Leg pain, yoga & chiropractics

Hi everyone! 

About 3 weeks ago I began training for a new job as a merchandiser in one of the big box stores and am really enjoying my job. One of the things I didn't think about when I joined was the fact that I would be walking on hard concrete type floors and that is something that my fibromyalgia or my back doesn't like. Last Friday I worked 6 hours and it took me till Wednesday of this week to fully recover. I also worked this Monday and I think that's why it took so long. BUT yesterday (Wednesday again) I worked 6.5 hours and I'm in NO WHERE near the pain I was in. So, hopefully my endurance is growing and soon I won't feel the pain I was in.

Today I visited my chiropractor. My chiropractor specializes in trigger point and myofascile release and I have used her for relief of my chronic pain with fibromyalgia as well as my migraines for about 3 or 4 years. I have spoken on GivingNSharing before about the severe pain I've had with my new job and today I decided to ask Dr Kayla if she had any stretches or tips I could use to ease the severe pain.


Dr Kayla told me today that the issue isn't my feet or ankles - it's my calves. Which really surprises me. At first my calves were really sore because of the bending required for one of my tasks but yesterday and today they aren't bothering me at all. She showed me a couple of stretches. One focuses on the achilles tendon & is also helpful for Plantar Fascitis and the other focuses on stretching the toes. (My pain has been in the arches of my foot, the sides of my big toe and the side of my baby toe.)

One of my favorite yoga therapists on YouTube is Yoga with Kassandra. She has a video called Yoga Poses to Relieve Foot and Ankle Tension.  I also really like Michelle Kenway who does more work with Kegels and Core Strength. I didn't see anything on yoga though for feet/ankles and calves on her YouTube page unfortunately.

I hope this information helps someone else avoid the severe pain I've had for the last week. Stay tuned and I'll try to post some of the things that the guy at the health food store suggested. He made a couple of suggestions that I'd like to try such as magnesium, enzymes, water drinking, etc but I need to learn more and then actually buy some of it so I can give my opinion on it. 

As always, Thanks for Listening!

Featured THIS WEEKEND at:

Linked up to:
1) Farm Fresh Tuesdays
2)  Thursdays Favorite Things
3) Friday Features
4) Friendship Friday
5) Hearth & Soul Party
6) Bloggers Pit Stop

Disclaimer: The information found in this blog is not intended to take the place of a Drs advice. Please contact your medical team with any questions you may have and before you begin a new routine. The information shared on this blog is based on my own experience and whether it has helped me or not.

New Job = Pain

I recently started a new job about 3 weeks ago as a merchandiser. I'm enjoying the job so far but having issues with pain and walking. I think once I get used to being more active and walking on hard surfaces it should get better.

My feet feel like they've turned into blocks and my legs are SOOOO sore. I've actually bruised on my hips where the hips meet the legs and walking has been a real chore. Even straightening up from sitting has been difficult. Since last Friday I've been really struggling.

My poor fibro body is just hating me right now. As some of you know I am unmedicated and have been for at least 10 years of the 21 I've been diagnosed. I don't tolerate meds well except a couple of over the counter pain relievers (thank heavens) for when it gets bad.

So, what I've been doing for the last week is the following - if ANYONE has any other suggestions I'm all ears!

1) Shoes off as soon as I get home (my feet are VERY tender especially around the baby and big toes. I had to buy new shoes and can only wear Dr Scholls tennis shoes - they seem to work best with my hip issues.
2) Foot Soak - I dug through my cabinet and have been using Village Naturals Therapy line. They have a WONDERFUL line for Aches & Pains Muscle Relief that have eased my pain and the feeling of swelling in my feet (I don't have any swelling just a block like feeling lol).
3) I've also been using a LOT of heat therapy. I personally use a heated mattress pad during the cold months or I'm not able to function in the morning. I've had enough of crawling to the bathroom in the morning because I can't stand up straight after lying down for a few hours overnight. It was either that or start sleeping in a recliner.

First I soak my feet in the Aches & Pains Muscle Relief Concentrated Mineral Bath Soak which has Eucalypus to revitalize & restore, Spearmint to refresh & renew and Menthol to soothe and comfort. They use essential oils and extracts along with a combination of Sea Salt & Epsom Salts to ease tired muscles.

