Mamavation Monday Sistahood (Week Two) Post for Week 9

After rereading the "how to" pledge to be a sista, I didn't completely answer the about me portion so this week will be both my successes and challenges and more about me.

I'm on week four of Nutrisystem and have found that I'm still hungry, if not hungrier, since being on it.  I'm seriously contemplating ending it and just eating sensibly.  I will make the decision today.  I did write my bike for almost two hours yesterday and the one challenge I need to focus on is picking up the speed to really hit my burn.  I tend to blog while I'm doing it and only stay at a 15 mph pace.  With working full time, telecommuting, and having two small kids with chronic medical conditions and are usually sick lately, it's been a challenge getting enough sleep.  It's widely known that those that do not get adequate sleep tend to be overweight.  I know first hand on that as even my middle child, almost seven, never slept through the night for the first four years which was when I was the heaviest. 

My successes this past week include:

• Joining Mamavation and making the Sistahood (crowds screaming)!
• Riding my bike every day for minimally one hour.
• Trying to watch calorie intake and nearly succeeding.
• Eating a vegetable and fruit (at least one) every day.

My Challenges:

• Sticking to my calorie intake.
• Avoiding chocolate.
• Getting enough sleep

I lost nothing this past week but I didn't gain either.

Quick Bio:

I'm a telecommuting mom who works full time.  I have five kids, three at home and two stepchildren in Texas.  Two of my children were diagnosed in 2008, within two weeks of one another, with Benign Rolandic Epilepsy and an unknown pulmonary condition that almost took her life.  Since then, the two year old has been labeled with asthma and allergies.  Both take daily medications and whenever get hit with colds, the two year old has to be monitored closely as it's usually a trip to the hospital.  Due to the six year old's epilepsy, we formed Angels4Epilepsy to give back to other children who are hospitalized with epilepsy.

I'm also an Army wife with a husband deploying to Kuwait at the very end of April or early May for a year.  He's had many deployments so we tend to lose track.  Since our marriage, this is his first year long deployment so this will be challenging especially for the younger ones.  I'm also a grandma-to-be as my almost 22 year old is pregnant with her first one.

I'm currently attempting to write a historical novel and am half way through.  I also blog on the side and review products and provide giveaways.

This Week's Goals:

• Continue watching what I eat.
• Kicking up my speed on my bike and/or add in EA Active
• Lose two pounds

My Zazzle Card Got "Best" Status

I've only made a few items that have ranked best of the day and I just found out one of the cards I just made was deemed the honors!  Yeah!

Black and Pink Polka Dot Sweet Sixteen Invitations by jbranam
Browse more Pink Invitations

Fashion Playtes Sale Expires 3/21/10

Haven't tried Fashion Playtes yet?  If you have a little girl or a tween or even a teen, you need to check out Fashion Playtes as it's a great site to let your child's creativity unleash!  My daughter loves it and I've already handed out a couple of gift certificates to friends and a niece because it's such a great place.

My daughter made a butterfly shirt that quickly became her favorite shirt and it has her name on the tag!

 

Enter SPRINGSALE10 when you check out.  Offer expires 3/21 and a $50 minimum is required.

Alvin and the Chipmunks The Squeakquel Soundtrack Review

I never saw my girls jump up and get so excited over music before I put in Warner Brother's Alvin and the Chipmunks The Squeakquel.  There are many songs they loved but their favorite is Single Ladies.  Those girls can dance and if my little one wasn't so keen on running around only in diapers, I would have recorded it as it was quite the show.

Track Listings:

1. You Really Got Me - The Chipmunks (feat. Honor Society)

2. Hot N Cold - The Chipettes

3. So What - The Chipettes

4. You Spin Me Round (Like A Record) - The Chipmunks

5. Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) - The Chipettes

6. Bring It On - The Chipmunks

7. Stayin' Alive - The Chipmunks

8. Song - The Chipettes (feat. Queensberry)

9. It's OK - The Chipmunks

10. Shake Your Groove Thing - The Chipmunks

11. Put Your Records on - The Chipettes

12. I Want To Know What Love Is - The Chipmunks

13. We Are Family - The Chipettes & The Chipmunks

14. No One - The Chipettes (feat. Charice)

15. I Gotta Feeling - The Chipettes & The Chipmunks

If your children listen to music, they will know most of the songs if not all and will really enjoy it.  We listened to it last night, right after we received it, and I woke up to it this morning as the almost seven year old was rearing to go!

