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By: Guest "Papa Blogger" Ed DeRosa As summer approaches I begin to think about the years I spent working in the beautiful Catskills. This delightful mountain resort with the flow of cool crisp air provided the perfect escape from the heat of the city. Over several years in the late sixties and early seventies, I spent summers working at a small resort in Greenville, New York called World Top Acres. The property had bungalows of various sizes that accommodated guests as well as a working farm. Each Friday new families would arrive booked for two weeks and in some cases up to a month. Many husbands would stay the weekend and leave late on Sunday headed back to the city for work on Monday leaving their wives and children behind. The work day for me started at 5:30am to prepare the dining room for breakfast which was served family style. I spent most of the day working in the kitchen loading supplies and helping the chef preparing the lunch and dinner menu. The work day usually ended by 6:00pm. I had one day off each week and usually spent it sleeping late and laying by the pool. The Ballroom each night provided entertainment with a live band and dancing, plus an opportunity to make some extra money waiting tables. The activities of the day included horseback riding, shuffleboard, softball, ping pong, boating & fishing (on 30 acres of private lake) and guests socializing around the pool into the late afternoon. It felt worlds apart from the crowded Bronx tenements that I left behind each summer for several weeks. Swinging from a tree limb on a rope and landing into the cool lake water was an experience I will always remember as well as what was yet to come. On the evening of July 20, 1969 I sat along with most of the resort guests in front of a small television screen in the Ballroom. We all sat in silence as we witnessed the first human to step foot on the moon at 11:00pm. When I walked out of the Ballroom, I looked up at the moon which illuminated the sky and splashed light all around. The stars seemed to be dancing around the moon as if they were celebrating the accomplishment. Driving back to the city after my last weekend at the resort, experiencing watching the moon landing, I could only imagine what amazing achievements and adventures were still to come. Moon Landing Photo courtesy of BBC One : Off-screen picture of American astronaut Neil Armstrong (Flight Commander) walking on the surface of the moon, taken during a live transmission on BBC One, Monday 21st July 1969.

It was the middle of August in 1969 and a period of severe unrest in the country as the Vietnam war raged on and the Civil Rights movement was emerging. We were all looking for ways to escape to a place where we could enjoy some peace and tranquility. Frankie, my best friend and aspiring musician told me about an outdoor concert called Woodstock that was going to be held in Bethel, New York. It was advertised that performers such as: Jimi Hendrix, Santana, Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Who, Jefferson Airplane, Sly And The Family Stone, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and a long list of other performances were on the schedule. We did not have any tickets for Woodstock, but decided we would head to Bethel in the hopes we would find a way to get in. On April 13th, we jumped into Frankie's beat up convertible and began our journey not knowing what challenges laid before us. We were not even sure how long the car would last. I noticed that once we were on the road, that there was a big gaping hole on the passenger side floor of the car that was covered by cardboard. My expectations of us ever arriving safely at the concert was starting to diminish. As we got closer to Bethel, we came upon a huge traffic jam with cars lined up for miles. Everyone was just leaving their cars and walking toward the field where the concert was scheduled to begin on August 15th. Frankie and I made the decision to join the crowd and leave the car on the side of the road. We never saw the car again. As we approached Woodstock, we observed a sea of humanity of about 400,000 people enjoying the environment with 32 acts that can be best described as a harmonious vibe which can be attributed to the amazing music and psychedelic drugs. Because of the size of the crowd, the concert became a free event. We were only able to settle in a few miles from the stage, but huge speakers were installed throughout the field that allowed us to hear Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock the performances. We realized that we left the Bronx with Frankie's guitar and limited provisions, but we did not need much and relied on the kindness of strangers for food and water. As the concert raged on, so did the rain that soaked everyone and created a sea of mud all around us. Clothing became optional when the rain stopped as people found a local watering hole to wash off the mud from their bodies. As the next several days progressed, we were provided with the amazing sounds of Arlo Guthrie, Sweetwater, Joan Baez and a multitude of Rock Royalty. Photo courtesy of: Pinterest Frankie and I hung out in a tent with a hippie couple, a bearded six-foot rocker named “Fish” and his girlfriend Jade. We spent the nights listening to "Fish" and Frankie playing their guitars and enjoying how remarkably peaceful 400,000 people could be. Photo courtesy of: Ebay On August 18th, at 9:00 am, Jimi Hendrix performed for two hours which included his psychedelic rendition of the National Anthem. His performance was captured in the Woodstock film and considered the most iconic event at the concert. Photo courtesy of: Ultimate Classic Rock Now that the concert was over, we needed to figure out a way to get back to the Bronx which was 103 miles away. We started to walk along the road that we arrived on looking for the car, but after a few hours we pretty much gave up. Photo courtesy of: Alamy We heard a van behind us honking and as I turned to look it was our hippie friends "Fish" and Jade who were heading back to the Bronx. We jumped into the back of their beat-up Volkswagen and joined several other hitchhikers. We all enjoyed the next several hours reminiscing about the historic event we just witnessed over the last several days. Several months later, Frankie's Selective Service number came up and he was headed to Vietnam. I received a deferment since I was attending college at the time and my number never came up. I was happy that I spent the time with Frankie at Woodstock, because the last time I saw him was several years later at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C. where he was transferred after he was wounded in Vietnam. Frankie died several days after my visit. National Archives at College Park, MD. Life is a series of experiences that determine the paths that we follow and the relationships we build with the people we meet along the way. I will never regret the day I jumped into the beat-up car wrapped in cardboard and headed with my best friend to a field of Rock and Roll and torrential rain. Photo courtesy of: Wix This post is dedicated to my best friend, Frankie who is in Rock n' Roll Heaven.

I recently had my first surgery (...and hopefully last) + I thought I would share what I packed for the hospital + the recovery items I'm using which are available on my ShopMy / Amazon list here My RECOVERY Items HOT/COLD ICE PACKS - All Sett Health EYE MASK - Slip THROAT SPRAY - Beekeeper's Naturals COUGH DROPS - Beekeeper's Naturals MICROFIBER SPA SET - Kitsch DETOX BATH SOAK - Goop HEADACHE HAT SKIN + SCAR BALM - Earth Mama Organics ACTIVE SKIN REPAIR Owl VENICE The Original 6 Day Reset This is my second time doing the reset. The first time I did it was during the pandemic with my Mama Joy who, at the time had to get a lumpectomy + radiation. I joined her on the reset as I was stressed, not sleeping, not taking care of myself + therefore becoming very malnourished. You can read about our first reset experience in my post, OWL Venice Reset Review - Mama Joy + I Share Our Journey to Optimal Health here . This time, I wanted to have nourishing food on hand that was quick + easy as I recovered from my head surgery. Prior to surgery I had an assortment of Ultrasounds + an MRI with + without contrast + medication pre + post surgery (propofol + codeine) + antibiotic (keflex), so I really wanted to detox from all of that + start at a better baseline for my gut health as I was recovering. This is exactly what I ate daily for breakfast, lunch + dinner. What I love about this reset is that you are not fully restricting yourself + you can add in cleanse friendly foods like berries, cooked veggies, boiled chicken + more! YES! YOU CAN EAT FOOD ON THIS RESET! While other cleanses risk depriving your body of essential nutrients, the OWL Reset helps nourish you with healing herbs, minerals, collagen, protein, key superfoods + ingredients. Sometimes I would switch it up + want the Golden Ginger for breakfast + the Magic Matcha for lunch. And for any of my allergen riddled friends + fam, I have wonderful news for you! The OWL Reset is void of common food allergens such as gluten, dairy, garlic, nuts, onion, added sugar + inflammatory ingredients. *Please consult with your doctor if you have known histamine intolerance to bone broth or allergies or food sensitivities. OWL Supplement Kit Prior to my surgery, my lovely OWL Venice Fam gifted me not only the reset but their new OWL Supplement Kit. I was so thrilled because when I found out that I needed surgery, I got in my feels + got depressed, binged Netflix + ate my feelings with with sugary snacks late at night. My gut, weight, stamina + mood suffered from going that route + I made a promise to myself that I was