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Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Blushing Dove Boutique Review and Giveaway-ENDED


GIVEAWAY ENDED, WINNER BEING CHOSEN

Blushing Dove Boutique Review and Giveaway



 I was invited by Amy of the Blushing Dove Boutique to host a review and giveaway for our viewers.  I was so impressed with all of the beautiful delicate handmade jewelry pieces that she has created.  Her items are just gorgeous and so reasonably priced for being so detailed! 





A little information about Amy and the Blushing Dove Boutique.

Hi, my name is Amy Lilley. I am 22 years old, and live in the small town of Newark-on-Trent with my husband and our naughty puppy. Well, Newark seems a small town to me as I am from London originally! I moved to Newark after meeting my husband whilst studying a degree in English at a nearby university, and he whisked me away to live here!

After finishing my degree, I found that I had lots of free time to be creative, and I have loved every minute of it! I really hope you enjoy looking around my shop, I have put a lot of effort and care into all of my designs, and have also had a lot of fun.
With regards to my shop name:
Doves remind me of delicacy and femininity. This is something I admire in all women, and try to express in my designs.


She hits the nail on the head with this explanation!  Every item in her shop is so delicate and feminine. I absolutely loved every item that this creative woman has made.  I almost wish I had a little girl just so that I can get every one of the head bands for her to wear!


Amy has generously offered to host a giveaway for our viewers.  One of our subscribers will be able to pick something that they love, from her site, with a value up to $10.00 for themselves. There are so many items to choose from. 
 
GIVEAWAY

Blushing Dove Boutique is giving one of our viewers any item, up to a $10.00 value,  of their chosing from her site.  At the end of the giveaway, I will email Amy with the winners email address and she will take care of mailing your item to you!
To enter: 
Mandatory Entry
Be a current member of our blog and visit Blushing Dove Boutique and tell me what your favorite item is.  Please leave a comment below for your first official entry (This must be done first for any additional entries to count) 

For additional entries: (leave a separate comment for each one)
  1. Sign up with her on facebook @ www.facebook.com/BlushingDoveBoutique. for one entry   
  2. Make any purchase at Blushing Dove Boutique and you will receive 3 additional entries.  Please leave a comment telling us what you purchased. Leave 3 separate comments.
  3. Subscribe to our blog via email, Google Friend Connect, Twitter, facebook,  or reader and you will get an entry for each way that you subscribe. (up to 5)
  4. Tweet about this review and giveaway (@lucasjourneyspd) and you will receive another entry.  You can tweet once per day,  leave a separate comment for each tweet.
  5. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to this post and receive 5 additional entries.  Please leave me a comment with your url and leave 5 separate comments.
  6. Add our button to your blog for another 3 entries. Leave the url where button is located and remember to leave 3 comments.
All entries must be received by 11:59pm Tuesday, 8/3/10.  Winner will be chosen by random.org and emailed so be sure you leave me a way to contact you.  

Good Luck!

  

Monday, July 19, 2010

Discount School Supply Reviews, Giveaways, and a chance to win $25,000 in prizes! ~ GIVEAWAY ENDED

GIVEAWAY IS OVER
WINNER IS BEING CHOSEN



Wow, wow, wow!  I am beside myself at the all of the wonderful items that Discount School Supply has given me to review for our viewers.  They have also offered to sponsor a giveaway for four of our subscribers! Yes, FOUR!


First let me start off by saying that I have not been compensated by Discount School Supply to do this review.  The opinions that I am giving are mine.  The only thing I received from them was the items to review for our viewers.  My opinions have not been swayed by financial gain.

I have posted, many times, how wonderful I think this company is on our blog.  I have spent a LOT of money on therapy and products to help Lucas with Sensory Processing Disorder.  Their prices are lower than any of the other leading carriers of therapy products that I've seen or used.

They were so willing and ready to help in any way to raise awareness and get the word out about Sensory Processing Disorder that I was almost in tears.  You don't find companies that are so willing to go out of their way to help others today.  They were completely understanding and seemed to know exactly what parents are going through who are caring for a special needs child.

I so impressed that this company was willing to do a review on therapy products.  It's not everyday that you find a company willing to reach out to that type of customer.  They are a TOP NOTCH, dedicated company and they have found a forever customer in me.

The Reviews 

I wanted to show the company how much we loved using these products!  Even more so I wanted to show other parents, dealing with children who have SPD or any other special needs, how simple everyday items could be used as therapy tools to help their children.

I asked our therapists that see Lucas every week to help me film some therapy sessions using each product.   I was so happy with the outcome and couldn't wait to share it with you.   I have a whole new respect for film makers!  I had a LOT of tape but wanted to keep each video under two minutes.

