Who doesn’t love a good tickle?!? I know I do! 🙂 What about a tickle that makes your teeth cleaner and your gums happy? That is a win in my book! I have to tell ya…I’m excited about this post! Awhile back, I wrote a blog post about my experience with SmileBrilliant and their amazing teeth whitening kits! Well…I’m writing about them again, but this time they have mastered the electric toothbrush! Can I just say, I was super skeptical. I mean, they specialize in teeth whitening, but a new electric toothbrush is a whole other thing…and I loved my old toothbrush! I gave it a try and let me tell you…I’ll never look back!
The name of their new toothbrush is the cariPRO and it’s an Ultrasonic electric toothbrush that is not only amazing for your teeth and gums, but it’s about half the price of rival toothbrushes out there. I’m a bit of a weirdo when it comes to teeth…so I am sharing this because I believe in it.
I floss everyday (literally can’t sleep unless I floss before bed), brush 3 times a day, and started flossing my kids teeth before they were 2 (good habits start young). 🙂 Yes – I am that person! I’ll write a separate post about kids brushing and flossing tips, so keep an eye out! Did I mention that I’m also a coffee drinker (mom fuel) and love a glass of red wine with dinner? All toothbrushes are not created equal. Finding one that isn’t $$$$$$ – does an amazing job keeping my teeth clean and white – and my gums healthy – is a big win in my book!
Did you know that an estimated 4.5 million Americans, most of them children and teens, wear braces? That is according to the American Association of Orthodontics. That’s a huge number! Did you have braces? It is so common, and many adults who didn’t have braces, or didn’t wear their retainers, are having ortho work done as adults.
I had braces as a kid and still have 2 permanent retainers – that are tiny wires behind my front teeth (top and bottom). My kids will definitely need braces when they get older! With my retainers, and the amount of coffee I require to survive, I need a toothbrush that can help ensure I don’t end up with a bunch of plaque buildup, fillings, etc. I’m smitten with the cariPRO because it does the job so well! My mouth feels so clean, and my gums feel wonderful – it’s a little bit surprising!
Dan (hubby) and I have been using the cariPRO for the last 2 weeks and we feel such a difference. It has 5 different modes to choose from, but my top 2 modes are called “clean” and “white”. Those modes both seem to tickle and massage my gums and make my mouth feel extra clean!
Did you know that you are supposed to brush your teeth for 2 minutes total – each time you brush your teeth? It doesn’t matter if you use a regular or an electric toothbrush – the rules are the same. I’ve tried to brush my teeth for 2 minutes with a regular toothbrush and it is SO long! It’s still really long with an electric toothbrush! The cariPRO has made the 2 minutes go by super fast! I thought it was silly and sort of pointless – but the toothbrush pulses to let you know when to switch areas in your mouth, so you can brush all 4 main “quadrants” of your mouth for equal amounts of time. Because it breaks up the time into short little chunks and lets you know with a pulse – the time goes by super quick! It’s weird and so awesome!
Being such a weirdo about my teeth – you would think I already brush all areas of my mouth for equal time – and for 2 minutes total…but I’ve never been good at it. I figured I was brushing everything fine – but now I am super pumped because I’m certain that I’m giving all areas of my mouth equal love, cleaning and attention. 🙂 My whole mouth (not just teeth) feels amazing! When you checkout the toothbrush, don’t forget to check out their replacement heads.
If you want cleaner/whiter teeth, healthier gums, or are just on the hunt for a really fantastic new electric toothbrush – click HERE to check this one out! You can also check out their FAQ’s by clicking HERE. Now for the fun part! I’m doing a GIVEAWAY with SmileBrilliant – so 1 lucky winner will get a $119 Smile Brilliant credit which will get you your on individual toothbrush package! You read that right – the lucky winner will get a toothbrush of their own! Entry takes about 2 seconds (not kidding – it’s super fast) – so CLICK HERE TO ENTER NOW! You can also get 20% off cariPRO Ultrasonic electric toothbrushes using the special code: themommylexi20 🙂 YAY! I am SO excited about this! You guys…it is such a fantastic toothbrush – and you can get it for a deal with my special code!
