NeilMed Naspira Nasal-Oral Aspirator - Review and Giveaway

If you have ever suffered from a common cold and everything that it entails, then you know just how frustrating and torturous it can be to go about your daily routines while battling with congested noses, sore throats and watering eyes. On the other hand, if its your toddler or baby who is suffering from congestion, then it becomes even more difficult to provide them with relief until the cold runs its course.

We have used a neti pot with our older son when he was around 4 -5 years of age, successfully to an extent. The neti pot definitely helped in gently flushing the nasal passages with warm saline water and seemed to have helped in reducing congestion and helping our son breathe better. But a toddler or a baby cannot use neti pots and the suction bulb can only help so much. 

I recently hear about the NeilMed Naspira Nasal Oral aspirator and was struck by its unique design. The aspirator is designed to help suction a baby's or a toddler's nose safely, gently and effectively.

I was offered a chance to use a kit and review it and I decided to give it a try.

Unlike the ubiquitous blue suction bulb that is provided by the hospital after a baby is born, the NeilMed aspirator is transparent and has a 2 in 1 design. You can either use it as an aspirator or as a nasal / oral suction device. Parents can use this device to generate suction force through the mouth to alleviate nasal congestion in their little ones.

Although my youngest is now 5 and can blow his nose by himself to clear any mucus that might accumulate, he did allow me to try the aspirator on him when he had a slight cold earlier in the month. When I tried to insert the tip of the aspirator into his nose, it took us a few tries just because he kept getting tickled by it! But once he had the hang of it, it was easy enough to gently use the aspirator to clear his nose. I can see how easy it would have been to use this product if he had been a few years younger.

The aspirator is made of high grade silicone and can be easily pulled apart for thorough cleaning. It can also be sterilized and disinfected easily by using boiling water or in the microwave.
The product has a life time warranty and is made without latex, pthalates or BPA. It is also dishwasher safe!!

The NeilMed Naspira Nasal Oral aspirator kit also includes 7 in-line disposable filters to prevent any mucus from entering the tubing and reaching the user's mouth.

The retail price of this kit varies from $9.99 to $14.99. The kit can be easily found at retailers such as Walmart, Babies R Us, Toys R Us, Rite Aid , Target and amazon.com.

Giveaway !! - 
GreenMomsMeet and NeilMed have graciously provided me with a few kits so that I can share them with any readers who might be interested in trying this out. Please leave me a comment with your name, email address and why you think this product might be useful to you! Give away closes in a week!!

For more information about the kit and other products from NeilMed, visit the following websites: 

www.neilmed.com

www.facebook.com/neilmedbaby

www.twitter.com/neilmedbaby

Disclaimer:I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program (greenmomsmeet. com), May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of this product.

Organic India Tulsi Tea - review

The one plant that is most commonly found in Hindu households is the Tulsi or the holy basil. In traditional homes, where there is ample space around the house, this humble plant is usually found right in front of the doors. The tulsi has such cultural and religious importance that even apartment dwellers and people residing outside India usually have the bush growing lushly in containers. The reason is simple - the Tulsi plant has been revered since ancient times for its medicinal uses. The western world has recently opened its eyes to the wide array of beneficial uses of Tulsi, but the ancient medicinal system of Ayurveda has always indicated the usage of Tulsi for managing respiratory disorders, enhancing immunity and even for reducing stress.

The research into this wonderful herb has indicated that it is an adaptogenic herb, meaning that it has been shown to support the body's natural immune system while relieving the body's negative reaction to extreme stress. Such herbs have been used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines for thousands of years for promoting and maintaining wellness. Adaptogenic herbs help the body adapt to environmental, physical and emotional stress, support normal functions and restore balance.

When Green Moms Meet gave me the opportunity to try Organic India's Tulsi Tea, I literally jumped at the chance. I have a much loved Tulsi bush at home. I regularly pinch off the leaves to make a herbal concoction for my family when the sniffles hit. But I had never really tried herbal teas combining Tulsi leaves with other ingredients and was really curious about it. Organic India has an enormous collection of herbal tea blends and they all contain a variety of Tulsi leaves.
The first tea that I tried was the Original formula, which contained just the blend of the Tulsi leaves. I like to sip on this when I am working. Its smooth and mellow flavor warms me up as I sit at the computer. The next one that I tried was the Sweet Rose blend. I was intrigued by this combination, not sure how the floral notes of the gorgeous rose would complement the earthy tones of the Tulsi. But I definitely need not have worried. The tea was delightful! The sweet floral fragrance was enough to sweeten this herbal tea. No need to add sugar!
I have yet to try the remaining flavors - Raspberry peach, Tulsi Green tea , Pomegranate Green tea - I am looking forward to try them all!
Here are a few other facts about this product:
* Each of the Tulsi tea blends is abundant in antioxidants, it is certified organic, tastes great and offers stress relief, increased energy and a boost to your natural immune system.
* All the organic Tulsi teas include the three varieties of Tulsi leaves: Rama, Vana and Krishna. Each variety has a slightly different look, taste and smell.
* Organic India Tulsi tea is USDA Certified organic, non GMO, Kosher and Halal certified, gluten free and vegan.
* Each box (containing 18 tea bags) retails for $5.99

