After Hernia Surgery: Best Abdominal Binder for Recovery

I shared in a recent post about the 5 Products that helped me the most after having a hysterectomy. 

Unfortunately, 8 months after my hysterectomy, I was in the hospital again having hernia surgery, to fix a hernia caused by my hysterectomy. A long, frustrating story for another day.

Since one of the vital parts of healing from hernia surgery is wearing an Abdominal Binder, it is very important to find the best abdominal binder that is the right size, right comfort and right fit for you. I thought it might help to share my favorite abdominal binder in case you are going through a hernia surgery yourself (and if so, I'm sorry about that!) (*Amazon link included in this post)

Finding the Best Abdominal Binder After Hernia Surgery

[Disclaimer: This advice is based on my personal experience. Always consult with your surgeon or physician to discuss what's best for you.] 

Why You Need An Abdominal Binder After Hernia Surgery

An abdominal compression binder helps hold everything in place, while applying pressure where it is needed, to keep the area as stable as possible while it heals. FYI, I am still wearing mine as I write this post. One more month to go!

All Abdominal Binders Are Not Created Equal - Size & Fit Matter

I was initially give an abdominal binder at the hospital after my hernia surgery, but it was far too large for me. The measurement from the bottom of my abdomen up to my rib cage was shorter than the length of the binder, so it didn't fit right nor did it apply the centralized pressure needed. 

My surgeon tried cutting panels off to make it shorter, but by the time I left the hospital, it was literally falling apart. I needed a high quality, properly fitting abdominal binder, that I could count on once I got home from the hospital and started to heal from my hernia surgery.

I jumped on Amazon and ordered 3 different abdominal binders / belly bands / compression bands but ONLY

>  THIS Abdominal Binder on *Amazon fit the best (click to purchase) Not only was it the most comfortable, it also fit the best and offered the right kind of support that I needed. If you are a female having hernia surgery, trying this binder is a great place to start! (*As an Amazon associate I earn a small commission from purchases made through my link)

Abdominal Binder Product Details:

• 6", 2-panel compression wrap 
• Support belt for hernia, back pain and muscle strain (my sister also wore one after child birth) 
• Latex free 
• Made in the USA 
• Choose the right waist circumference for the length that fits you best

More about why this is my FAVORITE post-hernia surgery abdominal binder:

• It is my favorite abdominal binder after comparing it to 3 other binders!
• It got to me quickly, which was important after surgery
• It is 6" and fits me perfectly and offers compression in the exact area needed
• It is made of what feels like a comfortable stretchy material, almost like a really wide piece of gentle, comfort stretch elastic (other brands were very stiff and uncomfortable) 
• The velcro closure makes it easy to adjust
• It stays in place well and doesn't roll or shift
• I choose to wear an undershirt and put the abdominal binder on top of that (not directly on my skin) and that makes it comfortable for me
• Highly recommend!

Having Hernia Surgery it hard enough, so make it that much easier on yourself and have the right abdominal binder at home waiting for you when you get home from the hospital (or better yet, bring it with you so you'll have it on hand in the hospital!). 

This is a great abdominal binder, so buy it now so you'll have it on hand. 

I hope you find it helpful for you too! 

Best of luck with your surgery and healing!

If you have any questions, drop it in the comments!

DIY: How to Clean Toilet Stains and Look New Again!

If you are wondering how to get stubborn toilet stains out of your toilet bowl, you've come to the right place! 

(*Amazon associate link included)

How to Clean Toilet Bowl Stains So It's Like New Again!

Stains can form on the inside of your toilet bowl over time, that are just too hard to get out with regular cleaning products. 

On the well water system where we live, our toilet bowl consistently ended up with dim brown residue that stained the toilet bowl. We tried to get these toilet stains out with natural products, regular cleaning products, and even scrubbing our toilet with bleach cleaners, but nothing really seemed to make a difference. The stains didn't budge and we figured eventually we would just need to replace the toilet.

It was only after my husband found the right product to deep clean our toilet with, that our toilet bowl looks almost new again! I was shocked!

How to Clean Toilet Bowl Stains Fast 

CLR Brands® Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover (*BUY HERE) is hands down, the best cleaning product we have found to remove toilet bowl stains. (*Amazon link: As an Amazon associate I earn a small commission on purchases made through my link) 

Try it and you won't be disappointed.

