AVACRAFT Stainless Steel Everyday Pan Review

If you are searching for a quality stainless steel pan that is affordable, you need to learn about the AVACRAFT Stainless Steel Everyday Pan. This is a pan that is multipurpose and can be used for a variety of recipes.

 Once you learn about the dangers of cooking with non-stick pans, you will want to upgrade your cookware. One of the best options for non-toxic cookware is stainless steel. Finding affordable, quality stainless steel pans can be hard.

 AVACRAFT is a brand that wants to bring quality kitchen cookware to every family’s kitchen at affordable prices. I recently received an invite to check out a stainless steel pan from  AVACRAFT, and I had to see how this brand compared to my stainless steel pans from an expensive brand.

 I selected the AVACRAFT Stainless Steel, Everyday Pan for my product choice. This pan caught my eye as it was a multipurpose pan with a glass lid. I liked the big 11-inch deep pan and knew that this pan could replace several of my other pans. 

About AVACRAFT

To the owner and founder, Asha, creating tasty, beautiful meals is a love language. She understands some of the best memories are made in the kitchen and around a table, with family.

What began as a search for the perfect cookware for her own cooking quickly became a one-woman mission to bring quality kitchen cookware to every family’s kitchen.

Working directly with the select manufacturers to manufacture the highest-quality materials, Asha painstakingly tests every AVACRAFT prototype in her own home kitchen in Dallas, Texas. 

AVACRAFT is committed to the idea that good cookware should last a lifetime.

Save 20% off the AVACRAFT Stainless Steel Everyday Pan with my special link

Sauteed Onions and Steamed Carrots

When my AVACRAFT pan arrived, it was a couple of days after my church's monthly food pantry. This month, we had an abundance of carrots and onions. I had already made several gallons of carrot juice and decided to cook some carrots. 

 Since I had plenty of onions, I decided to sautee some in the AVACRAFT Stainless Steel Everyday Pan. I was going to microwave some carrots, but knew they would taste better if they were steamed. The best part of cooking with this everyday pan was that I could cover the pan to steam the carrots, once the onions were cooked.

So I chopped up the onions and carrots. Then I prepared the cookware. Most people who complain that food sticks to stainless steel pans, may not prepare the pan properly. There are certain steps to heating up a stainless steel pan. Once you learn how to prepare stainless steel cookware, your food will not stick to the pan.

How to prepare stainless steel pans

Some people battle a degree of frustration with food sticking or burning in their stainless steel cookware. The solution to these problems is just a little bit of know-how of the steps to follow.

1. Preheat the empty pan by placing it on a burner at low to medium heat for about 2 to 3 minutes.  

2. To determine if your pan is ready, do the water droplet test. If you drop a single drop of water into your pan and hear the “TSSS” sound, your pan is ready.

3. Then add oil to the pan. Heat your oil until it shimmers but does not smoke.

4. Wait to flip your food. Learn more here.

About the AVACRAFT Stainless Steel Everyday Pan

  ~ High Quality: Made with 18/10 stainless steel and a 5-ply capsule bottom. This pan is highly resistant to rust, stains, corrosion, or cracking. 

  ~ Multipurpose: This 11 Inch, 4.5-liter pan can be used as a stir fry pan, stainless steel wok, stainless steel frying pan, sauté pan, stewpot, steak pan, crepe pan, or skillet. It can be used on multiple cooktop types, including induction, stove top, gas, or electric.

  ~ Strong Glass Lid: The pan comes with a shatterproof dome glass lid, which has a silicone lid handle.

  ~ Even Heat Distribution: The 5-ply capsule bottom is made to avoid heat spots & distribute heat evenly.

My review of the  AVACRAFT Stainless Steel Everyday Pan

 I liked the size of the pan. The depth allowed me to fit plenty of carrots in the pan. I decided to place both the carrots and the onions in the pan at the same time. I had plenty of space to move the food around while I sauteed the onions. Once my onions were cooked, I placed the lid on the pan and lowered the heat for a couple of minutes. This allowed my carrots to get softer. 

I loved that the glass lid had a tight seal, and it helped me to see the food. The tight lid helped my carrots steam up quickly. 

Once my food was done, the pan was easy to clean. The onions did make a mess in the pan, but I was able to scrub it out with some baking soda and this awesome natural sponge. I usually use Bar Keepers Friend for cleaning my stainless steel pans, but I was out of this cleaner.

I really loved the price of the AVACRAFT Stainless Steel Everyday Pan, and it performed just as well as my expensive stainless steel pans. The AVACRAFT is several hundred dollars cheaper. 

