HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Calling this post "Gift Guide" doesn't feel right. It's just too sales-y for our little space here. We are friends, not sales associates and consumers. So, instead, I'll name this blog post: "Present Suggestions". That sounds more genuine. Sharing good ideas and things I love. If you have some good news, what's one of the first things you naturally want to do? Share it. That's what I'll be doing here.

EDIE AND MARS: Custom Portraits

instagram:@edieandmars.studio

etsy: Edie and Mars

Two years ago I met Chrysta, the artist behind this shop. We only crossed paths for a little while, but made lasting impressions. Christmas 2017 I received this watercolor portrait of our family. I was beyond happy. I cried tears. If you remember last Christmas I was in the hospital. This gift changed everything for me that stay. I know you'll win favorite sister, bestie or daughter-in-law award by gifting one of these this Christmas.

To order go to Edie and Mars Etsy shop, click 'Custom Order'. She has set up 
FREE SHIPPING exclusively for my readers. It will automatically occur upon check out. This qualifies for custom orders as well as any listed in her shop. 

*Artist will only be taking a limited number of orders this holiday season, so it you're interested, take advantage fast. Last order taken will be December 12. This will guarantee it's arrival time to snuggle safely in recipients stocking...or under the tree Christmas morning.

CASE APP: Phone Case and Laptop Skins

instagram: @caseapp

website: CaseApp  

You've seen these on my instagram before...because I love them! They have countless designs for phone and laptop covers, sure to match something with your personality. My phone and laptop have twin covers, called Always Moving. To get matching ones with me (Ooo please do!) click here 

Want some holiday cheer? pine and happy raindeer would be my picks. 

Is black and white your thing? Check these out.

You can also upload any photo you have and they'll print in on the case. I have done this with our wedding photo.
I was asked by CaseApp to advertise for them this holiday season. However, it was already on my presents list, so you can rest assured I truly do love their cases.

For 20% off use code: SHERMAN20

(If ordered before mid December these will arrive before Christmas)

HIDING HAELO: Book one of the 
Candeon Heirs Series

instagram: @tmholladay

snag: Hiding Haelo

grab: Haelo Hunted

Eeek you guys, I am so excited about this one! I met the author Tara, long before she was the author of the Candeon Heirs Series. Eight years ago we were both living in Hawaii and our two worlds met. She is a Mom of three kiddos and has put everything into these books. She is currently working on finishing book three, due early 2019. Not only did she create this captivating world of mermaids living amongst humans, but she also started her own book publishing company from the ground up. 

Hiding Haelo is the first in the YA adult series, followed by Haelo Hunted. Honestly if you have a teen, (or I would even say preteen) put this book under the tree. They will thank you. Last Christmas while in the hospital, I had my Mama read the second book out loud to me. It was such a soothing activity and allowed me to heal while resting and to the soothing sounds of my Mama's voice. 

Tara will keep you captivated early on in book one. I can't wait for my turn to pick 'the book' for Book Club. I've been waiting to share this.

MAKE UP ERASER: 
Reusable Make up Removing Cloth

instagram: @makeuperaser

website: The Original Make Up Eraser

A year ago, I ordered a local product...honestly, because it seemed 'to good to be true' and I kinda wanted to prove it wrong. Luckily, I hadn't said anything to anybody, or I would have put my foot in my mouth. It is the best product! The Original Make Up Eraser is a microfiber cloth that removes all make up with just water. I'm talking waterproof mascara, foundation...everything. The Make Up eraser is machine washable and will last you 3-5 years.  Never buy harmful disposable makeup wipes again! I haven't bought one make up removal product since purchasing this. I am a lifetime customer. They created a discount code just for YOU readers. I promise. this.will.change.your.life.

For 20%off at checkout use code: MANDIE20

SUGARFACE CLOTHING: Rad Tee's with Rad Statements

instagram: @sugarfaceclothing

shop: Sugarface Clothing Website

You've seen me rocking gear from here before. That's because not only are the shirts adorable and good quality, but the Mama behind it is so rad. She designs all of her designs. She is the HUSTLER for everything you'll find here. Website, gram, designing, packaging, shipping and even all the cute inserts you'll receive in her package.

