Rave and Review

TheraPearl Cold & Hot Therapy Packs {Review & Giveaway}

How many of you have that special frostbitten bag of peas in your freezer – the one no one eats, but everyone runs to when they need a cold compress?  Me?  I’m waving my hand wildly.  How many of you out there thought there had to be a better way, but struggled to find a practical solution for a cold compress that conforms to your curves but doesn’t leak, smell, or expire?  Yep, still waving my hand wildly.  Finding a heat pack was similarly difficult and my best solution was a bulky electrical heating pad that was stiff, uncomfortable, and, well, electrical. 

If you’ve noticed, I’m using the past-tense to talk about our hot and cold packs and that’s because we have found a much, much better solution for both.   The solution is TheraPearl, a company that makes a whole line of hot and cold compresses for whatever ails you.   Instead of one pack to heat and one to cool, TheraPearl Cold and Hot Therapy Packs are both, all wrapped up in one ingenious product that has changed the way we treat minor discomforts at our house. 

We got to try out some really cool TheraPearl products this past spring that included the Nursing Buddies set and two colorful children’s pals and we all simply love them.  Because we enjoy using them so much, we have thrown out our bags of frozen peas and donated our heating pad and now rely solely on the TheraPearl for small injuries, strains, or muscle aches. 

So, what is TheraPearl?  Formed by a doctor as a practical alternative for healing, their hot and cold therapy packs are like nothing I have ever seen before.  Instead of gel, TheraPearl packs are filled with squishy gel “bubbles” that are smooth and soft to conform to curves, which makes them a great option instead of leaky ice packs, messy frozen peas, or electrical pads.  

My daughter loves the kids TheraPearl packs that have adorable pig and frog designs and they have been a lifesaver as the active spring and summer activities have resumed.  They are the perfect size for her little hands and her little injuries and perfect to keep in either the fridge or freezer to pull out quickly when needed.  When she falls down and gets hurt, nothing consoles her quite like her “Bubble Pig”, as she has affectionately named it. 

Not only are the TheraPearl packs sized perfectly for numerous functions, they are all reusable, easy to freeze or heat, and are doctor-recommended.   This is partly due to the fact the packs can do both hot and cold as well as disseminate their cold or warm properties in 20 minutes, the recommended time for heat or ice.  They are also incredibly easy to use, either hot or cold, by popping a pack into the freezer or fridge or heating for a few minutes in the microwave.

TheraPearl has a variety of different shaped packs available that are designed for different uses, but the great thing is that they can be used anywhere interchangeably.  While the Nursing Buddies were incredibly nice to have during an episode of painful engorgement, they also work nicely for knee injuries, head compresses, and just about any small or medium area you can imagine.  Next on our list is the large sports pack so we can have a large and a small option available… you know, just in case.

You'd expect with a product as cool as this that they would cost a fortune, but the prices are not only reasonable, they are a true bargain!  The Nursing Buddies set can be bought for $14.99 and the Kid's Pals are $5.99!

 
Thanks to their generosity, one lucky Rave and Review reader will win a TheraPearl Cold & Hot Therapy Pack!

To Enter: Simply visit TheraPearl and tell me what product you would like most if you win 

And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar {2 extra entries, must be verified to count}

2) Like TheraPearl on Facebook {1 extra entry, just leave your FB name in comment}

3) Like PTPA Media on Facebook {1 extra entry, just leave your FB name in comment}

4) Tweet about this Giveaway after following us all {daily Tweet, just post link here}

Have you tried TheraPearl Hot & Cold Therapy Packs? Win one with @raveandreview and @PTPA & @TheraPearl #giveaway http://bit.ly/rrPLR6" 

5) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage {3 extra entries - just post the URL where I can find your writeup}

6) Place my button or logo in your sidebar on your blog or website {2 extra entries, must have an active link to R&R}

7) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

8) NEW!  "Like" Rave and Review on Facebook! {3 extra entries}

On August 14th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn via Random.org, announced here, and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen. 

This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congrats to:

#27 Sonya said... I must have the Nursing Buddy soon!

A big thank you to TheraPearl and PTPA for providing the samples for review as well as offering a giveaway to our fabulous readers.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this very Rave Review. 

BARE Air-Free Bottle - Support the Cause!

It seems like there is a new baby bottle on the market every week, each claiming to reduce colic, air intake, and imitate breastfeeding most naturally.  While I have tried quite a few of these, some with snorkels, some with air vents, and even some that didn’t look anything like a bottle, I haven’t found the bottle holy grail yet.  Priska Diaz felt the same way, so she set about to create the perfect baby bottle and BARE was born.

BARE isn’t about vents, valves, or collapsible containers, it’s about redesigning the bottle all together.  Designed to work much like a syringe that creates a truly air-free feeding that dispenses by suction alone, the BARE bottle is unlike anything I have ever heard of.  I won’t bore you with all the scientific data from their site that shows how the bottle is similar to the breast or how the whole thing works, but I will tell you that I was really excited when I watched the video {note – turn your speakers down before playing} and saw some of the features of the bottle. 

