Vive Health

orthoticsNo matter your age or situation in life, most people value good health. Being able to live comfortably is a luxury to some who have medical issues that inflict body discomfort. If there are products that can help increase your comfort why would you not want to use them? Whether you are a runner who has shin splints or sore knees, tried feet from being on them all day long or require specialty items for those who have a hard time getting around their house or bathroom, Vive Health is the perfect online store for you.

My husband is on his feet constantly as a salesman. Going to appointments, follow up’s and just living life, he is always on the go. According to Footwear 4 Workers, there are lots of risks associated with being on your feet all day. On top of that, he has been in a few bad car accidents (not his fault of course LOL), which has caused him to have some back issues. After speaking to his chiropractic doctor he found out that insoles in his shoes would help his back! Being that all bone connect and work together, we found out that if he used good, supportive insoles it could help his back pain. Even better yet due to my husband’s occupation he’s able to get these insoles as part of his employee benefits program that his company enrolls all employee’s in!

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After finding out about Vive Health and knowing that my husband should try insoles, we figured why not?! His shoes size was right in between two sizes, the large and extra large. After speaking to a very helpful employee we decided on the XL size because we were told we can cut it down to fit the shoe. The insoles work perfectly in his business shoes and in his weekend gym shoes. The insoles can easily be moved from shoe to shoe. The insole helps support his natural arch, which in effect really alleviated back pain and can help people with other pains possibly too. Click here to read more about the insoles.

The Envelop Full Length Orthotics have been manufactured specifically to combat a variety of foot related issues including but not limited to plantar fasciitis, flat feet, heel spurs, Morton’s Neuroma, bunions, metatarsalgia, and even leg and back pain. – Vive Health

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Crayola Air Marker Sprayer

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With the 2016 holiday rush starting up, now is the time to start collecting your holiday gifts. Crayola is making it easy tree-crayolaon us (once again) with a fresh new line of perfect gifts for the busy kids in your life. With technology constantly around us, it’s essential that you take a step back and allow the kids in your life the chance to use their imaginations without a screen. Crayola is keeping up with their minds and trends with their new line of fun products, including the Air Marker Sprayer Kit!

This Air Marker Sprayer plugs directly into your wall, needing no batteries or special adapters. This gives the kids hours of entertainment without worrying about having to recharge or chance batteries.  It is super easy to set up with the twist n’ load feature, which keeps the marker in place during use. The dual-action trigger on the machine allows the child to spray using either push or pull. This is great of children who’s motor skills may be a bit behind or still developing. Helping them to use the machine in a comfortable to they manner.

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The Air Marker Sprayer comes with 5 markers (pip-squeaks style -which has many more colors and refill available for purchase) and 2 stencils, 10-sheets of plain paper and the Air Marker Sprayer. This kit has all the basics to get your kid creative right away. No special add on kits needed to enjoy this fun new product. If you want to buy more markers to increase their options and to replace ones that may have been used up check out Crayola.com for all the Pip-Squeak options.

User Tip: Be sure not to kink the air tubing. If the tubing gets pinched somewhere the machine will start to vibrate on the table. Also, the air will not be getting to the marker so it will not come out correctly. Just watch that tubing friends 🙂

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Fun Holiday Projects using Crayola’s Air Marker Sprayer

  • Holiday notes/cards to friends and family
  • Make a paper tree and spray out ornaments
  • Read a holiday book as a family and recreate one of the pages out of the book
  • Work on spelling new words (like: Snow, Wreath, Gift, Present, Hope, Joy…)
  • and whatever else you can think up! The options are really endless!

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Capresso SG220 12-Cup Coffee Maker

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Capresso has never let me down. I have been using their products for years now and each and every item I have tried has been above the bar. They know their audience so well and only make products that are easy to use, easy to clean and gorgeous in any kitchen. They’re an example of a great brand, one that would be welcome on sites like Greatcoffeebrewers.com that show some of the best options on the market for coffee lovers!

