Showing posts with label Margaret Schindel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Margaret Schindel. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

How to Organize Your Messy Linen Closet With Pop-up Storage Bins

A cluttered linen closet can be a source of frustration, especially when you're searching for that elusive missing pillowcase from a set of sheets or the washcloth from a particular set of towels. Fear not! In this guide, I’ll review an easy and efficient way to organize your linen closet using pop-up fabric storage bins labeled with index cards inside clear plastic pockets. Say goodbye to the linen closet chaos and hello to a well-organized and visually pleasing storage space for your sheets, towels, tablecloths, napkins, spare blankets and pillows, out-of-season comforters, and holiday table runners.

It's time for spring cleaning!

Easy linen closet makeover

I am not neat and well-organized by nature. However, I dislike living in a cluttered environment, as does my husband. So, periodically, we tackle an area of particular irritation to de-clutter and organize. Our most recent project was our overstuffed and extremely messy linen closet.

Our easy linen closet makeover was a smashing success, so I put together a step-by-step guide to decluttering and organizing a messy linen closet. (My fellow Review This Reviews contributor Barbara also wrote a linen closet organization guide several years ago that you might want to check out.)

Photograph Your Messy Linen Closet Before You Begin Organizing

I encourage you to take before-and-after photos to document the transformation. Our “before” closet was so bad that I didn’t photograph it and now I wish I had! The "before" photo you see above was taken in the middle of the process, after we had pulled everything out, sorted it into piles, discarded items we no longer need or use, and organized the linens we're keeping. It would have been far more impactful to show our real "before" linen closet next to our finished, organized "after" result, as well as a feel-good reminder of all we accomplished during this DIY home organization project.

Step 1: Assess, Sort, and Weed

Decluttering is the first step towards achieving an organized and functional space. Before diving into the organization process, take a moment to assess your linen closet's contents.

We pulled everything out of our closet, dumped them on our king-size bed, and then sorted all our sheets, pillowcases, towels, blankets, tablecloths, napkins, and other miscellaneous items into piles by category. Then came the hard part: deciding what to let go of or store elsewhere (such as the rarely used sheets for our sofa bed).

Set aside any worn-out, torn, stained, or mismatched linens, towels, or items you no longer need. Be as ruthless as you can. Decide what to discard or recycle and what to donate, then put those items into the trash, bags, or boxes, as appropriate, labeling the containers for recycling or donation.

Step 2: Group, Arrange, and Label Your Remaining Linens

Next, put everything else back in the closet, grouping related items and arranging them in whatever way you prefer to maximize shelf space and optimize organization. Be sure to leave some shelf space open to accommodate future purchases or gifts.

Tip: I suggest putting the linens you use most frequently on the most easily accessible shelves and reserving the highest and lowest shelves for the items you need to remove or put back less often ( such as comforters, extra blankets, guest linens, and holiday tablecloths).

Using scrap paper, make a temporary label for each pile on the shelves (e.g., blue towels, pink towels, striped flannel sheets). Personalize these labels in any way that makes sense to you (e.g., Mom’s Quaker lace tablecloth and napkins). Then place these temporary labels on top of each pile until you have your storage bins and labeling materials.

Messy linen closet without storage bins or labels
Our linen closet after we weeded out what we didn't need to keep.
It's organized, but still messy and the linens don't fit the space well.

Step 3: Measure, Then Select Fabric Storage Bins or Baskets

Pop-up fabric storage bins or baskets are a game-changer for maximizing space and bringing order to your closet both functionally and visually. These collapsible fabric bins make it easy to group similar items and access them effortlessly. Choose appropriate size bins to accommodate different types of linens, from large king-size sheet sets to small dish towels.

