☞ Attention:

Calling all young females (u/55) living on the Mid North Coast or Coffs Coast with a stoma, check out this exciting and new FREE event happening in August!

My stoma nurse has been excitedly organising this event and I was honoured to have been asked to design the flyer, but I was even more honoured to be asked to speak on the night as one of the speakers.

☞  The event is FREE and is open to all women with a stoma and under 55 from the area, if you're willing to travel you can come along, just make sure you RSVP.

☞  If you have any dietry requirements aside from the stoma, let the stoma nurses know and call 0266567804, that way everyone is catered to.

☞  The night is going to be a fun night with the chance to get to meet other young ostomates under 55's and the hopes of connecting each other to form friendships as ostomy life can be rather lonely for some.

☞  There will be a fun activity for all to join in and will also have reps from different ostomy companies there with samples or to speak more. Guest speakers will include Allied health professionals as well as myself.

☞  This event wouldn't be at all possible without the fundraising done by the Coffs Coast Crafty Crew (scrapbookers) in April 2016, as well as the hard work from the organising team of stoma nurses.

I am really looking forward to the night, and looking forward to meeting others from the area. Whether you're from Port, Grafton or in between this event is open to anyone who would like to come, has a stoma and is under 55 and a female.

Did I mention it is FREE and catered?

Can't wait and I will see you there!

NB: SORRY THIS IS OPEN FOR AUSTRALIAN READERS ONLY

It is here!!! It is finally here, the time you've all been promised is here.....

Introducing the:

Epic self care and self love package for one to be won by one of you!!

Firstly, thank you to all of our kind and generous businesses without whom this would not be as epic or love fuelled as it possible is.

✰ To see all the prizes - click here

To enter the competion:
♥ Please do so below via the widget answering a question which will be judged by a panel of secret judges chosen by myself.
♥ Then please like or follow the businesses on instagram and/or facebook by clicking on the links below, as a way of saying thanks. 
 ♥ Please note : THIS IS OPEN FOR AUSTRALIAN READERS ONLY, sorry
♥ YOU have a week to enter, comp closes next Wednesday 13th June! So hurry!

You'll love their feeds!

Feeling Ostomistic Epic Self Care for One giveaway

✰Please Visit and like/follow the following businesses:

1. ✰ Gorgeous By Carly: click here for facebook   ♥  click here for instagram

2. ✰ Sugorma: click here for facebook   ♥  click here for instagram

3. ✰ Chatterbox_City: click here for facebook   ♥  click here for instagram

4. ✰ The Love Letter Co: click here for facebook   ♥  click here for instagram

5. ✰ Sophie Guidolin: click here for facebook   ♥  click here for instagram

6. ✰ Pink Pom Pom Printables: click here for facebook   ♥  click here for instagram

7. ✰ Salty Fox Co: click here for facebook   ♥  click here for instagram

8. ✰ The Scenic Route: click here for facebook   ♥  click here for instagram

9. ✰ Kiss and Co: click here for facebook   ♥  click here for instagram

I am so excited to offer this, and remember it is only for a week only, so hurry!! Due to postage restrictions this prize is only available for Australian readers.

NB: SORRY THIS IS OPEN FOR AUSTRALIAN READERS ONLY

For as long as I have had this blog I had set myself two milestones I wanted to reach:
1) reach 1,000 on fb and 2) celebrate 5 years blogging!

I know these might seem like small or insignificant goals, but to be honest when I first learned I was 21 had early stage bowel cancer and would require a permanent ileostomy for the rest of my life - I didn't know if it would be a blog worth following, because it wasn't sexy and appealling, so I worried if anyone would read my blog or engage with me or if they would judge me. I was worried I wouldn't be accepted and that I wouldn't help anyone. It is such a sensitive and private topic that I felt so vulnerable putting myself out there so openly.

All I had ever set out to do this blog was just to help at least one person, and I know in the past 5 years I have done that! AAAAAnd I found MY TRIBE of people who love and adore me too.

