Delay in posting

I apologize for the delay in finishing my "Mommy Makeover Event".  I had to unexpectedly go out of town for the weekend and I am still not caught up at home.  I hope to get in some blogging tomorrow but the event may get extended to the end of the month because my son is turning one on Thursday and we have his birthday party out of town (3 hours away!) this weekend. 

MadreGear Nursing Top Review

I have no idea how I made it without owning a nursing top! When you have "girls" the size of mine nursing discreetly is incredibly hard in a conventional top.  I am a clearance rack shopper so for me the biggest deterrent in purchasing "nursing" tops was that you seldom find them in plus size on clearance.  I struggled for months with what to wear when I knew I would have to nurse in public.  In the winter I could wear a tank top under my regular shirt and still stay pretty well covered but that solution was too hot for Spring and Summer.  I was so lucky to receive this Annee Matthew Shirred Tunic for review. 

This top is made of a very breathable material that keeps me cool even though the front has two layers.  The "nursing" top feature works by just lifting up to reveal to openings for your breasts.  The under layer covers your belly and sides while the top layer provides top of breast coverage during nursing.  I especially like that the top layer floats loosely over your belly- very forgiving for a still flabby post-baby belly.  No one realizes that I am wearing a nursing top until I get ready to feed Avin (and then many people don't even realize that is what I am doing!). 

MadreGear carries a variety of nursing and maternity tops, bras, dresses, and nightgowns.  They have some very sophisticated styles that are a far cry from the shapeless blobs you can get at Wal-Mart!  MadreGear also carries a variety of necessities for trendy mom's and babies!

The customer service I received from MadreGear was amazing! Laurie was super friendly and provided me with tons of great options for a plus size mom.  I found her store to be a fresh, classy, trendy switch from classic maternity and nursing stores.  Stop by MadreGear and look around, I'm sure you'll fall in love too!

HOTmilk Lingerie Review and Giveaway

One thing no one warned me about when I got pregnant was that my breasts would grow as big as melons and that I would put as much effort into finding a bra that fits, as the athletes do into training for the Olympics! Nursing bras are hard to find in my area and to even begin to hope for a bra that is sexy and supportive is impossible around here! (Yeah, mid-Missouri, sometimes you suck!) I finally found a couple of bra's at Motherhood Maternity but they never fit quite right.  The only ones they carry for my size are underwire which caused me considerable doubt because I had read tons of things about NOT using a underwire bra when breastfeeding.  I finally gave in and bought a couple different styles.  A couple of months later I was back buying another set of bras because I had lost enough weight the old ones didn't fit right.  Both of the bra's I purchased were ugly! I hated their fit and always went around adjusting myself like a teenage boy because the dreaded "third boob" would pop up every time I shifted.  I kept searching and searching for a better solution until I found HOTmilk. 

HOTmilk is actually based out of New Zealand but they sell in the United States too!  They specialize in providing SEXY and supportive nursing and maternity lingerie.  I received their "Awakened by Her Desire" bra and panty set for review.  When I opened the package I thought they had sent the wrong thing because at first glance I couldn't even tell it was a nursing bra! I wondered how supportive it would be since it wasn't an underwire and I was pleasantly surprised to find it was very comfortable and supportive.  I did find that it seemed to run just a tiny bit small so I wish I would have opted to order one size bigger in the band and cup.  One very unusual (but awesome) thing about the HOTmilk nursing bra is that it has 6 rows of snaps on the bra band to allow for lots of flexibility in the band sizing as you lose your pregnancy weight.  I'll save you the details of exactly what my husband thought, but I'll just say that the mere sight of it hanging up in the bathroom had him calling me at school asking when I was coming home to model!

HOTmilk has also launched a line of camisoles.  I am very happy (and a little jealous) to announce that one lucky winner will win the "Sweet Reminiscence" camisole and brief (as featured in the February issue of Pregnancy and Newborn magazine).

Mandatory Entry: To enter to win this set you must first visit the HOTmilk website and then come back here and leave me a comment telling me your favorite item (cami set, bra, men's wear, etc).

