Sensory Crafting and Creative Fun

    If you've followed us for any length of time, you know that we love to craft. I think I was born with it because I come from a long line of crafters. So when the weather changes and gets rainy and gross, we head inside and to be creative Thanks to Craft City, I usually have fun kits on hands for yucky days.

Sensory Crafting and Creative Fun

    Liam loves to make slime. It not only gives him something to do, but it promotes STEM learning. You know what else it does? It fulfills his need for sensory input. So making slime is a huge winner in our book. We happen to love the DIY Slime Kit from Craft City. It has everything you need to make opaque and crystal slime.

    This kit even comes with tablets to color the slime. There's glitter to make it sparkle too. Oh, and for added sensory fun, there's glow powder, and water gel too. The glow powder makes slime shine so bright! (You can even use it in dyed slime too!) The water gel makes the slime more gooey which is wonderful for kids that seek out more sensory input.

Squishy Art

    Squishies are all the rage. We've always had them on hand because they're a great way for Liam to keep his hands busy while doing his lessons. Well Craft City just upped the ante on squishies. Their DIY Squishy Art kit comes with everything you need to make you own custom squishies. There are three of them inside for your kids to decorate. The kit comes with puffy paint and chalk to color them. When you're done, you can add some faux sprinkles on top too.

    It's a great way to let your kids' creative juices flow. While also making themselves a sensory tool for school, homework time and more. We had a blast decorating our squishies. I did the cupcake, while Liam did the doughnut and surprise squishy too. Then he gifted it to his cousin, since he too loves toys to fidget with.

    The holidays are right around the corner. So why not gift your kids some of Craft City's kits. That way you know they'll have something to keep them occupied on snow and ice days. Also, it's a great way to spend quality time with them, and keep their devices out of their hands (even if it is only for an hour.)

Sensory Input for Back to School

A few days ago I got an email from the amazing folks behind Craft City. They wanted to know if Liam would like a Slime Swag Set for back to school. Of course that answer was a resounding yes!

Sensory Input Back to School Style

Now I know all too well how much fun it is to make slime. It’s one of mine and Liam’s favorite ways to spend time together. However, we don’t always have that time, especially during the school year. With that being said, there’s still a need to have slime because it gives Liam wonderful sensory input, and also keeps his hands busy during lessons. Busy hands means he focuses more on me instead of looking around the room and trying to find something to occupy his empty hands.

So when Karina and her team from Craft City asked if we wanted some premade slime, our answer was yes! They did not disappoint! A mere two days later a bunch of slimy fun arrived on our doorstep.

Soda Slime

Let me tell you, this slime smells absolutely fantastic! When my son opened it, I could smell it sitting across the room from the him. He got Orange and Grape soda. Craft City also has Cherry Cola scented and Lemon Lime Soda as well. Your kids are sure to love this four pack of premade slime.

Super Slime

This may very well being one of Liam’s favorite types of slime. He loves the colors and glitter. His favorite is Fire and Ice. It’s an orange slime with gold glitter (two of his faves,) and it even has plastic chunks of “ice” inside. He loves manipulating this slime to expose the ice and pick them out. The four pack also comes with Mood Ring slime which changes colors with heat.  Metallic slime, and Glow in the Dark Rainbow too.

Galactic Slime

Inspired by space, this four pack of Craft City premade slime is out of this world! It comes with Blackberry Blast Off, Martian-mallow, Milky Way Cereal, and Green Apple Goo. The green apple smells exactly like a hard candy. The Milky Way Cereal looks and smells just like a fruity cereal. Plus it has foam balls for even more sensory input.

Glitter Slime

If glitter is your thing then you’re going to love the Craft City Glitter Slime four pack. It comes with glittery fun in blue, gold, rainbow and pink.

More Fun From Craft City

These are just a few of the fun activities and sensory items from Craft City. You can make slime, lip gloss, and more. There are even kits to color your own squishies too! Karina sent Liam two keychain squishies, and two of those balls that you squeeze and parts of it pop out. He hasn’t put them down since they came!

Fashionable Jewelry to Fulfill Sensory Needs

    My son has always been a chewer. I can't tell you how many shirts he ruined before we knew about autism, and Liam's need to chew. When we did, we sought out chewy tools to help him. However, as he gets older, those cutesy kids chewers aren't so "cool" any longer.

