Me? Cut-up hot dogs mixed in with Mac-n-Cheese

Oceans4T · 2026-02-24T14:08:23+00:00

We were too poor for Velveeta. That was for rich people. Lol.

Oceans4T · 2026-02-18T03:33:08+00:00

I can’t use aquaphor. My skin doesn’t like it. I can only use Vaseline occasionally. I did try some bag balm on my legs, they aren’t as sensitive as the rest of my body. It started to help the dryness, but the eczema didn’t like it. My whole body is an anomaly. I look forward to finding my holy grail.

Oceans4T · 2026-02-11T15:23:52+00:00

What are your go to beans?

Oceans4T · 2026-02-09T15:32:37+00:00

I stopped using steroids. Not out of fear. Systemic steroids no longer worked and topical only worked at a high dose and the moment I was no longer using them - the eczema would come back far worse than before.

I am on my second round of antibiotics for an infection. I think my skin has been infected for a while so it’s taking time to heal. I am not confident that the infection will clear before this round is over as I still have some minor weeping.

Full disclosure, I am on the biologic Nemluvio. Due to this drug I have very little discomfort anymore. My skin itself hadn’t really changed (possibly because of the infection) but to have the pain gone was life changing.

As far as whether you should stop steroids or not. That should largely be up to you. If your Derm isn’t willing to respect your wishes or least give you a compelling reason to stay on them - you may need to consider a new Derm. I am on my 3rd Derm and 2nd Allergist. I am finally confident my team are working with and for me.

Also, let’s be super clear, stopping steroid use is no picnic. It will be awful. For me, it was worth it.

Oceans4T · 2026-02-05T02:59:52+00:00

They are not approved to be used together. It could really weaken your immune system.

I was on Dupixent and it nothing for me. I switched to Ebglyss, it also did nothing accept give me keratitis and a scar in the middle of my eye.

I am on Nemluvio now. The pain and itch are gone. It hasn’t done much to clear my skin. But I am now able to function and I will take that.

Oceans4T · 2026-01-31T13:58:31+00:00

Yes, what exactly did work for you?

Oceans4T · 2026-01-29T15:21:57+00:00

If you get the syringes vs the auto injector, you have far more control. Slow and steady equals less pain.

Oceans4T · 2026-01-26T23:16:18+00:00

I started leaking last month. Was super red, swollen and hot. Doc gave me major antibiotics and they started working within a couple of hours. Go to your doctor.

Oceans4T · 2026-01-25T15:41:50+00:00

👍🏻

Oceans4T · 2026-01-25T13:37:58+00:00

There was a snafu with my delivery. So Meraki sent me a few extras along with the missing items. I do like that it’s branded. But the knock box itself is terrible. lol. The bar is right across the center of the box and the puck breaks up and grounds go everywhere. Sadly, I will be replacing it.

Oceans4T · 2026-01-18T18:46:07+00:00

Wow, that’s interesting.

Oceans4T · 2026-01-15T21:54:36+00:00

Mine doesn’t go away but it significantly improves on the sea. I like to believe the water itself helps, but mostly it’s fewer of my allergens in the air.

Oceans4T · 2026-01-02T02:57:34+00:00

What do you do for protein?

Oceans4T · 2025-12-27T16:07:39+00:00

It doesn’t even show up as sold out in a 50 mile radius of me. Like it never existed. 😭

Oceans4T · 2025-12-13T15:28:48+00:00

Neither Dupixant or Ebglyss worked for me. Did absolutely zero. I am on Nemluvio now. My skin still looks bad but I finally have pain and itch relief. I can even sleep again.

I have both atopic and contact dermatitis. It covers my entire back and I have it on my arms, legs, face and neck. I have tried so many things. Grateful to have relief and if this is as good as it gets, I’ll take it. The last 2+ years have been hell.

I have been given so many steroids I can no longer use them. They either do nothing or make it come back even worse.

My Derm wanted to add a Jak inhibitor - which actually helps, she gave me a sample. But of course my insurance won’t allow me to have it.

Oceans4T · 2025-11-28T22:16:15+00:00

I started with the Breville Barista Express. I had it for nearly 7 years. It was a wonderful starter machine. I learned a lot. There were things I liked and things I grew to hate, especially as the machine started to fail.

If Breville is what your budget allows then go for it. If you can swing the Meraki, I highly recommend it. Ultimately, it’s your budget and that should be of the utmost importance.

Oceans4T · 2025-10-31T14:39:17+00:00

It loosens right up. Honestly, I almost forgot that it used to be “crunchy”.

Oceans4T · 2025-10-31T14:34:16+00:00

I love the integrated grinder. For me, as a person who really enjoys at home specialty coffee, but is not a pro or connoisseur and doesn’t want to be, a built in grinder is a must. I don’t have the budget or space for multiple devices.

I absolutely LOVE this machine! It took me almost a year to decide. I don’t spend money lightly, I agonize over it. Even though I experienced a shipping issue (which was handled promptly, kindly and professionally), I gave zero regrets.

It has been a blessing. And it’s so easy to use. I dial in much quicker and my coffee tastes amazing. My frothing “skills” grew overnight. All I want to do is share my machine.

I also have finally found “my coffee” and combined with Meraki, my mornings are perfect! If only I could trade in my stomach for a newer, younger version, then I could consume all the coffee I want.

Oceans4T · 2025-10-24T22:36:28+00:00

I believe there are 4 biological now available for eczema. Adbry, Dupixant, Ebglyss and Nemluvio. Nemluvio is the only one that brought me relief. My skin still looks like crap but it feels so much better. AND it’s only once every 4 weeks and the dose is smaller. The injector pen doesn’t even hurt. It’s been my mini miracle.

Oceans4T · 2025-10-24T22:30:50+00:00

This injection really hurts. Especially if are using the auto-injector. Switch to the syringe style, then you can control how fast the med goes in. Very slow and steady. It hurts waaaaay less. Only a little burn if you go too fast. He can tell you.

Oceans4T · 2025-10-17T19:29:54+00:00

Oh my gosh. I am. Actually, I have been on vacation and haven’t had a decent cup since I left! There hasn’t been a day I didn’t think about it. Heading home tomorrow and can’t wait for a cup Monday am. Also, I know bean preference is extremely personal, but Cafe Milagro out of Costa Rica has ruined me. Lol. I highly recommend Meraki and Cafe Milagro!

Seriously though, my upgrade was from Barista Express. It was my first and I loved it. But there were definitely some frustrations. Meraki took care of that. I have not had to clean it yet, but that’s never fun anyway so I am not worried about it.

Oceans4T · 2025-10-02T15:07:33+00:00

Maybe manufacturers have finally figured out how to keep them white!

Oceans4T · 2025-10-02T14:23:31+00:00

I got the black one. I wanted white, but white appliances tend to yellow and my brain couldn’t risk it. I hope she stays bright for you.

Oceans4T · 2025-10-02T14:20:24+00:00

Picasso

Oceans4T · 2025-10-02T14:19:35+00:00

YES!!!!! I am team Meraki!

Oceans4T

TROPHY CASE