At the Monster House we use the "divide and conquer" method to tackle household chores. Otherwise, it would be me doing everything, and I just have to say, one person cleaning up after nine people just doesn't work out so well.
From picking up to doing dishes, to vacuuming and dusting, everyone pitches in - even the twinnies. But not everyone has 8 other family members to help get things done, like Lee and Morty, a 90 year old couple living in New York. You can imagine how lugging around a heavy mop bucket or stretching on a rickety step stool to get the dusting done could be both difficult and dangerous for Lee, who does all the housekeeping in their home. Check out their story, and fall in love with them like I did:
Everyone has problem areas in their own home, or chores that are difficult to accomplish because of the contortions you have to do or cleaning supplies you have to heft around. Well, Swiffer has all kinds of products to help make your chore time shorter, more effective, and more enjoyable! And you'll feel better knowing that your home is really clean, and safe for your family. If you're anything lke me, and have a child or family member with allergies or sensitivities, cleanliness is a big, BIG deal. And for homes with pets and/or small children, Swiffer products are amazing for quick clean up of those pesky perpetual spills and messes.
But wait, there's more! (Lookit me all sounding like and infomercial...) One lucky Living with Logan reader living in the United States will WIN a #SwifferEffect kit ($20 value) of their very own to make cleaning faster and easier! Enter by using the super simple entries within the rafflecopter form below. Though I love love LOVE blog comments, those entries will not be valid, or counted. But always feel free drop me a comment to let me know how much you love me and the monsters. It makes me feel all gooey and get the warm fuzzies...
Remember: only entrants from the US are eligible to win. Good luck, and happy cleaning with #SwifferEffects!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
**disclaimer** I was provided with a #SwifferEffects kit in exchange for this post, including the provided video. Opinions and views stated within the body of the post are mine alone and were not compensated beyond free product. #SwifferEffect, Swiffer, and Swiffer Wet Jet are products of Proctor and Gamble, and copyrighted by same. Referenced here, for purposes of this post, with permission.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition - Bootcamp #review
It's that time of year again, when I absolutely hate the way I look. I take a vow to loathe anyone that weighs less than 600 pounds, looks good in a swimsuit, loses their baby weight within 45 minutes of giving birth, or who has a functional metabolism.
I start stalking the produce section as I grocery shop, fantasizing in my head that the Special K diet really *will* work, because I won't do it with sides of French toast and bacon this time. I tell myself that I don't need m&ms or any other form of chocolate. I make a halfhearted promise to myself that I will stop baking no matter how therapeutic it is late at night after a super dee duper stressful day. I vow to stop buying brown sugar and chocolate chips. I take out the yoga DVD and pretend that I love the soft, never irritated voice of the yoga witch who never sweats, grunts, or uses profanity as she smilingly twists herself into positions that normal people need the jaws of life and 16 fire fighters to get out of.
I remind myself how much better I felt last year when I lost 20 pounds in 6 weeks. I remind myself that it got easier every time I exercised, and how exhilarating it was when my pants started falling off my body.
And none of this lying to myself is working. The truth of the matter is, I hate cheerful workout instructors. They piss me off. Do *not* grin and say, "Only 60,000 crunches left to go! You can do it! You're stronger than you think!" No. I can't do it. I'm having delusions about Ben and Jerry right now, thank you very much. So you can take your happy crunches and...uh.. ahem. Sorry.
I despise people who don't sweat and curse and burst into sobs at the mention of aerobics. I need cranky, bitter exercise workouts. I need "have you LOST YOUR MIND?!" from the paid "beginner class" featured in the sessions. I need shrieks of "what fresh hell is THIS?!", so I know that I'm not the only one about to die. And you know, it wouldn't hurt to have some big, burly guy with a six pack shriek, "Medic! Man down!" as he writhes on the floor in excruciating pain during beginning warm up stretches. That would be groovy. I would smile, maybe.
