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Floradise

A lifestyle blog by Marette Flora

Reader Survey and Birthday Giveaway!

It’s my birthday weekend! To celebrate my 33rd birthday, I am hosting a giveaway to win a Target gift card. Why Target? Because 100 percent of those who responded to my recent poll on Instagram Stories said that’s what you’d like to win. Why $40? Because $33 seemed like a weird amount for a gift card, so $40 it is! Thanks so much for following along on my journey!

You have some options for entering the giveaway. You can take the reader survey below for an entry, or enter via one or more of the methods in the widget below. You can also enter via all the methods for more chances to win! The reader survey will help give me an idea of how I can improve this year and what content you’d like to see.

Other ways to enter:

If you prefer not to take the survey but you’d like to enter the giveaway, consider one of the following methods.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends 12 a.m. EST on Feb. 21, 2019!

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5 Recent Amazon Favorites

** This post contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise!

I was never a frequent Amazon shopper until my husband signed up for Prime. Now I purchase necessities on Amazon regularly to take advantage of the fast shipping in Chicago. Today I’m sharing my favorite lifestyle purchases for baby, beauty and more.

  • OXO Tot Bottle Brush: What makes this a nice baby bottle brush is that it comes with a nipple cleaner and stand. It’s also white so it matches any decor. I recommend this if you have a little one!
  • Car Phone Mount Holder: A phone holder is a necessity in Chicago because it’s illegal to drive and hold a phone to your ear, not to mention it’s convenient when using navigation on your phone. This one mounts on either the dashboard or the windshield, and we find that the suction holds up nicely.
  • Fleece Lined Leggings: I just needed some comfortable black leggings that also keep me warm and aren’t too thin. These are super affordable and are comfy around the waistband. I like that they are high-rise; the higher the better in my book!
  • Jojoba Oil: I started using this oil as a moisturizer recently and I love it! It’s more affordable to use oils such as jojoba and rosehip than to use expensive skin-care products, and I have noticed many of the same benefits!
  • Makeup Brush Cleaning Mat: I have an easier time cleaning my brushes since using a mat. This one has suction cups so you can keep it in place with cleaning your brushes. It’s affordable and I like the color! It also comes in pink and purple.

What are your current Amazon favorites? I plan to do a separate post on baby and toddler purchases. Let me know if that’s something you’d like to see!

Finding A New Normal After Having Kids

Today’s post shares something that’s been on my heart lately. I hope that it will help anyone who feels a little lost after a life change.

Something I’ve discussed with my therapist this month has really opened my eyes to one of the sources of my anxiety and postpartum emotions. I realized that I have been holding on to the notion that I needed to “get back to my old self.” I keep talking about getting back on track when it comes to my workouts or feeling more like myself again. The reason I am still struggling with these things is that I will never go back to the “old” me. I see that now.

Adding a second child to our family has forever changed me. When V joined us I was able to continue doing everything I loved and wanted to do because she was not a newborn. It was a transition, yes, but she didn’t require drastic changes to my lifestyle (and body).

I finally recognize that I won’t ever be the same, and that’s a not a bad thing. I just need to figure out what our new normal will be.

I have been expecting a lot out of myself. I had signed up for a half-marathon when I was pregnant and then I was so disappointed in myself when I didn’t train adequately. I wrote down so many things on my to-do list and then felt like a failure when they weren’t all done. I tried to keep up with social media and then felt down when I didn’t get the engagement I did before. I need to make a change in order to find my new self.  I am learning that by letting go of unrealistic expectations I can be happier and less anxious.

What will be my new normal? Maybe I won’t be working out four or five times a week like I used to. Maybe my workouts will be different for a few years. My body might never look like it did before pregnancy, and that’s OK! I can work toward loving where I am or making healthy changes so that I feel better about myself. We will probably travel to more family-friendly places now, but that doesn’t have to be a negative. Maybe I will try to adjust my work schedule or ease my workload. Maybe Graham and I will have to schedule date nights far in advance based on our crazy schedules.

What will our life look like in a week, month, and year? I have no idea. But I have a little bit more peace moving forward because I know it’s OK that I take some time to figure out who I am now. It’s OK to take time to figure out a lifestyle that will be best for our family and my well-being.

