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Wednesday, May 21, 2025

A Prostaglandin-Free Lash Growth Serum for Longer, Stronger Eyelashes

If you’ve been longing for naturally longer, fuller lashes but want to avoid extensions or harsh formulas, Sweed Pro Eyelash Serum is well worth a look. I’ve been using it in my own routine and it’s quickly become a favorite because it’s clean, safe, prostaglandin-free, gentle on my sensitive eyes, and gives me noticeably longer, stronger eyelashes.

The Best Prostaglandin-Free Eyelash Growth Serum

I am not wearing eyeliner on my upper lids in this photo, just mascara

Do You Have Short, Sparse, or Weak Eyelashes?

I have never been blessed with great lashes. Mine have always been thin, pale, stick straight (similar to Asian lashes), and they point straight down. Long, upward curling lashes are especially important for those of us who have deeply hooded eyes. And, as we age, no matter how they started, our eyes tend to become more hooded and our lashes tend to become more sparse. That's why in my late 60s and early 70s, finding an effective lash growth serum became a beauty priority.

A couple of years ago, I used a fantastic lash growth serum from Obagi. It made a huge difference in the length and fullness of my lashes, although it tended to make them brittle. But the real problem was that it contained a prostaglandin analog. So, while I continue to use (and love) their excellent brow serum, I didn't want to keep using their lash serum because I didn't want to use a prostaglandin analog so close to my eyes.

I tried several well reviewed and highly recommended prostaglandin-free lash growth serums with disappointing results. I used at least one entire tube of each brand's eyelash serum to give it a fair trial. But it wasn't until I tried Sweed Beauty's Pro Eyelash Serum that I found a winner.

An Effective, Clean Beauty Lash Growth Serum With No Prostaglandins

One of the first things that drew me to this serum is its commitment to clean, vegan, and cruelty-free beauty. It’s free from prostaglandin analogues (found in many lash serums), as well as sulfates, parabens, gluten, and synthetic fragrance. That’s a rare and welcome combination, especially for those of us with mature or sensitive eyes.

Unlike many lash growth serums that rely on prostaglandins or prostaglandin analogs — hormone-like ingredients originally used in glaucoma treatments — Sweed Pro Eyelash Serum is completely free from these compounds. That matters because prostaglandin-based formulas have been linked to unwanted side effects such as darkening of the eyelid skin and iris, periorbital fat loss (which can create a sunken-eye look), eye irritation, and even eyelid drooping or unwanted facial hair growth where the product migrates.

Sweed takes a gentler approach, using nourishing, non-irritating peptides and botanicals to support healthier-looking, longer lashes—without the hormone disruption or high-risk side effects.

Created by a Makeup Artist Who Understands Real Results

Sweed’s founder, Gabriella Elio, is a professional makeup artist with over two decades of experience. She designed her line to reflect the clean, performance-driven simplicity of Scandinavian beauty, and that’s exactly what this serum delivers. It's surprisingly effective, especially compared to the other prostaglandin-free lash serums I have tried.

It's a bit hard to tell with my stick-straight lashes and deeply hooded eyes, but my eyelashes are so much longer and fuller and don't break as easily after using the Sweed Pro Eyelash Serum for 2 months

What I Noticed

After about three weeks of consistent nightly use, I began noticing a difference in my lashes. They looked a bit fuller and I noticed fewer lashes falling out. By the four-week mark, I could see a real improvement in overall density and health. After six weeks, I was really impressed with how long, full, and strong my lashes were becoming.

There was no redness, no irritation, no stinging—and that’s saying something, because my eyes can be quite sensitive.

Although my mascara didn't cooperate when I took these photos, you can see how long and full my normally short, sparse lashes have become after using Sweed Pro Eyelash Serum nightly for two months

What’s Inside

The Sweed Pro Eyelash Serum formula is packed with thoughtful, lash-loving ingredients:

Peptides to support healthy lash growth
Biotin to strengthen and help prevent breakage
Pumpkin seed extract to nourish and add shine
Vegan keratin to reinforce and protect
Hyaluronic acid for deep hydration
Panthenol (Vitamin B5) to improve flexibility and softness

Each ingredient plays a supportive role in extending the growth phase of your lashes while conditioning and protecting them along the way.

