Here’s something you may not know about me – I love to sleep, and I’m a great sleeper. It’s one of my finest talents. I look forward to hitting the hay at night, and my new pillow makes my favorite time of day even better.

Recently, Jenny and I had the opportunity to create our own perfect pillows, thanks to Select Comfort!

The process of creating a pillow is fun – we got to speak with a Select Comfort sleep specialist, and we answered questions about our sleeping habits (whether or not we sleep on our stomachs, if we tend to get hot at night, all kinds of things!) and she recommended a pillow combination for each of us. The Select Comfort website allows you to do this as well, and lets you choose your Outer Comfort Shell, your Inner Support Core, and your Pillow Protector. The result? A customized, made-to-order perfect pillow!

I chose the Down Alternative for my outer shell, the Memory Foam for my inner core, and a protector made out of real silver that helps my pillow stay cool all night. Let me tell you, I LOVE this pillow. It is so wonderful… it weighs about 30 pounds (that is an exaggeration!) and it has just the right level of firmness. My husband is jealous and wants a pillow as awesome as mine!

At first I was a little skeptical about the price tag – the pillow I created would cost around $90. However, when I think back on all the money I’ve spent on $10 pillows that last about three months, I can see that the investment is really worth it over time. And did I mention that the pillow is fantastic? Because it is.

Here’s a word from Jenny on her experience:

Unlike Emily I am NOT a good sleeper, and I am very picky about pillows. I like a pillow that is not too fluffy, not too soft, kind of flat, yet supportive and not hard as a rock either! I thought it would be a challenge to create the “Perfect Pillow” for me, but the pillow expert from Select Comfort really took my, um, particularness and turned it into a great pillow! I chose Memory Foam for my outer layer, down alternative for my inner layer so it wouldn’t be TOO fluffy, and like Emily, the silver protective lining. The result? This pillow really is PERFECT for me! I love it, and my perfect pillow and a little Ambien have me sleeping better than I ever have these days! If you have any sleeping troubles or just want to treat yourself, your neck, your head, and your shoulders to all-night comfort, I’d really suggest looking into going through the Perfect Pillow process! You can get all the details on Select Comfort’s website.

Recently I got to review the Toggle Bar Necklace from Hip Fusion Designs, and it is absolutely GORGEOUS.  See?

Made with Swarovski crystals that sparkle, and with my two precious kiddo’s names on the bars, it is a real treasure. I seriously could not love it ANY MORE! I wrote a full review of it here at Blissful Style, which I hope you’ll read.  And after you do, head on over to Hip Fusion’s website and use discount code “JENNY” to get 20% off any order through May 1st!  Materials & craftmanship on these beautiful pieces are guaranteed for LIFE, and I know this is a necklace I will treasure at least that long!

I am embarrassed to admit this, but I am sooo bad about washing my face before bed.  I usually go to bed with my make up and everything on.  But in the last few weeks, I have changed my ways… thanks to Clarisonic PLUS with Spot Therapy

The Clarisonic PLUS with Spot Therapy uses a patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to clean, soften and smooth the skin.  It’s easy and quick – it only takes 60 seconds (20 seconds for the forehead, 20 for the nose and chin, and 10 for each cheek), and it beeps when it’s time to move on to another part of your face!  It’s waterproof, and I use it in the shower in the morning (and at the sink at night. Most nights.)  I love how clean it makes my face feel.  In fact, when I forget to grab it before I get in the shower, I really miss it and feel like my face isn’t clean at all!

It’s not all about the face, though.  The Clarisonic PLUS with Spot Therapy comes with interchangeable brushes – one for the face and the other for spot therapy on your elbows, knees, feet, etc.  Very cool!

Here are a few more benefits, as stated on the Clarisonic website:

• 6X more makeup removal
• Skin is soft and smooth
• Cleanses so well that products absorb better
• Gentle for use twice daily
• Reduces oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes
• Reduces the appearance of visible pores
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

As my 30th birthday rapidly approaches, I’m realizing that I need to take better care of my skin.  The Clarisonic PLUS with Spot Therapy is a huge step in the right direction… I highly recommend this product!

My daughter gets growing pains quite a bit (especially when she’s over-tired) and I hate when it happens… partially because I can remember when it used to happen to me and exactly how bad it hurts, but mostly because there’s nothing I can do about it.  So, I was very excited to have the chance to try out Warm Whiskers.

