Wednesday 18 July 2012

How do you celebrate when your blog turns Three? Why, with a fabulous Giveaway of course!

When I started this blog three years ago I could never imagined how much it would grow. Initially, it was simply a place to record my thoughts. My diagnosis of Dysautonomia was still relatively new. And I was still trying to traverse the ups and downs of living with an illness that had dramatically changed my life. I never thought anyone would read my ramblings. Well, apart from pity reads from friends and family. To be honest I thought I'd do it for a few months and then forget about it. But something unexpected happened.

One-by-one people I'd never met started leaving comments. People from all over the world, some with Dysautonomia, some with other chronic illnesses, some with no health issues of their own but who also had an equally warped sense of humour or could relate in someway to what I wrote. Over time more people found the blog and a really lovely community developed. I get emails everyday from people thanking me for giving a voice to their experience or helping them find a little light and laughter in the midst of what can be a truly difficult time. Those emails mean the world to me. Being able to help someone, even in a small way, makes the whole blogging process worthwhile.

But it's not a one way street. The support I've had from readers still blows me away. Complete strangers who take the time to care during the hard times and who can laugh with me during the good. Many of those strangers have become friends in every sense of the word, though we have never met face-to-face. That support and the sense of community make what is often a difficult time bearable. And for that I will always be grateful.

Chronic illness strips away much of who you are. It is hard. Damn hard. Sometimes you have to make a concerted effort to find something that makes it easier. For me it has been finding ways to pamper myself even when I am at my sickest. For example, I can whip on some gorgeous hand cream even if I can't sit up, or I can snack on my favourite treat whilst I'm stuck on the couch. Those little things make it a little easier to deal with. And this is what I want to share with those who have supported me through the past three years here on the blog.

I want to give a little something back to say thank you. And thanks to two of my favourite companies and some generous and talented fellow Dysautonomia patients I am able to do just that.

To celebrate Living with Bob's birthday, it's time for a focus on a little pampering. It's time for...

...a GIVEAWAY!!!!

Prize 1: 
For the past couple of years I have been using the gorgeous body products of a local Australian company, MOR CosmeticsMy sister first sent me their Marshmallow hand cream in a care package and from that time I've been hooked. And it is the Marshmallow range that continue to be my favourite in the fragrance range (as evidenced by the growing collection on my bedside table). The products themselves are luxurious, but it is the eye for detail, which includes the packaging that sold me. Anyone who takes the extra time to create such beautiful packaging knows about luxury and pampering. 
Huge thanks to the lovely folk at MOR, whose generosity means that I am able to share three of their lovely products from the Marshmallow range, with one lucky reader. MOR describe the Marshmallow fragrance as a "Vanilla Musk with Jasmine Flower gloriously rapture in this pretty, feminine fragrance. Sugar dipped Rose Petals with White Carnation & Cotton Candy blend beautifully to create a deliciously sweet perfume". I'd describe it as a little slice of heaven. 
The prize includes:



Marshmallow Body Cream: A silky, whipped cream designed for intense absorption, with emollient
to soothe & protect dry skin. The luxurious moisturising experience lingers throughout the day with a delicate, soft sweet scent.

Marshmallow Hand Cream: A rich, decadent cream that turns unkempt hands into the softest of
Marshmallow mittens. Shea Butter & Sweet Almond Oil mingle with extracts of Marshmallow, Peach & Vitamin E to pamper, restore and protect hands and nails.

Marshmallow Triple Milled Soap: Feelings of sweet nostalgia are kindled with this pink, vintage inspired, Triple-Milled Soap Bar that produces a soft rich lather which pampers and softens dry skin.


Bliss.


Prize 2:
I call this one Ode to Dysautonomia, and it fills me with pride. The Dysautonomia community is both generous and creative. This is a collection of awesome. Products range from jewellery and accessories to  beautiful aromatherapy products. Pampering in anyone's language.
Double sided headscarf (above) and rose hair clips (below) from Cherry Pie Accessories by Claire Barnier:  As Claire says "Every girl has the right to feel glamorous and I believe they can - it's all about accessories! I create many things from fabulous fascinators, cute kawaii hair clips, glamorous Rockabilly, burlesque and Pin-up styles to Punk and Gothic inspired pieces and generally gorgeous girly things. Cherry Pie accessories' mission is to make you feel fabulous by adding just the right touch to complete your outfit and put that spring in your step that only comes from finding the perfect accessory! Each product is handcrafted with love and Cherry pie's unique style using specially sourced new and upcycled materials". Claire has kindly donated the gorgeous double sided headscarf pictured above and hair clips below.

