Diary of a Stay at Home Mom: October 2012

Let's talk ladies.....

Oh boy!

I'm going to be very open with you all, so this post may not exactly be something men want to read. I promise not to talk about very embarrassing things, but there ARE things about being a woman that I'm needing to vent about.

So I've been counting my calories, watching what I eat, exercising 3 days a week plus doing a mile and a half at the track every Sunday morning.

Last month I started a new birth control pill....Ortho Tricyclen Lo.

I have gained 10 pounds since starting the pill.

Really?????

And nothing I do is keeping that weight from piling on. I'm so disappointed and frustrated.

Aside from the weight gain, other side effects I'm having are mood swings, feeling tired, horrible sleep etc etc and etc......and a pretty much non existent sex drive. There I said it!

If you cringed, I apologize but I had to include that in my list of things gone wrong since I started it.

I won't even mention the bloated feeling, the increase in breast size which I really really really do NOT need.

I'm done.

I am dropping this pill and going back to a hormone free body. I've done very well and have felt amazing for the past 3 years off any kind of birth control that is hormone related.

When I had my appointment last month I thought "well let's try the pill again and see how that works". Clearly it's not working for me, and I'm going nuts with the way it's making me feel.

To say I'm disappointed and upset over this, is an understatement. But I think I'm making the right decision. If it's worked for me before not being on any hormone medication, why change it now?

I think I just need to vent about this and I guess reach out to anyone out there who has gained weight while on birth control. And please don't tell me that birth control does not cause anyone to gain weight because this is not the first time that birth control pills have done this to me.

It happened before I was married and it happened right after my daughter was born as well. The only one that didn't do it was the Mirena IUD. Other than that, seems that every birth control pill I've used has caused dramatic weight gain almost immediately.

*sigh*

24 comments

, by Sandra

happy homemaker monday

Happy Homemaker Monday #41

Good Morning everyone, Happy Monday :)

I'm not doing very well today, had a night of tossing and turning again, some bad dreams, still congested and just not a very happy person today.

Praying for energy, for feeling better and for the Lord to guide me and carry me through the rest of the day.

Also want to send a hug and some thoughts towards my readers on the East Coast. Please stay safe!

Feel free to use :)

The Weather:::
64 degrees right now, I've been enjoying the cooler temperatures. It feels great to step out back in the morning and actually feel cold.

Right now I am:
Sitting on the couch with my ripple blanket draped over my legs. Sipping on some hot coffee which I've just managed to somehow drip all over my pj shirt. (must be the lack of sleep).

Thinking:
That I should go and change out of my shirt but I'm super lazy this morning and I'll just wait a little longer and then change into my clothes for the day.
Also, thinking about what all I need to do today.

On my reading pile:::
Just started the Susan Wittig Albert Cottage Tales series, thank you Tina Leigh for recommending them :) I'm on book one and so far really enjoying them, it's definitely something up my alley.
This weekend I was also able to get my hands on the whole China Bayle series, also from Susan Witting Albert, for the Kindle.

On my tv:::
My Portuguese soaps (Doce Tentacao, Louco Amor, Tempo de Viver, Doida por ti, Meu Amor)
Copper (I give up...I will catch up eventually)
The Paradise 5
Wartime Farm Episode 8
Tales from the Green Valley ( LOVE this series)

On the menu for this week:::
Working on the new menu which starts on Wednesday for me.....

Monday - Bratwurst in tomato sauce, mashed potatoes
Tuesday - Turkey Strogonoff
Wednesday - Spaghetti Bolognese
Thursday -
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -

On my to do list:::
Laundry
Homeschooling
Candle review on blog
Menu plan and grocery list

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
Finishing the crochet creeper for the kids. Christmas gifts.

Homemaking Tips:::
Don't throw out stale bread or the heels if your family doesn't eat them. I keep a ziploc baggie in my fridge and keep adding to it during the week. On the weekend, I take all my stale bread and make Homemade Breadcrumbs.

Looking around the house:::
Hubby is heading out the door right now. My Lola is asleep on the couch right up against me, she loves laying here and it keeps me warm. Win Win right?
I have some dishes in the sink that need my attention. In the living room, there is a bit of tidying up to be done, cups that the kids left laying around to be picked up and dog toys on the floor that I need to put back in their basket.

