The Cutest Customized Mermaid Blanket from Mend the Fabric Etsy Shop!

Spoiling my baby girl has become a serious habit lately. From buying her oodles of clothing to making sure I'm gathering all the perfect items to add into her nursery, I've really gotten into mama-bear mode. I suppose you could say I'm "nesting" already and I'm totally okay with that fact, my little darling deserves the best of the best... just as all babies do.

With that said, I recently found a sweet little etsy shop named "Mend The Fabric". This awesome little handmade shop makes the best handmade blankets while also providing phenomenal customer service, two things this mama bear needed in her life!

Mariah is the wonderful mama behind Mend the Fabric and she knows exactly what to do to make a mama-to-be more than happy!

We started our little collaboration out on a great note with a friendly chat about her little babe, her business, and who we both are... and once I let her in on the fact that I was working on a mermaid themed nursery for my little darling, she got the ball rolling.

Within a day or two she had come up with a handful of different design ideas, offered to let me choose the specific fabric for the blanket, and managed to sew a blanket that left me amazed and overjoyed.

Not only did she manage to make the blanket for our little pineapple's room in a few days, she decided to send over this adorable southwestern blanket and diaper holder! The cuteness overflows from this cowgirl-esque set, especially because our girl is going to be an "Oklahoma girl" at heart! I'll be honest and share with you, my only issue with this order is the fact that I'm really having trouble deciding which blanket I like more...

With so much detail put into every single item in her shop, it's easy to see why I'm recommending everyone shop her store... from tiny little perfect stitches to the softest minky fabric lining the blankets, she has mastered her craft and I think that's obvious in her workmanship!

If you're looking for a super soft baby blanket, a convenient and cute diaper changing pad, or an adorable small diaper holder, Mend the Fabric is the store to shop!

If you've fallen in love with these treasures from Mend the Fabric as much as I have, be sure to follow her Instagram for regular giveaways and updates on new merchandise!

Interested in finding more awesome items for babies and new mamas?
Click here to check out my Baby Shower Gift Guide!

20 Week Bumpdate - An Official Update on My Growing Baby Bump

While I keep talking about being pregnant, sharing little tidbits of information about my little darling in posts here and there... I have yet to officially make a post all about this experience of carrying a life inside me, although it's been on my to-do list for weeks. So instead of procrastinating any longer, today's post is all about my ever-growing baby bump and all the joy (and struggles) I've experienced thus far.

6 weeks pregnant

We'll start out by backing up a little bit... My first trimester was full of nothing but feeling like hell, to put it nicely. I spent hours feeling nauseous, I could barely eat without getting sick, and while I knew this was likely to happen... I didn't realize I would spend several weeks feeling like I had the stomach flu or food poisoning. With that said, going into the second trimester, I was finally able to resume a semi-normal life and start eating again.

Other than feeling ill the first few months, I suppose I should address the fact that I was a walking ball of hot mess as well. I would (and still do) cry at the drop of a hat, sometimes literally. This, yet again, was something I had heard from other mama's-to-be but had no idea how crazy I would feel with all these hormones raging through me. From crying at silly, sweet stories on Facebook to worrying about complications, I've been a bit of an emotional roller coaster but it'll all be worth it in the long run!

Now here's some fun facts regarding my pregnancy during the first trimester:

We've been calling our little babe, "our pineapple". I'm not even sure why it started but it's stuck around pretty much since we found out.

Speaking of finding out, I actually took a test on a whim because my monthly friend was late and wa-bam... There were two lines almost instantly. I couldn't even speak other than saying "OH MY GOD" over and over again. Hubby came flying in the room and his face lit up when he realized I wasn't hurt and that I was holding a pregnancy test. We had to go buy another, just as any rational couple would do... and again it was positive. If you've followed the blog, you know this was absolutely something we wanted but definitely something that we had longed for, for many years... so finding out we were expecting without medical intervention was so exciting and absolutely amazing.