Going green is such a big topic these days – and rightfully so! The world is changing – and we need to make changes too. This post is to help make sense of what is out there, how you can help, while still enjoying conveniences that you love. Now, I’m a bit passionate about this topic, but I’m going to keep it pretty straightforward and approachable so you can take it in and decide for yourself. I realize there are many generations, viewpoints, and opinions out there, so let me chime in and assist.
Let me start by saying the focus of this particular post is straws. Sounds pretty small doesn’t it? Not really though…straws are used all over the world, and are usually a one use item. America uses an estimated 500 million straws a day…that is insane! We use them for our beverages, toss them out, and they end up in various places from your garbage cans, to the street, to streams, oceans, and more. Do people recycle them? Sure, some do! But not every place accepts them as recyclables, and they are so light that they often fall off of garbage trucks and end up as litter. You can read more about the impact of straws HERE.
We know what straws look like – but animals don’t. If you are an animal lover (like me) – know that straws can be extremely dangerous to wildlife. Fish, birds, dolphins, sea turtles and so many other creatures end up suffering and losing their lives because of one time use plastics like straws. There is a ton of research and evidence of what plastic straws are doing to nature. Makes it worth it to say “no thanks” to one time use straws and plastics – doesn’t it?
Are you a beach goer? Think about how gross it would be to swim in the ocean and end up with someones dirty used straw in your snorkel. Or maybe you’re relaxing on the sand and your kids dig up some old straws while trying to make a sand castle. ICK! You don’t know where that has been!?!
Are you trying to avoid chemicals? It’s good to note that polypropylene is common in straws, which can easily migrate into the food and beverages you consume and give to those you love. Yes…one time use plastics like straws aren’t just dangerous to the environment – they can be dangerous for you and your family.
We all care about different things – but at the end of the day – having the knowledge to make good choices is key. That’s where I come in. I want to provide some new knowledge so you can make the choice that fits you best. How can I help you make a healthier choice for yourself, your family, and the earth? I’ve got you covered.
Scroll down to learn about some amazing green options when it comes to straws (and some other products as well). You can save money, stay healthier, and do something good! I personally feel that teaching my kids good things comes from the choices I make on a daily basis. Pick what is best for you – and know that you are teaching others what fantastic options are out there! Lead by example!
The first option I want to throw out there is by a company called renuSTRAW. They created a straw kit that is perfect for home and on the go use! I love the different colors (my kids do too), how easy they are to clean, and that they can be used time and time again. Sofia loves the pink, Gabe loves the blue, and I love the fact that they can be thrown in the dishwasher! 😉
I’ve included a couple of images so you can see the straws, but the really amazing visual is the checklist so you can see why these are so superior to other reusable straws out there. The price point is great too – at under $20 for a 12 piece set! I know that a box of one time use straws is cheap, but it adds up over time – as you need to keep purchasing more and more. You also can’t really bring one time use straws with you when in your diaper bag or purse.
These take the place of those one time use straws, are virtually indestructible, won’t leach chemicals into your drinks and foods, and won’t end up all over our planet as gross litter! Big win all around. I am a huge fan and so is my family! Click HERE – or click on either of the images below – to check them out!
Option 2 are stainless steal straws that come in a straight and bent design. These are another great option for another great price. We have these as well, and they work great for iced coffee, smoothies, cocktails, etc. In the summer, I use mason jars for iced tea and infused water, and these straws work perfectly!
They are FDA approved, come in longer and shorter sizes, are dishwasher safe, and this particular set comes with little rubber ends to help protect your teeth and to help you keep track of your straw throughout the day (great if you have others in the house using them). I don’t travel around with these like I do with the ones by renuSTRAW (which are great for on the go), but they work well for at home use, look sleek, and are definitely a green option!