From the camera:::

On my prayer list:::
All those out there that need prayer one way or another.
But today, mostly my prayers are concentrated on the East Coast, on all those in the path of this horrible storm. May the Lord watch over and protect them.

Bible verse, Devotional:::
1 Peter 4:15-16 (NIV) - If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

13 comments

, by Sandra

library

From the library

Morning visit to the library, an hour browsing through books and a stack later.....

Christmas with Paula Deen
Eat what you Love
Crockpot Slow Cooker Bible
Georgia Cooking in an Oklahoma Kitchen

Tina first told me about the Susan Wittig Albert books and I've been meaning to get them ever since, but kept forgetting. Well, no more, I picked up 3, actually the only ones the base library had BUT I was able to get the whole collection for the Kindle earlier so I'll be able to read the ones that I didn't get this morning :)

The Tale of Hilltop Farm by Susan Wittig Albert
The Tale of Holly How by Susan Wittig Albert
The Tale of Castle Cottage by Susan Wittig Albert
The Centurion's Wife by Janette Oke and Davis Bunn
The Hidden Flame by Janette Oke and Davis Bunn
The Damascus Way by Janette Oke and Davis Bunn

I'm digging right in with these, starting with the The Tale of Hilltop Farm :)

What books have you picked up at your library lately? Reading anything good?

6 comments

, by Sandra

Dreary Friday

Not weather wise, but personally for me.

Started with a not so good night's sleep. You know I've noticed that the older I get the less peaceful, restful sleep I get? What is with the tossing and turning and insomnia?

Hubby and I were both up and down all night long, think we both were having issues sleeping and by the time the alarm blared at 5:30am, we were just exhausted.

I still am.

It kind of set the tone for the whole day though, add in a congested nose and sinus pressure and it's been a pretty cruddy day for me.

I knew I didn't have the patience or energy to tackle major housework of any kind, so it's been all set aside for today while I've taken it easy. Funny thing is that I don't like taking it easy even if it's for health reasons, because I feel extremely guilty.

Do any of you feel that way too?

Oh my word, I can't tell you how horrible it is. I keep telling myself that it's ok, I can get to it all tomorrow but then I feel like everyone is looking at me and thinking that I'm a horrible person for doing nothing for that day. You would be surprised how many times I apologize to my kids and husband over the course of that day, for not doing laundry or vacuuming or whatever it may be.

Lucky for me, my family love me and don't get upset at all, matter of fact my husband is always telling me I do way too much and need to take it easy and let it go, not worry so much about the housework.

Easier said than done though.

I've been relaxing today, sitting on the couch when I'm not feeding the children and dogs, or doing dishes (can't really not do anything house related, right?), and I decided to grab my crochet and make something for the kids which I knew they would really enjoy.

It's a work in progress but let me show you.....

Minecraft Creeper of course. I'm following this pattern, but I had to change it a little and I did end up using cardboard to reinforce the square.

That's as far as I got those, I made two heads and still have to make the two bodies and the legs, one for each kid because they LOVE the Creepers on Minecraft.

My head hurts though and I don't want to sit and focus on anything for too long and crocheting a new pattern is something that requires my attention.....which I don't have today. Oh well, there's still the weekend ahead :)

For dinner, I'm sticking with bacon, biscuits and gravy. Something quick to throw together and everyone loves breakfast for dinner, so it's a win for all.

But what I really can't wait for, is to take my shower later and then put on my favorite comfy pj's, do some blog visiting, watch some shows or maybe even just read.

One thing is for sure though, I'll be in bed very early tonight.

How exciting for a Friday night huh? LOL

9 comments

, by Sandra

Slow Cooking Thursday

Slow Cooking Thursday - Meat Sauce for Spaghetti

Good morning my friends :)

Slow Simmered Meat Sauce for Spaghetti

1 lb lean ground beef
1/2 lb bulk Italian pork sausage
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 cup finely chopped carrot
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
16 oz uncooked spaghetti
Shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired

The recipe calls for you to first brown the beef and the sausage, but I skipped that step.