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One of Capresso’s newest models is the SG220 – a 12-cup coffee maker that is perfect for any user. This coffee maker not only doesn’t require a coffee filter (has a reusable one that comes with the machine) but also has a super easy-to-set timer that even the non-technical grandma would be able to figure out. With a few easy to push buttons your automatic coffee timer will be set and ready to brew when you want it to. I love that the buttons are large enough so that you are not accidentally hitting 2 at the same time. This is often a problem with other machine. They make the buttons so small that you cannot read them clearly or you hit multiple buttons due to them being so close together. I am very happy with Capresso’s newest button set up.

sg220-buttonsIt also features an automatic 2-hour shut off timer! You never have to worry when you leave your house “did I leave the coffee pot on?” Even when I am at home with my kids, I often have forgotten about my coffee maker as the daily grind sets in. I start running around cleaning up breakfast, helping my kids with projects and doing laundry. Next thing I know its 11 am and I need to get lunch ready. I glance over at my coffee pot, which now has automatically turned off hours ago. I never have to worry about scorching my pot with old coffee that was left in there heated for hours, just as I don’t have to wonder how long does coffee last as I get through it so fast! This feature really helps save your glass brewing pot and lengthens its lifespan (and my elbow grease for washes). I’m super glad that I have it. I do have some friends who have the ninja coffee bar, and they love that option, but for me this is perfect.

This sleek machine is stainless steel with black accents, allowing it to match any kitchen setting. Besides being beautiful its so easy to clean. No messy disposable coffee filters needed! If you’re still not sold on this stainless steel number, you could check out this post on why stainless steel is the best option – Easylivingmom: Why you should buy Stainless Steel Coffee Makers. The Capresso SG220 has a reusable Goldtone filter that washes easily and helps eliminate waste and saves you money! With 2 internal baskets (one that holds the Goldtone filter and one that sets into the upper part of the machine) it keeps grinds out of your coffee. I tried brewing a finer grinned bean in this machine, seeing if it will get through into my pot but much to my surprise it stayed put int he filter and not a ground made it into my cup! This is such a wonderful feature.

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Purchase the Capresso Perk

Through their website or from Amazon (see link below)

Levoit Salt Lamp Giveaway

 

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Welcome to the Howlin’ for Giveaways Giveaway Hop presented by The Hopping Bloggers!

Hosted by: Mama Smith’s and Women and Their Pretties

Many bloggers have come together to bring you some amazing prizes! Each prize is worth a minimum of $15, but some are worth much more. There is no limit to how many you can win – so enter them all! GOOD LUCK!

Are you a blogger looking to connect with brands? Join The Hopping Bloggers database and get started today!
Are you a brand looking to connect with a network of over 1,000 professional bloggers? Click here to see all that we have to offer and get your personalized quote!

 

The Hopping Bloggers and participating bloggers are not responsible for the delivery of prizes.

Levoit Hand Carved Natural Himalayan Salt Lamp

levoit-reviewI’m sure you have heard about them and I’m sure you have seen them, but have you tried one? Levoit has given me the opportunity to test out their Elora Hand Carved Natural Himalayan Salt Lamp. Not really familiar with the science behind Himalayan Salt Lamps, I did my research.

Himalayan Salt has a beautiful pinkish orange color due to the high concentration of minerals. Salt is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts water molecules from the surrounding air. So it is believed that salt lamps can trap dirt, pollen and smoke particles and pet dander which are carried in water vapor. Once attracted to the salt, these microscopic compounds remain on the salt and not in the air where you can breathe them in.

The inside of your hollowed out salt lamp will house a light bulb needed to produce light and heat. You need the heat of the lamp to dry the collecting water vapors to continue the hygroscopic effect. So if your lamp is not on, it’s not working.

salt-lampReported health benefits of Himalayan salt lamps include:

  • Improving breathing problems and reducing allergies.
  • Less colds and flu (due to less airborne viruses).
  • Increased relaxation and calmness and less stress.
  • Improved ability to concentrate and work for longer periods around electrical equipment like computers.
  • Fewer headaches and migraines.
  • Reduced symptoms from disorders like rheumatism and arthritis.
  • An improvement in skin diseases.
  • Easier to get to sleep at night.
  • A better overall sense of health and wellbeing.

