How many times, do you read a pregnancy magazine or go online, and you see an advertisement for a product that you would like to try out, but you are not sure if its worth the money to spend. I am one of those people. Times are hard, and you really have to think about the worth of your purchases. Having probably the most stressful pregnancy, this time around, with sciatica, nausea, and hormonal changes galore, I have been looking for products that would de-stress me. When I came across Bellysonic, the pictures and the messages on the ad, seemed like my most immediate cure for de-stressification.

I wanted to bond with my child, and music seemed to be the most perfect way. Music is so soothing, comforting, and freeing. I felt that the music I would hear through my ears, and the music my baby would hear, through my belly, would be another step in our bonding experience. In other words, it’s our time, for me to de-stress, and my child to reap the benefits of that.

When I was getting more information about the Bellysonic, I was introduced to their other line, Sleepsonic. It’s based upon the same principles, but it’s a speaker pillow. I have problems with sleeping at night because my days are filled, and I constantly think about all the millions of things, I need to take care of the next day. So in turn, I always have trouble sleeping at night. The Sleepsonic would be another way for me to de-stress, listen to music, and also get a good night’s rest.

Of course, once I got my Bellysonic and Sleepsonic, I was super-excited. I was super-excited to try it out and super excited to write about it. If it’s something that helps me, and I could help others in the same boat, I would be so happy to spread the word.

First, the Bellysonic, is super soft,lightweight, and made of Organic Sherpa cotton fabric. It has a built in (mini) low out-put headphone type stereo speakers, a headphone splitter, and an MP3 player storage area in the speaker pouch. You can also use the Bellysonic with a CD player. Plus, it is Made in the USA (nothing better than supporting our own economy).

The Bellysonic delivers stereo sounds to the womb. It allows both the mommy and the baby to enjoy the process of prenatal learning. There has been endless research, proving the benefits that music gives to the baby in the womb. I was always told by mom and other mothers, to turn on music and let the baby enjoy, while you relax. And after trying it, I was able to relax, and it was such a great feeling that my baby was listening to the same music. I felt like we were sharing a “secret” experience that was only between us. I felt like I was bonding with my baby, and with every movement and every kick, it just made my experience even more satisfying.

The Sleepsonic stereo speaker pillows came with a built in pair of custom-made digital stero headphones. The pillow was very compact in design and very comfortable. It is also compatible with any digital, stereo CD/tape, MP3, PC, portable or home stereo system. So you don’t have to be high tech to use this pillow. My pillowcase was made of Organic Sherpa Cotton, which was very soft and delicate. Another great option was that you can customize your own pillow to fit your own sleeping needs. My pillow was a wedged pillow, made on an incline, which offered me more neck support and more thickness along the neck line.

When it was time to sleep, the music in the pillow was so soothing and relaxing. It felt good that I did not have bulky headphones around my ear, which would be a hassle to wear while I was sleeping. My husband who had major insomnia issues on a nightly basis, was able to sleep within an hour, after just soaking up the music from the pillow. After I saw that, I truely could recommend this to anyone who has sleep issues, or in my case, stress and sleep issues.

Both the Bellysonic and Sleepsonic are gems. For people who are in my shoes, as well as people looking for a great product for themselves, can reap the benefits of these two systems. Whether its pregnancy or stress, in my case, or sleep issues, in my husband’s case, both these systems can do so much for you, and you’ll wake up a happier person. For more information please visit them at: http://www.bellysonic.com/ and http://www.sleepsonic.com/.

Another Side Note: The lady behind these two great products, Julia Paris, is such a wonderful woman, who genuinly cares about mothers. She is a wealth of knowledge and is very passionate about what she does. So if you have any specific questions or comments, I am sure she would love to hear from all you mommas here. Just go to the website and email her. She is also constantly developing new products and she also has a Baby Sleepsonic line.

(Disclosure: Products were provided free of charge for review purposes and does not affect my views or feedback of the products.  This review is based solely on my personal opinion and experience and results may vary person to person.)

If you are in the Los Angeles area, I have an event for you. I recently came across the Breakfast Club Mommies. The club was started by Mommy & Baby Lifestyle Expert, Jayneoni Moore. The site says that it is a, “posh social club for moms and moms-to-be.” If you are looking to be in some sort of mommy social circle, this one seems to be a fun one to be a part of. I have never been to any of their events, so it’s hard for me to really go into depth about what the events are like.

The club is hosting “From the Bump to the Tot Mommy Dinner” at Giggles N Hugs, on May 27th, 2009 (7:30-9:00pm). If you are a new mom or a mom-to-be, you may want to RSVP to this event. The tickets are $60 (includes an overfilled gift bag). For more information, please go to: http://www.breakfastclubmommies.com/.