going to wipe the slate clean. The OWL Supplement Kit could not have arrived at a better time. It has been my saving grace, making me feel back in control of myself, my body + my choices. My gut feels so much better, my mood has shifted to being passionate + inspired again + I'm back on a better sleep schedule....Netflix can wait! The OWL Supplement Kit is the perfect on-the-go bundle, for complete care of your digestive system. The kit restores your gut + liver with an all-natural blend of wild-crafted herbs, made to keep your body functioning at its highest level. The kit includes the following items: Digestive Bitters (Optimize Digestion) - delicious, freshens breath, contains antimicrobial properties, relieves bloating after meals + stomach cramping + supports the immune system! Liver Boost (Detoxify) - A must for your prime detox organ + also supports gut health! I keep the liver boost + digestive bitters (above) in my purse when I eat out at restaurants or overindulge. It helps support the natural detox process, decreases liver inflammation, protects against damage from free radicals + inflammation + contains antibacterial properties. Yeast Buster (Balance) - My absolute saving grace when I have late night sugar cravings! The Buster as I now call it, helps alleviate yeast infections, combats candida, contains anti-fungal, anti-bacterial + anti-parasitic properties (...cuz ya girl loves sushi) . And if that isn't enough, it also helps alleviate skin conditions (my skin has been - no joke, sahara desert dry) . Oh ya, and once again it ALSO reduces inflammation too! Gut Sweep (Regulate Digestion) - aloe vera + marshmallow root is so helpful for digestion + "gets things moving" if ya know what I mean ;-) ....POOP! I mean POOP! It repairs gut lining + soothes the digestive tract. Enter my 10% OFF Coupon Code at checkout: GHXVAYZS2S10 TAP HERE TO SHOP OWL VENICE PIQUE Sun Goddess Matcha B • T Fountain - Beauty Electrolyte PIQUE's B•T Fountain - Beauty Electrolyte sachets were the MVP of my hospital bag so that I could stay hydrated before + after my recent head surgery. A few weeks ago, after my pre-op appointment at Jersey Shore University Medical Center we took advantage of the beautiful weather + went to relax at our favorite beach spot 🏖️ Lucky for me, I had one sachet left + made my delicious yuzu berry drink right on the spot! All it was missing was tons of ice cubes. I love it on the rocks! Try PIQUE's The Radiant Skin Duo HERE Includes These 4 Items: + B•T Fountain Beauty Electrolyte (box of 28 sachets) + Sun Goddess Matcha Tea (box of 28 sachets) + Free Rechargeable Frother + Free Mixing Beaker + Free US Shipping + Returns (90 day money back if you're not satisfied) Benefits: B•T Fountain Beauty Electrolyte ✔️ Yuzu berry electrolyte = supports beauty from within. ✔️ Ceramides = skin elasticity + reduces fine lines. ✔️ Hyaluronic acid = youthful glow ✔️ Electrolytes + minerals = deep hydration Sun Goddess Matcha ✔️ Firms + brightens skin ✔️ Chlorophyll = skin clarity ✔️ L-theanine = reduces stress induced breakouts. ✔️ 100% Organic, ceremonial grade + quadruple toxin screened. My Overnight BAG OVERNIGHT BAG WATER BOTTLE - Klean Kanteen HEADPHONES - Apple MINI PLANNER - Erin Condren KINDLE - Amazon KINDLE CASE - Amazon PAJAMAS - Joyaria SLIPPERS - Fitroy ROBE - Barefoot Dreams SOCKS - DivvyUp (custom) SOCKS - Barefoot Dreams SNEAKERS - Veja SNEAKERS - Adidas Samba OG JACKET - Farktop BRAS - Selizo UNDERWEAR - Hanky Panky SWEATPANTS - Yeokou SWEATSHIRT - Anine Bing T-SHIRT - Bandier x Sincerely Jules HAT - Lanzom My Toiletry BAG TOILETRY BAG TOOTHPASTE - Wellnessee TOOTHPASTE - Lumineux or Boka (if above is sold out) TEETH WHITENING STRIPS SHAMPOO   + CONDITIONER   - SEEN SHAMPOO + CONDITIONER - Wellnesse (if above is sold out) TRAVEL SIZE BOTTLES ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH - Philips Sonicare TONGUE SCRAPER - Master Medi MOUTHWASH - Lumineux DRY EYE DROPS - IVIZIA PILL BOX DEODORANT - Salt + Stone DEODORANT SPRAY - EO Organic (if above is sold out) FACIAL SPRAY - Evian BABY WIPES - Coterie My PURSE HAND CREAM - +Lux Unfiltered LIP SERUM - +Lux Unfiltered LIP BALM - Earth Mama Organics HAND WIPES - ALŌH HAND SANITIZER - Touchland EYEGLASSES - Prada SUNGLASSES - Bottega Veneta

Many of the brands that I have partnered with are having some amazing sales + it's a perfect time to.... Swap out toxic products in your cabinets for yourself, you partner, your baby &/or kiddos Shop for an upcoming gift (birthday, baby shower, etc.) Treat Yo' Self! I'm so happy to be promoting brands that I truly love + we use in our home on a regular basis. By supporting these brands, most of which are small businesses, you're voting to keep them up + running. Their sales are intentional & they are excited to offer you these savings! SO....grab that hot cocoa (or your favorite beverage), find a comfy place to sit + check out all the wonderful brands that I have consciously curated for you below. Use my additional COUPON CODES ( where applicable ) that I have provided for you below, during checkout. As always, just to be extra safe, be sure to check with your physician + pediatrician before using any of the products below. SHOP the brands below by clicking on the brand name in all caps ( in blue ) Click on the > arrow above to view slideshow EARTH MAMA ORGANICS Family / Baby + Kids / Mama / Organic Herbal Tea / Gifts Winter Rescue Kit / Eczema Relief / Organic Castile Soap / Hand Sanitizer Mineral Sunscreen / Deodorant / Herbal Balm / Lotion Baby Care / Kids Care / Tween Starter Pack / Tea For Kids Pregnancy Support / Postpartum Recovery / Breastfeeding Essentials Pregnancy Tea / Postpartum Tea / Breastfeeding Tea Gifts: For Mamas + Their Babies / Baby Loss Comfort / Gift Certificate Curated Collections Melinda Olson is the original Earth Mama. A mother + nurse, Melinda is also a not-so-secret plant lady/gardener + avid herbalist. But in the spring of ’97, Melinda began studying medicinal herbs + how to extract their healing powers — which led to planting, nurturing + harvesting a wide variety of herbs. What was once a hobby “blossomed” into a life-changing understanding of plant medicine. In 2002, she began making + sharing organic tinctures, teas, soaps + salves using self-grown herbs. These were safe formulations grounded in earth wisdom + ancient knowledge + they worked. Melinda had a feeling the world was ready for this kind of medicine, especially pregnant women, postpartum women + their babies. And thus, Earth Mama the Company was born.... in a kitchen. Click on the > arrow above to view slideshow CALIFORNIA BABY Coupon Code: DEROSA (10% off) Bath & Hair / Diaper Creams & Lotions / Eczema, Bug, Sun & Home Essentials Gift Packages What began as one new mom's quest for a safe baby shampoo has grown into a beloved collection of more than 80 pediatrician + dermatologist recommended hair & skin care products for babies, kids & adults with sensitive skin. For California Baby founder, Jessica Iclisoy, it starts with being obsessed with purity + sustainability in every part of their process - from ingredient selection, to manufacturing, to packaging + beyond. When something doesn’t meet her strict standards, Jessica + her amazing team take it apart, analyze it + find a better way to do it. For example, when it became difficult to consistently source organic calendula flowers, they bought an organic farm in California + started growing the flowers themselves. To control the quality of their products, they built their own solar-powered, FDA-registered, certified organic manufacturing facility in Los Angeles. Before finished products hit the streets, they test them to a level that meets or exceeds the highest standards in the world. Click on the > arrow above to view slideshow THE YELLOW BIRD Coupon Code: NICOLEDEROSA (20% off) Chemical Free / Fragrance Free / GMO Free / Paraben Free / Soy Free The Yellow Bird is a family owned + run all natural skin care company that uses pure + simple ingredients, free of synthetic chemicals, to nourish skin + promote health. The Yellow Bird's products are perfect for the entire family, especially for those with allergies + chemical sensitivities. The brand strives to provide products that are full of simple yet powerful ingredients. They also use high-grade essential oils for their nourishing benefits but also for their pleasant aromas. Chemical Free means that The Yellow Bird's products have no synthetic chemicals. You especially want to avoid any ingredients that are petroleum-derived or parabens. If you read labels, you will find fragrances in everything from shampoo to deodorant to lotions, however, Federal law doesn't require companies to list the chemicals in their fragrance mixture which means these don't show up on the product label. Instead of putting the unknown (and sometimes dangerous) on our skin, The Yellow Bird strives to provide products that nourish + strengthen the skin. Instead of needing skin care products to “fix” issues, start off with products that fortify your skin. You want to be proactive in your skin care, not reactive! Click on the > arrow above to view slideshow URSA MAJOR No petrochemicals, SLS, SLES, parabens, synthetic fragrance or color, silicones or PEGs. Powerful active ingredients / Refreshing natural aromas / Clean, lightweight textures / No suspect chemicals Ursa Major (the ‘Great Bear’ in Latin) is the largest visible constellation in the northern sky + has long been used to find True North. To us, it’s a powerful reminder to follow your inner compass + forge your own path in life. Click on the > arrow above to view slideshow COCOKIND Skincare Sets / Cleansers + Toners / Moisturizers + SPF / Essences + Serums Spot Treatments / Masks / Makeup / Body / Minis / Merch Cocokind is both women + minority-owned + its advertisements are inclusive, from skin type to race to gender. Those are all selling points for me, in addition to liking that the company is transparent about what ingredients are used in each product. Many sustainable skincare brands lean on the pricier side, but Cocokind is relatively affordable , with most products ranging from $15 to $25 . Click on the > arrow above to view slideshow SAJE NATURAL WELLNESS Body / Skincare / Essential Oils Free from parabens, SLS, artificial colorants, synthetic fragrances + fillers. Free from all ingredients found on EWG’s (Environmental Working Group) Toxic 12 + other Dirty Dozen lists. Made with essential oils that are verified for purity by independent certified laboratories. Cruelty-free + never tested on animals. Never made with ingredients derived from threatened or endangered species. Click on the > arrow above to view slideshow MOTHERLOVE HERBAL Coupon Code: DEROSA15 (15% off) Women's Health / Pregnancy / Birth + Postpartum / Breastfeeding / Baby Bundles + Gifts From morning sickness to low milk supply + from your growing belly to sore nipples - Motherlove Herbal Company have you + baby covered with premium organic herbal body care. As a women-owned, family-run, Certified B Corp, Motherlove cares about people + planet over profit. Their products are made in the USA with imported ingredients in a solar-powered, zero-waste facility by employees who receive competitive pay + full benefits. Click on the > arrow above to view slideshow KHUS+KHUS Coupon Code: NRLIFE20% (20% off) KHUS+KHUS use nothing but 100% botanical ingredients. KHUS+KHUS is formulated to assist the body in calming the nervous system + enhancing the skin. This also assists in the regulation of the immune system. KHUS+KHUS believes plants heal, that is healthy plants heal. Phyto-Medicine is the future of health + skincare. Click on the > arrow above to view slideshow DR. JACOBS NATURALS Coupon Code: NICOLEDEROSA (10% off) All of the Dr. Jacobs Naturals Castile Soaps are 100% vegetable based (never any animal by products) + made from the highest quality natural + organic ingredients like olive + coconut oil , never palm oil, which is known for being harsh on your skin. Antioxidant rich olive + coconut oil have the ability to naturally moisturize your skin, keeping it hydrated all day with no oily residue. They also added aloe vera + Vitamin E to enhance the moisture experience. Keeping the sense of touch + the skin in mind, they wanted to create a luxurious feeling Castile soap , so they increased the viscosity two fold by adding the most natural of ingredients, sea salt + never adding any foaming agents. Keeping true to putting health first, none of Dr. Jacobs Naturals products ever contain any toxins like parabens, preservatives, phthalates, artificial dyes, or artificial fragrances. They are gluten free, cruelty-free, vegan, made in the USA + Non-GMO Project Certified . Lastly, they wanted to holistically care for people on the inside as well as the outside, so essential oils with health + wellness properties were added. Through aromatherapy + skin absorption essential oils are known for healing properties + health benefits. AT HOME PAMPERING FACIAL TOOLS: Click on the > arrow above to view slideshow SKIN GYM Skin Gym is an innovative beauty brand that fits right into your active lifestyle, drawing on ancient beauty techniques to provide modern beauty tools. Skip the needles + fancy equipment + take beauty into your own hands, facial tool at a time. Used by everybody from A-list celebrities to estheticians, Skin Gym's non-invasive tools are more than just a beauty shot on Instagram. These skincare essentials encourage you to discover every curve + contour of your face while keeping up with the trends + providing the best in modern skincare. NON-TOXIC MAKEUP: COCOKIND Skincare Sets / Cleansers + Toners / Moisturizers + SPF / Essences + Serums Spot Treatments / Masks / Makeup / Body / Minis / Merch Cocokind is both women + minority-owned + its advertisements are inclusive, from skin type to race to gender. Those are all selling points for me, in addition to liking that the company is transparent about what ingredients are used in each product. Many sustainable skincare brands lean on the pricier side, but Cocokind is relatively affordable , with most products ranging from $15 to $25 . Click on the > arrow above to view slideshow RMS BEAUTY A pioneer of the clean beauty movement. Rose-Marie Swift has been making beautiful faces more beautiful, backstage + behind the camera for more than three decades, working with some of the most prestigious models, actors, photographers + magazines in the industry. With passion, wit, wisdom + legendary skill, Rose-Marie is a pioneer who, over 12 years ago, developed the holy grail of makeup—a line of living-ingredient-based products that offer true artist-quality performance. RMS Beauty is Rose Marie’s own farm-to-face recipes. RMS Beauty has been setting the standard for clean ingredients since 2009. In the world of today, clean beauty isn’t all the same. Their living ingredients set RMS apart, bringing the energy of raw, food grade, organic, wildcrafted + natural ingredients to your skin, in as close to their fresh-picked state as possible. NON-TOXIC NAIL CARE: Click on the > arrow above to view slideshow TENOVERTEN Tenoverten is a nail brand that is: Female-Owned Non-toxic 8-free 8-free means: NO toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor, triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), ethyl tosylamide, and xylene) + Cruelty-free. They have a collection of over 30 different long-lasting nail colors as well as different nail care products + tools that promote stronger + healthier nails. ORGANIC PLANT BASED MEAL DELIVERY: SAKARA SAKARA Life is a Healthy Living company that helps you achieve + maintain your optimum level of health + well-being. Sakara doesn't believe in counting calories or carbs (or pounds for that matter) , they support you by revolutionizing the way you think about their food + health! The Sakara Organic Meal delivery is a revolutionary program that cleanses + detoxes your body the way nature intended. No powders, no juices, no starving yourself. Just fresh, delicious, thoughtfully-prepared meals that are nutritionally designed to give your body what it needs so that it can let go of whatever it doesn't (toxins, excess weight, etc. yuck!). Nature knows best. Let it do its magic + bring your body back to balance. Check out all of Sakara's delicious meals, snacks + desserts here . BABY + TODDLER CLOTHING + TOYS: Click on the > arrow above to view slideshow PICCOLINA Kids Clothing / Face Masks / Dolls / Artwork / Baby Onesies & Pajamas / Womens Clothing / Home Decor Piccolina is a lifestyle brand dedicated to empowering today’s young children to become tomorrow’s leaders + problem solvers! Research shows that starting at age 5, many girls develop self-limiting beliefs + begin to think they're not as smart + capable as boys. Many kids’ clothes + products, perpetuate these gender stereotypes by underrepresenting women in leadership positions or fields relating to science, technology, engineering + finance. Piccolina is a brand that believes in putting people first. At the core of Piccolina’s identity is a commitment to social justice, equality + inclusion + those are values that Piccolina incorporate into all aspects of their business. BABIES, KIDS + ADULTS CLOTHING: Click on the > arrow above to view slideshow MATE The Label MATE the Label is a Los Angeles based clothing brand, founded by Kayti O'Connell Carr in 2013. A collection of elevated essentials + vintage inspired graphics that embody the California-cool lifestyle. The team consists of creative + passionate individuals that strive to continually innovate + improve. Sustainable + ethical practices are paramount to the brand's ethos. MATE has chosen to partner with factories within a five mile radius from their Arts District Headquarters in downtown Los Angeles. Each piece is thoughtfully designed, carefully sourced + proudly produced in small batches season after season. Click on the > arrow above to view slideshow SpearmintLOVE Baby & Kids Clothing / Accessories / Footwear / Toys / Mealtime / Diaper Bags / Pacifiers / Teething / Wellness SpearmintLOVE is an online retailer for nearly 300 baby brands including their own SpearmintLOVE label. Parents love the unique + high-quality selection, super soft fabric + eye-catching prints + fabrics for their Spearmint Babies. From accessories like pacifiers, teethers + beanies to blog or IG-worthy footies, rompers + swaddles, they have the best in baby all in one place! Click on the > arrow above to view slideshow FOR DAYS For Days designs soft, sustainable, organic cotton basics that are recyclable + ship carbon-free. But For Days doesn't just sell you stuff - they take it all back, too, to help close the loop. If you want to switch it up, send them your old For Days clothing for upcycling + get discounts towards new stuff through their swap program. Every item upcycled saves 700+ gallons of water + keeps clothing out of landfills. This is a closed-loop system +it is how YOU will change the world! CLOTHING, HOME DECOR, REGISTRY, CUSTOM ITEMS + MORE: Click on the > arrow above to view slideshow elfin los angeles Elfin has always been passionate about dressing littles in outfits they would wear themselves, but noticed a void when it came to a one-stop shop for fashionable + functional items for mamas and minis. Elfin loves simple details, whimsical prints, modern silhouettes, organic cotton, feel-good fabrics, muted hues, sustainable designs + unisex staples. Elfin is committed to curating a collection of items that have been tried, tested + loved by them (+ their little