Regarding amazing things, seeing our baby on our first ultrasound at 5 weeks was the best feeling in the entire world.

Another amazing thing, telling our friends and family. We shared the big news with mine and my husband's family during a visit up to the midwest and the outpouring of love was amazing. From tears to hugs, it was a blessed trip and an amazing feeling to finally share our news at just 6 weeks. My niece actually told me she was so excited to have another cousin and thanked me for my baby's life... Can you think of anything that would melt your heart more than that? I can't.

We announced the fun on social media on Valentine's Day and that was amazing as well.

And... now that I've given you a quick catch up session on the joys and sorrows of the first trimester with this pregnancy, I suppose I can go ahead and share the up-to-date deets on this bump of mine.

I'm rocking a 20 week bump and it's seriously getting heavy already.

These past few weeks I've developed, what seems to be, pregnancy insomnia... but again, it'll all be worth it in the long run.

While I'm lacking sleep and feeling thick, the past few weeks have also been full of fun.

We bought the perfect crib, we're receiving some totally awesome items from a range of amazing companies for my upcoming Baby Shower Gift Guide (stay tuned for some super cool giveaways for you guys), AND we recently found out the gender and started to feel our little "pineapple" kick.

Finding out the gender was more difficult than we anticipated... Our ultrasound tech at the Doctor's office couldn't confirm or deny her gender with 100% certainty so she refused to disclose any information. If you know me, when I have my heart set on something, I want it to happen... so after leaving our appointment slightly disappointed (but also totally happy because the baby was healthy), we decided to book an appointment at a local boutique that offers ultrasound scans.

We should've known with a stubborn attitude and a demanding little personality that required a second appointment that our little pineapple was a female... but alas, we didn't consider those facts until later! Luckily, we were able to book an appointment on the same day and see our girl and all her glory in a spread eagle position after getting yet another extensive scan.

That's right, I'm going to be sharing plenty of princess-related fun in the future and I'm super excited about that fact... I always thought I would be the mom of only boys, but now that I know my pineapple is a gal, I'm more than happy to be dressing her up in tutus and bows and you better believe I'm ready for a million rounds of Pretty, Pretty Princess and plenty of pink all through out her life!

With all the excitement of her being difficult and having to schedule a second appointment, I was able to put some other news we received during our appointment on the back burner. That news is a little less joyful, I have complete (or total) placenta previa... which is a complication of sorts, but isn't the worst situation so I have no need to seriously worry, from my understanding.

My doctor mentioned that most women that have this condition during the 2nd trimester anatomy scan tend to see improvement before delivery and some have their placenta completely move... while he told me not to google and worry myself, I'm the type to investigate so, of course I did just as he instructed me not to do.

The good news: I'm not on bed rest, I've had no bleeding, and I feel our little girl kicking fairly regularly so I have all the faith in the world that everything will be just fine. Plus, I get an extra ultrasound at my doctor's office out of the deal, to ensure everything is looking groovy... So I'm okay with that... and hope the results from that scan are phenomenal.

With that said, if you're a mama that was diagnosed with placenta previa (any of it's various stages - complete, partial, etc), I'd love to hear from you. I'm always wanting to learn more from other mama's so let's chat!

I don't want to end on that note, so here's some more fun facts about our gal pal that I'm growing in my tummy:

She's most active after I drink a bottle of ice cold water and least active when her daddy reaches over to feel her - stubborn like her mama, already.

She has been nicknamed "Blake" by my two (almost three) year old niece and while we think that name is cute, it likely won't actually be her name... but I have yet to convince my niece otherwise. This same niece loves talking to her in my belly over speaker phone... she's pretty much the sweetest.

We've decided that the theme of our little girl's room will be a mixture of mermaid and tropical/beachy, which fits our Florida lifestyle perfectly... and since I love mermaids, I'm more than excited to share all the fun little details!

