(CLOSED) Girls 19 and Up Holiday Gift Guide plus GIVEAWAY

Today is another busy day.  We have a birthday party for Tripp.  He turned 10 on November 9th! I know this is the one your girls have been waiting for!  The gift guide for YOU and it is a LONG one… giveaway and all!

Sensitive Sam

The “Book of the Year” chosen by Creative Child Magazine is a colorful children’s book about a young boy who has an “invisible” condition called Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD, for short).

The book Sensitive Sam, written and illustrated by Marla Roth-Fisch, throws open the door to understanding children who don’t experience sensory information – touch, sound, taste, movement – the way others do. Their brains don’t get the same messages and organize the responses into appropriate behavior the way other children’s do.

In the book, Sensitive Sam explains at the onset that he really isn’t “bad,” which is how most people typecast children with SPD. He admits he doesn’t intend to react the way he does. “No matter what I say or do/ Things just don’t FEEL right,” he moans. “Sitting still makes me tense/ So I ZOOM around like a jet!”

Sam manifests a lot of the problems SPD children can have. He doesn’t like someone combing his hair because it hurts his head. He notices things that scratch his skin, like tags in a shirt, which other children don’t seem to mind at all. Smells and appearance of food – like squishy and mushy eggs – really upset his stomach. Substances, like Silly Putty, that other children enjoy make him squeamish.

Sam’s parents take him to see an occupational therapist (an “OT”), where he discovers lots of other kids who have the same problems and peculiarities he has and, to his delight, he finds a whole list of activities that not only he likes but that help him with his “sensitivities.” He swims and listens to music that he can dance to or relax to. His many activities are called a “sensory diet,” a program planned, scheduled sensations at the appropriate level of intensity to acclimate Sam to reacting in appropriate ways to things that used to bother him.

The book focuses on Sam’s transformation into a child who now likes doing lots of things “I used to hate to do!”

For more information: http://www.sensitivesam.com/

Available at Future Horizons for $14.95

Mom Says:  Marla Roth-Fisch does a fabulous job describing the success of one family as their child struggles to overcome Sensory Processing Disorder.  To me, this is a must read for EVERYONE, not just kids with SPD!  My oldest boy is in the Autism Spectrum, so he exhibits some of the same symptoms – noises, smells, etc that really bother him.  This was a big eye-opener!  I recommend this for everyone who you come in contact with!

Abrione Chakra Masque Tube

Chakras originated in the ancient Hindu system of healing dating before 2500 B. C. The chakra system has been used for thousands of years as an integral part of holistic healing. The word chakra signifies one of seven energy centers in the body, corresponding to the seven main nerve centers which emanate from the spinal column. Each of the seven main chakras reflects essential aspects of consciousness and governs our lives, loves, learning and spiritual awakening. Energize your mind, body and spirit with VB Cosmetic’s refreshing line of Abrioné Chakra Masques.

For your added convenience they have packaged all seven chakra masques along with our Cell Enhancer in ¼ oz. jars, stacked in a clear plastic tube. Great for travel or for having a facial party! 

• 1st Chakra – Red Root  -  Warmth! Vitality!
• 2nd Chakra – Orange Sacral  -  Energize! Nourish!
• 3rd Chakra – Yellow Solar Plexus  -  Mood Elevator!
• 4th Chakra – Emerald Heart  -  Harmony! Balance!
• 5th Chakra – Blue Throat  -  Inner Peace! Calm!
• 6th Chakra – Indigo Third Eye  -  Inner Strength!
• 7th Chakra – Amethyst Crown  -  Knowledge!

Each contains enough for two chakra masques. The Cell Enhancer contains enough for 2-3 applications.

Available at VB Cosmetics for $37.00

Individually at (1.7 ounces) VB Cosmetics for $30.00

Mom Says:  You already know that I am allergic to many things.  You should also know that I love Abrione items and have reviewed a few in the past.  The natural ingredients help sooth redness and skin irritation.  Besides that, that just make me feel nice.   Like I have spent the day at a spa.  Highly recommended for all girls from teen to grandmother!

 The SIMS 3 Computer Game

The freedom of The Sims™ 3 will inspire you with endless creative possibilities and amuse you with unexpected moments of surprise and mischief!
Create over a million unique Sims and control their lives. Customize everything from their appearances, to their personalities and even the home of their dreams. Then, send your Sims out to explore new locations around town and to meet other Sims in the neighborhood.

Go online to download exclusive content and show off your own creations to the world. With all-new quick challenges and rewarding game play, The Sims 3 gives you the freedom to choose whether (or not!) to fulfill your Sims’ destinies and make their wishes come true.

Available for the PC or the Mac ($49.95) at EA Games!

For more information: http://www.thesims3.com/

Mom Says – WARNING!  This game is addicting…  I have to set the timer to keep from getting sucked into this virtual world.  I miss several of the items we had in previous versions (fighting, seeing your SIM in a restaurant, and the expansion packs) but I am loving all the new things available in this one!  What’s new?  Jogging or walking to town and to neighbors, awesome map views, better jobs, neat opportunities, ability to stop aging, etc.  If you know someone that likes the SIMS, then you simply must get them this game!  The expansion packs will be out soon (the first one will be released Nov 17th). LOL!

Polar FA20 Activity Computer

The daily movements you make can have beneficial effects on your health. With the innovative and easy-to-use Polar FA20, you can see proof that your physical activity is having an impact on your overall fitness. Its simplicity will help guide you towards a more fit and active lifestyle.

• 24/7 Activity Measurement registers all effective active motion and shows it graphically
• Ideal for walking, jogging or running
• Training recording helps you see whether you are improving your health or fitness
• FA20 also shows you calories burned, distance covered, active steps and duration of activity during and after a training session

Mom Says:  I liked the one I reviewed during the men’s week, and I like this one.  It looks like a watch, so you don’t have to worry about lugging stuff along with you.  Great for those fitness freaks you know   also, for the mom who says she doesn’t get any exercise.  This watch shows just how much she is actually getting by chasing kids, playing with kids, cleaning out, shopping, etc!

Laundry Mom Long Sleeve Thermal T

100% cotton thermal long sleeve shirt with a fitted feel. Note:  The thermals run big, please order one size down. (As seen on Jon & Kate Plus

Did you ever “Dream” life would be like this? Apparel for Moms like YOU!

Available at LTDChix (the long sleeve thermal that I have is $18.00).

Right now they have an adorable Christmas Mom T for $30.00 but my readers can save 15% with the discount code: homeschool

Mom Says:  I love the LTD Chix website and all their adorable goodies!  But, I must say, the best thing about the shirts is that they are the perfect length to cover the hips and all.  So many shirts these days are made short.  I am not a teenager anymore, I need to cover more than I show.   Oh yeah, and they are giving one away to my readers!  Don’t you want the above shirt?  I am wearing mine today to my son’s birthday party! You know the drill:

REQUIRED:  Go visit their site then come back and tell me what size(s) you would need as well as what color(s) you would like!

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