Boho Mama Bamboo Breastfeeding Cover

I know nursing in public is such a hot topic right now, so I'm going to tread lightly. You have your own free agency to choose how you feed your baby. As for me, I like to cover up. I don't want someone to get their jollies while staring at my child. If someone were to snap a photo of my child latched on and post it for other perverts to "enjoy" I would be outraged. I don't want to give any fuel to a child predator's fire. I will protect my children from any sexual exploitation as much as possible. That's just what I have chosen for my children and I. You do whatever works for you.

But if you're one of us covered up mothers then you have way more decisions to make. How? There are so many options...

I've tried using the blanket method. It fell off more than it was on. It was hard to help a newborn attach when I was blind to the action. Once my baby got older she would tear it off. And it was way too warm. Blankets are my least favorite way to cover up.

I own two different covers that are of similar design. It's practically a thin blanket with an adjustable loop to keep it strapped to your neck. It also features a rigid neckline that allows you to see your baby and to help with airflow. They leave your back completely bare however. Not all of my outfits are nursing friendly and so it leaves me feeling exposed. My muffin-top is something I try to keep tucked away. Plus, my daughters  were constantly flailing their arms and shifting the cover. It takes some precise clamping and tucking to keep my session private. And even though the material is very thin it still gets rather warm.

I have never owned the poncho, infinity scarf, shawl, or tube. I've heard pros and cons to each one. If you would like to shed some light on your experiences with any of these then leave me a comment below.

My favorite right now is the Boho Mama Bamboo Breastfeeding Cover. It is such a unique design. They list twelve different ways that you can wear it, but I'm sure there are many more. I especially like that it can be altered to accommodate your needs each time. Plus, as your positions change as your baby grows you can modify the style in which you wear it.





The Boho Mama is made from Organic Bamboo Modal. Did you know that bamboo is amazing?? It is. Here are some facts:

- Naturally soft. Bamboo apparel is softer than the softest cotton, and it has a natural sheen like silk or cashmere.Bamboo drapes like silk or satin, yet is less expensive and more durable. Bamboo/Organic cotton blends are also extremely soft but heavier in weight.

- Allergy reduced. Bamboo’s organic and naturally smooth fiber properties are non-irritating to the skin, making it ideal for people with skin sensitivities or other allergies and dermatitis. Some people can still experience chemical sensitivities, however, depending on the manufacturing process used to produce the fiber.

- Thermal regulating. ensuring that you are warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Bamboo clothing's excellent wicking properties also make it ideal for warm summer days.

- Absorbs moisture. A cross-section of bamboo fiber reveals various micro-holes, allowing bamboo cloth to have superior absorption. This allows bamboo cloth to absorb and evaporate human sweat rapidly. Bamboo fiber is four times more absorbent than cotton.

- Breathable. The porous qualities of bamboo fiber account for it's breathability; clothing made of bamboo resists clinging during hot weather or exercise.

- Anti-bacterial. Bamboo fabric contains a naturally occurring anti-microbial agent, kun, that prevents bacteria from cultivating on it, which means it helps keep you odor free.

- UV protection. Bamboo naturally provides added protection against the sun's harmful UV rays.   

I found this on http://eartheasy.com/wear_bamboo_clothing.htm check out their page for a few more fun facts.

I have an exercise shirt that is made from Bamboo and I love it. It is as soft as a feather. I wish I could sleep in it. In fact, I wish my bed sheets were made with it. It would be heaven! The Boho Mama is so soft to the touch. I love wearing it. My girls love touching it. It makes me want to nurse naked, but I'm pretty sure that is pushing the  "Free the Tatas" movement a little too far. I wasn't sure if I would actually wear my nursing cover as a stylish accessory, but after seeing it in person and touching it, I completely would. Plus, it's machine washable so you can wear it all day long and then wash and pack the next day.

The Boho Mama comes in three different colors. I chose black because it matches nearly everything. However, I wish I had gotten gray now. The gray won't heat up in the sun as much in the summer. It won't show lint quite as noticeably. And I own too much black. Gray would have looked better with my dark hair. It also comes in a beautiful though. I hope they keep expanding their color selection though! A pretty turquoise would be perfect!!!