If your kids love The Chipmunks, they will love the CD and will really provide hours of entertainment and get your camcorders ready as they will want to dance, dance, dance!  I think Warner Brothers should partner up with Wii and make a dance/exercise game out of it since it encourages them to get up and move!

I definitely recommend Alvin and the Chipmunks The Squeakquel Soundtrack!

To purchase the soundtrack of MP3, just click on one of the links below:

http://bit.ly/7BJXlX
Facebook
MySpace

http://bit.ly/7Co4X5
Facebook
MySpace

*Disclaimer:  I was provided a complimentary copy of this CD in exchange for my review.  Upon completing my assignment, I will receive a cash payment.  The opinions reflected in this post are of mine and were not influenced by the compensation that I might receive.

Aden + Anais: Made for Baby Designed for You Muslin Swaddling Blankets Review

One of the first things new parents learn at the hospital is to swaddle. Swaddling has many benefits to include eliminating a startle reflex, provides comfort to a little one and giving a good night's sleep.  Swaddling in muslin, a natural cotton material, provides additional comfort while not overheating your baby.  Muslin is a finely woven, breathable fabric that is delicate yet durable.  It's also stretchy making it the perfect candidate for swaddling.  Because muslin is lightweight, it allows air to circulate the baby.

Aden + Anais has a nice collection of different products made of muslin:

Swaddle

• Classic Collection - 100% natural cotton muslin swaddles can be used for swaddling, stroller covers, burp cloths, nursing shields, summertime and tummy time blanket, change table cover, portable crib sheets and many more!
• Organic Collection - 100% organic and certified
• Cozy Collection - double the thickness but still made of 100% natural cotton muslin
• Bamboo Collection - luxuriously soft and natural

Slumber

• Classic Slumber Collection - used over pajamas which provides extra comfort of not worrying about tangled blankets or fallen blankets.
• Cozy Slumber Collection - four times the thickness of the Classic Slumber Collection.  The extra layers are perfect for winter.

Burpy Bibs:

• Two packs that are made of Aden + Anais' special shape that helps to keep baby and you clean.  Made of muslin and comes in a variety of chic patterns.

Towel & Washcloth Sets:

• Natural, gentle muslin washcloth and hooded bath towel.  Available in four designs.

Washcloth Sets:

• Soft, gentle muslin meets durable cute patterns to help keep your little one clean.

Dream Blankets:

• Perfect for the older baby and toddler.   Four layers of soft muslin provides warmth and comfort in fun styles.

Issie:

• Natural muslin in the perfect form as a security blanket.  Available in two packs with great looking designs.

Swaddle Love:

• A book featuring entertaining and practical guide on swaddling.

The Review:

The Alpha Bit Swaddle four pack which also is 100% cotton muslin and is very soft and lightweight.  The extra large size allows for full proof swaddling.  Too often in my experiences, blankets have been too small to effectively swaddle or too large and fluffy to get a good swaddle completed.  The muslin allows for such ease in ensuring the folds stay in place without worrying about the baby getting too hot.  The description states the more you wash, the softer they get.  This is very true and it feels wonderful!  No irritation or roughness.

We also found the Swaddle blanket was perfect size to lie down to protect the carpet from messes and the baby from the harsh fibers.

I loved the fact that there is an option for organic and how soft and soothing they are.  I definitely will have to try the sleeping bags as I love the idea and need to have Aden + Anais make bigger ones as my two and six year olds will not keep blankets on.

I would recommend Aden + Anais.

Follow Aden + Anais on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Free ground shipping on orders $60 and over.

*Disclaimer: I was provided a complimentary four pack in exchange for my review.  I received no financial compensation.

Yubo Lunch Boxes: New Lunch Packing System Review

If your kids are like mine, they take their lunch to school and every year, you descend upon all the stores looking for the coolest and neatest looking lunch boxes.  The modern lunch box is different from the tin cased ones some of us "older" moms remember.  The one thing in common is they require the use of baggies and are what you bought is what you get.  A new "kid" on the block is Yubo and what makes Yubo unique is not just the name but many features:

• Patent pending modular design - allows many areas to fit a meal in one convenient, cool lunch box while protecting the food.
• Anti-microbal, BPA-free and dishwasher safe - this is brilliant on so many fronts.  You get a microbal resistent container that is free of those harmful, cancer causing plastics and you can just throw it in the dishwasher for convenience and an extra hot, sanitary clean.
• Reusuable containers which means no waste which is cheaper for your budget and better for the environment.
• Faceplates that are interchangeable and can be personalized.  The lunch box changes with the mood, the interests, the personality and the year.  No more buying lunch box after lunch box when you can just purchase faceplates.  You can even get photo faceplates!
• Available online at www.getyubo.com, Amazon and Toys R Us.

