MWFB: BreathableBaby Breathable Mesh Crib Bumper - Review

My local community has a pregnancy center that offers one-on-one support, meetings, and classes to pregnant women. As a FTM, I feel blessed to have this extra support and one-on-one meetings/classes to ask questions and learn about different aspects of pregnancy and baby. During one of my meetings, the topic of discussion was "crib safety". Most of the "crib safety" tips that my advocate recommended was information I had already discovered on my own, such as crib slats being no more than 2 3/4" apart, purchasing a firm mattress that fit snugly (with no gaps), back sleeping for baby, and removing stuffed toys/pillows from the crib; however, she went on to recommend the removal of two items that I never before considered to be harmful, standard crib blankets and crib bumpers, because they could cause harm or suffocation. After my meeting, I went in search for an affordable alternative to traditional crib bumpers and found BreathableBaby, a company that offers a variety of "Safer, Smarter Bedding Products for your baby, Peace of Mind for You," including Breathable Fitted (Crib) Sheets, Breathable Crib Bumpers, Breathable Blankets, and Wearable Blankets. The BreathableBaby product that caught my eye the most was their award-winning Breathable Mesh Crib Bumper.

The BreathableBaby Breathable Bumper is made from a breathable, mesh material that allows air to flow through the fabric, which reduces the risk of carbon dioxide buildup and suffocation. The BreathableBaby Breathable Bumper can also help reduce the risk of entanglement by keeping little limbs inside the crib. It is designed to fit a variety of standard size cribs, including slatted, solid back/front, solid end, or oval cribs. BreathableBaby Breathable Bumpers are currently available in solid colors (white, blue, light pink, sage, yellow, ecru, and brown), NEW printed designer themes (pink floral daisy, sport, safari fun, jungle multi-stripe, pink/chocolate strip, and blue/sage stripe), and even fashion trims (ecru/brown bubbles, ice blue/brown fauna, and cream/latte fauna).

I was very excited to learn that BreathableBaby agreed to let me review one of their Breathable Bumpers. I received the BreathableBaby Breathable Bumper in Light Pink to review.


My Thoughts:
I was really impressed with the mesh material of the BreathableBaby Breathable Bumper. The mesh material is much softer and thicker than I originally thought it would be, which was a great surprise because it will provide my baby girl with some cushioning when she starts to roll around in her crib. The mesh material truly was breathable. I covered my nose and mouth with the crib bumper for a few minutes and was still able to breath easily, so my baby girl should be able to breath fine if she happens to smush her face against the crib bumper while sleeping.

When I first saw the two panels of the BreathableBaby Breathable Bumper, I was a little overwhelmed about the installation. However, after reading the directions and watching the installation video (which I do recommend), I found the BreathableBaby Breathable Bumper to be very easy to install. I was at home by myself (while B was at work) and was able to install the BreathableBaby Breathable Bumper within 10 minutes. Below are photos of the BreathableBaby Breathable Bumper installed in our slatted crib:




Overall, I think the BreathableBaby Breathable Bumper makes a wonderful addition to our nursery and am loving the fact that my baby girl will be able to breath easier and sleep more safely while she is in her crib.

Purchase Info!
You can purchase BreathableBaby products, including the Breathable Bumper, online from BreathableBaby (HERE) and from select online/store front retailers.

Connect!
You can connect with BreathableBaby by following them on TWITTER or FACEBOOK. You can even sign up for their NEWSLETTER to be notified of upcoming Special Offers for existing and new BreathableBaby products.

No compensation was received for this post. BreathableBaby did provide me with a product to sample for the purpose of this review; however, all opinions expressed are my own, honest opinions.

A Few of My Favorite Things - Summer Edition

I love summer and everything about it (well...except the insanely high heat and humidity of some summer days)!

Here is a little list of just some of my favorite things this summer:

Popcicles

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Cherry SoftLips

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Floating in the pool

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And my baby bump I have this summer :)

{photo taken @ 19 weeks and 5 days}

What are some of your favorite things?

28 Weeks

MWFB: Belevation Yoga Culotte Review & Support Band Giveaway

At one of my first doctor's appointments, I will never forget being told that my belly bump was going to feel and look bigger than average because of my petite frame, and that I would probably need to use some sort of pregnancy supportive product. Well at 27 weeks pregnant, I have to say that my doctor was right. My baby bump feels and looks extremely large and it is starting to put a strain on my petite frame. I was starting to look into and research different pregnancy support products, when I received an email from Belevation regarding the launch of their new collection of maternity support products.

Belevation Yoga Culotte

Belevation Support Band

Belevation Support Boyshort

Belevation Support Brief

About Belevation:
Belevation, the belly elevation innovation was conceived by a team of industry professionals, in the heart of the old south's textile corridor...Belevation products combine the most advanced technologies in seamless garment design with the best in ‘smart fiber’ engineering. Comfort-driven seamless knitting which has been utilized in active wear and undergarments, provided a perfect fit for maternity apparel...Belevation maternity garments are designed with a symmetrical, highly engineered support panel extending through the lumbar region and under the belly. The breathable four-way stretch fabric used throughout provides a gentle lift and smoothing control.