Have you experienced a life-changing transition recently? How did you cope?

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Photos to Inspire a Trip to San Diego Zoo

Our family had the opportunity to visit the San Diego Zoo last month during a quick escape from the Polar Vortex. It was our first family outing just the four of us in quite some time. We spent an entire Sunday under sunny San Diego skies admiring the animals and the impressive grounds. We lucked out when a local resident handed us a 50 percent admission coupon as we walked to the entrance to buy our tickets. Thank you, kind stranger, for helping us share such a memorable day.

You definitely need a map to wander the grounds and cover everything, like we did. The canyon trail where the bears lived was a highlight.

This mama hippo was nursing her little one, who was sitting under the water as I snapped this photo above.

The red panda highlighted my mood in January 2019. I began the year with motivation but struggled during the never-ending month.

I share this photo of the panda, which a volunteer called the highlight of the zoo, because this is what we saw after waiting 20 minutes in line. I would recommend arriving early in the morning when animals are typically more active, but who knows — maybe the panda likes naps?

The flamingos were the first animals we spotted and greeted.

The koalas would be another spirit animal. Aren’t they just SO ADORABLE.

We always love seeing gorillas.

The jaguar was super active when we visited, which I have never witnessed at any other zoo.

Doesn’t this photo above give off “Black Swan” vibes?

I thought I would be terrified to ride the Aerial Tram, but it wasn’t too scary, even for someone afraid of heights. It was included in the cost of admission.

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The elephant cooled off on a warm day. I wished I could have splashed around in the water, too!

We also had to say hello to the giraffes.

Have you been to the San Diego Zoo?

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Brookfield Zoo
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Healthy Fitness Habits for the New Year With Audible

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

One of my goals for the new year is to get back on track with my workouts and to prioritize fitness again after a year off. It’s not easy to get back into working out, but I have ways I’ve learned to make fitness enjoyable and to keep me motivated and inspired. I’m hoping these will help you with your own fitness and overall goals in 2019!

Healthy Fitness Habits to Begin This Year:

  • Choose an activity you enjoy. Try new things and classes until you find something you love to do as a work out, whether it’s dancing, running, yoga, swimming or a boot camp.
  • Set realistic, incremental goals. My goal is to run consistently again and then complete a half-marathon, so I’m starting with walking consistently, whether outside or on the treadmill. It feels great to work up to a longer run each time.
  • Visualize the results you’d like to see and then make a plan. Following fitness acounts that inspire me and surrounding myself with reminders of my goals keeps me interested and inspired to continue. Having a training program keeps me on track.
  • Listen to your favorite audiobooks with Audible. This is my current favorite way to lose track of time while working out. I’m enjoying Michelle Obama’s “Becoming,” which I find to be riveting. Listening to Obama’s story while running or walking has calmed me down on some recent overwhelming days. Her voice is calming and soothing, and her story brings me motivation.

I find that I am most energized by motivational books, but Audible offers a range of options including best sellers, mysteries, thrillers, and memoirs. You can also pick out two free Audible originals every month or check out the fitness content in the Audible store. I found a 5K training program that I am trying as well as content sharing quick workouts for busy people. If you’d like to try meditation, you can find guided options, too.

I recommend these motivational audiobooks, which I’ve enjoyed in the past year.

  • “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero
  • “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert
  • “You Are a Badass at Making Money” by Jen Sincero

How to use Audible:

I have been an Audible fan for a couple of years now, so I’ve built up a library of audiobooks that I’ve downloaded onto the phone and can access at any time, whether in the car, using my headphones or via speakers. You can adjust preferences for your audiobooks by setting the narration speed, switching to button-free mode and sleep timer. With my membership I get one audiobook and two Audible Originals every month and it rolls over if I don’t use it. If I’m ever unsatisfied with a purchase, I can return it easily and buy another audiobook instead.

Are you ready to hit your fitness goals too? Get started on Audible with a 30-day trial!