In a slow cooker, mix beef, sausage and all remaining ingredients except spaghetti and Parmesan cheese.

Cover; cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours.

About 20 minutes before serving, cook and drain spaghetti as directed on package. Serve sauce over spaghetti and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

7 comments

, by Sandra

Busy week

Ever feel like you're just constantly on the go and don't have a moment to breathe?

It's been a pretty busy week for me. My husband is in a TAP (Transition Assistance Program) class this week so his schedule is different which throws mine off kilter too.

I find that I'm just waking up, doing housework, doing homeschooling, cooking, and it's bedtime again. I am so looking forward to the weekend, I can't even tell you.

Funniest thing is that I haven't really been doing anything out of this world or exciting, or worthy of a blog post, I guess that's why I haven't posted anything since Monday. Good gravy!

I did say I wanted to come in daily, so I have to make sure that I keep to that promise.

So before I show you what I was up to today in the kitchen, let me tell you what else I've been doing.

Preparing for Christmas.

I know, I know, some of you may think I've lost it, but honestly time flies so fast and I know that if I don't start right now I'll be way behind and probably end up not getting things done.

Usually I'm a last minute Christmas shopper/preparer but I don't want to do that this year, I want to get it all done or mostly done so I can relax and really enjoy the season.

I've gathered up many patterns and ideas for homemade gifts for my loves, family and friends. I've also been watching some of my favorite shows that focus on simple Christmas, Vintage Christmas, Pioneer Christmas etc.

I'm totally going for a very simple holiday this year because truthfully, I'm so tired of the extravagant, overdone holidays. In my opinion there's no need for the biggest tree, the most expensive gifts etc. It just seems to ruin the real purpose.

If you like the Victorian Farm series that aired a few years ago, you will enjoy the Victorian Farm Christmas special, and you can watch them on YouTube.

Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3

Another one of my favorites was Kirstie's Handmade Christmas.

But I'll keep sharing what I find or what I'm planning with you all, maybe it'll inspire someone out there :)

Anyway, want to see what I was up to in the kitchen???

Bread making for the week and the freezer.

4 loaves of our favorite homemade bread

We do love these Buttermilk Loaves, they are delicious. I always make at least 4 and freeze them in the deep freezer.

It's a great bread for freezing and once thawed the texture and taste are not affected in any way.

Then I quickly whipped up a Swiss Roll or Jelly Roll as it's known here in the States. I've been craving one for a while. (don't have a recipe up for this one but I think everyone has a recipe laying around right?)

This was one of the first things I learned to bake in Home Economics class in High School and it always brings back such fond memories.

It's also one of those cakes that doesn't always turn out how I want it. This time I accidentally beat the mixture too long and it came out a little more dense than I prefer, but I'm not one to waste a good slice of cake :)

After schooling with the kids, a visit from the housing maintenance, and two more loads of laundry, I had just enough time to throw dinner together. Oven baked meatballs.

I love these, they are so yummy and very easy to put together.

So there you have it, you now know what I was doing in my kitchen all day.

Since it's Wednesday, I have a few favorite shows to watch so I'll say goodnight and go cuddle with my hubby on the couch.

6 comments

, by Sandra

HOURS Luminaires

Hours Luminaries - Soy Candle Review and 20% off coupon

I'm so excited to tell you about these Soy candles and HOURS luminaries.

I was contacted last week by Leanne and asked if I would consider trying out her candles. I love candles, as you all know, but I also love helping Small Business Owners.

I received my candles a few days ago and I have to tell you that the scent emanating through the mailing box was UNBELIEVABLE. I was literally ripping through the box to get to the candles.

The first thing that caught my attention was the adorable box it came in and the way it was packaged.

Leanne sent me two separate samples, Moonlight Stroll and Campfire Morning and goodness gracious they smell divine, even my husband loves them and kept sniffing at the tealights LOL

The minute I opened the box I had to smile, you know my obsession with mason jars and low and behold this Fall candle came in the cutest mason jar ever.

