Soapy Cupcakes - Make Bathtime Fun!

Disclosure:  I recieved this product in exchange for an honest review.  No other compensation was provided.

We're always looking for new and exciting things to make life easier.  Having a special needs child is difficult, but there are certain aspects that are even harder.  Bathtime can be very difficult for many families.  There can be a number of difficulties, including the child not wanting to get in the bath, a child who doesn't like water, and, in my case, the child who won't get out!

Actz has come up with a great, fun soap to help make bathtime fun.   (yes, that does say Monkey Burps!)

I received the Pineapple scented soapy cupcake to review.  First, it smells REALLY great.  It smells good enough to eat.

Since I'm not going to take a video of my son (or myself) in the bath, we went another direction.  We decided to just wash our hands to try it out first.  This is especially important, since I have Psoriasis, and our son has the beginnings of it (or ezcema, we're not sure yet)

Because the soap is glycerin, if you leave it 'wet' it can tend to melt, so I decided to use a fork to 'pull' a piece of the 'cake' soap off, and then a 'piece' of the topping.

The soap makes your skin feel great, easy to use and definitely fun!
Want to buy it for yourself? Check out their full line!




I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Best Way to Dye Your Roots!

Disclosure:  I received the following item in exchange for an honest review.  No other compensation was provided.

Product Information:

Roots Only is a reusable applicator system for hair liquids such as hair and scalp conditioners, hair color, moisturizing oils and other liquids used to apply to new root growth and scalp quickly and easily. The patented applicator has hollow teeth that allows solution to follow where treatment is needed. There is no parting, no sectioning and no mess. Roots Only also allows customers to achieve professional root coloring touch up at a fraction of salon costs.
Liquids flow through hollow teeth to the scalp and new growth at roots.
Moisturizes scalp in SECONDS!!!

Works on ALL hair types (long, medium, and short hair)
Comb & squeeze to apply liquids. No parting or sectioning required
Evenly distributes oils and color so you use less solution
REUSABLE!!!

Review:

I have psoriasis.  It is difficult and time consuming to put the medications on my scalp, because I have to get past all my hair to get to it. Even with my hair cut, it's still difficult.  The medications don't come easy to apply, so I was grateful to be able to try this out.

I put the medication in it, and it made the application to my scalp SO easy, without all the extra gunk in my hair.  That was really great, because I always get tired of having my hair gross, but I can't wash it because I'd wash the medication out.

After I was finished, I washed it out, and let my sister use it to dye her roots.  She's constantly dyeing her hair, so it was great for her to not have to dye it all, just what was necessary.

We washed it, and it's ready for use again.  I love that it's reusable!!!

I'd highly recommend this to ANYONE that has to apply ANYTHING to their scalp... even just hot oil treatment or conditioners!!!

Want to check it out for yourself?  Visit Roots Only and check it out!

You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Palmolive Soft Touch

Disclosure:  This is a 'self-made' ad for Palmolive Soft Touch for an Influenster brand challenge.

How often do you walk into your kitchen, DREADING doing dishes, because you KNOW what it will do to your hands?  That dried out feeling... 

WELL YOU CAN FORGET IT!!!

With new Palmolive Soft Touch your hands will BEG you to do dishes!!!

Palmolive Soft Touch is so gentle, I use it just to wash my hands!!!

Want to try it for yourself?  I don't blame ya!!!

Visit Palmolive now!

Scott's Liquid Gold Wood Cleaner & Preservative

Disclosure: I received the following product in exchange for my honest review.  No other compensation was provided.

I tried out Scott's Liquid Gold Wood Cleaner & Preservative at my mom's house, where she has TONS of wood furniture.  First, let me tell you how EXTREMLY protective my mom is of her wood...

She has a houseplant that has been around since I was a little kid.  She calls this plant Phyllis.  My mom has tried to 'kill' it many times... not watering it, butchering it down to nothing-ness..  and yet, Phyllis lives.  Well she put Phyllis in the back bedroom.  This is the "kids" bedroom.  Whenever a grandkid comes over, this is where they stay.  In this bedroom, there is a dresser that is wood.  It is unfinished.   One day, I felt sorry for Phyllis, and gave her some water.  (Which I quickly got grumped at, because mom's on a mission to kill her again) Well Phyllis hadn't been watered in so long, that she got plant-arreah... you know...when it 'runs' right through you!  And the water quickly filled up the plate, and overflowed onto the wood.  Mom HIT THE CEILING!  Long story short, after cleaning up the water, and getting grumped at the entire time, mom's wood was safe.  Yes, she cared more about the wood than she did the plant.

