A Young Wife's Tale

WFMW – That Works for Me e-Book Giveaway!

Young Wife — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 03:36:48 +0000

You’ve seen my posts on Works for Me Wednesday, right? It’s a blog carnival where women share tips and tricks that work for them. Guess what? They’ve compiled some of the best tips from the blog carnivals into an e-book!

This e-book has over 800 tips to help women in a variety of areas. The tips are organized into 24 categories such as baby, craft, gift, hospitality, kitchen and pets. Each tip in the book includes a link to the blog where the tip was first published. I was flattered to see several of the tips I shared regarding our dog, Henry featured.

Check out their cute video!

A portion of proceeds from every e-book goes to Mercy House. Mercy House is a non-profit ministry that empowers a maternity home in Kenya, Africa. The home offers a safe refuge for pregnant girls living in extreme poverty. This organization began and is supported almost entirely through social media avenues.

I enjoyed #239 Use Cheaper Air Filters; #64 One Shirt, Three Looks; and #169 Rain Gutter Bookshelves. Well, really I enjoyed them all! This is such a neat book, and definitely a great value! You’re sure to pick up a at least a few new recipes or handy ideas.

Click here to purchase the e-book.

You can also click to submit a tip and enter the contest for a free housecleaning! The price of the book is $8 but if you hurry you can get $1 off with code: SAVE1

And you can win a copy of That Works for Me! Just leave a comment on this post. For bonus entries you can like That Works for Me on Facebook. Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry. Giveaway ends April 30. I’ll select one winner using random.org and notify the winner by email. The winner has 48 hours to respond before I select a new winner.

Giveaway: Star Wars Episode I The Phantom Menace

David — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 03:03:40 +0000

Congratulations to Kasey, winner of the Star Wars Giveaway!

David and I each grew up watching Star Wars, and we still enjoy the films. I was so excited to get the package from MyBlogSpark containing Big G cereal and pens shaped like Yoda, Queen Amidala, R2-D2 and C-3PO!

You may have heard that Episode I The Phantom Menace is being released in theaters in 3D. General Mills Big G cereals want to help celebrate the 3D launch by featuring collectable Star Wars pens in-pack of participating cereals.

Here’s the info from MyBlogSpark and General Mills:

Collect all eight exclusive Star Wars pens that feature iconic Episode I characters including: Anakin Skywalker, Obi Wan Kenobi, Queen Amidala, Yoda, R2D2, C3PO, Jar Jar Binks and Darth Maul.
Participating Big G cereals include Cinnamon Toast Crunch® (12.8 oz.), Lucky Charms®(11.5 oz.), Reese’s® Puffs (13 oz.), Cheerios® (14 oz.), and Cookie Crisp® (11.25 oz)
In theaters February 10, 2012 you can catch all the action and adventure and relive how the saga began in eye-popping 3D!

For more information click here to go to the General Mills website. And here’s a link to the Phantom Menace trailer.

You can win a prize pack like mine! It contains:

2 Boxes of Big G cereal
4 Star Wars character pens
Star Wars sticker sheet
Star Wars magnets

Just leave a comment on this post for a chance to win!

Optional Bonus Entries:

*Like A Young Wife’s Tale on Facebook.

*Stumble any one of my blog posts.

Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry. I will chose a winner using Random.org and notify the winner by email. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, I will select a new winner. Giveaway ends March 15.

Disclosure: Prize pack, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Oh, How Far We’ve Come

Young Wife — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:18:09 +0000

Oh, how far we’ve come in our journey with Psoriatic Arthritis. Remember the awful rheumatologist in New Jersey who wanted to take David off the Humira? He didn’t believe David had psoriatic arthritis.

David had a great visit with his old Dallas rheumatologist last week. David and I told the doctor how well David has been doing. We talked about David being able to run errands, hang out with friends and go to Sunday School and church. We talked about how the latest round of acupuncture treatments have brought David’s daily pain levels down from a 5 to a 1. We were happy and grateful.

(See? Happy and grateful at our friends’ wedding a few weeks ago.)

Then, because he’s an excellent rheumatologist, he asked several specific questions about stiffness. He wasn’t satisfied with David’s stiffness and pain in the mornings and evenings. The doctor is changing David’s Humira injections back to every 10 days instead of every 14 days. You may recall David used to take his Humira every 10 days back when he wasn’t doing so well.