I would like thank Lucas's therapists, Kirsty, Margot, Judy, and Cathy,  for agreeing to take part in the videos that were taken for these reviews! 


The first product we reviewed was for the Insta-Snow ($11.95)


What is it?

It's faux snow! Insta SnowTM is a revolutionary, super-absorbent polymer that transforms when mixed with water.

    This product was so awesome!  My older son Charlie, who is 10, didn't want to put it down!  He was just amazed that it was 90 degrees outside and he was playing with snow.  

    I knew when I chose this product that Lucas would have issues with it.  Part of Lucas's SPD issues are not being able to handle certain textures.  He tends to gag, sometimes until he vomits, or has a major meltdown because his little brain just doesn't process those textures properly!  Please take a moment and see a glimpse of our therapy session using Insta-Snow.  Take note at Lucas's face at around the 1 minute mark. He is not loving the moment at all! LOL   The fact that he isn't having a meltdown with using this for our therapy session is HUGE!





    The second Product we reviewed was for Do-A-Dot Art. ($13.99)

    What is it?

    Markers!  The large 2- 1/2 oz. container is easy for young children or children with special needs to hold and control. A creative idea sheet is included with over 20 amazing projects. Dispenses washable, water based, non-toxic ink.

    We've tried this in the past with Lucas.   I was a little worried about how he would respond to reviewing this because of how he reacts when the ink touches his fingers.  He's gotten a lot better with it since the therapists have been working on it with him.  After a few months of therapy I've been able to show you a whole new side of Lucas with this wonderful product!  Please take a moment and see a glimpse of our therapy session using Do-A-Dot Art.  

    I love how Kirsty put the dots on his fingers.  He would have had a meltdown over this a few months ago!


     
    The third product we reviewed was Colorations Wheat & Gluten-Free Dough. ($22.97)

    What is it?
    Finally a modeling dough for children who are wheat and gluten sensitive! Sold exclusively at Discount School Supply, this dough is safe, soft and easy to use and comes in 8 vibrant colors: black, blue, brown, green, orange, red, white and yellow. Air-dries for unique craft projects. Made in Great Britain. 5 1/2 lbs. total.

    Again, I chose this because I thought with Lucas's texture issues, it would benefit him more to work with this.  When we first introduced any form of dough to use in therapy he would gag until he almost vomited!  I was in TOTAL shock to see how well he played with this dough.  I seriously can't believe how well he was touching and feeling this dough.   It doesn't have that horrid smell and stickiness to it like others do.  It had a nice smooth workable feel to it.  I also wanted to point out that even though its not in the video, we made pizza's later on with this dough.  The colors that are included were perfect for making pretend pizza's with it.
        Please take a moment and see a glimpse of our therapy session using Colorations Wheat and Gluten Free Dough.

     

    The fourth product we reviewed was Moon sand. ($71.96)

    What is it?

    An amazing molding and sensory material! Made of specially coated sand, It's clean, easy to mold and won't dry out! Sculpt, create unique designs and more! Moon sand can be reused and also disinfected by baking in an oven. 

    To be honest, I wasn't sure how Lucas would react to this product!  I know he loves dirt but this has a little bit of moister consistency to it.  I was really excited to see how he would react to this and I was pleasantly surprised.  Please take a moment and see a glimpse of our therapy session using Moon Sand. 



    I hope you enjoyed being a part of Lucas's therapy with him.   I wish I could have put our whole sessions on here but the page probably wouldn't load. LOL

    I also want to thank Discount School Supply again for giving us the opportunity to share our experience with these wonderful products with our viewers and for helping spread the word about Sensory Processing Disorder and being such a wonderful advocate for children with special needs! It was a complete joy working with you.  




    GOODIES


    I HAVE TO SHARE THIS WITH OUR VIEWERS! NOT ONLY ARE YOU GETTING A GREAT REVIEW AND A GIVEAWAY FROM THIS COMPANY ON OUR BLOG BUT THEY ASKED ME TO SHARE THIS WITH YOU FROM THEIR SITE! PLEASE BE SURE TO ALSO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY THAT THEY ARE SPONSORING FOR OUR BLOG BELOW!




    Discount School Supply is Celebrating 25 Years! 
    You have been invited to enter to win over $25,000 in prizes to honor their achievement!
    Please take a moment and click on the banner above to enter their Sweepstakes! Simply amazing!

    Don't forget to come back to enter our giveaway!

    GIVEAWAY


    Discount School Supply is giving four (4) of our subscribers a chance to win each of the products that we reviewed for them.