This week I also celebrated 5 years since my total colectomy and the moment I became an Ostomate for LIFE! I celebrated each of those extra days and minutes I have had with pure joy and gratitude, as much as my stoma changed my life it saved my life too. 

My stoma has helped me to have these extra days and years, and my blog became an outlet for me to share my experiences and hope to empower and help others on their own stories.

I am so grateful to those who interact/engage with me on social media, many become friends or like family; they celebrate when I have a win, they share my sadness when I am in pain; they encourage and support me to live and celebrate life to the full - and I have.

So this giveaway is for YOU as my way of saying thanks.

I appreciate every comment, like, message and email and love all of the support, as I believe in the importance of saying thanks I am showing my gratitude with this HUGE giveaway for you. 

The ultimate self care package for One!

Prizes:

✰1 x Pair of Multi Marble Delight Earrings - Gorgeous By Carly

Get ready to sparkle with these pretties! Made from premium acrylic with a glitter top with stunning rose Gold findings to make them super classy too. No two pairs are the same due to the placement of the acrylic, these babes are definitely OOAK!
For more details or to see more of their stunning earring range click here!

✰1 x Ultimate Body Goodness Care Set from Sugorma
Body CARE SET - Love Your Body

 
Natural luxury body care to love your skin. Vegan, palm oil free and cruelty free. Enjoy Foaming Cleanser, all natural Body Oil, light and fluffy Body Cream and Salt Fusion Bath Soak and Body Exfoliant, to naturally care for your skin. A wonderful gift to spoil that special someone... you know you deserve this!
To find out about all of the items in this pack, click here!

✰ 1 x Neck Wrap Heat or Cold in Boho Feathers - Chatterbox City
Wheat free, Odour free and doesn't sweat either.

Designed to sit nicely on your neck and shoulders & sectioned into 8 segments so that you receive an even heat. Use this pack hand free so you can still get on with your daily activities while getting your much needed relief or relax back and wrap it around your ostomy bag for a great tummy relief.

To find out more about this heatpack or to view the other innovative packs, click here!

✰ 1 x 'Hey Beautiful' Love Letter - TLL collective
A letter of inspiration, gratitude, mindfulness and love, delivering a special & important reminder.

♥ A reminder that YOU are Bright, Brilliant, Beautiful and Brave and most of all YOU are loved.
♥ A letter to remind you that self-love & self-care is essential and that you are deserving of your own authentic genuine love.
♥ Trust your intuition & have the courage to follow its guidance and if you believe in ANYTHING today… let it be YOURSELF.
To take a look in more detail at the amazing Australian made products included in this pack, or to look at their other packs perfect for yourself or to send as a pick me up gift to another, view their website here.

✰ 1 x 'More than words' book by Sophie Guidolin
The perfect book to motivate and encourage you to dream big, More than Words is a collection of my motivating quotes and mantras.

Each page within the book details a beautifully hand-scripted quote to lift your spirits, change your mood and focus your goals.
The perfect size for bedside reading, to keep on your desk or take in your bag for daily inspiration, with a ribbon marker to save your favourite quote. I know I find great value in using positive affirmations.

If this book sounds like it is something you NEED in your life, you can purchase a copy for $29.95.

✰ 1 x Set of 50 motivational & inspirational quotes - Pink Pom Pom Printables

This epic set of ultimate sparkly and girl power motivational and inspirational quotes, to print and start adding positive affirmations around your house. Perfect for anytime you need a boost of self-love.

Whether you're wanting to view all the 50 designs in this pack, or to purchase the pack yourself to print off as gifts when popped in frames, or to start filling your home or bedroom, office cubicle or even if you are studying and want to decorate your bedroom. The need for and use of these beautiful prints are endless.... and SO affordable too at 90% off RRP to buy all individually.

Head on over to Etsy to view the full details of this epic motivational package!

✰ 1 x Pink and mint green car diffuser 'french vanilla' - Salty Fox Co
The perfect addition to your car, it will leave your car smelling fresh and pretty without being too overpowering. Even my husband feels pride for a nice smelling car.

