Welcome Wednesday plus a Giveaway:) – Tricia Saunders from LuvMum

This summer, the other half of business, Sensory Store Canada, teamed up with Tricia Saunders from LuvMum so we could combine our efforts in bringing awesome new sensory sensitive products to Canadian parents!

Today I have the pleasure of welcoming Tricia to the blog so you can get to know her a little better. Thanks for “stopping by” Tricia!

Lori: What made you decide to start LuvMum?

Tricia: I started LUVmum to help families find comfortable clothing solutions for their kids . Having kids and getting dressed in the morning is difficult enough – throw in tactile sensitivity and we get a morning melt down 9 out of 10 days guaranteed.
I’ve had many a morning meltdown in my own home and I wanted to find solutions for my child so that I could send him to school comfortable and happy.
It’s not easy for families to find comfortable solutions for their child with tactile sensitivity – most parents find they go from store to store searching, trying something and losing money in the process. What I longed for as a parent, when searching for comfortable clothing solutions, was a reliable store that understood my child’s needs. Since I couldn’t find one I decided to create LUVmum – a shop to help families “take the stress out of getting dressed.”

Lori: I can totally relate to that problem! That’s exactly why I started Sensory Store and exactly why I can tell we’re going to make a great team!

Tell us a little about your wonderful kids.

Tricia: I’m happy to be a stay at home mom to my children Aidan & Ella. Having a home based business has allowed me to be there each morning to take my kids to school and pick them up each day after school.
My oldest son, Aidan, is 9 years old – going into grade 4. My son was diagnosed with ADHD and Tourettes has many sensory difficulties including tactile, sound and light.
As Aidan has grown older he has been able to communicate more about how difficult it is for him to wear clothing with tags, socks with seams and uncomfortable tees and pants. Without having Aidan I would have never started LUVmum.
Helping Aidan with his clothing sensitivities has also made me realize that I too have the same tactile sensitivities.
As an adult we get to choose our own clothing but kids are not always listened to. Instead many adults choose to label their complaints as bad behavior and are not able to see that their child is crying out for help.
Aidan will tell you that he is proud of what LUVmum is all about – he is proud that his story has turned into something that now helps other kids just like him.

My daughter Ella is 6 years old – going into grade 2. She loves fashion – but what I have discovered is that she too would prefer to wear a seamless socks and comfortable soft tag free clothing LUVmum carries like Teres Kids and Soft. Most children when given the option will choose the most comfortable clothing available. The reason why Crocs are so comfortable is simple – they are comfortable! Birkenstocks have been around – because they are comfortable.

Both my children have inspired me in so many ways. While Aidan is fussy about comfort my daughter is fussy about style – each one helps me decide what we will offer at LUVmum – if my kids don’t like the product chances are we won’t carry it.

Lori: It’s amazing how having kids changes you isn’t it? Who knew that having kids with particular needs would lead you to a business where you’re now helping other families going through the same struggles as you.

I’d love to hear about some of your favourite products from LuvMum.

Tricia: I am a practical Mom so I always love to start with helping kids with a few items that are certain to make a difference.
Here is my list of must have items for back to school!
#1. SmartKnitKIDS Socks
#2. Knot Genie Hair Brush
#3. Soft Denim Pant
#4. Soft Tee’s (Short Sleeve or Long Sleeve)
#5. SmartKnitKIDS Seamless Undies
#6. Easy Daisies Magnetic Schedules

Lori: My son hasn’t tried out the undies yet. Can’t wait to see what he thinks of them!

Any big plans on the horizon for LuvMum?

Tricia: Right now my goal is to reach as many families as possible that could use our help. My goal is to grow and improve steadily to help offer as many comfortable solutions for families as needed.

Products are often chosen because of a request from a customer and I plan to continue to listen to what parents are asking for. My plans are to continue the way we started – offering comfortable clothing solutions & products, listening to families, listening to our children and looking for more wonderful products.

Lori: Sounds like an excellent plan! Thanks so much for joining me for Welcome Wednesday. It’s great to have the opportunity to get the word out to more parents about LuvMum’s great products!

