8 Things to Make Life Easier

Ive always appreciated a life that is full of efficiency and effectiveness.  It is in my life mission statement (I'm such a nerd).  So why MS makes life more challenging with the amount of energy it takes to do things, it also challenges me to find new ways to make life easier.  Which I secretly love. 

Finding things that make life easier also leaves time to be doing more of the things you love.  We only have a certain amount of time; being efficient and effective doesnt mean to run through life faster.  It means to be able to have more time to enjoy the life your living and the people in it.  

Here are 8 things that I have found that make my life easier (and in some ways, even more cost efficient!!)

1. Lists

Yes, the ever loving making of lists.  We love lists: grocery lists, guest lists, who's our favorite celebratory lists.  Lists, though simple, hold so much power.

By writing something down, you are more likely to remember it.  It also helps to organize thoughts.  Head running in a 1000 different directions?  Write it down.  The focus ability will return.

Every evening I make a to-do list for the next day.  Some lists remain on the to-do list for a few weeks and that is ok.  When I wake up, my day is already "organized" and I am less likely to forget something or be stressing about something I waited to do last minute.  

This is also a relaxing method.  I write my to-do life list down in the early evenings so then I can relax for the rest of the day/night.  I dont stress about any items; if something pops up, I put it on the list and put it out of my head till tomorrow.  I leave the stress and anxiety of the day ahead on the paper.  

2. Eos Lip Balm

I know what you're thinking...how can a lip balm make my life easier?  Let me show you the ways...

First, they are adorable, unique and fun!  Using them is very posh.  

Second, they are extremely easy to find.  Chapsticks or lip glosses can so easily get lost in the bottom of a purse, fall out in the car, just disappear in its entirely for no reason.  However these balms are large enough in size (and what else do you put in your purse that is egg shaped?) that they can easily be sought out.  

Third, the balm gives an excellent glossy look without the "hair stuck on lips due to wind" dilemma.  

Fourth, they do an excellent job of moisturizing, meaning you have to use it less.  

3. Vaseline Spray and Go

Lotion has so many benefits in itself: it helps tans last longer, skin looking healthier, have to shave less.  So when Vaseline made a spray and go lotion, I was very excited to try it.  And it does not disappoint!  

 It goes on very easily, rubs in wonderfully and dries quickly so you can be on your way!  I have noticed that I do go through a bottle faster than I would a normal lotion bottle but for me the time saved is worth it.

4. Nail Time

I may go without make-up, I may go without doing my hair but I am never seen without my nails done.  Since before I could write, my Grandma Martin taught me to paint my nails.  And it has stuck these 20 plus years. 

Painting one's nails is very time consuming however.  I have gone all the routes in the salon: gel, acrillics, fancy manicure.  But they add up in $$ after a while.  

After much trail and error, I have found the perfect ingredient list for long lasting nail polish with no chips.  I can paint my nails personally and have the color last for a week or more (a true accomplishment!).

Here are my secrets:

-Nail bonder- the most needed first step.  This is what salons use (hence why salon manicures often last longer).  This is different from a base coat.  A base coat preps the nail by making a flat surface.  A bonder does exactly what it says: it helps to bind the color polish to the nail.  You can find a nail bonder either online or at a make-up store (Sallys, Ulta, etc).  It also dries very quick.

 (This is the best quality nail bonder I have ever used.  Highly suggest.)

-One to two coats of a nail polish.  It can be challenging for me to hold the nail brush at times.  I've found that the smaller, mini-sample bottles are perfect.  Plus, unless you use the same color weekly, a full bottle of nail polish will most likely expire before you use the whole bottle.  The little bottles are  cheaper and much more easier to use. 

-It is important to let the color nail polish completely dry before putting a top coat on; if not, this will lead to smudges.  I've used a personal UV light, fans, quick dry...but the most effective way I've found to help nails dry is after a few minutes to run them under cold water (or put them in a bowl of cold water).  This speeds up the drying process splendidly!

-Top Coat - instead of using an actual top coat, I use a nail strengthener.  It dries faster while still providing the shine and is good for the nail!  

-Every two-three days I do an extra coat of the nail strengthener.  This provides shine the whole manicure length.  Ive had many people ask if the color is gel/shellac; nope, its my nail strengthener.

5. Eyebrow razer

Whoever thought of these was genius!  Eyebrows are the death of me.  No matter how I get them done (wax, plucking, threading, etc), they start growing back immediately.  

These razors are so perfect for a quick re-boost of eyebrow power, allowing you to go longer in between eyebrow shaping days.  They also work great on peach fuzz. 

6. Neosporin

This is my secret weapon.  I have been fortunate enough to not have acne however no matter what my age, a pimple will pop up at the most inconvient time.  

I've tried almost every acne "on the spot" medicine and yet neosporin has the cure.  It makes sense, being that it helps with foreign objects in the skin (essentially what a pimple is).

