5 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Special Needs Moms

You learn a lot about science as a special needs mom.

This can take many, many forms:

Chemistry – through understanding the combination of drugs you will have to administer to your child.

Biology – an in depth knowledge of how the body works.

Even Physics – from how to position your child to the pressure needed to tube feed.

Some moms will be able to draw on subjects studied at school or college, others may work in the field of science where the terms are familiar but they never thought they would help with caring for their child with special needs.

For others, they are thrown in at the deep end with a crash course to bring them up to speed.

No matter what your background you very quickly become an expert in your child’s condition and the care they need as well as gaining a newly developed appreciation of the ‘sciences’.

So what better way to celebrate this knowledge than a beautiful piece of science jewellery from Science Jewelry 1824 this Valentine’s Day!

Here are Firefly’s top picks from the amazing range of science inspired jewellery…

DNA Necklace – £83.00

This stunning DNA twist is available in sterling silver with either a 42 or 45cm chain. The perfect gift for moms to kids with genetic conditions. What better way to raise awareness of your child’s condition than to spark a conversation when some one asks about your beautiful necklace?

Heartbeat Necklace – £84.00

An ideal gift for moms of children with heart conditions, this beautiful necklace is also available in sterling silver with either a 42 or 45cm chain.

Caffeine Ring – £82.00

There’s very few moms who don’t rely on caffeine in the form of coffee to see them through the day (and night). Why not show your love for coffee with this amazing Caffeine ring available in sterling sliver from US ring sizes 5 through to 12.

Dopamine Ring – £82.00

Dopamine is a type of neurotransmitter that can be hugely significant in the lives of special needs families. Dopamine can be the cause of learning difficulties for example in the rare genetic condition PKU and cretinism. Dopamine problems are also implicated in ADHD as well as depression. This dopamine ring is the perfect way to demonstrate your tie to this vital neurotransmitter.

Serotonin Necklace – from £84.00

You may not be familiar with serotonin but it is a natural mood stabliser and it can help with sleeping, digestion and eating. Serotonin impacts every part of your body, from your emotions to your motor skills. So it’s safe to say we could all do with a bit of serotonin. The serotonin necklace from Science Jewellery 1824 is available in sterling silver, rose gold plated brass and gold plated brass in two necklace lengths 42 and 45cm.

Why not embrace your knowledge for science with a Valentine’s gift from the Science Jewellery 1824?

Tag your other half in this blog post as a subtle hint!

Check out the full range from Science Jewellery 1824 here.

5 Must-Watch Series on Netflix for Special Needs Parents

At the end of a long day, there’s nothing better than tuning into the latest episode of a favorite TV series and catching up with the exploits of the characters you’ve been following.

Lately, Netflix has been the place to go for gripping dramas and laugh-out-loud comedies that leave you craving the next installment.

Here are some of the five best series currently available on the streaming service.

1. Stranger Things

If you like TV series that are packed with drama, tension and mystery, you’ll love Stranger Things.

Beginning with the disappearance of a young boy, this nostalgic 80s-set show unravels to reveal terrible secrets and strange supernatural forces.

Stranger Things was the most-watched Netflix Original series that debuted in 2016, attracting over 14 million viewers aged 18-49 in its first 35 days.

The second season is due to air sometime in 2017, so now is the perfect time to catch up with its first.

2. Orphan Black

With four seasons available on Netflix as of January 2017, Orphan Black is the perfect show to get into if you’re looking for a series that you can build a long-term connection with.

Originally produced by BBC America, this story of sisterhood and suspense enjoys a five-star rating on Netflix.

Lead actress Tatiana Maslany won an Emmy in 2016 for her portrayal of several of the main characters in this series, which tells the story of a group of women who discover they are part of a secret cloning project.

Watch characters grapple with betrayal, loyalty and questions about their own identity in this action-packed thriller.

3. The Crown

Released in 2016, The Crown is Netflix’s take on the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

The first season follows the young Queen’s early years, including the death of her father and the aftermath of the Second World War.

Netflix has spent a fortune on the production of this historical drama, which was rewarded in December 2016 with a Golden Globe Nomination for Best TV Series.

If you’re looking for a slow-paced drama with recent historical significance, this is the choice for you.

4. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Co-created by Tina Fey, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt debuted in 2015 and returned for a hilarious second season in 2016.

The uplifting sitcom follows the story of Kimmy Schmidt, a young woman who is rescued from an underground cult and has to adjust to life in the normal world.

Given its premise, you might expect the show to be dark or depressing, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Kimmy’s go-getting optimism and sunny attitude will inspire and uplift you even on the most stressful of days. It’s the ultimate feel-good series.

