Intro:
'Tis the season to be jolly, but for those dealing with chronic illness, the holidays can bring a unique set of challenges. That's why it's crucial to carve out moments of relaxation and joy during this festive season. Keep reading to explore delightful and accessible ways to unwind and make this Christmas season extra special. Plus some bonus last minute gift idea links from Amazon or my shop!! Please note some links are affiliate links but I will not ink anything I have not ordered myself or will order. Some of which are in my basket!
1.Smelly Bliss with Wax Melts:
Ok I am a business woman too, so I would be totally mad to not mention my own shop and wax melt brand right? I have ready to ship gifts and will gift wrap for free. All super strong melts and very long lasting! Wax melts are a fantastic way to create a cozy atmosphere without the worry of open flames. Indulge in the seasonal fragrances that bring back cherished memories and make your space a haven of comfort. Remember they make awesome gifts too. With that said let us delve further into how we spoonies make the holidays work better for us and I will link more gift ideas too!
As a spoonie, throws and blankets are my fav and I can never have too many. Wrap yourself in a cloud of warmth with a soft, plush blanket. Whether you're nestled by the fireplace or curled up on the sofa, the right blanket can turn any space into a sanctuary of comfort. Remember that resting on the sofa with your fav throw is not being lazy! It is necessary so embrace it and indulge in the best cosy throws out there. There is also the Oodie, I fully recommend them too. As I write this I am wearing one right now. Consider gifting a luxurious blanket to your loved ones dealing with chronic illness – a gesture of warmth and care. Ps heated throws are a whole new world and I have 3 of them!! Yes they rock.
The Oodie - https://theoodie.co.uk/
Electric Throw - https://amzn.to/3RCtHIH
Throw - https://amzn.to/4acb8Cd
Often we are stuck on the sofa in pain but not fully tired and can get bored. Aside from binge watching my crazy reels, what else can you do? Colouring!! Yes colouring. I mea I do sell them too, but I will link some others to try that are fun too. It is not all about e right!! I got you. Embrace the therapeutic benefits of coloring books designed for adults. Engage your creative side with festive designs, letting your mind wander as you add vibrant hues to intricate patterns. It's a calming activity that allows you to express yourself while enjoying the holiday spirit.
Colouring Book - https://amzn.to/477WGIV
Colouring Book - https://amzn.to/4a8avtz
Colouring Pencils - https://amzn.to/3TiGot6
Take a break from the hustle and bustle to treat yourself to a personalized self-care session. Whether it's a warm bath with soothing bath salts or a facial mask, pamper yourself in a way that caters to your unique needs. Small indulgences can make a significant difference. Also something smaller like doing your nails! Doesn’t have to be a huge amount. But for the mind, it is amazing how much it can help to do something for yourself every so often.
False Nails - https://amzn.to/4afUCRO
Feet Pamper Gift - https://amzn.to/485EEaM
Eye Mask - https://amzn.to/4ahqLs0
Create a cozy movie marathon filled with feel-good holiday classics. Snuggle up with a cup of hot cocoa and lose yourself in the heartwarming tales of love and joy. Make it a date with loved ones, creating cherished moments that transcend the screen. This is one of my fav things to do! I choose a melt then we choose and movie and grab some snacks. Such a fun thing to do.
Movie Night Hamper Gift - https://amzn.to/3NhQRRZ
Tap into your creative side with easy and enjoyable holiday crafts. Whether it's making personalized ornaments, festive wreaths, or handmade cards, crafting provides a therapeutic outlet for self-expression and creativity. Share the joy by gifting your creations to friends and family. Hello I am the poster child of that!! Love crafting and I tend to choose ones that mean sitting!!
DIY Gift Ideas
Create a reading nook that beckons you to escape into the pages of a good book. Surround yourself with soft pillows and warm lighting as you dive into a novel or explore the world of audiobooks. Let the holiday-themed stories transport you to magical realms. You can also use audible books, way easier sometimes when your hands are too sore.
Kindle - https://amzn.to/3uMNLyO
Book I am going to get - https://amzn.to/3RyTTnp
Another Book https://amzn.to/488rz0w
Explore the joy of cooking or baking comfort foods that bring warmth to your heart. Whether it's a cup of homemade soup, freshly baked cookies, or a festive hot drink, savor the flavors of the season. Consider gifting a recipe book or pre-made mixes for easy enjoyment. I love nothing more than cooking when I have the energy and find it very creative. Here are some books I use to help me
Take a few moments each day to practice mindfulness meditation. Focus on your breath, embrace the present moment, and let go of stress. Apps and online resources can guide you through short, accessible sessions, making it an excellent practice for relaxation. I do struggle with this but there are some things can help
End your day on a positive note by jotting down moments of gratitude. Reflect on the small joys that brightened your day, creating a personalized gratitude journal. It's a wonderful way to shift your focus to the positive aspects of life, fostering a sense of contentment. These also make amazing gifts too.
