July 2016 Topbox Review

TopBox has been more of a Hit & Miss lately - but I am still wooed by at least 2 or 3 of my monthly samples, so I'm sticking with it.

Plus the joy on Gideon's face when he sees the Topbox Cardboard tube makes it worthwhile. We can both enjoy Topbox in different ways!

July's box includes products from BareMinerals, Revlon Professional, St. Tropez, and Clinique.

BareMinerals

Marvelous Moxie Lipstick

Creamy, super-saturated, ultra-pigmented color glides on like butter for full coverage in a rich satin finish  0.12 oz  $23.54  Available at bareescentuals.com, sephora.com

Lipsticks are a hit and miss – especially in a more lip gloss format.

I prefer a matte gloss for a) colour, and b) chapped lip prevention.  Husband prefers I wear no lipstick at all due to its normal sticky nature.

Marvelous Moxie’s Lipstick, however, is a pleasant surprise.  It applies smooth and evenly, and actually makes me lips “pop,” creating a fuller, healthier look.

I love the light pink colour – it’s not too pink and looks sort of natural.  Heck, I even kissed Husband this morning and he didn’t complain about me wearing “goop” on my lips (the reason I rarely wear lipstick – kisses are more important than lipstick).

I am able to drink my coffee without leaving residue on my cup, and it lasts about 5 or 6 hours before I feel the need to reapply it.

Overall, I am happy with this lipstick – winner (gagne!)!

 

Revlon Professional

UniqOne Lotus Hair Treatment

Repair treatment for dry and damaged hair. Smoothing, Regeneration, Color protection, Sun protection, Detangling, Shine and Heat protection.  150 mL  $17.18  Find a professional salon near you at Uniq-One.com, Trade Secrets & Chatters

I was not 100% sure what this hair treatment was at first, but I use it as a touch up spray after styling

It is a yummy coconut smelling spritz, and the liquid is actually thicker than I originally anticipated, hence brushing after application is a must in order to ensure residue didn’t remain clumped up in my fine hair.

I did try to use it as a detangler, but found my normal detangler was more effective – hence why I pretty much used this to make my hair smell like pretty coconut. It’s the perfect scent for summer, after all! 

For my thin hair, I did not feel I reaped benefits from this Lotus Hair Treatment, and more than 2 or 3 spritzes weighed my hair down enough that I had no choice but to wear my hair in a ponytail or braid.

For thicker hair, I am sure it will have better results!

ST. TROPEZ

GRADUAL TAN TINTED BODY LOTION

For an instant hint of bronze that illuminates the skin. Gradually builds to create a healthy sunkissed glow for instant skin perfecting coverage to blur imperfections.  200 mL  $39.26  Available at StTropezTan.com

I have never used a tanning lotion before as I generally go from pasty white to red burn and slather on so much sun screen every hour that I create a cocoon of sun protection. 　

I did have a nice base this year thanks to cycling, so this tanning cream has come in handy in covering up the pasty whiteness from my wrists to fingers, where my cycling gloves protect me fully from any tanning or sun. 　

It blends in quite nicely with a small amount in order to create a seamless blend from my arm tan to white hands, making my tan line less noticeable. 　

Once dried, it does not rub off on my clothing, and I generally only apply it when I know I won't be in a sweaty work out situation afterwards to prevent bleeding into my clothes. 　

It has no odour, and does not make my skin look fake or orange like some self tanners I have seen. 　

I don't feel I would go out of my way to apply a tanner once this is done, but I definitely like the fact that it makes my glove line disappear.

Clinique

Pep-Start™ Eye Cream

A pep rush for eyes. Just 3 seconds to look wide awake, refreshed. Hydrates, brightens, perks you up. Its cool touch and de-puffing tip help keep eyes looking fresh.  0.5 oz  $34.66  Available at clinique.com, sephora.com

I am generally exhausted, and my eyes show it more some days than others. 　

This eye cream helps a little bit, but is not a miracle cream (nothing will make me look totally alert). 　