ones) . Nothing makes Elfin happier than supporting + encouraging small businesses like their own + making sure everything they sell is high-quality, thoughtfully-made + DESIGNED WITH YOUR MINI IN MIND! Elfin is excited to announce the debut of their much-anticipated line of mini dresses. Their capsule collection consists of one silhouette in three perfect-for-everyday prints. Designed for days + nights, Elfin's signature dress is subtle, timeless + inspired by their own daughters’ obsession for dresses that work for play time + party time! BABY WRAPS, CLOTHING, CRIB SHEETS + MORE: Click on the > arrow above to view slideshow SOLLY BABY Solly Baby was named “Best Wrap” by New York Time's Wirecutter Magazine, it was selected as the top gift pick for parents by Vogue + has been featured in Parents magazine, Martha Stewart + the Today show. Solly Baby wraps have been worn by some of Hollywood's most beloved mamas including Anne Hathaway, Pink, Ayesha Curry, Olivia Wilde + Serena Williams. Solly Baby wraps have been put to the test every single day from the park to shopping at Target with three other kids in tow, from deep in the parenting trenches. The wrap is sure to be your little ones' favorite place to be while being comfortable for you as well. You can have the confidence to travel the globe with them or survive the weekly grocery run, all while keeping your baby snuggled right on your chest. The Solly Baby wrap is one of the greatest gifts for a parent. It is a product that helps one enjoy that confidence + closeness as a parent. CUSTOMIZED SOCKS: Click on the > arrow above to view slideshow DivvyUp DivvyUp was founded with the goal to sustainably provide socks to those in need. You customize + purchase socks + DivvyUp donates a pair of socks to someone in need. Socks come in Sizes: Youth (Ages: 5-12) / Small (Men's 4-7/Women's 5-9) Large (Men's 8-12 / Women's 10+) / X-Large (Men's 13-16 / Women's 14.5+) DIAPERS + WIPES: Click on the > arrow above to view slideshow COTERIE Coterie is a modern babycare brand on a mission to make both babies + parents happier. They do this by pairing thoughtfully-designed products that maximize a baby’s comfort, with a seamless customer experience that saves parents time. Coterie started by re-engineering the diaper, but they also make super-soft wipes, + they’re currently expanding to other products in the space. And...if you're looking for items for mama + baby, check out my BABY ESSENTIALS here .

Question: With all the greenwashing and not-so-honest marketing out there, it's tough to trust companies. So why trust California Baby? Answer: Because, California Baby has the rest results to prove it! Their new 100% plant-based collection has been independently lab tested and certified by the USDA. Everything California Baby makes has a unique benefit for each of your family members. 25 years of love, dedication and research have gone into creating the very best for everyone you love. California Baby founder Jessica Iclisoy has always questioned the status quo. While pregnant with her first child in 1990, she began to think deeply about how to live a healthier, more natural lifestyle. Shocked to discover carcinogens in products for newborns, Jessica set out to find a better option. There wasn’t one. Motivated by her frustration, she substituted unsafe cleansing and fragrance ingredients with high-quality plant-based substitutes in order to develop her own recipe for a gentle, calming shampoo & body wash. Word of mouth spread quickly, and soon California Baby was born. Bubble bath, lotion and sunscreen followed, and before Jessica knew it, she had inspired Whole Foods to create a baby care department. Then, when California Baby partnered with Target, California Baby became the first widely distributed plant-based brand in the natural personal care industry. Check out this clip from the Today show when they came down to the California Baby manufacturing facility in Los Angeles, California, took a tour, and interviewed founder Jessica Iclisoy: BETTER Ingredients MEANS Better PRODUCTS! California Baby offers innovative, pure and safe skincare using the following ingredients: ORGANIC CALENDULA - soothes irritated skin ORGANIC SOAP BARK - plant-based foaming agent ESSENTIAL OILS - no synthetic fragrances ORGANIC ALOE VERA - makes skin softer CALIFORNIA BABY INGREDIENT STANDARDS In addition to chemicals of concern, their “No-No” List also addresses food allergy issues. Because their list is too long to list in its entirety, their short-list highlights the most common allergens and additives that they choose to avoid. The California Baby "No-No" List (partial) - They've listed what they believe to be the worst offenders and encourage you to do what their founder did over 20 years ago and compare it to products you and your family are using. They've highlighted what they consider the worst of the worst in red on The California Baby "No-No" List here . All California Baby products are produced in their own FDA-registered, certified organic facility located in Los Angeles, California. Take a look inside, by watching the video below: CALIFORNIA BABY Commitment To SUSTAINABILITY Every day is Earth Day at California Baby. Watch this video below to learn more about their solar powered manufacturing facility + their new 100% recycled plastic bottles. We are big fans of the following California Baby products: ✨ Super Sensitive Hair Conditioner ✨ Super Clear Willow Bark Face Wash 💦 ✨ Calming Jelly Mousse ( plant-based hair gel) 🌱 We are going to try out some of California Baby's other products that we have not tried before and will let you know what we think: 🛀 Super Sensitive Shampoo & Bodywash ✨ Super Sensitive Cream ✨ Super Sensitive Everyday Lotion ✨ Konjac Facial Sponge Read more about California Baby in my Clean Skincare for Babies, Toddlers and Mommas blog post here . SHOP California Baby using my 10% off COUPON CODE: DEROSA Are you a fan of California Baby? I know quite a bit of my community is....so, which products of theirs are your favorites + why? I'd love to hear from you in the comments! And...if you're looking for items for mama + baby, check out my BABY ESSENTIALS here .

Although, I have not experienced the amazingness of being a parent (I absolutely love being an Auntie to the 3 most amazing kiddos) , I have consulted with my awesome family + friends with children + there was a consensus of a few go-to products that they love that I thought I would share with you below. MOTHERLOVE Herbal Company My friend, Yael loves this brand, especially the diaper balm + nipple cream . She said yes, it's $10 for a tiny jar but a little went a long way! Soothe that booty! Help provide relief to your baby's diaper rash and irritation with Motherlove's Organic Diaper Balm - an all-natural, plant-based way to soothe baby's bottom. Cloth diaper safe Free of zinc oxide + petroleum Made with antifungal + antibacterial herbs This balm rubs on easily + absorbs quickly, allowing the antifungal + antibacterial herbs—Oregon grape root + myrrh gum—to do their job without leaving a greasy residue. * Please note: since they use only natural ingredients, the consistency of the product may vary. The Nipple Cream is their best-selling + award-winning organic herbal salve for sore, damaged + cracked nursing nipples. Sore nipples? Breastfeeding + pumping can come with the discomfort of sore, cracked, + often damaged nipples. Motherlove has you covered! EARTH MAMA Organics Yael also loved these teas during her pregnancy + beyond. Earth Mama Organics believes in the power of words: therefore, they make stuff for wellness in the morning, not sickness. Organic Morning Wellness Tea is a ginger-minty blend of organic herbs traditionally used to help prevent occasional morning sickness + pregnancy nausea. Formulated for pregnancy (+beyond!) with settling ginger root, chamomile + lemon balm, a hint of mint + a twist of orange peel for a citrus pop of flavor. Especially comforting when every little smell is no bueno + “morning” sickness lasts all day long. Who knew that one day you’d be thinking about your own milk production — a lot? Earth Mama's Organic Milkmaid Tea is a fragrant, comforting blend of organic herbs traditionally used to help support healthy breast milk production + promote healthy lactation. Tasty iced or hot, with fenugreek, fennel, milk thistle + other galactagogues (not space travel, which would be cool, but hey … breastfeeding is pretty cool too) — plus the power of nettle + raspberry leaf. Very Imporant Note: Organic Milkmaid Tea is NOT FOR USE DURING PREGNANCY. Many galactagogue herbs are not recommended for use during pregnancy in greater than culinary amounts.* CALIFORNIA Baby My niece + nephews use this shampoo + bodywash . ✔ 100% plant-based formula ✔ Independently lab tested + USDA certified Nourish sensitive skin of all ages with soothing calendula + aloe vera. Fans love the light, calming scent from French lavender + clary sage essential oils. This vegan wash gently cleanses with non-drying, plant-based ingredients ideal for those with chemical sensitivities or allergy concerns. HONEST Shampoo & Body Wash - 2 in 1  cleanser leaves skin + hair soft + clean. Gently cleanse your baby’s delicate scalp + sensitive skin with their best selling, gentle shampoo + nourishing body wash. Available in: Lavender "Truly Calm" Fragrance Free Citrus Vanilla "Refresh"   Honest also makes a Conditioner  - enriched with extracts + oils for knot-free tangle-free hair. Available in: Lavender "Calm" Fragrance Free "Sensitive" Citrus Vanilla "Refresh" Note: Always check the product ingredient list and consult a medical professional for any specific concerns for your child / children. And...if you're looking for more items for mama + baby, check out my BABY ESSENTIALS here .