My favorite feature of the BARE would be the fact that you don’t have to tip the bottle upwards to feed since the bottle works with suction, not gravity.  I cannot get my son to grasp the concept of tilting the bottle up to drink no matter how hard I try, so even at 9 months he is still unable to feed himself without digesting mostly air.  There are so many times I would have paid some really big bucks for something such as the BARE Air-Free Bottle which would allow him to feed himself naturally, without spilling, and without worrying about how much air he’s drinking.

BARE is also said to train baby to latch properly, closely imitate a mother’s breast, prevent bacteria, and simplify bottle cleaning, all of which I am really excited about.   Add to the fact that it is made in the US with quality ingredients that don’t contain BPA, PVC, Lead or Phthalate and you can see why everyone is so excited about this bottle.


And, now you can be part of the buzz because between now and July 30th, BARE is inviting parents to visit the BARE KickStarter site and see more about how the bottle works and even to be the first to receive the bottles once they launch!  I am incredibly excited about this project and hope that come January the BARE bottle will be on shelves everywhere.  Here’s your chance to make that happen by taking part in this exciting project!

Find out more at the BARE KickStarter site or at www.bittylab.com

This post was sponsored by BARE and Question Moms, but as always, all opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation influenced our opinion of the product or site.

Milk Nursingwear {Review & Giveaway}

Have you shopped for nursing wear recently?  I have breastfed babies for 26 months in total and during that time I have owned exactly one cute nursing top.  One.  In 26 months.  This means that 99.9% of the time I am wearing my “mom uniform”, a tank top with a cardigan or hoodie, so I can breastfeed easily.  That’s over 2 years of drab-ness, if anyone is counting.

So, when Milk Nursingwear invited me to pick something out of their extensive catalog, I was like a kid in a candy store.  No, make that a baby in milk shoppe… er, something like that.  Somehow that analogy went way wrong, but either way, I was excited. 

When it came time to actually decide what I wanted most of all the things I was drooling over, I narrowed it down to their dresses.  With a summer vacation on the horizon and warm weather on my mind {but NOT on the forecast… oh, Washington… sigh}, I knew that I wanted to get something fun and cool for my warm weather wardrobe.  The moment I laid eyes on the Flirty Halter Dress from Milk Nursingwear in black, I knew it was it. 

And I was even more impressed upon seeing my LBND {little black nursing dress, naturally} in person.  It is made of super soft 95% cotton and 5% lycra which means it is machine washable and unwrinkles upon unfolding, making it perfect for parks or for dressier occasions.  After it was out of the package I immediately had to model it, and found that it was just as flattering as I had hoped.

One thing I loved right away was the adjustable tie that allows you to get the perfect fit, something which I hadn’t realized would be that important.  Because the dress is designed for pregnancy, nursing, and beyond, I really like that I can customize the fit as my shape changes.  Also, instead of  deep V that is a bit much while breastfeeding, the Flirty Halter has a crisscrossed V top that is less revealing but still fun and flirty. 

When wearing for nursing, the top layer of this empire top lifts up revealing a built-in shelf bra with access openings for discreet nursing.  What’s great about this is that it doesn’t look at all like a nursing top when in place, it just looks like a really cute empire waist dress! 

Because I love the fit and finish of the Flirty Nursing Halter Dress, I am looking forward to wearing my LBND for a long, long time, well after I have stopped lactating and have {hopefully} returned to my pre-pregnancy size for good.  For the price and the fact that it can easily be worn well after the babies are grown, I think it is a must-have for pregnant and nursing moms during the warm weather months.

Buy it: The Flirty Halter Dress retails for $49.00 from Milk Nursingwear.  When you purchase, you should join the Milk Money Rewards program and receive one rewards point for every dollar you spend on the site.  Rewards points can be redeemed for dollars off your next purchase at Milk!

http://www.milknursingwear.com/

One very lucky Rave and Review reader will win their favorite item at Milk Nursingwear!

To Enter: You must perform at least one of the following actions to be eligible for the prize drawing. Yes, you can earn 2 entries for doing both!

Tweet the following: "WOW the nursing wear by Milk Nursingwear is so pretty! http://www.milknursingwear.com" OR "Like" Milk Nursingwear on Facebook

And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count)

2) Visit the MilkNursingWear site and scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page and click on "Like" {this is different than "Liking" them on Facebook!}

3) Tweet about this Giveaway after following us both (daily Tweet, just post link here)

Looking for adorable nursing wear? Enter to #win an item of choice from @MilkNursingWear & @raveandreview #giveaway http://bit.ly/l5FEJu

4) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage (3 extra entries - just post the URL where I can find your writeup)

5) Place my button or logo in your sidebar on your blog or website (2 extra entries, must have an active link to R&R)

6) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

7) NEW!  "Like" Rave and Review on Facebook! (3 entries)

On July 26th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn via Random.org, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen. 

