With the response I got from a previous post about products, I thought that I would continue to share the items that I have been trying. Enter, the Home and Health Products Winter 2023! Some of these are items I have used for years, others are new due to needing them for life’s events. While I am extremely happy to finally say that it is Spring, the Winter months weren’t too terrible this year! Maybe, because I was making a point of taking care of myself a bit more than other Winters. Some of these items are to thank, that’s for sure!
Health and Beauty
Herbal Essences bio: renew Potent Aloe + Mango Shampoo, Conditioner and Cream for Curly Hair
My “hair history” is quite a long one. As a toddler, I had thin but curly hair. From childhood through to the beginning of high school, I had long, straight hair. Then, puberty hit, and I went back to having curlyish hair. Throughout college and my twenties, I dyed my hair several different shades of brown, auburn, and black (Yikes? Yes, but I liked it).
Fast forward to being pregnant with my Son and I went back to going all natural; I wanted to embrace that time of my life and enjoy everything as naturally as I could (until that epidural was requested, that is). I felt good in my skin, I was doing my best to be as healthy as possible as he grew, and overall, I didn’t focus too much on my looks. I felt fine as I was and my priorities changed- it happens!
Whether it was from the years of damaging dye, or simply different hormones, I rarely had curly hair. In fact, it was hard for me to even successfully curl my hair- the curls simply didn’t want to stay. I thought that my time with curly hair was over. I was wrong.
One of my New Year’s resolutions was to take better care of my hair. I haven’t dyed it in a couple of years, I rarely blow dry it and it seems my hair is returning to a wavy if not curly, state. I’m all for it. Therefore, I thought I would at least nourish it with some hair products meant for curly hair. What’s the worst that can happen, right? We shall see what my hair is like a year from now… curly, wavy, or back to straight? Does anyone want to guess? In the meantime, at least I can enjoy some delicious-smelling shampoo and conditioner.
MiHair Scalp Massager Shampoo Brush, Eco-friendly Wheat Straw body with Soft Silicon Bristles
This purchase was made in an attempt to help my scalp. I don’t have dandruff (99% of the time), but I thought a nice massage now and then to help the blood circulate couldn’t be a bad thing.
Now, it is said that there is no difference between using your fingertips and using a scalp massager. So, is this a useless purchase? I don’t believe so. Just seeing it will remind me to pay a little bit more attention to my scalp. If I notice a big difference in my hair, I won’t be owing it all to this brush. I know that it is due to eating healthier and taking better care of myself. However, does this scalp massager hurt? I think not.
MiHair Scalp Massager Brush
According to the product description, it is:
- ECO-FRIENDLY, STURDY AND DURABLE – Upper body is made of eco-friendly wheat straw material, which is extremely sturdy and durable. The wheat straw material is biodegradable, anti-bacterial, anti-odor, non-toxic, safe, and gives your hands a premium feel. Bristles are made of soft silicone material.
- SCALP MASSAGER – Soft silicon bristles help clean and massage the scalp, preventing dandruff, improving blood circulation, and promoting hair growth. It helps make hair roots stronger and keeps hair healthy.
- STRESS RELIEVER – Provides stress and headache relief by offering a gentle hair massage and relaxation of the scalp muscles.
- PERFECT GRIP, ERGONOMIC DESIGN, AND SIMPLE USE – Easy to hold due to its ergonomic design and excellent grip. It is simple to use having a manual operation with no batteries required.
- WATERPROOF, PORTABLE AND COMPACT – Our Scalp Massager Shampoo brush is waterproof, portable, and compact. It can be carried along everywhere.
I honestly haven’t experienced ANY dandruff since I started using this. While I know this is also thanks to paying extra attention to my self-care, I know that this product has helped. Plus, it feels so good when you’re brushing your scalp. I couldn’t believe such a small thing could make a difference, but I’m glad that I’ve tried it and continue to use it.
HELYO Women’s Elegant Vintage Cotton Peter Pan Collar A-Line Dress with Pockets
Unfortunately, I recently had a funeral to attend. While I will keep the details private, it did mean that I needed to have an outfit. Since I have gained quite a bit of weight (I’m working on it!), I no longer had anything that would both 1) fit me properly and 2) be appropriate. This is why I purchased this dress.
It is comfortable, stretchy, and modest. Overall, it suited the occasion. I would not recommend it for a party as it is a soft material that is far from fancy and glamorous. However, for the time I had to get something suitable, I was pleased with it and I can easily add colorful elements such as a jacket, scarf, or jewelry if ever I would want to use it for another occasion. In this respect, I am happy because I can wear it many, many times and it wasn’t only to be worn this one time for this occasion.
