What Is Expo West All About?

 Expo West is the largest trade show in the natural, organic, and healthy products industry. 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.

 Expo West is a once-a-year event in Anaheim California which is all about natural, organic, and healthy products. This is the event that shapes the healthy living industry and helps buyers decide which products they want to sell in their business. Expo West provides an invaluable opportunity for folks to connect face-to-face with retailers, investors, business leaders, influencers, and more.

 Expo West is a huge five-day event with more than 65,000 registered attendees and 3,000 exhibiting companies showcasing the newest natural products in foods, beverages, supplements, and more. This is a trade show event with opportunities to learn and connect with other people who are passionate about living a healthy lifestyle.

Can anyone attend Expo West?

 Expo West is not open to the public and only those with a connection to the natural and organic industry can attend. Attendees at Natural Products Expo West are people from all over the industry, which includes: Retailers ~ Distributors ~ Industry members ~ Health practitioners ~ Foodservice, and Press.

 Since I write about health and fitness on Mom Knows Best, I can attend this awesome event as part of the press. Expo West is an event that I look forward to attending every year. As a person who is passionate about healthy living, this event is like the Disney experience to me. I get to connect with like-minded people and learn about new products. I get to sample food, drinks, and healthy products. This is also the place where I meet new brands and learn about the latest trends in the health and fitness industry. 

Expo West is more than a trade show

 Beyond the huge trade show, Expo West is also dedicated to educating people about the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle. Expo West offers so much more than just visiting Expo booths. From morning fitness events to nightly concerts, the fun never ends at this healthy living event.

A typical day at Expo West starts with a morning yoga class before the exhibit hall opens. Not into yoga? Then one can attend a community breakfast to connect with others. Then the many exhibit halls open and it is a busy fun time. From sampling healthy food to talking to the brands, you will walk away with so much knowledge. 

After a busy day of being on your feet all day, this event offers nightly concerts to help you relax and unwind. These concerts are also a great way to meet and connect with others in the healthy product industry. 

How Expo West benefits me

As a member of the press, Expo West has many benefits for me. I get to sample and taste so many products to help you decide what to buy when you go shopping. I gain so much information from this event about healthy products, so I can educate my readers about the best products to use for everything from supplements to cleaners. 

 Expo West has also helped me in my food allergy journey. When I attended my first Expo West event in 2022, it helped me learn about delicious products that were dairy-free and soy-free. 

 After going through my first phase of allergy shots for seasonal allergies and detoxing from mold sickness, I discovered that I was also allergic to wheat. When I attended Expo West in 2023, I thought that I would not be able to enjoy eating the samples as wheat is in everything. I was glad that I was wrong as Expo West had so many products that were dairy and wheat-free. This event has shaped the food allergy industry and has helped so many brands create delicious products that are safe for those with food allergies.

Meet some of my favorite brands at Expo West

Over the years, I have discovered so many wonderful brands at Expo West. Many of these brands are ones that I continue to purchase. These are healthy products that are allergy-friendly foods that I enjoy and natural supplements that have helped with my asthma and mold illness. I have also discovered healthy cleaning products that are effective and safe to use. 

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Below are some of my favorite products from Expo West

1. Pickle Juice I love Pickle Juice and this is my go-to product for muscle aches and cramps. Pickle Juice is different from the pickle brine in a pickle jar. This is a supplement that provides instant relief from muscle aches and cramps. This functional beverage has a delicious taste and has 15x the electrolytes of common sports drinks.

When I over-exert my muscles at the gym, Pickle Juice takes care of the body aches. I love the small pickle shots as they are easy to drink. Pickle Juice comes in its original flavor and Chili Lime. They are USDA Organic certified and contain no sugar, gluten, or caffeine. Grab the Pickle Juice Here

2. Quantum Energy Squares These energy bars are amazing for my morning gym workouts. Quantum Energy Squares are loaded with nutrition and caffeine. So my body gets real energy for my vigorous workouts. These delicious bars are made with real whole foods and caffeine from organic green coffee beans. So I get 100mg of organic caffeine ( equal to 1 cup of coffee) and balanced macronutrients for smooth steady energy with no jitters or crash. 

The yummy bars are made with fruits, nuts, and seeds. Each bar has 10g of protein & MCT Oil. They are also Certified Plant-Based, Gluten-Free, non-GMO, Vegan, Dairy-Free, and Soy-Free. The better-than-energy drink bars come in 6 delicious flavors ~  Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Pink Himalayan Salt, Salted Peanut Butter Crunch, Caramel Almond Sea Salt, Banana Nut Butter Crunch, and Caffe Mocha Almond Chip. Spend $50 at Quantum Bars and get a free gift ~ Grab the Quantum Energy Squares Here

3. ResBotic Prebeet Beets have amazing benefits for energy and ResBotic created a supplement with beets that offers even more benefits. This naturally sweet beet powder drink mix has benefits like Caffeine--Free Energy, Bloat Defense, Daily Poops, Skin Health, and Heart Health. So I can supercharge my energy while loving my skin and heart. I also love that it helps me stay regular. 

 This delicious drink is made from real beets and contains no artificial sweetener or colors. It is also non-GMO, gluten-free, Vegan, Low Sugar, Low FODMAP verified, Keto and Paleo Friendly, dairy-free, Caffeine-free, and soy-free. I love mixing this beet powder in my daily smoothie.

