You remember the song My Favorite Things from the Sound of Music?  Well, I have my own list and it doesn’t include bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens or cream-colored ponies and crisp apple strudels. It doesn’t even include raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens – no matter how beautiful or cute they are. And it most certainly does NOT include silver white winters that melt into springs – I like the spring part but hate snow and winter!

We all know that certain things in life bring us comfort and joy, but many of my must haves or favorite things made the list for their functionality because of limitations due to my Multiple Sclerosis, but I love them, nonetheless.  I’ve come to realize that I am accumulating things that make my life just a little bit easier and more manageable and believe me, I’m a better and less stressed out woman because of them! Read on, you may just find we have something in common!

Here is my list in no particular order:

Blundstones – They say (ok, I don’t really know who they are, but they say) that your mobility and independence begin with your feet. Finding footwear that fits can keep you moving and that is an appealing thought as I sometimes struggle to keep moving with my MS. Blundstone boots were originally intended for laborers working in Tasmania’s harsh outback during Australia’s colonial days in the late-19th century.  They are light, dry, all-season, tough-as-nails, and quite possibly the most comfortable boots I have ever worn.  Even more comfy than my cowboy boots and I have some pretty comfy, not to mention super cute boots and still I choose to wear the Blundstones!  The great thing about them is that they get comfier with every step as they personalize to your feet. I love that they give me some extra traction as well as keep my feet nice and secure hopefully reducing the trip and fall risk!  I love my Blundstones!  You should get some! I don’t think you will be disappointed.  Read more about what makes Blundstones special by following this link.https://lifeisaboot.blundstone.ca/blundstone-boots-transition-winter-storms-summer-music-festivals-beyond/

Garlic Zoom by Chef N is easy to use, simply peel your garlic, fill it up and roll.  The removable stainless-steel blade keeps hands away from garlic and makes garlic prep work a breeze. Perfect for someone with MS, such as myself.  My grip strength is something that my MS has affected and some days I just need a little help that doesn’t involve squeezing a garlic press or chopping my fingers off and the Garlic Zoom has a top-notch lifetime warranty.  I know this because my extremely well used and loved Garlic Zoom had broken so I gave them a call.  It was that simple, I sent them an email with a picture of my broken zoom and in 3 weeks I had a brand new and I might add IMPROVED zoom at my doorstep!  Caution though, its so easy that you may overindulge in garlicky dishes!  Don’t blame me for your bad breath!  http://www.chefn.com/garliczoomr-garlic-chopper-xl-arugula.html

KitchenAid grater attachment – This specially designed for KitchenAid stand mixer, is easy to attach and operate with no clogging during slicing.  And when you have an over abundance of zucchini like I did this summer, it makes grating zucchini a quick and easy job plus it is so much easier to clean than my big and bulky food processor and it saves the knuckles when using a mandolin. On my wish list now is the pasta making attachment!

Instant Pot – I don’t know about you, but I have always been nervous to try my hand at pressure cooking, but I am happy to report that this bad boy is super easy to use and not scary at all!  Even though I’m no longer working, I still value my time– even my time doing one of the things I love, Cooking. Plus, I’m trying to conserve my energy and beat the fatigue game my MS doles out to me by utilizing as many shortcuts as possible and this cool little gadget is one of those shortcuts. This pressure cooker is also a cake maker, egg cooker, steamer, sterilizer, warmer, and more. The central dial is simple to use, while the microprocessor keeps time, adjusts heat levels, and monitors the temperature and pressure. I use it regularly and haven’t even scratched the surface with what I can cook in it! Bring on more recipes, and lucky you – you will get to read all about them!

Homemade face cream – Hand made by moi’, this amazing cream is made with a base of almond oil, jojoba, coconut oil & beeswax and is infused with frankincense, ocotea, lavender, copaiba, gentle baby, patchouli and geranium making it a perfect cream to hydrate my drier than a popcorn fa%& skin and is great to wear as a base under my makeup! PS, if you are going to use essential oils, be sure you use oils that are therapeutic grade and don’t have added synthetics, contaminants, or cheap fillers.  And always look for those who use ethical production practices.

MS Roller – When I wake up and my MS seems to be acting up, I either have my husband roll this down my spine or I roll it on the best I can. This blend contains Helichrysium, frankincense, german chamomile, sandalwood, basil and peppermint and is topped off with a carrier oil (I chose Coconut oil for this particular batch).  The oils I included were chosen for their anti-inflammatory and calming properties so it smells as amazing as it feels! I know that I sure could use a little extra support when striving for my optimal healthy lifestyle, couldn’t you?

Yak blanket – This hand loomed yak wool fleece shawl is extremely warm and extra snuggly. With its vibrant colors, I feel happy when I reach for it when I’m feeling chilled or heading for the nap that usually finds its way into my life by 2:00 every afternoon. Yep, this thing is a keeper!

Natural Stress Relief CD – When I had my car accident in early 2005, my daughter bought me a CD (Dan Gibson Natural Stress Reduction) that I have listened to every night before bed.  I kid you not, there have only been a handful of times since the accident that I haven’t been lulled to sleep by the soothing ocean sounds of this amazing cd.  We’ve been together a very long time and I don’t plan on breaking up anytime soon. I have it downloaded on every device I have so no matter where I go, my bedtime ritual follows!  Thank you, Casey!

Soma Blonde Silver Shampoo – It’s no big surprise that I am aging (55 in July)……and my hair has a whole bunch of the occasional gray hair poking out between coloring appointments. Not to mention that it is heat damaged from years and years of abuse and possibly because I signed the ends in a campfire a couple of years ago, but this shampoo helps keep my hair shiny and brass free until I hit the salon next.  According to SOMA, their products are “sulfate-free”, optimal pH levels, made with keratin and wheat protein, they are hypoallergenic, 100% Biodegradeable, *100% Alcohol-Free and 100% Vegan.  If only it could style my hair and stop the rest of my body from sagging, I would be a happy happy camper!

Redken Extreme Anti-Snap leave in treatment – again……..campfire faux pas but this leave-in treatment for damaged hair & split ends repairs, strengthens and protects hair shine.  Because of the medications I am on for my MS, my hair has been falling out steadily and has become thin over the years, but this stuff has made my hair grow thicker in addition to stronger!  Why I didn’t find this years ago is beyond me. I love it! If you have damaged hair, give it a try!

Josef Seibel Shoes – This casual sandal from JOSEF SEIBEL made in Germany is the perfect sandal for me, I am a Skechers fan through and through, but this shoe is winning me over!  With its adjustable back strap, leather lining and sturdy sole, my feet are happy campers all summer long!  It’s a bonus that they are so cute! Because I have difficulties with my balance and I don’t have much feeling in my feet, I stumble at times so I’m choosy about what shoes I wear.  They need to be tight fitting (no flip flops for me anymore) and I have to feel confident when I am walking especially on uneven ground, so a good sturdy fit is just what I need. And, I’m not ready to give up all sense of style because I have some limitations, so these pretty sandals are perfect! Check them out here and you will be happy to know that there is free shipping to Canada and the US.  https://www.josefseibel.com/

There you have it – my 11 must haves this summer!

Like the song says – I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don’t feel so bad!  What can’t you live without? What tips or tricks do you have up your sleeve to make life a little easier?

Until Next Time!

Raegan