The presentation is cute as heck, but the scent.....*sigh*

November Harvest.....here's the description:

This scent is full of spicy fall aroma, the PERFECT fall scent! You will fall in love with November Harvest! A Spicy blend of cinnamon bark and clove bud on a dry down of musk.

They're not kidding, this has to be one of the best smelling candles I have ever had.

Now for a confession, this is my first soy candle and I want to kick myself for never trying them before. I think I just found a new favorite candle for my home and I can't wait to try the other scents.

But I have to tell you a little bit more about the wonderful ladies behind HOURS Luminaires.

Hours luminaires started in August of 2012 by Leanne and Brittney :)

We specialize in soy candles in containers, but we have been known to experiment with new techniques and ideas.

All of our products are ECO-friendly and safe for the environment, and mostly FROM the environment! All of our packaging is recycled and recyclable!

We pride ourselves on being green AND innovative.

Our original idea for the company was a candle system which we cant go into too much detail about because its still under wraps ;)

We genuinely love making candles, and we appreciate the support you are showing a female owned, environment friendly small business!

A percentage of our sales go to an animal rescue for special needs animals!

And what charity are they donating to??? Well Leanne told me all about it, and the love she has for these animals just pours through.

Right now we are donating to "colleen" she is the most in need there. They are a free-roaming cat rescue.

Soon, with more sales, we will be donating to the whole organization, but right now we are trying to help the most needy cats possible. Some of them have very expensive medications. Colleen, is a sweety who has the beginning stages of renal failure.

Anyhow, the director and I talk weekly it seems. Its a great charity, everyone involved REALLY cares for these little, precious creatures that other people abandon or can't afford to care for.

Its very close to my heart. Its what I am meant to do. Help these special needs cats :)

I just wish there were more Leanne's out there, don't you? :)

You can find HOURS Luminaires on Facebook, and their Etsy shop here.

I'm not going to ask you to just take my word for it, you really need to try these candles out for yourself, and Leanne has been kind enough to give all my blog readers a coupon code.

20% OFF Fall Candles, code "FALL20"

Check out the Fall Line here.

With scents like Country Home (A Complex blend of apples, candied yams, marshmallows, sweet cream butter, brown sugar, nutmeg, crushed cinnamon bark and fresh cloves)

Moonlight Stroll (Top notes of fresh pear, blueberries, and pineapple, middle notes of juniper berries and eucalyptus; and well rounded with base notes of spruce, woods, Douglass fir, cedar, and white musk.)

November Harvest (This scent is full of spicy fall aroma, the PERFECT fall scent! You will fall in love with November Harvest! A Spicy blend of cinnamon bark and clove bud on a dry down of musk.)

Campfire Morning (A little masculine but full of beautiful woodsy aroma! Great gift for men or people who enjoy foresty scents!
---Top Notes: bergamot, orange, and lemon, Middle notes of geranium, lily, and rose and base notes of patchouli, vetiver, and tonka beans.)

Buttery Apple Pie (The perfect arrangement of tart pie apples, apple butter, evaporated milk, cinnamon, and buttery, flakey pie crust!)

Pumpkin Pie (Sweet cream pumpkin, complimented with nuances of nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, and ginger; rounded out with buttery vanilla notes.).

If I know my readers well, and some of you I do feel like I know you, I think this is something you will enjoy immensely and just think about Christmas right around the corner, or maybe there's a special birthday coming up....these would make the cutest gift ever.

I plan on purchasing a few more because I've had the pleasure of sampling the moonlight stroll and the campfire morning and they smell so so so good, I just have to get the bigger size.

Thank you Leanne and Brittney for these wonderful candles, I'm in love with them :)

4 comments

, by Sandra

happy homemaker monday

Happy Homemaker Monday #40

Good Morning, hope you all had a wonderful weekend and I also hope that the week ahead is a good one too.

Feel free to use :)

The Weather:::
67 degrees. We'll be staying in the 80's this week and I'm more than ready for it. I used to think that 80 was hot back in Idaho LOL Now it's sweater weather....just kidding, maybe not sweater weather, but definitely Fall weather.

Right now I am:
Wearing my pj's, enjoying a cup of coffee and not fully awake yet.

