2021 / Mainly Marta :: A Motherhood + Lifestyle Blog

SLIDER

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!

12.24.2021

The Weary World Rejoices



sharing some Christmas Eve thoughts.
I hope they speak to + encourage you as they have me. ✨

just imagine. the night has fallen. ⁣
a star shines bright. wise men are seeking.⁣

shepherds staring at the glorious sky. ⁣
angels singing. majestic sounds fill the air.⁣

all because a baby is born. ⁣
and with that, 𝗮 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀. ⁣

I’ve spent the last few weeks dwelling on those words:
a weary world rejoices. ⁣

can you imagine the world before this night? ⁣

cold and dark. waiting on a Savior. ⁣
tied down by legalism.⁣ every little act of evil requires a sacrifice.⁣
every mistake you made required a priest to intercede on your behalf. ⁣

and like humans do, even after the rituals, ⁣
you would be always left wondering if it was enough. if you are enough. ⁣

the world was weary. ⁣
until — 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩 𝙗𝙖𝙗𝙮 𝙅𝙚𝙨𝙪𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚.⁣

𝘰𝘩 𝘨𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵. ⁣
𝘢 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥. ⁣
𝘢 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥.⁣
𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘺’𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦. ⁣

a gift to the world, ⁣
sent from above from a Father who loves all His children. ⁣
𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝘆 𝗛𝗲 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁, 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝘂𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗛𝗶𝗺. ⁣

𝘯𝘰 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘴. ⁣
𝘯𝘰 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘧𝘴.⁣
𝘯𝘰 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘮 𝘐 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩. ⁣

𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙃𝙞𝙢 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙅𝙚𝙨𝙪𝙨. ⁣

friend, if you don’t know Him —⁣
I implore you to seek Him on this night. ⁣
He is right there, holding space for you in His kingdom.⁣
waiting for you to reach for His hand. ⁣

𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘸𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘺, ⁣
𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘫𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦.⁣
𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗺𝘀. ⁣

𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘮𝘢𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴. ⁣
𝙢𝙖𝙮 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙃𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩, 𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣.




No comments

11.24.2021

Shop Small Gift Guide Ft. Why and Whale

 

hi friends, it's thanksgiving tomorrow and that means christmas is so close! I cannot believe it. we're running out of time to buy gifts as a lot of things seem to be out of stock. so, today's feature is from a small shop that I often frequent when looking for gifts and that shop is why and whale! 

before we get to the gift guides, I'd love to chat about their subscriptions boxes because they're a gift that keeps on giving even after the holidays are over.

  • we're currently subscribed to their Maileg box which sends us a plush Maileg mouse + accessories every month. it's a super cute way to get your collection going if you've been eyeing them. you always get the subscription price in products in the box, so that's nice to know. 
  • we're also thinking of subscribing to their Holtztiger box which sends two wooden animals each month. this box would be to kick start our collection because we currently do not have any holztiger items and they're so cute. perfect for imaginative play! 
  • they have a Book of the Month box too for all the avid readers out there. they're all newly released books too, so it's a great way to build up a library with newer books if you don't know where to start.
  • they have a Minikane box too and y'all if I had a daughter I would already be subscribed! they are the cutest dolls and so life like. 
  • they also have a Surprise box where you get three to six curated items each month. it's always a surprise and a fun little mix of things from Why and Whale!


grapat little thing │rocket + astronautdual magnifying glassstar wandwooden dinosaurspinning toplight up sensory cubesdoll familyslingshotcloud bath bombwooden carmousepaint set

lola stacking setyellow guitarplanet chalkfamily builder magnet setnesting bowlsbauspiel window blocksrainbow treesgum ball machinestacking blocksmake a face wooden toyrainbow stackerjumbo finger crayonsgrapat insects


so that's a wrap -- aren't these options all so cute? I just love how colorful they are! And what about all those fun subscription boxes? forever wishing and looking for reasons to subscribe to them all! 

I hope yo have a wonderful thanksgiving! until next time, 


please note / this is not a sponsored post, nor are there any affiliate links listed / all photos of products + logo taken from why and whale's website.