Get more details and save 20% off the AVACRAFT Stainless Steel Everyday Pan with my special link

When Co-Parenting Turns Into Conflict: Protecting Your Child and Your Peace

 The earliest time you receive the text is at 6:12 a.m. Your child will be waking up soon, and he/she is asking which house we will sleep at tonight. The backpack that you prepared last night is still right next to the front door. As many high-conflict divorced parents can attest, this is not an uncommon scenario. This is one example of the type of stressors associated with co-parenting in a high-conflict situation. This type of stressor contributes to the feeling of needing to do “damage control” rather than working together.

Via Unsplash

 Emotions are going to play a significant role in what happens in terms of scheduling; however, when a parent continually disregards established schedules, manipulates discussions, or utilizes their child as a means of obtaining concessions from the other party, goodwill does not seem sufficient to establish fair co-parenting practices. Establishing reasonable legal boundaries is necessary for establishing structure in situations where emotionality is unable to provide it.

Informal Attempts to Manage Co-Parenting

 Many parents start out by making use of informal agreements when trying to manage co-parenting. Parents will be happy to work with you to adjust the times that your child is picked up from school or dropped off at the other parent’s home, if you can avoid getting into another argument. Additionally, many parents are willing to make excuses for why they cannot pick up their children on time, so long as they do not have to get involved in court proceedings. Informal agreements usually function best in low-conflict co-parenting relationships. However, informal agreements often break down in very high-conflict relationships.

 Informal agreements give both parents a great deal of flexibility to deviate from an agreed-upon schedule and, consequently, create a lot of opportunities for both parents to say “it wasn’t my fault”, thereby creating an environment where blame is placed on the opposing party. On the other hand, having a formal, written co-parenting plan, while working with a family law attorney specializing in divorce and/or child custody cases, creates a structured format upon which you can rely.

Turning Every Text Into a Full-Fledged Argument

 While every text message may deserve a response, particularly when it appears to be unfair, many high-conflict parents intentionally attempt to take arguments off-topic. For example, a simple inquiry regarding dropping off your child may transform into an attack on your financial status, your child’s educational success, or your personal life.

 Why is this relevant? Once communication devolves into disorganization and confusion, it is significantly more challenging to demonstrate evidence of a discernible pattern. Brief responses to messages will serve two purposes: they will preserve your emotional state, and they will create documentation. Focus on recording relevant data: dates/times/school events/medical information. Do not document opinion-based statements. Document nothing lengthy. Only document enough to keep proceedings moving and to ensure that all parties remain focused on the best interests of your child.

Remembering That Documentation Protects You

 Keeping records of communications and interactions with the other parent can appear petty. However, documenting phone calls/text messages/logging missed visitations and tracking late pickups can actually prove useful. Courts and lawyers typically base decisions on demonstrable evidence and identifiable patterns. A parent who repeatedly withholds information regarding exchanges, consistently misses scheduled exchanges, or makes false claims regarding either party typically relies on creating chaos. Keeping documented evidence of these incidents will slow down that process. Use whatever method you prefer, e.g., using a notebook/email account/parenting application, as long as you have a systematic way to store and record all exchanges. What might appear to be a minor infraction of missing one handoff could develop into a larger problem after ten instances.

Placing Peacefulness Over Stability

Most parents would like to maintain peace in their relationship. There is no doubt that maintaining harmony is desirable, especially when children are involved. However, maintaining peace is different than allowing chaos/stability issues to become commonplace.

Gluten-free Smoked Salmon Bagel With Lemon Hummus

 The next time you serve bagels and lox, skip the thin sheets of smoked salmon and instead reach for a tin of the most flavorful smoked salmon. Fishwife Gold Label Smoked Salmon is smoked in small batches over a mix of beech, maple, and birch wood. This is a premium smoked salmon that is perfect for your next bagel creation.

There is smoked salmon, and then there is Fishwife Gold Label Smoked Salmon. One is basic, and one is a flavor experince that will leave your craving for more. Fishwife Gold Label Smoked Salmon has a buttery, rich flavor with a deep smoky flavor. It is a premium smoked salmon.

When I think of smoked salmon, I think of a fancy seafood creation that one places on a bagel for a fancy brunch. Bagels and lox (smoked salmon) are made for special occasions. Fishwife Gold Label Smoked Salmon takes this brunch item to the next level. 

Fishwife Gold Label Smoked Salmon Info:

  ~ Smoked in small batches - over a mix of beech, maple, and birch wood. 

  ~ Hand-Packed and canned - By a fifth-generation family-run cannery on the central coast of Washington.

  ~ Sourced directly from Kvarøy Arctic - Raised by third-generation family farmers in the icy Arctic Circle with deep ocean currents that keep the water fresh.

