Saturday, November 23, 2013

Belly Charms Maternity Belly Ring Review

Goooood morning gals! On the blog this morning is Belly Charms! Their owner, Sonya Mattey, was so kind to send me a couple of maternity belly rings for a review. Sonya, a fit mommy herself, has been a fitness instructor and personal trainer for about 21 years now, but also enjoys running her business, Belly Charms, on the side to cater to mamas to be- and everyone else! Not only does Belly Charms sell belly rings, you will find toe rings, personalized jewelry, anklets, pendants, and necklaces.

Upon opening the package, I loved that she included a couple of cards with useful information included with the rings. One card even included a 10% off code for my next purchase! On the back side of the card, she includes her social media links that makes it useful to contact her if you had a question.

The other card included in the package includes her business card and useful instructions to caring for the rings.

Now onto the rings themselves!

I have noticed that many women are NOT aware that maternity belly rings exist!!! BUT THEY DO! Ladies, you do not have to sacrifice your piercing during pregnancy.

But what makes a maternity ring different from a normal one?

For starters, the barbell is made of plastic material and not metal. This allows you to trim, cut, and adjust the ring to fit your growing belly. Also, metal does not allow stretching-as I was noticing at 30 weeks pregnant with my old belly ring in! It was reaching its limit.

Maternity belly rings are also COMFORTABLE. They are a big longer than your average belly ring (leaving you enough room to cut if you wish). They grow with you!

I loved this purple sparkly one I received. My husband thought it was the cutest thing! When I put it in, it honestly felt like I had nothing in. It is very lightweight and durable.

Sonya also sent me another adorable ring that says "Baby on the Way"

I was impressed with Belly Charms and the owner, Sonya, for being so kind! Their jewelry is stunning and whether you are a momma to be or not, she has something cute to offer you.

To learn more about Belly Charms, visit:

Belly Charms Main Site

Belly Charms Facebook

Belly Charms Blog

Belly Charms Twitter

Belly Charms Etsy

Disclaimer: I was given a Belly Charms belly ring to test, at no cost. All opinions are my own.

My Very Own Miracle Detox Water Recipe

This is my miracle detox water! I swear by this stuff when I have a few pounds to lose and when I'm needing an energy boost.

To make this amazing stuff, all you need is:

-Water

-Fresh Lemon (or lime if you'd like) slices

-Cucumer slices

-Mint sprigs

-Fresh Ginger (finely grated into small bits)

-Apple Cider Vinegar (2tbsp)

Mix ingredients together to infuse the water. I will usually squeeze the lemon with my hands to allow it to diffuse more. Refrigerate for 4-5 hours and drink on an empty stomach before breakfast each morning.

Friday, November 22, 2013

Crane Ultrasonic Humidifier Product Review

Good afternoon, moms and moms to be!

I am reviewing the Crane Ultrasonic Humidifier today on the blog.

I specifically chose Freddy the Frog to review for my son. I think he will love the frog once he is born; its simply the cutest! As you can see above, the Crane Ultrasonic humidifier comes in a variety of animal themes to choose from! Which one is your favorite?

Since my son is not quite here, I tested the humidifier on my husband and myself. I had actually never used a humidifier in my life! I did not know what to look for or what to expect from having one on as I slept. However, when I woke up the next morning, the air in the room was particularly CRISP and FRESH feeling! My husband, who usually has sinus issues and has to take Zyrtec, actually woke up feeling refreshed and better than ever. I could not have been happier with this product that I am actually considering another Crane (they make adult versions, don't worry haha) for our own personal use while my son has Freddy the Frog in his room!

Here is a little more about the humidifier:

Holds 2.1 gallons of water.
Runs quietly!
Does not require a filter.
Conserves energy; uses less energy than a light bulb!
Humidifies a room up to 250 square feet.
Auto shut off when tank is empty.
One simple speed.
The cutest design!
One Year Warranty!

Before getting this humidifier, I really did not know much about one or if one was truly a MUST for my baby.

Here is what Crane has to say regarding why one is useful and I agree 100%.

Crane Ultrasonic Humidifiers Help Ease Cold and Flu Symptoms

While there is not a cure for the common cold, fortunately there are things parents can do to make children – and themselves - feel more comfortable. Young children commonly get about 6 - 8 colds and upper respiratory tract infections each year. Due to the risk of overdose, pediatricians recommend not giving over the counter cough and cold medicine to children under the age of six.

For cold and flu symptoms, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following:

· Cool mist humidifier

· Saline nasal solution

Humidifiers help with overall cold and flu symptoms. A cool mist humidifier is preferred over a warm mist humidifier because the water does not boil.

