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Re: Julep Mavens...May Mystery Box!!!
Does everybody get the same Mystery Box? I just got mine and there was no magnet. I really like most of the colors, especially the...
Does everybody get the same Mystery Box? I just got mine and there was no magnet.
I really like most of the colors, especially the blue one (Marisa). I checked the brushes and they seem to be intact.
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Re: Julep Mavens...May Mystery Box!!!
I ordered one... it's my first, so we'll see if it's worth it! ...
I ordered one... it's my first, so we'll see if it's worth it!
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Re: What Nail Polish Colours do you LOVE?
Great, thanks for the info! ...
Great, thanks for the info!

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Re: What Nail Polish Colours do you LOVE?
Question for a newb (I haven't yet received my intro box). If they send a box automatically every month, how do you go about using...
Question for a newb (I haven't yet received my intro box).
If they send a box automatically every month, how do you go about using any coupon code we may come across (I know the penny ones are just for the intro box, but I hear there are 5$ coupon codes out there as well)?
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Which one for a birthday gift?
Good thing I asked you guys! I was almost settled on the castle... I figured they already have playhouses at daycare, so this would be...
Good thing I asked you guys! I was almost settled on the castle... I figured they already have playhouses at daycare, so this would be a bit different. And it's on sale this week (250$ instead of 450$). But you guys are right: they may outgrow the castle quickly.
The house I put as an example is quite cool. I don't think they have the exact one at toyrus, though, but I can investigate if they have something similar.
Gotta decide quickly, the party is next week!
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Which one for a birthday gift?
YDD will be 3 soon, and we are getting together to get a collective gift. We first wanted to get a playhouse for the yard....
YDD will be 3 soon, and we are getting together to get a collective gift.
We first wanted to get a playhouse for the yard. But then I saw a little castle at ToysRus.
I'm wondering which would be more fun. Both my girls are into princesses, knights and dragons. But the castle doesn't not have a room (i.e., the house is more fun for hiding games).
Which do you think a kid would prefer?
Typical house:
house castle:
castle Features:
Authentic castle design features realistic stone facade
Lookout tower with platform
This pretend castle has a secret crawl-through door behind a pretend fireplace for kids to crawl in and out
Castle climber also has a built-in slide for quick exits
Perfect for role play and pretend play
Maximum number of kids 3
Weight limit up to 60lbs. per child
Sorry, I'm at work, and the system won't let me copy images (isntead of the web links), grrrr.
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Re: Laser hair removal
Even Emla is very expensive . ...
Even Emla is very expensive

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Re: Laser hair removal
LOL, let us know how it goes!! Seriously, it's not THAT bad! For me, it hurts more than others, and I still think it's totally...
LOL, let us know how it goes!!
Seriously, it's not THAT bad! For me, it hurts more than others, and I still think it's totally worth it.
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Re: Laser hair removal
There was a thread on this a few weeks ago. I'll try to find it to see if there is any info that can help....
There was a thread on this a few weeks ago. I'll try to find it to see if there is any info that can help.
I'm doing underarm in one place, and full bikini/1/2 leg in another place. Both use laser (diode), one of them is the Duet laser, so it's much bigger (takes less time).
For the full bikini and 1/2 leg, it takes about 15-20min.
I'm particularly sensitive. I use Emla, and it still hurts a little, LOL. I think it's exceptional. And it's worth it! Under my arms, I'm almost done, and I barely ever shave (I used to shave daily).
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Re: April beauty boxes!
thanks!! ...
thanks!!

