Review and Giveaway: Protect-A-Bed CLOSED

Thank you to Protect-A-Bed for participating in the Bloggy Birthday Blowout event on Goodie Goodie Gumdrops!

Now that Nate is two, we are venturing - s-l-o-w-l-y - into the land of potty training. We are in the beginning stages, which means there are more accidents than successes. I am confident that we will get there eventually. But in the meantime, I know that clean-up is going to be a big part of my day - and night. Thankfully, I know I can count on Protect-A-Bed for those inevitable nighttime and naptime mishaps.

Protect-A-Bed is synonymous with quality bedding protection. Since 1980, Protect-A-Bed has been manufacturing premium polyurethane laminate waterproof mattress protectors and related products. These products prevent staining and protect against dust mites and bed bugs, which are major causes of asthma, allergies and eczema. Materials used in production are safe, free of harmful substances like cadmium and exceed requirements for flame resistance. Their ultimate goal is to help provide customers with a healthy, hygienic, comfortable sleep.

Did you know that protected mattresses last almost three times longer than unprotected ones? This means a covered mattress can last twenty years instead of just seven! That's why I'm proud to own the Premium Mattress Protector for our bed (read my review here!). I also had the chance recently to review a pair of their Premium Pillow Protectors (ARV $19.99).

I'll admit it: I'm a drooler. Many mornings, I wake up with a huge wet spot on my pillow. And unfortunately, there are several stains on it as a result of my overactive salivary glands. But now I can nip that problem in the bud. Protect-A-Bed Premium Pillow Protectors are soft, absorbent and breathable. Not only are they low-maintenance (machine washable) and easy to use (just slip them on and zipper them closed), but I can rest easier knowing they will protect me from allergens and bacteria. I feel so much cleaner sleeping on Protect-A-Bed products! Drool, spills and leaks? No match for us anymore! And they'll be perfect to take on vacation when you're just not sure what kind of sneaky residue exists on the hotel bedding!

Once we ditch the diapers for good, I'll definitely be purchasing a Protect-A-Bed crib protector (ARV $29.99) for Nate's new toddler bed. You just can't beat the comfort, the quality or the warranties!

BUY IT: Visit www.protectabed.com to purchase any of the bedding protectors I've mentioned or to check out the rest of their selection.

CUTE CONTEST: To celebrate their 30th Anniversary, Protect-A-Bed is hosting a "Long Live Your Mattress" Sweepstakes, in which one lucky person will win a grand prize of $30,000 cash! There will also be ten first place prizes of complete bedding protection sets valued at nearly $500! Check out the official rules and enter online at www.protectabed.com between today, August 10, and October 31, 2010.

WIN IT: Protect-A-Bed is generously offering one lucky reader their choice of: premium crib protector (white, yellow, pink or blue), premium mattress protector (any size) or set of premium pillow protectors (any size)! That's up to a $100 value!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Tell me which product you would choose and in what size/color if you won. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count! Remember to leave one comment per entry.

1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. If you already follow and/or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)

2.) Follow me and Protect-A-Bed on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You can do this daily! You may use the following tweet of come up with one of your own:

Sleep safely and soundly with @Protect_A_Bed! Win your choice of product (up to $100 value) @kris10chumley Ends 8/31 http://bit.ly/bvMtiw

Just leave a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)

3.) "Like" Goodie Goodie Gumdrops on Facebook. (1 entry)

4.) Become a fan of Protect-A-Bed on Facebook. (1 entry)

5.) Add my Bloggy Birthday Blowout event button to your site and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry)

6.) Add my blog button to your site and comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on August 31, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. residents only. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I received a pair of free Premium Pillow Protectors from Devin at Protect-A-Bed in exchange for my candid review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are purely mine. Your experience may differ.

Review: Sensaria

My life has been anything but stress-free lately. For the past three months, I've been back on fertility treatment to - hopefully - conceive our second child. My hormones are constantly in flux, which makes me moody, anxious and emotional for at least a week out of each month. If you keep up with me on Twitter, you'll know my husband was laid off two weeks ago. Enough said there. And to top it off, we are babysitting my sister-in-law's children (ages 11, 4 and 1) for 4 days while she is on a mission trip to Cameroon. Needless to say, things have been more than chaotic around here.

But now, when I feel myself getting worked up and overwhelmed, I can just reach for my Sensaria.