I suppose now that I've nearly written a book, I'll end the first pregnancy update here. I'm going to do my best to keep track of this journey on the blog from this point on, but I also want to mention that I don't plan on making Lauren Paints into strictly a mommy blog.

This space is for sharing the things I love, so as you can imagine, my growing girl is going to be talked about but she won't be the sole focus. I'm so thankful for this little space, where I can share my thoughts with what feels like thousands of my best friends... so let me thank you, for being a part of this journey with me and my gal!

This is what a girl that finally doesn't feel sick at 18 weeks looks like!

Now, I'll be honest and also share with you, I'm going to go ahead and indulge a craving and eat a big ol' slice of chocolate cake in a few moments.

So tell me, are you expecting? Do you have little one's of your own already? Tell me all about your pregnancy in the comments below, as I mentioned above, I love learning from other mama's!

Save Big Time on Baby Necessities!

This review was made possible by iConnect and Luvs.  I was provided compensation to facilitate this post, but all opinions stated are 100% mine.

As I'm starting to gather items for my little darling expected to arrive in September, I'm realizing that parenting is going to be a truly rewarding and expensive adventure. I'm doing everything I can to save a few bucks here and there and today I want to share a few tips and tricks to help you save some cash as well!

With the Ibotta app (you can download it here for android or here for apple) I'm already saving big time! Since they are currently offering a great deal on Luvs, the favorite diapers of experience mom's, I'm stocking up and I suggest you do the same if you have a diaper wearing little one in your home or on the way! You can save $2 with a print at home coupon offer through coupons.com, with an additional $5 rebate via Ibotta on any boxed variety of Luvs diapers, 54 count or larger.

Offering large stretch tabs to make sure the diaper is secured and comfortable, ultra-leak protection to keep your babe from having a real accident, and a contoured hug shape for a great fit along with a cottony soft feel that's gentle on baby's skin, it's easy to see why Luvs are the best fit for most families! Plus, a money back guarantee means you'll never be disappointed with your purchase and you're saving big time with Ibotta... so what do you have to lose? Grab a pack of Luvs at your favorite store, be satisfied with your choice, and save big!

Don't forget to print your Coupons.com coupon here and rack up the savings by verifying your purchase with the Ibotta app!

The Perfect Baby Monitor!

This post was sponsored by Baby’s Journey as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received complimentary merchandise to facilitate my review.

In case you haven't heard the news, after years of hoping to become parents, we are finally expecting our little one in September and we couldn't be any more excited! With that said, we are already nesting like crazy and want to prepare the perfect room for our little bundle of joy, as you can probably imagine. I'm choosing fabrics for personalized blankets, picking out little trinkets to decorate the nursery furniture shelves with; I'm already washing and folding all of the adorable little clothing and obviously, trying to equip the room with the best of the best when it comes to her safety and well-being!

While I'm a newbie to this parenting stuff, I've heard from seasoned parents that choosing a baby monitor can be difficult. I've been told that you don't want to be stingy when it comes to being able to keep an eye on your precious bundle of joy and I tend to agree.

So after doing hours of research, I decided that the new AT&T Smart Sync monitor will work the best for our little family. This beauty from AT&T and Baby's Journey, an innovative children's products manufacturer, offers all of the features that I know we will use! Not only does it offer the ability to see my baby at any time, it also will come in handy for documenting (and sharing) our lives!

Once I received the Smart Sync monitor in the mail, I knew I made the right choice! This super cool and sleek little gadget is SO MUCH MORE than just a monitor; I know I'll just love being able to keep track of the little things like diaper changes and feedings while also keeping an eye on my angel at any time, from the monitor or my cell phone! This simple feature provides me with true peace of mind and allows my hubs and I the ability to co-parent easily!