Link to the invite: http://breakfastclubmommies.com/Invite.html

As parents, we are constantly cleaning up after our children. Sometimes, they are simple spills, and other times it’s the marked up, kiddie drawings, all over the wall. Sure, I love murals and artworks, but sometimes, it just doesnt work in certain places. Having a child, I have been more and more conscious about the products I use. I try to stay away from mainstream conventional cleaners because they are just so toxic and hazardous to our health, while being hard on the environment and our Earth.

I have used many products that are natural and safe, however, sometimes, I just feel it does not clean the way I want it to. Granted it is very natural, so you must compare and outweigh your options. But I felt that something had to be on the market that was safe, natural, and did the cleaning. And you know what? I was right. Simply Neutral is what I discovered. I tried out the Value Pack which included, the all-purpose cleaner, the no-VOC glass cleaner, and the non-abrasive cleanser. Immediately, I liked how they packaged it and shipped to my house. In order to reduce their global footprint, they shipped their cleaners, “waterless.” The concentrate was in the bottle, and all I needed to do, was add water. They also reuse and recycle, their boxes, as well as their packing supplies. I thought this was very neat, and very eco-conscious.

My mother is a master cleaner, and she really knows how to work it. In the past, she has complained about, some of my more natural and safer products. I handed the products over to her and she was quite pleased with them. She said that it actually cleaned, rather than her trying to clean it. None of the cleaners contain petroleum-based compounds, phosphates, volatile organic compounds, dyes, or synthetic frangrances. Save your house and Save the Earth. For more information, go to http://www.simplyneutral.com/.

(Disclosure: Products were provided free of charge for review purposes and does not affect my views or feedback of the products.  This review is based solely on my personal opinion and experience and results may vary person to person.)

For one of my lucky readers, Mod Mum is giving away a sling of your choice from their site. Please comment below telling us what you like about the sling, as well as your favorite print, by going to: http://www.modmum.com/. This is mandatory for the main entry.

Please use one account to enter. If found to be using other blogger accounts, as well as anonymous comments to gain extra entries, you will be disqualified from this giveaway, as well as future giveaways. Let’s keep it fair!

For additional entries:Please leave a comment for each additional entry you complete. (current followers and subscribers count as well)

• Follow my blog
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The giveaway will end on Sunday May 24th, 2009 at 11:59pm(PST).

Rules: In order to win, you must provide a valid email. If there is no email address provided, to contact the winner, another person will be chosen. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the winning email notification with their complete mailing address. If this information is not received within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open for US mailing addresses only.

I really do? Just to explain a little something, when I was pregnant with my daughter, I had so many slings given to me for my baby shower. Of course, I put slings on my registry list, hearing all the special benefits, it would give me and my baby. However, once I got them, I had such difficulties in putting them on. It seemed way too complicated. After going through the online tutorials, manuals, as well as cds, I pretty much gave up on slings.

As I watched other mothers sport their, really fashionable slings, I just didn’t get why I couldn’t figure out how to wear a sling. I truely felt like I was a little slow. Consistently, I would give it a try, only to give up again, and just feel helpless. I really wanted to reap the benefits of babywearing, for my child and I.

When I got pregnant this time around, the thought of getting a sling crossed my mind again. So I started to read endless magazines, blogs, online parenting sites, and decided that I would try babywearing again. This time around, I wanted to give it a go, without giving up. If the girl next door can easily put her baby in the sling, then I could do the same. With that mindset, I went on a search to find a sling that would be easy to wear, as well as being stylish. Then I came across Mod Mum, “baby slings for stylish modern mums.”

Let me tell you, after struggling, one sling after another, it was so great to put this sling on. I did not struggle, I did not have to figure things out, it was so easy. It came with simple instructions and explained everything, step by step. Also, I learned the importance of correct sizing. If you have the wrong size, you won’t be comfortable, and safety issues with the baby may arise. You can use the Mod Mum sling in three different positions: Cradle Carry (0-9months), Front Carry (2-8 months), and Hip Carry (6 months+). The sling that I got was in the Olivia print (pictured above). It is very stylish and modern, and represents the vibrant person that I am. It also has a super sleek leg padding, to add comfort to your baby, when you hip carry.

I am so glad I found Mod Mum slings. I tried it out with my daughter’s life size baby doll, and had no problems. I am very happy and hopeful, that this time around, my baby and I will experience the true gift and benefits of babywearing. Please visit them at http://www.modmum.com/. Price: $38-$64

(Disclosure: Product was provided free of charge for review purposes and does not affect my views or feedback of the product.  This review is based solely on my personal opinion and experience and results may vary person to person.)

Being a mother, has so many special qualities. Every time, I see my daughter sleep next to me in her tutu and ballet slippers, or when she comes up to me and asks me a very intelligent question, I get this warm fuzzy feeling that is indescribable. First off, I can’t even fathom how she came out of me. Now she is a blossoming little flower that is growing everyday and gets more beautiful, everytime I see her. Being pregnant again, I share these moments with my unborn baby as well. Every time she nudges at me, or kicks me in my ribcage, I get overjoyed, knowing that this little being is growing inside me, and learning about the world through what she hears and feels inside the womb.