What makes these beauties so versatile is that they aren't limited to being used just in the car! I plan on adding some to our walk in robe to help keep the room smelling fresh, could add to the bathroom or toilet, or sneakily throw in your teenage boy's room. But no matter what, you will be left feeling serene and smelling pretty too.

Head on over to their website to view all the different scents available and while you're there check out their other designs too!  ♥ All handmade and all so, very affordable!

✰ 1 x 2 pack of Notebooks and a set of Greeting Cards - The Scenic Route
These beautiful pack of notebooks and greeting cards are designed by a local artist who draws her inspiration from our beautiful and colourful landscapes and flora and fauna of Australia. Taking the Scenic Route is all about choosing the path less travelled, slowing down and enjoying the journey, appreciating the scenery, and embracing a sustainable life full of colour and beauty.

Greeting Cards:
♥ Pack of A6 gift cards featuring eight unique hand drawn botanical artworks, printed on 300gsm recycled card.

♥ Perfect for all occasions, cards are blank Inside, each comes with recycled brown craft enveloped, and individually packed in a biodegradable clear cellophane pouch bound by a brown kraft paper bellyband.

♥ Made with love in Australia and printed on 100% recycled paper using vegetable based eco friendly inks.

Notebooks:
♥ Set of two A5 noteboooks featuring hand drawn botanical artwork covers printed on 300gsm recycled card. One lined and one unlined, front page features "This book Belongs to" title page with signature The Scenic Route illustrated border.

♥ Splash resistant cello glazed cover, 48 pages and finished with pink saddle sewn binding, perfect handbag size for all of your important notes and daydreams!

♥ Made with love in Australia and printed on 100% recycled paper using vegetable based inks.

✰ 1 x Bath tea soak + candle + clay mask set - Kiss and Co
The perfect treat after a hard day and you need to unwind, this is the ultimate self care solution. Heat up a bath and add in some bath tea soak, apply a clay mask and light the candle. Talk about relaxing vibes!

Relax and unwind with our mini pamper pack. Including:
♥ Our bath tea bag - a floral bath soak with essential oils and salt from the Dead Sea it is designed to purify body and mind.
♥ Our Australian Pink Clay Mask - designed for most skin types, this is a nourishing and moisturising mask that will leave your skin glowing!
♥ Our Lemongrass soy candle - coming into the winter months it is such an uplifting scent, and will have your home smelling divine!

Talk about an epic prize pack to win!!! 

Are you excited? I know I am!!!

To enter click here!!

Please Note: All views in this blog are my own (and I don't claim to speak for or on behalf of anyone other than myself)... also, spoiler alert if you haven't yet watched episode 14 of the Good Doctor. I am just sharing my dismay at how something that saved my life was shown so negatively inflicting a stigma that so many fight to erase.

I have finally got around to catching up on the most recent episode of The Good Doctor, which I was rather enjoying up until this week. 

☟☟☟☟☟☟

Let me start by sharing (an ironic) quote from the episode:
“Questions are good: Leads to awareness and understanding. Who knows, even acceptance.”
- Season 1, Episode 14 titled "She"

The irony is that they could have shown more compassion surrounding how they approached the idea and livelihood with an ostomy.

Instead, they made the idea of an ostomy as this tragedy and that it was THE worst thing to happen in life. I get that it is a show, it is made up, but it doesn't make those living with the conditions feel any better or at ease knowing "it is just a made up TV show that thinks this" when the reality is so many look down on life with an ostomy and struggle to see that a life can still be lived....

"I’d rather an ostomy in tow than a tag on my toe" - Talya Goding

I really was enjoying this show and often talked of the compassion felt in each episode, but this week I find myself as someone with an Ostomy to be disappointed in how it was perceived and quite angry too.

Maybe some more consultation from those with lived experiences could better make the show better.

Just an idea?