LuvMum Giveaway – $25 Gift Certificate

Tricia has generous offered to giveaway a $25 gift certificate for her online store LuvMum. This is perfect timing as the Fall 2011 Collection of Soft Clothing is about to hit the shelves and this year there will even be jackets and coats for the kids!

How to Enter

There are several ways to enter and you can do one or all of them to get multiple entries!
1. Leave a comment below telling us which product on LuvMum you think your child would like.
2. “Like” LuvMum on Facebook and leave a comment on the facebook page about which LuvMum product you think your child would like.
3. “Like” Apples to Oranges on Facebook and leave a comment on the facebook page about which LuvMum product you think your child would like.
4. “Like” Sensory Store Canada on Facebook and leave a comment on the facebook page about which LuvMum product you think your child would like.

There you go! 4 ways to enter to win the $25 Gift Certificate for LuvMum!

The winner of the gift certificate will be drawn on Sunday, September 11 at 6pm PST.

Monday Musings – Top 10 Back to School Tips With a Twist

Rather than do the usual list of tips for heading back to school that everyone else is writing I thought I’d do something different this year.
These are the last few days to get in some quality family time before everyone gets back to their regular scheduled routines. And in the case of a child with special needs we all know that means back to therapy appointments, social skills groups and so on.
So my biggest back to school tip is to try and be in the moment these last few days and share some special times as a family before the fall routines begin.
With that in mind here is a list of ideas on how to get in a couple more summer memories before school starts.

1. Have a backyard marshmallow roast complete with a sing along of your favourite tunes.

2. Cook a meal together. Based on your child’s abilities, assign them a task of washing some produce, chopping some veggies, mixing a sauce or tossing a salad.

3. Make a photo album. Upload your pictures to your computer, decide on a few to print and put them together in a “Summer 2011″ memories album.

4. Head for water! Find a quiet pond, lake or beach. Depending on your child’s preferences you could go swimming, play at the water’s edge or collect rocks.

5. Lay in a field. Find some green space, lay on your back and listen to the world go by. This is a great time to chat with your child about upcoming school routines or just lay quietly and listen to the bugs.

6. Kick a ball around. Head to a park or out to the back yard after dinner and kick a ball around.

7. Build a tent. Whether it’s indoors or outdoors tents offer a small retreat from the outside world to play a game or read a book together.

8. Go for a walk. An after dinner walk is great for the whole family. It’s one last chance for the kids to burn off some energy and it’s a chance to just be together.

9. Movie night. Make some popcorn, grab some blankets and settle in for a fun movie.

10. Follow the leader. Not all of our children communicate and interact in the same way. Take a few minutes to just sit with your child and follow their lead. Lay on the floor with them, push a toy car around, enter their world for a few minutes. You never know where it will take you.

Foodie Friday – Chocolate Chip Flax Banana Loaf

Chocolate Chip Flax Banana Loaf
This is the perfect lunch box snack. It also freezes nicely so you can make a double batch, slice it up and take it out by the slice for lunches.

1 cup mashed very ripe organic bananas
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup vegetable oil (Rice Bran oil works nicely)
2 large eggs
1½ cup sorghum flour*
½ cup dark chocolate chips (be sure to check ingredients for dairy)
¼ cup flax seeds
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp sea salt

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl, combine bananas, brown sugar, oil and eggs. Mix thoroughly.
In a separate bowl mix together remaining ingredients and combine well.
Add banana mixture to dry mixture. Stir until just combined.
Pour into 9 x 5 (2 litre) greased loaf pan. In order to avoid dairy, I grease my pan with Earth Balance Buttery Sticks. Bake in oven for 45 minutes. Test with toothpick in centre to be sure it’s cooked through.
Cool in pan for a few minutes before turning out onto rack to cool completely.

*You can also use a ready made Gluten Free flour mix. Sorghum Flour can be found at some grocery stores, specialty food stores and online.

Welcome Wednesdays – Dear School Personnel, Community Members & Neighbours

Today we welcome a very special woman who empowers the parents of special needs children around the world.  Marianne Russo, hailing from New York, is the President and Host of The Coffee Klatch where she interviews world renowned experts and internationally renowned children’s foundations.  The Coffee Klatch is a wealth of knowledge and support for parents of children with a variety of special needs.  I have had the honour of being a guest on The Coffee Klatch myself and it felt so wonderful to be able to bring my knowledge and expertise to parents through this amazing venue Marianne has established.