  ~ The Salmon is fed - a zero-waste, nutrient-rich diet without antibiotics or chemicals.

 A Gold Label Taste

  A smoked salmon this special deserves a delicious recipe to showcase its flavor. From the box to the tin to the fish that is packed inside, you will agree that this is a special seafood product. Once you open the tin of Fishwife Gold Label Smoked Salmon and see the thick slices of smoked salmon, you will realize why this Fishwife seafood deserves the gold label.

One bite of this smoked salmon will have your taste buds smiling. You will want to devour the whole tin of buttery-rich smoked salmon, but practice self-control. Save the rest of this premium smoked salmon for your bagel creation. Keep reading to discover my recipe ~ Gluten-free Smoked Salmon Bagel With Lemon Hummus.

Gluten-free Smoked Salmon Bagel With Lemon Hummus

When I received a tin of Fishwife Gold Label Smoked Salmon, I knew that this seafood in a can was not your ordinary tinned fish. I just loved the look of the packaging. Then I read about how they smoked the salmon over beech, maple, and birch wood. I simply could not wait to taste this fish.

 Once I opened up the tin of smoked salmon, I was amazed by the look of the smoked fish. The thick slices of smoked salmon were the best-looking I had ever seen. Then I had my first taste. The thick slices and buttery-rich taste were so good. I knew that I had to use this special salmon in my brunch recipe. 

 So I whipped up my favorite lemon hummus recipe and toasted a gluten-free bagel. I then slathered the lemon hummus on my bagel. Then it was time to place the thick slices of smoked salmon on the bagel, followed by a sprinkling of homemade everything spice. My recipe for lemon hummus is at the end of this post. 

About Fishwife

The seed for Fishwife was sewn in 2015 when our CEO and cofounder, Becca Millstein, was living abroad in Spain and was inspired by the vibrant and delicious culture around Spanish and Portuguese conservas. She believed there was a home for equally high-quality, ethically-sourced, delicious tinned fish back home in America.

 Fishwife has a wide variety of unique tinned seafood. From sardines with preserved lemon to Albacore Tuna with Soy Ginger to several unique flavors of smoked trout, you have to explore all the different varieties of tinned fish from Fishwife.

Check out these additional recipes

~ Homemade Gluten-Free Bagels

~ Cooking Chickpeas In A Pressure Cooker

~ Spicy HARISSA Hot Chili Hummus

 Pin this on Pinterest

What Are The Benefits of Volcanic Water

 The most powerful rituals are often the simplest. A quiet breath. A moment of stillness. A sip of clean, mineral-rich water that brings you back into your body. Learn about the benefits of volcanic water.

 To some, it may look like ordinary water, but inside this beautiful blue bottle is a drinking water that has many health benefits. This water bottle is filled with Volcanic water. This water is highly mineralized, naturally alkaline, and rich in silica, magnesium, and calcium. 

Splendor Volcanic Water is a premium artesian water sourced from Ecuador's Cotopaxi Volcano, offering natural electrolytes (magnesium, potassium, calcium) and low total dissolved solids (TDS) for enhanced hydration and nutrient absorption.

Splendor water is the only bottled water in the world that is known to contain colloidal gold and silver.

Why should I drink volcanic water?

The water you drink matters. Your body needs water to function properly, and the type of water you drink makes a difference in so many aspects. Once you learn what is in the water that comes from your tap, you will make better choices in your drinking water.  Once you learn that American tap water contains over 270 different dangerous contaminants, you may switch to RO water.

If you desire water that provides additional benefits, consider Splendor Volcanic water. This water offers many benefits beyond hydration.

Key Benefits of Splendor Volcanic Water:

  ~ Enhanced Hydration and Absorption: Splendor water features a low surface tension and low TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), which helps facilitate faster, more effective hydration and mineral absorption at the cellular level.

  ~ Natural Electrolyte Replenishment: Splendor water is rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium. This helps restore essential minerals lost during daily activity or exercise, boosting energy levels and supporting muscle function.

  ~ Mineral-Rich Composition: The water is sourced through centuries of natural filtration through volcanic rock, and it contains a unique blend of minerals, including trace amounts of gold and silver. Splendor water is the only bottled water in the world that is known to contain colloidal gold and silver.

 ~ Benefits of colloidal gold: Colloidal gold is a natural anti-inflammatory that supports increased cognitive function and supports the body´s circulatory, endocrine, lymphatic, digestive, and musculoskeletal systems. It is often used in skincare to reduce cellular oxidation, slow aging, and stimulate the formation of collagen and elastin. 

 ~ Benefits of colloidal silver: Colloidal silver boasts natural antibiotic, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties. It has long been used in homeopathic remedies to boost immunity and treat infections. Colloidal silver is also a natural preservative, keeping our water pure with no added chemicals.

