linqia – Page 9

Comfy

August 6, 2015

This post is sponsored by U by Kotex® but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

What does comfy mean to you? To me, “comfy” means leggings and an oversized sweatshirt on a cold winter day. Snuggling by the fireplace with a cup of coffee and devouring a novel. It means cuddling with my babies on the couch and going for long walks around the neighborhood in my worn sneakers. Comfy is my husband and our home that we bought and created together.

When I am having my time of the month, the only thing I want to be is…you guessed it – Comfy! I can’t always wear sweatpants and lay around, in fact I hardly ever have time to lay around these days, but U by Kotex® Curves Liners keep me feeling comfy no matter what clothes or undies I am wearing. They keep me from being paranoid and make me feel at ease throughout my day. I feel like I can tackle anything and not have to worry about an embarrassing situation. They are now offered in bright bold colors and the designs are so fun!

This week, I have been laying around with SR and Hampton since he broke his ankle and can’t walk on it. Ryan has been out of town all week and just got back in late last night, so we have been pretty lazy and pitiful. Being comfortable has been key. For me, and especially for my boy!

Be sure to enter the #BringComfyBack Contest, by visiting bringcomfyback.com and upload your creative pic or gif showcasing your best uncomfy face! Each month, one winner will receive a $200 Urban Outfitters gift card, a Go Pro Hero 3 white camera, a $100 Sephora gift card and some U by Kotex products.

At the end of the contest, the most creative selfie will be chosen and the winner will receive a trip to L.A. with a friend, an exclusive U by Kotex photo shoot and $2,000 cash! Good luck!

Be sure to stop by and get your FREE SAMPLES of U by Kotex® Curves Liners!

What is your favorite “comfy” item?

A New Mother’s Formula For Happiness

July 24, 2015

This post is sponsored by Gerber® Good Start® Gentle but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Before we had our daughter, I was very nervous about going from one child to two. Their age difference intimidated me (18 months), but I was also feeling all the emotions. Hampton would no longer be my only child. He wouldn’t be my baby. It was so emotional for me because he WAS still a baby. Let me just tell you, it is tough trying to explain to your baby that you are having another baby. He just didn’t get it at all.

Everyone told me to try to relax and enjoy my time with him and that he would be the best big brother once he got used to it. It took about 8 weeks before Hampton really did well with SR. We still can’t leave them in a room together without one of us watching them, but it has gotten so much better.

The best piece of advice anyone gave me was to just relax and take it all in. Hold my baby girl. Play with my son as much as possible. Read to the both of them and enjoy every minute. I have definitely been trying to focus on my kids a lot more and take this advice. I’ve been enjoying the little moments. The ones that most people miss. Only because I was told to focus on that time more, and I have.

With Hampton, we lost a lot of sleep. He was my baby that didn’t sleep. At all. His doctor even shook her head at him. As a newborn he slept 6 or 7 hours in a 24 hour period. He just never slept. Luckily, SR has slept great! It has been like night and day, and for that, we are all thankful, rested and happy! After I had Hamp, I wish I had known about the Gerber Sleep Consultants and the free appointments they offer! That would have been so nice. Sleeping more this time around has made all the difference.

If I had any advice for a new mother, it would be to rest as much as you can, hold your baby as much as possible and soak up every moment. If you do this, you will have created the perfect #formulaforhappiness for you and your baby.

Photos by Allison Hilyer Photography

What is your Formula for Happiness?

How to Indulge Your Sweet Tooth Without Ruining Your Diet

July 16, 2015

This post is sponsored by Fiber One but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

It is no secret that I have a huge sweet tooth. It is my greatest weakness when trying to live a healthy lifestyle. I’ve tried to trick my body into eating healthier foods that are low in calories as “dessert” or when I’m having a weak moment so that I don’t ruin my diet.

Here are 3 ways I indulge my sweet tooth without compromising my diet:

1. I make a smoothie. Depending on my craving, I choose to make my chocolate banana smoothie, or a fruit smoothie to satisfy my sweet cravings. It’s healthy and low in calories.

2. I go to Publix and grab a Fiber One Cheesecake Bar. These little goodies are delicious and only 150 calories. They also have 5 grams of fiber in every bar! They satisfy my craving without giving away all of my calories. It’s a win/win.

3. If it is still early in the day, I like to grab a cup of coffee. I love coffee and I have been drinking half caf for a while now so that I’m not overdoing it with the caffeine. Because I am breastfeeding, I like to make sure I’m not drinking too much.

Fiber One is giving away $15 paypal cash to one of you to try the new Fiber One Cheesecake Bars for yourself! Enter in the rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

How do you indulge your sweet tooth in a smart way? Don’t forget to check out these great recipes on Fiber One’s Facebook Page!

