Today is the last day of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Awareness month but unfortunately for me its not the last day I'm stuck with it. I thought I'd tell you a bit about my day today with a kinda bad pain day but definitely not my worst. I mean I made it out of bed.



I overdid it yesterday and by overdoing it I mean I went swimming after not getting up until 11:30am. I also did a food shop with my mum but I was in my wheelchair and I spent 3 hours in the car as a passenger. That was enough to cause my body to freak out and increase my pain levels to above normal and left me battling fatigue. Pretty chuffed I managed to go swimming though even if my body freaked out at the temperature change and made me overheat and dizzy.

Today I woke up at 10am, spent about 10 minutes on my phone and had to have another nap because my pain and fatigue levels were so high and I was just exhausted. I woke up again at 11am and it took me nearly an hour to get up and make it to the toilet even though I had desperately needed to pee that whole time. I then had to have a rest and psych myself up before attempting to get off the loo because effort. Lovely titbit of info for you.

I dislocated my jaw brushing my teeth which happens most mornings to be honest. Attempting to get dressed was exhausting and by getting dressed I mean swapping my pj shorts for pj trousers, putting on a front zip sports bra and a vest top. I had to rest between each item of clothing and did what I could lying down. I didn't even attempt to brush my hair I just scraped it back and in the process I subluxed my shoulder. I tell you this getting dressed malarkey is dangerous.

Then came attempting to get downstairs and I had to do the trusty butt shuffle. Let me tell you, on a spiral staircase this is no mean feat. Damn cute old welsh cottages and their crappy stairs. I then got downstairs and realised I had forgotten to take my meds which were upstairs. I nearly cried. I couldn't even ask my mum to get them because without seeing the packet I couldn't remember which ones I needed to take so once again it was the butt shuffle and another subluxed shoulder.

I finally got downstairs at around 1ish and my mum made me breakfast/brunch but it took me a while to pluck up the energy to eat it plus my nausea was being a bitch. Scrambled egg luckily doesnt involve too much chewing

I haven't really managed to do much today and it's taken me forever to write this post because brain fog means I keep forgetting words and my concentration is shocking.

Today has been a low dislocation/injury day because I haven't really moved much which is always a plus. I also have a billion supports and bandages to try and keep me in place and have to sleep with so many cushions there's barely enough room in my bed for me. I use to cushions to prop all my joints up to keep them in place. Mainly my hips with two V shaped cushions which are life savers.

Going to bed is probably the worst part of my day because I'm exhausted in pain and a horrific stair case stands between me and my bed. I'm trying to find suitable accommodation but I can't afford anywhere myself. My brother also already has the living room as his bedroom as he can't climb the stairs at all so if I can't make it up the stairs I have to sleep on the sofa bed and share a room with my 16year old brother which is a bit strange. Plus he talks in his sleep (He shouted YOLO once). Then once I've battled the stairs I have the exhausting task of getting changed etc. My mum has to help me put my pjs on quite often which as a 22 year old just feels wrong but Im too sore and tired to do it myself. She also has to wash my hair and sometimes goes as far as helping me off the toilet and brushing my teeth. Such a fabulous life I lead.

Then comes the nights of insomnia and pain where no matter how exhausted I am I just cannot sleep and any sleep I do get is not restorative and I wake up feeling even more exhausted than before I went to sleep.

It could've been worse though, on a bad day I cant even sit up in bed let alone get out of it. I spend my days with my best friend Netflix and twitter for company and if that gets too much I have to nap, because you know netflix requires buckets of energy.

If I want to do something big like go out with friends etc then I have to make sure I rest for days before and then end up wiped out for the next few days afterwards. I had to sleep for like a week after I got back from Nice. So worth it though.

Life with EDS means I can't plan much because I just never know how my body is going to be. I can go from having a good day to being bed bound within an hour. This means I have to leave things early and cancel days out a lot. I also have to try and judge whether certain activities are going to be worth the payback.