Option 3 is by repurpose – and perfect for parties and those looking for a convenient yet green solution. They are flexible, durable (won’t turn into mush in your drink like a paper straw), feel and act like a traditional plastic straw, but they are 100% compostable and plant based. Now let me say this – I’ve used these and really like them! That being said, these are not my go to for everyday straw use. We compost and when we need to use paper plates, straws, cups, forks etc. we use products by repurpose (and love them)! They basically have it all when it comes to compostable products (even convenient coffee cups for on the go).
For everyday use, I use the other options above. Each of the 3 I’ve listed have advantages for specific needs. If you want to be more green, are willing to compost (this is key), and need something like this for gatherings/parties – these are fantastic! I’ve had friends use these and they had no idea they were compostable or plant based! It was a fun surprise that people really loved and appreciated!
If you have any questions about the products listed above, please reach out! I know change can be tough, and sometimes people think that their contribution doesn’t matter. Well let me tell you, each person that cares to make a change like this matters. You can teach others to be more green, show what great options exist, and know that you are helping the planet as well as your own health and well being!
I hope this was helpful and that you are able to give one (or more) of these options a try! Thanks for reading, keep being awesome, and have a lovely day!
Valentine’s Day should be a day of love – loving those around you, loving yourself, loving the good in your life. It should be about highlighting LOVE – which can be shown in so many little ways. Kids in particular really enjoy Valentine’s Day. Hearts, crafts, baking, snuggles and more – that is what Valentine’s Day means to my kiddos. It is not about big expensive gifts, going over the top, and making a big show of it. It is, however, about quality time and little gestures.
Now that Valentine’s Day is over, I want to share my 15 Ways to Love Your Kids – EVERYDAY! You do not need to wait until Valentine’s Day to show a little extra love. This short list is full of ideas that you can pull from on a random day! If you have kiddos – try one of these ideas with them! If not – try it with someone you love (friend, family, fur baby, etc.). Give it a try this weekend – enjoy the smile on your own face and those around you! 🙂 Happy reading!
1. Put your phone down and be in the moment! It’s amazing the difference it makes when giving someone your full attention. Put that phone down, close that laptop, and fully engage for an entire meal, morning, afternoon…you pick! Just put it away and stay focused on those you love. It is a small way to show your love – and it will have a big impact!
2. Put a love note in their lunchbox. Something simple to say I love you and surprise them!
3. Have a puzzle (new or old) waiting when they get home from school. It’s a fun way to show them you want to spend time together doing something they love.
4. Plan an outing with each kid alone. Make it a point to plan a one on one outing with each parent for quality time. This does not need to be expensive. You can take your child to the park, have a picnic in the backyard, go on a hike, make a snowman, go get ice cream…pick something that is fun and works with the season and where you live. They’ll love the quality one on one time with each of you.
5. Make hot chocolate or chocolate milk – just because! It’s a fun and easy activity that you can do – and enjoy – together! Most kiddos like to stir things, so this is an activity that they can enjoy from start to finish.
6. Have a dance party! Put on music that is family friendly and get ready to wiggle and shake! Kids of all ages love to dance – so get up and move those feet!
7. Have the supplies ready and on the counter to bake something yummy together. Muffins, cookies, pizza, scones…there are so many options out there that are fun to make and eat with kids! It’s quality time together that will show the love and make every tummy happy!
8. Let them pick dinner. My kids love picking dinner – and it is usually spaghetti! Since I do all the meal planning and prepping, letting them pick what we’re going to eat is a treat that they love.
9. Have a pajama day where you all stay in PJs all day long! It’s a fun way to spend part of the weekend, it’s super cozy, and kids find it fun and funny!
10. Have your kids pick out some books during the day for a snuggle and reading session! It’s great to read before nap or bed, but what a treat to snuggle up and read in the middle of the day – for no reason at all!
11. Spell out “I LOVE YOU” in Legos for your kids to find. Have extra Legos handy so you can build something creative together.
12. Eat breakfast for dinner! Who doesn’t love pancakes, waffles, and other yummy breakfast food? Breakfast for dinner is an easy, silly, and fun way to show a little extra love.
