Fiercely Independent Pam

Category: helpful products

  • Removing the Toxins: Norwex Products that Have Changed My Life!

    Several years ago, I discovered a new product line that grew my interest. Looking for something different than the chemicals I was using for detergents and cleaning products, I found Norwex. I have always had problems with scents and chemicals but loved the effects of things like Downy or dryer sheets. At the same time, my health was declining and I found a connection between these chemicals and how my body was feeling. The first change was getting rid of dryer sheets and I started using dryer balls to help “fluff”my clothes and laundry.

    Once laundry was situated, I began tackling kitchen messes with microfibers. I know some people just can’t do microfibers as the “freak” people out by their feel, but luckily I am not one of them. I ordered the classic kitchen cloths and began using them all the time. With the Baklock anti-bacterial treatment, it meant that I could essentially clean with only water. I then got the basic package of kitchen cloths, glass/mirror cleaner and duster mitt. The duster mitt was a total game changer. I managed to throw everything in the wash each week.

    Around this time, I also decided to tackle the bathroom needs and ordered towels with baklock. I hated using older towels that either smelled right away or never actually dried me off. As someone who struggles to shower due to energy conservation, I need to make every movement count. The towels wash so well and never smell or feel “gross.” I later added on a hair wrap, which also was a total game changer, even with short hair. I continue to be impressed with how well the towels have held up to regular washings and use.

    My “girl” Kathy has been wonderful and helps me gain more Norwex products. Through a regular cleaning club, I earn free products by ordering several times during a series of a given season. I also try to take advantage of things like mystery packs.

    Now, I use washable napkins instead of paper ones, I ordered special sink mats for Christmas and found that I love the refrigerator mats. All of this truly helps cut down on toxins like bleached paper towels or chemical cleaners.

    It’s important to note that using reusable products like microfibers really don’t take more time to clean, I simply throw them into my regular weekly washing. I just got a deep cleaning product for the microfibers, but haven’t tried it yet.

    I am looking to get a new mop system for my floors and now is the time for you to try some Norwex products that will help you at home, and help me get what I need as well.

    Have you tried anything from Norwex before? Let me know! Link for shopping below!

    https://www.norwex.com/?r=jyiasns&s=kathymagaha&store=us

  • Rosary In A Year: Finding My Way!

    On January 1, 2025, I started something new. I thought it was just going to be something different, but I never expected it change me the way that it has. I decided to “jump on the train” and complete the “Rosary in A Year with Ascension Press.” This podcast/prayer plan was going to be my way to bring forward my Catholic faith more this calendar year.

    I have written about being a “Cradle Catholic” before and love my faith. I have always loved the prayers of the Most Holy Rosary and my favorite devotion is that of “Mary Undoer of Knots. Like most Catholics, the Rosary is something that is picked up in fervor during tough times and unfortunately forgotten about when needing to make prayers of Thanksgiving.

    So, when I found out about the “Rosary in a Year” program, I was in! I quickly downloaded the prayer guide, subscribed the podcast, and I was “In.” The plan was well thought of, gentle and totally doable. I love the devotion of Fr, Mark-Mary Ames. Through story telling, scripture readings, works or art, saint reflections and more, I have learned so much about the Holy Rosary, Mary, and Jesus. I have grown closer to my faith, the ability to say yes to God, and how to rally my life’s challenges.

    Each morning, I wake up and put the podcast on. I love that I finally have a morning prayer ritual. The timings have always felt just right while working up prayer muscles to a full Rosary. Having led countless Rosaries at school, I never have felt so connected to the prayers, devotions, and meanings behind both. All of this was accomplished “Little By Little” as Fr. Mark-Mary says. It hasn’t been perfect, but I keep coming back to it!

    I also learned how to complete something. So often. we are challenged to try something long term and it just doesn’t work out.We give up and it’s one more unfinished business item. The power of this podcast is that, even when I missed a day or even a week, I could still pick it back up and catch up. I was successful!

    So, if you are new or old to the Rosary, looking for a prayer routine, or just don’t know where to turn, try this out. I promise it’s time well spent.

  • “B” is for Bee AI Wearable, Mostly a Love Story!

    My newest toy is our second selected product in my series- The ABC’s of My Favorite Products. I wanted something to help me “jump” into the world of AI that would actually help me accomplish something I couldn’t do a well on my own. I decided that some sort of recorder that could summarize my health appointments would be super helpful because I always think I will remember what the provider said, but I don’t. I’m also not the best at taking notes at the time. I looked at Bee and the Plaud.

    So I did some good research and didn’t want to break the bank. I decided on the Bee. It was on backorder for a little bit, but is now shipping on a regular basis. I waited about three weeks for mine to come in and quickly opened the box so that I could try it out!

    After a quick charge (USB-C), a download from the appstore (it’s only available for iPhone right now), I was able to quickly pair it via bluetooth to my phone. In the box, I found the device, two different bands (black and yellow), a clip, some fun stickers, and a quick start guide. I wear a lot of things on my wrist already, so I decided to go with the clip. I first stuck the Bee on my life alert pendant, but didn’t like that too much, so it now lives on my key chain.

    The set up was very easy, including training it to learn my voice. The app is simple and intuitive. The real “magic” was when I used it for my first doctor’s appointment, a telehealth with my urologist. After attaining permission (he asked first to use his AI device). I pressed the button on the Bee and it lit up green. No noises or anything distracting. It processed the conversation right away, facts about me were created (pending my approval), and a to-do list was also created. My favorite part was the summary I received the next morning. It was easy to read and captured not only the facts, but I was blown away by how it captured the mood/feelings of the conversation.

    I continued to use the Bee through several doctor’s appointments last week, and believe I have found the device I never knew I needed. The more it learns about me, the better the notes and to-do lists get.

    There is an obvious concern for privacy and safety when using any sort of recording device. I have made it a habit to ask permission before hitting the button and carefully read the notes. Bee has recently been acquired by Amazon, so the jury is still out about that upcoming change.

    In addition to loving about 95% of the product, I already had a scare about losing the Bee. It came out of the clip (a common concern online), luckily good old St. Anthony came to my rescue and I found the device on the floor of the exercise room. I am going to figure out a way to secure the Bee to the clip that still allows charging and swapping out to the wrist straps.

    Unfortunately, the affiliate and discount program is still in creation, so I do not have any discounts for you, but will update this as soon as I can. Do you use any sort of AI device? How do you keep track of the information shared during a doctor’s visit? Reach out if you have any questions about the Bee or if you are thinking of getting it or something similar.

    Attached below are some screenshots and pictures of my Bee device “in action.”

    Unboxing…
    The two wrist straps and quick start guide.
    The Bee on my key ring in the clip!
    An example of the building of my to-do list. (screenshot)
    The overview of the summaries.
    The summary that appears overnight! (screenshot) !