June 2017 / Mainly Marta :: A Motherhood + Lifestyle Blog

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Welcome

What started as a digital diary to document a newfound journey as a stay at home mom / wife has quickly evolved into my own little corner on the internet where I share all that life brings my way -- the good, the bad, and everything in between. Thanks for stopping by; I hope you stay awhile!

6.30.2017

Unboxing | Breezy VoxBox

It's been awhile since I've done an unboxing post, but alas -- here we are with another Influenster VoxBox. This box was titled "BREEZY" and was filled with things that you'd want to have around for summer.

If you're not familiar with Influenster or their VoxBox system, let me explain how it works: you make an account on their site Influenster.com and then you review all kinds of products (make-up, grocery store items, books, etc.). In return for your reviews, you may qualify for a voxbox -- a box that comes to your door filled with more things to review. The more you review, the more chances you have to get free stuff in a voxbox. It's a nice way to try fun products while also giving your opinion on items you love and hate. I use Influenster as my go to place when I want to see what people think of certain products! So now that you're familiar with how it all works, let's see what was in the Breezy Box!




Head & Shoulders :: Repair & Protect Hair & Scalp :: Shampoo & Conditioner. I had tried this shampoo before I received this voxbox, so to see these products again was nice. When I was in high school, I used the brand Head and Shoulders religiously because I had issues with dandruff. I really liked their products, but after 3 years of using it, my hair stopped responding to it. I then took up Pantene Pro-V as my new hair line. Because I knew I was going to write this blog post, I've washed my hair with this duo the last couple of times. It smells great. It's very light weight and it leaves your hair feeling clean.

PROFOOT Heel Rescue Creme. When I saw this product, I had a "yay" moment because lately my heels have been super dry. This product is unscented which made me a little sad, but I suppose that's better than being stuck with a scent that you don't like! This foot creme leaves your feet really moisturized and soft. I'm guessing that's because this creme has Aragon Oil infused in it. A little bit goes a long way, so I feel like this will last long through the summer! What I love about this is that you can use it on your elbows and knees as well! TIP: if you want some scent, mix a drop of your favorite essential oil in a pump before lathering it on!

Nair Wax Ready Strips. The voxbox provided a sample of two strips, a post waxing wipe and a coupon that saves you $1. Technically, it's 4 strips because when you pull it apart, there is wax on both sides of the paper. You don't need to warm the wax prior to use, so these would be a great traveling item. The strip is supposed to be used several times -- until they don't stick to skin anymore. I feel like these strips are pretty good for strip that you buy at the grocery store. I'm not big on waxing at home, but they work.



Origins "A Perfect World" Eye Creme & Moisturizer Samples. The last voxbox I received was the Origins voxbox -- which held an event that introduced their "A Perfect World" line (read about that HERE). This line is infused with White Tea which smells amazing! I don't typically use eye creme, but I tried it out and it was lightweight which I liked. The moisturizer is also a really great product leaving thirsty skin refreshed! I'll definitely look into buying the full size product after I run out of my current moisturized.

This voxbox also came with two packets of sour punch candy which I tried immediately upon receiving the package. It later dawned on me that I should have snapped a picture beforehand! Oh welllllllllll. It is what it is now,  -- a done deal, just like this post! Until next time....



I was given a complimentary Breezy VoxBox from Influster in exchange for an honest review. 

All commentary made on the VoxBox, the event and Origins products are my own honest & personal opinion.
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6.26.2017

Visual Verse | Proverbs 27:17


This verse is such a goodie. One of my personal favorites because I really love the imagery that it gives ( I can't help it; it's the literature geek in me). I feel like the message behind this proverb is extremely crucial -- especially now that I am a mother.

I have the profound responsibility to shape Felix into the best man he can be. That includes supporting him, loving him and being there for him when other opt to not be.

Ideally, this world would be filled with moral, good people. People who mean no harm and only want what is best for everyone. People who don't encourage you to be rebellious and dishonest.

Because that's not how the world is, the pressure is on as parents. The company that surrounds your child(ren) leaves a great impact on them. It can make or break them.

Growing up, I had strict parents. I used to think it's because they were religious and immigrants, but now having a child of my own I see that it's because of one thing -- they're parents. It's their job to ensure I had a safe, happy upbringing. It was their mission to see my journey towards adulthood have minimal bumps.

I love that the Bible has this proverb embedded within it's pages because it's a great reminder that life and people will shape us. I often think of this as one of the main themes of the Bible -- it's filled with stories of people being lifted up by people they never expected to come through or being brought to realize that bad company corrupts good morals.