Fashionable Jewelry to Fulfill Sensory Needs

    Now that Liam's a tween, he's much more concerned with appearance, and "looking like a baby." So finding him something that not only fulfills his sensory needs, but also looks more grown up isn't easy. That's why I love Gumeez. Their designs are more in style and don't look like they're chewies. 

Gorgeous Pieces You'll Want to Wear

    Gumeez pieces are so stylish. Kids and even moms will WANT to wear them because they look amazing. But they're also silicone chewies, so they fulfill two purposes. Their necklaces and bangles look so neat! You're going to have a hard time just choosing one!

    They have a full selection of necklaces for moms to wear, as well as ones for younger kids. They have clip on teethers, and bangle bracelets too. You can choose from mermaids, foxes, penguins, and more. There's something for everyone.

Silicone and Safety

    All Gumeez teething jewelry is made from one hundred percent, food grade silicone. That means it's safe for babies and kids (or even adults) alike. They're also BPA and lead free, so you can take comfort in knowing your angel is safe. 

    Gumeez necklaces all feature a break away clasp. This takes away the risk of a choking hazard from the necklace. It also means that if you're wearing it, and your son or daughter wants to chew, they won't be choking you to get to their beads. The necklace will break away so you don't get choked either.

    Not only can you clean your Gumeez with soap and warm water, but they're also dishwasher safe too. Just toss them in and run your dishwasher. Easy peasy!

Whether you have a child on the autism spectrum, or a little one that's teething, check out Gumeez.

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Snorkel Your Way into Summer

    I am at one with nature when there's water to surround me. I've always loved to go underwater and try to see the creatures below. But traditional snorkels hurt your mouth, and are so uncomfortable! That's why I switched to Obliviscar's Full Face Snorkel Mask.

Snorkel Your Way into Summer

    Now you and your entire family can explore underwater life below you, comfortably, and easily. All you need is the Full Face Snorkel Mask by Obliviscar. Since it's a full face mask, there's no uncomfortable tube in your mouth. You can breathe through either your nose or your mouth, without having that nasty breathing tube in your mouth. 

No Leak and Longer Breathing Tube

    This mask features a longer breathing tube so you can go just a bit deeper underwater. It also features a concept that keeps the top of the snorkel from letting water in. That way if a wave crashes down, water won't leak into your breathing tube.

    This feature also keeps your face mask from fogging up. A separate breathing chamber keeps air out of your face mask, which therefore keeps it from fogging up. With the Obliviscar Full Face Snorkel Mask, you can see a complete one hundred and eighty degrees around you. And since your mask will be fog free, you're sure to see everything in the water below you. 

Perfect for Those with Sensory Issues

    I was curious as to how my son would react to this mask from Obliviscar. The inner part of the mask is made from soft, medical grade silicone, so it's not rough on the face. Since he can breathe normally, without the use of a breathing tube, he fell in love! He's been using it in the bathtub, and can't wait for it to warm up so he can explore our swimming hole with his new Full Face Snorkel Mask. 

Bonus Goodies!

    Your Obliviscar Full Face Snorkel Mask also come with a camera mount for your GoPro camera. So not only will you see all the creatures underwater, but you can capture the memory to last a lifetime! 

    It also comes with a pair of silicone ear plugs. No one wants Swimmers Ear, especially on vacation, so plug up those ears! Last but not least, it comes with a waterproof phone case that will virtually all phones (up to six inches.)

    With summer sneaking up on us, grab your Obliviscar Full Face Snorkel Mask now.

Safety, Comfort, and Medical Alert All in One

    One common problem for many autistics is sensory issues. For Liam, one in particular is a seat belt. He hates how it rubs his neck, and always wants to put his shoulder strap behind him. That's unsafe, so we needed to find a seat belt pad to help relieve his discomfort.

Safety, Comfort, and Autism Medical Alert All in One

    Sew Good by Dolores creates the nicest Autism Medical Alert Seat Belt Covers. First of all, they are super soft to the touch (made of micro suede,) and keep the seat belt from rubbing your loved ones skin, or cutting into their neck. 

    Secondly, they will alert first responders, medical personnel, or even police that your loved one is on the autism spectrum. You can choose from Autism, Autism Low Verbal, or Autism Non Verbal. There is a puzzle piece design, or a medical alert design to choose from as well. Each one is embroidered by Dolores, and she can even add a name to your seat belt cover.

