Hello new friend!

I’m Danielle, Dani if you’d like, and I am so happy to welcome you to my tiny little corner of the internet. I created Mommy With A Hobby Or Two as a way to maintain a healthier and happier way of living after I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and then most recently hEDS. If you ask my husband, I have a million and one projects going at once and I am constantly talking about ideas for more. This is what planted the idea of blogging in my head, and gave me the idea for the name! I am one of those Pinterest-Mom wannabes and I figured I can’t really become one if I don’t put myself out there! Most of all, I do it because I love it and because I can.

Why Mommy With A Hobby Or Two? Well…. if you ask my husband what my hobbies are, he wouldn’t know where to begin. I love trying out new things from all over the crafting world and have never settled into one specific hobby within the crafting/home decor niche. From there, Mommy With A Hobby was born, but without my TWO girlies, I wouldn’t be the mommy I am and they just so happen to be my favorite hobbies 😉

I am so so passionate about helping others and I thought a blog would be an excellent way to do that too! So two birds, one stone; creative outlet and I am helping others by sharing my story of personal growth and desire to overcome the physical limitations set on me by the fibromyalgia and hEDS. There has to be another stay at home, pinterest-mom wannabe, dealing with the same or similar physical limitations as I do. I want to show you it’s possible to live a healthy, happy, and thriving home while managing a chronic illness.

I love love love all things crafty, up cycling, planning, journaling, home décor, organizing and most of all sharing it with all of you here on my blog! I love making people smile and catching people off guard with random “you’re stunning” compliments. You never know who’s day you might brighten with one of those. I am a huge proponent of sharing kindness and understanding with everyone. I love trying to recreate things I find on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook so I can add my own little twist.

As I mentioned before, I have Fibromyalgia. I was diagnosed shortly after my 26th birthday and sometimes I still have trouble wrapping my brain around it. I decided soon after my diagnosis that I was not going to let it control my life. I had been battling major depressive disorder for so long, I knew I would never give up that fight, so I am not giving up this one either. Everyday is a struggle but I am learning to live and thrive despite this chronic, debilitating illness.

I never in a million years thought I would get married, let alone have children. My husband, David, and I are soon celebrating our 6th wedding anniversary and our 8th year together. So much for those never getting married visions, right? 😉 My husband and I were engaged for 17 1/2 months before we were married and I needed every last bit of that time to plan the wedding. Looking back I would have done a million things differently, but what bride doesn’t say that? He is the Derek to my Meredith. He keeps me grounded and protects me from spiders, big and small.

We share our cozy little home with our daughters Arianna and Gracelynn. Both of our girlies are wonderful, sort of planned accidents. We found out a week after we said I do that we were pregnant with Gracelynn (six months earlier than we had planned on beginning the discussion) and Arianna made that second line pop up only a month earlier than we had anticipated on trying again. I suppose they are as impatient as I am (sometimes).

I am a sucker for homemade gifts, snuggling my family, and watching (and usually singing along to) the movie of the evening. Anything sentimental makes my heart skip a beat. I love to get lost in a good book, mystery romance being my absolute favorite genre for leisure reading.

I would say I am a type “little a” personality. Not totally in charge, but helping the one in charge. Like Robin does for Batman, George does for Peppa, you know… Aa, not totally type A, but close enough to keep my husband guessing. I strive to spread joy and kindness every chance I get. I am a huge proponent of walking a mile in the other man’s shoes because it promotes understanding while reducing confrontations.

Little known facts:

I was diagnosed in early 2017 with fibromyalgia and hEDS after having suffered from depression for over a decade.

I love to sing

I know American Sign Language.

Coloring soothes my anxiety, so do legos 😉

I love the city and being in it, but dream of raising my girls in the country.