Metal Stamped POTS earrings from 'Tennille's Jewellery': Tennille creates unique metal stamped pieces in  copper, brass and stainless steel. The hooks are sterling silver, so safe for those with nickle allergies.
doTerra essential oil Introductory Kit: This lovely kit containing Lavender, Lemon and Peppermint oils was kindly donated by Vickie Isaac, whose daughter has been using them in the treatment of her Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). A beautiful accompaniment to any pampering and well being session. They can be used topically, internally or aromatically. I'm loving the freshness of the lemon scent. More information can be found at (rechecking the links sorry should be up again soon).
Prize 3:
2 Photographic Prints by Kyli Wolfson: Kyli Wolfson discovered her passion for photography in the beginning of her journey with POTS. It quickly became an outlet for her. She discovered that by taking pictures she could freeze a beautiful moment in time and allow others to escape there as well. After that, she was hooked! Kyli has kindly donated two of her beautiful photos size, 16"x20". Both of these photos (below) were taken on the beautiful Mackinack Island in Michigan, USA.   

Prize 4:
One of the quirks of Dysautonomia is that patients are often prescribed a high salt diet by their cardiologists and neurologists. Although necessary, it can be hard to stomach at times. Last year I discovered a most delicious way to meet part of my daily intake, Lindt Excellence, A Touch of Sea Salt. My discovery of this culinary miracle was most surely accompanied by a choir of angels and a beam of light falling directly on the neatly arranged blocks on the supermarket shelf. Salt and dark chocolate, this my friends is pure brilliance. Since that time A Touch of Sea Salt has had pride of place in my refrigerator. Word of A Touch of Sea Salt spread quickly and it has since become somewhat of an unofficial chocolate of the Dysautonomia community here in Australia. Now I can truly say my chocolate intake is purely medicinal.

Now thanks to the lovely people of Lindt Australia, who generously donated 10 blocks of A Touch of Sea Salt for this giveaway, I can share the joy.

To spread the joy there will be five chances to win 2 blocks each of Lindt Excellence, A touch of Sea Salt


 (So pretty)



How to Enter:



The competition opens as of, 9am Thursday the 19th July 2012 (Australian Eastern Time).

To enter simply leave a comment at the bottom of the post sharing your favourite way to pamper yourself.

For extra entries:

Follow me on Twitter 

Follow Living with Bob (Dysautonomia) on Facebook

The giveaway will be closed & drawn, 5pm Thursday 2nd of August 2012, (Australian time) using the Thor Method


COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED.

A huge thank you to MOR Cosmetics, Lindt Australia, Claire Barnier, Tennille Pooley, Vickie Isaac, and Kyli Wolfson, for helping me say thank you to all those who have supported me and helped to make Living with Bob the blog it is.

Cheers
Michelle :)

97 comments:

  1. Marshmallow anything or chocolate sounds like a great way to pamper myself. Mmm.
    Congrats on 3 years!!

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  3. Living with POTS is not very easy and I often find myself mentally and physically exhausted. To relax I like to treat myself to 30 minute massage every other week, or when I can fit it in. It is the best spent $40! Congratulations on your 3rd Year Anniversary and thank you for providing the POTS community with inspiration and a place to feel welcomed.

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    1. Anonymous can you add a name of some sort so I can identify you if you win. Just I might end up with 15 Anonymous' and that could get tricky and I wouldn't want you to miss out. :)

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    2. Hi! it's Brittany I tried adding a name when I posted but it just came up annonmous. Thanks!

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  4. I pamper myself by having a dog walker. Not having to worry about how or if I am able to walk William each day eases my mind greatly.