This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congratulations to:

#100 Jason and Anna Pry said...

blogged it: http://freeindeedblogger.blogspot.com/2011/07/milk-nursingwear.html

Thank you to Milk Nursingwear for sending a sample dress for review and for offering a giveaway to our fabulous readers.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

Béaba Bib’expresso All-in-One Super Cool Feeding Gadget

I was really lucky and was able to breastfeed my first child for 16 months before switching to bottles, but my second take at breastfeeding hasn’t quite panned out like I had hoped.  First there were supply issues and engorgement, and then there were growth issues and latching problems, and finally the choice was made to supplement with formula as well as give bottles of breastmilk this time around. 

Because I was spoiled with being able to breastfeed for so long the first time, I really didn’t understand the pain that bottles, feedings, and formula can be until just recently.  Now I can see why there are a million and a half gadgets for feeding infants and babies - it’s all about making the whole process a little bit easier on everyone. 

When I first decided we were going to supplement, I mistakenly thought it was going to be more convenient, but that’s before I realized what all was involved in warming, preparing, and cleaning bottle accessories after each feeding.  And, the annoyances just keep coming… first, there’s all the bottles filling up your dishwasher, then you need a way to warm up formula, food, and breastmilk, and finally, there’s the sterilizer to keep everything safe for baby to consume. 

I had seen bottle warmers before when I was registering during my first pregnancy, but even at the time I thought they were a bit silly.  Why buy something that has such a limited lifespan, only does one single function, and takes up so much room if you can make do without?  Recently, I found my answer: because having to “make do” for over a year just isn’t any fun. 

What if I told you that there was a super cool new feeding gadget that solves all of these problems and more?  Introducing the Béaba Bib'expresso, the first all-in-one feeding gadget that allows you to prepare bottles, breastmilk, solid foods and more as well as well as sterilize {and store} your accessories. 

Want to hear more about this clever little machine?
 
Now, instead of heating up water for bottles by running them under incredibly hot tap water or in the microwave {which, FYI, is not recommended}, I can make a bottle of formula with the simple press of a button with no fear of hot spots or burning.  Want to heat up breastmilk or baby food?  Simply fill the water tank and press a button and it heats the water to warm for feeding quickly and easily.  If that wasn’t enough, you can also sterilize and store your bottles and accessories with the Bib’expresso!

Features of the Bib’expresso we’re raving about: As cool as the unit is as a whole, it also comes apart and allows you to use each of its functions separately as your needs change.  The upper water tank and sterilizer/storage compartment are both removable for use without the base and both can be used for other functions even after the bottle stage.  In fact, I use the Bib’expresso daily with my daughter, making her cocoa, cleaning her cups and straws, and heating up foods that don’t do well in the microwave. 

Béaba also makes a homemade baby food maker that could be used with the Bib’expresso, allowing you to warm foods made with their Béaba Babycook {which I have heard wonderful things about}.  While I am loving the Bib’expresso for the bottle stage, I really love that it is perfect for warming homemade baby food.  This is going to be a feature I will use for years and years as my kids eat baby food well after bottles are through, and using the microwave is not recommended for heating from frozen.  To save on counter space, I will simply use the top portion of the Bib’expresso on its own and make defrosting and heating incredibly easy.

Béaba Bib'expresso specs:
•    Bottle preparation in 90 seconds.
•    Safe - The bottle is always at the right temperature thanks to direct water control
•    Practical - direct water flow mixes the powder formula and helps ensure more even temperature
•    Easy to Use - just one hand required to prepare the bottle
•    Removable, ultra-compact bottle and food warmer can be used anywhere
•    Microwavable sterilizer/bottle storage compartment included. Can hold up to three 10 ounce (300 ml) bottles. Protects sterilized bottles from light and dust and keeps them handy and ready to use when preparing baby's bottle.
•    Self-cleaning steam system for in-depth cleaning of the device.
•    Product can be used after baby for preparing beverages with hot water such as tea and hot cocoa.
•    BPA-free.

Buy It: The Bib’expresso retails for $129.95 and you can find it at Amazon.com, PamperedTot.com, and at BeabaUSA.com.  More info, images, and web tutorial videos can be found on the Beaba site.

While Béaba provided me with a Bib'expresso to review, the opinions I've expressed here are solely my own and represent my honest viewpoint. Béaba, Clever Girls Collective and I promote Blog With Integrity.

Milkies Milk-Savers for Breastfeeding Moms

Whoever said there's no use crying over spilled milk was not a breastfeeding mother.  If you're referring to a bottle of breastmilk that was lovingly pumped that was then spilled, you have every reason to cry. 

And, I have cried over spilt milk.  Twice. 

Seriously, pumping is HARD.  That's why I dread it, make excuses for not doing it, and it's why I've collected roughly 4oz in 4 months {roughly enough for 2/3 of a feeding}. 

But, my best excuse for not pumping just came in the mail.  Granted, it’s not pitched as an alternative to pumping, Milkies are simply marketed as a passive milk collector that you use as you breastfeed.  By simply placing the Milk Saver on the breast you are not feeding with, you can collect the milk that drips while you feed instead of soaking a disposable breast pad that then gets discarded. 

Yes, that’s right, you get to keep the milk that leaks as you feed!  Once collected, you can then pour into a bottle for drinking, add to rice cereal for spoon feeding, or freeze for later.  For someone like me who hasn’t pumped a full feeding yet, the Milk Saver has enabled me to create a few bottles of breastmilk already, and with absolutely no pain!

