I recently discovered this product on Amazon and couldn’t be more pleased. It’s HELLO oral rinse (or as us old-timers like to call it, mouthwash), an all-natural, alcohol free concoction of aloe vera & coconut oil that is very soothing on inflamed gums and oral tissue like my own. It’s around $5 a bottle.
For years I used a similar product, “The Natural Dentist” a couple times daily. I lost over half my upper teeth 30 years ago, and now my uppers are actually 3 “partial U” bridges. A lot of food gets trapped up there that brushing & flossing can’t reach, and a long time ago my dentist recommended Natural Dentist because it was so slippery.
It really did work wonders.
Then around 3-4 months ago, I noticed it was becoming harder to find. (If you see it out there, priced $7-8.00, don’t think—buy it.) I learned the company has recently gone out of business, and the vultures on Ebay were selling it. FOR $45-75.00 A BOTTLE.
I just hope HELLO Mouth Rinse doesn’t go down the same drain anytime soon.
Speaking of good finds, do you remember last month when I lamented paying $5.99 for a medium-sized bag of Ruffles Potato Chips? Bobi (a regular reader of my blog) commented that I should look for Utz Potato Chips if they’re available in my area, they’re just as tasty and cheaper.
I DID JUST THAT AND COULDN’T BE HAPPIER. This Family-sized bag of Utz “Ripples” is marked $4.79 but a sign above the Utz Chips in my store says $1.99 EVERYDAY.
Not only are the Utz tastier, these “ripples” are much, much crisper (and don’t hurt my gums like the thicker-cut Ruffles). I am now an Utz-Man for life. Thank you Bobi!
Here’s another real bargain—I was on Amazon a couple nights ago and it said “Add 0.81 to your cart to qualify for FREE shipping.” (I am not an Amazon Prime member.)
So I did a quick lookaround for something for a dollar, and came across this V05 Extra Volume Shampoo, priced at $1.01. Not only did I get my free shipping, this dollar item showed up in TWO days. I’m still waiting for the rest of my order.
A buck for this bonus-size bottle of shampoo! And yes I have used it, and I love it.
I was formerly a Suave man, now I am a V05 man for life. Well, Utz man first, V05 man second.
Finally, as long as I’m here I thought I’d show you what I’ve got hidden away under my bathroom sink; my last bottle of Natural Dentist. I’d love to crack that seal, but I might be better off selling it on Ebay with the other shysters.
Interesting post, Dug. We have used Listerine (original) for so many years, I doubt we could change. But the other products, Utz and VO5, I will look for. I've often gotten that message with Amazon and find it hard to find anything inexpensive to add. That shampoo might do the trick. Can't see paying $15 a month for Prime when you can get it sent free - if you're not in a hurry.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rian--I used to use Listerine many years ago, but this stuff is very slippery, doesn't burn, very soothing. As for the shampoo, when Amazon gave me 24 hours free shipping after placing my order, I went back and bought 4 more bottles. :^)
DeleteI no longer buy American products nor will I use Amazon. A Proud Canadian
ReplyDeleteUnderstood.
DeleteThe VO5 is made in Canada. Just a data point.
DeleteWow--thanks Jase! (I looked at the Hello mouth rinse, it's made in New Jersey.)
DeleteI love ridged chips and that dill pickle flavor would be yummy. I use mouthwash for my retainer and my only stipulation is that it has to be white/clear. The few times I've bought green or blue, I've looked like someone from a horror movie! I'm not a Prime member either although living near Seattle, you'd think I would be. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Margaret, and yes these chips are plain awesome--a perfect trifecta of price, texture & flavor. As for the mouth rinse, it IS clear haha--but it's thicker than water, a very soothing liquid. I'm not surprised you're not a Prime member, good for you :^)
DeleteI hate it when products are discontinued. I am so glad you found an affordable substitute! I will be keeping my eyes open for those chips. That is a better price than I can find at Aldi. I love your shampoo stockpiling. Don't you feel like you are putting something over on the evil giant, LOL?
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Miss Merry, I'm still irked that they discontinued Apple Frosted Mini-Wheats in 1987! And I love the term "shampoo stockpiling", and I DO feel like I'm putting something over these greedy overlords :^)
DeleteI don't eat potato chips of any kind, but you make me wonder what these ripple ones taste like. Dill pickles?
ReplyDeleteDJan, I honestly hardly buy them (which is why the price surprised me so much in my January blog about them). But these dill pickle chips really are good, a salty sour taste of pickles and fried potatoes :^)
DeleteHappy to hear you found Utz and like them. $1.99 is a great deal. I can't always get them that cheap. I like both VO5 and Suave both so usually buy whichever is on sale. $1.01 is another great deal. Glad you found a mouthwash substitute you like. I get really irritated when they discontinue products I like.
ReplyDeleteThanks again Bobi, and I'm glad you saw this post--everytime I pick up a bag of Utz I will be thinking of you (crab chips? I must try those next) And yes that V05 is a great deal, I don't get the buck deal but I'm not looking a gift horse in the mouth ;^)
DeleteDoug!! Did you slip into my quarters and go through my supplies? I have that same HELLO! Mouthwash and I’ve been using that same VO5 Extra Body Shampoo (and the corresponding conditioner) for YEARS! You can’t beat the price on the VO5, it works well and it smells good like shampoo used to back in the 70’s. I will be fling a complaint with the security officer though, an officer’s quarters are sacred!
