*From time to time I may review a product, service or business on this blog. With the exception of occasionally receiving a product free of charge, I do not receive any compensation for these reviews. The opinions expressed are my own.
Review: Dragonfyre Apothecary - Natural & Organic Skin Care
I recently received Dragonfyre Apothecary's entire line of DragonBaby and DragonMama products for review. I was not compensated for this review, but I did receive the products free of charge. The opinions expressed are my own.
When I received Dragonfyre Apothecary's DragonBaby and DragonMama line of skin care for review, I was pretty excited to see what they were all about. Their products are made with 100% natural and organic ingredients and I felt comfortable using them on my kids. Overall, I was genuinely impressed with each product and would highly recommend them to moms everywhere.
Here is a detailed breakdown of each product and why they get two enthusiastic thumbs up (or at least as enthusiastic as the thumbs of a mom with two kids under 3 can be).
As the mom of a toddler who loves fruit, I have a lot of experience with diaper rash creams. (If you haven't experienced the fiery red butt that accompanies eating a lot of acidic fruit, you've been warned.) I really like the Blazin' Bottoms Fanny Creme because you only need to use a little bit. It comes in a pump bottle which is great for one-handed use - especially since you're probably using your other hand to wrangle a screaming, struggling tot. What I really like about this creme is that it pumps like a lotion, but goes on more like an oil. It absorbs quickly so it's not still glopped on at the next diaper change. It's fast-acting, too. The rash usually clears up after a few applications (rather than days with some other creams).
Head-to-Tail Baby Wash
This wash also comes in a pump bottle which is always a plus in my book. It has a light scent and works well for cleaning your little one's hair and body. Since you don't need to use a lot, you'll find it really goes a long way toward lasting. I use this baby wash on both my toddler and my newborn and I still have plenty left.
DragonBaby Body Creme
Baby lotions are really hit or miss. I've found some that have made me sorely regret slathering my child in what turned out to be a stinky second layer. This body creme is great because it has a pleasant scent that won't overwhelm you or your baby. It's also light and non-greasy and absorbs into the skin quickly.
DragonScales Tea Tree Salve
This salve is recommended to help baby's dry, itchy skin. I actually just used it for the first time on my two month old son and it's really helping. It rubs on smoothly and while there is a scent (I couldn't quite place it, but I imagine it was a combination of the shea butter, chamomile, and other natural ingredients contained in it), it wasn't unpleasant. Since he's so young, I'm hesitant to put creams or lotions on his face. However, since all Dragonfyre Apothecary products are made using only natural and organic ingredients, I felt more comfortable applying this salve to his forehead.
In addition to these great products for baby, they even threw in some pick-me-ups for mom! It was definitely a treat getting to try out some wonderful moisturizers and balms myself.
DragonMama Belly Bump Balm
Since I was already pregnant with my second child (and sporting a full-on mid-section zebra print) by the time I tried this Belly Bump Balm, I don't know whether it helps to reduce stretch marks. What I do know is that it's wonderful for moisturizing and alleviating the annoying itchy belly that accompanies pregnancy. Plus, the scent of lemongrass was relaxing and left me wanting an Italian ice! The great thing about this balm is that it's not just for the belly; it can be used anywhere that needs some extra moisture. To be honest, I used it on my feet (their residual dryness a lingering gift from my days as a waitress) and on my knees (which have been severely dry ever since my daughter started crawling). I've tried plenty of other lotions, creams, and balms for those areas and none have worked as well (or as quickly) as the Belly Bump Balm. I'm a big fan!
Moiste Facial Moisturizer
The Moiste Facial Moisturizer and Andswere Prestige Hyaluronan Serum (see below) are the epitome of a great power couple. Try them separately and try them together. They're amazing! The moisturizer is a light and airy lotion that doesn't feel at all greasy when applied. One of the main reasons I've never been a big fan of facial lotions is because they tend to leave me feeling greasy, dirty, and weighed down. Not this one. It absorbs quickly and leaves your skin feeling clean. There is a noticeable difference in the dryness of my skin on days when I don't use this moisturizer. Combined with the Andswere Prestige Hyaluronan Serum your skin will feel soft, smooth, and hydrated. Don't have the serum? It also works great on its own.