Warm Whiskers are heatable and freezable aromatherapy pillows.  Theses animal-shaped pillows are filled with all-natural, pesticide-free grains and herbs, and are designed to closely hug the contours of your body.  The warm, moist heat and calming scent of lavender are a great comfort to kids, adults, and even pets!   

They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes – they even have slippers!  Kate particularly likes this eye pillow:

It’s the perfect size for her to cuddle up with, and when she has growing pains now, we’re both glad there’s something we can do to make it better!  

Warm Whiskers makes a great gift for anyone who needs a little TLC!

It’s Friday… so we thought we’d celebrate by doing a giveaway!

Today’s giveaway features a Bump Box from the Spoiled Mama!

The Bump Box includes Tummy Butter, which is made with the finest ingredients available, including pure cocoa butter, organic Rosehip oil, organic Tamanu, and Kukui Nut oils which contain Vitamin A and E, and high amounts of essential fatty acids (which are apparently good for your skin – who knew?). Together they promote collagen and elastin levels to increase cell regeneration. This results in firmer skin with greater elasticity. For the pregnant mama, the more elasticity the better! Tummy Butter blend will help fade scars and stretch marks and prevent new ones from appearing. Works wonders on C-Section scars too!

You’ll also find Bump Gloss – Spoiled Mama’s stretch mark oil that is long-lasting, extremely hydrating and rich in anti-oxidants and collagen-building components. It is lightly scented with calming lavender, and gentle enough for mothers and babies.

And, our lucky winner will also receive a set of Yoga Toes!

YogaToes help stretch, strengthen and straighten your toes. They work while you relax! The YogaToes Mini Massagers Relieve stress and tension, soothe stiff muscles and re-energize feet and toes. I tried the YogaToes one night after my family had gone to bed… I settled in with my YogaToes and my laptop, and I was in heaven! The YogaToes are awesome – it’s like a little mini-workout for your toes (except you don’t have to do anything, which is totally my kind of workout). They feel incredible and are very relaxing!

Both of these products are perfect for pampering an expecting or new mom. I plan to order some for an upcoming baby shower I’m attending… Baby shower gifts are often all about the baby, which is great, but it will be nice to show the mom a little love as well!

To enter, leave a comment here and tell us about a mom you know who needs a little pampering (and yes, it can be you!). For an additional entry, tweet about it on Twitter, and leave a comment telling us you’ve done so. And if you really want to win and want a third way to enter, blog about it and leave a comment with a link to your site!

The contest will close on Friday, January 23, 2009, at 5:00 p.m. and a winner will be chosen using Random.org.

Good luck!

Jenny and I are pretty pumped about the new look here on Reviewin’ It Up… but we are even more excited about the fantastic giveaway we’re celebrating with!

This is, without a doubt, the biggest and best giveaway we’ve ever had. We are so thrilled!

One very lucky winner will receive each of the following prizes:

Mom-and-baby gear from Zoey’s Attic

Looking for a fun way to announce your pregnancy, to get your firstborn excited about being a big brother or sister, or to let your mom show her Grandma pride to the world? Look no further than Zoey’s Attic! I only wish I had had this shirt when I was pregnant with Sam – I would have worn it every time I saw Jenny just to drive her nuts! (she was not happy about us wanting to be ‘surprised’ at the birth!)

Baby MedBasics

Created by a husband/wife (and doctor/nurse) team after a scary choking incident involving their son, MedBasics is an essential what to do guide to infant emergencies. Emergency situations can happen anytime, anywhere, and these books are designed to go everywhere your baby does – they conveniently clip onto a stroller or diaper bag. Baby MedBasics gives you the tools you need to give your infant the care he or she needs while help is on the way. Topics include: CPR, Choking, Fever, Bleeding, Burns and Poison. This is definitely a must-have for every parent!

Breastfeeding with Comfort and Joy

Jenny and I are big advocates of breastfeeding, so we are very happy to be offering this outstanding book in our giveaway. This is another one of those things I wish I had had before my babies were born! Written by Laura Keegan, RN, FNP, this book focuses on what you need to know to get started in establishing a comfortable breastfeeding relationship and to solve problems should they occur (and more than likely, they will). This book can be extremely helpful to you even if you are reading it for the first time in the middle of a crisis. The book is user friendly with over 80 beautiful, full page color and black & white photographs that not only show you how to breastfeed your baby with ease, but also are a timeless celebration of breastfeeding. It is really an outstanding book, and a truly helpful tool.  Check it out at www.TheBreastfeedingBook.com and use the code mommin10 to get $10 off this amazing book!

