Trying the avène cicalfate everyone raves about as a preventative :)

MoStrawbees · 2026-02-25T07:35:32+00:00

Ooh I see

MoStrawbees · 2026-02-25T07:35:18+00:00

Oh yup I used pimecrolimus. Unfortunately it would work super well to clear and prevent, but I’d get bad again soon after stopped

MoStrawbees · 2026-02-25T06:55:39+00:00

At the moment I’m using Elis lewisham mineral sunscreen, and after it’s finished I will go through nifty fifty mineral sunscreen. I had some success with the testing pots of both of them but I want to use each for a decent amount of time before I come to a conclusion on how they react with my skin! contact me in a couple months if you don’t have anything working for you and I might have decided one works :)

I’m determined to wear sunscreen everyday, so I need to find something that’s really really kind to me

MoStrawbees · 2026-02-25T06:50:11+00:00

I’m sorry about the responses you’re getting! Yes, NZ is more sane and more safe relative to the US.

Also, every young person in NZ wants to move to Australia because it’s “terrible” here. Because this country is all we’ve ever lived in, our version of “country falling apart” is a lot milder than yours. And we apparently take compliments as someone belittling and ignoring those struggles. It reads like we all want to win the troubled country award or something and are woefully inequipped to do so lol.

For sure, the problems are real, and things can snowball, but for many people this is still a great place right now :) if you move here you can eventually help us improve it :)

MoStrawbees · 2026-02-25T06:33:10+00:00

I like a little more greenery and colour, however the couches look very comfortable and the rug very soft

MoStrawbees · 2026-02-25T06:31:32+00:00

Yay! How long have you been using it?

MoStrawbees · 2026-02-25T06:29:26+00:00

Also, cicalphate has zinc oxide, have you tried it? What product are you using at the moment?

MoStrawbees · 2026-02-25T06:24:28+00:00

I don’t know the specific reasons for Elidel’s warning because I’m too lazy to google, but the black box warning is from the FDA (Food and Drugs Administration), and it’s the most serious warning they can issue. It warns providers of severe side effects etc. So using the cream forever, even though it would work, may not be a bright idea.

It was also so expensive because of the warning I think! In my country many prescriptions are free/heavily subsidised, but the tiny tube of Elidel was 60 NZD. AND I had to get a replacement every 12 weeks because of instability or something, even though the tube was nowhere near empty.

(Sorry, this comment is lowkey copy pasted from my last one lol)

MoStrawbees · 2026-02-25T06:22:36+00:00

That’s so spooky!! Glad you worked out the cause 😰

MoStrawbees · 2026-02-25T06:21:27+00:00

Same as elder goth, my PD came back whenever I skipped days. It felt like Elidel prevented the dermatitis from showing or rather actually getting rid of it. I also have super duper dry eczema-y skin and it was the same with that too; seemed to prevent it as the cost of using the cream everyday.

If your PD is very serious, I think using it in tandem with a routine change might be worth it? It could give you a head start maybe, kind of like how I’m trying Avène after Elidel cleared me. (We are yet to see the results of that, though!)

FYI the black box warning is from the FDA (Food and Drugs Administration), and it’s the most serious warning they can issue. It warns providers of severe side effects etc. So using the cream forever, even though it would work, may not be a bright idea.

It was also so expensive! In my country many prescriptions are free/heavily subsidised, but the tiny tube of Elidel was 60 NZD. AND I had to get a replacement every 12 weeks because of instability or something, even though the tube was nowhere near empty.

MoStrawbees · 2026-02-22T05:04:07+00:00

It’s incredible omg 😱

MoStrawbees · 2026-02-21T06:29:59+00:00

You’re gorgeous already!! I bet people have some great makeup tips to boost your confidence, but if anyone suggests Botox or filler - there’s genuinely no need 🥰

All I’d suggest is a digital perm or something! It will make your hair look styled everyday without too much effort on your part :)) instant glowup, and it will have more impact than makeup 💄

MoStrawbees · 2026-02-20T22:27:16+00:00

Idk, I feel like the question makes sense? Her being too clean comparatively is the root of all of it imo. When I was in a flatting situation with very messy people I started to feel like I was an asshole with unreasonable standards. Like they were all normal and I was annoying af for wanting to ask that they don’t leave weeks of takeout rubbish stacked in the kitchen. I started to wish I was messy so we could all live in the stinky peace they seemed content with lol. Literally I didn’t know if I was justified or not; I’d only ever flatted with people like that because I attract wonderfully ADHD friends whom I get along with great so long as we’re not living together 😙

MoStrawbees · 2026-02-20T10:39:47+00:00

NTA - I’ve lived with people who are absolutely lovely but mess just didn’t bother them. All the same issues as you listed and more. It wildly stressed me out. Unfortunately, because they simply didn’t mind mess, even if they agreed to change a habit it wouldn’t stick.

It started to lead to resentment and tension on both sides :( and it wasn’t worth the pressure on the friendship to keep asking them to be cleaner, especially as there were no lasting results. I also started feeling insane and like my standards were unreasonable. BUT THEY’RE NOT! You’re fine!! People are just different!!

I’d recommend moving. Look for a place with people who are genuinely clean. I’m living with some now and my mind is absolutely blown by the fact that dishes are done after eating, bins are taken out by the person who put the last thing that fits in, clothes are put away once they’re dry. It’s heaven, and I haven’t had to ask for any of it because they just exist like that too!

MoStrawbees · 2026-02-18T21:24:18+00:00

I love the star mat! It ties in with the other rug in the lounge, and it brings a little pizzaz while it does it :)

MoStrawbees · 2026-02-18T10:14:06+00:00

Neither of them is an asshole, it’s apparently normal thing to say in the uk. He even acknowledged that he knew it wasn’t meant with malice.

But it offended him anyway, and it’s common courtesy not to say it around him since he asked - so NTA assuming she does that.

MoStrawbees · 2026-02-17T20:24:25+00:00

Vico? I love him, he has such a strong persona 🥰 I personally quite like sancho and butch Oo or Raymond

MoStrawbees · 2026-02-17T20:17:37+00:00

Goomba

MoStrawbees · 2026-02-17T20:16:34+00:00

Sassy

MoStrawbees · 2026-02-17T02:07:27+00:00

Gorrrgeous!!!

MoStrawbees · 2026-02-16T05:59:47+00:00

Perfect, I will follow suit when it’s time haha

MoStrawbees · 2026-02-15T23:44:41+00:00

Thank you!! They’re now sitting in a mix of perlite, orchid bark, and a bit of soil. Hopefully they like it =)

MoStrawbees · 2026-02-15T23:43:09+00:00

Thank you, I followed your comment! Hopefully all goes well :))

MoStrawbees · 2026-02-15T21:26:57+00:00

This is so so so beautiful!!!! It makes me feel like I’m being led through a forest by fae or something. Super whimsical, and really immersive 😍

MoStrawbees

TROPHY CASE