It took two weeks, but I actually did unwrap the protective cellophane cover from the DVD. I broke a sweat and called it good. And then, I started having guilt about the review that I was supposed to write. But then, my pc died a horrible, stupid death, and I had to mourn, you know. SAVED by a "death in the family"!! But then the iPad arrived, and I was doomed. Doomed to exercise hell.
I braced myself by eating a package of oreos, and prepared to become intimately acquainted with Chris Powell, transformation specialist extraordinaire. Here's what I discovered:
I start stalking the produce section as I grocery shop, fantasizing in my head that the Special K diet really *will* work, because I won't do it with sides of French toast and bacon this time. I tell myself that I don't need m&ms or any other form of chocolate. I make a halfhearted promise to myself that I will stop baking no matter how therapeutic it is late at night after a super dee duper stressful day. I vow to stop buying brown sugar and chocolate chips. I take out the yoga DVD and pretend that I love the soft, never irritated voice of the yoga witch who never sweats, grunts, or uses profanity as she smilingly twists herself into positions that normal people need the jaws of life and 16 fire fighters to get out of.
I remind myself how much better I felt last year when I lost 20 pounds in 6 weeks. I remind myself that it got easier every time I exercised, and how exhilarating it was when my pants started falling off my body.
And none of this lying to myself is working. The truth of the matter is, I hate cheerful workout instructors. They piss me off. Do *not* grin and say, "Only 60,000 crunches left to go! You can do it! You're stronger than you think!" No. I can't do it. I'm having delusions about Ben and Jerry right now, thank you very much. So you can take your happy crunches and...uh.. ahem. Sorry.
I despise people who don't sweat and curse and burst into sobs at the mention of aerobics. I need cranky, bitter exercise workouts. I need "have you LOST YOUR MIND?!" from the paid "beginner class" featured in the sessions. I need shrieks of "what fresh hell is THIS?!", so I know that I'm not the only one about to die. And you know, it wouldn't hurt to have some big, burly guy with a six pack shriek, "Medic! Man down!" as he writhes on the floor in excruciating pain during beginning warm up stretches. That would be groovy. I would smile, maybe.
It took two weeks, but I actually did unwrap the protective cellophane cover from the DVD. I broke a sweat and called it good. And then, I started having guilt about the review that I was supposed to write. But then, my pc died a horrible, stupid death, and I had to mourn, you know. SAVED by a "death in the family"!! But then the iPad arrived, and I was doomed. Doomed to exercise hell.
I braced myself by eating a package of oreos, and prepared to become intimately acquainted with Chris Powell, transformation specialist extraordinaire. Here's what I discovered:
- four fat blasting workouts is just another way of saying "You're still going to feel like you're about to die. Here's four choices for cause of death"
- "Melt inches" is instructor speak for "You will drown in your own sweat. Strap on the snorkel."
- "Calorie crushing", "Shred", and "sculpt" are all polite ways to tell you that you will never walk upright again.
All joking aside, here's the deal: this DVD offers a multitude of workout options that will work for anyone, regardless of their love/hate relationship with exercise.With the level options, warm up, and cool down, there are no more excuses for me not to exercise. Starting with Level 1 and working my way up as things get more manageable for me is a great way to get into exercising regularly again. I don't feel overwhelmed and incapable, because I'm sticking to a workout I can manage. And, if I ever get the urge to smash the TV so I won't have to hear Chris' voice, well.. there's a music only option available on the DVD for when I am familiar enough with the routines to do it on my own. The TV will live on.
Past contestants on the Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition show are featured as well, so it's not as intimidating for me. This actually *is* the answer to my exercise needs. Think it's your answer too? You can find Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition - Bootcamp on DVD for the MSRP of $14.98. Try it out, people. If *I*, the cynical, oreo loving mother of 7 with all the baby weight to prove it, can do it, y'all can. We'll totally cheer each other on. We'll become like those annoying skinny people on facebook with smiles that look like a mouth full of chicklets, and spray paint six packs on our bellies to embarrass our children. It'll be epic!
