Showing posts with label Womanly items. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Womanly items. Show all posts

Friday, November 10, 2017

Cloversac Emma 28 purse organizer for Longchamp Le Pliage


If you are looking for a purse organizer and haven’t heard of CloverSac then you have got to look them up because they are one of the leading companies that specialize in purse organizer inserts, base shapers, dust bag, rain cover and other accessories for popular designer handbags. Armed with a purse organizer insert by CloverSac, you will be able to keep your handbag neat and organized with both your personal stuff and all your baby/toddler crap stuff! You will actually be able to find that pacifier or your phone that won't stop ringing! This post is photo heavy and will show all the features of Cloversac's Emma 28 inside my large Longchamp Le Pliage (the shopper).


The organizer comes shipped as pictured above - collapsed. You just push and pull it open and you get what is pictured below!


You can't see this, but in the mesh panel toward the top of the picture, you have 3 pieces of flexible plastic that is pictured below. It is tucked in there for shipping and you just remove it to insert into premade pockets of the organizer to give it structure and stability to stand upright in your bag.


Pictured above are the flexible plastic pieces that insert into pre-made pockets in the organizer. These are key for a supportive and stable organizer that won't collapse onto itself (which is really annoying when you are fishing for things in your overloaded bag).


Pictured above are the two of the three slots you insert your plastic pieces.  The top is actually the bottom of the organizer (confusing, right?) and the velcro opening is one of the two sides. The velcro helps hold the plastic piece in there without falling down, or out. Great engineering!


Pictured above is the bottom plastic piece being inserted into the organizer.


Pictured above is one of the side plastic pieces being inserted into the organizer.


Look how much structure the plastic supports give the organizer!! It stands upright and is very sturdy while being lightweight at the same time. A dream combination when you don't want to lug around a 20lb bag on your shoulders. Pictured above, you can see one side of the interior that features a panel that gives you 3 pockets - one large one that spans the entire length of the organizer, one medium and one small one in the front. Also, take note that one of three of the exterior pockets is also shown in this photo that also spans the entire length of the organizer.


Here is view of the opposite exterior side of the organizer that features two of the three exterior pockets. Keep note that they are not gusseted pockets so you can't stick a ton of stuff in it. For reference, it does fit one diaper in each exterior pocket!


Opposite the mesh interior pockets, there are 3 gusseted pockets that expand to fit a something with more...girth (I tried to think of a different word but this ended up being the most appropriate description!!). Please note, I haven't attached the middle section yet! You'll notice the female metal snaps in the interior on the far right side of the organizer - that is where I attach the optional 4 section middle divider that comes with the bag shown below.


You just snap this in. There is actually a wrong way to attach these. Pictured above is the wrong way to attach it. It's hard to tell but there isn't a lot of length following the last button. This creates a gap between the bottom of this attachment and the bottom of the organizer. You'll know you installed it incorrectly when it is hovering in the air after you attach this piece. This is not how it was designed to be. All you do is flip it around and attach it! When it is attached correctly, there is no gap between the middle piece and the bottom of the organizer. This middle piece is completely optional and you can take it out if you don't want to use it. 


This is the organizer in my large Longchamp Le Pliage. You'll notice that there is a gap at the top and that this organizer does not fit perfectly in the bottom of the bag. It's not totally custom to this bag but that wasn't a huge deal to be because I plan to either stuff a blanket/swaddle in that opening, diapers, or wipes in that gap. The options are endless when you have kids. For this picture, I stuffed my Lesportsac bag in the gap. There is also some room on the side of the bag that allows you to stuff a water bottle, or another kid item. It would be nice to have the organize fit exactly though.


Look at this beautiful organization!! I feel on top of the world when my things are organized and not just loosely jumbled in the dark hole that is my purse. I can actually find my pens!!!


Having this organizer keeps your bag from sagging, too! You don't need a base shaper if you are already using a purse organizer because it helps keep the base from sagging with the flexible bottom support. If you are using a different type of purse organizer without much structure or support on the bottom of the organizer, then you will need to consider using a base shaper so your bag doesn't sag - unless you like the saggy look.