Remember, shopping small and helping provide food for little one's is better than stuff from a big corporate company with a rich CEO and their yacht. ;)

code:  HAPPYSOUL for 25% off
 - this is the largest discount offered of all the gifts :D -

SIMPLE AND BLUSH: Hair Ribbons

instagram: @simpleandblush

shop: Simple and Blush

These hair ribbons are simply adorable. I was skeptical how it might work with my short hair. I mean all the beautiful photos of gals wrapping them around buns and topknots on their heads. Making the 'Mom hair' go from drab to fab. Well guess what guys, it worked for my mini pony too and I love it! Ric even said, 'Ooo, look Hawke, Mom has a ribbon in her hair!' I think we all understand if a guy notices something to do with our hair, we can take it as a win, a big deal. Whoop-whoop!

Use code: SHERMAN10 at checkout for  10% off your order.

CONQUER ALL: Motivational Apparel

instagram: @shop_conquerall

instagram: @shermanmandie

website: Shop Conquer All

Last but not least, I can't leave without putting a plug in for our special shop. This was set up as a site to help ease the burden of life with a chronic illness. Not much can always be 'done', by people on the outside. It's often the big Specialist brains thinking of ideas and what to try next, and then me putting in the work to get 'er done. But, part of the burden can be lifted. Profits from the shop go directly to medical bills, and to purchase life saving equipment not covered by insurance. Lindsay and I create the tee designs, and Elkhorn Embroidery, a Husband and Wife duo in Oregon execute the idea to reality.We have some great new things coming to the shop through out the month of December. First one being the Salty Hoodie ya'll have been requesting.

Products that will arrive in time for Christmas: Black Souldier Tee, Salty Hoodie and the three pairs of Sunglasses...arriving soon! Everything else will be delayed because of backorder. The discount code is still valid and your purchases as always are humbly appreciated.

Checkout code: READERS  for  15% off  your entire order.

I love you big, guys.

Happy Holidays,

M   

             

SAVIOR OF THE WORLD

last night at the closing of the Savior of the World play, Hawke began to cry. 

not tantrum toddler like, but genuine mourning tears. “i want to see baby Jesus” he started repeating in a soft voice.

with the closing of the play, he was certain he had missed out on one of the most special moments he might ever have.

we walked around to find Jesus’ mom, Mary.

spending just a moment with Hawke, she replied, “i can tell this is really important to you. can you wait here?” she left the mass of people standing to meet her, and returned with baby Jesus in arm so the young boy in front of her, who longed for this sacred opportunity, didn’t miss it.

Xx,

M

HOW TO WHITEN SENSITIVE TEETH

What do you call a bear without teeth?
A gummy bear!

If you know us, you know teeth are pretty important around here. Growing up a family of girls we were (are) all kinda obsessed with having good teeth. No, perfect teeth. Straight, white teeth. Fast forward and I worked in the dental field for four years. 
Fast forward again and I marry a handsome hunk heading into Dental School. And here we are now, living the student life, living and thriving through dental school.  People joke that the graduating individual earns their PhD and the spouse earns their PsT (Putting spouse Through). It's a little dumb joke, but makes us spouses feel better about our role in the process.

I recently tried a new product called Smile Brilliant. They are an in-home whitening treatment that is the same strength as if you went to the Dentist for a teeth whitening kit or  treatment (Holla!).

 Not all home whitening systems are created equal and this opportunity is unique! 
I was pumped to try this product all the while continuing my day as normal. Not interrupting our home routine.

Smile Brilliant first mailed me a kit with thorough instructions on how to mix the clay for impressions (this is way easier than the alginate used in dental offices - for all my fellow dental assistants). I completed the prep "work". Taking about five minutes -- including an extra impression cause I messed up my first one. Thank heavens they plan on there being an error, and send an extra mixture with every kit! 

Once finished, I put the impressions in the pre-addressed and stamped envelope they include, and sent if off in the mail.

I received a package shortly after with beautifully made whitening trays! Also, I'm not sure exactly which product they use for this, but these are BY FAR the most comfortable trays I've ever had. They fit perfectly snug, soft on my gums and not digging anywhere.

I have sensitive teeth, so I used their sensitivity gel for a few weeks before the whitening process. This helped insanely much. If you have the same issue I have, I highly highly recommend this. Quite frankly you could probably just order this gel to help with your tooth sensitivity needs on a day-to-day basis.

I followed up with the whitening bleach, every other day for 30 minutes. I started out cautious; cause again, sensitivity issues but worked up to every day for one hour. I am happy to report, I had zero sensitivity issues during the whitening process. No "zingers"- if you've had 'em, you know what I mean. And no sensitivity with cold foods, either.