Luckily I have amazing family and friends who are so understanding and I have no idea how I would cope without their support. They are literally my lifeline and I am so grateful.

Sorry it's such a long post (Im not actually that sorry) but if you made it this far congrats give yourself a gold star. I'd be happy if I make just one person aware of EDS.

I've been to the cinema 3 times this month and I actually have time to sit and watch as many films and tv shows as I like (shh dont tell my mum), plus my body has been pretty broken so I haven't had much choice in the matter. So here's what I watched this month

Pretty Woman
I absolutely love this film. Definitely one of my favourites. It would seem my dad also loved it because he pushed me over so he could sit on the edge of my bed and watch the end. Is there actually anyone who hasnt seen this film? Also my parents seem to love the Cinder-fuckin-ella line and laugh too much every time. Its hilarious.

Flashdance
I actually only watched this for the first time ever this month but its safe to say I enjoyed it. Did not realise that it was Bette from The L word that was in it though. The soundtrack was great and the dancing looked like far too much effort but made me a tad jealous. Wish I could move like that. That figure would also be nice.

Little Mermaid: Ariels Beginning. 
Cant really go to bed early because your ill without watching a Disney film. Its the rules. Obviously this is no where near as good as the first film but its still fun and I enjoyed watching it. You find out what happened to Ariels mum and how her dad lost his marbles a lil bit. Its a good film to put on if you dont want anything too taxing on the brain


RuPauls Drag Race
I am so addicted to RuPaul. I've only just finished the first series but Im hooked. I loved Ongina in the first one. Such a babe She was awesome. The fierce style and fantabulous eye makeup is made even more magical by the bitchiness. If you haven't seen it you are missing out

Bones
Still completely addicted to this show. I tend to watch a few episodes every night and am now on series 3. If you love forensic shows you need to check this out. I love Andrea and Hodgins and Booth and Bones' relationship is so amusing. There is always such an interesting storyline as well


Furious 7
I saw this in the cinema with my dad (after my mum & brother rudely went to see it without me) and we both totally cried at the end. When that song started there was no hope for me.
As usual this was an amazing film and I loved it just as much as all the others. This one seemed to be more violent with a lot of fist fights but you cant not with the Rock, Jason Statham (babe) and Vin Diesel. All that muscle. Also Jason Statham against the rock seemed like an unfair fight. The ending seemed a bit far fetched with a certain someone surviving the impossible but at least it leaves it open for another film. Still not a fan of Letty though. She just pisses me off for some reason and Dom should have totally stayed with that blonde cop. Pretty sure the Fast & Furious films are my favourite action films and they seem to be the only sequels that get better every time. They wont be the same without Paul Walker but I still cant wait for more.

Avengers: Age of Ultron
Saw this in the cinema for my birthday after eating my body weight in pizza, cake and Pic n Mix. Another film that wasn't as good as the first one but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. Not quite sure how they are going to do another one with half the original cast missing, It just wont be the same. However I loved the banter between all the characters in this one and there was comedy as well as action. Bruce and Nat although odd are quite cute and why is there no black widow movie yet. I need it

Rio & Rio 2
These will now forever be known as my hangover films. They saved my life. After finishing my last ever exam and thus completing my degree I went out with some friends and had a few* too many drinks (*I actually lost count). I haven't been that drunk in ages and dont plan on doing it again any time soon. Thanks to the Jagerbombs (totally blaming them) I spent most of the night chillin with my toilet bowl and then the next day was spent in bed clutching an ice lolly watching these films to distract me from my sorry state.

I loved the first film when it came out ages ago and I've been meaning to see the second for a while now so when they were both on offer in Tesco I snatched them up. The first film follows a domesticated rare bird who cant fly and suddenly finds himself lost in Rio with a girl bird (wink wink). Also some people are trying to catch them and sell them so it's all very dramatic. The second film follows them going to the Amazon and discovering more birds and having to save the rainforest. My god I really sell the storylines of these films. Definitely a good film for all those kids film lovers out there and I laughed too much for my state I thought my poor head might explode and there were some really cute bits (as cute as animated birds can be).