Grab ResBotic Prebeet Here

4. Setton Farms Pistachios One of my favorite snacks is nuts and I love eating pistachios. Setton Farms Pistachios is a brand that I love. This family-owned business is the second-largest pistachio grower-processer in the United States. Setton Farm Pistachios offers in-shell and kernel pistachio products. I just discovered their Tajin Clasico Chile Lime Seasoned Pistachios and they are so delicious! They also just came out with a new Pistachio Pub Mix.

 I love how big these pistachios are and the pistachio shells are always open. Setton Farm pistachio products are non-GMO project Verified, Certified Gluten-Free, Organic, and Kosher. These are the best-tasting pistachios! Grab the Tajin Clasico Chile Lime Seasoned Pistachios Here

5. Mary Gone Crackers These gluten-free crackers are so delicious. I just love all the seeds and gluten-free grains that are in the crunchy crackers. These crackers are also dairy-free and soy-free so I can enjoy them. They are also nut-free, certified organic, gluten-free, Kosher, and non-GMO.

Mary’s Gone Crackers fits a variety of dietary needs with its health-conscious ingredients and addictive flavors. The Mary's Gone Crackers Super Seed Crackers are my favorite but Mary Gone Crackers also has Kookies and dairy-free Cheeze crackers. Grab the Mary's Gone Crackers Super Seed Crackers Here

6. Ridgecrest Clear Lungs I discovered Clear Lungs many years ago at a conference and this supplement has helped me manage my asthma naturally. This amazing lung formula is adapted from an ancient Chinese traditional remedy and it really works. This supplement keeps my airways open and helps with the mucus. I take Clear Lungs in the morning and within minutes I am coughing up the mucus that seems to build up when I sleep. 

 Every time I forget to order more Clear Lungs, my asthma attacks start happening more frequently. Once I start taking Clear Lungs again, I have fewer asthma problems. These vegan capsules contain no animal products, corn, dairy, gluten, GMO, soy, wheat, or yeast. Grab Ridgecrest Clear Lungs Here

7. Olbas Inhaler This is another product that has been a huge help for my asthma attacks. This pocket-size herbal inhaler is my natural asthma inhaler. When I have an asthma attack, I use the Olbas Inhaler to open up my airways. This natural inhaler contains pure essential oils that help open up the airways.

 I have several of these inhalers and stash them in my purse, gym bag, car, and bedroom. So they are always nearby when something triggers an asthma attack. I have way too many asthma triggers from smoke to fragrance to food allergies so Olbas Inhalers are a must-have product for me. Grab Olbas Inhaler Here

8. Nuzest Plant-Based Protein This is my favorite protein for so many reasons. Nuzest is the best allergy-friendly vegan protein. I have multiple food allergies so having a protein powder that has no dairy, soy, or whenat is important for my health. I love that Nuzest Nuzest Clean Lean Protein is routinely tested for allergens. 

 This protein powder is also free from lectins. Lectins are "anti-nutrients" found in plants, especially legumes (like peas) that can cause digestive discomfort and interfere with the absorption of minerals. So Nuzest does not give me bloating issues. Nuzest comes in many delicious flavors like strawberry, chocolate, vanilla, coffee, caramel, and even plain. I love using the plain flavored Nuzest in my oatmeal for extra protein. Use my code MOMKNOWSBEST15 to save15% on Nuzest 

9. Kates Real Food Bars One of my favorite snack bars is Kates Real Food Bars. These delicious bars are made from wholesome ingredients and taste so good. Kate's Real Food Bars are organic and have protein-packed nuts, fiber-filled seeds, and nutrient-dense fruits.  

These energizing bars pack in 3 to 4 grams of protein per serving. All of Kate’s Real Food products are made with certified gluten-free oats, making them a good choice for those with gluten allergies or intolerance. These delicious bars come in many yummy flavors like Oatmeal Cranberry & Almond, Dark Chocolate Cherry & Almond, Dark Chocolate Mint, and Lemon Coconut.

Grab Kate's Real Food Bars Here

10. AWAKE Chocolate These delicious chocolates are another favorite gym energy product. Each delicious bite of dark chocolate contains the same amount of coffee as a half cup of coffee. They are also perfect for the mid day slump at work.

What is not to love about a chocolate treat with energy. The Awake chocolates have no bitter coffee taste and is available in 7 different flavors. The dark chocolate and the mint dark chocolate are both dairy-free and gluten-free. 

Grab Awake Chocolate Here

Those are just a few brands that I enjoyed checking out at Expo West in 2023. I will be heading to Expo West 2024 in less than a week and I am so excited to see all the new products. Stay tuned for the next post!

12 Favorite Product Discoveries From Expo East

 I just got back from traveling to Philidelphia and I am excited to tell you about my trip to attend Expo East. I discovered so many new healthy products and want to share with you my favorite product finds.

 I was in Philadelphia last week as I was attending a huge natural product event. I was at the event to check out new healthy natural products and I had a great time sampling delicious food. I also got to sample the latest healthy beauty products and learn about new supplements.

 While I was at the event, I got to learn about the newest trends in the health and wellness community. I also had the opportunity to taste some allergy-friendly food to help me manage my many food allergies. This is an event that I look forward to attending and I am glad that I got an invite to the event.

 Expo East is the fall natural products show from New Hope Network. This is a huge event for the natural & organic community to showcase the latest products that are available in stores. The event is all about seeing and trying the latest natural food, beverages, personal care, and supplements.