Overall, I love this wrap. If you're going to cover up then you should do it in style. Nursing is a special moment and shouldn't be ruined with feelings of dread, embarrassment, or frustration. Covering up with the Boho Mama makes nursing in public easier and a little more enjoyable.

Head on over to their Amazon page and see for yourself!

THE BOHO MAMA BREASTFEEDING COVER

And use this coupon YF87RXY7 for an extra 15% off!

2 PM-120 Tens Unit Electronic Pulse Massager

I am always down for a good massage. The only problem is that I can never get one.I can't fork out hundreds of dollars each month for a professional, and my husband's idea of a massage is a light back scratch that is over in just a couple of minutes. I haven't trained my three year old well enough because she just ends up jumping on me or clawing me with her "sharps." It's a work in progress.

Back when I was in high school we owned a tens unit made by Omron. Well, technically it was my Dad's, but I always kidnapped it. It lasted us forever, but they electrode pads wore out. I tried finding replacement pads when I was in college, but I couldn't find any. Yes, I even tried Amazon, Walgreens, and every other local med shop. I was devastated. I got so desperate that I used medical wraps to hold the electrodes against me. Without the gel though the pulses just aren't as strong.

About three years ago I happened to be walking through the mall around Christmas-time and there was a kiosk selling tens units called IQ Massager. I was so ecstatic! I decided to get one for my Dad for Christmas to replace the one I overused many years ago. I wanted to buy one for myself, but they were asking $150 for each one. OUCH! I only purchased one and even though I desperately wanted to keep it for myself I gave it to my Dad. Of course the electrode pads wore out over time and by the next Christmas I kept checking for the kiosk to return so that I could buy replacement pads, but it never did.

So, you can only imagine my excitement when I was given the opportunity to review one in December. It was a Christmas miracle!!! Jkjk. 

I purchased it from Amazon and it arrived within 2 days. It came in a very functional box. I know it is kind of weird to talk about the packaging, but it is necessary in this case. The box is very sturdy and seals shut using magnets. You'll be able to safely store your massager after each use without losing all of the parts.

The device felt pretty light in comparison to the IQ Massager. It felt pretty cheap in comparison, but that's because the IQ Massager felt more like you were holding an Ipod. The Santa Medical tens unit felt more similar to the plastic Omron casing, but slightly cheaper. But it was cheaper to purchase, so it didn't really matter to me as long as it worked.

When I turned on the display it was exactly like the IQ Massager. It features a pie chart that you can cycle through to choose which mode you would like to use. Below it has the buttons for Start, Pause, Mode, Increase, Decrease, and Time. To save your battery there is a sliding button on the top of machine that you use to power it on and off. That is where you will also find the two ports to attach the electrodes. To recharge the battery you insert the cord at the base of the machine.

The massager comes with two cords that attach to two pads each. You can use all four on one location or you can opt to massage to separate body parts at the same time. I even tried not connecting one cord and only using two pads and the machine still worked properly.

I love these machines. They are lifesavers! I used to run up to 16 miles a day when I was in high school and these always helped to relieve the pain from my aching muscles. When it was necessary for me to do physical therapy for the Osgood Schlatter's Disease in my knees during Cross Country they used a high-grade tens unit on me. I used to also get horrible charlie horses. I mean they were bad. The muscles would spasm so much that they would lock.

One day I was sitting in my room talking to my brother when my foot went completely nuts. The muscles in the bottom of my foot tightened up so much that it forced my toes to curl under. This had happened to me plenty of times before, but usually I could massage it out with my hands and it would end. Not this time. The muscle kept tightening. I was literally on the ground throwing myself back and forth trying to escape the pain. My brother tried desperately to force my foot back into its normal position, but the muscle wouldn't release. By this time I had tears pouring down my face and I was screaming in agony. I was ready to amputate the wretched limb that had turned against me. Luckily, I saw my Dad's tens unit on my desk and had my brother attach it to my foot. Within seconds the electrical current was able to counteract the contracting muscle in my foot. I have never been so thankful for electric shock therapy before in my life.

