Random things that make me happy

My dogs

My muffin

Halloween

Chemical free living

as i have said before I am working my way towards having a chemical free house. By getting as many chemical free cleaners and beauty products as possible. Saying that it's a long process and won't happen over night. 

To make my way to my goal. I started by getting some more norwex products. I got a kitchen scrubbing cloth and makeup removing cloths. I already have the dusting mitt, bathroom mitt and window cloth to name just a few. And they are all amazing. I also have started using young livings thieves cleaner. Which I can't say enough good things about! I love young livings essential oils and the thieves oil is one of my favourites. This cleaner combined with the norwex kitchen scrubbing cloth it's never been so easy to clean my kitchen. And it's never been so clean. I love the not having the chemical smell and I feel better about having safe products around the house I don't feel so worried about the dogs coming in contact. As well as my skin has been slowly improving. I was out at an appointment and they were washing the floors I have always been sensitive to chemicals but I definitely noticed that the smell of what they were using was super strong it was making my eyes water and burn it seemed so strong. Limiting my chemical use and exposure clearly made,e more sensitive or at least notice it. 

I still have a long way to go to making my house chemical free. But every small step is a step in the right direction. There are 2 apps that can help with process skin deep  and think dirty. Both of them you can scan items and it tells you how good it is and how healthy it is. I was definitely shocked that some items I thought were good were actually rated the worst. They are newer apps so they don't have  all products yet but they will start to have more the more people use it. 

Bookish art and things

I love reading. I love everything books. I am in the process of making my spare room/ library more finished looking. In doing so I have been looking at bookish art, pillows and other decor. I think I can create some of my own bookish art if I just sit down and actually set my mind to it. With Christmas coming if you have anyone to buy for who loves books and reading. I'm sure they would also enjoy some book is decor or clothing. So far I have some itty bitty beanie babies from the wizard of oz. I am only missing the lion. I have them pinned on the wall around a canvas I plan on doing a quote and picture from the movie. I think this will help tie the room together. I'm still looking for ideas of pillows I can make and I have 2 other canvases  I need to decide what books I want to represent with them. I sometimes wish I had more hours in the day to read. I'm hoping with a library sanctuary that is cozy it will make me spend more time reading. I have read almost 60 books this year with is really low for me. I have sometimes read up to 140 books a year. This year I have had a lot of struggles and have been focusing my energy on other things like my health. Do you read? If so what type of books and how often? Do you have a cozy reading nook?

I wish I had dreads

I have always wished I had dreads. I love how they look if they are well cared for. I don't think they would suit my style or face. But like I said I love the look. I don't think I could handle the weight of them. I can't even handle my hair being past my chin. It hurts my neck and causes issues. People have a miss conception that dreads are dirty. But if you care for then properly they are not dirty or smelly. Is there any hair style you have always liked but are to afraid to try?

spoonie support system

Having a chronic illness can be lonely. People don't wanna hear about your health and don't try to understand. The few that do are few and far between. One of the best things I have found is a group of supportive spoonie sisters. They understand when you feel low or when you get excited over little successes. They are there for you and understand in a way that only another chronically ill person can. They understand that every day is a struggle. That the littlest thing can feel huge to you. Feeling that someone can understand what you are going through can mean the world. Some family and friends try but it's hard to understand what you have not felt or experienced. Finding anyone who can be there for you is so important.  So you know you aren't alone. Being ill can feel like you are so alone and miss understood. The feeling of being lost I found lifted by finding a group so spoonie women who are going through similar things to what I have been through and am going through.

