This post is in partnership with Dunkin' Donuts, regardless all opinions expressed below are my own.
May 19, 2016
Meet Your New Favorite Sweet Treats from Dunkin' Donuts!
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.
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!
[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:
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
Click here to check out my Baby Shower Gift Guide!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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