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.

Add Some Pizazz to Their Bike

    My son lives for roller skating and his bike. His inline skates are LED, so they light up the night. However, he wanted his bike to do the same! So we found these 7 Color LED Bike Lights by Poliyu.

Add Some Pizazz to Their Bike

    Poliyu's 7 Color LED Bike Lights are awesome! There are two modes which are steady on, or flashing. You can also change them to whatever color you choose. And with seven to choose from, you can change them everyday if you want. Your tweens and teens will love customizing their bike with these awesome lights!

Safety and Peace of Mind

     Not only do they make your bike "look cool," according to my tween, but as a mom, I love the safety they provide. If you ride your bike at night, Poliyu's lights will make sure you are visible at all times! 

    Vehicles and people alike will see you coming, which is safer for you and for them. Even though my son rarely rides at night, and when he does, one of us is with him, it's helpful to know he can be seen. It's also one less thing to worry about as a parent.

Easy to Install

    The Poliyu Light Set is easy to install. It comes with everything you need to light up the night with your bike. It has the lights, and even the batteries to operate them. There are clips to attach the lights to your spokes, and zip ties to anchor the battery compartment down. Within minutes your bike will be able to shine a light wherever you roam. 

One Size Fits All

    This light set is a one size fits all set up. You can use it on toddler bikes that are twelve inches, and on bikes up to twenty-nine inches. So they'll fit any size bike your kids ride. Which makes them perfect for the entire family. If you ride together, then grab a set of these Poliyu lights for each member! 

Some Added Details

• Lightweight
• Waterproof
• Steady on or Flashing Function
• 7 colors can be changed
• Come with 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

To learn more, CLICK HERE.

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!

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!

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!

Small But Mighty Music on the Go From Ancord

    Even though there's a few inches of snow on the ground, Spring is right around the corner. (At least the calendar says so!) That warmer weather means we'll all be enjoying more time outside. If you or your kids like to take your music wherever you go, then you have to check out this Ancord Speaker.

Small But Mighty Music on the Go From Ancord

    Liam is a tween and he has to have his music with him wherever he goes. He also spends a lot of time on his bike. Which is why I don't like him relying on headphones or ear buds for his music. He needs to be able to hear the world around him, while still enjoying his tunes. Which is why I got him the Ancord Speaker.

    It's very small in size, and fits right in the palm of your hand. (Which is great because that means it fits anywhere and goes where you do.) However, don't let its size fool you. The Ancord Speaker delivers crystal clear music and is quite loud. It will put other, larger speakers to shame!

Perfectly Portable

    The Ancord Speaker is not only small but mighty, it's also perfectly portable. Connect to your phone, tablet and more via Bluetooth and enjoy your music. Don't let cords get in the way! You can even take phone calls with it.

But First, Let Me Take a Selfie

    Tweens and teens love to take selfies. Which is good because they'll be able to do just that with their Ancord Speaker. No need for a selfie stick. With the remote shutter button on the speaker you can set up your phone, gather your family and friends, and take that perfect picture. (Hopefully everyone smiles!) Just press the button on your speaker, and voila, instant selfie! Capture those Spring and Summer memories right with your Ancord Speaker.

We love it!

    We all love the Ancord Speaker! Liam carries it wherever he goes. (Which means we rarely get to use it.) With Easter right around the corner, this speaker will make a great addition to your older kids Easter baskets. 

    To get yours, head to Amazon.

(I received this product at a discount to review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I would not share it with you if I didn't think it was a great product.)

Snacks on the Go are Essential to Autism Parenting

    How many times have you gone somewhere, and there was nothing there that your child would eat? I don't have enough fingers or toes to count it! Autistic kids struggle with very real food aversions and sensitivities which is why as parents, we are always packing. Snacks that is! But not just any container will work. Which is where Snack in the Box comes in.

Snacks on the Go are Essential to Autism Parenting

    Part of many food aversions is that our food can't touch. I have this particular aversion and though it annoys many, it is what it is. Am I right? For more, only a handful of foods are okay if they touch one another on a plate or in a container. My son on the other hand can not have ANY foods touch. Which is just one reason I love Precidio's Snack in the Box.

    Snack in the Box has two separate compartments for snacks. The twin chambers keep foods from touching, so kids like mine will be able to enjoy their snacks. The lid opens on each side so you can access each snack individually. The box shape and size makes it fit perfectly in any lunch box, bag, or to toss in your purse. 

Here are some more reasons to love Snack in the Box

• Dishwasher safe and easy to take the lid off for washing
• Made of durable Tritan™ so it will stand up to even the toughest kids
• That same Tritan™ is also eco-friendly, because it's made with food grade polypropylene 
• BPA, BPS, and Phthalate free
• Fully tested for safety and durability

Don't Forget the Drinks!