Measure your piles of linens, the width of your linen closet shelves, and the space between each shelf, then select a variety of coordinated bins in different sizes to fit. This allows you to customize your storage solution without investing in a custom closet makeover solution. The pop-up storage bins we selected are inexpensive and the workmanship is not perfect, but the price was right and they come in a wide range of sizes and shapes. It was also important to us to have bins that fold down when not in use because we wanted to keep some extras to allow for future expansion of our linen closet's contents. However, if you don't mind spending more, you can find a wide array of attractive storage bins to suit a variety of tastes and home decor styles.

If you have large, bulky items like comforters that won't fit inside even the largest pop-up storage bins, you may want to put them in airtight vacuum compression storage bags designed for this purpose, which will not only keep these items clean but also compress them to fit more easily on your closet shelves and save space.

Step 4: Unfold and Label the Bins

To make it easy to find what you need at a glance, you will want to label your pop-up storage bins. We decided to use self-adhesive clear plastic 3” x 5” pockets and index cards for labeling the fronts of our bins and ordered them from Amazon along with our bins. We chose the 3”x5” size because they matched the width of our smallest bins but were still large enough to accommodate labels with several lines of text when needed.

When your bins, plastic pockets, and index cards arrive, unfold the bins and press against the sides to prop them open. (The sides won’t stay completely straight until you fill the bins.)

Attach a clear plastic pocket to the front of each bin. We ordered self-stick plastic pockets but discovered that they didn’t adhere well to the fabric bins over time, so you will want to stitch, glue, or rivet the pockets to the bins. We've ordered a rivet tool and some rivets for attaching ours more securely. We will use the rest of the self-adhesive pockets and index cards to label storage cartons, where the adhesive will work perfectly. 

Using a permanent marker and index cards, write a new, permanent label for each pile of linens on your closet shelf to replace the temporary label.

This simple and effective labeling system allows for quick identification without having to rummage through each bin, and the clear plastic pockets protect the index card labels from becoming worn or dog-eared.

Step 5: Arrange Your Linens in the Labeled Bins

Take one pile of related linens and place it into the appropriately sized bin. Insert the index card label into the clear plastic pocket and return it to the closet shelf. Repeat with the remaining piles, bins, and labels.

This systematic approach not only keeps everything organized but also makes it easier to find what you need when you need it.

Then take a photo of your newly neat and organized linen closet and savor the contrast vs. your "before" picture.

Organized linen closet with labeled storage bins
Our formerly crammed, messy linen closet is organized and labeled,
so everything is easy to find and accessible. Now we just need to
remove the old, frilly, decorative pink shelf edging we inherited!

Step 6: Maintain Regularly

To keep your linen closet organized and efficient, commit to regular maintenance. Fortunately, this system makes it easy to maintain because, as my grandmother used to say, there’s “a place for everything and everything in its place.”

Periodically review the contents of each bin, refreshing, replacing, or rearranging items as needed. This ongoing effort will prevent the return of clutter and keep your linen closet in top-notch shape.

Messy Linen Closet Makeover Supplies

My husband chose a tailored storage bin style for this project, but the pretty baskets with the quatrefoil pattern would be a lovely, more feminine choice.

Enjoy Using Your Neat, Organized Linen Closet!

Transforming your linen closet into an organized storage space is a satisfying and easily achievable DIY project. With the help of pop-up storage bins labeled with index cards inside clear plastic pockets, you can create a system that not only streamlines your storage but also adds visual appeal. Enjoy the benefits of a tidy, accessible linen closet, where finding the perfect set of sheets or towels or your favorite tablecloth and napkins is a breeze.

Happy organizing!


How to Organize Your Messy Linen Closet With Pop-up Storage Bins by Margaret Schindel

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Wednesday, February 28, 2024

The Best Way to Clean Makeup Brushes Without Ruining Them

Good makeup brushes are an excellent investment for anyone who wears makeup. Whether you apply a full face of makeup or just a bit of foundation and blush, the right tools can make all the difference in achieving beautiful results with your makeup application. But whether you choose to invest in high-quality makeup brushes or inexpensive ones, proper care is important for many reasons including the effectiveness and longevity of these beauty tools as well as good hygiene.