It does help take away some of the puffiness and hides the small smile lines at the sides of my eyes (and mouth smile lines too!). 　

It's a light white cream, and a dab on either side of the eyes provides full coverage underneath and at the side of my eyes. 　

The container I have should last me for quite some time based on the minimal amount required.　

It does not do anything my alternative eye creams do, so at double the price, Clinique has not sold me on their cream.
*******
Conclusion:
July's Topbox was a winner, with some products I may not necessarily go out of the way for, but which added a nice touch to my normal beauty regime.  

Meal Prepping Lifestyle Continues...

So we are almost 2 months into meal prepping.

And I've actually been exercising less because my bike spokes broke 3 times in a period of a month - twice after a full truing job by Bushtaka - who overtightening the spokes, causing my rim to bend after the first ride, and another broken spoke 4 rides after that.

And because we aren't made of money, the wheel budget means I ordered a new set of wheels ($40 more than just one wheel because they were 50% off and just made more sense) from England.  I can't wait until we get the new wheels installed (hopefully) this weekend.  I am SO itching to bike.

I really have to get back into the Beachbody workout groove - it's hard to get back into when you've been doing a totally different kind of exercise and are feeling a bit blah.

So despite this slump, I've gone down a pant size AND a solid 19 pounds.

19 pounds.

Just by meal prepping.

How crazy is that??

I'm 4 pounds from what I thought was an unattainable weight goal.  So I will go back with my original weight goal that I had at the beginning of my lifestyle change from October 2014.

I feel we didn't eat crappy before this, but meal prepping means portion sizes, no lazy weeknight take out food when I don't feel like cooking, and feeling full all the time thanks to lots of protein.

I am fitting back into old pants that used to be too tight - and my previous sausage legs are actually drowning in material.  Jeans that were not too tight, but flattering are now blowing in the wind and sagging as my caboose and thighs have shrunk.

Husband even commented that I'm getting my thigh gap back again.

These were tight and NOT loose at all at the beginning of May 2016

It's weird.

I've been working out consistently since October 2014 and have never seen such rapid progress.  I was stuck at one weight for months and months before we started food prepping.

I spend time on Pinterest each week looking at new 21 Day Fix and Beachbody meal plan ideas, and put together 4 meals (2 lunches and 2 dinners).  I use one or two meals that we have enjoyed before, and the remainder are new.

So I do get lost in the Pinterest Vortex a lot more often now that I have in the past. It's hard to escape.

My Hard Core Meal Prep ideas are here if you would like to follow.  I do delete recipes once I go through the links that have a multitude of recipes (and I only add the specific recipes we want to or have tried), or ones that just didn't taste good despite following the recipes.

I treat Pinterest like my email and keep it as organized as possible.

Not getting bored and having variety in menus is VERY important to our success, as I need to keep this interesting for longevity.

Honestly, if I could meal prep forever(or until we win the lottery and have a chef), I would.

By following step by step instructions for the first 3-4 weeks, I gained the confidence to just choose our own recipes based on what meat is on sale, or cravings.

I mean. We can have Shepherds Pie, Jambalaya, Shrimp, Fajitas, and more.  It's generally tasty, extremely filling, and obviously doing something for us.

See what we've been eating!

Breakfast does not vary - now we just have a fruit bowl & homemade oatmeal packs (stinky egg at Husband's work is not happening)

Stir Fry

Thai Chicken and Veggies

Veggies, Chicken, Meat loaf, Shepherds Pie

I usually cover this whole table by the end of prep day - this is half the table.

More veggies and Squash

Pasta broccoli chicken casserole, more Meatloaf, More Veggies

Last week we had stuffed peppers, fish, stir fry, lots of veggies.

So you can eat healthy and delicious foods all week long, spend 2-3 hours of your weekend prepping all the meals for the week, have a lot more spare time during the week, and enjoy life a lot more. Weight loss and energy is just a perk.

Before food prep...

One Month after food prep

Downsize Jeans last week!

Really Late Topbox May 2016 Review

I've been so busy being bombarded with business request reviews that I finally have a moment to sit down and review my May 2016 Topbox!

