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Gift Guide for Special Needs Care Providers: 5 Surefire Ideas

gift guide for special needs care providers

Do you need a gift guide for special needs care providers?

If you have a special needs child, then you probably have a team of people to shop for each holiday season.  Mr. Diggy’s classroom team alone is usually around ten people, never mind the slew of folks who support him and our family outside of school.   Depending on the role the person plays on your team, as well as the number of people you are shopping for, you can do one or several of these.  

If you are overwhelmed at the thought of shopping for this extended care team, then that’s why you need a gift guide for special needs care providers.  After reading this guide, you’ll have some surefire ideas for holiday shopping success – and you’ll want to keep this list handy for birthdays, staff appreciation week and the end of the school year as well.  

Massage Gift Certificate

Yes, I know, a gift certificate for a typical massage can run a hundred dollars or more – which may be the right fit for you if you have a small team.  But this can also be done on a smaller scale. We have a nearby salon that offers seated head/shoulder/neck massages for one dollar per minute. Which means you can buy several ten dollar gift cards and put a dent in the tension headaches for a larger crew.  

Trader Joe’s – Treats or Gift Cards

If you live in a region served by Trader Joe’s then this is a no-brainer.  You can put together a gift basket of some of your favorites (remember ANYTHING can be returned to Trader Joe’s if the recipient doesn’t like it).  Or you can go for the gift card.

I like the Trader Joe’s gift card for the simple reason that it can be as practical – or as frivolous – as the recipient would like it to be.  A week’s worth of salads for your work fridge? Sure. Or a bottle of wine and a sweet treat? Yep. Flowers and coffee? Of course. The options are pretty much endless.

Don’t live in the land of Trader Joe’s?  Then this is an even more special option. Load up on some (travel-friendly) treats the next time you are out of town, and surprise them. (We have taken Trader Joe’s treats to Hawaii on several occasions, with a great response.  Despite the Aloha-wear worn by employees, it is a state that is not currently served by Joe.)  

Gift Card for a Coffee Lunch Stop near your House/School/Therapy Center

For home-based therapies, your home is your team’s “office” so just think about what is on the way in or out of your neighborhood that might be a welcome treat for that part of your team.  If your school or therapy center is walking-distance to anything, then a gift card or certificate for that establishment is always appreciated.  

Something Homemade

If your child is able to make a card or drawing or other craft, then that is a great plan.  If not, consider a treat like one of these quick breads, or a batch of these cookies. A homemade gift can speak the love and appreciation that your special needs child may or may not be able to articulate easily and clearly.  

Some Color Street

 Your special needs care team works just as hard as you do – and often they have just as little down time.   There is nothing like a fresh manicure, at home, in under ten minutes to brighten their day. So many options to choose from – you’ll be sure to find just the right one.  

Need ideas for your autistic tween or teen? I shared some ideas over here in my Piece of Mind Picks.

3 Reasons You Should Grill Your Pizza

Are you ready to grill your pizza?

3 Reasons You Should Grill Your Pizza

Homemade pizza tends to have a mediocre reputation.  Unless you have installed a several-thousand-dollar imported Neapolitan-style pizza oven in your backyard, it can really be hit or miss.  But if you have a teen or tween with a growing appetite, it can be appealing to make a batch of this crowd-pleaser without the extra cost, and without leaving your house.

Sure, the internet abounds with tips and tricks – but many are questionable in terms of safety and practicality.  Disable the alarm and set your oven to “clean.” Flop your tossed dough directly onto your hot, heavily greased grill.  Or throw in the towel and make a “grandma” pizza with a thick, soft crust in a rimmed cookie sheet.  

But if you wanted a pizza at home that rivals that of your favorite pizzeria, then you had two options:  take-out or delivery. Until now. There is a way to make high quality, restaurant-worthy pizza at home. And it doesn’t involve building – or importing – a brick oven.  

The secret? A pizza pan made for the grill.  Why will this be your new favorite way to make pizza?  Because you can make pizza at a higher temperature, with less mess – which means a better pie.  I use a type of grill pan that is a seasonal item at Williams-Sonoma, so if you don’t already have pans, look for something similar, such as these. 