  ~ Optimal pH Balance: The water has a slightly acidic to neutral pH (approximately 6.64), aimed at supporting a balanced, healthy system.

  ~ Natural Purity & Sustainability: Splendor's volcanic source provides a high level of purity. The product is also available in sustainable, reusable, and recyclable glass bottles.

  ~ Improved Health and Vitality: Regular consumption is believed to aid in removing toxins, enhancing mental clarity, and providing consistent, natural energy. 

How does it taste?

 I received a case of Splendor water, and the cobalt blue glass made this water feel like a premium water. After reading about the benefits of Splendor water, I had to know how it tasted. 

I placed the unique-shaped bottle in my hand and twisted the lid off. I took my first sip. The water felt smooth in my mouth. It had a nice, clean taste.  

Why I prefer Volcanic water from Splendor

 I like that Splendor volcanic water has anti-inflammatory benefits. My past exposure to mold and food allergies causes my body to have high inflammation. So I am always seeking the best natural remedies to reduce the inflammation in my body. 

I also like that Splendor mentions that regular consumption of volcanic is believed to aid in removing toxins, enhancing mental clarity, and providing consistent, natural energy. 

Why the blue glass bottles?

I like that this water is available in glass bottles. That ensures that your drinking water contains no plastic. The cobalt blue glass bottles are designed to preserve the water's integrity and keep all the good stuff in the water. 

Water just tastes better when served in a glass bottle. 

Splendor Water is the perfect water for those seeking optimal hydration 

 If your health matters to you and you want to give your body the best, check out the benefits of Splendor Volcanic Water. Splendor Water is the perfect choice for those seeking optimal hydration through unaltered, pure water. 

This delicious drinking water is available in both still and sparkling forms. It is also available in a few different sizes. The bottle choices include glass or recycled plastic.

Easter Basket Ideas That Are Not Candy

 Looking for some gift ideas for the Easter basket that is not candy? Keep reading to discover some gift suggestions for Easter gifts that are unique and fun.

 Easter Sunday will be here soon, and the Easter bunny will be delivering fun gifts. While most people stuff the Easter baskets with sweet treats, others may want some non-sugary treats for the kids. So I made a list of some gift suggestions for Easter that are not your typical Easter Basket ideas. 

From healthy treats to fun gifts, these are items that will make kids smile on Easter morning. So grab a basket or bucket and start shopping for the gifts to include inside the basket.

What is your favorite Easter memory as a kid?

When I was a kid, I remember participating in Easter egg hunts at the local park. Back then, the Easter Eggs were hidden all over the park. Not like today's egg hunts, which are more of a grab the eggs from the grass. 

The plastic eggs would be filled with hard, colorful marshmallow eggs, and a few plastic eggs would have pieces of paper in them that could be redeemed for a chocolate bunny. The eggs with the prizes in them were few, so most years I did not find those. 

Then the year came when I got one of the special prize eggs. I was so happy! I won a big chocolate bunny. The funny thing is, I don't remember how the chocolate bunny tasted, but I can still recall the sweet taste of the colorful marshmallow eggs.

Easter Basket Ideas That Are Not Candy

Crispy Green's Crispy Fruit ~ Surprise kids with a sweet treat that is 100% healthy. Crispy Green's Crispy Fruit is made from 100% real fruit and freeze-dried for flavor and crunch. Each package of delicious freeze-dried fruit is one serving of fruit. 

Crispy Green's Crispy Fruit comes in 7 delicious fruit flavors like strawberry, apple, mango, banana, pear, pineapple, and tangerine. These sweet snacks are vegan, gluten-free, allergen-free, and have no added sugar. They are the perfect healthy treat.

Purchase Crispy Green's Crispy Fruit Here

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Fairy Tales Tangle Tamer Kit ~ Make bathtime fun for kids with these pineapple-scented hair care products. The Fairy Tales Tangle Tamer Kit includes detangling shampoo, conditioner, and spray. 

It’s designed to gently smooth knots and reduce frizz with Vitamin B, Vitamin E, and aloe, while working across all hair types — especially curly, wavy, and textured hair. The full system makes detangling quick and easy. No more struggles with the comb and brush.

The best part is that Fairy Tales hair care products are sulfate-, paraben-, and phthalate-free, allergy-friendly, 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and made in the USA.

Purchase Fairy Tales Tangle Tamer Kit Here

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The Ends ~ These fun accessory pieces transform the tips of drawstrings into jewelry. They are perfect for hoodies, sweatpants, gym shorts, and even sneakers. They are also great for zipper pulls. Each set features a gold or silver finishing piece that attaches to the end of a drawstring and allows interchangeable charms to be added.