Sensaria is a premier direct seller of naturally-based, spa-grade skin and body care products for personal and home use. Their philosophy is that daily self-care lays the groundwork for a healthy lifestyle and that every person deserves to use natural products that promote health and individual beauty.

While Sensaria products are available for purchase online, the core of their business revolves around in-home gatherings called Spa Experiences. At a Sensaria Spa Experience, a Host receives rewards for inviting one of our Independent Sales Representatives into her home to demonstrate their products. Since the very first Spa Experience in 2001, Sensaria now boasts thousands of Independent Representatives throughout the country.

I was fortunate enough to receive the Equilibria Balancing Spray from Sensaria for review.

The Equilibria Balancing Spray for Women features a sensuous aromatherapy blend of essential oils, including ylang ylang, neroli and geranium to harmonize moods, reduce stress and relieve some symptoms of PMS. You can use this cruelty-free formula as a room mist, linen spray or as a perfume on wrists and decollete to restore balance to the feminine cycle.

As soon as I found my patience was running on empty from our barrage of troubles, I spritzed some of my Equilibria Balancing Spray and breathed in the fragrance. It was as if I were frolicking through a floral garden, surrounded by roses, jasmine and orange blossoms. I'm not sure if it was the actual scent or the fact that I took a moment to clear my head and focus on something serene, but I really felt more calm and collected and ready to face what was before me. If you are like me and get really irritable during the first few days of your "monthly gift" or if you're simply juggling too many balls in the air at times, this spray is a fast, effective Mommy time out.

The only thing about the product that I am slightly disappointed with is that it is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women. Since I am trying to conceive, I am a bit reluctant to spray it during my two-week wait. It's also a little on the pricey side. For a one-income family, it's probably not something I would usually splurge on. But if you regularly invest in spa products, I think this would be a fun addition to your bath and body collection.

I have been looking at what else Sensaria has to offer and I would love to try the Cherry Almond Reconstructive Shampoo and Conditioner, Vanilla Bean Body Butter and the Microdermabrasion Creme. I also like that they have a whole Men's Skin Care collection. Their selection of home and personal care products is huge so there's no way you can put just one thing on your wish list!

Bottom line: Life may not always be roses - but at least it can smell like it with Equilibria Balancing Spray for Women.

BUY IT: To purchase the Equilibria Balancing Spray (ARV $32) or other Sensaria products or to learn more about hosting a Spa Experience or becoming an Independent Sales Rep, visit www.sensaria.com.

Disclaimer: Thank you to the Product Review Place for providing this opportunity! As noted above, I received a free 2 oz. bottle of Equilibria Balancing Spray from Sensaria in order to facilitate my candid review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. The thoughts and feelings expressed in my review are solely mine. Your experience may differ.

Review and Giveaway: Scandle CLOSED

My husband and I celebrated our fourth wedding anniversary yesterday. We watched our wedding video and it brought back the rush - the anticipation and excitement - of the Big Day. It seems like just yesterday we were boarding our cruise ship and heading to the Caribbean on our first trip as husband and wife. But maybe that's because we had a little help recapturing the magic of our honeymoon, thanks to Scandle.

Scandle is an innovative product that combines the compelling scent of a candle with the comfort of a massage lotion. They may resemble a simple soy candle but the wax melts just two degrees above body temperature, transforming into luxurious skin care or massage oil. Light it to fill the room with its aromatherapeutic properties, set the mood as a spa or massage candle or simply scoop it out and use it as a vitamin-rich body moisturizer. Not only is Scandle healthy for your skin, but it is also environmentally-friendly. Scandles:

• are vegan
  
• contain all-natural, FDA-approved ingredients, including shea butter, cosmetic grade soy butter, jojoba, vitamin E, & body safe fragrance or essential oils
• feature a cotton wick with no lead, zinc or stearic acid
• contain no petroleum
• are free of UV inhibitors
• emit less soot and toxins than parrafin candles
• are individually handpoured
  

From tantalizing fragrances like Love Spell or Sex on the Beach to yummy treats like Oatmeal Milk & Honey or Fig & Brown Sugar, there's a scent to suit your every mood. Below is a video demonstrating how Scandle works:



I had the pleasure of reviewing a Scandle Travel Tin (ARV $12.95) and Dead Sea Salt Scrub (ARV $17.95) in their brand new limited edition Copa Cabana scent. (Go ahead...try not to hum the song...) As the name implies, it perfectly captures the essence of summertime with top notes of creamy coconut and vanilla and base notes of tropical fruits.

