PRODUCT REVIEW: Nexium 24 HR

I have had the privilege the last 14 nights of ending my day with the 'little purple pill'.  Yes I know the directions say to take it in the morning but mornings and medications don't work well for me.  I take all my stuff at night, even supplements.  Work with me here.  Smiley360 provided me the opportunity to sample and review Nexium 24 HR for free.  And guess, what?  Yup there are a few things I have to say about it.

This isn't the first time I've taken Nexium, just that before it was prescription only.  Nexium is now available over the counter.  Nexium, even as a prescription, wasn't the perfect choice for my acid reflux but it worked really well.  That hasn't changed, it still works really well. And works really well is a huge thing for me.  Nothing is perfect but this does a great job of helping to curb the symptoms and discomfort of acid reflux.  It won't cure acid reflux but it will help to curb the symptoms.

To work correctly Nexium needs to be taken every day.  It's not an instant relief.  It takes up to four days to work.  But it does work.  And if you aren't already taking something anyway what is four more days?  The drawback for me is the price.  I understand that companies need to recoup their expenses in developing and manufacturing medications.  And I think they have a right to.  I fully expect to recoup my times and expenses when I make a candle.  However, by purchasing it over the counter there is no insurance co-pay.  Even those can get downright budget breaking as well sometimes.

At the end of the day I like Nexium.  I like the relief it gives.  I like that it's a trusted brand that has been proven over time.  I would recommend it to anyone that needs relief from acid reflux or frequent heartburn.  I did receive this product free from Smiley360, however all opinions expressed are my own. 

PRODUCT REVIEW: Walgreens® Well Beginnings® Premium Diapers

Diapers, where do you begin.  Diapers need to fulfill several vital functions at a price that is affordable.  Not diapering is really not an option, at least not for me!  On the other end the price of diapers has to be budget-able.  Diapers need to fit comfortably, be absorbent, and also not cause irritation to sensitive skin.  Having the opportunity to try Walgreens Well Beginnings Diapers through PinchMe I decided to really put them through the test.

My sample package included two diapers.  Now, let's face it, you don't give  a new diaper a test on the overnight.   Too many things can go wrong there.  But I really wanted to put them to the test, so I went with nap time.  So, protected by Well Beginnings we began the nap time struggle.  You know the one, not wanting the pillow or blanket to must have it, not wanting a hug or kiss to will die without it, getting up every minute once all tucked in to see if you are watching, finally thank the nap time angels asleep.  Two and a half hours later to test the experiment for leaks.  Diaper one past the test for leaks.  Also no sign of irritation with our sensitive skin which is a massive bonus.  Monkey Boy didn't complain about the fit either so I guess the first try passed the major tests. 

The truth is Walgreens Well Beginnings diapers seem to be pretty sturdy yet gentle diapers.  They are not something I personally can purchase for my home however.  Monkey's cousin Goobie (go with it!) has sensitivity issues with this particular brand and cannot use them.  Since we use the same diapers in the same size it seems ridiculous to purchase two different types of diapers.  Not to mention completely not budget-able.  I must mention that I did receive these diapers free from PinchMe to sample and review, all opinions expressed in this review are my own.

PRODUCT REVIEW: Dramamine Non-Drowsy Naturals

I received my bottle of Dramamine Naturals free from Influenster in the Nurture VoxBox.  No one in my family suffers from motion sickness, we are kinda thrill ride seekers!  However, I suffer from frequent nausea due to a health condition.  My first though, of course, was how do I test and review a motion sickness aide?  Then I realized that since this product is ginger based it was perfect to try for my nausea.  So I did. 

I took 1 capsule instead of the recommended two since I tend to be sensitive to medications, and it worked fairly well.  Typically I use animal crackers (trust me it works!) and a prescription medication when it gets too bad.  The Dramamine Naturals worked as well as the animal crackers without the added calories.  It wasn't a super help for the severe nausea and I still went with my back up prescription for those instances.  I never did try the two recommended capsules since the one worked just fine.

All in all I liked the Dramamine Naturals.  They worked well for my chronic nausea, just as well as my animal cracker go to without breaking the waist line.  I would consider purchasing this product in the future.  I did receive this product free from Influenster for review but all opinions in this review are my own.

PRODUCT REVIEW: GOLD BOND Ultimate Strength & Resilience Lotion

While I've been familiar with the Gold Bond line of products for a long time I've never actually used them. Pinch Me provided an opportunity to try not just one Gold Bond item but two! Before I go any further I have to admit I'm sorta kinda a lotion snob. I want something that is super moisturizing due to dry skin and excezma. I want something that smells good though not heavily perfumed. I want something that absorbs fast but doesn't leave a greasy feeling residue on my skin. I want a lot. Gold Bond Ultimate Strength & Resilience Lotion delivered on a few of these and missed on a few as well.

We'll start with what I liked. I appreciated that the lotion was scentless, though I do like my scents as well.  I loved the way it left my skin feeling very moisturized and smooth; not the normal rough or papery I typically feel. I loved that it absorbed fast. Super fast, like while I was still rubbing it in fast. On those points the Ultimate Strength & Resilience lotion was a hit.

However, the product packaging says it's non-greasy. For me it really wasn't. Perhaps I'm just over sensitive to the idea of what 'greasy' is when it comes to lotion. I felt like there was still moisture on my hands after applying. They were too 'slick' after the lotion had absorbed in and that is not a sensation I like and I really don't want it in my lotion. I applied a bit as I sat down to write this review. I find my hands and fingers feeling slick while they move across the computer and keyboard.

