ButYouDontLookSick.com magazine is about living life to the fullest with any disability, invisible disease, or chronic pain and hopes to provide answers to the endless questions of:
But you don't look sick?
 
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Product Review: Medical Alert Jewelry from StickyJ.com

I love all jewelry, from bracelets, to earrings, necklaces and more. It is fun to express myself with colorful style and add a little something extra to any outfit. Unfortunately, most medical alert jewelry is not fun or fashionable. Usually it is something that I have to talk myself into wearing. I recently found stickyj.com and saw their wide selection of medical bracelets, medical id charms, medical necklaces, medical id watches, kids medical id bracelets and medical pendants, which all come in a wide variety of styles and metal types. I was amazed at the variety of medical alert fashion jewelry items that were both cute and functional.

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Product Review for the CHILLOW Sleep Cool Without Cranking Up The AC!

Hot Flashes! Night Sweats! Hot Summer Nights!! They have to be the bane of everyone's sleeping time! It's hard enough to sleep when you are a spoonie, without having to factor in that you can't sleep because you overheat too!! It's a nightmare! One I wish I could sleep through, but I can't.

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Product Review: Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000

The Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 is a very different style of computer keyboard. It is designed so your hands slope downwards toward the keys, not upwards as with a standard keyboard. The main keyboard is split into two, in order to encourage the use of both hands and a better typing style. The front of the keyboard is raised with an integrated wrist rest, so that you rest your wrists on the front of the keyboard and your hands naturally flop down onto the keys.

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Product Review: Lauren's Hope Medical Bracelets Gives Us All Hope

If you are on medication or have an illness as I do, it is very important to wear a medical identification bracelet. But most bracelets I found are bulky, masculine and not the least bit fashionable, so I never wanted to wear one.

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Product Review of OXO Good Grips Citrus Squeezer

We all want to get the most out of our citrus fruits, which usually means squishing them until we’ve gotten every drop of juice. Some people recommend that you microwave your lemon for a few moments or roll it on the counter,
but when it comes right down to it, you still need an effective way to remove the juice. An electronic juicer would work fine, but they aren’t cost effective if you only squeeze the occasional lemon. A traditional reamer is generally efficient, but it’s not an easy tool to use for those with exhaustion or joint issues, and it doesn’t catch the seeds. As it turns out, the newest product on the market has proven to be the most functional and intelligent.

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Product Review: Hallmark Card Studio: Deluxe 2007 Version

You know the slogan: “When You Care Enough To Send the Very Best.” Often times, when we are stretching our spoons out to the very limit, we feel that we aren’t always able to contribute our very best, even when in our hearts, we desperately desire to do so. For instance, when you hear great news, like I just did, about a friend getting engaged. You want to get a card out into the mail, but you’re not exactly sure how you’ll be able to extend yourself to get to the store right away amidst all of the other “must do’s” that require so much of your precious energy. Your heart is the right spot, but you’re just not sure how you’re going to accomplish it. This product helps!

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Product Review: Ikea Memory Foam Mattress

When my husband and I decided that we needed a new mattress, a memory foam mattress was the obvious choice. Due to my Fibromyalgia, I can always feel the springs, even on a very good mattress, and although I need a soft mattress for my tender pressure points, I also need good support.

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Product Review: NaturalPoint- The SmartNAV hands free computer mouse

This product proves that if you have a problem, there is probably a solution out there for you... you just need to find it!
If you work on the computer, if you recreationally use a computer but have trouble maneuvering the mouse, or if you get hand fatigue or pain by using the mouse- this product is for you. For many people who are living with chronic pain or disability, the computer not only becomes a main source of income, but for vital socialization as well. What happens when the one thing that helps us become independent..our computers, ends up being a source of pain? Typing, moving a mouse and any repetitive movement can be painful for anyone, but especially those with pre-existing joint problems.

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Product Review: Time4felt.com children's toys

Story Time felts are a wonderful, new creative way of telling stories and encouraging imagination with your child. There is a felt back board with a scene on it and then felt "puppets" to help tell the story. The fabric is great for younger children to learn textures and free play, while older children will love making up stories with these unique play toys.

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Product Review: Tony Little's Gazelle Exercise Machine

As a person with arthritis and fibromyalgia, I know regular exercise is a must. I also know how difficult it is to find something appropriate that doesn't cause too much stress on already painful muscles and joints.

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Product Review: Lavender Meadows Silk Eye Pillow

I tried the silk eye pillow from lavendermeadows.com and the first thing I noticed about this product was the beautiful silk fabric it was made out of. Then as soon as I put it on my eyes, I breathed in the intoxicating lavender scent.

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Product Review: Healthy Choices with Luna and Clif brand Nutrition Bars

I am a picky eater at times, and I am always on the go. Eating healthy is hard but Luna Bars and Clif bars have made it easier. Now I have no excuses not to take better care of myself. I have tried numerous nutrition bars, meal replacement bars and granola snack bars, and I found them either not satisfying, not appetizing or they left a bad after-taste in my mouth. I have tried various flavors of both the Luna bar and the Clif bar and I was pleasantly surprised at how good they all taste.

