I don't remember how exactly I got on PR folks lists as a "blogger to do reviews", I think it might be my twitter presence since I began to grow on there about the same time I started getting emails, but I don't know.  I haven't done reviews (at least intentionally) without being asked by the company.  They contacted me.   I get a dozen or so pitches a day from PR companies and will send a few your way if you'd like :)  Email me and I'll put you into my list of bloggers that I suggest to a persistent PR person.  admin@quirkymomma.com

When I first started, I emailed companies that I was interested in or had just tried their product and wanted to offer a giveaway.

No, don't buy products yourself!  I started out a few months ago, and companies took a chance on me.  Have a killer PR pitch/letter (do your research).  Ask a ton of companies (those that have products you believe in and you can offer something to).  Check those that are up and coming, and even those that currently work with bloggers as well.  Ask blogger pals for contacts.  Work on content of your blog.  Work on a good, easy to read and clean design.  Have a good theme and name for your blog.  You can always email me.

http://thevillageofmoms.com

I got into reviews after I won a giveaway on another blog!

I don't think many people know about that- but often if you win a giveaway on another blog the company that sent you the free product will ask you if you'd like to review it on your site, or do a giveaway. It works out great for the company- because you were already getting a free product from them- and then they get to promote on your site as well. And works out good for you, becuase as you do reviews more companies will contact you. In my experience it's a cycle...so now you have extra reason to enter giveaways on other peoples sites! I'm having one now if your looking for one to enter ;)

Also, there is a great secret company run by TX Holly (she has posted on Mom Loop before) called Business 2 Blogger! They send out a few emails a month with different giveaway oppurtunitys - and pair blogs with businesses.

This wasn't around when I first started reviewing, and I would say it's a super way to dip your toe in the water of reviews if that's what you would like to do! All you have to do to sign up, is put a button on your page. Very easy, and a great company to work with! If you sign up- tell them Shannon at MilkandCuddles says hi! There are other similiar sites out there too, but i dont use them, so I cant tell you if they work. Business2Blogger has worked great for me. Last month I got to do a review of a new Chevy Malibu for a month it was so fun :)

Their link is here: Business2Blogger

Hope that helps?

Thanks for the tips! I've contacted one company with a positive response - and then a bunch of silence. I don't have much of a blog following since I just started this month.

I'm trying to pitch the angle that I am a medical student and training in pediatrics...plus, a mom of two under two. I figured some companies would like a "medical mom" perspective. 

I'm guessing a giveaway would be my best chance to adding to my following?

Wow! I am impressed with the sage advice provided.  Monica, I am a new reviewing Mom and I don't have as many reviews under my belt as these other Moms, but I started out like you, by contacting the companies with my pitch. I really enjoy reviewing products because when I became pregnant I relied on reviews to find out what I would buy for my children.  I would like to get more reviews on my site, so I will be taking the advice found here.  Thanks ladies!

Monica - There is a bit of a list at Our Mommyhood for some companies to contact about reviews.