Puriya Breathe-Ease Balm (Natural Chest and Nasal Congestion Relief Balm---but also headache and stress reliever! Review

I was sent some natural chest and nasal congestion relief balm from a company called Puriya.  It contains essential oils and is such a fantastic choice for those who do not want to use Vics vapor rub or other similar ingredient products.

The ingredients of Vics are not the best, and it has been years since I have allowed that product in my home.  As you can see, some of the ingredients are decent, but Turpentine and Petrolatum concern me.  

Regular Active Ingredients  (VICS)

- Camphor 4.8% (Cough suppressant and topical analgesic)  

- Eucalyptus oil 1.2% (Cough suppressant)  

- Menthol 2.6% (Cough suppressant and topical analgesic)  

Inactive Ingredients (VICS)

Regular: Cedarleaf oil, nutmeg oil, special petrolatum, thymol, turpentine oil 

Lemon: Cedarleaf oil, lemon fragrance, nutmeg oil, special petrolatum, thymol, turpentine oil 

I much rather use a product on myself and my children that is essential oil based with no questionable ingredients.  

Now thankfully I do not get many colds or flu like systems in the Spring or Summer, so I did not test this product for either of those indications, however I do get migraines a few times per week, and I do not take any prescription medication for them.  I rarely ever take OTC medicine.  Several years back when budget allowed, and my husband and I were more frivolous in our spending (haha, before 3 children, or any children at all)  I bought items from Origins frequently.  They are a higher end brand that does have some great products (with some botanical and essential oils), however they do have a lot of excess ingredients that are not so natural and often the ingredient list is packed with long words that I do not have the slightest clue what the ingredient is intended for.

Back then, besides frequently purchasing items whether I needed them or not, I also was not sulfate free and often thought this brand was healthier for me and my skin.  The brand certainly looks and smells wonderful.  One of my favorite products was a Stress relieving cream called Peace of Mind, On the Spot Cream.  It came in an incredibly tiny 0.5 oz pump and with as many migraines and tension headaches, I generally went through the container pretty frequently.  It did not completely relieve my migraines, but seemed to calm my mind and spirit, while assisting with unraveling my knots in my head that would cause me intense pain.  Unfortunately after looking over the ingredients of this bottle, I was struck by how little of the contents were natural.

Peace of Mind by Origins was no longer giving me peace of mind, as I realized i was adding chemicals to my body.  How can you heal and improve your body when you are not nourishing it?  

Ingredients: water\aqua\eau; rosa damascena (rose) flower water, mentha piperita (peppermint) leaf water, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf water; mentha piperita (peppermint) leaf oil*, ocimum basilicum (basil) oil*, eucalyptus dives (piperitol) oil*, citral, linalool, eugenol, limonene; bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane; methyl gluceth-20; glyceryl polymethacrylate; prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil; oleth-3; glycereth-26; sorbitan stearate; oleth-5; oleth-10 phosphate; butylene glycol; ethylhexyl hydroxystearate; ethylhexylglycerin; polysorbate 60; caprylyl glycol; peg-150 distearate; cetyl alcohol; hexylene glycol; potassium phosphate; potassium carbomer; xanthan gum; carbomer; potassium sorbate; phenoxyethanol

I decided to begin looking for more natural options and would use peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, lemon balm, chamomile and other soothing ingredients.  I would mix a little of these ingredients with jojoba oil and apply to my aching temples and scalp.  I found that being in a dark, quiet room with water sounds (sound machine) in the background and this homemade mixture would often help me.  

When looking over the ingredients of the Puriya Breathe-Ease Balm, it came to mind that these ingredients would be perfect for replacing my homemade mixture and the Origins product.  Origins Peace of Mind contained unnecessary ingredients that I did not want in my body, and at $13 for a half of an ounce, I would be crazy to continue using it.  The Puriya is in a 2 oz glass jar (I always prefer using glass for skin care products).  I only need a small amount to apply to my forehead and temples. Stress melts away and my head feels so much better.  The Puriya is just under $25 and I can easily get all the product out when I do eventually finish the jar.  The Origins comes in a plastic pump and there is not an easy way to extract every last bit of product without some waste.

Puriya:

It is a blend of Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Lavender and Peppermint Essential Oils.  The balm contains antiseptic and anti-microbial properties.  This is marketed as a balm to replace the traditional chest balms and relieve nasal and upper respiratory congestion. The formula can reduce symptoms of cold, flu, cough and allergies.  As I mentioned, I did not test this balm for those uses, as during the month of evaluation, no one in our household was sick.  I did find that as a stress / tension reliever balm and mild headache reliever, it was suited for the task.  It also can soothe tired and aching muscles and joints.  