A lot of times, we may take parenthood for granted, and see it as a “right.” For me, I feel that if we are given the chance at being a parent, whether its through our own biological child, or through adoption, it’s a true privilege. There are no replicas of our children and they are very special, to each and every one of us.

For the last two mother’s day, my daughter did not know what Mother’s Day was. I am assuming that she saw it as another day we would go to the hotel, to have brunch with her grandmother and her mom, while her dad was working hard to make sure that everyone was being accomodated. This year, she made me a special art project, at her preschool. It was a picture of her on a magnet, with the words, “Happy Mother’s Day.” It was the best gift ever. Everytime I see it on our refrigerator, it reminds me of how special I am, and how lucky I am to be a mother.

For all the mothers out there, I wish you a very Happy Mother’s Day! Always know that, regardless of our rough days and or heartaches, at the end of the day, we are left with being that one special mother to our kids.

“Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.” -Unknown

I will say, I am one of those lucky few that did not get stretch marks, the first time around, and I see no apparent stretch marks currently, with my second pregnancy. However, it’s not all about stretch marks, it’s about treating yourself and your skin to some guilty pleasures. I call it skincare desserts. After going through many pregnancy related skincare products, I’ve had some hits and some misses, but nothing really made me feel like a princess. Until I came across, The Spoiled Mama. Like the name, you definitely feel spoiled from the time you open the packaging, to the time you slather on some good ole tummy butter.

Okay ladies, it’s your night tonight! Pack your little purses and leave the house, to go to one of many events planned all around the US, for a night out on the town. If that’s not option, go to a secret area in your own home and join one of many events going online. There are some great events with a lot of cool giveaways going on, and as a mother, you all deserve this night. I am surely taking this opportunity, to meet fellow mothers, engage in good conversation, and just have some good ole time. If you want to know more about an event near your area, please go to : http://www.momsniteout.com/.

This is the first thing you will read when you enter the me4kidz website.

I was on the hunt for first aid kits, after my daughter’s preschool required her to have one in her earthquake kit.

We live in California, where earthquakes happen often, so the schools require this.

I went from store to store, only to find that the kits didn’t look child-friendly.  I wanted a kit that would appeal to my daughter, since we were getting it for her.

I was really disappointed in the choices out there, until I came across me4kidz, which stands for, medical emergencies for kids.

The Medibag 4 Kids was a kid friendly first aid kit that came in a red doctor’s bag. My daughter loved it because she felt like she could play doctor with it.

When opening the bag, it had a huge assortment of everything and anything you could possibly need.

My daughter and I went through each individual item and talked about its use.  It even included kid-friendly stickers.

Another great tidbit about the company is that, all their products are made in the US, which means they keeps jobs inside the US.

For more information, regarding the products they have, as well as store locations, please go to me4kidz .

Okay, so I wanted to share with you my little interesting story this morning. First, a little background. With my first child, I did not show until probably my last month, and it was barely a bloated tummy. When I went into deliver my full term baby, everyone was shocked, and asked me if I was going into pre-term labor. With my second pregnancy, I am currently 7 months along, but most people either don’t see it, or they say I look about 3 months. I try to wear form fitting clothes because it feels nice to look pregnant for once. It’s nice to using the expecting moms parking spot at the mall, without getting a dirty look, and it’s nice to walk across a street without someone trying to run me over. There are so many perks and benefits to being pregnant.

Well, today I had a craving for some bagels. So I went into my favorite bagel shop to get my 1/2 dozen bagels to take home. As I finished ordering my bagels, I noticed this gentleman starting at me. I just ignored him, but I could tell from my peripheral vision that he was still looking at me. I’m one of those girls, if I get annoyed with something, I make it a point to address the person. So I looked at him dead in his eyes, but his eyes was looking somewhere else. It was my tummy. I’m going to be honest, a middle-aged man looking at my tummy, I immediately gave him the title of, “perverted male with a bump fetish.” I mean, I didn’t know what else to think. So I stood and waited for my bagels. From the corner of my eye, I could still tell that he was staring at me. By this time, I was severely annoyed.

I looked at the lady next to me, and she was staring at my tummy. I was like, wow, my tummy is sure making an impact today. So of course, I looked down at my tummy. I started to laugh. My baby was moving around, kicking, rotating, and you can see all that through my fitted shirt. I am pretty tiny, so visually, you can see the baby move and kick. They were all looking at my tummy in fascination. Sometimes I do feel like an alien because it looks like a hand might come out of my tummy, at any second. I walked out of the shop, just laughing because what was odd and fascinating to them, was ever-so normal to me.