I have 2 brothers and 5 sisters

My favorite place, besides home, is Cape Cod

I don’t have a pinterest-perfect house, yet 😉

My favorites:

Color – malibu blue, like the water in Oahu

Song – I Won’t Give Up by Jason Miraz

Movie – The Lake House and The Best Of Me are tied for first

Food: depends on what day it is 😉

Tv show: Lost

Activity: getting lost in a good book or putting on a concert in the car for my family

Thanks for spending some of your day with me. I am SO happy you are here, YOU are what makes this blog so much fun to write and I appreciate all the love and support. Don’t be a stranger, I’d love to hear from you!

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

danielle signature with photo

16 Comments on About

  1. OMG I have my new favorite person! After reading your “daily eating plan” I couldn’t believe it! I had to read it again to make sure I read it correctly. I can do that! I thought, and now I know I can.
    I am a teacher and have been on lock down since March 12. It sucks. Between, e-teaching, zoom meetings and webinars all I do is sit most of the day in front of my laptop. Who has time or desire to get up and move. I stay up late, eat wrong, drink to much and basically do everything wrong for my health. I hurt more now than when I was at school. The stress of this COVID-19 and what it is doing to my family and my school is so overwhelming. Sunday was Mother’s Day. After looking at myself in the pictures , I cried. How did I get like this? What can I do to fix it? Well as I was scrolling Pinterest I found you and a little hope. Can’t wait to get started. Wish me luck. And thank you!

    • Oh my dear!

      I don’t know how this comment got lost, but I’ve found it! I’m so happy to hear that you’ve found new hope in your weightless journey! Another things that’s helped me maintain my weight more recently has been to plan out my meals. Not like regular meal planning, just for one day. Either the night before, or in the morning plan out exactly what you are going to eat that day. BE REALISTIC! If you’re going to Mickey D’s, then write it down. It will help you recognize what you’re eating and when you’re eating it so that you can make additional adjustments as needed. I have gastroparesis which makes me very sensitive to what I eat. Planning things out has helped tremendously when it comes to recognizing food sensitivities. Have a great weekend!

      Good Luck!! I’m rooting for you!

      -Danielle

  2. OMGOODNESS! I have found my twin. I felt like I was reading a story of me. I’m so happy I found your site. Knowing someone is like me makes me a little bit less anxious. LOL I thought I was the only one that had so many things going on, like different crafts, hobbies, etc. And I seem to never finish anything and then I’m on to a different craft I want to try. Wood burning, stamping jewelry, scrapbooking, etc. I’m also in the middle of starting another blog. (My first one was a disaster). I’m a mess. LOL I recently went out on disability because of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome along with cervical disc disease so when it’s a good day, I want things to fill my time. Finding your website has certainly made my day.

    • Julie! Thank you so much for your kind words! I am so glad you found me too! Keep on keeping on with your blogging. Mine has been “live” for a few years now, but I haven’t had enough time to dedicate to it to really take it where I want to go. It’s definitely something I’m working on this year. It’s amazing how wrapped up you can get with the learning that you almost forget the “doing” part! Lol!

      Take care! Talk soon ?

      Danielle

  3. Hello Ms Dani, my name is Gennell (sounds like Jan elle). I stumbled upon your site collecting pie recipes I will probably never make on Pintrest, But I can pretend. I am 46 with a 17 year Fibro History. It came after a second neck fusion. I couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t vacuum a room without getting tired or chop an onion. Well, vibrations are my enemy now. I to have Osteoarthritis (several other bleh bleh complications) in my neck, low back and neck. I use many modalities to cope, it just depends on the day. I am also very much into herbal health and take requests for info. I am a craft addict of the 10th power lol,DIY is my sport.I am still fighting for disability 17 years later and haven’t worked a real job in the last 8 of it. I have taught myself photography, jewelry making and many other fun things. Self employment at when I feel good enough to offer a service. I will mever give up my Nichols Sparks movies and books. My NCIS or my DIY network. Nobody touches the camera Lol. I LOVE helping, fixing, giving and help all that I can with what I have. Great to talk to someone that gets it!! Hugs,Gen

