May 19, 2016

Meet Your New Favorite Sweet Treats from Dunkin' Donuts!

This post is in partnership with Dunkin' Donuts, regardless all opinions expressed below are my own.
Dunkin' Donuts is always delicious but the new items on the menu will blow your mind! The Blueberry Cobbler Croissant donut is out of this world delicious and the Caramel Latte Square will leave you wanting seconds! Go ahead and check out the new menu items today...

Being a connoisseur of all things deliciously sweet, it may come as no surprise to you that I'm a pretty big fan of Dunkin’ Donuts. With an innovative menu and breakfast items available all day long, it's easy to see why it's such a popular place to grab a coffee & some sweet, sweet goodness.

Dunkin' Donuts is always delicious but the new items on the menu will blow your mind! The Blueberry Cobbler Croissant donut is out of this world delicious and the Caramel Latte Square will leave you wanting seconds! Go ahead and check out the new menu items today...

On my most recent visit I was greeted with a huge smile and a great attitude behind the counter, which was a wonderful way to start my breakfast and my day! Let me take a brief moment to say thanks to RJ, from the Clearwater location, for being so amazing! If you're in my area, you'll have to go see him!

Dunkin' Donuts is always delicious but the new items on the menu will blow your mind! The Blueberry Cobbler Croissant donut is out of this world delicious and the Caramel Latte Square will leave you wanting seconds! Go ahead and check out the new menu items today...

Let's get back to the donuts though... If you're a fellow Dunkin’ Donuts fan, you may remember back in 2014 when they offered a Croissant Donut and it quickly became one of the most popular limited-time bakery items in history! It's kind of a big deal that they're bringing something similar back, so I'm super excited to share more about the new Blueberry Cobbler Croissant Donut!

Dunkin' Donuts is always delicious but the new items on the menu will blow your mind! The Blueberry Cobbler Croissant donut is out of this world delicious and the Caramel Latte Square will leave you wanting seconds! Go ahead and check out the new menu items today...

These little beauties are absolutely one of my favorite sweets on the planet--I could eat one for breakfast, one for a snack, and nibble on a few for dinner and still want one for dessert! The flavor combination is incredibly satisfying and the croissant donut texture is airy and light, making for the perfect donut for any time of day!

Dunkin' Donuts is always delicious but the new items on the menu will blow your mind! The Blueberry Cobbler Croissant donut is out of this world delicious and the Caramel Latte Square will leave you wanting seconds! Go ahead and check out the new menu items today...

While I'm obviously a huge fan of the croissant donut, I can't forget about the other new and delicious donut on the menu. It offers the flavor of drinking your morning coffee and the delicious sweetness of a donut, all in one bite! The Caramel Latte Square is just the right way for any coffee-lover to start the day! With a creamy filling and rich icing and just the right amount of tiny little candies on top, I fell in love with this donut from the first bite!

Dunkin' Donuts is always delicious but the new items on the menu will blow your mind! The Blueberry Cobbler Croissant donut is out of this world delicious and the Caramel Latte Square will leave you wanting seconds! Go ahead and check out the new menu items today...

Paired with my favorite French Vanilla Iced Latte from Dunkin' Donuts, I was in heaven while enjoying these two new products on the menu. It's safe to say I'll be heading back to Dunkin' Donuts in the near future, dare I even say today?

Dunkin' Donuts is always delicious but the new items on the menu will blow your mind! The Blueberry Cobbler Croissant donut is out of this world delicious and the Caramel Latte Square will leave you wanting seconds! Go ahead and check out the new menu items today...

Both of these delicious donuts are available at your local Dunkin' Donuts for a limited time and they are among the most delicious items that have ever graced my lips, no exaggeration. You'll have to give each of the new donuts a try and I guarantee you'll totally understand what I mean!

Dunkin' Donuts is always delicious but the new items on the menu will blow your mind! The Blueberry Cobbler Croissant donut is out of this world delicious and the Caramel Latte Square will leave you wanting seconds! Go ahead and check out the new menu items today...