    Each one comes with a paper for you to fill in your loved ones medical data. There's even a spot for a picture too. This is so nice in the event of an emergency. Even if your child happens to be verbal, there's no guarantee they will speak or respond to emergency personnel. This way, you'll know that responders will be aware of their condition. (It tucks nicely into the pocket, inside the cover.)

Not Just for Autism

    Sew Good by Dolores, has luxury seat belt covers for other conditions too. She has Heart Disease, Epilepsy, CHD, Deaf, Diabetes, Special Needs, and so many more. To see them all, check out her listing.

    Dolores also makes medical alerts for backpack straps, as well as nice pillows and more. Her embroidery work is flawless and beautiful. The customer service she gives is equally amazing!

Liam Approved

    Liam recently received a Medical Alert Seat Belt Cover from Sew Good by Dolores. I put it on his seat belt and he loved it. He keeps rubbing his face on it. Liam also informed me that, "it makes this nasty belt nicer mama!" So there you have it, it's Liam approved! :)

For more info, visit Sew Good by Dolores

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Make That Slime More Satisfying!

 
    If you're the parent of a tween or teen, then I'm willing to bet you're well versed in the making of slime. However, there are ways to make that slime more satisfying!! There are different kinds you can make, but you can also take a simple recipe, and add in some fun!

Make That Slime More Satisfying!

    We make slime a few times a week here. Not only is it a great lesson in mixing stuff and reactions, but for us, it serves a sensory purpose too! We recently made some Fluffy Slime, and that was a huge hit with Liam.

    Though it has lost a bit of its fluffiness, its currently his go to slime. He lays it out and cuts it, rolls it, scoops it and more. But I thought it would be fun if we added something to it. Which is where this Slime Supplies Making Kit comes in.

Loads of Fun

    This kit is a ton of fun! It's packed full of slime add ins to make them more satisfying to play with and even look at. The Slime Supplies Making Kit comes with twelve bags of foam beads in colors such as pink, white, blue, black, purple, and more. It also comes with two bags of mini foam beads in a mixed variety of colors, as well two bags of large foam beads in the same colors.

   

    You get one bag of colorful pom poms, a bag of clay fruit slices, a bag of loom bags, and a bag of fish bowl beads. Everything you need to make some crunchy, cool slime!

    It also comes with three tools for cutting, slicing, scooping your slime and more!

Fluffy Slime Recipe

    Let's talk slime making! I am going to share Liam's recipe for Fluffy Slime. I've added the measurements in an easy to reference image, but first, let's talk.

    Okay, so let me first say that generic glue does NOT make for very good slime. We have made TONS of slime, and it has to be with Elmer's. 

    Secondly, in order for this recipe to work, the contact solution MUST HAVE BORIC ACID in the ingredients. (The Equate brand at Walmart works great!)

     Third, only use 1 tsp of contact solution to start. You can always add more later. Also, don't add too much because once the slime "rests" it will be perfect. I always start Liam with one tsp, then add a bit more if needed. But don't make your slime too stiff or once it rests, it will be hard.

   And lastly, make sure you're using shaving cream foam. Don't use gels! This is important too!

     Gather your ingredients and you're ready to make some slime! 

    Are you enjoying your fluffy slime? I bet you are. But not it's time to add some texture! Add some foam beads, the fish bowl beads or both!

    If you're making slime with clear Elmer's, try adding some of the fruit slices! They look so neat in there! As you can see, we are loving our Slime Supplies Making Kit. If you have a slime lover, they're going to love it too! With Easter quickly approaching, it would make a great addition to their Easter basket!

PlaSmart Makes Play More Than Just Fun

     If you've followed me for any length of time, you know that I love toys and games that are more than just fun. The best way to get your kids to learn is by engaging with them and having fun. Which is exactly how PlaSmart fits into this.

PlaSmart Makes Play More Than Just Fun

    The Smartivity® Series by PlaSmart inspires enjoyable learning through innovation, discussion and questioning. The toys in this series help children use STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) ideas to develop practical, creative and even analytical intelligence, all through play. How cool is that?

Mechanical Xylofun Music Machine

    In about ninety minutes, your children can be making their own sweet music with the Mechanical Xylofun Music Machine. This DIY set includes two hundred and eight pieces that your child will assemble and then be able to make music by turning the crank.

    It will teach your son or daughter about vibrations, gears, and ratchet pawl mechanisms. It's not just a build it and play toy either. They can then mix the pegs up, to create different music, again and again. Pretty sweet right??

