Ready, Set, Lights!
Written on June 25, 2011 at 6:28 pm by by Lauren, your Sensory Design Specialist
I was in a local restaurant with a friend the other night and was reminded once again how the elements of one’s surroundings can change one’s entire experience. While it was lovely, and the lighting was somewhat dim, the sound started to become overwhelming with the noise of enthusiastic discussion, the lights changed again, making it hard to read but clear that we were entering late evening and I felt as though my experience was being controlled by a “puppeteer”, a “wizard” if you will…(I didn’t have any ruby slippers though  someone maneuvering the lights, sound, temperature – the overall construction of the room even changed throughout the night. Then, as quickly as everyone entered and the lights went down, all at once the lights became brighter, the sound began to ease and the crowded room dissipated quickly, the evening was over and no words were ever spoken to convey that message. The environment did all the talking…
Do you ever notice how important finding just the right “ambiance” is when you’re choosing restaurant for a special occasion? Creating a specific atmosphere at home or simply want a place to relax? Well, lighting is the star of that show – every other decision we make when creating a space is going to be dramatically affected by the type of lighting you select. So take time to consider how you want your child to feel in each space they spend time in and what function they need to accomplish in that space as well. If you are focusing on all the right elements, you will be able to create the most optimum and individualized surroundings for your child, yourself and your entire family! If you find yourself in a space that has any kind of florescent lighting that can’t be easily replaced, this is my suggestion. GET RID OF IT! and you’ll even save money! Simply turn off the lights and purchase cheap stand alone lamps i.e.(Target, Walmart, Ikea)as well as soft light and white bulbs. Use these stand alone lamps in place of the overhead florescent lights whenever possible. When combined with the natural daylight, you’ll have the most optimum lighting possible! – Another thought – rather than selecting the typical switches, I find that dimmers often work a bit better in terms of convenience, controlling the exact type of lighting you prefer, as well as supporting your mood or when necessary, assisting you in changing it! - Finally, just keep a few things in mind. Of course, we all want to keep costs down, be “green” and do what is best for our family’s – but, there’s so much discussion about energy consumption that some important facts tend to be overlooked. While those big curly light bulbs, Compact Florescent Light bulb (CFL’s ) are wonderful at saving on your energy bill, please remember to be cautious about where you use them. They contain mercury and if and when broken, it is not something that can be easily “cleaned.” Dispose of them with gloves and use a couple of trash bags when removing them from your home. This is important, don’t be fooled by the “minuscule” amounts of mercury quoted on the light bulb labels, if at all. It’s too easy to avoid unnecessary complications and health issues in your home. So jump in, make small changes and allow yourself to feel empowered, you CAN make a difference!
Remember, Color Creates Change! Your Favorite Sensory Design Specialist & Color Expert, Lauren
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Artism!
Written on June 25, 2011 at 3:48 pm by by Lauren, your Sensory Design Specialist
This Tuesday, June 28th, With a Brush of Love presents… Debbie Hosseini, Founder of artismtoday and the Author of “Artism” – a beautiful book of art – various styles, subjects and interpretations by artists diagnosed with autism! Debbie’s work has been inspired by her incredibly talented son Kevin and the journey she’s been on with him. Her attitude,l viewpoint and website have been an inspiring resource within the community for a number of years and we’re thrilled to have her with us! Remember to jump on the blog talk chat room (family network radio) the facebook chat room (family network tv) or call us directly at 424-220-1804, we’d love to hear from YOU!
STOP Doubting Yourself and…
Written on June 20, 2011 at 7:44 pm by by Lauren, your Sensory Design Specialist
I was listening to a friend share her experience at a playdate with some other parents of autistic kids… she was struck by how many mom’s doubt themselves to such an extent, they second guess almost every choice they make. She was telling me how sad that made her. Of course there are always doubts and questions, even more when unexpected challenges arise- however, she was saying how much she wished women would give themselves a break and trust both themselves and their gut a little bit more. Here are some thoughts – here are some simple suggestions…
- Pay Attention to yourself, the whispers in your ear, the quiet requests your heart makes…listen to them, your soul knows what you need, trust your gut, not your head.
- Journal often, at least several times a day for one full week and you’ll begin to notice-what’s happening with your child on a more consistent basis… their habits, patterns, attitudes; and reactions to things. These kinds of specific observations can help make all the difference in understanding what actually works to support your child.
- Take time to nourish yourself – Remember, you can’t help your children if you don’t care for yourself first!
So, remember ladies… TRUST YOURSELF!
Did You Remember to Breathe Today?
Written on June 14, 2011 at 8:51 pm by by Lauren, your Sensory Design Specialist
So throughout my crazy day today I realized that I had completely forgotten to breathe. I mean really breathe, ya’ know?? It’s so easy to just get into the “go, go, go” and being present becomes a “nice phrase” but completely forgotten… Ironic since taking some time to breathe, (like the deep kind where you close your eyes, breathe in and out, and you feel your shoulders ease…. Relate? Rushing around making sure to accomplish all the things on your daily/weekly “to do” list? I’m sure most are relating and shaking their heads in acknowledgment to this all to familiar behavior! But… I’m here to remind you, while you may think that’s the way to accomplish all you need to and be there for you kids, that routine is taking away from your family time, not adding to it… I thought I’d share some ideas.