The pair of socks I designed for Mama Joy just arrived! I'm so excited for her to open them on Mother's Day! This is the perfect time to design a pair of DivvyUp customized socks for your Mother and/or the amazing Mother figures in your life! (...that could even mean for YOU too.....self love, baby!) or a loved ones upcoming birthday, just because, engagement, anniversary, bachelor / bachelorette party, holiday & business. To me, Mother's Day is a day to put extra love back into the universe and I'm a lover of handmade gifts from the heart, so if someone happens to gift me something, I love when it is handmade whether that's a card, a drawing or a pair of DivvyUp socks! It's so special, unique and it's the gift that keeps on giving. For every pair of socks purchased, DivvyUp donates a pair to someone in need. I mean.....how cool is that? Like I said, it's the gift that keeps on giving! Below is a slideshow for some inspiration from the DivvyUp socks that I've designed for my family & friends. Christmas - We made my niece and nephews socks with our faces on them since they moved to Massachusetts and they can feel like we are still with them wherever they are! Father's Day / Father Figure in your life - I made my brother, Anthony and my Papa a pair of #1 DAD socks for Father's Day. Mother's Day / Mother Figure in your life - I made my Mom, Mama Joy a pair of "You're My Sunshine" socks with both our faces on them. Grandparents Day - I made a pair of socks for my parents of the grandkids (and an extra pair for myself....Happy Auntie's Day to me!) My Grandparents are no longer alive, but I wish I knew about DivvyUp when they were because they would have loved to rock socks with their grandchildren's faces on them!!! Anniversary / Engagement - For my parents Anniversary, I looked through some older photos and found photos from my parents engagement party and used those images to design their socks. Valentine's Day - Since I'm currently single, I made myself a pair of socks with the kiddos faces and heart eye emojis because they are my forever funny lil' valentines. Just Because / Birthday / Retirement / Bachelor / Bachelorette / Sports Team / Business etc. - You can never have enough socks and like I said, for every pair purchased, DivvyUp donates a pair in your honor, so why not pay it forward?! Click on the > arrow above to view the slideshow So, what are you waiting for?! Go start designing your pair of socks HERE Let me know if you need my help designing or have any questions!

Click above or HERE for my Mother's Day Gift Guide Click HERE  for my Gift Guide For Women Click above or HERE for Purity Coffee Click above or HERE for OWL Venice Click above or HERE for Masterclass Click on each brand below for more info: TRAVEL Expedia / VRBO / Travelocity Orbitz / CheapTickets / Hotels .com FOOD DELIVERY Sakara / Daily Harvest / Patagonia Provisions / Thrive Market / OWL Venic e Click on each brand below for more info: SKIN Skin Gym / Ursa Major / Wellnesse / KHUS+KHUS / Cocokind MAKEUP RMS Beauty NAILS Tenoverten JEWELRY LUV AJ / The Giving Keys / The Sis Kiss / Little Words Project Click on each brand below for more info: HOME Waterdrop / Zwilling / KitchenAid / Sonos / Klean Kanteen Branch Basics / Erin Condren Design CLOTHING For Days / DivvyUp / Maui and Sons / MATE The Label / STANCE / VienneMilano / REI + REI Outlet Click on each brand below for more info: BEVERAGES + SUPPLEMENTS Ora Organic / Primal Kitchen / Olipop / Recess / PIQUE Click on each brand below for more info: NEW MOM Solly Baby / DockATot / Coterie / SpearmintLOVE elfin los angeles / Earth Mama Organics Motherlove Herbal Co. / California Baby FUR MOM Lucky Dog For MORE specific GIFT GUIDES, click below: THE COOK / FOODIE THE HOMEBODY THE JETSETTER

What is Autism? I can’t improve on Dr. Nick Walker’s description any better, so I’ve quoted him below. "I’ve seen so many versions of that obligatory “What Is Autism” or “About Autism” text. And they’re almost all terrible. For starters, almost all of them – even the versions written by people who claim to be in favor of “autism acceptance” or to support the neurodiversity paradigm – use the language of the pathology paradigm, which intrinsically contributes to the oppression of autistic people. Since I couldn’t find such a piece of text elsewhere, I wrote one. And here it is." "Autism is a genetically-based human neurological variant. The complex set of interrelated characteristics that distinguish autistic neurology from non-autistic neurology is not yet fully understood, but current evidence indicates that the central distinction is that autistic brains are characterized by particularly high levels of synaptic connectivity and responsiveness. This tends to make the autistic individual’s subjective experience more intense and chaotic than that of non-autistic individuals: on both the sensorimotor and cognitive levels, the autistic mind tends to register more information, and the impact of each bit of information tends to be both stronger and less predictable." "Autism is a developmental phenomenon, meaning that it begins in utero and has a pervasive influence on development, on multiple levels, throughout the lifespan. Autism produces distinctive, atypical ways of thinking, moving, interaction, and sensory and cognitive processing. One analogy that has often been made is that autistic individuals have a different neurological “operating system” than non-autistic individuals." "According to current estimates, somewhere between one percent and two percent of the world’s population is autistic. While the number of individuals diagnosed as autistic has increased continually over the past few decades, evidence suggests that this increase in diagnosis is the result of increased public and professional awareness, rather than an actual increase in the prevalence of autism." "Despite underlying neurological commonalities, autistic individuals are vastly different from one another. Some autistic individuals exhibit exceptional cognitive talents. However, in the context of a society designed around the sensory, cognitive, developmental, and social needs of non-autistic individuals, autistic individuals are almost always disabled to some degree – sometimes quite obviously, and sometimes more subtly." "Autism is still widely regarded as a “disorder,” but this view has been challenged in recent years by proponents of the neurodiversity model, which holds that Autism and other neurocognitive variants are simply part of the natural spectrum of human biodiversity, like variations in ethnicity or sexual orientation. Ultimately, to describe autism as a disorder represents a value judgment rather than a scientific fact." Copyright © 2016 by Nick Walker Sensory Overload Sensory overload is when an autistic person finds it difficult to process their feelings or other sensory information, and go into a state or breakdown. Sensory overload can be triggered by a number of things, and differs from person to person. Many, autistic people have trouble processing loud or complex noises, textures of materials they can touch or see, among other things. Stimming The word stim is short for self-stimulation. Stimming is something an autistic person does to make themselves feel good and keep themselves comfortable and to relieve tension. Autistic people often have things they do to Stim, which may include physical activities, such as chewing or biting down on things, or mental activities, such as listening to specific sounds or looking at specific textures or images. Why Stim ? Stimming can help BLOCK out extra sensory input. Stimming helps provide EXTRA sensory input when needed. Management of emotions - positive and negative EMOTIONS may trigger a burst of stimming. SOME stims serve the purpose of soothing or comforting. "A stim is not the same as a tic . Where stims are rhythmic and regular, tics are non-rhythmic and sudden. Both can (sometimes) be held back, although holding back both feels very uncomfortable. While holding back a tic seems closer to holding back a sneeze, I would say that holding back a stim could be compared to holding off on scratching an itch (if that itch never went away, and kept increasing with time, like a mosquito with its nose in your flesh that refuses to leave)." - Kirsten Lindsmith, from her blog: The Artism Spectrum The most famous hallmarks of autistic stimming can be divided into three major categories: Hand stimming, including hand flapping, finger waving, and finger wiggling, clapping hands, snapping fingers Body stimming, including rocking, spinning, and head bobbing, squinting, rolling eyes, swinging, grinding teeth, licking, chewing and sucking on objects, staring at moving objects, wheels, trains for long periods of time. Vocal stimming, including humming, throat clearing, groaning, screeching, dropping things to hear their sound and various forms of echolalia. Learn more about echolalia HERE . I have put together a great section of stim toys + more HERE . Be sure to check it often as I'm constantly updating it with more items + please feel free to contact me with more suggestions to add to my list. Stimming with Music Many autistic people have certain songs that help them to stim. For love of these songs, autistic people will often listen to them over and over again, to help them feel good. These certain songs or sounds often make the person who uses them to stim feel very happy and very comfortable, often causing them to feel overstimulated and excited (which is sometimes why some autistic people love to do "happy hands"). Autistic Behaviors No eye Contact - Some , not all autistic people do not like eye contact as it is too intimate and intense and they will avoid. It can even cause pain if forced. Sitting in certain positions - Some , not all autistic people are often very bendable. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a common comorbidity and many autistic people feel more comfortable in slightly contorted positions. Stammering when excited - Some , not all autistic people often get so passionate about some subjects, that they can struggle to get the words out as they all get caught in the annoying bottleneck of actually having to leave their mouths. Facial movements + stretches - Part of stimming, really, as it's generally a comfort or stress release mechanism. It is a harmless, natural action. Meltdown - There is nothing abnormal about having a meltdown - all humans can. It's just autistic stress levels are so high that they tend to happen more frequently. But they're seen as failing of the autistic people rather than a failing of their surroundings, which is more accurate. Rigid routines - Many autistic people like this as it removes possible stressors from the day, keeping things nice and calm. It is not weird or bad, it is a perfectly sound way of managing stress. They can find change and transitions difficult to cope with. They might like to eat, sleep or leave the house in the same way every time. For example, children might go to bed happily if you follow their regular bedtime routines, but won’t settle if the routines are broken. They might get very upset if their route to school is changed, or they might insist on putting their clothes on in the same order each morning. Rituals - Some autistic children and teenagers have rituals. For example, some children might keep favorite objects in specific places, like the bottom corner of a drawer in the bedroom. They might have to get their objects out and touch them before bed. Or they might drink only from particular cups, or ask the same questions and always need specific answers. Organizing, lining up, collecting things (obsessions) - autistic people can be very intense and focused about favourite toys, activities and topics of conversation. Some autistic people move from one interest or obsession to another, and the interests last for weeks or months before they change. Others develop an interest – for example, in trains – in early childhood and continue this interest through adolescence and into adulthood. Organizing, lining up and stacking objects is a form of stimming. "So when you see an a utistic person engaging in repetitive behavior (organizing, lining things up, collecting things), instead of thinking “that kid is doing nothing,” think “that kid’s brain is hard at work.” They may be imagining something, reviewing something that happened, or trying to figure out the answer to a question." - Miss Luna Rose To learn more about autism obsessive behavior, routines and rituals, click HERE . How To Help Autistic people experience sensory overload differently. There are however general rules. You should always minimize sensory input for the person experiencing overload. This means that you should stop doing whatever you think could be triggering their overload. Which can be anything from: Lowering your voice and muffle or silence all noise - which will help to ease the overload over time and prevent it from getting a lot worse. Dim the lights Do not touch the person overloading - this may be uncomfortable for them. Please take an autistic person seriously when they are overloading. They are not doing this for attention, this is not an intentional thing. Many autistic people, children especially, are not taken seriously when they are overloading, which can lead to more issues. Please take note if you are a guardian, teacher, family member, friend etc. Include autistic people in your activism. Learn More About Autism ORGANIZATIONS Gnome Surf   - TradeA 501c3 Non-Profit Surf Therapy Organization providing innovative health + wellness alternatives. I can't speak on many organizations at the moment, but I can speak about Gnome Surf. My niece + nephews have been attending surf + skateboard lessons with this wonderful organization started by Christopher Antao . Visit the GNOME SURF website HERE . WEBSITES The Autism Advantage - Trade secrets from the autistic mind: How autistic people think, and what we can learn. Click the link HERE to go to the website. The Autisticats - An awesome website by three autistic young adults, (Eden & Leo, Laurel) figuring out life and sharing their experiences as neurodivergent people. Click the link HERE to go to their website. TED Talk - Autistic Thriving by Dr. Dawn-Joy Leong - Click the link HERE to watch. Thank you Eden (of the Autisticats) for the link! Autistic Dreams - A wonderful website by writer and artist , Miss. Luna Rose. Click the link HERE to go to her website. Autistic & Unapologetic - An autism awareness site founded by one lad (James Sinclair) on a journey to find out what makes him (autis)tic. Click the link HERE to go to Jame's website. Neurocosmopolitianism - A website by Dr. Nick Walker which features his academic work, articles, aikido, autistic press and a webcomic! Click the link HERE to go to his website. Click HERE for Dr. Nick Walker's Bio. The Art of Autism - Dana Trick's blog post, " We Gotta Talk About The Representation of Autistic Characters in Fiction" is a must read. Check it out HERE . Wrong Planet - A web community designed for individuals (and parents of) autistic people and ADHD. Click the link HERE to go to the website. The Australian Parenting Website - Signs of autism in children, teenagers and adults. Click the link HERE to go to the website. Links + Resources - Click HERE for more links and resources for Autism Screening Tests, Social Resources, Website + Pages, Books and Blogs. Thank you to Kirsten Lindsmith, an artist, writer, software developer, and autism advocate for this list that she has included on her website. INSTAGRAM ACCCOUNTS GraciellaBlooms - @graciellablooms Epic Therapists - @epic_therapists Fiorella Perkins - @fiorella_perkins The Autisticats - @the.autisticats Greta Thunberg - @gretathunberg Autism Sketches - @autism_sketches Paige Layle - @paigelayle Pierre Owens - @pierreow7 Kala Allen Omeiza - @readbykay Our Autism Diary - @ourautismdiary Christee Cuttino - @artistically8wired Autistic Self Advocacy - @autisticselfadvocacy Autie Advice - @autieadvice Speech Hiccups - @speechhiccups Allison The Human - @allisonthehuman The Autistic Life - @theautisticlife OMG I'm Autistic AF - @omgimautisticaf The.Chronic.Couple - @the.chronic.couple Fidgets.and.Fries - @fidgets.and.fries Actually Autistic Tik Toks - @actuallyautistictiktoks StudioMucci - @studiomucci TV + MOVIES "Why do we care if films and TV shows that are ostensibly well-meaning don’t center us? While things are improving, the majority of neurodivergent and disabled characters are still portrayed by abled actors, meaning that neurodivergent and disabled actors get less opportunities. Not only that, but film and TV impact how we understand the world, and a dominating, stereotypical representation of autism has a tangible impact on autistic people’s lives." - Marianne Eloise Everything's Gonna Be Ok - (Freeform) - An American comedy television series created by autistic Australian comedian Josh Thomas. Boys are more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls, according to the CDC. Not only does this Freeform series offer a female perspective, but actress Kayla Cromer, who plays Matilda, is on the spectrum herself. Nicholas, an Australian in his twenties, visits his American father and two teenage half-sisters in Los Angeles. During his visit, he learns that their father is terminally ill and wants Nicholas to become the guardian to Genevieve and Matilda, because their mother is already dead Sesame Street - It’s about time that the classic children’s television show introduce a character on the spectrum. Enter Julia, an adorable muppet of a girl who effectively teaches children at home about the differences and similarities of autistic people. ( Note: At the time of writing this post, I was unaware of Sesame Street's connection with Autism Speaks which is considered a fear mongering hate organization by many autistic people. Read more HERE . ) Three popular PBS KIDS animated series are debuting new themed episodes timed to Autism Acceptance Month, including a half-hour special from Hero Elementary , a special episode of Emmy Award winner Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood featuring a bright young guest star, and a new profile in history from Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum , based on the bestselling books by Brad Meltzer. Read more HERE . She-Ra: Princess of Power and She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (Netflix) - Entrapta is a fictional character in the animated television series , She-Ra: Princess of Power and She-Ra and the Princesses of Power . B oard artist Sam Szymanski, who is autistic, plays a major role in creating Entrapta, including her physical actions and story arcs. Atypical - (Netflix) - An American comedy-drama series that focuses on the life of 18-year-old Sam Gardner ( Keir Gilchrist ), who is an autistic young adult. The first season received mostly positive reviews , though the show was criticized for its lack of autistic actors and perceived inaccuracies in its depiction of autism. The second season featured more autistic actors and