The spring charm collection leans into the playful, colorful energy we’re seeing right now, with butterfly and floral charms, bright hearts, and fun designs like gummy bears, lightning bolts, and evil eyes. Make sure to buy several charms so kids can pick the ones that perfectly match their personal style. 

Purchase The Ends Here

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Nugo Bars ~ These delicious plant-based bars are loaded with healthy ingredients. They are gluten-free and loaded with protein. Nugo Nutrition bars are drenched with dark chocolate and available in many yummy flavors.

Kids will love the dark chocolate pretzel bar and the peanut butter cup bar. Other flavors include mint chocolate and brownie. Nugo Nutrition has a special-priced variety box of 12 bars that is 50% off, and it also comes with free shipping. Nugo bars are the perfect size for the Easter Baskets

Get 12 Nugo Bars for $15 with free shipping at Nugo Nutrition

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Happy Easter

Check out all the amazing products and click on the links to buy them. 

Check out these articles for inspiration for more healthy products to put in the Easter baskets

~ https://www.momknowsbest.net/2026/03/expo-west-top-ten-favorite-products-2026.html

~ https://www.momknowsbest.net/2026/03/expo-west-part-two.html

The Faithful: Women of The Bible On Fox TV

 

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for FOX Entertainment Studios.

Start your Easter season with a biblical series that portrays some of the most influential women of the bible. The Faithful: Women of the Bible series is based on the book of Genesis and brings to life a faithful dramatization of Sarah, Hagar, Rebekah, Leah, and Rachel. This 3-week event shows how their courage, passion, and flaws helped shape the future of faith as we know it today. 

 This Easter season, three generations of women discover how faith, destiny, and divine purpose are woven through their lives. 

The Faithful: Women of the Bible begins March 22nd on FOX TV

                                      #TheFaithfulOnFOX  #TheFaithfulOnFOXrwm

About The Faithful: Women of The Bible

 The highly anticipated Biblical Event Series, The Faithful: Women of the Bible, stars Minnie Driver, Natacha Karam, and Jeffrey Donovan and premieres Sunday, March 22 (8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. It is a three-week television event culminating on Easter Sunday, April 5. Episodes will also stream the next day on Hulu.

 The series was filmed on location in Rome, Matera, and Italy. This landmark drama thoughtfully brings to life stories from the Book of Genesis through the women whose lives were woven into God’s unfolding plan.

Through moments of waiting, trust, brokenness, forgiveness, and redemption, the series explores the deeply human experiences behind Scripture and invites viewers to see familiar passages with renewed understanding and compassion.

Each episode follows the journeys of five women of faith:

  ~ Sarah (Minnie Driver) - Who is learning to trust God’s promises even when hope feels impossible.

  ~ Hagar (Natacha Karam) - One who is discovering that God sees and cares for the forgotten.

  ~ Rebekah (Alexa Davalos) - A woman wrestling with family, purpose, and the consequences of choice.

  ~ Leah (Millie Brady) and Rachel (Blu Hunt) - Two sisters navigating love, identity, and God’s blessing.

Through their struggles and perseverance, we are reminded that God works through imperfect people to accomplish a story far greater than any one life — a story that ultimately points forward to hope.

The Faithful: Women of the Bible is produced by FOX Entertainment Studios and distributed worldwide by FOX Entertainment Global. The series is executive produced by Carol Mendelsohn (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation), Julie Weitz (Game of Silence), and Rene Echevarria (Carnival Row, The 4400), who also serves as showrunner.

Watch the trailer for The Faithful: Women of the Bible

This is an incredible series to watch with family, friends, or a small group. The stories are a perfect starting point for conversations about faith, trust, and God’s faithfulness across generations.

The Faithful: Women of the Bible ~ March 22nd on FOX TV

Get social with The Faithful: Women of The Bible

  ~ Instagram

 ~ Facebook

 ~ Twitter

 ~ YouTube

Giveaway ~  $20 Amazon egift card 

I am giving away a $20 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky Mom Knows Best reader. The giveaway is limited to US winners only. The giveaway starts on March 19th, 2026, and ends on April 2nd, 2026. To enter the giveaway ~ enter on the giveaway form below.

~ This giveaway is limited to US winners only ~ If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again.

Entry-Form

Natural Products For Respiratory Support

When you have asthma that is related to allergies, it can be hard to breathe. Your breathing difficulty can be related to the mucus that is in your lungs, and relief comes when your lungs expel the mucus. The same can be said for when you have a cold that comes with airway congestion. 