I’m thrilled that the doctor thinks David can be even better! It’s incredible to me how very different this rheumatologist is from the one in New Jersey. I’d love to write the doctor in New Jersey a letter saying, “Gee, good thing we didn’t stick with you! David’s psoriatic arthritis is n remission!” But David says we should turn the other cheek.

I am so thankful David’s psoriatic arthritis is in remission. I’m thankful he has the Humira and his rheumatologist.

David’s Horrible Allergic Reaction

Young Wife — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 23:50:47 +0000

I was really sad that I didn’t get to participate in National Chronic Invisible Illness Awareness Week this year. I didn’t even get to do much promoting. Here’s what happened.

The week of September 12-18, National Chronic Invisible Illness Awareness Week, David started getting red welts or hives on his torso. Just a few at first, and I initially thought it was the psoriasis. I immediately went into panic mode, assuming the Humira had stopped working on his Psoriatic Arthritis, and that he was going to start having the terrible flares that leave him bedridden again. David quickly figured out it wasn’t psoriasis. He took Benadryl, and the hives went away.

The next day they came back, only worse. He saw our family doctor who gave him some allergy medicine. I make our laundry detergent and cleaning products, and nothing new had been introduced. David wasn’t using any new shampoos or soap.

This went on for days. Allergy medicine would clear up his skin, but the welts kept coming back. Then one afternoon while I was at my part-time administrative assistant job, David started having trouble breathing. The allergic reaction was making his throat close up.

I took him back to our family doctor, who sent David to an allergist, but recommended we call David’s rheumatologist before we got to the allergist. The rheumatologist was concerned it might be the Humira. The rheumatologist thought this horrible allergic reaction could have been cause by Humira, the medication that keeps David’s psoriatic arthritis in remission. He wanted David to skip a few doses of Humira. I felt sick.

Thankfully, the next day, the allergist told us she was almost certain David was not having an allergic reaction to the Humira. She even said that if David was having this reaction because of Humira, she could help him manage the hives since the Humira helped him so much. It was such a relief to hear her say that!

The allergist kept David on some anti-histamines for awhile, but we never did figure out what was causing the terrible allergic reaction. The hives went away after a few days, and David hasn’t had any more incidents of his throat swelling.

We’re so thankful the allergic reaction stopped and that it wasn’t Humira. But that’s what happened during Invisible Illness Week. It’s always something with us. I guess that’s why we call it chronic.

Movie Review – I’m Just Like You – Children With Psoriasis

Young Wife — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 01:00:45 +0000

David and I had the opportunity to watch a new movie “I’m Just Like You – Children With Psoriasis” tonight, and it was wonderful!

If you can’t see the preview above, click here to go to Youtube.

The film follows the lives of five families dealing with Psoriasis, an auto-immune disease that affects more than seven million Americans. We appreciated hearing the stories of young people struggling with psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis just like David. Some of the children had parents with the disease. It was great hearing their perspectives. One family has tried naturopathy, like us. It was nice to hear about all the different treatments, and to hear from some of their doctors as well. At just under an hour, the movie would be a great tool for raising awareness. If you have a child who has been diagnosed, it might be a way to help educate their friends.

We can’t wait to share our copy of the movie with some family members who also have psoriasis. “I’m Just Like You – Children With Psoriasis” is an encouraging film. Chronic illness can be so isolating. It helps knowing we’re not alone. If you’d like to purchase a copy, go to www.sparklestone.org

Disclosure: I received a copy of this movie in exchange for writing a review.

Sam’s Club $25 Gift Card Giveaway!

Young Wife — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 02:05:19 +0000

Congrats to Aubrey, winner of the $25 Sam’s Club Gift Card!

I received a $25 Sam’s Club Gift Card, and you can win one, too! Don’t you love shopping at Sam’s? Buying in bulk can really save you money.

Here’s some information about the Sam’s Club Pink Promotion:

Beginning September 19th, Sam’s Club stores will feature exclusive pink packaging on some of your favorite participating General Mills products in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Purchase specially-marked General Mills products like Cheerios and Fiber One 90 Calorie Brownies at your local Sam’s Club and help decide how half of that contribution will be donated by voting at PinkTogether.com from now until April 14, 2012. General Mills’ donations will be divided between two important Komen programs: the Treatment and Assistance Program, which assists women in securing care they otherwise may not be able to afford, and Prevention Research, which helps unlock the keys to preventing breast cancer. Voting results will be announced on Mother’s Day 2012.