Ideally, the pans you choose will be non-stick, safe to very high temperatures, and fit well onto the surface of your grill.  They should also have some sort of handle or handles – and you’ll want to be able to close the lid of your grill to best simulate the heat of a pizza oven, so the ones with long handles will make that more difficult.  

Here are three reasons you will want to grill your pizza:

Higher Temperature

It can be hard to find a home oven that reaches above 500 or 550 degrees.  Most outdoor grills, however, can get to this temperature, particularly if they have multiple burners.  My grill is not fancy – it was on clearance at Costco at the end of the season, but has a thermostat that shows temperatures up to 700-plus degrees Fahrenheit.  If you have a grill that goes above 625 or so, then you can do what I do. I heat the grill up on the highest setting, and then back it down when I put in my pizzas.  

Less Mess

Because at such high temperatures with pizza, any tiny crumb in your oven is likely to become a smoky, smoldering piece of charcoal.  By taking the cooking outside, any residue on the grill that causes smoking will be outside, meaning less smoke indoors. Plus, any stray shards of cheese or loose toppings will be dropped on your patio or deck, not your kitchen floor.  And instead of risking cheese bubbling over onto the floor of your oven, any overflow is instantly incinerated in your grill.  

Better Pizza 

The crust is foundational to a pizza- you can change almost everything else, but without the crust there is no structure.  By cooking at high heat on a perforated, non-stick pan you achieve a crisp, fully cooked crust. Once you close the lid to the grill, the heat circulates well enough to melt and brown the cheese and toppings. 

My grill pans fit two at a time, side-by-side, on the grill, which means I have two hot, fresh pizzas ready just minutes after the grill is heated up. The only trick I have learned is to lightly grease the pans, and have all the toppings ready.  Stretch your rested dough and quickly layer on the toppings. Get the pan on the grill as soon as possible, and you’ll have dinner in 5-7 minutes, depending on your grill.  

Have you tried to grill your pizza? After you grill your pizza, comment below with how it worked for you!

Want to take your pizza to the next level? Then use half the dough from your next batch of Tartine bread and divide it into two. Instead of shaping into a loaf and proofing overnight, let the two dough balls sit for the final bench rest and then stretch gently into the lightly greased pans.

3 Fall Treats: Your New Favorites

3 Fall Treats: Your New Favorites

It is the season for fall treats. School is back in full swing, which means it is time for bake sales, parties and get-togethers.  If you have a dairy- and gluten-free crew, it can be hard to find a recipe to please. I’ve found success with this recipe from Betty Rocker, though it definitely has both tree nuts and peanuts, so it’s not for every crowd.  

If you want a fruitier fall option, then consider the cranberry.  You can instantly update a summer cake with a simple swap. Like subbing cranberries into a recipe that calls for raspberries – like this ricotta cake from Epicurious.   

No-Bake Fall Treats: Best Brown Butter Buckeye Bites

But if you need a sweet treat for a fall celebration. This afternoon.  You don’t have time to bake anything and you don’t have any cookie dough stashed in your freezer (mental note:  you’ve got to make another batch of that next week!). Then it’s time for some buckeye bites.  

The buckeye is a common no-bake candy.  There are dozens, if not hundreds, of recipes for this treat that includes very few ingredients.  I haven’t tried them all – but I have made A LOT of buckeyes – so now you can benefit from all that, um, research.  Because, after dozens of batches, I have finally perfected my version of this peanut-butter-and-chocolate-goodness.  

You will enjoy a richer flavor than most recipes, due to Christina Tosi’s trick of using browned butter.  You will make the recipe faster, because it is formed into buckeye bites, not the traditional balls. You will have a chocolate top that does not shatter or break apart when you bite into it – inspired by the topping on these cheesecake bars from Bakerella.  And you will be saved from cloying sweetness by a generous sprinkle of Maldon sea salt over the top of the finished product.  

So if you are looking for a tasty, no-bake, homemade sweet treat to add to your fall celebration, then look no further than this recipe for Best Brown Butter Buckeye Bites.  

