Rainy Day Creativity That's Perfect for Spring

    We all know that April Showers bring May Flowers. However, after being cooped up all winter, being stuck inside on a rainy day in the spring is no fun! How about doing something fun and creative to pass the time?

Rainy Day Creativity That's Perfect for Spring

    I'm always on the lookout for fun projects to keep Liam and I both entertained on a cruddy day. I recently came across this 5D Diamond Painting Kit featuring my favorite Van Gogh painting, A Starry Night.

     It's supposed to rain tomorrow, and Liam is actually excited about it. He can't wait to get started on our "starry painting!" Turn a boring and drab day into a memory to last forever. You or your kids will enjoy creating this wonderful piece of art. You may want to grab more than one because you won't want to just sit back and watch. 

Paint by Number Got an Upgrade

    I always loved doing paint by number paintings when I was a kid, and I still love them today. However, they have now been upgraded! The 5D Diamond Painting kit doesn't actually use paint at all. Instead you're placing 2.8 millimeter beads all over the image.

    Each color is numbered, so all you need to do is place it on the corresponding number on the painting. It's less messy, and more fun! As a special needs mom, I think it's great therapy fun! Your child will be passing time on a rainy day and enjoying this project, all the while working on fine motor skills, and hand eye coordination. It's a win win for special families! 

Easy and Relaxing

    This kit comes with everything you need to create a one of a kind, beautiful piece of art. Simply put a little wax on the end of the pen, pick up each bead, one by one, and place it on the corresponding number on the image. (The canvas comes covered in the adhesive to make them stick.) That's it! When you're all done, you can frame it. Hang it in your own home, or gift it to someone you love.

PAWrents! Safety, Convenience, and Style in One Pet Collar

    Attention proud PAWrents! I just found the coolest pet collars! They combine safety, convenience, and style all in one. PetTastic collars are PAWSOME!

PAWrents! Safety, Convenience and Style in One Pet Collar

    Spring is finally here. (Even if it is still snowing and cold!) As soon as the weather turns (looks like the end of the week for us,) we'll be resuming our walkies at the local park. I was looking for a new collar for our sweet Josie Joy when I stumbled upon PetTastic. I fell in love immediately.

    First I was attracted to the stylish patterns of their collars. From flowers, to plaid, to unicorns, their pet collars are on point with today's trends. They will immediately catch your eye. For us, the only daughters we have, have fur. So to get them cutesy patterns that you would see on human girls is a lot of fun. We missed out on all of that when buying stuff for our two human boys. Then I noticed how handy they were.

A Special Place for Tags

    As a PAWrent, you know that our fur babies need to wear certain tags. They need to be licensed in our state, as well as have an up to date tag to show that they're vaccinated against rabies. Then there's an ID tag in the event that our precious babies get lost. I always hated having all of these tags hang on the D hook that you hook their leash to. PetTastic solved that dilemma by featuring a special place to attach all of your pet's tags. It's far away from the leash hook up so they're not getting tangled either. 

Comfy and Soft

    These collars from PetTastic are made of sturdy nylon. However, they have an ultra soft neoprene lining on the inside of the collar. That makes them softer against your pet's neck. This is especially important for our Josie Joy as her skin is so very sensitive. She loves her PetTastic collar, and doesn't run from me when I put it on her. This is the first one that she has actually tolerated without a fight.

    The buckle clip is super sturdy too. It's eco friendly, and clips easily around your fur baby's neck. Yet it's strong enough to hold up to everyday use without fear that your dog can break it. As you can see, we fully endorse the collars from PetTastic. Josie gives them two paws up and your pets will too!

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

Follow via Facebook 

Spring Cleaning with Pets

    Believe it or not, it's actually Spring. (Super hard to believe since they're calling more plowable snow tomorrow!) I've already started my spring cleaning because with kids and pets, this house was in dire need!

Spring Cleaning with Pets

     Pets add so much love to our lives. They also add fur and messes to our homes. After a long and never ending Winter our homes are due for a good over haul! So let's talk cleaning with pets!

Using Safe Cleaners

    Having children and fur children made me rethink what I used to clean my home. I didn't want cleaners with harsh chemicals that could harm them. But I also wanted cleaners that actually work! Did you know that you can mix up your very own household cleaning sprays, and they work wonderfully?

     For my counters and kitchen cleaning, I use a mix of two tablespoons of baking soda and half of a cup of white vinegar. I add in a few drops of essential oils for scent, and top off my spray bottle with distilled water. That's it! It keeps my counters spotless and works great even in the nasty oven and microwave. Plus, it's pretty pet and kid safe (as long as they won't be drinking it!)

    If you're looking for a pet safe window cleaner, try mixing half a cup of white vinegar, and a teaspoon of dish soap. This will wipe grime from your windows while leaving a streak free shine!