Conclusion:
This Christmas season, prioritize self-care and relaxation, turning moments of respite into cherished memories. Embrace the joy of the holidays in ways that cater to your well-being, and don't forget to share the love with thoughtful gifts for your fellow chronic illness warriors and even to yourself. Wishing you a cozy and joyful holiday season!
Lots of Love
Bubba x
]]>Hey there! Tired of boring wax melts that just don't do the trick? That's exactly why I started making my own, and now I want to share the goodness with you! Bubbas Meltys is all about making your home smell amazing, and I've got eight awesome reasons why you should give them a try.
1. So Many Scents to Choose From: I totally get how having lots of choices is fun. With Bubbas Meltys, you can pick from tons of scents – like calming lavender or zesty citrus. It's way better than candles because you can switch it up whenever you want without breaking the bank!
2. Scents That Stick Around: I love when things last, don't you? Bubbas Meltys outlasts other melts because I want you to get your money's worth. They keep your place smelling fantastic for a long time – like 3-5 times longer than regular melts!
3. Good Stuff Inside for a Happy Home: I care about you, your pets, and our planet. That's why Bubbas Meltys is made with fragrances that are safe for you and your furry friends. No allergens, no animal testing, and definitely no parabens. It's all hand-poured with love right here in Northern Ireland.
4. Packaging That's Good for Earth: I'm all about being eco-friendly. Our packaging is 100% recyclable – even the labels are vegan friendly! Join us in making a positive impact on the environment while filling your space with amazing fragrances.
5. Personal Touch and Bonus Goodies: Who doesn't love a personal touch? Ask for free gift wrapping, and I'll make sure your order is filled with love. And guess what? I often throw in some free samples too. Surprise goodies are the best!
6. Ready to Go Anywhere, Anytime: Bubbas Meltys is ready to make the world smell better! We ship worldwide and even combine multiple products in one order. Sometimes, I'll even throw in a shipping upgrade for free – just to spread some joy your way!
7. Become a Wax Melt Pro: Follow me on social media for fun videos on how to use wax melts and get the most out of them. Join a community of scent lovers and home fragrance enthusiasts. We're all in this together!
8. Clear Info, Straight from Bubba: I believe in being upfront. You can find all the details about what goes into Bubbas Meltys right on the product pages. Need help? I'm just an email, website message, or social media DM away.
Ready to make your home smell amazing? Elevate your fragrance game with Bubbas Meltys! Quality, variety, and awesome service – it's all right here. Shop now and turn your space into a haven of long-lasting, delightful scents that'll lift your mood!
PS if you are unsure where to start, drop me a message or try our bundle boxes. There is also a starter mystery box!
]]>It is one of those days again where I want to get things done, but my body has other plans. I am just coming out of a bad ME crash but mine are strange. They come in waves throughout the day. So one minute I am feeling fine-ish , never fully fine but I will take fine-ish over the rest anytime! Then the next minute, boom, I am on the sofa wiped out barely able to keep my eyelids from closing or moving my arm to scratch my head. Yet I am not tired or sleepy, my mind is screaming to get up and do the fun melting things I love and enjoy. My body wins this time and I have to accept it and wait for it to lift. Luckily for the past 12 years of having this horrible illness, my crashes have always lifted. I am well aware of those with ME who have never come out of a crash and are trapped inside a body that is so fatigued they cannot move and are fully bed bound. This is something I worry about everytime I crash but am super grateful every time it lifts.
As I write this I am sort of self healing at the same time. This recent crash today was so bad, I feel just like the ghost in the illustration. So sad and frustrated and the rat is my illness taking over my life and stopping me getting real proper rest when I need it by more often than not keeping my mind active when my body shuts down.
The other cruel side of my illness is brain fog! My head feels muddled and I cannot think straight or communicate what I know I want to say, it just comes out wrong like I am a ghost on the other side screaming to be heard but I just can't get it out. Again the illness mocks me by making my fatigue lift yet my communication is all over the place.
I have to wait longer for the brain fog to lift before I can start typing this piece for you! Thank feck for spell check and grammar check on computers nowadays, am I right?