I’d like to try the Fiber One Brownies, and of course I love Cheerios. But I’m thrilled that you get to vote to help decide how the contribution will be spent! I think it’s a great way for people to be involved and voice their opinions, and I hope that in the future programs like this will be created for other diseases, such as Psoriatic Arthritis.

You can win a $25 Sam’s Club Gift Card! Just leave a comment telling me which of your favorite General Mills products you are most excited to see featured in the Pink Promotion at Sam’s Club.

For bonus entries you can:

Optional Bonus Entries:

*Like Sam’s Club on Facebook

*Stumble any one of my blog posts.

Disclosure: The information and gift card(s) have been provided by Sam’s Club and General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

David Is a Full Time Permanent Employee!

Young Wife — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 03:27:32 +0000

David is a full time permanent employee again! You may recall that his company in New Jersey had him on a trial period as a remote employee. The trial period is over. He will continue working for them from home in Texas! We are so thankful for God’s Providence.

Above is a photograph a friend of ours took to express our emotions right now. We got to move back to Texas. We didn’t have to go on COBRA. David got the job. His Psoriatic Arthritis is in remission. We are so blessed! But we know that even if things get bad again, even if David goes back to having flares that leave him bedridden, God is in control.

So, please check out our friends photography at Still Light Media!

Kroger Cart Buster Giveaway! $25 Gift Card

Young Wife — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 04:00:11 +0000

Congrats to Liz M, winner of the $25 Gift Card!

Kroger Cart Buster savings are back! Here’s some info about the program:

From July 31st through August 17th save on tons of brands across more than 100 categories from General Mills, PepsiCo, Unilever, Heinz, Mars, Wrigley and Kimberly Clark.

Look for some of your favorite participating products like, Honey Nut Cheerios, Yoplait, Pillsbury Pepsi, Doritos, Gatorade, Smart Ones, Ore-Ida, Cottonelle, Viva, Breyer’s Ice Cream, Axe , Snickers, Pedigree and Orbit.

Look for big savings storewide at the Kroger Family of Stores, which includes Kroger, Ralphs, King Scoopers, City Market, Dillons, Smith’s, Fry’s, QFC, Baker’s, Owen’s, Jay C Food Stores, Hilander, Gerbes, Food4Less, Fred Meyer, Pay Less Supermarkets and Scott’s food & Pharmacy.

Don’t let the savings stop there! Make sure to follow the Cartbuster “Deal of the Day” beginning August 3rd and running through August 16th.* Download exclusive offers, on more of your favorite brands, directly to your shopper card, by visiting www.cartbuster.com, beginning Wednesday, August 3rd. You can also follow Kroger on their Facebook page here.

Here are some of the deals I got during the Cart Buster event:

Cascadian Farms Shoestring Fries $2 – Hooray for organics!

Diet Pepsi 2 Liter $1 – Perfect for an upcoming church event.

Peanut M&Ms $.50 – I got two packages because I had a coupon for $.75 off two! That means I spent $.25 for two packages of M&Ms!

Cascadian Farms Granola Bars $2.19 – That price was with an on the box coupon. I keep these organic granola bars in my desk at my part time job. They’re really yummy, and non-perishable food is great for the office.

There are some great deals to be had right now!

You can win One $25 Kroger gift card (Good at any of the Kroger. Co Family of Stores)! Just tell me which of your favorite products you are most excited to find savings on during the Cart Buster event at Kroger.

Optional Bonus Entries: Like A Young Wife’s Tale on Facebook and/or Stumble any one of my blog posts. Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry. I will chose a winner using Random.org and notify the winner by email. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, I will select a new winner. Giveaway ends August 27.

Disclosure: The Kroger gift card, information, and giveaway have been provided by Kroger and General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

How David Copes With Psoriatic Arthritis Pain

Young Wife — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:53:54 +0000

This post is part of the RA Warrior Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Management Blog Carnival. Click here to learn more from other rheumatology patients about pain management.

My husband David was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis four years ago. Although he is currently in remmission, he has been completely debilitated at times by arthritis pain in his joints, most notably his spine, and he still experiences arthritis pain every day. David uses a variety of methods to deal with his Psoriatic Arthritis pain.