The standard lunch box is only $21.95 while the deluxe which features the custom ice pack and three containers starts at $29.95 with a free faceplate set.

You can also purchase a drink holder that conveniently places the drink bottle along the lunch box for easier carrying.  The food containers can also be purchased in a large container that is perfect for sandwiches, a two pack medium size containers that is perfect for snacks or vegetables and a two pack of small containers that holds desert or other smaller food items.

If you are responsible for fund raisers, you can even raise money for your school! With the personalized option, you can use your school logo or let the kids be creative in creating their own or choose an already created faceplate.  Just go here for more information:  http://www.getyubo.com/pages/School-Fundraising-Program

Yubo is a great concept in giving children a choice for a great looking and fun lunch box while offering a product that is safe and is better for your budget and the environment.  I would recommend the Yubo lunch box for your little one or as a gift to your little special one.

In honor of my husband's deployment to Kuwait in six weeks, I had to show one of the newest, coolest designs:  The military faceplate:

Get your Yubo now!

* Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary Yubo lunch box in exchange for a review.  No financial compensation was received.

#Mamavation Twitter Party April 12th & Campaign 4

Mamavation, a great group of women who support one another through "mamavation!"  They are a sistahood powerhouse of women of all ages who really have a common goal and that is to get healthy or stay healthy.  If you are struggling with trying to lose weight, need some friends or "sistas," or just want to be part of a great group of women, join Mamavation!  


Part of Mamavation is picking a couple of contestants who end up on a journey of weight loss.  Campaign 3 just wrapped up with great success by Lisa and Katie with an accumulated weight loss of over 45 pounds!  Now, Mamavation is gearing up for Campaign 4 with two new great contestants and you can be a part by going to www.mamavation.com to learn more.

Campaign #4 Applications Accepted March 22nd to April 1st

Voting April 5th to 12th

Twitter Launch Party April 12th

Mamavation Campaign #4 April 13th to May 28th

With this new campaign, Colleen is going to apply in the next few days and I hope you will support her in her endeavor as she's a great woman!  Once she does enter, all you have to do is tweet to @bookieboo the following:

Please tweet "Hey Bookieboo! I want @colleen_mouse to be the next #mamavation mom.  She has my support!"

More information to come about Colleen and how you can support her!


More about Mamavation:


Mamavation is a weight loss campaign and social media experiment brought to you byEarth Footwear, The EA SPORTS Active & Smooth Fitness & Gaiam. The Mamavation campaign is a unique movement in social media. Not only does it support two moms (Mamavation Moms), it also supports the first virtual healthy living sorority in social media called "The Sistahood." The Mamavation Moms are put though a 7-week healthy living bootcamp. The will receive a professional nutritional plan created by a physician that specializes in nutrition, Dr. Renna, and a fitness program created by Tracey Mallett. They will also receive two pairs of Earth Footwear, a treadmill from Smooth Fitness, an EA SPORTS Active, Tracey Mallett and Tae Bo DVDs. Their lives become a virtual open book with twists and turns and real life challenges they must overcome. The purpose behind the campaign is to inspire moms all over the internet to live more healthy. The program is managed by @bookieboo, Leah Segedie. Leah Segedie has successfully lost over 170 lbs. herself. She is no stranger to hard work and overcoming challenges in weight loss as a mom.

Friday Follow

It's time again for Friday Follow!

Week Three of Nutrisystem

I'm ending week three of my Nutrisystem program and have struggled along the way.  The first time I tried Nutrisystem, it was easier and I find myself being hungry more than I was but am hoping it will pass soon enough.  One of my problems is I get little sleep so that doesn't help with the hunger and the number of allowed calories.  However, the number of calories allowed is more than adequate and the food is good.  With any program, the food isn't always great pending on what you choose and you learn from trial and error.  One of the reasons I quit the first time is they substituted a lot of my food choices with foods that I don't like such as mushrooms.  I rejoined due to the guarantee clause added and much to my surprise, only a few items were substituted.