Additional Entries:

Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect (1 extra entry)

Follow my blog via RSS Feed (1 extra entry)

Follow HOTmilk on twitter @HOTmilkLingerie (1 extra entry)

Follow me on twitter @diapermom and tweet any unique tweet about this giveaway (1 entry per tweet up to twice per day, leave the permalink of your tweet in your comment)

Follow HOTmilk on Facebook (1 extra entry)

Contest is open to US residents only ages 18 and older.  Contest ends June 30, 2010 at 11:00 PM.  One comment = one entry.  Please make sure you leave your email in your comment so I can contact you if you win.  One winner will be selected via Random.org. 

Second Base Demi Cami Review and Giveaway

When I was pregnant my already voluptious breasts began growing to what felt like watermelon size.  Most of my maternity tops had buttons at least halfway down to allow for expanding breast and belly.  On one hand that was great because I definately needed the room for expansion but on the other it meant that I had mega-cleavage in every shirt I owned, even my conservative polo shirts.  During the winter months I just wore a thin tank top under my shirt and that allowed me to keep the cleavage to a minimum.  When Spring hit so did the overwhelming hot flashes and my intolerance for being even a little bit too warm.  I was at a loss of what to do because I couldn't bear the heat of wearing two shirts but I couldn't be showing the girls off either.  I finally settled on wearing a sports bra over my regular bra to provide a bit of coverage.  I REALLY wish I would have known then about the Second Base Demi Cami! 

The Second Base Demi Cami looks similar to a sports bra but comes in a variety of colors and strap styles.  It also comes in a variety of fabrics so you can match it to the type of clothing you are wearing.  The concept is a very modern spin on what my Grandma would have called a dickey.  It gives the coverage of a tank top without all the extra fabric.  It is great for obtaining a layered look, covering bra straps, and reducing cleavage.  I received the Second Base Meredith Demi Cami and I LOVED it.  I wear it under shirts with narrow straps or low-cut necklines.  It is thin and breathable but still provides excellent coverage.  Since it fits basically the same shape as my bra I don't have extra fabric wadding up around my middle. 

You can enter to win your own Demi Cami from Second Base.  To enter you MUST first go to the Second Base website and tell me which cami you like best and in what color!

Additional Entries:

Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect on the right hand side (1 entry)

Subscribe to my RSS Feed on the left side (1 entry)

Follow Second Base on twitter @shopsecondbase

Follow me on twitter @diapermom and tweet any unique tweet about this giveaway including @diapermom (Up to 2 entries per day)

Follow Second Base on facebook

Must be 18 to enter, open to US Residents only.  Please include your email in your comments so I can contact you if you win.  One comment = one entry. Contest ends Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 11:00 PM CST.

Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion Review

Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion is unlike any lotion I've ever used before.  When it comes out of the bottle it is a thin milky white lotion with a feel that is similar to condition in thickness and texture.  When I first rubbed it on it felt almost oily on my skin.  Even after rubbing completely in I felt like I had a thin coating over my skin.  It wasn't a bad feeling but it was definately different! I tried this lotion for several days especially on my super dry elbows but I have to say I just wasn't impressed.  I felt like it was too thin to really moisturize my dry skin.  I think that if you started using this before you got major dry skin it would be a great preventative lotion, but not a curing lotion.

I also was sad to see so many ingredients that I was unfamiliar with on the label.  Although it says it is "Natural" the ingredient list isn't so natural.  Ingredients: Deionized water (Aqua), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (Aloe Vera), Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Methyl Gluceth-20, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E),
Arnica Montana Flower Extract (Arnica), Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract (Comfrey), Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract (Chamomile), Achillea Millefolium Extract (Yarrow), Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, 1,2 Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Phenoxyethanol. 

Ecomom.com Lip Gloss and Lip Balm Review

Sproutbaby is now Ecomom.com!  Jody has branched out into tons of new organic products for moms, dads, and baby.  I was super lucky to get to try a couple of items from her beauty section of the store.  I received 100% Pure Lip Gloss in Juicy Pink Grapefruit and Italian Red Mandarin with Rose Lip Balm. 