Today I'm reviewing my tried-and-true method for cleaning makeup brushes quickly, easily, gently, and thoroughly using either a solid makeup brush cleanser bar (my preferred method) or a liquid brush shampoo.

The Best Way to Clean Your Makeup Brushes

A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Makeup Brushes Using a Solid Brush Cleanser

In this step-by-step guide, I'll walk you through the easy process of using a solid makeup brush cleanser to clean your beloved brushes.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Collect your dirty makeup brushes, a solid brush cleaner of your choice, a clean towel, and (optional) either mesh brush sleeves or a makeup brush drying rack. (I have linked my favorite recommended makeup brush cleaning supplies further down in this article.) Place these next to your bathroom sink.

Step 2: Wet the Lower Two-Thirds of the Brush Bristles

Run a moderate (not strong) stream of lukewarm water in your sink. Take one of the dirty makeup brushes and wet just the tips of the bristles under the running water. Take care to keep the upper part of the bristles where they meet the handle dry, since getting this area wet can loosen the glue that holds the bristles in place and cause the brush to shed.

Step 3: Swirl the Wet Bristles on the Solid Cleanser

Rub the wet brush gently over the surface of the solid makeup brush cleaner in circular motions. Don't push down, just swirl across the surface with the lower part of the bristles to create a rich lather, making sure to avoid the top where the bristles meet the handle. Lathering the cleanser and working it into the bristles will help break down and lift away impurities such as makeup residue, oils, and bacteria.

Place the tips of the wet, soapy bristles in the lid of the solid brush cleanser jar, then tap them against the inside of the lid repeatedly, rotating the brush to work the cleanser into the bristles on all sides. Don't press hard or push—you want to avoid getting the cleanser lather on the topmost part of the bristles, where the water can wick up inside the ferrule (the metal band inside which the tops of the bristles are glued into the handle), which can weaken the glue and cause premature shedding. 

Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse the inside of the lid, then fill it partway with clean lukewarm water. Again, tap and swirl the tips of the brush inside the lid to rinse out the lather. Pour out the dirty water, rinse and refill the lid with clean water, and repeat. (Depending on how much makeup is on the brush, you may need to repeat steps 3 and 4 a few times.) Repeat this rinse step until the water runs clear, indicating that the brush is clean.

I made this video to demonstrate how to properly wet the bristles, lather them on the solid brush cleanser, and rinse them in the brush cleanser lid to avoid wetting the tops of the bristles.


Step 5: Shape and Dry

Gently reshape the brush bristles to their original form with your fingers and allow them to air dry. You have three air-drying options:

  • Slide a mesh brush guard sleeve over each brush, starting from the handle tip and sliding the guard down to the bristles. Note: These mesh sleeves are also great for protecting your brush bristles when you are traveling. 
  • Use a brush drying rack. Insert the handle of each brush from the underside of the rack through the flanged silicone inserts in an appropriately-sized hole, taking care to center the handle so the bristles point straight down.
  • Lay the brushes flat on their sides on a clean towel. Avoid leaving them upright, as water can seep into the handle and damage the brush over time.

Once your brushes are completely dry, store them in a brush case to keep them clean and dust-free until you're ready to use them.

Makeup brush cleaning supplies
Makeup brush cleaning supplies: Solid cleanser, liquid brush shampoo, mesh brush guards, collapsible acrylic brush drying rack

How to Wash Your Makeup Brushes Using Liquid Brush Shampoo

Follow the same steps as for using a solid brush cleanser, except:

  • Use any shallow, clean, medium-sized jar lid in place of the solid cleanser lid.
  • Squirt a drop of liquid brush shampoo into the lid, swirl the damp bristles in the lid to work in the soap and create a lather, then rinse the lid thoroughly before filling it partway with lukewarm water and rinsing the soapy bristles as in Step 4 of the solid brush cleanser instructions.