The first thing that surprised me by the Milk Saver is how soft the sturdy silicon is that it is made of.  When I saw Milkies advertised in the past, I had mistakenly thought they would be thin and rather flimsy like a milk collection bag.  When I pulled it out of the package I realized that the Milk Saver is as well made as it is comfortable.

Milkies are rather large and even though the package says they can fit in any bra, I had a bit of trouble getting it to fit in my underwire nursing bra with the snaps closed.  To solve this, I merely left the bra cup unsnapped while wearing the Milk Saver and it worked perfectly.  When wearing my nursing camisoles the Milk Saver was able to fit in no problem because of the stretch of the fabric, so depending on your tank or bra, you might be able to fully snap your Milkie in comfortably.

While my first feeding with the Milk Saver didn’t collect multiple ounces, I did get a whole lot more than I imagined I would {see image, left} since I honestly didn’t think I was leaking all that much.  The second feeding got even better results {see image, below} and by the time the week was over, I had two full feedings for my son.  Okay, so I’m not going to be stocking my freezer this way, but it’s certainly better than throwing this milk away each week, right?  Even if it’s only one or two nights out a month, it certainly is worth it!

My one regret is that I didn’t try the Milkies Milk Saver right when my son was born when I was suffering from engorgement and each feeding required a new nursing pad on the side I wasn’t feeding on because I was leaking so much.  Imagine what the milk collection would have been on those first few feedings… I might have even had a freezer stock to speak of and would have been able to make it to girls’ night out much sooner!

To find out more, visit MyMilkies.com and see how much milk {and money} you could be saving each month!

A big thank you to Milkies who provided the Milk Saver to be reviewed.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

Pirose for Nursing {and Beyond!}

I’ve tried quite a few nursing covers in my time and quite honestly couldn’t survive breastfeeding without them.  Who wants to leave a party or a good conversation to go sit by themselves and feed their baby?  Not me.  I’d much rather include my baby in everything I’m doing, having them get used to our on-the-go lifestyle and the flexibility that comes from it. 

But, while I love nursing covers, none that I have ever tried have been quite so practical as the Pirose Nursing Cover from Reno Rose, Inc.  Instead of merely offering a discreet place to nurse, it also has numerous different functions from feeding to fashion.  As someone who hates to buy limited lifespan items, I love that the Pirose Nursing Cover can easily be repurposed for a variety of functions and can be used well after the baby stage. 

Since I am nursing now, I am really loving it as a nursing cover for secluded mealtimes.  Besides being gorgeous {and it truly is, I get strangers coming up to me every time I use it asking where I got my scarf not even realizing that I’m using it to nurse}, I adore that it is extremely lightweight and scrunches up in the smallest diaper bag or purse.  In fact, it even comes with a small pouch that I can stuff it in {no folding required} and toss it in my purse for easy storage on the go. 

Although I was really excited about the sheer fabric because of its space-saving properties and how lightweight it is for warmer weather, I was a bit concerned that you might be able to see right through it.  I was really happy that all my many companions said that they couldn’t see a thing underneath the floral fabric.  However, the really cool part is that it is sheer enough so that baby can see out almost perfectly from under the nursing cover and gets good airflow so he stays at a comfortable temperature, even indoors. 

Besides being great for nursing, I really love that I can use the Pirose from Reno Rose for a variety of different functions in between feedings and even well after baby is weaned.  From uses such as car seat covers, hair scarves and even a place to set baby to play as well as fashion accessories for your purse and wardrobe, there are so many ways to use it that I have no plans to hand it down. 

Even if you’re not nursing, you will want to check out Reno Rose to see their gorgeous products and all the many ways that you can use them.  They also sell a Pirose fashion scarf that is similar to the Nursing Cover, but smaller so that it can be used as a headband, a purse accessory and more!

Price: $35.00

Find out how to wear it, how to find the right size for you, check out some videos, and see all the gorgeous patterns available at Reno Rose, Inc.  You can also keep up with them on Facebook and on Twitter!

This is a Mama Buzz review. The product was provided by Reno Rose for this review. All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

The Perfect Nursing Bra from Bravado Designs

One of the most difficult challenges in any woman’s life is finding a good bra.  If this isn’t the case for you, I envy your ability to fit into those predetermined sizes.  Although bras for any purpose can be impossible to find, a nursing bra is even more so because there is so much that goes into finding one that works for you. 

Besides needing comfort for day and night, support for different circumstances, and the right size (cup, band around and straps over the shoulder) you also need the functionality of removing one side to fulfill one of your child’s basic needs on demand.  It’s ridiculous when you really sit down hand think of all the factors coming into play, and it’s really no wonder that most mother’s dread nursing bra shopping.

With two Rave and Review writers currently in the market for nursing gear, I’m sure you can imagine the excitement here at Rave Central when we found a company that seemed to address every need each of us had: day and night comfort, tenderness, and ease of use, all while being reasonably cute. 