We decided that our anniversary was the perfect time for a couples massage so we put our Scandle to good use. I love that it burns clean so I don't have to worry about smoke or stains in our new home. The beachy smell is fantastic and really takes you away to paradise, if only in your mind. The wax didn't burn or make me wince when it slowly dripped on my skin; it was completely comfortable. The lotion was moisturizing and easy to rub in yet it didn't leave me feeling like an oil slick. I could roll right over and go to sleep without worrying about sticking to my sheets. We enjoyed our massages so much that my husband and I agreed we should make it a monthly event. Maybe even weekly. I also liked the reusable silicone band that can double as a rubber bracelet when the tin is empty.

The Dead Sea Salt scrub was the perfect complement to the candle. Used prior to the massage, it helped to exfoliate and smooth my skin while locking in the sexy scent.

Bottom line: Whether you want to spoil yourself with a sensual massage or get an enviable mani/pedi, you need to get Scandle-ous.

BUY IT: You can purchase Scandle products online at www.abodycandle.com or use their handy dandy store locator to find a retailer near you.

DELECTABLE DEAL: Sign up for the Scandle e-newsletter and get 35% off your first order!

WIN IT: One lucky reader is going to win their own Scandle Travel Tin in the limited-edition Copa Cabana scent - a $13 value!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Stop by Scandle and tell me another scent you'd like to try. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)

2.) Follow me and Scandle on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You can do this daily! You may use the following tweet or come up with one of your own:

Get Scandle-ous with a sensual @ScandleCandle! Win a Copa Cabana travel tin @kris10chumley! Ends 7/8 http://bit.ly/denlga

Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)

3.) Add my button to your site and comment with a link where I can find it. (1 entry)

4.) Become a fan of Scandle on Facebook. (1 entry)

5.) Follow the Scandle blog. (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on July 8, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. residents 18+ only. Winner will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I received a travel tin and salt scrub from Charlie at Scandle in exchange for my candid review. I was in no other way compensated for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed are purely mine. Your experience may differ.

Giveaway: Cookware.com CLOSED

Thank you to CSN Stores for participating in the Goodie Goodie Gumdrops Earth Week Event!

Spring is in the air and there's a spring in my step. After the dullness of winter, I am so ready to revamp my home decor. Particularly in my kitchen. We have a really nice kitchen island that desperately needs some new seating. So, I've been checking out the counter stools over at CSN Stores' AllBarstools.com.



I'm one for a more modern style to coordinate with our stainless, black and chestnut theme. I like sleek, slim and simple yet elegant. I think I prefer a stool with a back for support but also don't want to take up too much room. What do you think? Once our tax check arrives, we'll definitely be investing in some new stuff for our beautiful new house.

Along with some new stools, I really want to get some new kitchenware. Where better to go than Cookware.com?! I'm loving this pot rack to hang above our island. It's stylish and affordable!



I'm also drooling over this Cocoa Latte maker. Mmmm...did I just say latte...?



One of my favorite recent kitchen purchases, however, has been my bamboo butcher-block style cutting board. Not only is it incredibly durable, practical and "green", but it is gorgeous. I leave it out as a display on my island because it gives my kitchen a touch of natural beauty. At every get-together we host, we get comments from people wanting to know where we bought it. We use it just about everyday and absolutely love it.



This African Congo Cutting Board from Totally Bamboo is a similar model, with colorblock wood and parquet end grain. Made of naturally grown bamboo, this board is made with food-safe non-formaldehyde adhesives, no dyes or stains and low-impact biodegradable packaging. Totally Bamboo is known for its high quality, sustainable bamboo products and exceeds the demands of environmentally-conscious consumers around the world.



WIN IT: One lucky reader is going to win the Totally Bamboo African Congo Cutting Board - a $45 value!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Take a look around Cookware.com and tell me another product you'd like to have. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count! Remember to leave one comment per entry.