bullied for being me by Holly Michelle

I have been so lucky to have gotten to know this wonderful women over the past year. She constantly is surprising me with how open and brave she is about her struggles in life. When she posted that she had published a book I knew I needed to read it. I read it in one sitting.  It's a fairly quick read but it packs a punch. For anyone who has been bullies be it on a large scale like holly or to any lesser extent this book will hit home. She talks about how being bullied effects you mentally and physically. And how it sticks with you for life. It becomes part of who you are and helped form the person you are today. I think most people have been touched by some form of bullying in your life and if you haven't count your self lucky. Holly's book is honest and sprightly forward  with what she went through and how it affected her. I suggest you take the time to read this book. It could help you understand what your child is going through at school or will make you not feel alone in going through similar struggles. All proceeds are donated to a charity that is near and dear to holly.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bullied-being-Holly-Michelle-Norton-ebook/dp/B017RRA6KC/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1447169904&sr=1-1&keywords=bullied+for+being+me

chemical free living info night

I was invited to a chemical free seminar. This is just what I needed. I have been meaning to get better options but didn't know where to start.  It was put on by someone with young living essential oils which I love! It definitely was a lot of info. Some of which I knew already but it reinforced what I already knew. Which was that I need to be more aware of what chemicals I am exposing my self to. I took a lot of notes so I wouldn't forget cause there was so much info. I'm glad I did cause I have been going over the notes today and watched the documentaries that she suggested called the human experiment (it was already on my watch list on Netflix) as well as 2 apps where you can scan bar codes of house hold products to see how hazards they are to your health. The apps are called think dirty and skin deep. So guess how my day was spent? Lol I was very surprised to find a few 9-10 ratings on house hold and beauty products. Which is the worst rating you can get. Image my surprise. This whole experience was pretty eye opening that even the products that are marketed to be healthier are actually just green washed by companies so they appear as if they are better for you and the environment. Many of those brands still got a very poor rating. Chemical exposure is increasing medical conditions such as cancer, asthma, fertility issues and autism to name just a few. So I ask you this are you ready for a change? Do you think you and your family are worth doing better for? Because I certainly do. Remember you don't know things tell you know them so don't beat your self up for using harmful products when you didn't know better. But now that you know. Do your research. Knowledge is power.

Positive thoughts

It's interesting how positive thoughts can have such a big impact on things. Focusing on the positive and doing positive affirmations can really help boost your mood and in turn spread positivity to others. Positivity and happiness is contagious. You can't help but be happy and smile if someone is in a great mood around you. Positive thoughts have even been known to help with healing. If you are striving to be positive your anxiety and stress will likely be better which in turn can help lessen physical health issues like migraines, stomach issues, insomnia etc
I know it's something I try and strive for every day to focus on the positive. But it can definitely be hard in a world that is so negative.  All that matters is that you take little steps every day to try and turn the negative thoughts in to positive. Eventually it will become second nature.
It's extremely hard to stay positive when you struggle with health issues. It can feel like you are fighting a losing battle. Try and focus on the little things that are going right. It can be extremely hard but there has to be something positive in your life to start off with. It's a life long battle changing our negative toughest in to positive. I think it's human nature to get down on our selves. But working a little each day in the end can make a big impact on your life.

Halloween

Halloween is my favourite time of year. I have lots of my decorations up for at least a month and a half. I love handing out candy. We dress the dogs up bundle up our selves and sit out on the porch handing out candy to the kids. People love seeing the dogs dressed up. Slowly each year I get more and more decorations. This is only I believe our 3rd Halloween in the house so I don't have that many decorations. But the day after Halloween I always wake up early and go looking for deals. Some places blow stuff out for 80% off so slowly each year we get more and more to decorate with. We were talking today and we think we are going to make a lit up path between us and the house next door next year. And eventually we would like to make a haunted house in the garage. But I would still need to get a lot more stuff got that. I would also have to get sewing some back drops for the different sections. I just love love love Halloween season and like doing anything I can to stretch it out.

SAD

I never knew if I believed that SAD (seasonal affectiveness disorder) was a serious medical condition or if it was something that everyone just experiences because of the winter. Today my dr diagnosed me with SAD. I obviously asked him what make SAD different from just feeling blah from the weather. He explained that me feeling extremely tired more so then regular with my chronic fatigue syndrome. Go me! Lack of motivation that can lead to depression are some of the symptoms. I have definitely had the fatigue and lack of motivation. Mostly cause I have been so tired and even reading exhausts me. The good news is that the salt lamp i bought recently is said to help with SAD.
has anyone else been diagnosed by their dr with SAD? If so what do they do to help it?

