Dr. Schoell's For Her Product Review ~ Ball of Foot Gel Cushions

 I received these from Influenster in the "Something Blue" VoxBox and they *might* be my favorite product in the whole box!  Who knew these existed?  I know I cannot live without them any more, and I can't believe I have survived my entire life without them.  The difference they make in your high shoes (think uncomfortable platforms, anything 4" and up, skinny-heeled pumps and your basic torturous high heel in general) is SO HUGE that every girl needs to get a few pairs to try for herself.

They make a variety of products I've discovered while shopping for more of these - and whether you’re looking for insoles for your favorite heels or flats, or anti-friction products to help prevent shoe rubbing and blisters, the Dr. Scholl’s® For Her line has a solution for you. I went to CVS and I think any larger pharmacy or store with a foot product aisle will have a few to choose from.  The entire collection is awesome and now I can look cute doing the things you want to do in shoes I WANT to wear – not just the things I need to do –in "sensible" shoes!

 The gel material they're made from provides cushioning and absorbs shock, and the slimmer design prevented my feet from sliding forward in my highest shoes.  I hate that "toe scrunch" and that's usually when I get blisters.  These really did save me.  You could dance at your wedding in brand new shoes in these, they're THAT comfy.

You can try them out and save a few bucks, click this link for a special coupon and try them out for yourself – by saving $2 on any Dr. Scholl’s® For Her product today!

Then go out dancing!

~Bridget

Luster NOW! Instant Whitening Toothpaste ~ Product Review

 I was given this product in my "Something Blue" VoxBox from Influenster.com for the purpose of testing and review.  When I unpacked the box I was excited to see toothpaste that whitened and hoped it didn't burn my mouth or taste horrible, like so many of the others do that promise to whiten (while taking a layer of enamel off your teeth in the process).   It has a proprietary blend of something they call "Bluverite Technology" which gives it the illusion of whiter teeth.   The paste comes out blue in color, pretty cool too! It's not a permanent long-term whitening toothpaste, it's a quick-fix that lasts for a few hours. 

When I brush with this, I've noticed a considerable difference in the shade of my teeth, as well as my 12 year old son's teeth.  He just got braces and struggles to brush long enough and often enough, so a whitening toothpaste that he could use is great   It tastes minty and fresh; but not as my 10-year-old would refer to as "too spicy," and it feels on par with the "average" toothpaste as far as bubbling up while brushing and overall performance.

The best part is that it leaves my teeth feeling clean and smooth. Our of a 5-star rating system, I think I'd have to give it a 4 star rating is because I didn't necessarily see the results "NOW" as it claims to do, rather instantly.  I'd expect a noticeable difference the first day or two, but this was a little more cumulative over time, especially to see my son's, which would have been easier to judge.  When you try it,  just don't expect this stuff to lift too many shades in the first day or two and you won't be disappointed.

PROS:

Optical Illusion of Whiter Teeth
Stain Removal
Tastes Great
Keeps Teeth White For Hours
Safe For Daily Use
Surface Stain Removal with daily use
Gentle on Teeth
Safe for Dental Restorations

CONS:

Not permanent whitening
Expensive ($7.99 for a 4 oz. tube)
Didn't leave a long-lasting "Fresh Breath/Minty" feeling
Leaves Residue Behind on Gums that requires lots of rinsing 

I recommend giving it a try to gradually whiten your smile, especially for a photo shoot or a special event, like a wedding or graduation.  Give it a good 2 weeks to work it's magic and you'll be pleased with the results, just remember they're short-term.

~Bridget

Toxic Awareness Ingredient: Propylene Glycol (PG) and Butylene Glycol

Posted by the Toxic Awareness Organic & Toxin-Free Products

 

 As a Mom, I'm always looking at the things I introduce to my children and the effect they will have on their long-term health.  These 2 ingredients are absolutely ones to AVOID whenever possible.  Propylene Glycol is an additive that makes things viscous and is added in lieu of more expensive, less toxic ingredients. It's a cheap substitute to responsible manufacturing.  You can light Butylene Glycol on fire and it comes out of aerosol cans.  It's a known human carcinogen and hides in popular products like sunscreen, air freshners like Airwick and Lysol (both also registered pesticides), and oven cleaners.  Look around your house and read labels!  Cancer and auto-immune diseases are on the rise, and most of the cancers are linked to environmental toxins in our homes.  

 

Propylene Glycol (PG) and Butylene Glycol: Petroleum plastics which act as surfactants (wetting agents and solvents).  They easily penetrate the skin and can weaken protein and cellular structure. The EPA considers PG so toxic that it requires workers to wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles and to dispose of any PG solutions by burying in the ground.  Because PG penetrates the skin so quickly, the EPA warns against skin contact to prevent consequences such as brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities.  But there isn’t even a warning label on products such as stick deodorants, where the concentration is greater than in most industrial applications.

~Bridget