Lizzie McGuire Movie
When I discovered this was on Netflix I cheered as much as my hungover state would allow. I then watched it as my hangover blissfully disappeared. Thanks Lizzie. I love all the old school disney and Lizzie McGuire is no exception. She goes to Rome on a school trip, sneaks out, meets a handsome Italian pop star, pretends to be an Italian pop star and has an epic holiday. The ending is still the biggest plot twist of my film career and I will never forgive whats his face (cant remember his name). Still amazes me that they filmed this with only one Lizzie McGuire. Also Hey now was my jam.

I also saw Pitch Perfect 2 in the cinema this month and you can find a full review here

In my April You Beauty Discovery Box one of the items I picked was the Natural Konjac Sponge because it looked interesting and it promised to bring back my natural glow which my death like skin was in much need of.

I was a huge fan of the first Pitch Perfect film. I've lost count of how many time I've watched it and can pretty much quote it word for word and belt out all the songs with my below average singing voice. So when the 2nd one came out my whole family was pretty excited but none more than my little brother. To say Pitch Perfect is his favourite film is an understatement.

Micellar waters have been around for a while now and they are my go to skin care product for taking off my makeup because I am far too lazy and way too exhausted at the end of the day to use anything else. Luckily for you I have 3 on the go at the moment (I normally forget to take one away so end up buying a new one). So Im going to let you know my favourite.



3. Botanics Micellar 3 in 1 Cleansing Solution - £2.99


This is my least favourite out of the 3. It just doesn't seem to take my makeup off as well as the others and it has a weird chemically smell. It also doesn't have a great lid as it's a twist top which is hard for my crappy hands to open and it doesn't have any sort of stopper so I spill it or use too much #clumsy.

2. Nivea Sensitive 3 in 1 Micellar Cleansing Water - £3.69


I tried this Micellar water because my skin went crazy & I wasn't sure if I was reacting to the Garnier one and this one was for sensitive skin. Turned out my skin just decided I was a teenager again. Seems my blessing for good skin has finally come to an end. I do really like this one and the only down sides are that it is a smaller bottle (200ml) and it doesn't quite get my eye makeup off. However I have re purchased it as I do get on really well with and it just means I have to use a separate eye makeup remover. It is great for sensitive skin and I use it most when my skin is freaking out.

1. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water - £4.99


This one wins for the 2 points mentioned about the Nivea one. You get a bigger bottle (400ml) so it lasts a hell of a lot longer and it attacks eye makeup with less effort than the Nivea so I dont need a separate eye makeup remover. Its just an all round amazing product and now that I know its not affecting my skin I will buy it again and again. It takes my makeup off with ease and leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean. If you are looking for a Micellar water I definitely recommend this one.

The kinda mickey mouse shaped cotton wool was totally an accident, its just how they landed when I threw them down (obviously threw in the most artistic way possible).

I'm a tad late with this post due to being too lazy to take photos. If you haven't heard of the You Beauty Discovery Box before, it is a box that you pay £6.95 for and you pick 2 products out of about 8 choices and then they get sent to your door along with 2 samples. It's a pretty cheap way to try different products you wouldn't normally try and in March I got an Illamasqua lipstick for under £7 so you can get some real bargains.

This month there was a few Benefit products to choose from but they all went out of stock in a ridiculous time. Luckily Im not a huge benefit fan so wasn't bothered. I chose:

- The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Miracle Solid Oil
I love the body shop and havent tried anything from this range before so I really wanted to give it a go. I've haven't really tried it yet but Im not too sure on the smell. Its a tad odd but I'll get used to it

- The Konjac Sponge Company Angel Face Cloth
In last months box I also chose the Konjac sponge which I still need to do a full review on. Spoiler - I loved it and it really helped my angry skin so I thought I'd give this one a go to replace the old one. It's all natural and gentle on the skin leaving it fresh and rejuvenated. I'm pretty excited to see if this one has the same effect on my skin because I really need it.