I will never give up while I have a chance at doing anything. I will take it with both hands, or whichever hand hurts the least at the time! I am writing this to self heal as always because writing has always been healing for me. I am also writing to you, to feel connections with you because I have never forgotten how I started my chronic illness journey. I went from lost, alone, scared and losing friends to finding my voice and utilizing my wax hobby to help as a creativity outlet to find you through social media and ultimately through my brand Bubbas Meltys. All a total accident but I am so glad I took a different path instead of falling at the barriers and limitations put up by my illnesses. I chose to pick myself up…slowly…carefully and keep moving forward around the walls my illnesses kept putting up and still do. I am not saying it is easy, and I fall back down so many times and sometimes think there is no way around this wall this time. But the part I am so proud of is the strength I didn’t know I had to keep getting back up again and again and again with your help. I genuinely love myself and you for that!!
Anyhoo I am now feeling back to my normal fatigue and pain levels where I know I can get things done with, so I am off to pack more orders which is something I truly enjoy to do and I am sure you feel my joy and love and gratefulness every time you open your orders!! I find it satisfying to pack them and always try to add some positive loving energy into each one.
Please do not be afraid to chat to me via email here one on one or via instagram dm, I am always happy to chat and get to know you more.
I hope you find your passion like I have because I promise it really does help especially on the bad days. But there is no hurry either, take your time and maybe it will find you, like mine did. A happy accident.
Do not forget I am here for you always and I genuinely want you to know you are not alone in this spoonie battle.
Lots of Love
Bubba x
]]>I was so excited to be getting out for a meal to celebrate Halloween. I even rested yesterday so I would be able to save up some energy. So we did get out and food was awesome but now I’m crashing argh so stuck on the sofa now. This is the part no one sees except for those super close to us. All those who do not understand our illnesses never see the down side only the side of us out with makeup on. Not even the side that we have to do in preparation to go out in the First place. I just want you guys to know you are not alone in this. Keep doing what you have to do for the smaller achievements and try not to worry about others and what they think. If all they want to see is what’s in front of them and not what happens for us to achieve what they see then that says more about them than you. Hang in there and keep fighting 🖤🖤 enjoy small wins and crash when you gotta 🖤
]]>Ok I have to say this is something relatively new for me. I’d say over the last couple years where I get extremely anxious if I have to make a phone call. Including actual physical symptoms kicking in!! Even something silly like a doctors appointment or hair appointment. Don’t even try me calling the local takeaway. I’d sooner starve. I will put it off as much as possible and try to find a reason to get my partner to do it instead. Again something new for him to learn how to handle from a partners point of view that does not suffer anxiety. If I have no choice then I Will procrastinate as long as possible then proceed to rehearse what I need to say. My anxiety is insane honestly. I was not always like this. But I’m slowly working on it and putting my big girl pants on. Well trying to with a lot of help 😆. But yeah I think this needs highlighted more too and not made a joke of because this is a real thing with a lot of folks and it is highly stressful for us. Tell me how you manage it what are your tips to help you when you have to make a phone call? Has anyone ever made fun of you for it? Fear not the melty army is here to support you. We are not afraid to throw a crutch at a hater for you 😆 🖤🖤
]]>Bubbas Blog #002
Anyone else struggle with the resting part of of your illness management??
so my rest day yesterday worked!! I’m a lot better than I was but wary to not push too hard or I’ll go backwards and crash. I’m still not as good as I was last week but I’m improving slowly.
]]>REST DAY UPDATE
Anyone else struggle with the resting part of of your illness management??
So my rest day yesterday worked!! I’m a lot better than I was but wary to not push too hard or I’ll go backwards and crash. I’m still not as good as I was last week but I’m improving slowly.
Balancing our illnesses is hard work. We always have the thoughts over us that at any moment we could get very sick and unable to do what we want. Yesterday was a big reminder to me to slow it back down again and remember that I’m more often than not still in denial that I am sick and disabled.
It was my knees and my fatigue that hit me bad so I now remember just how bad I actually am, until I start forgetting again while taking it easy then start pushing myself again then start getting the reminders again
I’ll never learn. I fight everyday but I did give up exercise completely to be able to keep going with Bubbas Meltys I definitely could not do both. I also pulled out of a psychology degree that I was doing and excelling in with the open university because I could not do it and my business. I had to make a choice. This is so often what we spoonies face. Can’t do it all but can try to some of it right. It’s about accepting limits and seeing what we can do instead of trying to do it all. Pick your passion over all others. Even if you have more than one passion and focus on the one you love the most.