That company is Bravado! Designs, which started with a single bra and two nursing moms and now has transformed to a full line offering stylish, comfortable and quality maternity and nursing bras and tanks for every mom.  Here are two mom's tales of finding the perfect nursing bra: 

I got to try out the award-winning, “mom and celebrity favorite” from Bravado: the Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra.  While my hopes for this bra were huge, the Body Silk did not disappoint. 

For me, I crave support.  This has been even more evident as I have gone through my first pregnancy and my chest has been constantly changing; literally every month has been different.  Even worse is that my chest now is uncomfortable at all times and a wired bra for support while having a sensitive chest is not something that I found that appealing. 

I was determined to find support and comfort for my nighttime wear, during pregnancy and then once baby arrived.  To find even one bra that fit the bill, I had tried several options from a major chain maternity store (I bought all but one style available in the shop in my size) and had not found any possible to sleep in, let alone one that was 100% comfortable during the day.

I was so pleasantly surprised when my Bravado Designs Silk Seamless arrived and I comfortably wore it the first night.  This bra truly does mold your own unique shape and size.  Most importantly, this bra was supporting me, all of the new me, without causing any additional discomfort.  Shock and awe!  And eternal gratitude to the two women, and all the new additions to their company that had made this possible!

This Body Silk Seamless design features a molded removable foam cup that gives you the option for more or less coverage to hide nursing pads and nipples.  There are 4 different closure lengths at the back and adjustable straps that allow for different adjustments, so the bra can change to fit you as you are constantly changing - from pregnancy all the way through established nursing.   While I might not wear the Body Silk Nursing Bra out for a date with hubby or for girls night out, wearing it to run errands, around the house, and even to work was just fine.  

I have to admit that when I read the “celebrity favorite” claim, I was a little nervous to click on the link and figure out what kind of a budget I was going to have to build to fund my new need for nursing bras.  Honestly, I don’t make the same kind of money as Jennifer Garner… I wish!  I was pleasantly surprised to find that these bras are reasonably priced, as well as incredibly comfortable. 

Seriously, the price for the Bravado Designs Body Silk Nursing Bra is not much more than those horribly uncomfortable, non-functioning options I had tried out from the chain store.  While I wouldn’t want to broadcast this too loud, but I would actually pay way more for the bra now that I know how perfect it truly is!  Really, when it comes to bras (whether for nursing or not), a good bra is priceless!  Now that I know the quality and comfort that I can expect from Bravado! Designs, I am excited to replace those unfortunate initial nursing bra purchases with other Bravado! options.  

I got to try out the Bliss Nursing Bra from Bravado and 100% feel that it lives up to its name.  Like Katie, I also had bought out all of my size nursing bras from the chain stores in my area and had amassed a small collection of ill-fitting and uncomfortable undergarments throughout the nursing of both of my children.  Because I still have months and months (and months…) left of nursing my youngest, I decided I would finally go on the hunt for some truly comfortable nursing bras this time around. 

That search led me to find the PTPA winning Bravado's line of nursing wear and after trying them out, realized I could have saved hundreds of dollars had I shopped here the first time around.  While I initially was worried because you can’t try on the bras when you buy them online, I found that by following their easy measurement guide, the end result is a bra that fits me better than my entire bra collection – nursing or otherwise.

The Bliss Nursing Bra features seamless foam cups that hide even the bulkiest breast pad, flexible shapers under each cup (no wires!), and cute little details that remind me that I’m not a grandma yet.  While all of this sounds pretty awesome, what is truly rave-tastic about the Bliss is the gentle stretch of the cups that give great support and shape while offering the most comfortable bra I have ever worn. 

Of course, I wouldn’t be raving about the Bliss if it wasn’t incredibly easy to nurse in.  With cups that drop down and away from your body to give babe the best access as well as one hand opening and closing, the Bliss is truly awesome for daily use.  

 Why you should tell all your friends about Bravado Designs:  They really do have everything for everyone, as well as all of those size options you can’t always find in stores.  After trying out the Body Silk and the Bliss, all of us at Rave and Review are huge fans and will never shop at the department stores for nursing bras again!

To find out more, visit Bravado Designs at http://www.bravadodesigns.com/.  You can also follow Bravado Designs on Twitter or "like" Bravado Designs on Facebook to keep up to date on all their promotions, new releases, and news!

A big {huge} thank you to Bravado! Designs for sending samples for review.  As always, all opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

L’ovedbaby Basics and 4-in-1 Nursing Shawl {Review & Giveaway}

Some women don’t need nursing covers and instead can sneak away to feed their young ones in private each time they get hungry.  I’m not sure if I just happened to end up with two incredibly voracious eaters, but I feel like I would be spending my entire life in a back room if I went with that method.  Instead, we end up feeding on the go numerous times a day, oftentimes in large groups of people. 

To many this means propping up blankets, coats and more to nurse, something me and my wiggly babies have never been able to do comfortably.  Instead, I have found that I need to have a solution that moves with me and allows my child to eat and squirm comfortably. 