How Often Should You Clean Your Makeup Brushes?

If you are an actress who applies a full face of heavy stage makeup several times a week, you should wash your brushes after each makeup application. For someone who wears subtle daytime makeup, cleansing your brushes weekly with either solid brush cleaner or liquid brush shampoo should be fine. If you wear makeup only occasionally, you may be able to get away with sanitizing your brushes after each use with an alcohol-based makeup brush sanitizing spray and washing them with a brush cleaner and water every two or three weeks.

Maintaining clean makeup brushes is an essential part of any beauty routine. With the use of a solid makeup brush cleaner, this process becomes quick and effective. Incorporate this simple routine into your beauty regimen to ensure your brushes remain in top-notch condition, providing you with flawless makeup application every time.

Recommended Supplies for Cleaning Makeup Brushes

These are the cleaners and related tools and supplies I recommend to keep your makeup brushes clean, sanitary, and performing well for a long time.


Why It's Important to Wash Your Makeup Brushes Frequently

Cleaning makeup brushes on a frequent, regular schedule is essential for maintaining skin health, preventing bacterial buildup, preserving makeup quality, and promoting good hygiene habits. It's a simple yet crucial step in your beauty routine that contributes to both the longevity of your brushes and the health of your skin.

Preventing Bacterial Buildup

Makeup brushes come into contact with the skin, which naturally harbors bacteria. Over time, these bacteria accumulate on the bristles of the brushes. Regular cleaning helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that can lead to skin irritations, breakouts, or infections.

Maintaining Skin Health

Dirty brushes can transfer oils, old makeup, and bacteria to your skin, potentially causing clogged pores and breakouts. By keeping your brushes clean, you reduce the risk of introducing these unwanted elements to your skin, promoting a healthier and clearer complexion.

Preserving Makeup Quality

The residue left on makeup brushes can contaminate fresh makeup products, altering their color, texture, and performance. Regularly cleaning your brushes ensures that your makeup applies smoothly and accurately, maintaining the quality and longevity of your cosmetic products.

Preventing Cross-Contamination

Using the same brush with different makeup products, such as foundations, blushes, and powders, without cleaning it in between applications can lead to cross-contamination. This can affect the color accuracy of your makeup and may cause unintended combinations that don't complement each other. You don't necessarily need to wash the brush before using it with a second or third type of makeup in a single sitting; spraying it with an alcohol-based makeup brush cleaning spray and wiping it on a clean microfiber cloth or paper towel in between using it for different makeup products is fine. 

Enhancing Makeup Application

Clean brushes perform better for makeup application. Dirty brushes can carry remnants of previous products, causing colors to mix or appear muddy. Clean brushes help you achieve more precise and beautiful makeup looks and give you better control.

Prolonging Brush Lifespan

Regular cleaning helps maintain the integrity of the brush bristles. Accumulated makeup, oils, and bacteria can damage the bristles over time, leading to shedding and a shorter lifespan for your brushes. Cleansing them properly on a regular basis ensures that they will remain in good condition longer.

Reducing Allergic Reactions

For individuals with sensitive skin or allergies, using dirty brushes can trigger adverse reactions. Cleansing your brushes properly and frequently minimizes the risk of irritation and allergic responses by removing potential allergens and irritants from the bristles.

Promoting Good Hygiene Habits

Regularly cleaning your makeup brushes is part of maintaining good personal hygiene. Just as you wash your face and remove your makeup before bedtime, cleaning your brushes should be a routine practice to ensure your overall skincare and makeup regimen is as healthy as possible.


The Best Way to Clean Makeup Brushes Without Ruining Them by Margaret Schindel

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Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Beautiful Flowers That Last Forever: Pop-Up Bouquet Greeting Cards

Few things can brighten someone’s day as much as receiving a greeting card. As our routine communications are increasingly digital, receiving a paper greeting card in the mail or by hand is a delightful pleasure.