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Re: April beauty boxes!
Not sure if anyone knows this.. I signed up (for a penny) on Saturday, 21 april. Based on this: '' If you are a Julep...
Not sure if anyone knows this..
I signed up (for a penny) on Saturday, 21 april.
Based on this:
'' If you are a Julep Maven, you will be charged for your next box on the 27th of the month. To avoid being charged, you can login to your account between the 20th and 24th to Skip the Month. If you wish to cancel, you must do so by 11:59pm on the 24th to avoid being charged on the 27th.''
Does that mean I will ALSO be charged (20$) for the next box?
i.e., are we charged on the 27th for the past month, or for the next month?
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Re: What Nail Polish Colours do you LOVE?
Thanks for the Julep May preview! I think the colors are so much better than April boxes. I still signed up (to get my box...
Thanks for the Julep May preview! I think the colors are so much better than April boxes.
I still signed up (to get my box for a penny- thanks for the coupon code!). I got ''It girl'' because I preferred the extra nail polish (3 instead of 2 bottles in the other boxes). None of the April boxes were WOW to me, though.
I would have used one of the referral codes from a girl in this thread, but I found out that one of my friends/colleague is a Julep member, so I used hers.
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Re: finding time to exercise when you have kids
Some colleagues and I exercise at work at every lunch hour. We've been doing this for about 18 months. Our conference rooms have DVD players....
Some colleagues and I exercise at work at every lunch hour. We've been doing this for about 18 months.
Our conference rooms have DVD players. We brought our weights. We have a very nice selection of Jillian Michaels, Insanity, Bob Harper DVDs

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Other than this, I do some DVDs on weekends (whenever I can, typically early morning) and I sometimes go jogging in the evenings. I sometimes bring DD#2 in the stroller.
Oh and DH does the elliptical almost every evening after dinner.
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Re: Skincare Routine?
What do you mean that your skin is looking terrible? Do you mean breakouts? I used to have frequent breakouts on my chin, but I...
What do you mean that your skin is looking terrible? Do you mean breakouts?
I used to have frequent breakouts on my chin, but I started using a combination of
2.5% benzoyl peroxide (one of the best anti-acne treatments) and
BHA, and I haven't had a pimple since.
Besides the exfoliant and benzoyl peroxide, I use a cleanser (twice daily) and a toner (once daily).
I also use an
antioxidant/vitamin serum daily.
I use moisturizer sparingly as I tend to have oily skin. I use it only on my dry areas. The one I have has retinol in it.
It's important not to use products that irritate the skin.
I use this site to help me choose good product (product review):
beautypedia But I usually use Paula's Choice products themselves:
Paula's Choice Most important thing, though, is
sunscreen daily. Even when I'd just wash my face with nothing more, I'd use sunscreen. No wrinkles in sight!
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Re: Spin: Your "down there" care
The way I understood it is that there is a difference between Brazilian (landing strip) and full bikini (here, they call it ''intgral''). ...
The way I understood it is that there is a difference between Brazilian (landing strip) and full bikini (here, they call it ''intgral'').
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Re: Spin: Your "down there" care
I wanted to start a thread on this a few months ago, but didn't have the guts! I started laser hair removal, and wanted to...
I wanted to start a thread on this a few months ago, but didn't have the guts!
I started laser hair removal, and wanted to know how far I should go.
I had decided for brazillian, but when I got there, the lady said ''you really want to leave some?? why?'', so that convinced me. I'm getting full bikini lasered off. So I'll soon be completely bare. I admit, I love it so far as it's much less worry.
Before the laser removal, I guess I'd shave/wax/pluck to a pretty neat natural.
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Re: INSANITY - Worth it?
It's fantastic. We just did the ''Purely Cardio'' workout today. We alternate between Insanity and Jillian (and a little Bob Harper) each day. ...
It's fantastic. We just did the ''Purely Cardio'' workout today. We alternate between Insanity and Jillian (and a little Bob Harper) each day.
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Re: Ripped in 30 Support?
Horseshoe, I would never do the same workout every day for a week. Too boring for me, and I can't find the advantage of having...
Horseshoe, I would never do the same workout every day for a week. Too boring for me, and I can't find the advantage of having the same muscles worked every day. To me, ''WEEK 1, 2, 4, etc.'' = ''LEVEL 1, 2, 3...''. In other words, it's just to give us an idea of the level of difficulty in the specific workout.
Every day, we do a different workout, mainly from a JM DVD. I think we have 6-7 right now, and my colleague just ordered her new one. Can't wait!
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Re: Ripped in 30 Support?
Marg, what's your fitness experience? I'm not very good with ''you should start with THIS before THAT''. I figure you can just adapt the moves...
Marg, what's your fitness experience?
I'm not very good with ''you should start with THIS before THAT''. I figure you can just adapt the moves (from any workout) that are too hard at first and progress.
However, personally, I do find Ripped to be more difficult than Shred (and the workouts are a little longer, too). Again, it doesn't mean you should start with one or the other, as you can adapt. I guess the only risk (for some people) is that they may get discouraged if they find each move too hard for them.
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Re: Ripped in 30 Support?
We did ''week 3'' at work today. Hadn't done that one in a while. It's good but a bit nuts. I hate the duck walks,...
We did ''week 3'' at work today. Hadn't done that one in a while. It's good but a bit nuts. I hate the duck walks, lol. And the single leg X-hops are rough too. But I still love it!