The organizer comes in three colors: red, beige and black. I personally chose the red because the beige would show dirty quickly and the black would blend in and make it visually more difficult to see the different slots easily in a low light area known as the black hole of your purse.

The Emma 28 measures 11”L x 6”H x 5” and is the second of the largest organizers Cloversac offers. I was told by Cloversac that the Grand 35 (the largest organizer they currently carry at the time of posting) does not fit into the large Le Pliage and will be discontinued and be replaced with the Emma 36. I don't have details of the Emma 36, but I hope it does address some of the sizing and fit shortcomings of the Emma 28 for the large Le Pliage. But still, at the price point Cloversac offers their purse organizer and the quality of the organizer, it is a great organizer to have. Another update I hope to see in its future is for the organizer to be a tad taller - not too much taller but just a few inches to accommodate items that are taller. I highly recommend this organizer for the price, solid construction, and how much joy it brings to the life of a new mom!! When everything else is in disarray, at least you can count on your bag to be organized!

Lastly, according to their website, this organizer is made to fit a variety of handbags.
This bag organizer has been widely used to fit into many popular handbags such as LV Speedy 30, LV Neverfull MM, Hermes Birkin 35, Garden Party 36cm Tote,Garden Party Tote, Mulbery Regular sized Del Rey, Regular sized, Bayswater, Celine mini luggage, large trapeze, medium luggage type,phantom large, phantom medium, Goyard St louis GM tote, Longchamp Le Pliage Large Shoulder Bag Black (1899 089 001) and many more.
Purchase your purse organizer here!


Disclosure: This complimentary item was provided for review purposes. As always, all opinions are my own and no compensation was received. This post contains affiliate links.

Sunday, October 22, 2017

Snuggle Bambino


While looking for a pregnancy pillow, I was searching for one that wouldn't take up a ton of space on our bed like the popular snoogle - which I tried and didn't love because it made my neck sore and was not ergonomic for my cervical and thoracic alignment.



Being late in pregnancy, I was looking for support for my bump and also a crutch to help me sleep on my side, or at least if I ended up rolling on my back, that I was still at an angle. I wanted to be sure the baby wasn't laying on my descending aorta and decreasing my blood supply - thereby, decreasing blood supply going to baby resulting in low oxygen. 


This pillow does support my belly adequately during sleep and it does also help keep me on my side; however, I felt that it could have been softer. It is a bit too firm and the smaller size that makes it travel friendly made it uncomfortable when I found myself turning on my back during the night since it did wake me up. There are two sides of support, one being softer and one being firmer, but when used on my back, they felt similar to me.


I also tried the wedge between my legs and that was actually great support because it was firm. The pillow I was using was a bit too soft and flat so it did not help align my spine and posture while side lying in bed.


The wedge is very travel friendly and light. It's also very unobtrusive to use in bed. It measures approximately 13" x 15" x 5" and weighs 1.5 lbs. It is also very convenient that the cover comes off for a wash. There wedge comes with a carrying case but it's small and doesn't actually fit the pillow and I wouldn't store the wedge cover in there and leave the memory foam uncovered so I felt that was an unnecessary accessory to include.


Overall I found it was best to use as knee support and belly support. I also like to use it behind my back when I am sitting on the couch but to keep it behind me to support me from laying on my back was unsuccessful. 

Buy your pregnancy wedge here!

Disclosure: This complimentary item was provided for review purposes. As always, all opinions are my own and no compensation was received. This post contains affiliate links.

Saturday, August 26, 2017

Lekebaby Baby Diaper Bag - Arrow Print


Lekebaby's diaper bag is a large any roomy diaper bag made of water repellent polyester and a faux leather handle. You can hold the bag by the handle or use it as a messenger bag. When you use it as a messenger bag, you can flip the front compartment down so it looks less feminine for any of the dad's who are using the bag in conjunction with mom.


