking anything but the cookies. Most of them are on the Paleo Diet.

My boys will like everything in it, so I'm going to indulge, and let them have the snacks. I'll save the dice game for a kid's friend birthday party. We already have the game.

I do love the idea of sending this to someone the boys and I love! If the grands in my life weren't dieting it would be great for them.

What came in the GrandBox:

I thought maybe the grands would like the room spray, but my mom said, "No." I'll keep it in our bathroom. It's Honey and Almond Room Spray.

My boys love cookies! I used to make them more. Isaak was all excited about Maple Creme Cookies from Dare.

I like BigSlice Kettle Cooked Apples. I like them on top of Apple Sauce. One morning this week we'll have to have this for breakfast. 

I  think Mica's so to love Cornbread Crisps - Honey Butter by Farmer's Pantry.

We have a few Tenzi Dice Games already.  I got them to review awhile back. Isaak love the one he has, my nephew Elijah is getting one for Christmas, and I'll save this one for one of Isaak's friend's birthday. Have you played this?

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 received my own GrandBox to review in exchange for writing this post. GrandBox and US Family Guide did influence my writing, or future review.

WW: Pac-Man {Linky}

I get into Halloween more than my kids do. I work at an art college, so most of my students get into the holiday as well. To me it's a fun day to dress up, and be creative.

Isaak's being the same zombie he's been for 3 years now. Mica may or may not dress up.

At Isaak's school Fall Festival I dressed up. Hey if I'm going to buy or make a costume I'm going to wear it more than once.

Punched and hand cut sticker vinyl on a black shirt and black pants. A yellow swimming hat. I haven't decided if my make-up is going to be this way for Halloween or not. I may have more pictures after Halloween.

Do you dress up for Halloween?

@gleegum - Gum Pops Review

It's almost Halloween time! 

I have a few questions for you:

1. Do you dress up? 
2. What kind of candy do you hand out? 

I've been trying to stay away from sugar, which isn't easy considering that my work has it all over the place.

Glee Gum sent me Gum Pops and Glee Gum to review. It's great because it's sugar free, but has the sweet taste that I'm craving.

We've gotten Glee Gum products to review in the past. Never have they disappointed us. I love that their product are fun, tasty, have great packaging, and are not filled with sugar.

Flavors:

• Sweet Strawberry
• Crisp Green Apple, or as we call them Crisp Green Apel Ha! Blog name - Last name.
• Juicy Orange

I was just a tad sad that they only had one Crisp Green Apple! It's my and Isaak's favorite. That was the one he picked to eat.

He said it was good!

About Gum Pops: 

• Allergy-friendly 
• Vegan 
• Made Without Artificial Colors (No Blue 2 Lake or Red 40)
• Made Without Extra Flavors (Made With Tree Sap From the Rainforest of Central America. It's Made From Chicle, Which Helps Conserve the Rainforest 
• Made Without Added Sweeteners (Like Aspartame or Acesulfame K) 
• No Added Preservatives (Like BHT)
• Certified Kosher by the International Kosher Council 

Ages:

3 and up!

Isaak is 9, so he's well over the age limit. He was a little concerned because he has a space maintainer in his mouth. He was told not to chew any gum. I told him to just chew it with his front teeth. He did just that, and had no problems.

Cost:

$6.95 per bag of Glee Gum - Gum Pops. If you spend more than $50 on their site you get free shipping.

Flavors of Glee Gum:

• Peppermint
• Bubblegum 
• Lemon-Lime 
• Wintergreen
• Mixed Berry 
• Tangerine 

Their Kits:

Encourage parents and kids to learn about what they are eating. Kits are $13.95 per kit.

• Make Your Own Chewing Gum Kit
• Make Your Own Chocolate Kit
• Make Your Own Gummies Kit

All Glee Gum products are packaged in recyclable material. I love that they can have something a little sweet that isn't packed full of dyes, sugar, and crap.

Follow Glee Gum:

Check out their webstore
Facebook (Glee Gum)
Twitter (@gleeguy)
Pinterest (Glee Gum)
Instagram (glee.gum) 
Sign-up for their monthly e-newsletter with exclusive deals & offers

What's something you'd like to try from Glee Gum?