Not only does it help clean the air, but the heat of the lamp will release negative ions. In a world filled with electronic devices (T.V.s, smart phones, tablets and appliances) electromagnetic (EM) radiation emitted, causing a buildup of positive ions. The release of negative ions from the salt lamp will help reduce positive ions which can cause chronic fatigue and increase stress levels. Stress can be a terrible hindrance to life, so finding something that can be a help to your mental and physical health is brilliant, you can combine this with using such medicines as cannabis to see how it can be a reliever of stress, sites like https://www.ebdelivers.co/shop can help you out with this if you would like to check them out, always consult with a medical professional first. Of course you should also look into where to obtain this based on your location. Depending on where you are based you can buy at ILGM, but check every vendor’s rules and regulations first. One upside of the lamp comparatively – less legalese to combat!

So where should you keep your salt lamp? You will want to keep your Himalayan Salt Lamp close to you so you can take advantage of its beauty, fresher air and negative ions it generates. On your night stand, coffee table, even your desk at work. You could even keep it near to your growing godfather og seeds if you’ve followed the advice above about marijuana. levoit-3

While humans gravitate and respond to beautiful colors, it’s believed that the pinkish orange glow of the salt lamp has a calming effect and reduces stress. The soft glow of a Himalayan Salt lamp is perfect for relaxing and can even improve your sleep.

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So I found a list of things to look for when shopping for a Himalayan Salt Lamp and Levoit has them all!

Color – Because Himalayan Salt is a mineral, colors can vary. The higher quality salt crystals will have richer pink and orange colors. Levoit hand selects all their salt crystals to ensure clarity, shape and color purity.

Size- Levoits Himalayan salt lamps vary in weight from 8-11 pounds. This is ideal for bedrooms, kitchens, offices and small living rooms or lounges. Recommended room size is equal or larger than 10 square feet.

Bulb Wattage- As a general rule salt lamps weighing around ten pounds require a 15 watt bulb. Levoits Himalayan Salt lamp will come with one light bulb installed and one additional bulb.

Base- Because of the weight of Himalayan Salt Lamps a secure base is needed. Levoits Lamps have a beautiful stainless steel base for maximum safety and to ensure longevity. Levoits stainless steel base is specially designed to absorb evaporating water molecules while guarding the wires from moisture.

Shape- Although a polished stone is pretty you will be reducing the surface area. Lovoits roughly chiseled stone will give you the most benefits.

Bonus features that make Levoit stand out over other brands.

Dimmable Lighting – Levoits Himalayan Salt Lamp as a easy touch control dimmer allowing you adjust the brightness of your lamp to suit your mood. Simply tap to turn on, tap and hold to dim or brighten and tap to turn off.

Beautiful Packaging – Whether you buy this for yourself or as a gift, Levoits Hand Carved Natural Himalayan Salt Lamp comes in a sturdy beautiful red box.

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My Experience

I have truly been sold on the beauty and calming effect of my Levoit Himalayan Chrystal Salt Lamp. I have place levoit-1mine on my night stand to take advantage of the relaxing glow while winding down for the night. The dimmer control is very convenient and easy to use with a simple tap of the finger. I am able to have the light bright while we are starting our night time routine and slowly dim it as the night goes on. I can leave it on the dimmest setting and use it my night light.

Although I was surprised at how heavy my lamp really is, it is very sturdy. I do keep my cords tucked away so that my daughter doesn’t pull it off the night stand. I do get sense of warmth from it, but neither the base or the crystal gets to warm to the touch. This is also great if you have little ones who are curious about everything.