One of those solutions is the L’ovedbaby Nursing Shawl that is the perfect way to discreetly nurse in public, offering privacy, warmth and shade, as well as making it easier for baby to eat without distractions.  No more fighting with a blanket, no more struggling to stay warm, and no more banishing to the bedroom!   

The shawl itself is a one-size-fits-all design and is really lightweight and soft, especially the sueded top layer.  Although the shawl is a bit warmer than ones I have tried previously due to the two sided design as well as the fabrics used, we haven’t run into any overheating issues with my little one.  I have found it perfect for nursing in cold weather as well as indoors for both me and the babe. 

The L’ovedbaby 4-in-1 Nursing Shawl is a great full-coverage solution for nursing, with front and back panels that are long enough to cover your entire front and back.  The opening of the L’ovedbaby is scoopneck on both sides with no stiff edges that make it hard to fold.  Although this also makes it a bit more difficult for hands-free viewing of the baby, this feature is something that would be great for women who do nurse outdoors quite a bit or for those who nurse sitting down with others nearby and don’t want an open gaping neckline. 

If you are having a problem with your baby rebelling against a cover while eating but still want to cover up your upper chest, I found a really easy solution with the L’ovedbaby, which was twisting the cover so I was wearing it sideways with the longer front and back positioned at my sides.  This method of wearing it gives you fairly minimal coverage, hiding your décolletage but still leaving baby exposed and free to move about.

As with all great products for mom and baby, the L’ovedbaby Nursing Shawl is machine washable and dryable, and even comes with a matching drawstring pouch to keep it clean in between feedings.  When folded and placed in the pouch, the compact design is smaller than a paper back novel and only weighs 7oz, which makes it easy to pop into a purse or diaper bag. 

Besides a great design for nursing both away and at home, the L’ovedbaby Nursing Shawl really is multi-purpose.  You can actually use the shawl as a baby blanket, a carseat canopy, stroller cover, and even for covering up while pumping breastmilk!

Even if you aren’t nursing your little one or don’t need a breastfeeding cover, you should definitely check out L’ovedbaby for their great line of basics for birth to 12 months.  We got to check out a pair of their Signature Pants in their cotton basics collection and they are exquisite.  Besides being super soft and comfortable, they are also really stylish with a modern cut (no cuffed legs! no waistband pulled up to the nipples!) and they even have faux pockets in the front to add a little flair. 

I love that they can be dressed up or down depending on your schedule that day, which makes them one of the most well-loved pieces in the closet.  My son wears the L’ovedbaby signature pants for relaxed days at home as well as with his collection of adorable of tops for playdates and days out on the town. 

Need more reasons to check out L'ovedbaby?  Check out their current and upcoming promotions below:

Jan 15-31 To ring in the new year, L'ovedbaby customers get $20.11 off a $99 order

Feb 1-14 Valentines Day promotion. Receive a free L'ovedbaby teddy bear with any gift basket purchase

Every Thursday, is the BIG FIND, where customers get a huge discount on the chosen item of the day, for just $5!

Be sure and 'Like' L'ovedbaby on Facebook and follow them on Twitter to get updates on new promotions, codes, and other deals
http://www.lovedbaby.com/

 
One lucky Rave and Review reader will win a 4-in-1 Nursing Shawl and a pair of Signature Pants in "Grand Sand" from L'ovedbaby!

To Enter: Simply visit L'ovedbaby and tell me another product of theirs you love or something you learned about the company

 And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count)

2) 'Like' L'ovedbaby on Facebook (1 extra entry, just leave your FB name here)

3) Tweet about this giveaway using the following tweet after following us both (daily Tweet, just post link here):

"I'm entering to #win a nursing shawl and some adorable pants from @raveandreview and @LovedbabyLLC http://bit.ly/gOwspo!"

4) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage (2 extra entries, just post the URL where I can find your writeup)

5) Place my button in your sidebar on your blog or website  (2 extra entries, must have an active link to R&R)

6) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

7) Email love.  Share this Giveaway with friends and family via email and cc Leanne (at)raveandreview (dot) com (I will never, ever contact your email recipients)

8) Vote for Rave and Review on Top Baby Blogs, logo in right sidebar (daily entry, just tell me what rank R&R has)

On February 24th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US Addresses only.

Winner, winner! This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congratulations to #34  pamela james said...voted 4

A big thank you to L'ovedbaby for sending samples for review and for offering a giveaway to our fabulous readers.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

 

Germ Guardian Electrics for Healthy Home Review and Giveaway

Sometimes it feels like cold season lasts all year and there's nothing you can do to prevent it.  Then, before you know it, everyone's talking about flu season again.  Being prepared for an outbreak is great, but everyone knows that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  Of course, I love it when I find products that really keep my home and family safe and even better if they also make my life easier.  With a full line-up of products that any germ-a-phobe would covet, Germ Guardian takes a lot of the worry out of the cleanliness of our home.  