Disclaimer: The opinions on the post are my personal take on the product. This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. I am not compensated to provide my opinion except for receiving the products themselves to test out. Glee Gum provided me with a free sample of this product to review. I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review.

Madagascar A Musical Adventure @RoseTheaterCo Review

We had a chance to visit The Rose Theater again!

Right now they are showing DreamWorks Madagascar A Musical Adventure. My boys like the moves, so I thought it would be a great one to see on stage!

It's always fun to see the set design, and their stage is just beautiful!

This didn't seem to be as big of a show as some of the others that had intermissions, and a live orchestra. It still was fun!

About the Play: 

Alex the Lion, Gloria the Hippo, Melman the Giraffe, and Marty the Zebra have an unexpected adventure. They go from Central Park Zoo in New York where they are adored and cared for to Madagascar where they are wild, free, and hungry. Different animals make appearances along the way. Notably the penguins and the lemurs added humor to the musical.

The musical really gets into different types of friendships. I really liked the relationship of Alex and Marty. They were a great duo in the musical. Of course they go from being the best of friends to Alex wanting to eat Marty because of his natural instincts.

The costumes were pretty great as well!

Here's Marty:

Here's Alex:

I felt like they could of added to Gloria and Melman's costumes just a bit. 

Cast and Crew:

Marty the Zebra: Is the one that's bored with life in the Central Park Zoo. He wishes he was in the wild. 

J. Isaiah Smith

Alex the Lion: Is the leader of the pack. He sticks with a friend so much as to leave his safe surroundings to go to the wild Madagascar just to be there for Marty. He experiences a falling out with his friendship.

Jordan Smith

Melman the Giraffe: Is the worrier. He's always nervous that something may not go right. 

Manny Oñate

Gloria the Hippo: Tries to add humor to the scenes.  

Sue Gillespie Booton

Director: Kevin Ehrhart

Assistant Director: Geran Ramet

Music Director: Jerry Brabec

Choreographer: Sue Gillespie Booton

There's more people in the show!

They made me want to Move It!

Ages This Show:

Is best for ages 5 and up.

Time Frame:

75 Minutes.

Show Dates:

The show is at The Rose Theater in Omaha, Nebraska from October 6-22, 2017.

I know I'm late in reviewing this. They have Van Gough and Me coming up November 3-12! After that is The Best Christmas Pageant Ever December 1-23! Please go check them out!

Contact The Rose Box Office: 

• 402.345.4849 for more information

• This musical is sponsored by Children's Hospital & Medical Center, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Mutual of Omaha, the Whitmore Charitable Trust, the Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment

Remember to move it! 

Disclaimer: I received tickets from The Rose Theater to see Madagascar A Musical Adventure. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Boy's 2-Pack Camo Pajama Pants + Slipper Socks

My boys don't really wear pajamas. They do however love pajama pants, and on weekends they like to wear their robes.

Recently I got Mad Dog Boy's 2-Pack Camo Pajama Pants + Slipper Socks to review: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XYFN6CP

I had Mica try the set on, but I'll be giving the set to Isaak for Christmas. It's a tad short on Mica, but will fit Isaak perfectly. Clothes go directly from one son to the next.

Sizes:

We got a size 14-16 to review. Mica's in that size for pants. I wasn't sure if this set would be for him, or Isaak. I knew one of my kids would get some use out of them. They fit Mica, but I'd want a size up for them to last through the winter. They don't have a bigger size. I just have pretty tall kids.

• Size 6
• Size 8
• Size 10-12
• Size 14-16

Cost:

$16.99, which is a great price for 2 pj pants and slipper socks. It's on Prime shipping!

Material: 

Polyester! They wash up nice. 

The slippers have no slide fabric on the bottoms. They work great on our wood floors.

Are you a fan on pajama bottoms for lounging around the house in?

Disclaimer: I received this pajama pant and slipper sock set to review in exchange for writing this post. Mad Dog did influence my review.