For those of you not aware of Nutrisystem, the plan isn't just their food.  It  does have a great online feature that allows you to track your intake, your exercise, your water intake and any journal thoughts.  I love the electronic food diary as it has drop down menus allowing you to quickly choose your food you consumed while an easy way to add foods that are prepopulated.  Each day is full of fruit and vegetable choices too so you get to snack and supplement the Nutrisystem food.  My favorite is the desert ... grin!

With next month's shipment, I choose to pay a little more and I purchased the frozen breakfast, lunch and snack meals for one week.  I decided to supplement those days where I'm more tired or just feeling blah.

To date, I've lost six pounds in three weeks.

Attention Chicagoland Mommy's: Hyatt Regency All About Moms Contest

The Hyatt Regency in Chicago announces that the hotel will sponsor a 2010 All About Mom Contest in honor of Mother’s Day this year. Chicagoland children from first through fifth grade are invited to write a 100-word essay on why their mom is special to them. Five winning children will be rewarded with a weekend stay for Mom on May 7 and 8 in one of Hyatt Regency Chicago’s most exclusive premier suites.

Additionally, the child’s mother will receive a $100 spa gift certificate. To be considered, all submissions must be made by April 2, 2010 by posting it on Hyatt Regency Chicago’s Facebook Mother’s Day page (by clicking on this link: http://www.facebook.com/hyattchicago) or by emailing the essay to hrcemarketing@hyatt.com. Winners will be chosen and notified by April 9, 2010.

To make this Mother’s Day special for all area families, Hyatt Regency Chicago is offering a special rate of $129 and complimentary parking Mother’s Day weekend – May 7-9, 2010. This exclusive special is based on availability. To reserve this special offer, contact Hyatt Regency Chicago at 800.233.1234 or at www.chicagoregency.hyatt.com. Be sure to request or enter special offer code MOM. Mom’s can also leave the work to Hyatt Regency Chicago this Mother’s Day and indulge in a wonderful Mother’s Day Brunch in The BISTRO at 151. Brunch will begin at 10am on May 9th and is $39.95 per person. For brunch reservations, call 312.239.4496.

About Hyatt Regency Chicago

Hyatt Regency Chicago, the largest hotel in the Midwest and Hyatt property in the world, features 2,019 guestrooms, 228,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and six restaurants and lounges. The hotel is located at 151 East Wacker Drive, along Chicago’s Riverwalk in the heart of downtown. Hyatt Regency Chicago borders the Magnificent Mile and is only blocks away from Chicago’s premier theatre, cultural, shopping and dining districts. For reservations, visit www.chicagohyatt.com call 800.233.1234.

Once upon a time, a long time ago, I stayed at the Hyatt for work.  I was able to buy the best shoes ever while staying there and so I'll never forget the Hyatt.  It's a very nice hotel and I wished I still lived near Chicago but all you lucky Chicagoland mom's can try to get the creative juices in your children going to win!

* Disclaimer:  I was not compensated for this post.  Information was provided by Noreen Heron & Associates.

Losing Weight in the Sistahood and #Mamavation

I've been trying and trying to lose weight and get healthier and ever since I hit 40 (will be 42 in July), I'm realizing the importance of getting in shape for longevity over appearance sake.  I finally joined the Mamavation Sistahood to further the encouragement and success.

;   

Since I started working on the weight loss track (again), two weeks ago, I've lost five pounds by counting calories and sticking to the Nutrisystem plan.  I bought the EarthFootwear shoes and wear them everywhere to add a little extra to the weight loss and I ride my bike minimally for one hour a day.

Yahoo Health had a great article on easy ways to lose weight.  After reading it, it wasn't anything new or truly informative but I considered it further reinforcement to help make little changes that will equal big chances in the long run.  The summary is:

• Eat hot soup before you eat lunch or dinner as hot foods forces you to slow down and eat.  If you are like me, you are an unwilling marathon eater and can't control it!  I multi-task so much and for so many years that I cram food in to get to the next task or I eat and task at the same time.  Before I know it, I just consumed a 1700 calorie Wendy's meal in 10 minutes flat!
• Don't eat heavily before bed.  In fact, I've routinely read that you shouldn't eat after 6 pm.  I don't understand that one as so many people eat dinner after 7 pm but aren't overweight but then again, they probably eat less than I would at a meal.
• Live like a city dweller which means find ways to walk more.  Park down further at Walmart or park and walk to get your food order.  Little things add up and this is an easy way to do it.
• Try dashing chili pepper on your food as it helps to stimulate your metabolism while possibly curtailing your hunger. I also read the cinnamon does this.
• Limit your calories in drinks.  You would be surprised how quickly those Starbucks or apple juices add up.  I also have been wondering how calorie free the fake sugars are.  Every time I quit drinking them and switch to water, I drop weight.  I'm sure it's a benefit to having the water to flush the body but it still seems like there has to be something about the so-called calorie free claims.
• My biggest one: weigh yourself daily!  This is so true even though many experts state you shouldn't do this.  How many times have you forced yourself on the scales after a couple of weeks, trying to shift to one side over the other to trick the scale only to find you packed on a few pounds?  When you weigh yourself daily, you are more accountable in ensuring the scale doesn't go up and it's motivating to see it staying put or going down.  One way it's bad is when you are trying to lose weight and you see no movement.  With any weight loss program when you incorporate exercise, there is a period of weight increase as you shift from fat to muscle. 

Overall, I think the biggest changes are recording your intake, drinking water, exercising and weighing yourself daily.  You can read the entire article here.

UPrinting 100 4 x 6 Postcard Giveaway 3/17 WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ....

MELANIE!

An e-mail has just been sent to and she will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen via random.org.

Thanks to all those who entered!

Sping is coming and along with that is Easter, communions, weddings, graduation and so much more!  If you are like me, you like to have the perfect party and using formal invitations is right up on the "must have" list.  Using postcards is cost effective as it's cheaper to mail, friendlier for the environment and look great. 

Celebrate or Promote Your Business

If you are a business owner, who couldn't use some free promotional material to inform your customers of a sale or a special coming up?  What about announcing something new?  There are so many ways that FREE postcards can help promote your business.

The fact that they are full color on both sides, provides free shipping with a three business day turnaround definitely catches my attention!

When you choose UPrinting, you get to use their templates or design your own and you get a free proof.  I've ordered too many times in the past to receive something I was completely disappointed in so this is an excellent feature to me.

Some other great uses of postcards:

• Recipe cards to give out or to keep yourself.
• Reminder notices to send your customers.
• School PTO/PTA notices and events.
• The possibilities are endless!

Here are some postcards I created very quickly with UPrinting using some of my own artwork coupled with their features:

UPrinting is a one stop shop for all your printing needs whether you need postcard printing, promotional printing, flyers, labels, business cards, canvas prints, vinyl banners, catalogs and so much more.

A great birthday can be planned through all the great products and a business can get all the promotional material they need!

The Giveaway:

• 100 4 x 6 Postcards
• Paper Stock: 14pt Cardstock Gloss
• Specifications: Full Color Both Sides; 3 Business Days Turnaround
• Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me what you would use the postcards for if you won.

Extra Entries (two entries each unless otherwise noted):

• Subscribe to my blog
• Follow UPrinting on Twitter
• Follow me on Twitter
• Become a fan of UPrinting on Facebook
• Blog about this giveaway (five entries)
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily)
• Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)

Giveaway ends 3/17 at midnight and winner will be chosen by random.org.

Eligibility: Limited to US Residents only

Good luck!

*Disclaimer:  I did not receive compensation for this post.

Expressiva Nursingwear Review & $35 GC Giveaway 3/17 WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO.....

CAROLPIE!

An e-mail has just been sent to Carol and she has 48 hours to respond before choosing another winner via random.org.

Thanks to all those who entered!

If you are wiser like me (old), you remember the selections we had for purchasing nursing wear and it wasn't pretty.  I have pictures wearing little bears on my shirts and all sorts of cutsie outfits that were okay at that time if I were 10 years old, which I wasn't.  My oldest laughs at some of those pictures but 22 years ago, there was virtually no selection let alone good selections.  I love children and as I added to my family, I found that the selections were improving and looked so good, you could wear them even post pregnancy and nursing pending the style and fit.

My oldest is now going to make me a proud (young) grandma which has greatly confused my six year old who thinks she's going to be a big sister (again).  She can't comprehend her big sister having a baby but in time, she will.  Nothing can be too good for my oldest so focusing a series of posts on maternity, nursing and baby products is quite fun as I love to share new products, great finds and real deals.  I ventured onto Expressiva Nursingwear by another blogger, Ruminations of a Twenty-Something Mom, and I was impressed in the clothing and other items available.