1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. If you already follow and/or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)

2.) Follow me and CSN Stores on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You can do this daily! You may use the following tweet of come up with one of your own:

Beautify your kitchen with a sustainable Totally Bamboo Cutting Board from @CSNStores and @kris10chumley Ends 5/11 http://bit.ly/aSBeCK

Just leave a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)

3.) Become a fan of CSN Stores on Facebook. (1 entry)

4.) Add my blog button and/or event button to your site and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry/each)

Giveaway will end on May 11, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only (excluding AK and HI). Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I was offered this giveaway opportunity from Sean at CSN Stores. I was not sent a product to review, nor was I compensated in any way for this post.

Review and Giveaway: NaturaWorld CLOSED

I remember back to Nate's newborn days, when my wiser elders gave me their best piece of advice: nap while the baby naps. While it sounded good in theory, it escaped me in practice. As soon as Nate would doze off, I would look around and see the federal disaster area that surrounded me. Dishes piled up in the sink. Trash overflowing in the bin. Laundry bulging from the hamper. Dust bunnies crawling about. By the time I would straighten up, Nate would be waking with a whimper. Even now, I am rarely able to squeeze in a nap at the same time as my bouncing baby boy.

But tomorrow, we'll all have an excuse to indulge in some much-warranted shut eye. March 15th is National Napping Day! And I have just the company to help you celebrate with a sensational siesta.

NaturaWorld was founded by a Canadian father/son team who wanted to solve the mystery behind achieving a healthy lifestyle. Their mission is to "help customers achieve a superior night's sleep, alleviate pain and increase comfort through unique and exceptional sleep systems that aid overall health and well-being." At Natura, you'll find green and organic mattresses, pillows, and bedding for the entire family - even children and pets! Natura is committed to transparency, which is why all of their product tags will tell you exactly what components are certified organic so you can make an educated choice. No "greenwashing" here! Natura also provides sleep tips and advice so you can optimize your sleep experience and get the most out of your restful hours.

We received several products from Natura to review.

The Aloe Dream Mate pillow features a granulated Talalay latext core, which mimics the cuddly feel of down but provides springy support that won't pack down for molding support and soothing pressure relief. The core guarantees maximum air circulation, while its Natura SmartWool lining acts as an insulator to eliminate excess humidity, regulate temperature and wick away moisture for a fresh, dry sleep environment. The cotton-blend cover is infused with aloe to further regulate temperature and moisturize your face overnight. The Aloe Dream Mate is naturally antimicrobial, hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant.



I've given a lot of thought to the mattress we sleep on but I'll admit that I never really considered how my pillow could affect my rest. I always just bought the cheapest ones I could find, wrapped it with a pillowcase and called it a day night. Since I've had the Aloe Dream Mate, I feel like I've been floating on a cloud. It's so soft and cushiony, I just sink into it. I like that I can bunch it up to give me just the right level of comfort. The aloe smell is also really relaxing. I find that I fall asleep faster now and that I wake up feeling more well-rested since I've had this pillow.

If you prefer firm support, you would probably want to use a second pillow underneath this one, as it is very squishy. But I personally like something with a bit more give, so this is perfect for me. The only thing I don't like is that the cover is not removable and is spot clean only. But since it is antimicrobial, I am hopeful it will survive my drool much longer than our traditional pillows.

Natura also sent us the Sunshine pillow, which is designed especially for children. It features a latex core and reversible unbleached, 100% cotton/terry cloth cover. As with the Aloe Dream Mate, it provides proper head and neck support, maximum air circulation and moisture resistance. It is also antimicrobial, hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant.



At 19.5 months, Nate is still a little young and prefers to sleep on a flat surface at night. However, during the day, he has been carrying around and laying on his Sunshine pillow. Mommy and Daddy have even stolen it to rest on as we relax on the sofa and we can vouch that it's pretty comfortable too. I know pictures speak louder than words so here's a short video I took of Nate napping soundly on his new pillow:



The last item that Natura generously sent us was the Re-Groove N.8 Aromatherapy Mist. This spray is water-based so it is safe to use on all fabrics - even your body! The Green Tea & Aloe scent smells sooooo good. It reminds me of a trip to the day spa, except I don't have to leave my house! I've been spraying our linens every night before bed and it instantly prepares me for bedtime.



Bottom line: As a mom, I know it's hard, or nearly impossible, to always get a good stretch of sleep at night. But with NaturaWorld, you can get the comfort you need for a deeper, quality sleep - even if it's in spurts or a 20-minute power nap. I love Natura's vast selection of products and that many of them are organic with our health and safety in mind.