    I've been a fan of Precidio's products for a couple of years now. Both of my boys love their Drink in the Box, as do I. Just like Snack in the Box, they're durable, easy to use, and my kids take drinks wherever they go. As an old school drink box kid, I love the shape, and how easily they fit into a lunch box or my tote bag. Drink in the Box features a leak proof lid with a straw. Just pop the top and sip away! I love adding fresh fruit to my box, and then spring water. It makes for the yummiest water on the go. They're available in the original eight ounce size, and now they even have a twelve ounce size. 

Coffee for Autism Parents

    Many if not most Autism parents run on coffee or tea. Caffeine is a must for most of us. Kafe in the Box is perfect for your hot or cold caffeinated beverage. Ditch the disposable cups, and grab Kafe in the Box. It's double walled to keep your drink hot or cold and protect your hands as well. Just like the others, its safe for our environment, and for you! 

We NEED These!

    I know you're thinking of how much you need Snack in the Box, Drink in the Box, or Kafe in the Box. You can order them ONLINE, or you can even find a retailer near you HERE.

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Creative Play with Your Building Bricks

    If you're a parent, you know that play is a cornerstone of development in our children's lives. It's how they learn and expand their skills. Give them the tools to create and play, and foster their imagination for a lifetime! In the spirit of this, I have to tell you about some AMAZING books Liam and I recently discovered!

Creative Play with Your Building Bricks

    Sofie and Nate have the coolest activity books to encourage your kids to create more with their building bricks. I instantly fell in love with that idea, because here's what happens in my house. Liam gets a set, we build it, and then in a few months, he takes it apart, and all the pieces go in a tote. Usually he loses the directions, and then just has loose bricks. Liam then struggles with what to build. Enter the activity books from Sofie and Nate. 

"Look mom! Stuff I can build by myself!"

    If you've ever gotten building brick kits, you know that some of those are very hard to build. Some kids with special needs and fine motor skill issues struggle to build such intricate designs. Which is another reason I love these activity books so much.

    Each page shows your child what bricks they need, the color, and how many of each piece. Right there teaches your child simple math and colors. Then it shows them step by step with pictures on where to place the bricks. The designs are simple, yet so much fun!

These books promote:

• fine motor skills
• problem solving
• colors
• shapes
• counting
• written numbers
• following simple directions

PETS Creative Brick Building with Step-by-Step Ideas

    We got the PETS book yesterday and Liam couldn't wait to start building. He quickly set to work sorting all of his bricks. Sofie and Nate also have Farm Animals, Zoo Animals, and Fruits and Vegetables activity books. If you have a child that loves to pretend cook, then the fruit and veggie book would be perfect for them! 

Not Just for the Home

    These activity books would be an amazing addition to any home. But more than that, I think they'd also be a fantastic addition to schools, and therapy rooms. Occupational therapy was huge with my son when he was younger, and they used to do fun stuff like this with him. Sofie and Nate Activity Books will not only keeps kids and patients engaged, but happy and learning because they're having fun!

Don't just take our word for it, head to Sofie and Nate, and order some of their activity books. Your kids will thank you! (Think Easter basket fun for this Spring!)

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Send Them Some Love and a Wish

Okay, so Valentine's Day is tomorrow, but my son wanted to open his wish early. Which is good, because I want to share it with all of you.

Send Them Some Love and a Wish

    I recently connected with A Wish for You and fell in love with their ideas and the gifts they offer. Basically, you chose an item and a beautiful hand quilled card, tell them what you want it to say, and they send it to someone you love! How awesome is that? Since I firmly believe that we should celebrate our loved ones every day, these gifts aren't just perfect for Valentine's Day, but for every day!

How it Works

     It's super easy to let someone know you're thinking of them. All you do is head to A Wish for You, select the memento you want to send. There are quite a few to choose from, and all of them will let that special someone know you love them, each and every day. Next, choose your card, and what you want it to say. Then sit back and relax as A Wish for You sends your love across the miles, or even right next door!

Liam Adores His Heart

    I chose the Crystal Heart Dangle for Liam. First and foremost, I chose it because his worry crystal has seen better days, and after years of rubbing and worry, it broke. (It wasn't very thick.) So I chose the Crystal Heart for him to replace his worry crystal. The other reason I picked this memento was because I knew he'd enjoy looking through it and watching light refract from it. For him, this crystal fulfills a mental health need, as well as two forms of sensory input (tactile, and visual.)

    Liam loves it! He's been carrying it with him since he received it, and showing everyone he has seen. The card it came with is beautiful, and he keeps rubbing his fingers over the quilling. So to say his wish was a huge hit is an understatement. I'd say it was the best gift he's gotten in awhile!

Learn More

    I know by now, you're ready to check out all of the mementos A Wish for You has to offer, (if you haven't already.) So head to their website, and start browsing. I promise you won't be disappointed!

Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter too!

Spring Gift Guide

We're working hard to bring you the best products for Spring!

Check out our thoughts and the links below.

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