February 2018 / 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!

2.20.2018

A Moment In Time Captured -- By The Moon's Glow


I'll always remember the night I went into labor -- the pain, the drive to the hospital, and staring into the moon as I slowly wobbled my way to the maternity unit doors. I took breaks every few second because my contractions weren't very far apart, each time looking at the sky and seeing that waning crescent moon looking back at me. I often think about those very last glances at the moon and how my life changed completely after them.

It was a night that I'll always remember, one that I keep near and dear to my heart which is why I'm so excited to share a brand that is helping me do just that.

Moonglow Jewelry is a jewelry line that features a picture of the moon in it's exact phase from the date that you choose of your choice. They offer necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings for both men and women. Each piece reflecting a special moment in your life because every moment has a moon.

Naturally, I chose the night of my sweet little one's birth because the staring at the moon in moments of excruciating pain helped me take my mind off the hurt and  redirected my focus on something beautiful that was about to happen.

Whenever I see my moon necklace, all those emotions of hope, peace and gratefulness come flooding back and I'm reminded that there is beauty in the darkness, hope on the other side of the doors and  that joy comes with each phase of life.


TO LEARN MORE & GET YOUR OWN MOONGLOW JEWELRY PLEASE CLICK HERE. 


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2.05.2018

Valentine's Day Gift Guide :: For The Whole Family


It's already February -- say whaaaat?! I feel like January flew by and now here I am scrambling to recollect myself and get ready for one of the most tedious holidays of the year. OKAY, so I'm totally joking, well kind of / not really, let me explain --  I honestly feel like Valentine's Day is a cheap (yet clever) way for brands and stores to sell more stuff, but like everyone else, here I am, getting sucked into it every year.

I feel like every day of the year should be a day where we make the ones we love feel like they matter, but I guess there's no harm in saving one day of the year to REALLY show it, so bring on Valentine's Day.

The only thing that triggers me about Valentine's Day is that every restaurant is packed and I hate long wait times and not having a place to sit while I wait because there are like 30 couples before us! So skip going out of the busiest night of the year, open that internet browser and let's shop! Here are some gift ideas that are sure to make the loved ones in your life smile!

Shop Gifts For Her 


Shop Gifts For Him 

No 8 :: Bonfire Candle

Shop Gifts For The Little Lady

No 2 :: Berry Garter Hoodie 
No 8 :: Love You Tights
No 10 :: White Mouse Beanie

Shop Gifts For The Little Man



& there you have it -- some fun gift ideas that stray away from your typical bouquet of roses and heart shaped chocolates. I know some of these gifts are kind of pricey, but I tried to include some more affordable options too. I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day and love filled February that oozes into March. 
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2.01.2018

Social Media & Feeling Inadequate :: My Perspective


So, I’m having one of those mornings — my toddler has to be right next to me every second of the day and get's super whiny the moment I move to do something productive. My pregnancy emotions seem to have no room for patience either. I feel like a TOTAL mess which is probably why the next thing I’m gonna say might hit chord with some, but hey, when life get's messy, why not make it a tad bit more messy, am I right? 

Over the past week or so, I’ve observed some posts on social media about people feeling inadequate when they see other social media accounts and have felt super depressed about how everyone's life seems perfect compared to theirs. I've seen blogger and influencers rant about how we should try to be more real for their sakes and I agree — but only to an small extent. I’m gonna get some heat / hate for this, but that’s okay because this is me being real which is what everyone has been "advocating" for so here goes... 

If I am to be completely honest then I  have to say that like.. no I LOVE seeing people’s pretty squares on social media because you guys, I have a screaming toddler at home. Let's be 100% transparent -- sometimes I leave the dishes in the sink until 12 am and have to LITERALLY FORCE myself to get up and go wash the leaning tower of dishes before they all come crashing down. I know what a messy house looks like and I don’t need to be reminded that life can get chaotic — BECAUSE GURL I’M JUST PUSHING THROUGH SOME DAYS KICKING AND SCREAMING MYSELF. 

But you know what? THATS 100% OKAY -- it’s life and I know it’s just a day in passing, it’ll get better and the sun will shine again. It has too. I have to remind myself that it’s part of being human and part of falling short of Grace. 

UNPOPULAR OPINION, but if you’re feeling emotions of envy while you’re on Instagram Facebook and Twitter, then maybe you should unfollow those accounts and maybe you should take a step back, but I also think you should really take a good look at your own motives behind those very emotions because more often than not there’s more to it.

I mean, unless you're a robot, you know that every human being has high points and low points, so for some people to complain that they only see "perfect" pictures or to get jealous of what others have sounds like a bigger, more personal problem. 

I think everyone needs to remember that comparison is the thief of joy. Society,  especially today thrives off of feeling of envy, coveting and jealousy -- and if we allow ourselves to be consumed by those things, we miss the joys in life. There is so much to be thankful for when we sit down and actually think about it. We tend to fall in this trap of blaming others because we feel worn out, tired and stressed.

It's so easy to get mad and blame others then actually pinpoint the problem and fix it. So I have a challenge for you -- the next time you're feeling depressed when looking at another person's feed counter those very emotions with positive self care / love actions.


  • go have a spa day.
  • pick up a journal and write down some over your biggest joys & blessings.
  • read your Bible.
  • go out for some retail therapy.
  • go to the beach.
  • phone a friend.
  • take a long hot bath, throw a bath bomb in while you’re in there.
  • bake some cookies.
  • light a candle and put on some music that speaks to you. 
  • grab a cup of coffee. 
  • mothers and wives -- have your husband take care of the kids for a few hours. 
  • go to a park for a walk and then stare at the sky. 
  • pick up a new book.
  • watch an uplifting movie.
  • make a smoothie / milkshake.
  • go talk to someone about things that make you happy.


... these are just a few things you can do to combat feelings that are weighing you down. Instead of angrily staring at a screen being frustrated, think about all the things that are going well for you. If you can't think of anything, then hold on friends -- it always rains the hardest before a rainbow appears. Hold on to hope -- it will get better. The sun will shine again and when it does, think about how proud you'll be after enduring such a storm!

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