Try Audible:

Start your free 30-day Audible trial

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Tips for Taking a Road Trip With Kids and a Dog

** This post contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise!

Graham and I both had to go to work in Phoenix last week, so we planned a family trip there from Chicago. We floated the idea of flying, but the reality was that we needed a car and a lot of stuff our kids require, such as two car seats, a stroller, a Pack and Play, etc. We decided that driving, although a long distance, was the best option for us to give us the flexibility we needed and the space to fit everything we wanted to bring. Along the way we learned many things that could make future drives flow more smoothly. I’m sharing these tips in hopes of helping other parents have a better time in the car.

Road trip tips:

  • Take your time. You will have to stop a lot to change diapers, take bathroom breaks, walk the dog, and eat. Practice patience and give yourself enough time and then some.
  • Don’t forget a changing pad or something to change diapers on. You’d be surprised how many rest stops or restrooms don’t have family bathrooms or even a changing table.
  • Plan car rides for when your kids are more calm and less fussy or antsy. For us, this means the morning and early afternoons. By late afternoon/early evening they start to get anxious to leave the car. It’s not fun.
  • Switch out toys every hour or so. I brought toys for the baby and V and then switched them out as often as needed to prevent boredom. I wish I would have brought more, but they both did great in the car.
  • Bring plenty of snacks and water/drinks. Reusable cups are perfect. If you can pack healthy snacks in glass containers, even better, because most of the snacks and food options on the road are not healthy.
  • Get a lap desk tray for toddlers to use as a table and to contain snacks. This prevented messes because it has a cup holder and kept V entertained because she could put her books on it and she could color. The tray was a recommendation from A Toddler and a Top Knot blog. 
  • Consider books vs. screen time. While we didn’t give V much if any screen time during the ride, we have in the past. I think long road trips are an acceptable time to bend the screen times rules a little bit if it means keeping everyone’s sanity. You can always reinforce your rules when you get home, if you have them. If you’re against screen time, coloring books and books that you can trace letters on are a great option.
  • Keep your pup contained with a pet barrier (if you have an SUV). I bought this at Weathertech to keep Capone in the back. In the past he liked to jump into the front and eat our food or leave dog hair all over everything. With this rack he is safely in the back and has plenty of room.
  • Pack a weekend bag in addition to luggage. Pack a bag with everything you need for the road trip (if it’s more than one day of driving), so you don’t have to unload and load multiple bags when you stop overnight. You can just leave your larger suitcase in the car if possible.
  • If you’re pumping/bottlefeeding, check whether any hotel room you book will have a fridge to store any milk/formula that needs to be refrigerated. Also, if you pump consider whether a car power adapter would be helpful to you.
  • Bring a Pack n Play or DockaTot for the baby to sleep/nap in. We brought both but she mostly slept in the Pack n Play.
  • Bring an extra bag for dirty laundry and a small detergent bottle to hand wash clothing on the go. Babies and toddlers especially wll have accidents and spills. It helps to be prepared to do some laundry in the hotel room if needed. You could also use the hotel’s laundry service, but it’s typically not cheap. Some hotels might also have laundry rooms.
  • Bring foldable, portable dog bowls. These are so easy to travel with and don’t take up much room. We also bring natural dog freshening spray for in between washes.
  • Invest in a small travel baby booster chair to use for feeding. Instead of bringing her hair chair, we bought an affordable one to use for travel in the future. We find that it’s too difficult to feed her unless she’s strapped into a chair because the girl is on the move and won’t finish her meals otherwise.
  • Have plenty of towels or napkins, wipes, air sanitizer and hand sanitizer.

And my best tip: Try to have fun and enjoy the journey! What tips would you add? What are your travel essentials?

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My Birthday Wish List 2019

 

** This post contains affiliate links . I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. 

 

I will be 33 this year. 

I had to do the math because for some reason I thought I would be 32 again. In fact, Graham and I both had trouble remembering our ages this year, and our birthdays are both odd years. I much prefer even numbers.