For $12 ($13.56 with tax)CAD a month, get a surprise make up sample kit from Topbox - includes at least 1 full sized product and 3 generous sample sized beauty products.

The 16th of each month is exciting for me and Gideon, as I get the goodies inside the Cardboard tube, and Gideon gets the cardboard tube - he normally can't wait for me to take the products and plastic ends off before stealing his monthly prize away!

May's box was the last one to include a physical product card, as they are now just sending the descriptions via email to be more eco friendly (and cost effective).

I also have no idea where my pictures went, so stock pictures we go!

Novex - Novex Brazilian Keratin Deep Conditioning Hair Mask 
After washing your hair with your shampoo, apply Novex Brazilian Keratin Deep Conditioning Hair Mask onto your hair, massage it gently, and leave it on the 15 minutes.  Rinse well and remove excess water.  Finish as desired. Also use as a Conditioner with 3 minutes application for a daily care.  

414 ml $8.99 Available at NovexHairCare.com

I am usually hesitant about deep conditioners for my hair.  My hair is long, fine, thin, and straight.

This conditioner had a nice light tropical scent, and is a medium thickness for a conditioner.

To use after shampooing, scoop your fingers in the container, and cover your entire hair, and I leave it on long enough to do the rest of my shower things (like cleansing and shaving legs).

I'm not standing in the shower for 15 minutes for a super deep conditioning - who has time for that?

It leaves my hair feeling slightly smooth and greasy, but not as bad as some other deep conditioners I have tried in the past.  It does seem to give a boost of shine and health to my hair, So I use this once a week and just wear my hair in a pony tail to make it less evident.

For thicker hair, I'm sure this is a fabulous hair healer at a great price!

The FaceShop - Collagen Pomegranate Pack

Nourishes skin and improves its elasticity.  Its light texture quickly penetrates to firm and revitalize skin.

30ml $15 Available in stores and online at theFaceShop.ca

I miss that the Face Shop closed down late winter this year (and the following store has also closed after only a few months) in the mall across from my office.  I love their face masks, and TopBox has introduced me to quite a few different Face Shop products.  I'm not willing to drive through the maze of the Bayshore Shopping Centre's new illogical parking lot to go to that location either.

I received the full sized version of this cream.  It has a very light scent that is non offensive, and doesn't linger.

It is a light to medium thickness cream, and literally two dabs cover my entire face.

Obviously wash your face first - especially if you have worn makeup throughout the day.

I always rub it in a circular motion to increase circulation. It dries rather quickly.

Unlike other products that I have used in the past that tighen my face, this doesn't seem to do that - it does, however, leave my face feeling soft and moisturized.  So it failed me on the tightening part. so maybe that's the revitalizing part?

I am unsure if I would purchase it again - it is less expensive than some other night creams, but I feel fell flat on what it promised.  I have pretty good skin for my age, and did not see any improvements (but also did not see any regression), so it did keep my slowly aging skin at a stand still.

PurLisse - BB Tinted Moist Cream SPF30

This beauty balm glides on like tinted moisturizer and has all the age defying coverage, sunscreen benefits of a foundatin and BB cream!  Its formula will soothe your skin while locking in moisture to create a gorgeous, glowing complexion.

10ml $12.55  Available at Purlisse.com

This is a light cream that requires very little for full coverage.  It does not, however, cover up the redness I get in my cheeks, but does blend in beautifully.  I don't look like I am wearing any foundation at all!

I do wear my normal moisturizer underneath, however, it also works well without regular moisturizer.

The colour matched my skin perfectly and I only required a small dab on each cheek and forehead before blending it in with my fingers in a circular motion.

If I compare it with my CoverGirl, price point wise, I would go CoverGirl, just for the fact that it covers my redness and is a bit thicker (covering any other imperfections).


Maybe if the Pur-Lisse cream was slightly thicker, it would be worth the extra cost.