BUY IT: You can purchase the Aloe Dream Mate pillow (ARV $84), Sunshine pillow (ARV $31.20), Re-Groove N.8 Spray (ARV $9.60-$14.40) or other Natura products online at www.naturaworld.com. If you'd rather test their products in-person, just use their dealer locator to find a store near you!

DELECTABLE DISCOUNT: For a limited time, you can get a 10% discount code for becoming a fan of NaturaWorld on Facebook!

WIN IT: NaturaWorld is kindly offering one lucky reader an Aloe Dream Mate pillow! That's an $84 value!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit NaturaWorld and tell me another product you would like to own. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count! Remember to leave one comment per entry.

1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. If you already follow and/or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)

2.) Follow me and NaturaWorld on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You can do this daily! You may use the tweet below or come up with one of your own:

Moisturize your skin as you sleep with an Aloe Dream Mate pillow from @NaturaWorld! Win one @kris10chumley http://bit.ly/aBQWpG Ends 3/29

Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry max per day)

3.) Add my blog button and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on March 29, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. and Canada. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: As mentioned above, I received the Aloe Dream Mate pillow, Sunshine pillow and Aromatherapy Mist from Julia at NaturaWorld. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are solely mine. Your experience may differ.

Giveaway: AllModern.com CLOSED

When my husband and I first moved into our new home, one of the first things we needed to buy was a mailbox. I know, exciting, right?! All we've ever had were the traditional black metal postboxes and because my mailman brings me lots of lovely packages these days, I knew I wanted something with a little more storage space. While doing some research online, I came across a great site for unique mailboxes. MoreMailboxes.com has a huge selection and numerous styles to choose from. We wound up going with something similar to this one, which is durable and has an extra compartment below the postal bin for magazines, small boxes or particles.

After some more browsing, I discovered that MoreMailboxes.com has a sister company, AllModern.com. AllModern.com offers contemporary home decor, furniture, kitchenwares, children's items and other accessories. I immediately fell in love and started compiling a wish list. Here is what I'm crushing on:

For my kitchen, I adore the Alessi serving accessories. They are so colorful and whimsical, with sleek European lines. Just check out the Paradise Bird salt and pepper set (shown, left) and matching milk jug. These would be just the trick to brighten up any kitchen. I also love the Big Love Ice Cream Bowl with its heart-shaped spoon. Perfect for the upcoming Valentine's Day holiday, you can share some dessert in style with your lucky date or significant other.


For my living room, I could really use some throw pillows to jazz things up. I love the inspiring, eco-friendly ones from Inhabit. My favorite was the "Since When" pillow (shown, right), which is sure to get me off the couch and onto that treadmill. I also liked the rich colors and textures of the Kaleidoscope pillow from Koko Company. Expensive but gorgeous.

I am dying to remodel our office because I feel it is a little too plain Jane. The last thing I want to do is be bored in an area that's supposed to spawn creativity. I found some inexpensive supplies from Kikkerland that could be functional yet fashionable, like the Futuro Perpetual Wall Calendar (shown, left), the Spider Photo Clip Mobile or the funky Dog Stapler.


And let's not forget about our babies! There are so many cool items for the nursery or toddler room. AllModern.com carries some of my favorite brands for kids such as Boon, Skip Hop, Wonderworld, Small Paul, Dwell Studio and more. My imagination ran wild as I perused their selection. Our family dog growing up was a dachshund so I desperately want the Offi Dog Lamp (shown, right) and the Fauna Mini Cushion pillow for a dog theme, although I'm sure Mr. Independent will veto that in favor of Elmo. Some of my other favorites were the P'kolino Silly Soft Seat, the Sevi Airplane Music Box, and the notNeutral wooden block sets.

WIN IT: I am totally jealous because one of my mighty lucky readers is going to win a $50 shopping spree to AllModern.com! YEAH!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Go to AllModern.com and tell me one item that catches your eye. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count! Remember to leave one comment per entry.

1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. If you already follow and/or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)

2.) Follow me and CSNStores on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You can do this daily! You may use the following text or come up with your own:

RT @kris10chumley: Revamp your living space! Win a $50 shopping spree to AllModern.com @csnstores http://bit.ly/dhGubc

Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)

3.) Become a fan of CSN Stores on Facebook. (1 entry)

4.) Add my blog button and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry)

5.) CSN has a network of over 200 stores. Check out their list and tell me which other site(s) you'd like to shop at. (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on February 16, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. and Canada. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I did not receive a product to review, nor was I compensated for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are purely mine.