    First Prize winner will receive 4 packages of Moon Sand (ARV $72)

    Second Prize will receive the Colorations Gluten free dough(ARV $23)

    Third Prize winner will receive Do-A-Dot Art (ARV $14)

    Fourth Prize winner will receive Insta Snow  (ARV $12)


    It was a treat to work with every one of these items.  What ever prize you win you will have so much fun! 


    To enter: 

    You must be a subscriber to our blog and visit Discount School Supply and subscribe to their email list.  Please leave a comment below stating that you subscribed for your first official entry (This must be done first for any additional entries to count) 

    For additional entries: (leave a separate comment for each one)
    1. Enter Discount School Supply sweepstakes for 1 additional entry.
    2. Subscribe to our blog via email, Google Friend Connect, Twitter, facebook,  or reader and you will get an entry for each way that you subscribe. (up to 5)
    3. Tweet about this review and giveaway (@lucasjourneyspd) and you will receive another entry.  You can tweet once per day,  leave a separate comment for each tweet.
    4. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to this post and receive 5 additional entries.  Please leave me a comment with your url and leave 5 separate comments.
    5. Add our button to your blog for another 3 entries. Leave the url where button is located and remember to leave 3 comments.
    6. You can receive 1 additional entry for thanking Discount School Supply for hosting this wonderful review and giveaway!
    All entries must be received by 11:59pm Saturday, 7/31/10.  Winner will be chosen by random.org and emailed so be sure you leave me a way to contact you.  

    Good Luck!





    Sunday, July 18, 2010

    SmartknitKIDS.com Seamless Sock Review and Giveaway~ENDING SOON! 7/22


    SmartknitKIDS.com Seamless Sock Review and Giveaway



    Photobucket

    I was given a wonderful opportunity to review seamless socks from Smartknitkids.com.  I was not paid to do this review, my opinion's are real, from me, and from the heart!

    This company has also graciously offered to host a giveaway for one of our members to receive three pairs of their very own!

    Having an SPD child I know the difficulty in getting a pair of REAL seamless socks!  I say real because I have gotten Lucas seamless socks in the past but they still had seams in them and he could tell they were there and wanted them OFF!  I was elated when they told me I could do a review for them because I am impressed by a company that goes out of their way to help our special needs children and heard how wonderful these socks were!
    Review

    PhotobucketI was sent three pairs of socks to review and LOVE, LOVE, LOVED, every moment of it!  Since we received these to review Lucas has not let me put any other pair of socks on his feet!  He was so funny.  He wiggled his toes for several minutes looking confused because he wasn't getting that irritating feeling that he usually gets when we put his socks on.  Once he got used to them. He danced around the house and ran to the kitchen floor to slide!  These are real high quality socks.  I was even more impressed with the packaging that these socks came in.There is a little bug in the box for the kids to play with instead of  it bugging them on their feet! LOL  Just priceless!

    On the right, Lucas is just realizing here that the socks don't bother him like they normally do.

    On the left he is looking down at his feet in amazement that he doesn't need to rip them off!  LOL


    I highly recommend these to any parent who's child has major issues with textures touching them.  I am a forever customer after trying these socks. Thank you SmartKnitKIDS.com for letting me do this review and hosting a giveaway for Lucas's Journey with Sensory Processing Disorder.


    About SmartKnitKIDS.com, explained on their site



    SmartKnitKIDS® patented seamless socks are perfect for children experiencing  sensory processing differences, hypersensitivity or who simply can’t stand  annoying seams! These super soft socks for sensitive little feet will not  wrinkle or bunch and are proven to reduce irritation.



    No Seams to Bug Ya!
    Completely free of seams, the patented kids' socks are designed to  provide comfort and relief to children who struggle with “bumps & lumps” in  their socks.


    Photobucket
    Reduces annoying wrinkling and bunching in  the shoe
    Corespun yarns using Lycra and  form-fitting design result in children's socks that “hug” the foot reducing  wrinkling and bunching. The form fitting design also helps to keep socks  on the wiggliest of toes.


    UNIQUE NO HEEL  DESIGN
    “No heel” design allows children to put on socks with  confidence and keeps little feet from outgrowing their socks so quickly.



    Comfortable Non-Binding  Top
    Our non-binding Halo Top™ fits comfortably  without slipping down the leg.Regular socks often have elastic bands at the tops  of the sock that can often pinch, bind or be a source of irritation.



    Keeps Feet Dry &  Healthy
    SmartKnitKIDS™ Socks are made with  high-tech fibers that wick moisture away helping control odor or "stinky  feet".