Recently, Marianne wrote a very heart-felt and compelling post on her blog, The Life Unexpected, that I have to admit, I’ve read several times now.  I’ve read it several times because it really speaks to me and reminds there are others who are going through similar struggles and triumphs.   I have thought many of the same things Marianne writes about, gone through many of the same struggles and come out the other side a stronger, better version of myself.

I’d like to share this blog post written by Marianne because I know that there are many of you who can also relate to it on a very deep level no matter where you are in your journey with your special needs child.  Thank you Marianne for allowing me to share this.

Dear School Personnel, Community Members and Neighbors

By Marianne Russo

To Whom it May Concern,

I am the parent of a special needs child.  I was overwhelmed, confused, heart broken and struggling to unravel the complexities before me.

Please do not pass judgement of me without knowing why I did not attend the school PTA breakfasts or community picnics.  Please take a few minutes to understand why I did not take you up on your offer to have lunch or grab a cup of coffee.  Although we see each other in the supermarket or at school functions, I don’t think you really ever knew me, actually, I can guarantee that you did not know me because just as my child was different, so was I.

I was in survival mode to keep my family in tact and to give my child the best quality of life possible.

I was presented with parental decisions that have torn me apart and kept me up more nights than I can possibly remember.

I had spent most days of the week at therapy and doctors appointments and most nights up researching treatments and medication options.

I was forced into isolation at times due to the stigma and misconceptions that are epidemic in our society.

I became proficient at prioritizing my life and learning to let the little things go, to look at others with compassion instead of tabloid material and to turn a blind eye to the stares or ignorant comments.

I did the best I could.

I survived.

I am one of the lucky ones, my child has blossomed and has exceeded all our expectations.

I have now become strong, I have become confident and I have become a fierce advocate for parents of special needs children.  The growth did not come without much pain and many tears but it came.

So I ask you, please

The next time you see a parent struggling with a raging child, a child terrified to go into school, a child making odd movements or sounds, a child that seems to be in a world of their own… .Be kind.  Give a smile of recognition for what that parent is going through.  Ask if there is anything you can do to help, give them a pat on the hand or offer for them to go ahead of you on line.

The next time you have a birthday party for your child remember that their child has a hard time with a lot of sensory issues and social situations.  Please send their child that invitation and know that more times than not they will not be able to attend but appreciate being included.  Understand that in order for their child to go to the party they may need to stay for a little while and please make them feel welcome.  When they let you know that their child cannot make the party consider inviting that child for a one on one playdate or an outing at the park.

The next time you are grading homework papers please understand that their child struggles, some with learning disabilities others with the exhaustion of  their disorders or the obsession with perfectionism.  The Perfectionism is not necessarily to have the answers right but to have it “feel” right for them.  They have spent hours doing what most can do in ten minutes. A paper returned with red circles and comments only hurts a child’s self esteem and causes school anxiety. Please understand that when they see the school come up on their caller ID their hearts sink, remember to tell them about all the gains their children are making as well as their deficits.  Take a minute before that call and know that they appreciate all you do and want  a collaborative  relationship in their child’s education.

The next time you are in the teachers lounge, please do not discuss their child.  Please do not make negative comments about their parenting or their child’s behavior, it gets back to them and it gets back to other parents in their community.

The next time you pass the cafeteria and see their child sitting alone please consider inviting that child to eat lunch in your classroom and be your helper that period.  Consider working with  guidance counselor to set up a lunch buddy group in a different area.

The next time they are at the CSE meeting planning their chid’s IEP know that they are educated, informed and confident knowing special education law.  Know that they have found the courage to stand up to conformity and will explore every option to give their child the differentiated educated that will show their gifts and not just their disabilities.  Understand that educating a child with special needs is one of the most difficult tasks a parent can face,  know that the last thing they want is an adversarial relationship.  Please show them the same respect they show you.