I have even found that these come quite handy once a month. Due to my good fortune in life I am also the recipient of incapacitating cramps once a month. Before I had children they were much worse. I don't know if it's the cysts or just my hateful body, but they left me crippled each month... or two or three times each month. Ya my body hates me. The tens unit actually helped though. I placed the electrodes on my lower abdomen and would lie on them while doing homework. It was my saving grace since I hated taking the pain meds prescribed by my doctor.

And of course slapping them on an unsuspecting victim is always a hilarious prank. Although I can't recommend doing this since there is a large risk involved. You could injure yourself or someone else when using this product. The body runs on electrical impulses and messing with them can interfere with normal functioning. Never use these on someone with a pacemaker or a serious heart condition without consulting a doctor first. In fact, nobody should really use one without talking to their doctor first. Use at your own risk.

I LOVE mine though and will be wearing it out very soon!

If you want to check them out for yourself, you can find them on Amazon HERE. 

I purchased mine at a discounted price in exchange for an honest trial and review. These are my personal opinions and experiences.

Smart Weigh Stainless Steel Kitchen Scale

Most quick and easy recipes don't require anything more than a quick year of a packet. Some may require an extra step - like using a measuring spoon for an ingredient not included in the box.

But if you want the good stuff then you've gotta do it from scratch. You'll need a while kitchen full of tools. Especially, measuring cups and a scale.

Don't believe me?

I can give you a couple of recipes...

Don't have a scale? You need to get one.

And after you make some of these homemade goodies (...And eat the whole batch) you can use the scale to do some meal prep and get your waistline back into your waistband.

I tried out Smart Weigh's Stainless Steel Kitchen Scale and was quite pleased with my experience.

It was very easy to work and figure out. There is a user's manual, although it is pretty self explanatory.

The scale has four different measuring options - ounces (pounds), mililiters, fluid ounces, and grams. It can measure up to 11 lbs or 5 kg. While measuring you simply press the "Unit" button to scan through your options. I did notice that the scale is affected by pressing the button, so don't let your finger linger like I usually do.

It is also very easy to zero out the scale for measuring liquids and other foods you need to measure in a separate container. Just another simple push of the "Tare" button. Or if you want to measure all of your ingredients without dirtying any more dishes then you can just tare out after each added ingredient.

The scale has an automatic shut-off feature which turns it off after two minutes without use. I love this feature! It's great for those of us with little distractions running around our feet. I never have to worry about wasting my precious batteries. Those things are like rare gems at my house. Did I mention that it comes with batteries?! Yes, it actually comes with three working AAA batteries! They won my heart with that one simple provision. It even has a low-battery indicator to keep you prepared.

There are only two downsides to this lovely machine:

1. The buttons are actual buttons. I can already envision the flour debris and egg slime getting stuck in the crevices. I wish it was more of a touch-screen flat panel.

2. The measuring isn't always exact. With the same bag of chocolate chips I got three different measurements. The bag was supposed to contain 11.5 ounces, but I got 11.6, 11.7, and 11.8. I can understand 11.6 ounces... Packaging. But the 11.7 and 11.8 were a little more quizzical. If you need absolutely exact measurements then I don't know if I would trust this scale.

Overall, I liked this scale. It will do a great job and meet my kitchen needs. I like this scale and would recommend it to any casual cooks.

I purchased mine at a discount in exchange for an honest and unbiased trial and review. These are my own personal opinions and experiences with the product.

If you have any questions then you can check them out on Amazon for more information, HERE.

Thanks for reading!

Snug BabyCam for Smartphones

I cannot begin to tell you how excited I was to review this product. I was literally jumping up and down when I found out that I was chosen for this review. I anxiously awaited its delivery. And when the UPS man dropped it off I tore into the box like a wild beast. 

Yes, that's the type of Mom that I am. The thought of being able to spy on my sleeping child enthralls me. Creepy, I know. But secretly, you're right there with me. 