Thinking:
That Fall break is over and today we are back to school, I need to get the kid's lessons ready. Also thinking about hubby's class this week, he will be doing his TAP class all week, which is the Transition Assistance Program for those who are retiring. How exciting :)

On my reading pile:::
Nothing, other than some crochet patterns to make some Minecraft stuff for my kids for Christmas.

On my tv:::
My Portuguese soaps (Doce Tentacao, Louco Amor, Tempo de Viver)
Copper (still haven't caught up on the last two episodes)
The Paradise Episode 4 and 5
Wartime Farm Episode 6

On the menu for this week:::
More Portuguese food :)

Monday - Costoletas panadas no forno (Oven breaded pork chops, potato & carrots mash)
Tuesday - Lombinhos de pescada c/ creme e batatas cozidas (Creamy fish and potato casserole)
Wednesday - Strogonoff de Peru c/ arroz no forno (Turkey strogonoff with oven rice)
Thursday - Tagliatelle a Bolonhesa (Bolognese Tagliatelle)
Friday - Homemade Pizza
Saturday - Bifes com Batatas fritas (Steak and Fries)
Sunday - Sopa de Feijao (Bean Soup)

On my to do list:::
Laundry
Bathrooms
Homeschooling
Candle review on blog
Menu plan on food blog

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
Christmas gifts - Starting a Minecraft Creeper Beanie for Nicholas, also have a creeper scarf and some crochet creepers for both kids.

Homemaking Tips:::
I don't waste anything, nor do I like throwing out stuff. Honestly, if people took a few minutes of prep or of thought, they could be saving a lot of money when it comes to food. Some of the things I do are: If I make a huge pot of mashed potatoes, whatever isn't eaten, I freeze in ziploc baggies. If it's enough for another meal then when I want to use it, I just pull it out and warm it up on the stovetop (it tastes just fine). If it's not enough for another meal then I use it either for my sourdough bread or for shepherd's pie or potato pancakes etc.
I do the same with rice, if there's a lot leftover I freeze it, or I make Rice pudding the next day.

By taking a little time and thought, I save a lot of money on groceries, and always have things in the freezer for future meals.

Looking around the house:::
Hubby is getting his laptop ready to take to class. Pugs are sleeping on the couch, kids are still asleep as well.
Living room just needs a little tidying mainly blankets to be folded and put back on the couch, some kid shoes on the rug etc.
Kitchen needs to be swept and mopped, but aside from breakfast dishes, it's clean.

From the camera:::

On my prayer list:::
My brother and sister in law as they prepare for an important interview the first week of November.
Hubby and I as we prepare for retirement.

Bible verse, Devotional:::
In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Proverbs 16:9

14 comments

, by Sandra

Sunday Stuff

Had such a good, quiet Sunday, that I really hope that you all had one too.

My day started with me sleeping in, well, if you can call it that, but then again 7:30am is sleeping in for me. HA!

Mid morning we headed to the track and I was actually able to run two and a half full laps without stopping, I was so proud of myself. What a wonderful feeling when you push yourself through the barriers that you set in your life and start working towards a healthier, fitter you.

It hasn't been easy but I have forced myself to exercise the past week, even when I didn't feel like it, I pushed through and I feel so much better for it :)

The best part is that the kids are into exercising as well and look forward to our weekend visits to the track.

After the track we came home, had a quick lunch and set to work on some pumpkin carving.

Once it's all done, everyone takes off and mommy gets left with some work....separating the seeds from the pumpkin.

Cleaning it all up, putting the pumpkin in freezer bags and freezing it for soup, pie, sonhos (Portuguese pumpkin fritters) etc.

Of course these have to be made and is there anything better than roasting these babies??

I watched the new Downton Abbey episode as I did that work, made it go faster :)

While the seeds roasted in the oven, I set the table for dinner and fixed a quick meal for us.

Simple pasta using leftovers....bacon turkey that had to be cooked before expiring and leftover KFC chicken. Yummy!

And here are the pumpkins.

Now let me start by saying that up until this year, the kids have always wanted to carve pumpkins but a few minutes into it, they were over it, needed help, were bored, couldn't do it alone etc.....so hubby and I always ended up having to do it all.