Today, I’m reviewing my favorite type: pop-up bouquet greeting cards.

Pop-up Floral Bouquet Greeting Cards

My husband and I love gifting pop-up floral bouquet greeting cards for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, and other special occasions, and “just because” (the best occasion to receive a greeting card!). These cleverly designed laser-cut paper cards fold flat for mailing and then unfold to become 3-D paper bouquets.

Best of all, unlike traditional flowers, the recipient can cherish, display, and enjoy these beautiful blooms forever.

Why We Love Giving (and Getting) Pop-up Flower Bouquet Greeting Cards

Here are some compelling benefits of choosing these greeting cards to send for a special occasion or "just because:"

Exquisite Details

Different manufacturers offer different levels of quality. Lovepop's pop-up flower bouquet cards are extremely detailed and exquisite. The intricate laser-cut designs and vibrant color printing create a stunning visual impact, transforming a simple card into a work of art. The precision and attention to detail in these pop-up cards showcase the craftsmanship behind each creation.

Lovepop hibiscus pop-up flower bouquet laser-cut greeting card
The 10.25" tall Lovepop hibiscus flower bouquet greeting card I gave my husband lives in his home office so he can look at it often.

A Thoughtful Choice

By selecting a die-cut or laser-cut, pop-up floral bouquet card, you demonstrate the effort you've put into choosing a unique and thoughtful greeting. It adds a personal touch to your message, showing you've gone the extra mile to make the recipient feel cherished.

Halmark rose plant pop-up bouquet greeting card
This die-cut Hallmark rose pop-up bouquet is smaller and less intricate than the laser-cut Lovepop pop-up bouquet greeting cards, but no less lovely!

A Memorable Impression

Laser-cut pop-up flower bouquet greeting cards make a lasting impression. Both the beauty and unusual format of these cards make your message stand out, bring your sentiments to life in a visually striking way, and create a memorable experience for the recipients that will make them feel extra special.

A Cherished Keepsake and Memento

A beautiful 3-D paper flower bouquet greeting card is more likely to be kept as a cherished memento than a traditional card. Many recipients find them too beautiful to part with and choose to display them as a decorative piece, constantly reminding them of the special moment. For example, my husband displays the paper hibiscus bouquet card I gave him on the filing cabinet in his office.

A Year-Round Miniature Indoor Garden

The moment your recipient opens your floral bouquet card, they are greeted with a burst of vibrant colors and a three-dimensional floral arrangement. It's not just a card; it's a miniature garden that comes to life, instantly uplifting that person's spirits and spreading joy. As you can see in my photos, our paper pop-up bouquet greeting cards are a welcome splash of bright color even in the middle of winter!

Hallmark and Lovepop pop-up bouquet greeting cards

Not Just a Card, But a Gift

Laser-cut, 3-D pop-up bouquet greeting cards are more expensive than traditional 2-D cards, but they're also lasting gifts rather than just greetings. It's a way to send a beautiful bouquet of flowers that won't wilt or die after a week and can be enjoyed indefinitely. When viewed that way, I think they're well worth the extra cost. Lovepop's mini bouquets are also roughly half the price of their larger counterparts.

Make Someone's Day With a Pop-up Flower Bouquet

Make your heartfelt messages blossom with these charming and memorable greeting cards. Why not make someone's day by sending them a beautiful laser-cut flower bouquet? Here are some of my current favorites available on Amazon, with free delivery for Amazon Prime members.

Beautiful Pop-Up 3-D Floral Bouquet Greeting Cards


Beautiful Flowers That Last Forever: Pop-Up Bouquet Greeting Cards by Margaret Schindel


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Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Hypochlorous Acid: A Versatile, Innovative Health and Hygiene Solution

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in hypochlorous acid (HOCl) as a naturally occurring yet powerful solution with many applications ranging from promoting wound healing and skincare to household cleaning without toxic chemicals. This colorless, dilute acid solution is gaining recognition for its remarkable benefits and uses, making it a valuable tool in promoting health and maintaining a clean environment

In this review, I’ll share what I have learned about this safe, non-toxic, electrolyzed salt water solution and how I use it.

