Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Autism Awareness Month - Respite Care for Families

Autism Awareness Month, Day 9

Today, I want to talk about something that is an issue in almost every marriage, and that's the demands of being a parent of a special needs child. 

Marriages are tough in the best of circumstances, but consider the demands of trying to work, go to IEP meetings, deal with letters from the school about your child's behavior, meltdowns, cleaning up bits of string because your child has decided he's now going to slowly unravel every pair of socks he owns......

The one thing that parents need is down-time.  And it's usually the thing that gets overlooked or sacrificed the most.  After all, who is going to care for your child? You can't leave them with someone who is unaccustomed to dealing with aggressive outbursts and meltdowns. You don't want to ask your friends to deal with it.

The thing parents need most is respite care.  To have someone come for a few hours once or twice a month, to let you and your spouse get out of the house, have some quiet time, not have to deal with tantrums and fusses, to spend some time alone.

In a recent article at disabilityscoop.com, they talked about the need for respite care and how having that care available can lead to higher marital quality of life.   You can read more of the article here -
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2013/04/08/respite-care-autism-parents/17659/

Remember the Autism Awareness Party is still going on!

Place orders via that link - http://www.lillarose.biz/parties/1745. Right now, this party has no hostess :) For every purchase of a "something blue" item, you will receive one ticket for the Mystery Host Raffle at the end of the party. The more "something blue" purchases, the more chances to win being Mystery Host.

Today's "something blue" is sort of cheating, but oh well. :)  It's the Princess Tiara Aurora Borealis!


Friday, April 5, 2013

Autism Explained For Kids

Autism Day 5

With so much attention being paid to Autism this month, you might have children who are newly exposed to the concept and unsure of how to explain Autism in a way they can understand.  

Kidshealth.Org has a great article on Autism that explains some of the complexities of Autism, but in a way your child can understand.    



There is a special "Autism Awareness Party" set up.  Place orders via that link -  http://www.lillarose.biz/parties/1745.  Right now, this party has no hostess :)  For every purchase of a "something blue" item, you will receive one ticket for the Mystery Host Raffle at the end of the party.  The more "something blue" purchases, the more chances to win being Mystery Host.

Every day I'll be posting information on Autism, as well as a picture of the day of one of the "something blue" items.




Today's item is the Parade of Color Hair Band!

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Autism, in Plain English

Many of us in the Autism Community, know the buzzwords, know the frustrations, know the perceptions vs. the realities, know that not all autistic children are the same.  But for someone who doesn't have a friend or family member affected by autism, sometimes the flurry of words can be confusing.

Stuart Duncan, another friend in the autism community, has posted on his blog a sort of "crash course" for autism. This is Autism, in plain English.


Please take a moment to read about what autism is and isn't, the varying degrees and manifestations of autism, and hopefully understand what our children are going through.


There is a special "Autism Awareness Party" set up.  Place orders via that link -  http://www.lillarose.biz/parties/1745.  Right now, this party has no hostess :)  For every purchase of a "something blue" item, you will receive one ticket for the Mystery Host Raffle at the end of the party.  The more "something blue" purchases, the more chances to win being Mystery Host.
Every day I'll be posting information on Autism, as well as a picture of the day of one of the "something blue" items.


Today's item is the Cobalt Aurora Borealis Hair Sticks.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

It's Raining Money Giveaway

Raining Money

Welcome to the It's Raining Money Giveaway!

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Since 2001, Rather-Be-Shopping.com has been helping consumers save money with coupon codes to over 900 retailers. They also have a brand new free iPhone app that allows users to save with mobile in-store coupons by displaying the coupon directly on the phone at checkout. Cashier just scans your phone and you collect your savings. Popular retailers offering coupons include Lands’ End, Old Navy, Crate & Barrel, Home Depot, Kohl’s, American Eagle Outfitters, and Walmart.
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Organized by Mom Powered Media

We are giving you not one but two chances to win $500 for a total Raining Cash prize of a whopping $1000! Make sure you stop by Mom to Bed by 8 today for your second chance at $500!
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One lucky reader will receive $500 Visa Gift Card {or paypal}.

Giveaway ends May 1st at 11:59pm, open worlwide, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!
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Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Hair Made Beautiful is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Please contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!

What is Autism?

Today is day 3 of Autism Awareness Month. 

Because both my sons have autism, I am well aware of the challenges of autism and parenting autism children.  The goal of Hair Made Beautiful this month is to educate readers on various aspects of autism and the challenges that autistic people, families, and communities face.

The number of people being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder grow every day, and I can guarantee you that even if your family hasn't been affected by autism, you know people whose lives have.

Throughout the month, I'll be continuing you post all types of information about Autism and family dynamics. I encourage you to take the time to read them all. My sincere hope is that you may learn something you didn't know before, or understand where families affected by autism come from, and to increase acceptance of our families.

To make this a bit fun, I'm also doing a contest with my company, Lilla Rose.  There is a special "Autism Awareness Party" set up.  Place orders via that link -  http://www.lillarose.biz/parties/1745.  Right now, this party has no hostess :)  For every purchase of a "something blue" item, you will receive one ticket for the Mystery Host Raffle at the end of the party.  The more "something blue" purchases, the more chances to win being Mystery Host.

Every day I'll be posting information on Autism, as well as a picture of the day of one of the "something blue" items.

 
Today's item is the Sea Inspired Dolphin. 

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

World Autism Acceptance Day

April 2

Today is World Autism Acceptance Day!  In honor of today, I'd like to share with you a post by an outspoken friend in our community, Rob Gorski at Lost and Tired.  Rob is the step-father of three children on the spectrum, all at various places on the spectrum. 

Rob wrote a very important article, I think that everyone (whether touched by autism or not) should read.   10 Things My Autistic Kids Wished You Knew.

The Lilla Rose Autism Awareness Party Link - http://www.lillarose.biz/parties/1745
Remember that any purchases of "something blue" made during the Party will give you one ticket for the mystery Host.  The more blue items you purchase, the more tickets you earn.



Today's "something blue" is the Starfish Flexi.

Hair Tips of the Stars

I love how everyone and their brother has beauty tips for you.  What I found amusing about this article was the title -Jennifer Lawrence’s Hairstylist Spills Top Hair Tips For Real Women.

 Really?  Are these affordable options?  Because most tips include spending a fortune on products.

I did like this suggestion though, even if it was full of name dropping. "The best way to style naturally curly hair: “I swear by Dove Shine Cream Serum! Actress Penelope Cruz taught me this trick — rake the product through your curls and do two braids, one on each side, and let it set for 10 minutes. Take them out to loose waves.”

 I did find it interesting, and I know Dove doesn't cost a fortune.  I'll definitely try this one!