Andswere Prestige Hyaluronan Serum
Like the Moiste Facial Moisturizer, the Andswere Prestige Hyaluronan Serum is a light and non-greasy anti-aging serum which promotes collagen synthesis and cell regeneration. It has a faint, but pleasant, scent, and it absorbs quickly. While I'm still a ways from worrying about lines and wrinkles (I just turned 30, after all), I love this serum and use it daily for the benefits of its hydrating and cleansing effects. When combined with the Moiste Facial Moisturizer, it's a real treat for your skin!
For more information or to purchase these great items for yourself, visit their website at www.dragonfyreapothecary.com. You can also like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter and Pinterest!
REVIEW: MADDY BLEU HANDMADE BABY BLANKET/QUILT
A few months back, I won a handmade baby blanket/quilt in an online auction benefiting a local family. Shawna, the hands behind Maddy Bleu's handiwork, was kind enough to wait until we had learned the sex of our newest baby (it's a boy!) in order to personalize it for us. It arrived this week and I couldn't have been more blown away.
I had simply told Shawna we were decorating the nursery with a Disney Pinocchio theme and if she had a way to incorporate that into the blanket, it would be great. If not, it was no biggie. Well, in my opinion, she went above and beyond (which was particularly amazing since the items listed in the auction had been donated). Here's what arrived in the mail.
My husband and I were so impressed that we just couldn't stop talking about it. On one side is a vibrant red blanket soft enough to generate sweet dreams. On the other is a beautifully crafted quilt with a fun patchwork design and a large, centered print of the wooden boy himself taken from Thomas Kinkade's painting "Pinocchio Wishes Upon a Star". I was especially excited about this because we have a large print of that painting we plan to hang in the nursery (which I hadn't even mentioned). The blanket is 36" x 36" which is perfect since he'll be able to grow with it.
But wait; that's not all! Also included in our package was an adorable and unexpected lovie (a smaller Taggie-style blanket) perfect for any tot. Shawna, again, went above and beyond on this! As if this weren't already more than enough (with its attached teether and tags), both sides also had screen prints taken from the same painting. On one side is Jiminy Cricket standing on a tree branch and on the other is a view of Geppetto's workshop.
While I was already impressed by her courteousness, dedication, and level of professionalism, it was truly Shawna's craftsmanship that left me (nearly) speechless. (I say "nearly" because I'm too much of a chatterbox to ever stay quiet for long.)
I've already ordered a second Winnie the Pooh themed baby blanket for my daughter as a gift from the new baby. I would purchase handmade crafts from Shawna again without hesitation and I would definitely recommend her business to anyone willing to listen.
Some of her handmade items (see pictures here) include lovies, quilts, game quilts (these are so cool!), boo boo bags (hot and cold packs), purses, diaper bags, tutus, and other specialty items. Check out her Facebook page for information on sizes and prices.
ANGRY BIRDS GO! TELEPODS PIG ROCK RACEWAY
I recently received the ANGRY BIRDS GO! TELEPODS PIG ROCK RACEWAY set for review. I was not compensated for this review, but I did receive the game free of charge. The opinions expressed are my own.
If you've ever indulged in a game of Angry Birds on your smartphone or tablet, you've probably found yourself hooked. There's also a good chance you've secretly wished you could actually get your hands on those snickering pigs when you've blown up the dynamite and watched enormous towers crumble around them leaving nothing more than a few black eyes and an obnoxious smirk. With ANGRY BIRDS GO! TELEPODS PIG ROCK RACEWAY, you can finally do more than just imagine flicking those little oinkers.
The set includes a racetrack, two karts (one exclusive to this set), a telepod, obstacles, piggies, and stickers. Assembly is required, but it didn't take very long to put together.
Each kart has a starting position and players push a button to send their characters racing down the track toward a treasure chest and its guard - a particularly fat-headed pirate pig. As racers zoom past the first set of pigs, they blast those floating heads with TNT (and possibly get a little too much enjoyment out of it).
Avoid the pendulum or it'll slow you down and give your opponent a wing up on the competition. Be the first player to blast through the finish and send that booty-hogging (get it?) buccaneer back where he came from.