13. Put a love note on your kids pillows to find before bed. A little note with hearts is easy to make and is a sweet gesture.
14. Have a tickle fight! Tickle time in our house is always fun! We’re gentle about it to keep things fun and lighthearted – but the kids love a good tickle and giggle!
15. Say I LOVE YOU for no reason at all. I make it a game and will say “guess what?” to my kids, and then tell them, “I love you!” 🙂 I also say “I love you” in lots of silly ways (whisper, loud, deep voice, squeaky voice, etc.) as sort of a game. They laugh and say it back in silly ways! It’s so much fun!
Sick season is upon us and I for one have had it! As you may have noticed, I’ve been MIA for the last couple of weeks. We moved, and it took me 2 weeks to pack up our home, and now that we’re in, it’s going to take me another 2 weeks (let’s be real – way more) to get us 100% unpacked and settled. Lots of purging of things we don’t need, have outgrown, or no longer use – which is a great thing to do but very time consuming! On top of that, we’ve all been sick! Moving is a good thing – but a ton of work! 🙂
The kids are full on booger factories right now, and I’m not much better. 😉 I will say that I’ve been working it at home with the humidifier and some serious essential oil love. It’s been a HUGE help! Have you heard of DoTERRA? If not – you need to check them out! And I mean – YOU NEED TO (trust me)!
Their essential oils are gently and carefully distilled from plants that have been harvested at the perfect moment. They only work with experienced growers from around the world for ideal composition and efficacy. Their quality is proven by how carefully and thoroughly everything is tested using the strict CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade quality protocol. If you are new to the essential oils world, you should always do your research! They are NOT all the same!
Don’t just trust the oils on the shelf or online without looking into the purity, the protocol, the science and the art involved. You want something that is made with care and is certified. Remember, you are using this for your body and deserve to use something pure.
As a mommy of 2, I usually catch what my kids have. They lovingly share all of their germs with me through their hugs, kisses, sneezes, boogies and more. I wouldn’t change their affection for anything in the world, though I could do without the sickness that goes with it! I was recently introduced to DoTERRA by @e3essentials (check her out – she’s amazing!) and it’s been a real blessing!
I’m going to tell you about a couple of my favorite oils and products over the next couple weeks, but the one I want to start with is the DoTERRA Introductory Kit. It comes with lavender, lemon and peppermint essential oils, all of which I love! The lavender has been particularly helpful because we’ve all been sick and in need of something soothing.
During nap time and bedtime, I’ve been using a humidifier as well as a diffuser with lavender oil. It has been really wonderful, helping my kids to relax and get better rest. I’ve been so stressed out with this move, packing, unpacking, and these colds – lavender has helped me as well! I put some on the back of my pillow to help me sleep better and feel more refreshed in the morning.
For upset stomachs, the peppermint essential oil has been wonderful! Stress can really upset my tummy – but adding a little bit of peppermint essential oil to a mug of hot water has made a big difference! I don’t like to take medicine if I don’t have to – and using peppermint to help my digestion and soothe my stomach is much better than taking something from the drug store.
Because of our colds, I actually used a simple blend of all 3 (heavily diluted with carrier oil) on the bottoms of the kids feet. It was helpful because it wasn’t overwhelming for the kids (being so far from their noses and diluted), but it was also beneficial for their respiratory function. I took it slow with both of them – best not to overdue it – and it has really helped!
I’m definitely not an expert in this area, but there are some amazing resources out there on how to use essential oils, what blends work best for young kids, and for busy moms! DoTERRA even has blends ready to go – which takes the work out of it and gets right to the enjoyment and benefits! I’ll talk about my favorite blends that I’ve recently tried soon! 🙂
Please always remember to look at the quality and potency of your Essential Oils – and do your research so you use them correctly! A little goes a long way and the amounts are different for adults versus kids. Check out DoTERRA and make sure to stop by @e3essentials so you can learn more about how to use these amazing essential oils! Stay tuned for more of my favorites, stay warm, and have a lovely day! xo