     I also make my own furniture polish. I use two tablespoons of olive oil, a few drops of lemon essential oil, and a quarter of a cup of white vinegar. Using a funnel, pour it into your spray bottle. Shake well before each use. My wooden furniture has never looked better!

Cleaning Your Rugs

    As you know, kids and pets also do a pretty good job of messing up our carpets. For my everyday cleaning, I swear by my Bissell Pet Hair Eraser. I've had quite a few vacuums over the years, and none of them could compare to my Bissell. Our Shepherd is a hairy beast, and our Bissell is the bomb when it comes to cleaning up her fur!

    Speaking of fur. One way to keep your carpets clean is to brush your pets and remove their excess fur BEFORE they shed it onto your rugs. I brush Bayleigh daily with this pet brush. It takes off her loose fur, as well as getting right down to her under coat. I've never used a better brush, and you will love it too!

Will Work for Treats

     My Shepherd loves to help me around the house. And by help I mean follow me from room to room and insist on kisses while I clean. But she's cute, and she works for treats, so it's all good. She happens to be very fond of these Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats in Duck. They're grain free as well as gluten, corn, and soy free. With no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors, they make a tasty AND healthy treat for your fur baby!

Keep the Couch Looking New and Fur Free

    As a pet mom, I know all too well the havoc they can wreak on a couch. However, it isn't just them. Kids tend to be slobs too! If you're looking to keep your couch looking like new, then this post is for you!

Keep the Couch Looking New and Fur Free

    Our furniture is always covered in pet fur. Between the shepherd's long coat, the mutt's short hairs, and the cat's fluffy fur, there's always something left behind. Our home isn't home without pet fur! However, I don't want it all over our clothing, let alone have my guests covered in it. Which is why I decided on this couch cover by INNX.

    The cover shields our gorgeous couch from our girls fur, as well as protects it from my son. He's always on the move, and tends to spill and create a lot of crumbs. In order to keep my couch looking like new, I had to do something. I love how the cover looks, (its made of really nice, quilted microfiber suede,) and adore how I can easily remove it when I have guests coming. Therefore, my couch underneath looks brand new, and there's no worry about pet fur being left behind for my guests to sit on.

Easy On and Off, as Well as Machine Washable

    Putting this INNX slipcover on is super easy. It has a strap that goes around the back of your couch to hold it in place. It also has extra side anchors, that you slip between the arms and cushion to help keep it in place.

    When it's time to wash your couch cover, simply toss it in the washer, and set to a cold, gentle wash. Just hang it to dry when it's finished. Easy peasy!

I Love it!

    I love that the INNX Couch Slipcover looks. As well as how it keeps my couch looking like new. When guests come over, I just slip it off and there's no dog hair on my couch to pester my guests. If you have pets and kids, then you're going to love it too! To get yours, click here!

Dresses and More for Any Occassion

    Yesterday was Easter, and many of us don our nicest clothes. But whether you're looking for clothing for church, school dances, and more, Sophia's Style has a full selection for both boys and girls alike.

Dresses and More for Any Occasion

    I first came across Sophia's Style last spring when I was looking for baby girl dresses for a friend of mine. I immediately fell in love with not only their wide array of styles, but also their prices too. Quality clothing and affordable prices is a rare find these days!

    This Spring, I wanted to choose a dress for my sweet niece. She loves to wear fancy dresses, and with Easter service right around the corner, I knew my sister in law would be looking for the perfect dress for Ash. Once again, Sophia's Style did not disappoint.

My Niece and Her Mom are in Love

    The Neon Pink Wool Dobby Dress I chose, came just in time for Easter! On good Friday it was here and my husband took it over for my niece. I immediately sent my sister in law images and she couldn't wait to see it in person. My niece loved it, as did my sister!

    The color is beautiful and so on point with the bright colors that are in right now. The pearls around the waist are the perfect touch. Oh, and did I mention, it has flounce? There's crinoline type lining underneath so the lower portion has some flair.

    With the v neckline and the pearls, it reminds me of an up to date dress that Audrey Hepburn would wear today. It's absolutely gorgeous. I may be bias but my niece looks so beautiful in it!

So Much More

    Sophia's Style has a full selection of clothing for babies, toddles, kids, tweens and teens. They have outfits for both girls and boys, as well as accessories. From bow ties, hair ties, and so much more. Amazing prices and fantastic customer service make Sophia's Style a top place to shop! Check them out!

Be sure to follow Sophia's Style via Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Packing Tips for Spring Break or Summer Vacation

    Many people are getting ready to head out for Spring Break. Summer vacations are right around the corner too, so we thought we'd share some packing tips! (Because I don't know about you, but I'm ready for vacation!)