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  5. I pamper myself by gorging upon chocolate and salty snacks - and then end up in food coma so then I take a nap

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  6. Glitter pedicure followed by ice cream of any sort...but especially with chocolate and cookie! I don't think I would've survived without ice cream the last two year :)

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  7. Congratulations on three years! Y blog provides me much entertainment and allows me a place to realize I'm not the only one :). The prizes sound awesome too :)

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  8. The only way I have to pamper myself right now, is to help an ex to make his movies. Isn't that cool. It is something that happens once in a while, does not take too much physical activity, and I am able to do something with out a schedule. I do still have some brain power, but I still look like a dunce.

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  9. Kathleen Eakins19 July 2012 at 00:08

    I need to jump in here, even though I am not sure I am entering at the right time. I might forget if I don't do it now, damn Dan Pots and his Brain Fog. ;) .... I don't tend to have much time for pampering these days since working full time, care for my son, and fighting my body to be able to do anything. But when I find a few moments, I snuggle up in my favorite pajamas, in my favorite chair, with my computer and escape into a world where POTS doesn't exist. Simple put, I write. I write stories where women are strong and men are ... well, men. So my pampering is escaping into my own mind.

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  10. I pamper myself with some chocolate treats and a new movie. Then I spend the evening with my two little girls. I can't do everything with them, but this has become our special time together.

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  11. Well this might sound strange but I pamper myself by reading this and several other blogs each day. I have several that I read that are way far away from me here in the USA. Yours I found thru Veronica's. Living with several medical ailments myself,none f which match the severity of yours is a way of seeing how others carry on each day with whatever means they can. Best wish for getting through each new day and feeling like writing to all of us that follow you.
    Evelyn

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  12. I pamper myself by letting myself have a relaxing movie-watching day. :)

    Congratulations on having your blog for 3 years!

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  13. Whoop, what time is it in Australia? I haven't been keeping up with blogs since getting out of the hospital. Pneumonia, Intensive Care, tubes up the nose, IV in each arm, catheter, bedpans--oh my! Those wonderful nurses were my heroes but I am happy to be home. Congrats whatever time it is, O Queen of the Bobbettes. My treats vary depending on my fickle whims, but recent treats have been cute new pajamas (yay, the top and bottom match!) and new music for the iPod (yay, Dopamine!).

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  14. I pamper myself by soaking in copious amounts of epsom salts to relax my sore muscles. Then I turn on the tube and escape with a little mind-numbing reality tv while knocking back a few mugs of hot coconut milk cocoa. :)

    Such a fun giveaway! I would be thrilled to win any of these items! Some very talented artisans in the dysautonomia community indeed!

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  15. I love to pamper myself with some quality cheesecake with fresh strawberries. YUM! In reality I put DH on full daddy duty and take a bath. (Yep, no kids allowed to interrupt) I have even been known to lock the door requiring the rest of the family to use the toilet in the basement. I simply don't relax well with bouncy children coming in to use the toilet!

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  16. the simple one19 July 2012 at 10:33

    Well, I wanted to congratulate you on 3 years! I pamper myself by sleeping. I know...not too exciting. It is truly the best thing that I can do right now. I have systemic lupus, fibromyalgia, NCS, and orthostatic hypertension. So, I get no good sleep and hurt and my heart goes up and down on a daily basis. Sleep, when I get it, is the best pampering I could ask for!

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  17. I like to pamper myself by eating chocolate, gardening or just relaxing and watching my favorite shows. Happy birthday to your blog. 3 years is quite an accomplishment. I enjoy your humor and your outlook on life's health obstacles. I am now following you on Facebook and Twitter. :)

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  18. Okay, I am OBSESSED with the scent of marshmallows. I've been wondering if there were body products available in the scent because I would be all over them! My favorite way to pamper myself, as you may have seen from the photo of my nail polish rack I posted on twitter, is nail polish! Being able to look down and see a pretty color on my nails cheers me up like nothing else can. And buying is very convenient since nail polish is often on sale at my local drugstores, which is usually the only chance I get to leave the house! I am following you on twitter via the name ChanShelly, and Facebook as Chanelle Elise.

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  19. Congratulations on 3 years Michelle! As someone who is great at starting things but not finishing them (my uni degree, cleaning the house, sentences... :P) I am mightily impressed that you stuck with it! There are many of us who appreciate your time and dedication :)

    As for pampering myself, I splurge on beautiful fabrics to make nice clothes ^_^ also, sometime I make brownies just to eat the raw mixture...