Print Recipe

Best Brown Butter Buckeye Bites

The buckeye balls from your childhood, reimagined.
Cook Time20 mins
Chilling Time2 hrs 20 mins
Total Time2 hrs 40 mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: celebrations, quick and easy, snack, treats

Ingredients

Base Ingredients:

  • ½ pound 2 sticks unsalted butter
  • 1 16 oz jar creamy peanut butter (you should try Smooth Operator brand)
  • 1 pound powdered sugar (you can make it in your Vitamix)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt

Topping Ingredients:

  • 4 oz chocolate
  • 1 T butter unsalted
  • 2 T heavy cream
  • 1 T coconut oil melted
  • 1 T corn syrup
  • Flake salt such as Maldon

Instructions

  • Line a 9 x 9 inch square baking pan with a sling made from parchment paper and lightly grease both pan and paper.
  • In a light-colored pan, melt butter and then continue to cook until browned, but not burnt. Pay close attention to this process. Allow to cool slightly.
  • In a large bowl, combine brown butter with remaining base ingredients. Spread the “dough” in the prepared pan, smoothing the top as much as possible. Chill for at least 1 hour, and up to overnight.

Make the Topping:

  • In a large glass measuring cup, combine the chocolate and butter and microwave on low for 10-15 seconds at a time until melted. Stir in cream, coconut oil and corn syrup until smooth. Pour over the chilled peanut butter layer and chill for about 20 minutes.
  • Remove from refrigerator, sprinkle generously with salt flakes, and return to the refrigerator until fully set, about 1 hour.
  • Use the sling to remove from the pan and then slice chilled buckeyes into your desired size bite.
Fall Treats: Best Brown Butter Buckeye Bites

Looking for more recipes for tasty treats? Try these cookies or these brownies.

For more recipe ideas, follow me on Pinterest.  

6 Ways to Rethink the Holidays for your Special Needs Family

holidays for your special needs family

Do you need to rethink the holidays for your special needs family?

Eighteen people from four states.  Food allergies. Picky eaters. Spirited discussions.  Multiple football games on multiple screens. Your autistic child’s routine turned upside down.  If the upcoming holiday season has you dreading what is supposed to be a celebratory time, then it’s time for you to rethink the holidays for your special needs family.  

Rethink the Crowds

Whether a crowd means five or fifteen for your loved one, you need to have an escape plan.  If you are hosting, designate an area of your house and/or yard that is “off limits” for the guests. This will allow your special needs loved one to have some down-time, away from the party or celebration.  

Rethink the Gifts

Well-meaning family members may struggle with gift ideas for a kid who can’t clearly articulate what they want for lunch, much less what they want an invisible man in a red suit to bring in the middle of the night a month from now.  Check out my special needs gift guide – coming soon. (Need something to thank the team of service providers who support your kid? I have that coming soon, too.)  

Rethink the Meals

Think about the timing.  Often larger groups sit down to holiday meals at “off-times,” like 3 pm.  If this is the case for your celebration, then plan accordingly. Either have a later breakfast, or provide a snack to tide your child over.  Or give them a full lunch, and then allow for “grazing” at the large meal, which might be a more practical solution anyway.  

Also, be cognizant of the food being served.  If you are hosting, you can obviously be in control of what’s on the table, and include a crudités platter, bread or rolls, whole olives or whatever else your child will need to make a meal.  If you are a guest, then plan to contribute an item that you know your kid will eat – for years this was this no-boil mac and cheese recipe. Now that we’ve moved away from dairy for Mr. Diggy, I usually plan to bring some Tartine bread, or veggies and dip.  

Rethink the Overnight Guests

If you will be the guests, then think critically about what environment will work best for you and your loved one.  Here are some things to consider. If you are hosting overnight guests, then make sure that your child’s routine is disrupted as little as possible.  In our house, this means filling up other rooms with giant air mattresses to avoid anyone having to share a room with Mr. Diggy.  

Rethink the Family Traditions

Think about how you can incorporate your child into family traditions.  We often decorate a gingerbread house, and then allow Mr. Diggy free reign as soon as we have snapped a quick photo.  We hang stockings for weeks in advance, and then fill his with fistfuls of shredded colorful paper – a messy, but fulfilling gift for him (see gifts, above).   

The tree is an area of great challenge for us.  It is beyond tempting with its twinkling lights, string-like garland, and dozens of shiny objects.  Though I grew up with a real tree, it has become more practical to use an artificial one. We pull it out on the 24th, and fill it with non-breakable ornaments, most of which we have made by hand over the year.  The morning of the 26th, it is down – one less inanimate object in the house to worry about.  