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  I always have fun checking out all the booths at the Expo East. From food and drinks to supplements with everything in between, this is the event to learn about what is hot in the natural food stores. When I attend the expo, I always bring an extra suitcase to bring home all of the samples. Check out these free samples.

While I was walking the event floor, I made some notes about my favorite products and I made a list of my top 10 favorite products from Expo East. So keep reading to see which products I enjoyed from Expo East.

1. Happy Grub Pancake Mixes

Happy Grub makes breakfast fun and easy. Happy Grub is designed to bring families together in the kitchen. The pancake mix ingredients are all natural and organic, so you can be confident in what you are eating too! I just love the cute bottles that the pancake mix is in. The bottles make pancake cooking so easy that even kids can help in the kitchen. Just add water, shake, and squeeze. The squeeze bottles are perfect for making creative pancake shapes. The pancake mixes are available in 4 different varieties.

My teen loves creating pancake shapes with the Happy Grub pancake mixes. You can even squeeze the pancake mix on a waffle maker for delicious waffles. 

2. Verb Caffeinated Energy Bars

 I discovered Verb Caffeinated Energy Bars last March at Expo West but I did not try them until a couple of weeks ago. I was "a drink an energy drink before the gym person" and "enjoy my cup of coffee after the gym person." So I really did not have a need for more caffeine. The Verb Bars just stayed in my pantry in my snack box. 

 Then a fitness influencer told me the facts about exercising without eating breakfast and how it could be hurting my fitness goals. So I ditched the energy drinks and decided to try the Verb Caffeinated Bars for three weeks to see if it made a difference in my gym routine. I was amazed at my increase in energy from the Verb Bars and that helped me to lose 2 pounds! I was hooked on the delicious bars for my before-the-gym caffeine boost.

 The Verb Bars have the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee and it comes from green tea. I had only tried the smores flavor of the Verb Caffeinate bars so I was glad that the Verb booth had different flavors of their energy bars. The delicious bars are available in 13 flavors. These bars are the delicious solution to the 2 p.m. slump. Say goodbye to overpriced lattes, sugar cravings & post-coffee jitters 

Save 40% with code TARA77427

3. Freshe Seafood Meals

 Freshé isn't your typical canned fish – it's a game-changer that fuses the best of wild-caught tuna and Atlantic salmon with wholesome legumes, vegetables, and the richness of olive oil. Freshé introduces a line-up of ready-to-eat small meals that are rewriting the rules of tinned fish. Each meal packs a punch of sustainably sourced protein infused with savory herbs and spices. 

 But what truly sets Freshé apart is its no-compromise approach to quality and sustainability. Their all-natural, BPA-free tins can sit pretty on your shelf for up to four years. But here's the real kicker – Freshé isn't just a one-note wonder. With flavors inspired by global cuisines, from the bold Sicilian Caponata to the exotic Moroccan Tagine, there's a whole world of taste waiting for you. Available in six varieties.

4. Nuzest Plant-Based Protein

 I was so excited that Nuzest was going to have a booth at Expo East. This was their first time at Expo East and I had to stop by the booth to meet the team behind my favorite plant-based protein powder. I have been using Nuzest vegan protein since 2016 and this allergy-friendly protein is always in my pantry.

 Nuzest had samples of their new Protein Greens + Berries and Protein + Microbiotics along with their Clean Lean Protein and Kids Good Stuff. So I stopped by the Nuzest Booth to say hello and to grab a sample of the Clean Lean Protein Powder in vanilla. 

5. EQUII Protein Bread

 I am always looking for ways to get my teenage son to eat more protein as he is an athlete and does not eat meat. So I was happy to discover a bread that had 10 grams of protein per slice. My son loves peanut butter sandwiches so I knew that he had to try this wheat bread.

 EQUII Classic Wheat Bread has 10 Grams of Complete Protein and all 9 Essential Amino Acids in each slice. Equii uses a special fermentation process to produce high-quality protein that is easily absorbed by the body. This bread also has 50% less sugar and 30% fewer carbs than other breads. EQUII bread is a game-changer for health-conscious consumers, athletes, and those on meat-restricted diets.

6. Gimme Seaweed Snacks

I was happy to see my favorite seaweed snack company at Expo East and I enjoyed tasting all the different flavors. Gimme’s umami-rich roasted seaweed snacks are USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified, only 30 calories per serving, and an excellent source of vitamins B12 & K and iodine.

  Gimme’s product line includes Big Sheets, Sushi Nori, and Roasted Seaweed Snacks, which are now available in eight flavors including their newest flavors Chili Lime and Non-Dairy White Cheddar. They also now have Grab & Go (tray-less) roasted seaweed snacks in top-selling flavors. My favorite flavor was Chili Lime.

7. MALK's New Holiday Nog

 I discovered MALK plant-based milk last year and loved this nut milk for its clean simple ingredients. This is a creamy, 100% organic vegan milk is made solely with filtered water, organic almonds, and vanilla.

This year MALK debuted its new Holiday Nog. This delicious nog is 100% organic vegan milk that is made solely with filtered water, organic almonds, organic maple syrup, organic nutmeg extract, and Himalayan pink salt and contains only 60 calories per serving. This limited-edition holiday product will be rolling out to stores in October and will be available throughout the holiday season while supplies last. MALK’s Holiday Nog will be available at Whole Foods, Sprouts, Erewhon, select Kroger locations, Fresh Thyme, Fresh Market, Earthfare, MOM’s Market, and other locations. 

8. Pickle Juice

 I love drinking Pickle Juice after a sweaty workout. This hydration+ drink has a great taste and has so many benefits beyond hydration.

