Things I Love Thursday Coffee and Car Zen Edition

Happy spring! This winter flew by and I can’t believe that Easter is right around the corner. I started a new job in February at a PR firm here in Nashville and life is busy as always but I have been trying to update my blog as often as I can.

Here are a few things I am loving these days that I was sent to review over the past few months (but under no obligation…these all sounded great for our busy household) as well as some items I’ve researched and purchased on my own that are rockin’ my world.

First off, let’s kick off with my morning love language – coffee.

Hamilton Beach BrewStation

When our old coffee maker started leaking (or I killed it…there’s a story here that involves a hanging basket full of keys falling on it and cracking the top), I started looking for a new machine for the new year. I ended up buying this Hamilton Beach BrewStation with an Amazon credit from the holidays and I love it. It got great reviews on Consumer Reports and Amazon and I love that I don’t have a coffee pot to wash! It also makes iced coffee, which I have not yet tried but I will love this summer I’m sure. It features auto shutoff which is a must for my addled brain, as well as a setting for how long you want the coffee to stay warm.

bamboo paper towels

Eco-Friendly Tree Free Paper Products from Caboo

I’m not always that great at purchasing eco-friendly products so when I was contacted to test out some paper free products from Caboo I was interested in seeing how they compared to my usual big box store paper brands. Caboo products include bath tissue, napkins and towels and are totally tree free because the main ingredient is bamboo. My favorite products were the paper towels, paper napkins and tissue.

Dew Puff asian sponge

Dew Puff Konjac Sponges

When it comes to skincare I am always excited to try new products, especially ones for my 40-something skin type. Dew Puff face and body cleansing natural sponges are 100% plant-based made solely from konjac root, also known as elephant yam or kon-nyaku in Japanese. When hydrated, these natural sponges become exceptionally soft, yet gently exfoliating, while creating a perfect pH balance on the surface of the skin. Regular use brightens and evens your skin tone without irritation. My skin has been very dry all winter and I loved the exfoliating properties of the clay sponge, which is perfect for aging skin. I also used the regular sponge on my body and my teenager used the charcoal sponge for her face. You can purchase these directly from Dew Puff’s website or Amazon. With normal twice daily use they last about three months and you can use them alone or with your favorite cleanser! The Dew Puff website has a great FAQ page with interesting information on the origin of these sponges.

essential oil diffuser for cars

Invigorate Essential Oil Diffuser for Your Car

I’m just starting to get familiar with all the amazing benefits and properties of essential oils. I regularly diffuse oils in our house so when I was contacted to try a diffuser for my car I was excited to try it. I need all the Zen I can muster while commuting to and from work. Invigorate brand’s essential oil diffuser can also be used as a traditional charger for your iPhone by simply removing the outer cap. It came with a bottle of lavender essential oil which is the perfect antidote for random road rage. Diffusing oils in your car won’t make traffic disappear, but they do help keep your car smelling fresh and clean and depending on what oil you diffuse you’ll lighten the mood despite hitting all the red lights. The diffuser comes with tiny insertable sponges that you use to absorb the oil and a small drop lasts a long time. This is one of those fun gadgets that makes a great gift for someone who has everything.

organic body spray

Purequosa Organic Body Spray 

This organic body spray from Purequosa is perfect for those busy days you are running errands, running into work, working out quickly on a break, walking your dog…in other words, pretty much every day! This on the go spray in a refreshing and very clean and pleasant Rain scent has ingredients like cucumber, aloe and tea tree. It’s also safe for cleaning your yoga mat or for other workout equipment. (EDITED TO ADD): My teenage daughter went on a mission trip to Mexico in June and packed the Purequosa as she was working all day with kids and also on a construction project and not always able to shower as frequently as at home. It worked great!

 

 

whitening toothpaste

Colgate Radiant Optic White Platinum Toothpaste

I drink a lot of coffee and red wine so I tend to buy toothpaste that helps whiten my teeth. Many of these products end up causing my teeth to be quite sensitive, however. Colgate’s new Radiant Optic White Platinum Toothpaste is gentle enough to use every day and I can still see results. I would definitely recommend it! Comes in a great mint flavor.

 

Disclosure – Some Amazon affiliate links used.

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