Plus, as I mentioned, this monitor is made for sharing! If you know me, then you know this social media guru was pretty stoked to find out I can share photos directly to Twitter and Facebook whenever I want my family & friends to see the adorable baby doing something adorable or accomplishing a milestone like sleeping through the night or rolling over on her own, all of these memories can be documented and as you can imagine, I'm so excited to share each and every accomplishment!

I know the adjustment into parenthood will be unlike anything I've ever experienced before, I've been warned; but I find comfort in knowing I'll always be able to check on my darling baby no matter where I am with the Smart Sync monitor.  The monitors are now available online and in-store at Babies “R” Us locations. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/ATTSmartSync.

Get Amazing Hair with Irresistible Me

While I was provided a free sample of Irresistible Me extensions to facilitate this review, all opinions expressed below are completely my own.

I've mentioned this on the blog before, but since I have found myself with child I've become even more low maintenance than I was previously. While my appearance is important to me still, I just don't have the motivation to spend hours picking out the perfect makeup or hairstyle everyday... Hey, maybe it's my way of preparing for motherhood? Regardless, I've been finding ways to feel more beautiful without all the effort and I've even shared some of those tips with you recently.

Today I want to share a major help in making my hair look ravishingly beautiful, Irresistible Me. They offer a wide variety of extensions to take your standard mop of hair to the next level with hardly any effort involved. It's as simple as "clipping" the extensions in the right place and making sure they are stored properly when your not rocking them for a night out on the town.

As you probably noticed, I already have fairly long hair, but having longer hair that appears to be styled already helps me elevate my look and since I can place the extensions in my hair in just a couple of minutes, it's easy to see why I love rocking them so much. You can see what my hair looks like without and with extensions below and it's an obvious difference, but it isn't an over-done look and I was even told the extensions match so perfectly that my own hairstylist thought my hair had grown dramatically since our last appointment, until I admitted I had some help from Irresistible Me.

With a natural look and a fullness that can't be beat, I recommend anyone trying to mix up their look try extensions from Irresistible Me! Are you interested in elevating your look to the next level with extensions? Irresistible Me can help you... or maybe even rock a new, lusciously long ponytail with their help as well! The possibilities to adjust your style are endless and since it's a fairly low-key way to keep your hair looking fabulous, it's totally worth it!

Achieve Your Fitness Goals with Planet Fitness + a Membership Deal!

Today's discussion is sponsored by Planet Fitness, regardless all opinions expressed below are mine alone.

If you've followed the blog for a while you know I've been on a journey to get fit over the last few years. I shared my story in 2014, when I weighed in at my heaviest weight ever and knew I needed to make a change; then I shared my triumph whenever I finally hit my goal weight in 2015 and how I planned on maintaining my fitness. The past few years have truly been a journey, from learning how to eat healthier (most of the time) to officially becoming a member of a gym, I made a lot of changes and I shared most of these changes and my progress here on the blog with you.

Which leads me to 2016, this year also includes some changes... While these changes involve gaining back some of the weight I lost (all for my little baby on the way), I'm still trying to stay fit! I haven't shared much of my fitness routine as of late because it's hard to talk shop with a baby bump growing and my morning sickness in full force, but I wanted to check in with you all and let you know, I'm still on my fitness journey this year - it's just a little bit different than it has been.

That's why I love Planet Fitness so much, it's a fitness club that's helped me along my journey and will continue to be a part of my fitness routine. I felt comfortable visiting the club when I was at my heaviest, I felt confident going in for a quick work out when I was feeling fit in 2015, and now that I'm expecting, I still feel like Planet Fitness is the perfect place for me to work on myself and my goals.

WHY is Planet Fitness my preferred gym? If you're overweight, underweight, or maybe even just of the female gender, and you've ever visited another gym, you may have felt like you were being gawked at or judged while running on the treadmill or lifting weights. This is NOT the case with Planet Fitness, there's no "gymtimidation."

The staff, the trainers, and even the other members facilitate an environment where everyone can feel confident and comfortable while bettering themselves. You don't need to have muscles to join this gym, you're not going to be laughed at if you have to ask how to use a machine, and really, the only real requirement is that you keep Planet Fitness a Judgement Free Zone!