While I may not always remember my age, I still want to celebrate another year of life. I’ve been thinking about how I want to spend my birthday this year, and I’m hoping we will do something fun again. Last year we saw Potted Potter and had a lowkey evening because I was pregnant. I’m still in favor of experiences over belongings, but I do have some items on my wish list this year. I’m sharing my birthday wish list as I do every year in hopes it will give you some ideas for gifts for someone in your life. All of these are aimed at someone who prioritizes self-care, except for one item that just helps out in the cleaning department.

My 2019 birthday wish list:

  • A Roomba. I am not sure which model is best, but I think any of them would be helpful in keeping our floors clean. I’ve wanted one of these for so long! I want this for my birthday because it would take something off my plate and thus leave me with more time to relax. And relaxing is all I really want to do.
  • A facial. I haven’t had a facial in years, but I’d really like to treat myself and take better care of my skin.
  • Bath bombs. These are always on my list. Baths are part of my relaxing nighttime routine on several nights of the week.
  • New running shoes. It’s about time to replace my running shoes, even though I love them. I am a diehard Brooks fan so I want my next pair to be from the brand.
  • A fluffy robe. I just want to be cozy in my soft pajamas, comfortable slippers and a robe. That sounds like a dream.

What would you add to your birthday wish list this year? Are you all about comfort, too? Let me know in the comments!

 

 

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Why HPV Screening is Important | How to Test at Home

** This post is sponsored by Nurx, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

It’s important to be your own advocate and take charge of your health. I’ve recently shared how my pregnancy taught me to speak up, ask questions and to make sure I’m being proactive. That’s why I make sure to get screenings when recommended and to take preventive measures to give myself the best shot at staying healthy. However, many women don’t have access to the health services they need, whether because they lack health insurance or access to care, or because their lifestyle makes it difficult or costly to make it to the doctor’s office. In honor of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in January, I’m sharing a service that can make testing for HPV, a leading cause of cervical cancer, easier and more accessible for women.

Nurx, a healthcare company that offers affordable services to women in the U.S., has recently launched its Home HPV Screening Test. Each year, HPV causes nearly 34,000 new cervical cancer diagnoses. This test will allow women to check for their risk of cervical cancer from the privacy and convenience of their own home for a $15 copay with insurance or $69 without insurance.

What does the test check? The test is the same quality as a pap smear. It will check for 14 strains of HPV that have a higher risk of leading to cervical cancer. While it is not a replacement for doctors, it is a great option for women 30 and older who don’t get pap smears as often as is recommended, didn’t get the HPV vaccine or don’t have access to healthcare routinely because of factors such as location or lack of insurance. It’s important to take control of your health as much as possible and this is a way to do that. Nurx also offers the Home HPV kit for women 25 to 29 to use in between pap smears, although guidelines still recommend getting a pap smear every three years. Check with your doctor if you’re ever unsure.

How to order and use the kit:

  • Download the Nurx app or visit Nurx.com. Answer the questions about your health to have Home HPV Screen Test shipped to you.
  • Follow the instructions on the kit card.
  • Once you’ve taken your sample, place your swab into the tube provided and then into the specimen bag. Then insert it into the pre-paid mailing envelope in the kit.
  • Results come back in just a few days after the sample is received by the lab.
  • If your results are negative, your risk for cervical cancer is low and you do not need additional testing for another three years. If your results are positive, this does not mean you have cervical cancer. The Nurx medical team will work closely with you to help figure out next steps.

Get more information:

Order your Home HPV Screening Test

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Do you regularly get an HPV test?

Favorite Etsy Purchases | Unique Gift Ideas

** This post contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise!

It’s no secret that I love shopping on the Etsy website for personalized gifts and items. I am rarely disappointed with the homemade items I find. I’m sharing my favorite Etsy purchases that would make excellent gifts for friends and family. I hope this gives you some ideas for gifts!

Glitter name onesie: I bought a long-sleeve onesie to announce A’s name, but I ended up going into labor early, before it arrived. I still adored this onesie and have kept it even though she outgrew it long ago.

Personalized key holder: I love decorating our home with personalized items. I customized this holder by removing the icon in the center and I absolutely love how it came out. It isn’t real wood, but it still looks really nice.