All in all Gold Bond did really well with the Ultimate Strength & Resilience lotion if you go point for point on what I want in a lotion. However, I'm not completely sold only because the greasy after feel is a huge miss for me. Everything else was great though. For many people it would probably be a non-issue and it really is a great lotion that offers amazing moisturizing. I'm just extra sensitive to the feeling it leaves behind and it leaves me with mixed feelings as far as future lotion purchasing decisions.


I did receive this item as a free trial from Pinch Me and any opinions shared in this review are my own.

PRODUCT REVIEW: GOLD BOND Ultimate Healing Lotion

While I've been familiar with the Gold Bond line of products for a long time I've never actually used them.  Pinch Me provided an opportunity to try not just one Gold Bond item but two!  Before I go any further I have to admit I'm sorta kinda a lotion snob.  I want something that is super moisturizing due to dry skin and excezma.  I want something that smells good though not heavily perfumed.  I want something that absorbs fast but doesn't leave a greasy feeling residue on my skin.  I want a lot.  Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Lotion delivered on a few of these and missed on a few as well.

We'll start with what I liked.  I loved the clean fresh scent of the lotion.  It wasn't heavy nor perfume-y.  It was really fresh and balanced.  I loved the way it left my skin feeling very moisturized and smooth; not the normal rough or papery I typically feel.  I loved that it absorbed fast.  Super fast, like while I was still rubbing it in fast.  On those points the Ultimate Healing lotion was a hit.

However, the product packaging says it's non-greasy.  For me it really wasn't.  Perhaps I'm just over sensitive to the idea of what 'greasy' is when it comes to lotion.  I felt like there was still moisture on my hands after applying.  They were too 'slick' after the lotion had absorbed in and that is not a sensation I like and I really don't want it in my lotion.  I applied a bit as I sat down to write this review.  I find my hands and fingers feeling slick while they move across the computer and keyboard. 

All in all Gold Bond did really well with the Ultimate Healing lotion if you go point for point on what I want in a lotion.  However, I'm not completely sold only because the greasy after feel is a huge miss for me.  Everything else was great though.  For many people it would probably be a non-issue and it really is a great lotion that offers amazing moisturizing.  I'm just extra sensitive to the feeling it leaves behind and it leaves me with mixed feelings as far as future lotion purchasing decisions.

I did receive this item as a free trial from Pinch Me and any opinions shared in this review are my own.

PRODUCT REVIEW: Aveeno Baby Natural Protection Face Stick

There’s something to be said for finding the perfect sunscreen.  My entire family uses sunscreen, I use it year round!  Protecting the little ones is a huge priority for me so I was super excited when I was selected by CrowdTap to sample and try the Aveeno Baby Natural Protection Face Stick Sunscreen.  Aveeno is one of the most trusted brands for me with myself and the kiddos!

Of course as it is a stick the kids thought it was deodorant and lifted their arms when I first went to apply it.  Once they got past that it was easier than I thought to apply but still a little tricky on the face.  I was lucky that they kids held really still as I was worried going around the eyes and lips.  Though it was easier to rub in than I anticipated so I probably didn’t have to be as careful as I originally thought.  Monkey loved the white look and begged me not to rub it in all the way!  It did well protecting from the sun and we were careful to reapply regularly.  I liked this sunscreen.  It’s a great alternative to lotion sunscreen and I am not comfortable with using a spray sunscreen on the kids, or really even myself.

I would not hesitate to recommend this sunscreen for anyone that has small children, medium children, even grown children.  I used this sunscreen and loved it.  Great for my sensitive skin without any reaction. It protected the kiddos and they loved the easy application and that it didn't run and possibly get in their eyes. 

I did receive this product free from CrowdTap to sample.  All opinions shared here are my own.

PRODUCT REVIEW: Kraft® Seasoned Grated Parmesan Cheese

Cheese, in all varieties and forms is a staple in my household.  We add it to virtually anything or just snack on it.  Kraft® Seasoned Grated Parmesan Cheese was an excellent addition to our cheese habit.  Not that I advocate ‘snacking’ on grated cheese but that doesn’t mean I also don’t sneak a pinch here or there!

At least a couple of times a month I make Alfredo from scratch.  The rest of the time I’m lazy, erm I mean pinched for time and use a package mix.  Either way the basic ingredient is Parmesan cheese.  I prefer to use shredded or shaved Parmesan when I’m making from scratch.  I always add more when I use a package mix.  The last few times we have had Alfredo I added in the Kraft Seasoned Grated Parmesan Cheese to experiment with the extra flavor.  Each time, scratch and mix, it was a total hit.  It contains an amazing blend of flavors that adjusted my own flavor profile additions, minimizing them significantly! 

Kraft® Seasoned Grated Parmesan Cheese is also pretty good on the standard choices adding amazing flavor to salads, pizza, baked potatoes, and pasta in general.  It is definitely something I will choose to purchase again and a new staple in the pantry.  If cheese is on your radar, or like most households I’ve ever been in period there’s a can of shredded Parmesan cheese in the fridge, then I urge you to give this flavor a try.  I loved it, my family loved it, and my friends loved it.  And they didn’t even know about it until after they had eaten.  They thought I’d finally perfected the ultimate flavor profile all on my own.  I finally had to let them in on the secret!

I did receive Kraft® Seasoned Grated Parmesan Cheese as a free product sample from Pinchme.com.  All opinions are solely my own, I have not been compensated in any way for this review.