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  20. Congratulations on 3 years. To pamper myself: I try and do things for others or to give to others. Giving other people a chance to smile, gives me joy.

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  21. Sleep.

    On a FEATHER PILLOW OMG! I just discovered the wonder of a feather/down pillow and now I want to go back to bed.

    x

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  22. So happy I found this blog Michelle. You had put into words everything I was feeling and experiencing but couldn't explain. An extra gift was that my husband asked for a link so he could read it too. I think it helped him realise what I was going through.
    To pamper myself, I take a bath and then watch all 6 hours of Pride and Prejudice while eating dark chocolate. Mmmm Colin Firth, nearly as good as the chocolate.

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  23. Yay, congrats on 3 years!I hope it has many more years to come. I couldn't resist entering with such gorgeous prizes.

    My favourite way to pamper myself is to curl up in my giant beanbag with my other half while sipping on some instant decaf coffee. Yeah.. it does taste rather ordinary but coffee is the one thing I refuse to let this crappy illness take away from me, haha. Oh, and add a bag of salt and vinegar chips into the mix and I'm in heaven.

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  24. I haven't thought of a pamper for so long. It seems just living takes it all. But I do have good things: a friend who walks my dog; a place to sit in the sun; a hope that soon I might be able to paint; a mountain to look at.
    And now I know about salty chocolate. My cup runneth over.
    Thanks for the blog. It lifts me when I drop by.
    Bea

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  25. my favorite way to pamper myself is to run a nice hot bath. yeah, afterwards i can barely walk because the heat makes me so dizzy, so i can pretty much only do it right before bed.. but the warm water relaxes all my aching muscles better than anything in the world. I always fill it with yummy smelling oils, light a few lovely candles and make sure there are plenty of bubbles!!

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  26. GypsyBureaucrat (Jenny)19 July 2012 at 16:35

    Pampering myself almost always involves sitting under a large oak tree in the yard on a warm breezy day with a cattle dog curled up next to me and a pint of banana ice cream. Can't do too much else with the dysautonomia expenses and not working but I have learned to love simplicity even more. Before dysautonomia my favorite thing was the feeling of hiking up the side of a desert canyon with the hot sun on my skin, feeling the stretch of my muscles and listening to the sound of gravel under my feet. Now I just enjoy the sun. Grateful to still be kicking... albeit gimpy, dizzy and while lying down! ;)

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  27. Handcream is my one pampery indulgence. When the children were smaller it was a nice hot bath ALL BY MYSELF. but these days as I don't need to hide from my children so much it is handcream all the way baby :)

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  28. The way I pamper myself is by having a massage once a week and ensuring that I have some time for me, between balancing POTS and having two young children the me time is soo important.

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  29. Those earrings are amazing! I pamper myself by dying my hair, painting my nails and doing face packs, I always feel better when I look all new and shiney! x

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  30. I pamper myself by (and no laughing, 'cos this is a little bit sad!) dressing up in my fancy clothing, heels and makeup ready to hit the town... and then I never leave the apartment :) No public fainting/ wobbling/ falling and flashing, and I still feel pretty as a picture!

    Alternatively, pick a specialist appointment in the next week... and cancel it. Probably not a really bright move, but lets be serious- have you ever walked out of a specialist appointment and thought 'wow, that was so much fun- I'm so glad I did that!'

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  31. Katrina Horsfall19 July 2012 at 22:15

    Well done on 3 years of fantastic blogging Michelle!

    I can't go past a block of dark Lindt chocolate (salty, mint or my new favourite coconut) and a fantastically silly romantic comedy for a bit of pampering me time.

    Keep up the good work Michelle : )

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  32. I was so happy to find your blog. Sometimes when I fall off the slippery slope of self pity, I just lay on the couch and read stuff from other dysautonomia people. It's harder to feel bad about it when you have proof there are people fighting the same struggle :)

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  33. Pampering myself....hmm, not too much of that going on these days. I did splurge recently on facial moisturizer that I adore from your "side of the rock." I too find a great comfort & escape in your blog, Dear one...commiseration for sure, humor when I can't muster it myself- I'm very grateful to have "bumped into" you.
    Congratulations, (Happy Anniversary?)
    Love,
    Your favorite American Gangster.

