Last month, I wrote about the joy of free samples in the realm of beauty products. This month, I delved into samples under comfort and health.
I received a couple of inquiries from the Philippines, Canada, and the US asking how I got these samples. As you may noticed, I am online all the time. I browse the Internet like a mad fool. I get updates from sites such as P&G, Walmart, and Target which sends alert if they have a new product samples. The others are unsolicited samples I get because of this blog.
I was also asked if I got them all at once.
Oh no, I didn’t. Most samples, after they are requested, take four to six weeks to get to the intended recipient. If you receive them for free, you don’t really have the authority to demand that you get them the following day. Don’t expect rush service. I put in several sample requests months ago that when a product arrives, I can’t even remember that I requested it. But it’s always a surprise – and I love surprises – when something shows in my mailbox. It makes me look forward to something.
Here are the little joys from free samples I compiled for this month:
1. Waterproof Bandages (Nexcare)
Nexcare’s waterproof bandages are officially my favorite booboo aid. It’s waterproof so it doesn’t come off after a bath or a shower. It can stay put on your skin for days; that is if you like it too much and you don’t want to change bandages everyday.
2. Nasal Strips (Breathe Right by GSK)
Having trouble sleeping at night because of clogged nose? Perhaps you can try this one. I got the lavender strips, tried them last October when I had colds and it did make breathing easier. I have a package of these now inside my bedside drawer.
3. Nightime Sleep Aid (Emergen-C)
I’m insomniac. I have always been like this even before I started popping babies. I’ve tried every home remedy available. Nothing worked. A nurse friend told me he takes melatonin capsules to help him sleep. I couldn’t bring myself to do it though even if my doctor told me it’s okay to take some so I can rest since I have my husband to take over the wee-hours-of-the-morning shift in caring for the baby. This berry drink arrived in my mailbox and said its a sleep aid. I called my doctor, told her about the product, and she gave the green light to try it. I had a great sleep. Well, it also helps that the baby sleeps longer hours now. The 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. period is awesome! Along with the nighttime sleep aid drink, Emergen-C also sent an orange powder that says it’s enriched with Vitamin C. Perfect in this weather as fall is slowly fading in the background to give way to winter.
4. Stevia Sweetener (Zing)
I’m not a fan of artifical sweeteners. I’ve tried different brands in my two pregnancies. None of them became friends with my tastebuds. Zing’s stevia sweetener was the only one that agreed with my system. One small pouch is equivalent to two teaspoons of sugar. I usually use it if I want to sweeten my tea a little bit. Haven’t tried this in baking pastries though. Perhaps that’s what I should do next.
5. Chamomile and Lavender Tea (Yogi)
Oh tea… I don’t drink coffee unless I have migraine. Since I started working eight years ago, I have turned to tea for comfort and relaxation. I lived in China in two separate occasions and those times exposed me to some really good tea, which helped me develop the taste for distinguishing which tea is good and which kind is not. The two variants that I received promised to provide stress relief and promote restful sleep. The “bedtime variant” didn’t knock me out but because of its aromatic comfort, it helped me relax, which is the first step in getting a good night’s sleep. Not bad. Not bad at all.
6. Vitamints (Centrum)
It’s the kind of vitamins that you want to take when you have sore, itchy throat. It’s soothing. I got two of samples of Centrum’s Vitamints while nursing my runny nose and cough. It worked pretty well.I read a couple of reviews bashing this product because it didn’t cure their flu. Uhm, take note: this is not a flu medicine; it is a multi-vitamin… except that it tastes like mint and it’s chewable. See what they did with the name?
7. Flushable Cleansing Cloths (Cottonelle by Kleenex)
I used this while the entire family was on a trip from Kalispell to Helena (Montana) for my biometrics as part of my US immigration adventure. It’s convenient and comes in handy especially when you have to take periodic breaks in between driving and say hello to bathrooms in gas stations and rest stops.
8. Feminine Wipes (Luvena)
Another essential when you’re on a long journey or road trip. But ladies, take note: I don’t think this will do during the period of heavy days. You know what I mean? Keep this in your purse though for quick trips to the restroom without the major production that involves zippers and unmentionables.
Anyone out there with any say about these products?
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more samples of the products mentioned above. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