After the water cools and I've dried my feet I use the Aches & Pain Muscle Relief Hand & Body Lotion which has Eucalyptus, Wintergreen and Aloe to refresh & renew your feet. My feet feel nice and relaxed and cool by now.

I noticed they have a Chronic Pain & Fatigue line as well. I think I may try that next. Their prices are very reasonable. On the website the items above are only $6.99 each and they have a $1 coupon online that you can use if you'd like. I usually buy mine from Walmart where their display is back in the cosmetic area set up right as you walk in.

If anyone has any other suggestions to help me with the job and pain control I'd love to hear it. I had forgotten how painful being on hard floors is and walking for the 6.5-7 hours a day I'm doing has been very hard on my Fibro.

Linked up @
Wonderful Wednesday Hop: https://ducksnarow.com/?s=wednesday+hop

Disclaimer: This review was not requested by Village Naturals and no compensation was received. I am not a medical provider and I'm just sharing my experience. If you have any concerns I would suggest you speak with your Dr.. Thanks for reading!

Apple Cider diffuser blend ~

What scent signifies the Fall/Autumn season to you the most? Is it Apple Cider? Pumpkins? Hazelnut coffee?

I love the scent of apple cider. The crisp sweet scent that hangs in the air makes me lift my nose and close my eyes. It's relaxing and calming and yet it has a bit of spicyness all at the same time.

Lately I've been using this blend in my diffuser & I'm loving it. Feel free to cut back on your drops if you feel it's so strong. That's what I did.

Notes:

I am going to share a bit about each of the oils I use in this blend so you know a bit about how to use it before purchasing.. 

1) Please remember Cinnamon Bark is not a Kid Safe oil and I personally do not use it when I have children in the house. It is a HOT oil and should not be used topically. I use Plant Therapy Oils and you can learn more about Cinnamon Bark here. Best used in the diffuser, it has a warm spicy scent that blends well with orange, vanilla, clove, copaiba and many others. For a more masculine scent mix it with palmarosa and patchouli.

2) Orange or Wild Orange has a light uplifting scent. =D Orange is calming and helps when you need a "pick me up", when your tense, anxious - or need energy while cleaning. Learn more here.

3) Ginger is another Not for Kids oil. It has warm, spicy properties that make it ideal as an aid for digestion and helps relieve a queasy stomach and menstrual discomfort. Add it to a carrier oil or lotion to help joint and muscle aches. Learn more here.

I strongly recommend you do your own research if you have questions about whether you should use a oil personally. Plant Therapy has certified aromatherapists on staff that have helped me decide how to use the oils I use for my Fibromyalgia and when I need to help one of the kids with a small health issue (like ear aches & sniffles). Please do your own research before blindly trusting anyone with information about essential oils. 

Linked up at:

Friendship Friday

Hearth & Soul

A Gathering of Friends

Friday Feature

Disclaimer: this deliciousness has been shared from my own recipe gleaned and helped by many pinterest recipes shared by others. ;) I am not an affiliate with Plant Therapy at this time and do not receive anything for sharing about their products.

FREE Noxicare Sample Pack

I've been using Noxicare for a number of years to help relieve pain and inflammation of my fibromyalgia and arthritis. The last few years especially has been hard as I'm having more issues with my joints stiffening up and my muscles cramping more. I'm also having more issues with restless leg syndrome and while my chiropractor does help immensely Noxicare seems to take it to the next level. A couple of years ago I took my tube to the massage therapist when my back was really bothering me and while Diane was doing her thing she tried a bit of the cream on her shoulders and she commented later that she noticed her shoulder muscles relaxed and she wasn't expecting it to work as quickly (if at all) right away.

Noxicare is a pain cream formulated with willow bark, holy basil, rosemary extact, Alpha Lipoic Acids, ginger and Boswellia extract. No prescription is needed. It is designed to help alleviate inflammation, muscle aches and nerve pain. There are no known side effects - what I HAVE noticed is that suddenly I will notice a decrease in the deep ache that I am feeling.  Learn more about how it works here.

Noxicare is offering a FREE 5ml Noxicare sample pack with free shipping as well. Click here to orders yours today.  This is a nice size to keep in your backpack or purse.


Disclaimer: I did not receive anything for posting this announcement.