So tell me, which donut will you be trying out first? The Blueberry Cobbler Croissant is my recommendation but both of these sweet treats are so good, you'll probably want seconds or maybe even thirds!



May 18, 2016

Travel Around The World with The World Burger Tour at Hard Rock Cafe!

Thanks to Hard Rock Cafe for sending over a gift card so I can enjoy the delicious items on the World Burger Tour, regardless all opinions expressed below are completely my own.
Trying food from around the world doesn't have to involve a great adventure! Find out how you can go on a culinary exploration with Hard Rock Cafe during their World Burger Tour! #WorldBurgerTour


Well, let's face it; while I'm expecting my first baby in the coming months, traveling around the world isn't really an option anymore... unless we're talking about Hard Rock Cafe and this year's World Burger Tour! I'm so excited to have been invited to "travel" with Hard Rock Cafe and look forward to sharing my experience in a few weeks!

Trying food from around the world doesn't have to involve a great adventure! Find out how you can go on a culinary exploration with Hard Rock Cafe during their World Burger Tour! #WorldBurgerTour

What do I mean by traveling with Hard Rock Cafe? All Hard Rock Cafe locations in North America are celebrating the warm weather and showcasing a menu with legendary "local" burgers from around the world! This limited time tour is available now through June 30th and I'm overjoyed that I'll soon be visiting the Tampa location to try out a couple of these delights!

Trying food from around the world doesn't have to involve a great adventure! Find out how you can go on a culinary exploration with Hard Rock Cafe during their World Burger Tour! #WorldBurgerTour
[photo credit: Hard Rock Cafe Blog]

Hard Rock Cafe's chefs from all over the world created 160 different "legendary local burgers" and while I'm sure all of these creations were amazing, it's a good thing their culinary team narrowed down the selection to include only the best of the best! These selections vary by location, but most locations will include:

Trying food from around the world doesn't have to involve a great adventure! Find out how you can go on a culinary exploration with Hard Rock Cafe during their World Burger Tour! #WorldBurgerTour

An English Breakfast Burger from London, England which entails a Certified Angus Beef® patty topped with sliced ham, a sausage patty, a fried egg, a portobello mushroom, arugula and garlic aioli and served with a side of baked beans.

Trying food from around the world doesn't have to involve a great adventure! Find out how you can go on a culinary exploration with Hard Rock Cafe during their World Burger Tour! #WorldBurgerTour

A delicious sounding concoction entitled the "Java Lava Burger" originating from Seattle which includes a Certified Angus Beef patty grilled and dressed in a house-made espresso rub and topped with lava sauce, crunchy java onions, bacon, melted Cheddar cheese and garnished with a fried jalapeño!

Trying food from around the world doesn't have to involve a great adventure! Find out how you can go on a culinary exploration with Hard Rock Cafe during their World Burger Tour! #WorldBurgerTour


Next on the menu is a Tandoori Chicken Burger from Mumbai, India! This delicious dish is perfect for those that aren't into "beef" or those that are trying to watch their figure, it is made up of a dark meat chicken patty seasoned with aromatic spices and fresh herbs, topped with mint mayonnaise and served with a side of cucumber.

Trying food from around the world doesn't have to involve a great adventure! Find out how you can go on a culinary exploration with Hard Rock Cafe during their World Burger Tour! #WorldBurgerTour

One burger that really caught my eye is the Jamaican Jerk Burger from Montego Bay, Jamaica. It's made with  a Certified Angus Beef patty topped with banana pepper rings, mango jalapeño cream cheese and jerk mayonnaise!

Trying food from around the world doesn't have to involve a great adventure! Find out how you can go on a culinary exploration with Hard Rock Cafe during their World Burger Tour! #WorldBurgerTour

Another burger that's pretty high on my list is the ATOMIC! Burger straight from Las Vegas! This bomb-diggity burger is made with a Certified Angus Beef patty topped with Atomic beer-battered peppers, pepper jack cheese, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, garlic chipotle ketchup and chipotle mayonnaise!