Here are some tips that helped us get our toilet bowl so clean, it looks almost new:

FOR BEST RESULTS YOU NEED-

• Bottle of CLR (linked above) 
• Disposable gloves
• An old rag you can throw away

How to clean your toilet bowl stains with the BEST results:

CLEANING METHOD 1:

• This method gave us the best results. If possible, empty your toilet bowl and let it dry. Do this by turning off the water to your toilet (or the main water) and then flush the toilet so it's empty of water. Let the toilet bowl dry before applying the solution. 
• Put on your disposable gloves
• Pour some of the CLR on your rag and wipe the dry, stained toilet bowl directly. You will immediately see a difference as you wipe the solution on the stains.

CLEANING METHOD 2:

• If you are not able to empty your toilet bowl water, you can- 
• Put on your disposable gloves and 
• Pour some of the CLR solution directly into the toilet bowl (read instructions on the bottle) and
• Let it soak for about an hour and use a toilet brush or rag to wipe the bowl as needed. 

Did you try it? 

Leave a comment and let me know if it's the best toilet cleaning product you've ever used, to finally get rid of those annoying toilet stains!

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Is your Toilet Seat also in need of a fix? See our Popular Post: DIY Fix: Paint your toilet seat so it's like new again!

How a Fabric Cutting Machine Made Me Rich

If you are looking for more efficient ways to cut stacks of fabric, whether for your own hobby or Etsy Business, you've got to try adding a fabric cutting machine! 

It not only cut my fabric cutting time by more than half, it allowed me to lower my production time, increase my output, and make me more money! Bonus! (*this post contains an affiliate link. see disclaimer below)

Adding a Fabric Cutting Machine Can Make You Rich

BEFORE using a Fabric Cutting Machine

When I first started my Fairface Washcloths business, I cut out flannel washcloths by laying 4 pieces of flannel on top of each other and cutting squares with a hand held rotary cutter. Each step of the cut and sew process took way longer than it should have. But I was still learning.

As orders started rolling in and my business grew, I knew I needed a much more efficient way to cut my fabric in bulk. My little rotary cutter just couldn't cut it in anymore (pun intended).

What I needed, was a Fabric Cutting Machine like this one (*Amazon Link. As an Amazon associate I earn a small commission on products purchased through my link), that could:

• Cut multiple layers of fabric at once, allowing me to 
• Produce more sewn products in less time, and ultimately
• Make more money! 

AFTER using a Fabric Cutting Machine

Using a Fabric Cutting Machine was a GAME CHANGER for my business! Instead of just being able to cut out a few pieces of fabric at a time, I was able to cut hundreds of pieces at a time. 

My new cut-and-sew manufacturing process allowed me scale my production at a rate I never imagined! From maybe 50 hand cut fabric squares in a day, to hundreds and hundreds of stacks a day. *And I was able to produce all of this from my home sewing studio (new post coming about that).

Why You Need a Fabric Cutting Machine

If you make and sell sewn products on Etsy and your goal is to work smarter (not harder), up your production, and ultimately make more money, cutting your fabric in bulk is a great way to do that.

Cutting your fabric in bulk:

• Saves you time and money 
• Streamlines your fabric cutting process
• Increases your productivity and production
• Allows you to increase your sales and make more money 
• Opens up more time for everything else

You will be amazed at how much time you can save cutting your fabric in bulk and you'll wish you had gotten this fabric cutter a long time ago.  

Get your Fabric Cutting Machine here

[*Amazon link - as an Amazon associate I receive a small commission on each sale]

If you have any questions about my experience making money selling on Etsy and how I upleveled my business by adding a fabric cutting machine to cut stacks of fabric in bulk, please leave a comment below and I'd be happy to answer them for you! Happy Cutting and Sewing!

How to Prevent Foggy Car Windows: Best 2 Products that really work

If your car windows keep fogging up, like ours did, making it hard to see while you're driving, you need to read this post. 

