Day In My Life For EDS Awareness Month

Today is the last day of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Awareness month but unfortunately for me its not the last day I'm stuck with it. I thought I'd tell you a bit about my day today with a kinda bad pain day but definitely not my worst. I mean I made it out of bed.

I overdid it yesterday and by overdoing it I mean I went swimming after not getting up until 11:30am. I also did a food shop with my mum but I was in my wheelchair and I spent 3 hours in the car as a passenger. That was enough to cause my body to freak out and increase my pain levels to above normal and left me battling fatigue. Pretty chuffed I managed to go swimming though even if my body freaked out at the temperature change and made me overheat and dizzy.

Today I woke up at 10am, spent about 10 minutes on my phone and had to have another nap because my pain and fatigue levels were so high and I was just exhausted. I woke up again at 11am and it took me nearly an hour to get up and make it to the toilet even though I had desperately needed to pee that whole time. I then had to have a rest and psych myself up before attempting to get off the loo because effort. Lovely titbit of info for you.

I dislocated my jaw brushing my teeth which happens most mornings to be honest. Attempting to get dressed was exhausting and by getting dressed I mean swapping my pj shorts for pj trousers, putting on a front zip sports bra and a vest top. I had to rest between each item of clothing and did what I could lying down. I didn't even attempt to brush my hair I just scraped it back and in the process I subluxed my shoulder. I tell you this getting dressed malarkey is dangerous.

Then came attempting to get downstairs and I had to do the trusty butt shuffle. Let me tell you, on a spiral staircase this is no mean feat. Damn cute old welsh cottages and their crappy stairs. I then got downstairs and realised I had forgotten to take my meds which were upstairs. I nearly cried. I couldn't even ask my mum to get them because without seeing the packet I couldn't remember which ones I needed to take so once again it was the butt shuffle and another subluxed shoulder.

I finally got downstairs at around 1ish and my mum made me breakfast/brunch but it took me a while to pluck up the energy to eat it plus my nausea was being a bitch. Scrambled egg luckily doesnt involve too much chewing

I haven't really managed to do much today and it's taken me forever to write this post because brain fog means I keep forgetting words and my concentration is shocking.

Today has been a low dislocation/injury day because I haven't really moved much which is always a plus. I also have a billion supports and bandages to try and keep me in place and have to sleep with so many cushions there's barely enough room in my bed for me. I use to cushions to prop all my joints up to keep them in place. Mainly my hips with two V shaped cushions which are life savers.

Going to bed is probably the worst part of my day because I'm exhausted in pain and a horrific stair case stands between me and my bed. I'm trying to find suitable accommodation but I can't afford anywhere myself. My brother also already has the living room as his bedroom as he can't climb the stairs at all so if I can't make it up the stairs I have to sleep on the sofa bed and share a room with my 16year old brother which is a bit strange. Plus he talks in his sleep (He shouted YOLO once). Then once I've battled the stairs I have the exhausting task of getting changed etc. My mum has to help me put my pjs on quite often which as a 22 year old just feels wrong but Im too sore and tired to do it myself. She also has to wash my hair and sometimes goes as far as helping me off the toilet and brushing my teeth. Such a fabulous life I lead.

Then comes the nights of insomnia and pain where no matter how exhausted I am I just cannot sleep and any sleep I do get is not restorative and I wake up feeling even more exhausted than before I went to sleep.

It could've been worse though, on a bad day I cant even sit up in bed let alone get out of it. I spend my days with my best friend Netflix and twitter for company and if that gets too much I have to nap, because you know netflix requires buckets of energy.

If I want to do something big like go out with friends etc then I have to make sure I rest for days before and then end up wiped out for the next few days afterwards. I had to sleep for like a week after I got back from Nice. So worth it though.

Life with EDS means I can't plan much because I just never know how my body is going to be. I can go from having a good day to being bed bound within an hour. This means I have to leave things early and cancel days out a lot. I also have to try and judge whether certain activities are going to be worth the payback.

Luckily I have amazing family and friends who are so understanding and I have no idea how I would cope without their support. They are literally my lifeline and I am so grateful.

Sorry it's such a long post (Im not actually that sorry) but if you made it this far congrats give yourself a gold star. I'd be happy if I make just one person aware of EDS.