5. House of Cards

If you still haven’t seen House of Cards, now is the time to stop putting it off.

According to WGNTV, it’s the highest-rated show on Netflix!

The fourth season is every bit as thrilling as the first, which debuted in 2013 with Kevin Spacey playing a gloriously evil politician determined to scheme his way to the presidency.

The show has won numerous awards and is full of strong, complicated characters that you can love and hate in equal measure.

Check it out today, but be warned — you might end up binge-watching more episodes than you intended!

What’s your favourite?

7 Ways to Get Fit in the Comfort of Your Living Room

But you don’t need to spend hours at the gym to stay in shape, as there are seven simple ways to exercise without ever leaving your living room.

1. Use Fitness Videos

When you have at least 20 minutes to yourself, play your favorite fitness video.

Choose one that involves using a relatively small area so you aren’t forced to move any special needs equipment you might have in your home.

2. Use a Mobile Fitness App

There are some very effective fitness apps available that provide exercise and fitness tips you can follow at home.

These mobile apps often link directly to a tracking device, so you can monitor your progress and find motivation when you need it most.

3. Embrace the Internet

The internet is home to a huge range of fitness advice that you can utilize at home.

Just a quick search for workout videos on YouTube should give you many different options.

There are specific workouts online that are aimed at people working out in their own home — and many of them are absolutely free.

4. Use a Smart Yoga Mat

The latest smart yoga mats can connect to a mobile app to give you feedback on your technique.

A series of sensors can identify your exact position on the mat.

The app then lets you know how you can improve — and when your technique is spot on.

5. Use a Resistance Band

A resistance band is an elasticized rope with a handle on each end. Using the resistance of the rope, you can perform a selection of common gym exercises without any of the large, bulky equipment you would normally need.

6. Use Your Own Weight

You can use your own weight as resistance for an all-around workout in a very small room. Lunges, squats and step-ups are just some of the simple exercises you can do without any equipment.

7. Do Your Chores

Performing your everyday chores at speed can help you to burn up to 500 calories an hour, which is comparable to the energy burned through power-walking.

Staying in shape when you’re caring for children with special needs is possible – if you plan ahead and use these relatively simple home workout tips.

5 Cooking Hacks for Special Needs Families

Most special needs families will also say that the hassles of eating out far outweigh the benefits.

Sometimes, though, you might consider cooking an unachievable goal.

You’re exhausted, your children need you and you definitely didn’t go to culinary school.

Check out these meal-prep shortcuts, and you’ll be able to turn out a delightful dish in record time!

Peel Tomatoes (and Potatoes) Quickly and Easily

While rushing to get dinner on the table, you probably say, “Next!” to any recipe that calls for peeled tomatoes or potatoes.

Now you don’t have to.

Cut a tiny X into the bottom of the veggies, place them into a pot of water, and boil until the X begins to widen.

Scoop them up, and submerge them immediately in a bowl of ice water until cool.

Then, start peeling from the X mark.

Juice Lemons and Limes More Effectively

To extract maximum juice, heat up your citrus fruits in the microwave for 20 seconds before you squeeze.

Free Corn Kernels

Kids and adults both enjoy fresh corn, but they know eating it off the cob is messy and messes with their teeth.

Now, you can use a bundt pan to remove kernels quickly.

Place the pan open-side up, set the stem side of the cob over the hole, and use a knife to shave kernels off from top to bottom. The hole in the pan acts like a holder, and the pan collects every kernel.

Slice Raw Meats With Ease

Slicing raw meat can be messy and frustrating if you don’t have a great knife or stellar knife skills.

Simplify this task by placing your meat in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before slicing.

Don’t worry you’re not actually freezing, it’s just enough time to make the meat more firm and stable.

Your knife will zip through with ease and little mess.

Easily De-Seed Pomegranates

Pomegranate seeds are nutritious and delicious in all kinds of dishes (or alone).

De-seeding a pomegranate can be tricky, though.

Here is the quick way to do it: Cut it in half, push down on the middle, and hit it with a wooden spoon.

Do this over a large bowl of water so you can easily remove the pith and simultaneously wash your hands.

Bonus hack: Want to serve birthday cake before a birthday boy or girl meltdown?

Cut it quickly and cleanly with a long strand of (unflavoured!) dental floss.

Position the floss across the cake where you want to slice, and pull both sides of floss down through the cake in a quick, even motion.

Release one side of the floss, and pull it slowly through with your other hand.

Happy birthday! (Use this method to slice brie, too.)