Thank you Smile Brilliant for making this such a seamless process. I have a load of doctor appointments and frequently trying to find babysitters for them -- not having to make a Dentist appt. for new Whitening Trays relieved my schedule, saved on gas and time/money on a babysitter.

Smile Brilliants home whitening kit, didn't interrupt my routine either. I wore my trays while getting us ready for the day, during my lung and breathing treatments, cleaning, driving and whatever else was on my schedule. 

 

I love my new shiny smile. And because I love it so much, I thought I'd do a giveaway for one of YOU to receive a FREE KIT.

 To be entered in the drawing you'll need to: 

1. Like the photo on instagram (@shermanmandie)

2. On instagram, tag friends in comments. One tag per comment, please.

3. Fill out this Giveaway Form

4. **10 Bonus entries** if you subscribe to blog by filling out the "follow by email" box, on the right side tool bar. 

Here is my before and after. I can't wait to see yours. Tag me in your new smile!

Remember to brush and floss your teeth, 'cause no one wants to BE a gummy bear!
Thanks Smile Brilliant for making myself and others feel more confident all around the world!

Smile Big, 
   M

whoomp! there it is

i recently had a friend text me and say, i’ve noticed when your having a hard time you withdraw...said friend is  also a therapist and at times will analyze and call me out. but i don’t mind, she’s always right, and she always helps.

truth is i have been in a funk.

i have been in limbo with my own health and lungs status. two full weeks where i was possibly going to be admitted. back and forth (educated) decisions resulting in 'well let’s try this’, ‘it could be this’....all of which have been correct and i am seeing improvements. (yay.)

however, during that waiting period it is hard to be hopeful. actually, it's easy to be hopeful, but i hold back feeling that hope. because if i brace myself, the sting isn’t as bad when they say i "need to come in for a clean out.” so, i kept all my bags packed. i lived out of suitcases for two weeks in my own home. i didn’t want to unpack just to turn around and repack the next day.

the CF community has seen many difficulties recently. on being a key Cyster (@claire.wineland @clairesplacefoundation) of our community passing in an unexpected way. a woman of much influence and dedication to speaking openly and positively about our disease. she is a beautiful, strong light and it stung when her light left to shine somewhere else.

i watched as multiple friends were being admitted. it almost felt like there was a plague.

my psyche and mental health were struggling. anxiety, frustration and depression.

i simply am frustrated it’s not an equal ratio of my efforts and results. quite frankly it doesn’t even feel like a 10:1 ratio; efforts:results. this can be overwhelming. it can be tiring, in fact i am tired. everyday. all the time. i still take 2-3 hour naps daily. what used to be an indicator that i had an infection brewing, now seems to be part of a new normal. i only have about 5 hours of functioning before my body is like, “no. no more. i need to recharge if you want me to go on.” it’s like i live two ‘mini days’ in every 15 hours i am awake.

anyway, i kinda took an unintenional break from everything. commitments fell through. i haven’t written since july. i’ve been inconsistent in my social media presence, as well as updating you. you, who are so invested in mine and my families health. i appreciate you dearly, and i am sorry.

sometimes i am envious of my friends who have lung transplants. they have a new light to them. a look of relief. a release from the demands of frequent hours of daily lung treatments. i know lung transplantation by all means is not easy, and is not a cure. it’s basically trading one disease for another. learning to manage something new and something as grand as foreign organs in your body is no easy task. but sometimes i just want to breathe. i want to be able

to laugh without going into a coughing fit. i want to be able to rough house with my kid at any moment; instead of responding to his plea, “let mommy do a treatment first, then i can wrestle”. only to then be able to participate a few short minutes before being depleted.

guys this is open, this is raw, this isn’t my usual postings or my usual mental view. i have been in a funk. but this has been my truth. i am human. we are all human. i have bad days. we all have bad days.

but during my bad days, i have had many hours to reflect and my conclusions are often the same. gratitude. sure, i might not be seeing a 10:1 ratio of my efforts to improve my lung status, or even maintain where they’re at, but i AM alive. i AM breathing, even though i am also coughing. i AM watching my son grow up, even if the view is often while sitting next to my treatment machine. i AM making memories with my husband. i am here. and frankly what more could i want? nothing. my greatest blessing, my greatest gift, all of my gratitude lies in the fact that God does here my prayers...i am still here on this earth, still breathing, and that is a luxury.

Xx,

    M