Trying food from around the world doesn't have to involve a great adventure! Find out how you can go on a culinary exploration with Hard Rock Cafe during their World Burger Tour! #WorldBurgerTour


The next burger on the list is one that I think my hubs will want to enjoy, the Tango Salsa Burger from Buenos Aires, Argentina is made with a Certified Angus Beef patty topped with andouille sausage, Monterey Jack cheese, chips de batata, a fried egg, salsa criolla and garlic aioli!

Trying food from around the world doesn't have to involve a great adventure! Find out how you can go on a culinary exploration with Hard Rock Cafe during their World Burger Tour! #WorldBurgerTour

I've always dreamed of visiting Greece so when I saw the Greek Burger from Athens, Greece made the list, I knew it was going to be one that I want to try as well! This beauty is made with a Certified Angus Beef patty topped with arugula, feta cheese and a tomato slice! Simple but I bet it's absolutely delicious.

Trying food from around the world doesn't have to involve a great adventure! Find out how you can go on a culinary exploration with Hard Rock Cafe during their World Burger Tour! #WorldBurgerTour


I've always been a pretty big fan of Hawaiian food so when I saw this last burger from Honolulu on the list, I realized it's going to be hard to make a decision on which burger I should try first! The Aloha Burger sounds like an interesting concoction with a Certified Angus Beef patty topped with SPAM, Monterey Jack cheese, a grilled pineapple ring with sweet soy glaze, guacamole and pico de gallo!

Trying food from around the world doesn't have to involve a great adventure! Find out how you can go on a culinary exploration with Hard Rock Cafe during their World Burger Tour! #WorldBurgerTour

While the burgers are the star of the World Burger Tour, Hard Rock Cafe knows that folks like a nice drink to wash down the delicious food so they also created cocktails that perfectly complement the offerings listed above. Served in iconic mason jars, adult guests can indulge in a new favorite beverage expertly paired with their meal or they can mix it up and try a fun flavor combination! While I won't be participating in the cocktails, the Black Cherry Melonade is non-alcoholic so I can order one of those with the Java Lava Burger and I'll live vicariously through my hubby if he decides he wants to try a MelonPalooza with a Greek Burger or a Crisp Sipper with a Aloha Burger!


Trying food from around the world doesn't have to involve a great adventure! Find out how you can go on a culinary exploration with Hard Rock Cafe during their World Burger Tour! #WorldBurgerTour

Plus, if you're up for the adventure, Hard Rock is actually offering a literal World Burger Tour as well. This awesome travel package sounds amazing, with adventures that will take a true burger enthusiast on the road (and in the skies) to sample burgers and other delicious foods at Hard Rock Cafe locations in London, Athens, Buenos Aires, and Seattle! This 10-night trip includes flights, first class hotel accomodations, ground transportation, and exclusive dining and music experiences at the one & only Hard Rock Cafe locations in each city, that typically aren't open to the public!

Trying food from around the world doesn't have to involve a great adventure! Find out how you can go on a culinary exploration with Hard Rock Cafe during their World Burger Tour! #WorldBurgerTour

So tell me, will you literally be traveling around the world with Hard Rock Cafe or are you looking forward to trying a delicious new burger on their menu? If you're going to be heading out to a Hard Rock Cafe soon, let me know which burger you want to try first in the comments below!

May 17, 2016

Make Bath Time Fun & Safe for Little Ones with Skip Hop!

Thanks to Skip Hop for sending over these awesome bath time products so I could review them and include them in my Baby Shower Gift Guide. Regardless, all opinions below are completely my own.


I'm literally counting down the days until my princess arrives, which means that I'm trying to occupy my time and fill up the house with items that are "must-haves" so that we'll have everything we need before she's here. From the perfect bedding to the best bath time products, I've been doing my research and I fell in love with the Skip Hop Moby Bathtime line!