Press on Nails Short Square LIARTY, 240 Pieces Natural French
For the same occasion, I needed a bit of a confidence boost. I’ve started experiencing a bit of social anxiety, and with the weight that I have gained, let’s just say- it hasn’t been easy for me to go out in public. While I am improving in this area, having nicer-looking nails always helps to give me a bit of a “boost”. These nails did the job, and for only $20 you get a pack of 240 nails.
Since you get so many in the pack, I have a lot of extra ones to use if ever another (hopefully happier) occasion arises. However, I’m enjoying my natural nails too so these are merely for backup.
While on the subject of my natural nails, I have been using Essie’s Strenght Fortifying clear polish on my everyday nails. It makes my nails feel a bit thicker and overall healthier. I’m noticing fewer breaks/snags and for such a small change in my nail care routine, I’m very happy with the results.
Kitchen/Organization
Reusable Ziplock Bags
I’m slowly swapping the products I have used for years for more eco-friendly products. During my pantry cleanout, I wanted to swap items that we continually purchase for items that can be reused time and time again. While we do quite well with using containers from home for food storage, I wanted a reusable method for items that are more “bag-worthy”. Basically, I wanted to see if I could stop buying Ziploc bags altogether.
I know; they’re such a small thing to stop buying. However, when you think of how many Ziploc bags you use throughout your lifetime, it quickly adds up. Not only in the monetary aspect but also when it comes to how they contribute to the waste on the planet. While it is wonderful that Ziploc bags are recyclable, how often do you think people truly dispose of them properly in order to do so? Overall, I rather not buy them and use an alternative storage solution. We’ll see how it goes, and I’ll keep you updated on my experience. So far, I don’t miss Ziploc bags at all. Do you think that with time I’ll end up missing Ziploc bags? Let me know your thoughts!
*Update: It has been a few months of using these. We haven’t needed to purchase Ziploc bags for any reason and these bags are holding well. Washing and drying them is simple, they aren’t retaining the odor or color of any stored foods, and overall, I love them!
Sapid 4 Pieces Silicone Baking Mats with Measurement
These have been on my wishlist for some time. Each time that I used parchment paper or aluminum foil to line my baking trays, I felt bad. The fact that we no longer have to buy either is great, and these silicon liners are perfect. Easy to wash, helpful when in use… I like them. I will say that it is an adjustment and to be mindful of the size of the mats you get, but other than that, I highly recommend them.
Canadian Linen Premium Sofa Cover
Rather than spending money on a whole new couch, I decided to purchase a sofa cover. It’s inexpensive, can be washed, and does what I want it to. Which is, to cover up a couch that otherwise shows its age. Our couch is still perfectly usable. The color itself was just getting dreary and the material is a light, velvet material (a.k.a. any and all stains are very apparent). Add a baby/toddler/child to this and well… let’s just give a big round of applause for slip covers for saving the day!
However, this is one item that I would not purchase again. We ended up taking it off quite early on and it wasn’t what we were looking for. While it is great if you’re in a pinch, I would save the money and put it towards buying an actual couch down the line.
Misc.
Pro Plan Wet Cat Food, Urinary Tract Health
While this doesn’t go under my or my family’s health items (technically), it is categorized under the health of our cat, Pippit. To us, she’s family! Pippit is getting older, and while she is still an active and happy cat, her body sometimes shows her age. I am trying my best to ensure she stays happy and healthy until her very last day.
The only issue we have needed to address so far is her washroom needs. I won’t get into specifics, but we’ve simply switched the canned wet food we give her for Purina’s Pro Plan Urinary Tract Health. If there are any cat owners who wish to know more or want updates on this, please leave a comment below so that I am aware.
Mom, More Than You Know: A Keepsake Fill-In Gift Book
While this isn’t, technically, a home or health product, it is worth mentioning. For my Mom’s birthday, I got her this “Mom, More Than You Know” book. Each page has different prompts for you to fill in with your own words. It doesn’t take too long to fill in (if you stick to the lines they provide or decide to fill up the entire page, that is). Based on my Mom’s reaction, I would say this is a great gift option for the mother figure in your life, too. (Especially, if you’re looking for a good Mother’s Day gift!)
Have you been looking for a certain item but haven’t had luck so far? Is there an item that you regret trying? Let me know in the comments! Stay tuned for the products of Spring 2023- there will be fewer items posted here due to budgeting, but there will still be a few good items!
Related:
Home and Health Products Autumn 2022
1 thought on “Home and Health Products Winter 2023”