The next time you are creating an educational plan please take into consideration that their child may have specific interests or obsessions.  Foster those interests, instead of taking away that art class for a resource class consider adding an art class instead. Think outside the box, these parents do.

The next time you see that child in a wheelchair unable to speak or control their movements, don’t stare, don’t look away, say hello.  Do not assume that because this child is nonverbal that they are not intelligent or do not understand the awkwardness that you feel.  Take a moment out of your day to show kindness, support a parent enduring incredible pain and just give them a smile.

The next time your child comes home telling you how Johnny or Susie is so weird, take the time to teach about differences.  Take the time to talk  about compassion, acceptance and special needs. Please remember that your child learns from you.  Be a role model, mirror respect and discourage gossip.

The next time you hear a comment about how out of style these kids are, educate about tactile sensitivities and the fact that these kids cannot tolerate many textures and fits.  Imagine what it would feel like to have sandpaper in your stilettos or tight elastic holding on your tie.

The next time you see an out of control child do not assume it is bad parenting.  Understand that many of these disorders have an organic basis, are biological and are real illnesses. When you hear the word mental illness, take out the “mental” and remember  ”illness”.

Know that it is this generation that can stomp the stigma and create a world of acceptance.

The next time other parents are talking about “Those Kids” be our heroes, stand up for us.

The next time you see a special needs child know they are not just special in their needs but in their brilliance as well.

Take the time to meet our children.  Take the time to know us.

Greater Victoria Autism Resource Fair

The Victoria Society for Children with Autism Presents
Saturday March 5, 2011
Ambrosia Event Centre
638 Fisgard St.
10am-4pm
Free Admission!
Speakers
Children’s Area
Door Prizes
Silent Auction

Speakers
10:15am – Ruth Stamp & Dr. Robert Oppenheimer from Group Perspectives and Westcoast Therapy Services – Social Understanding and Play Partners
11:00am – Emily Keats, M.A., RCC – Emotions Scales: Practical Supports for the Mads, Sads & Glads
11:45am – Robin Feldman, M.A., ATR – Art Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
12:30pm – Katherine Paxton, M.A., CCC – Supporting Emotional Well-Being
1:00pm - Jodi Tucker, Certified RDI Service Provider - What is RDI?
1:45pm - Dr. Marianne Trevorrow, ND, M.A. & Dr. Kellie Ferguson, ND – An Introduction to Biomedical Therapies for Autism
2:30pm – Elizabeth Sparling, M.Ed., BCBA – Using Reinforcement Strategies to Promote Behaviour

Exhibitors

Behavioural Family Support Services – Emily Keats provides individual and family counselling as well as behavioural consultation.

Treena Inc. – Autism services including counseling for parents and siblings, behaviour consultation and school consultations.

Victoria Conservatory of Music – Music Therapist Dr. Johanne Brodeur provides individual and group programs for children with autism that interrupts patterns of isolation and social withdrawal and enhances socio-emotional development.

Koru Natural Health Care – Dr. Kellie Ferguson Certified DAN (Defeat Autism Now) Naturopathic Physician

Katherine Paxton Counselling Services – Individual and family counseling for those who are impacted by a developmental disability including autism.

Group Perspectives and Westcoast Therapy Services – Individual and Group Social Thinking Therapy, D.I.R. Floortime, developmental assessments, coaching for parents.

Inspired Health Naturopathic Clinic – Dr. Marianne Trevorrow, Certified DAN Naturopathic Physician

Sensory Store Canada – Carries a unique line of clothing for children with sensory sensitivities that is stylish and affordable.

Little Steps – Interdisciplinary team providing autism services including Individual Assessment and Treatment Planning.

Pivot Point – Specializes in intensive therapeutic interventions for children with extra needs including full service autism support programs.

Evergreen Communication and Feeding Therapy – Provides comprehensive and client-centred services to help clients gain or rediscover skills in communication and eating.

Victoria Society for Children with Autism – Provides support, information, social events and recreation opportunities to children with autism and their families.

Power To Be Adventure Therapy – Provides an Adaptive Recreation Program for those with autism including kayaking, rock climbing, camping and gardening.