Each box also came with a sample of Jimmy Choo Man which smells pretty good and has made its way to my brother and Dr organic Snail gel

Next month I'm really hoping for some more make-up choices because Im a tad bored of skincare now.

I suffer really badly with nausea. I always seem to be nauseous. Like all the time. If I eat, if I don't eat. My stomach just hates me. I particularly struggle after meals so here's a few things that I have found help.



 Peppermint Tea - It took me ages to pluck up the courage to try this as I was convinced I wasn't going to like it and it was just gonna taste like warm toothpaste, but Im pleased to announce I was wrong. Better than warm toothpaste. I love it and practically live on it on bad days. I tend to drink it in the evening after bigger meals and before bed so I can actually sleep and not want to puke.

Polos - If you ever come in my car or house you will see packets of polos everywhere. I also have a packet in every handbag. They save my life on a daily basis. I tend to have to eat one or two after a meal to get rid of the taste of food and prevent or get rid of the nausea. B&M do multi packs for 99p and they are great for on the go. I couldnt live in a world without polos.

Ginger Biscuits - I tend to eat these if I need to eat something to take meds but can't stomach anything else. I feel like my grandma when sit down to a peppermint tea and ginger biscuit rocking my slippers.

Ginger Tea - I tend to get the one with lemon but ginger really helps with nausea so if you're not a fan of peppermint give this one a go. Pretty delicious and also good if you feel like you have a cold coming on.

I also have a few foods which I have on hand for bad days so that I can actually attempt to eat something

Mashed Potato - I love all things potato. I mean they are the food of gods but mashed potato is a must when I'm nauseous. It's plain, requires no chewing and is warm plus its delicious. I lived on mash for about a month when I was really ill and weirdly still love it.

Brown Rice - Also another staple in my bland diet. Plain brown rice. Occasionally mixed up with some plain chicken. Such an exciting meal but it makes a change from mash. Plus brown rice is pretty delicious and if you have a microwave rice cooker its pretty damn simple to cook.

Melon - I live on melon most of the time anyway but particularly when I'm nauseous. Its like a drink that you can eat. Magical. I tend to just snack on it throughout the day to keep me hydrated and actually make sure I am eating.

If all else fails I just moan about it constantly and feel really pathetic. Fun for everyone.

I discovered this brand on Twitter and you have to go and give them a follow because they are seriously the nicest people on Twitter. Also they do a lot of special deals and giveaways for their followers which is how I managed to snag this Katsya Costume Hair Bow Band for the bargain price of a fiver. That's right £5. What are you waiting for go follow them.

Prairie Charms specialises in glitter and bold colours. What more could you ask for from a brand plus look at the gorgeous envelop that your order arrives in *insert heart eyes emoji*
 


There was a choice of colours for the bow and for an indecisive person such as myself it was such a tough decision because they were all so gorgeous but I decided to go for the metallic Peacock Mix because I thought it would go well with my hair. Very important factor.

Its such a gorgeous accessory and so different from anything I've seen in the shops. You can't go wrong with glitter and I feel fabulous whilst wearing it. I may wear it around the house in my Pyjamas to add a bit of glam to slob days and my dad may laugh at me every time.




Heres a crappy iphone selfie for you to see it on. I really need to get better at taking them on my camera. Its so adorable though.



Also look at all the pretty colours. My dad did not get anywhere near as excited as I did over my macro glitter shots so I'm relying on you guys.

If like me you take a lot of photos and are addicted to instagram but miss having hard copies and are too lazy to print them out yourselves then this is the post for you.

I'd heard of a few sites that printed your instagram photos and posted them to you so I thought I'd have a browse. I checked out a few sites and this was the one that looked the best. It used to be called PolaBox and is now called Cheerz.

You can choose from a variety of products including
- 32 Corner Stickers

The box that everything comes in is super cute and handy to keep everything stored together.