 Pickle Juice (not to be confused with pickle brine) is the only product on the market scientifically proven to stop muscle cramps, prevent dehydration, and aid in recovery. It uses a proprietary grain and blend of vinegar that blocks that nerve signal being sent from brain to muscle, and a blend of vitamins and minerals for immediate muscle recovery. Whether you are missing something from your diet, exhausted from exercise, wake up in the middle of the night with foot cramps, or are dealing with poor circulation, Pickle Juice can provide a source of relief.

9. Jack & Friends Jackfruit Jerky

 Most plant-based jerky is made from mushrooms or soy protein and those with food allergies to either of these ingredients miss out on eating jerky. Since I am allergic to soy and mushrooms, my craving for meat-free jerky has not been satisfied. I was so excited to discover Jack & Friends Jackfruit Jerky.

 This jerky is made from jackfruit and pea protein and is so delicious. I love that a serving has 15 grams of protein and 9 grams of fiber. It even has the same texture as meat jerky. I might just be enjoying this jerky for breakfast and I am thinking that it would be great to use in a vegan BLT sandwich. 

10. Zeroe Plant Based Caviar

 This past summer I tried caviar for the first time and I was not impressed at the taste. Then a week later, when I watched a video on how they harvest caviar, I was glad that I did not like real caviar. Most people know that caviar is fish eggs but they don't realize the disgusting and unethical way that caviar is made. 

So when I saw a booth at Expo East sampling plant-based caviar, I just had to try it. The taste of Zeroe Plant Based Caviar was amazing! This caviar is 100% Vegan and sustainably Sourced and no fish were harmed in the process. It is made from seaweed off the coast of France. The texture of Zeroe is also amazing and it will go great with my Vegan Smoked Salmon on my homemade gluten-free bagels.

11. Scotts Protein Balls

These delicious protein balls are plant-based and allergy-friendly. So they are the perfect snack for me since I have multiple food allergies. I like that Scotts Protein Balls are made with superfood ingredients and they are dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and contain no preservatives. These protein balls are made with fresh ingredients so they have to be stored in the refrigerator. 

 They have 8 grams of protein per serving and are available in ten flavors, including Cinnamon Bun, Peanut Butter Cup, Pumpkin Spice, Peanut Butter Cacao, Mint Chocolate Chip, Brownie Batter, Confetti, Snickerdoodle, Java Peanut Butter, and Red Velvet. My favorite flavor was Peanut Butter Cacao.

12. Once Again’s Sunflower Butter Graham Cracker Sandwiches

I was happy to find gluten-free graham crackers filled with sunflower butter! These delicious snacks will be perfect for when the granddaughters visit. These allergy-friendly treats fit all the boxes for both my food allergies and my daughter's food allergies. I am allergic to dairy and wheat and my daughter is allergic to peanuts and tree nuts.

Once Again Sunflower Butter Cracker Sandwiches are the perfect snack for those seeking a healthy and delicious treat. They are certified gluten-free and certified organic, plus vegan. The graham crackers are made with a blend of organic sorghum flour, oat flour, and cassava, while the filling is made from sunflower seeds. I like that they’re individually wrapped and easy to take on the go.

Other products that I liked from Expo East

 There were so many products to see and taste at this natural product event. From healthy snacks to natural beauty and cleaner products with so many other products that I could not taste everything. I am so glad that I was able to take products home. That way I can try them. The photo below is just a few of my favorite products that made an impression on me. 

From the left top corner to the right top corner, ~ then bottom left to right left are the following products.

~ Vital Zing Flavor Drops ~ So many delicious flavors

~ Fillo's Walking Tamales ~ Just heat in the microwave and so delicious

~ Bone Sucking Hot Honey ~ This had a kick of heat and I will be using this on my pizza

~ Fillo's Bean & Lentils ~ They are ready to eat

~ JamBar ~ Gluten-free and plant-based and so yummy! The daughter of the guy who made PowerBars created these.

~ Hamptons Raw Probiotic Brines ~ I grabbed these to brine my cucumbers

~ Safe Catch Seafood ~ So good and low in mercury

~ Rind Remix ~ Dried fruit, nuts, and other delicious ingredients

~ Ocean's Halo Purple Rice and Noodles ~ Purple goodness

~ Vocoa Vegan Lemon Loaf and Omega Cheez Blend ~ These are dairy-free and gluten-free

~ Verb Caffeinate Bars ~ My new pre-workout 

~ 7th Heaven Dairy Chocolate ~ So creamy

~ Lakanto Sweeteners and Candied Nuts ~ My favorite baking sweetener

~ Cleanery Plant-Based Powder Cleaners ~ Just add them to a bottle of water

~ Dr. Bronners Plant-Based Chocolate ~ So delicious

~ Sunwarrior Hydration Mixes ~ Great for after the gym

~ Trek All-Natural Insect Repellant ~ These smell good and will keep the mosquitos away

Does My Young Child Need Kobi Sport Deodorant?

 Have you been noticing that your pre-teen is starting to stink? While it is not uncommon for kids to start experiencing body odor at a much younger age, you may be wondering do they need to start wearing deodorant?

 Some kids tend to start having body odor at a young age and as a parent, you want to help them not stink. So you make sure to give them a bath every day and make sure that they are wearing clean underwear. You even have them wash their feet but this child still has body odor. So what is a parent to do?