Ingredients

Olive Oil, Beeswax, Eucalyptus Australiana Oil, Peppermint Oil, Lavender Oil, Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia).

I was sent this product complimentary for review, and find it to be an excellent choice.  I was not compensated for this review, other than being sent a tester product at no charge.

DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation for a product review and/or link to any products or services from this blog. I am always honest in my opinions and never promise a positive review. I only recommend products or services that I feel are beneficial to my family and my lovely readers. I enjoy testing out items and giving my readers an honest and descriptive account of how a product functions. My personal experience or view of an item may differ than yours.

Tiny Drops of Honey is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You pay the exact same price for any and all products you order through my links, but I receive a small commission. I am a stay at home mommy and any commissions I receive help support my little ones.

Please follow me on:

Facebook for updates to this blog, reviews, and giveaways.  For updates on new posts, you can subscribe to me on bloglovin.  I would love it if you would visit me (subscribing makes me so happy) on Instagram and Twitter.

I was happy that after using the product on my fingertips and applying to my forehead and temples, it had a matte and non greasy after--feel.  I still could smell the healing vapors of the essential oils on my fingers, but it was not so messy that I had to wash my hands right away.  This is great as I see this jar next to my desk and laptop.  I can continue working on my laptop without having to wash my hands after application.  I tend to be a night owl on my computer (trying to get some much needed Mommy time after the littles are in bed) and often the late hours, and eye strain makes my headache worse.  This balm is ready at my side.  

Baby Tooshy Disposable Cloth Diaper Liner Review

We now have a newborn in the home and as he is now approaching 5 weeks old, we are transitioning to cloth diapers. I generally use disposables for the first month of life as I can often get a smaller, more secure fit over baby's tiny bird legs, as well as keep things simplified as I recover from my Cesarian. My 2 year old is still in cloth diapers, however we are beginning the potty training period. He is in diapers full time during the day and night.

One thing that is extremely helpful in cloth diapering is using some sort of liner in the diaper to prevent soiling stains. We have used reusable fleece liners as well as flushable disposable ones. I was sent an evaluation pack from Baby Tooshy.

These are lightweight liners, however they are are sturdy, stretchy, and ultra convenient. They are made of bamboo, which is natural and soft. There are no chemicals and these are fragrance free. When baby has a soiling in the diaper, simply lift the liner out and toss it in the toilet. We unfortunately have a septic tank so we shake the solids into the toilet and then toss the liner in the trash. Using a liner is also necessary for when baby needs diaper cream or ointment on their bottom. We only use cloth diaper safe creams/ointments, however this prevents staining of the product onto the cloth, as well as prevents any possibility of repelling or issues. The liners come on a roll of 100 liners and are perforated for easy removal.  They also pop up and can be pulled out of the middle.

I find that these work nicely, and they are what we use when traveling, and leaving the house for errands.  I like the generous sizing, and find they can be folded to the desired size if needed.  

At home we use the reusable fleece liners and toss them into the laundry with the diapers and cloth wipes. We do not use these with our newborn just yet as he is exclusively breathed and his diapers can be easily rinsed with the sprayer before washing. It has even been said that those diapers do not need to be rinsed prior to laundering, however, I always rinse as our sprayer is pretty awesome and it does not take much effort.

These liners were sent to me complimentary, and no other compensation was provided, other than the tester product.


Please follow me on:

Facebook for updates to this blog, reviews, and giveaways.  For updates on new posts, you can subscribe to me on bloglovin.  I would love it if you would visit me (subscribing makes me so happy) on Instagram and Twitter.

DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation for a product review and/or link to any products or services from this blog. I am always honest in my opinions and never promise a positive review. I only recommend products or services that I feel are beneficial to my family and my lovely readers. I enjoy testing out items and giving my readers an honest and descriptive account of how a product functions. My personal experience or view of an item may differ than yours.

Tiny Drops of Honey is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You pay the exact same price for any and all products you order through my links, but I receive a small commission. I am a stay at home mommy and any commissions I receive help support my little ones.

ZIPIT Colorz Box Review (Pencil Case)

School may be out for summer, but that does not mean the kids have to pack away all their supplies.  Crayons, markers, color pencils, etc. should always be close on hand for times when your budding artists get the inspiration for their next masterpiece.  With family road trips beginning, your child will need a secure spot to store their supplies when traveling.  How about a hard shell neoprene zippered case from Zipit?

The company sent me a Colorz storage case complimentary for evaluation.  These come in several vibrant colors and patterns and your child (and perhaps you as well) will be sure to find one that strikes their fancy.  