**Disclaimer** I received a free copy of Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition - Bootcamp for purposes of this review. Views and opinions expressed in this review are mine alone and were not compensated.
**Disclaimer** I received a free copy of Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition - Bootcamp for purposes of this review. Views and opinions expressed in this review are mine alone and were not compensated.
Monday, July 15, 2013
My Unscheduled Rant
I'm sorry. I just have to do this. Actually, I'm not sorry at all. Here's the deal. I'm cranky about something, and because I know I'm not the only one that's dealt with this particular situation, I'm going to open my big mouth and put it out there. Here it is. Guess what, people? Just because my child can walk and talk, that doesn't mean that he is less deserving of accommodations than anyone else. He's not neurotypical enough to be deemed mainstream, and not special needs enough to make him worthy of notice? Well, I have a few things to say about it.
Every child matters. Every. Single. One. Whether neurotypical, nonverbal, Downs Syndrome, epileptic, autistic, celiac, gluten intolerant, severely allergic, black, white, green, or orange with little pink polka dots. Every. Child. Matters. And every parent will fight for what their child needs, because this is what parents do. Do not tell me we are less than, because he's only 5 and I haven't had to dress him or bathe him every day for 20 years. I know you have, and I can only imagine it. But I respect you. And your child. I learn from you and value your opinion. Do not tell me we are less than because your child started speaking at 9 months old and was reading his own stories to himself by 18 months. I know he did. I am thrilled for you, and to be completely honest, I'm quite a bit jealous. I respect you, and learn from you and value your opinion. I know my child could barely say Momma and was still learning to walk when he was 2. But he's my child. And he matters. Just as yours does.
When did this become a contest? WHY did this become a contest? Seriously, people. Can't we all just get along? It's not. a. contest. It's our children. We are ALL in different situations. We are supposed to be able to lean on each other, consult with each other, gather support from each other. And the petty bullshit (yes.. I just said a naughty word. I'm that irritated) isn't helping anyone.
I get enough of the fight every year when we register for school. I get enough of the "prove I have to accommodate your child in any way, shape, or form" from the school district. I don't need it in other places I go as well. I visit these places (online) either in a professional capacity or for support. And trotting out that "less than" crap is wearing me out.
Okay. That's all. I don't have any solutions here. I just had to blow off some steam. In the words of my good friend Eeyore, "Thanks for listening".
Every child matters. Every. Single. One. Whether neurotypical, nonverbal, Downs Syndrome, epileptic, autistic, celiac, gluten intolerant, severely allergic, black, white, green, or orange with little pink polka dots. Every. Child. Matters. And every parent will fight for what their child needs, because this is what parents do. Do not tell me we are less than, because he's only 5 and I haven't had to dress him or bathe him every day for 20 years. I know you have, and I can only imagine it. But I respect you. And your child. I learn from you and value your opinion. Do not tell me we are less than because your child started speaking at 9 months old and was reading his own stories to himself by 18 months. I know he did. I am thrilled for you, and to be completely honest, I'm quite a bit jealous. I respect you, and learn from you and value your opinion. I know my child could barely say Momma and was still learning to walk when he was 2. But he's my child. And he matters. Just as yours does.
When did this become a contest? WHY did this become a contest? Seriously, people. Can't we all just get along? It's not. a. contest. It's our children. We are ALL in different situations. We are supposed to be able to lean on each other, consult with each other, gather support from each other. And the petty bullshit (yes.. I just said a naughty word. I'm that irritated) isn't helping anyone.
I get enough of the fight every year when we register for school. I get enough of the "prove I have to accommodate your child in any way, shape, or form" from the school district. I don't need it in other places I go as well. I visit these places (online) either in a professional capacity or for support. And trotting out that "less than" crap is wearing me out.
Okay. That's all. I don't have any solutions here. I just had to blow off some steam. In the words of my good friend Eeyore, "Thanks for listening".
