Dr. Kay's Night Splint Brace for Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinopathy Review

I received this night splint brace in exchange for my review but the opinions are entirely my own.  

Dr Kay's Night Splint Brace for Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinopathy

My Mr Man has had terrible pain from his Achilles tendon and will wake up in pain that when he gets up in the morning the first part of the day is painful walking around.  I was excited to get to let him try out this night splint brace to see if it would help.   

The brace is easy to put on. Dr Kay's Night Splint Brace for Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinopathy can be used on either foot.  The straps are all adjustable and the brace can be made to fit exactly with the Velcro.  There is also padding to keep any of the scratchy Velcro parts from scratching and irritating you.  I tried on the brace myself and found it to be easy to put on and adjust.  Walking around was not difficult as there is a non-skid footing on the bottom.  The padding is in just the right places so the brace is as comfortable as a foot brace can be.  The adjustment period for getting used to the brace seemed minimal for pre-sleeping use.  The straps are also adjustable for the amount of stretching and flexion you want to have our foot in at night.  We found this to be one of the best advantages to this night splint brace.  It is not overly bulky like some splints are so you do get a degree of flexibility when using it at night.  Of course I am not the person with the foot issues so I will get back to the actual review and results.

The biggest drawback in the brace is getting used to sleeping with a foot brace on.  But I feel that this is about the same issue you would have if you were in a full boot or cast.  The only differences that this is  more voluntary.  Mr Man said that there was not any pinching when turning in bed to get comfortable for sleep.  He thought it did not get really hot at night during sleep so he did not have a heavy sweaty leg in the morning.  (apparently this is normal with casts and heavy braces).  So I asked after the first night how his foot felt right after getting up.  He said that the pain in the initial first few steps was defiantly lowered.  Over the course of several weeks he adjusted it a bit to find the amount of flexion that stretched his Achilles tendon without causing irritation while trying to get to sleep.  After finding a good starting point he did mark on the brace where to put the Velcro so he did not have to fiddle with the straps every time.  He did not use it every night to be honest but he did believe that this product did help especially when using several nights in a row.   He does recommend this product if you think you have these issues.  PLEASE keep in mind that neither I nor Mr Man are medical professionals so please visit a doctor if you feel you need to seek medical treatment for Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinopathy.  I think I might try this out myslef to try to stretch out my achilles for yoga.  I have been doing yoga for over 6 years and still can't get my heels on the ground for downward dog.  

Well thank you for reading my review of Dr Kay's Night Splint Brace for Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinopathy.  I hope this can assist you if you suffer from these issues.  If I see results from this brace in my yoga practice I will be sure to lett you all know.  

Thank you for your time and have a great day!  

Winter Crowdtap Review Round-Up!

Well hello there.  I have been busy with travels and work lately.  That and the holidays has kept me from reviews for a while.  But have no fear, I have several items that I have had the opportunity to try out at no cost to myself in exchange for review from Crowdtap and I want tell you all a bout them.

The first items that I want to tell you about are the Kleenex Anti-Viral Tissues.  These are the same tried and true soft and strong Kleenex tissues that you have used forever.  But now they have an added anti-viral agent.  Each tissue is 3 layers so you have the strength to contain the sneezes and runny noses containing germs.  They are still soft!  When I am sick I will go through a box in a couple days and I want to make sure I do not get a sensitive and raw nose when sick.  Because when I am feeling terrible a super sore nose that is raw and chafed is pure misery.  Kleenex Anti-Viral Webpage
The other Kleenex tissue that I got to try from Crowdtap was some Kleenex Tissues with Lotion.  I did not like these growing up, I am usually more of a Soft & Strong Kleenex girl.  Well I don't know why I have shunned them all these years.  These are great for cold dry weather.  These are obviously less multi-use tissues than my regular Kleenex.  But they are soft and comforting on a sore nose.  There is just a hint of lotion that will soothe your nose when it is trying to run off your face or when you leave the room to blow your nose and your friends ask if you saw that elephant when you stepped out...Kleenex with Lotion Webpage
Well be sure to head over to the Kleenex brand website.  You can register with their website and get information on new products, offers, and coupons!



I also recently got to sample and share some of the new Scott brand Tubeless Bathroom Tissues.  Yep, you read that right, Tubeless.  So no cardboard tube to have to toss out(or recycle or craft) and add to the landfill waste.  I like the concept and really did not realize how much waste we create with toilet paper rolls alone.  The United States tosses 17 Billion tubes each year! Every bit of savings really helps.  This YouTube Video really illustrates how the tube waste adds up.  My only wish is that the Scott toilet tissue was a bit softer.  But I really loved the opportunity to try it out.


Another item that I was able to sample was Sweet N'Low sweetener packets.  Yes I was already familiar with the Sweetener. I was to do a sampling party to show off the product.  I am not sure what Sweet N'Low expected to be honest.  I liked that they have recipes to use Sweet N'Low in all sorts of sweet and savory dishes.  I really liked their Pinterest pages.  But I and my co-workers thought it was a bit funny to get little two packets of Sweet N'Low and talk about it when the sweetener basket full of hundreds of Sweet N'Low packets were on the next table.  I did get a super cute canvas bag from them that I use for groceries and got a purse hook that I gave to one of the samplers.

