Sugar and spice and everything nice…that’s what little girls are made of. It’s so true – and so much fun! When we moved about a month ago – one of the best parts was getting to surprise my kids with their new rooms. I got to design their new space and really think about what they would love and be able to grow with. I’ve gotten a lot of questions about Sofia’s room in particular, so I pulled together this post with the items most requested. I hope it’s helpful, that you find some items your littles will love, and enjoy surprising them as much as me! xo
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!
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
I want to share something special with you. Something that I think is worth it and helpful. Valentine’s Day is coming up, and pretty much everyone I know has someone tricky to find gifts for. The men in my life are very hard to shop for. My husband in particular usually gets the things he wants or needs, which leaves me in a tough spot when I want to get him a gift. Well, I found something special and I’m sharing it for those of you in the same boat. My husband is my best friend, my rock, and my other half. I love where time has taken us, which makes giving him this gorgeous watch even more perfect. A little gift of time.
If you’re new to JORD, they make hand-crafted timepieces out of sustainable all natural wood. They have beautiful watches for both men and women, and my personal favorite is the one I chose for Daniel. You can see the inside of the watch from the front and the back, giving it such a polished and unique look. They use a variety or wood, and this one is made of Dover Zebrawood and Dark Sandalwood for gorgeous contrast and detail. A perfect part of the gift is the $115 collector’s edition cedar humidor watch box and care kit that you will receive for FREE with the purchase of a Dover watch. It smells amazing and looks beautiful! It has a small drawer to keep any extra links and your cleaning cloth, and the total kit will help preserve the timepiece for years to come.
Giving the gift of a watch is special for many reasons. I personally love the symbolism of time. The time spent together, what time has brought you, the adventure that awaits you as time progresses. It is also something special that can be worn daily and looked at frequently, which is a reminder of the love you have for the recipient. That means a lot to me given that it is such a unique and special gift to give, that will be enjoyed for many years.
If you would like to see the women’s watch collection, you can click HERE. I’m personally smitten with the Rose Gold & Marble Arcadia watch! SO gorgeous and a perfect gift for someone else – or yourself! Just throwing it out there if someone special asks what YOU would like for Valentine’s day! A beautiful women’s watch is perfect! For the men’s collection, click HERE. You’ll see the DOVER that I picked out, as well as a lot of other beautiful options. Unique men’s watches, wooden watches – all perfect and special. Definitely take a look – it’s worth it! I picked a special timepiece for my dad as well – because he is someone special in our lives who helps us with so many things. Daniel and I want my dad to know how much he means to our family, and this is a little token to show him.
Merry Christmas Eve! For those of you who have a little last minute shopping to do (me included) – this is for you! I got gifts for my kiddos, hubby, parents and my dogs. Everyone else has yet to be shopped for – and that’s ok! All the items listed below are items that can be shipped directly to the recipient! If you want to wrap and give it in person – that’s an option as well.
It’s a quick roundup of options that range from work friendly (a super cute “lunch purse”, travel mug and personal blender) to items for pure pampering (cozy robe, blankets, wine tumblers and more). Take a peek and let me know what you think! I’ll do my best to pull together a gift guide for HIM so you can get the last of your (belated) gifts to those on your list. Have a wonderful holiday and happy shopping! xo
Photo credit: Dekker Photography
Ok ok…so I need to put some gift guides together for the adults. I know…but kid stuff is so much more fun! I found a bunch of amazing gifts that are not at all typical, and will be truly loved. Keep scrolling to see the bedding Sofia has under the tree (AMAZING pink princess dress)! I paired it with glow in the dark star sheets – which are also linked below. Gabe is all about dinosaurs at the moment, so you’ll find the coolest T-rex bedding EVER with glow in the dark dino sheets to keep it cool. Glow in the dark finds like these are a huge win with the kiddos in my life.
Lots of creative options as well, like forts, tipis, robots, kids digital cameras, and more. Let their imaginations take flight – and know you’re the coolest for picking such awesome gifts! Happy shopping – and happiest of holidays to you!