While many people think that the best way to expel the mucus is with over-the-counter medicine, this can come with unwanted side effects. As a person who avoids traditional medicine, I have discovered alternative ways to clear the mucus from my lungs. Keep reading to discover natural products that have helped me with my respiratory system. 

For the past 8 years, I have been healing from food allergies, asthma, seasonal allergies, and mold sickness. From discovering that a dairy allergy was the cause of my severe asthma symptoms to being exposed to mold in my home to receiving allergy shots for seasonal allergies, I have discovered the best natural products to help my body heal. 

The past 8 years have been rough, with sleepless nights, many hours in the gym, and having to change my diet, but I have healed my body. I no longer struggle with asthma symptoms, and I am sleeping. My intense gym sessions have strengthened my lungs and my body. The diet part, with 4 different food allergies, is no longer a struggle for me. 

 I chose not to use traditional prescription medicine due to side effects and the fact that they only offer temporary relief. Throughout my healing journey, I have discovered many natural treatments and products that offered me respiratory support. Keep reading to discover what products I use for asthma and mucus relief.

Best Natural Products For Respiratory Support

   ~ Extra Strength ClearLungs ~ This was the first natural supplement that I discovered for my asthma symptoms. It was at a health conference that I experienced an asthma attack while in the expo hall. Something was in the room that triggered me to have an uncontrollable cough along with voice hoarseness.

 I was in front of the Ridgecrest Herbal display, and I noticed their samples of ClearLungs. I asked the Ridgecrest representative about the ClearLung sample, and he encouraged me to try it. The sample that I tried was the ClearLungs liquid, and within 15 minutes, I started coughing up some mucus, and I could feel my ears draining. After I coughed up the mucus, my voice was no longer hoarse, and I stopped coughing. I left the booth with plenty of ClearLungs capsules to take home with me. 

When I got home, I explored the Ridgecrest Herbal website and discovered their Extra Strength ClearLungs. I still use this supplement to keep my lungs happy. 

Purchase ClearLungs Extra Strength Here

   ~ Olbas Inhaler ~ I was at Expo East when I received a sample of the Olbas nasal relief inhaler from the expo hall. This Essential Oil Inhaler is amazing for opening up my airway and helping me expel mucus. I call it my natural inhaler, and I never leave the house without it.  

 This pocket-sized inhaler contains natural essential oils like peppermint and eucalyptus. I use this inhaler when I am having an asthma attack, and it helps me breathe better. This product is also great for nasal congestion. Once you try it, you will buy several of them. My husband makes fun of me for having an Olbas Inhaler in every room in the house, but there was a time when I needed to use these more than once a day.

Purchase Olbas Inhaler Here

  ~ Olbas Lozenges ~ These herbal lozenges have been a lifesaver for me during my first couple of years of allergy shots. My allergy shots caused me to have severe asthma attacks, which made breathing difficult. One of the main ingredients in the Olbas Lozenges is eucalyptus oil, which is amazing for opening up the airway. 

 These sugar-free drops have powerful vapors in them that work better than cough syrup for clearing sinuses and breathing. The lozenges also help keep me calm when I am struggling to breathe. This is another product that I always take with me when I leave the house, in case I have an asthma attack from someone wearing perfume. 

Purchase Olbas Lozenges Here

  ~ Betterbrand Mullein Tea Bags for Lung Detox ~ I recently received a sample of this lung detox tea, and I am liking the benefits from drinking the tea. The tea is made with natural ingredients and is caffeine-free. That means I can drink it at any time of day. 

Some of the ingredients in this respiratory support tea are mullein leaf, thyme, elderberry, ginseng, and ginger. The herbs in this tea offer respiratory health benefits for better lungs and easier breathing. The tea has a mild taste, and I did not need to add any sweetener to my tea.

The mullein Leaf in this lung detox tea helps clear mucus buildup and support open airways. I enjoyed this tea both hot and cold. I drank the tea after a day of being exposed to fragrance, a huge asthma trigger for me, and it helped me get the mucus out of my lungs. The reviews on this tea show that it helps people clear the mucus out of their airways.

Purchase Betterbrand Mullein Tea Bags for Lung Detox Here 

Natural Methods For Mucus Relief

 Having a stuffy nose and clogged sinuses from allergies or a cold can make breathing tough. Want relief from congestion or sinus pressure? Whether you have asthma, allergies, COPD, or a common cold, these ten things may help you clear mucus from your airway.

1. Drink Hot Coffee

2. Exercise

3. Soak in a hot tub

4. Read my article 10 Effective Ways To Clear Mucus For Better Breathing to find out the other 7 things that help with mucus relief 

Having mucus in your airways can be a pain, so having effective ways to clear the thick mucus from your airways is always a good thing. So the next time you are having problems breathing that is due to mucus, try these methods to see if they give you relief. Just remember that I am not a health professional, and I am writing from my personal experience with asthma. If a doctor has prescribed medications for your asthma or COPD, please continue to take them. 