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    1. P.S. Yay! I figured out how to put my name on here!

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  34. I pamper myself by getting a 90 minute massage every month...really medically necessary i tell myself now. Hmmm....cant think of much else, thats sad really...I guess i get myself a specialty coffee here and there and consider that a treat. I cant even think of anything to do to pamper myself more...wow...Anyhoo, thanks for the giveaway! Lots of beautiful prizes!!! Good luck to all!

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  35. Hey Michelle, I wanted to comment not so that I can win anything (there are people FAR more deserving of these pampering prizes than me!!) but so I can add my support for your fabulous blog. Three years! Sensational, congratulations. I've been a MOR fan for a while myself! Marshmallow...yum. Don't get much time for pampering with the now 8 month old sunshine of my life lol. Hang tough. xx

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  36. Congrats on your blog! I am only a recent reader and was only diagnosed a few months ago with POTS. I am still in high school and have little time during the school year to do anything but school work and sleep. I do take time though to pamper myself. I like to sit in my bubble bath and read a great book. I also love to just sit and relax and light a pretty candle. Thanks for all the wonderful gifts!

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  37. Hello and Happy birthday! =) I'm so excited to be entered in your drawing. Your prizes sound amazing (although, I can't eat any chocolate, so I'm hoping for a different prize, heheh)!

    Thank you so much for the energy that you put into this blog. I love reading your posts and knowing that there are people out there who feel the same way that I feel and are willing to talk about it!

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  38. I dont pamper myself I am a mom. thatnks for being my friend and being Awesome!

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  39. Thank you for all you do to encourage others with POTS and for being so transparent in sharing your struggles. I love coming to your blog. My 23 year old daughter has POTS and really struggles. We are always looking for little things to make her feel better.
    Hugs to you,
    Mary

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  40. Chocolate champers a hot bath with oil adn the 50 shades of grey and just by myself quite ahhhhhh.
    Congrats on 3 years!!!!!! @}---}}------

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  41. Being a uni student means that money is pretty tight, so to pamper myself I run a nice warm bath, light some candles and take some time out from the busy happenings of everyday life.

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  42. I pamper my self with long luxurious baths, candles, & wine.

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  43. I love the MOR Marshmallow range! My favourite way to pamper myself is with the 1st product i ever got from this amazing Australian brand, the Mor Marshmallow body oil! I love to spray it not only on myself but also on my bed sheets and pillows, its a deliciously decadent way to help me drift off into dreamland!

    I'm also following on twitter @jazlovestoskate and facebook! :)

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  44. oooh...congratulations for your anniversary of three years. Pampering starts with scented candles...scents always lift your mood.

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  45. Diane miller Richmond ohio 4394423 July 2012 at 09:56

    i take pumpkin from a can about A cup some olive oil and honey and make a mask it is so refreshing leave on for about 15 mins rinse and your skin will feel like a babys skin

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  46. After working out I take advantage of my gyms massage and red light treatments. Very relaxing and a great reward for working hard.

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  47. I love Mor products and Lindt seasalt!! They are the ultimate way I would love to pamper by self. Just adore the entire Mor range. My love affair with Mor starts with the beautiful packaging that I can hardly bare to open the pack as I cant stop admiring it:) And well as for Lindt I dont drink or smoke but am absolutely, totally addicted to one square of Lindt from their intense range after dinner:)

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  48. Congratulations on reaching this point! I like to pamper myself with a luxurious bubble bath, exfoliating my feet with a pumice stone, and cleansing with creamy body wash using a body sponge. Then apply body oil lightly before drying! Luxury!
    Anita Black
    Leablack@bigpond.com

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  49. A nice warm bubble bath, with a glass of mulled wine or cider

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  50. Sssh don't tell anyone, but i have a secret garden in my home.
    It keeps me zen, gives me joy, and puts all life's hardships into perspective.
    (ksherring27@gmail.com)

    ps i am also in love(!!) with mor's marshmallow range!