The fun doesn't have to stop there. Download the free Angry Birds GO! app and teleport your kart into your mobile device. Once in the app, place your kart on the clear telepod base over your camera and press the app's teleport button to send it into the game. The trick (which I only learned after several failed attempts) is to first make sure your camera is set to forward-facing; otherwise it won't work. I would've liked the instructions to include this little tidbit since I wasted a good bit of time trying to figure it out.
Since my daughter (a year and a half) was more interested in making the pigs bite her finger than watching them race, I borrowed my buddies, Gavin and Anthony, to play. (Note: this game is not recommended for children under 3 as it contains choking hazards. I let Bailey play under supervision because she's clearly more of a hazard to the pigs.)
Gavin enjoyed the raceway set and had fun knocking the pigs down, but he wasn't as interested in the app. He had no trouble resetting the pieces each time and had fun racing the karts over and over. Anthony, on the other hand, played both ways, but preferred the app portion of the game.
While Gavin was ready to play again the next day, he needed an adult's help rebuilding the platform. If your kids are younger, you may need to build it for them each time they play - just something to consider.
The game is recommended for ages 5 and up and retails for $29.99. It can be found at major stores like Toys R Us, Walmart, and Amazon.
BABYBJORN Baby Carrier Original
Review: Dragonfyre Apothecary - Natural & Organic Skin Care
I recently received Dragonfyre Apothecary's entire line of DragonBaby and DragonMama products for review. I was not compensated for this review, but I did receive the products free of charge. The opinions expressed are my own.
When I received Dragonfyre Apothecary's DragonBaby and DragonMama line of skin care for review, I was pretty excited to see what they were all about. Their products are made with 100% natural and organic ingredients and I felt comfortable using them on my kids. Overall, I was genuinely impressed with each product and would highly recommend them to moms everywhere.
Here is a detailed breakdown of each product and why they get two enthusiastic thumbs up (or at least as enthusiastic as the thumbs of a mom with two kids under 3 can be).
As the mom of a toddler who loves fruit, I have a lot of experience with diaper rash creams. (If you haven't experienced the fiery red butt that accompanies eating a lot of acidic fruit, you've been warned.) I really like the Blazin' Bottoms Fanny Creme because you only need to use a little bit. It comes in a pump bottle which is great for one-handed use - especially since you're probably using your other hand to wrangle a screaming, struggling tot. What I really like about this creme is that it pumps like a lotion, but goes on more like an oil. It absorbs quickly so it's not still glopped on at the next diaper change. It's fast-acting, too. The rash usually clears up after a few applications (rather than days with some other creams).
Head-to-Tail Baby Wash
This wash also comes in a pump bottle which is always a plus in my book. It has a light scent and works well for cleaning your little one's hair and body. Since you don't need to use a lot, you'll find it really goes a long way toward lasting. I use this baby wash on both my toddler and my newborn and I still have plenty left.
DragonBaby Body Creme
Baby lotions are really hit or miss. I've found some that have made me sorely regret slathering my child in what turned out to be a stinky second layer. This body creme is great because it has a pleasant scent that won't overwhelm you or your baby. It's also light and non-greasy and absorbs into the skin quickly.
DragonScales Tea Tree Salve
This salve is recommended to help baby's dry, itchy skin. I actually just used it for the first time on my two month old son and it's really helping. It rubs on smoothly and while there is a scent (I couldn't quite place it, but I imagine it was a combination of the shea butter, chamomile, and other natural ingredients contained in it), it wasn't unpleasant. Since he's so young, I'm hesitant to put creams or lotions on his face. However, since all Dragonfyre Apothecary products are made using only natural and organic ingredients, I felt more comfortable applying this salve to his forehead.
In addition to these great products for baby, they even threw in some pick-me-ups for mom! It was definitely a treat getting to try out some wonderful moisturizers and balms myself.