Belevation even offered me the opportunity to review one of their maternity support products, of which I was sent the Belevation Yoga Culotte. Below are photos of me wearing Belevation's Yoga Culotte (@ 27 weeks, 3 days preggers).

My thoughts:
I found the Belevation Yoga Culotte to be very comfortable and supportive. The blend of Nylon and Spandex Micro-Fiber allows the fabric to be lightweight and easily stretch and move with me, which is especially important to me while exercising, doing housework, and running errands.

I really like how the Belevation Yoga Culotte has an integrated Tummy Support Panel. The Tummy Support Panel features soft ridging at the top, bottom and back portions of the panel to give me a gentle lift and the support I need, while the tummy portion of the panel is super soft and stretchy to perfectly fit and expand around my growing belly. In addition, I think the Tummy Support Panel of the Belevation Yoga Culotte would provide me with some extra support post-pregnancy, too.

Purchase Info:

You can purchase the Belevation Yoga Culotte or any of their other maternity support products from their website (http://belevation.com/). And coming soon, Belevation will be offering a full length yoga pant for purchase.

Connect with Belevation:
To keep up with all the latest from Belevation, you can find them on FACEBOOK and TWITTER.

Giveaway!
Belevation is offering one Heard It From the Hills reader the chance to win a Belevation Support Band.


Mandatory Entry:
Follow Belevation on Twitter OR "Like" Belevation on Facebook. Please be sure to leave your Twitter ID (if you follow on twitter) or first name and last initial (if you "like" on Facebook).

Extra Entries:
~Follow Heard It from the Hills via Google Friend Connect (+2 entries)
~Follow Belevation on Twitter OR “Like” Belevation on Facebook (whichever one was not completed as the mandatory entry) - please leave your ID/name to verify (+2 entries)
~Follow Heard It from the Hills on Twitter - please leave your twitter id (+2 entries)
~“Like” Heard It from the Hills on Facebook - please leave your first name and last initial (+2 entries)
~Grab my button! Please leave the link where I can find it (+2 entries)

The giveaway will end on August 7th, 2011 at 11:59 PM (CST). The main entry is a required entry, and it MUST be completed in order to have chance of winning and should be done before completing any extra entries. Please leave your email address in your comment if it's not visible in your blogger profile. The winner will be chosen by random.org. The winner will be contacted by email and announced on Heard It from the Hills. The winner will have 72 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Open to US.

No compensation was received for this post. Belevation did provide me with a product to sample for the purpose of this review; however, all opinions expressed are my own, honest opinions.

MWFB: BornFree Eco Bottles Review & Giveaway

As a soon-to-be first-time mom, I've done a lot of research and have found out that BPA-free is the way to go with bottles, pacifiers, and more -- anything that baby will want to put in her mouth. While researching different products, I came across a company whose line of baby feeding products has been free of Bisphenol-A (BPA) since it's creation in 2006 -- BornFree. All of their products are 100% BPA-Free, as well as Phthalates Free and Poly-Vinyl Chloride (PVC) Free!

More about BornFree:

The world`s leading BPA-free baby brand, BornFree® specializes in products that combine safe materials with the smartest innovations.

Founded in 2006 by three concerned fathers, BornFree® has revolutionized the baby product industry in North America with its insistence on BPA-free materials.

In addition, BornFree®`s cups and bottles feature the unique BornFree® venting system, designed to reduce colic and middle-ear infections.

BornFree® is continually growing as a company and adding new products to its range.

BornFree recently introduced a new Eco-Friendly line of recyclable bottles. These bottles feature BornFree's special venting system, which they call ActiveFlow. It's designed to reduce vacuum build up within the bottle and allows baby to control the milk flow. This helps to reduce colic, gas, and spit-up, as well as middle-ear infections.

I had the opportunity to review two BornFree bottles from their Eco-Friendly line. These bottles are available in two sizes, 5oz and 9oz, and two styles, Eco Classic and Eco Deco. I received one 5oz. bottle from each style for review.

I love the fact that these bottles are leak proof, and that they're dishwasher and microwave safe. The shape of the bottles, with the indentation on the sides, makes them really easy to hold. The Eco Deco bottle even features a cute design on the front.

Finally, I love that these bottles are not only safe for your little one by not containing any harmful chemicals, but also that they're environmentally friendly, making them safe for the Earth, too. BornFree offers a wonderful recycling program where these bottles can be sent back to the company to be made into other products (toys, furniture, etc.) once you no longer have use for them. I would love to see more companies offer programs like this!

Purchase Info:

Visit BornFree to check out their entire line of products. BornFree products can be purchased at Babies R Us, Target, CVS, and other national retailers.