Each box also has a picture of the farmers involved with the Organic India group (I found this very heartening)
If you want to try these teas for yourself, you can save 20% on Organic India products by using the code kiwi20 online. This is for a one time use only.

Here are a few more links for your perusal:

www.organicindiausa.com
www.facebook.com/OrganicIndiaUSA
www.twitter.com/OrganicIndiaUSA

Disclaimer: I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of this product.

Xlear Care Kit (Oral Health Products) - A Review

Gone are the days when everything (or even almost everything) used in a family would be home made. In this day and age, anything and everything is available in the supermarkets for a price. That includes food, toiletries, clothes and of course dental hygiene products. There is no question that one is spoilt for choice when it comes to oral hygiene products. There are rows upon rows of toothpastes, tooth gels, even tooth powders and mouth washes available for the health conscious consumer.

But just like we are getting better about reading product labels on food items, we also need to be aware of the ingredients in our toothpastes. Most popular brands today contain harmful ingredients like triclosan, sodium lauryl sulphate, hydrated silica and a plethora of artificial dyes and flavoring agents. Most of these are totally unnecessary and some are extremely harmful for the human body.

 When I got the opportunity to try out the Xlear Care Kit, courtesy Green Moms Meet, I was intrigued. Getting to know about healthier alternatives for everyday products is always exciting! The kit contained the following:
Xlear Nasal Spray - This is a soothing nasal spray that helps with congestion caused by allergies, cold, flu and sinusitis. It incorporates xylitol, a natural product that has been shown to decrease bacterial adherence in the nose. The spray hydrates the nasal passages and the sinuses and also helps to wash away contaminants and pollutants. Daily usage of the spray is non-addictive and will not cause any damage to the tissue.
One 1.5 oz container retails for $14.99 and will last 2 -3 months with daily use.
Spry toothpaste Non fluoride - This toothpaste consists of 1/3 xylitol, which increases mineral absorption into the enamel of the teeth. This results in greater protection. The toothpaste retails for $5.99 each.
Spry Oral Rinse - This oral rinse uses a xylitol rich, low-alcohol and pH neutral formula. It uses a mix of natural flavorings and herbal extracts such as chamomile, aloe vera  and echinacea to help soothe irritated mouth tissues. It retails for $6.99 each.
Spry Gum - This gum also contains xylitol and is available in 4 natural flavors - Cinnamon, Spearmint, Peppermint and Wintergreen. 12 pieces of the gum retail for $2.99.
Spry Gems - Xlear Spry gems are naturally sweetened with 100% xylitol and combine its benefits with calcium to create a pH balanced formula for overall oral health. They are available in a variety of flavors including Berry, Lemon Cream and Cinnamon.  40 count Spry Gems retail for $2.19.

If you notice, each of the products contains xylitol, which is a naturally occurring alcohol, found in plant tissues. It is sweet tasting and is increasingly being used as a sugar alternative.The addition of xylitol to nasal sprays and neti pots has been shown to be more effective in preventing ear infections, sinus infections, asthma, etc. Xylitol helps the body's natural cleansing process to clear away allergens, asthma triggers and other harmful bacteria. research has suggested that xylitol may help reduce dental decay.

All that aside, my family has been using these products for the past few weeks and we find them very easy to use as compared to conventional dental products. The toothpaste and the oral rinse are not harsh because the alcohol content is very low and the gems are naturally refreshing. We have not had a chance to use the nasal spray, but its reassuring to know that should the need arise, I have a product that is not only effective but is also safe to use.
Both my children, who are 9 and 4 years old have been enthusiastic about using these products, because of the refreshing flavors and low alcohol content.

Special Offer - If you would like to try the kit with your family, the Xlear Care kit, valued at $65 is available for only $25 with the code SAVE50. Visit xlear.com/xlear-care-kit-special to order!

If you would like to learn more about the products in order to do your own research, please visit the following sites:
www.xlear.com
www.facebook.com/Xylitol.Experts
www.twitter.com/XlearInc

Disclaimer : I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of this product.