Find out how you can make bath time fun and safe with these amazing products from Skip Hop!

Our little darling will be surrounded with nautical themed things, from mermaids to seahorses... and now whales, we're making sure that we share our love of water with her from the get-go and the Moby line from Skip Hop is the perfect way to make bath time reflect that!

Find out how you can make bath time fun and safe with these amazing products from Skip Hop!

The versatile Moby Smart Sling 3-Stage Baby Tub is the cutest way to make sure she'll be nice and clean after each and every bath! While some other tubs on the market are only for infants, this cute little whale tub is the only tub she'll need! With a sling with an option for higher full body support when she's an infant to a lower seated support once she's holding herself up, this tub will grow with her and make bath time fun for everyone! Once she's mastered sitting perfectly, I'll just remove the sling and allow her to splish splash with Moby!

Find out how you can make bath time fun and safe with these amazing products from Skip Hop!

Another reason I love this tub is the handy little swivel hook that allows me to hang it from the towel bar when it's not in use, making for quick and convenient clean up!

Find out how you can make bath time fun and safe with these amazing products from Skip Hop!

We aren't just big fans of the Moby tub though! The Moby Bath Spout Cover is the perfect way to keep my little gal safe from head bumps when she's splashing around in the tub!
Find out how you can make bath time fun and safe with these amazing products from Skip Hop!


The sleek design with an adjustable strap makes the cute little cover fit on most tub spouts! Plus, the cute little flip of a tail makes Moby easy to hang up elsewhere once bath time is over!

Now that we've fallen in love with the Skip Hop Moby line, I look forward to adding the Floating Bath Thermometer, the Waterfall Bath Rinser, the Bath Kneeler, and maybe even the Bathtub Elbow Rest to our collection next!

Have you heard of Skip Hop before? Take a look at the many other adorable items they offer and let me know which one is your favorite in the comments below!

Interested in finding more awesome items for babies and new mamas?
Click here to check out my Baby Shower Gift Guide!
http://www.laurenpaints.com/p/baby-shower-gift-guide.html

May 15, 2016

15 Ways to Prepare for Baby: A Simple Guide for Parents to Be!

While I'm patiently impatiently waiting for my little baby girl to arrive, I'm doing my best to occupy my time and make sure I make the best of this waiting game.

I have just under four months until her expected arrival and I'm doing everything I can to make sure my house, my body, and my mind are ready for her arrival. If you're also expecting, here's 15 different things you should do before your little one enters the world.

Having a baby is such a fun and exciting time in your life, it can definitely be a stressful time as well! Here's 15 simple ways to prepare your life for baby!



1. Have a baby shower - While this may be the most obvious item on my list, it should definitely be on the top of a new mama's list of things to do and that's why it's number one on my list as well! Having a baby shower means you should probably set up a registry, send out invitations, and plan a little shindig for your close friends and family to celebrate the baby that's on it's way! Be sure to include items that you'll need on your registry and make your shower fun and unique so everyone has a good time!

2. Set up baby's nursery - From putting the crib together, to choosing the perfect wall decor, making sure your little one's room is perfect is an important part of feeling prepared for the baby's arrival. We've decided to decorate our little girl's room with mermaids and we're so excited each time we add decor in her room and eagerly awaiting the bigger items like her wardrobe, changing table, glider, etc... Budgeting for these items and spending a little bit monthly makes for a wiser way to spend your cash on baby, rather than stressing and spending a ton all at once just before baby comes!

3. Deep clean, organize, & nest, nest, nest - While you will likely feel the innate need to nest before delivery, you may as well spread out the cleaning duties some! Wash baby's clothes in a gentle detergent, put everything in it's place all through out the home, change out items like air filters, and simply make sure your things are in order. Whether you're 4 months from delivery or 4 days, it'll be nice knowing your place is baby ready and spic & span!