Beth...x

Watched in May

I've been to the cinema 3 times this month and I actually have time to sit and watch as many films and tv shows as I like (shh dont tell my mum), plus my body has been pretty broken so I haven't had much choice in the matter. So here's what I watched this month

Pretty Woman
I absolutely love this film. Definitely one of my favourites. It would seem my dad also loved it because he pushed me over so he could sit on the edge of my bed and watch the end. Is there actually anyone who hasnt seen this film? Also my parents seem to love the Cinder-fuckin-ella line and laugh too much every time. Its hilarious.

Flashdance
I actually only watched this for the first time ever this month but its safe to say I enjoyed it. Did not realise that it was Bette from The L word that was in it though. The soundtrack was great and the dancing looked like far too much effort but made me a tad jealous. Wish I could move like that. That figure would also be nice.

Little Mermaid: Ariels Beginning. 
Cant really go to bed early because your ill without watching a Disney film. Its the rules. Obviously this is no where near as good as the first film but its still fun and I enjoyed watching it. You find out what happened to Ariels mum and how her dad lost his marbles a lil bit. Its a good film to put on if you dont want anything too taxing on the brain

RuPauls Drag Race
I am so addicted to RuPaul. I've only just finished the first series but Im hooked. I loved Ongina in the first one. Such a babe She was awesome. The fierce style and fantabulous eye makeup is made even more magical by the bitchiness. If you haven't seen it you are missing out

Bones
Still completely addicted to this show. I tend to watch a few episodes every night and am now on series 3. If you love forensic shows you need to check this out. I love Andrea and Hodgins and Booth and Bones' relationship is so amusing. There is always such an interesting storyline as well

Furious 7
I saw this in the cinema with my dad (after my mum & brother rudely went to see it without me) and we both totally cried at the end. When that song started there was no hope for me.
As usual this was an amazing film and I loved it just as much as all the others. This one seemed to be more violent with a lot of fist fights but you cant not with the Rock, Jason Statham (babe) and Vin Diesel. All that muscle. Also Jason Statham against the rock seemed like an unfair fight. The ending seemed a bit far fetched with a certain someone surviving the impossible but at least it leaves it open for another film. Still not a fan of Letty though. She just pisses me off for some reason and Dom should have totally stayed with that blonde cop. Pretty sure the Fast & Furious films are my favourite action films and they seem to be the only sequels that get better every time. They wont be the same without Paul Walker but I still cant wait for more.

Avengers: Age of Ultron
Saw this in the cinema for my birthday after eating my body weight in pizza, cake and Pic n Mix. Another film that wasn't as good as the first one but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. Not quite sure how they are going to do another one with half the original cast missing, It just wont be the same. However I loved the banter between all the characters in this one and there was comedy as well as action. Bruce and Nat although odd are quite cute and why is there no black widow movie yet. I need it

Rio & Rio 2
These will now forever be known as my hangover films. They saved my life. After finishing my last ever exam and thus completing my degree I went out with some friends and had a few* too many drinks (*I actually lost count). I haven't been that drunk in ages and dont plan on doing it again any time soon. Thanks to the Jagerbombs (totally blaming them) I spent most of the night chillin with my toilet bowl and then the next day was spent in bed clutching an ice lolly watching these films to distract me from my sorry state.

I loved the first film when it came out ages ago and I've been meaning to see the second for a while now so when they were both on offer in Tesco I snatched them up. The first film follows a domesticated rare bird who cant fly and suddenly finds himself lost in Rio with a girl bird (wink wink). Also some people are trying to catch them and sell them so it's all very dramatic. The second film follows them going to the Amazon and discovering more birds and having to save the rainforest. My god I really sell the storylines of these films. Definitely a good film for all those kids film lovers out there and I laughed too much for my state I thought my poor head might explode and there were some really cute bits (as cute as animated birds can be).

Lizzie McGuire Movie
When I discovered this was on Netflix I cheered as much as my hungover state would allow. I then watched it as my hangover blissfully disappeared. Thanks Lizzie. I love all the old school disney and Lizzie McGuire is no exception. She goes to Rome on a school trip, sneaks out, meets a handsome Italian pop star, pretends to be an Italian pop star and has an epic holiday. The ending is still the biggest plot twist of my film career and I will never forgive whats his face (cant remember his name). Still amazes me that they filmed this with only one Lizzie McGuire. Also Hey now was my jam.

I also saw Pitch Perfect 2 in the cinema this month and you can find a full review here

What have you been watching this month?

