"Do I Look Sick?" Blogging Contest

Some of you may follow Rachel Meeks of "Do I Look Sick" on her twitter or blog. I recently made an Invisible Illness Meme for her blog in a contest designed to raise awareness on Invisible Illnesses! Some of you may also know that I won third place in the contest!

Here is the meme I designed:

 

What do you think? I hope you like it! 

Also, make sure to subscribe to the "Do I Look Sick?" blog and follow the lovely Rachel on Twitter!

xo Heather 

Bad Santa!

So, I was bored and feeling a little upset (damn hormones) and stumbled onto Ellen's website. I found these "Bad Santa" pictures and started cracking up! I was legit dying as I was going through them! So here is the link - ENJOY!!!

xo Heather

P.S. If you have a "bad santa" pic - please share!!! 

Holiday Wishlist

Holidays can be a little stressful, even though they are not meant to be. For those of us who suffer with this terrible illness, the stress is greater. Between missing work for surgeries and medical bills galore, I have found myself extremely worked up over making sure I am able to afford gifts for everyone on my list. Anyway, I have created a list of special gifts to purchase for endo sisters that are affordable, unique and very useful for all of the endo warriors of the world. 

My idea for this blog actually came from a fellow Endo Sister, Meg! You can find her at @heyymegg – thanks for such an amazing idea Meg! If you are not following her already, I highly recommend it! Now for the list:

Heating pad: This is a necessity for all of my lovely endo ladies. The one listed above can be found here. Remember, you can find heating pads at any department store at just about every price point. (Hint: we don't need anything fancy, just something to get the job done!) 

Leg warmers: Leg warmers are another unique gift idea, that can be found at any price point. They would also make a fun DIY gift idea if you are good at knitting (or want to learn). I have included a couple of different options like the ones above from American Apparel here. This fabulous pair from an Etsy shop are on MY wishlist! :)

Yoga pants: Between frequent un-Godly pain, surgeries and the occasionally lazy days, yoga pants are an Endo woman's best friend! I am obsessed with Victoria's Secret so naturally, my example of a great pair of yoga pants is from that AH-Mazing store! I love the yoga shorts and leggings options as well! Get your loved one a pair - they will be comfy while looking sexy! Check out multiple styles and colors here. 

The Holy Bible: Even though endometriosis women put on a brave face, we deal with a lot on a daily basis. Give your endo warrior something inspiring to read like a copy of God's Word - bonus points if you have her name engraved on the cover. If she is not the religious type, simply purchase a lovely read from the inspirational section at your local bookstore or good ol' Amazon. 

Bath Salts: Every woman loves a luxorius bath, so spoil her with a bath salt collection. Either find a DIY project like the one here, or head to Bath & Body Works if you are not the crafty type (or simply don't have the time). You will be sure to please! :)

Comfort Food: Bake up a batch of warm chocolate chip cookies or surprise her with a jar of Hot Chocolate mix. (I am actually going to use the hot cocoa recipe for a few people on my list)! If she is feeling down, these simple, but oh-so-delicious gifts will definitely cheer her up!

What items are on your Christmas wishlist? If you have other ideas for the perfect gift, let me know in the comments below!

xo Heather

Strange Connections

 
I came across this article while brainstorming for future blog posts, and immediately had to share. Basically, it is stating that there is a connection between attractive females and endometriosis. I honestly do not have an opinion. Check out the article featured on the BlissTree website here and let me know what you think!

xo Heather

Last- Minute Inspiration

First let me start off by saying that in no way am I able to offer any fashion or beauty advice. I love shopping, reading fashion blogs, and keeping up with the most current trends but that is really as far as it goes. To be honest, I am afraid to try most trends. However, I know that Endo pain really gets us down a lot and worrying about our outfit is not always a top priority – so I wanted to help!

