Mimbleballs #Sensory Comfort Companions

Mimbleballs are round, plush therapy toys and stress relievers with super-soft, zany, sculptable hair that surprise people with joy, emotional relief, comfort, connection, and unexpected laughter. Mimbleballs and Mini Mimbles have helped countless organizations and individuals, such as hospitals, school counselors, therapists, memory care units, and so much more! They now offer an incredibly popular weighted option. Mimbleballs aren't stuffed animals, so they are perfect for all ages, including teens and adults! Mimbleballs come in different sizes and 6 fun color combinations, and are also available in pencil form!

We got Mini Gabe and Original Vanessa! Gabe loves to listen to a good book, a story, or all about your day. Gabe will sit happily for hours, passing the time with you!

Vanessa is weighted an extra 11 ounces for some added sensory comfort! She loves to dream with you about wild ideas, funny jokes, and endless stories. Hang on to your bestie, Vanessa!

Check it all out at Mimbleball on Facebook, as well as Mimbleball on X, and Mimbleball on Instagram.

~Hayley

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I have used direct text from the website of the company/product I am promoting to facilitate in my review.

One Piece At A Time Puzzle Journal #MentalHealth #SensoryNeeds

With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, I feel it is important to focus on tools to help regulate emotions. The One Piece At A Time Puzzle Journal is a unique therapeutic tool designed to promote mindfulness, emotional regulation, and creative expression. This journal combines daily reflective prompts with a calming jigsaw puzzle format, allowing users to focus, self-soothe, and express themselves at their own pace.

Each day, you’ll fill in a puzzle piece with a prompt that encourages self-discovery, gratitude, and personal growth. Use colors, words, or drawings to express your feelings and experiences. By the end of 60 days, you’ll have created a vibrant picture of your life - a reminder that every moment, no matter how small, contributes to your unique masterpiece. We turned this in to a project that both Callan and I can do together. At the end, it will be a nice keepsake.

Tradara McLaurine is the creator of this unique journal. She is a child of God and a loving mother. She enjoys writing stories that inspire others, crocheting, spending time with family, and listening to music. Tradara is the author of Why Mommy Works, Why Daddy Works, and I Want a Nickname.

Check it all out at Tradara McLaurine on Instagram.

~Hayley

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I have used direct text from the website of the company/product I am promoting to facilitate in my review.

Sense-ational You #Sensory Clothing

Certain types of clothing and materials have always been an issue for us. Sense-ational You is an adaptive sensory clothing brand designed to meet the needs of sensory-sensitive kids and adults. The styles are all tag-free and feature flat seams, accessible closures, and built-in sensory tools for comfortable and convenient regulation anywhere, while remaining stylish!

The QuietSense Sound Reducing Sensory Hoodie is a sensory-friendly hoodie with no tags, flat seams, and magnetic closure. This hoodie has an eye mask (can be pulled down or folded up) and a sound-reducing hood (with a slight weighted feel). I love the magnetic closure! By far my new fave hoodie if I can get it away from Callan!

The Sensory Friendly Fidget Joggers are now in adult sizes! Because sensory issues don't end when you're a child. They feature magnetic closures on the side pockets that double as a built-in fidget. These joggers are complete with no tags, flat seams, 4 large stitched down pockets, and a soft elastic waistband with a drawstring for a comfortable, perfect fit.

This brand was a perfect find! The clothing is so comfortable and versatile! Check it all out at Sense-ational You on Facebook, as well as Sense-ational You on Instagram.

~Hayley

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I have used direct text from the website of the company/product I am promoting to facilitate in my review.

Willo Oral Care #SensoryNeeds

When you have someone in your life with sensory sensitivities, it can often be difficult to have smooth daily routines for what some people would think is a simple task, such as brushing your teeth. The Willo AutoFlo+ is a fully automated toothbrush designed for kids ages 5 to 13 (but even I used it, hee hee!). For many children, brushing can be a challenge, but for kids with sensory sensitivities, including those with Autism, it can feel especially overwhelming. That often leads to resistance, inconsistent habits, and long-term dental issues. Willo is helping to change that. By simplifying the brushing process, it empowers kids to build independence and confidence in their own routines.