Myself and so many in the community work tirelessly to try and help people understand a life isn’t over with an Ostomy and comments on tonight’s show sets our work back 10 steps... arrogance isn’t helping anyone.

Ostomate and proud!
I took to twitter too to share my frustration and dissapointment, but I also wanted to write a proper post here that hopefully can show the inspiring side to ostomy life too.

Quote from the Good doctor:
“Questions are good. Leads to awareness and understanding. Who knows, even acceptance.”

The irony is that they could have shown more compassion surrounding how they approached the idea and livelihood with an #ostomy.

1/4

— Feeling Ostomistic (@Feel_Ostomistic) February 9, 2018

Here are what other ostomates and advocates said about the episode too:

No You Cantcer @NoYouCantcer

Does any other #ostomate want to weigh in on how the #ostomy was handled on #TheGoodDoctor? I wish they wouldn’t have stuck to the stereotype that it’s a life ruining event. Awareness begins with breaking down the stigmas, not playing in to them. #proudostomate @GoodDoctorABC pic.twitter.com/DpL7F2FxCP

— No You Cantcer (@NoYouCantcer) February 6, 2018 via twitter

Here are some ostomates who inspire me and others:
I know that for many an ostomy is an emergency and can come as a shock; I know that for many (like myself and others) they have many issues with their stomas and constant issues; I also know that It can take some a long time to adjust to ostomy life and it can be rather hard; some struggle a lot with adapting and this affects their mental, social, physical and financial health.

But then there are other ostomates who have regained their lives and done things they never would have imagined, because of their ostomy and because they had the surgery, that in their cases were life-changing as much as it were life-saving.

I will introduce you to Zoey Wright, Laura Zapulla aka @stoma_licious, Sam Abarca aka @Aussie_Ostomate, Gaylyn Henderson aka @Gutlessandglamorous, Blake Beckford and Dana Marie. You may have heard of these guys before or seen them on instagram, you may remember Laura and Sam from my 20 Aussie Ostomates on Instagram post.

While these are just 6 ostomates, there are so many others out there showing life with an ostomy can still be lived and loved, but also that this can be a second chance many didn't have.

I am sharing these 6 ostomates because they have inspired me and I know they will inspire you too!

☟☟☟☟☟☟

✰Introducing Zoey Wright @zoeywrightx - Pro Fitness Model:
Zoey is such an inspiration to many! She is a Pro Fitness Model with an ostomy, she has helped inspire so many others with IBD and an ostomy to do fitness and to also be a model too. She helped many, including myself, see that fitness is a reality with an ostomy. She shares videos, words of wisdom. She is stunning and beautiful and incredibly courageous to boot! Zoey has an ebook launching soon, so keep an eye out for more deets. Find her on: Instagram Facebook Twitter 

Battling Ulcerative #Colitis since age 20, meet the truly inspirational @Zoeywrightx 💪#IBD #ileostomy #stoma #ostomy #chronicallymotivated pic.twitter.com/u641RZbyRA

— Crohn's & Colitis UK (@CrohnsColitisUK) January 7, 2018

✰Introducing Laura Zapulla @stomalicious - Ostomy travel blogger:
In the 6 months post ostomy surgery Laura travelled 3 continents, 17 countries over a total of 10 months - all with her ostomy in tow! Laura helped me to realise that travelling with an ostomy is achievable and can happen. I know she has helped many others to see this too. Laura loves to get her bag out on her travels and below is pictured in front of the iconic Eiffel Tower! Laura had always had a dream of travelling and living abroad and her health put a halt to her plans, now she lives in London and travels every chance she gets. She shares her tips for travelling with an ostomy and living abroad on her blog and social media. Find her on: Instagram Facebook Blog

 