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Re: Best laser for hair removal?
I'm doing it right now. I started with just my underarm (before I knew about the Groupons, Livingsocials and Tuangos of the world). I got...
I'm doing it right now.
I started with just my underarm (before I knew about the Groupons, Livingsocials and Tuangos of the world). I got a ''deal'': the first session free, and then: 50$ a session. I realize now that this is actually expensive, but I'm almost done with my treatments. After 6 treatments, I have almost no hair growth. The LightSheer laser is what is used on me.
I got a deal from LivingSocial: 300$ for ''3 body parts''. I'm doing 1/2 leg and full bikini (the latter counts as 2 body parts). You gotta be careful with some of these internet deals. They'll give you a good price for 1-2 body parts, but the ''interesting parts'' sometimes count as 3-4! then, you gotta pay the difference. So I was extra careful. I waited for a deal using the LightSheer Duet laser (the Duet is the big surface laser) and for the exact body parts I wanted (the 1/2 leg and full bikini). Many of the companies advertising their deals on internet sites use IPL (intense pulsed light) which is not as effective.
After 2 treatments, I already see a huge difference, but of course, I'm nowhere near finished.
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Re: Piss off!!!
Ah come on, C! I haven't seen you since you gave birth to YDD, but I couldn't believe how fast you got so skinny after...
Ah come on, C! I haven't seen you since you gave birth to YDD, but I couldn't believe how fast you got so skinny after Michael! Please stop ''feeling ugly''... you gave birth about 2 minutes ago, LOL.
People can be so mean, really. I think, though, that mommies just seem to HAVE to share their own personal stories. Who cares about them. Just raise your kids, and I promise, the weight will come off (give it more than 2 weeks

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Re: After birth work outs and diets!
Congrats on baby #2, BTW!! C, 30-day-shred is a Jillian Michaels DVD. If you look in this section, you'll see lots of threads on Jillian...
Congrats on baby #2, BTW!!
C, 30-day-shred is a Jillian Michaels DVD. If you look in this section, you'll see lots of threads on Jillian Michaels DVDs (''30-day shred'' and ''Ripped in 30'' are two of them). I work out every day, and it's mainly to Jillian's DVDs. She's awesome. I recently had a 25 pound weight loss. It may be rough for you to start with JM right now, I'd wait a few weeks. They are pretty challenging. I started doing aerobics shortly after giving birth (especially Alexa -only 1 tiny stitch), but the workouts weren't as intense as JM at the beginning.
Walk alot... if the snow would melt for good, that would be extra helpful!
If ever you start jogging this Spring or Summer, give me a call! I'd love to join you

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Costco optometrist
Thanks for the replies! I think I'll take her to Iris, based on your statements . ...
Thanks for the replies! I think I'll take her to Iris, based on your statements

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Costco optometrist
I know lots of people get frames from Costco (including for their kids) because they are so inexpensive, but has anybody done an eye test...
I know lots of people get frames from Costco (including for their kids) because they are so inexpensive, but has anybody done an eye test there? For their kids too? I'm wondering if it's a good place for that. I need to take Sabrina for her first eye exam before she starts school (in September). I was going to take her to my optometrist (Iris) but I know they are more expensive when it comes to frames. I know I can take the prescription and go elsewhere, but I'm wondering if I should just bring her where she would choose her frames (if ever she needed them). thanks!
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Re: Ripped in 30 Support?
At work, on Tuesday, we did ''week 2'' (= full circuit in plank) and yesterday, we did workout 3 from 30-day-Shred (also has lots of...
At work, on Tuesday, we did ''week 2'' (= full circuit in plank) and yesterday, we did workout 3 from 30-day-Shred (also has lots of planks and shoulders), so my shoulders really felt it! But it still feels great!
We'll probably be doing an ''Insanity'' workout today, but be back to Jillian tomorrow. She's what we do most of at work

