
Over the years, I, or my parents, have bought gadgets that make it easier for me to do various things. This week, I thought I would share some things that I use regularly that make doing tasks feel easier. I have no financial ties to any of these links, they are just there to provide more information.
1. Paper Mate Mechanical Pencils, 0.7 lead Price: $16.98 for a pack of 10

I love these pencils. I was having some issues writing, because regular pencils felt too small, and my wrists would get so tight that I would have to get them adjusted every week by my chiropractor. I don't like pens because I like to be able to erase my spelling mistakes or change how I phrase things as I go. These pencils have a wider grip than regular pencils, so it doesn't hurt my hands as much to write. I take a lot of physical notes with school, and these have made such a difference. I also like that they come in fun colors. Paper Mate also makes colorful erasable ink, so I can color code my notes without having to change the physical pencil. I haven't gone back to regular pencils since I got these, and try to keep one on me at all times.
2. Razor Brand Electric Scooter Price: $399.99 with no sale

I used this scooter when I lived on campus at college. Electric wheelchairs can be very expensive, and extremely bulky. This electric scooter served as my mobility aid to replace an electric wheelchair when I struggled to walk on campus. The plug that charges the scooter fits in any normal outlet so it can charge in a normal room. The seat allows this scooter to mimic a wheelchair, and the controls are with the hands instead of feet. It does move quickly, so there is a learning curve. While it isn't a perfect wheelchair replacement, it got the job done for under $500 dollars. I would recommend this for anyone who doesn't fully rely on a wheelchair who also has movement in their legs to be able to stop the scooter from falling once you hit the brakes. This is also better for someone who doesn't regularly have to lift it in and out of the car, as it is heavy.
3. Roxy Slip on Sneakers Price: $51.84 (varies per shoe on Amazon)

I have issues finding shoes. My hereditary spastic paraplegia resulted in me having extremely high arches, narrow feat, and occasional neuropathy. Most arch support also hurts my feet because it puts pressure on my arches in a way that is uncomfortable. Then, when I try to find shoes with enough cushion, I get neuropathy in my toes whenever I try to run or walk for an extended period of time. Finding shoes that I can wear comfortably is a nightmare. I still have not had luck with actual sneakers, so I am still looking for recommendations. However, for cute and casual shoes, I live in these Roxy slip on sneakers. I usually have two colors, black and white, and I wear them until the memory foam is no longer squishy. I also walk slightly lopsided, so once they are worn in too much on the inside of the shoe, I throw them away. Then, I buy a new pair. The cushion inside is comfortable, my feet fit comfortably in them, and they feel cute and sporty. Do not replace workout tennis shoes for these, they are more along the line of faux sneakers. I have never had shoes that are this comfortable, and I hope they keep making these forever.
4. Portable Heater with Thermostat Price: $69.99 with no sale

I have bad circulation in my hands and feet. I've been trying to address that with eastern medicine, but it's been an issue for most of my life. As a kid, if I had outdoor practice my fingers and toes would turn white, and I would be really cold. To help me stay warm in the winter without subjecting the rest of the house to a sauna, I got this portable heater for my room. I also have another one for when I lived at school and now it's the one I bring with me if I am traveling. It has multiple settings; one is a fan and two of the settings control if the heat stays on after the desired temperature is reached. When I am not using it, it is small enough that it does not take up a lot of storage space. It is easy to carry and set up, and has made such a difference during the winter for me. I hesitate to travel without this now, because it quickly transforms any room from an icebox to a cozy space.

I really struggle with noises that are methodically loud. I hate the vacuum, fire alarms, blenders, etc. It is really hard for me to be around those noises, even though I know the chores are necessary. My autism makes it harder to filter those noises as background sounds as they go on for extended periods of time, which results in me feeling overstimulated and crabby. To solve that, I saved up and bough Airpod Pros. I don't wear them all the time, because if I wear them too much I can feel it in my ears. But I use them to listen to music in public settings when I am not expected to interact, and I use the noise cancelling feature to avoid the methodically loud noises that are hard for me to filter out. I like these over headphone that go over the ears because they are more discrete, and don't give me a headache from the pressure of the band that goes around your head. I highly recommend some sort of noise canceling headphone for anyone who has noise sensitivity, it feels freeing to not be stuck in a state of annoyance until someone else finishes an unfun chore.
Thank you for learning about some of the products I use to make my life easier. I am not financially tied to any of these links, these are my true recommendations. If you have any questions or comments, message me through the questions tab or send me a message at @Anniekrollblog on Instagram or Facebook. I hope to see you next week!
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