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  51. Carrie Sorensen23 July 2012 at 14:03

    Um, lesse, anything that derails the gimpy thoughts and makes me smile.
    I like to laugh... which often involves getting Kitten Diva stoned and then making her and her bro's, Rambo, Cujo, and t'Obi Wan, chase feathers that they're probably seeing in triplicate.
    I love to garden- veggie garden- and every time I go out and see a new flower, or stand in the sun and eat raspberries from the bushes it makes me happy.
    And I also like to have fun painted toe nails. Not just painted with a beautiful color, but with designs, themes, multiple colors, layers etc.

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  52. I pamper myself every afternoon with a hot cup of chamomile tea and a lovely long banana dipped very deep into a jar of Nutella.

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  53. For me, chocolate's my biggest indulgence, it downs out those deafening screams
    It turns the worst nightmares into the sweetest dreams
    If there's a darkened tunnel, its the light at the end
    It cheers me up more than any best friend!
    It stops childish tantrums and Band-Aids can't compare
    To fix any ache or pain, I just need chocolate to be there.
    It's really so delicious, it gives my low days a lift
    It's the only hope I've got when I need an "I'm sorry" gift
    It's my companion as I cry through The Notebook yet again
    It knows just how to please me (unlike many men!) :)

    (Email is kookla123@yahoo.com)

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  54. I follow on twiiter (my twitter handle is @queenofcomps)

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  55. To pamper myself when I am having bad days I tend to wear pink and girly dresses and make sure I smell delicious. Earl grey tea also helps.

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  56. I love reading a book in bed just before I go to sleep. It's really relaxing.

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  57. I like to have a nice bubbly bath and read a good book

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  58. jasmine_07
    following on twitter

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  59. I'd love to pamper myself with some MOR products and eat heaps of chocolates

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  60. Your website seems to be infested with northern winter berry wasps. They seem to have taken it down (referring to the DoterrA web site.)

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  61. Congrats on 3yrs! Thanks for sharing your journey with us!!

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  62. Christine Bell25 July 2012 at 12:19

    Reclining on my chaise lounge with chocolates and a good book.
    Congratulations on the anniversary of your blog!

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  63. Pick me pick me pick me!!! Well done chick, not sure you'd find many prouder than I. Big love. xx Kerri

    (except my stupid brain forgot my password to login - trust me I still love you)

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  64. I love to read so I usually pamper myself by curling up with a good book.

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  65. My favorite way to pamper myself is to read. I love books so does my little boy so we like to snuggle up when I;m having a hard time and read stories together. CONGRATS!!

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  66. Happy 3rd Blog Birthday!
    I like to pamper myself by having a long, hot bath at times when I'm not as likely to end up on the floor very quickly afterwards :D

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  67. Last night my hubbie-to-be pampered me by being my ”spotter” for my first nice hot soak in the bath tub in over five years! A little rough getting out without passing out but SO worth it!

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  68. Congratulations on your 3rd Anniversary. And what a way to celebrate!

    About 3 years ago, you left a kind advice and information on my blog regarding to Tilt Table Test. Although I cannot travel to Vic, I was grateful for your time and information.

    May your blog grow further and give information and comforts to all your followers. ox

    Rachel

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  69. Congrats on THREE years, and for being an excellent representative for all us "Dys-ies"- for helping us and those who care for us, to see the humanity and humor that can coexist while living with "Bob". Aside from the occasional massage (which works wonders when one can squeeze that in to an already crazed work schedule), I find that Qigong brings calming and support to my body/mind and the effects linger- it give me a sense of healing and energy balance at the same time. It restores a sense of "control". I also like that it is easy to do! I can squeeze 5-10 minutes of that in here and there to help me get through the high stress of having an utterly unpredictable disorder.

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  70. Wow, 3 years! My blog is approaching its two month anniversary, so 3 years is inspiring!

    I pamper myself by cooking something delicious, then eating it :)

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  71. I just found this through Facebook tonight, you and I seem to live fairly close to each other! Small world =)

    My favourite way to pamper myself is to take a whole day for me and only me - something I've only started since finding out I have EDS and related dysautonomia, which is not easy while studying fulltime. I go and get my eyebrows done and get a full body massage (sometimes with an extra oil massage to get out the knots), then get myself a bag of Light and Tangy chips, go home, eat all the chips by myself, grab a good book and relax in an Epsom salt bath. and at the very end, I will find my 9 week old puppy for some unconditional love and slobbery snuggles and we'll have a nap together =)

    - Samantha G

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  72. When my POTS is acting up I like to pamper myself by getting a gigantic decaf iced tea from Sonic. They only have itin the southern part of the U.S., but maybe someday they'll expand so that all my fellow Potsies can share this treat!