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Re: Ripped in 30 Support?
We do that DVD often (I work out with colleagues on our lunch hour). We actually find the third workout to be harder than the...
We do that DVD often (I work out with colleagues on our lunch hour). We actually find the third workout to be harder than the fourth. And the first cardio section in the second workout (if you stay in plank the whole time) is a challenging one as well. We love it!
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Re: What to buy with 200$?
We'll I was thinking mainly of massages & reflexology and stuff. That's all covered. I'm pretty sure facials (from a certified place) are covered too,...
We'll I was thinking mainly of massages & reflexology and stuff. That's all covered. I'm pretty sure facials (from a certified place) are covered too, but I'm not into facials. I don't think my insurance would cover manicure/pedicures, but I'm not really into those either.
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Re: What to buy with 200$?
Oh, glad I asked! I do need a good North Face or Columbia jacket, and wouldnt have thought of that. I have a purse in...
Oh, glad I asked!
I do need a good North Face or Columbia jacket, and wouldnt have thought of that. I have a purse in mind, but it would be over the amount (I already own a purse from this maker, and I always wanted a bigger one):
Maybe a customized family pendant, like this one:
Spa day came up alot, and its a good idea, but my insurance covers spa treatments, so Id still have 200$ to spend! I already have a kindle (great idea, though... I love it!).
Booze (a couple of good bottles of wine!), clothes and boots/shoes skin care products are also excellent ideas that Im very much considering! 200$ goes by so quickly...
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What to buy with 200$?
I got a small reward and recognition at work (200$). Not in cash, but I have to buy ''my choice of gift'' and bring in...
I got a small reward and recognition at work (200$). Not in cash, but I have to buy ''my choice of gift'' and bring in the bill. So I'm debating what to get... I need new clothes, maybe shoes. Maybe a bead or two for my Pandora/Chamilia bracelet.
So I was wondering what kind of ideas would pop of if I asked the question here (maybe give me some good suggestions on something memorable to buy).
What would you get worth 200$?
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School question for Laval (Montreal) moms
Maybe you could call the city of Laval for that information. ...
Maybe you could call the city of Laval for that information.
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Re: Cardio Strength Moves
Oh, JM also does some punches with weights. I always add a squat-hop while doing those. So I'm working arms with weights and hopping for...
Oh, JM also does some punches with weights. I always add a squat-hop while doing those. So I'm working arms with weights and hopping for cardio.
She sometimes does jumping jacks and butt kicks while holding weights which also adds resistance.
Did I mention that I totally recommend Jillian Micheals DVDs??

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Re: Cardio Strength Moves
amz, there are many moves that are basically cardio, but incorporate strength/muscle toning. Jillian Michaels has many in her DVDs. On the top of my...
amz, there are many moves that are basically cardio, but incorporate strength/muscle toning. Jillian Michaels has many in her DVDs.
On the top of my head...
On the same train of thought as the plank jacks, she also showed me plank moguls. Another similar one where I can't remember the exact name: start in plank (again) and jump forward and back, and keep repeating.
I can think of jump squats.
ETA: Ah, thrust-ups would be the name, thanks, ise!
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School question for Laval (Montreal) moms
Hmmm, I always thought that the purely pre-Ks were half-days only (and 2-3 times/week). You could probably find a daycare spot in a private daycare,...
Hmmm, I always thought that the purely pre-Ks were half-days only (and 2-3 times/week).
You could probably find a daycare spot in a private daycare, no? I'm in a private daycare, and they sometimes have spots for the older kids.
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Re: Insanity Workout - Anyone tried it?
Yup, I've tried it (I was going to start a thread on it), and LOVE it! It's a very hard cardio workout. I've been...

Yup, I've tried it (I was going to start a thread on it), and LOVE it!
It's a very hard cardio workout. I've been doing high-impact cardio aerobics for 17 years, and I still find it challenging (specifically the ''purely cardio'' workout). I was looking for a cardio challenge, and this is a good one. I workout with friends (who don't enjoy the cardio part of workouts as much as I do), and they definitely find it tough.
I love Sean T and his energy. And throughout the workouts, he does encourage participants to take a breather. Specifially throughout the ''purely cardio'' one, many of his mates were stopping for water breaks throughout the workout. He is definitely integrated in our workout rotation (composed mainly of Jillian Micheals).
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Re: You Have 45 Minutes At the Gym...
I also think it depends on your goals. I need alot of cardio to stay thin. I now exercise at work (and at home) with...
I also think it depends on your goals.
I need alot of cardio to stay thin. I now exercise at work (and at home) with DVDs, but when I used to go to the gym, it was usually for about 45min. I'd do 30 min of cardio and 15min of strength.
BUT, as others have mentioned, I do LOVE cardio moves that involve lots of strength (like jump squats and plank jacks for example, that are plentiful on Jillian Michaels DVDs). They do give the most bang for your buck!
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Re: Jillian Michaels DVD - sale at Future Shop
Yeah, I do her nearly every day, most of the time at work with friends, so we have nearly all her DVDs. I love her...
Yeah, I do her nearly every day, most of the time at work with friends, so we have nearly all her DVDs. I love her ''6-week-6-pack'' and we just started doing the ''killer buns and thighs'' which is a real challenge. Super results noticed here as well!
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UPDATED:French Catholic school advice
Yes, my experience is in Quebec. However, I have also seen the opposite. Some of my friends entering English immersion (in grade 6 -- so...
Yes, my experience is in Quebec.
However, I have also seen the opposite. Some of my friends entering English immersion (in grade 6 -- so much older than I was when I was ''immersed'') and come out bilingual (even though I'm in a mostly French neighborhood).
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UPDATED:French Catholic school advice
Well, I was a kid who didn't speak French and was sent to an all-French school. Came out of pre-K perfectly bilingual (even winning French...
Well, I was a kid who didn't speak French and was sent to an all-French school. Came out of pre-K perfectly bilingual (even winning French grammar/composition/poetry awards from grade school to college).
Best way (and age!) to learn a new language

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Princess cake
Thanks for the photos of the gorgeous cakes, ladies! I may ask for some tips, cakemama!! ...
Thanks for the photos of the gorgeous cakes, ladies!
I may ask for some tips, cakemama!!
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Princess cake
Thanks for the tips and suggestions! Never thought of the doll thing or the ice cream cone thing. I'll check pinterest too (but I've gone...
Thanks for the tips and suggestions!
Never thought of the doll thing or the ice cream cone thing. I'll check pinterest too (but I've gone on that site previously and I don't quite understand it yet). Thanks for the photos!
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Princess cake
We usually make our kids birthday cakes, and this year, ODD is having a princess theme (which is pretty common). Has anybody made their own...
We usually make our kids birthday cakes, and this year, ODD is having a princess theme (which is pretty common). Has anybody made their own princess cake? Can you show me photos for inspiration?
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5 yr old and dealing with death *UPDATE*
Oh, I'm so sorry . When I first read the title of your post, I thought it was about the same type of questions Sabrina...
Oh, I'm so sorry