This baby monitor has so many amazing features! Let's jump right in. 

Easy Setup: Even you can do it. You literally just plug it into the wall (cord provided) and then plug it into your router (cord provided). If you don't know what your router is then ask any boy that has ever played a video game. They'll lead you right to it. Just don't show them your fancy new gadget or else they'll want to try it out first.

After you plug it in then be sure to download the app. You can either use the QR code on the box or you can search it in the Play Store. Just search "SnugCam." Once you're in the app, just follow the step-by-step instructions to connect the device and connect to your Wi-Fi. After that, just unplug and move it to your desired location, and you no longer need the phone jack looking cord. Just the power supply. 

BAM! Spy gear ready!

It can be set on any flat surface (away from water, not in the crib, etc.). Please use your brain when you choose your location. It even comes with a mount that you can use to attach it to the wall above the baby's crib. Just make sure that can't get to the cord or the camera. 

High Definition: The picture is actually really good quality. 720p. As long as you have a phone with good resolution then you should get a clear picture. 

Smartphone & Tablet Compatible: They claim that it works with ALL smartphones, tablets, computers, and laptops. I wasn't able to try this one out for myself, so have at it. Plus, the app is free. As it should be since you already bought the product.

Night Mode: I have no idea what this means on the box, "10 IR LEDs + light sensor for night vision up to 10 meters." All I know, is that it works in the dark.

Micro SD Card: If you wish to video record then you can. First, you have to get a Micro SD Card though. It can accommodate one up to 64GB.  It does not come with one. I thought it did. 

PTZ Control: It can pan 355 degrees, and it can tilt >90 degrees. You can see almost every inch of space in the room. It is kind of amazingly freaky. You can check for boogie monsters at any time. 

Audio and Motion Detection Alarms: Even if you do not have the program running you can set it to alarm you if it detects motion or sound. I need one of these to safeguard my candy stash!

All from your phone: You can check the camera at any time. As long as it is connected to your Wi'Fi and you have the app then you can check on your baby. If you have to go out of town and you want to make sure the hubby gets the baby to bed on time then you can totally check. (As long as you have service). You can make the camera point in whatever direction you desire with your phone. You just slide your finger across the screen and the camera moves itself. AMAZING! It is LIVE video!

The only downside.... I can't get mine to work. There is a green light that is constantly flashing. I read that there is a way I can manually take care of this myself. And the company says it's going to fix that bug for future machines. I set mine up as instructed, and I've tried trouble-shooting, and everything else, but it doesn't work. As long as it is plugged into the router it works perfectly! But as soon as I disconnect it and try moving it to another location, it stops. I have tried searching the app and the internet for a solution, but to no avail. 

I looked on Amazon and it seems like quite a few other customers are having the same issue. I know that it is an issue with the product and not with my Wi-Fi. We have many phones, consoles, computers, and such that are all able to use it just fine. There is an issue with the product, and once the bug is fixed then I'll be the happiest little Mom on the block. I LOVE this product. But I can only give it 3 stars until the problem is fixed. Once I can get to work with my Wi-Fi then it can have all my star love. Until then I'll just hook it up to the router and spy on my husband while he's gaming!

If you want to check it out for yourself, you can find it on Amazon, HERE. 

You can also check out the Snugtogether website to learn more about the baby monitor. This is also where you can find troubleshooting support. 

Thanks for reading this product review. I hope this helps in your purchasing decision. I received this product complimentary in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. These are my own opinions and experiences.

Vivree Kitchen Tongs

Have you ever tried to grab a chicken wing fresh out of the oven?

No???

Ok, then maybe that's just me. Let me tell you much it hurts!!! I'm always singeing my fingers. I have been married for five and a half years and we still haven't bought tongs. I know, I know... lame. Salads mean you have to use a fork and a thumb. Want to flip your bacon? That requires a spatula and a fork. Need to turn ALL of those Sweet Potato fries halfway through their cooking time? Ya, your going to have blisters.

Unless you are one of those smart human beings that actually put tongs on your wedding registry.... 