 The first step in helping your young child with B.O. is to figure out the cause of why they smell bad. There are many reasons why a young child may smell bad, so figure out the cause as you don't want your smelly child to be made fun of or embarrassed when someone mentions their odor. 

At What Age Should Kids Start Wearing Deodorant?

Common causes of child body odor 

 1. Bathing habits ~ Sure your child takes a bath every night but are they washing their body with soap in the right places? Your child may be taking a shower every night but they may not be cleaning their armpits or private places with soap. So show them how to clean their body.

2. Heavy activity ~ Active kids are going to sweat and bacteria + sweat equals smelly bodies. 

3. Heat ~ Hot weather can make a person sweat. Then there is the child who sweats in his sleep. So dress your child in lighter fabrics and keep their bedroom at a cooler temperature.

4. Diet ~ Certain foods can worsen body odor. Foods like garlic, cabbage, and even dairy, when consumed in large amounts, can lead to a higher concentration of sulfur in our sweat.

5. Genetic makeup or medical condition ~ If the above causes are not the reason for why your child stinks. Talk to their doctor as they may have a condition called hyperhidrosis(excessive sweating) or it may be the family genetics. 

How can I help my child not experience body odor?

 After exploring all the common causes for why children may sweat or stink, it may be time to have your child wear deodorant. Before you run out to the store and buy a harsh deodorant or antiperspirant, learn about a line of child-focused body care that is made for younger kids.

Younger kids may sweat and have body odor but their skin can not handle body care products that are made for adult skin. Some adult deodorants and antiperspirants have toxic ingredients like aluminum that are not safe to use on younger children. 

Kobi is a line of child-focused body care 

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 When it comes to personal care products, kids and teens are a largely neglected demographic. There’s tons of stuff out there for grown-ups and tons for babies, but very little in between. Kobi is changing that! 

 Kobi is a line of child-focused body care created because children need gentler products that use alternatives to some common ingredients that tougher adult skin is better equipped to handle. Kobi is made with high-quality, naturally derived ingredients that are 100% kid-safe. 

 Kobi has a line of body care products that are made for younger kids. From deodorants to body powders to foot sprays, Kobi is a new brand of natural body care products for kids and teens. These personal care products are gentle enough for younger kids but powerful enough for teens.

Facts about Kobi body care products

+ Designed for Kids: Gentle enough for kids aged 5 and up, powerful enough for teens.

+ Super Safe: Non-toxic with no aluminum, no parabens, no GMOs, no fake stuff.

+ Allergy Friendly: No baking soda, no nut oils, no dyes – no irritation!

+ No Mess: Rolls on smoothly with no drips, stickiness, or staining.

+ Goes On Clear: No white marks or clumpy stuff, just perfect-looking pits from the get-go!

+ Fresh, Amazing Scents: Fresh Lime, Mountain Mint, Sunset Bloom, Vanilla Dream, and even unscented.

Tackle the stinky feet and smelly shoes

 If your child has stinky feet, it may be a shoe problem. Wearing shoes all day can lead to sweating feet. All that sweat then gets trapped in your child's socks and shoes. While you can wash their feet and socks on a daily basis, it can be hard to wash their shoes. So the Kobi Fresh Foot Spray is perfect for tackling the stink foot problem in kids.

Highlights Of Kobi Fresh Foot Spray

+ Treats Stinky Feet: Cleans, soothes, and deodorizes feet after activity.

+ Prevents Athlete’s Foot: Neutralizes the sweat-loving microbes that cause athlete’s foot.

+ Super Safe: Natural, non-toxic formula with no harsh chemicals, no artificial fragrance, no fake stuff.

+ Fresh, Amazing Scents: Mountain Mint, Sunset Bloom, and unscented.

A Powder Designed For Sports

 Kobi's 4-in-1 Body Powder is your young athlete’s new best friend. This is a talc-free, multi-use body, and foot powder for sporty kids of all ages.

Highlights of Kobi's 4-in-1 Body Powder 

+ 4 Big Benefits: Stops chafing, controls odor, absorbs moisture, and soothes skin.

+ Use on Body & Feet: Keeps young athletes dry and chafe-free, and stops feet from getting stinky!

+ Super Safe: All-natural, non-toxic formula with no talc, no artificial fragrance, no fake stuff.

+ Fresh, Amazing Scents: Mountain Mint, Sunset Bloom, and unscented.

The benefits of using natural deodorant with young children. 

 For many people, the first time that they use a natural deodorant is not a good experience. They will complain that they are sweating and still stink. The truth is that the toxic ingredient aluminum works by plugging up your sweat glands. So when you take the leap from antiperspirant to deodorant, your sweat glands will overcompensate from being plugged up for so long and start over-producing sweat and you will smell. Did you know that the aluminum in antiperspirant is also the reason why your shirts have yellow stains on them?

When an adult makes the switch to natural deodorant, their body needs to adjust and do a deodorant detox. So starting young children with deodorant means that their sweat glands will not become plugged up. These kids can continue to use deodorants with safe ingredients as an adult and won't have to suffer through a detox phase. 

When my boys were preteens, I bought them natural deodorant when they started to play sports. I did not want them to use body care products with aluminum in them. My boys are now active teens and they are still using aluminum-free deodorant for their armpits. The cool part they are using safe ingredients on their body and they do not have smelly armpits. 