Here is how Willo helps:

Gentle, Effective Cleaning – Willo’s advanced technology delivers a consistent, even clean, reaching each tooth every single time while providing just the right amount of sensory feedback.

Comfort Without Overstimulation – The patented Willo OptiClean brush head features 34,000 ultra-soft bristles angled at 30 degrees to gently sweep along the gumline, reducing discomfort often caused by traditional or power toothbrushes.

Sensory-Friendly Toothpaste – Unlike traditional foamy toothpaste, Willo’s specially designed SLS-free liquid formula minimizes strong tastes and textures, making brushing more comfortable for kids with sensory sensitivities.

Mess-Free, All-in-One Design – With a single button press, Willo dispenses the perfect amount of toothpaste while a built-in suction system removes excess liquid, eliminating mess and simplifying the routine.

Effortless, Consistent Brushing – Willo takes the guesswork out of brushing by automating the process, ensuring a thorough and consistent clean every time - no manual movement required.

Healthier Checkups, Lower Dental Bills – Clinically proven to remove 7x more plaque than a manual toothbrush, Willo excels at reaching the difficult areas of the mouth for a more thorough clean, leading to better dental outcomes.

Engaging & Rewarding Experience – The interactive Willo app provides both parent and kid-friendly views, tracks brushing progress, sends reminders, and rewards kids for developing healthy brushing habits.

My thoughts: At first glance, I thought Oh boy, this is going to be difficult to figure out how to use! But it really wasn't! The manual is easy to understand, and the setup was simple! I tried it first, so I would be able to explain the use and show my family how to use it. I was surprised by how thorough the brushing was. During the process, I was like, Is it working? You feel very little movement in the mouth, certainly not like a vigorous manual brushing. But when I was done, I was pleased with how clean my teeth and mouth were! My only critique would be the sound. It is not very loud, but there is a noise, and that may be a distraction for those with auditory issues. Also, I like to scrub my tongue (am I weird?), so I would still recommend a manual brushing for that - but otherwise, this worked great and the overall experience was very pleasant!

Check it all out at Willo on Facebook, as well as Willo on Instagram.

~Hayley

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I have used direct text from the website of the company/product I am promoting to facilitate in my review.

Easterseals & Rafi Nova Sensory Masks #Giveaway

April is coming fast. And, it is Autism Awareness Month. Easterseals Southern California (ESSC), a leading provider of disabilities services, has teamed with socially conscious lifestyle brand Rafi Nova, pioneer of the clear Smile Face Mask, to develop a Sensory-Friendly Mask to benefit children and adults with autism and other disabilities, or anyone who finds wearing a conventional mask uncomfortable. For individuals with autism, and other sensory processing challenges or disabilities, mask wearing can be difficult. A face covering introduces multiple new stimuli, including the fabric's sensation, the pressure of tight elastic bands and the heat and moisture from breath inside the mask. According to the CDC, about one-in-54 children has been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). About one-in-six children aged 3–17 years (17%) were diagnosed with a developmental disability as reported by parents, during a study period of 2009-2017, including autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, blindness and cerebral palsy, among others. Per the Autism Society, ASD is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the U.S. with 3.5 million+ individuals on the spectrum; 500,000 autistic individuals are transitioning to adulthood.

The premier New England mask maker partnered with ESSC to design a mask with reduced stimuli to address the concerns of people with sensory sensitivities, consulting more than a dozen of Easterseals’ therapists and other licensed and certified staff and working with people who receive services from ESSC, as well as their families and other community members. Over a three-month period, multiple prototypes were tested and revised to achieve a maximally beneficial mask - soft, structured, safe, secure - that provides both comfort and function. Commented Dr. Paula Pompa-Craven, Psy.D., ESSC’s Chief Clinical Officer, “There’s little in the marketplace to accommodate people with sensory sensitivities. This soft mask is an outstanding option not only for the autism community, but for all children and adults who I believe will find it uniquely comfortable.” A portion of each purchase will be donated to Easterseals Southern California when you use code: ESSC.