 

I dab a little on top of the freshly clean skin and within a few hours, it's looking better.  I also use it as a preventive tool if I feel a pimple coming on or if there is an event approaching. 

This works great because I'm not a fan of the daily task of levels of make-up (primer, concealer, foundations, etc).  Im much more a powder, mascara and go type of girl.  This helps the process.

7. Hair Oil

When I first got sick, I used the time as an opportunity to re-vamp my hair's health; I used less heat, less products and more care.  And I'm very happy with where it has gotten me!

Happy, healthy hair means a lot of things: easier to manage, less time doing your hair, opportunity to let it air dry and go on with life.  Happy hair means happy life!

One of the most valuable things I have found on the road to happy hair is hair oil.  I've tried many different brands but this one is my favorite.  

It can go on wet or dry hair, great for the in-between shampoo days.  It also doesnt leave hair oily or heavy.  It is very light, refreshing and it smells wonderful!  

8. Organization

It can be challenging to go from chaos to organization.  However, I can guarantee that once you are there, it makes life so much easier.

Organization doesnt always mean spotless or spacious.  Organization means that things have a home and you can find that home when needed easily.  

 (it looks hectic but I know exactly where everything is. #prostatus)

Some tricks I've discovered to help with organization:

-Containers.  From shoe boxes to baskets, containers are a great way to organize items according to their "family" while also having them accessible and in many ways "cute".  I have all my medicine for example in one basket.  When I have to go someplace, I just pack the whole basket.  Easy!

-Closets.  It is so easy to just stuff things in the closet and forget about it.  Until you need that item.  Instead, organize your clothes by item (pants, shirts, dresses) - this helps in planning outfits too.  Do the same with shoes.  It may seem like more work to have to put things in their right order but eventually with time it will become second nature.

-Trash it.  Everything to me has value - money value, sentimental value, "Im going to need this someday" value.  My rule of thumb is if I havent used it in 1 year, then I probably wont be needing it in the next year.  This goes for everything: jewelry, make-up, products (granted, some expire shorter than a year), clothes, shoes, purses.  Some items can be donated or sold used; but others just need to be trashed.  

-Stick with it.  Once you have things organized, do your best to make sure it stays that way.  Granted, there will be days that nothing will be organized.  But it helps when you put yourself in the habit of hanging up your purse, putting the mail the mail bin, putting the book away, etc.  Practice makes perfect.

Organization truly is the mother of all tricks to making life easier.  It makes life more efficient, your time more effective and it has its cost advantages (its easier to not have to re-buy things when you can find them instantly).    

So there you have it...8 life tricks according to this MS sparkler.  Do you have an life tricks?  If so, share!  I'm all about the life is easy road!

Have a fabulous day!

Love, 

PS: My sister is getting married in just a few weeks!! Cant wait to share all the wonderful and beautiful things for the fabulous day, especially those created by my mom.

My job is to make sure the puppies are ready.  Sputnik is very excited about his new tux.  Can you blame him?  He looks so GQ.

 

0 to 100 to crash - A Step-by-Step How to Sparkle Style

The first lesson taught to new MS sparklers is that if you push yourself too hard, it wont do you any good.  You will crash and pay for it.  

Pace yourself.  The steady one wins the race.

That is a great lesson.  And one that should be heard, learned and practiced.

However, after spending two months in bed, this lesson might not be the first one that comes to mind.

Hence, 0 to 100 to crash - A step-by-step how to Sparkle Style

Step 1: Go to Plasma Exchange.  Never stop finding the ironic theme of blood and Team Edward.

Step 2: Head home and give yourself a Vitamin B injection.  Receive a really funny card, flowers and gifts.  Laugh.  All while actually doing your hair (first time in months).

Step 3: Celebrate your bff's graduation with his MBA at the ol' Burgatory, surrounded by his family and friends.  Enjoy every moment of it.

Step 4. Reconnect with an old friend for a Starbucks.  Share thoughts, tears and be given roses.

Step 5. Celebrate your wonderful mother on Mother's day.  (She's pretty awesome).  Attend mass, go see Iron Man 3 (so good), give her a funny card.  

Know you are lucky to be a mom to the best puppy Sputnik, who gets you and his "gma" Blake Shelton tickets.  Also, send good wishes to your wonderful Grandma in Colorado.  

Step 6. Crash.  Be thankful that you were even able to have a weekend as such and then spend the next 48 hours or so in bed.  

Step 7. Go to hospital for 4th Plasma Exchange. Tell your nurse that your veins are rough and to be nice and have her not listen.  Have the nice nurse come to the rescue and find a better vein, all while having your so thought clotted vein explode and blood go everywhere.  

Step 8. Go back to bed.  Be thankful for what you have.  Know that you are getting better, even if slowly.  Drink a Starbucks.  Text a friend.  Hope.