    About SmartknitKIDS.com,from SmartknitKIDS.com about me page\




    Tired of hearing her son scream “these sock seams keep bugging me,” a mom  decided something needed to be done.  Every “seamless” sock her son tried had  seams in it; there was not a truly seamless sock available.  After explaining  the frustrating morning routine to countless friends of her son’s struggles with  socks, she was finally given the name of Knit-Rite, a textile manufacturer, and  contacted them with her request for a seamless kids sock. 





    After several  requests for seamless socks from "desperate" parents, SmartKnitKIDS socks were  created.  Knit the same way a caterpillar spins its cocoon, SmartKnitKIDS socks  are started at the toe and worked up toward the ankle.  This process insures a  100% seamless sock, so there are no seams to bug ya!  A form-fitting design also  keeps those annoying lumps and bumps out of the socks. 





    Since its launch  in 2003, SmartKnitKIDS continues to find new markets and grow every year.  Super  soft material and a seam free design make it the most comfortable kid’s sock on  the market. 





    SmartKnitKIDS come in a color for every personality: white,  black, pink, purple, and navy.  Ankle, crew and knee-high styles are available  up to a youth size 8.




    Knit-Rite, Inc. is a leading designer, marketer, and manufacturer of  innovative textiles for medical and consumer markets. Founded in 1923, Knit-Rite  remains committed to the continued research and development, manufacturing and  distributing of products that deliver healthy benefits for a better quality of  life.




    Rules:
    You may enter this giveaway daily.  One entry per person, per day.  Giveaway will begin on 6/30/10,  12:00 a.m. EST and end on  to 7/22/10,  11:59 p.m. EST.

    Winner will be chosen by random.org and notified on or around 7/23/10.  Winner will have 24 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

    Thank you for entering our giveaway.  Feel free to tell all of your friends about it so they have a chance to win too!


    Soft Clothing Sensory Tee Review and Giveaway~GIVEAWAY ENDED

    GIVEAWAY IS OVER
    WINNER IS BEING CHOSEN

    Soft Clothing Sensory Tee Review and Giveaway

    I was given a wonderful opportunity to review a Soft Sensory Tee for Lucas from Softclothing.net.  I was not paid to do this review, my opinion's are real, from me, and from the heart!

    This company has also graciously offered to host a giveaway for one of our members to receive one of their very own Soft tees for themselves!

    I was so excited when they told me I could do a review for them.  Even more so because again I am impressed by a company that goes out of their way to help our special needs children. Please take a moment and read their About me information on their website. This is a Top notch company! A+

    (taken from their site) 

    What is Soft?

    Soft is the first inclusive and universally designed line of clothing geared towards all children but specifically those with sensitivity to the texture and feel of clothing, a common symptom of Autism, Aspergers, and Sensory Processing Disorder. For more information visit: WEBSITE, BLOG, and SOCIAL NETWORK.

    Why Soft?

    More than 1 in 150 children have sensory needs that are largely
    unmet by the children's apparel market today.

    The Soft Difference

    Soft provides comfort and style for all children. After conducting over two years of in-depth market research,
    the company learned a lot about what parents want and what children like. Soft has incorporated that feedback to create stylish and comfortable clothes for the people who need it most.

    Soft provides:

    • Flat seaming for extra comfort
    • Soft cotton combed, peached and bio-washed for extra softness and smoothness
    • Wide collars for a roomy fit around the sensitive neckline
    • Encased elastic waistbands that donʼt pinch
    • Printed labels that donʼt itch
    • Printed details like buttons, zippers, ties, and accessories—allowing children to dress up without
    discomfort
    • Vegetable dyes, natural enzyme washes, and water-based prints to protect against allergies

    Now for my Review

    I was sent one blue Soft tee to review with Lucas and I have to say, I was sad that it wasn't my size! LOL.

    This tee shirt was the softest material I have ever felt in my life!  It was solid but had a silky feel to it.   Whenever I put a shirt onto Lucas I get this look like he just tasted a lemon.  He started to make the same face, when I put this on him,  but then he quickly realized that it had a special feel to it.  It had no tags in the back, there was print version of a tag but it wasn't that soft plastic or rubber tag that you feel in some of them that breaks apart when you wash it.  It was almost as if it were lasered onto the shirt.

      
    I really like to take pictures when I do reviews because it captures those moments that I may not be able to express in words and I'm glad I did!  Lucas was so darn cute when he had this shirt on!  He usually expects to be bothered by clothing and when he realized he wasn't he was in awe at himself!  He stood looking at himself in his mirror for about 20 minutes feeling the material, dancing around, shaking his booty, and reaching up to the sky.  Usually when he moves around he'll stop and try to remove his clothing because it just irritates him so badly.