Medal display with photo slots: I love displaying my medals in my office to remind myself of what I am capable of when I’m feeling overwhelmed. It’s almost time for a second medal storage display, too! This is a high-quality medal holder and would make an excellent gift for runners.

Roald Dahl print by Meera Lee Patel: The colorful print says “If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” This would be perfect to display in a friend’s office, craft room, bedroom, wherever!

Milestone blanket: I use this for A’s monthly photos. I loved the floral design and font. I do wish it was a little bigger but I still love it. This would make a lovely baby shower gift if you know the name of the baby (or a great gift after baby is born).

Custom address stamp: I love having an address stamp because it makes sending Christmas, birthday and thank-you cards so much easier. I also have given address stamps as gifts to newlyweds or new homeowners.

I always recommend reading description carefully to see the process for customizing items as well as return time.


Do you love shopping on Etsy?


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Image via Pipsy Shop

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Image via Meera Patel’s shop


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Image via the Pickle Popsicle

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Image via Country Creation

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Image via My Sport Displays!

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Image via Note Trunk

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Tips for Hosting Your First Game Day Homegating Party

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #UltimateHomegating #CollectiveBias

When we moved into our new house in the summer, we were thrilled about finally have a large enough space to host friends and family for events like the Big Game. We have yet to host friends for a big occasion, so we would like to take the opportunity for the game! While we’ve hosted parties in the past, we haven’t had a chance to host one for a football game, so lately I’ve been thinking of and researching ways to make such an event easier and fun. I hope these inspire your own Big Game parties!

First-time homegating party tips:

Cater to both meat eaters and vegetarians. This is my biggest tip for any party. I have been to so many events where I have no vegetarian options to enjoy, so I try to always have something for everyone when I host. This is why I suggest heading to Jewel-Osco. The deli has game-day staples like a bucket of wings.

 

For vegetarians, I made a three-ingredient recipe for Coke Red-marinated BBQ meatballs. With veggie meatballs from Jewel-Osco’s frozen meatless section, a bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce and a Coke Red bottle, you can make a delicious entree that vegetarian and meat lovers will both enjoy.

To make the veggie meatballs, you need:

  • Frozen veggie meatballs (I made 16.)
  • 16 ounces of barbecue sauce.
  • 8 ounces of Coke Red (Cola-Cola Classic).

Place all ingredients in a slow cooker for 30 minutes and enjoy! I made sliders with mine by cutting rolls in half.

You can’t go wrong with dips. Jewel-Osco’s deli also offers a delicious taco dip and buffalo chicken dip. The dips come in various sizes so you have enough no matter the size of your party. Other game-day favorites to consider: spinach-artichoke dip, guacamole and salsa, as well as queso. Don’t forget to pick up Jewel-Osco tortilla chips! All of these dips pair perfectly with Coca-Cola products.

Have a variety of drinks from the range of Coke products to cater to all tastes. I also choose the Coke Red (Coca-Cola Classic) along with options like Sprite and Coke Zero Sugar. Always have water available, too! I don’t mind serving beverages in my own glassware, but choose paper cups if you prefer. You don’t have to walk far because Coca-Cola products are also available in the deli in the 1.25L size. Other sizes are in the beverage aisle.

Set up activities for kids to make it family-friendly and pick easy-to-eat snacks. You can use a table for children to color or play games while adults watch football. If the budget allows you can also have a sitter to entertain kids so guests can enjoy the party worry-free.

Set up a bingo game to keep the game-watching interesting. You can either search for printable bingo cards online or create your own. You could also give out prizes!

Dress for the part. Go all out with your game-day gear. The local team may not be in the big game, but that doesn’t mean you can’t wear the colors or your favorite jersey! You can also paint your nails in team colors.

Set up a fondue/dessert station for a sweet treat to end the day. It doesn’t have to be fondue, of course, but it’s so easy! Treats can include marshallows, graham crackers, strawberries, brownie bites, apples, bananas, krispy treats, pretzels and waffers to dip into the chocolate. Otherwise provide your favorite desserts. This dessert bar can cheer up anyone disappointed by the game’s outcome.

What tips do you have for first-time homegating party hosts? Share them with me in the comments!

Find a Jewel-Osco near you!

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