Morgan Taylor - Professional Nail Lacquer

It's whats inside that counts.  Inspired by luminous perals, raw gems, semi-precious stones, glimmering silvers, and radiant gold all drawn from the earth.  All pigments are saturated, pure, and finely milled for luminous metallics, never before seen shimmers, decadent cremes, stunning sheers, and more glistening glitters.

15ml $15.83

I received the "Hot Hot Tamale" colour - less dramatic than the Emerald Green colour I received from them last time.

This polish isn't as clean to apply as my Sally Hansen (the brush is straight vs curved), but goes on nicely in two coats.

It does, unfortunately, chip easily, and pics up dirt that seems to stick to it like glue.  I don't recommend using this polish before going camping, to the beach, or anywhere that dirt may be.  Even if you apply it a few days beforehand!

I would like to try one of their glitters (I LOVE glittery nail polish), but so far it's colours I can't wear alone (I wear the green with turquoises) or that I don't have 10 shades of (pink to red).

For the price point, there are better alternatives. It certainly does not stay on any longer than the other polishes I use, despite having lush rich colour choices.

Meal Planning 1-Doh!-1

So, as part of my Beachbody Programs, they always come with a meal plan for optimal results.  Which I promptly ignore, and go about our normal healthy-ish diet and last minute mish mash dinners of whatever is in the fridge after a long day at work, and the exact same lunches every-single-day because I run out of time in the morning.

Even making a 3 minute smoothie before leaving for work can be a catastrophe some mornings.

Yes - I could make these things the night before...but it never happens. There are too many other fun things to do after work. Like biking, reading, or Netflix.

So, Husband exclaimed a few weeks ago that we should hone in our diets so we can gain optimal biking results.

Thank you, Pinterest and Beachbody for giving me full meal plans for 5 days.  5 days good wholesome nutrition, 2 days, try our best to eat well, with the occasional poutine slip-up.  Poutine *is* Protein and Carbs though, so you really can't exclude it from the weekly diet plan.

So, Week 1, I prepped a Meal Plan designed for the 22 Minute Hard Corps (1200-1500 level) to see how easy it was.

These are the ingredients

I scoured our freezer for meat substitutions (use what we have first), and had to make two trips to ensure I had all the ingredients.

3.5 hours lately (90 minute prep time - my behind!), it was done.  I feel I was so slow because I was also reusing dishes and cleaning them in-between.

I made 10 breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and cut up vegetables for easy snacking (with hummus on the side to encourage fullness and give some yummy taste to the veggies).  I'm SO glad we recently got a slew of extra lunch containers a few weeks ago, as these came in VERY handy.

Organized food!

I have also found it really difficult lately to motivate myself to cook or get lunches ready.  I don't know how many days in a row I had chili for lunch.  It's yummy and nutritious (I make it and freeze it in big batches), but change is good.  Heck, I work in an industry where it's constantly changing! 

I also enjoy trying new recipes, so this meal planning this is up my alley.  

P

The 22 Minute Hard Corps Meal Plan Menu:

Breakfast: Spinach Egg Cups with Steel Cut Oats and 1 cup sliced strawberries

Shakeology Snack: Shakeology with 1 cup frozen raspberries or ½ banana and 2 tsp. nut butter

Lunch (M/W/F): Sesame Chicken with Asparagus

Lunch (T/Th): Quinoa Shrimp Cocktail

Dinner (M/W/F): Bison and Broccoli Stir Fry

Dinner (T/Th): Grilled Turkey Lettuce Wrap

Snacks: 8 walnuts sprinkled with cinnamon and cayenne or hummus with lettuceretty healthy meals!

Here`s my take on week 1:

Breakfast:  I don`t like spinach, but thought this egg recipe would be acceptable. Nope - it was so awful I ended up giving it to the birds; the oatmeal and strawberries were good though!

Husband enjoyed the egg muffins better once he added salt and pepper.

Lunches: I enjoyed both and they were quite filling!

Husband missed out on the Shrimp Salad, which I found was a nice change - filling, yet super healthy.