Happy Holidays! It’s that time of the year where we all try to find fun and unique gifts for family and friends! My kids are always asking for the toys they see on TV – which is fine – but I like to surprise them a couple of things they haven’t asked for but I know they’ll love! Keep scrolling for gifts for the littles in your life. I pulled together a variety of gifts that will bring a smile to any kiddos face – and yours when you see the price! More gift ideas to come – so stay tuned! Do you have a go to gift for people you love?
Photo Credit: Dekker Photography
Smart phones and tablets and TVs…oh my! Screen time is at an all-time high for so many families out there. It is such a hot topic these days – how much screen time is the right amount for kids? I’ve thought long and hard about this question, and for me, the answer has a couple of parts.
The first part of the answer is to go with your pediatricians recommended amount of screen time based on age. There are lots of resources out there (please do ask your kiddos doctor), but if you want a quick read and good guidelines – click HERE. My guess is you will be shocked at how low the recommended amount of time really is – and how fast and easy it is to surpass it!
The second part of the answer is based on your own family and kid(s). The reason I say this is because each family, and each kid, is so different. We use screen time as a special treat for learning during “down time”, and for what I lovingly call “out in public emergencies” – if we’re out to dinner, on an airplane, etc. We love to watch educational shows and movies with the kids about animals, adventure loving characters, and more. It teaches them new things and really stimulates a lot of new conversation. They love to ask questions during and after what we watch with them – which is a lot of fun!
As for the times we use screen time when we’re out – it’s scarce and rare but does happen when necessary. Do I pull out the tablet right away and plug in my kids? Nope! I start with snacks, activity books, coloring, puzzles, etc. Screen time in those cases is literally if one or both kids is tired and starting to meltdown. Other people are around and trying to enjoy themselves, and I want to help make the situation better for us all.
That being said, we have a ZERO screen time policy in our home during the week. That means from Monday morning until Friday afternoon there is no screen time at all (games included). We made that choice based on our own kids and how we feel it effects their behavior during the week. Friday evenings we do “movie night” with the kids. It’s a treat that we all look forward to. We pop popcorn, snuggle up on the couch as a family, and watch something fun together. It’s always something that is appropriate for the kids – and it’s a bonus if we enjoy it as parents. 🙂 We try hard to make it something fun that the kids will not only enjoy in the moment, but that we can reference throughout the weekend with other activities.
How do I pick what they watch? Good question. There is a ton of content out there for kids that is fantastic! There’s even more truly terrible content out there, so be careful! I am very picky about the content my kids watch. I want it to be age appropriate, educational, and fun! I want my kids to connect with the characters and come away from the show having learned something – or even wanting to use their imaginations to play out the show they just watched!
What I don’t want is my kids being exposed to negative words or fighting, watching shows with adult undertones, or turning into couch potatoes. Sometimes a show looks age appropriate based on the characters or initial image – but it really is NOT. I’ve learned to never trust the look of the show – and always watch it with them before I really know the content. It can be frustrating given how much we juggle as parents. Being a super busy parent, I really need shows that I can trust for my family.
KIDS CENTRAL has been a huge help in that department. With the backing on Common Sense media, the content on KIDS CENTRAL has not only been reviewed, but it has been rated and approved in several categories. They are taking a lot of the work off my plate when it comes to reviewing content for my kids. I still watch with them to get a sense of the show – but I’ve gotten to know their content and really know I can trust it!
My favorite show as of now is Kit and Kate. It falls under the age 3+ category, which is perfect since my kids are 3 and 5. The big brother and little sister remind me of my own kids – the way they interact and play. I absolutely love the positive message that the kids learn within each episode, and how they are always on a new adventure. It’s colorful, fun and really engaging!
Kids have a wonderful sense of adventure – and limiting screen time to shows that help foster that is key. Watching shows on KIDS CENTRAL has been great because they are colorful, age appropriate, and really fun! My kids can get to know the characters and the adventures they love to go on, and when the show is over, we can continue the fun with our own adventure! A scavenger hunt, building a fort and pretending it’s a ship, drawing pictures what we would see if we were in a submarine…the options are endless!
At the end of the day – you want what is best for your family and know your kid(s) better than anyone, right? You know how much screen time works for your family, what types of content work for your kid(s), and have the power to pick it for them. If we can simplify that a bit with the help of great resources like KIDS CENTRAL – then I think it’s a win for everyone. Less stress and more fun all around!