DragonMama Belly Bump Balm
Since I was already pregnant with my second child (and sporting a full-on mid-section zebra print) by the time I tried this Belly Bump Balm, I don't know whether it helps to reduce stretch marks. What I do know is that it's wonderful for moisturizing and alleviating the annoying itchy belly that accompanies pregnancy. Plus, the scent of lemongrass was relaxing and left me wanting an Italian ice! The great thing about this balm is that it's not just for the belly; it can be used anywhere that needs some extra moisture. To be honest, I used it on my feet (their residual dryness a lingering gift from my days as a waitress) and on my knees (which have been severely dry ever since my daughter started crawling). I've tried plenty of other lotions, creams, and balms for those areas and none have worked as well (or as quickly) as the Belly Bump Balm. I'm a big fan!
Moiste Facial Moisturizer
The Moiste Facial Moisturizer and Andswere Prestige Hyaluronan Serum (see below) are the epitome of a great power couple. Try them separately and try them together. They're amazing! The moisturizer is a light and airy lotion that doesn't feel at all greasy when applied. One of the main reasons I've never been a big fan of facial lotions is because they tend to leave me feeling greasy, dirty, and weighed down. Not this one. It absorbs quickly and leaves your skin feeling clean. There is a noticeable difference in the dryness of my skin on days when I don't use this moisturizer. Combined with the Andswere Prestige Hyaluronan Serum your skin will feel soft, smooth, and hydrated. Don't have the serum? It also works great on its own.
Andswere Prestige Hyaluronan Serum
Like the Moiste Facial Moisturizer, the Andswere Prestige Hyaluronan Serum is a light and non-greasy anti-aging serum which promotes collagen synthesis and cell regeneration. It has a faint, but pleasant, scent, and it absorbs quickly. While I'm still a ways from worrying about lines and wrinkles (I just turned 30, after all), I love this serum and use it daily for the benefits of its hydrating and cleansing effects. When combined with the Moiste Facial Moisturizer, it's a real treat for your skin!
For more information or to purchase these great items for yourself, visit their website at www.dragonfyreapothecary.com. You can also like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter and Pinterest!
REVIEW: MADDY BLEU HANDMADE BABY BLANKET/QUILT
A few months back, I won a handmade baby blanket/quilt in an online auction benefiting a local family. Shawna, the hands behind Maddy Bleu's handiwork, was kind enough to wait until we had learned the sex of our newest baby (it's a boy!) in order to personalize it for us. It arrived this week and I couldn't have been more blown away.
I had simply told Shawna we were decorating the nursery with a Disney Pinocchio theme and if she had a way to incorporate that into the blanket, it would be great. If not, it was no biggie. Well, in my opinion, she went above and beyond (which was particularly amazing since the items listed in the auction had been donated). Here's what arrived in the mail.
But wait; that's not all! Also included in our package was an adorable and unexpected lovie (a smaller Taggie-style blanket) perfect for any tot. Shawna, again, went above and beyond on this! As if this weren't already more than enough (with its attached teether and tags), both sides also had screen prints taken from the same painting. On one side is Jiminy Cricket standing on a tree branch and on the other is a view of Geppetto's workshop.
I've already ordered a second Winnie the Pooh themed baby blanket for my daughter as a gift from the new baby. I would purchase handmade crafts from Shawna again without hesitation and I would definitely recommend her business to anyone willing to listen.
Some of her handmade items (see pictures here) include lovies, quilts, game quilts (these are so cool!), boo boo bags (hot and cold packs), purses, diaper bags, tutus, and other specialty items. Check out her Facebook page for information on sizes and prices.
ANGRY BIRDS GO! TELEPODS PIG ROCK RACEWAY
I recently received the ANGRY BIRDS GO! TELEPODS PIG ROCK RACEWAY set for review. I was not compensated for this review, but I did receive the game free of charge. The opinions expressed are my own.
If you've ever indulged in a game of Angry Birds on your smartphone or tablet, you've probably found yourself hooked. There's also a good chance you've secretly wished you could actually get your hands on those snickering pigs when you've blown up the dynamite and watched enormous towers crumble around them leaving nothing more than a few black eyes and an obnoxious smirk. With ANGRY BIRDS GO! TELEPODS PIG ROCK RACEWAY, you can finally do more than just imagine flicking those little oinkers.