These cases are lightweight and ease to pack, while providing a secure spot for various items and supplies.  Measuring: approx. 8.2 inches x 3 inches x 5.3 inches and sealed with a zipper, these cases can hold various pens, pencils, markers, crayons, and so much more.  These cases can be used for keeping small electronic devices secure and organized, such as cell phone, cell phone charger, small camera, etc.  You could even have another case to keep packaged snacks such as cheese/peanut butter crackers, power bars, or small chip bags from getting smashed when traveling in the car.  It is also a great case for hair accessories, cosmetics, or other delicate items that need protecting and organizing. They have a variety of sizes and styles of organizers, these are fun and so useful.  
  

We were sent a pink geometric triangle pattern.  I was storing my Filofax Planner Washi tape rolls in the case, but my daughter saw the case and I let her have it as she was so fond of it.  My daughter is 5 and is using it for storing her color pencils with her easel.  The case is durable and has held up to her somewhat rough usage without scuffing or misshaping.  

These are available on the Zipit website.  The website is easy to navigate and shipping is free over $15!  The company offers a 30 day money back guarantee and a lifetime warranty.  

Please follow me on:

Facebook for updates to this blog, reviews, and giveaways.  For updates on new posts, you can subscribe to me on bloglovin.  I would love it if you would visit me (subscribing makes me so happy) on Instagram and Twitter.

DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation for a product review and/or link to any products or services from this blog. I am always honest in my opinions and never promise a positive review. I only recommend products or services that I feel are beneficial to my family and my lovely readers. I enjoy testing out items and giving my readers an honest and descriptive account of how a product functions. My personal experience or view of an item may differ than yours.

Mr. Bene Baby and Toddler Proofing Cabinet Door Locking System Review

I have a 5 year old, 2 year old, and Newborn.  My 5 year old does well with keeping out of unsafe cabinets and drawers.  My 2 year old, although we are always in the same room with him, is quick and crafty.  He can open things quietly and with our backs turned for the quickest moment.  Luckily we do not keep chemicals or unsafe cleaning products in the house as we use sulfate free, and natural based items, however, we do have products that can make a big mess if spilled or played with.  I have now been slowly trying to baby proof areas of the house that he is starting to explore.

I was sent a product complimentary for evaluation.  The company is called Mr. Bene.  I have actually seen several similar types of cabinet / door locks on Amazon and have wanted to try a set out.

Mr. Bene baby proofing locking system has is magnet based and is a "no tools needed" installation. The pieces use 3m adhesive tape, and are strong enough and tricky enough to keep the baby, toddlers, and pets out of cabinets or drawers, while still allow easy access by the capable adults of the house.

To open these hidden locks, you are provided with a magnetic key.

The lock keeps the door secured to prevent little ones from the possibility of pinching their fingers or taking unsafe or messy items out of the cabinet.  The set allows you to deactivate the lock mechanism with a simple flip of the switch.

This is the only brand of these type locks I have personally used to evaluated, however these look almost identical to other brands.  I am assuming they function quite similar.  This set by Mr. Bene has 8 locks and 2 round magnetic keys.

It is rather easy and there were no issues.  I do suggest using a rubbing alcohol to lightly clean and prep the door and surface for the cleanest and strongest adhesion.

This was sent to me complimentary and no compensation other than a sample product was provided.

Please follow me on:

Facebook for updates to this blog, reviews, and giveaways.  For updates on new posts, you can subscribe to me on bloglovin.  I would love it if you would visit me (subscribing makes me so happy) on Instagram and Twitter.

DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation for a product review and/or link to any products or services from this blog. I am always honest in my opinions and never promise a positive review. I only recommend products or services that I feel are beneficial to my family and my lovely readers. I enjoy testing out items and giving my readers an honest and descriptive account of how a product functions. My personal experience or view of an item may differ than yours.

Tiny Drops of Honey is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You pay the exact same price for any and all products you order through my links, but I receive a small commission. I am a stay at home mommy and any commissions I receive help support my little ones.

Snug StoolEase Detachable Toilet Stool - 9 inch Bathroom Step Review

My husband had major surgury about 8 years ago and ever since his stomach and bowel area has given him issues.  He suffers from acid reflux and stomach pains several times per week and has tried a variety of etc medications and diets.

After watching a humorous video of a popular bowel and bathroom product intended to assist with elimination (if you have seen it, you will agree it is equally embarrassing, gross, yet humorous at the same time--even though I am NOT a potty humor person at all).  Unicorns, who knew? I had thought about ordering the product for him but never took the plunge.

