Category: Awareness

Swiffer Heavy-Duty Duster 6-foot Extender Starter-Set Review

by Tator

Being part of the disabled and advocate community I encourage people to ask me questions about myself and my experience rather than make assumptions and I’m grateful that they do!

However, you would not believe how many people just assume that because I have cerebral palsy I can not do the mundane albeit necessary things everyone else does like cleaning. 

While it’s true I have limitations and don’t do some things or do things differently one thing I have complete control over in my home is cleaning because for the most part I enjoy it and I do it well. As they say, I work smarter not harder this is especially important when I’m limited on “spoons” and they vary by the day. 

(Shout out to my fellow spoonie community! If you’re not familiar with the spoon theory I probably sound crazy. But I encourage everyone to look into it and revisit this post and many others.)

I use ibotta and LOVE IT so when I was planning for my household restock recently and saw the offer for the Swiffer heavy-duty 6-foot extender starter pack I jumped on it!

I have zero regrets! 

Now before I continue let me say that every disability brings different challenges and no Cp case is the same just like anything else everyone and their experience is unique. 

With that being said,  where balance and stability are concerned for me personally we are in dangerous territory.  It’s less a than ideal thought to have to stand on things or lift things of substantial weight above chest height.  So dusting with traditional dusters was either a task I delegated to someone else or dangerously attempted myself with as mu caution possible. 

I stand 5 foot 6 inches tall. With my new 6-foot extending Swiffer duster I can reach 11 feet 6 inches off the ground with multi-directional swivel head options fully acceptable! I can reach everything while standing flat on the floor out of harm’s way!

This duster works disgustingly well and locks in all the allergen-causing dust and debris. I’m not even mad about how gross this thing gets because now I KNOW it’s clean!

The handle is ergonomically friendly and doesn’t strain my hands, it’s easy to adjust the length to fit the reach needed. It’s easy to slide on the dusters and they stay secured!

My kit includes one reusable handle with a hanging slot. And 4 dusters, (2 applications). 

I’m so happy to finally have disability-friendly cleaning products like this! It’s a total game-changer for me and allows me to be proud of something I can control and enjoy knowing I do it effectively and safely. I’d like to believe this was created with people like me in mind because it truly feels like it was. 

I would buy 100x over and recommend this for everyone!  The only thing I would change would be making dust covers for the wand that are reusable / machine washable that are a car detailing cloth type of material. As far as I’m aware, no reusable dusters are available for the extender set. 

Good job Swiffer, THANK YOU!

If you’re new to ibotta and want to get started receiving cash back for things you already buy from places you love use this link to sign up! https://ibotta.onelink.me/iUfE/8cc13c64?friend_code=jurdwlv

Or enter Referral Code: jurdwlv at signup.

Happy shopping!

Celebrating a milestone!

by Tator

Tatorthoughts turns four!

•208 weeks

•1,460 days

•Countless posts

•1 server meltdown (that we survived!)

•More than 200 partnerships 

And thousands of loyal readers and supporters that none of this would be possible without!

Four years of what started as a simple idealistic dream of mine that QUICKLY turned into something I could’ve never imagined with over 20k people reading regularly, people and companies reaching out to me, friends made, partnerships built & so opportunities available to me that I would have never dreamed of. 

To say that I am shocked and thrilled is an understatement, I am so unbelievably blessed to be writing this to an incredible, extremely supportive audience four years to the day from when this all started… all because my husband believed in me and honestly believed the world would enjoy my thoughts on things, thus Tatorthoughts was born!

I am so incredibly thankful for all the wonderful partnerships and friends that I’ve made through this journey I’ve been able to do some amazing things that wouldn’t have been otherwise possible with my family and for myself in the process. I’m grateful that people read and take away good things from what I have to say and that I have a voice that’s bigger than myself. 