Beth...x

Konjac Sponge

In my April You Beauty Discovery Box one of the items I picked was the Natural Konjac Sponge because it looked interesting and it promised to bring back my natural glow which my death like skin was in much need of.

Spa to You says "The Spa To You konjac sponge is made from 100% pure, natural konjac dietary fibre. As it is unbelievable soft and gentle, it is ideal for everyone to use, including new born babies. It will bring back the natural glow and softness of the skin with daily usage"

Features

- Gently exfoliates the skin
- Deeply cleanses
- Refines pores
- Effectively balances the pH of the skin
- Extra soft features are ideal for delicate and sensitive skin
- Naturally hydrates and moisturizes the skin

I had my reservations about this sponge. I mean how good can a small sponge be but let me tell you this is a little bundle of magic. My skin has never felt so soft and been so glowy. It didn't completely sort out my awful chin area and I still had the persistent spots that I seem to be stuck with for life but they were less visible and overall my skin looked so much better. (Totally forgot to take before & after pics because I am useless)

I tended to use it just on its own with water in the morning and then with my Nivea foam cleasner in the evenings. It felt soo good as it gently exfoliated my skin and I really got into a good skin care routine which I have never done before. I know I'm an awful bblogger. 

The only downside to this sponge is that you have to replace it every 2-3 weeks and at £7.99 that can quickly add up 

Have you tried a Konjac Sponge?

Beth...x

Film// Pitch Perfect 2

I was a huge fan of the first Pitch Perfect film. I've lost count of how many time I've watched it and can pretty much quote it word for word and belt out all the songs with my below average singing voice. So when the 2nd one came out my whole family was pretty excited but none more than my little brother. To say Pitch Perfect is his favourite film is an understatement.

Now this film is definitely not as good as the first one but it is a hard film to beat. However it is a really good film and I loved it and definitely recommend you get your butt to the cinema and go watch it. What are you waiting for?

Buuut I found it was lacking a tad (just a smidge though). The first film is renowned for its one liners and they can be quoted at each other over and over again in every day life (basically what me and my brother do). "Just your old man making a funny" "Get your head out of your ass its not a hat" and my brothers all time favourite because my mum loses her voice a lot so when it comes back he says "God bitch no need to shout" every time without fail. The 2nd film was definitely lacking in one liners. I can't really think of any that stood out but maybe once I watch it more (which I intend to do) some will surface. I also preferred the soundtrack to the first one. The songs weren't as catchy in this film although I do love Flashlight and I have already downloaded the soundtrack because I still intend on belting them out and pretending I can sing. It also followed pretty much the same story line as the first one. 

However, I do still love it and will definitely be buying it when it comes out on DVD (gotta add to my rather large dvd collection). It made me actually laugh out loud several times and the girls are all just so funny plus Fat Amy is such a babe. Bumper is back and even weirder than the first film. Also I have a massive crush on Anna Kendrick (who doesnt). Becca & Chloe should totally be a thing though. The story line was a bit predictable but the rivalry between the bellas and the Germans was fabulous. It's an epic film to put on when you need a laugh and cheering up or to watch with your girlfriends stuffing your face with junk food.

My brother hated it and said it ruined a perfectly good film but he has a tendancy to be a tad dramatic. His complaints were he didnt like the German group, there were no one liners and it was boring but he'll get over it. I for one loved it.

Have you seen it yet?

Beth...x

Battle of the Micellar Waters

Micellar waters have been around for a while now and they are my go to skin care product for taking off my makeup because I am far too lazy and way too exhausted at the end of the day to use anything else. Luckily for you I have 3 on the go at the moment (I normally forget to take one away so end up buying a new one). So Im going to let you know my favourite.

3. Botanics Micellar 3 in 1 Cleansing Solution - £2.99

This is my least favourite out of the 3. It just doesn't seem to take my makeup off as well as the others and it has a weird chemically smell. It also doesn't have a great lid as it's a twist top which is hard for my crappy hands to open and it doesn't have any sort of stopper so I spill it or use too much #clumsy.

2. Nivea Sensitive 3 in 1 Micellar Cleansing Water - £3.69

I tried this Micellar water because my skin went crazy & I wasn't sure if I was reacting to the Garnier one and this one was for sensitive skin. Turned out my skin just decided I was a teenager again. Seems my blessing for good skin has finally come to an end. I do really like this one and the only down sides are that it is a smaller bottle (200ml) and it doesn't quite get my eye makeup off. However I have re purchased it as I do get on really well with and it just means I have to use a separate eye makeup remover. It is great for sensitive skin and I use it most when my skin is freaking out.

1. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water - £4.99

This one wins for the 2 points mentioned about the Nivea one. You get a bigger bottle (400ml) so it lasts a hell of a lot longer and it attacks eye makeup with less effort than the Nivea so I dont need a separate eye makeup remover. Its just an all round amazing product and now that I know its not affecting my skin I will buy it again and again. It takes my makeup off with ease and leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean. If you are looking for a Micellar water I definitely recommend this one.

The kinda mickey mouse shaped cotton wool was totally an accident, its just how they landed when I threw them down (obviously threw in the most artistic way possible).

What's your favourite Micellar water?

Beth...x

You Beauty Discovery Box May 2015

I'm a tad late with this post due to being too lazy to take photos. If you haven't heard of the You Beauty Discovery Box before, it is a box that you pay £6.95 for and you pick 2 products out of about 8 choices and then they get sent to your door along with 2 samples. It's a pretty cheap way to try different products you wouldn't normally try and in March I got an Illamasqua lipstick for under £7 so you can get some real bargains.

This month there was a few Benefit products to choose from but they all went out of stock in a ridiculous time. Luckily Im not a huge benefit fan so wasn't bothered. I chose:

- The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Miracle Solid Oil
I love the body shop and havent tried anything from this range before so I really wanted to give it a go. I've haven't really tried it yet but Im not too sure on the smell. Its a tad odd but I'll get used to it

- The Konjac Sponge Company Angel Face Cloth
In last months box I also chose the Konjac sponge which I still need to do a full review on. Spoiler - I loved it and it really helped my angry skin so I thought I'd give this one a go to replace the old one. It's all natural and gentle on the skin leaving it fresh and rejuvenated. I'm pretty excited to see if this one has the same effect on my skin because I really need it.

Each box also came with a sample of Jimmy Choo Man which smells pretty good and has made its way to my brother and Dr organic Snail gel

Next month I'm really hoping for some more make-up choices because Im a tad bored of skincare now.

Have you tried the You Beauty Discovery Boxes?

Beth...x

Tips to Ease Nausea

I suffer really badly with nausea. I always seem to be nauseous. Like all the time. If I eat, if I don't eat. My stomach just hates me. I particularly struggle after meals so here's a few things that I have found help.

 Peppermint Tea - It took me ages to pluck up the courage to try this as I was convinced I wasn't going to like it and it was just gonna taste like warm toothpaste, but Im pleased to announce I was wrong. Better than warm toothpaste. I love it and practically live on it on bad days. I tend to drink it in the evening after bigger meals and before bed so I can actually sleep and not want to puke.

Polos - If you ever come in my car or house you will see packets of polos everywhere. I also have a packet in every handbag. They save my life on a daily basis. I tend to have to eat one or two after a meal to get rid of the taste of food and prevent or get rid of the nausea. B&M do multi packs for 99p and they are great for on the go. I couldnt live in a world without polos.

Ginger Biscuits - I tend to eat these if I need to eat something to take meds but can't stomach anything else. I feel like my grandma when sit down to a peppermint tea and ginger biscuit rocking my slippers.

Ginger Tea - I tend to get the one with lemon but ginger really helps with nausea so if you're not a fan of peppermint give this one a go. Pretty delicious and also good if you feel like you have a cold coming on.

I also have a few foods which I have on hand for bad days so that I can actually attempt to eat something

Mashed Potato - I love all things potato. I mean they are the food of gods but mashed potato is a must when I'm nauseous. It's plain, requires no chewing and is warm plus its delicious. I lived on mash for about a month when I was really ill and weirdly still love it.

Brown Rice - Also another staple in my bland diet. Plain brown rice. Occasionally mixed up with some plain chicken. Such an exciting meal but it makes a change from mash. Plus brown rice is pretty delicious and if you have a microwave rice cooker its pretty damn simple to cook.

Melon - I live on melon most of the time anyway but particularly when I'm nauseous. Its like a drink that you can eat. Magical. I tend to just snack on it throughout the day to keep me hydrated and actually make sure I am eating.

If all else fails I just moan about it constantly and feel really pathetic. Fun for everyone.

If you have any others leave me a comment?

Beth...x