Personally, I am guilty of hitting the snooze button until the last possible minute. Even before I was diagnosed with Endo, I had trouble sleeping. I work nights, and twelve hour shifts. I also live in sunny Phoenix, so trying to sleep in the daytime is rather difficult to say the very least. Combine trying to sleep in the daytime in bright sunshine, while in constant pain and the odds aren’t in my favor. When I finally do get some shut-eye, it feels like the alarm on my cell phone is waking me from my slumber. This is why I decided to put a blog together on ready-to-wear, plan-ahead outfits and quick beauty advice. 

I suggest having a couple of outfits neatly folded on a hanger and ready to go in case you are having trouble deciding on an outfit. Make sure any ironing is done ahead of time. I always seem to be getting ready at the last possible minute, so this comes in handy often.

Outfit #1: All Black. Wear a pretty black top with great black bottoms. Add a pop of color to the all-black ensemble with colorful shoes. I suggest leopard print anything – but that is because I am a little too obsessed. Leopard print shoes (like Forever 21's booties or flats) go with anything so they are a wise investment. Did I mention leopard print is sexy?

Outfit #2: All White. Ladies, please. Ignore that silly statement about “no white after Labor day!” White is NOT just for summertime. Now that I got that off my chest, let me just tell you that I think fresh whites are gorgeous. To add a little bit of color, mix it up with a colorful scarf (like the one pictured below from H&M)or a bright statement necklace. You can also spice up your look with a printed blazer. Adding a faux-fur vest is another option of adding a neutral color to the ensemble. 

Other outfit ideas can be created from combining leggings, colorful skinny jeans, cozy knitted sweaters, blazers, faux-fur vests, seen here, and an ever-popular pair of booties or knee high boots!

Keep your make-up routine simple and just add some powder or bronzer with mascara. If you think you need more of a pick-me-up, finish your look with a bold lip.

As far as hair goes, stick to low or high buns. High ponytails are very cute, but my personal favorite is a quick braid – which does not have to be perfect!  Also, invest in a good dry shampoo – I can’t stress it enough. It will quickly become your new best friend! Besides, no one wants to leave the house with wet hair!

If all else fails, just throw your belongings in an amazing designer handbag, like anything Michael Kors!Let it be the focus point of your fab outfit! :)

Do you have any last minute fashion advice or go-to options for our Endo Sisters? Leave a comment below!

xo Heather

Christmas Time!!!

Last night, I surprised my husband with a new Christmas tree and santa outfits for our two sweet dogs, Dozer and Tonka, and our silly cat, Snooki. Yes, we picked out Snooki's name from one of the cast members of Jersey shore! :)

 

Since it was our anniversary last night, we ate dinner at Texas Roadhouse and then spent the evening decorating our house.
 

I love everything about Christmas time! So I was extremely happy to realize we are only 18, yes 18, days away from CHRISTMAS!!! WOOO! 

 

However, I am not anywhere near finished with all of my shopping and DIY gifts! Don't judge! :)

So, ladies, how is your holiday shopping going? Leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

xo Heather 

FYI

Since I am new to the blogging world, I wanted to share a little bio before diving into all of the not-so-pretty details of my new found life as someone who suffers from Endometriosis.

               

 For starters, I grew up in a small town in Southern Illinois. I have been blessed with two wonderful parents and two amazing sisters. I have been surrounded my entire life by some of the most loving people you can imagine. I really love animals, and have had every pet imaginable (except rodents) from birds to horses, and even adopted a 3 week old puppy!

 I have had many memorable moments from family vacations, living on a horse farm, graduating high school, college, getting married, seeing my sister get married, anniversaries, and simply sharing incredible daily moments with my favorite people.

Fast forward through life's great and not-so-fab moments, and I am now 25 years old. I recently moved to Phoenix, AZ with my sweet husband Tyler. I have an amazing career, beautiful home, two silly and sweet dogs, and one fat cat. (I will post pictures often, do not worry!) I have been so blessed. 

I would love to hear about you in the comments below!

xo Heather