Mamaway Far Infared Nursing and Sleep Bra

Stocking up for pregnancy #4, I knew more sleep nursing bras were in order.  I found this one and wanted to give it a try.

 The Mamaway Far Infared Nursing Bra is your basic sleep nursing bra with a cross over pull down design for ease of use at night.  It is made of polyester with spandex and "Far Infared" nano fibers.  It claims these fibers help increase blood circulation and therefore help encourage milk production.  I cannot speak to any of those factors, and it seems a bit of a stretch to me that your basic nursing bra could do that, it is after all just fabric.

 Those claims aside, I found his bra has hooks in the back, so it is worn like your regular bra with need to hook/unhook.  My current sleep nursing bras slip over like a sports bra, which I much prefer.  However, I found I can do the same with this one without unhooking it, so though I would rather the hooks not be there at all, I can deal with it.

 The bra has a cross over v design so that either side can be pulled down for access without undoing hooks or clasps at night.  This feature works as expected.

 The back dips down where the hooks attach the sides.

 Another thing I am not a fan of is the boning on either side of the bra.

 The thin strip is fairly bendable, but is still boning that can be hard as well as deform after washing and use as is usually the case.  Again, I would prefer it not be there and it seems unnecessary for a sleeping bra.

 The bra is claimed to be lavender - I would say pink.  If one would call it lavender, it would be a very light lavender.  To my eyes, this is a basic baby pink.  Color really makes no difference to me, but if you want lavender be aware this is far from purple.

Over all, I'm not super excited about this bra and its definitely not better than what I have already.  It is comfortable to wear, soft and easy to use, but the milk production claims leave me questioning validity and the design with hooks and boning detract from my love of the bra.  It's ok and will work just fine, but I'm not singing it's praises as the best out there, at least not for me.

You can find one of these here

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

GERmanikure Crystal Nail File Review

I have heard so much about glass or crystal nail files lately that I wanted to get one for myself to check it out.  I am not a big nail person, I don't get manicures or paint them regularly, but I do maintain them at home for the basics, and the cardboard sandpaper like files I have at home are admittedly junk.

GERmanikure offers a line of crystal nail files with messages on them.  These two sided files come with a message engraved in one side (Mine says "I am too pretty to work") and a leather case for storing the file when not in use.

The case is a quality piece that seems like it will hold together for years.

The file itself is two toned.  Mine is pink where the words are etched and white on the file end.

The words are etched in to stay for a long time.  They will not rub off with use.

The file itself is a thick crystal material that was much smoother than I expected.  It is pointed at one end and rounded on the edges.  There are no sharp points that will cause injury.

The file surface, though smooth, does a great job of filing nail surfaces.  It doesn't scratch or roughen much with use, but surprisingly smooths and shapes nail surfaces.  I even tried this file on my dog's nails after trimming them and it it worked wonders!

I am a new fan and anticipate this file lasting in my house for many years, unlike those cheap ones that I toss after one use.  Very cool!

You can find one here

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Mamaway Nursing Bra Review

Pregnant with #4 while still nursing #3, I have lots of experience trying out different nursing bras over the years.  I am pretty particular and thought I had found one I really liked - until I tried this nursing bra.

The bra comes packaged very simply in a plastic bag, no hangers or fuss.

This is a completely wire free bra that is elastic and spandex with cups designed to stretch and grow through pregnancy, up to 3 cup sizes the seller claims.  There is plenty of stretch and give, but also loads of support and security

The back has 4 rows of 3 clasps for a secure fit.  The straps are fairly narrow in my experience with nursing bras.  This worried me a bit because I had read a description claiming wide straps.  However, once I put it on, this was no big deal at all and I preferred the thinner width than my current bra that always seemed to hang out under clothing and draw attention.  These do not cut into my shoulders or cause any discomfort at all.

The bra opens simply with one hand clasps on the front.

Narrow straps on the inside help attach the shoulder strap to the lower part of the bra when the front is opened for security.

The sides of the bra have tons of stretch and give for pregnancy growth, a design sewn on the side panel gives a little decor.  This is not your cute, frilly, fun bra, but is sure is comfortable and functional.

There is padding in the bra that is easily removable.  The padding is shaped so that it only fits one way.  The bra can be worn without the pads too, it is comfortable either way.

I am loving this bra and saving my money to buy more because they are worth it!

You can find it here

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Fitbit Alta Replacement Bands Review

Recently I received a brand new Fitbit Alta for my birthday.  It came with the basic black band, which is fine, but I wanted something fun for an option on occasion, so, I purchased this pack of two bands.

 This pack comes with 8 pieces: a left and right band strap, clasp and silicon securing strips.

 Patterned in an owl print and a floral print, they are bold and fun.

 My original band did not come with the securing strap.  When I put the one included with these bands on, I wasn't really sure what the point of it is.  Since the band secures from the top and pins the bottom strap in place, it is kind of awkward to actually secure the bands together.  It also seemed un-necessary since I have yet to have the bands move around when wearing it without the securing strap, and I wear my Alta almost as tight as the band will allow because I have small wrists.  Therefore, this piece seems pointless to me and I will not be using it.

 These replacement bands attach just as any branded bands do.  They simply snap into place over the Alta's tabs.  I did not hear the tell tale click with these like I do with my original band, but they are securely in place when I try to wiggle them loose.

 I noted that these replacement bands are a bit shorter than the Fitbit branded bands you can buy.  It doesn't make much difference when wearing them except that it adjusts where the holes sit for securing it and might make it a little tighter or looser than the branded ones, but it is not of much consequence.

Overall, these bands are just fine and work as well as the Fitbit branded bands.  If you are looking for a fun print alternative, these will do the job.

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Would a Worm Go on a Walk? Book Review

Would a Worm Go on a Walk?
by Hannah C. Hall
Illustrated by Bill Bolton

Would a Worm Go on a Walk? is a cute story that walks children through the idea that each animal is created to be unique and has its own special qualities.  Reading through the story, children entertain the idea that a worm could go on a walk, or a piglet play the piano, or a lion be a lifeguard.  Children meet nine different animals in the book, each suggesting they do something different than they were designed for.  The book finishes with the reader learning that just like the animals who cannot do anything other than what they were designed for, children are the same.  God created each of us with our own strengths, abilities and gifts and not one of us is imperfect or wrong.  Through this story, a child discovers that they are equally as unique and special just the way they are.

Based on the Bible verse from Genesis 1:31a "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good", the author spins a tale that leaves children giggling and learning at the same time.  The illustrations in this book are bright and engaging, with cartoon depictions of each animal doing the silly things they are proposed to be able to do.  Pictures have enough silly in them to keep kids engaged and giggling while still realistic enough to be recognizable and relatable. My children, ages 6, 4, and 2 have loved reading this book over and over, and I have enjoyed reading it to them. This is a book that will stay on my shelf for years to come!

* I received this book for free in exchange for my review.  All opinions expressed are my own.