Discover the full line of Kobi body care products 

You can purchase Kobi body care products on Amazon or https://wearekobi.com. These kid-friendly body care products come in many wonderful scents that both boys and girls will love. My favorite scent is Fresh Lime which is a perfect scent for both genders. Fresh lime smells like limes. My boys like the Mountain Mint scent that smells like peppermint.

New Natural Products That I Discovered At Expo West

  Expo West is the event that showcases all the new products that are the health, wellness, and natural food line. It is where brands and buyers meet up to get the newest products into your shopping cart.

 Last month, I traveled by train to Anaheim California to attend a healthy product event called Expo West. Most people would wonder why I traveled by train when I could travel by plane quicker and cheaper. The reason that I took the slow route from Albuquerque to Anaheim was simply I had opened a reward credit card and I received enough points to travel in a sleeper car on Amtrack for free. Sadly this credit card is no longer available but if you like to travel for free, you need to get these travel credit cards.

Southwest Airlines ~ Earn up to 80,000 points ~ that is enough points to redeem for $1000 in tickets!

Marriot Hotels ~ Earn up to 105,000 points to redeem for 3 free hotel nights

Hilton Hotels ~ Earn 80,000 points to redeem for 2-3 free hotel nights

 I actually enjoyed my train to Expo West. Since I had a sleeper car, I was able to work on my computer without anyone bothering me. It was my mini office on wheels. I was also able to sleep so the train ride went by quickly. My family thought I was crazy but the train ride was a great way to catch up on work and have some time to myself. 

Expo West Natural Product Event was amazing

This was my first time attending Expo West and I was kind of overwhelmed with what to expect at this conference. There were 60,000 people registered for the event and close to 3000 brands in the many expo halls. I had attended Expo East last fall, with 800 brands, so I was not sure if I would be able to network with all the brands that I wanted to. I had four days to visit the booths to see all the new products. I had four days to enjoy eating food that would be safe for me to enjoy with my many food allergies. I knew that there would be plenty of allergy-friendly foods. I  still had to read labels and ask questions before I sampled the food samples. The vendors expect these types of questions as this was an event where the brands wanted you to know what is in their food. 

Natural Products Expo West is an experience of learning about new natural products. Through sampling, it allows those who are in the natural product world to network, see new products, and explore new ideas.

New Natural Products That I Discovered At Expo West 

Plant-based and dairy-free desserts

 Bon Dévil is pure pleasure without all the guilt. Anoint your taste buds with an unholy eruption of wickedly delicious coconut-based desserts. Plant-based and dairy-free desserts that are the creamiest, most indulgent pots around. Made with Non-GMO ingredients and Vegan Certified; helping us all to live a bit healthier without sacrificing the things that make life so damn delicious.

 These desserts were so delicious. They were thick and creamy, like a chocolate truffle. I loved the size of them. That way I could try a couple flavors at once.  I hid the puddings in the back of the fridge, thinking that no one would find them. I was wrong! My husband found them and almost ate them all. My husband usually won't touch food that is labeled plant-based so I was shocked when he asked me if he could eat them, this was after he had already eaten 4  of them.

Organic plant-based and grass-fed ice cream

Cosmic Bliss used to just make plant-based frozen desserts but they boldly decided to also make organic grass-fed ice cream. Coconut Bliss has been making plant-based organic coconut milk-based ice cream for 17 years and has boldly rebranded with a new line of grass-fed milk ice cream. 

 This was a move that made my family happy. While I was unable to taste the new grass-fed ice cream from Cosmic Bliss, since I am allergic to dairy, my husband and children were excited to try this new ice cream. While I was at Expo West, Cosmic Bliss sent me plenty of frozen treats, so my family and I could try them. The box of frozen treats from Cosmic Bliss contained both plant-based frozen desserts and grass-fed milk ice cream in many delicious flavors. My family enjoyed the new grass-fed ice cream and I enjoyed the plant-based ice cream. My only request to the company is to make the labels different for the products. Usually, I buy regular ice cream for my family in bigger containers and vegan ice cream in smaller sizes. So I had to read the label every time I ate the ice cream. The plant-based and grass-fed logos were too similar.

Tender Chicken Bites

 BGK’s Tender Chicken Bites are made with real, nourishing ingredients like antibiotic-free chicken and spices. They are a great source of protein, gluten-free, and contain no MSG or added nitrates. Unlike other jerkies, these bites are deliciously tender and easy to eat, offering a better jerky experience, and are more filling than other snacks that are loaded with sugar and carbs. 

 My husband and teen son love beef jerky, so I was happy to introduce them to a better meat option. I placed these chicken bites in the pantry and they ate them up in a couple of days. They were asking for more. I usually don't eat meat, due to my soy allergy, but I had to try these chicken snacks as they looked so delicious. I loved how flavorful these bites were.

Collagen and Turmeric Supplements

 Youtheory is a supplement brand that specializes in collagen and other wellness supplements. I have been adding collagen to my daily smoothie for the past couple months for the many benefits for my hair, skin, nails, and joints. While I have known about the benefits of collagen for several years, I never really used it on a daily basis. Since I am trying to heal my body from asthma problems and mold sickness, I decided to take collagen on a daily basis. 

 The other day when I was combing my hair after I washed it, I noticed that my comb did not have the usual clump of hair in it. So, I realized that the collagen was making my hair stronger. Life has been crazy the past couple of months, so I really never noticed that my hair stopped shedding massive amounts of hair. In the past, my hair would shed like crazy but it never bothered me because it quickly grew back. So I never experienced hair thinness. So I finally experience the benefits of collagen for hair, once I started taking it daily. Check out this tropical overnight oats recipe that has collagen in it.