I received a set of tongs to try out and review from Vivree, and I am so thankful! I have been missing out on one of the most useful kitchen gadgets around. I have been using them for everything. Who would've known that cooking didn't require scorched fingers?!

The set comes with two separate tongs. One is 9" and the other is 12" long. I ordered the black set because the majority of my spatulas and spoons are black. Although, you can order the red pair if you're a little frisky and fun. 

They are made from FDA grade BPA-free silicone. No more worrying about scratching your nonstick cookware. The scalloped edges make it so those slippery sausages can't get away. They are heat resistant up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit. The last thing you want is for your tongs to become a nasty glaze on your Baked Apples a la Mode. 

The handles are sturdy and ergonomic. They come equipped with soft pads for a secure grip. They are made from 403 stainless steel, which I'm assuming is great! The tongs are dishwasher safe for you lucky devils that don't have to wash by hand. You can use these without fear of bending, breaking, or rusting. 

Plus, they come with a nifty locking mechanism that makes them easier to store. If you don't want them spread eagle and taking up half the bed... er umm (sorry that's my husband)... drawer then you simply pull the pin up and they stay clamped shut. Easy peasy. You can also use that little hook to hang them if you like.

Best of all, their 100% Guarantee is more like a 200% Guarantee. If anything happens during the entire LIFETIME of the product then they will refund your purchase and send a replacement set. Talk about No Risk!

I absolutely love my set!

If you would like some of your own then check them out on Amazon, HERE. 

I received this product complimentary in exchange for an honest and unbiased trial and review. These are my own opinions and experiences. 

Quick Stitch Sewing Kit

I need to start off with a disclaimer - I am not a seamstress. I am not a professional. I can barely sew at all. 

Ok, now that we have that out of the way let's get started. 

I have a desire to create. I have this deep down urge to get crafty. It's this little bone in me called Pinterest. It gets me every time. There are so many friggin' cute ideas on there. It gives me the DIY itch. Which can sometimes lead to disaster. 

This time it didn't. It just didn't turn out how I imagined. But it turned out wonderfully for a beginner. And my girls were absolutely thrilled with the results, which is all that matters. I had decided to make our Halloween costumes myself.  ...again.

Luckily, I had just been given the opportunity to review the Quick Stitch Sewing Kit. It was a lot better than I was expecting. It would be the perfect gift to give someone just learning to sew. If you have a preteen then you should definitely look into these. I wish I had spent my younger years learning to sew, knit, crochet, quilt, etc. It would be so beneficial now.

Even without skill, I dove into my project head first. I don't own a sewing machine so I started with the ruffles that needed to be hand-stitched. I used one of the needles from the kit and excitedly began my journey. It took longer than expected, but they turned out SO CUTE!

I had to use the needles once again when I attempted to make huge headband bows for both of my girls. The material was really thick and so I had to pull out the thimble to protect my fingers while pressing the needle through. I'm sure if anybody with any type of skill had been watching me the would've been cringing with horror. I'm pretty sure I was doing it wrong because I ended up breaking two needles. lol. They weren't poorly made, I just over-exerted them. I was wearing myself out just trying to push the needle through in some areas. Even though I didn't use proper technique they turned out perfect!

After all of the costumes were complete and the holiday was over I realized my jacket needed mending. I was panicked because it was actually my friends  peacoat jacket that she lent me. Shhhh! Don't tell her. The back of the armpit was completely torn out. I have no idea if it happened the night I wore it or if it was like that when she gave it to me. Nonetheless, I needed to either fix it or replace it.

I was quickly relieved when I realized I had a sewing kit that I could use to fix it. I ran and grabbed my Quick Stitch Sewing Kit and my phone. The phone was necessary because I had to YouTube a guide for a hidden stitch. This time I used the kit's thread and got to work. It only took me a couple of minutes and the coat was as good as new!

