Make More Fun on the Beach

    The countdown is on! We're heading south in just over a month. (The ocean has been screaming my name!) When you have kids, you're always looking for new ways to have fun on the beach. I found the perfect toys!

Make More Fun on the Beach

    Building sand castles is a must for beach visits. My son is twelve and yes, he and I still enjoy building castles, because there's no age limit on fun! We've been through a lot of sand sets through the years, and the same thing ALWAYS happens. They snap and they crack. You can't enjoy building castles, or making little sand animals with toys that just break. Which is why I love this set from Meigo. 

    This set is made from sturdy polypropylene plastic, so it's sturdy enough to handle sand, but it also has more flex to it than traditional plastics. (It's BPA free too.) Because this set is made of PP plastic, it has rounded edges, and since it's soft, it's more gentle on little hands.

Eighteen Piece Set

    The Meigo beach set has eighteen fun pieces. There are two different sized shovels, and a nice rake. You also get a little water bucket, a sifter, and a watering can. It comes with six castle molds to create amazing works of sand art! There is also six shape molds. You get a tree, a train, a sea star, a fish, turtle and a crab. What I love about these molds is they have air holes in them. These holes, and the softer plastic, makes it easier to release your sand creations from them. 

Carrying Tote

    Meigo knows that we need to keep the kids toys together. So they also included a mesh carrying bag. It fits all of these toys, with plenty of room to spare! It will even make an awesome shell collection bag too! The mesh means that the sand can easily be shaken out, which also means, less sand in our vehicles!

Don't Compete for USB Ports While on Vacation

    We're a family of four (not counting our fur babies.) Therefore, we all have more than one device that relies on a USB port for charging. When we vacation, there aren't always enough outlets for each of our USB ports. So we're constantly competing or staggering charges for everyone. Thanks to KabelDirekt that's no longer an issue.

Don't Compete for USB Ports While on Vacation

    KabelDirekt recently sent us their Four Port USB charger. That means one outlet can now charge four devices at one time. This is fantastic for us! No more arguing over whose phone or tablet has the least amount of battery, and therefore gets priority. No more juggling devices and searching for accessible outlets in our cabins or cottages.

Rapid Charging Wherever You Roam

    The four USB ports on the KabelDirekt charger rapidly charge any USB device. All four are protected against over heating, over current, and short circuits. You can feel safe while charging your family's devices. 

Sturdy and Sleek

    The sturdy design is sleek and goes with anything. You can choose from black or space grey. The housing of the charger is made from aluminum so not only will hold up to life, but it looks great too. 

Perfect for Travel or Every Day

    We won't only be using our KabelDirekt Four Port USB Charger just for travel. As a matter of fact, it's currently plugged into the outlet next to our couch for everyone to use. The charger even comes with three nano pads, so you can mount it anywhere in your home. When it's time for vacation, it will be packed right along with all of our devices so we can use it and eliminate the USB port arguments that follow us on our trips.

    If you have a larger family, or just more devices, then grab two or more of the KabelDirekt Four Port USB Charger. My husband already said he wants to get one more. We usually get a large cottage on Chincoteague Island, and share it with my sister and brother in law. That means a few more devices that need to charge via USB. This way, we can pack less chargers, and actually charge more devices!

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.

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!

Staycation Autism Style

     We're sick of winter! Feeling cooped up because of sub zero temps is getting old. So we decided to take a little staycation.

Staycation Autism Style

    As autism parents, we know autism doesn't take a vacation. But that's okay. We're accustomed to this lifestyle. However, if you're looking to break up the monotony of the mundane parts of life that we do have control over, then I suggest a staycation.

    Choose a family friendly hotel not far from home, prepare your kiddo, pack some bags and get ready to relax. Well kind of....because we know our kids are always go, go, go!

Best Western Fun

     We chose the Best Western Grand Victorian Inn in Sayre Pa. We've stayed there before for mini staycations and we know it's a great place for families.

    First and foremost the rooms are spotless. I'm picky when it comes to a hotel room, but my autie has worse OCD than I do, so he's even more picky. Liam even went so far as to combing the room with a black light. (I kid you not!) And he gives their rooms "two thumbs up!" Our housekeeper Tammie certainly rocks at her job!

Shout out to Tammie! You rock!!

    Also, let me add that the rooms are virtually sound proof. You can NOT hear your neighbors which is great for two reasons. One being our kids tend to be very loud and not get "inside voice." The other being when they need a sensory escape, the room is quiet so they can chill.

Pick One with a Pool

    Autistics are drawn to water. It calls to us and soothes us in ways that not many other things can. So when we're choosing a place to stay, a pool is a must. The Best Western we chose happens to have an indoor, heated pool, which is necessary in frigid Northeastern Pa. 

As you can see, a lot of time was spent in the pool! Even some toys came along for their autism line up.

    Bonus, it even has a jacuzzi! Holy relaxation! Play in the pool, then chill in the jacuzzi. Repeat. All day! It was just what we needed to spice up the mundane days of winter!

Free Breakfast? Yes please!

    The Best Western Grand Victorian (and all of their other hotels,) offer a free breakfast buffet. Autistics are prone to picky eating, but their buffet has so many options, that it isn't a problem. I wish I had thought to get some pictures, but Liam's plates (more than one because food doesn't touch,) were full! He chose two mini boxes of cereal (they had many of his favorites,) a cinnamon doughnut, and even a "sour" (granny smith) apple.

    I had a Belgian waffle I made myself with some yummy toppings, it was amazing! Even my picky hubby had a large plate of fluffy scrambled eggs, sausage and an English muffin. That wasn't even all of the food they had to offer!

image via Trip Advisor

Good TV's (per Liam)

    Liam goes nowhere without his Xbox One. Thankfully The Best Western has "good tv's." He knew he could take his precious gaming system and actually be able to use it. Plus, it gave us a little break when our skin couldn't possibly prune up any more from the pool and hot tub! (Liam insisted I let you all know about how great their tv's are!)

Friendly Staff

    The staff was fantastic as well. They were so friendly and welcoming. Always smiling when we would pass them at the front desk, pool desk, or in the halls. This was huge for me. It seems that lately so many people are miserable which is a real downer. I loved being surrounded by others that were in a happy mood!

Thank You Best Western!

    We had a great time, and even though we rushed home to avoid winter storm Liam, we are more relaxed and rejuvenated. So what are YOU waiting for? Take a staycation! Just be prepared to spend a lot of time in the pool! :)