Discovery Toys – Carries a unique line of toys designed for children with autism that are helpful in strengthening fine and gross motor skills, communication skills and social skills.

Inner Imagery – Robin Feldman is a registered art therapist who helps children with autism express themselves and communicate through art.

Kids Matter Canada – Provides autism therapy through Relationship Development Intervention. They offer programs in Social Skills, Summer Camps and Anti-Bullying.

Family Centred Practices – Provides Applied Behavioural Analysis interventions for children with autism including a Behaviour Intervention Program, Positive Behavioural Support Plan Development and Implementation and School Consultation.

Vancouver Island Autistic Homes – Supports adults with autism to be able to live independently of their families in an environment that promotes learning, social development, and indvidual and social comfort. They also provide day program and advocacy services.

Mosaic Learning Society – Provides innovative educational, recreational and social programs for children living on the autism spectrum including programs in drama, art, music and social skills.

ACT- Autism Community Training is an information and referral service created to support families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in British Columbia.

Stepping Stones – Offers a unique, ABA and evidence-based, quality program that will enhance your child’s abilities in learning, communicating and socializing.

Updegrove Chiropractic - Dr. Ansel and Dr. Christina Updegrove provide N.U.C.C.A. chiropractic services to help individuals and families achieve optimum wellness.

Epicure Selections – Tricia Sturgeon makes meal times practical, healthy, easy and yummy with Epicure spice mixes. Many of Epicure’s products are suitable for special dietary needs.

TutorFind Learning Centre – A full-service tutoring agency that understands the needs of a child with autism.

Panorama Autism Therapy Solutions Inc. – Panorama provides provides all the supplies needed for a successful early intervention program including Therapy In A Bin, Visual Aids Packages, Fine Motor Skill Sets and Language Builder Cards.

Greater Victoria Child and Family Counselling Association – Provides intervention, social groups, day camps, music therapy and behaviour consultant services for parents of children and youth with autism.

GFCF Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

These muffins pack a protein punch with yummy peanut butter. My kids have been gobbling them up so fast. They aren’t overly sweet which is nice. Enjoy!

1/2 cup dairy free butter (I use Earth Balance Buttery Sticks)
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup very ripe mashed banana
3/4 cup natural peanut butter
2 cups sorghum flour (or all-purpose gluten free flour mix)
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 cup dairy free chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs and beat well. Add bananas and peanut butter. Mix well.
In a separate bowl combine flour, salt and baking soda. Add to banana mixture and mix well. Add chocolate chips and mix.
Spoon into greased or lined muffin tins. Fill each almost to the top as gluten free muffins don’t rise as much as their gluten counterparts.
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Test with a toothpick. If toothpick comes out clean they’re done. If not, bake for approximately 5 more minutes.
Cool for about 10 minutes and then remove from muffin tin onto cooling rack.

http://www.applestooranges.ca

applestoorangesconsulting@gmail.com

250-516-4234

Back to School Edition

http://www.applestooranges.ca

applestoorangesconsulting@gmail.com

250-516-4234

Well, here it is again. How does this keep happening every year? I’m just getting into the swing of summer break and suddenly it’s time to go back to school! At least it has been a fun summer. We’ve done some camping, some day trips and a lot lazing in the back yard. I’m back to my course work and will be a registered Nutritionist in the new year! I’ve also become a board member for the Victoria Society for Children with Autism. So it has been an eventful summer!

I’m sure I’m not the only one who is feeling the time crunch as September is merely days away. So I’ve written a Back To School Edition for you in the hopes of helping you get your head around the challenges of the coming weeks.

As your child with autism moves through school each year presents new possibilities, new hopes and new challenges. The best you can do is be prepared. Then, no matter the outcome, you will have mitigated at least some of the potential stress for yourself, your family and your child. So I highly recommend taking some time in the coming week to start transitioning your frame of mind into the expectations that September will bring. Transitions can be hard on all of us, not just children with autism! So as a parent, know your triggers, know your limits and prepare for your big transition. If you have already begun to transition yourself then you will be more able to support your child as he or she begins their transition back to school.

This Back to School Edition is all about the big transition! I hope you’ll find the information and tips helpful as you move into the “real New Year”.

