We're Cool for the Summer - Koldtec Ice Towels

It's no secret that I have an obsession with Koldtec ice towels.  

In fact, it is my personal goal to help every person on instagram that has MS or heat sensitivity to at least hear of Koldtec by the end of the summer.  I believe in the product that highly. 

And Koldtec loves our community. 

The partnership is really great.

In honor of summer and the heat, koldtec and I are doing a summer of kool.  

On the first of each month from May through September I will be hosting a giveaway for a Koldtec towel bundle.  Entering is, as always, super easy.  Keeping it basic over here.

In addition, Koldtec has provided me with two codes specifically for my friends.

code SPARKLEDICE5 is for the ice towel found here.  The code will provide $5 off, a bonus ice strip, and free shipping for USA and Canada (they ship elsewhere for a small fee!).  Direct url: https://www.koldtec.com/discount/SPARKLEDICE5

code SPARKLEDICE14 is for the ice towel bundle found here.  The code will provide $14 off, a bonus ice strip, and free shipping for USA and Canada (again, they ship elsewhere for a small fee). Direct link: https://www.koldtec.com/discount/SPARKLEDICE14

I do have a video on my IGTV on my instagram (@thesparkledlife) with more information and how it works.  

Basically Koldtec ice towels are a bamboo sport towel that you insert specially made engineered ice strips in to.  It isnt wet and each strip of ice lasts 45 minutes - 1 hour.  (I use these on my bicycle rides and legit, I can be sweating and the ice strip will last me 1 hour!!).  The contained the towel and the strips come in works as an insulator so you can take the bonus ice strips on the road with you.  

It's perfect for any occasion - I even used it getting ready for my wedding!  

Stay tuned for more koolness and I hope you have as much fun as I do being chill!

Love, Eliz

Shit Just Got Real!!!

We got Married!!!!

Photo credit: https://ryanzarichnak.com/

It was such an amazing weekend and I'm so excited to give a little update.  

So Kris and I got engaged in October.  We didnt really plan on having a "short"engagement - but it's how it worked out.  When I came to both him and my mom and asked if we could pull off a wedding in less than 5 months, they just smiled and said "whatever you want babes" (ok lying my mom panicked).  

But we did it!!!

Just a comment on the short engagement (as I've received some comments -  no I'm not pregnant) - you can do WHATEVER time engagement you want!  If you want long, if you want short, if you want traditional, if you want elopement, do you!!  It doesnt matter.  What matters is that you are intentional and marrying someone you want to love forever.  The rest are literally just details. 

Ok, so now we're engaged, now we've set a date, now we have to make it MS friendly.

We decided on spreading it out - doing a two day event.  Friday would be the ceremony (intimate with family and close friends) and Saturday would be an evening reception (a partay).  

And that's what we did!

So first, we have some details:

Save the Dates (from Zazzle)

And the wedding website : 

https://www.theknot.com/us/elizabeth-martin-and-kristopher-earls-mar-2019

We didnt have a traditional rehearsal as most of the wedding party was coming in from out of town (actually most all of our guests are coming in from out of town - like 80%).  So we did a small rehearsal at the church, people chilled for a bit (I took a nap), and then we went to Spoonwood Brewery with those in town for a fun dinner and beer.

As you can tell from the picture I was VERY excited. (:  

Friday morning came real quick - our ceremony was at 11am so we had just a few hours to get ready (if you've been in a wedding you know those hours go fast!).  But it was so enjoyable and chill.  Everything was chill overall but those few hours before the ceremony I will cherish as being so calm and chill.  Shout-out to my ladies for that vibe!!

 Picture credit: https://ryanzarichnak.com/

The ceremony was at my family's Catholic Church in Pittsburgh.  We had just the ceremony and we made it very adaptive friendly (I came from the side, we sat for most of it, etc).  It flew by but I do remember the highlights - I remember Kris smiling bigger than Id ever seen, him squeezing my hand, me almost losing it at the "in sickness and in health part", and me doing like a little wiggle celebration when we got the official "husband and wife".

After we did pictures with family and the wedding party at a friends house.  Our photographer was AMAZING! Love him, Ryan Zarichnak.  Cant wait to share those!