Dinners: These were also both quite tasty.  I substituted the bison with ground beef we already had in the freezer, and added in veggies and just used ground turkey for the turkey and lettuce wraps.  I am not pretending to eat a burger with lettuce buns.

Conclusion:

The directions are straight forward, and I can do what I love best - multi task!  While one thing is cooking, I'm prepping something else, and at the end, we have 30 meals. And save at least an hour every day in time.  And have a healthy dinner ready in 1 minute (heating time) when we get back from cycling after work.

I LOVE the free time after and before work - it has relieved a lot of anxiety and stress.

There isn`t old food in the fridge going to waste, and it definitely saves while grocery shopping. I like having lists and direction, so this makes Systic happy.

I do not say this anymore! 

We both lost a few pounds each, and were full all day long.  If we snacked, veggies and hummus was suffice.

Week 2 was a slight disaster with a Quinoa and Egg casserole - it was so dry and blech - these pucks just went into the garbage.  I admitted it was awful before Husband sighed in relief that he felt it was equally awful.  The lunches and dinners were delightful, however - and only a few substitutions were made with items we already had.

Week 3 I am going to prep today - PREP DAY SUNDAYS!

We have discussed breakfast, and are going with one egg muffin, oatmeal, and fruit.  I`m going to go with the original 21 Day Fix Egg muffin recipe that I used briefly last summer to get more protein into our diets.

And I`m going to use rice and tofu in the Turkey & Cauliflower rice recipe - again - we want to eat healthy, but not compromise taste.  Gagging down healthy food that just doesn`t taste good will not promote longevity of this plan and our health goals.

The rest of the meals are acceptable, and should taste divine!

For anyone wanting to cut down their grocery budget, time spent cooking every day, or meet fitness goals, this whole meal planning thing really IS all it`s cracked up to be!

Just do it!

My Topbox Review - April 2015

April's Topbox was full of some new products from companies I have not tried in the past.

For $12 a month, you get 4-5 beauty product samples (one is usually full size), either a surprise or chosen brand box.

OFRA Cosmetics - Lipliner

Water resistant pencil suitable for the most sensitive eye & lip areas.  Created with a synthetic beeswax base for a smooth, soft and long lasting application.

1.13g $17.25.  Available at OFRAcosmetics.com 

I don't use lip liner, so this is another eye liner to add to my collection.  

Initially, I found the tip quick sharp the first few applications, but it is getting better with use.

I use it with light pink and beige/cream eye shadow as a change from my normal black eye liner. 

It doesn't leave residue on my lower brow like some other eye liners, so that in itself makes it a decent product. 

PUR-Lisse - Blue Lotus 4-in-11 Eye Adore Serum

Apply day and night, using your ring finger, lightly tap (to reduce tugging) a small pump of serum around eye area.  

15ml $65.  Available at Shop.Purlisse.com

This eye cream is a medium thickness that requires very little to cover the under, side, and lower parts of the eye skin.  

After using this for almost a month, I've barely gone through 1/3 of the sample bottle.

It has a light scent to it, but nothing irritating.  

It dries quickly, and I can definitely see the fine lines around my eyes diminish after application.

If it weren't for the price point, I would definitely add this to my regular skin care routine!

Orofluido - Beauty Elixir

For all hair types, with a pure luxuriance that envelops your hair.  Three organic natural oils in an equisite mixture with a pleasant silky texture, that absorbed rapidly, leaving no residue in the hair.  

25ml $17.81.  Find a salon near you at Orofluido.com

Normally hair oils don't like my hair, leaving it lank and greasy looking.  My hair is thin and long - not a good combination with oil.  

This mixture has a lovely sweet scent - which covered up a shampoo/conditioner combination I'm currently reviewing (and don't like the smell of). 

I put about 3 globs of the thick oil in my hair ends, and brush it throughout my hair for even distribution. 

It leaves my hair looking healthier and swooshy - whether or not I have time to blow dry it in the morning.

I would definitely incorporate this into my beauty regime once this is finished. 