Voting Update! As you may know, I’m a nominee for Mom Entrepreneur of the Year with SavvyMom.com. Thanks to everyone who has voted so far! Your support has been wonderful and it has been great getting to meet some of you when you voted at the Baby Fair or the Organic Islands Festival this summer.

If you haven’t voted yet, please do! Time is running out! The voting ends on September 12th. So tell your friends, put a link on your facebook status and tweet about it. All of your support is greatly appreciated!
Here is a link for you to vote from or to copy and paste wherever you see fit.
http://momentrepreneur.savvymom.ca/entry/2654585

P.S. Check out the awesome giveaway this month! Perfect for school lunches!

Index

*Top Tips for Transitioning Students with Autism Back to School
*Lunch Ideas!
*Recipe of the Month
*My Favourite Things
*August Giveaway
*New Resources
*Coming Events

10 Tips for Transitioning Your Child with Autism Back to School
1. Plan a visit before school starts. Staff are usually in a week or two before school starts so give them a call and arrange to take your child for a short visit to either introduce or reintroduce them to the environment.
2. Talk about what it will be like to go back to school. Social stories may be useful in anticipating the challenges of the first day. You can learn more about social stories at The Gray Center.
3. If your child has sensory issues let them start wearing new clothes or new shoes now so they have time to get used to them. There is nothing worse than trying to get out the door that first morning only to find your child is refusing to wear the new shoes you’ve bought because they’re “different” than his old shoes. Check out the My Favourite Things for clothing suggestions!
4. Connect with your child’s teacher. Teachers are also in the week before school. Make an appointment to speak in person or over the phone, especially if it’s a teacher who is unfamiliar with your child.
5. Consider delaying the first day for your child. Many schools do not have firm classroom assignments for the students until several days into school. Your child may be in one classroom the first morning, in another the second morning and even in the library with no classroom one day! That’s a lot of transitions and instability. It won’t hurt, and may be very helpful, to wait until they have established exactly what classroom your child is in.
6. If your child does well with a visual schedule, but you’ve become a little lax with it over the summer, start using it again. If you need new pictures for a school schedule ask your OT or other professional to make some new ones for you.
7. School means the dreaded school lunch! What to feed them?! Make a 1 week lunch meal plan. Then shop accordingly. Week 2 – repeat week 1. Week 3 – repeat week 1. I’m no kidding! Kids love predictability and don’t need a huge variety of foods. Stick to the favourites and the things you know they’ll eat. Always be sure to put some protein in there!
8. Don’t rush into extracurricular activities and programs. Let your child take time to settle into the school routine before you start trying to fit in after school programs. This can be overwhelming for both you and your child.
9. Reconnect with school friends. If your child has a friend or two that they haven’t seen over the summer, invite them over for a playdate so they can reconnect before school starts.
10. Gather your people! We all strive to support our child at all times. But who is supporting you? Gather your friends and family around you for a good venting session or just some time relaxing at a cafe. Look after yourself so you can look after your child.

School lunches can feel like such a chore first thing in the morning. We always resolve to make them the night before. But we all know that only lasts for the first week and then we’re back to bleary-eyed morning lunch duty.

In order to help you combat the lunch box blues, I’ve compiled a list of Gluten Free and Dairy Free lunch ideas. I suggest making a 1 week lunch meal plan. And then repeat it! It’s easy, the kids won’t mind the predictability and you won’t be at a loss at 8:30am trying to stuff something marginally filling in your child’s lunch box. I also recommend thinking outside the usual lunch box. Lunch doesn’t always have to be a sandwich. It can be a collection of snacks and finger foods from a variety of food groups.
- the good ‘ol sandwich! (we like O’Dough’s GFCF flax bread with GFCF deli meat)
- wraps (use rice or corn tortillas with GFCF deli meat)
- soup heated in a thermos
- leftovers such as GFCF spaghetti heated in a thermos
- tortilla chips with hummus
- veggies with hummus
- GFCF pepperoni or kielbasa rounds
- GFCF whole grain crackers
- fruit salad
- apples, oranges, pears, grapes, nectarines, bananas
- GFCF granola bars (see My Favourite Things for a yummy brand)
- deli meat rolls
- dried fruit
- rice, pasta or quinoa salad
- veggie sushi
- GFCF pretzels
- hard boiled eggs
- GFCF muffins
- GFCF cookies
- GFCF banana bread