Apparently when you sit on a regular toilet, the colon is curved unnaturally which makes it hard to go to the bathroom.  Using the toilet with your feet and knees elevated is supposed to assist with getting things moving.  The video I mentioned above mentions a stool that can benefit the colon.

Recently I was given the opportunity to review a similar product from another company.  I decided to have him try it.  When it arrived, it looked very similar to the other brand, except this one came in separate pieces that needed to snap into place.  It was not difficult to assemble, however you have to make sure you align the pieces into the tracks and edges perfectly as well as make sure you use enough force to snap them together.  I was concerned that I would break / crack the plastic as it was somewhat bendable.  I had to readjust the pieces a few times, but was able to assemble.  The other brand was one entire piece of plastic and comes in 2 different heights.

With the stool you can return to the more natural squatted position.  When you sit on a regular toilet, the colon is actually curved unnaturally and this makes it hard to pass stools.

With the StoolEase you can return to the more natural squatted position, which makes things move along easier.  This product, is called "StoolEase" and also referred to as "Snug." It measures 9'', and the manufacture says you can use it with any toilet - both standard toilets that measure 14"-15.5" and comfort height toilets that measure 16"-18".  My husband likes this product, but he says he would have preferred the option of a 7 inch height, as he felt his knees and legs were too far elevated.  We do have the taller toilets, and he says if our toilets were the shorter ones, he would have been even more uncomfortable.  The product is a great idea and although I would have preferred it to have been one piece instead of needing assembled, I think the company needs to have the 7 inch option as well.

The StoolEase comes in two colors: white and grey.  It has a compact, space-saving design which allows you to take it apart for storage and portability if you want.  I do not see our family packing this for a hotel trip or anything, but some users might need it so much that they want to travel with the stool, which is convenient I agree.  I do want to mention that I personally rather clean one entire piece than be concerned about getting into the crevices.  I clean this with a disinfectant cloth wipe.  I do like this product and recommend you try it as it may help if you have bowel issues.  The price is very reasonable, at just under $20.  (most OTC stomach medications are this price).  

This is available on Amazon. It was sent to me complimentary for my evaluation and review. I was not compensated other than receiving the tester product at no cost.

Please follow me on:

Facebook for updates to this blog, reviews, and giveaways.  For updates on new posts, you can subscribe to me on bloglovin.  I would love it if you would visit me (subscribing makes me so happy) on Instagram and Twitter.

DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation for a product review and/or link to any products or services from this blog. I am always honest in my opinions and never promise a positive review. I only recommend products or services that I feel are beneficial to my family and my lovely readers. I enjoy testing out items and giving my readers an honest and descriptive account of how a product functions. My personal experience or view of an item may differ than yours.

Tiny Drops of Honey is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You pay the exact same price for any and all products you order through my links, but I receive a small commission. I am a stay at home mommy and any commissions I receive help support my little ones.

Baby Tooshy Reusable Bamboo Velour Cloth Wipes / Baby Wash Cloth set (Review)

I was recently sent some bamboo velour baby wash cloths for review from Baby Tooshy.  I have been using them the past few weeks along with the charcoal bamboo (microfiber) cloth diaper inserts they also sent. These baby wash cloths are 10 x10 inches of reusable bamboo velour and are perfect for baby's sensitive skin.

We use cloth wipes in a wipes warmer as they work better for diaper changes than traditional disposables, and are eco friendly and cost saving.  They are double sided, super soft, and in pretty shades of turquoise, lime and sea green.  Made from organically grown bamboo, these wipes are hypoallergenic, anti-microbial, anti fungal.  They have been working well for us in our large rotation of various cloth wipes.

The only issue I have is that after a few washes they pill easily and get lint build up.  They still work wonderfully and are a great addition to our stash of wipes.  I find the size to be perfect for our 2 year old.  They are soft and gentle enough for our newborn.  We often only need 2 wipes even for the messiest of diaper changes.

I was sent these wipes complimentary for review and evaluation, no other compensation was provided other than the tester wipes.

Please follow me on:

Facebook for updates to this blog, reviews, and giveaways.  For updates on new posts, you can subscribe to me on bloglovin.  I would love it if you would visit me (subscribing makes me so happy) on Instagram and Twitter.

DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation for a product review and/or link to any products or services from this blog. I am always honest in my opinions and never promise a positive review. I only recommend products or services that I feel are beneficial to my family and my lovely readers. I enjoy testing out items and giving my readers an honest and descriptive account of how a product functions. My personal experience or view of an item may differ than yours.

Tiny Drops of Honey is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You pay the exact same price for any and all products you order through my links, but I receive a small commission. I am a stay at home mommy and any commissions I receive help support my little ones.