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In closing I just want to say -- thank you for taking the time to read along my journey. I hope you find posts (like this one) encouraging, informational and edifying. I'm really happy you're here.

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6.23.2017

5 Things You Need In Your Work Space


I don't know about you, but I feel like my workspace reflects the kind of person I am and my character. I like things to be in order, but I also like to express myself through the things that are on my desk. Those things will define the type and quality of work I will produce. It may sound silly, but the items on my desk really help to set the mood -- in other words, I tend to work best when the things on my desk reflect the state of mind I am in. Here are 5 things that I find I always want around when I need to get creative!




Item One :: Fresh Blooms
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I feel like this a must -- not only because they're pretty to look at, but because they add a sense of freshness to the room. Before I turned twenty, I found flowers cliche and pointless. I don't know when or where, but somewhere along the line, I found myself always wanting fresh blooms inside my home. There's just something about them that radiates happiness. 







Item Two :: A Cup of Coffee (or Tea) 
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I think it's say that I'm a coffee / tea person. I love sipping on something while I get creative, work on a project, read, plan and research. I'm not an addict (as I can go days without coffee or tea), but I find that I work best when I have a cup on my desk -- it's almost like a comfort type of thing. As I think back on my "aha" moments, I specifically remember that cup of coffee that helped me along the way. 






Item Three :: Candle
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CANDLES. Oh, I love them so! I can never have to many of these things. There would be a candle on every surface in the house if I had my way. I'm a sucker for packaging and some candles come in the cutest containers that often become a great home decor item. It's just a bonus that they smell so good!






Item Four :: Art 
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I really feel like the art that you have in the room also helps set the mood. I love dozing off while I brainstorm and having a piece of art in the room to inspire you is perfect. It doesn't have to be a painting though -- it could be a snow globe, a mini statue / figurine, a motivational scripted quote or something that you created yourself. 







Item Five :: Supplies
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Notebooks, pens, a planner, cute stationary, highlighter, stickers, and a stapler! I really love having my workspace equipped because there are times when I get an idea and I just want to create. The best work gets done when it's naturally spontaneous. There is nothing worse than having a creative vibe die because you don't have what you need. 





When it comes to a workspace, I want it to be organized and tidy because if I'm honest, I am a messy worker. Paper usually goes flying everywhere and I tend to have what seems like a million start ups! It's rather ridiculous, but I sometimes shudder at all the paper I waste when I start up a project. I think in color, so I keep the hues in the room white and minimal so I can picture color in my projects without it clashing with the walls. My workspace defines my thought processes and the way I operate -- especially when I'm under pressure. It's self expression all while being a place of comfort and where the creative juices flow. 
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6.19.2017

Teething With Nuby



Hello lovelies!

I know I said that I'd be more consistent with blogging, but I've literally been sick all month long. I've had pink eye in both eyes (in each eye and then in both) plus a sinus infection / head cold.

On top of all that, Felix has been teething since the end of May and it's been chaotic to say the least. I'm back though, for real this time and have so many things to share with you! One of the things Felix and I have been dealing with together  is the teething process.

If I've learned anything, it's that the teething stage is HARD -- on you, the routine you've set up for your little one, your sleep schedule, and it's especially hard on your baby. At almost 8 months, Felix has had a total of 5 teeth that have cut through and more are on the way! He tends to have two to three teeth that try to cut at the same time, so the pain my little guy is feeling becomes super evident from his super swollen gums and the tears he sheds when looking for relief.

One of the things I've done to deal with the teething woes is trying different kind of teething toys. I've tried multiple brands of teething toys, but the ones that Nuby USA make are the ones that my little one consistently grabs when he's looking for relief.


HERE ARE SOME OF OUR ALL TIME FAVORITES FROM NUBY:



3 Step Soothing Teether Set: I can honestly say that this set is a life saver. The first teether is easy to identify because it's the softest one in the pack -- in our set it's blue and it has soft bristles that help massage the gums. The unique design of this teether is designed to help massage babies gums all while assisting the eruption process. The second stage is teether in our set is yellow and it is still soft, but a bit firmer. This teether is made to provide stimulus to the lips and tongue in order to help the transition from nursing to chewing. The third stage teether in our set is green and is shaped like a little hand in which the fingers are supposed to help soothe sore gums. I really love this set because like most of Nuby's products, it's BPA free. They grab your little one's attention because of the colors and they really help soothe their gums. Felix will alternate these teether all day long and it makes life so much easier.




