Favorite things

 Oprah has her list- I have mine. 

Oprah's list is great gifts to give to anyone- Mine is a little more specific. Does someone in your life struggle with chronic pain or illness? Are they Autistic or a migraine sufferer? Do they need a little joy? If so, maybe something here will click as an option for them. . I actually own all of these things and they make my life a little bit easier or more fun.

Equipment:

Shower stool-  While the life goal is to have a big walk in shower with a bench seat, while I live here in reality this is what I use. I've had this for about 18 months and it's been a game changer on the days that the pain or the fatigue are winning (more than less recently). For many people showers are relaxing. For me they can be, but they can also cause more drain. So this in conjunction with the next product help. 

Hand held shower head- This was the most affordable one I could find with the features I wanted. Find one that makes you happy. This is more about the category. On the days that standing is painful, or challenging, DON'T. Use the stool and bring the water to you. 

Squatty Potty- I've had this for 5 years and I love it. It does exactly what it says it will. I got the wooden one to be more esthetically appealing. It also can be changed between 2 heights if someone shorter were to live in my home. 

Cane- I had a few bad falls a few summers ago and sprained BOTH ankles A cane was not an option but rather a requirement. I've since had a few falls since and I've been happy to have this. It collapses down and stores away when not in use. 

Find a heating pad you love. 

Clothing:

Comfrt Sets- This is just the link to the hoodie I got, but I also have the pants and I am in love. These are a newer addition to the collection, but they are seriously perfect for the days when anything with a fastener, button or string sounds horrible. They are MASSIVELY oversized. I got a medium for top and bottom I'm 5'10" and normally wear a women's large or XL so please be aware that even if the person you are buying for likes oversized to take that in mind when picking out sizing. They come in lots of different styles and colors. But its like wearing a hug and I am in love with them. 

Bodhi Jumper - I have 2 of them- got both of sale which I would recommend as I'm not sure they are worth the $128 price tag. But I do love the ease of throwing them on, not needing a bra and being able to leave the house. 

REI Activator Pants I do a lot of hiking/time outside and am trying to do more even as the pain is there. I love these. They come in sizes xs to 3x with tall and petite options from XS to XL. Which is the most size inclusive I have seen of any outdoor company. These are great for the cooler weather days which is most where I live and I've found them to be easy to move in. 

Bombas- Are they expensive for socks? YES. Have they outlasted all of my other "Basic" socks? ALSO YES. So it's a choice. I have never had to throw out a Bombas sock do to wear, holes or stretching out. All of my pairs are between 2 and 4 years old. I like the compression. They give on my arch. 

Sleep Mask- I live in an apartment. I have light dimming but not blocking shade. It lets a lot of light in. I have migraines and other forms of headaches A LOT. I also like to sleep in when I'm camping. This eye mask is great. I can still blink. It's comfortable enough to wear all night and it really blocks out all the light. 

Kitchen Gadgets:

Kitchenaid Stick Blender Good for so many things can blend chop whisk. I like it because less clean up and it takes up less space. I mostly use it for sauces and blending soups. 

Food Dicer- I am trying to eat healthier, but as someone who struggles with the texture and taste of foods that can be hard.  I have found that if food is in very small pieces I can often mask the tastes with things I like- like dressings. So I started to make confetti veggies to mix into salads and red sauce. I can't tell they are there, but I get my nutrients. I can be a pain to clean though. 

Home:

Tropical Getaway Difuser Since getting divorced annual trips to warm places like Hawaii are off the table SO I at least enough the smells of a tropic hotel. I've probably re-purchased this scent 4-5 times for my home. I love it and will keep re-purchasing it, because it's cheaper than a trip to the Islands. 

Happiness: Stuff that doesn't fit in other categories

504 Coloring book Learn about the players who were active in the 504 protests and disability history movement. 

Cotopaxi Allpa 28 I got a few new bags this year but this is the one I've put to the test for single bag travel on several trips. It still fits on the seat on most airlines and therefore counts as a personal item as bag fees keep climbing. I love it. It works for me. I love the built in storage cubes within the bag's organization. 

Paint Pens - I also have a metallic set. I take these and small canvases with me on hikes and I sit and and paint without risk that I am hurting the environment. 

Alo Magnesium Spray- Smells nice does help me with sleep- not a cure all but a help