11.22.2021

Shop Small Gift Guide | Mama To Be + Newborn



today's gift guide revolves around an expectant mother and her precious newborn baby. these are all items from smaller business that I have bought from in the past and have loved. it's so important to buy items that a new mother will actually use and I feel like this curated list is making me dream of snuggling little one of my own. 

robediaper bag bundle knotted capsleeper setswaddlefeeding pillow ⎹  cradle cap brushbaby skincare triopacifiers ⎹  lounge dressbaby sleep bagsleep loungermini blanketmama skin + belly bundle

short and sweet, but filled with so many goodies -- that's what I call a good list. as we close today's post, I hope you've felt inspired by today's gift guide and that it's given you some inspiration for your own shopping... until, next time. 



some minor notes 
this is not a sponsored post.
several links listed are affiliate links.
all photos of products + logo taken from the small shop's etsy page.

11.19.2021

Shop Small Gift Guide Ft. Bella Luna Toys

 

today's gift guide is from another one of my favorite small shops -- bella luna toys. her products are all waldorf inspired and I just love watching those hours of open-ended play of cultivated imagination be inspired by these products. I've curated a small round-up of toys that are still in stock for this holiday season. 

the root children │ children of the forest │ octagon block puzzle │ wooden rabbit hutchblanket dollgold leaf caterpillar dollfelt knight + horsewooden drumwooden treehouseflutewooden hen house │ wooden weaving sheep small doctor kitmouse hedgehogbow + arrow set


I am eyeing that wooden henhouse + rabbit hutch so hard right now and am putting it on our must-have someday wishlist. they're so cute! bella luna toys is such a great shop to support and I'm so happy I get to share such wonderful small shops with you this holiday season. until next time, 


please note / this is not a sponsored post, nor are there any affiliate links listed / all photos of products + logo taken from bella luna toy's website.

11.17.2021

Shop Small Gift Guide | Have It All Dads + Grandpas

 

hello friends! today we're shopping for dads and grandpas that have it all because they're the hardest to shop for. each year, I spend hours trying to brainstorm a sentimental gift for my father because he is the kind of guy who is frugal and already has all that he needs -- or so he claims!

here is a little round-up of fun gifts + stocking stuffers for the men who are hard to shop for!



grandfather teemug  woodsman soap personalized hammerfishing lure golf ball letter openergrandpa definition print  hat bullet pen guitar pick 



and that's a wrap for the have it all dads and grandpa gift guides! hopefully, these gift guides were able to a little inspiration when shopping this holiday season. until the next one, happy shopping!



some minor notes 
this is not a sponsored post.
several links listed are affiliate links.
all photos of products + logo taken from the small shop's etsy page.

11.15.2021

Shop Small Gift Guide ft. COCO Village

today's small shop gift guide feature is coco village. first, let me just say that I love everything they launch. they come out with the most beautiful products with the dreamiest of colors! It's always so minimal and modern. I find myself googley eyed every single time they announce something new. 

clearly, I cannot rave enough about this shop and I am so excited to be announcing that they are compiling a VIP list of people who will get early bird access to their Black Friday sale when they sign up / subscribe to their email list -- you don't want to miss it, so sign up here! and if you're a canadian follower + reader, sign up here! 

still need some convincing? check out their instagram at @cocovillage to see all the ways you can style their beautiful products! now, time for some gift guides!

Play Kitchen | Refrigerator | Washer | Toaster | Tea Set | Laundry Set | Coffee Maker Set | Blender | Breakfast Play Tray | Market | Dairy Set | Register | Popsicle Stand | Grocery Play Sets :: Condiments, Dry Goods, Vegetables, Fruit | Shopping Cart | Candies Set


Triangle Climber | Rocker | Cheese Cube Climber | Ladder Climber Board | Grip Climber Board | Hopscotch Mat



Dollhouse | Bathroom Furniture | Kitchen Set | Master Bedroom Furniture | Living Room Furniture | Outdoor Furniture Set | Canopy | Seashell Cushion | Rug | Ballerina Music Box | Bear Growth Chart | Ballerina Bear


aren't these such cute options? we've gotten some of our Christmas gifts from here and I am so excited about them because I know that they'll be loved by the kiddos! did anything catch your eye?! 



please note / this post was created in partnership with #CocoVillage / there are no affiliate links listed within this post / all photos of products + logo taken from cocovillage's website / #GetCocozy 

No comments

11.10.2021

Shop Small Gift Guide ft. Scandiborn


hi friends! today’s small shop feature is all about scandiborn. it's another one of my favorite places to shop when it comes to shopping for toys + presents for the kids! All of their products are so beautiful and of such great quality, it's always such a pleasure to recommend them. I love that a lot of the products they hold are from Europe can be because a lot of times I find myself loving something that I've seen on instagram + pinterest only to learn it's from England or Holland. scandiborn is the perfect place to check when the first shops that come up are in a google search is from europe.