Lise Watier Cosmetiques Inc. - Sublimessence High Concentration Age-Defying Serum

Apply on clean skin, morning and night, before your regular skincare routine.  Smooth in gently all over face.  

28ml $84.  Available at The Bay, Sears, Shoppers Drug Mart, and LiseWatier.ca

This serum has a delicious scent that doesn't linger under the nose or on the skin.  

It is a thin-medium thickness serum, which requires a couple of finger fulls to cover my entire face.  In 2 weeks, the sample size was finished, therefore the full size would last less than 2 months.

It dries extremely quickly - in under a minute - leaving me a bit more time to get my skincare routine completed in an orderly and efficient manner.  

I haven't really noticed any difference from my normal serums, so it isn't much better than the $15-$20 serums I have from companies like Yalmeh and Garnier.

March TopBox Review!

I love my monthly Topbox Fix! 

For $12 a month, 4-5 beauty samples (one full sized) are sent to your doorstep.

I have a high satisfaction rate, and can usually spread out the samples to last until my next fix.

This month, Gideon was sad though:

Sad Gideon

Normally we opt for the thick cardboard tube option, so he gets all excited for the package.  He even recognizes it in the dark blue TopBox mailing envelope!  So normally we are both excited.  This month was "eco friendly" packaging month...so a tulle-type bag that we will never use vs cardboard tube that lasts the pups a week or two.

I think the tube is the eco-friendly option in our household!

Anyhoo - back to March's TopBox surprises.  As I normally opt for the plain Jane surprise box vs a brand-specific box.  I don't want to miss out on trying a new brand, something the brand-specific kits don't fully provide me with.

Mereadesso - Tinted All-In-One Moisturizer

Blend product into skin for a sheer, naturally glowing finish.  Apply more in areas where extra coverage is needed.

20ml for $48.  Available at shop1.Mereadesso.com

I really liked this sample package - the package itself.  Normally with tinted creams and cover-up type of products, there might be enough for one or two applications squeezed from the corner you ripped off with your teeth.  This package has a cool flap at the front that closes, and you press down to squeeze the cream onto the handy plastic palette underneath the flap.

The cream itself is a nice consistency and provides full coverage where I need it.  My face doesn't feel tight or greasy afterwards, and it dries pretty quickly.  You can also rub your face afterwards without any of the tint coming off on your fingers.

What I do NOT like.  The smell - it smells awful. This is unfortunate, as due to the scent, it overpowers the quality of the product, and I won't be replenishing it after my sample has been used up (2 weeks and it's still going strong!).

I just checked the Mereadesso site - and the "sample" I received is actually their travel package - and sells for $16 CAD! 

This again is one of the reason I vouch for monthly beauty packages - value for your money and products that get you thinking outside of the box!

MaskerAide - ALL EYES ON ME Hydrating Eye Gel Patches

Prepare under eye area by cleansing and toning your skin.  Open packet and remove eye gels from tray and remove protective film from both sides.  Apply to under eye area.  Both sides of eye gel can be used.  Relax for 15-20 minutes.  Remove eye gels and discard.  Use once per week as a treatment or as needed.

1 Box (4 pairs of Eye Gels) $25.  Available at MaskerAide.com

These eye gel patches made me feel like a reverse football player - with white patches under my eyes instead of black patches under their eyes (why do football players do this??). 

Once you get beyond the initial cold shock of the gel underneath your eyes, it's all good. 

The directions say to relax, but I just continued studying for my Risk Management Exam instead. 

After patch removal, my under eyes appeared to be less fatigued and not quite as zombie-like. 

I'd definitely try these again as part of my weekly "spoil myself" evenings where I use a face mask, do my nails, and have a soak in a bath full of homemade Lush-like bath bombs.

Nova Scotia Fisherman eXtreme Skin Care - Fisher-Mint

This bright refreshing Fisher-Mint lip balm is the perfect naturally fresh way to moisturize your dry winter lips.  Since all of the ingredients are natural, you can feel good about using it as many times a day as you would like.