5 Ways To Make The Most Out Of Your Summer

June 26, 2015

The summer is “officially” here as of Sunday, although it has felt like summer here for months. The summer is always a season I look forward to. Vacations, tans, the beach and my favorite treats are always things that I look forward to. Here is a list of 5 ways to make the most out of your summer:

1. Plan a Trip – Whether you’re going to the beach with your family or road trippin’ with the girls, it is a must to go on at least one vacation.

2. Make a Summer Playlist – Whether you’re driving to the beach, or laying by the pool, you’re going to need that summer playlist full of your favorite tunes. Personally, mine will be full of Jimmy Buffet.

3. Go On A Picnic – I love to be outside doing… anything that gets me outside. I am definitely a sunshine girl. Whether I’m jogging in the morning or swimming with the kids, I love to be outdoors! Picnics are always so much fun. I have already been on a few with my little family and they are always enjoyable! Take it to the park, your backyard or even the splash pad! Don’t forget your favorite treats!

4. Read a New Book (or 10) – While you’re at it, check out my 12 Books to Read This Summer!

5. Eat Your Favorite Cool, Delicious Treats. That is an order! Summer is the BEST time to eat ice cream, s’mores, fruit or your favorite cold yogurt! That reminds me, have you tried the latest from Yoplait? Yoplait Plenti is officially my new favorite yogurt! It is so delicious and satisfying and comes in 8 flavors! You can find it at any of your local Kroger stores! Even my toddler loves it! It is a great source of calcium and is a healthy alternative to other summertime snacks. Definitely check it out!

What is on your list of to-dos this summer?

My Selfie for Huggies #UltraHug Contest

May 30, 2015

Why am I snapping Selfies?

You may remember my post a few weeks ago when I took a selfie and nominated our local Farmer’s Market for the Huggies #UltraHug Selfie Contest. I wanted to remind you that the contest is still going on! My first selfie was with my son and Sophie-Rae was still in my belly! This time, I just took one with my son. I have been trying to make him feel extra special lately. 🙂

Growing up one of my favorite memories is of my family loading up every Saturday during the summer and driving downtown to the Farmer’s Market to buy fresh fruit and vegetables. We also always bought honey. Now, Ryan and I go almost every weekend and we have started taking the kids. Yes, even SR has already been! I hope to make it just as special a memory for them as it is for me.

I have nominated our local Farmer’s Market for the Huggies Ultra Hug contest because it could definitely use a revamp. It is very run down and I know our farmers would love to have it spruced up a bit.

About the #UltraHug Selfie Contest:

From April 20th until June 25th, Huggies will be accepting all selfies of you and your baby with the hashtag #UltraHug, and featuring them in a collage on Huggies website. There will be 10 winners chosen who will win a $2,000 grant from Huggies for their nominated community initiative.

How To Enter The Contest:

• Take a selfie of you and your baby and upload that selfie to Twitter or Instagram. Make sure to use the hashtag #UltraHug

• In your post, make sure to include a text nomination of a community project that is meaningful to you in your hometown.

That’s it! Then you are entered! Huggies will begin choosing a winner on July 6th!

What community project would you nominate?

Be sure to check out these great new Huggies diapers at Walmart!

Odd Mom Out

May 29, 2015

This post is sponsored by Bravo. Opinions are my own.

I am beyond excited to share one of my new favorite TV shows with you – Odd Mom Out on Bravo! It is hilarious and so relatable. I was fortunate to be able to host a private screening party to view the show before it’s premiere on June 8th! It was a hit for both me and my best friend!

Jill (the main character and odd mom), reminded me so much of Lorelei Gilmore. She is quick, spunky and hilarious. I love the relationship between her and her best friend. Their honesty and humor remind me so much of me and my best friend’s relationship. After watching the first two episodes, I am so ready to see more. My DVR is officially set to record this new series and I can’t wait to watch episode 3!

I love how this show highlights the crazy competitiveness between moms in Jill’s world and how she is able to use her humor to lighten the mood in all situations, even when they are incredibly awkward. It reminds me so much of real life and I think most moms can relate.

For me, it was very relatable because I have definitely felt like the Odd Mom Out in several group situations lately. I am the only one in my group of friends that has two children (although I do have some that are currently pregnant with second children) and they just don’t quite get how difficult it can be and have definitely poked fun at me a little. I can’t wait for them to experience the craziness of having two babies close together. Through all situations – good and bad, Jill has a great support system in her husband and her best friend and that reminds me so much of my life. I can always go to my husband or BF for anything and they are always there for me…or brutally honest. haha

Odd Mom Out Drink Recipes:

V.I.M.s Perks Program

Bravo is now offering a V.I.M.s (Very Important Moms) Perks Program when you download their app – The Daily Dish. You can catch up on all your favorite Bravo-lebs and be eligible for exclusive VIM discounts!