THIS year, they did every thing by themselves. From the cutting, to the cleaning, to the templates, you name it, they did it all, so we're so very proud of these kiddos :)

This is daddy's pumpkin,

This is Nic's...

Jasmine's, it's a pokemon but one of the pieces she cut right through and it fell off. She still did great :)

And this is mine :)

Then I thought, well I'm out here in the yard, might as well look into MY window, because you know whenever we go out for walks at night, I have this fascination with looking in people's windows.

Not up close, I'm not a stalker and I don't peep LOL

But if we walk by and someone has their lights on and the curtains open, I always look into the house, I just love seeing what everyone's homes look like. And I know I'm not the only one LOL

So there you go, a peek into my own house from the kitchen window.

Now I'm off to read a little before bed. I'll be sitting right next to that lamp in my chair :)

5 comments

, by Sandra

Saturday Happenings

Hello friends :)

I hope you all had a fantastic Saturday and that now you are relaxing and taking it easy, as I am.

We've been a little busy today, getting the kid's costumes ready and making sure that everything is in order for Halloween.

We also just ended a week of Fall Break, taking it easy, resting and days with no schedules and rushing here or there.

But I think I'm ready for school again, and getting back into the swing of things next week :)

We started the day with some hot coffee and cinnamon raising bagels....sitting around the kitchen table just chatting. It feels great to share breakfast on the weekends when my husband is home with us in the mornings.

Then hubby and I set to work on Nic's costume. We had to figure out how to make this thing from scratch, how to get it to look right etc. It was a little stressful at times because what he wants to be is a Creeper from the game Minecraft, and there are no costumes out there for it, it's not even very well known, at least I don't think so.

See what I mean? It looks pretty easy to make, but goodness LOL

Anyway, it's mostly done, we just have to paint it etc to give it that patterned green,white look.

Then we set to work on the Halloween decorations outside, we had put some up earlier this week but it was nowhere near done.

Little Miss Lola also tried out her costume. It's big on her so I have to alter it this week to make it fit perfect, but I tell you, I have not laughed so hard in a while as when she started walking around dressed like that LOL

I just can't.....just looking at her sends me into fits of giggles.

Just a few pics of the outside.

We also have pumpkins to carve tomorrow afternoon, and we always have such a great time as a family doing it :)

Not to mention all the yummy pumpkin I have for cooking and the seeds for roasting.

I really do love this time of year.

Tomorrow I have a review of some amazing soy candles which I think you're going to love, the scent is just out of this world, even my husband is impressed. But more on that later.

I think I'm going to sit down with my crochet and a cup of tea and maybe watch a movie with the family.

Have track tomorrow morning and I'm looking forward to running with my hubby.

Hugs to you all and a restful night's sleep.

8 comments

, by Sandra

product review

Sleep Number AirFit Adjustable Pillow - Review

I do quite a few reviews for products that are sent to me. You know that right?

But I don't think that any other review has had me this excited in a long time, not only because it's an amazing product that I have had my eye on for quite a while, but mostly because it's changed my life.

I'm not even joking about that. Let me tell you how.

First I have to thank the people at Sleep Number for this wonderful opportunity. These are not cheap pillows, but I have neck and shoulder issues and have wanted one for so long, but really couldn't justify it in my budget.

Now knowing how great it's worked for me, I think it's well worth it's price.

Last week I received my pillow in the mail. It came in the afternoon, and I tell you, I was SO ready for bed just to try it out.

But before I tell you about my experience, let me tell you about Sleep Number and their pillows.

Our exclusive Sleep Number® AirFitTM Adjustable Pillow combines the support and comfort of air with adjustability, to provide the most personalized sleep experience possible. You can adjust the AirFitTM Pillow based on your individual sleeping position, size and shape. The AirFitTM Pillow can change with you as your sleep needs change. European White Goose Down surrounds the air chamber for the ultimate luxury. Resilient down clusters for exceptionally high loft and improved support for maximum comfort. Hypoallergenic down is free of dust and allergy-causing impurities. Extra-soft 300-thread-count 100% Egyptian cotton cover. Easy to use – pillow self-inflates with the twist of a dial! Note: This pillow provides a firmer/more supportive sleeping experience than a traditional down pillow. ~from Sleep Number website.