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Product Reviews: Unique and Personal Kid's Products from OliveKids.com

I had another great shopping experience with our friends at OliveKids.com. Olive Kids designs kids bedding , kids lamps, borders, kids clocks, kids rugs, kids bedroom accessories and personalized kids products to help create a fun and creative room for kids. No TV characters, just fun, colorful kids bedding for boys and girls at a great price! I love that they do not cater only to the "mainstream cartoons" for bedroom decor. I feel like the way fads come and go... why not go with something that might last a bit more time, and that might encourage creativity and fun. I know from personal experience that it can be very costly to find quality items for a child's bedroom. So I think it is a smart financial choice to buy something with a theme they can grow with, rather then be stifled by the limitations of one character. They have some really cute design themes and some of my personal favorites are flowerland, tea party and Happily Ever for girls. Or how about out of this world, something fishy, or Dinosaur land for your boy's room.

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Product Review: The Handy Burpee TM

The Handy Burpee TM is a wonderfully unique mom-invented burp cloth, which puts an end to ever having to hunt for your burp cloth again and also saves your hands from getting spit up on. I liked this product right away for two
reasons. The first being, it supported a work at home mom, which to me is always a good thing. Secondly, I know many people including myself who have skin sensitivities, and this product addresses that issue.

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Product Review: Black and Decker Handy Chopper

One of my all time favorite finds in kitchen gadgets has been the Black and Decker HandyChopper. I have terrible arthritis in my hands so chopping, dicing, and slicing are extremely difficult. I purchased this product and fell in love. I use it to chop chicken for all types of dishes as well as; onions, bell peppers, and all kinds of veggies. It has made my life so much easier because most of my dishes require this kind of precision. I can think of millions of things to make with it.

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Product Review: Homedics Spot Massager

My mom received two of these massagers for Christmas, and they are impressive. The dome shape is specifically designed for feet, but my mom discovered during the Christmas aftermath that the “spot” massaging aspect of its title is also appropriate, too! Any achy spot is a great place to put these little massagers. For just $9.99 it is worth a try.

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Product and Service Review: forgetmeneversolutions.com

For us "spoonies," trying to remember our day to day tasks is hard enough. But trying to remember dates, special occasions and gift giving is close to
impossible, especially with the fog that sometimes comes with being sick or as a side effect of medications. We want to be thoughtful, but just don't have the energy to get to the store or remember the special events in everyone's lives. I think I may have found a solution!

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Product Review: The Body-Creamer

The Body-Creamer might be just what you’ve been waiting for! Longing for someone to apply that lotion between your shoulder blades, or perhaps someone to rub that one spot - too high to reach from twisting your arm around your waist and too low for swinging your arm over your head?

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Product Review: Fibro-Pedic Memory Foam Mattress

They say you spend 1/3 of your life sleeping. If that is true, that's alot of time that should be comfortable!

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Product Review: Summer Entertaining Gadgets and Accessories

When planning summer parties, bar-b-ques or get togethers, make your life a bit easier by trying out some of these new products from our friends at prodyne.com All of these items, in both small and big ways, will make your hosting and entertaining easier and you will look good while doing it too! Who could ask for more?

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Website and Product Review: chroniquecouture.com

I have just discovered my new favorite website- beside my own of course. It's called Chronique Couture and it was begun a year ago by a young woman named Kimberly who was diagnosed with MS. Like most young women, she was saddened by the lack of practical, yet fashionable "medical accessories." Anyone who has to deal with a chronic illness knows how much the little things in life can lift your spirits. This website features items to make your life easier, as well as put a smile on your face.

The website itself is fun to peruse, with bold and colorful backgrounds and a sassy and chic look. If you deserve a treat or you need a gift for someone who struggles with a chronic illness, this is a great place to shop.

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Product Review of 32 oz Wide Mouth Nalgene Water Bottle

It’s hard enough to get the recommended 8 cups of water a day without adding brain fog into the equation. This Nalgene water bottle is the perfect way to keep track of your liquid intake, and it’s ideal for travel, so you can take it in the car or to work with you. Two Nalgenes full of water a day equals 8 cups, and I have found it much easier to keep track of my water consumption this way.

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Product Review: Hermann Miller Aeron ergonomic chair

The Hermann Miller Aeron is the ultimate ergonomic office chair, chosen by the best employee friendly companies. Instead of a solid seat and chair back, there are instead fiber mesh fabrics that are breathable and form-fitting. It distributes your weight evenly and minimizes pressure. The chair has a high and wide contoured back, designed to take pressure off the lower spine and a waterfall front edge to reduce pressure under the thighs. The chair is fully adjustable (specific adjustments vary according to chair model): seat height; seat tilt, so you can have a chair that moves smoothly with you as you want it to, allowing for correct support in all positions; tilt tension, so the chair will move as easily as you want it to; tilt limiter; extra lumbar and posture supports; and arm height and angle, so that whether you are working directly in front of you or reaching to the side, your arm can be supported. It even comes in 3 sizes, so that whether you are tiny or large there is one to fit you.