Adventures around the world with an ostomy! 🗼🎉🌎🇫🇷 First photos getting my belly out for 2018!! New year's day boat cruise along the Seine. As you can tell it was a tad cold and a bit tricky getting my belly out with all the layers of clothing, but I was determined to get the shot!!!!! Great way to start the new year 🤗 / / / #ostomy #ostomate #ileostomy #ibd #inflammatoryboweldisease #crohns #stoma #travel #adventures #dreamsdocometrue #getyourbellyout #nocolonstillrollin #ostomytravel #travellingwithanostomy #ibdawareness #ostomyawareness #Stomalicious #havebagwilltravel #newyearsday #eskimo #paris #parisjetaime

A post shared by IBD & Ostomy ❤ (@stoma_licious) on Jan 3, 2018 at 1:12am PST

✰Introducing Sam Abarca @aussie_ostomate - RN with an ostomy and training to be a STN too:
Sam is an Registered Nurse (RN) from Australia who became an ostomate after living with IBD. She had surgery and 8 months later she was back in her scrubs and helping to save lives everyday! She documents life as a nurse with a stoma, including pesky bag leaks, but she continually inspires others whether it is running for a marathon or training to be a Stomal Therapy Nurse, or even helping new ostomates as they adapt to life post op. I know my STN is my rock and I couldn't have done this without her, and I know how valuable a good STN is to an ostomate, so Sam having her experience as an ostomate is really going to be such a resource and tool. Wishing you all the best as you finish your STN certification Sam x Find her on: Instagram

 

Bag Leak 🙄😳💩 Been pretty lucky its only my 3rd leak in 6 months of having my stoma. Just annoying that it decided to happen at work. Luckily it was contained. Changed my bag then hours later got home.. about to shower & noticed there was a hole in the top of my bag lol 😆#stomalife #nurselife #ostomy #ostomybag #ileostomyissues #crohnsdisease #crohnsandcolitisawareness #ibd #ibdsucks #nocolonstillrollin

A post shared by Sam Abarca (@aussie_ostomate) on Oct 1, 2017 at 5:58am PDT

✰Introducing Gaylyn Henderson founder of @gutlessandglamorous - helping to inspire the beauty in all of us:

"Anything that has the power to save a life can be nothing but beautiful!"
- Gaylyn Henderson

For over a decade Gaylyn adapted her life around her pain, her health issues caused from her IBD and struggling to find normalcy. It affected her emotional health too. It was then when she had her total colectomy and became an ostomate that she regained her love of life again. She often has spoken out about the stigma attached to having an ostomy that was the reason she held off for so long. Determined to change this for others, she founded the Gutless and Glamorous foundation with aims at helping to inspire and improve the lives of people with chronic illness and pays special attention to those with an ostomy or need to undergo life altering surgeries. She said (in an interview with BlackDoctor) her ostomy "saved my life and I want to highlight that those living with one can be both #GutlessandGlamorous. It is my goal to help erase the stigma." I think she has done an incredible job and believe she deserves a huge applause for all her tireless work from advocacy, support, education and fundraising for a cure. The world is a better place because of people like Gaylyn. Find her on: Instagram Facebook Twitter Blog

 

Mood 💪🏽 #Mood #Ostomy #IBD #ChronicIllness #Crohns #Colitis #GutlessandGlamorous #HealthCentral #LiveBoldLiveNow #MyStory #BellLetsTalk

A post shared by Gutless and Glamorous (@gutlessandglamorous) on Jan 25, 2017 at 5:12pm PST

✰Introducing Blake Beckford @Blake_Beckford - Model, Body Builder and advocate:
Blake battled bowel disease for over a decade which led to him needing surgery for an ostomy. Blake became determined to get back into shape and regain his bodybuilder career and it led to him becoming a model. He has inspired ostomates around the world to get into shape and enjoy fitness, he shares tips and videos on his blog and socials. He even founded a site called OstomyReviewer which is this amazing site where you can rate and review ostomy products and see what other ostomates have said about it before you have ordered or purchased it, how genious and is such a good platform too! Blake started the hashtag #myillnessisnotyourinsult after ostomy life was insulted by some leading "news" sites and he tirelessly advocates and fights for ostomates. Blake is often quoted saying "my bag gave me a second chance" and he tries to be a positive role model for ostomates, continuing to instil hope in others. Find him on: Instagram Facebook Twitter Blog