I can even attest to the brilliant care team as one of my packages was missing a piece from a set I had bought. they were so helpful when I was inquring about it and helped resolve the matter in quick efficient emails. 









so what do you think -- aren't these products just so cute? I'm eying those dragon wings, shield, and that little hiker mouse for the boys and may just shop my own guide! they would be sooo perfect for all our pretend + open-ended play sessions. what about you -- anything catch your eye?


please note / this is not a sponsored postnor are there any affiliate links listed / all photos of products + logo taken from scandiborn's website.

11.08.2021

Shop Small Gift Guide | Crunchy + Nerdy Mamas

hello friends, today's guide will be for the lovely mamas out there. we love them, so let's pamper them. for this post, we'll be looking at gifts for a crunchy mama and a nerdy mama. as promised, this guide will contain items from small shops, but unlike yesterday's post, the guides will contain items from several shops rather than having a spotlight on just one shop. as usual, the links for each product shown will be listed under the guide.


farmers market mug   green mama tee mama bear + cubs necklacetaper candleslinen apronbee measuring cupsmodern + minimal vasesblossom earringslavender sage soapleather totechunky knit throwembroidered pocket mirrormarket straw totedried floral reed diffuser


book end planter  knitting mug book buddy  bookmark book tracker custom book earrings floral book tee personalized book locket glow folding book light  knitting wooden tool cards retro bee needle holderknit needle stoppers book soap barwarm + cozy candle blooming flower tea ceramic tea setlibrary stamp


annnnd there are a few gift ideas for crunchy + nerdy mamas! hope you loved this gift guide; hope to see you at the next one!



some minor notes 
this is not a sponsored post.
several links listed are affiliate links.
all photos of products + logo taken from the small shop's etsy page.

11.03.2021

Shop Small Gift Guide ft. Bitte

Hi friends! the first small shop gift guide spotlight is on bitte! one thing I love about this small shop is that they have free shipping for orders that are over $40 which makes me always want to check in with them for items that I have my eye on. in addition to the shipping, I love their mission statement to provide sustainable + modern products to their customers -- read all about the mother daughter duo behind bitte here.

the gift guides in this segment are only from bitte's online shop. I've complied some of my favorite items under three branches -- gifts that are gender neutral, gifts for the little ladies in our lives and for the little gents. 



the gift guides 

wooden tree set ⎸ striped pj set ⎸ plush bunny ⎸ forest wooden floor set ⎸ baby in yellow romper ⎸ all of us crayons ⎸ ribbed cotton sock set ⎸ hedgehog in a leaf ⎸ cup ⎸ woodland animals lacing cards ⎸ crocodile plush ⎸ wooden doctor set ⎸ block set ⎸ lion family ⎸ city blocks ⎸ leather baby boots ⎸ plate + spoon


magnetic dress up elephant plush puzzle ⎸ holdie doll  ⎸ butterfly wings ⎸ princess crown ⎸ handmade doll ⎸ popcorn sweater dress ⎸ skirt ⎸ women in art book ⎸ blossom silk ⎸ dollhouse ⎸ wooden flamingo ⎸ berry colored wooden car ⎸ baby bunny + room ⎸ suitcase doll


wooden hedgehog ⎸ doll camping set ⎸ wooden pick up truck ⎸ hollow wooden acorn set ⎸ pretend dj mixer ⎸ block set ⎸ superhero mouse ⎸ king's crownevergreen treesexplorer casekid sized wood working tool box setguitar chord cubes ⎸ jacketexploring the elements bookwinter reindeerrocket silicone matforest the farmerwooden crocodile 



aren't all these options so adorable? I just love each and every element from these guides so much! to see more items from bitte make sure to follow them on instagram at @shopbitte and visit their website at bitteshop.com

so that's it for today's gift guide -- hope you loved it as much as I did compiling it. hope to see you at our next one! 


some minor notes | this is not a sponsored postnor are there any affiliate links listed / all photos of products + logo taken from bitte's website.
© Mainly Marta :: A Motherhood + Lifestyle Blog • Theme by Maira G.