Pampering relief with a Shower Hug

For extra pampering, try a Shower Hug. Created to support sore breasts during showers, they are made of double-sided knit terry velour secured by Velcro.

As a nursing mother, I was eager to try it as usually in the morning I suffer from engorgement. The Shower Hug absorbed the water, making it like a compress and very comfortable to wear. I wished I had it when I had mastitis a few months ago.

Besides using it in the shower, wear it as a temporary replacement instead of a bra to relax in. It's a nice break from wearing nursing pads and I think this would make a great gift for a new mom.

The Shower Hug is made of three sizes and comes in two colors: white/pink and white/blue. Prices range from $27.95 to $32.95 and can be bought at showerhug.com.

Mine is in the bathroom where I use it regularly!

Hot Wheels Sharkbite Bay Play Set

As a mom to a little boy who loves cars, I'm finding out about new toys that accommodate his vast collection of Hot Wheels. The Hot Wheels Sharkbite Bay Play Set is a coaster ride with a chomping shark. Opening this playset, it was what I expected as I've seen similar toys like it. I do like that it easily folds back up and is portable. Hey, if it keeps him busy for a few hours I like it!

Hot Wheels is over 40 years old. Their new collection features 42 2009 New Models. For the first time, each die-cast Hot Wheels car will have its own package and illustration that emphasizes why each car is special and unique.

Here's Nicole Richie and Joel Madden posing with their Hot Wheels.


Price is $21.99 and recommended for children ages four and over. The price bites but kids won't notice that part.

Baby Bee picks from Burt's Bees

I've never tried Burt's Bees products until recently. I used the Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash on my kids and really like the smell of their hair. It's an all-in-one wash and consists of a tear free formula.

The ingredients include coconut and sunflower oils. It's $9 and can be bought at diapers.com.

The Baby Bee Diaper Ointment smells nice too. It's main ingredient is Sweet Almond Oil, rich in proteins and Vitamin D. It's phthalate and paraben-free and has zinc oxide, something I wish it didn't have personally as I don't like the cream residue on my hands.

It's $9. Buy it diapers.com.

Modern Bertie Toy Box

I really like this Mod Mom Furniture Bertie Toy Box. Designed by stay-at-home mom, Kiersten Hathcock, it's different looking and useful! The lid's added puzzle piece makes it even cooler.

There are caster wheels on the bottom so you can move it around easily.

Price is $475.

Book review: Charlie and Mama Kyna

This book review of Charlie and Mama Kyna (Story and illustrations by Diana Rumjahn) was written by mom of two, Kim Pitt-Foster.

The first thing I should mention about this sweet story is that it came from a movie. Yes, exactly. It is usually the movie that follows the story. That is the problem with this book. Things seem to happen very quickly, a lot of different things and not always with a seamless transition. The writing comes across like it has been translated, with uneven phrases and sentences.

The darling illustrations are done very simply, without clutter or confusion. Charlie and Mama Kyna reads like a condensed movie script that is told, however, at an over-stuffed sprint. I believe it would have made three fantastic stories instead.

The book is a simple story about stuffed animals: Charlie, the main character, his friends Leo a lion and Joe a giraffe. Charlie runs away after breaking his mother's favorite vase. He instantly finds Leo and Joe and they become best friends. However, less than a page later they are leaving their tent, where they live together, and go back to Charlie's home. They become an instant family with Mama Kyna and are full of chores, friends, parties and a lot of love.

Again, Charlie and Mama Kyna is a darling story of love, friendship and forgiveness that young children will enjoy! I would have been thrilled to take the time to get to know Charlie, his mother and friends a little better. Perhaps, someday we will.