Look at this adorable Feminine Retro Print Top.  The pattern is special as it's multi-colored to help hide leaks which all breastfeeding moms know, it's almost impossible to stay dry.  To feed, you simply lift the bodice and pull aside the material for discreet, quick feeding.  The tie backs allows adjustment to your waist so it is a long wearing shirt to accommodate your changes in size from post pregnancy to whatever your weight ends up at.

It's 95% cotton and 5% spandex which will allow for a shapely fit but not too huggy as we know how we dislike our little love handles that pregnancy brings on to most of us.  It's machine washable thus allowing a great benefit for such a beautiful shirt that can be worn with slacks, capris, jeans or a skirt.

  

The Empire Tank Top in Organic Cotton is another eye catcher.  Two wrap style nursing openings are accessed under the horizontal seam.  It's lightweight and made of 100% organic cotton with no tags.  This one is also machine washable. 

As with the other shirt, it is available in XS, S, M, L and XL and a variety of colors.

Expressiva Nursingwear also provides readers to read actual reviews provided by customers.  To me, this shows a profound level of honesty in helping their customers choose.  The reviews were helpful to read and helped shape our decision on what to choose.

Expressiva has many items to choose with a variety of clothes to organic and swimwear to covers, accessories and gifts.

I have not seen a product like this and being a new mother, it's easy to forget given the lack of sleep.  Expressiva also has Mothers Minders Bracelets at only $4.99 and are available in blue or pink:

• 
  
  By turning the dial, record and monitor your baby's feedings, nap schedule or medication
• 
  
  By using this bracelet, you will discover your baby's natural routine for eating, burping, diaper changes, sleeping, playing and the need for love and attention
• 
  
  Reduces stress for you and your baby! When your baby starts to fuss or cry, quickly refer to the time on the bracelet to assess and address your baby's needs 

Pro's:

• 
  
  Great selection of all types of clothing to include a wonderful selection of nursing bras
• Very reasonable prices
• Fashionable, fun choice that can be worn post breast feeding
• Ease of site
• Actual buyer reviews (as applicable)
• Chance to win a prize
• Ability to create a wishlist to share with family and friends
• Ability to create an account to login for future use
• Assistance in choosing maternity articles of clothing and sizes
• Organic selection
• Easy to care for (washable)
• No hassle returns/exchanges
• Gift certificates
• Ability to track orders

Con's:

• 
  
  None that I can identify

The Reviews:

Two panel members reviewed the Bravado Lifestyle Microfiber Bra and the Feminine Retro Print Top Purple/Black.

The Retro Print Top is made of cotton and 5% spandex which allows for a softness with a little elasticity to make it comfortable to wear.  It's lightweight and will be great for the summer months but versatile enough to wear under a sweater or suit to look great.  The tie backs allow the top to grow or decrease in size which is wonderful news for those that lose weight post pregnancy.  Buying nursing wear can be expensive and finding nursing wear that adapts to the changes in the body is practical and desired.  This top offers that great feature.

Another key feature that promotes versatility and ease is how the bodice lifts up to allow for easy feeding.  This allows any mom to nurse with ease, comfort and privacy.  Color variations include purple and black or red and black in a variety of sizes.

This top appears to be indicative of all the clothing options offered by Expressiva Nursingwear in terms of comfort, versatility and the ability to have the option to feed with relative obscurity.  Our panel member recommends this top to any pregnant mom or nursing mom.
 

Bravado Lifestyle Microfiber Bra is soft and comfortable due to the silky microfiber material it's made of.  The inner cup lining is made of Bravado's CottonFlex for increased comfort and breathability.  The best feature of this bra is the single handed nursing clips and the ability to adjust as needed.  Any convenience in nursing is wanted and this bra offers that convenience.  The shapely contours of the material are also seamless and with t-shirt weather coming, that is nice. 

 

Being a past nursing mother, I also looked at the bra before passing it on to LM from our panel and also found the ease with the clasps.  I remember struggling with clasps from bras but this one is so nice and convenient.

 

Both the shirt and the bra received glowing reviews from our two panel members.  Having a choice to wear fashionable, comfortable and convenient nursing is key to being a happy mommy!  The prices are very reasonable, the quality is high and the comfort is wonderful.  We recommend Expressiva Nursingwear!