Rethink the Photos and Memories

This might be the hardest part, but also the most significant.  If you are able to manage a special needs photo session near the holiday, then it is worth it.  Either way, you will still want to capture the moments you can during the actual celebrations.  

After you have made a plan to master the holidays for your special needs family, do you need some time for yourself? Check out these ideas here and here.

5 Simple Tips to Host a Color Street Party

5 Tips to Host a Color Street Party

Are you ready to host a Color Street party?  A Color Street party is an easy way to have a “mom’s night in,” ladies’ night or even a night out at a cafe or wine bar.  Color Street is super-portable, which means any place you can get people together, you can have a Color Street party. Plus, it’s an easy and fun way to share a product you love with your friends and family. So, what are you waiting for?  Here are five easy tips to help you host your next Color Street party.  

How to Host a Color Street Party:

Pick a Time:

This can vary widely from a brunch or lunch to an afternoon tea or evening cocktail party.  Think about a time when your friends can sneak away for girl time and you can make it work. There is really no time frame that doesn’t work for a Color Street party.  I’ve done parties in as little as an hour, or as much as an entire evening. Certainly the more people you have invited, the longer the event should be scheduled to allow for everyone to have time to try Color Street.   

Pick a Theme:  

Why? Because it’s more fun that way!  It doesn’t have to be an occasion, though it certainly can be.  It can be a monthly birthday celebration, a back to school celebration, a Friday Funday or Galentine’s Day.  Love chocolate? There’s your theme. Is 80s music your jam? You’ve got a theme. A theme helps guests get excited – and maybe even dress-up – for the occasion.  You can also use the theme to help make planning the rest of your party super quick and easy!

Pick a Signature Drink:

Sometimes the theme suggests a beverage – tea (and often, champagne!) for a tea party, mimosas for a mom’s brunch, or a mai-tai for a luau.  Other times, you will need to get creative – but you can always whip up a champagne cocktail like this one, or consider a moscow mule like Giada’s.  Whichever route you go, be sure to have a fun zero-proof option as well.  If sparkling flavored water is your choice, then offer coordinating garnishes such as limes, lemons, or berries.  Of course, if you are at a bar or cafe, then guests can order what they like.  

Pick a Fork-Friendly Snack:

Why fork-friendly?  Because when you start to apply Color Street you want your hands to be free of grease and oil.  So think about serving cheese cubes (not slices), salad cups, or frittata. Non-greasy finger foods also work, like fresh vegetables and fruit, or cubes of bread.  Again, if you are out, just caution guests to save the mozzarella sticks and fries for after application. The lettuce wraps, cheese plate or meatballs should all be fine. 

Bonus- these snacks are also healthier – which means you can make a sweet treat for dessert. Like these brownies, or these cookies. Just be sure to serve them after everyone’s nails are done.   

Pick your Polish: 

When you host a Color Street party, you will earn FREE Color Street through the hostess rewards program.  So pick your favorite to apply at the party, and then pick many more depending on how much is sold at your party!  Depending on your theme, there just may be the perfect option to complement it. There are tons of great options in the Color Street catalog, as well as the most up-to-date list online here.  

Are you ready to schedule your next Color Street party?  It’s time. Just reach out to me at lara@larasandora.com and we can schedule one today! 

Having a mom’s or ladies night in – or out – is an important part of #self-care. Check out more tips for self-care here.

Special Needs Photo Session: 6 Ideas to Capture Family Memories

special needs photo session

The Special Needs Photo Session:

If you have a family member with special needs, you may have given up on the idea of capturing family photos altogether.  Certainly this is not something we do very often, but we do try every few years. We wrangle everyone into some collared shirts and find a way to document everyone’s growth over time.  It helps if you find a photographer who relishes the challenge. Here are six other ideas to make your next special needs photo session more manageable.  

Time of Day:

Try to stay away from your loved one’s witching hour – far away.  For us that means early. Like crack of dawn and the rest of us are slapping ourselves awake early.  But it means that he’s fresh, and we are also not running on empty. It also means we have the rest of the day to refill his sensory bank.  Bribe the crew with donuts or hot chocolate- AFTER the photo shoot, of course. Or choose whatever time of day is the golden hour for your family member.  