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Product Review: Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Patch

Recently I realized I needed something for my neck. After over 8 years of suffering with painful Fibromyalgia, the worst part always was the way my neck would freeze up in pain on me. It was time for a trip to the drugstore. I stared down the long aisle of pain relievers and began the hunt for something that might really help. As I neared the new variety of stickypatches, I considered a heating kind, but sometimes the heat is just as bad. My eyes fell on a name I remembered as a child- Tiger Balm. I looked at it, considered it carefully, and in the end it was well worth a try. It was a long time name brand, so it might be worth it. I took it home and put one on that night when I felt the familiar freezing up, pain and soon-to-result headache!

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Product Review: Dr. Oetker Organic Frosted Brownie Mix

This is a brand new product in the natural food section of your favorite grocery store. A brand you have seen over the years, Dr. Oetker, has come out with a new line of organic mixes and one of them is a fabulous frosted brownie mix!

I thought I'd try it and make some for my toddler son. Today, however, I am way off my game. I am in total fog-brain land! Think I'm joking? I set the oven to the wrong temperature. I frosted them too soon. I didn't have the butter properly softened. I left them in too long! And you know what? They still came out PERFECT!!!

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Products for an Invisibly-Ill Pregnancy and First Year

There I was, pregnant in Germany with no family, friends or even an unpacked house. My husband was in Kosovo on a peacekeeping tour for 6 months and my flares got worse and worse. I was having Braxton-Hicks already in my second month and even when my husband did come home he was of limited use at best. How did I get through pregnancy and that first year? Not just luck! I had some of the best products and knowledge at my disposal. Here are my Top Picks for both pregnancy and then the first year! Twenty products and tips you cannot live without and why!

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Product Review: Contemporary Baby Gifts

If you are looking for classic baby gifts with a contemporary feel, then you will really love contemporarybaby.com. If you are like me, you want baby items that serve their function, without being a crime against fashion. These
gifts are perfect for anyone, especially those dads who do not want frilly baby items, but something more current and "neutral".

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Product Review: Bagettes Photo Bags

Looking for something truly unique to give this holiday season? Know a woman, girl or teen, who you just don't know what to get? Look no further then Bagettes.com. They have a huge selection of customized photo bags,
coin purses, cosmetics bags, purses and more.

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Product Review: The Culinare Magi Pull ring-pull opener

I find it increasingly hard to perform simple tasks around the kitchen that require strength and dexterity in my fingers. They’re not very strong anymore, tend to hurt if pressure is applied and often go numb or tingly.

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Product Review: The Wash-It Laundry ball from Lakeland Limited

I recently discovered this amazing product for simplifying the whole process of doing the laundry. The Wash-It laundry ball is a re-useable ball filled with scientifically formulated pellets that 'activate' water molecules, producing electrolytic oxygen and hydrogen ions, which unleash their natural power to lift dirt from clothing fibers.

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Product Review: Custom Jewelry from Crystal Inspirations

This holiday season, why not give something very special?

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Product Review: Personalized Party Favors

I know many of you have seen the wrapped chocolates, or cute personalized gift bags, at weddings and birthday parties. They are really cute and add that extra special touch. I love them and to be honest have thought so many times... I bet I can do that! The fact is, that to do it well, you need to have the supplies, the graphic know how, and the attention to detail that I just don't have. Lately, I don't have the time, I don't have the energy, and I don't have the money for all the supplies, and details to make things the way I would want them. I would want them perfect! So, as I have said before... "If you can't do it yourself... find someone to do it for you!"!

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Product Review: French Press Coffee

It seems that if I don't have my 2 cups of coffee every morning I will have a "crash" sometime in the early afternoon. A couple of weeks ago when my electric drip coffeemaker gave up the ghost I started looking around for an alternative. It seems that coffeemakers in this area live for about a year and, probably due to the high mineral content, they "die". Yes, I cleaned with vinegar, and I have cleaned with different coffeemaker cleaners - a year is just life as I have always known it.

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Product Review: wine and beer accessories for those with weak hands

For special occasions it's nice to open a bottle of wine, sit back with friends, relax and celebrate. The only problem is when you can't open the wine or spill the wine when you pour it, and then can't seem to balance the wine glasses and your plate. Sounds like a mess! Well our friends at Prodyne.com have found us some party solutions once again.

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Product Review: Entertaining is made Easy with stylish products from Prodyne.com

I love entertaining and having people over for dinner parties, but I just don't like to ask for help. I want to be a good hostess and feel like I have everything under control. Recently, I found some great items from Prodyne.com that helped me with my summer parties. Once I started shopping, I couldn't help myself. So many of these items are useful, but are also well made and very stylish. That combination is usually hard to find.

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Product Review: Waring JEX328 Juice Extractor

Last year I decided to start juicing and went looking for a juicer. I discovered that many low cost juicers out there were entirely plastic and I was not sure of their durability. After doing a bit of checking around, I found the Waring JEX328 on sale. It was not 100% plastic like most other juicers. It boasted a brushed stainless steel body that wiped clean with a sponge and wouldn’t turn color with age. It also was advertised as juicing both fruits and vegetables. All qualities that I found appealing in a juicer.

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