My stoma saved my life - How can people insult something that saves many lives? #myillnessisnotyourinsult #ibd pic.twitter.com/yr8H7gkntg

— BLAKE BECKFORD (@Blake_Beckford) December 22, 2016

✰Introducing Dana Marie Arnold @lovedanamarie - country music singer/songwriter, recently married:
If you haven't followed Dana on insta yet, get onto it. She is so positive and beautiful, she is an amazingly talented country music singer/songwriter (I love her music) and her feed always has you feeling warm and fuzzy. Her love of life and gratitude for all things, including faith, is contaious and she is so down to earth. She got married recently to her husband Tanner and looked absolutley stunning on her wedding day. On her blog she shares some great advice on living with a stoma, how faith can help you heal and more importantly, she shares tips on how to love yourself bag and all. I actually first discovered Dana back in 2015 when I came across her online course she had for "rock the bag" where she helped you find confidence and to love yourself post ostomy surgery, I started following her online and her feed constantly leaves me feeling positive. I'm not religious but I find comfort in her words at times. Do yourself a favour and follow her, you won't be disappointed. Congrats Dana on your wedding Day too! Find her on: Instagram Facebook Blog

 

The only obstacle is yourself, get out of your own way and allow your true desires to shine through. Live the life you've imagined -- you've been imagining it for a reason 😘💕 #wonderwanderwellness #girlboss #country #crohns #gimmemydukes #bodyimage #youdoyou #loveyourbody #singersongwriter

A post shared by Dana Marie Arnold (@lovedanamarie_) on May 14, 2015 at 7:14am PDT

☟☟☟☟☟☟

I have talked before about how my ostomy gave me my life back and how it saved my life, my ostomy is the reason I get to cherish the gift of each day I wake up, my ostomy isn't perfect and is complicated but it gives me life and that is precious. In the future I hope that there is more acceptance for life-altering and life-saving surgeries like an ostomy and that it is more accepted.

This is why I started my blog 5 years ago, so that I can share life with an ostomy and hope to inspire others to live their best lives. I am so grateful now that there are so many wonderful ostomy advocates and bloggers on social media.

My wish is that in 10 years there won't be a stigma for ostomy life, that ostomy life will be accepted and not made to feel embarrassed for pooping different... I have seen how much the landscape has changed in 5 years and it gives me hope for future ostomates and the next generation of ostomates that they will feel love and acceptance and never have to feel ashamed for something out of their control anyway.

As I say all the time, I'd rather an ostomy in tow than a tag on my toe, ostomy life has been a rollercoaster ride for me, but it has also gifted me the joy of living too - so I will always be grateful for that.

It is a little over 2 weeks until the launch of the first of it's kind and a very needed eZine aimed at helping young people with an Ostomy, it is launching on 28th of January. 

COMING SOON - JANUARY 28TH, 2017

There is some pretty amazing content that has been generously contributed by Ostomates and proffesionals all around the world with topics that will help a young Ostomate to navigate life with an Ostomy, so I am pretty excited about this and I know I am not alone either.

I have been working with the incredible Vanessa from Becomingness who has contributed some delicious and ostomy friendly recipes (stay tuned for the launch issue to find out more).

But it got me thinking, as there is interest all around the world with the eZine, what if they measure out ingredients in a different manner?

So rather than the hassle of readers needing to convert different measurements and to prevent any confusion, I decided I would design an A6 conversion reference card for different measurements.

You can either download and print at home for FREE via clicking here 

or

if you would like a professionally printed A6 postcard on glossy cardstock for $2 WITH FREE postage* within Australia, simply click here to pay via paypal. *If you are overseas, please email me first with your country and address so I can provide a postage quote.

CLICK THE IMAGE TO DOWNLOAD

I hope you enjoy this quick reference card I designed, and don't forget to sign up for the eZine ahead of the launch to be the first to read it! There will also be some pretty cool prizes up for grabs too!