Hope you all enjoyed your weekends and Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful mothers!!

Love,

The Severity of my MS is Helping the Economy.

My mom homeschools the three youngest brothers who are at home (although they particpate in a lot of public school activities...they have the best of both worlds...said from the girl who went to public high school).

Each day one of the brothers picks a "word of the day" from a SAT Word Book and it is then written on a board on the wall.  Each time a person uses the new word in a sentence gets to put a nickle in the "Chick-fi-la" bucket, which will eventually be used for a dinner out on the town.  #wesofancy

Severity is one of the first words I saw when I got home from the hospital today.  Nickel for me!

Yes, the severity of my Multiple Sclerosis case is keeping the Multiple Sclerosis Department at UPMC, my Doctors, health insurance and many drug companies in business.  While I'd much rather be keeping businesses like Massage Envy, Clinique, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren (to name a few) in business, I am helping the economy.  #silverlining

As most of you know if you've followed the past couple of posts from The Sparkled Life, the past few weeks have been not fun, at all.  I've been very sick.

What thought was a pseudo-relapse due to stress actually turned into a blood result that came back with anti-bodies showing that my body was rejecting Tysabri.  Tysabri was the infusion that we had so much hope in, especially since it helped with lesions in the brain, my curse.  But, my body decided no.

The problem with this story is the blood result came back just hours after I had my April infusion.  So I've suffered the past however long with a drug in my body I'm allergic to.  No wonder its been ugly.

Interruption:

Remember when I mentioned that one Thursday when I went to the hospital and it was a day that made it on to the Top 5 worst in my MS career?  Well, what made it qualify was an "administrative" problem that occurred between my health insurance and switching to COBRA.  

I was assured that there would be no lapse however, once arriving at the hospital, we quickly discovered this was not the case.  And it was due to an "administrative" problem.  Please excuse me while I have trust issues with insurance companies, brokers and the like.  

This rant comes full circle.  For this "administrative problem" caused a 24 hour delay in all blood-work and testing.  A precious 24 hours that cost me being infused with a drug that I'm allergic to but didnt know because of the hour lapse in the blood-work results.  

Thank you insurance company and brokers, kindly.  

So today.  I first must say, I really appreciate my MS specialist doctor.  He is very smart and he really cares about me.  Before, yes, I might have been just an "interesting" case but now, after all our meetings, I've become a patient he just wants to be "boring" as he puts it.  He wants me to get better.  

And today, as he started his notes, he said "Let's talk MS long-term..." and trailed off in thought.  Coming back, he said in an under the breath kind of a way, "usually we dont have this talk until much later".  Usually, Tysabri is the right answer.  Usually, its a good right answer.  But my body, strongly, said no.

So here's the summary:

My body didnt take to Rebif (thus the entire class of interferons); my body is allergic to Tysabri.  Not many options left.

However, a new and positive drug has JUST come out on the market and is an oral tablet and has promising results.  Further encouragement to share my story, to create MS awareness.  This tablet was only approved a few weeks ago.  And here I am, in need of a new medicine, a stepping stone before I turn to the high risks of such medicines as chemo.  

I dont like that I have MS.  But I can see that God is using the awareness, The Sparkled Life, for good.  Let this be the proof.

So, we will wait the weeks it takes to get a high cost drug approved my health insurances (blah) and then we will have hope that I will eventually go into remission.

In the meantime........

My "I hate steroids and life right now face".  And yes, I wear that sweater a lot.  Its the perfect go-to from Ralph Lauren.

I'm still suffering from pain, tremors, the usual.  Even though I swore of steriods forever, we are giving it "one more shot".  But a short one.  3 days of steroid infusions and then no taper.  After that, depending on how I'm doing, we will discuss Plasma Exchange.  

I have a feeling this route also has to do something to do with health insurances and drug companies.  I wont digress on that.  That and the fact there arent really any other options for relief.

So...beware world.  Steroids make me very.....emotional.  And you gain weight no matter what you try or not try.

My steroid photo-shoot...1, how I really feel face, 2, Mom forcing me to smile, 3, Laughing because we're having a photo shoot in an infusion center, 4, the ugly steroids.

They've already kicked in.  Coming home from the hospital Mom had the pleasure to hear my piece on Pittsburgh drivers.  When stopping at Trader Joe's (for my favorites and roses...gotta love Mom), I even let a person who was staring at me in the old person motor cart, arm bandage and overall "I'm sick" appearance know "its so cool to stare".  I'm pretty sure I saw a smile.  Or at least that's how I'm telling the story.

The many faces of steroids.  Am I being dramatic?  No, they really do make me cray.

The next two days of steriods will actually be done in house (#princesstreatment).  They'll set up an IV infusion center and I'll just chill with the traveling nurse for an hour or so.  And we checked ahead of time, insurance covers this.