The diaper bag features 9 exterior pockets and 8 interior pockets. There is also a side pocket for baby wipes. The bag is a whopping 16" x 6" x 14" and comes with a diaper changing mat (23 x 14 inches). I was surprised just how big and roomy this bag is! It fits a ton of stuff and is perfect for a long day out to the beach or picnic. It can be stuffed with a lot and will look pretty big, but if you are using this on a day to day basis, you can just put in what you need and because the bag is soft fabric, it just flattens a bit so it doesn't look like you are carrying a giant diaper bag around.  The arrow print is really cute and fashionable. The bag also comes with built in stroller straps that allows you to attach it to your stroller. 


There is large front zippered pocket that is attached to the handle and is large enough to use as a separate compartment for all of the parent's belongings to it's kept separate from all the baby stuff.


The insulated pockets inside the bag at large enough to stuff the wide Comotomo baby bottles (which we have). I don't know of any wider bottles than that! The bag itself is 16 (L) x 6 (W) x 14 (H) inches and weighs 2 pounds with nothing in it. It's only spot clean, which is a little inconvenient but so are leather bags. Not a deal breaker for us. The thought would be nice to machine wash it if it were soiled from the baby, but most bags are not machine washable. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever washed any of our backpacks or fabric bags (with the exception of fabric/canvas grocery bags). 


Lekebaby has a satisfaction guarantee with their diaper bag. If you are unhappy or there is a problem with your bag, there is a 50 day free exchange on your bag. The bag itself has 185 day warranty should you encounter any issue. So far we love this bag and all the compartments. It is very thoughtfully designed with magnetic closures for a clean design. We were very pleased with this diaper bag and even my husband liked it! See all additional photos of the bag and buying information below!

Magnetize the tops together so they don't flop around

Fold arrow print down for a different look. Works when you use it as a messenger.

Zip top for the main compartment

Stroller clip on both sides

Zippered pouch where the arrow print is


Buy your bag here!

Disclosure: This complimentary item was provided for review purposes. As always, all opinions are my own and no compensation was received. This post contains affiliate links.

Friday, July 21, 2017

Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Nipple Butter

Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Nipple Butter has high marks for its effectiveness to battle the wars of breastfeeding and also safety do so for both mama and baby! First, a little about the business. There is actually a mama behind Earth Mama! Her name is Melinda Olson and she is a nurse, herbalist, and real mom who strives to provide safe and natural products to moms and babies! Her story is an interesting one, and you can read more about it here.



Earth Mama Angel Baby's Natural Nipple Butter is an herbal breastfeeding nipple cream that has been through the ringer for testing to ensure its safety for both mom and baby without needing to wipe it off prior to feeding. It is lanolin-free which I felt was important due to concerns of allergies to lanolin (it is essential the sebum, or oil, of sheep). The cream is not so much a cream in the literal sense, but when used, it is almost like a buttery oil.  It's sort of like of bar of butter if you took your finger and dragged it across the top, you get all the oils on your finger. It's a similar experience with this cream. It doesn't create a sticky mess and after applying it to your nipples, if you have extra, you can apply it anywhere else on your body! I used this on my dry lips and cuticles and it worked really well!! I've read other use it for dry heels, elbows, and even on breast pump flanges to increase comfort during pumping.


It's important to use a nipple cream that really hydrates your abused nipples during  breastfeeding. This cream goes on smooth without leaving your hands smelly or stick afterwards. I haven't had any irritation using this cream and love it so far!

Best by date on the bottom of the jar

The natural nipple butter is the first non-GMO project verified nipple cream on the market! You can read all about their certifications and process on their website here. It is also rated one on EWG's skin deep cosmetics database; however, I did note that it is based on limited data. So take that as you will but in conjunction with the thorough testing that this company voluntarily puts this nipple butter through coupled with their non-GMO certifications, the EWG rating is just the cherry on top even if it is based on limited data.


Natural Ingredients:
Olea europaea (organic olive) oil, Theobroma cacao (organic cocoa) seed butter, Butyrospermum parkii (organic shea) butter, Euphorbia cerifera (candelilla) wax, Mangifera indica (mango) butter, Calendula officinalis (organic calendula) flower extract

I did have an issue with my container with it being very oily on the outside and around the threads of the lid when I got my nipple butter in the mail. After asking about whether or not that was normal, they happily are sending me a replacement and I didn't even ask for one! They say it is typically stable and that this issue is not one that comes up often but if it's in the summer, this is one thing to watch out for. Rest assured, though, if you have any issues, they will happily remedy the issue promptly! Can't say the same with some very known brands out there!