I don't just like Planet Fitness because of the other members and staff though... I like PF because most clubs are open and staffed 24/7 to help you get a work out in, any time of the day! Plus, all 1,000 of the Planet Fitness clubs also have spacious locker rooms and access to unlimited fitness training, as well as two "circuit" workouts that make getting in a quick gym sesh super simple!

That's not all you get when you join Planet Fitness though, you gain access to a group of like-minded people. You're not just joining a gym, you're joining a community. Planet Fitness provides all members with an opportunity to connect and support with others via "Planet of Triumphs," an online community that celebrates all accomplishments and inspirational stories.

Not only can you gain access to a support system, a gym without judgement, and a healthier you - If you sign up for the black card membership (at $19.99 a month), it includes additional amenities such as the ability to bring a guest every single day at no additional charge, access to all 1,000+ Planet Fitness locations, use of massage chairs and beds, and more.

Everyone belongs at Planet Fitness, that's why on April 4, you can join Planet Fitness for just a dollar!

That's right... For one day only, join Planet Fitness for only a $1 down and then just $10 a month. Or if you prefer the PF Black Card, you can take  advantage of that membership and its additional perks for $1 down and   then $19.99 per month. They’ve created a link just for you guys so that you can enter your email for a reminder to sign up April 4th. Click here! No matter what your fitness goals are in 2016, you won't regret joining Planet Fitness - I promise you!

Feel Gorgeous Everyday with This Simple Beauty Routine

This post contains affiliate links, regardless all opinions expressed below are my own.

The past few months I've been struggling just to be me most days. I'm not having some sort of quarter-life crisis, I'm just fighting major fatigue and morning all-freaking-daylong sickness, every single day... and it's been a struggle to put myself together.

I give kudos to the mamas that battle the sickness with grace, I've done the opposite. I also give a loving thumbs up to the mamas that didn't really have many symptoms at all... I'm neither of these women, I'm the opposite.

With all of that said, I'm finally trying to get back into my normal routine... but I notice every time I go to apply makeup, I start feeling even more nauseous than normal. It may just be a coincidence, but it's lead to an almost always barefaced version of myself going out into the world. So today I want to share a handful of makeup tricks for people like me.

Whether your struggling through nausea every day or your just not the type to wear makeup on the daily, here's how you can still feel beautiful without all the makeup non-sense involved.


Let's start with a basic, instead of using a heavy foundation that you have to spend time blending. Skip it and use a tinted moisturizer instead. You'll avoid clogging your pores and you'll still get the benefits foundation provides with La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid for Face. Plus you're nourishing your skin with antioxidants instead of adding toxins to your face, it's really a win-win.

This water-based product from theBalm is the perfect way to add a pop of color to your lips without having to deal with a heavy gloss or the nasty goop other lip products leave. Plus, if you're feeling the need to blush a little - you can add a tiny dab of this beauty to your cheeks to really give yourself a glow. Investing in theBalm Stainiac Beauty Queen is the perfect way to look like you spent hours on your look when in reality you can be ready in seconds!

Next on the no-makeup beauty routine is this Blinc Lash Primer. While it may look like mascara, you no longer have to worry about clumpy, flaking off black mess while using this primer. It actually nourishes your lashes with a form of Vitamin B5 and it makes them look just as lush as the top rated mascara by creating a moisturizing film around the shaft of your lashes.

Now I'm kind of pushing the "no make up" barrier with Stila All Over Shimmer Duo Powder but it's way more than just your average powder, it's a way to multitask and really make your beauty pop. It's light-reflecting powder is the perfect way to make your cheekbones pop when used as a highlighter, plus you can use a dash of it on your lids to make your eyes look shimmery and beautiful. The best part about this powder is that you won't have to keep reapplying it, the micro-fine pearl powder adheres to your skin and makes for a look that will last all day long!