Ending words:

• There is always a silver lining.  You just have to look for it.
• I havent had steroids since having the disability of dysarthria (my speech disability).  So this should be interesting...how the words come out.
• Pray for my family...they will need it.
• Help create MS Awareness and do not give up hope.  
• Hope.  I believe in such a little word SO hard and only can remain optimistic that it believes in me as well.  I need it to.  

You all are wonderful.  Fellow MS Sparklers, MS Sparkler Supporters, random readers who stumble across....thank you.  Be thankful for your health.  Hope daily for continued sparkle. 

Love always, Eliz

PS: I woke up to bed head silly puppy this morning.  I love him.

A turning of the page....

Life is full of chapters, new and old, good and bad, short and long.  Living is turning the pages in them, writing the destiny of the following chapters.

13 months ago to the day my life book was forced to change not only chapters but subjects, dreams, desires, routes.  13 months ago I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

When people see me with my cane or in my wheel-chair, they ask "What happened?", with sympathetic faces and/or concern, expecting a "simple" answer of a car accident, a fall, a mistake on the stairs.  

As I reply "I was diagnosed with MS", their faces go from concerned to confused.  Because usually you dont see many people diagnosed with MS in the state that I am.  They suffer yes but many get to continue on their same path.  I do not.

There have been two occurances in the past few days that have caused me to question "what the heck am I doing in life?"

 (My "uhhhh" face.  Yes I take pictures to document my emotions.  It's all part of the sparkled life.)

1. My first MS symtpom, the one that led me to the hospital 13 months ago was the loss of feeling/sensation in my feet/legs.  To this day I do not have sensation in my feet.  They are continiously swollen and ugly looking.  

Due to this, I had to give up my guilty but lovely pleasure of wearing wonderful heels.  And, since I had quite a closet of heels, I ended up selling all my beautiful shoes.  We've come to the end of that chapter...I've sold my last pair of heels.

 (My last pair of heels and my not so beautiful feet)

Its ironic because the last pair of heels Ive sold were actually the last pair I purchased before being diagnosed.  I never even got the opportunity to wear them.  They were very extravagent, felt with fur edges.  How could you not love them?

Now they are gone.  Some other woman, size 10, will break them in for me.  And I hope she wears them with pride.  I hope they bring her good luck and many good travels.

Turning page #1...goodbye beautiful high shoes.

2. After much guidance, thought and prayer, the decision has been made for me to go onto Government Disability.  

Of course I procrastinated as long as I could on first, sharing this information (my pride) and two, applying because I didnt want to accept it. 

But over the weekend I completed my application.  My application to the Government that I, the girl who had dreams higher than the heavens, need's their help.  

It would only make the story oh so more interesting if I came across both my Bachelor of Arts and Masters in Business Administration Degrees the same weekend.  

 (I'm not sure how I lost my middle name in the between period of the degrees....)

My Bachelor of Arts years werent as dedicated however I did complete my program in three years while simultaneously working my political career (as mentioned earlier here).  

My Masters however I was more dedicated.  I finished the program also earlier than a full time student would (I like being quick and efficient in school items :D).  I worked full time as an Admissions Counselor during the day then spent my nights in the building next door learning the powers of Business.  I fell in love.  

I had the pleasure of being voted "Top Leader in the class" and "Best to work for", two items I take highly considering those who voted.  

The funny thing about all this is I never walked across a stage for either of these degrees, both due to graduating early.  And now, I cant even walk across a stage without assistance.  

I will frame these degrees, to remind myself that though I may be on disability and I may be limited by Multiple Sclerosis, I've accomplished so much.  To remind myself that at my core, I'm that same girl, disability or not.  

Turning page #2...defined by disability status.

These are two significant turning pages, two significant chapter turns.  It's hard to let go of things in life, it's even harder to deal with the things you've lost when you had no control over losing it.  

And as I approach new chapters of my life and my Multiple Sclerosis sparkle story, especially the upcoming ones, I hope the strength I felt while wearing my oh so extravagant heels and while establishing a strong educational business profile continues.  

I pray I can find strength in what I have lost in the hope of investing it in the things I can still achieve in my future. 

I've said it before but I'll preach it again...take nothing for granted.  From your shoes to your education, everything in life is a gift.  And should be treated as such.  Yes, there will be days in which "everything" doesnt feel like a gift but rather a very heavy burden.  But then, the ability to even carry that burden is a gift.  

Always a silver lining.  Never stop looking for it.

Love, Eliz

(PS: Today I wore a blazer.  This might not seem like a big deal but I had sworn of blazers one by one after being diagnosed, reminding me too much of my past Business Professional Career.  But today I wore one.  Proudly.)

("Mom, why do you have to show everyone my bad hair day?" Sputnik. Love him)

PS: Mom is healing and doing better each day!  Thankful for everyone's positivism towards her healing.