parenting – Pearls and Paris

Prior to having our little one, my husband and I would literally pack for our travels the night before. Once Victor was born we made a promise to ourselves that we would continue to travel and we have definitely held up to that. The one main (& BIG) difference is packing can be extremely stressful now. I’ve always been one to make lists before heading out of town but it’s on another level now because you really don’t want to forget his key items.

One of the things that I was stressed about traveling with is a stroller. They usually are so bulky and heavy and honestly they just take up too much space. Discovering UPPAbaby‘s G-LUXE stroller was heaven sent. First of all it’s aesthetically pleasing which to a Fashion momma like me was a plus. It comes in a variety of bold colors but I had to go with the classic Black. My favorite part of this umbrella stroller has to be how lightweight it is – under 15lbs! I was sold on that alone to be honest because who wants to get stuck traveling with a bulky and heavy stroller?! The G-LUXE also stands when folded, has a large and easy accessible under basket (every parent’s dream) and reclines fully so Victor can nap comfortably when on the go. We have used the UPPAbaby G-LUXE for all of our vacations and city strolling this past Summer and into the Fall and since it can hold a child safely up to 50lbs, we will be getting a lot more use out of it on some of our upcoming trips.

Here’s a look at how we travel with our UPPAbaby G-LUXE.

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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of UPPAbaby. The opinions and text are all mine.

This post is sponsored by Pottery Barn. All opinions expressed are my own.

Once Halloween is over it seems as if the holidays fly by us. In just a few weeks we have Thanksgiving, then the first day of Winter followed by Christmas and New Years Eve. Where does the time go? Last holiday season my son was only a few months old so this will be the first time he really gets to enjoy all of the craziness as well as traditions held by our family. In between all the get togethers and parties, I really enjoy just relaxing at home with the little one and my husband. The work week is hectic as is – throw in all the extra holiday stress of meal planning and present purchasing and I’m all for a quiet and cozy evening on the couch.

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Thanks to Pottery Barn I now am ready for those chilly nights at home. This Ruched Faux Fur Throw is amazing! It’s super plush and soft and perfect for cuddling up with my loved ones while catching a movie on TV or just relaxing on the couch with a warm lemon tea and a book. It’s also really chic and luxe so just tossing it over the couch gives it a little extra flair. And I can’t forget about these Faux Fur Booties! Not only are they super cute but they are extremely soft and comfortable.

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My son at the tender age of 14 months also seems to be a big fan of relaxing during the beginning of this hectic holiday season and absolutely loves wrapping himself up in our faux fur throw. I’m taking it all in too because I know how busy the work load will get soon during this time of the year. I think it’s super important to make sure you leave time for yourself during the week and just appreciate quiet time.

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How do you relax during the holidays?

While this is a compensated campaign in collaboration with Munchkin and Latina Bloggers Connect, all opinions expressed are my own.

As a first time mom, it took me some time to find a balance between mom life and me time. This was especially true when it came time to feeding my son. Prior to his birth I already knew I wanted to breastfeed and hoped to do so for at least the first 3 months. Breastfeeding was this totally new concept for me and I was a little overwhelmed when I started to think about running errands between nursing him.

After a few weeks of us being settled at home, I decided I wanted to exclusively pump. I knew this would be more time consuming but it was important to me that I continue providing breast milk for my son. I was little nervous about bottle feeding as I have heard many babies have nipple confusion and will refuse to bottle feed or even start refusing the breast. This is when I was introduced to Munchkin’s LATCH line. Designed to ease the transition from breast to bottle—and back again, the LATCH bottle features a patented nipple that enables the baby’s palate to stretch back and forth, and attain a proper latch. When breastfeeding, baby controls the flow of milk by applying pressure to the base of mom’s nipple. The LATCH bottle mimics mom by releasing more breast milk as baby pushes against the nipple’s base.

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In addition to the bottle, the LATCH line also includes nursing pads (5X thinner and 3X more absorbent than the average nursing pad), a LATCH bottle brush, sterilizer bags (Which I love! Just toss one in your bag for easy on-the-go bottle cleanings) and a pump brush (the only brush on the market designed for a breast pump).

