Gluten Free Banana Pancakes

Gluten Free Banana Pancakes

:: Gluten Free Banana Pancakes ::

It’s Sunday morning and I am not fully awake, but my kids are! A foggy slow morning calls for Banana Pancakes.  A weekend favorite, but today I have decided to make a small change to this breakfast recipe.  Anything for my special boy, pancakes it is, but I am switching it up a bit and giving this picky eater a chance to try Gluten Free Banana Pancakes. 

Gluten Free Banana Pancakes

Explaining less and helping out with the meal can sway any picky eater from noticing a small adjustment.  Believe me sometimes I think this kid has eyes in the back of his head and a memory of an elephant {well okay that part is my fault}.  I did have to trick him a little bit as my flour sits in a canister on the counter top.  I measured out the Bob’s Red Mill Biscuit and Baking Mix prior to having Mason assist me with the pancake making.  You gotta do what you gotta do.  [Read more…]

Happy Birthday

Lucky #7

:: Happy Birthday ::

Happy Birthday to Mason!  I can’t believe he is lucky #7! How can that be?!? I know as kids we were told by our parents that time really does fly once you have children….and they are so very right! Mason entered this lovely world on a hot November day.  The year he was born was one of the hottest summers that we had here in Southern California.  Yes, I know I was pregnant and most women claim that the year they were pregnant was super hot, but it truly was {I have a list of friends that can attest to this, wink}.  I remember having to leave the hospital in shorts, all of which is the last piece of clothing a mother of a fall baby wants to be wearing after having a child.  I pray you Mama’s out there never have to experience that.  Heat and pregnancy really don’t mix.

I can go on and on about my pregnancy, delivery, etc., but what is most important is what his birth and life have taught me.  I do believe I was truly chosen to be Mason’s mama.  He has opened my eyes and heart to more life than I have ever expected.  You see I think we all have in mind how life will be and how things will go during and after our pregnancy.  All of the baby books filled with information on what to do and how to do it all makes it seem as though raising a child can be and will be a text book situation.  What I have learned as a mother is that more often than not, raising a child or a baby generally does not follow a guideline or a particular path.

[Read more…]

Sensory Bags

Sensory Bags

:: Sensory Bags ::

School has been back in session for approximately a month now.   We are still working out the kinks and are preparing ourselves for the upcoming homework load that will start next week.  These sensory bags are a project that I sought out for Mason to help him prepare for doing homework and transitioning time in the classroom.   As some of you readers may know, my son is on the Autism Spectrum.  I have written about my experience with Autism {here and here} and have had hopes to help others whom are in the midst of the chaos of their diagnosis.  We keep Mason on a sensory diet, in which we use methods of physical activity before and during school to keep him focused in the classroom. 

In school he has a quiet corner and a box of small items in which he can use to play with that allow him to get back on task.  I thought these sensory bags would be a great fidget toy for his box at school, as well as at home.  These sensory bags are terrific for any child that may need a break in-between tasks or long periods of home work.  These squeezable bags, that are filled with a jelly material, allow a child to regroup and organize their thoughts when they’re distracted by their environment.  Mason’s sensory issues cause him to be overloaded by the activities on the playground, making it hard for him to transition from the play yard to the classroom after lunch.  [Read more…]

Stella & Dot {Trunk Show}

 

Hello Friends! 

Our S T E L L A  &  D O T  online trunk show 

is only a few days away from closing

{last day to shop is April 14th}!

There are some new arrivals that we LOVE & thought we’d share with you!

They’re the perfect accessories for summer!

 

To view these latest pieces, click on any of the images below.

Then you will select “Shop Online For This Event.”

From there, choose to view the “Newest Arrivals!”

There is still time to purchase a piece from their Autism Awareness Collection

to help support the cause during the month of April!

Thanks, so much, for your support! {xo}

 

[Read more…]

Autism Awareness Day

World Autism Awareness Day is TODAY!!

This is an important day for my family, as we have been living with Autism for 4 1/2 years.

The statistics are on the rise… but for us we take these days one day at a time.

Autism has been a learning and spiritual experience in life.

As many have said to us throughout the years, “God only gives you what you can handle.”

This is the story of my son……

[Read more…]

{Stella & Dot} Trunk Show

 

Welcome to our

S T E L L A  &  D O T

online trunk show!

 

We can’t wait for you to see what’s new in the Stella & Dot collection!

Whether you are looking for a statement necklace, a simple piece, or an accessory…

Stella & Dot will have you covered!

Click on any of the images below to start your shopping experience! 

 

Stella & Dot {love}

{Image via: Stella & Dot {love} by simplyhappenstance featuring a pave ring}

 

Did you know that April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day?

I am so happy to stand by my co-author & longtime friend, Nicole, as we host this online Stella & Dot Trunk Show!

20% of the retail sales from the Stella & Dot {Autism Awareness Collection} will go to the HollyRod Foundation.

We are excited to do this in honor of Nicole’s amazing son, Mason… 

and all of the children on the Autism Spectrum that I’ve had the privilege of working with over the years!

We’d love for you to help support this worthy cause by purchasing yourself,

or someone you care about, a beautiful piece of jewelry or an accessory

{Mother’s Day is right around the corner – wink, wink}!

 

 

As a way to thank all of you for your support, we have a  G I V E A W A Y !

If you purchase something this week {before Friday, April 5th, 2013},

you will be entered to win these beautiful Paradise Stud Earrings {pictured below}!

Simply leave a comment on this post stating that you bought something from our Trunk Show

and what your favorite Stella & Dot piece is!

The winner will be randomly selected {using Random.org} and will be notified via email.

To view the Trunk Show link, click on any of the images on this post,

or words highlighted in pink…

The online Trunk Show officially closes on Sunday, April 14th, 2013.

For all of your styling needs, please contact our amazing Stella & Dot personal stylist, Nicole Marchand!

Her contact information is provided on the Trunk Show page!

Happy Shopping!