How to Use Sweed Pro Eyelash Serum

It’s very easy to use. After cleansing at night, just apply a thin line of the serum right along the upper lash line, as if it were liquid eyeliner. This eyelash serum dries quickly, and after a couple of minutes you can apply the rest of your evening skincare routine.

After achieving noticeable results, you can scale back to using it two to three times a week for maintenance. And if you’re like me and have a few sparse spots in your brows, you can apply the serum there too, although Sweed also makes a great brow serum.

Packaging & Price

I love the pretty turquoise packaging of this lash growth serum, which is available in a choice of two sizes:

3 ml for $55
5 ml for $80

The 3 ml size should last about 3 months and the 5 ml size should last about 5 months. That averages $16–$18 a month for fuller, longer, stronger lashes.

Final Thoughts

SWEED - Eyelash Growth Serum | Lengthens with Peptides, Biotin, Pumpkin Seed Oil + Keratin | Prostaglandin-Free | Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Clean Beauty (0.17 fl oz | 5 ml)

Sweed Pro Eyelash Serum strikes that rare balance of being gentle enough for daily use while actually delivering results. It’s a clean, vegan lash enhancer created by a professional who understands performance and simplicity.

If you’re looking to improve the fullness and health of your natural lashes without irritation or compromise, I truly believe this is one of the best clean formulas out there.

A Prostaglandin-Free Lash Growth Serum for Longer, Stronger Eyelashes by Margaret Schindel

Monday, May 19, 2025

Reviewing the Primo Portable Water Dispenser

Clean drinking water is important and I have learned that having more than one source of drinking water is necessary. The Primo Portable Water Dispenser is an excellent water solution in a variety of situations. I wish I had made this inexpensive purchase years ago.

Water is Life

Primo Portable Water Dispenser

I wish I had known about the Primo Portable Water Dispenser before now. It is a small hand pump that fits on 5 and 3 gallon water jugs. Once attached to the jug, you merely depress the pump, pressing it down repeatedly to fill your glass, coffee pot, or other container. I do not understand the technology, but I can tell that it is somehow pressurized so that it pumps out a good bit of water each time I depress the top.

I purchased my Primo water dispenser at a local big box store. And the pump included a coupon for a free 5 gallon water. There are also a large variety of water pumps (brands and styles) on Amazon.

These 5 and 3 gallon jugs are available in many locations for purchase or refill. I had no idea that refill stations were so easily accessible in many grocery and big box stores. If you prefer, delivery services are available in many areas; including my remote area.

Situations in Which Portable Water is Helpful

It seems that situations where potable water is necessary have increased. I can recall many examples that potable water is needed. In urban areas, water supplies are interrupted due to broken mains, lead discovery in older plumbing, and problems at the treatment facilities. During disasters (hurricanes, flooding, and wildfires) water donations are the immediate need. And outside of these situations, the Primo water dispenser is an excellent, everyday water source.

Picnics, camping
sporting events, tailgating
reunions
large gatherings
state of emergency disasters
every day household clean water needs
contaminated public water, "boil water" alerts
environmental concerns; eliminating multiple, single-use bottles
lead contamination in older buildings and water systems

Related Links:

Primo official website
Large variety of water dispensers on Amazon: simple portable pumps, counter-top crocks, and heated/cooled water coolers.

My Personal Water Needs

On my homestead, I have a cistern that holds my water supply. I am unable to put a well in due to being on top of the ridge. I use a large water tank in the back of my truck to transport that water from the town water system. That town water is treated, so I have used my water from the cistern for drinking as well as all of the other water needs I have.

Several of my neighbors use rain catchment as their water source. I have always planned on using rain catchment to supplement my water but it wasn't something I had at the top of my list. Until recently. Now that I have moved rain catchment to the top of my list, I am not confident in my knowledge about making or keeping that rain water clean and potable.

I had a friend who lived on an off-grid homestead in Arizona and she used a ceramic crock and stand for her water jugs. It was a beautiful water stand. I had considered one of those. But I thought that picking up the jug and turning it upside-down at countertop height would be difficult for me.

I knew that I didn't want a large water dispenser that uses electricity since I have limited space and occasional power outages. If I wanted cold water, I could dispense a pitcher full and put that in the refrigerator. So I decided to give the Primo Portable Water Dispenser a try. And I'm glad I did. I am able to lift the 5 gallon jug onto the counter since I don't have to flip it upside down.