Additional Resources For Allergy and Lung Support

 ~ 10 Effective Ways To Clear Mucus For Better Breathing

~ The Best Teas For Spring Allergies and Asthma

 ~ How I Manage My Asthma Naturally Without Prescription Medication

 ~ How to Naturally Heal Your Lungs From Trauma

Expo West Part Two ~ Favorite Products

 Expo West is my favorite work event. I love attending this natural product convention. This is the event where I learn about new products in the natural and organic retail space. This is the event to network and meet brands.

What is Expo West?

 Expo West is the largest trade show in the natural, organic, and healthy products industry. Expo West is the industry's defining event for natural and organic professionals. This is the event where everyone who is in some aspect of the natural products industry comes to network, learn, and have the best time. This is the event where decisions are made about what products will be on the store's shelves. 

 Every time I attend Expo West, I feel like a kid in a candy store. The excitement of seeing all the new products in the natural market and hanging with people who are passionate about healthy living just makes me smile. 

This event has been huge in my healing journey from food allergies and mold sickness. I always discover new foods that are safe for me to eat, as they don't contain dairy, wheat, soy, or mushrooms. I also learn about supplements that can help with my asthma. 

I had no health problems at Expo West #5 

This was my 5th time attending Expo West, and it was also the first time I did not accidentally eat any of my food allergens. Not once did I have to use any Benadryl. I also did not experience any asthma symptoms. It was great to stop by the Olbas booth to say hello and not need any natural breathing relief products. My investment in an infrared sauna has done wonders for my health. 

Some of the products that stood out to me

 Expo West has over 3000 brands exhibiting their new products, and it can be hard to discover them all. With my 4 different food allergies, fragrance preferences, and a mostly plant-based diet, sampling is even harder.

My strategy is to only eat products that I have had before and take packaged samples that may meet my dietary requirements. That way, I can read ingredient labels before I eat or use any products. I will also connect with brands before or after the show for samples of products that I am interested in.

Mooala Simple Organic Plant-Based Milk

I use plant-based milk daily in my health-focused coffee, so I am always open to trying new plant milks. I received an invite from Mooala to stop by their booth to sample their award-winning Simple Organic line. The invite also came with an offer to receive a free carton of Mooala Simple featuring my photo.

I thought it would be fun to be on a milk carton, along with trying their non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and carrageenan-free dairy-free milk. Their milk was creamy and delicious. I love that Mooala is made with just three ingredients (organic oats or almonds, sea salt, and filtered water), and is also affordable.

Mooala is available at (Amazon, Target, Whole Foods Market, Publix, ALDI, Sprouts & more)

Spiceology 

This spice company stood out to me with the bold labels on the jars and also the unique spice flavor combinations. Spiceology has a crave-worthy lineup of blends designed to simplify cooking without sacrificing creativity and bold taste. 

About Spiceology

Founded in 2013, Spiceology is at the heart of the kitchen for all who love food. Spiceology is the fastest-growing spice company in the United States, having appeared on the Inc. 5000 list for six years in a row. Spiceology is home to chef-created, never-before-tasted flavors and over 300 ingredients and blends that are ground fresh and shipped fresh. Bestsellers like Greek Freak and Smoky Honey Habanero have become pantry and counter staples in both professional and home cook kitchens around the world. Spiceology's ingredients and blends can be found in the aisles of retailers large and small, in the pantries of hundreds of thousands of home cooks, and in the kitchens of some of the world's greatest chefs.

You can buy Spiceology on Amazon

Queen St. Bakery Supergrain Sourdough

I’m excited to introduce you to Queen St. Bakery, a game-changing superfood bread brand dedicated to reimagining healthier, better-for-you bread. This bakery just introduced its Supergrain Sourdough. This bread, with benefits, is the perfect bread for those who have food allergies and avoid gluten. This bread is certified Gluten-Free, Vegan, Kosher, and Non-GMO.

 I just had to try this sourdough bread. When I went to the Queen St. Bakery booth, they had samples of the bread with avocado on it. After reading the ingredients on the bread package and verifying that they only put avocado on the bread, I gave it a try. The taste was amazing! 

The Supergrain Sourdough contains no flour and is packed with prebiotic fiber from sorghum, chia, and psyllium. This gluten-free bread supports smoother digestion and keeps you satisfied longer. Queen St. Bakery also makes delicious bagels and English muffins. You can find this amazing bread at Sprouts and Whole Foods.