Linked up @:
Oh My Heartsie: Friday Feature Linky
Funtastic Friday: Coastal Bohemian
Friendship Friday: Create with Joy
Friday at the Firestation

Review coming soon:

New review for Christmas in Newfoundland Memories and Mysteries by Mike Martin is coming Nov 20th. We will be participating in the Blog Tour for Pump Up Your Book.

Honey apple crisp ~ Yum!

Today I thought I'd share a favorite desert. It's based on a recipe for Apple Goodie my aunt once made when we went to her house for desert and games and I've tweaked it to make it my own.

When I was growing up my mom only cooked with honey. Now, I can't stand the taste of honey on it's own but add some apples, cinnamon and oats and it makes a awesome Apple Crisp. Add some caramel and whip cream or vanilla ice cream and it tastes like heaven. This recipe doesn't need to be adjusted - this is the recipe I personally use when making Honey Apple Crisp.

There are a couple things to remember when cooking with honey.
1) Lower the oven temperature 25 degrees
2) Use half the amount of the sugar in a recipe if you are using sugar. So, if the recipe calls for 1 cup of sugar then use a 1/2 cup of honey. Simple.

Honey Apple Crisp
3 cups apples, sliced (I don't peel it but you can if you want)
1/2 cup honey
1 Tb flour
1 tsp cinnamon (or to taste)

Mix together and put into a 9x9" pan.

Topping:
3/4 cup oatmeal
3/4 cup flour
1/2-3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup melted butter (or margarine)

Mix together completely and crumble over the apple mixture in the pan.

Bake at 325 degrees for 30-40 minutes.

This recipe is pretty sweet and rich. If you'd like to adjust the amount of sugar feel free to. This has already been adjusted as it had a LOT of sugar to start with and this is less than 1/2 of what was originally called for.

Enjoy!

Linked up @
1)  Friendship Friday w Create with Joy
2) Friday Feature with Oh My Heartsie Girl
3) Inspire Me Monday w Create with Joy
4) A Gathering of Friends
5) Hearth & Soul with AprilJHarris
6) Friday at the Firehouse
7) What are you doing? with Content in the Meantime

Stocktober ~ a GyspySpoonful tradition

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Stocktober Fest has arrived! Snag amazing savings on the GS site today on all types of ready to ship, in stock items. We're moving it ALL OUT at deeply discounted prices to make way for our holiday inventory. Start your holiday shopping NOW ~ it's only 82 days until Christmas...

Plus, we'll even ship it to the US for no extra charge. The price you see is the price you pay.

My shop, Natural Therapy Packs has a variety of items such as fall/halloween coasters, water bottle carriers for kiddos, travel pillows and so on @ http://bit.ly/NatTherapyPacks

See everything @ https://gypsyspoonful.com/market/product-tag/stocktober/

An example of some of the discounts:
1) NaturalTherapyPacks (misc) is 10-30% off for travel pillows, seasonal coasters, water bottle carriers, etc.
2) MeeshesPieces aprons are 30% off
3) Barbs Yarn Gallery has scarves, hats, lovies and phone covers 20-57% off
4) Yves Treasure Shoppe - use coupon code: October10 for 10% off everything not currently discounted in her shop
5) Just Bobbin Along: has 9-20% off on keyfobs, blankets, etc
6) Forest of Jewels: has several pieces of jewelry on sale. Use coupon code: WelcomeOctober for 10% off everything not currently discounted in her shop.
7) Goosie Girl is the founder of the GypsySpoonful Market community and very tallented. She creates fascinators, hair bows, and many other things perfect for pictures, pageants, Halloween, holidays, etc. Her discount is approximately 10-35% off.
8) A Crafty Mama Co is offering 50% off instant downloads as well as some markdowns. Your coupon code for the downloads is: id50stocktober
9) Scrapper's Snips & Stitches - most of the shops inventory is on sale. The majority is 40% or more off.
10) Simply the Glitter - many pieces of jewelry are marked 10% off
11) Lace and Sneakers - Entire store is marked down 25-50%.


Disclaimer: These discounts are provided by the owners of these handmade shops. I am not an affiliate and do not receive anything for sharing except from sales in my own shop @ NaturalTherapyPacks. Thank you for reading GivingNSharing2.