The LATCH line really gives me freedom to not only get things done around my home but also to take some time out for myself, which is so important when you are a parent. I love that I have peace of mind that my husband and family can also help during my son’s feedings. Motherhood is stressful and sometimes you just a need time out to go outside and read a book or relax. I do yoga to destress as well and the LATCH miracle nursing pads keep me dry during class but are super discreet since they are so thin.

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How do you find balance as a mom? Leave your tips below.

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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Munchkin and Latina Bloggers Connect. However, all opinions and text are all mine.

This is a sponsored collaboration with DiMe Media and Dreft. All opinions are 100% mine.

Spring has sprung! Now that the weather is finally beautiful, my family loves to spend time outside. These are the days that we spend on our deck bbq’ing with friends and family and our little one absolutely loves playing in the grass. Unfortunately with the change of the season comes a ton of seasonal allergies and other worries that can be daunting to our children. With the heightened allergens in the air, rising temperatures can trigger skin irritations so I am always looking for gentle products to protect my little one’s sensitive skin.

Cleaning your children’s clothes in a gentle, hypoallergenic product, like Dreft, is a great way to help keep them comfortable during the spring season. Dreft is the Number 1 baby laundry detergent choice of pediatricians to be gentle and hypoallergenic on baby’s skin. Dreft has been trusted for over 80 years and comes with a baby scent that is loved by Mothers.

Dr. Hes has teamed up with Dreft to bring you some of her top tips to keeping your baby comfortable during this spring season.

Shade the sun – The long awaited spring season means increased outdoor time for parents and their babies. When heading outside, don’t forget to practice appropriate baby skin safety.

 For babies 6 months or older. If your baby is 6 months or older, liberally use sunscreen. Also, avoid exposing your baby to the sun during peak hours — generally 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — and dress your baby in protective clothing, a hat with a brim and sunglasses. 

For babies younger than 6 months. If your baby is younger than 6 months, keep him or her out of direct sunlight. Protect your baby from sun exposure by dressing him or her in protective clothing, a hat with a brim and sunglasses

2. Load up on liquids – Staying hydrated during the spring months is important as baby gets more active outdoor time and sun exposure. Start with the inside and ensure children get enough to drink throughout the day. Infants should nurse or take a bottle often; older kids should tote a sippy cup or reusable water bottle. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and smoothies in your child’s diet too

3. Choose the right fabrics and care for them properly – When it comes to fabrics, it’s extremely important to seek out gentle and hypoallergenic items to care for the items that touch baby’s sensitive skin. It’s also essential that fabrics be cared for properly. Wash baby’s items with a specially-formulated product such as Dreft, the #1 baby laundry detergent choice of pediatricians to be gentle and hypoallergenic on baby’s skin. Trusted for over 80 years, Dreft comes with a babyhood scent beloved by moms, and it remains safe and hypoallergenic for baby.

Interested in finding out more information about Dreft? Join us for a Dreft Twitter Party and a chance to win fabulous prizes on Thursday, May 12th from 9-10pm ET! To RSVP, visit www.dimemedia.net #DreftSpring

I’ve teamed up with Dreft to host a fun giveaway for my readers! One lucky person will win the following.

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-Dreft product: Newborn, Active and Blissfuls

-$50 AMEX Giftcard

To enter all you have to do is comment below and tell me what your favorite spring time activity to do with your little one is.

For an additional entry, follow me on Instagram // @pearls_and_paris and Tweet about the giveaway using the #DreftSpring hashtag.

The giveaway will end on May 24th and the winner will be announced by May 27th. The giveaway is open to US residents 18+ only.

GOOD LUCK xo

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Trumpette is a children’s apparel brand and they basically have the most adorable socks that you will find for your little one.

Here’s how Baby Victor stays in style with Trumpette.

Since Spring is only a few weeks away, I have teamed up with Trumpette for a GIVEAWAY to keep your little ones toes not only warm but fashionable. One lucky winner will receive two 6-packs of 0-12 socks. (Value: $50+) Head over to my Instagram [ @pearls_and_paris ] to find out how to enter!

Here’s a look at some of the styles that you can win!

Remember to head over to @pearls_and_paris on IG to see how you can enter!

GOOD LUCK xo

Easy strolling with UPPABaby

Relaxing through the Holidays

Mom Life – Finding the perfect balance

Spring with Dreft + Giveaway!

Trumpette Socks + Giveaway