Felicia Pasta

I love discovering gluten-free pasta brands, especially ones with superfoods. I had to check out a brand that was recently named a 2026 NEXTY Award Finalist in the Gluten-Free Products category for their Organic Oat Penne. While I was not able to get a sample of the Organic Oat Penne, I did get samples of their Brown Rice and Spirulina Spaghetti and their Red Lentil Penne. I can't wait to create a recipe with these pastas.

Felicia is a next-generation better-for-you pasta brand that has a diverse range of nutritious pastas made from 100 percent natural, organic, and allergen-free ingredients such as spirulina, buckwheat, oat, brown rice, chickpea, and red lentil. In addition to using high-quality, wholesome ingredients, the brand is committed to sustainable production practices, responsible natural resource management, and the use of upcycled materials from a circular economy. 

Felicia Pasta has officially launched on Amazon

Redmond Real Salt 

My favorite salt brand not only had samples of their Real Salt, but they also had samples of salt crystal rocks that were from the Redmond salt mine. It was cool to see the large salt rocks. I buy this salt in 10-pound bags and add it to my cooking and my RO water to replace the trace minerals. 

Real Salt is salt exactly as nature made it. It contains 60+ naturally occurring trace minerals, and it’s never processed or chemically treated. Real Salt enhances the flavor of food and does not make it salty. Check out the variety of Real Salt products and save 15% with code MOMKNOWSBEST on any Redmond Salt products.

Gimme K-Crisps

No more having to tear seaweed strips for your poki bowls and vegan tuna. Gimme Seaweed has a new product that is perfect for all your favorite recipes. The K-Crisps™ is a delicious pouch of seaweed goodness.

K-Crisps™ are designed for remarkable versatility, made to sprinkle or snack on, they are a true pantry staple that elevates rice, salads, avocado toast, soups, popcorn, and more with instant umami flavor and nutrition. Made with organic seaweed, non-GMO, vegan ingredients, K-Crisps™ deliver the quality, taste, and texture Gimme is known for in a shelf-stable, resealable format built for everyday use.

Just a few products that grabbed my attention  at Expo West

 Expo West is the largest natural brand expo. With over 3500 brands at the show, it was impossible to discover them all, but I sure tried. I left the expo with tons of samples, and over the next couple of weeks, I will have fun checking them out.

So stay tuned for more information on additional products that I loved from Expo West. 

Check out My Expo West Top Ten Favorite Products 2026

Is Your Home Too Cold in Winter? Here’s What Can Help

 One of the best things about winter is being able to come home and get warm and cozy again. But if your home doesn’t heat up properly, you can’t get comfortable or feel properly relaxed. Here are some quick tips that can help you improve how your house heats up and stays warm in winter.

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Check Your Water Heater

 For many people, the first port of call when their heating isn’t working as it should be is to get an HVAC specialist. But the problem can also stem from your water heater or boiler. Depending on how your heating system works, you might be better off contacting a plumber like Bluefrog Plumbing.

 If your water heater isn’t working, you won’t be able to run hot water from your faucets or even your shower or bathtub. For some people, the inability to have a hot bath in the winter defeats the purpose of having a bathtub in the first place.

 As a general rule, it’s important to get your water heater checked out and maintained regularly to prevent it from failing.

Invest in a Smart Thermostat

 If you want more control over the heating in your home, a smart thermostat could easily be a great way to make your life easier and your home more comfortable. Smart thermostats are especially popular because they allow you to keep your bills low without sacrificing your comfort.

 You can adjust the heating from your phone even when you’re out and about. So you can keep it off or low while the house is empty, and then turn the heating on or even boost it just before you get home. This means you don’t walk into a cold house, but you also haven’t had to pay for eight hours of heating that nobody benefited from.

Improving Insulation

 Sometimes the problem isn’t with your heating system, but with the fact that your house loses heat all the time. A well-insulated house should hold onto heat, so you don’t need to keep wasting electricity to try to heat the area around your home as well.

 The weak spots of insulation are often the exterior doors and windows of your home. Ideally, double or even triple-glazed windows should keep heat inside your home, and doors should do the same. But as your doors and windows get older, the seal between them and your walls can fail, letting heat out and drafts in. 

In this case, it’s better to invest in new ones.

A Real Fireplace

 Speaking of investments, one way to make your home much warmer and cozier in winter is to get a fireplace.

 Adding a fireplace to your home isn’t something you should do impulsively. You might need to install a chimney or at least make sure your current chimney and fireplace are in good condition. You also need to think about the type of fuel you use, and there’s the fact that you need to light the fireplace yourself.

But for many families, it’s worth it for the extra comfort and warmth in your living space.