Pop Art Snacks

 Pop Art Snacks is a uniquely delicious, out-of-this-world treat with worldly flavors. The award-winning brand brings gourmet popcorn to the mainstream with offerings to please various discerning taste buds. It’s an everyday snack that’s elevated to a savory “taste of art,” with such bold selections as Rosemary Truffle With Olive Oil and Dill Pickle Vegan Ranch to make a health-conscious foodie salivate just thinking about them! Always crafted in small batches, Pop Art Popcorn is Non-GMO, contains no MSG, is kosher, gluten-free, and air-popped. Made from 100% whole grains to keep you energized throughout your day. At 45 to 60 calories per cup, satisfy your cravings with these amazing small batch-crafted selections and give your mouth a burst of epic flavor and crunch! It is vegan except for Cheddar Jalapeno and Pepper Parmesan.

 These bags of delicious popcorn were so beautiful to look at while I enjoyed the popcorn for a healthy snack. I loved that so many of the popcorn flavors were plant-based and made with healthy ingredients. The popcorn was so flavorful and there was plenty in a bag so I could share them with my boys. Sharing I did and my youngest ate the whole bag of the Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn in one day.

Chipotle Lime Mayo with Avocado Oil

Primal Kitchen Chipotle Lime Mayo is a zesty update to classic mayo. Spicy chipotle powder and lime add a peppery punch to this Whole30-Approved and Certified Paleo & Keto mayo. If you like spicy, then you will like this mayo made with real ingredients. This is quality mayo and the taste is amazing. I used the spicy mayo in my coleslaw and it was so delicious.

 Primal Kitchen makes so many delicious oils and condiments that are made with real simple ingredients, that contain no dairy, gluten, grain, refined sugar, or soy. I can't wait to use this chipotle mayo in my Southwestern sushi burritos. 

Alkaline Spring Water

 What could be more perfect than a pH of 10? TEN spring water has the highest pH among bottled water brands and is rich in alkaline minerals and electrolytes. So many bottled waters, including alkaline waters, come from municipal sources and go through a filtration process. TEN is sourced from some of America’s purest springs.

 While this company was not at Expo West, I was sent samples of the water after I attended the event. This company will be at Expo East and I am excited to connect with them in the fall.

This alkaline water had a clean taste and did not taste earthy, like so many other mineral waters. I love that TEN spring water comes in many sizes including gallon jugs with handles. Since I have been exercising inside, I have been sweating more. So I have been drinking about a gallon of water a day. I keep the Ten water in my home gym - home office, so I make sure to drink enough water throughout the day. Once the water bottles are empty, I will fill them with sand as they are perfect for DIY weights.

Tasty Lavash for wraps and more

 Atoria's Family Bakery  Lavash is perfect for wraps, pinwheels, flatbread pizza, and more. I have featured this delicious lavash bread on my website in these Chocolate Jack-O-Lanterns. So I was excited to try their new offerings. The Lavash with Whole Grain & Flax and the Roasted Red Pepper Mini Lavash sounded so delicious. 

It was a recipe for Unbeetable Lavash Wraps from Atoria's Family Bakery that they sent to my email that got my attention. I was drooling over the photo of this healthy wrap sandwich. I will be making this recipe once I get the ingredients but for now, I just have to share the recipe with you. That way you can make this delicious sandwich.

Ingredients

1 sheet Atoria’s Family Bakery Lavash

2–3 tbsp. beet hummus

1/4 cup shredded carrots

1 cup baby spinach

1/4 cup cucumber, cut into strips

1/4 cup beets, diced

Splash of olive oil

Preparation

Spread hummus evenly on half of the sheet of Lavash, on the end opposite from where you’ll begin rolling. On the other half, with some overlap, add the spinach.

Add on layers of carrot, cucumber, and diced beet in stripes, beginning near the edge you’ll begin rolling from. Drizzle with a light layer of olive oil.

Wrap tightly, packing the ingredients as you roll. Makes 1 wrap or 10 bite-sized pieces

ATTITUDE’s NEW plastic-free Leaves Bar line

 I am excited to introduce this new line that features zero-plastic solid beauty bars for your skin and hair! ATTITUDE’s leaves bars collection features zero-plastic solid beauty bars for your daily skin and hair care routines. Everything is crafted to offer maximum results with minimal ingredients, enriched with super leaves extracts, and packaged in luxuriously designed compostable cardboard boxes. These naturally-scented products with indulgent fragrances will quickly become your go-to for your clean wellness regimen, resulting in glowing skin and lustrous hair. The minimalistic size is a space saver and perfect for travel. The collection includes lip balm, natural deodorant, shampoo & conditioner bars, hand soap, and body butter!

These plastic-free beauty products smell so good and I love that the packaging can be tossed into my compost pile. I have been working hard to cut back on the amount of plastic that I purchase and I am excited to try these natural beauty products. Look for a review later on Mom Knows Best!

 This is just a sampling of some of the amazing natural products that I discovered at Expo West. I had fun discovering new healthy products while at the event. I will continue to share many more of the products in the next several months. It was a privilege to be able to attend an event that had a focus on natural products. 

Natural Non Toxic Summer Skincare Products

 Get your skin ready for summer the natural way

This page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I received samples of the below products.

