Wheatless no more?

So on Tuesday, Audrey saw an allergist.  I was not impressed with the doctor and I was most certainly not impressed with hour long wait.  You could tell the doctor doesn't work with many little children.  But anyways, as part of the visit Audrey was subjected to allergy testing, the one where they rub the allergens on you.  She did not react to a single one.  Not one! 

Good news?  I've been processing the news for a bit.  The doctor has ordered blood allegry tests.  She said that food allergens can hide in the blood and not show up in the other kind of testing.  We are still avoiding wheat until we know for sure.  The doctor also said that Audrey has very senstive skin and dry skin so we need to lotion her twice a day everyday.  My parents took the news as a good sign.  They have a normal grandchild.  I think they are making plans for a "real" cake.  I still worry about her.  The eczema is still real.  The gas pain in the middle of the night is still real.  What is the cause? 

Sponsored Blog: Walgreens Flexible Fabric Bandages

This is a compensated post written by me on behalf of Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine.

I recently had the chance to try Walgreens' Flexible Fabric Adhesive Bandages.  As a mom, bandages are a must in your mom tool kit.  Kids use and need bandages.  You have need to buy them, but if you are like me you are on a budget.  How can you keep your tool kit stocked without emptying your wallet?  Personally I go with Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products.  Buying store brands keeps you ready with stock on hand without busting your budget. Basically you save a dollar with Walgreens vs the name brand without ever clipping a coupon!

But I know you know that ,so why the Walgreens?  How did they do?  Can I trust a store brand?  Aren't name brands better?  Honestly, I found the Walgreens worked just as well as the name brand.  I actually like the Flexible Fabric Bandages better.  I tried the old move the bandage after I already placed it and they moved without a problem.  They stayed flexible and stuck very well to my skin.  I wore it on my knee and it stayed close to the skin no matter what position I placed my knee!  I know I've used bandages that lift when you move your knee but this kept my cut protected.  Unlike some bandages there is a small edge around the pad so it will stick and keep your wound clean and protected. 

Part of the reason I like Walgreens so much is the Walgreens Way to Well Fund™, every purchase of every Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Product supports bringing preventive wellness services to local communities!   The Walgreens Way to Well Fund™ will provide FREE preventive health tests as well as other health and wellness services and education to local communities. Some of those services will include preventive health tests through the National Urban League Health & Wellness Tour and vouchers redeemable in select stores.  Walgreens will contribute up to $3 million annually to the Walgreens Way to Well Fund™. So just by buying a Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Product, you are helping local communities receive preventive care.  As we all know, a preventive approach to health care keeps people healthy and out of the hospital. 

So the long and the short:  I like the bandages.  They work, they are affordable and they help the community.  So between the saving money and Walgreens Way to Well Fund™, it is a no brainer, go to Walgreens. 

My greener period

So I've been slowly trying to green up my life.  I figured that it didn't make sense to cloth diaper but use disposable pads myself.  Besides I was getting so sick of missing my pad all together so I decided to try to Instead Soft Cup. 

Why the Instead?
Reason 1:  I could buy it right off the store shelf.  I had just missed my pad again and I was not going to take it laying down.  I had to do something now!  I headed to CVS and bought a box.  About $7 for 14 cups.
Reason 2: I had used them before.  Way back in my Hollins days, I had heard some girls talk about the cup and I tried.  After leaving my bathroom looking like a murder scene I gave up.

Findings:
Well this time around I tried for two periods.  I did use back up, a pad, but didn't need it, mostly.  I did struggle to put it in place properly.  I think with more practice I"ll get it down.  My second month I got it in place twice!  Now the placement is very important but I found that even if I didn't place it just right I still didn't get the horrible bloody butt of shame that comes from an accident.  I would just pour/empty directly into the toilet.  It was much easier.  The times I got it in place just right where wonderful.  Nothing on my pad.  Nothing in the toilet.  It was like not having a period at all!

I did also notice that my period was shortened by a day.  Instead of my five day cycle, using the Instead soft cup I only had four days.  I have no clue why.  I know that other women have reported the same thing.  Maybe it just because you are catching it at the source instead of just running out of you so you have one day less of mess.  Whatever the reason I was super happy.

I didn't have any issue with putting my fingers in there or touching my period.  That is so high school!  I've given birth at home in my livingroom.  No point in getting grossed out now! :)  I know it would bother some people but I was cool.  

I feel like it was worth my time and money.  I will have to buy more before my next cycle since I don't have enough to last me but they are at my local CVS and Walmart so I don't really have to plan ahead.

I am hoping to buy a Diva Cup.  I hear it sits lower in the vagina so the placement is easier.  We'll see.  Unfortunately, the Dive Cup does require some preplanning since you have to order it.  I am also hoping for kit from LunaPads.  I really want to ditch the disposable pads.  If Audrey gets cloth then I want some too!

We'll see how my greening efforts go. 

PS This is totally my opinion.  Instead did not pay me :( to say anything for them.  I bought the box and just wanted to report my findings.  On to the Diva Cup!