I love what I do and as long as I keep trying to manage my symptoms and allow rest days more regularly then I’ll be fine. I just need to write this to reinstate In my own mind that I need to rest more
Anyone else struggle to allow themselves to rest? I always push it too far. But I’m going to try to stop that and rest even when I don’t think I need to. It all helps and I most definitely do not want a full crash I have to avoid that as much as possible.
ME is no joke and still not as well known about it as it should be. There are many assumptions on my illness and not much actual knowledge. Again why I do this because awareness is still something super important to us spoonies because it leads to understanding and empathy and much needed access and help.
I live with knowing I could end up bed bound permanently at any moment. There are different levels of ME and I have to keep monitoring my symptoms. I know some folks with more mobility than me and some who cannot get out of bed ever. So it is variable and also can change at any moment. Add on top of that my knees to which will keep deteriorating until I can barely walk at all. No cure and no current trials.
But luckily I’m a naturally positive person and will always try to stay that way. Plus I have you guys which you have no idea how much I value you!!
So I guess I’m writing this one because I’m stuck on the sofa again after packing orders to charge back up. Again I’m taking it slow today. And two because I think we all need reminding sometimes that each one of us is unique to our symptoms and illnesses and that we should never compare ourselves to others and what they can. We should never ignore our body giving us signals either. Just because one person who’s sick can go do something does not mean that you can do that same thing. Maybe there is something else more suited to you.
Stay fighting guys but please always listen to your body too. Limitations are not challenges to overcome. They are guidelines to listen to and learn to work with not against.
Lots of Love
Bubba x
Pic Credit • @endohealthhub Instagram
Spoonie Limits While Running A Business
Pictured New product for Halloween launch, liquid wax.
Hi Its me Bubba and welcome to my first ever blog!! I am so excited to start a blog and hopefully maybe even help someone who may read it and feel a little better about themselves. How often do we feel a type of way but also think we are alone in it and therefore broken and isolated in some way?
]]>Spoonie Limits While Running A Business
Pictured New product for Halloween launch, liquid wax.
Hi Its me Bubba and welcome to my first ever blog!! I am so excited to start a blog and hopefully maybe even help someone who may read it and feel a little better about themselves. How often do we feel a type of way but also think we are alone in it and therefore broken and isolated in some way?
WHATS A SPOONIE?
So let me explain a bit more. I am a spoonie, someone with chronic illness, I literally have a faulty battery and have only so much energy each day to get things done. This even includes showering or school run or making food, then add in the harder, bigger things like working or having to socialise! Some of us use a lot of energy for these things and are left completely wiped!! My battery is run down by the end of the day, not to mention my pain levels have increased too which also drains energy! It is insane and yet family and friends wonder why we can barely speak or move by the evening?
So in this blog I want to answer one of the biggest questions I get asked and that is, 'Bubba how do you run a business with your illness'?
Well, firstly, I take each day as it comes and am openly honest that I am sick and pretty much a one woman band. I do have help from some folks, but 95% like most small business owners is done by me.
I have this Halloween launch for, as I write this, tonight! I have added a pic of a new liquid wax in a blood bag that I super excited and proud of!! This is art for me too, a way to express how I feel living with illness and disability. But I want to firstly say, it is not easy running a business with chronic illness and disability!!! But there are ways to try to make it a little easier.
PLANNING!!!
So of course I started working and planning months ago. I had goals as to what products and fragrances I was bringing back from last year and then also planned out what new items and fragrances I wanted to release. There was also a brand new product called liquid wax that I desperately wanted to have ready for a Halloween release which of course is the blood bags. Not to mention bringing some new fragrances to candles.
TESTING AND RECORD KEEPING!!
Candles are an entity of their own, they require a lot of testing and trial and error. Each fragrance will react differently to each wick. So I had to start running tests months prior to launch. Luckily I have managed to find the right wicks for each scent I wanted to have included in this drop. I also need to keep notebooks with all candle tests and each ingredient including how many drops of dye etc and which wick because if I do not do that, then I forget what is used for what scent.
I have notebooks to plan the full list of products, notebooks to run tests on all products including my wax melts. I need to test for hot throw etc each time. I keep a batch sample for all too. It is a lot but it makes life easier to have all my records handy. I also have backup records on the computer but I am more of a notebook kinda gal so I use them a lot.
HAVE GREAT SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIPS AND AN AWESOME DESIGNER!!
I make a list of labels and what style I want for each and then get Tom to sort out. He pretty much knows my style now which is awesome so it is hassle free. My label printer guys are all awesome in particular Beanprint who totally worked super hard to get my labels out on time!