The first time I attached the pump to the water jug, I had a bit of trouble. I hadn't turned the ring on the pump open far enough to attach. Once I figured out that small glitch, attaching the pump was super easy. The pump comes with an additional ring for screw-top jugs. This pump should fit any brand of 5 or 3 gallon bottle.

I am very glad that I have a potable water source, that doesn't require the many wasted small water bottles, until I have become confident in my rain catchment skills. Even if you are not in a homesteading or rain catchment situation, the Primo Portable Water Dispenser is an excellent, inexpensive item to have.

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Friday, May 16, 2025

Bissell Pro Power Shot Oxy Carpet Spot Cleaner Reviewed

Recently, my husband cleaned our bedroom carpet with the Hoover Smart Wash Automatic Carpet Cleaner that Sam Monaco previously reviewed. It looked so good when he finished, that I wished the rest of the carpet in our home was just as clean. I wasn't about to ask my husband to do that job, so I went in search of a good spot cleaner for the other rooms.

I have tried cleaning a few irritating ugly spots several times in the past with pet stain cleaner, which I always have on hand. Coffee and food stains simply could not be "erased" by the pet stain cleaner.

After reading a lot of product reviews, I opted for the Bissell Pro Oxy Power Shot cleaner. I was very impressed! It actually cleaned one spot that was at least 6 years old that I have never been able to remove with anything else. I've gotten so frustrated with that one spot in the past, that I have actually considered replacing the carpet just to get rid of it. I suspect it was coffee or cola, but no one living in our home seemed to know its origin, which means it was probably something a guest dropped/dripped/spilled. The Bissell Pro cleaner also removed all of the other little spattered drips and spots, but I was especially impressed with it removing the older spot that I was convinced would outlive me.

It is really nice now to be able to walk into that room and not have my eyes immediately drawn to the one "blemish" on the otherwise clean carpet.

Bissell Professional Power Shop Oxy Carpet Spot Cleaner

Bissell Professional Power Shot Oxy Carpet Spot Stain RemoverCheck Price This is by far the best spot carpet cleaner I have ever used. It does have a strong smell when spraying, but that chemical odor fades quickly. I also wore disposable gloves, just as I do when working with any chemical product or cleaner.

It is very easy to use. Just as the name implies, it has a high pressure stream of cleaner that you simply spray on the spot, let is sit for one minute and then blot with a clean, white cloth. I keep inexpensive white wash clothes on-hand that I don't mind throwing away just for cleaning with chemicals, but I actually used a wade of white, ink-free, paper towels to blot the spots I cleaned on the carpet.

Hopefully, I won't need to use the spot cleaner often, but it is definitely nice to have it on-hand to use immediately when needed. I never want another spot that irritates me for years.

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Tshirt from Zazzle, Review

I was going to write about a different shirt that I have from Zazzle, but found out that it is no longer available. Zazzle does change their brands of tshirts from time to time. Instead of writing about the two that I have had for years, I am writing about a recent purchase, but I do expect the same quality performance.

The one thing about ordering shirts from Zazzle, is that they don't really have a teen section, sizes go from kids to adults, and some of their shirts are marked as slim. If I was ordering a shirt from Zazzle, I would go a size or two larger when wanting it to be sized for adults. I would definitely go two sizes larger if the description says Slim, so be sure to read the description before ordering.

Other than the sizing thing, I am quite pleased with my tshirt. I already knew to order a larger size. I also wanted a soft fabric, so I got a cotton tri-blend.

All of the apparel items that I have purchased from Zazzle have been printed well. I have learned to order the white or pastel colors when ordering printed tshirts. That way the coloring is printed into the fabric, giving it a soft look and feel.

To get a truer color on dark colored shirts, one would usually have to order with a white underbase printed under the design. This gives the design a brighter and more vibrant look, but also has a rougher and more solid texture to the actual design area. Some people are okay with this, so this is a matter of preference. Some, somewhat darker colored shirts are offered without the white underbase. Customers can click on the various options to see which type of print they prefer.

I have also ordered a hooded sweatshirt from Zazzle, and have had that for many years. It has held up through numerous washings.

