Must-have products that remind me of my childhood

As a Latina woman who has been living in the United States for 15 years, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month has become a favorite tradition for me and my family in the last couple of years.  Today I want to talk about some products that we always have in my house that remind me of my roots — who I am, where I come from and where I am going.

These products are all must-haves on my shopping list because they remind me of my childhood and they are excellent products to keep my house and dishes clean, and my clothes fresh and soft.  One of the most important things you should know is that I purchase these products from my favorite Publix store “Donde comprar es un placer” so if by reading about each product you also identify with the feeling of childhood, or if you have ever used them, let me know in the comments.

My Must-Have products:

1. Colgate® Optic White®  Stain Fighter® :

I don’t know about you, but in my family we have always used Colgate® toothpaste, it is a tradition that goes from generation to generation. Colgate® Optic White® is a brand that I trust because I’ve used it for quite some time. The Optic White® Stain Fighter® formula contains clinically proven technology to safely remove surface stains so your teeth stay whiter longer.

2. Palmolive® Ultra Dish liquid:

This product is my favorite to keep my dishes clean.  My Mamá always used it while I was growing up, so when I look for a dish soap I do not hesitate for a second to buy Palmolive. Also, the bottle is made with 100% recycled plastic, recyclable and contains 0% parabens or phosphates. It is tough on grease, gentle on the planet!

3. Colgate® Optic White® Advanced® :

It has always been important to me to keep my teeth white and clean. This Colgate® Optic® White Advanced® deeply whitens teeth inside and out, unlike ordinary toothpaste (when brushing twice daily for 6 weeks). My family loves it. You won’t regret adding it to your must-have shopping list.

4. Irish Spring® Soap:

Like all Latina women, I love having products that make me feel beautiful, fresh, and clean.  I learned from the women in my family that taking care of ourselves is called “self-love.” Irish Spring Soap has been the perfect product to moisturize my body and to wash away bacteria.

Last but not least….

5. Suavitel® :

This is my favorite product of all time! I must start by saying that its aroma reminds me of my life and childhood in Colombia where my mother used to wash clothes and leave this sweet and refreshing fragrance throughout the house.  Every time I wash my family’s clothes and use Suavitel, my whole room is filled with the unique and incomparable aroma of this fabric softener that has been with us for so many years. Besides loving the coziness and softness that Suavitel leaves in your clothes, it has a long-lasting freshness. Trust me, people will ask you what you use to wash your clothes!

All of these products can be found at your nearest Publix or online https://bit.ly/3tksmZc, and the most important thing is that despite not being in your native country, thanks to these products you can feel at home.

Apart from the amazing products that I have already recommended, I also want to tell you about the food and traditional dishes from my country and from Latin America. They are a great way to celebrate our Hispanic roots during this special month.

One of the recipes that reminds me the most of my childhood is Red Beans with Chorizo! It’s so easy to prepare and your family will love it. Find the complete recipe at publix.com/hispanicheritage , where you can also explore different recipes from Latin America like one of my favorite Mexican recipes: Pozole.

I want my daughters to learn to love, respect and take care of our beautiful Latino culture. I want them to follow our most important traditions, to use the products that will one day remind them of their childhood and their mother (Me), just like these products do for me.

I invite you to embrace your roots and feel proud of who you are!  Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

Gaby Castellar.