 

The Giveaway:

 

One lucky reader will win a $35 gift certificate to Expressiva Nursingwear! 

To Enter:

Follow my blog and visit http://www.expressiva.com/ and tell me what you would use the gift certificate on.

Extra Entries (two entries each unless otherwise noted):

• Subscribe to my blog.
• Follow me on Twitter.
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily).
• Blog about this giveaway (five entries)
• Enter any of my other giveaways.

Giveaway ends 3/17 at midnight (EST).

Winner will be chosen via random.org

*Disclaimer:  Panel members received the two articles of clothing complimentary from the sponsor of this giveaway.  No other compensation was provided.

Bummas Review & Giveaway: A Different Way to Eliminate Diaper Rash 3/16 CLOSED WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

jakiesmom

An e-mail has just been sent and she has 48 hours to respond.

Diaper rash is such a harsh experience for little one's to endure not to mention the helplessness a parent feels watching their baby in pain.   Many of us try all sorts of remedies to prevent and end diaper rash to no avail.  Powders, talcs and ointments, to include organic, are a way of trying to prevent and stop diaper rash but being able to apply nothing is a choice I prefer.  When I found out about Bummas, I was excited to see a product that eliminates the need to put a product directly on their skin.  All the news of products containing toxic chemicals is quite scary to me and if I can do something that is better for my children, why not? 

This simple way is found in Bummas which are small soft, luxurious baby-sized cloths made especially for drying baby bottoms, as well as blocking those surprise squirts. And with a little douse of water, they can also replace wet wipes for clean up of sensitive bums. They are small enough to conveniently carry on the go and durable enough to wash over and over again and won’t pill shrink or fade. Bummas are also made in the US so there are no hidden toxins lurking in the manufacturing.

Bummas are 100% cotton and the soft velour terry cloth feels wonderful against the skin.  The 5" by 7" size is perfect for little bums.  Since I received my complimentary Bummas set, I've even used one as a forehead cool cloth for my six year's headaches.  The size couldn't have been better and it was much easier for her to handle without it hanging around her hair and over her face.  They are even small enough where you can rewash them and place in a reusable diaper wash tub for easier access.

Bummas are available in colors for boys, girls, calm ones and wild ones. The pack includes 10 Bummas that are all white terry cloth with five different colors of thread trim.  Bummas ships worldwide and additional stores to purchase Bummas can be found here.

They are definitely easy to use, soft and non-irritating against the skin, absorbs and dries in no time and cost effective versus diaper wipes.  I haven't tried bleaching them yet so I'm not sure how the color holds up.  Bummas hold up nicely and I would recommend them over conventional diaper wipes mostly due to the chemical factor of diaper wipes and various ointments.  If you are green conscious, this is so much better for the environment as well.  I will definitely purchase a couple of sets for my pregnant daughter.

Pro's:

• No chemicals - all natural
• Prevents diaper rash by keeping baby's bum dry
• Easy and convenient - small sizes
• Earth friendly - reuse
• Site has a FAQ section
• Ships worldwide
• Available in an assortment of colors
• Cheaper - eliminates diaper wipes and other ointments and powders

The Giveaway:

One winner, anywhere in the world, will win their choice of color of one set of Bummas.

To Enter:

Go to Bummas and leave a comment on which color set you would choose and follow my blog.

Extra Entries (two entries unless noted otherwise):

• Follow @bummas on Twitter
• Follow me on Twitter
• Subscribe to my blog
• Blog about this giveaway (five entries)
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily)
• Enter any of my other on-going giveaways

Giveaway ends 3/16 at midnight (EST) and winner will be chosen by random.org.

Open to all worldwide!

New Flirty Aprons Contest Ends March 28

Who doesn't just love the new interest in aprons?  They really are practical as I can't count the times I have ruined my clothes cooking and wished I had an apron.  They are also pretty with the wide assortment you can choose from for the entire family!

Flirty Aprons is offering another contest!  All you have to do is:

1. Go to thier website and look at the resource section located at the bottom of the page 
2. Submit a paragraph or two that could be used in our new resource section titled "Christmas Gift"! The best/longest submission will receive a FREE APRON and the runners up will receive 50% and 25% off......respectively. 
3. All submissions should be sent to mail@flirtyaprons.com. 

Hurry as the contest ends March 28th!