Glow Mama

Glow Mama is a natural vitamin juice drink developed especially for new and expecting moms. It is completely natural, high in fiber and pre-natal vitamins, low in calories and approved by the American Pregnancy Association. And what I think is super-fun, their website has recipes for using Glow Mama to make mocktails including mom-osas, mom-itos, and strawberry diaperis!

Pig in a Blanket gift set

This little piggy is snuggled in a beautiful, plush blanket! The two-piece baby gift set contains adorable details, from piggy’s belly button to cute, curly tail to the artful gift box. The cream-colored piggy with tan feet, ears and nose, belly button and curly tail measure 14″ tall. The cream-colored blanket has cream, satin trim and “This Little Piggy” nursery rhyme embroidered and appliqued along all four sides. This would make a great baby shower present!

Bebe Au Lait gift set

This beautiful gift set includes one Bebe au Lait nursing cover and three matching burp cloths. The nursing cover is easy to use, machine washable, and multi-purpose. A rigid neckline that allows Mom and baby to maintain eye contact during feeding and other features like a small terry cloth pocket makes it the perfect combination of style and function. It can also be used as a sunshade over a stroller or front-carrier, as a lightweight blanket, or even a changing mat! The premium matching burp cloths are luxurious and ultra-absorbent.

Pregnancy pillow and breast pillow by Utterly Yours

The Utterly Yours breast pillow was specifically designed by a mom to make nursing a simpler and hands-free process. It provides comfortable breast support and the ideal position for nursing, so that moms can relax and focus on the laptop baby while nursing. The Utterly Yours pregnancy pillow is made with memory foam, and has a revolutionary cubic design. When opened, it forms two triangles and conforms to the mother’s belly. Since neither Jenny nor I are currently pregnant, we turned to Jenny’s friend Megan to try out this pillow for us. Here’s what she had to say: ” I want to carry this with me always… it is SO comfortable and gives just the right amount of support without putting pressure on the precious baby oven!” I am ALL for something that gives pregnant moms better rest!

Serta Perfect Balance crib mattress

Let me just say that I can hardly believe we’re giving away a crib mattress, but it’s true! The Serta Perfect Balance is the first environmentally friendly crib mattrees, and it’s the latest in sleep innovation. It’s distributed by LaJobi Industries, Inc, and available exclusively at Babies “R” Us. Made with organic cotton fill, the Serta Perfect Balance crib mattress cradles baby in a healthy, natural environment. Designed with comfort and durability in mind, the mattress features continuous heavy coils, flex mesh support and six-gauge border wire. A heavily laminated cover made without Phthalates protects from dust mites and bacteria, and there are eight air vents to keep the mattress fresh while providing a safe sleeping surface. The crib mattress also fits a toddler bed. Retail value $179.99!!!

And finally… my new very favoritest thing…

Summer Day & Night Color Flat Screen Video Monitor

The Day & Night Color Flat Screen Video Monitor from Summer Infant gives you superior picture quality and reception with 900 MHz technology. It allows parents to monitor baby anywhere from in the home and has a range of 400 feet. I was fortunate to receive one of these monitors for review, and let me tell you – it is wonderful. It is so nice to not only hear Sam, but be able to see him without going in his room and risk waking him up. It helps us to determine if he’s fussing around in his sleep, or if he’s awake and needs us to come in. One great feature is that you can turn the video part of it, while still having the audio on, so we don’t have to sleep with the “tv” on.. and yet, when the baby’s cries wake us up, we can see him with just the press of a button. It is a really great product.

So… can you believe that round-up? Woohoo!!! If you’re pregnant (or planning to get that way!) or just never want to have to buy a baby shower present again, this giveaway is for you!

To enter, just leave a comment on this post telling us which of the above products you’re most excited about. If you’d like an extra entry, tweat a link to the contest on Twitter, and then leave another comment on this post with the link to your tweat. The deadline for entry is Saturday, December 27 at 5:00 p.m. and the winner will be chosen by random.org.

Thanks and good luck!!!

P.S. Don’t forget to enter the great giveaway we’ve got going on at Mommin’ It Up – click here for details!

Does your stroller ever get in your way when it’s not in use? Mine does! It’s either taking up space in my trunk (I have SO regretted having it there on many a grocery trip) or it’s hanging out on our front porch. Unless of course, the weather is bad, then it’s in our living room. Um, not exactly my idea of home decor. So, when Mary Ann Schwanewede, mompreneur and inventor of the Stroll Away by MetroTots, invited me to try her product, I was eager to do so!