Mystic night

our town was having a mystic night. I jumped at the chance to go to this. I have always wanted to see a medium and see how it all works and how I feel about it for my self.
Not knowing what to expect from the event I arrived a little early. The hall was decorated beautifully. When we entered we got to pick a table which had 8 spots. There were drinks even speciality cocktails and appetizers. Everyone mingled for a bit and filled out a sheet asking us a question we wanted answered. They collected our questions and the night began. There were 5 mediums all who took the stage. They one by one pulled a question from the basket and did a reading for it. After this portion of the night they did table readings. And we all snacked and chatted while we waited. My reading was done with Angel cards. I pulled the health/ healing card. The women told me that despite me thinking my health had hit rock bottom. She insisted that I had a lot more to come. More trips to hospitals and Drs. She was basically ready to shake me telling me I needed to make a change and start focusing more on my health. This was shocking as I had recently made a change in my whole life style and am trying to focus more on my health and more natural healing. When my reading was done I went and looked at some stuff they were selling. While I was over there the same medium approached me and told me I needed to start eating better. I was shocked as I have a very limited diet. I was just telling my friend my one down fall is sugar. And the fact that I know diabetes is on its way cause it often goes hand in hand with one of my other illnesses. This medium didn't know any of this. She proceeded to ask me if I had found out I was diabetic yet. Needless to say my jaw dropped.
The second women who did a reading for me. She didn't even look at the cards. She put her hand on my shoulder and told me I needed to let go of something I order for my health to improve. And I would notice a difference in 16 months. I was kinda confused as this was kinda the opposite of the last women. Tell I sat and though about it. I have been told I am a empath. That I take on people's feelings and emotions. If there is one negative person in the room I can feel that and feel it drain me. I have been  trying to balance my self and make it so I don't become as affected by others emotions. I think she was talking about this. Because it gives me anxiety and makes me physically sicker when this happens.  I'm holding she was referring to this. And letting go of everyone emotions and pain and in turn improving my health.
Over all it was a pretty interesting night with some good company. It will be interesting to see how things pan out. We all have free will so these I think are used to kind of guide us in our choices. I know not everyone believes in mediums etc. And some believe in them very strongly. I guess only time will tell what I believe.

Health routine

Essential oils
Defusing lavender at night helps me to calm the mind and to get a more restful sleep. Peppermint helps with nausea. Pan away  helps relive some of the muscle pain. I am just starting to understand the potential for essential oils in my life.

Acupressure
I have an acupressure mat that I lay on for about 5 min a day. I find it helps real ease some of the tension in my muscles. 

Stretching
My specialists gave me a routine of stretches to do multiple times as day. I try and do stretches at least every morning and night. And sometimes a few times throughout the day. 

Tea
I generally find tea calming. Depending what you need there is tea for everything. Digestion, sleep, calm your nerves and boost your metabolism.  

Pacing
This is key. I need to pace my self. I need to take breaks often during and after every task. If I don't I end up in bed for days. 

Diet
Because of my celiac I eat gluten free. A lot of other conditions can be helped by eating gluten free. So being gluten free although it's to treat my celiac is a good option. I am also dairy and egg free which are show when eaten in excess to cause lots of chronic illnesses. So it helps that I am diary and eggs free from allergies. Because they can cause more health problems. 

Crystals
I don't know if these help but they are pretty and calming. Anything calming is good to help keep my anxiety down. 

Reflexology
Has been helping lessen my symptoms.  And work through some of the issues like digestion a issues that go along with my celiac, ibs and fibro. It helped loosen my neck. 

Massage
Massage is key in relaxing the muscles so that I can do my stretches.
Cupping
Brings oxygen to the muscles to help them heal. It helps relive the pain and keep it manageable. 

Sleep
Sleep is super important. Your body needs sleep so it can heal and rejuvenate. With having chronic fatigue syndrome I always feel tired. So getting a good night rest can help me to feel  ok enough to last all day. 

Meds
Sometimes meds are needed to work through the pain so you can do stretching and exercising etc. 

Supplements
Probiotics are a must with my gut issues. They have made such a difference since I started taking them. 