4. Stock up on the baby essentials - From diapers (cloth or disposable) to bundles of onesies, you'll want a TON of everything for your little one. Grab your cash and hit resale stores like Once Upon a Child or Salvation Army to find used items on a budget, while also using apps like Cartwheel or Ibotta to save on diapers! Take the time through out your pregnancy to stock up on all of the essentials your baby will need.

5. Go on dates with your other half and your besties - Take the time to spoil yourself, in a sense. Once baby is here you'll spend a majority of your time catering to cries and singing lullabies, so before baby comes go out on the town with your honey and book a girls day out with some of your favorite gal pals! It's important to stock up on adult time, before you know it you're life will be full of fun (and rewarding) baby talk!

6. Pamper yourself & your partner - Another thing to do to spoil yourself (and your other half) is making sure you both are content. Spend time getting massages with your darling and maybe even take the time to get a pedicure the week your baby is expected to arrive. You don't necessarily need to spend the big bucks all pregnancy long, but be sure you and  your partner are both relaxed before the arrival of your baby, it'll be a while before you'll have the chance again so really embrace it.

7. Shop for Postpartum Clothing - Making sure your comfortable after you have your baby is so important. With hormones surging, your mothering instincts on overdrive, and a lack of sleep, the last thing you'll feel like doing is trying on everything in your closet to find just one item that kind of fits. Take the time to find loose fitting tops, cozy leggings, nursing gowns, etc. You'll thank yourself later.

8. Maternity Photos - Documenting your pregnancy with a professional photographer is a great way to make sure you always have the chance to look back on the precious memories. I also suggest asking your photographer if they offer bundle packages for maternity and newborn photos, it couldn't hurt and if you love their work you know it'll be worth whatever price they offer!

9. Freezer Meals - Instead of coming home from the hospital and being unsure of what to cook, start batch preparing freezer meals a week or two before your baby's delivery. With recipes all over pinterest, you're bound to find a handful of delicious concoctions you can make!

10. Attend classes at your hospital - With classes like "Daddy Boot Camp", "Breastfeeding 101", and a "Couple's Birthing Class", it's important that you and your partner are prepared for the big arrival of your itty, bitty baby. Check out the many classes your hospital has to offer and sign up for any that suit your fancy!

11. Find a pediatrician - While this doesn't necessarily have to be done before you deliver, it may be wise. Finding the perfect person to help you take care of your little one and ensure their health is a super important part of being a mama. Ask your friends that are already mothers where they take their kids and if they LOVE their pediatrician! Be sure not to settle for some lame doctor appointed by the hospital - find one that your kids will adore and your babe will likely end up being a lifelong patient.

12. Contact your insurance - You'll obviously want to inform your insurance company that you're having a baby and the date your expecting. While filling them in on the big news, you should ask if they provide coverage for breast pumps, because most insurances will pay for the fancy pumps that cost a pretty penny in stores! It doesn't hurt to ask and it'll only take a few minutes to find out.

13. Pack a hospital bag - Remember the vital things like a fully charged camera battery, comfortable clothing for you post delivery, your baby's going home outfit, and anything else you consider super important.

14. Stock up on sanitizer - With so many people coming in and out of your hospital room and visiting your home after you have your baby, you'll want to make sure that everyone's hands are clean! Stock up on cheap bottles of hand sanitizer and let everyone know not to touch her without making their hands are clean.

15. Set times with family and friends to visit you and baby, post delivery - Whether family is visiting from out of town or friends are just dropping by, letting them know that you and baby are trying to live on a "schedule" can help keep things less chaotic with the addition adjusting to a whole new world.

Having a baby is such a fun and exciting time in your life, it can definitely be a stressful time as well! Here's 15 simple ways to prepare your life for baby!



While this list contains fifteen different ways to prepare for baby, I'm certain I won't be fully prepared for everything... it's just the way life works. Do you have tips or tidbits to add to this list? I'd love to hear your best piece of advice for mamas preparing for baby in the comments below!