The Stroll Away is simply a heavy-duty steel hook that slides over the top of a household door. You hang your stroller on it and – voila! – it’s out of the way! I was instantly impressed with this product. It took only seconds to get the Stroll Away in place and our stroller hung up and out of the way!  The Stroll Away adjusts to fit most stroller models and holds strollers up to 35 pounds.  It’s a brilliant product, and one I certainly wish I had invented!

The Stroll Away is very reasonably priced at between $40-$50. Click here for a list of retailers, and soon your stroller storage woes will be over!

I have dabbled with digital scrapbooking before… I am SO not likely to ever do real scrapbooking, so it’s a fun way for me to get a little creative without straying too far from my computer. I’ve always downloaded elements from various webpages and have tried to teach myself enough Photoshop to make cute invitations and Christmas cards, etc.

However, I am going to stop being a Photoshop hack because I have found a program that makes digital scrapbooking SUPER easy. It’s called Digital Scrapbook Artist, and it is GREAT. It contains a ton of different themes and elements and you can customize your design in a lot of different ways. The program is unique in that it enables users to edit every object on their scrapbook page and perfect their designs to look exactly as they would in a traditional scrapbook. All of the paper backgrounds and embellishments in the program are hi-res and the program comes with a built-in photo editor.

Additional features of Scrapbook Artist include:
– Choice of 8”x8”, letter-size or 12”x12” pages
– Photo paintbrushes
– Decorative edge scissor cut out tool
– Filter effects for every object
– One-click sharing to post designs for others to see
– 10 free themed digikits

I made this in about 10 minutes:

Digital Scrapbook Artist retails for $39.95 and you can order it at www.serif.com/scrapbook. As a special offer for Reviewin’ It Up readers, you can get $5 off by entering coupon code DSAUSPR04. Woohoo!

Let me tell you a little story about two brand new parents who were getting ready to take their nine-day-old baby out for the first time. This story isn’t about me and my husband, no way… we always have it together. *ahem.* So anyway, it was raining, of course, and the new mom threw a blanket over the car seat handle and made a run for it. The blanket slipped around, made the carrier hard to carry, and by the time they got inside, they were all soaked. Later, on the way home, the mom peeked into the back seat at the baby and saw that the blanket was over her – not over the handle, but over her. And her face. The dad couldn’t understand why the mom thought that was a problem, because hadn’t she used the blanket as a cover earlier?

If only we the nameless couple had had one of these – the suffication hazard problem would have been avoided all together!

Do you know what’s under there??? It’s a baby! In an infant carrier! Is that adorable or what?

It’s called the BabbaCover and I love it.

Here’s an excerpt from the website:
When it’s cold or windy outside, what do you do? You throw a blanket over the infant car seat handle, but it never works. BabbaCo created a better solution that is functional and super cute. BabbaCover keeps your baby warm, dry, and well-rested as you live your active lifestyle.

The BabbaCover is cute and functional, but what hit me first about it when I took it out of the package was how well made it is. It is made of high-quality fabrics and it’s put together really well. The design is great – it’s easy to use and it has everything from “windows” to pockets on the side (great for keys, diapers, cell phones, etc!). It couldn’t be easier to use and fits on all infant carriers. They have really thought of everything.

The BabbaCover is fabulous, and it’s a great alternative to bulky coats and snowsuits, yet it keeps the baby warm and cozy. I highly recommend this product! And guess what? Our readers can get a 15% discount on a BabbaCover! Just go to BabbaCo’s website at www.babbaco.com and enter the code: GETABABBA when you check out!

To find out what else is getting some love around the blogosphere, go see Jill at the Diaper Diaries!

I have a bad habit of pumping while I’m driving home from work. Desperate times, people. So let’s just say that I was pretty excited to try out PumpEase hands-free pumping supports. After all, I need a hand for my cell phone. Kidding! (Ok, I do that sometimes.)

This picture explains the contraption much better than I could, so here you go:

Yes, that is a picture of me and my flat stomach. Of course it is!

Ok, I am lying about the picture but I am telling the truth when I say that this thing works! It is very easy to use, and it’s quick to put on (because all pumping moms need is another step to lengthen the pumping process). It really helps the cones to stay in place and I have found that it increases my output as well, I guess because everything’s where it’s supposed to be.

The PumpEase was created by a mom, and we all love to support mom-trepreneurs, right? Right! So click here and order one!