1. Take a moment every day, and before you even get out of your warm, cozy bed – take some deep breaths and immediately begin to remind yourself of what you’re thankful for, right now, in that moment. Don’t think for a minute what is missing, what is wrong or what you think youdon’t have – ONLY what you’re in gratitude for, no matter how big or small and sit with it. Don’t recite it, butsee and feel what brings a smile to your face. Once you feel that, you can sit up and take that feeling with you as you begin your day. It will change EVERYTHING and no matter how your day may go or what you cross off your proverbial never-ending list, you’ll feel better and therefore, the time you spend w/ your family will be as well, and everyone will notice! Especially YOU!
2. Share this new way of being as you start your day with your partner and children, and you will single-handedly shift the overall attitudes of your family and the joy in your home.
3. Listen and when you listen, really Hear. No matter how much effort we place on the basic notion of being in gratitude, we also must work toward mastering our ability to truly listen and hear. Especially when it comes to our children. Regardless of their special and unique qualities, strengths and/or challenges – we as parents are always convinced they know better -period. But, the fact is that sometimes, our kids know themselves even more than we realize. If we can train ourselves to stop – then look, and then choose in, we can also allow those moments to educate us and help our kids to help us – in turn, we’ll support their needs even more!
Have a week full of gratitude, joy and inspiration my friends!
Your favorite Sensory Design Specialist!
Lauren
Want a FREE Personal Assistant?
Written on June 10, 2011 at 10:23 pm by by Lauren, your Sensory Design Specialist
We tend to forget that Gratitude is something we pay too little attention to unless we’re feeling desperate. When will we realize that it’s the one FREE ingredient that makes everything better, and the only thing one can never over-use!
why incense, candles and even scented body washes and baths are such huge money makers – scent brings about memory and vice-versa.One of the many jobs of a “personal assistant” is to make our lives easier, which helps us relax, (at least a little), and function at
our best. In combination with the aforementioned suggestions, surrounding yourself with scents that support the type of feeling
and behavior you want to establish in a specific space throughout your day make a huge difference, especially in terms of your
ability to accomplish your goals with a sense of confidence, focus and ease.
So What Do YOU Think??
Written on May 29, 2011 at 7:22 pm by by Lauren, your Sensory Design Specialist
I was talking to a friend over the weekend who is also the mom of a child with autism. Her son is about 12 and she’s struggling with her thought process, but it’s not what you might expect. Her attitude is confusing to some of her other friends, those that have children diagnosed with autism as well as those that don’t! Her take on things has been a bit different over the past decade. She told me that while the original diagnosed was more than unexpected her feelings weren’t so much the “death” of a dream but rather the birth of another – she’s not sure why her attitude was so different from the get-go, but she’s so thankful that her attitude was unusual. It’s allowed her entire family to see things much differently and as a result, it’s been a much easier and a more unique process to journey through together rather than a day to day struggle, and for that she says she’s immensely thankful!
What do YOU think? Can you relate to her reaction and attitude? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to comment! I certainly learned a thing or two about perspective and it serves as a great reminder for me every day…
Autism Hwy!
Written on May 29, 2011 at 6:02 pm by by Lauren, your Sensory Design Specialist
Big Change: Due to an unexpected emergency, Ms. Keri Bowers radio interview will be re-scheduled to a later date to be determined. We are thrilled to be interviewing Ms. KELLY GREEN, the Founder of Autism Hwy, Autsim Hwy, what’s that? Find out on Tuesday – May 31st, With a Brush of Love Radio Show on Family Network TV/Radio via http://www.blogtalkradio.com/familynetworktv The call in number is 424-220-1804 We would LOVE to hear from you and answer your questions in real time, so call us on TUESDAY MORNING 10:00am (PST)!!
Wanna Make a Movie??
Written on May 23, 2011 at 10:47 pm by by Lauren, your Sensory Design Specialist
Hey Folks, the next With a Brush of Love Radio Show will be interviewing guest Keri Bowers of www.normalfilms.com - Writer, Director, Producer of such films as “Normal People Scare Me” created with her son Taylor (diagnosed w/autism), ”The Sandwich Kid” made with her other son Jace and her most recent film, “The Arts” Tuesday, May 31st at 10:00am (PST) on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/familynetworktv The call in number is 424-220-1804, so ask your questions in real time or email them via the chat room - Can’t wait to hear from you!!
Welcome Spring! Free Tele-Class, Save the Date!
Written on May 23, 2011 at 7:29 pm by by Lauren, your Sensory Design Specialist
Our FREE Welcome Spring! Tele-Class scheduled at 7pm on Tuesday, June 7th!! For more information, check out www.facebook.com/withabrushoflove - We’ve loved hearing from all of you and seeing your response - so we’ll make sure we have a large conference line!! We’ll be listing the conference call info as we near the date! Until then, have a FUN & restful Memorial Day Weekend!
Celebrate Spring FREE Teleclass Series!
Written on May 3, 2011 at 3:26 pm by by Lauren, your Sensory Design Specialist
“Design for the Senses” FREE Teleclass Series will begin in late May, just a few weeks! I want to invite you to join us and discuss the importance of one’s surroundings – when you sign up or send an email my way at lauren@brushoflove.com , you will receive the call- instructions. This will be a national call and will allow our community to ask questions and share stories across the country connecting in support and the power of knowledge that will help you make an immediate difference for your child, yourself and your entire family!
I’d love you to send me topics, interests and queries you would like to discuss, focus on or simply have answered so I can make sure we address everyone’s concerns and interests. Can’t wait to hear from you, stay tuned for the actual date and time during the last week of May!!
Your Favorite Color Expert and Sensory Design Specialist -
Lauren