In today’s world, it’s really easy to get lost in what you think you should be or rather what others think you should be But if I’ve learned anything in the last four years it’s that embracing Tator (my real-life nickname) and becoming unapologetically her was one of the best things I had ever done because it didn’t matter what I looked like or what I didn’t look like, it didn’t matter that I have CP because I had something to say I had thoughts on a subject and people wanted to know what I thought. I was seen for more than a physical representation. In the process, I was able to break so many stereotypes that people willingly admitted to me that they carried because I don’t judge. everyone has a stereotype at some point that they believe or maybe even Portray and that’s OK because you only know what you know. 

I’m so proud of where I’ve been and how far I’ve come as a writer I truly do believe that embracing who I am and giving 100% authenticity here made me the best mom that I could be for my kids, it’s given me some of the best friends a girl could ever ask for and it’s allowed me to do things for my husband and for my kids that would’ve only been possible in my wildest dreams before I branched out and took the leap of faith it took to start this journey. 

It’s honestly hard to believe that it’s been four years already but what a beautiful four years it has been I hope 2022 continues to bring happiness and health for everyone who reads this and I’m hopeful that I can continue to bring insightful, uplifting joyous content to my platform in the year ahead and for years to come. 

Tatorthoughts has been such a blessing to me and to my family. I’ve received some wonderful feedback as well and that keeps me pushing to do more and to do better for the people who place value in this the way skeeter, myself and our children do. 

My writing has grown in depth and improved over the last four years so much so that I’ve taken the plunge and written & Co-illustrated my book for our children.

It was a daunting undertaking for me but I am so happy to say that I did it! we are currently illustrating the book and will be publishing it with Amazon KDP when complete. 

I can’t tell you how influential all my followers and partners have been In my life since this first began, I can’t wait to see where the next chapter of this journey takes us but I do know that if the last four years have been any indication it will be incredible my goal has always been to bring interesting content to the forefront of my website with the hopes of promoting advocacy acceptance and inclusion in all that I do. 

Representation matters!

Thank you all for making this endeavor possible and worth it!! 

I’ll be forever grateful for the memories 

-Xx Tator

Farewell to a Childhood favorite…

by Tator

Arthur will officially come to a close after a record-breaking 25-year consecutive runtime this February. Making Arthur the longest-running children’s animated series in history. 

The brainchild of author Marc Brown, 

Arthur is the main character of a book series turned animated show. 

Marc Brown is the author of over 100 books including but not limited to the Arthur adventure series, step into reading books, and Arthur chapter books. 

This Book-Turned-TV series dates back to the 1970s with the earliest original books but As of March 10, 2021, Arthur has aired a total of 249 episodes and 7 specials. The series began airing on October 7, 1996 and will air its final new release episodes in February of 2022. 

they plan to end the 25 year Series with a few all-new episodes one of which including the Ellwood city gang we know & love all grown up!

Over its 25 year run, Arthur and his friends have experienced some pretty heavy-hitting and relatable things The series often deals with important issues families face such as asthma, Allergies, natural disaster aftermath, poverty, sibling rivalry, dyslexia, cancer, diabetes, and autism spectrum disorder.

(Go here to access Arthur health resources for your family! https://pbskids.org/arthur/health/ powered by ABC Mouse)

They also showcase the normalcy of different family dynamics including single children households, large families, children raised by grandparents, and the natural connection to distant relatives. 

if your kids love Arthur and show an interest in discovering their family history for better understand this game on pbs kids also helps! (Can be notified for foster & adoptive families and saved to device of choice once finished!!

https://pbskids.org/arthur/games/family-history-fun#/setup

Yet another way of promoting advocacy, acceptance, and understanding!

Arthur was so successful that it even gained a spinoff series “ postcards from buster” which started as a small Arthur segment, Originally airing from October 11, 2004, to February 20, 2012, has 4 seasons and showcases Buster Baxter’s adventures with his dad and normalized co-parenting and single-parent households through buster’s storyline throughout both series runs. 

They even covered big events such as the Olympics, opera & music, and creative arts!

The Arthur Tv series includes 249 episodes (485 segments)

While no new episodes will be produced or released, All episodes will remain available to stream on the PBS Kids video app as well as games remaining available to play on the PBS Kids website. You can even shop exclusive Arthur and other PBS Kids licensed merchandise here:

http://arthur.shop.pbskids.org/?cid=6202756804f04

You can also still purchase Arthur books and others from Marc Brown from Amazon and other retailers and you can still check out these beloved books for your children or yourself from your local public library 

One bright side to this farewell is not only that The series will still be able to stream on-demand through the PBS KIDS Video app but that beginning February 16 PBS Kids and the PBS KIDS Video app will be running an all-day Arthur marathon for 6 days, featuring over 200 episodes leading up to the release of our last brand new adventure with our Ellwood city friends that we and our children grew up with finally getting to see the gang all grown up!

Is it bittersweet? of course!

However, seeing my children love something that I have loved in my whole life is a feeling that I can’t even describe with words. some may argue that Marc Brown and his messages were ahead of their time but there is no dispute that he and the characters in the world he created for us left a profound effect. everything he wrote was in one way or the other relatable he made sure that most everyone was well represented and could see themself as part of the Ellwood city crew. 

I appreciate his work and art form so much and as a parent who was once an Arthur-loving child, I say thank you. 

It’s an honor to know that as a parent and children’s book author myself that I stand at all in the same category as someone such as him. 

As a man in his 70’s, father of 4 wildly successful Author and illustrator, and executive creators & producer of something so profoundly responsible for breaking so many barriers for children like I was and my own kids I would argue that he’s left an incredible living legacy of magic even if this chapter is sadly coming to an end.  

it speaks volumes that after 25 years people are still not ready for it to end a quarter of a century and somehow it still wasn’t long enough. THANK YOU. 

It’s an honor to know that while I never pictured myself being an author or illustrator as a kid, I stand here today one just the same and I can’t help but believe this man had an incredible impact on me becoming that.

I’ll never forget learning to draw the Arthur character’s straight from marc brown himself as a recorded endcap to episodes over the years, it’s now become a huge skill and great “party trick” among the kids in my life especially my own!

Supporting something huge – Getting back to real life.

by Tator

This is out of the norm for tatorthoughts in most respects but in one very important aspect it is not. 

This is real life, this is deserving of notice. So it’s getting a well-deserved spot here. 

Hard work and determination get you a long way in life. Sometimes others take notice. 

These are key aspects we’ve always tried to instill in our family. You could call it a core value for us. 

I say that to say this, #proudauntmoment

My wonderful niece is 15. She’s always been hard working, genuine, one if a kind, and humble in all areas of life. She’s one of the most well-rounded, unique humans I’ve ever met and she’s MY niece that’s a privilege I’ve never taken lightly and I never will.

We grew up together in fact I’ve been an aunt longer in life than I haven’t been, there’s less of a gap between us than there is between my sister & I but we simply see that as an addition to the strength of our bond.  She’s never known life without me and I haven’t known much of one without her and wouldn’t want to. 

She gives 100% daily and she knows what she brings to the table has value. That’s huge for being 15 but it’s even bigger when others see it too!

She was HAND-SELECTED for nomination to attend a Law & CSI trip under NYLF!

this is HUGE FOR HER!

We consider this a blessing in itself as this is and could continue to be a major stepping stone in her ideal career path. 

This young lady wants to make a difference and I have no doubt she will!

She understands that while this is a once in a lifetime opportunity this is also a rather large expense for a 6 day experience. 

In a humble effort to help curve costs we started a bonfire campaign with her own custom designs!

I’m proud of her not only for being nominated but also for stepping out of her comfort zone and creating a fundraiser with her own artwork on several different product options!

With that being said any proceeds raised from her bonfire campaign will go directly to fund her trip

Bonfire campaign QR CODE for scanning

If anyone would like to purchase from the campaign you can do so at the link below or by scanning the Qr code listed in this post, tipping is also enabled & orders of 5+ products ship free!