Recipe of the Month-Homemade Granola Bars
2 cups pure GF oats
2 cups GF Brown Rice Crisps Cereal (I use Nature’s Path)
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup hemp seeds
1/4 cup ground flax seeds
1/2 cup dairy free chocolate chips
1/2 cup brown rice syrup
1/2 cup honey
2 tbsp vegetable oil (I like Rice Bran oil)
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a baking pan with parchment paper. For thick bars choose a small square baking pan, for thinner bars choose a larger rectangular baking pan.
Mix together dry ingredients in a large bowl. In another bowl mix together brown rice syrup, honey, vegetable oil, vanilla and salt. Stir until well combined.
Pour syrup mixture over dry ingredients. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
Spoon mixture into baking pan. Wet your hands (so they don’t stick) and pat mixture down evenly into the pan. You want the mixture to compact together, don’t leave it too loose and crumbly.
Place pan in oven and bake for 20-30 minutes. Allow to cool for at least an hour. I usually put mine in the fridge to cool. When the granola is still a little warm gently cut into bars with a sharp knife. Do not remove from pan until completely cool and firm.

My Favourite Things
No Nuttin’ Foods

There isn’t always time to make your own treats for your child’s lunchbox. No Nuttin’ to the rescue! I’ve recently discovered these great products made by a company in Duncan, BC. With their desire to find a healthy, nut free granola bar for their daughter, the Elliot family developed No Nuttin’. And these are not just peanut free! Their products are also gluten free, dairy free, preservative free, trans fat free and GMO free! How awesome is that? But the best part…my kids love their goodies. The favourite in this house is the Chocolate Chip Granola Bars and the Double Chocolate Chunk Granola Bars. Keep reading to find out how you can win a $25 gift certificate for No Nuttin’!

Soft Clothing

Many children with Autism or related disorders have sensory issues. These are often tactile issues such as tags in clothing, seams and the texture of their clothing. Soft clothing has solved this problem. Soft offers tagless, seamless, bio-washed cotton, wide collars and soft elastic waists on all of their clothes. We just received ours in the mail and my son LOVES his new t-shirts and jeans. Because Soft is based in the U.S. you might want to consider ordering with a friend to save on shipping.

August Giveaway!!

$25 Gift Certificate for No Nuttin’ Foods! This is a good one! The folks from No Nuttin’ Foods in Duncan, BC have contributed a $25 gift certificate! The gift certificate can be used for an online order of any of their yummy goodies. This is the perfect time to stock up for school lunches, especially since most schools have a “no nut” policy.

How to Enter
Everyone who already subscribes to the Apples to Oranges newsletter will receive one entry into the draw. New subscribers will be entered one time. If you refer a new subscriber you will receive an additional entry into the draw. Referrals can sign up on the contact form below. Be sure to tell your friends to write your name in the “comment” section so that you receive credit for the referral and get your additional entry.

Entries for the draw will close September 3rd, 2010. This one is going quick! So be sure to refer your friends to increase your chances of winning this awesome prize from No Nuttin’!

New Resources
There are a couple of new resources I wanted to let you know about.
1.The Victoria Society for Children with Autism now has a Facebook page! This is a great place to ask questions, network with other parents and stay up to date on upcoming events. So please join us!

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2. Autism Swap and Shop is another new Facebook page you’ll want to check out! Like me, I’m sure you have materials and equipment you no longer need for your child. On this page you can buy, sell, swap or place wanted ads for new or used autism materials. And it doesn’t matter where you’re located as long as you’re willing to ship things! There are currently DVD’s, Boardmaker software, books, indoor swings and sensory fidgets listed for sale. Come and check out the great deals!

Coming Events
Vancouver Island Baby Fair-September 25th & 26th- Come and say hi at the Vancouver Island Baby Fair in Victoria in September. I’ll have a booth there again with some surprises that I don’t usually have! And, as always, I’ll have an wonderful gift basket to give away.