For nearly 8 months of my daughter’s first year of life she was on a medication that weakened her immune system dramatically.  This made it so just about anything was a serious threat to her health and we became overly cautious about germs and bacteria on levels even new parents would giggle at.  Granted, her immune system has likely caught up by now, but all the research I did when she was little left me completely traumatized by what I learned about household germs.  So now, even though she’s a healthy 20-month-old, I tend to be extra careful about what she comes in contact with.  So, you can imagine that when I found the company Germ Guardian, I created a wish list that included just about their entire product line that I would love to keep my house and children’s areas clean and sanitized.

The first thing on that wish list was the Germ Guardian NS-2000 Dry Heat Nursery Sanitizer that can disinfect all my daughter’s small toys, pacifiers, and mouthpieces without chemicals so that I don’t have to wonder what’s going in her mouth while she sleeps, eats and plays.  Instead of being a steam or boiling sanitizer that uses moisture to get rid of germs and bacteria, the Germ Guardian Dry Heat Nursery Sanitizer uses a dry heat to kill germs while still cleaning to 170 degrees.  I loved the idea of this because a good portion of her toys are wood, plastic, fabric and rubber that is unable to be steamed or immersed in liquid and haven’t had a good way to clean them until now.  The Germ Guardian Nursery Sanitizer is completely safe for use on all of these surfaces and more and won’t warp, shrink, melt, or discolor items that are run through the sanitizing cycle.

The sanitizing tray is meant for mostly small items, which is why it has three divided compartments to help keep things organized while cleaning.  Unfortunately, that does mean that two full-size bottles won’t fit in the unit at one time, but a whole pile of pacifiers, nipples and more have plenty of room.  We even fit all of the contents of our Step2 kitchen refrigerator in the Nursery Sanitizer at one time and were very pleased with the results. 

My breast pump attachments and tubing all fit fine as well, but I know others have had problems fitting all their odds and ends in at once and are stuck doing two cycles on the Nursery Sanitizer, but I found that mine fit perfectly in one.  While we haven’t tried cleaning a stuffed animal yet, please bear in mind that the furry friend would have to be small in order to fit inside properly, so don’t be expecting to clean the entire toybox in an hour.  While I have my fingers crossed hoping for a bigger unit down the road for parents with multiple children, daycares and more, I really like the size of the Nursery Sanitizer for our family. 

Not only is the Nursery Sanitizer completely safe for a wide variety of items, the sanitizing process really couldn’t be any easier.  I was really hoping that the Germ Guardian Nursery Sanitizer wouldn’t require a whole lot of hands on time from me, and I absolutely got that wish.  To use, you simply dump in your items to be sanitized, place the lid on the sanitizing tray and press the one button on the unit.  A half hour or so later, the fan goes off and you know the items are dry, clean, and ready to be placed back in rotation.  While the fan on the unit is really quiet, the Nursery Sanitizer does have approximately the noise of a typical room fan.  I found the sound to be soothing, really, and not something I would take away points for, especially since it’s by far the quietest electronic in my kitchen. 

I would definitely recommend the Nursery Sanitizer to any new parents out there and would highly suggest registering for one of these if you have an online registry.  The Germ Guardian NS-2000 Dry Heat Nursery Sanitizer has a list price of $69.99

Another must-have item for any household is a good humidifier, and of course, Germ Guardian makes an awesome Ultrasonic Humidifier that is perfect for everyone in your family.  The Germ Guardian H1600 Digital Ultrasonic Midsize Humidifier isn’t your traditional drug store humidifier, this is a serious electronic with some really cool features.  With silver clean technology that prevents the growth of mold and bacteria in the water tank, the Germ Guardian Humidifier provides a healthier breathing environment by making sure the water it emits is clean and safe for your family.  With its super sleek design and options for both warm and cool mist as well as a variable mist control, it means you can use this humidifier in any room in your house. 

The humidifier has a 20 hour run time on its max setting with its large 1 gallon tank as well as a low water indicator so you know when to refill.  Whereas other units we’ve tried only had a few hours worth of water in the tank, I love that on a medium setting I can leave the humidifier on all day long, or use for a few nights in a row without refilling.  Speaking of using at night, the fact that the Germ Guardian Humidifier is Ultrasonic means that it is extremely quiet and you can run the unit at night and still sleep peacefully.  It even has a night light function that you can turn off and on, which is great if you find yourself up with a sick baby or trying to navigate around a child's room at night.

I love that the Germ Guardian Humidifier is quiet, efficient and economical with no pads, filter or wicks to clean or replace, but mostly I love that my family is getting clean and germ-free humidification without the use of chemicals and toxins.  The Germ Guardian H1600 Digital Ultrasonic Midsize Humidifier has a list price of $169.99

Germ Guardian makes having a clean and healthy home not only possible, but also efficient and easy.  The chemical-free solutions they offer make me feel good about using them for every member of the family and for every day use.  With some of the most innovative and technologically advanced cleaning products and electronics available, Germ Guardian has become one of my favorite household brands ever. 

http://www.germguardian.com/   

And now for the Giveaway...

One lucky Rave and Review reader will win a Germ Guardian H1600 Digital Ultrasonic Midsize Humidifier (ARV $169.99)!

To Enter: You must visit Germ Guardian and comment below with another one of their products you would love to try!