Specifically, humidifiers help with the following:

· Loosen nasal congestion

· Ease dry coughs

· Sooth itchy dry skin and chapped lips

· Prevents nose bleeds

· Cool mist is BEST FOR CROUP

Did you know humidity reduces the survival of flu viruses on surfaces and in the air. Studies have shown that keeping indoor air at a level of 40-60% reduces the survival of flu viruses dispersing in the air.

Humidifiers and Newborns

Newborns are Obligate Nasal Breathers. They breathe through their tiny noses the first 4-5 months of their life. During breastfeeding and bottle feeding, it is important for infants to be able to easily breathe through their noses. Using a humidifier helps prevent dry noses and loosens nasal congestion. If an infant cannot easily breathe through his or her nose, it can be frustrating and difficult for mother and child during nursing.

What is the difference between a cool mist and a warm mist humidifier?

Warm mist humidifiers produce a warm mist by boiling the water in the humidifier to produce steam. Ultrasonic humidifiers generate a cool mist. Both provide necessary moisture in the air. Cool mist is generally recommended by doctors for safety reason and for croup, a viral infection that affects children under the age of 6. Croup causes swelling in the vocal cords and a barking cough. Cool mist helps soothe the throat and reduce swelling.

Important Humidifier Tips to Remember:

· FILL with cool water REPLACE cap tightly PUT tank back on base

DO NOT add salt or other additives

· Place humidifier on a LEVEL, LINT FREE & WATER RESISTANT surface

DO NOT place on wood, cloth or carpet

· See WHITE DUST? Try using one of these: DISTILLED WATER OR FILTERED WATER.

Hard water affects the purity of your mist

· EMPTY water in the tank and base AFTER EACH USE

Mold can grow in sitting water

· DISINFECT tank and base with WHITE VINEGAR & WATER SOLUTION weekly.

Crane USA also offers products other than just humidifiers! They offer heaters, air purifiers, night lights, and even chapstick! Crane also makes Vapor Steam Liquid-just like Vicks, but personally I think it smells better-to go in your humidifier when you or your little ones are sick! This is vital because it helps open your nasal passages which allows better breathing (thank you Menthol!).

Overall, I am pretty darn happy with the Crane USA Ultrasonic Humidifier. To learn more about their products or to purchase one yourself, visit:

Disclaimer: I was given a Crane USA humidifier to test at no cost; all opinions are my own.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Zazzle Custom T-Shirts & Gifts Review!

Today, I had the chance to review a company called Zazzle.

Zazzle is known for their custom T-Shirts; especially since you can design them yourself! But beware-they have adorable designs and sayings to choose from already so you might end up browsing their site for long periods of time! They not only make custom shirts-they can pretty much customize anything and everything.

I chose the adorable tee that I have seen floating around the internet called the Baby on the Way Maternity Tee which features a little baby peeking up over the womb!

First of all, this tee is so funny and cute, I cannot stand it! Second of all-the QUALITY of the tee itself is outstanding. I am pretty sure at some point, we have all had a custom shirt made for some type event-whether it was for your soccer team, a family reunion, or your senior year-and the shirt was poorly made and rough like sandpaper. My husband and I were very impressed with how soft this fabric was! The design was not one that was cheaply sewn or, worse, ironed on. It was actually part of the whole shirt!

I feel so cute in this shirt!

I also had the chance to review their infant onesies.

YES! They also offer onesies for your baby-to-be! And, boy, are they adorable. You can pick from their large selection such as I did, or you can make your own! You and your baby can even match.

I chose the Daddy's Little Airman onesie since my husband is a Staff Sgt. in the Air Force. My husband absolutely melted when he saw it! We cannot wait to put him in this once he gets here. The material is the absolute same as the shirt that I chose-soft and outstanding screen print quality. I know these products will last.z

Zazzle not only sells T-Shirts, but they also sell art & posters, cards & postage, vintage iPhone cases, wedding invitations, watches, schoolbags, and greeting/holiday cards. They also have some sweet deals for the holidays and for gifts; check out their holiday gift guide! I am personally digging the holiday gift cards since it is almost time for Christmas!

Right now they are offering up to 60% on their holiday goodies! Hurry, its only the last day. All you have to do is use the promo code HOLIDAYCOUNT at checkout!

If you are looking for a funny maternity tee, a tee for your hubby or baby, or just a tee to simply customize, then Zazzle is the place to go.

To learn more about Zazzle, visit:

Disclaimer: I was given a Zazzle tee & onesie to test, at no cost. All opinions are my own.