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When I first read the title of your post, I thought it was about the same type of questions Sabrina has. I didn't think you suffered a close loss. I don't yet have that experience with Sabrina.
Sabrina does ask about death. She asks about Nonno (my grandpa that died 15 years ago) and where he is. I told her not to be afraid of death, that it's a natural part of life (like you are doing).
Over Christmas, she asked so many questions about ''baby Jesus'' and how come he died (I had to explain he didn't die as a baby!).
In our case, I also explained how they are in a good nice place now (but that part depends on personal beliefs, of course).
Somehow, I also think when our first death happens, it will hit her very hard, even with all the Q&A we've had.
Do you think she has to go to the visitations/funeral? Since it hasn't yet happened in our family, I haven't thought of what I'd do (bring Sabrina or not).
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Re: Would you? Boudoir question
Absolutely. I'd be flattered. ...
Absolutely. I'd be flattered.
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Re: Why do you exercise?
I've been working out for about 18 years, so I'm pretty much addicted to it, anyway. But at this point in my life, I'd say...
I've been working out for about 18 years, so I'm pretty much addicted to it, anyway. But at this point in my life, I'd say these are my motivations:
1- Mainly to stay thin
2- Energy boost
3- Give my kids a good example regarding health
4- Personal challenge to continue to outdo myself
5- Prove to myself and others that women who have babies don't have to get fat/bellies/out of shape (this is sort of a follow-up to #1)
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Allergy test: ''Challenge''
Thanks, all. I can ask about the blood test. Would be less invasive, however, I still wonder about the pertinence. In our case, we are...
Thanks, all.
I can ask about the blood test. Would be less invasive, however, I still wonder about the pertinence. In our case, we are positive Sabrina is severely allergic to peanuts. The allergist told us at the time of the skin test that she COULD grow out of it (highly unlikely), but most probably not before another 4-6 years. He told me there was no point in seeing him again on a yearly basis. Next thing I know, the secretary tells me he wants to see Sabrina for this challenge.
Today, I called him at the clinic he works at and spoke to another secretary who took the message down (he is not in on Wednesdays and should call me back tomorrow). She seemed to think it was odd that he hadn't mentioned the challenge in February and that there was a confusion over the nuts being tested. I definitely don't want to put her through this if it's just to confirm she has a peanut allergy.
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Allergy test: ''Challenge''
Thanks! Your description is about what I thought. I'm wondering, though, how necessary it is. Like you, we already know Sabrina has a severe allergy...
Thanks! Your description is about what I thought.
I'm wondering, though, how necessary it is. Like you, we already know Sabrina has a severe allergy to peanuts.
In my case, there was also some confusion. The first secretary that called us told us to bring ''other'' types of nuts to test. When I called back for more info, I spoke to another secretary who said ''no, just peanuts''. In your case,it was just peanuts, right?
And like I said, there is no way I'm getting peanut butter into Sabrina withought a fight. I'm debating whether to cancel the whole thing.
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Allergy test: ''Challenge''
Sabrina was diagnosed with a peanut allergy in Feb. 2011 (by skin testing, after having a bad reaction to peanut butter). The secretary of the...
Sabrina was diagnosed with a peanut allergy in Feb. 2011 (by skin testing, after having a bad reaction to peanut butter).
The secretary of the allergist called me last week to say that the doctor wants to see Sabrina for a ''challenge'' in a hospital setting. Looks like she would be given small quantities of peanuts/peanut butter to see the extent/details of her reaction.
I told the secretary I wasn't comfortable with this. We already know she is allergic to peanuts. She said it's important to do, as skin tests aren't always precise. She assured me that she has never seen anything bad happen to a patient during a challenge, even though by precaution, it's always done in the hospital.
Does anybody know anything about challenges, how the test is done exactly and what type of results we can expect from this? I doubt Sabrina can even be convinced into ingesting any quantity of peanut butter at all (she's so afraid of it), so just that will be MY ''challenge''.
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Re: Do you use Night Cream on your face?
The biggest preventer of fine lines/wrinkles is sunscreen during the day. I also use exfoliants and a retinol/vitamin serum. I rarely use moisterizer because I...
The biggest preventer of fine lines/wrinkles is sunscreen during the day.
I also use exfoliants and a retinol/vitamin serum.
I rarely use moisterizer because I have oily skin (i.e., not needed). I only seldom use it on the dryer spots on my face.
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Re: The ultimate Xmas gift or the ultimate cop-out?
Since this is not a Cash-only gift, I'd say it's great! If DH got me a few gifts, and then said to me ''oh and...
Since this is not a Cash-only gift, I'd say it's great!
If DH got me a few gifts, and then said to me ''oh and as an extra, here is some money for a shopping spree for you'', I'd be ecstatic!
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