Well I would just like to thank Crowdtap again for the opportunity to give my honest and unbiased opinion to the brands and consumers out there.  Thanks for reading and have a great day!

Summer WOD

Summer Word of the Day

Sunday: Superb

Monday: Sunny

Tuesday: Hot 

Wednesday: Poolside 

Thursday: Beach 

Friday: Shade 

Saturday: Party

FlavFusion Infuser Water Bottle Review

I had the opportunity to receive this FlavFusion infuser bottle in exchange for my review.   Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I use personally and believe will be of good use for my readers.

I have been seeing other people walking around with infuser water bottles lately and this seems to be the new hot item to have while at work, working out, or just out and about.  So I was excited that I got to try the #FlavFusion Infuser Water Bottle!

 I love drinking water but once the temperature starts to drop it is more difficult for me to naturally reach for my glass of plain water.  I quickly received my FlavFusion infuser bottle and after washing it out I got to work on trying it out.  The parts disassemble easily for washing.   I did think the BPA plastic was a bit on the thin side and it is not double walled so it will sweat if using ice water.  I sometimes add one of the powdered flavor enhancers to my water, but I really do not like the dyes and artificial aftertaste that comes with most of those water enhancers.  Plus I  really do not want to risk staining my teeth so I wanted to try it out right away.

#FlavFusion

FlavFusion Infuser Water Bottle.  Purchase HERE

Well the first add in I tried was lemon slices because that what was on hand, I just chopped the lemon, rind and all, into small chunks and dropped them into the white basket.  I like that the infuser basket is in the top of the bottle so when you drink you get water that flows past the fruit and picks up a lot of flavor.  I also tried strawberries and I think that frozen works a bit better than fresh because a frozen berry has expanded and kinda breaks down the berry as it thaws so the flavor can come out.  fresh strawberries are good to, just make sure you cut them in half or quarters to get to the flavor.  I have also liked using some cantaloupe cut up and adding a sprig of mint.  If you add something like mint make sure to place the mint first before the other fruit so it stays on the bottom and does not slow down the suction.  Also if you are using berries you do not want to jam in the fruit to smash it into the infuser basket.  If you do the little seeds and pieces will slip through the vents in the basket.


I did notice that the seal is not airtight so it is not made to be filled and then tossed in a gym bag or backpack so keep that in mind.  I had no problem cleaning the parts.

If you want to try one of these Made In The USA FlavFusion water bottles out yourself you can get it here on Amazon.com and you can get $2 off with code:  9WMNBVTM

 

Konjac Facial Sponge - Original, 100% natural & Eco-friendly Review

#konjacsponge buy it HERE

Maybe I have been living under a rock, but it seems that it was only about 6 months ago everyone started talking about Konjac sponges.  I had read a couple reviews how they are great gentle exfoliating and when I got the chance to try one out myself I jumped at it.  Now I had only seen then sponge in package pictures and for some reason I was picturing it larger.  Really I had pictured some huge car care sponge that is supposed to be mashed into my face.  I really can't figure out why I thought that.  Well I got it and it made a lot more sense that it is a small little puffy sponge on a hanging string.  The sponge is about the size of a hotel room soap and arrives packaged and dry.  This sponge is made of plant fiber and without any additives that could irritate sensitive skin  The little sponge is also very hard to the point that I was thinking that it would abrade my skin like a pumice stone.  Yes, I was wrong again.  I followed the directions to let the sponge get soaking wet and then of course it became soft and malleable. You can then use the sponge by itself to wash your face or you can use with your regular facial cleanser.  I like to use a medicated cleanser so I used a bit of the cleanser on the sponge and then washed my face in small circular motions. I found that this sponge was great at removing any impurities on my face while gently scrubbing it.  I dried off and before I started my post shower face routine checked to see if there was any redness or changes with my face.  Well my face looked the same and did not feel over rubbed or tight.  My serum and moisturizers went on great and I have not had any breakouts or tenderness after using the sponge for more than a week.

#konjacsponge

When you are finished with use you should lightly squeeze out the water between your palms.  Don't wad and wring it out like a washcloth.  What I have been doing lately is just pressing it against the shower wall to squeeze out the water and that works just fine.  You get a suction hook with your sponge so you can just hang it up to dry on it's string. These sponges last 2-3 months and then as they are biodegradable you can dispose or compost as you want. The sponges can be microwaved or boiled to zap any germs that you may get worried about.  I think I will zap mine in the microwave once a week.





 Now I do normally use a Clarisonic so I am used to light exfoliation every time I wash my face.  I have not noticed any change in my skin's appearance so I am very happy about that.  This sponge is very soft so you can use it every day.  It is a lot softer than a washcloth and some of the Clarisonic brushheads so if you are used to that kind of scrubbing than this sponge will seem a bit too soft at first.  It provides light exfoliation but it is not harsh the way a exfoliating scrub or loofah is.  I sometimes go traveling for as much as a month at a time and now have a new small and lightweight cleansing machine so I do not have to deal with breakouts when away from home.  I do think this is perfect when you are going to be traveling.  Just because you are away for a holiday does not mean your skin care routine is on holiday too!  You don't want to be stuck using a rough hotel washcloth or pack your expensive cleansing tools now do you?