My experience with washing instructions have been pretty routine, i.e. washing in cool water, only use non-chlorine bleach, tumble dry low, and don't dry clean.

You can check out the shirt that I'm wearing above, by using this link that goes to my CherylsArt store on Zazzle. This one is for the cotton tri-blend.

This is a bigger picture link, and it is for a Slim style, not the one I'm wearing in the above picture.

I paint artist palette tshirt
by CherylsArt

Whichever link you use, you can look around at other options from the various menus on Zazzle.

Cheryl Paton

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Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Reviewing Benefits And Features Of Talking Clocks

Since my husband was diagnosed as severe sight impaired -blind, we have been exploring technology and devices that may help him. One of these we were advised to look into is a talking clock.

This simple device is designed to audibly announce the time, and the date. For the model we have you simply press the top once for the time and keep it held down for the date to be announced as well.

It is of course very useful for anyone who has sight loss. However we have found it is also useful for me when I quickly want to know the time and date and through learning more about them I realised they can be very beneficial for many other people as well.

In this article we will be using the terms severe sight impaired, blind, low vision, partially sighted and sight loss as these are the current acceptable terms in my country for people with sight loss. This may change over time and be different in different countries. No offence is intended by any of these terms.

Empowering People With Sight Loss

For people who experience sight loss whether they are severe sight impaired or have low vision, checking the time can be a significant challenge and not being able to tell the time by yourself can be a real curb on independence.

Prior to getting the talking clock my husband had to ask me the time whenever he wanted to know. This immediately made him feel less independent and for me it was not always convenient. For my husband it was a constant reminder of his sight loss that he had to ask a sighted person whenever he needed or wanted to know the time.

Traditional clocks rely on us being able to read the numbers or roman numerals often at a distance. Some are very difficult to see if they have patterns or pictures and different colours. People with any degree of sight loss will have different needs and preferences.

My husband needs very clear bold black numbers on a white background with zero distractions and it needs to be very large. The clock would also need to be free from sunlight or glare hitting it, yet bright enough so he can make out the numbers. This is not always possible and we quickly realised it would be difficult to site such a large clock and give it the correct site to make it possible for him to read it.

The talking clock eliminates this barrier completely by providing a clear, spoken announcement of the time with the press of a button or depending on the clock also the date or even via scheduled verbal alerts.

A talking clock can really help towards independence, allowing people with sight loss of varying degrees to manage their daily routines without needing assistance from a sighted person.

You can choose a basic talking clock that can help you by simply telling the time and knowing the correct date, or more advanced models. Either way a talking clock gives a much higher level of independence.

Extra Large Talking Button Clock - for The Blind, Elderly or Visually impairedCheck Price

Some talking clocks do not have any readable indicators while others may have a digital reading of date, time etc in large text. It all depends on what you personally need and find useful.

The advanced models can do many tasks and have different features. I have listed some features here to give you an idea of what can be available.

Tell the time
Tell the date.
Set alarms
Organise appointment and social dates
Birthday and special day reminders
Chime on the hour
Reminders to take medication
Different levels of brightness on the display
Customisable themes.
Customisable language
Lighting differentiates time zones during the day/night
Temperature readouts
Activated by voice controlled commands.
Some with no visual display, others with large size and contrasting visual displays

Talking Clock showing large black button on white contrast

Black and white contrast talking clock showing large button to activate

Who Else Could Benefit From A Talking Clock?

Clearly a talking clock can assist people with a visual impairment. However it does not stop there.

It got me thinking who else may benefit from a talking clock and I believe it may help older people who might have difficulty reading clock faces from a distance, perhaps even young children who need to know the time and have not yet reliably learned to read a clock face or digital clocks.

They would be a useful aid for people who cannot learn to tell the time on a clock, or for people who through various illnesses, learning difficulties, disabilities, who have memory issues, or dementia find reading a standard clock more challenging.

Additionally, talking clocks might benefit elderly people who may struggle with small text on standard clocks, and the advanced models might assist professionals who need to keep track of their schedule.

Talking clocks simplify timekeeping, and if technology is for anything surely it should be to make our lives a little easier.