Hypochlorous Acid Spray for Skincare, Health & Hygiene


How I Discovered Hypochlorous Acid Spray

Last year, the esthetician from whom I buy my medical-grade skincare added a hypochlorous acid spray to the toners she carries. Since she only carries products from brands with meaningful clinical studies that validate the products' effectiveness, I knew that Hydrinity Hyacin Active Purifying Mist was a high-quality product. According to Hydrinity's Hyacin Active Purifying Mist product page, "Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) is a potent anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory agent that works overtime to treat blemishes, renew compromised skin, and deeply calm even the most stressed and sensitive skin types, including those prone to eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. Used by dermatologists worldwide, this refreshing purifying mist is renowned for its wound-healing abilities, is free of all chemical irritants, and safe for all skin types."

I decided to order a bottle of the Hydrinity Hyacin Active Purifying Mist from my favorite medical-grade skincare supplier, SkinBEAUTIFUL RX. I have occasional breakouts and, as I have gotten older, tend to heal more slowly from cuts and scrapes, and the hypochlorous acid spray has really helped with both. It also is great for helping to soothe insect bites.

I was really impressed with the effectiveness and versatility of this product, and I also started seeing more ads for other brands of hypochlorous acid spray, such as Magic Molecule. So I did more research into different applications and different brands and discovered there was a lot more to learn.

Understanding the Science Behind Hypochlorous Acid

Hypochlorous acid, often referred to as nature's disinfectant, is a weak acid formed through the electrolysis of salt water. It mirrors the antimicrobial properties of the body's immune system, particularly in fighting bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This naturally occurring compound is colorless, and its ability to effectively combat pathogens makes it a promising candidate for many applications.

Health and Wellness

  • Skincare: In the realm of skincare, hypochlorous acid has found its place in combating various dermatological issues. From acne treatment to soothing irritated skin, it offers a natural alternative to traditional skincare ingredients, ensuring a healthy complexion without harsh side effects.
  • Wound Healing and Infection Prevention: The innate antimicrobial properties of hypochlorous acid can accelerate wound healing. By reducing the risk of infections, inflammation, and scarring, HOCl is becoming a key component in advanced wound care, offering a gentle yet effective approach to recovery.
  • Oral Health: The incorporation of HOCl into oral care products has shown promising results in reducing bacteria in the oral cavity. This not only contributes to improved oral health but also aids in preventing conditions such as gum disease and halitosis.

Household and Environmental Applications

  • Surface Disinfection: Hypochlorous acid is an effective disinfectant for surfaces within households and in public spaces. Whether it's countertops, kitchen utensils, or bathroom fixtures, HOCl provides a safe and efficient means of maintaining a hygienic living environment.
  • Air Purification: Hypochlorous acid's ability to neutralize airborne pathogens and allergens makes it a valuable tool to promote a healthier indoor atmosphere in enclosed spaces.
  • Fruit and Vegetable Wash: Concerns about pesticide residues and contaminants on fruits and vegetables have led to the adoption of hypochlorous acid as a natural wash. Rinsing produce with an HOCl solution helps eliminate potential threats, ensuring that our produce is not only delicious but also safe.
  • Laundry Disinfection: Adding hypochlorous acid to the laundry cycle enhances the disinfection of clothes, bedding, and towels. This extra layer of protection helps provide peace of mind in a world increasingly concerned with hygiene.

More Economical Hypochlorous Acid Options

Once I started to understand the many uses for this antimicrobial solution, I started thinking of other ways I could benefit from it, such as bringing a TSA-approved spray bottle with me when I travel to disinfect airplane tray tables, public phones, and other surfaces, such as gym equipment.