The Italian Red Mandarin with Rose Lip Balm smelled like a huge bouquet of roses as soon as you took of the lid.  I ended up giving it to my Grandma simply because the smell sent my allergies into a frenzy.  I did try it out before I gave it away and I loved the way it felt on my lips.  The container is fatter than a tradition chapstick/lip balm so you don't have to make a million passes to get overall coverage.  It smoothed on with no cakey or waxy feel and made my lips feel so soft and smooth! According to the ecomom.com website "Pangea Organics lip balms have bioavailability (easy for the blood to use), absorb well into the skin and are long-lasting. Rich in vitamins, nutrients and essential fatty acids, their lip balm contains powerful healing properties that are good for you, and good for the lips."  I'm all about organic beauty products that are actually good for me!!!

I love this lip gloss! It is very similar to my natural lip color so I can wear it with anything.  It tastes yummy on my lips and I love the the color is actually made from fruit pigments not artificial dyes.  The ingredient list reads more like a grocery list than a cosmetic.  The ingredients are: Vitamin E (a-tocopherol), contains all or some of the following fruit pigments: Pomegranate, Wine, Cherry, Cranberry, Blackberry, Raspberry, Peach, Cocoa Bean and Plum, Vitamin C (ascorbyl palmitate), Grapeseed Oil, Honey, Shea Butter.  You just can't find that in most cosmetic items.  This gloss is not teeny-bopper shiny and it is not sticky feeling on your lips.  My only complaint is that the application wand tip is very small and it usually takes me 3-5 times of dipping it in the bottle and applying before my lips are covered. 

If you are looking for high quality organic products for the entire family then Ecomom.com is the place for you! Stop in and check out all the new items Jody has in stock.  Follow Ecomom.com on facebook or twitter to keep up all the great sales!

milk Nursing Night Gown Review and Giveaway!

Night nursing was something I gave a lot of thought to before Avin was born.  I knew that in the hospital and at home I would want some comfortable pajamas and gowns to wear to sleep in but that I would have to be able to easily access my breasts for feedings.  I looked high and low for pajamas and gowns that would easily accommodate breastfeeding and it seemed like I could only find two kinds--- skimpy lingerie like nightgowns that would not cover or support me or pajamas that I am pretty sure came out of my grandma's closet.  When I found milk nursing wear and their organic cotton night gowns I went wild! 

I contacted them about a review and received the Crossover Maternity and Nursing Nightgown in black.  It was the perfect combination for me.  It is cute and comfy without being too revealing or granny like.  The gown comes down to my knees so I can wear it without fear of exposing my bottom half when I sit down.  The top is a wrap design that allows you to simply pull the material to the side for quick and easy nursing.  I like the empire waist line because it provides some support for my breasts.  The top also fits snugly enough I can wear nursing pads without them falling out.  The cleavage I show in it turns my husband but is mild enough that with a robe I don't feel too exposed when we stay with family.  The hem and sleeves have some ruffle to them so I don't just feel like a milk cow, I feel pretty and feminine.  The cut is flattering for my still flabby belly so it helps me to feel attractive as well.

I love this nightgown because it not only makes me look and feel attractive but also gives me peace of mind because it is made from organic cotton.  When my son is snuggled close to me I like knowing that he's not cuddling a bunch of nasty chemicals. 


milk is giving away a Crossover Maternity and Nursing Nightgown to one of my {very lucky} readers!  Mandatory Entry: To enter you must either follow milk on facebook or twitter and leave a comment letting them know Avinsmomma sent you.  (Make sure you leave me a comment with a link to your comment)

Additional Entries:

Follow milk on either facebook or twitter (whichever you did not do for your mandatory entry) (1 entry)

Follow my blog via google friend connect (on the right hand side) (1 entry)

Subscribe to my blog via RSS feed (on the left hand side)  (1 entry)

Follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway (comment and leave me the permalink to your tweet) -  
               Tweet up to twice per day, one entry per tweet

Contest open to US residents, 18 and older, void where prohibited.  Please make sure you leave your email address in your comments so I can contact you if you win.  One comment = one entry.  Contest will end June 29, 2010 at 11:00 PM CST.  Winner will be chosen using random.org.