【Upgraded】Digtal Clock with Voice-Talking Day and Date for Seniors, 19 Alarms & Custom Reminders, 10-Level Auto Dimmer, Auto DST, 8 Colors Display Clock for Elderly Dementia Alzheimers, with RemoteCheck Price

Talking Clocks Are Convenient

Clearly talking clocks are a useful aid for a person with sight loss. However as we have found they can also be really beneficial to those with out sight loss. We now have several talking clocks around the house in places we regularly walk past and I now find my self using the talking clock much more than the sighted clock!

It is very unobtrusive, ours is a simple black and white device certainly small enough to carry and light. It manages to both blend into the decor and yet be noticeable enough so my husband knows where it is.

Other clocks may have different colours such as blue, red or yellow and be smaller or larger. Many can be placed on a surface and some can be wall mounted. It all depends on what the person prefers.

I especially use it for knowing the date especially if I don't have the computer or TV on. I often don't have the right glasses on to see our wall clocks and it is so convenient to punch the talking clock as I walk past and get the time and date so easily.

You can buy talking clocks that are very simple and so easy to use with just the time and date or you can get advanced ones with a multitude of features and tasks.

It has become a normal way to tell the time in our house. We didn't plan it this way but it does make my husband feel better that we just use his talking clock as a normal device, rather than just his special device to tell the time.

ORKA Talking Clock. Voice Recordable Ex Large Medication Pill Reminder. Talking Alarm Clock for Dementia, Hearing, Visually impaired Seniors-Digital Day Clock with Multiple Customized Alarms WhiteCheck Price

Aspects Of Talking Clocks To Be Aware About.

While I think generally they are a huge benefit, there are a few things to be aware of.

Talking clocks can be run on batteries or plugged into electricity points, both have their good and bad points. We have the ones run on batteries and felt these were more portable, so that they can be taken into different rooms and taken with us on holiday. Clearly we need to make sure we always have a stock of replacement batteries either single use or ideally rechargeable.

If we had an electric model it could be plugged in around the house without the need or worry to keep a stock of batteries handy. However, there is always the risk that in the event of a power cut or power outage it of course would not work. It is important if buying an electrical one to ensure that the features and time automatically reset after a power cut or outage is over.

The solution is probably to have one of each, some of the electric models seem to carry more features, yet the battery ones are simpler, easy to use and more portable.

By the very fact the talking clock is a fairly loud announcement of the time, it is impossible to privately check the time! So for example if you just wanted to check the time to see if guests ought to be leaving or a meeting has gone on too long, it is really a public announcement. They are not ideal in situations where discretion is required!

A talking clock can take a little time to get used to. At first my husband did keep asking me the time and I reminded him to use the talking clock, after a few days or weeks it is just a normal habit.

The fact it is an audible time check can be disturbing if there are others in the house having quiet time or sleeping.

It may be more disruptive if there are several people in the house, who may not want to know the time in this way and might find it disturbing.

While it is loud enough, if the environment was noisy or lots of people were talking or music playing it might be more difficult to clearly hear it.

You need to choose the clock voice that works best for you. It all depends on the model if you can customise the voice and some of the voices might not suit you. Some voices are clearer and more calm than others. So it is worth checking which voice the model uses and if you are able to customise it.

GOLOZA 7'' Digital Calendar Clock, Talking Clock with 10 Volumes, 6 Display with 10 Color Modes, Auto Dimmable, Alarms & Birthday & Holiday Reminders, 3 Pill Reminders Clocks for Kids Adults SeniorsCheck Price

We both feel the positives far outweigh any negatives and now would not be without it. We agreed at the outset of my husbands diagnosis of severe sight impaired that we would do everything possible to maintain his personal autonomy and independence. This little device of a talking clock has certainly been very helpful in this respect.

Advancements in Talking Clock Technology

Our talking clocks are models that tell the time and date and can be used to set an alarm. At the present we are happy with these features but there are models that can do much more.

There are a range of talking clocks now from the basic time and date clock to ones which integrate with smart devices and use Artificial Intelligence.

Some have customised features or a choice of features and languages. As mentioned previously there are talking clocks which also set date reminders, medicine reminders and alarms.

Of course there are also talking watches which is on our wish list for something else to help my husband.

Technology is advancing and if it can assist in keeping people more independent for as long as possible that is a positive.

I think a talking clock would make a very thoughtful gift for anyone who is finding it difficult to see or read a standard clock.