Sources:

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Cut-a-Cake-With-Floss/

http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/tools-products/14-surprising-uses-for-your-microwave/on-page-8

http://www.instructables.com/id/Deseed-Pomegranates-in-Seconds/

Keep Warm This Winter: Tips for Special Needs Families

It’s important to keep warm both at home and outside.

It can help reduce the risk of serious health problems or minimise the chance of exacerbating existing conditions.

You can start by making sure your home is warm

1. Have your heating system serviced or your chimney swept also check your water stopcock is working properly. If you rent your home make sure to ask your landlord as it is their responsbility.

2. Check your thermostat. The ideal temperature for a bedroom is 18°C (64°F) for the living room it is 21°C (70°F).

3. Don’t open your windows whilst the heat is on. Sounds simple but it’s surprising how many people put the heat on later in the day forgetting they had opened their bedroom windows in the morning. Remember to check your air vents as well.

4. Close your curtains. As soon as it gets dark draw your curtains to stop the heat getting out and the draughts coming in. You could also fit thermal linings as an extra measure.

5. Keep internal doors closed in your home in the winter. This helps keep the rooms warm and stops heat travelling to areas that don’t need to be as warm such as halls and landings.

Don’t forget to dress warm too!

1. Dress in several thin layers of clothing. Yes it’s futtery for nappy changes but this helps trap air and will keep your child warmer than one thicker layer.

2. Hats and scarves are important (if you can get your child to wear them). Don’t forget your own. Most heat is lost through the head and neck.

3. Wear tights under trousers when heading out. Boys too – H&M do a great range of boy tights available online. Or stick to navy, black or grey.

3. Use a wheelchair cover when out and about. We recommend BundleBean.

4. If your child’s condition allows it make sure to wear warm clothes in bed, layer up by adding a vest and socks. (You too!)

5. Don’t forget the fabrics! Wool, cotton or fleecy fabrics are best.

6 Best Hand Creams Chosen by Special Needs Mums

Days spent changing nappies/diapers, constant washing and applying anti-bacterial gels, hopsital stays, the friction of daily lifting and the endless use of baby wipes soon take its toll, leaving hands dry, chapped and very, very sore.

The pain of dry, cracked hands can have a big impact on the challenges and daily routine of caring for a child or children with special needs.

Hands are exposed to the elements as much as the face, they are one of the first places to show aging this shows just how important it is to protect them.

We asked some special needs mums what their favourite hand creams were.

This is what they came up with:

Bodyshop Hemp Hand Protector

‘My hands were always sore and dry but not anymore. I always find the winter months particularly bad and would often have hacks but one application of Hemp Hand Protector before I go to bed is enough to restore the moisture and repair the hack. I’ve tried many hand creams in the past and this is by far the best. Truly an amazing product.’

Claire Smyth

Crabtree & Evelyn Verbana & Lavender

‘This is my favourite hand cream. I absolutely love the smell, it dries really quickly and leaves my hands silky smooth with no horrible residue. I got it given to me as a gift so I don’t know how I’ll feel about buying it for myself as it is much more expensive than previous ones I would’ve used. But it repairs any damaged or dry areas almost immediately. My mum also uses it so it reminds me of her.’

Laura Rutherford

Nivea Smooth and Nourishing Hand Cream

‘I love this hand cream. It leaves my hands soft but it’s also great for Ethan’s hands as his little hands curl. This cream, I’ve found, dries quicker and keeps his skin soft rather than other creams which take ages to dry, meaning his hands curl in again with wet cream on, Nivea doesn’t do this! It also gets bonus points for being cheap.’

Ger Renton

Soap & Glory Hand Food

‘This is definitely the best hand cream out there. I put it on before I go to bed and when I wake up in the morning the dryness and sores have repaired leaving my hands feeling smooth and ready to tackle the day ahead. It smells fantastic too.’

Sarah Brisdion 

Bio Oil

‘OK so not technically a hand cream, but I started to use Bio Oil on my hands a few months ago and already notice a big difference in my hands. I add in a bit of aqueous cream to make it last longer.’

Maura McCrystal 

Aveeno Hand Cream

‘I have two kids in nappies so good hand cream is a must for me and I swear by this one. It leaves my hands repaired and nourished after each use.’

Vaila Morrison

Christmas Night Outfit

It’s a magical time of year full of family traditions, decorations, and classic carols.

There are also the traditional Christmas pajamas!

Yes, that’s right, I love to see my kids in matching or coordinated Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve.

I used to have a difficult time justifying the cost of two pair of pajamas that were specially purchased for one night of the year, but trust me- the kids will wear them until it’s either too hot for fleece holiday pants or they no longer fit.

