Cold Winter Must Haves

Every once in a while, I’m asked to review items from different companies. I don’t always like to do straight reviews because that’s not what this blog is about. That said, I love sharing things that I have found that make my life better in some way. The thing is, I like to write a story around the products so that the reviews fit in more with the style of this space. Sometimes though, I just can’t think of a cute antectode or experiential story to tell for some of the products that I’m asked to review. So they get used  and I keep trying to work them in, but I can’t and then I feel guilty for not sharing. Well, today I realized there are two that might not have a story, but they’ve gotten a lot of play around this house, especially in this cold weather.  I’m just going to share two of those products without any cute little story to go with it. The fact is, I’ve gotten these two, seemingly unrelated things, and I’ve used the heck out of them. So now I want to share them with you.

1. Puffs Fresh Faces: Here is what Puffs says about these nifty little buggers “Saline can be used to clean and soothe nasal cavities, dissolve mucus, refresh and moisturize skin, and reduce puffiness. Patented and uniquely formulated with saline, aloe and Vitamin E, Puffs Fresh Faces are designed to help you clean up anything the day can throw at your face”.  Here is what I have to say: these little “wet wipes” are a lifesaver. We tried the ones designed for colds, with a scent of Vicks,  when all of us were sniffling and snotting all over the place. Not only do they make you feel cleaner than a regular tissue, they feel good on your skin. I used the lavender ones for those moments where there is only time to, ahem, freshen up. They smell great, aren’t too soggy like some body wipes can be and they get the post-long-walk-pre-work-meeting-clean-up job done like none other. They are meant for your face but I’m paranoid about what I use on my face so I didn’t regularly use them but I will say I tried them a few times and no averse reactions, plus they are gentle yet somehow manage to take off eye-makeup so pretty cool. We also have a box in the car for sticky fingers, faces, or anything else three kids can make sticky. They come in a box not a pouch so they don’t dry out as quickly as other wipes have in the past.

2. Numi Organic Tea Chocolate Puerh:When this was pitched to me, they said it could be a replacement for all that sugary-fatty hot chocolate. I’m going to have to cry foul on that one. This is no replacement for sugary-fatty hot chocolate. However, I am a woman of a certain age now, so mugs of sugary, fatty hot chocolate are not in my daily routine. That doesn’t mean that I don’t crave chocolate or at the very least something warm and sweet now and again and this tea is exactly what the doctor for your 40s ordered. It’s a combo of black tea and organic coca with vanilla bean, orange peel and a little cinnamon and nutmeg finish. In short, it’s delicious and satisfies the craving for something that’s warm but not coffee and has a bit more depth than a regular cup of tea. We’ll keep the Numi around for all the snowy winter days to come.

There you have it. What’s making these long, cold days a little brighter in this house. Numi Tea and Puffs Fresh Faces. The air may be cold,  but our skin and spirits are warm.

** Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate and the link to the Numi tea is an Amazon link. I was given samples of both products to sample for review. All opinions are my own.