I really have loved this kit! It is so handy. It is perfect for all of those small mending projects. It comes with:

12 spools of thread
24 needles of various lengths
scissors (sharp tipped)
Seam ripper with cap
Needle threaders to help push the thread through the eye of the needle
5 ft tape measure
Straight pins (2)
Safety Pin
Thimble
Few Buttons
Carrying pouch

If you want a sewing kit that's perfect for the car, traveling. your purse, emergencies, or as a gift then this one is perfect. You can find it on Amazon, HERE. It qualifies for free two-day shipping for Prime Members. I received a discount for my kit in exchange for this honest and unbiased trial and review. These are my own opinions and experiences. I hope you enjoyed this post! Maybe even enough to attempt your own project.  ;)

Gurin Rechargeable Water Flosser

This was my first time using a water flosser. Both of my parents have one, but I never asked them about theirs. I see them taking up half of their counter space every time I go over. And I've noticed that they are always occupying one of the outlets. I never looked into purchasing one for myself because I've always been a little skeptical. Can water really work as well as floss?

I have to floss my teeth every night. My family has horrible teeth. It just runs in our genes. I brush, I floss, I mouthwash, but I still get cavities. How????!!!! I don't drink coffee. I don't eat lemons. And I drink tons of water. I don't get it. Needless to say, my oral hygiene routine is frustrating, time-consuming, and relentless.

I hate flossing. I absolutely loathe getting ready for bed mostly due to this simple task. And it doesn't help that I have two permanent retainers. I have one on top that is connected to four separate teeth, and one on bottom that is connected to two teeth, but spans four teeth. Every night I have to thread my flosser and wind my way through each bracket. If you have never attempted this then you have no idea what tedious means. Even the hygienist at the dentist office hates doing them. It used to take me fifteen minutes or more each night to floss. After years of bloody gums and bent flossers I have finally mastered the art, but I still hate it.

That is why I was kind of intrigued by the idea of using water to floss. No pesky string to fight. No more running out of floss or flossers. As long as it is charged and you have water available then you can easily floss. I honestly did not think that water could remove gunk stuck in between the teeth though.

Setting up the Gurin Professional Rechargeable Flosser was way easier than I expected. However, it does take 8 hours to charge. Plug it in as soon as you get it. And if you notice the battery light blinking then be sure to plug it in pronto. There are two different ways that you can fill the water tank. Both are very easy, it just comes down to preference. You can either lift the flap and run a small stream of water into the tank or you can remove the entire tank and fill it. I use an entire tank of water each time I floss. The tank has a capacity of 16.9 ounces. Any smaller and I would have to refill it twice.

I also make sure to leave the water tank open so that air can circulate. I don'twant moisture stuck inside that can cause mildew or mold. The tank is also BPA free which is comforting. I don't have to worry about harmful chemicals leaching into my water. It is even FDA approved. 

When I read the instructions, it said to leave the mouth slightly open. For people like me they should have worded it "mostly closed." I ended up soaking my mouth, face, mirror, and three walls. Lesson learned. Just leave a small hole between your lips for water to pour out. And lean over the sink! My second attempt was pure success. It's not that hard to get the hang of. 

And don't be afraid of it. Be sure to try all three modes. See what works best for you. My gums are pretty sensitive. With each pregnancy my gums recede more and more. Depending on what I've eaten determines if I use Normal, Soft, or Pulse.

Flossing is so fast and easy now. I no longer dread it. Even on the nights when I'm completely exhausted and ready to pass out I can find the time and energy to floss. I don't know why I didn't get one of these sooner. It's probably going to give me healthier teeth and gums and hours to sleep. 

It comes with two differently colored heads. One for you and one for the person you kiss goodnight. Just don't give it to your kids. That's an epic water war waiting to happen. 

Did I mention how compact it is? It takes up less counter space than my mouthwash. You can even keep it in the cupboard if you remove the flossing nozzle. And if you're not charging it then you still have all of your outlets accessible. I just store the cord in the drawer when it's not in use.

If you hate flossing then you definitely need to try a water flosser! It changes everything. I got mine from Amazon which offers free shipping for Prime Members. I purchased mine at a discount in exchange for an honest and unbiased trial and review.

If you would like to check them out, you can find them HERE.

Have fun flossing!!!