It might seem a small thing, many of us take for granted until we cannot do it, but being able to tell the time and date by yourself is a huge deal for self esteem and independence.

As the talking clock technology evolves I think it will become increasingly useful and versatile, not only for people who are sight impaired, but for many people.

Read More Product Reviews on ReviewThisProducts.com

Reviewing Sensory Garden For A Person with Sight Loss Part One

Reviewing Sensory Garden For A Person With Sight Loss Part Two

Reviewing Benefits And Features Of Talking Clocks by Raintree Annie

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Monday, May 12, 2025

EZ Straw Seeding With Tack Review

Time to plant grass! Along with the topsoil and fresh seed is what I have termed my secret weapon to ensure the grass seed does not wander and to help the grass seeds thrive. EZ Straw Seeding With Tack is a necessity in this yard to give grass seeds the best chance at sprouting!

Birds and wind are the enemies when attempting to grow grass! I will add torrential downpours to the list as well. There is nothing more frustrating to put down grass seed only to see a flock of birds descend for fresh treats! Or a gale force wind descends to blow around the seed! And my favorite is when the weather forecast is incorrect and the sprinkles of rain are actually a downpour and watch your grass seed turn into mud puddles.

The above scenarios are where the EZ Straw Seeding excels to help your grass seed stay put! The straw with the tack adds a layer of protection over the seed as well as helping protect the seed and keep the seed moist under the straw.

Spring And Fall Grass Growing

In the north we have two short windows to grow grass or actually three (see below.) The easiest months to grow grass are in Spring And Fall. Summer is possible of course, but high temps and sun require much more frequent watering and maintenance. I usually use one layer of EZ Straw after the initial grass seed planting and then a second lighter layer of of seed and straw about 10 days later. to refresh areas where hay has degraded or grass seed has failed. If all has gone well after a week to 10 days I will see grass sprouting!

Dormant Seeding

I will add this method of growing grass as the third window of opportunity; however, the actual timing of putting down the seed varies per locale. In my area this time tends to be mid to late October which is before the ground is frozen and before the first snow.

Seed and hay are laid right before the first snow as in the weather is watched and if snow is predicted the time is the day prior to lay the seed and hay. If all goes well you are rewarded with early grass sprouts the next Spring! I have succeeded with this method which gives the area a nice head start come Spring before the weather cooperates to lay new seed and hay.

Delivers As Promised

Always nice to have a product deliver as promised. The packaging of the hay is in a compressed square is not reflective of the amount in the square once the package is opened. Chances are for overseeding and spot repair there will be more than enough to last for two seasons.

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Wednesday, May 7, 2025

This Back Massager With Heat Makes a Fantastic Gift

The self-heating mug I reviewed recently isn’t the only thoughtful gift my husband got me for my birthday last month. He also gave me a wonderful shiatsu-style electric back massager with heat to help with my chronic stiff neck and back pain. It really helps work out the knots in minutes!

I haven't stopped using this heated back massager since I received it, so I am anxious to share my product review with others who might benefit from it or who might want to give one as a gift.

The Boriwat Back Massager with Heat

The Boriwat Back Massager with Heat is a versatile, affordable aid designed to deliver relief from muscle tension, pain, and stress. Combining deep-tissue shiatsu-like kneading with soothing heat and customizable settings, this massager offers a convenient solution for anyone seeking relaxation at home, at work, or on the go. I love that it can be used to massage not only my upper and lower back (depending on which way I orient it) but also my neck, where I also carry a lot of tension, by lying down on it.

I use my back massager with heat in bed, at my desk, in my living room, and in the car. I can lay against it or on top of it, depending on the position that best suits my needs.

Key Features & Specifications

Dual Heating Zones and Heat Levels: This device features two built-in heating zones for warmth on both the back and the neck (the two places I carry my stress). It also offers two adjustable heat levels, low (104°F) and high (113°F), to help loosen tight muscles and improve blood circulation.
Heat Can Be Turned Off: While I love the heat for soothing sore muscles and knots, it's nice that it can be turned off during warmer weather.
3D Shiatsu Massage Nodes: Four rotating, bi-directional massage nodes mimic the sensation of a real massage therapist’s hands, delivering a deep-kneading experience that targets tight or sore areas.