Buy your container here!

Disclosure: This complimentary item was provided for review purposes. As always, all opinions are my own and no compensation was received. This post contains affiliate links.

Sunday, July 9, 2017

Hofish Seamless Nursing Bra


If you're looking for an economical purchase of nursing bras and do not need or require significant chest support for a larger chest, Hofish seamless nursing bras are your best bet!! These are the best value on Amazon with a ton of great feedback so I was stoked to get to review a 3pack of these nursing bras!!


The bras are made of 92% nylon and 8% spandex. They are very soft on the skin and comfortable to wear. The only issue I had is with the strap being a little short even at its longest length. I don't know if this is a size issue or just that the straps tend to be a little shorter; however, I did read some review regarding the straps becoming looser over time so maybe at that time it will be perfect! It's not too short where it is uncomfortable but definitely shorter than my Victoria Secret bras. I ordered a size small based on customer service feedback and I am a 32B/34A for reference.


The 3pack comes with free bra extenders for a better fit (read: if you have more back fat and your cup size is smaller than the band size!). It also comes with a plastic piece that converts the bra into a racerback style so you can wear it with your racerback style clothing. The 3pack I chose was one with pink, nude, and black. They have all black, all nude, or all pink. Great color choices!


The bra has removable molded foam cups, but I like to keep them in for leak protection (or embarrassment!) and so my now perky nipples don't show. Ever since getting pregnant, I've said the word nipple more times than I ever have in my life and if feels TOTALLY normal, ha!


The bra features easy drop cups for convenient breastfeeding and a seamless design. No uncomfortable underwire thankyouverymuch! The back of the bra comes together with 4 clasps. I wish it was just the standard 2 because the coordination and fine motor skills required to put together 4 clasps is a bit tedious for me. But, it does create a wide bottom band for additional breast support.


Here is the sizing guide for their bras:
Size S Fit 32BC 30CD 34AB
Size M Fit 34BC 32CD 36AB
Size L Fit 36BC 34CD 38AB
Size XL Fit 38BC 36CD 40AB


Here is the best part about Hofish and why you need to buy their bras. They offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. They offer a free new bra replacement if you bought the wrong size and need a size up or down. They also will replace your bra for any defects regardless if you've worn it, removed tags, washed it...etc. You get to keep your bras and they just send you a new set. You buy their bras totally risk free!! Does it get much better than that?

These bras are SO comfortable they feel like I'm wearing supportive padded sports bras. I highly recommend this set!!


Disclosure: This complimentary item was provided for review purposes. As always, all opinions are my own and no compensation was received. This post contains affiliate links.

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Sleep 'N Beauty 100% Silk Pillowcase


Comes in a beautiful gift box
Sleep 'N Beauty is a company that offers 100%, 19 momme, mulberry silk pillowcases and bedding. The company is owned by Andi Neugarten and her company was founded after she first experienced the luxurious and life changing experience of sleeping on a silk pillowcase. The benefits to both your hair and skin are what is life changing. To read more about her story, visit her website.

Beautiful packaging!
I have the Queen/Standard sized pillowcase in ivory white. The pillowcase measures 20" by 30" and fits snug around my Sleep Innovations memory foam pillow. It's so snug it's almost bursting. But, that is just how I like it. I don't want to sleep with wrinkly fabric and wake up with creases on my face.


The pillowcases only come in silk's natural color (no dyes and chemical free). It is an ivory white (whiter than your normal ivory linens) and it's a beautiful color. The construction on the pillowcase is exquisite. It has a beautiful hem, piping, and is also double stitched for solid construction. There is an internal pocket that keeps the pillow in place so it's not just open on one end like your average pillowcases.

Since the pillowcase is quite thin, I actually put it over my cotton pillow case. It helped with the sliding around as well.