Tune-In To Win Sweepstakes

During the Premiere and first four weeks of Odd Mom Out, viewers will have a chance to win $20,000 through the Tune-in to Win Sweepstakes! Tune in at 10/9c on Mondays June 8th – June 29th for the secret hashtag and tweet it out to @BravoTV each week or your chance to win!

Ready to laugh with me? watch the trailer now!!

Chili Cheese Macaroni Bake with HORMEL®

May 23, 2015

This post is sponsored by HORMEL® but all opinions are my own.

Print your $1 off coupon here!

I love quick and simple recipes that I can throw together when I am pressed for time or just don’t feel like cooking an extravagant meal. Let’s be honest, since I had Sophie, I haven’t had near as much time to cook. Time management has been the toughest adjustment. Especially with dinner time because, bath time and bedtime immediately follow dinner in our house. It is a busy time and there is always a lot going on around here. That’s where HORMEL® Chili With Beans comes in.

This Chili Cheese Macaroni Bake is so simple and quick. It’s my absolute favorite go-to for an easily thrown together meal that still tastes great. It is not the healthiest thing to cook, but it does the trick on those crazy nights.

Ingredients:
1 can of HORMEL® Chili With Beans
Macaroni noodles (about 3 cups cooked)
Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend
Salt

Directions:
Boil your noodles as directed on the box and add salt to taste. Drain noodles and mix the can of HORMEL® Chili With Beans with the noodles. Spread the mixture in a baker and sprinkle as much cheese as you like on top. Bake it in the oven at 350° until cheese is completely melted and is warm through.

It is so simple and quick and will be a go-to recipe your entire family will enjoy!

Also enjoy this $1 off coupon for any 2 HORMEL® products! Be sure to check them out on Facebook!

What is your go-to meal when you are pressed for time?

15 Uses for Huggies Wipes at Walmart

May 18, 2015

This post is sponsored by Huggies wipes but all opinions are my own.

Confession: I have used baby wipes for years. Probably since I was a baby myself. I’m not sure that they were ever not in our home. Why? Because Kids Outgrow Diapers, Not Messes.* There are so many uses for wipes. Here are just a few that I currently use them for:

-My babies (obviously)
-Spilled tea and coffee
-Clean up dog messes
-Wipe my face after a workout
-Clean off the Car Seats
-Clean off the changing pad in the nursery
-Wipe of surfaces in our home
-Clean off the table
-Clean the highchair
–Cleaning peanut butter hands
–Playdate clean-ups
–Hand wipes on hiking trips
-Clean my Yoga mat
-Clean off grocery carts
‘-Clean pacifiers and baby toys

There are really so many more uses for them. I could go on forever on the ways I’ve used them over the years. I’m excited that Huggies has come out with new Triple Clean Layers wipes that are so efficient in cleaning whatever messes I face every day. And let me just tell you, there are a lot of them.

I recently purchased the Huggies Clutch n Clean for my diaper bag and I have absolutely loved it! It is so convenient…and cute. Because that is what really matters, right?

What are some crazy ways you have used wipes?

P.S. Want to know what happens when babies and pasta collide? Watch this adorable video!

Sweet and Sour

May 15, 2015

Post contains affiliate links.

ONE.

Sweet Sour Tank c/o: Imagine Mint

These last two weeks have been very interesting. Not only did we bring a new baby home, but Hampton also has another ear infection and 6 teeth coming in. With that being said, there have definitely been some very sour moments mixed in with some really sweet moments. Hince this adorable tank from Imagine Mint! Not only did the neon color catch my attention (because I love me some color, y’all), but the saying explained my little man so well lately. It also shows of one of my favorite candies, so I’m pretty much obsessed with it.

The other day, Hampton held his foot up to Sophie-Rae’s and pointed at their feet. I think he finally realized she is an actual human and not a toy. I hope so anyways. We have not had any jealous moments (perks of them being so close in age?) however, he really does not get that she is a person and that it hurts when he hits her or pulls on her. We have only had a couple of these not so gentle moments, but I know that it is all due to his age. He loves her to pieces…but sometimes a little too hard. haha

We are definitely learning as we go!

TWO.

Don’t forget to enter the Huggies Contest that I talked about a couple of weeks ago! There is not a lot of time left! Take those #selfies with your baby! Here is mine:

THREE.

Did You catch our baby announcements on Monday? I made them for free using GraphicStock! I’m all for free!FOUR.
I am looking forward to a really fun weekend! We are celebrating my brother’s 25th birthday and we will be heading to a wedding shower on Sunday! Lots of fun celebrating loved ones. 🙂

FIVE.
Be sure to stop by and grab your free samples of Poise and your coupons for this delicious snack!

What are your plans this weekend?