Thoughtful Outfits:

Sure you want to coordinate, but you also probably want to stay away from white or other light colors that might be soiled or stained before the session is over.  (Also, save snacks such as cheese puffs, or the aforementioned hot chocolate for afterwards.) If you can find a heathered fabric, it will read as a solid in most pictures, but will more readily hide most small marks or spots.  

You also should choose the most comfortable clothes that are still presentable.  Do you need elastic waists? Then plan for an untucked shirt that hides the waistband. Are zippers or snaps an issue? Then stick to an outfit with few fasteners. For us, this usually means pull-on khaki shorts or pants, with a soft polo shirt. 

Long Lens:

Does your loved one get spooked or tense up just by the presence of the camera?  If so, then ask your photographer to try a long lens. When Mr. Diggy knows a camera is pointed at him – whether one of our iPhones or a “real” camera – his sixth sense somehow causes him to writhe around or to hide his face entirely.  Undeterred and a creative thinker, our photographer set up across the lawn from us with long lens. Despite the distance, she managed to get some great shots (as well as some hilarious wide-frame outtakes!)

Patience:

Before attempting a special needs photo session, everyone needs to take their “patience pills.”  This is not a good plan for a day when the photographer has sessions booked back-to-back. A little patience and flexibility goes a long way.  Give your loved one a break, a (not-too-messy!) snack, a favorite toy or fidget (which can be cropped out!), or anything else you can think of.  And if your family is like my family, you probably don’t attempt this very often, so an hour or so of effort every couple of years is worth it to capture the best family memories that you can.  

Creative Editing and Cropping:

Which brings me to the final step – the after-session editing.  Find a photographer who is willing to excerpt the smile out of the otherwise chaotic scene.  Find a photographer who is willing to take your special needs’ loved one’s face from one frame and edit it into the next one where the rest of the family is looking at the camera.  In other words, an important step in special needs photography takes place after the session itself is over.  

special needs photo session

Share the Love:

And when you have found a photographer who has created a special needs photography session that works for your family, share their website widely, tag them on social media, and support their work in any other way you can. 

Want to look more pulled together before your special needs photo session? My fellow autism mom and blogger, Laura Epstein, shares her tips with us here.

Want more ideas? Come follow me on Pinterest here.

Fall 2019 Causebox: Treat Yourself – or a Friend – Now

Fall 2019 Causebox

The Fall 2019 Causebox was once again filled with full-sized, thoughtful products, that are in some way supportive of the planet and its inhabitants.   There were a few choices to made in the Fall 2019 Causebox – which isn’t always the case with this particular subscription box service.  

What was in my Fall 2019 Causebox?

(Malin+Goetz) Recovery Treatment Oil

fall 2019 causebox

The Product:  This blend of vegan and cruelty-free botanical oils includes avocado, grapeseed, geranium and evening primrose.  It may be used alone, or with other products, or for a facial massage.  

The Scoop:  The oil is gentle, soothing and smells amazing.  I’ve been using a small amount at night. Though Causebox states you can mix the product with makeup or moisturizer, I’ve been using it on it’s own.  Bonus- the bottle is a gorgeous deep blue glass.  

Value:  $82

Verdict:  Nice product (but not sure I will be replacing it at $82)

La Beaute Soi 10-Piece Makeup Brush Collection

fall 2019 Causebox

The Product:  The brushes are hypoallergenic and cruelty-free, and the company supports three important causes:  ending animal cruelty, preserving the environment, and protecting child refugees.  

The Scoop:  This set of ten precision brushes is lovely – and also too much for me.  I had JUST purchased a new set of makeup brushes a month earlier, so I was happy to have these find a home with the Cosmetology Club at my school.  

Value:  $24

Verdict:  Great for budding professional makeup artists

Known Supply Weekender Duffel

fall 2019 Causebox

The Product:  A substantial canvas duffle with a removable strap, annual Causebox members can choose the color from three options.  I went with the grey stripe; the other options were a slate blue, or an olive green). Known Supply products are labeled with both the country where they were produced, as well the first name of the person who created it.  The aim- to create a more personal connection with the person behind your products.  