You can read more about all of the benefits and how, scientifically, silk seals in moisture in your skin giving you more radiant skin in the morning as well as less hair breakage, on her website. I want to talk more about my experience with this. Well, I have two words for you. GAME CHANGER. Seriously. In one night, I was able to see a huge difference in my hair. I usually get these gnarly tangles at the base of my hair. I woke up to no tangles! This was what is all worth it to me. The one thing I will note, and this could be for a number of reasons, it was a bit hot to sleep on. I found it wasn't as moisture wicking or breathable for me. It might be because of the type of pillow I use, the fact that I have it over a cotton pillow, or that I just sleep hot. But that still isn't going to stop me from using it. Also, after using this, I found out that apparently I drool...and it shows on the pillowcase... it really shows. So, I have to wash it more. Which is totally fine. I sleep on one side a few days, the sleep on the other a few days, then put it in a delicates bag and throw it in the laundry on the weekend! It's quite easy to care for since it's machine washable. I put it on a normal wash, not the delicates. I highly recommend trying this pillowcase!


Purchase on the company website.


Disclosure: This complimentary item was provided for review purposes. As always, all opinions are my own and no compensation was received. This post contains affiliate links.

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Denman Medium Natural Bristle with Quill Porcupine Style Grooming Brush (D81M)




Denman International Limited is part of the Denroy Group of Companies which was established in 1972. The group is a private, family-owned business with headquarters in Bangor, Northern Ireland. Its sister company, Denroy Plastics Limited, manufactures the Denman brush and comb range that is being reviewed. Visit Denroy’s website for more details.


Denman's medium cushion brush features 8 rows of natural boar bristles and nylon quills to give it the "porcupine effect" which makes it easier to brush through medium to thick hair. The brush is 8.5" long and has a diameter of 2.35". The brush is made of medium weight plastic and has a red rubber cushion. 


The single nylon quills come out of each "cluster" of boar hairs. You can see more clearly in the photos.

Verdict: This is a great brush for its price. The boar hair helps with the distribution of oils from your scalp towards the ends of your hair. However, I found that the boar hair gives me a lot of static. After using it, I have to use my hands (sometimes damp with some water) to calm all the flyaway hair from the static. The plastic “hairs” help penetrate your hair so that the brush is not just brushing the superficial layers of your hair.  But, I found that although it helps, I still have to brush in layers to make sure all the hair gets brushed because the boar hair portion is so dense and rigid that I don't feel that the brush evenly penetrates all of my hair so that it is evenly brushed and oils evenly distributed.

Purchase yours on Amazon.

Disclosure: This complimentary item was provided for review purposes. As always, all opinions are my own and no compensation was received. This post contains affiliate links.

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Milliard Professional Hair Conditioning Heat Cap with Adjustable Temperature Settings for Deep Penetrating Hair and Scalp Treatments


Milliard professional heat cap is designed to provide advanced treatment that moisturizes and rejuvenates dry and damaged hair without drying out your scalp. It helps repair hair damaged from bleaching, over processing, dyeing and environmental damage. It may also help control a dry and itchy scalp.


The heat cap features three temperature (low, medium, high) settings to allow for versatile adjustment of your treatment. The package includes the heat cap and a plastic cap liner for first use to keep your heat cap clean. Additional liners are available for purchase. This device is powered by a polarized plug.


Prior to using this, I used a shower cap and used the hot setting on my dryer to heat up the cap. Not the best way and very time consuming! This heat cap makes it all easier. You just plug the device in and heat it to one of the three temperature settings. While it is heating, you can prepare your hair. I use this on the high heat setting because my hair is pretty thick and long. I pin my hair up using a claw clip and put the liner over my hair and put on the heating cap. The heating cap is large enough to fit over all the hair but not too large.  You can secure the cap with the double metal loop chin strap. I suggest you do because when I tried it without it, it just fell off my head when I moved around.

 

The heat cap had an even distribution of heat throughout each side of the cap. The cord is also long enough that if you have a plug near your desk, you can work at your desk while conditioning your hair. Or, read a book while sitting in bed.


Overall this is a nice conditioning heat cap that does its job and does it well! It makes deep conditioning so much easier than before! It is a great value for the quality of the heat cap. 


Purchase on Amazon.

Disclosure: This complimentary item was provided for review purposes. As always, all opinions are my own and no compensation was received. This post contains affiliate links.