If you would like to help or show support in other ways you can contact me to do so!

You can read more about the trip and opportunity by clicking this link also. 

https://www.bonfire.com/izabella-davis8217-nylf-law-amp-csi-nominated-trip/

Thank you all for any & all support and for continuing to be a friend of Tatorthoughts.com of which we are celebrating the 4 year anniversary next month! 

Bow Babies: The Showcase & Product Review

by Tator

Y’all, Tatorthoughts has done it again and partnered with someone so sweet just in time for Halloween!

Mrs. Dametra Thompson-Thomas the owner and operator of bow babies Has partnered with us to bring fashionable hair accessories and infant barefoot sandals with matching bows to our audience’s attention and let me tell you they steal the show!

She’s also been so kind as to create a beautiful hanging now holder to help display her quality alligator clip bows!!

She was so gracious as to send us so many of her amazing creations!

I’ll drop an itemized list here:

  • 1 Breast cancer awareness ribbon alligator clip bow
  • 1 delightfully spooky spiderweb Halloween themed alligator clip bow
  • 1 Cartoon turkey Thanksgiving-themed alligator clip bow
  • 1 Candy cane Christmas themed alligator clip bow
  • 1 cupcake ribbon birthday-themed alligator clip bow
  • 1 Red and green glitter print Christmas bow that I am calling “The poinsettia bow” it also has an alligator clip
  • 1 pair of jeweled light purple flower barefoot sandals and a matching bow headband 
  • 1 pair of red flower & checkered barefoot sandals with matching headband bow that remind me equally of the wizard of oz or something a small child would wear on a Georgia bulldogs game day but since not everyone is a Georgia fan I’ve coined them “Dorothy slippers”. 
  • 1 BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED, initial S letter bow hanger for display, adorned in vibrant rainbow colors and butterflies both hold very significant meanings with us and I love that she includes such special details in everything she does!

Her craftsmanship is incredible these bows are well-made and they will stand up to almost any beating from the most tomboyish of girls, and long outlast any love that they are given! These bows are definitely keepsake worthy and I think I speak for everyone when I say most any bow babies product will be retired once outgrown and passed down when the time comes!

This bow holder will be hung on my daughter’s wall for years to come and fits with anything that her room might change into which we LOVE! Versatility for the win!

Not only are the bows and barefoot sandals well-crafted they’re made with love by a mom herself using high-quality materials, made to last, and made to make a statement!

Moms and their dreams & passions are limitless! Amiright?

Her products however aren’t the only things that make a statement. 

Her incredible customer service, attention to detail, openness to custom orders or ideas, drive and quality packaging & presentation skills are bar none!

When I opened the shipping box that arrived just when expected I was surprised to find a second well-packaged box inside complete with an outside twine tie & rainbow sticker. 

Items on the inside were well packaged & protected neatly ordered together and wrapped in a nice light lavender tissue paper separating item types as to not have the alligator clips scratch the beautiful paint on the bow organizer in transit. 

These products are perfect holiday additions, great gifts for special occasions & birthdays and perfect for everyday staples also!

I’m very proud of this partnership and all the meaning behind it, so thankful for incredible partners like Mrs. Thompson-Thomas. 

I’m extremely proud to associate myself with such kind wonderful people as it reminds me good is in the world and it’s uplifting other moms, other people with real dreams that matter most to me. 

I’m thankful for this opportunity and Tatorthoughts would like to welcome bow babies to the team! I very much look forward to working with this company in the future and showcasing the next & newest of her wonderful creations!

To order your own bow babies creations & start your collection visit the link below:

let her know we sent you!

https://www.facebook.com/mrs.thomaz04/

We did it!

by Tator

It’s September 22 and I/ Tatorthoughts has exceeded both my goal donation amount, 10k daily step goal and my whole month step goal of 300,000 steps with time to spare! Participation in this year’s Steptember challenge has been trying, but extremely beneficial to me! Thankful I was blessed with the opportunity to step with a purpose for such a meaningful cause.
The month of September isn’t over yet and there is still plenty of time to make strides and raise more funding for cerebral palsy research.
Thank you to all who have supported me in this endeavor and sent kind messages & donations. Please know you’ve participated in so much change. Together we have moved cerebral palsy research forward.