That is the type of person who adores Scott's Liquid Gold Wood Cleaner & Preservative.  When I was growing up, my 'chores' were to clean the living room and dining room.  This included dusting, and using wood cleaner to make the wood shine, so using Scott's wasn't new to me.

I can't upload the pictures right now (I will as soon as I can!) to show you the before and after, but it was amazing!  It was literally like new wood.

Mom was so happy to have her wood clean and shining!

I've tried several wood products over the years, so I can tell you that this one is amazing!!!
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Learn Your Child the Kidzmet Way

Disclosure:  I was compensated for my honest review.

I had the opportunity to review Parent's Playbook for Learning by Jen Lilienstein and the Kidzmet Assessment tool.

The first thing I noticed with the book, is that it's geared towards understanding your child. I think this is really important now, considering that there are so many books on how to deal with your kid, teaching your kid and even disciplining your kid, but LEARNING about your child is untapped and unknown.

As a parent of a child who's extraordinary... he's got superpowers (special needs) but is also intellectually ahead by several years, he's difficult to understand sometimes... and that's frustrating for me. I get overwhelmed easily, because I often forget that while he's 7, he's only 4 emotionally.
The first part of the book is identifying your child's personality. There are several descriptions, with you choosing which one sounds more like your child. Depending on which ones you choose will determine how many lists are necessary.

These are the one's that are most like my son. 

Extraverted

Judger

Feeling (actually, I think he's half feeling, half sensing)

At this point, I went to the Kidzmet website to do the personality profile tool, and while again, he's Extraverted and Judger, this time he was a Senser.  

Here are the results I got:

L.S.'s Personality Type Profile:

L.S.'s Personal Motto: "Don't worry...be happy!"

• Extraverts process initial thoughts better by talking them out (thinking aloud), so be sure you allow L.S. to talk through challenging assignments before sending La'Ray into the "solo zone" to complete the task.
• L.S. enjoys combining work and play, so do your best to mix in learning with fun. For instance, repurpose board games as learning games. To get your creative juices flowing, here's a Candyland template to help you get started - just fill in the form with spelling or vocabulary words or math practice.
• Perceivers are energized by the pressure of a deadline, so help L.S. prioritize homework by what will take LONGEST first, and what can be done QUICKLY last. Then, work on interim deadlines like, "Your math homework must be done before dinner or there's no X tonight," or "Your language arts homework must be done before you watch any TV tonight."

There is much more information, but I don't want to spoil the fun!

This book has been extremely helpful in understanding my son's needs, strengths and weaknesses and him in general.
I would recommend this book to any parent, but ESPECIALLY parents that have children with superpowers!

The best thing, is the Kidzmet profile tool is free, and so is joining their website.  Once you've finished the profile, you can even send a copy to your child's teacher.  

Find the Parent's Playbook for Learning on Amazon.

Be sure to check Kidzmet out on Facebook and Twitter.

Undiepads... The Better Way to Have Your Period

I received Undiepads in exchange for my honest review.

I would love to say that they are amazing when having your 'monthly visitor' but they came in the mail the day after I ended my period, and I haven't had my period again yet, to properly review them.
I did try them on, and wear them all day, and they're completely comfortable.

I expect my period within a few days, and will immediately share with you the results!

In the meantime, here's some more information!


There are 3 in each box

UndiePads are a unique disposable panty with a built-in menstrual pad that provides safe, fresh, all-in-one, leakproof protection for up as long as necessary, even on the heaviest days. They provide absolute leakproof, stainproof security…even when there’s not enough time to change pads. Discreet Toss ‘N’ Go Bags are included and make disposal easy and efficient. The panties themselves are light, comfortable and designed for a beautiful fit. The unique fabric provide plenty of stretchy support, fitting close to the body for a sleek silhouette and providing just enough stretchy support to gently disguise the bloat that sometimes accompanies a menstrual period. UndiePads discreet design helps reinforce a feeling of confidence. The super-absorbent, extra-long pad is part of the integral design. It won’t slide or slip, it stays where it should, and is so comfortable, it’s easy to forget it’s there.