Photo credit: https://ryanzarichnak.com/

 Our wedding party included: Girls: Courtney (matron of honor and my sister), Regina, (maid of honor and best friend), Kari (Kris' sister), Katie (future sister in law), Bethany (best friend), Mary (best friend).  Dudes: Jordan (best man), Jon (Kris' brother in law), Tim (my brother), Connor (my brother), Kevin (my brother), John (my brother).  

Then we had a luncheon at my parent's house.  My mom did such an amazing job hosting and preparing the food.  All I heard was how great the food was and I'm like, I know. (:

The best part of this arrangement is that we had scheduled NAP TIME!!!  We were done with wedding obligations by 3pm on Friday.  I was in bed and didnt leave till we woke up Saturday.  Best decision ever!!!

Saturday was PARTAY time!!!  Again, we had time to relax and chill and visit before getting ready.  I will cherish this time too.  My best friend Zach did my hair and while doing it some of my favorite people just stopped by and said hi and sat with me.  It was lovely.  I had to do NOTHING which is just what I needed.

The reception's theme was glitz and sparkle, with the colors black and gold sparkle.  My mom did all the decorations, favors, centerpieces...and she delivered!!  Literally, thank you mom!  Saturday was just lovely.  One of my favorite parts was my dress (it was sparkle heaven!!!) and then partying with all our family and friends.

The food was delicious (PW catering) and the DJ's (2nd II None) - I could never speak enough about them.  They led a party and it was fabulous!!  

Oh and let's not forget about the cookie table - a very strong Pittsburgh tradition.  Basically all the neighbors/family/friends bring cookies and the are displayed on a table.  To go boxes are provided and guests can snack on them there and take some home for leftovers/breakfast.  It's an amazing tradition and we had QUITE a lot of cookies!

We also had soft pretzels delivered halfway through the evening (soft pretzels are my favorite and what better way to have a snack?)

Oh the whole thing was just lovely.  This is just the speed by review - when we get the photos I'll provide more details.  Because I just know the photo's are going to be amazing!!

The moral though of this whole thing is that love is beautiful, you can have a beautiful wedding with multiple sclerosis, and you can do your wedding any way you want!!!  

Photo credit: https://ryanzarichnak.com/

Thank you all for your support and love, we so appreciate the love!!!  

My Advice for Those Living With Multiple Sclerosis

Back in June I worked with Healthline to film a few videos.  One of the videos we did was my advice to those living with multiple sclerosis, especially those recently diagnosed.

This is the finished product.

Click here for final video.

My Teeth be Shining! - Smile Brilliant Collaboration

Use code thesparkledlife to receive 15% off!!

Since being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 6 years ago, I have found a new appreciation for my teeth.

(photo by empty nest photography studio)

Why?

Because they are the ONLY part of my body that is still working, functioning, and looking babe. (:

So I take good care of my teeth.  Whitening my teeth has always been something I've done before a big event or just to give myself a little self-care love.  I've used teeth whitening gels from CVS and more often, crests whitening strips - both of which I loved. 

However, they couldnt get all my teeth.  My teeth are very "smushed" and I want every nook and cranny of my teeth to me the same-ish color.  I dont ask for much. (:

So when Smile Brilliant reached out to me for a collaboration, I was 100% on board.

Pittsburgh Marathon 2018

So a few months ago I heard about the opportunity to partake in the Pittsburgh Marathon hand-cycling division in a recumbent bicycle.  I had to get a lot of notes from doctors and petition the board but they granted me access!!!

But why cycle the Pittsburgh Marathon?  Because MS says I cant run.  "Tell me I cant and I'll show you I can".  I cant RUN a marathon but I sure as well can CYCLE a marathon.

Picture by Empty Nest Photography Studio

So thats what I did. (:

Two weeks before the marathon, the local news station did an interview with me and named me "Athlete of the Week" which was pretty awesome.

To watch, visit here: http://www.wtae.com/article/action-athlete-cycling-the-pittsburgh-marathon/20090659

Leading up to the marathon I ended up with a kidney infection and overheating.  I was so nervous that all my hard work in prepping for this event would be for not.

But I finished that marathon.  And, even more fun, came in first in the female wheeler division. (:

Despite limitations, living limitlessly over here!!

LOVE!!

The Friday I Coded

And there I was again...being rushed through the back hallways of a hospital by a concerned party, someone silently whispering "it's going to be ok", me doing my hardest to keep my head up, my mom trying her best to carry our collection of purses and coats and keep up.  