The Scoop:  This was destined to be a gift from the minute I saw the pictures. I knew exactly which of my Color Street teammates would enjoy it, and I was happy to have her enjoy it.  

Value:  $108

Verdict:  A phenomenal gift

Nashelle Heather Drop Lariat

Fall 2019 Causebox

The Product:  A Y-necklace with a loop and bar closure.  Annual members can choose between the gold and the silver options.  Each product sold by Nashelle results in a donation of 10 meals to Feeding America.  

The Scoop:  I chose the silver and have worn it frequently.  It is a flexible, adjustable piece that strikes a nice balance between casual and dressy.  It can be worn over clothing, or fits nicely in a v-neck.  

Value:  $38

Verdict:  A solid addition to my jewelry collection

La Lueur Candles White Cactus Coconut Wax Candle

Fall 2019 Causebox

The Product:  The sustainably-sourced coconut wax is delicately scented and hand-poured into a reusable glass holder.  It is clean-burning, so safer to burn indoors.  

The Scoop:  The light scent is a great addition to my home, and I appreciate how cleanly it burns.  

Value: $35

Verdict:  A nice addition to my candle collection

Underwood Letterpress Felt Leather Board

Fall 2019 Causebox

The Product:  A felt letter board created by passionate mompreneur, Cara Underwood.  Her focus is on the self-care of slowing down and taking your time. Annual members can choose between this and the Terrazzo Travel Wallet from Glass Ladder & Co.  

The Scoop:  It did take me some time to choose and create my message – but I love the finished look.  

Value:  $30

Verdict:  A nice, flexible addition to my office decor

Want to see what was in my Summer 2019 Causebox? Click here.

Ready to get in on the next Causebox?  Click here.

Want more ideas? Come follow me on Pinterest here.

The Autism Sibling: Autism Mom Perspectives

autism sibling

Dear B-

You were meant to be an autism sibling. You didn’t know this when you were born – and, truthfully, neither did we.

We didn’t know when you were born that you would be a brother, let alone a brother to our non-stop, nonverbal, ping-pong ball whom we call Mr. Diggy.

And we certainly didn’t know that you would possess the calmness, the resilience and the stability to be the brother that he truly needs.

Thank you:

For always being willing to help – even with odd requests (can you please get the empty Kleenex box off the bottom of the pool?).

For being flexible – missing events that would overwhelm him, leaving parties early, and for getting takeout instead of eating out.

For being empathetic – helping us manage – and “translate” – your brother, especially at the end of the day as our patience wears thin.

For being considerate – serving Mr. Diggy his vitamins, refilling his water bottle, and helping to clean up his messes (like Dust-Bustering the entire container of dishwasher powder that he dumped on the couch).

For having a lot of perspective – realizing that different things are easier and harder for different people, including and especially your brother.

Our Autism Sibling Wish:

We wish for you…

To not have to worry about your brother, but know that you will always love him.

To be able to forge your own life, but know that you will always find a way to include him.

To be able to travel widely, freely and easily, but know that you will also be able to travel with Mr. Diggy to special places.  

To be able to educate yourself continually, but know that Mr. Diggy is perhaps our best teacher when it comes to patience, flexibility and humility.  .

To be able to find your own independence, but know that your brother may never have his.  

We know this is a lot to carry on your slender, teenaged shoulders, but this is the life that we have – and it is richer and more full because of your brother. 

You are part of a club that you didn’t sign up for, and, in our family’s chapter, you are the only member.

Just know that we are using everything we learn in our life as an #autismfamily to move ourselves forward, not backward.

We are so fortunate to have you on this ride with us. 

Love,

Mom

Self-care Challenge: Redefining “Me Time” for a Special Needs Parent

self-care challenge

Do you need a self-care challenge?

It can be easy to lose track of you in your role as special needs parent.  But just like putting your oxygen mask on first in an airplane, you have to find a way to maintain your own mental and physical health, or you will be less effective in managing your child. 

You are likely your worst critic. Sometimes you need to lower the bar for yourself, just a bit, and give yourself credit for making the game, even if you didn’t bring the snacks. Or showing up for the meeting, not running it. What do you need to give yourself credit for?