    I absolutely saw a major difference in his comfort level in this shirt and I would definitely recommend Soft tees for anyone but specifically sensory affected children.  You have to take a look at their site to see all of the wonderful clothing that they have to help our sensational kids.

    Thank you Softclothing.net for letting me do this review and hosting a giveaway for Lucas's Journey with Sensory Processing Disorder.



    Rules:
    You may enter this giveaway daily. One entry per person, per day. Giveaway will begin on 7/1/10, 12:00 a.m. EST and end on 7/31/10, 11:59 p.m. EST.

    Winner will be chosen by random.org and notified on or around 8/1/10. Winner will have 24 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

    Thank you for entering our giveaway. Feel free to tell all of your friends about it so they have a chance to win too!

    Baby Genius, Favorite Counting Songs, and Favorite Children's Songs, DVD Review and Giveaway~GIVEAWAY ENDED

    GIVEAWAY IS OVER
    WINNER IS BEING CHOSEN




    Baby Genius, Favorite Counting Songs, and Favorite Children's Songs, DVD Review and Giveaway

    (Product Descriptions taken from babygenius.com)
    Favorite Children's Songs Celebrate the joy of music with Baby Genius.

    Vinko the Dancing Bear and DJ the Dinosaur personally invite your child to join in on this toe-tapping musical adventure. Includes timeless favorites such as The Wheels on the Bus, Pop Goes the Weasel, Do You Know the Muffin Man, Take Me Out to the Ball Game, and several Baby Genius originals. The excitement never ends!



    Favorite Counting Songs This musical and magical adventure introduces kids to the world of numbers.

    It’s pure fun in motion when children visit a karate class and rowing club, step in tune to the marching band, practice cheerleading moves and much, much more. Kids will enjoy stunning visuals and delightful children’s songs that introduce little ones to the world of numbers. Each song focuses on a number from one to ten in this fun, magical and musical adventure.

    My Review of the DVD's

    I am thrilled to be able to review these DVD's. Not many companies go to the effort that this company does for their customers! When you purchase these DVD's, not only do you get an outstanding video for your little one to watch but you also get a CD that is included for you to take with you in the car or just play and dance to!

    Each video uses songs to emphasize words and numbers in a fun way. They use animation, numbers, letters, animals, and children dancing and playing with rhyming songs to teach your little one words and numbers without making them feel like they are being pushed to learn!

    The videos are not overwhelming at all, they are extremely calm which helps bring awareness and focus to what they are watching.

    My son has sensory processing disorder and is two and a half years old and if he even thinks for a minute that I want him to learn something he is going to do the exact opposite of what I'm trying to get him to do. To my surprise he was completely enamored with these DVD's. He has watched them over and over again since we received them for review. Normally, when he goes in his high chair, he is either getting therapy or eating so he hates sitting in his chair. He will thrash and bang his head against the side until we take him out. Never in my wildest dreams did I think he would pull his chair up to the TV, climb up it, and point to watch the TV! His therapists are going to freak out when they see the video's and pictures I took of him watching these DVD's! I have never seen him more focused watching anything! There aren't many products out there that can affect a child with SPD this way.

    I've included some videos and pictures of Lucas watching so intently.  I'm amazed that he sat through both of these video's and didn't want to get down.  He wanted to watch them again and again. His favorite parts by far were the robots in Favorite Counting Songs and the Wheels on the bus song in Favorite Children's Songs.

      



    The people at Baby Genius have, enthusiastically, agreed to help sponsor this giveaway. They were thrilled to help encourage and support efforts to bring awareness to Sensory Processing Disorder. I am so impressed by their support and willingness to offer such a generous giveaway. Thank you Baby Genius.

    Enter below to win a Baby Genius 10-Pack DVDs (ARV $74.99)

    Product Description

    BONUS: Includes children’s musical CD in every DVD

    1. Favorite Children’s Songs
    2. Mozart and Friends
    3. Underwater Adventures
    4. A Trip to the San Diego Zoo
    5. The Four Seasons
    6. Favorite Nursery Rhymes
    7. Mozart and Friends Sleepytime
    8. Animal Adventures
    9. Things That Go Counting
    10. Favorite Sing-A-Longs

    Or, if you can't wait to win it you can purchase it here Baby Genius 10 pack DVD Boxed Set or any of their other DVD's here Baby Genius DVD's





    Thank you for Entering our Contest and Good luck!

    You may enter once per day.

    Contest ends on July 31, 2010 (EST) at midnight. Winner will be announced on or around August 1, 2010.

    Winner will be chosen through random.org.


    Please be sure to include your e-mail or have it in your profile so I can contact you if you win. Thanks!

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