I hope this has been helpful, given you some new information, and maybe even inspired you to look at content and screen time in a new way. Please reach out with questions, your own thoughts, and things you do to make screen time a really positive experience. Now – I’m off for another adventure with my littles! 🙂 Please visit us on Instagram and have a great day!
First of all – isn’t it crazy how white legs can get when it’s cold outside? I miss being tan already! Though I don’t miss shaving everyday! Guess that’s the only bonus! Ha! Now if only my teeth were as white as my legs…Success! I’ve figured out how to make that happen! How do you like my transition? Haha! 😉 Ok – I’ve got a good share for you today – plus a giveaway and coupon code by my after pics below (which I know you want to see)! My share today will give you a dazzling smile for the holidays, Winter wedding, anniversary, or whatever you have coming up that you want to look extra special for!
It’s no secret that I love coffee. It’s how I start my day. It’s what gives me that pick-me-up so I can keep up with my littles in the early morning. Many of my Instagram posts include coffee, because my life requires caffein! If only I could bottle my kids energy and use that instead! lol! Oh well…I digress. Back to my teeth! Coffee does not help my teeth stay white, so I have made it a point to try various whitening techniques. Whiter teeth makes me feel more confident! It makes me want to smile bigger and take on the day! It makes me feel more put together!
So many times in the past, I was disappointed when I looked a photos and saw that my smile was stained and not as white as I wanted it to be. They could have been worse, but I wasn’t happy with the color. I knew that I wanted a whiter smile, but I didn’t want to damage my teeth, and I didn’t have the money to spend on professional whitening at a dental office! Keep scrolling for my before pics which show my love for coffee and my effort to curb the stains.
To date, I’ve tried whitening toothpaste, whitening strips, teeth whitening charcoal powder…you name it! I tried to keep the products as natural as possible, vegan, and pick methods that wouldn’t wreck my enamel. Yup…tall order! I would say the solutions I tried worked well for short term results. But for longer term results and to really get those stubborn coffee, tea, and red wine stains…I needed something more professional. Again, cost was an issue. Do you know a lot of people who have an extra $600 – $1K laying around for teeth whitening at the dentist..? I don’t! Even if I did have the extra cash – I would love to spend that money on something else and still get a bright white smile and the confidence that comes with it!
Then I learned about Smile Brilliant and my whole view on teeth whitening changed! It’s super safe, it’s vegan (yes, I am a total animal lover and tree hugger), it’s custom, and it’s affordable! You order your system online, they send you a kit, their lab makes you professional trays for your teeth – and then you get to sit back, relax and whiten like a pro at home! Game changer!
Smile Brilliant is not only affordable, but it gives you options. If you have sensitive teeth (like me) – they’ve got you covered. Yes – you can whiten your teeth even if they are sensitive! These guys have totally figured it out! If your teeth aren’t sensitive – lucky you! 😉 They’ve got you covered as well! I chose a package that focused on sensitive teeth because I’ve tried whitening before and my teeth can get pretty sensitive because of dehydration. Smile Brilliant not only provided me with custom trays made for my teeth – but they provide the whitening gel AND desensitizing gel that helps to alleviate that sensitivity that many get from whitening.
They also have 3 levels to choose from depending on your whitening needs – light, average and heavy stains. I personally think the heavy stains package (T9 system) gives you the most bang for your buck! It’s the best value for those of you who drink coffee, tea or wine regularly and have some sensitivity (yup…I fit into to that category – lol)! You can see the packages by clicking HERE. I was super surprised at how affordable the packages are – and what kind of results you can actually get! You can check out their amazing reviews HERE – and I’m happy to share more about my experience as well! Don’t be shy – reach out!
Imagine sitting in the comfort of your own home, binge watching shows on Netflix in your comfies, while whitening your teeth. That’s basically what I do – with fuzzy slippers and my dogs on my lap. Haha! Truthfully, it sort of forces me to take some much needed me time. Sure, I can do dishes or laundry while I whiten my teeth at home (and sometimes I do) – but I like to make it a point to do this before bed as a nice relaxing me moment. We all deserve some pampering – so why not pamper yourself with some relaxation and teeth whitening!?! You know you want to!