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| Photo Courtesy of Hasbro |
Each kart has a starting position and players push a button to send their characters racing down the track toward a treasure chest and its guard - a particularly fat-headed pirate pig. As racers zoom past the first set of pigs, they blast those floating heads with TNT (and possibly get a little too much enjoyment out of it).
Avoid the pendulum or it'll slow you down and give your opponent a wing up on the competition. Be the first player to blast through the finish and send that booty-hogging (get it?) buccaneer back where he came from.
The fun doesn't have to stop there. Download the free Angry Birds GO! app and teleport your kart into your mobile device. Once in the app, place your kart on the clear telepod base over your camera and press the app's teleport button to send it into the game. The trick (which I only learned after several failed attempts) is to first make sure your camera is set to forward-facing; otherwise it won't work. I would've liked the instructions to include this little tidbit since I wasted a good bit of time trying to figure it out.
Since my daughter (a year and a half) was more interested in making the pigs bite her finger than watching them race, I borrowed my buddies, Gavin and Anthony, to play. (Note: this game is not recommended for children under 3 as it contains choking hazards. I let Bailey play under supervision because she's clearly more of a hazard to the pigs.)
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| Gavin gearing up for another round. |
While Gavin was ready to play again the next day, he needed an adult's help rebuilding the platform. If your kids are younger, you may need to build it for them each time they play - just something to consider.
The game is recommended for ages 5 and up and retails for $29.99. It can be found at major stores like Toys R Us, Walmart, and Amazon.
With Mother’s Day less than a week away, there’s undoubtedly a frantic husband or two rushing to find the perfect gift. Jewelry is always a mainstay, but it can get pricey. What’s a procrastinating dad (or indulgent mom) to do? Here’s the answer: Origami Owl.
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| Photo by Team Kitty Gibson |
No, I’m not talking about cutely folded paper owls. Origami Owl is a less expensive, but equally beautiful, competitor to some better known create-your-own forms of jewelry. How does it work? Start by visiting the website here. Begin by selecting a chain - with prices ranging from $10.00 to $22.00, I’d say we’re already off to a pretty good start. Next, decide whether you want to create a Living Locket or whether you’d rather get Tagged.
Getting Tagged is easy enough. Create a simple and stylish necklace with dangles and/or tags which attach directly to the chain.
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| Photo by Origami Owl |
Living Lockets take a bit more figuring out, but are just as simple to put together. It’s an adorable way to collect all the things you already keep in your heart and keep them in, well, a necklace above your heart. How clever. The size and style of locket is up to you, but the $20.00 - $40.00 options ensure this will be the most expensive piece you buy (not bad compared to some of the Owl’s contemporaries). The accent pieces include charms, dangles, tags, and plates – with plenty of options for each.
So let’s say you pick the locket and chain and grab a couple of charms. Maybe you created a special piece to celebrate Mother’s Day. You’ve picked your charms: Girl Baby Feet; Mom Heart in Silver; and the Silver Rose Charm. You even went the distance and snagged a Rosegold Love plate. You now have a beautiful locket to celebrate motherhood. But what about next month when you’re gearing up for a Moms Night Out? While you’re still proud to be a mama, you’re also excited to be a woman – outside of snotty noses and dirty diapers. Sure, you want to wear that great locket you got, but maybe it doesn’t quite go with your outfit or your mindset. No problem.
Luckily, you had the foresight to collect some additional charms over the past month. Since charms only cost $5.00 per piece, you’ve found a new way to create a different accessory to match any outfit (or mood). Open your locket, remove the charms, and pop out the plate. You can now replace them with a Red Shoe, Lipstick, and Microphone. You’re ready for karaoke with the girls. (For some great examples of completed lockets, check out these designs.)
The great thing about the Living Lockets and Tagged necklaces is that they’re fully customizable. The assortment of charms, tags, dangles, and plates presents the opportunity to create entirely different necklaces every time. And at only $5.00 for each charm, there’s no limit to what you can do (guilt-free!). Use your imagination: create lockets based on hobbies, causes, occupations - even your favorite books and TV shows!