Our daughter was definitely wearing hers in March of last year.

(No judgement please)

The sight of our son and daughter snuggled up together in their adorable pajamas is worth it to me, so here are a whole bunch of options if you want to make this part of your family’s Christmas tradition as well.

Or maybe you already do!

This is a great time of year to shop for your Christmas pajamas because all of the holiday sales are beginning online.  Some of the sites listed below have offers for 25%-30% off, or free shipping, so load those carts with jammies for all!

Old Navy has some really cute and reasonably priced holiday pajama options, and they are offering 30% off at the time of this post.

The discount offers will vary and continue until Christmas, so don’t worry if you miss the 30% off offer.

And the reindeer slippers – so cute!

GAP also has some slightly more expensive but equally adorable kids’ pajama choices.

They are offering 25% off at the time of this post, but as I mentioned above, the sales will continue so check for deals!

Target has some great holiday pajama options, and I especially like the Burt’s Bees organic sets.

Target is also offering a buy 1 get 1 50% off deal.

Gymboree’s patterns are darling this year, but my favorites are a matching plaid nightgown and pajama set!

And, because they are entirely too precious not to include, I have noticed an elf and santa 2-piece pajama set from Crazy8.

What a shame it would be to leave the grown-ups out of this fun Christmas Eve tradition!

I personally think the adult one-piece footie pajamas are a bit hideous (and my husband would second that).

But, should you desire your own pair of holiday pajamas, here are some cute options to have a think about.

Dunnes Stores Launch Clothing Range for Kids with Special Needs (Ages 3-14)

The range is available exclusively online and includes –

Girls, boys & unisex short sleeved bodysuits priced at £4-£5 each.

Girls, boys & unisex short sleeved sleepsuits priced at £7-£8 each.

Girls, boys & unisex long sleeve body suits priced at £4-£5 each.

Girls, boys & unisex long sleeve sleep suits priced at £8 each.

All the items listed above are available in ages 3 through to 14.

The girls print is pale print stripe, the boys a pale blue stripe and the unisex, a grey star print.

The range is available to order online with free delivery on all orders over £40 or a free click and collect service from their 132 stores across the UK & Ireland.

We found the range by typing ‘vests’ in to the Dunnes search function.

www.dunnesstores.com

Dunnes is the first large retailer to offer a range of, ‘poppered’, clothing up to the age of 14. Well done, Dunnes!

Refresh and De-Stress

There are so many clichés out there like, “Happy wife, happy life,” and, “If mom isn’t happy, nobody is happy.”

While families can look different from one another, there is a sense of truth to those cliché statements if your family unit contains a mother or father who is a caretaker for a special needs child, maintains the household, organizes and tracks everyone’s schedules and activities, schedules and attends doctor’s appointments, and the list goes on.

These tasks are tiring for parents who are raising healthy, typically developing children.

These tasks can be downright exhausting for those raising children with special needs due to the extra demands that life brings.

I am not implying this makes the children any less of a blessing, but it can make daily life more stressful.

My goal here is to share a few things that have been part of my routine as of late to refresh and de-stress in the hopes that it will inspire you to find an activity or hobby that does the same for you.

Exercise

I have been participating in a class at the local YMCA that combines yoga, Pilates, and Tai chi.  It has been a great activity for me as it makes me feel calm and centered by the time the hour has passed.

I’ve never been the type to go out and run five miles to feel like I’d had a good workout, but this class combines strength with relaxation that makes me feel less stressed.

Whether it’s kickboxing or pilates or spinning class, find a positive outlet for your stress that will bring you into better health, which is good for you and your family!

Friend Time

Moms need time together.

Dads need time together.

There is something about a group of girlfriends indulging in snacks and chatting that can refresh me differently than a date night with my husband.

My closest friends and I try to make it a priority to get together for girls movie night, or go out for coffee to catch up and spend time being friends and adults.

This is a welcome break from being, “Mom”, for a couple of hours on a Friday night once in a while.

I encourage you to make time to connect with your closest friends – the ones that you can laugh with until you cry, tell old stories with, and leave feeling like you got a bit of yourself back.

Hobbies

I recently participated in my first craft fair.

While I didn’t sell as much as I had hoped at the craft booth shared with a friend, preparing all of the items was so much fun for me.

I have always enjoyed being artistic and making things, so putting together some home décor items and gifts is a creative outlet for me that there has not always been time for.

I didn’t make time for it.

Having the deadline of the craft fair held me accountable to getting everything ready on time, and that was good for me. It would do all of us mamas and dads good (and our families too) if we scheduled a deadline or set aside time for ourselves to do a hobby we enjoy.