Each Himalayan salt lamp is uniquely beautiful making them a interesting and attractive feature to any living space. No matter how many you have, no two will be the same.

Too Cute Too Spook Giveaway

Welcome to the Too Cute Too Spook Giveaway Hop!

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This event is brought to you by MamatheFox and On Honeysuckle Hill

At each stop you will find awesome prizes at each stop, so please come back daily to hop around and good luck!

Please, scroll below for the giveaway!
 Oakiwear Rain Boots

MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligation.

Buttons Diapers – Print Release

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Cloth diaper mommies, this one’s for you! Buttons Diapers just released new prints and we had the privilege of getting a first look at one of them! Their new diaper print: Courage is perfect for your little one(s).

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This diaper is so adorable and unique. It quickly became my husbands favorite diaper for our son to wear. We love the color green in our house so this green camouflage print is perfect. I really like how the camo print was designed. Often times I see camo print with large “splotches” of green and dark green; but not with this diaper. The Buttons courage print has many shades of green and the “splotches” are smaller and jagged, not a straight, wavy line.

 

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When I received the diaper in the mail I was SO excited. Who doesn’t love getting fluff mail?! The diaper was wrapped in tissue and tied with a bow, a great touch that makes opening the package even more enjoyable; I’m a sucker for cute packaging. I even like how Buttons includes an instruction page with each of their diapers. Every diaper is wrapped around their thin cardboard instruction page, such a smart way to tell customers how to use the product! After un-snapping the diaper, tucking away the instruction sheet, and washing the cover, it was ready to go on baby’s bottom!

::Top Three Reasons I Use Buttons Diapers::

 

  1. All-in-2 –> The diaper consists of a shell (cover) and an insert. The cover is able to be used multiple times a day. When baby goes potty just change the insert out and use the cover again! This is so great because it lessens my laundry by a long shot! The cover has snaps to adjust the height of the diaper. These make it possible to use for babies from 9-35 pounds.
  2. Gussets –> With the double leg gussets leaks are minimal. It’s like there are two layers that protect the rest of the world from baby’s mess.
  3. Price –> Buttons Diapers are VERY affordable. Check out these links to see cover, insert, and accessory prices.

 

For even more information on Buttons Diapers, check out this review that was written by our very own MamaTheFox.

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Here are Buttons Diapers newest releases:

Lego KidsFest Coming to Cleveland!

Award-winning LEGO KidsFest returns to Cleveland

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New activities, popular favorites featured in interactive event running Nov. 4 – 6, 2016

The award-winning LEGO KidsFest Ohio returns to Cleveland’s I-X Center from Nov. 4 – 6, 2016.
Those who attended the previous show can once again expect hands-on building, creative experiences and one-of-a-kind activities. Children of all ages and builders of all skills and levels are welcome.
LEGO KidsFest features dozens of new activities and popular favorites on the three-acre show floor.
New activities for this year’s visit include LEGO Mindstorms, LEGO Movie, LEGO Disney Princess, the Mixels, a LEGO Superheroes area and more.
Once again, show-goers can enjoy the LEGO Model Museum, Race Ramps, Creation Nation, Construction Zone, LEGO DUPLO, LEGO Retail store and LEGO KidsFest Marketplace, the Big Brick Pile, LEGO Ninjago and more.
“We’re thrilled to be returning to the Cleveland area,” said Vince Rubino, Events Manager for LEGO Systems, Inc. “We’ve got a host of new activities as well as some areas we know are very popular with our fans. Not only will families create some new memories at the show, they’ll get another chance to flex and showcase their building skills. This event is a must for the true LEGO fan.”
Five sessions – all identical and 4 1/2 half hours in length – are held at each tour stop. LEGO KidsFest tickets can be purchased at www.LEGOkidsfest.com. Tickets are $19 for the Friday and Sunday afternoon sessions, and $22 for both sessions on Saturday and the Sunday morning session.
On tour since 2009, previous LEGO KidsFest tour stops have included major cities such as Chicago, Boston, Dallas, Atlanta, San Jose, Cleveland, Richmond, Phoenix, Portland and more.