Packing Tips for Spring Break or Summer Vacation

    Many people dislike packing for vacations, but I actually love to pack for trips. (It's the re-packing at the cottage to leave, and the unpacking at home, that I loathe.) Since I love it so much, I have found some pretty neat hacks that I'd like to share with you all.

Make a List

    Make a list and follow it! Don't make it and forget to use it! I have drilled this into my boys heads, and they FINALLY do it too! I usually start making my list a few weeks before we will be leaving. That way I can add to it as I think of something that we may need. (This is especially useful if you'll be camping.)
 
    When it's time to pack, check off each item as you pack it. That way you know you have everything you'll need, and you can relax a bit more.

Roll With It

    Literally! Roll your clothes when packing them up. It saves so much more space. I have even taught Liam to roll his entire outfits. He takes shorts or pants, lays down a shirt, and then underpants, and rolls them up. Voila! Instant outfit!

Packing Cubes are a Must

    I swear by packing cubes! They make packing and unpacking so much easier! I really love this set of 6 Packing Cubes by Amelleon. Each packing cube is made of ultralight, durable, and waterproof nylon. They also feature sturdy zippers. The tops are mesh so you can easily see what you have packed in each cube.

    I like to pack by clothing. I use one cube for pajamas, another for jeans and shorts, one for swim wear, panties, bras, and socks, another for shirts, and then the last is for my shoes. The shoe cube from Amelleon is perfect for fitting a few pairs of shoes. It doesn't have the mesh top which is great because if your shoes are worn and a bit dirty, your clothes in the suitcase will stay clean!

    It has a laundry bag! This set of packing cubes comes with a dirty laundry bag. I love it! Over packing is my jam because I hate feeling unprepared. Which means that I don't dirty all of my clothing. So I really love the idea of having a dirty laundry bag.

Upcycle Old Medicine Bottles

    If you're cheap like me, you don't want to spend money on travel bottles. If you're also like me and tend to save everything, then you may have a stash of old medicine bottles. Soak them in super hot water to remove the labels and let them dry.

    You can now use them for lotions, shampoos, and soaps. They even make a handy cotton swab and cotton ball dispenser!

    Speaking of bottles, if you're going to be away for an extended period, or if you just want to take an entire bottle of shampoo or conditioner, then grab some plastic wrap. Remove the lids, and cover the opening with the plastic wrap. Then simply place the lids back on. It will keep them from leaking in your bag.

RELAX

    I think that about sums up my tips. The last one is, RELAX. Enjoy your vacation and make the most of your free time! With these tips you'll be able to do just that!

Show Your Super Side!

    We all have a little Super Hero within us. Now your kids can show their super side, and keep warm on chilly nights or days. Enter Super Blanky!

Show Your Super Side! 

    My son loves his blankets! He has more than anyone I know. Liam also happens to love super heroes, with Batman being his favorite. So when I saw the Batman Super Blanky, I knew he had to have one! 

It's a kid! It's a Super Hero! It's a Super Blanky!

    With Super Blanky, kids can cuddle in it and stay warm of chilly days or nights. It's perfect for snuggling up and watching a good movie too! But maybe best of all is that this blanky also doubles as a super hero cape! Kids can just slip their arms through the patented "sleeves," and voila, they have a cape! Liam loves that it doesn't go around his neck because that makes him feel like hes' choking. Instead, Super Blanky goes across their shoulders! Oh, and it also came with a mask, which we know super heroes need to keep their identity secret!

Super Blanky is AWESOME! 

    We love Super Blanky! My son hasn't put it down since he got it the other day. But don't worry, if you child doesn't like Batman, there are a bunch of other Super Blanky styles to choose from. Kids can choose from Skye or Chase from Paw Patrol. There's Poppy from Trolls. Unicorn lovers will adore the Fluffy Unicorn Super Blanky from Despicable Me. They also have a T Rex from Jurassic Park, Catboy from PJ Masks, and an EmojiNation one too! To see them all and purchase online, head to Target.

Soft and Comfy

    Super Blanky is so soft and cozy! My son and I both love it, and we know you and your kids will as well. With Easter right around the corner, your kids will be stoked to find one in their Easter baskets. Afterall, the bunny doesn't just need to bring candy. He or she can bring them their very own Super Blanky. They all come with a special felt mask too, so your son or daughter will love to dress up and be comfy at the same time!

Be sure to connect with Super Blanky via Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube

Mr. Bubble Still Makes Bath Time Fun

     I grew up with Mr. Bubble. We always had a bottle of "his" bubble bath on the side of our tub, and it made bath time so much fun. It's all I ever used for Bran when he was little, and now for Liam.

 Mr. Bubble Still Makes Bath Time Fun!