I wanted to keep a small spray bottle of it in my purse to sanitize my hands after using a public restroom and another bottle next to each bathroom sink, since HOCl is less drying than alcohol hand sanitizers. (I found this article on using hypochlorous acid as an antiseptic in caring for patients with a suspected COVID-19 infection very interesting.)

And, since I use it to help heal cuts and scrapes quicker, I also wanted to keep small spray bottles in the medicine cabinet and in my nightstand.

Since the Hydrinity Hyacin Active Purifying Spray was $60 for 3 fl. oz., I wanted a more economical version for these more widespread uses.

What I discovered is that there are several brands of hypochlorous acid, with more and more coming on the market as the popularity of this product grows.

Initially, I bought some small bottles of Magic Molecule brand hypochlorous acid spray to keep by my nightstand and in my purse. But even on sale, the price was more than I wanted to spend for using it as liberally and frequently as I wanted, for everything from washing my produce to healing and soothing scrapes, cuts, and insect bites and sanitizing my hands. So, I decided to look for a more affordable bulk option that I could use to refill my little spray bottles.

I ended up buying a 1L (32 fl. oz.) refill bottle of e11ement Hypochlorous Acid Face and Skin Spray for $27.50, enough to refill a whole bunch of smaller spray bottles many times over. The e11ement Hypochlorous Acid spray works beautifully, and now I don't have to think twice about how often I use it.

If you don't already have small mister bottles into which you can decant the contents of this quart-size refill bottle, I can recommend the following:

Hypochlorous acid spray has been a great addition to our household. It's excellent to use after shaving (face or body) to soothe the skin. If you have teenagers or family members who are acne-prone, they will also benefit from using it as a facial toner after washing and drying their faces and then allowing the HOCl spray to dry before applying any other topical skincare products such as acne medication, moisturizer, sunscreen, etc.

Hypochlorous Acid: A Versatile, Innovative Health and Hygiene Solution by Margaret Schindel

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Wednesday, January 17, 2024

The Best Sugar-Free Hot Cocoa Bombs — An Outstanding Low-Carb Treat

We're in the thick of winter snowstorms here in New England. Since I have a bad back, my husband does the snow shoveling. I always greet him upon his return with a steaming cup of hot cocoa to warm him up and show my appreciation.

Since we both stopped eating sugar a few years ago (and feel so much better as a result), now I make sugar-free hot chocolate. If it's the weekend, I usually prepare my Ultimate Keto Hot Chocolate recipe, which is rich and decadent and has pretty much spoiled commercial hot cocoa mixes for us, but takes a bit more time and effort than using an instant hot cocoa mix.

However, when sugar-free ChocZero Hot Cocoa Bombs launched a few months ago, I was anxious to try them. Fortunately, they did not disappoint!

Now, if I want to make delicious hot cocoa with mini marshmallows quickly and easily, I just heat some almond or macadamia milk, drop in a ChocZero hot cocoa bomb, and stir until dissolved. Here's my product review of this outstanding low-carb treat.

ChocZero Sugar-Free Hot Cocoa Bombs
Image created using Canva generative AI

I have talked about ChocZero sugar-free chocolate and other sweet treats sweetened with natural monk fruit here on Review This Reviews, including ChocZero's mini marshmallows in my High-Protein, Sugar-Free Rocky Road Cottage Cheese Ice Cream recipe (still one of my favorites!); their regular sugar-free marshmallows in my Healthy Pistachio Cherry Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cereal Treats recipe; my review of the best sugar-free chocolate hazelnut spreads; ChocZero's fabulous truffles, chocolate keto bark, butter cookies, chewy caramels, jams, cookie spread, honey, and Rhea chocolate peanut nougat candy bars in my review of An Awesome Low Carb Gourmet Gift Basket Everyone Will Love; ChocZero's coffee syrups in my Refreshing Vanilla Italian Soda recipe; their sugar-free strawberry jam in my Low Carb Keto Shortcake Cupcakes recipe; and more.