My kids are LEGO kids! We literally play with these little exciting blocks every single day, so it would be great to see one of my favorite LEGO minifigure sets at this event. I am sure we will try to get to LEGOland in Florida one day, but until then, we need to rely on this amazing traveling show to dive into the LEGO excitement. This will be our first year attending this show, and I am sure it will not be our last.

TICKETS – https://www.showclix.com/event/lego-kidsfest-ohio-2016

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SOME ACTIVITIES / LIVE LINER COPY POINTS (activities are subject to change)

* LEGO Model Museum: dozens of life-sized models made entirely from LEGO bricks
* Race Ramps: build a custom car, then race it down the ramp against friends and family
* LEGO Star Wars: build and display a Star Wars model
* Creation Nation: build your own creation to add to a custom map of the U.S.
* LEGO DUPLO: younger visitors can explore imagination through building
* LEGO Retail: purchase LEGO merchandise and official KidsFest tour goods
* Brick Pile: a gigantic pile full of LEGO bricks for creative play and enjoyment
* Monochromatic Builds: bricks of a single color to foster group creativity
* LEGO Friends: build for the five empowered friends from Heartlake City
* LEGO Ninjago: spin the way to being a Spinjitzu member
* LEGO Mindstorms: build and program robots and snakes
* LEGO Technic: get hands-on with the cool, realistic vehicles at the booth
* LEGO Disney Princess: create a princess scene to add to a LEGO story book

Kinsa Smart Ear Thermometer

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For all you moms out there with babies who are squirmy and crying while trying to take their temperature, fret no more! The Kinsa Smart Ear Thermometer is perfect for you and your family. With three options you can’t go wrong when choosing one of their pediatrician recommended thermometers.

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Kinsa gives a great overview of what they strive for in these sentences taken from their website: “At Kinsa, we believe that healthcare products in the home should always accomplish two things: reassure and comfort the user, and provide context and guidance about what to do next. We’ve reimagined the world’s most common medical device to do both.” It is reassuring to know that the company has our families best interest in mind. They are looking to “track, treat, and stop the spread of illness.”

My favorite aspect of the smart ear thermometer is that it takes one second readings. Literally! All that’s needed of you is to turn on the thermometer, place the probe tip into the ear, press the button, and one second later you hear a “beep”. Thats it! I am so pleased with this feature.

 

The smart thermometer gets its name because it allows its users to download a free app – Kinsa Smart Thermometer & Health Tracker. To make life even more easier this app links [or plugs] the thermometer to your cell phone and gives you a temperature reading, tracks symptoms and offers guidance on what to do next reguarding the sickness. This is great because you have all the information you need in one place without needing to write anything down. The app isn’t required in order to use the smart ear thermometer; but if you purchase the smart stick you will need the app in order to get a reading.

I downloaded the app to my phone and tested the thermometer a few times and was super pleased. When opening the app, it gives great step by step on how to use it with the thermometer.

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In the picture to the left you can see that I’m instructed to turn my thermometer on. It is also allowing me to choose which mode of reading I will use. [The app allows you to choose which area of the body you will take the temperature in. The kinsa smart ear thermometer only allows readings in the ear. If you want a thermometer with more options the kinsa smart stick might be good for you. This thermometer allows temperature readings in the mouth, under the arm, or rectally.]

When the app is synced to the thermometer the temperature appears on your phone AND on the thermometer. I enjoy this feature because on my phone the temperature is shown in large numbers and it is clear to see.

 

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A feature of the kinsa app that I really like is the personal profiles that can be created. Use a different profile for each member of your family so you don’t get confused with who’s temperature is who’s. You can even color-code them too! This will come in handy when I (or you!) have more children.