* Neutralizes odor
* Extra long for maximum coverage
* Stays in place to prevent bunching
* Quickly absorbs fluid to help keep you dry and protected

UndiePadsTM Patented Technology Disposable Panties With Built-In Menstrual Pad are the newest, freshest and most stylish way to make “those days of the month” a whole lot easier. They look and feel like your regular panties, provide gentle control, extreme coverage and long-term absorbency with advanced leakage- and odor-protection. UndiePads completely eliminate the dangers of Toxic Shock Syndrome and combine new fabric technology with cutting edge design for a menstrual product that’s so complete, so comfortable and so fresh, you can forget you’re wearing them.

available in sizes:
s-(2,4,6)
m-(8,10)
l/xl-(12,14,16)

Want to try them yourself?  Visit their website today!  Also, find them (follow them too!) on Facebook and Twitter!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Kidecals Kids Labels

Disclosure: Sponsored Post

Have you ever heard of Kidecals?  I hadn't, but am excited about it now!  I don't know about you, but I'm tired of my son loosing his things...  a missing glove LITERALLY causes a meltdown. (it happened!)  Of course, I have a special needs child, as you know, so him loosing little things like that are enormously hard on him.  Lucky for me, we found it in the lost and found...but looking at the lost & found at my son's school...  a LOT of parents aren't so lucky!  Right now, there are over 50 items (mostly shirts & coats)  crazy, huh?

Well if you're as tired of it as I am, you can use Kidecals and label their, well, EVERYTHING!  They're waterproof, so you can label their water bottles, books, toys, clothes, and even sports gear (ever lost a cleat!???)  Kidecals are dishwasher and washer/dryer safe!  And they don't leave icky residue, so they don't damage surfaces!

Yes, I said waterproof.  Have you used a sharpie to label your child's coat?  I did once, and I'll NEVER do it again.  Do you know what happened?  He sweated that day, and came home with it not only spread around, but his name was backwards on his t-shirt AND it was on his skin!!  It took a while to get it off him, and his coat (months later) is still smeared. 

Using Kidecals waterproof name labels stops this problem, because they're crazy durable and can stick to pretty much anything.... from clothes (and coats!) to waterbottles, you can put them in the wash cycle and they'll STILL be there!!

I just had a great though... going on vacation?  visiting a friends pool?  Keep your child's swim goggles, swimsuit and pool toys from being someone elses with Kidecals labels!

What else do they offer?  Fun stickers too... For example, the "Partystache"  yes, I said it... Mustache Chalkboard Stickers are a great way to organize your kitchen, pantry or even your craft stuff!  We've got an entire closet with tubs full of craft stuff, and it's hard to find things, even with a piece of tape with writing... Trying to find the right thing at the right time, it's frustrating!  Problem solved with Kidecals!

They offer "chalkboard labels".  These are a great idea... I'm super excited about them.  How many times have you used your printer to print stickers, only to find that they don't stick?
Well you can use these special labels that you can write on, and use them to label what you need.  They are super durable and can go through the dishwasher! 

Here's another problem I've run into in the past... You take your child's bag to the daycare (sippy cup, diapers, wipe container, clothes and a few SPECIAL toys, only to find that something didn't make it home.  Kidecals offers special daycare labels that are, of course, dishwasher, washer & dryer safe and stay put on anything.  You can label everything and guess what?  It comes home!!

Did you know that Kidecals has been featured on THE TODAY SHOW?  Yes, THAT Today Show!!!   

My son will be going to Summer Camp soon... probably not overnights, because he's special needs, but we'll still be sending him with plenty of 'gear' to keep him busy.   I know that I'm always worried about his stuff coming home, I can't imagine the concern of parents who are sending their child to Camp!

Well worry no more.  Kidecals offers Camp Labels!  This is a full set of great labels specially made for sending your child off to camp.  They offer amazingly cute (or cool, for boys!) designs that are durable and waterproof! 

Kidecals is founded by a mom of 2 boys (a woman after my own heart!)  Who fully understands how boys treat their stuff.  This is important, because my son is a rough and tumble type of kid...  and that's how is stuff is treated!

One other thing that I love about Kidecals, is that they offer allergy labels!  That's right... you can label your child's lunchbox with information about their peanut or egg allergy, you can put a bee sting alert label on the outside of their backpack, or a nut allergy label on, well, anything!

Now, here's the best part!  Because you're reading this, you get to save 15% off Kidecals labels!!!

Use the promo code bestlabels at Kidecals.

Oh, and you also get

Check out their video to see them in action!

Does Your Child Ride The Funky Yellow Bus?

Disclosure:  

When my son started preschool (ECEAP) 2 years ago, we could NOT get him to ride the yellow bus.  It's not because it's the huge one with lots of kids, because he rode the 'little yellow bus" but his anxiety was so great that he couldn't get himself to get on it.  Of course, his anxiety was so great that he wouldn't go to school by himself either, but that's an entirely different post.

So what did I do?  I did what most parents that can, would... I rode the bus with him.  It didn't take long, before he was willing to ride it by himself.

Now, 2 years later, I walk him out to the bus (he's still on the little yellow bus, because of his special needs) and put him on it, buckle him in, kiss & hug and get OFF...  Then wave bye.  I am SO grateful for this... (the getting off part!)