Review and Giveaway: Protect-A-Bed CLOSED

For the first eight months of Nate's life, we were a cosleeping family. Or rather, I should say a bedsharing family. I loved having my baby snuggle close to me and it was super convenient for those midnight nursing sessions. I don't regret the decision but there were some downsides. Sleeping next to a tiny furnace all night would cause me to sweat profusely. And let's not forget the diaper leaks. We had a small mattress protector that we placed between our mattress and sheets but the material would crinkle everytime we tossed or turned. It would also shift around at night so it hardly protected us from accidents. As a result, our year-young mattress really took a beating during this time.

If only we had discovered Protect-A-Bed sooner, my husband wouldn't have had to share me with the washing machine.

Protect-A-Bed offers a variety of premium protection products that allow families to transform their bedrooms into healthy sleep zones. Did you know that your body can lose up to 2 pints of moisture for every 8 hours you sleep? Kinda gross if you think about it! After just 4 months of unprotected bedding, your mattress and pillows can become the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and dust mites, which are a leading cause of asthma, eczema and rhinitis.

Protect-A-Bed mattress protectors feature a waterproof, stainproof "Miracle Membrane", which protects your mattress from spills, perspiration and bodily fluids, and prevents the habitation of bacteria, bed bugs and dust mites. It's air vapor porous barrier is cool and comfortable to sleep on. All Protect-A-Bed products are free of pesticides and harmful substances such as cadmium, and exceed current flame-resistance requirements, so you can be sure your sleeping environment is safe.

We were sent the Premium Mattress Protector in Queen size to review. This particular model is Protect-A-Bed's number 1 seller. It is a fitted sheet style and has a soft, terry cloth upper.



Per the instructions, I washed the protector in hot water and dried it on medium heat before use. It held up very well in the wash, with no signs of pilling or wear. I loved how simple it was to put on my bed. It is normally difficult to find sheets to fit my deep mattress. I have to buy special 17" pocket sheets or else the elastic rides up. But the Protect-A-Bed mattress protector fit like a dream and was very easy to install. My husband was concerned that it would affect the comfort of our Temperpedic-type foam mattress. But it was so thin and quiet that we never really noticed it. I love that I no longer have to worry about a bulky, shifty underlay. And even though we don't cosleep anymore and urine stains are (hopefully) a thing of the past, I can now indulge in a late-night snack, wine or Chinese take-out in bed without fear of soiling the mattress. I can take comfort that our mattress will always be protected.

As you know, my husband suffers from asthma and allergies. We've been using the protector for several weeks and I have noticed that he is sneezing and coughing less at night. I'm not sure I can attribute this solely to Protect-A-Bed but it is definitely a coincidence.

Bottom line: I would definitely recommend purchasing a Protect-A-Bed mattress protector, particularly if you cosleep or suffer from incontinence. It may be a little pricier than other brands but it won't wear out as quickly and I see it as more of a long-term, high-quality investment in my mattress. I'm already looking into purchasing some pillow protectors to enhance our sleep safety and extend the life of our pillows, as my husband and I both tend to drool in our sleep (haha!).

BUY IT: You can purchase Protect-A-Bed products online at www.ProtectABed.com or use their handy dandy store locator to find the dealer nearest you. In addition to the Premium Mattress Protector (ARV $59.99-$99.99), there is a velour-topped Plush model ($79.99-$109.99), a reversible Elite model (ARV $69.99-$109.99) and Premium Crib Mattress protector (ARV $29.99) for infants and toddlers.

WIN IT: Protect-A-Bed has generously agreed to give away one Premium Mattress Protector in winner's choice of size (twin, full, queen, king or crib)! That's up to a $100 value!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit Protect-A-Bed and tell me which product you'd most like to try. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count! Remember to leave one comment per entry.

1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. If you already follow and/or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)

2.) Follow me and Protect-A-Bed on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You can do this daily! Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)

3.) Become a fan of Protect-A-Bed on Facebook. (1 entry)

4.) Add my blog button and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on February 14, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: As noted above, I received a Protect-A-Bed Premium Mattress Protector from Shannan at Wordsworth Communications to facilitate my candid review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are purely mine. Your experience may differ.