Calmer by Nature #Review
Y'all, I just have to tell you about the most amazing DVDs we are using at the Monster House for soothing, bed times, and quiet times in the afternoon. I was recently contacted by the awesome people across the pond who make the Calmer by Nature and Calmer by the Water DVDs. These DVDs are phenomenal for my twinnies when they are having a rough time self soothing, or are in the midst of sensory overload.
Packed with video uninterrupted by people, voices, vehicles, freeway sounds, or anythnig else not found in the wild, Calmer by Nature 2 is a super huge hit with the monsterlettes. They never fail to giggle like crazy people during the scene where baby birds start raising a ruckus before the mother bird with the food is even in view. They are always amazed that those "siwwy baby buhds" seem to have radar for their Momma.
Check out this Youtube clip, which incidentally is the one that convinced me to try these DVDs in the first place, after the twinnies were riveted, and watched literally a dozen times in a row.
Calmer by the Water is just as excellent, with video of water, water dwelling wildlife, and sail boats. And people? Watching these in the car? Totally makes the fighting, bickering, and tattling stop. Although I have to admit that I've never been brave enough to use the water one while traveling. I have horrible mental images of having to find every single functional toilet along the way. Call me crazy, but.... stranger things have happened.
I would definitely recommend these DVDs to any family, therapist, or teacher for use as a calming method, whether they have sensory kiddos or not. Much better than any white noise machine ever invented, because of the amazing videography that accompanies the relaxing sounds of nature. Much better than most nature DVDs out there that have voice overs or classical music. This collection gets it right in all the ways we love here at the Monster House.
Want to know some of the back story to these DVDs? Check this out from the press release of Calmer by Nature 2:
And, as if you needed any more incentive to check into Calmer by Nature and Calmer by the Water, here's what professionals have to say about this series of DVDs:
**DISCLAIMER** I received a free copy of Calmer by Nature 2 and Calmer by the Water for purposes of this review. The views and opinions in this review are my own, except where notated as quotes by others, and are not compensated. Quotes are property of Calmer by Nature and used here with permission.
Packed with video uninterrupted by people, voices, vehicles, freeway sounds, or anythnig else not found in the wild, Calmer by Nature 2 is a super huge hit with the monsterlettes. They never fail to giggle like crazy people during the scene where baby birds start raising a ruckus before the mother bird with the food is even in view. They are always amazed that those "siwwy baby buhds" seem to have radar for their Momma.
Check out this Youtube clip, which incidentally is the one that convinced me to try these DVDs in the first place, after the twinnies were riveted, and watched literally a dozen times in a row.
Calmer by the Water is just as excellent, with video of water, water dwelling wildlife, and sail boats. And people? Watching these in the car? Totally makes the fighting, bickering, and tattling stop. Although I have to admit that I've never been brave enough to use the water one while traveling. I have horrible mental images of having to find every single functional toilet along the way. Call me crazy, but.... stranger things have happened.
I would definitely recommend these DVDs to any family, therapist, or teacher for use as a calming method, whether they have sensory kiddos or not. Much better than any white noise machine ever invented, because of the amazing videography that accompanies the relaxing sounds of nature. Much better than most nature DVDs out there that have voice overs or classical music. This collection gets it right in all the ways we love here at the Monster House.
Want to know some of the back story to these DVDs? Check this out from the press release of Calmer by Nature 2:
After a period of severe stress in his own life, CEO Barry Wheelock began to film rare moments in nature; wild deer in the forest, birds feeding their young, close encounters with badgers and foxes in the moonlight, or even just wildflowers nodding in the breeze. Not only did Barry find comfort in the British countryside, but it kindled a passion for wildlife that has enabled him to help others suffering from stress, sensory problems and particularly autism spectrum disorders.
"One of the things I wanted to do was to share this with other people. It's a joy to me to know it's helping people," says Barry
And, as if you needed any more incentive to check into Calmer by Nature and Calmer by the Water, here's what professionals have to say about this series of DVDs:
"I highly recommend Calmer by Nature for all ages, whether you're dealing with autism in your family or just want some stress relief," says Debi Taylor, Autism Research Specialist, author and speaker (USA). "We still love the DVD and CD and use it frequently".