I WISH that I'd had a book that would help him understand what to expect...  One just like The Funky Yellow Bus by Robin B. Rosenberg.

Book Description:

Change isn't easy, and sometimes it happens quickly - like when we ride the bus to school for the first time. In the Funky Yellow Bus, young Brookie Cookie might be wary of climbing aboard the first couple days - and her trip to school doesn't come without a couple bumps in the road - but she and her companions transform the experience into a journey of music, fun and, most importantly, friendship. So come along for a ride on the Funky Yellow Bus! It’s full of cool characters, rockin’ good times, and the chance to overcome those nervous moments we all experience.

My Review:

I sat down today with my son and started reading this to him.  I could tell from the moment I read the title to him, that he'd like it... He started giggling at "funky".

The first thing you notice as you read, is that it rhymes.  There is a certain cadence reading it that you really get into.

As I read the first, then second page, my son realized that each page ended with funky yellow bus.  So by the third page, he wanted to be the one to say it.  It was enjoyable, watching him get more and more into the book.

The pictures are bright and colorful and the book is perfect for a child entering Kindergarten, or riding the bus for the first time.

Towards the end, the melody that they speak of in the book (you'll have to just read it!) is there for you in song form.  I started 'singing' it to my son, but he QUICKLY cut me off (what, don't like my singing anymore?  He LOVED it as a baby!) and started rapping the song... Surely not how Robin intended it to be sung, but I'm sure she'd get into it if she heard him!  Want to listen to it yourself?  I found a great video of it being performed!  Check it out below!

In all, this is a brilliantly written book that's GREAT for children with special needs, especially one's with anxiety.  You quickly understand that while Brookie Cookie (the main character) had worries about getting on the bus, she soon found that it was much easier, and funner, that she'd thought.

One more thing I'd like to mention... Robin has written SEVERAL books that are great for children with special needs, getting them to understand and get ready for different experiences.

You can check her out on her Website  and  Facebook.

Want to buy it?  It's available on Amazon!

I give it:

I CHOPPED all my hair off!!!

YOU HEARD ME RIGHT!!

I cut ALL my  hair off!!!

Pictures?  Of course...but first, a little history.

I have had long hair forever.  Literally.  I've cut my hair off twice.  Once, when I was in 4th grade, my  mom cut it SHORT.  My sister started calling me a boy, and would LAUGH when someone would refer to me as her 'little brother'.

The second time, was when I ran away from home, I wanted to not be found by my hair, so I cut it short, and had it permed...  I was found anyway (and am STILL grateful to my aunt!!- another story!)

So last night, while my hair was in a ponytail, I cut it off.  The whole ponytail.

Then I cut some more, and more.  My mom wants to take me in to have it 'styled', because right now, it's more 'chopped' but it's cut!!

When I first cut the ponytail off, I could FEEL how much weight was lifted off my neck.  Last night, after I got in bed, it was so strange not laying down on a HUGE ponytail.

Now, you must understand just how thick my hair is...

Check out the ponytail!

I've gone and measured it for you... here's a picture of it!

sorry it's dark, but you get the idea... it's next to a standard ruler, and it's braided

So I cut off about 16-18 inches braided.

And yes, it's JUST that thick!

My new look!!

Sideways, it still looks like I've got long hair...but those who know me, know how long my hair gets... I cut 2 feet off about a year and a half ago... it was down to my knees then.

So, tell me, what do you think???  

Payday Loans: What You Should Know

Disclosure:  This is a Sponsored Post.  

When was the last time you found yourself in need of some extra cash?  Getting a payday loan is not a difficult process, and very quick.

Finding a payday lender is simple when you use ustatesloans.com.  I went through the process, to see how easy or difficult it is using their website.

The first thing you do, to get a payday loan, is to review their basic requirements.   These are mandatory by most standards, although, each lender is different.

Here are the main requirements:  You must be a US Citizen and be able to provide proof of your identity.  This usually comes in the form of an id or license.  You MUST be at least 18.  You need proof of your address (utility bill works).

You also need to provide proof that you can pay back the loan.  Income requirements vary, but no less than $1000 a month.  You also must have a bank account.

One of the best things (and most popular) about getting an easy payday loan, is that there is no credit check!

UStates Loans has so much helpful information, way too much for me to list!  You can find out everything you need to know about what a payday loan is, the terms and conditions behind it, the application process, information about your credit score/report as well as types of payday loans, and even alternatives!

You can apply for a payday loan online, get approved instantly, have the money deposited today or overnight and then repay them on your next payday!  They even have the option to locate a lender nearest to you and go into their location.

They really make it easy to get a payday loan!  No hassles, no frustration, and no embarrasing denials sitting at the bank.  You can get approved without changing out of your pajamas!