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| Photo by Lisa Lieberman |
Buying from Origami Owl is also a great way to support local moms. Many of its independent designers, like Kitty Gibson, are local mothers doing what they can to stay home and raise their kids. Why not buy yourself a beautifully personalized necklace while helping a local mama in the process? For more information, check out Kitty’s Origami Owl website at http://kittygibson.origamiowl.com. For great ideas on creating your own, and for information on hosting a party, be sure to like her Facebook page.
BABYBJORN Baby Carrier Original
What parent doesn't want a hands-free way to tote their tot? The BABYBJORN Baby Carrier Original is a great world- and mom-facing carrier designed to assist in hefting your new bundle around, while also leaving your arms available for those push ups you're trying to cram in. It also provides support for bobble-headed newborns who still lack the neck strength to hold their noggins on their own.
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| Photo by babybjorn.com |
For brand new babies, it's designed for cradling against mommy's chest in an effort to promote bonding. Older tykes enjoy a broader perspective when turned outward in full view of the world. While the mom-facing design is theoretically great for eye contact and closeness, my daughter wasn't a fan of being forced to gaze at my mug. I couldn't coax her into hanging out in this carrier so long as I was the view.
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| Photo by babybjorn.com |
It's easy to use and the adjustable straps grow with your child. The price can range between $60-$80 and it makes a great registry item. Even though I wasn't able to use it for the first several months, I'd recommend it as an example of delayed gratification.
There comes a time in every pregnancy when a woman realizes she just can't get comfortable in bed. That ever growing belly makes it difficult to find a position where falling asleep is possible. Back? Doctor says that's a no go. Side? Not with the new pressure from a tiny stowaway. Stomach? Not unless you want to squish your hitchhiker. What's an exhausted girl to do? Get used to it! Just kidding.
For me, my answer came in the form of a large 'C' shaped body pillow called the Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow. After trying regular pillows and makeshift sleep wedges formed from cut up Tempur-Pedic material, I finally gave in and decided to spend a little cash. My sister had recommended this noodle-like cushion and I figured she, as an experienced mom, would know best.
Another fun thing about the Snoogle is that it can be used for more than just sleeping. Easily twisted, it also makes for a comfortable back support when wrapped around you during the latest episode of "I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant" (and it doesn't hinder you from throwing french fries at the TV when a 115 lb woman has a nearly painless delivery on the bathroom floor of a convenience store).
The Snoogle can also be used as a nursing pillow once the baby arrives, although I never tried that function. I had a Boppy Nursing Pillow and my Snoogle was immediately retired to the garage to make room for my husband in bed. He was glad to be back after nine months of wondering whether I was actually on the other side.
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| Copyright Leachco |
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| Copyright Leachco |
For me, my answer came in the form of a large 'C' shaped body pillow called the Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow. After trying regular pillows and makeshift sleep wedges formed from cut up Tempur-Pedic material, I finally gave in and decided to spend a little cash. My sister had recommended this noodle-like cushion and I figured she, as an experienced mom, would know best.
Oh, Snoogle; I applaud you. This versatile cloud worked wonders for my sheep counting. Total Body Pillow, indeed - stretched out, it's longer than I am. Used against my back, it usually did a good job of preventing me from rolling over. Likewise, it comfortably alleviated the pressure on my belly when I snuggled up from behind. The 'C' shaped top is meant to be used as a head cushion, but I'm fond of my regular, fluffy pillows from the neck up.
Personally, I found it a bit uncomfortable used that way, but discovered if I turned the top portion away from me while I slept, it was perfect. Whether my husband appreciated a worm-like poke in the face while he slept is up for debate (he says not so much, but I say I grew a person inside me... rock beats scissors).
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| Copyright Leachco |
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| Copyright Leachco |
All in all, I was impressed and satisfied with this pillow. It was a bit pricey when I bought it (around $70 if I'm not mistaken), but I'd say it was well worth it. My latest Google search showed it on sale from Amazon for just under $50. I would recommend this pillow to any expectant mom in need of a good night's sleep.
All in all, I was impressed and satisfied with this pillow. It was a bit pricey when I bought it (around $70 if I'm not mistaken), but I'd say it was well worth it. My latest Google search showed it on sale from Amazon for just under $50. I would recommend this pillow to any expectant mom in need of a good night's sleep.
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