Fantastic Optics Kaleidoscope 

    If you have about forty-five minutes, then you and your children have time to create your very own kaleidoscope. PlaSmart's Fantastic Optic Kaleidoscope comes with one hundred and thirty-one pieces that can be assembled to make your own visual wonder. It teaches children about optics of mirrors and reflections, as well as the mixing of colors and changing shapes. Liam and I both love kaleidoscopes and could stare into them for hours! 

More Fun from PlaSmart Smartivity Series

    These are just two examples of the ingenuitive toys from PlaSmart. You and your kids can also create a Super Duper Propulsion Car, a Pump It Move It Hydraulic Crane, and a Roller Coaster Marble Slide. To see them all and choose which ones you have to have, head to PlaSmart. Easter will be here soon, and these fun toys would be a wonderful addition to any Easter basket.

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Scented and Squishy Fruits to Satiate Sensory Seekers from Buylet

    I have a seeker! He's always moving, jumping, squishing, spinning and more. When we go places he has to touch everything to feel it. So how do I stop him from that? I give him sensory toys to keep his hands busy! I happen to love these scented and squishy fruits from Buylet. If you have a seeker, then this is for you!

Scented and Squishy Fruits to Satiate Sensory Seekers

    I just got Liam a four pack of jumbo squishy fruits from Buylet. They were an instant hit! These fruits are so soft and pliable, which makes them a blast to squeeze. Liam likes watching them slowly rise back to shape too. 

    He pokes and prods them, squeezes and squishes them. They're even scented so they not only satisfy a tactile seeker, but an olfactory seeker as well. 

Use Them to Help With Hand Eye Coordination

    Because Buylet's Jumbo Fruit Squishies are soft, they're great for using in a game of catch. Liam still struggles with catching objects. These soft fruits are great for tossing, inside the house and out. You won't have to worry if your child gets hit with them because they are so soft. We even use them for games of Hot Fruit (because fruit is cooler than potatoes!)

For Adults and Kids Alike

    Whether your child has special needs, or just gets anxious, Buylet's Jumbo Fruit Squishies are perfect. They're great for squeezing and relieving stress! My niece loves them too!

    As for adults, they are also an effective stress reliever, as well as perfect for exercising their hands. My mom has Psoriatic Arthritis, and her hands get so sore! Liam gave his Nana the giant Peach and she has been using to stretch her hands every day. She loves it too!

    Easter is coming, so grab this four pack from Buylet, and add a piece of squishy fruit to everyone's Easter Basket! 

Science and Sensory Fun All in One

    Whether you home school your child, or you're just looking for some fun experiments to spend a rainy or snowy day, then you have to check out Awesome Science Experiments for Kids by Crystal Chatterton.

Science and Sensory Fun All in One

    This book has over one hundred STEM and STEAM experiments to not only engage your child's brain, but to teach them that these things are fun. Each project outlines everything you'll need to get started, and has full color pictures to show you how. 

    It also teaches your children to question why things work the way they do, and also how they work. While encouraging them to ask these questions, it also gives them the answers so they learn from the fun they're having. 

The Images Make it Exciting

    The full color images in the book make it more exciting for kids. Instead of just seeing "recipes" and instructions, kids will see what they can do with each experiment. I know personally that it helps my son narrow down his choices on which project he wants to do each day. 

Make It: Cornstarch Quicksand

    Cornstarch quicksand has long been a favorite among my boys. (They are 21 and 11 and both still love playing with it. You may have heard of this before by it's other name, Oobleck (inspired by Dr. Seuss.) Not only is it easy to make, but it also fulfills sensory needs for the seekers in your life.

    It's also a great lesson in a non-Newtonian fluid. Is it a solid or is it a liquid? (Spoiler: It's both!) You can make it the traditional way, (and even put it in the tub for more fun,) or to make it even more enjoyable, you can make it into a dough! We do both as you can see from our pictures.

Paperback or eBook

    If you're old fashioned and love a hands on book, then you can get Awesome Science Experiments for Kids by Crystal Chatterton in a full color paperback. Or, you can get the eBook for your tablet or computer. Either way, it's still the same awesome book. (If you have Kindle Unlimited, you can actually get it FREE!) 

About the Author

    Crystal must be the most fun ever! She home schools her three kids and has designed this book so that other parents, grandparents and teachers can feel like Science rock stars! My personally thinks I'm awesome when I tell him it's science experiment day. (So thank you Crystal!)