Helpful tip: The nodes are quite firm, and if my muscles are really tight and sore, I sometimes put a sheet of 1/2-inch open cell upholstery foam (I bought mine at a fabric store) in between my back or neck and the massager.
Adjustable Intensity: With three levels of intensity (low, medium, and high), you can tailor the massage to match your individual comfort and pain relief needs.
Ergonomic Design: Larger than most standard massage pillows, this massager measures approximately 15" x 13", providing better coverage and a more ergonomic fit for the back, neck, shoulders, and even thighs.
Remote Control Operation: A simple wired remote lets you switch the heat and massage settings easily just by pressing each button repeatedly to rotate through the settings without having to reposition the massager.
Safety Features: It includes a 15-minute auto shut-off timer.
Portable and Travel-Friendly: Comes with both an AC wall adapter and a car adapter, making it ideal for use while commuting or traveling.

Boriwat back massager with heat remote control

The remote control is simple and intuitive

Pros

Effective Pain Relief: I have found that this heated massager provides significant relief from chronic back and neck pain thanks to the combination of strong kneading pressure and heat therapy.
Multi-Purpose: Its shape and flexibility make it suitable not just for the back, but also for the neck, shoulders, thighs, and calves.
Easy to Use: The intuitive controls and included adapters make it easy to use and incorporate into a daily routine, if desired.
Affordable: Compared to other massage devices with similar features, the Boriwat massager is competitively priced. At the time of this review's publication, it was on a terrific limited-time deal that brought the price down from $89.99 to just $39.99 — a 56% savings! A fantastic time to buy one.

Cons

Potential Longevity Issues: As with many electronic devices, there are occasional reports of the unit wearing out or malfunctioning after several months of frequent use. I have not owned mine long enough yet to comment on its longevity, but the many 5-star reviews suggest that this is not a common issue.

Makes a Great Gift

Boriwat Back Massager with Heat, Neck Massager for Pain Relief Deep Tissue, 3D Kneading Massage Pillow for Back, Neck, Shoulder, Legs, Gifts for Women Men Mom Dad

The Boriwat Back Massager with Heat can be a worthwhile addition to your wellness routine, whether you're dealing with tension after a long day or managing chronic discomfort. It's an excellent value for the price and provides effective relief for sore, tight muscles. It is easy to use, and can be taken almost anywhere, thanks to its included car travel adapter that fits into your car's cigarette lighter socket. It would make a much appreciated gift for anyone looking to relax and relieve pain from the comfort of their home or while traveling. If you can grab one for just $39.99 during the limited-time deal, you'll be getting a terrific bargain!

This Back Massager With Heat Makes a Fantastic Gift by Margaret Schindel

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Reviewing Comvita Propolis Extract

Comvita Propolis Extract

I'm been using Comvita Propolis Extract for over 30 years now, let me tell you how and why I use it.

I first came across Comvita propolis products when I was living in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand (Comvita's home was about 45 minutes away from my home). I managed one of the largest health stores in New Zealand for approximately 10 years and as well as Comvita being a great brand (they now are a certified B Corporation which is hardly surprising as they have worked in harmony with nature since they began in the mid 1970s) they were also local so, of course we supported them.

Their most popular products back then were their propolis lozenges, which we had in bulk bins and had problems keeping stocked up especially in winter, and their mauka honey which is what they received international recognition for. My favourite product, however, was their propolis extract.

Propolis is what the bees use to protect the hive and keep it healthy as it helps to resist bacteria and I remember being in a training seminar and having someone tell us how amazing it was for sore throats.

What I was told to do was to put 2-3 drops of propolis extract into a little warm water, swirl it around and then gargle and swallow. The use of the warm water and the gargling were to help with the sore throat and the swallowing helped to make sure it didn't develop into anything worse.

I brought some and tried it out and it worked! I continued to use it up until a couple of years ago when I ran out and for some reason I didn't get anymore (pre-Covid I had stocked up when I went to New Zealand, but I hadn't been back since 2019). I decided to look online last month with a view to buying some online and found a local pharmacy stocked it so now I'm just waiting for a sore throat!

Why Does Propolis Work on Sore Throats?

Although propolis can be used for a lot more than just sore throats, this is the traditional use for it. It works because:

Propolis is antibacterial and antiviral so will help to fight infections (a very good reason for swallowing!).
Propolis is anti-inflammatory - it reduces swelling and this is also why it was recommended to use warm (NOT hot water) as it was supposed to also help with the inflammation.
Propolis has a slight anesthetic property which is probably why it's recommended to gargle with it in order to numb the irritation slightly.