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  73. Dear Michelle, this is Lenna from Greece-it has been a while since I’ve last commented on your blog entries, but I have been reading your blog non-stop. You are a constant source of inspiration to me and I am amazed at your grace and wit in dealing with your condition.
    I have CFS and what this 5 year old journey has taught me, is that I need to take good care of my body and mind, if I am to be functional. Pampering is therefore necessary and well deserved! I love going to the hair salon to have my hair styled, I read a lot, I rest a lot. I enjoy an iced cappuccino coffee quite often and I also make Banoffee pie quite often ! My relationship with chocolate is now guilt-free!

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  74. Pampering for me is a warm bath, with the music going, and reading a book, having a cup of tea, and lots of nice chocolate :)

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  75. My daughter and I both have POTS and we find a luxurious bath complete with candles...lavender bubble bath...soft music..followed by our favorite dvds (anything Audrey Hepburn)

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  76. My daughter and I both have POTS and we find a luxurious bath complete with candles...lavender bubble bath...soft music..followed by our favorite dvds (anything Audrey Hepburn)

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  77. I think I might have entered early. Right now fb games are my only comfort fun. I am hoping that I will get to do something else soon.

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  78. I pamper myself by reading your blog

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  79. Um.... I use to read novels to pamper myself. I think now, I take a walk and just THINK.

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  80. I turn on my salt lamp, sit in my oversized overfilled arm chair with this freakishly soft blanket and watch TV while eating something I love - macaroni and cheese.

    with out macaroni and cheese i honestly, and i'm being more serious that it sounds, don't think i would have lived this long.

    congratulations on your blog, i love following

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  81. I've found pampering myself so difficult over the last 10 years. I've been suffering with symptoms of POTS, NMH, CFS, and EDS for practically my entire life. I find solace in a steaming hot bubble bath and a salt rimmed margarita from time to time :-)

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  82. Congratulations Michelle! Your blog is always a great read and has been support and informative for so many.
    My favourite pamper would definitely be a facial. Doesn't happen often, but when it does, love it!

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  83. Hot bath and cold bubbles (champagne) and any berries!

    The Bent Pitch Fork.

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  84. Bubble bath! Its a time to lay in the bath and read. Sometimes its the only place to go to escape the trying days.

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  85. I love papering myself whenever I can..lsalted dark chocolate, saltwater moonlight swims, convicting my hubby to rub my neck and feet, a lovely cup of herbal tea, a few stolen sips of wine between meds...freshly washed sheets to snuggle in after a shower compete with hair washing and conditioning (all too rare at one time!) just to name a few. Most of all, though, I love to create jewelry for others..lgivesme back a sense of purpose and meaning that tends to evaporate when you are stuck at home in bed most of the time....

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  86. I love bubble baths, and painting my nails. I also like lotion and all other girly things! and I love to shop, I don't know if thats pampering or not. But a girls best friend is deffiantly chocolate, not diamonds! :D

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  87. Sing! It's my favorite thing to do, in church, with the radio, acapella in the kitchen, waking my kids up, embarrasing my kids in public, . . . Anywhere, Anytime, singing makes me happy!

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  88. My favorite way to pamper myself it to use the fake candles the flames candles and i take a bath and listen to music..and most importantly i then sleep. Sleep is my best friend..especially when i am feeling yucky.

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  89. hi having dysautonomia makes it hard to get pampered but my favorite way is to lay on the couch order movies off of cable and have my boyfriend bring me some great Mexican food and leave me to myself no kids no grand-kids nobody just me myself and i so i can eat and sleep and watch movies and just have the house to myself AHHHHH now that's pampering :)))

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  90. Congratulations Michelle! thankyou for the laughs, the tears & salty Lindt!!!

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All who are lovely enough to comment should be showered with cup cakes, glitter and macarons. I promise to use my spoon bending mind powers to try and get that happening for all who are lovely enough to share their words. Those who go the extra step to share posts should really get a free unicorn. Or at least the gift of finding the shortest and quickest line at the supermarket on a regular basis. xx

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