I had been here before - many times in fact.  Almost my entire MS journey has been a collective case of re-active catch-ups, instead of pro-active solutions.  I'm always one step behind where I should be, sometimes five, trying my best to catch-up.  

I woke up last Friday semi-excited (and ridiculously early).  I was going on an adventure to the hospital to receive a new drug (a cancer chemo type that some have had luck with "weird" MS cases).  There was hope in this drug and the side effects, though not cute, were limited compared to some of the drugs I have had prior.  Or so I had been reassured prior.  

It was going to be a long infusion - 6-8 hours.  We arrived at the hospital early and ready; I even wore a new sweater for good luck.  

I had my own little private room for the infusion and we settled in pretty nicely - they even warmed their blankets at this hospital!  I started out with the pre-drug drugs to help eliminate the side effects.  They got a stick on the first try and an hour later they had started the infusion. 

15 minutes in I looked to my mom, expressing that I wasn't exactly feeling right.  I had been warned of the side effects and that they start as soon as the drug hits the blood stream; in typical fashion, I sort of shrugged it off.  

Except the feeling was getting worse.  To distract myself, I decided I'd download an audiobook to listen to while the time passed.  And that's the last concrete thought I remember.  

The nurse had come in to check and I expressed that I wasn't feeling so well.  What "feeling so well" meant was that I was feeling pressure in my chest, confusion, weakness.  

One minute I'm looking at the nurse trying to explain how I'm feeling and the next thing I know my mom is gone, I'm surrounded by 13 or so people asking me questions, all with that concern look on their face.

I was coded.  

It was probably a bit dramatic for the situation (but to be fair, better safe than sorry).  My mom filled me in on the details later - they escorted her back to the waiting room, Code C being broadcasted throughout the hospital, a counselor finding her to sit with her and make sure she was ok.  

Hey mom, what if it really was just an early April Fools joke?  Did I get you? (:

After my vitals were brought to a stable enough point, I was transferred to the ER.  From there I was admitted.  The pain was some of the worst pain I have ever experienced.  I consider myself having a high pain tolerance which only furthered my concern - if it hurt this bad, what the heck was going on?  

This picture is so gross - but shows what a difference an hour makes huh? (:

I got to do all the tests, all the great hospital things that come with being admitted, and I had a room with a view.  The nurses were empathetic and the doctors in search of answers.  

And yet again, none were really found. 

It's a little terrifying to go through some of the worst pain of your life, location - chest, and not know why.  

Today as I was driving back from the neurologist's office, I thought how easy it could be to just become overwhelmed with being upset. To be frustrated.  To be mad.  To be angry.  Those feelings are there, suppressed on some level.  I told myself that it would not be irrational to express them - I deserved to be all of these things.  I thought how I could use the MS trump card to anyone who complained and how I could clear my conscious with the same.  

Then a little question stirred up inside: "Why?".  Yeah, I had earned the right to be upset and frustrated.  But why should I fall in to that?  What good would come of it?  Would it make my happy?  Would it make those around me happy? 

Would it help the situation?

I'm a Catholic and this week is what we call Holy Week - a week to recognize the death of Jesus Christ and His resurrection.  

One of my favorite stories of Jesus is when He is in the Garden of Gethsemane   He knows what is coming - He is going to be crucified on a cross.  It's a gruesome and ugly death.  And we find Him in a garden, overcome by it all.  Not just overcome, but actually begging God to make it not be.  "Let this cup pass...".  Jesus was pretty tight with the big man upstairs, he had performed many miracles, in fact he rose a guy from the dead a few weeks prior to this.  He was strong.  

And yet He cried because of the suffering He had to endure.  He was upset.  He asked for it to all go away.  

This is the thought that runs through my head often.  If the Son of God fell in despair because of suffering, then how can I blame me for not wanting to do the same?  

But you know what happens after He cried?  He got back up and completes the sentence "....but your will be done".  And then He goes and carries his cross.  And yes, He dies.  But then He is resurrected - He comes back to life, except to a life with no pain and only glory.  

So I'm going to try my best to keep my head up through all the frustrations.  Mostly because I like being happy.  Mostly because I think life is too short to be cranky.  Mostly because I really like laughing.  But mostly because I look forward to following in the steps of Jesus - I've heard heaven is a really cool place and would love to make it. 