And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count)

2) Become a Germ Guardian fan on Facebook and leave a comment on their page

3) Tweet about this Giveaway using @raveandreview and @GermGuardian after following us both (daily Tweet, just post link here)

4) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage 

5) Place my button or logo in your sidebar on your blog or website (must have an active link)

6) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways or comment on any non-giveaway post!

7) Email love.  Share this Giveaway with friends and family via email and cc Leanne (at)raveandreview (dot) com (I will never, ever contact your email recipients)

8) Vote for Rave and Review on Top Baby Blogs, logo in right sidebar (daily entry)

On March 20th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US residents.

Winner, Winner!  This giveaway is closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congratulations to Melissa who said:

I would love to try the Touchless Soap and Liquid Dispenser we are germ a phobes here at my house lol

A huge thank you to Germ Guardian for sending us their Dry Heat Nursery Sanitizer for chemical-free solutions for a clean house and offering a giveaway to our fabulous readers.  No type of monetary compensation was received for this Rave Review.

Coddlelife PP Bottle with Anti-Colic Technology Giveaway

My daughter didn’t really use bottles when she was an infant because we were exclusively breastfeeding, but then when she did take a bottle she was rather picky about the nipple and would only take certain brands that had longer nipples.  This means I have a whole drawer full of bottles we purchased before she was born that she won’t use, and a hard time keeping her favorites clean in between feedings.

When Coddleinc contacted me and asked me to review their Coddlelife Anti-Colic Bottle featuring their Peristaltic Nipple with Venting Technology, I thought it sounded interesting.  It arrived in a cute pink package complete with a cleaning tool and my daughter was really excited to try it out and carried it around with her until it was feeding time.  Surprisingly, she took to the nipple quite well, even though the nipple had many different characteristics than she’s used to.  I think the fact that the nipple is really pliable and soft was a huge factor, as well as the extra length and width of the nipple that were more similar to her favorite bottles. 

Besides the fact that my daughter actually likes the bottles and will drink out of them, I really like that the Coddlelife bottles have less parts than other anti-colic designs, which means less parts for me to clean as well as being easy for babysitters to figure out on the first try.  Since the nipple has an attached “breathing tube” that extends from the outer edge of the nipple on one solid piece, there is nothing to disassemble or breakdown for cleaning and no instruction manual required to reassemble.  To assist with cleaning, the Coddlelife bottles all come with their own vent cleaning tool that slips right in the breathing tube to clean.  The best part about this design is that you can slip the cleaning tool into the nipple and put on the nipple cap and you’re ready to travel with your bottle without having to worry about loose parts.

As with all the bottles my daughter uses, Coddlelife bottles are non-toxic in addition to being BPA, lead, PVC and Phthalates free.  They are all microwave, sterilizer and dishwasher safe, and are fairly easy to clean by hand if need be.  Unlike other bottles we have tried, the Coddlelife actually has the oz and ml markings as a raised design on the sides of their bottles, which I love since most of my daughter’s bottles have been so well used that the measurements have worn away completely.  The lack of colored writing on the side does make it a bit harder to read in low light, but the tradeoff for having it permanently visible on the bottle very much outweighs it.

The 8oz Coddlelife bottle that we reviewed is designed very stoutly with a wide hour glass shape and is too big for my daughter to palm, but is a nice size for two hand drinking.  My only real issue I have is that the 8oz size is smaller than my daughter’s average bottle, so we don’t get to use it as much as I would like.  I would love to see them introduce a larger size (10 to 12oz) bottle so you can use it for longer.  For anyone looking to buy from Coddlelife, I recommend purchasing an extra set of the different stage nipples so the bottle can grow with your child. 

Features, from the coddleinc.com website:

Our PP bottle comes with peristaltic one-piece nipple which mimics breastfeeding action, and is extra stretchy which elongates and is molded to fit the inside of the baby's mouth.

Our nipple is designed to be longer which ensure the baby's lips flange widely & enable wide open latch which prevent nipple confusions. 

New advanced venting technology helps to reduce colic, spit-up and ear infection. It is easy to use with no extra parts to wash. 

Microwave, sterilizer, and dishwasher safe.

Price: $6.99 for one bottle, also sold in packages of three or more

http://www.coddleinc.com/

And now for the Giveaway...

One lucky Rave and Review reader will win an 8oz Coddlelife PP Bottle with Peristaltic Anti-colic Nipple!

To Enter: You must visit Coddle and comment below with something you learned about the company or their products!

And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count)

2) Tweet about this Giveaway using @raveandreview and @coddlelife after following us both (daily Tweet, just post link here)

3) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage 

4) Place my button or logo in your sidebar on your blog or website (must have an active link)

5) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways or comment on any non-giveaway post!

6) Email love.  Share this Giveaway with friends and family via email and cc Leanne (at)raveandreview (dot) com (I will never, ever contact your email recipients)

7) Vote for Rave and Review on Top Baby Blogs, logo in right sidebar (daily entry)

On February 24th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US residents.

A huge thank you to Coddleinc for offering their new anti-colic bottle for review and for offering a giveaway to our fabulous readers.  No type of monetary compensation was received for this Rave Review.