Let me share my actual experience with you. Yes my actual, real, full disclosure experience! Let’s dive in! First, I picked a package online. It’s super easy to pick if you know your teeth (which you should since they are yours). I don’t use special toothpaste for sensitivity, but I do know from past experiences with whitening that I can have some sensitivity. I also drink coffee, tea and wine. Those factors made it easy for me to pick the package that was right for me.
The box arrived really quickly – which was a pleasant surprise! I was super excited and opened it up right away! There were two blue trays that I knew were for making the impressions of my teeth. There was also a weird blue and white putty (that you mix together) and then use to make the molds. I was super intimidated and didn’t want to mess it up! The good news is they lay it all out for you in easy to understand steps.
If you’re anything like me, read the instructions a couple of times to make sure you feel comfortable with the steps. It’s actually super easy, but I get nervous with new things like this. The key is not to over fill or under fill the trays – and to take an extra second or two to line up your teeth and bite down on the putty in the right spot. That’s it! Honestly – they came out great and I was nervous for nothing!
After that, I let them dry (they dry fast and timing is in the instructions), rinsed off my impressions and mailed them in! That was it! Easy peasy! The turnaround on these was super fast! I got my custom trays in 3-4 days after I shipped my impressions. I’m in the US so the turn time is super fast – but they do ship internationally as well – so click HERE to read more about international orders in the Q&A section.
As soon as the custom trays arrived, I wanted to give them a try! Because I have young kids, I waited until after I put them to bed to put in the trays. It’s hard to talk with them in, and I knew I wanted to relax while I was whitening. After getting the kids to bed, I flossed my teeth, brushed with water only (no toothpaste because fluoride slows down the whitening process), and got ready to whiten!
The first time I used the whitening gel, I wasn’t sure how much to use. Each syringe is 3ml and has enough for at least 3 applications. For me, the key was to put a thin line on the top and bottom trays, enough to spread on my teeth once the trays were in, but not so much that it would end up leaking out of the trays and all over my mouth. It’s less gel than you think and after your first application, you adjust and you’re sort of a pro!
I whitened for 45 minutes that first time, to sort of judge my comfort level. You can actually whiten for as long as 3 hours if you respond really well to the whitening process and aren’t super sensitive afterwards. I built up to that, adding time with each application. After that first 45 minute whitening session, I brushed my teeth again, with a non-whitening toothpaste, rinsed out my trays with cold water, and used the desensitizing gel for 20 minutes. I set the alarm on my phone for 20 minutes and once it went off, I removed the trays, spit out the extra gel, and did not rinse. You want a thin layer of that desensitizing gel to stay on your teeth.
The bonus of whitening before bed is that you can’t eat or drink for an hour after each session. If you’re going to sleep, you don’t have to worry about that, and you can let the whitening really take effect! I also like that while the whitening trays are in, I can’t snack on anything, which I tend to do at night when we watch TV. It’s like an added little diet bonus! Haha! 😉
That’s it! So now when people on Instagram or on my blog ask me how I get my teeth so white – I can tell them! Smile Brilliant!
Now for the FUN part! I’m doing a GIVEAWAY! Click HERE to enter (it’s super fast and easy) for a chance to win $149 credit and it is open to the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. All you have to do it click HERE and enter your name and email address. SUPER simple! The winner will be contacted via email in 2 weeks – so make sure to enter now and please use an email that you actually check!
If you’re just too eager to get your dazzle on and want to purchase right away – you can get 15% off your order by using the coupon code: themommylexi
Keep scrolling for my after pics. I am so beyond happy with my results and hope you give this a try if you’ve been wanting whiter teeth!
I hope my experience and this information was helpful! When people ask me questions about fashion and beauty – I like to share – because sharing is caring (yup – I’m a toddler mom)! Check out Smile Brilliant and please reach out via comments or on my Instagram via DM with any questions. Smile Brilliant also has fantastic customer service so you should feel free to reach out to them as well! Enjoy and have a wonderful journey to a whiter smile! Muah!