 Summer is my favorite season as the weather is warm. That means I can open up the windows and let the fresh air into the house. Summer also means being able to spend more time outside. My favorite ways to spend time outside are running and working in the garden. I just love growing my own veggies as they taste so delicious. The best part of summer for me is not having to wear so many clothes. I love wearing dresses, shorts, and sandals. Covering up less skin just feels better to me.

Get your skin ready for summer

 Wearing fewer clothes in the summer also means that more of my skin is showing. So I want my skin to look and feel its best. So that means taking care of my dry skin on my body, feet, and face. Living in the desert also means that the dry heat makes my skin even drier in the summer. So I make sure to stock up on skincare products for summer skin. So my skin stays hydrated and rejuvenated.

 The parts of my body that need extra skincare are my face, arms, legs, feet, and back. Ok, my whole body needs extra care in the summer. So I reach for skincare products that are made with natural, non-toxic ingredients. I have discovered over the past couple of years that my skin is healthier thanks to using natural skincare products. My skin itches way less and I no longer have to use excessive amounts of lotion on my body.

 I remember, a couple of years ago when my skin was super dry and super itchy. I was not using natural products then and my eczema was always flaring up. So I was using a lot of lotion every day, especially after my shower. A couple months after making the switch to natural soaps and lotion, I realized that there were days that I did not use lotion as my skin was not dry. I also realized that I no longer was itchy after my shower.

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Natural Non-Toxic Skincare Products Helped My Skin Problems

 I came to the conclusion that the chemical ingredients in my skincare products were the cause of my skin issues like eczema and dryness. Either I was sensitive to the ingredients soaps that contain toxic ingredients or the natural beauty products did not strip the oils in my skin. It really did not matter the cause of my past skin issues but I was happy to pay for more high-quality vegan skincare products. I loved not having skin problems.

Check out my natural non-toxic summer skincare products

 This summer my skincare routine has some new non-toxic natural skincare products. These skin products are made with all-natural ingredients like coconut oil and beeswax. My summer products do not contain harsh ingredients like preservatives and artificial fragrances. Artificial fragrances make my asthma flare up and if I avoid them and other triggers, I can manage my asthma naturally. The skin products that I discover for summer are also free of parabens, sulfates, and dyes. So check out my new summer skincare products for my summer skincare.

Palm-Free SkinCare Products

 If you are looking for products that are free of palm oil, you will love Peet Bros. soaps and lotions. These palm-free lotions and creams are filled with ingredients that are good for your skin, with all-natural ingredients such as shea butter, olive oil, hemp oil, and CBD. These products come in amazing natural scents like lavender and coconut vanilla. 

 My skin stays more moisturized for the dry summer without the harmful palm oil fillers. I just love that the lotion is packaged in a recyclable aluminum bottle which is better for the environment. Aluminum can be recycled an infinite amount of times. While plastic or post-consumer plastic bottles can only be recycled a few times before they end up in landfills and in our water supply.  The aluminum bottle looks so pretty in my bathroom.

 The lotions and soaps are cruelty-free certified by Leaping Bunny. Peet Bros also supports the preservation of rainforests. These products are available online, at Wegmans, HEB, and HiVee, and Amazon.

Available at retailers including Wegmans, HEB, and HiVee, Peet Bros. products are cruelty-free 

Relief for cracked dry feet 

 Now that I am wearing sandals, that means my feet need to look nice. So I started using a natural cream on my dry feet that is made with beeswax. My cracked heels love the intense moisture that this cream offers. Walking around in sandals all day tends to dry out the skin on my feet and this cream makes my skin feel so soft. This cream is nice and thick.

 BeeSpa was developed from a secret recipe from a beekeeper’s grandmother and works quickly to provide relief to cracked and dry skin on your hands, feet, and everywhere in-between. This cream is made with essential oils, shea butter, and of course beeswax. Beeswax carries antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that are essential to healing and preventing dry, chapped, or cracked skin. Using this natural ingredient helps the skin heal immediately.

You can find BeeSpa online at their website and on Amazon 

Fight wrinkles the natural way

We all want to have healthy-looking skin that is wrinkle-free. So I was glad to discover a way to fight wrinkles the natural way without invasive surgeries or needles. The best part is I can treat my fine lines while I sleep without having to use harsh toxic skin creams.

SilcSkin pads are natural silicone patches that adhere to your skin and treat wrinkles while you sleep. These pads are made of 100% medical-grade silicone and can be worn on different parts of your skin to keep all areas of your body smooth and wrinkle-free. The pads do not cause irritation either. 

 My favorite place to wear SilcSkin is around my eyes but these silicone pads can be worn on the neck and even chest to smooth those fine lines away while you sleep. These pads are so much easier to use than my facial laser device. While my Nira Skincare Laser Device helps with the wrinkles around my eyes with collagen production, these pads give me extra help with the wrinkles around my eyes. Those fine lines around my eyes need all the help so they don't turn into deep wrinkles.

These amazing silicone pads are available online at the SilcSkin website and on Amazon 

Keeping my skin looking healthy this summer

 These natural products are what I will be using to keep my skin soft and healthy. Keeping your skin nourished with natural ingredients also keeps it healthy-looking. I think that natural products are one of the many reasons that my skin looks so young-looking along with these best practices for healthy younger-looking skin.

 Other things that I do to keep my skin looking nice are drinking plenty of water and avoiding the sun during the middle of the day. If I plan to spend a long time in the sun, I wear mineral-based sunscreen. Even some of the supplements that I use helps my skin, like matcha. So enjoy the warmer weather of summer and include these natural skincare products in your routine for healthy soft skin.

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