9.9g for $4.95.  Available at NovaScotiaFisherman.com/retailers

This is one of my favourite Nova Scotia Fisherman products to date. 

The lip balm was normal sized (compared to their original Lip balm which is about 5 times the girth of a normal lip balm) and perfect to keep in my purse or pocket.  I always have lip balm with me, as my lips dry up quick easily - especially during the winter months.

This balm left my lips with a slight minty scent and felt not too sticky but not too drying.  It is just the right consistency that Husband will kiss me with it on and doesn't complain that I am wearing lip goo.

I love that this product is Canadian, supports our economy, and is made with fresh & natural ingredients.

Bliss - Triple Oxygen Energizing Vitamin C Day Cream

Infused with CPR Technology, and an advanced form of vitamin C to enhance skin's vitality and clarity, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles while intensely hydrating and protecting for a smooth, glowing complexion.

50ml for $75.77.  Available at BlissWorld.com

I have no idea what "CPR Technology" is - other than thinking it has something to do with oxygenating the skin?  Bringing it back to life? 

I absolutely LOVE the smell of this cream - it smells light and citrusy - and is quite invigorating first thing in the morning! 

The scent makes up for the funky Mereadesso smell.

I use it on top of my normal vitamin C serums, as this is the consistency of a moisturizer. It smooths on easily, and very little is required to cover my face.

I haven't noticed any difference in my fine lines or complexion, but that might also come from regularly using face creams and Vitamin C serums.  I guess I could say my wrinkles and complexion hasn't regressed - so anything that maintains or reduces fine lines is thumbs up in my world!

Chronic Fatigue in Me - There is Hope

I know a lot of my Posts relate to products - I'm helping the little businesses get their name out there.  I know how difficult marketing is from my Crystal's Bird Toys days - word of mouth really DOES get the most repetitive business (or at least that's what I encountered).

This post in about My ongoing 12+ year battle with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Something the majority of people just brush off or laugh off.

I can't count the number of mainstream doctors I've seen.  I've seen one homoeopathic "doctor" (she was only a few years into it, but I saw a glimmer of hope with her treatments).  And one Naturopathic Doctor (ND) who really helped me progress beyond Zombie stage 3 years ago.

Every single one of my friends, my in-laws, and the car at lunch have all encountered Systic falling asleep on their couches, on chairs, on the floor, against walls, and probably other random places.

When I stop, I drop. Or at least I used to.

My ND, however, was not cheap. And as great as my employers' benefit plan is, beyond the actual visit fee, Naturopathic remedies are not covered. I could manage this when I ran CBT - but after I closed shop, it became very anxiety driven as to where the extra $200-$300 a month would come from.

So I went from monthly visits to every 3 months, then 4, and finally not at all. I stalled out, my memory began fading again, my constant dizziness returned, and my sleep cycle worsened.

It's not as bad as it was 3 years ago - I can work out daily, and am not a walking zombie. I don't feel I'm as grumpy as I used to be either.

I really do try to stay positive - like unicorns, sparkles, and Jazz Hands!

c/o play.google.com

Not stopping + positive thinking = better frame of mind.

Then my accident in September happened, and my mainstream doctor ignored me yet again (about my pain and injury totally unrelated to CFS), and I ended up in the emergency room two days later.

Husband once again asked his newish family doctor if he would take me on as a patient. Husband likes his doctor - he listens and seems to actually care. For Husband to recommend someone - they MUST be good!

I finally mustered up the energy to fill in the transfer paperwork, and eventually got it to the new doctor's office for the process to begin.

I'm at the point where I expect nothing from mainstream doctors. For my concerns to be brushed under the rug, like my last doctor who suggested warm milk and a boring book before bed.

I'm totally serious.

c/o hypervocal.com

I went to my first appointment the day after the last snowstorm.  I snowshoed part way to be more efficient.  And really, who doesn't want to snowshoe partway across town? It's what Canadians do, eh!

.  My first impression was "Wow!" as the nurse was personable, friendly, and made me giggle.

The nurses at my old office were always abrupt and never smiled - I appreciate that they are busy running a clinic, but making patients feel like more than just a number really goes a long way.