ReplyDeleteHahaha! Jase you're an officer and a gentleman, thanks my friend--and you're right the shampoo does smell retro-awesome :^)
DeleteI don't know why, but I'm off almost everything except ice cream. Never cared for chips, but give me a donut any day. But no more. Now it's ice cream.
ReplyDeleteJoanne, this is ironic--for 30 years I was addicted to ice cream. But since getting covid a year ago, I'm off the stuff. I don't even miss it. The chips are not a regular thing though, I assure you. :^)
DeleteDoug, Doug, Doug. Surely you knew I wouldn't let you get by with the potato chip thing again. Where to begin. Let's just overlook the nutrition part for a bit and talk about price. So, let me see. That is a 7.75 oz. bag (less than 1/2 pound). At the "bargain" price you paid they cost over $4.00/pound. At the "regular" price they would be $10.00/pound. A little comparison is in order. You know those horrible egg prices everyone is going nuts about? Guess what? A dozen large eggs weighs 1.5 pounds. At $6 for a dozen that comes to--you guessed it--$4.00/pound. And the nutrients in the eggs are enormous. What about bananas, just regular old healthy bananas. 65 cents/pound. ORGANIC sweet potatoes? $1.50/pound. ORGANIC apples? $2.00/pound. Now, I know that you told DJan that you hardly ever buy them. But, I couldn't help but notice that you are now a "Utz-Man for life". ........Okay, enough of the lecturing, my friend.😊 I wouldn't bother if I didn't care.
ReplyDeleteMy goodness--Don, thank you. And you're right that chips aren't a real food---but I do eat plenty of eggs and vegetables. In fact, my big thing right now is roasted broccoli & brussel sprouts. I absolutely hate sweet potatoes, but I'll add a couple apples or bananas to my next shopping list and no more chips for the time being! :^)
DeleteIf you do decide to sell the Natural Dentist, you'll be able to buy several bottles of the Hello oral rinse. Just sayin'
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I've just read the comment above and while Don makes some valid points, I can understand the enjoyment of a good potato chip every once in awhile.
Maebeme, thank you so much--good idea about the Natural Dentist (that really is) and yes, the chips are not an everyday thing. :^)
DeleteWow! You are truly resourceful. What a smart shopper. Those chips look great. I tend to like Doritos/cheetos variety pack. 18 mini bags that are fun to eat. Gigi Hawaii
ReplyDeleteThanks Gigi, I'm glad I'm not the only older person who enjoys the occasional snack chip. :^)
DeleteProud Canadian still buys UTZ cheese balls cause I am addicted. Will look for the shampoo, but I bought two huge bottles of something at Costco before the shit hit the fan so I now have a lifetime supply.
ReplyDeleteHaha, thanks for sharing Proud Canadian and that's awesome about the lifetime supply of shampoo--oh fudge, now you have me craving cheese balls. I didn't know they still made 'em. :^)
DeleteI don’t recognise any of the products you mentioned (except VO5). Also, I don’t use/consume any of those things (except shampoo, but not VO5).
ReplyDeleteI’ve had a similar experience: all my life I’ve drunk Lan Choo brand tea; it was my mother’s favorite and she got me hooked. I’ve tried others over the years but always went back to it.
Alas, they stopped making it about a year ago and the last few months I’ve been scouring stores and the Internet to find any. It’s been four months since I found my last packet.
And so it goes.
Thanks for sharing Peter, shoot I am sorry about you & your mother's tea. I'd like to visit a market or two in your part of the world, just to see the difference in products. I used to watch that one Aussie on Youtube (who reviewed a lot of frozen foods) and it always intrigued me, the stuff he cooked up. I never saw any of it up here.
DeleteDoug, I just saw "The Natural Dentist" for sale at Walmart. $15.02... plus shipping, I guess. Try to google it .
ReplyDeleteThanks Jackie, I did Google it for Walmart but it came up with $22.26. a couple other places have it for $15 but that's just too rich for my blood. I'm hoping someone big like Colgate will buy it and bring it back to the shelves at a lot lower price.
DeleteHi Doug, we had the same thing happen to us! We were using a mouthwash specifically for gums for a couple years, then boom, it was gone. Now we are using Therabreath for gums . Our dentist is pleased with how it is working so we will continue. I use other hello products, they are great. Glad you are enjoying the Utz chips. $1.01 for shampoo, that is incredible! I tend to bounce around trying different shampoos and conditioners. Chuck uses up my rejects, he doesn’t care. For some reason Osteo Bi-flex which Chuck takes for his knees has skyrocketed in price if you can even find it. Last time I bought a bottle was December 2023. It was a big bottle and Chuck takes one every other day but it is just about done. Why do companies do this?? Have a great day Doug.❤️
ReplyDeleteRobin
Hi Robin, thanks so much for sharing! You always have good information. I am going to check out this thera breath, it sounds familiar to me and I'm worried how long hello products will be out there before skyrocketing in price. Gosh I am so sorry about Chuck's osteo biflex, I don't understand these manufactured shortages either. The price we pay for being loyal customers. Really glad to hear from you Robin, I hope you're well. ❤️✌️
DeleteUtz - a Pennsylvania product! Kim in PA
ReplyDeleteAnd I am partial to local chips as I'm sure you are too. Thanks Kim.
Delete