 

 


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Using the personal profiles is like having a file folder on your phone – you can store past temperature readings and symptoms; you can even upload photos! It gives a timeline of “events” to keep everything in order; the date, time, reading, mode, and symptoms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Every family owns some sort of thermometer; why not invest in one that has lasting capabilities?! The smart thermometer won’t disappoint. With features like one second readings and an app to connect with, you’re sure to enjoy the ease that comes with the Kinsa smart thermometers.

 

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Kuhn Rikon Colori Titanium Utility Knife and Stay Clean Scrubber Review

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I have always enjoyed spending my time in the kitchen trying whether making dinner for my family or experimenting with a new recipe. So if spending my free time in the kitchen is my hobby, I want it stocked with the best kitchen products. Kuhn Rikon makes the highest quality kitchen tools from baking, cutlery and basic kitchen gadgets. Professional kitchens choose Kuhn Rikon for their high quality and I love that it’s also available for the everyday home cook.

“The Swiss brand manufacturer inspires the world of cooking with innovative products to prepare, serve and enjoy special moments around the table.”

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Colori Titanium Utility Knife

kuhnI am by no means a professional chef but my husband and I love to spend time together in the kitchen. Thanks to pinterest and Top Chef I have become more adventurous with my cookiing. I have learned that if your going to invest in anything in your kitchen, high quality knives have got to be it. There is nothing worse that struggling to prepare your meal with dull cheap knives. Once I tried Colori Titanium Utility Knife I was ready to replace all my knives. The best part is that Kuhn Rikon is so reasonably priced that I am able to upgrade my knives and other kitchen accessories without breaking the bank.

With a comfortable non-slip handle I’m able to easily maneuver this knife. Here are more reasons this knife stands out not only to professional chefs but to me as well.

  • Ice-hardned Japanese stainless steel blade is long-lasting and ultra-sharp.p220628th
  • Titanium coating protects and strengthens the blade.
  • Elegant, modern design.
  • For de-boning meats and other tricky kitchen tasks
  • Blade stays super sharp.
  • Safety sheath included.

Although it is dishwasher safe it is recommended to hand wash and dry. I hand wash all my knives anyway, since I have a “helpful” one year that likes to assist me when loading our new dishwasher, which we bought after consulting some of the Dishwasher reviews for 2019. I also love that it comes with a Saftey Sheath, since I never know when tiny hands are going to find their way into drawers that they are not supposed to be in; that extra protection gives me piece of mind.kuhn-2

Mamathefox herself said it best ” Kuhn Rikon knives are made with the professional chef in mind, but with the average consumers budget. By making a knife that would be used in a fine dining restaurant available to the average home cook makes them stand out in the culinary world.”

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Growing up we never had a dishwasher and even my first few apartments never had dishwashers, so when I finally got a dishwasher; I used it more for storage than for cleaning. Although I have come a long way and will use my dishwasher I still hand wash majority of my dishes. But, it’s good to have a dishwasher for big loads. I do have a repair guy on speed dial, a bit similar to Brad’s Appliance Company , so if anything goes wrong with my dishawsher I can have someone out to check it as soon as I need. In terms of washing, I have always preferred sponges to wash cloths but I hate how smelly they get and they can breed bacteria. I have tried disinfecting sponges in the microwave, I DO NOT RECOMMEND this! I almost set my microwave on fire.

So once I tried Kuhn Rikons Stay Clean Scrubber, I never went back to the old sponges. They are safe to use on non-stick cookware and all other kitchen surfaces. They are made from non-porous, food-safe silicone and last so much longer than typical sponges. My number one selling point is that they are the cleaner option. Being silicone make them dry faster and wont harbor bacteria. Just throw it into the dishwasher to clean and sanitize!

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As much as I love using this in my kitchen, my mind was blown when I found out I can use it dry to remove lint and hair.

Not only is the Stay Clean Scrubber the best option for my kitchen its the best option for the environment.

Check out our other reviews for Kuhn Rikon

Colori+ Classic Culinary Set

Sandwich Knife Spreader & Corn Holders