BE MINDFUL TO YOUR BODY!
It really is all about planning. But the other side of it is to always be mindful of my illness and that I could crash at any moment which could set me back. So for example if I feel ok on a Sunday, then I work. It means if I am bad on Tuesday, it is ok because I have been working on days I was ok, so can afford to take it off for rest.
DO WHAT SUITS YOU, NOT WHAT OTHERS THINK YOU SHOULD DO!
I take mini rests throughout the day (another reason why I still have my work base from home). It means I can rest at any time, I can work until midnight if need be If I am feeling ok, and rest all morning if I am not ok. If I had a unit which just before lockdown I almost did go and get one, I would not have that luxury and would be tired at even having to travel to work. I took all that into consideration. Plus I am super lucky to have plenty of space to be able to continue working from home for now. I know one day I will not be able to, which is very close considering I was almost getting a unit in 2019! However, I have made my business work for me.
BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF AND YOUR CUSTOMERS!
Let me elaborate more. I have been honest about my illness from day 1 to my customers. I have always said there may be times, that I cannot get the order out super fast. But I have also made it work for me in that I only sell pre made stock. So it is ready to pick and pack, which is faster for you the customer. If I am slowed down by my illness it is not as bad as having to make an order from scratch. The items are sitting waiting to go. That was a decision I made pretty early on.
I have deliberately kept stock to a manageable quantity for me too. Prior to first lockdown again I was about to start hiring, but now I have to reduce workload and maintain stock availability myself with a little help from my partner and son, due to my illness I cannot have a lot of folks around me.
These were all things I did to be able to make my business work for me. Once things ease a bit I can maybe start working toward that again. But as always I do not pressure myself. This brand will always be one that is honest and inspiring and realistic to fellow spoonies. I want to show that we are sick not dead and can achieve whatever we want to do but just maybe have to go a bit slower than if we were not sick and make some adaptations.
BE THE TURTLE NOT THE HARE!
I think what I am trying to say is, anything is possible as long as you are realistic with your limitations and listen to your body. Do not try to compare to anyone else cos they are not you, even if they have an illness, because many illnesses affect each person differently. Do not be hard on yourself. Pick something you love and move at it to a pace that suits you, not anyone else. I no longer worry about others and what they think or actually say, I simply stay in my lane, love what I do and keep moving forward, sometimes slower than others, but maybe being the turtle is better than the hare in the long run? It most definitely is for me with my illness which has no cure and will continue to get worse,
If you find yourself doing something you love and it helps your mental health and you are able to make amazing friends through it, then that is success, making money off it is the icing on the cake but not the main focus!!
I am incredibly lucky to be able to do what I do but I work hard despite my illness and will continue to until I cannot any longer then I will find another option. It really is all about trying new things, not being afraid of failure, there really is no such thing, it is just a what not to do next time lesson.
VALUE THE RIGHT THINGS!!
Our Values change when we become chronically sick, time and family mean everything to me. My friends are super important to me too of which I have been so so lucky to have made on my melty journey. I am constantly meeting more fellow spoonies and ultimately feeling a little less lonely in my illness each day. Fellow spoonies understand and will not judge if you have to cancel last minute because your business took that last wee bit of energy you thought you had to spare!!
BE PROUD OF YOURSELF NO MATTER HOW SMALL YOU THINK SOMETHING IS THAT YOU ACHIEVED!
I am the face of my own brand and could not be more proud of myself for what I have achieved so far despite everything I am up against and am super excited for the future whatever that may bring my way. I will face it like I always do, with you guys beside me, uplifting each other as we go along our spoonie ways.
You can do whatever you want to do. Never let anyone tell you otherwise. Yes you have limitations and never ignore them. You are not an alien with super powers, you have to learn to manage your illness and what you can and cannot do. If you cannot do something, find something else. Never make yourself worse by trying to impress others by 'fighting through it'. Ultimately when we do that sort of thing, we are the ones who always end up paying for it, and those we were trying to impress by pushing through and being 'brave' always forget anyway and go back to judging us regardless!!! Impress yourself!!
YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU WANT JUST BE PATIENT AND PACE YOURSELF!
Our illnesses are real and we have to adapt all the time to make things work. Listen to your body it will guide you toward things that will work for you. Trust in yourself and your talents, some of which you may not even know you have!! Who knew I was a killer wax melt and candle maker in my 40s?
Lets keep growing and learning and gently moving forward. Never give up on yourself and inspire others cos that is a powerful feeling to help keep you fuelled when you feel down and tired or sore or all of those things at once!
Lots of Love
Bubba x
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