Laughter
Having a sense of humour is so important. If you can't laugh at the situation then what can you laugh at. Laughter can help lift your spirit and change the tone of a day or even week. 

Mindfulness
Is a form of meditation 

Meditation
Helps with anxiety and keeping me relaxed. Being relaxed helps lessen my symptoms. Stress makes them spike so meditating every day helps to  keep me more level

Spotlight on Qcknd and her misfit toys

If you don't know Qcknd is a you tuber. She is a 20 something who lives in Philadelphia. She is her down to earth self on her channel and doesn't  say sorry for her point of view on things (nor should she). She's tattooed,vegan, in beauty school and loves coffee. Her personality shines through in her videos. Her subscribers are from all over, range in age and walks of life. But all of us have been brought together by the love of Qcknd and her videos. Her followers care about her and her life and she keeps it interactive with her five fact Friday's. People ask any sort of question and she sits and answers them. It's link having coffee with a friend. People have asked to have a q and a with her boyfriend John on is a little camera/ social media shy. But he was kind enough to sit and do a video with her. Which everyone seemed to love. They are so cute together! Her you tube channel is one of the only ones who other subscribers will comment on your comment and it's always friendly and nice.  It honesty just feels like a really positive place. I can be having a crummy day and see she uploaded a video and know sitting down and watching it and reading the comments will put me in a better more positive mood.  I feel like Qcknd is her true self on her channel which is so rare these days.
Everyone go check her out  and give her some love! ❤️
https://www.youtube.com/user/Qcknd

Mystic night purchases

The mystic night I went to this past weekend was a fun night out they had a table with lots of different pendulums, candles etc. I purchased a pendulum which I am learning to use. It's pretty neat and the one I bough is stunning.  You ask the pendulum a question and it will move one way for yes and the opposite as no.  If you are interested in learning more about  here is a site to check out http://www.odysseyofthesoul.org/freomm/pendulum.htm

I also bought a salt lamp. I have always wanted one because they are beautiful and have many health benefits such as helping allergies and sleep. If you would like to learn more about Himalayan salt lamps look here http://www.naturallivingideas.com/himalayan-pink-salt-lamp-benefits/

These are both perfect additions to my sanctuary I am making where I can meditate etc. 

Marvel universe live

Back In the summer muffin and I took one of our nephews to marvel universe live. As expected it was pretty corny. But still we all enjoyed it and had a lot of fun watching our nephews face. He was so entranced by everything going on and kept asking if we saw that! Or that! or that! It was definitely a good choice for a birthday gift. It's so hard to buy for kids now days. Seems like they have everything. It's fun to get them something different like an afternoon like this. And it's a fun bonding experience. 

Giving things a second chance

I went to a chiropractor about 6 years ago to try and help my back and neck issues. They said they would go easy on me. The clinic was really in-personable. You swiped a card when you arrived and they page you and say what room to go to. The chiropractor comes in asks if you have any issues then does his thing and it's all done in about 40 seconds. I reacted horribly. Things were spinning and I was puking for 3 days.  When I called and asked if that was a normal reaction. They said they had not heard of that happening and said it was likely unrelated. But I know my body and I know it was from the treatment. I asked my specialist and she agreed it was to much for my body with all my health issues.

Then last week I went to the wellness open house and got an assessment. I overall got a good vibe from the office and the chiropractor. So I decided I would give it a second chance. Everyone has been saying it could help some underlying issues I have. I guess I will see.
I got back from my assessment and appointment a few hours ago. It went well but boy am I sore. Slightly nauseous and dizzy. But I expected that. My body has been cracking and popping. I made an appointment for next week to give my body a break. Only time will tell if it helps.

Wellness open house

Today I went to a wellness open house at our local chiropractor. I got to talk with the chiropractor and get an assessment. I explained my concerns about having a bad experience many years ago when I went to see one. She put my mind at ease and I decided to give it a second chance. I also got a quick reflexology treatment from the women I have been seeing. She was the person who informed me of the open house. I also got to speak with a natural path and get a treatment from her. I'm not sure about all of her treatments. She gave me some good info but I will have to look into it further before I decided if I will go forward with any of them. I'm super happy I decided to go specially since I wasn't feeling very good after pushing my self this week. It gave me a much needed boost. And let me to try some new things and give somethings another chance. Working on your health and maintaining good health be it with chronic health issues or not. It's always good to do things to try and stay healthy or maintain or regain health.