    Good ol' Mr. Bubble has been around for fifty years. He was a part of our nightly ritual as kids, and then when I became a mom, he was and is part of my boys. Liam is (almost) twelve, but he still uses Mr. Bubble. After all, Mr. Bubble is America's favorite bath time buddy! 

    His current go to is Mr. Bubble Foam Soap. This stuff is so cool! Kids can mold it and create fun shapes in the tub. When they're done, they use it to wash themselves! This Foam Soap turns bath time into the perfect sensory experience, which also means the "mess" is contained in the tub. Since it's also soap, the aftermath can be rinsed away. So let your kids go wild and enjoy the fun!

    Liam "shaves" with it too. He has a few of those plastic toy razors. He takes his Mr. Bubble Foam Soap, and emulates how his daddy lathers up his face and shaves. Hey, it's great (and safe) practice for when he actually needs to shave. (Tear! They grow up TOO FAST!)

Sensory Scents 

    Okay, so Mr. Bubble is for everyone, but as an autism mom, I always find the sensory fun in products. Since his Foam Soap comes in different scents, it adds even more enjoyment to the sensory experience. You can choose from scents such as cherry, banana, cotton candy, watermelon, orange cream, grape, birthday cake, peach sorbet, and more. Each scent is also a different color which is even more fun!

Shower Painting

    Set up a Picasso Bath for your little ones! Grab all of the scents and colors of Mr. Bubble Foam Soap. Then get some paintbrushes, and one of your muffin tins. (If you don't want them using your good muffin pan, then upcycle an egg carton!) Fill each slot with a different scent/color, and let your kids have fun.

    They can "paint" the walls of the shower and tub with the Foam Soap, and when they're done, just rinse it away. It's a wonderful way to get them into the tub. Just be warned, it might be a chore to get them back out!

Mr. Bubble is the Bomb

Your parents trusted Mr. Bubble, and now we trust him for our kids. You can still get a full line of bubble baths, as well as Magic Bath Crackles and more. To see them all, visit Mr. Bubble. Easter is coming. Stock up and fill their baskets with fun! 

    Follow via Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube

Sensitive Skin? Want Something More Natural?

    If your child has sensitive skin, or if you're looking for something more natural, then check out Nourishing Naturals. (The Village Company is home to Mr. Bubble and the Nourishing Naturals line.) Nourishing Naturals line of bath time products features beloved Sesame Street characters, AND is made from all natural products, including fruits and veggies! You can get some at Target.  

Hyperacusis, Autism, and HearMuffs

     Hyperacusis is very common among autistics. You may not have heard of it by the medical name, but simply put, it's auditory sensitivities. It's hard to enjoy the world around you if certain noises or pitches actually hurt you.

Hyperacusis, Autism, and HearMuffs

    Liam was always sensitive to certain noises. I will never forget the time we were downtown to visit the craft store, and a bunch of semis were coming up main street. We were crossing the street up further, and suddenly he ripped his hand out of mine, fell to the ground, and shielded his ears with his hands.

    Thankfully at five years old, he was still small enough that I could scoop him and carry him to side walk quickly. That was a very scary moment, and one of my first learning experiences along our autism journey. (He wasn't diagnosed until he was five years old, so his Dx was fairly new when this happened.)

So What Do We Do?

    Children (and adults) on the Autism Spectrum that experience Hyperacusis often shield their ears to certain sounds, frequencies, or pitches. Often they will not go to certain places where these offensive noises happen. (For years, Liam struggled in the checkout lane of the grocery store. The beep of the scanner was excruciating for him.) Avoiding public places can socially isolate the autistic, but there is help.

    Hearing protection. A good pair of ear muffs will make their life so much better! By blocking out those painful noises, the wearer can once again enjoy the world around them.

HearMuffs by Lucid Audio

    Liam loves his HearMuffs by Lucid Audio. As his mom, I love them too. Not only are they comfortable for him to wear, but they're made with non-toxic, kid safe materials. HearMuffs are Audiologist recommended too! 

     These ear muffs feature an industry leading 22 Noise Reduction Rating (NRR.) That means they will protect their ears from not only painful, but also loud noises. Liam wears his if we're going somewhere that he knows bothers his ears. They're also handy for when he goes to the tractor pulls, mud bogs, and amusement parks. 

    They look cool too, so there's no worry of your older kids not wanting to wear them. HearMuffs come in a variety of colors. You can choose from orange, red, blue, pink, white, and more.

Kids and Younger 

    HearMuffs comes in different sizes too. The kids HearMuffs are for kids ages five to ten years old. Liam is almost twelve, and they fit him well since they're adjustable. However, if your child is younger, Lucid Audio also has HearMuffs for them too!

     To learn more, and see all of their products, visit Lucid Audio.  Right now you can SAVE 15% off your HearMuffs! Use coupon code hearmuffs15 at checkout! 

Follow via Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube