Drink Your Water

One of my New Year's goals is going to be to try to increase my water consumption. I know I am probably walking around slightly dehydrated. So here is an idea that you can inexpensively create at home to try to help you to remember to drink enough water. This gallon will last me two days and I can refill it whenever I need to.

#ad GIVEAWAY & Review: Vita Advanced Probiotics

My Thoughts:

Disclosure: I was sent this product for free for the purpose of reviewing it on my blog, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. No monetary compensation was received.


I am not a medical professional at all, so my experience is just that, my experience but I wanted to share with you how I found this product to be very helpful to us this past cold and flu season. We are no stranger to taking probiotics in our home, but we don't always take them consistently. Often we take them as a reactive measure when someone gets sick or has a break out of eczema. When I was reviewing this Vita Advanced probiotic we started using it right after my daughter received a diagnosis of Influenza A and Strep. We did give her prescription antibiotics for the Strep, but we opted to treat the Influenza without the prescription for Tamiflu  and started giving her these probiotics. We started these probiotics on the very first day of the influenza and we were able to limit her fever and stomach upset to less than 12 hours (fyi, we didn't even get the antibiotics until 36 hours after the diagnosis and had already started probiotics). She was on the mend very quickly and was able to keep food down and keep up fluid intake. I do not hesitate to make sure we are taking our probiotics if we have sickness in our house, which is not common. We also make sure all of us are taking it at that time to help keep us from getting sick, which by the way no one else in our household did come down with either illness.

Product Description from Vita Advanced:

Our Probiotic may help you in the following ways

- Relieve digestive disorders
- Boost your immune system
- Improve your mood and feeling of well-being


Our Probiotic contains 7 essential probiotic strains and 10 billion good bacteria per daily serving at time of manufacture that promotes digestive health and supports immune system. You can be certain of its quality because it is made in USA and sourced from a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) Facility.

A Healthy stomach and a strong immune system helps you to feel well and have more energy. Our Probiotic may help you to feel better than you have felt in a long time.

ONE LUCKY WINNER WILL RECEIVE THEIR OWN BOTTLE OF

VITA ADVANCED PROBIOTICS

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I was sent the above product for the purpose of reviewing it on this blog. All thoughts, opinions and photographs belong to me. No monetary compensation was received. 

GIVEAWAY and Review: Soothie Suckers

Soothie Suckers taste great! As I type up this post I am enjoying a grape Nasal Support Soothie Sucker. I am feeling a bit under the weather with a virus that already went through our family earlier in the week and is finishing up with me. Why should my kids only get to have a little bit of this deliciousness when they are sick, I want some too. I did have the Orange Immune Support Soothie Sucker earlier today and I am hoping the herbal benefits of Echinacea and Astragulus help me recover quickly. I totally should have been enjoying these while my kids were sick to help boost my immune system, but I thought it was going to pass by me. It didn't.

I have mine in the freezer, but you can serve them liquid if someone doesn't like cold things. I did find it to be very soothing to enjoy this frozen dietary supplement. I hope we don't have to use them often this winter, but I am glad we have them already on hand if we do need them. Sometimes when kids get sick the don't want to consume anything but we really need to keep them hydrated and my kids have always responded well to having a freezer pop when they are sick, but they are made not made with all ingredients I want to give them, but Soothie Suckers are.

You can BUY SOOTHIE SUCKERS on their website!

Product Description from Soothie Suckers:

Soothie Suckers are the Cool Way to Feel Good!
The only all-natural herbal supplement ice pop.
Available in two formulations: Immune Support (orange flavor) and Nasal Support (grape flavor)
Can be frozen and enjoyed as an ice pop or consumed as a liquid
Pre-measured 1 oz. pouches - portable for flights, trips and everyday activities
Contains certified organic or wild-crafted herbal extracts
Delicious, all-natural fruit flavors
No artificial flavors, no high fructose corn syrup and no alcohol
Created for kids and loved by adults!

ENTER RAFFLECOPTER FORM FOR A CHANCE TO WIN YOUR OWN 2-PACK OF SOOTHIE SUCKERS

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Review: Hyperbiotic PRO-Kids Probiotic

My Thoughts

Taking probiotics is supposed to help boost an individual's immune systems and re-store balance to their body if taken regularly. With this upcoming cold and flu season, I am concerned about all the germs my kids share with each other at school, at swim practice, on the playground and at home. Both of my kids will be taking probiotics to try to help provide their bodies with more balance. These Hyperbiotics PRO-Kids Probiotics can be taken by kids 4 years an older.

My daughter has been taking probiotics to help her keep her eczema under control. We were happy to
give Hyperbiotics PRO-Kids Probiotic because the size is perfect for kids. Sometimes supplements can be too large for a kid to take and may not be something that can easily be split. With this probiotic it is so small that she has no trouble at all swallowing it. It does have a citrus flavor if a child has to chew it, but she would rather just swallow it. So, anything that makes it easier for my kids to take a supplement is great in my book. It's hard to get kids to take something if it doesn't taste good or doesn't easily go down, but that is not the case with Hyperbiotics PRO-Kids Probiotic.

If you want to try it out for yourself, you can buy it from Amazon.

Product Description from Hyperbiotics 

HELP REPAIR YOUR CHILD'S MICROBIOME. With superior patented technology, our living organisms reach deep into your child's intestinal tract where they are needed most, unlike the standard powders and chewables of other probiotic brands for children. *See the description sheet to understand the Science behind the Superiority*

REVERSE THE CYCLE OF ANTIBIOTICS: Our probiotic formula for Kids is specially designed with 4 proven strains to help your child counter the negative effects of today's broad spectrum antibiotics.

FULL NUTRIENT ABSORPTION. Fatigue and irritability are often a result of poor vitamin and nutrient absorption. These probiotics for Kids help create a microenvironment inside their digestive system that promotes full mineral absorption so they can feel healthy and energetic.

REACTIVATE THEIR NATURAL DEFENSES. 80% of our immune system is in our gut, and when probiotics (the good guys) are abundant in our body, it’s harder for the disease causing bacteria (the bad guys) to settle in.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Review: PRO-15: The Perfect Probiotic

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I have to admit that this is my first experience ever using probiotics. I have listened to a nutritionist talk about them at a MOPS meeting last year and have read a few things here and there. It has been something I have wanted to try, but have been deterred by the cost so I was very happy to receive a bottle of Hyperbiotics PRO-15: The Perfect Probiotic for free to review on the blog.

Below I will share with you all the information that Hyperbiotics shared with me because I am new to probiotics, I don't want to give you wrong information, but what I can tell you about is my experience. The first thing I noticed was the shape, which is a tiny ball (see the picture below) and it is very easy to swallow with water. They actually recommend taking it on an empty stomach. This particular pill is small like it is because there are no fillers used (good to know!) The area that I noticed a difference in is gas and bloating. I have only been taking the probiotic for a week now and I noticed that my stomach feels better and I am plagued by gas and bloating less than before trying. You only need one pill per day and it is a time release formula, so the ingredients are supposed to be used as needed by your body but not all at one. They only recommend taking more if you are recovering from an illness. I really appreciate when an entire dosage is in one pill. Also, I wanted to note that I did not have any issues taking it. Sometimes pills and vitamins upset my stomach when taken on an empty stomach and this never happened.

About PRO-15: The Perfect Probtiotic from Hyperbiotics:

GET 15 TIMES MORE RESULTS THAN WITH CAPSULES++. With superior patented technology, our living organisms reach deep into your intestinal tract where they are needed most. Our formula will even reach your large intestine. *See below to understand the Science behind the Superiority*

IMPROVE YOUR MOOD AND ENERGY LEVELS. Fatigue and irritability are often a result of poor vitamin and nutrient absorption. Hyperbiotics Probiotics help create a microenvironment inside your digestive system that promotes full mineral absorption so you can finally feel like your happy, energetic and vibrant self.

RELIEVE YOUR SENSITIVE STOMACH. Hyperbiotics PRO-15 is released at consistent levels throughout the day and throughout your Gl tract; whereas other capsules more closely resemble a bomb being dropped in your upper stomach - releasing all organisms at one time, often causing upset such as bloating, gas or diarrhea.

GET and STAY WELL. 80% of your immune system is in your gut, and when probiotics (the good guys) are abundant in your body, it’s harder for the disease causing bacteria (the bad guys) to settle in. Hyperbiotics PRO-15 restores beneficial bacteria for optimal digestive and immune health, helps control yeast and candida overgrowth and promotes daily relief from allergies, gas, bloating and constipation. Life should be easy.

LOSE WEIGHT. New studies show that gut microflora may improve your metabolism and accelerate fat loss. Let’s get your gut back into equilibrium so your waistline will follow.

You can buy  PRO-15: The Perfect Probtiotic on Amazon! And if you have Prime Shipping, then you are in luck and can get a single bottle shipped (no cost for shipping for Prime members) to you as part of your Amazon Prime membership.


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Review: Braun Forehead Thermometer

UPDATED 1/7/14

We tried it out on my daughter as well. She's not ill, but she wanted to see what out new thermometer was like and find out how to use it. I did it on her and showed her what buttons to press, but now she can very quickly take her own temperature. Although, as a mom we know if our child is active enough to want to take their own temperature they are probably just playing around and if they were really sick they would want us to take care of them and do it for them. Or, maybe that is just my kids. :)

I am reviewing Braun Forehead Thermometer  for Influenster. They sent me the product to try and let my readers know what I think. All thoughts and opinions, photos and video are my own.

I am in love with that it takes just a mere seconds to swipe across the forehead and get results. It's quick and no invasive. You should be able to to a quick temperature on a wiggly toddler without too much work, and it would be great to take a temperature on a sleeping baby. Not only does it tell you the temperature, but it also glows a color depending how warm the temperature is to give you guidance. As of the date of this review, we have not had a fever in the house, so I have not been able to see it be any color other than green, but I think it would come in handy for parents who were unsure just exactly what a temperature meant.

The product comes with a protective cover for the ends and comes with AAA batteries. I love that it comes with the batteries because the last thing you want if you are buying this product is to have to run back to the store to buy them. I love that it is AAA batteries too. Most households have AAA batteries on hand (or could borrow them from some other item if need be), so it is convenient to replace the batteries.

Here is a little video of me showing just how quick it works!

No monetary compensation was received for this post.

Review: Total Nutrition Super Food

I reviewed this one packet of Total Nutrition Super Food which makes one 8 ounce serving. The directions say to mix it with your choice of oat milk, soy milk, rice milk, juice or water. I chose to mix mine with coconut water. This is actually my first experience with drinking my greens". I have heard friends talk about "drinking their greens" before but I never tried any. I decided to have it in the afternoon as a pick me up. It only has 30 calories in the serving, plus whatever calories are in the beverage of choice, but it packs in 40% Vitamin C, 20% iron, 8% vitamin A and 4 % calcium for the day and also has no added sugar but gives you 8g of protein and 5g of fiber. The no added sugar piece is huge to me because most protein shakes have added sugar or a sugar substitute (even if it is stevia). I also really appreciate that it has the official 100% organic label on it. It is also GMO free, gluten free, and vegan.

As for the taste, it tasted as how I would expect it. I am a tea drinker (coffee too! I like my beverages!), lots of different kinds of tea and I don't add anything to them, so I expected it to have that grass type flavor. If you read the ingredients then you would expect to since the first two ingredients are barley grass and wheat grass. If you have never had greens before or are not a tea drinker, you might need some time to acquire the taste. So, with that said, it was pleasant and mostly smooth. I would try Total Nutrition Super Food again. I was unsure from looking at their website how many servings are in a full size bag and what it would cost per serving.

Product Description from Immortal Herbs
Total Nurtirion is rich in antioxidants, amino acids, enzymes, nutirents, vitamins, and phytonutrient - all of which are required to take your body from "surviving" to "vibrant". Simply stated, with Total Nutrition, you will transend "normal nutrition". Total Nutrition is a delicious, easy-prep supplement that contains a diverse blend of premium quality superfood ingredients that have been sourced from across the globe. This cutting-edge global blend of superfoods makes Total Nutrition extremely dense in nutrients, vitamins and minerals. In fact, just one tablespoon is enough to provide the average American with an entire day's worth of nutrients! Total Nutrition is the first step toward changing your life and your health. You'll feel revitalized in a way that you've only dreamed about! Total Nutrition is comprised of: Barley Grass, Wheat Grass, Spirulina, Spinach, Alfalfa Leaf, Kelp, Dulse Leaf, Barley Grass Juice, Orange Peel, Beet Root, Dandelion Leaf, Lemon Peel, Gingko Leaf, Wheat Grass Juice, Maca Root, Cacao, Ashwagandha, Sacha Inchi, Manuka Honey, Bee Pollen, Reishi Mushroom, Blueberry, Black Currant, Wild Bilberry, Wild Lingonberry, Aronia, Pomegranate, Concord Grape, Red Raspberry, Sour Cherry, Wild Elderberry, Wild Cranberry, Black Raspberry, Goji Berries and Schiznadra Berries. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Adminstration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

You can also find more information about Immortal Foods on Facebook.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

GIVEAWAY and Review: Pressureze All Natural Nasal Spray

I was very interested in reviewing Pressureze so that I could have my husband try out a product that he might be very interested in. He is a faithful Neti Pot user when he has allergies or gets any kind of head cold or sinus issues. Pressureze is like using a Neti Pot in that uses saline, but with Pressureze the saline is already mixed and at the proper pH level. Since we have had a late winter in MN (our last snowstorm was over a foot of snow at the beginning of May) and a rainy spring, he has not needed help with allergy relief yet, but he will be taking it with his this weekend when he goes on his guys' weekend fishing trip up north.

My husband does travel often for work and I was not aware that people uses a product like Pressureze for altitude changes for ear pressure relief. Usually when he has problems with altitude changes it is because there is an existing sinus problem and if he is at home he can remedy that, but that is not the case when he is traveling, or at least until now.

Pressureze comes in a convenient 2 oz. size, so it is under the airline safety requirements and can be packed in your allotted one quart bag and brought in your carry-on luggage with you while traveling. So, now if he is having issues while traveling for work or while in air, he can have it with him at all times.

Here he is demonstrating how he uses Pressureze. He has found for him that if he uses it with head tilted to the side it is the most efficient position for him. To use Pressureze, just spray the mist 3 times , wait 30 seconds and then blow your nose and repeat if needed.

Pressureze is all natural nasal spray and free of drugs, preservatives and chemicals. The only thing it contains is salt and purified water. The label on this product says it is safe for all ages. This product is non-addictive and can be used daily.

CLICK HERE to buy Pressureze! Shipping is free with the purchase of 3 or more bottles!

ONE LUCKY READER WILL WIN BOTTLE OF PRESSUREZE!!!

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

#3 Don't Use Bleach

This is a great article to read about why you shouldn't use bleach.

I know you are thinking, "Bleach it cheap, I can get it in a store brand for $1 gallon on sale. How is not using bleach going to save me money and keep my clothes white?"

Well, the cheapest way (as I mentioned in the previous post) is the hang you clothes outside in the sun. The sun is a natural disinfectant & bleacher. That's completely free.

But if you are like me and don't have access to outdoor drying all year or you have some clothes than need help while in the wash you can use borax instead. Borax is cheap and you don't need a lot in a load, so the cost per load is similar to using bleach. Borax is color safe and can be used to brighten your colors as well. I use 2-3T of borax in a load on my front loader. 

Vingar works well too. I use about 1/2 cup of vinegar in my front loader washer. When I have clothes with a really tough stain I will use both vinegar and boarx. Vingear is inexpensive as well. It also helps to get rid of odors from clothes.

If you have access to free lemons (other the cost of lemons could be too much) you can use lemon juice to soak & whiten you clothes (if you hang them in the sun too.)

And if you must purchase a bleach alternative, Seventh Generation makes a bleach alternative. This option won't save you money. I have a bottle I have been using for almost a year. I rarely use it because I use the other methods, but I wanted to try it. It works ok, but honestly I like how borax (or borax & vinegar) works better.

Oh! And the biggest way bleach costs you money is in healthcare costs from being exposed to the toxic fumes (or if a child were to ingest some). The affects of the fumes are cumulative and vary from person to person, so there is really no way to calculate how much bleach could cost you in healthcare costs (although, I am sure someone out there might have done that and I just need to find that article), but with rising healthcare costs at both the doctor's office and in our insurance premiums, do you really want to expose yourself to these fumes when you can change to something that is free or the same cost?