Making a sanctuary

I decided I need to focus more on relaxation to help my health. To make this easier I decided to turn our spare room/ my library into my sanctuary. Where I can go when I need to relax. Some where to lay down and meditate, do my mindfulness, my stretches, acupressure and affirmations.
So first I cleaned the room of any extra clutter and removed it. I brought in all of the items I might need like my acupressure mat, yoga blocks etc.  Since it also houses my books which I find relaxing. I decided to make some bookish art for the room which is what I am in the process of doing right now. I already and seeing a difference in having a place to go do all these positive things to calm down and work on my self especially when I am starting to feel anxious.
What do you do to keep calm? How do you relax? What would you put I your sanctuary?

Crystals

I know some of you might think this is silly and that's fine.  Everyone can have their own opinion. I have had some people tell me that crystals have brought them positive energy and helped with all sorts of things. I bought a combination of them that is suppose to help fibro as well as some that are just pretty. I do t know if they will help with my health etc. But in the very least they are so beautiful to have around.  Do any of you use crystals for healing or anything else? Do you have any around just because you think they are beautiful? Do you have a favourite?

My reflexology journey

I was lucky enough to get asked to try reflexology to see how it improved my health with all my chronic illnesses.

The sessions were very relaxing. Soft music and essential oils being defused. She told me some areas that she could tell I was struggling with in my body. Every time she was dead on with what areas I struggle with chronically. After each session it was like my body was going through a cleanse. I was really thirsty and my body was very sensitive to what I ate. The sessions helped push the withdrawal from coming off meds out of my system. It helped loosen my muscles especially in my neck and shoulders. My gut started improving and has been the best it's been in my life. I started having more energy and less brain fog. Things seemed more clear.  Seeing the progress over the 4 sessions I had  was very interesting. And I definitely will be continuing with treatments to help better my health and keep it on track. Anyone with chronic health problems should consider giving reflexology a try. What do you have to lose?  Even my dr was happy with ,y progress I made within the month and told me he has had other patients benefit from treatments as well. 

Fibre fest

this weekend was the third annual fibre fest. It's a festival for all things yarn, knitting, crochet etc related. I have wanted to go the past 2 years but it never worked out. I'm so happy I was able to make it this year.  It was so inspiring. I got to see a lot of great people. And I was able to see some alpacas and sheep :) which I would love to take home. They had sheep sheering demonstrations which was fun and interesting to see. The sheep looked so relaxed. There were lots of booths set up and so much  to look at. They had people spinning by hand and with a wheel and also people weaving and making lace. It was so inspiring and interesting to see. I can't wait to go next year!

Pay it forward

Sometimes it's nice to do something for someone else with out getting something in return.  We need more random acts of kindness. Buy a coffee for the next person in line. Text someone to let them know you are thinking of them. Go out of your way to give someone a ride. Do something nice just because. In a world where we all look out for our self first and foremost it's nice to step out and do something kind for someone who isn't expecting it.

Vip zoo night in August

The zoo had their first VIP zoo night. Muffin and I were very excited to attend. There were a lot more people then we expected. The event started at 5 pm and it was a members only event. They had face painting for kids. As well as zoo keeper talks as you walked the zoo. One we caught was so crowded but very informative and fun. It was with the seals. And the zoo keeper was talking to us from in the tank telling us about the daily tasks and where the seals etc were from. It was very very crowded in there. We went and got our free dinner which was a hot dog or hamburger, chips and a drink. Muffin had the hot dogs and I had the chips. The peacocks were out in full force and they came right up and nipped at muffins hot dog.  They were harmless it was really cute and funny. We also saw the zoo keepers at the camels. Which we have before but is still fun to get to pet them and hear more about them. We didn't stay the whole 3 hours but we definitely had a great time and can't wait girl the next VIP zoo event. 