writers, and also received mostly positive reviews. The third season continued this development and received overwhelmingly positive reviews. I am Greta - (Hulu) - The story of teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg is told through compelling, never-before-seen footage in this intimate documentary. Starting with her one-person school strike for climate action outside the Swedish Parliament, the film follows Greta, an autistic shy student, in her rise to prominence and her galvanizing global impact as she sparks school strikes around the world. The film culminates with her extraordinary wind-powered voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to speak at the UN Climate Action Summit in New York City. Autistic actors are actually not as rare as you may think and it only takes a quick Google search to see a plethora of referenced responses including: Daryl Hannah (see IMDB for a list of her films HERE ) Paddy Considine (see IMDB for a list of his films HERE ) Dan Aykroyd (see IMDB for a list of his films HERE ) Brandon Polansky & Samantha Elisofon ( Keep the Change ) Tylan Grant (see IMDB for a list of Tylan's films HERE ) Sir Anthony Hopkins (see IMDB for a list of his films HERE ) Kayla Cromer (see IMDB for a list of her films HERE ) Josh Thomas (see IMDB for a list of his work HERE ) Click HERE for a few more TV and movies with Autistic characters. PLAYLISTS Eden (of The Autisticats) Autism Related Songs Playlist on Spotify - Click HERE to go to Eden's playlists. ( Note: There is a FREE option to join Spotify. Just sign up, no credit card information is asked of you. It is totally free, it just includes advertisements / commercial breaks unlike the paid version which doesn't interrupt with adverts.) Leo of (The Autisticats) Original Songs on Spotify - Click HERE to listen to Leo's original songs! History's Most Inspiring People on the Autism Spectrum Though autism did not become the mainstream diagnosis it is today until well into the 20th century, it is certainly not anything new. Indeed, history is full of people who many consider to be or have been somewhere on the autism spectrum. Like the 30 people on this list HERE . While autism remains relatively misunderstood, one thing is for certain: autistic people are just as capable as anyone else of achieving incredible success. The proof? These famous autistic people: 20 Incredibly Successful People on the Spectrum . Read more about them HERE . Amazing Autistic Women - These women confirm that differences cannot prevent one from doing what one loves—or shattering glass ceilings. Read more about these amazing women HERE . Greta Thunberg - A Swedish environmental activist who is internationally known for challenging world leaders to take immediate action against climate change. Learn more about Greta when she was named Time magazine's 2019 Person of The Year, HERE . Paige Layle - Canadian teen shatters autism stereotypes. Read more about Paige HERE . COLLEGE Landmark College - Click HERE to go to the Landmark College website. Thank you Leo (of The Autisticats) for this information! While many colleges offer special programs for students with learning disabilities (LD) and other learning challenges, Landmark College is one of the only accredited colleges in the United States designed exclusively for students who learn differently, including students with learning disabilities (such as dyslexia), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Autism. Landmark College's mission is to transform the way students learn, educators teach, and the public thinks about education. Landmark College provides highly accessible approaches to learning that empower individuals who learn differently to exceed their aspirations and to achieve their greatest potential. Through the Landmark College Institute for Research and Training , the College aims to extend its mission across the nation and throughout the world. Landmark College is located in Putney, Vermont, in the southeastern tip of the state. Glossary of Autistic Terms Click the link HERE to view a glossary of autistic terms by The Autism Advantage. Petitions Autism Awareness - Learn more about each petition HERE . (Note: Be sure to check both categories:" Most Recent " and " Trending ") Public Speakers with Autism Kirsten Lindsmith is an artist, writer, software developer, and autism advocate. After receiving an Autism diagnosis at the age of 19, she began co-hosting the online television show Autism Talk TV and speaking at conferences and events about her experience as a woman on the spectrum. Kirsten has written columns for Wrong Planet and Autism After 16 , and was profiled in The New York Times . She is a member of the board of advisors for the Yale Child Study Center’s Initiative for Girls and Women with Autism Spectrum Disorder . She currently works as a full-time software engineer and part-time autism consultant. Kirsten graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a combined degree in Biology, Microbiology, and Anthropology, with a concentration in Vertebrate Ontogeny and Phylogeny. Her interests include javascript, neurodiversity, human and animal biology and behavior, and petting soft cats. She lives in New York City with her cat, Buffy. Kirsten has been speaking at conferences, schools, workshops, and other events about autism and neurodiversity for almost 10 years. Her favorite topics include and how autism relates to growing up, puberty, sexuality, relationships, gender, and developing practical life skills. If you are interested in bringing Kirsten to speak at your institution, event, or workshop, visit her website HERE. Update: One of my awesome readers, sent me an email with a link to this Helpful Online Safety Guide For People With Autism Spectrum Disorders , which you can check out HERE . Thank you Chris for sending that to me! Please comment below or send me a message with more recommendations and/or suggestions about this post. I would love to hear more from the #ActuallyAutistic community.

"I Can't Help Falling In Love With You" - Elvis "The Very Thought of You" - Nat King Cole "Single Ladies" - Beyonce "The Shoop Shoop Song" - Betty Everett "You Sang To Me" - Marc Anthony "Sexual Healing" - Marvin Gaye "Sea of Love" - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole "With These Hands" - Tom Jones "You're The First, The Last, My Everything" - Barry White "That's Amore" - Dean Martin What songs are on your current Valentine's Day playlist? Let us know in the comments section below!

Valentine's Day is right around the corner (...oh wait, it's today!) I know, I know.... it's a holiday invented by the greeting card companies ( although technically, the first St. Valentine’s Day was celebrated in the 5th century and linked to love by the poet Chaucer in the Middle Ages ). Either way, I suggest making a date with your heart. And I'm not talking metaphorically. February is Heart Month, and what better way to celebrate than by showing your heart some love? By making a commitment to a heart-healthy lifestyle, you can lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Plus, by keeping the extra weight off and managing stress, you'll reduce your risk for a heart attack and stroke. The good news is, you can accomplish your health goals without expensive gym memberships or trendy diets: Take a 30-minute walk at lunch. Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Quit smoking Reduce your stress with yoga, tai chi, or meditation. Need a hand getting started? Contact your primary care physician or cardiologist who can help assess your risk for heart disease through a routine exam and bloodwork. They'll even set you up with a diet and exercise plan. Most doctors offer both telehealth and in-person visits. To help jump-start your Valentine’s Day, here is a heart-healthy dessert that is perfect for date night or riding solo! Raw Chocolate Pie [paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan] Crust ingredients: 1 cup walnut pieces ¼ cup (about 4) soft, pitted Medjool dates ( I use: Date Lady brand which you can get here ) 1 tsp ground cinnamon ( I use: Simply Organic brand ) Pinch of sea salt ( I use: Redmond brand ) Filling ingredients: 1 cup coconut cream ( l use: Native Forest brand which is organic and has no gums or fillers ) ½ cup (about 8) soft, pitted Medjool dates ( once again, I use: Date Lady brand which you can get here ) 3 ounces dark chocolate, melted ( I use: HU Kitchen brand - Dark Chocolate Gems ) ¼ cup melted coconut oil ( I use: Dr. Bronner's unrefined organic brand) 2 tsp vanilla extract ( I use: Simply Organic brand ) Instructions: For the crust, puree the walnuts, dates, cinnamon, and salt in a food processor, for about 20 seconds or until very fine. Press crust mixture across the bottom and halfway up the sides of a glass pie dish. Clean out the food processor. In a small saucepan, heat the coconut cream just slightly (or you can just microwave it for about 45 seconds in a glass measuring cup). In the clean the food processor, add the heated coconut cream, dates, chocolate, coconut oil, and vanilla extract, then puree for 1 minute or until the mixture is completely smooth and uniformly dark. Pour the chocolate mixture over the crust and refrigerate until set. For extra deliciousness, top each slice with a little whipped coconut cream. Nutritional info (per one serving): Calories: 363 Carbs: 31.8g Fat: 27.5g Protein: 4.25g Sodium: 6mg Sugar: 19.8g Let me know if you make the Raw Chocolate Pie or any of the recipes I share! I love to hear your feedback!