I'm currently redecorating my room which is why I went for this option and I cant wait to get around to hanging them up.


Here's a selection of some of the photos I got printed (including a selfie #Vain). Im so impressed with the quality and they all look amazing.



So if you want to make an order you can use the code BETMJ8 and get £4 off.

If you follow me on twitter you will have seen that on Wednesday I actually finished my degree. After all the tears and a huge amount of coffee I actually did it. There were times I didn't think I'd make it and I nearly quit but I made it.

I was hoping to get back to my blog on Thursday but I ended up spending the whole day in bed dying from the worlds worst hangover. I thought I was nearing the end. I couldn't even eat McDonalds it was that bad. Then I had to go through the mammoth task of packing and coming home and now that I have trashed my parents house and my stuff is everywhere I can finally relax and get down to some serious blogging. My parents however are not too impressed :)

So now that I have finished university for good I actually have time to read (lets pretend I don't have to try and find a job). I have such a huge reading list and my mum keeps buying more amazing sounding books so expect a lot more book reviews.

If you pay attention to your address bar or follow me on twitter you may have noticed that I finally got around to buying a domain and am now the proud owner of a .co.uk address. Procrastination at its best. Biochemistry revision is the motivator for a lot of things at the moment. Next on the list is business cards. I've designed them and everything now I just have to justify the cost and decide between 50 or 100 to start with.

So now you can find me at mermaidindisguise.co.uk

So May is Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) Awareness month so I am hoping to do a few posts this month to spread awareness. It also just so happens to be the month the world was blessed with my presence (10th May).




What is EDS I hear you ask? Well EDS is the reason my fabulous body is so crappy at being a body. In simple terms EDS causes what holds my body together to fail at life. So I fall apart really easily.

The connective tissue is what gives support in skin, tendons, ligaments and bones. This is faulty in EDS hence why the condition results in such a broad spectrum of symptoms in joints, organs, skin etc. I will do another post with all the beautiful* symptoms that I am blessed with *they suck. 

Collagen is a protein found in the connective tissue which acts as a kind of glue in the body. This adds strength and elasticity. My mum describes it as building a house with porridge instead of concrete (Although that stuff is pretty damn close when it dries so I think she needs a new analogy). There are many different kinds of collagen and the type of EDS depends on which collagen is faulty. 

I have the hyper mobility type or type III which means that my joints are super bendy and don't really have a stopping point (yes I've heard all the great in bed jokes). The downside to this is that I dislocate or partially dislocate (Subluxation) on a daily/hourly basis. There is not a joint in my body that I haven't dislocated. Jaw, shoulder, elbow, wrist, fingers, ribs (Yep they can dislocate too and it hurts like a bitch), hips, knees, ankles, toes and anything else I have forgotten. It also means that because my body is having to work over time to actually keep me in one piece I hurt all over all day every day. I cant remember the last time at least one part on my body didn't hurt. This also leads to fatigue (which is more than just being tired).  I have to use a wheelchair for the majority of my walking outside, I also have crutches and a fabulous walking stick for better days but these dislocate my shoulders. I get payback after everything I do. For instance I went to Cardiff on Saturday in my wheelchair and sat night and sunday night I had to go to bed at 9pm because I was in too much pain and too exhausted for life. I'm still paying for it today. Fun fun fun. 

If there's anything in particular you want to know about my life with EDS let me know and I can do a post on it. 

If you want more info you can check out the Ehlers Danlos Support UK site and if you have any questions especially if you or a friend/family member are newly diagnosed and scared don't hesitate to drop me a message at or on twitter @Bendy_Mermaid

Another film I wasn’t a fan of. When I saw the trailer for this I thought it looked really good but it’s so slow and quite boring. I can’t actually tell you what happens after the first half hour because I switched off and started browsing twitter and Instagram and now I’m drafting this post whilst it finishes. It’s something about a terrorist in Hamburg and a special terrorist task force I think but I could be wrong. I expected it to be so much better. Quite disappointed.

Stolen