While Callan is not on the spectrum, he does have sensory issues and has since he was a toddler. Issues with tags in clothing and the way things feel on his skin, etc. So a mask on his face was by certain going to be a issue when the mask mandate went into effect in our state over a year ago. He ever refuses to go to certain places or leave the house if he has to wear a mask some days, it is that bad. When I asked him to try the Rafi Nova masks, he said "Oh wow, Mom! These are not bad at all!" That's all the endorsement I need!

 

Features of the Mask include:

Softness: 100% Mulberry silk lining reduces friction and adjustable jersey knit straps clasp behind the head instead of pinching the ears.

Structured: Minimal design and limited seaming.

Secure: Adjustable nose bridge ensures the perfect fit and decreases glasses fogging.

Safe: Special construction lifts the mask off the mouth and highly breathable cotton is used on the exterior.

Durability: The mask has an antibacterial layer and is reusable and machine washable.

Ease: A clasp on the back ensures ease of putting on and removal. When not on the face, the mask may safely remain on the person and not be lost thanks to an extra strap feature that fastens it behind the neck.

Social Story: Comes with a visual storytelling designed by therapists that helps children understand mask-wearing necessity. 

  Sensory Masks 

 

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I have used direct text from the website of the company/product I am promoting to facilitate in my review.

SitNSleep Zensory Weighted Blanket #Holiday2020

During the last three decades, Sit 'n Sleep has grown to become one of the largest mattress retailers in the United States, selling more mattresses per store than any other retailer in the country. Sit 'n Sleep is comprised of 38 superstore locations (and counting) throughout Southern California and a 240,000 square foot distribution center and corporate office space in Gardena, CA employing close to 300 people. Not only do they sell mattresses, they also sell accessories such as pillows, mattress protectors, and weighted blankets, like the one we got.

The gentle, contoured compression of the Zensory weighted blanket by PureCare is quite the experience. Weighted blankets deliver wellness by applying simultaneous and balanced weight to pressure points throughout the body. This soft, consistent stimulation creates a soothing equilibrium of light pressure, allowing a natural grounded comfort to take hold. Weighted blankets may provide a wide variety of wellness benefits, from natural stress reduction and relief from anxiety to a reduction in tossing, turning, and fidgeting. Also, an added sense of warmth in the cold winter months! Which is what it does for me here in Minnesota, and I love it! It might just be the perfect gift for someone on your list this holiday season!

Check it all out at SitNSleep on Facebook, as well as SitNSleep on Twitter, and SitNSleep on Instagram. 

   

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I have used direct text from the website of the company/product I am promoting to facilitate in my review.

Calm Strips Can Help With #BTS2020

I do not talk about it a lot, because at first I didn't understand it, but now as he gets older, and I get wiser, I recognize the things in Callan that lean towards the spectrum. His official diagnosis is more along the lines of anxiety and his PTSD, but I think it all ties in together. When we had school from home due to Covid this past Spring, it slammed me in the face one day when he got so frustrated with his schoolwork, he kept hitting himself in the head or rubbing his forehead obsessively. At one point he broke down in tears. It was frustration overload for him. And it built up and up until he exploded. This year we have decided on a different learning route for him than in person public school. We enrolled him in an online academy where he will get more one on one individualized learning. And I have been on the hunt for tools to help him cope and keep him focused. I came upon Calm Strips.

We all deal with anxiety sometimes. Most of the things designed to help us cope are either literally toys, or conspicuous and cumbersome. Calm Strips are sensory adhesives. They are made from a thin but extremely hardy and durable vinyl. Crafted to help soothe anxiety and fidgeting by grounding you in a calming scene and giving you a gentle, but textured, surface as a stimulus.

I plan to put one on his phone case, one on the table where he does his work, one on a keychain he can carry with him, and really anywhere else he thinks he wants one. I figure the one at the table where he does his work, he can worry away at it, and it will help him focus. It has already worked on a cup he uses a lot - this kid chews ice all day long, and has a favorite cup. So I slapped one on that and I watch him rub it, seemingly mindlessly, but it keeps him present, and not off in la la land. A simple strip. It is pretty cool. I have one on my phone case as well.

Check it all out at Calm Strips on Facebook, as well as Calm Strips on Instagram.

 

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.