Orange Fruity Chew: So I have to say that this little teether is one of my personal favorites because it smells so good. This is a big deal for me because I find that other teether smell of rubber and I've always found that super strange. This teether is not only cute, but it smells of vanilla. It's easy for your little one to hold and the whole teether is super soft. Felix loves nibbling on this all day long. It's BPA free and comes in other fruits too -- pineapple, strawberry, and grape!





Lion Squeezy TeetheNuby does it again with another super adorable teether that will keep your little one busy and happy. It's made of natural and soft rubber and of course it's BPA free. The lion makes a noise when your little one nibbles on it and my little guy thinks that's the funniest thing. I keep this teether near because when the fussiness starts (especially when we're out and traveling), it's a fun distraction & a great chewing toy! 




Nana Nubs Gum Massager: I've mentioned this before, but it's one of our all time favorites! Felix loves nibbling on this -- all day long. It's made from 100% silicone which means that it's super soft and bendy.  He really bites down and hacks at the nana nubs which is great because it soothes / massages his gums. I also really love the bristles that encompass the nana nubs because it serves as a mini toothbrush -- which I call a mom win! I took this with us on a 15 hour road trip last month and Felix started to cut 3 teeth during the way back. This teether helped him so much! 




HOW TO CLEAN YOUR BABY'S TEETHERS: 


Upon opening the package, I usually like to sterilize each teether and pacifier that I let Felix nibble on. I take a mug, fill it with water and then I place hot boiling water in the cup. I let the teether sit in the cup for about 5 minutes. When the 5 minutes is done, let the teether sit and air dry for a few mins that way it'll cool off and then it's ready for your baby. I do this sterilizing process whenever I feel like the teether is too "dirty."

Nuby has come out with all natural teether wipes which has made my life so much easier! These wipes smell great and are great to slip in your purse or diaper bag. The pack comes with 48 wipes and it's a literal life saver. Before these wipes, whenever Felix would drop his teething toys and pacifier, I'd be stuck with a dirty toy and a cranky baby. I've never liked using baby wipes to wipe his toys because of the smell, but  I can now feel safe with wiping the toy and not leaving a distinct and unpleasant scent on the toy. These wipes smell so nice and are non-toxic, BPA and alcohol free. I recommend this wipes to all my mom friends! 





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You can find all the items that I've listed in this post on:
Amazon.com,  Babies' R' Us, or Walmart's website! 




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NOTE:
I am part of the Nuby Parent Blogger Program. 
All that means is that Nuby sometimes sends me products free of charge for my honest review. 
This review is my own personal honest opinion. 
This review was not influenced by the fact that I received these items for free.
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6.03.2017

Quote of the Month | June (+ JORD Giveaway)



Hello again!

I know it's been awhile, but I've been off vacationing in California for the last two weeks -- which means my blog posts have been scattered and not consistent. For that I am sorry, but I am back now and ready to get the ball rolling again!

This month I'm dwelling on doing less with more focus. You know, the whole quality over quantity type of thing? YAH. I need maaaajor help with that. I have the tendency to be a yes man and sign up for everything and then get overwhelmed.

Lately, I've been saying no when I'm not ready to put my 110% in it and it's been so relieving to do things that I can fully commit to, even if I feel like I'm not doing much.

While I was on vacation, I took a break from Honestly Mothering and didn't post on my IG every single day -- and if I'm going to be honest, it felt a little liberating. Don't get me wrong. I love collaborating with brands and interacting with the mom community on Instagram, but it can be a lot of work -- it was nice to take a break. Now that I'm back, I'm more committed to doing things with more focus. While I feel that my feed and posts have been my best, I want to push myself to do even better -- for me, the companies I collaborate and my readers!

Which brings me to something that I am super excited about! This has been in the works since last month and I am so excited to announce this as Father's Day is right around the corner.

http://www.jordwatches.com/series/reece/walnut-and-navy/#martalarissa
I've partnered up with JORD watches to award one lucky person 100$ towards a luxury wooden watch. 

What I looooove about this giveaway is that even if you don't get the 100$ prize, JORD still gives you 25$ just for participating in the giveaway and that makes everyone who participates a winner, right?!




The watches JORD offer are a great Father's Day gift (see the Men's Watch selection here), but they also have super cute women's watches that you can snag for yourself (see Women's watch selection here). I really love the classic style and sleek appearance of the watches, so they make the perfect gift for anyone.


I really love the Reece Walnut + Navy JORD watch (pictured above). I loved it so much that I'm gifting it to Florin for his very first Father's Day. He's been on the search for the perfect watch, so hopefully I've found it!

Soooooo, you should definitely enter this because it literally takes less than 5 seconds and you could win a 100$ gift certificate!

GO ENTER :: what do you have to lose? Giveaway closes on June 18, 2016. 

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