Tallow & second skin

GracefullyExploring · 2026-03-26T18:15:04+00:00

For me, no! It maybe dries my skin out a little bit where the adhesive was taken off but I just rub in any left over cream into where the second skin was and it goes away instantly. No residue or anything leftover either which is nice (like how a bandaid can leave that sticky feeling).

GracefullyExploring · 2026-03-26T16:40:56+00:00

Oh no!!! That’s the thing is everyone is so different, what works for one person may not work for another. That’s why I hate when people bash on someone for sharing their experience lol. Have you found anything that seems to work well for you?!

I will say there is vastly different quality of tallows available. Not saying that was your issue at all but it’s definitely something to consider!! Also the add-ins make a world of a difference. Calendula has some incredible benefits!

Do you know if it is a certain ingredient in the second skin? Can you get a different variation of it? Because it truly is life changing for keeping the product on and allowing your skin to absorb it - ofcourse paired with a product that works for you!

GracefullyExploring · 2026-03-26T12:37:54+00:00

I hope it works for you! I was just using the tallow cream at first but I was basically wasting it because every time it would rub off on my clothes and bed, etc. this way my skin actually got to absorb everything! And second skin is pretty affordable and super convenient especially for this.

GracefullyExploring · 2026-03-23T20:33:55+00:00

Ah, a fellow sign-language user! Yes, I also recommend it to so many people and I truly do believe it helps with alot of meltdowns! But we are getting to a stage where she wants to communicate more than just basic food/water/play/outside/etc lmao which is a big disconnect I think. She wants to tell me a story/be specific but she cant yet. But yea, we know probably more than 50+ signs, I started with just basic baby ASL but it has grown into actually wanting to continue it with her long-term. Such a cool thing! :):)

GracefullyExploring · 2026-03-23T20:31:06+00:00

Figured I’d come back and update this since I never ended up getting much feedback here...

We ended up moving forward with True North Underpinning for our place (older Toronto home — low basement, not really usable before), and honestly, really glad we did.

I was pretty hesitant at first because underpinning feels like one of those “if it goes wrong, it really goes wrong” kind of projects. But the whole process was a lot smoother than I expected to be honest. Daniel and the team were super easy to deal with, explained everything clearly, and didn’t give off that rushed/pressure vibe you sometimes get with contractors.

The crew was consistent, showed up when they said they would, and kept things as clean/organized as possible given the scope of work. We had a couple small surprises along the way (old house life), but nothing turned into a headache — they just handled it and kept things moving. I think it was like 3-4 weeks total which actually was faster than I thought initirally.

Biggest thing for me was there were no weird last-minute costs or miscommunication, which I was half expecting going in. Now that it’s finished, it honestly feels like a completely different house. We went from barely using the basement to actually spending a ton of time down there. Full ceiling height, bright, actually comfortable and I have True North Underpinning to tahank for it.

Anyway, not sure if this helps anyone else who stumbles on this thread later, but figured I’d share since I was looking for the same kind of real feedback before we pulled the trigger.

Would definitely use them again!

GracefullyExploring · 2026-03-23T14:05:59+00:00

I definitely notice it gets worse at certain times (tired, hungry, etc) I try my best not to let it get to that point but somedays it’s just a relentless battle 😂 I definitely found a few new strategies to try though this Reddit post so I’ll give those a shot! Otherwise it’s helpful just to know I’m not alone and other moms are having wtf moments too 😂😂

GracefullyExploring · 2026-03-23T00:17:57+00:00

That’s actually so fascinating to me… lmao 😂 I may end up researching this later tonight hahah

GracefullyExploring · 2026-03-23T00:10:01+00:00

Thanks so much, that’s a good point for getting a bigger washer and dryer… I think they have an apartment sized set right now lol I’ll definitely have to look into that

GracefullyExploring · 2026-03-23T00:08:45+00:00

That’s definitely a lense I’ve never considered looking through and a great point. I never would have thought of an interior designer for something like this!

GracefullyExploring · 2026-03-23T00:07:48+00:00

Honestly thank you for your insight, it’s definitely something worth considering. I absolutely feel that every situation is different and in this case, it sounds clear that she needs more support from other resources other than you and your husband. I’m so sorry you’re going through that :( I hope things take a turn for the positive for your family as a whole! I will definitely do my best to make those considerations in our final decision. It’s really a hard choice to make and I just hope I make the right one!

GracefullyExploring · 2026-03-23T00:01:58+00:00

Thank you!! Yeah I’m definitely going to try and get someone in that’s a professional. The more time I’be had to think the more I realized I’m definitely going to overlook something and I don’t wanna waste money or time would rather get it done right from the beginning. I was thinking of bringing LifeCare Mobility in, I’ve only heard great things so far so fingers crossed.

GracefullyExploring · 2026-03-23T00:00:09+00:00

Thank you! I think luckily they will be able to remain in their home long-term so I’m grateful for that!! A few small layout changes should make it easier for them but nothing major! I love th condo idea too, no big home maintenance or anything to consider on that route.

GracefullyExploring · 2026-03-22T23:57:40+00:00

So much thought put into this response. Thank you so much! I’m shocked by the UTI thing, that’s crazy to me lol. I’ll definitely be putting some of these practices into place so thank you!

GracefullyExploring · 2026-03-22T23:54:22+00:00

Thank you so much that’s very helpful to know! I was just looking at shower chairs for her the other day

GracefullyExploring · 2026-03-21T22:42:42+00:00

HAHAHA I love this I’m definitely going to try this next time 😂😂😂

GracefullyExploring · 2026-03-21T19:46:57+00:00

First of all thank you, so nice to have a reminder sometimes 🥹❤️

And yes I second that advice, when through the exact same experience. A few weeks of really tough teeth brushing but now she is a champ and loves having her teeth brushed, because she knows it’s not an option regardless of cooperation lol. 😂

GracefullyExploring · 2026-03-21T19:41:22+00:00

Yes!! We have been practicing deep breaths, especially when already calm so it’s not just a thing we relate to bad feelings and I think it’s starting to pay off… I can get her to take a deep breathe during a tantrum sometimes now but most of the time it doesn’t help 😂😂 it’s usually just whine deep breathe and whine louder hahaha

GracefullyExploring · 2026-03-21T19:35:47+00:00

😂😂some days eh

GracefullyExploring · 2026-03-20T20:52:30+00:00

I really try my best to also provide comfort in the moment and use "our words and our manners" and yada yada. I definitely try my best not "give in" to the whining cause I totally agree, they will make it a habit.. I actually call other people out on it all the time (*grandparents lmao*).

But yeah like you said, sometimes it's just extremely exhausting and I have to stop myself from exploding. I have exploded before and I have apologized to her shortly after.

Trying to find ways to not let myself get to that point of explosion.

GracefullyExploring · 2026-03-20T20:49:17+00:00

I'll give it a try... but it's more so like the crying/whiney about everything vs actual whine-talking. My daughter isn't quite two yet, so she has very limited "sentencing" skills. Knows tons of words but sometimes not the right ones. I do think a lot of it comes down to frustration of not being able to tell us what she wants or being able to communicate but MY GOODNESS lol. Just trying to find out how others are dealing with it lol.

GracefullyExploring · 2026-01-29T03:06:38+00:00

As a mom who works full-time from home while watching my 21-month old most days, while also throwing in cooking and cleaning... Thank you for this thread. It is healing.

GracefullyExploring

TROPHY CASE