    • Hi Gennell! I can’t tell you the number of recipes I swear I will go back and make after I pin them but more often than not, I forget! I’m so sorry you’ve suffered for so long. I can remember when my health really took a downward spiral and all I could do was sit and cry because I could no longer keep up with my previous self. It is so disheartening at times. I’d love for you to send me an email (danielle@mommywithahobbyortwo.com) with some tips about the herbs you use for your own health. I drink tea, but that’s about all I do with herbs. I’d much rather have something natural than all the meds my doctor keeps giving me. We’re still looking for something that works. When I became a SAHM I thought wahoo! But now I’ve reached a point where I want to go back to work, but my health won’t allow it. I took to blogging when I realized that a lot of other people have the same struggles I do. You’ve got plenty of skills to show off too it sounds like if you were ever interested in getting started 😉 I look forward to hearing form you!
      Have a wonderful week and feel better!
      -Danielle

  4. Hi Danie
    I read your post on Pinterest about losing weight with Fibro myalgia. I have had the same condition for 20 plus years now, and I recently managed to lose 12kg over 4months, by cutting out bread, biscuits, cake etc from my diet.
    I’ve now subscribed to your Facebook page, like you I enjoy spreading kindness and also love card making & scrapbook in . I’m much older than you, at seventy, but so enjoyed reading your pinterest post!

    • Hi Ann! Congratulations on your weight loss! That’s a great accomplishment. My husband is following a similar diet and it’s working wonders for him! I’m so sorry that you’ve had to suffer so long, but if you are still able to smile, then I know I still have hope. 🙂
      Have a wonderful week!!

      -Danielle

  5. Hi Danielle: I just came upon your site. I was diagnosed with Fibro at age 51, after a car accident. I also have osteoarthritis in both knees. I had both knees replaced at the same time and then the left required three additional surgeries. This was within a two-year time frame. I have been on disability since 2012. I also have a great husband, prefer the same books to read as you, work on many craft projects at same time and one passion is Snowmen – have made over 200 and they are all different. I managed to lose 10 pounds by cutting back and no longer drinking soda. I have at least another 25# to go. I liked your Derek/Meredith reference. Hugs, Doreen

    • Hi Doreen! I am so glad we found each other. I can’t imagine osteoarthritis in both knees! Oh my goodness. I have it in my lower back, so I totally get where you’re coming from. If it’s not one thing, it’s another, right? It sounds like you have a great support system at home and that’s HUGE when it comes to living with a chronic illness. Also, I love snowmen! I’m just not great at making them… My kiddos are older now though, so maybe they can finally help?? 🙂 Have a fabulous week!
      Danielle

  6. Hi Danielle, I just read your info about dieting and I could relate to everything you said. You are so right to change a little at a time with how you eat. I have found that plan to work best also although I haven’t succeeded yet. You are an inspiration and propels me to continue working on it.

    I am much order than you at 66 years. I have had fibro for 21 years and developed Sjogrens Syndrome a few years later. I also have osteoarthritis and a dozen other things. I have many of the same interests as you and look forward to reading what you share. Nancy

    • Hi Nancy! In my book, age is a number… My husband is 9 years older than me 😉 I am so sorry that you’ve suffered so long and have developed more conditions to boot! I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my lower spine and it is no joke. I am so happy you’re here, thank you for reading! Have a wonderful week!

  7. Danielle,
    Hi I just joined your site and already I’m feeling better. Our stories are very similar. I was diagnosed at 27, disabled within a year. I am now 43 and fighting every day to not give in to the dark side of Fibro. I LOVE crafting and always have multiple projects going at once. Anyway, it’s nice to know others are Fighting to not give up.

    • Hi Elizabeth! I am so sorry you have been suffering for so long. I know how difficult that fight can be and found that when I find myself having a down day because of my pain, I look for every way I can to distract myself. So far, it’s working! Knowing that you’ve been living with this so long and are still kicking ass and taking names gives me hope! Have a wonderful week!!

      Danielle

Comments are closed.