Happy February Fam! I wanted to let you know that many of the brands that I have partnered with are having some amazing Valentines Day Sales that you don't want to miss! To me, Valentine's Day is a day to put out extra love into the universe whether that means gift giving, acts of service, gifting someone your time etc. Valentine's is for EVERYONE! Shop for yourself, your significant other, your best friend, your Galentine, a first responder, teacher etc. I'm so happy to be promoting brands that I truly love & that we use in our home on a regular basis. By supporting these brands, most of which are small businesses, you're voting to keep them up & running. Their sales are intentional & they are excited to offer you these savings! SO....grab that hot cocoa ( or your favorite beverage ), find a comfy place to sit & check out all the wonderful brands that I have consciously curated below. *Don't forget to also use the additional COUPON CODES (where applicable) at checkout that I provided for you below! Watch the videos or scroll the pics below to learn more about each, SHOP the brand by clicking on the brand name in all caps (in blue) ORA ORGANIC Plant-based Nutrition. Ora Organic creates the cleanest plant-based supplements for sports nutrition, beauty, gut health and more. Ora Organic is creating the ultimate experience in health and wellness: from high-quality sourcing and rigorous testing to delicious flavors and premium packaging. Ora is a conscious brand that reflects the principles I value — trustworthy, well-researched, innovative, and ultimately better for people and the planet. And of course, since day one: completely plant-based! If you care about quality, you’ve come to the right place. These are only just a few of Ora Organic's products: "Easy Being Green" (Superfood Greens Powder in Orange) / "Good As Gold" (Organic Golden Milk Powder in Turmeric) / "So Lean & So Clean" (Plant Based Superfood Protein Powder in either Chocolate, Vanilla or Vanilla Chai) "Aloe Gorgeous" (Plant Based Collagen Boosting Powder in either Vanilla, Peanut Butter or Chocolate) / "Renewable Energy" (Organic Pre-Workout Powder in either Raspberry Lemonade, Beet Pomegranate or Ceremonial Matcha) "Trust Your Gut" (Organic Probiotics with Prebiotics Powder in either Apple Raspberry or Lavender Lemonade) / "Break It Down" (Plant Based Digestive Enzymes Powder in Pineapple) Check out the video below to learn more & tap ORA ORGANIC above in blue to shop their products! PURITY COFFEE Coupon Code : DEROSA20 ( *20% OFF for first time customers ) Coffee is mostly treated as an industrial crop + often commercial coffee is sprayed with pesticides & sometimes left to mold or ferment before it’s shipped. Purity only sources organic beans + tests all green coffee for mold, pesticides + Ochratoxin A (which can cause kidney damage) . Purity’s founders made a commitment to freshness , only storing green beans for 15 months, roasting only according to the number of orders received + shipping the roasted beans to the customer within 48 hours of roasting in bags flushed with nitrogen. Purity Coffee is the only coffee Mama Joy + I will drink. However, organic coffee beans were merely to be the starting point. To deliver a coffee optimized for health benefits , the organic coffee needed to also be specialty-grade . Watch the video below to learn more! OLIPOP Coupon Code : DEROSA15 (15% off) OLIPOP is the healthy alternative to soda you've been searching for. ... All the flavors are wonderful and sweet, despite only sporting 35–45 calories per can. Olipop is Vegan + Gluten-Free. OLIPOP is a new type of soda. Instead of unhealthy additives and hard-to-pronounce chemicals, each can is packed with 9 grams of fiber , and between 2-5 grams of sugar. Olipop has created delicious sparkling tonics made with prebiotics, botanicals and plant fiber for a happy, healthy gut. The first clinically backed digestive health beverage that meets consumers' real-world taste preferences. Olipop delivers genuine innovation. Life is too short not to enjoy it, and too long to spoil it. We can have our sweet cravings without sacrificing our health. Soda is a shortcut with no long term benefits. OLIPOP is an off ramp to a healthy and delicious experience. Options Variety Packs (12 cans) : The Sampler, Old School Classics, Fruity Variety Pack, Pink Pops Single Flavor Packs (12 cans) : Classic Root Beer, Vintage Cola, Strawberry Vanilla, Orange Squeeze, Cherry Vanilla, Classic Grape, Ginger Lemon Gift Card : Not sure what flavor to get someone? Get 'em a gift card! Click on the > arrow below to view the slideshow! DATE LADY Coupon Code : DEROSA10 (10% off) Date Lady offers the most delicious assortment of products to please both the date lover or most discerning foodie including organic California dates, date sugar, chocolate spread & coconut caramel sauce sweetened only with... you guessed it, dates! All of Date Lady products are Non-GMO, Gluten Free and Kosher. Dates are a fruit rich in dietary potassium, fiber, iron and magnesium . Dates contain a wide range of trace elements like boron, cobalt, copper, fluorine, magnesium, manganese, selenium, and zinc ! Did you know, that dates have more potassium ounce for ounce than a banana?!!! Dates are an excellent source of energy, and are great for pre or post workout. Date Lady products include: Date Paste / Chocolate Spread *Take 1* / Smoked Maple Date Syrup Sweet Chili Sauce / BBQ Sauce / Coconut Date Sauce / Date Syrup LOVE IT Squeeze / Date Sugar / Chocolate Spread / Organic Date Syrup / Gift Cards Coffee Mugs / Have a Nice Date T-Shirt / Value Packs Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Toast If you need a quick, yet festive way to kick off Valentine's Day, look no further!⁠ ⁠ 💘Toast up a slice of bread...my favorite is Gluten-Free Cinnamon Raisin Sourdough! ⁠ 💘Use a cookie cutter or sharp knife to cut your toast into a heart shape ( save the scraps for breadcrumbs or croutons!)⁠ 💘Schmear generously with Date Lady's Chocolate Spread ⁠ which you can find above. 💘 Top with sliced strawberries and sprinkles if you have 'em⁠! PRIMAL KITCHEN Coupon Code : DEROSA10 (10% off) Make your Valentine's Day super yummy by making something delicious +healthy from Primal Kitchen! After achieving new heights of wellness + vitality through real-food eating, Mark Sisson set out to create the world’s best-tasting, real-food pantry staples , starting with a mayonnaise made with avocado oil. Today, Primal Kitchen delivers on its promise of uncompromisingly delicious condiments, dressings/marinades, avocado oils, protein bars, collagen protein powder + bars, and whey protein that focus on fats we love, clean ingredients + uncompromisingly delicious flavor. Primal Kitchen products are unlike any others that you’ll find in the grocery store. The entire collection aims to satiate exquisitely with real, simple, exceptional ingredients—like avocado oil, collagen, oil of oregano & apple cider vinegar—that contain no dairy, gluten, grain, refined sugar or soy. As Mark would say, EAT LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT , because it does. So, what does that mean? It means that food can lead you down a path of disease, pain + despair. Or, it means that it can lift you up to new heights so you can find the greatest amount of pleasure, joy + contentment from every moment possible. It means enjoying excellent health + wellness, loving time with family + friends, valuing a good night’s sleep, relishing a brisk workout, appreciating better productivity at work + savoring every bite of food you eat! Primal Kitchen also has tons of delicious recipes on their website organized by lifestyle: Keto, Paleo, Whole30, Primal (Meat Eaters), Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, No Dairy and broken down by category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Beverages, Brunch, Salad, Sides, Snacks, Desserts and Meal Planning! RECESS Free Shipping Recess is not a CBD brand, rather, a company with a mission to provide a way to help their consumers feel “calm, cool and collected.” Each of their all-natural sparkling waters (blood orange, black cherry, coconut lime, pomegranate hibiscus, peach ginger, and blackberry chai) are formulated with filtered water, 10 mg of broad-spectrum hemp extract (CBD) , and three other adaptogenic ingredients: American ginseng to improve memory, lemon balm to boost vitality and L-theanine to reduce stress. Recess also includes a line of self-made apparel (“realitywear”) and ongoing limited release collaborations with top like-minded brands. Click on the > arrow below to view the slideshow! SAKARA Organic Meal Delivery "The Anti-Crazy Cleanse " - DailyCandy Whether you want to change your eating habits, need a kickstart, or a reset, SAKARA Life makes it so easy and yummy with their delicious nutrient dense, plant based meals delivered right to your door! They make meals that you can eat right out of the fridge or quickly heat up if you want. I love SAKARA because they make it so easy to eat food that is: Plant Based Organic Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Gut Healing Non-Inflammatory Helps: Balance Blood Sugar Balance Hormones Regulate Digestive System SAKARA Life is a Healthy Living company that helps you achieve and maintain your optimum level of health and well-being. Sakara doesn't believe in counting calories or carbs (or pounds for that matter), they support you by revolutionizing the way you think about their food and health! The Sakara Organic Meal delivery is a revolutionary program that cleanses and detoxes your body the way nature intended. No powders, no juices, no refined sugars, no starving yourself. Just fresh, delicious, thoughtfully-prepared meals that are nutritionally designed to give your body what it needs so that it can let go of whatever it doesn't (toxins, excess weight, etc. yuck!). Nature knows best. Let it do its magic and bring your body back to balance. Have questions? Want to know more? Tap here . Please message me if you have any questions or comments! Peace, Love & Blessings Nicole Disclaimer: Information provided in this post is for informational purposes only. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided in this blog post for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this post.