Don't Drive Without This

One night while driving across a dark, snowy maintain pass, the snow and cold were so relentless, it kept fogging up our windshield to the point that the heater's defrost just could not keep up. All that was left to see through, was a small area on the windshield, which made for a very scary, dark and unsafe drive. 

Immediately after getting home, my husband started looking up products that could help us to never encounter that dangerous situation again. 

Thankfully, my husband was able to find and test 2 products that not only- 

• help keep the windshield and other car windows clear from fogging up
• but also minimizes the moisture inside the car 

We have never driven without these 2 products again. And because they worked so well at keeping our car windows from fogging up, I knew I had to share them with you! I hope they give you the same peace of mind (and added safety) they have given us. (*this post contains Amazon links. As an Amazon associate I make a small commission on purchases)

How to Prevent your Car Windows from Fogging Up (best 2 products that really work!)

1. Rain-X AF21106D Glass & Mirrors Anti-Fog Treatment, Prevents Fogging & Steaming on Windshield and Visors, Improves Visibility, Great for Auto & Home (*Amazon link)

This has to be my very favorite product for preventing foggy car windows and increasing safety while driving! You wipe it on the inside windshield of your car (+all the windows if you want to) and as if by magic, it keeps the windshield from fogging up! I am a HUGE FAN of all Rain-X products and this did not disappoint!!

2. Moisture Absorbers (Fragrance Free) (*Amazon link)

I was surprised by these little moisture absorbers. We've used them in closets before, where they worked well, but I never thought to put one in our car. Turns out, they work just as well in cars!

The filter draws in and traps excess moisture, over time the beads dissolve into liquid, and the moisture collects in the base of the container. Once all the beads have dissolved into liquid, you replace the container with a new one.

**I prefer the fragrance free moisture absorbers, but there are options for scents if you choose.

3. Chemical Guys Professional Grade Premium Microfiber Towels for Cars (Optional extra) (*Amazon link)

It's best to wipe the Rain-X anti fog on with a microfiber towel to prevent lint or scratching. This brand is a good one if you're looking for a few good quality cleaning cloths for your car.

Safety while driving is the # 1 priority for all of us, and now you can have the peace of mind to know your vision will never be compromised due to a foggy windshield.

These 2 products have helped us so much this winter, and are the perfect solution for preventing foggy car windows and excess moisture inside your car, which can help prevent unsafe driving conditions. 

Have you tried them? Let me know! I hope they help you as much as they've helped us!

Face Wash that comes with a free Washcloth

What face wash products come with a washcloth or face cloth? If you're looking for a face wash, cleansing oil or facial balm that comes with it's own washcloth or face cloth, take a look at these:

(*Amazon affiliate links included for your convenience. As an Amazon associate I receive a small commission on each sale.)

5 Face Wash Brands that come with a free Washcloth or Face cloth

1. Eve Lom (*amazon affiliate link)

Woven cotton-muslin cloths for exfoliation. You can purchase the cloths separately or some products might come with one (like the one I've linked). The cloths appear to be rather thin and one of our customers told us she prefers our thicker, softer Fairface flannel face cloths to their muslin cloths.

2. Pai Skincare (*amazon affiliate link)

For Pai Skincare, it looks like they have a couple of organic cotton cloth options. Twin Flyer and The Aileron. I'm not sure what the real difference is between the two, possibly the degree of texture and exfoliation. Their cloths can be purchased separately and some products come with one (like the one I've linked).

3. Emma Hardie (*amazon affiliate link)

I believe Emma Hardi's Dual Action Cleansing cloths are made with a microfiber textured side and a muslin side. Some customers say the muslin side is quite thin. You can buy them separately or often you get a cloth with a cleanser (like the one I've linked).

4. May Lindstrom (*amazon affiliate link)

These unique facial steam towels appear to be knitted with a soft dark yarn as opposed to a sewn fabric cloth. You can purchase them separately, or you get a cloth with the pendulum cleansing oil. I've linked to her Amazon shop.

5. Danucera (*amazon affiliate link)

Their Dual Sided Organic Cotton Cloth is made with a textured terry side and a muslin side. It appears to be a cloth you can purchase separately, but after I looked into it, sorry, they do not come with any of their cleansers. I have linked to one of their face balms on Amazon so you can look at it.