Lastly, the easiest way to perfect brows (after plucking) is Tweezerman Browmousse. It's a simple way to keep your brows in place, no sticky or gummy feeling involved. It's also hypoallergenic so it's gentle on your skin while keeping your brows "on fleek".

That's really all you'll need for a fresh-face, presentable look without feeling like your going out into the real world looking like a hot mess. I know it's tough some days, but with this simple 5 product routine, you'll be walking down the street feeling like a beauty queen in mere minutes!


Do you have any tips for those of us that are going sans-makeup this year? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below!

5 Powerful (and Simple) Ways to Improve Your Daily Life

This post was sponsored by Nature Made® as a part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central,
regardless all opinions expressed below are my own.

Now that I'm expecting staying healthy is a top priority for me (and my husband). Whether we're trying to implement easy new ways to fit in a little exercise or spending the entire day "nesting" and reorganizing our place, we're truly prepping ourselves and our lives for when the baby arrives. As you can imagine, we're super excited about this change in our life, so we decided to make a couple other changes in 2016:

It all started with taking vitamins. It's a simple step but with just the right nutrients for each of our bodies, Nature Made Prenatal Multi Vitamin with DHA for myself and Nature Made Super B-Complex for him, it's been hugely beneficial. Want to know the best part? It's easy to add this simple step into your daily routine, with a quick trip to Walmart you can start taking the #1 best selling brand for vitamins, minerals and supplements and change your life for the better today (without breaking the bank).

Another fairly simple change to our routine in 2016 has been spending more time outdoors. Soaking up a little bit of sun, taking deep breaths of fresh air, and reading a book to gain a bit of knowledge while chilling on our back porch has been a great contrast to binge watching TV on Netflix.

Before I mentioned that we are finding new ways to exercise this year as well, you can check out more information on one of my favorite ways to exercise here.

I also mentioned that "we've" been nesting. From decluttering spaces to rearranging furniture, we're stirring things up in our home and the benefits are tremendous. We're scrubbing, sweeping, and ridding the house of unnecessary items and it feels so good! Here's a few examples of how spring cleaning can be cute and fun.

The last step we've taken is one of the simplest but truly important, we're taking more time to talk with each other. We're talking about the little things like how our poodle is obsessed with hunting lizards while we sit on our patio to the significant things like how we plan to parent our child... It's been nice to take a little extra time to connect purposefully this year and it's something I suggest any couple make an effort to do.

Are you wanting to make a change to your daily routine that will benefit you for years to come? Click here to find out which Nature Made vitamin is right for you and you can sign up to receive daily "boosts" from Nature Made! It's that easy to make 2016 healthier year for you and your family. Plus, use the form below to register for your chance to win 1 of 20 $50 Walmart gift cards!

Nature Made Wellness 4

*I-C will randomly select 20 winners from all program entries and will handle fulfillment of the winning prizes.

Summer Pregnancy Must-Haves

As I've mentioned recently, I'm pretty excited to be expecting in September... but this week, as some warm weather rolled in, it dawned on me that I'm going to be pregnant all summer long. Here in Florida, that means I'll be surviving heat waves by spending time floating on the waves in the Gulf.

Since I plan on spending a lot of time outdoors this summer, I'm already putting together a little extra bag of must-haves to keep in the car, so I can take my essentials along on our adventures. Today we spent a little time at the beach, next week we'll be out on the kayak, and all summer long we'll be going on adventures... I'm not letting pregnancy get in the way of having fun and exploring, I'm just learning ways to accommodate my growing little baby bump I'm starting to grow.

Today I want to share a few quick ways that any woman can combat the summer heat while rocking a bump and I'm so excited to have partnered with Dove to share all the fun with you! Hopefully all the other mama's that will be in their third trimester this summer can find some cool calmness in these simple tips to keep comfortable!