Here's to trying again - because I'm not going to have a little incident keep me down.  

If you find yourself in a little bit of a hole in life, do not be discouraged.  I may play it down or express how easy it is to not be in that hole, but I know this is not the case for some.  If you ever need someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to reach out.  And never get mad at yourself for being upset - if Jesus did it, I think it's ok if you did too.  Just remember how beautiful it can be if you get up after.  You are not alone!

I Hope You Dance

Life is very similar to driving a car on a highway.  You have those days where you're breezing along, windows down, radio up, just loving life.  

And then for some of us, a pot-hole comes along.  And try as you may, you hit it.  Sometimes the damage isn't too bad, you can keep going.  Sometimes, it rips the tire and you just need a spare.  And sometimes it knocks off the whole alignment of the car and you end up stuck on the side of the road, waiting.  

My story is the stuck version - one day I was doing all the things a normal 26 year old does and the next I was uprooting my life and moving back in with my parents.  With a walker.  My career stopped, my relationship stopped, some friendships stopped, my dreams stopped, my growing closet stopped.  My life was put at the side of the road.  Thanks to a pot-hole.

And now I find myself a step further behind - in a wheelchair.  Some days not leaving bed.  Some days in the hospital.  For two months I didn't leave the house except for medical visits.  It's like now I'm not only stopped on the side of the road but it's snowing and cold and scary and dark and AAA isn't answering.  

Meanwhile, everyone else's life is moving on.  People are getting married, moving the career ladder, having parties, traveling the world, making babies.  And I'm here like "wow I showered today!". 

The hardest reality of this is coming to terms that in order for others to keep living, it sometimes means without me.   

You see me on the side of the road, broken down.  But yet you have life ahead and a time crunch pressing your engine.  Sometimes you just can't stop.  

I want to be mad at you; I want to be furious that you saw me at the side of the road and kept on driving.  I want to be mad that your car works, that you somehow missed that pot-hole.  I want to be in your warm car, dancing to the radio, going to wherever your next stop is.  

And yet, I'm stuck on the side of the road of life.  

I selfishly fear that I'll become forgotten.  I'll cross through your mind occasionally and you'll think of our good times, just as you pass me by on the road.  You'll go on with life.  Just without me.  

I feel like this is the part of the post where I insert the song "I hope you dance".  Because I truly do - I hope you dance, you live, you smile, you experience, you have fun.  I'm glad you missed that pot-hole, I'm glad your car is still working.  I hope it continues for many more stops.  And if you do hit a bump, I hope it only requires a spare tire and you can keep on going.  

I want you to keep living.

I just wish I could keep up and be there to do it with you.  

A Sparkle Christmas Message

To all who sparkle:

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!  

We meet again at the time of year of celebrations, champagne, and the birth of the Lord!  

The past few weeks have been spent in preparation of this day (or if you're a procrastinator, a few days shipping thanks Amazon.com).  We've put up lights, sparkle, wrapped presents, baked yummy goodies, all for this day.

If you are with your family this holiday season, be thankful.  They might get on your nerves and drive you nuts and want to make you drink all the eggnog (the pure definition of family), but have peace in the fact that you're together.  The love that you are surrounded by is one of earth's most beautiful miracles.

If you are alone this holiday season, know you are not alone in life.  For whatever the circumstances are that you are alone, they too will pass.  If you are alone still for Christmas next year at this time, contact me.  You will have a home here.  

If you are married this holiday season, be sure to tell your partner that you love them before going to bed.  It can be easy to get caught up in the craziness of life/holidays/kids/work/trivia crack; pause for a minute to say thank you.

If you are single this holiday season, it's really quite ok.  You are not defined by your relationship status but rather by your love and your works.  Let those shine.  And maybe linger by that mistletoe?

If you are healthy this holiday season, CELEBRATE! (but for real)  Health is a beautiful thing, do not waste a moment of it.

If you are ill this holiday season, know that Christmas brings hope.  It is the celebration of the birthday of Jesus which is a reminder of what life is really about - goodness, peace, love, and the hope of Heaven.  Encourage that hope within yourself.  It might disappoint in this life but I promise that it comes with a pain-free guarantee in the next.  

If you are reading this this holiday season, know that I am thankful for you.  The holiday's are beautiful due to your help in the sparkle.  

Wishing you only the best wishes.

Love, Eliz