So, even though I have been somewhat disappointed in the low-carb, sugar-free hot cocoa mixes I have tried, I knew ChocZero's sugar-free hot cocoa bombs would be worth a try.

What I Love About ChocZero Hot Cocoa Bombs

Awesome Packaging

The first thing you notice when you receive your order of ChocZero Hot Cocoa Bombs is the fabulous packaging.

The clear plastic box is printed with the ChocZero brand, product name, product image, and other pertinent information.

Because the outer box is clear, you can see through to the inside, where each hot cocoa bomb is snugly wrapped in festive bright gold foil that makes it look extra special.

There are four hot cocoa bombs per box. Inside the outer box, there is a protective molded plastic shell with four spherical depressions that cradle the foil-wrapped chocolate spheres and prevent them from being broken or otherwise harmed during transit.

The first two boxes I ordered were a gift for my husband since he loves hot chocolate so much.

Convenience

ChocZero Hot Cocoa Bombs in packaging

My husband and I really love my Ultimate Keto Hot Chocolate recipe and if I have all the ingredients on hand, it's a special treat.

However, the ChocZero Hot Cocoa Bombs are the first low-carb, sugar-free hot cocoa "mix" we've tried that we really enjoy.

They are also quicker and easier to prepare than my from-scratch recipe when we're looking for instant gratification.

And unwrapping each gold foil-wrapped ball really does add something special to the experience of making hot cocoa!

Rich Chocolate Taste and Luscious Mouthfeel

Like my ultimate keto hot chocolate recipe, the ChocZero Hot Cocoa Bombs include both cocoa powder and chocolate.

The chocolate shell creates a richer chocolate taste and a more luscious mouthfeel than the hot cocoa mix inside alone.

The chocolate shell also contains not only the sugar-free hot cocoa mix but also sugar-free mini marshmallows, which my husband and I both love in our hot cocoa.

Unlike most sugar-free hot cocoa mixes we've tried, we don't need to add anything to make this taste better, although we often enjoy adding a splash of one of ChocZero's flavoring syrups.

Sugar-free cocoa with mini marshmallows

How I Use ChocZero Sugar-Free Hot Cocoa Bombs

We start by unwrapping each hot cocoa bomb and placing it in a large mug.

Next, we heat the milk. Although you can use any kind of milk you prefer, we prefer to use either unsweetened vanilla almond milk or unsweetened vanilla macadamia milk to make our hot cocoa, since they are lower in natural sugar and carbs than dairy milk. We sometimes add a splash of heavy cream for added richness.

It's important to heat the milk very hot before pouring it over the hot cocoa bomb, and it takes a bit of stirring to completely melt the outer milk chocolate shell and dissolve the cocoa mix.

My husband and I love the flavor combination of chocolate and peppermint, so we usually add a splash of the awesome ChocZero Sugar-Free Peppermint Syrup into our prepared hot cocoa.

We also enjoy our cocoa with a splash of other ChocZero flavoring syrups, especially caramel or hazelnut. They're fabulous and don't have the unpleasant aftertaste or questionable sweeteners used in other brands of sugar-free syrups.

This flavored hot cocoa makes such a satisfying, sweet, low-carb treat that we often enjoy it for dessert.

What's Next?

I noticed the packaging includes the descriptor "Milk," so I'm hoping that ChocZero will be adding dark chocolate hot cocoa bombs in the future. 

One of the things I love about this brand is that they are always improving their products and adding new ones based on customer feedback. 

So, ChocZero, if you're reading this, I hope you'll consider making dark chocolate hot cocoa bombs next! 💓🍫


The Best Sugar-Free Hot Cocoa Bombs — An Outstanding Low-Carb Treat by Margaret Schindel


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