  • Self-Care Challenge #1: What is is one thing you are already doing that you can give credit to yourself for doing?
  • Self-Care Challenge #2: What three new things can you do in existing timeframes?
  • Self-Care Challenge #3: What is one thing you can you stop doing, delegate or reframe so that you can add an element of self-care to your life? Can you hire a caregiver a few hours a week so you can work out, draw or paint, or go to a movie? Can you hire a housecleaner, and use the time you gain to work on your writing, your running, or your cooking?  Can you say no to any unfulfilling commitments and use the time to go for a walk with a friend, get a massage, or go shopping – for fun!

Self-Care Challenge: How to carve out “me time“

You need time for yourself. That being said, special needs parenting is not typical, so your approach to “me time” will also likely not be be typical. The irony is not lost on us that our nonverbal, autistic son was born on Groundhog’s Day. What has been important to find the joy in the routines and to use the structure to maintain healthy habits.

Unlike most people, I can tell you that the last Friday of March, I will be at occupational therapy, and the third Tuesday of July, at precisely 2:30 pm, I will be pulling into the horse arena just in time for equine therapy. These structures are rigid, but they can also be calming in their rhythm. Here are some ideas to help you “fill your bucket” even while managing a special-needs household.  

  • At a therapy session:  Find out if the occupational therapist (or speech therapist or physical therapist or…) has WiFi, and plan to bring a portable device.  Use the time for some online shopping, drafting a blog post, or simply scrolling social media.
  • During home sessions:  Home-based ABA or other therapies?  Use the session as a timer for yourself to try a new recipe, or make it mani or pedi time.
  • Early bedtime:  If your special needs loved one has an early bedtime, be creative with the rest of the evening.  Consider a game or movie night with your typical kids and/or partner. Or send your typical kid on a sleepover (or late-over) and have a date night in.  Get your favorite takeout, crack open a bottle of wine, and enjoy some kid-free time – dressing up is totally optional!
  • Poolside (or, in the winter, “bathside”): We are lucky to have a safe swimmer, so I am able to catch up on my Color Street emails, make some graphics for a blog post, or read a book.  But almost any water-loving kid is good to hang out in the bath for long enough to let you reset your brain a bit.  
  • Drive time/parking lot time:  A special needs schedule often involves a lot of driving – and often waiting- as you cycle through various sessions.  Choose fulfilling and interesting podcasts and audiobooks to help you pass the time, or your favorite playlist.  

For more ideas on how to carve out me time, especially during the busy holiday season, click here.

Want more ideas? Come follow me on Pinterest here.

Color Street Fall 2019 Collection: Stunning Options

The Color Street Fall 2019 Collection continues to provide Color Street fans with plenty of on-trend, on-point options.  Some are seasonal specialities, and others are sure to become timeless Color Street classics. All are guaranteed to brighten your fall.  

Shop the Color Street Fall 2019 Collection here.

Color Street Fall 2019 Collection Solids:

Color Street Fall 2019 Collection Solids

Solids include the return of Swiss and Tell and Midnight in Manhattan. Other neutral options are Berlin it to Win it (grey) and US Navy. There are three rosy shades: No Way San Jose, Munich Mulberry, and Wow in Macau. the purple shades are Napa Grappa and Aberdeen Aubergine.

Color Street Fall 2019 Collection Glitters:

Color Street Fall 2019 Collection Glitters

It’s hard to decide which one of these gorgeous glitters to wear first: the lavender of Glamsterdam, the sparkle of Glitzburgh, the black and red of Russian Around, or the golden glow of Austin-tatious.

Color Street Fall 2019 Collection Nail Art Designs:

Color Street Fall 2019 Collection Nail Art Designs

The nail art designs include four animal inspired options: Zebra on the Sport, Pigment of your Imagination, Catitude Problem, and Pick your Poison. There are two new clear overlay options, Anything Rose and How’s It Growing. Rounding out the collection are Drop and Give me Zen, Rule of Plum, Good Girls Gone Plaid, Don’t Flake on Me and Strict Dye-It.

Color Street Fall 2019 Collection Glitter Designs:

Color Street Fall 2019 Collection Glitter Designs

This just might be my favorite part of the collection. The return of Bloody Gorgeous and Cannes-Fetti, two all-time favorites. And new additions Oops-a-Paisley, Rose Were the Days, and Best of Both Swirls.

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Color Street Fall 2019 Collection
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