Keep in touch BornFree:

For all the latest from BornFree, check them out on FACEBOOK and TWITTER.

Giveaway!

One lucky reader will win a BornFree Eco Bottle.

Mandatory Entry:
Visit BornFree and tell me another item you would love to have.

Extra Entries:
~Follow Heard It from the Hills via Google Friend Connect (+2 entries)
~Follow BornFree on Twitter - please leave your twitter id (+2 entries)
~“Like” BornFree on Facebook - please leave your first name and last initial (+2 entries)
~Follow Heard It from the Hills on Twitter - please leave your twitter id (+2 entries)
~“Like” Heard It from the Hills on Facebook - please leave your first name and last initial (+2 entries)
~Grab my button! Please leave the link where I can find it (+2 entries)

The giveaway will end on August 6th, 2011 at 11:59 PM (CST). The main entry is a required entry, and it MUST be completed in order to have chance of winning and should be done before completing any extra entries. Please leave your email address in your comment if it's not visible in your blogger profile. The winner will be chosen by random.org. The winner will be contacted by email and announced on Heard It from the Hills. The winner will have 72 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Open to US only.

No compensation was received for this post. BornFree did provide me with products to sample for the purpose of this review; however, all opinions expressed are my own, honest opinions.

27 Weeks

Target Daily Deal: Skip Hop Diaper Bags $25 + FREE Shipping

There are some great baby-related daily deals over at Target today! You can get a Skip Hop Diaper Tote Bag for only $24.99 (Reg. $39.99) + FREE shipping! There are three styles/prints available to choose from: Poppy, Seeds and Organic Dots. The Poppy print (shown above) is my favorite! Hurry, this deal is only available while supplies last and expires today (7/18).

MWFB: Seraphine Bamboo Nursing Vest - Review

During my pregnancy, comfort has become a big factor for me when purchasing maternity clothing. However, just because I might choose comfort for my maternity style, my "comfort" does not equal or mean I choose "frumpy". I want to look "put together" and stylish, which is why I love the maternity fashions offered by Seraphine.

Seraphine offers “the latest fashion for pregnant women…clothes you would want to wear even if you were not pregnant." Just look at a few Seraphine's gorgeous maternity items (some have even been worn by celebrities):

Panel Tie Tunic Taupe

Batwing Tunic


Knitted Nursing Sweater Brown

Seraphine also offers a collection of Bamboo maternity and nursing apparel that is both skin and eco-friendly. Below are some of my favorites from the Bamboo collection:

Bamboo Trousers

Bamboo Asymmetric Fine Knit Blue

Round Neck Bamboo Top Tee

I was offered the opportunity to review the Bamboo Nursing Vest in Rose from Seraphine's Bamboo collection.

Bamboo Nursing Vest

My thoughts:
The first thing I noticed about the Seraphine Bamboo Nursing Vest was the fabric material and quality. The bamboo, cotton, spandex blend of the fabric felt very light, luxurious, and buttery soft next to my skin (and didn't irritate my protruding belly button). The fabric blend also provides lots of stretch that maintains its shape well.

I really like the casual tank top look of the Bamboo Nursing Vest that does not scream out "nursing" attire. This allows it to be very versatile and functional. I am able to wear the Bamboo Nursing Vest now, during my pregnancy, as a maternity tank top, which is perfect for the summer weather. After my pregnancy, the Bamboo Nursing Vest can be worn for its intended purpose, as a nursing tank top since the front snaps provide easy access for nursing. And even after pregnancy and breastfeeding, the Bamboo Nursing Vest can be worn as a normal tank top or layering piece.

Here is what the Seraphine Bamboo Nursing Vest looks like on me (@ 26 weeks and 3 days pregnant):

Overall, I think the Seraphine Bamboo Nursing Vest makes a great addition to my maternity and nursing wardrobe. It is very comfortable and I love how easily it can transition from maternity to nursing to regular wear.

Purchase:

Seraphine maternity fashions can be purchased on there website (HERE). Right now, Seraphine is having a Summer Sale where you can save up to 70% off selected styles.

Connect:

Connect with Seraphine on FACEBOOK and TWITTER for the inside scoop on their latest fashions, giveaways, and special deals.

No compensation was received for this post; however, Seraphine did provide me with a Bamboo Nursing Vest for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions.

The Start of a Pink Nursery...

The pink you see on the walls is just the primer color right now.

26 Weeks

BabySteals Deal: BabyLegs for $5.99

BabyLegs Leg Warmers are just $5.99 each as today's steal from BabySteals! BabyLegs are regularly $12.00, so you can score a pair for half off! I think this is a fantastic deal, so act quickly because I am sure these will sell out fast!

Oh, how I love the pixie stix/crush leg warmers!!!

And the leaping leopard leg warmers, too! :)

I like so many of them! I might just have to pick up a pair (or two, or...more, lol), especially at this price.