Pinterest's Advice

Browsing on Pinterest this afternoon, I found a couple links that were interesting.  

• Lupus Survival Guide
• 31 Ways to Live Well with Lupus 
• 4 Steps to Overcome Chronic Fatigue

I don't really think I would have any "Survival Guide" style advice to give anyone, at least not today. 

Exercising with Fibromyalgia

There are so many articles out there with advice on how to exercise with fibro.  This one, for example, and also there is this one,  But out of all of the ones I have read, this one is my favorite.  Giving actual examples of low impact exercises that definitely have a "beginners" level helps me more than any motivational "feel the burn" mumbo-jumbo out there.  Of the exercises it lists, I am curious about the following:  walking, swimming, yoga and tai-chi.  



I am the opposite of flexible, but I have had an interest in yoga for a long time now.  I've experimented with various youtube videos that claim to be super-easy, beginners-only, fibro-friendly, and even fatgirl-friendly... but I have had no luck in finding something that didn't make me stick out like a sore thumb.  And then, I read this article about the different yoga styles available.  


It gives me hope that I might be able to find the right thing for me.  

Mediterranean Relief

Those that know me well know that I am a major fan of IVillage's email updates.  While some may see it as spam, I love these emails.  I like the information that it pieces together in an organized web-based power point fashion.  The other thing I like about it is that there is no rush for me to read the email - sometimes if the topic doesn't really interest me I just toss it in the trash.  But to be honest, when reviewing my subscription with IVillage, that doesn't happen very often. :)


A good bit of people feel that fibromyalgia is in the arthritis family, personally I believe this but I don't have any medical proof to state it as fact.  Well this morning's newsletter from IVillage was about 10 Foods to Reduce Arthritis Pain.  And you know me, I'm all about eating.  So I checked it out.  And just my luck, of all the food listed the only thing I like are the grapes and garlic (no not together lol).  Oh well, but I thought some of you with a more adventurous palate might enjoy the Mediterranean Diet, which contains anti-inflammatory nutrients. 

The more that I research the Mediterranean Diet, the more sure I could do it.  I mean I know I could do it if I was thrown in a prison and had no other choice (other than starvation), but I'm not so sure I would still be the charming person you all know me to be. lol  While I love veggies, fruits, and whole wheat pasta, I'm not so big on  fish, olive oil, and red wine.  To go along with this diet, daily exercise and I looked up a sample menu for a week.  This is what I found: Fragrant Couscous, Greek Salad, Creamy Hummus with Warm Pita, Sautéed Spinach with Lemon.  The only thing on that list that made me even think "yum" was the sauteed spinach and that was because I was picturing it swimming in Queso with some salty mexican chips.  


I've often said that spending more time on the beach or living in the Mediterranean would probably help my stress/pain/symptoms, I didn't know that following their culinary ways could sooth it!  Hmm... maybe I will keep looking.  But I will keep some highlights of this anti-inflammatory diet in mind when I'm planning my next meal... especially on days I'm really swollen.  :)


But for now, sipping cool lemonade while day dreaming of being on the beach seems to help me the most. 

Budget Friendly Budget Secrets: Starring Michelle Phan!

Like so many others on YouTube, I am a faithful fan of Michelle Phan's videos.  I'm not one for wearing a lot of make-up and things, but I do enjoy her homemade skin care secrets.


For example, Michelle walks us through making an exfoliating scrub out of three things that can be found in anyone's kitchen.  This is definitely on my "to do" list!!





In this video, Michelle shows how to use an organic egg to give yourself a facial can tighten and boost your skin's appearance.  I haven't tried it yet, but I am considering it..  :)

Here Michelle walks the viewer through making homemade pore strips!

Here are the links to a few other low budget homemade tricks that she clues us in on: 

Do It Yourself Cucumber Eye Pads- Reduce dark circles and puffiness 

Creating kissable cheeks with hot chocolate

 Homemade lip scrub to get pucker worthy soft lips

Turn extra eye shadow into beautiful lipstick in just a few minutes

How to salvage your lip-gloss, lower your waste

How Aware Are You?

I cannot believe it is already October!  

This is my favorite time of year!  I love how the weather cools and becomes crispy in the mornings and at night.  I become hypnotized at how the sunrises and sunsets take on an eye-catching quality that can take my breath away.  I enjoy the sounds of local football games going on, distant music of the marching bands performing at half-time and hockey season is in full swing!  

On a personal note, I love that I can wear any color of polish this month and no one blinks an eye!  I love to experiment with my nails, hair, etc and this time of year is the perfect opportunity to do just that!  

Another thing I love about October is that it is truly one month as busy as I am!  


No really, think about it.  Even without looking at Fall Festivals and Halloween (or End of the month parties), October is packed with opportunities to spread awareness and educate ourselves on things that are very important.  

October is Breast Cancer Awareness. 

I am a major advocate for women to become proactive and take an active stand when it comes to breast cancer.  Monthly self exams can and will save lives!  

Also, not many realize that October is also Domestic Violence Awareness.  

So many people say "I won't be with a man who hits me" but so many people do not realize that: 
    1.  Domestic or Dating Abuse does not start physically.  
    2.  There are men who are also victims of domestic abuse.  


Oh wait, that isn't all... We also have National Employment Awareness, National Down Syndrome Awareness, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness, National Physical Therapy Month, October is also Home Eye Safety Month.  

October 2 through 8th, 2011 is Mental Illness Awareness Week. 

October 23rd through the 31st is the Red Ribbon Week - which is majorly important to us Spoonies!  The Red Ribbon campaign is a way to take a stand against substance abuse.  


Whew!  That is a busy month!  But wait, I'm not done!  I'm saving one of the ones that I feel is extremely important for last.  This one effects all of us spoonies, no matter what our chronic condition is.  

The last October Awareness that I want to mention spills over into November but it is hugely important and something that many of us experienced spoonies advocate to new people who are being diagnosised.  Know your medications/supplements!  Celebrate National Drug Facts Week by educating yourself on what you take, why you take it, what is its side effects, and how does it work with other things you take.  This is important to remember, not just from October 31 to November 6th, but all year long! 

So this October, take some time to reflect, educate, and spread a little awareness of your own!  

Happy October!