1. We'll go ahead and start with one of the most important parts of nurturing your baby - your nutrition! I'm all about grabbing a couple of healthy snacks to combat morning (more like ALL DAY) sickness. I'm also all about having a stash of water bottles no matter where I am, staying hydrated is my highest priority now that it's warming up out and it'll remain that way!

2. Next on my list of must-haves this summer is Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant, it's the latest beauty trend (you don't want to be the last to try) and it's definitely the only way I'm going to smell and look pretty after a long day in the sun. Why do I love Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant so much? It goes on instantly dry, meaning it leaves absolutely no visible residue.

While it isn't visible, it's providing a full 48 hours of odor and wetness protection, along with Dove 1 in 4 moisturizers for softer, smoother underarms! I find comfort in knowing I'll be able to stay cool and dry with Dove Dry Spray this summer, no matter what adventure I'm on! Plus, I'll smell amazing with the soothing chamomile scent or the original clean scent, to name a few!

3. My next tip may be obvious, but I feel like I must share... Wear as little clothing as you feel comfortable wearing in public. I'm not suggesting you turn into a nudist, start rocking daisy dukes, or throw modesty out the window, but if you feel confident rocking your bikini while spending time on the beach, then go right ahead - just don't forget the sunscreen! Along the same lines, choose clothing that breathes... a flowing sundress would be the perfect way to "suit up" for a night out with your other half.

4. My last little tip is going to be the easiest one to follow, keep things simple. Less make up, more relaxation; choose a pony tail holder with some sass over primping and curling your hair every morning. Instead of working out hard, spend some time paddling around on a kayak or doing a little yoga on the beach. While you and I, both, still want to feel beautiful while rocking a baby bump, let the glow of pregnancy help with that and embrace your natural beauty!

So tell me, what tips do you have for this first time mama-to-be to battle the summer heat? Plus, I can't wait to hear what you think of Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant when you #TryDry for the first time! Go to Dove.com/trydry to learn more!

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #instantlytrending #DovePartner #TryDry http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Cozy Weekends with Hot Cocoa Moments!

This post was sponsored by Starbucks as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central.
I received compensation and complimentary products to facilitate my review.

While the weather here in Florida has been perfect, it never hurts to get cozy and that's exactly what I did all weekend long... and well, since I'm 11 weeks pregnant, I have a feeling I'll be trying to get cozy almost every weekend in the upcoming future.

Luckily, I was able to spoil myself with a few of my favorite things - Cuddles from my dogs, a warm, delicious glass of hot cocoa, a little bit of binge watching of my favorite TV programs, and of course, a new blanket to snuggle up with.

While the cuddles were great and my new blanket is probably the softest I've ever owned, the real star of my cozy little weekend was the Starbucks Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa. The best part of drinking my favorite little pregnancy friendly mermaid created beverage, you ask? I made it at home, in my Keurig, in seconds!

With a velvety smooth cocoa taste, perfectly complemented by a dash of salt, a pinch of caramel, and the perfect amount of non-fat milk, this Starbucks® Hot Cocoa K-Cup® is like hiring a barista to work right in your kitchen! Plus, you don't have to make a special trip out of the house to score a cup of this yummy treat, you can pick up a pack of K-Cups wherever you buy your groceries!

The thing is, there's also just delicious Starbucks Hot Cocoa K-Cups and I can't leave those out! With some amazing artisan Marshmallows and a bite of shortbread - it's like a little stay-cation destination in your home... a winter retreat is easy with a little treat from Starbucks, especially when you can make it in your kitchen in just a few seconds!

So tell me, how do you like to get cozy? Can you think of any must-have items to add to my weekend "retreats" to make getting cozy easier? I can't wait to spend next weekend cozied up and comfy... actually, who am I kidding? You'll probably find me sipping a Hot Cocoa, snuggled up under my new blanket, every single day this week! Want to enter to win a little Cozy Starbucks set of your own? Click here!