Izzy Belle's Trendy Tots Nursing Pad Review

Although Avin is almost a year old we are still formula free and nursing about about 8-10 times per day.  Breastfeeding started out as somewhat of a bumpy road for us because we went through lots of issues including oversupply, over active letdown, and nipple aversion just to name a few.  Since about 4 months our breastfeeding has been smooth sailing.  We worked out all our problems and I became a pro at getting a wiggling baby latched on to the nipple without exposing myself to the world.  The only problem that we still deal with is leaking.  I can't tell you the number of times I've heard Avin cry or picked him up and carried him pressed to my chest only to find within minutes that my shirt was soaked with milk.  Nothing is more embarrassing than being in public in a shirt clingy wetly to your flabby belly! Try feeling beautiful in that situation!  I was so excited to try out the cloth nursing pads from Izzy Belle's Trendy Tots!

After Avin was born I tried several different kinds of disposable nursing pads to help absorb the leaking milk but I just didn't like any of them.  The thin ones didn't seem to absorb anything.  The ones with sticky tape on the back (meant to hold them in place) always ended up stuck to my breast instead of my bra.  The thicker ones absorbed good but they made unsightly lumps in my bra that embarrassed me almost as much as wearing my wet t-shirt in public!  When we made the switch to cloth diapers I also was clued in to reusable cloth nursing pads. 

Cloth nursing pads can just be tossed into the washer with your other laundry and reused over and over again. In order to prolong the life of the nursing pads, they should be washed in cold water on gentle cycle (preferably in a lingerie or hosiery bag), and should be allowed to air dry. I have found that washing their pads along with baby's laundry in a gentle detergent is an easy way to care for them. Never use fabric softener with the nursing pads, because doing so will take away from their ability to wick moisture away from the body (just like in cloth diapers). 

I love the cloth nursing pads from Izzy Belle's for several reasons.  One they eliminate my wet shirt issue.  Two they are Eco-friendly because they are reusable and made from a bottom layer of soft organic flannel, layers of natural antibacterial bamboo and organic cotton fabric, and a top layer in a fun design. Last but definitely not least I like that they have cute designs on them.  No one but me knows that my nursing pads are pirate themed but it's a fun design and it makes me laugh inside because each time I get ready to nurse Avin I always think of another corny pirate joke.  :)

Make sure you stop by Izzy Belle's and check out all their fun themed nursing pads! They also carry a variety of organic and eco-friendly products for both Mom and Baby!  You can find them on facebook and twitter too! Use coupon code MM10 for 15% off your entire purchase.

The "Before" Shot

With all good makeovers you must have good "before" and "after" shots.  My makeover sadly only has one before shot.  One of the things that shocked me into putting together the "Mommy Makeover Event" was when I looked back through the pictures taken since Avin was born I could only find a few that included me and in most of those I am in pajamas!  I avoided being in pictures because I was embarrassed about how horrible I looked.  So below is my "before" shot.  This is me in full mommy mode! Note the not so freshly washed hair scraped back into the "I had 5 seconds between screams" ponytail.  Note the not so flattering shirt that shows off the baby fat around the belly. 

Welcome to the Mommy Makeover Event

Welcome to the "Mommy Makeover Event"!  For the next two weeks I will be posting reviews and giveaways related to products designed to help a mom look and feel beautiful.  As a new mom I can tell you that you need all the help you can get to look and feel beautiful.  With a new baby sleep is always in short supply and it doesn't take long to slip into mommy mode and forget you are also a woman.  When you are focused on your helpless new baby and sleep deprived you just don't always have the time or energy to devote to doing your hair and makeup.  Sometimes wearing clothing that isn't from the new designer "Baby Spit" is a major accomplishment.  As for feeling beautiful...after gaining weight during pregnancy, adding a roadmap of veins and stretch marks to your body, and feeling like a 24 hour diner...beautiful is a completely foreign word.  I hope that the next two weeks inspire each of you to reclaim some mommy time for yourself.  As mom's we must remember that we deserve to take care of ourselves and that when we do things that help us look and feel good we are happier and more productive.  Don't feel guilty about doing a little something for yourself now and then! You deserve it because you a wonderful mom! You know if your baby got paid for being cute she'd buy those new shoes for you! I hope you enjoy the ride as I attempt to go from frazzled to fabulous!