My new doctor's office is just him - no clinic with multiple doctors on the roster (I did have my own set doctor) with a walk in at the end of the day AND It's not an Appletree (which I don't think I ever saw the same doctor at).

I was in the reception room for 1 minute and then brought to a room in the back. I was in the room in the back for another minute before the doctor arrived.

So weird, right?  A doctor on time??

As this was the meet & greet appointment, I went through my history, and my main concern - my CFS.  He asked me questions, spoke about what he might be able to do for me, and set me up to get my blood work completed.

My last doctor didn't have my bloodwork done, and I was with her for at least 7 years.

8 vials of blood and 2 weeks later, I was sitting in his office again.

An action plan is now in motion!  Right then and there he administered my first monthly Vitamin B12 shot. And faxed over 3 prescriptions to the pharmacy.

I'm on a super weekly dose of Vitamin D (1 pill a week 10x the normal weekly amount), monthly Vitamin B12 shots, and Modafinil in the mornings (my keep me awake pills).

He was hesitant about the Modafinil, as he wanted to get me into the Sleep Clinic first - but they don't have any availability until July or August - this is a band aid fix until he can review the results of my sleep test.

I'm also going in to another specialist for my Thyroid this week - it's enlarged with a possible growth on it - the thing that irks me, is I recall at least 2 other doctors in the past years who have mentioned it seems enlarged. And they did nothing.

I honestly feel like crying, because for the first time in 12+ years, I'm not being ignored. There is an action plan in place. I don't feel like a number.

I don't feel like a number.

Wow.

So far, I feel like I can focus so much better, which is great, as I have my Risk Management exam next month and have had troubles really focusing and remembering what I'm studying and learning.

I feel less foggy in my brain.

I feel there is Hope.

I feel the girl pictured below pre-CFS can come to life again.  I also really miss that running shirt - It was so sweet!

The Painting of Gideon's New Bowl @ The Pottery Place

I visited a local ceramics shop - The Pottery Place - last summer to paint a cute mug and turtle during a Bachelorette Party, and really wanted to go back to paint something else.

Then Gideon's food bowl broke. 

He's afraid of metal bowls, so we had to opt for either plastic or ceramic.

I scoured the local stores and Interweb for something different - we wanted something special enough for him, but alas, we found nothing. 

I then found a picture of Vincent Van Gogh's "Starry Night" while Googling "Unique Dog Bowls" or "Tardis" - I don't remember which. I had seen it before, and knew one day I would paint it (with my own flare). 

My inspiration was in full force and I knew I was going to paint "Starry Night" on Gideon's new bowl.

With the dogs.

And a Tardis.

Just because I can.

So, I went in a Friday night after work, and painted for almost 3 hours.

You start with the lightest colour to the darkest. And put 3 coats of each colour.

With tedious details, I ended up going back Saturday for another 2-3 hours to finish the bowl.

And unlike painting on canvas, you don't paint the background colour on the entire canvas, then paint over those colours...but you don't want to overlap, or the colours may look muddy after the kiln fires away.

Then I had to wait a week to pick up the bowl.

It's not exactly how I envisioned it, but given the painting technique and a shaky hand for outlines, I think it turned out decent enough. 

Gideon and Fynn encompassed in Starry Night while the Tardis flies above their heads.

Gideon even ate out of it and wasn't afraid. Win-win!

I would definitely recommend The Pottery Playhouse in Stittsville, Ontario, for anyone looking to get their creativity on - even if you're not creative, you can paint a one-of-a-kind item that is made with love.

You just have to bring a donation ($ or non perishables) as your sitting "fee," which are then donated right back into the community.

I plan on returning soon to paint one of their new Garden Gnomes - I have to make a Zombie Gnome!

Husband says I should try to sell it. *I* think NOT. I remember the last time I sold my wares...it turned into a 6 year adventure!

Once I'm done my current professional exam, I THINK I'm ready to conquer painting the bird room into a mural. That will be a task in itself!