You can use it twice a day for sore throats, but I've never used it more than once a day - I actually have never needed to as it's always worked the first time.

What Else Can Propolis Do?

When I brought my recent bottle of propolis extract here in Australia, the packaging was slightly different and there was no mention of sore throats instead it only mentioned mouth ulcers, general well being and topical use. This sent me to look at what it's recommended for elsewhere around the globe.

Note: Personally I have only taken this for sore throats and I believe it has kept some colds and flus away as well.

Oral Health - apparently it's very good at fighting the bacteria that causes plaque, gingivitis and bad breath. As I mentioned in Australia it's recommended for mouth ulcers. For these things it's recommended to use as a mouth wash.

Immune Support - As it also contains flavonoids and phenolic acids that stimulate the immune system it's believed to reduce the duration and severity of colds and flue. Some people also use it preventatively, especially during seasonal changes. In this case it is recommended to use 1/2 tsp in 30 ml warm water once a day.

Wound Healing - topically it is supposed to promote skin regeneration and reduce the risk of infection and is recommended on minor cuts, burns and cold sores. In this case they recommend apply 1/2 tsp to the dressing and cover the wound.

I have also seen that there has been some early research to suggest it may protect the gut lining and help with digestive health. There is also some talk about it helping to reduce oxidative stress and mentions it being very useful for people with inflammatory conditions.

A Consideration

If you are allergic to bees, pollen or honey then propolis could cause an allergic reaction. I personally would not recommend trying it in this instance as there are other products you could try which wouldn't put you at risk of a reaction.

Have you heard of propolis extract? Is it something you'd think of keeping on hand? Once I open a bottle of the extract I actually keep mind in the box (so that it's dark) and in the fridge (as it should be stored below 30 C which isn't always possible in my house!). It lasts for a few years and in my opinion is a great investment.

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Monday, May 5, 2025

Reviewing an Attractive Option for Small Space, Indoor Plant Grow Lights

I have added another tool to my indoor plant garden that has been very helpful. I have a small home and limited space for the amount of plants and seed-starting that I would love to grow. I need a few tools that work very well rather than large or mediocre systems. My newest addition, a gooseneck, table lamp style grow light is good-looking, adjustable to fit in a variety of spaces, and my pepper starts are growing great with it.

In 2023, I wrote a review about LED light bulbs that were very helpful for starting and growing plants in my window garden. They are effective. I use an open shelf for the plants and hang the bulbs from the top racks. I can choose the strength and color of the bulbs to suit the plants and I can adjust the height by loosening or tightening the cords. Imagine a pendant light that hangs from the ceiling and you can choose the height above your work space. These bulbs and cords are very effective but not very pretty to look at.

I have added another light to aid my plants inside. It is the gooseneck, table lamp style. I like that I can set it on a flat surface then move the four light arms, in any direction, to light a specific plant. I ordered the four light, SYEIORAOM brand light. They also have a 6-light version. And there many different brands to choose from; including versions that have a shelf clamp rather than a table lamp base.

The site advertises the SYEIORAOM adjustable gooseneck LED light as:

LED grow light with full spectrum, Red White light
72 LED light beads
Telescopic pole; adjusts height
flexible goose neck that can bend and adjust 306 degrees
59" long power cord with a convenient on/off toggle switch
attractive modern style

This table-top lamp is more attractive than my hanging bulbs. It would be attractive on someone's desk at work, in a dorm room, or on a countertop herb garden. I have used this for 3 solid months and I have a planter of pepper plants are that healthy, and happy soaking up the light.

Previous Reviews:

Single Bulb LED Lights: I wrote about the hanging grow bulbs. I continue to use them due to their effectiveness. You can see that review here.

Text and Photo of Miracle LED grow lights

Miracle LED Grow Lite Bulbs

Hydroponics for Small Spaces: I also wrote about my recent first experience with a small hydroponics system. I am sorry that I waited so long to try this growing system in my small space. I had fresh salad greens during cold months and now I'm using it to start seeds that will be transplanted outside. You can read my reviews of that hydroponics system here: