Following my heart and not selling out is all well and good, but at some point I would like to be out of debt.  This year my resolution is to get smart about money and vanquish my bills.  There is great advice, tools, tips and daily inspiration available here:

http://www.dplassociates.com/idevaffiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=142

Looking back on my special needs child's year

As the year draws to a close it’s a great time to appreciate the achievements your child has accomplished during the past twelve months, no matter how small they may seem to others. It’s also a good time to regroup and look to the future – break a large goal into smaller steps and praise each step (or stumble) along the way.

8 amazing achievements from my special needs child’s 8th year of life:

1. She is finally sleeping through the night. Not every night, and not even most nights, but once or twice a week I am actually able to get a full night of rest…unless one of her brothers has an issue, or an illness, or a nightmare….meanwhile, I need to shop for some extra strength under eye concealer.

Read more at http://www.examiner.com/article/8-amazing-achievements-from-my-special-needs-child-s-8th-year-of-life

Mac and Cheese with a healthy boost

Isn't it gorgeous??  Found a great recipe today thanks to Ellen Seidman and her great blog, Love That Max. This is Macaroni and 4 Cheeses, and after reading the recipe I headed out to get some ingredients!  Of course the real test will be tonight when I serve it to DH and the Beloved Offspring...stay tuned!

Halloween costumes for special needs kids 2012

Head on over to my Examiner site to read the updated Halloween costumes for special needs kids 2012. Pediatric Safety asked if they could run my Top 5 Halloween candy alternatives article - check all their great guest bloggers and articles!

Napoleon's Macarons are gluten free and heavenly

A while ago I wrote an article about gluten free foods and mentioned Napoleon's Macarons. As we once again descend into holiday madness I just wanted to give another shout out to these amazing little morsels. I don't know how anything can be so rich and yet so light at the same time. You don't have to be eating gluten free to mouthgasm over these creations. The vibrant colors lend themselves to all sorts of holidays and edible decorations, but the taste and texture will truly impress you. Bring a box to your next gathering so you know you have something truly incredible to enjoy, or send a box to your favorite gluten free person for their next birthday or occasion - you will earn major points. Bon appetit!

Top 5 Halloween candy alternatives 2012

Childhood obesity is now called an epidemic, and many special needs kids have very specific dietary needs so lots of parents and caregivers, not to mention dentists, cringe at the idea of a pillowcase filled with candy on Halloween. There are a growing number of children who have medical conditions, dietary restrictions and/or whose caregivers take a radical anti-sugar or organic approach to life, so non-candy offerings can really help these little ones (and not-so-little ones) enjoy the holiday, too. Many times I see the ghouls and goblins that darken my doorstep getting even more excited about the non-candy treats I pass out than if I were to give them yet another pumpkin-shaped confection or lollipop. I’m happy to say that more and more alternatives to candy are appearing in stores and in my kids’ Halloween haul. Here are some ideas for non-candy Halloween treats.

Read the entire article here: http://www.examiner.com/article/top-5-halloween-candy-alternatives

ThinkFun educational games help special kids learn and play

Most educators and therapists know that learning and therapy that is presented in the form of play is much more effective and engaging than straight drilling. Toy company ThinkFun knows this and has many games and puzzles that challenge the mind and body while being fun and productive. The company website even has a section specifically for special needs kids, as well as a great chart of their products and exactly which skills are involved. The company believes so strongly in educational playing that it will even replace a game piece for free!

Read more about their products here: http://www.examiner.com/review/thinkfun-educational-games-help-special-needs-kids-learn-and-play

Anybook Reader is a great tool for special needs kids

Just in time for going to back to school, I had the chance to review the AnyBook Reader by Franklin Electronics. You've probably seen those adorable recordable books at Hallmark and other stores. The AnyBook Reader takes that idea one step further...actually, many steps further.

Read the entire review at:

http://www.examiner.com/review/anybook-reader-is-a-great-tool-for-special-needs-kids