>The Best Washcloths and Face cloths to go with any Skin Care Product

Although skin care products may come with a washcloth or face cloth, sometimes they aren't the best quality or best suited for your skin type, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Sensitive skin types (and those with Rosacea) cannot tolerate texture well.

The best washcloths and face cloths you can ALWAYS count on for any skin care product you use, are always Fairface Soft Flannel Face cloths.

They are made with smooth, soft, plush 100% soft cotton flannel that come in 2 sizes - 9x9 or 12x12, and 2 colors - black or white. These washcloths and face cloths pair perfectly with any of your favorite cleansers. 

They are always gentle, and never cause redness or irritation because they don't have any irritating textures. Even the satin tags are soft.

Go grab a set of Fairface Washcloths today, the best washcloths for your favorite face wash: > FairfaceWashcloths.etsy.com

Top 5 Must-Haves After a Hysterectomy

If you are facing a hysterectomy surgery, being prepared before your surgery with what you will need after your surgery, will be a true gift to yourself while you rest and heal.

I wish I had known what products could help me the most after I got home from the hospital from my hysterectomy, so I decided to share the top 5 items that helped me the most after my hysterectomy and I hope they help you too!

Why I needed a Hysterectomy

There are many reasons why a woman may have a hysterectomy. For me, it was a scary reason. 

After months of difficult symptoms that no one could figure out, a CT scan finally revealed a large grapefruit sized cyst on one of my ovaries that was "suspicious for malignancy".

After lots of worry, crying and praying, my hysterectomy / exploratory surgery day finally arrived and left me with one large vertical scar, 2 less ovaries and 1 less uterus. 

Thankfully, the results of my hysterectomy were benign and the only follow-up I will need is to check my cancer antigen every year to make sure I am cancer-free.

Whatever your reason for a hysterectomy, taking good care of yourself after your surgery is vital to a successful recovery.

Top 5 Must-Have Products After Having a Hysterectomy 

[Disclosure: This list contains some Amazon links. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn a small commission on items purchased through my links]

*Keep in mind, if your hysterectomy surgery was like mine, with a large incision, you won't be able to shower for a few days afterwards and you won't be able to bend over or lift for several weeks. Your experience may be different than mine but I hope you still find these products helpful.

What 5 products helped me the most after my hysterectomy, while I healed at home (in no particular order):

1. Electric Heating Pad - Buy now on Amazon

This flat heating pad helped me immensely after coming home from the hospital after my hysterectomy. I had to spend many days and nights in bed, laying on my back which would leave it aching. Having this under me all the time so I could leave it on or turn it off, was a huge comfort to my back, and also helped keep me warm. 

2. Stretchy nightgowns & Comfy house dresses - Buy now on Amazon

Since I couldn't wear anything that pressed on my belly or hysterectomy incision, I lived in these nightgowns and dresses for weeks! This brand is my very favorite because they are so comfy, stretchy, and soft. I got 3 of them and just kept rotating. I actually wore one of them to my post-op visit because it looked enough like a dress.

3. Long Leg Warmers - Buy now on Amazon

Trust me, you'll need these! Since you can't wear anything pressing on your belly / incision, you'll be wearing nightgowns or dresses that leave your legs exposed. Socks just don't cut it! These are like a warm sweater wrapped around your legs as high as you need them, and keep you feeling snuggly and warm. Ahhh. Best buy!

4. Grabber / Reacher Stick - Buy now on Amazon

This came in handy all the time! It is a very helpless feeling to drop something and not be able to pick it up. I did this over and over again and it was very frustrating until I got one of these grabber/reacher tools. This is another Best Buy for sure!

5. *Soft Face cloths (Buy now on Etsy)

One thing that really comforted me while in the hospital and the first couple weeks after coming home, was to have a warm, soft face cloth to wipe my face with. Since I couldn't bend over the sink for a while, I would use a touch of face wash to rub all over my face and then gently wipe it off with a warm, wet, soft face cloth. Fairface Washcloths are the only cloths I will use on my face and it honestly felt like heaven.

If you've had a hysterectomy or other abdominal surgery and have some must-have products that really helped you, share them in the comments!

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You might also like this related post: After Hernia Surgery: Best Abdominal Binder for Recovery