"Many people I know have found these DVDs extremely useful as a calming and coping strategy. I have taken these DVDs on some of the talks that I give on autism all over the country" says Steve McGuinness, trustee of the National Autistic Society (UK)
"Calmer by Nature offers a freat therapeutic resource, a tool... to help clients with a range of different presentations - from use as a self soothe strategy, to enabling assessment of children in care, to facilitating reminiscence. Something that can be used in so many different ways, especially when access to the great 'green gym' of the healing outdoors is restricted." says Kath Smith, award winning occupational therapist and Director of MBB Connections (Truro, UK)Learn more and order DVDs of your own by visiting Calmer by Nature. I promise you will be pleasantly surprised at the effectiveness of nature's soothing attributes. And, because of this, these DVDs have earned the much sought after Monster House rating of 18 thumbs up! That's a lot of thumbs, y'all. Well done!
**DISCLAIMER** I received a free copy of Calmer by Nature 2 and Calmer by the Water for purposes of this review. The views and opinions in this review are my own, except where notated as quotes by others, and are not compensated. Quotes are property of Calmer by Nature and used here with permission.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
It's Been A While
Holy cow, y'all! It's been a while! I hope everyone is having a wonderful Summer! I promise I haven't forgotten about ya, and I promise I didn't go anywhere. My computer just... decided that it was time to die a disgustingly thorough death. So, I was without means to post. It was horrible. And terrible. And awful. Traumatic, even.
But yesterday, something awesome happened! The twinnies and I got the most amazing gift ever! When I picked up the mail, there was an iPad there for us from a very generous person that had no idea what a huge thing this would be. And so, Momma can work, the twinnies are doing learning apps and temple run and angry birds and choosing bedtime stories online. It has been such an amazing blessing for us, I can't tell you.
So, tonight this is just a short note to serve as proof of life. And tomorrow, the reviews and the silliness and the family reunion and the swimming lesson stories and all that jazz will start to post. Brace yourselves. I've had writing withdrawals.
If you want to keep up on monster house goings on (good luck...even *I* can't keep up with everything going on here) the latest posts here, autism, food allergies, events, and more, check us out on Facebook! Interact with me and readers, holler at me when there's an important event in your area for SN kids and families, see all the silly memes I just can't seem to stop posting. See pics of the monsters, and commiserate with me when the caffeine hasn't kicked in yet.
I've missed this, and am looking forward to getting back into the groove of things. It will seem like there is a lot of promotion going on for the next while. This is because I'm really behind, and I need to get caught up on my PR. I'll ask for a bit of understanding while all that is going on. Those of you that have been following for a while know that I make it a point not to have promotional posts all the time.
Looking forward to catching up!
But yesterday, something awesome happened! The twinnies and I got the most amazing gift ever! When I picked up the mail, there was an iPad there for us from a very generous person that had no idea what a huge thing this would be. And so, Momma can work, the twinnies are doing learning apps and temple run and angry birds and choosing bedtime stories online. It has been such an amazing blessing for us, I can't tell you.
So, tonight this is just a short note to serve as proof of life. And tomorrow, the reviews and the silliness and the family reunion and the swimming lesson stories and all that jazz will start to post. Brace yourselves. I've had writing withdrawals.
If you want to keep up on monster house goings on (good luck...even *I* can't keep up with everything going on here) the latest posts here, autism, food allergies, events, and more, check us out on Facebook! Interact with me and readers, holler at me when there's an important event in your area for SN kids and families, see all the silly memes I just can't seem to stop posting. See pics of the monsters, and commiserate with me when the caffeine hasn't kicked in yet.
I've missed this, and am looking forward to getting back into the groove of things. It will seem like there is a lot of promotion going on for the next while. This is because I'm really behind, and I need to get caught up on my PR. I'll ask for a bit of understanding while all that is going on. Those of you that have been following for a while know that I make it a point not to have promotional posts all the time.
Looking forward to catching up!
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