For more information about steprember, to follow my journey or to donate to the cause visit the link below!

https://www.steptember.us/s/18817/20499

Nicu Awareness 2021

by Tator

People thought I was crazy for taking pictures of everything in the Nicu. The doors, the monitors, the wires. Our view from his room. The truth is that you never forget seeing your child like that. The sound of his ventilator echoes in my brain. The beeps of the monitors, the scars that adorn my sons feet from the blood draws that kept him with me his first 11 days of life. I’ll never forget the prayers I prayed within those halls. The irritated skin on my hands from scrubbing in so many times. The irritation on his tiny cheeks when the tubes were finally removed and there was no longer a need for tape on his face, the smell of clean and pure fear with only my faith to get me through some days.
Not being able to touch him or speak too loudly when he was on zero stimulus protocol.
And the knowledge that some families simply don’t leave with their baby. The baby they also prayed for.

You never forget as a Nicu parent because you never want to forget how far they’ve come, your now thriving healthy, beautiful child who In my case is my son. Because you will never forget how close you came to losing them. How close you came to living an entirely different life. Or how much your fragile, fierce & fearless baby taught you within the walls of that Nicu that holds their first memories. The very same Nicu that saved them. The nurses, the doctors that will always be part of your child’s story because they made sure they did everything that could be done.
Believe it or not your family left a mark on them too.

How do I know? Because I’m a Nicu mom.
Because I am Raiden’s mom.
Because I’ve lived it.
Because we are the statistic.
Because of all babies.. It was mine.

It wasn’t what I would have chosen for my son, or for my family. But it is our story. One I will always tell and celebrate.
To admire my child and the ones who survived.
To honor & remember those who did not.
To thank those who’s lives are dedicated to Nicu families and to their own.

This is September. This is Nicu awareness Month.

#proudNicuMom

#nicuawareness

“Steptember” challenge 2021 raising money for cerebral palsy research

by Tator

I’m on day 8 of the STEPTEMBER challenge for cerebral palsy research funding taking as many steps as I can with a goal of 10k daily for the 30 days of the month of September.
so far I have not only met but exceeded my donation goal amount!

we may be 8 days in but it’s not too late to join me in the fight to move CP research forward as it is one of the most underfunded disabilities!

register to walk or donate to the cause by downloading the steptember app on iOS or Android devices in their app stores!

if you’d like to join MY Walk TEAM or would like to donate you can do so at the link below!

I would like to thank you all for your support with my brainchild Tatorthoughts.com nearly 4 years strong, Cerebral palsy research and the many other incredible causes I’ve been able to be a part of thanks to your support!

I/ Tatorthoughts is in the top 800 of all individual STEPtember program participants for goals reached and donations given!

When you’re someone with cp who has lived their entire existence being written off, underestimated And told of all the things you just “can’t” do you begin to believe it. I am thankful however that I could re-write that false narrative! I am powerful, I am capable and I am blessed to be part of the change that I’ve always wanted to see!

I know just how incredibly fortunate I am to have people who believe in my dreams enough to support me, partner with me and send me kind words of encouragement. I have been so blessed to partner with some of the most amazing companies and business owners simply because I had a dream and I believed I could. I have had people tell me that I’ve made their lives better in some small way and that is exactly why I do everything I do. I do it for my kids I do it to be an example of how wrong people can truly be about someone, I am so proud of how far I’ve come and I know the sky is the limit for myself , Anyone reading this and those I come in contact with! this walk is no different! We can make change! One step at a time. This is an incredible chapter in my story, And I know there’s more to come!

https://www.steptember.us/s/18817/20499

you can register to walk free of charge with promo code: STEPFREE

Join the fight to move research forward!

Xx Tator!