Some of the simplest remedies that help him are things like over the counter heat patches, heating pads, and hot baths with epsom salts. Another thing that has helped David is chiropractic care.

I’ve blogged before about the Back 2 Life Machine. It was very helpful when he was flaring so badly the muscles in his back would spasm. You could actually see the muscles in his lower back twitching. The Back 2 Life Machine helped stretch David’s lower back very gently.

At different times David’s rheumatologists have given him injections in his back of things like methotrexate and cortisone. They typically only offered mild relief.
Doctors have prescribed many different medications to help David with his pain. Some of the medications that have given David significant relief are hydrocodone, Lyrica, Flexeril and Cymbalta. There was only one time when David asked a doctor for pain medication, and the doctor didn’t want to (but he’s the horrible rheumatologist who didn’t think David had Psoriatic Arthritis). I convinced him to give David the medicine, and we found a new rheumy ASAP.

I would not want David seeing a rheumatologist who was uncomfortable helping him with the pain. He’s never abused his medication. I understand that some doctors hesitate to prescribe pain mediation because they are afraid people will become addicted. I understand that they have liability issues. But, rheumatologists treat people with chronic pain, and there are better ways to deal with these problems than by letting rheumatology patients suffer in pain every day.

Prescription drugs help with the pain, but the absolute best thing for David’s Psoriatic Arthritis pain is acupuncture. Acupuncture is the only thing that has ever given him any pain free moments. After an acupuncture treatment, David typically has several hours where he isn’t in any pain. Acupuncture is expensive, and many health insurance companies don’t cover treatments. Still, it works for David. If we could afford to do it every day, he would!

I wish health insurance companies covered things like chiropractic care and acupuncture. It is frustrating that they will pay for drugs that offer minor relief, but not acupuncture which offers incredible relief.

Do you have chronic pain? What helps you?

5th Wedding Anniversary

Young Wife — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 03:20:33 +0000

When my husband and I were engaged, my mother told me, “I don’t care whether or not you go for pre-marital counseling. Nothing can prepare you for marriage.” She was right, but not even my mother knew the challenges my husband and I would face in our marriage.

On July 8, we celebrated five years of marriage. Those five years have been dominated by health problems. It started off with my health. I had severe TMJ Disorder and a knee injury. Then in our second year of marriage, my husband, David, was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis. Although he was being treated, he continued to get worse until our third year of marriage when he began experiencing flares that left him bedridden for days at a time.

Premarital counseling doesn’t cover bathing and dressing your twenty-something husband. There isn’t a chapter about chronic pain interfering with intimacy nestled between the chapters on budgets and chores in the books they give you. No one gives you advice on what to do when your health insurance doesn’t cover the medication your husband needs that costs as much as your monthly mortgage payment. And they sure didn’t tell us how desperate for a cure we’d be. We’ve tried just about everything, some things like chiropractic care and acupuncture, with better results than others, like eliminating dairy from his diet.

Last December, David’s Psoriatic Arthritis went into remission. It was an answer to prayer, but we have no idea how long it will last. He could go back to being bedridden at any time. He still has pain every day, but he, and consequently we, are living a more normal life now. We can go to the movies. David can take our dog for short walks. We are so grateful.

The two things that have sustained me during the worst of times are my Christian faith and our support system, comprised of our family, a few close friends (including other young people with chronic illnesses I’ve met online) and our church. However, I think those two things would help any marriage struggling with any problem. Marriage is a lot of work. Whether you face cancer, a chronic illness, infertility or financial problems, marriage is hard.

One thing I do know: even with our health problems, I am a happier, better person for being married to my husband.

A Young Wife's Tale

WFMW – That Works for Me e-Book Giveaway!

Related Posts:

Giveaway: Star Wars Episode I The Phantom Menace

Related Posts:

Oh, How Far We’ve Come

Related Posts:

David’s Horrible Allergic Reaction

Related Posts:

Movie Review – I’m Just Like You – Children With Psoriasis

Related Posts:

Sam’s Club $25 Gift Card Giveaway!

Related Posts:

David Is a Full Time Permanent Employee!

Related Posts:

Kroger Cart Buster Giveaway! $25 Gift Card

Related Posts:

How David Copes With Psoriatic Arthritis Pain

Related Posts:

5th Wedding Anniversary

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