Review : Xlear SparX Candy

Its the season for celebrations and you know what that means, candies and sweets of all kinds..
Although I am not a tyrant when it comes to letting my kids have candy, I usually limit it pretty strictly.
There is a host of information on the net, various books and especially from pediatricians that confirms that sugar is bad for the human body; it has zero nutritional value. When Halloween comes around, I cringe at the amount of candy that my son lugs in!
So when I heard the words healthier candy, that almost sounded like an oxymoron !




I was offered the chance to review Xlear SparX candy as part of the Moms Meet blogger program. SparX candy contains xylitol which is a naturally occurring plant based sweetener that has been proven to
improve dental health and strengthen tooth enamel. So not only is it not bad for you, its supposed to be good for your teeth ! Imagine that in a candy !!
My review kit contained two tubes of Xlear SparX candy in two different flavors. Now I had already had the opportunity to try other Xlear products containing xylitol, the Xlear Nasal spray and Xlear Spry toothpaste. I had positive experiences with both the products and was looking forward to trying out the candy.

The Xlear SparX candy is more like small mints. It has a refreshing feel and taste to it. It definitely does not give the overly sweet aftertaste that I get from some of the other candies on the market. My son loved these small candies and I didnt feel too bad handing him some! I would definitely offer these to other family and friends.
I have been reading more about xylitol and products containing this sweetener. Although the name sounds like some chemical ingredient, its a naturally occuring substance and is plant based. It doesn't interfere with the body's blood sugar levels or insulin production. This makes it safer for kids and adults on a sugar-controlled diet.The candy is available in Berry, Citrus and fruit flavors and doesnt contain any artificial flavors or colors.

Its definitely an option to check out when you are trying to buy some candy for your kids, be it for celebratory occasions or to give it in their lunchboxes as a special treat. The candy retails for about $1.49 for one tube.

You can find more information about the candy on their website and facebook page.

Disclaimer: I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms MeetSM program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms MeetSM blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of the product.

Blue Diamond Almond Breeze almond milk - Review and Giveaway

My family and I have been consuming non-dairy milk for a while now..Initially it was just soy milk on the market.This was a boon for vegans and lactose tolerant people alike..Currently on the market,
however, there is a plethora of non dairy milks available, with such a wide variety for everybody !
Almond milk is a widely available and quite popular non dairy alternative. We use almond milk quite frequently. My kids drink it straight up, my husband uses it in smoothies and I use it in baked goods in place of dairy milk.

When I got the opportunity to try out Blue Diamond Almond milk as a Mom Ambassador blogger, I looked forward to it because I had always enjoyed the various types of almond milks on the market.Almond Breeze almond milk measured up pretty well to the other almond milks on the market that we had tried.It has a pleasant taste with a slight hint of almonds. We used Almond Breeze almond milk with our cereal, our morning oatmeal and in our smoothies. I also tried it with my coffee one morning and decided that the almond milk gave my coffee a gourmet taste !
Both my kids liked the taste. I would definitely serve this to my friends and their kids. Since there is no strong taste or smell to this milk, I am sure most kids would enjoy this almond milk.

A few points about the Almond Breeze almond milks that caught my attention :
* Almond Breeze is calcium enriched, providing about 45% of the daily required value in a single cup of milk.
* Almond Almond Breeze is available in original, Vanilla and Chocolate flavors as well as the unsweetened varieties.
* There is also an almond milk - coconut milk blend available.
* The milk comes packed in Tetra Pak cartons, which do not need to be refrigerated until opened. These cartons are recyclable and have a low carbon footprint!
* Almond milk has a lower fat content as compared to dairy milk, with an astonishing 60 calories per cup in its original favor.
* The milk is also soy-free and lactose free.
* It should be noted that almond milk is low in protein, so consumers should make up by eating other protein rich foods.



You can get more information about the brand and the product on the following sites :
www.almondbreeze.com
https://www.facebook.com/almondbreeze

All said and done, I really liked the Almond Breeze milk, because of its versatility, mild flavor and rich calcium content. That my family liked it as well was the icing on the cake !
Do try it with your family and let me know how you liked it !

To enable you to do just that, I am delighted to announce that I will be able to give away 3 vouchers to my readers, each voucher providing a free carton of Almond Breeze Almond milk (any variety)
Please leave a comment on this post telling me if you have tried non dairy alternatives before. Do include your email id. Please note that this giveaway will end on August 18th, 2012 at midnight and is available for US residents only.

Disclaimer: I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms MeetSM program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms MeetSM blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of the product.