The AirFit™ Pillow is available in three options so customers can choose based on sleep preference:

CoolFit™ Foam: Gel technology works within memory foam to create a cooler, more comfortable sleeping experience
Memory Fiber: Memory fiber provides improved air circulation to help prevent humidity and heat buildup
European White Goose Down: Resilient down clusters for exceptionally high loft and improved support for maximum comfort

I chose the Memory Fiber.

Now let me tell you a little story.

Before I got married, I used to do aerobics every single day, as well as strength training at the gym.

One day, as I was working my back muscles on the machine, I was distracted and when it came time to slowly release the handle back to the top, I for some unknown reason let go with my left hand and not my right, so the handle flew to the top and jerked my right arm/shoulder up.

I felt immense pain and for a week or two couldn't really do anything. Stupidly enough, I didn't go to the doctor, just attributed it to a pulled muscle.

It's now been 17 years later and my right side has never been the same. I tend to get pain on my right shoulder blades, shoulder, neck etc.

Sleeping has been horrible and I guess I've just gotten used to not being able to lay on my right shoulder or waking up with neck and shoulder pain.

I have tried numerous pillows, from numerous places, numerous sizes, densities etc. NOTHING has worked.

They're either too flat, or too hard.

When I first received the AirFit Adjustable Pillow, I was excited. Another chance to maybe find the right pillow.

The way this pillow works is simple.

It adjusts to your head and neck for a personalized sleep experience

• Control your own comfort with this adjustable pillow
• Changes with you as your sleep needs change
• Responsive Memory Fiber continually adjusts to your head and neck movements for constant support

It has a twist dial to let air in or out of the pillow and it self inflates.

I lay on the pillow, let it adjust to my head and then closed the dial.

I will tell you, that the first night was a bit uncomfortable for me because this pillow is a little harder than the usual pillows I'm used to. Or rather, than the CHEAP pillows I'm used to.

I messed around with the dial a little more and by the second night it was much better. I am now going on the 4th night and I can tell you that it's changed my life.

I was never able to lay on my right side for longer than five minutes without my shoulder hurting and my arm going numb, so I spent all night tossing and turning.

What I'm about to say is HUGE for me. I have now slept for two nights in a row, on my right side, without even moving all night long and I have had the best sleep in years, not to mention that my shoulder doesn't hurt, my neck is not stiff and I don't wake up in pain.

It is A.MA.ZING!

I don't say that lightly. And of course I can only speak for myself and my experience but this pillow is a miracle worker for me.

I will never sleep with another pillow, I will never waste money on cheap pillows, this baby is going with me everywhere I go.

Thank you Sleep Number for changing my life!

If you're looking for the perfect pillow for a painless restful night's sleep, this is it folks. THIS is your pillow.

You can find out more about it, research if you must, read up on it, see how it really works through the Sleep Number website or through their Facebook page.

I could go on and on and on about this pillow, but I think that you get the idea that I love it, that it's well worth it's price and that it works and that for me is the biggest thing. Painless sleep, something I haven't had in so many years, I had forgotten what it was like.

I only wish I could send each and every one of you, your own pillow to try.

But hey, you can certainly look into getting one for yourself, and there are some great deals, chats coming up.

Fantastic deals for military members, 30% Off selected Sleep Number bedding and save $600 plus 24 month financing and free standard delivery on Sleep Number m7 and i8 bed sets.
http://www.facebook.com/SleepNumber/app_370016313034142

Some other wonderful deals and special offers going on:

http://www.sleepnumber.com/eng/specialoffers/specials.cfm

And an upcoming Twitter Chat/Party "How to reduce bedroom allergens"

http://beds.com/sleep-better-chat-oct30how-to-reduce-bedroom-allergens/

I am so thrilled and so very thankful to Sleep Number/Select Comfort for this opportunity.

I received a free Sleep Number® AirFit Adjustable pillow to review from Select Comfort / Sleep Number for this post.