Things are changing for the better

so with all my changes in meds  and working on the more natural approach. Today I decided to switch the timing of when I take my meds. I use to take them before work at 4pm. But since I have been off work for a year and have ca hanged up my meds and gone off a bunch I have been not feeling i am getting what I should out of my meds. So it's time to switch my meds to the am. I'm hoping it will help with some of the fatigue. I also stopped my sleeping meds and started malitonin. Between that and defusing lavender at bed time I have found the transition to not be horrible. The nights I Forget the lavender are definitely not as well rested as when I use it.  Now I'm hoping to let everything settle in and then start using more natural and alternative methods.  I'm still having a horrible time with food and eating. I am looking forward to moving forward with this plan and am lucky my Dr is supportive of it.  Also thank you to  the people who have stuck it out with me and checked on me. It means the world to me. Specially since some people I have tried to reach out have brushed me aside. Thank you so much to the people sticking with me and checking on me. 

Family trip

In August Kirk and my self along with  his brother and family  all went out to spend a few days at his  sister's. It was nice to have all the siblings and nephews and nieces together.  It was really nice to feel like part of a family since my family isn't overly lose its always nice to be welcomed and treated like one of the family.  Kirks sister went above and beyond. It's only the second time I have been to some ones house and not gotten sick. She did an amazing job with the food. Everything was delicious and  I was able to eat even with all my allergies and restrictions. It was wonderful and I hope we get to do it more often. 

Where has summer gone

am I the only one who is wondering where summer has gone? Did everyone have a good summer? Did you get out and enjoy the weather? we tried to get out and enjoy as much local stuff that we could. We had a few kinks in that plan but still made the best of the summer. And now on to fall. I love fall. Just not the fact that it leads to winter lol

Summer Overnight house guest

We had a overnight house guest this summer and she was so sweet. It made me  miss having a little bitty fur baby in the house. We picked her up she stayed the night and then we drove her 5+ hours to her new mom. She was so good while she was with us. Specially it being her first nigh away from her mom. Our dogs were good with her. Mater got a little over protective of his house cause he is a little dink. She was such a pleasure to have and snuggle with. I always love having me some fur babies around. 

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Dinner and a show #5

To end the summer rainbow stage put on sister act. My regular show buddy bailed on me with under 24 hours notice. I was a bit worried about finding someone to go with since everyone seemed to be out of town or busy cause it was the end of summer and such short notice.  I ended up going with a old friend who I haven't seen in ages so it was a great time catching up and lots of laughs at the show.
The show was great with lots of 70's music and fashion and so many laughs. It was a great show and the cast did wonderfully. The show was even carried over for a few shows cause there was such a demand to see the show.

Bucket list item... Seeing Wynonna

So a few weeks ago I got a message from a friend that someone couldn't use their ticket to see Wynonna Judd. I was trilled I was free and able to go because I adore her. And let me tell you she did not let me down. Her voice gave me chills and she was just as funny, charming, beautiful in person. It was on my bucket list to see her. I love her and the fact that she doesn't apologize for who she is. She has been through so much and is such a inspiration. She cares so much for her fans cause she knows after losing everything and rebuilding her life and career that she would have nothing with out the fans. And did I mention that voice!

Garden

this year my garden didn't do so great. Between moxxi eating everything and me not feeling well enough to do much most of August it just didn't go so great. I did great a fair amount of peas, beans, carrots and potatoes. Everything else moxxi munched away on. She ate all the stuff I harvested as well but she left enough to share. Both the dogs love veggies so I can't really complain as they are good for them. But she ate all my turnip, beets and squash lol I am hoping to get planing out my garden for next year in the next month or so.

Growing your hair out

anyone who has grown or tried to grow thief hair out know the pain if can be. You have this period of time when no matter what you do it won't look good. And you just wanna cut it to make life simpler. But if you can get through that faze then you are golden! I'm just getting through that faze. Right now it's finally doesn't look horrible when i get out of the shower, wake up or have day old hair. Now it's at least manageable and workable. The struggle is real. All you folks who go their hair out they know the pain of it!

The awkward stage