Currently these pureSOL Natural Konjac Facial Sponges are available at amazon.com for $10 (normally 24.95)  I recommend these and I hope you will enjoy the benefits as much as I am.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

How Subscription Boxes Saved Christmas

Okay.  Maybe that title is a tad dramatic.  But really this year is the year that the gifter AND receiver will be surprised.  I have the hardest time shopping for family now that everyone is an adult.  These days there are boxes for everyone from toddlers to terriers available in every price range.  Once you start looking I am sure you will find something for yourself or loved one.

 There are referral links for all these boxes so feel free to click through to each website to browse.

Try Bespoke Post Here

 I refuse to just get my brother a Brooks Brothers gift card for Christmas and do actually want him to have something he will enjoy.  Well this year I decided to get him a box from Bespoke Post  www.bespokepost.com  This is a subscription box for the Brooks Brother set.  You have the option of getting a monthly subscription for $45 a month or you can look at some of their still available boxes and get them for $55 each.  The items are high quality and well organized.  I decided to get my brother one of the currently available boxes so I know already what the items will be.  They also have a store to purchase from as well.  Right Now for Black Friday Sales they are including a mini mystery box worth at least $45 for free with any $45+ order.  Sounds like I might have this and next year's presents already taken care of. ;)    Feel free to use my link to browse and shop.  If it seems like it might work for one of the men in your life I do not think that he will be disappointed.

Try the World

I asked my father what he wanted for gifts and he said he does not really need anything.  It's true he really does not have anything I can think of in terms of wants or needs.  He just gets anything himself that he needs.  So after looking around I decided to get him a subscription to Try the World. www.trytheworld.com  This is a bi-monthly gourmet food box that I hope he can enjoy.  Out of all the food boxes out there I think this will appeal to him most.  Right Now for Black Friday Sales When you start a subscription you will get an additional free Holiday Box.  So if you just want to try the new month box, Paris, then you get an additional one. It seems like a perfect city because I know he loves Paris.  I will probably keep the subscription going until a location comes up that he would not enjoy.  Click my link if you think this might work for someone in your life.  I could see myself getting something like this to expand my pantry too.  Bi-monthly boxes at $39 or less depending on the number of months you sign up for.    www.trytheworld.com

Try Bulu Box Here

I needed a little stocking stuffer type of gift and came across this nifty little Bulu Box for the health conscious one in your life.  www.bulubox.com  Right Now for Black Friday Weekend Sales you can get 3 months of boxes for just $10 with code:  Wowzas!  Thats it, ten bucks.  Now these are almost all sample assortments of sports nutrition with some fitness extras thrown in.  You get 4-5 deluxe samples and when you review them on their link you get credits back.  So if you review all the products in your box you get up to $10 back, or the price of the box.  I'm not  sure how long I will keep this box, but if the recipient is happy after three months I may keep it going.  But really $10 for 3 months of boxes.  Seems like the best stocking stuffer gift for the athlete in your life.  Oh, I almost forgot.  You choose which assortment box you want; Regular or Diet.

Try PopSugar Here

So that just leaves one more real larger gift that I have to get for a family member. www.musthave.popsugar.com I had purchased the PopSugar Must have Special Edition Neiman Marcus box thinking I would be able to gift a couple items but after looking at it I realized that anything I gave would be promptly re-gifted or donated to charity.  I was crushed.  I vowed to not purchase another box or start a subscription to PopSugar...until the Black Friday sale was posted....  Right Now for Black Friday Weekend Sales you can get $15(GIFT15), $25(GIFT25), or $75(GIFT75) off a subscription to their monthly Must have box.  *doh* so now a 6 month subscription for a $39 a month box is down to $139!  I couldn't not get it.  What I will end up doing is gifting the first month's box as a christmas present.

I have recently purchased a LootCrate gift for a friend.  We were blown away by the items and theme!  Look HERE for the review.  I recommend this box highly for any gamer or geek in your life.  Each theme is given ahead of time so you can decide if it might appeal to you or someone you know.  Prices are about $19 including shipping and they ship worldwide.  Right Now Cyber Monday Sale Extended Through 12/2!  $5 off if you use code:  CYBERMONDAY

Well I hope this has given you some inspiration for the hard-to-shop-for person in your life.   There is no guarantee how long these sales will last.  I'm sure there will be sales of some sort on Cyber Monday and leading up to Christmas. Good luck and happy holidays!!! 

#christmasgiftideas  #lootcrate  #popsugarmusthave #trytheworld #bespokepost #bulubox #Holidaygifts

Old Factory Candles Giveaway!

Enter now to win your choice of an Old Factory(olfactory ~get it~) scented candles gift set worth $25!  The perfect travel and home candles around.  Give a set as a gift or save it all for yourself!

See my review of these great candles HERE

Old Factory Candle Gift Set

#OldFactory  

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.