Butterfly Bliss Naturals (Review)

Posted on December 23, 2013 by Martine

When I jumped on the chemical-free bandwagon slightly more than a year ago I was constantly on the look out for new products to replace the old favorites that I had used for the majority of my life. I needed to substitute everything from eyeshadow to deodorant to body wash. It was not easy to find a place where I could get all of these products and still be able to rave about quality and value. At that time I was convinced the world was not ready for such a market. I could not have been more wrong!

I happened to be strolling through a farmer’s market one day when the ladies I was with decided to do a little Christmas shopping at one of the vendors. This vendor was selling soaps, lotions, and body scrubs that day. I immediately fell in love with the Coconut Lime Sugar Scrub. The smell alone was amazing! I could not wait to take it home and try it. That was the beginning of my love affair with Butterfly Bliss Naturals.

Orange Ya Tangy-Orange Tangerine Lip Balm

Ingredients: Unbleached beeswax, Tangerine Butter (Citrus Tangerina/Tangerine Peel Oil & Prunus Amygdalus/Almond Oil), Pomegranate Oil (Punica Granatum/Pomegranate Seed Oil), Apricot Oil, Organic Orange Peel Powder, Mica (Natural Colorant), Tangerine Essential Oil, Orange Essential Oil, Stevia

Price: $3.00

My experience: My lips are always in need of a little moisture. I always joke around and blame it on their size. No matter what the case, I am definitely a person that must carry and use lip balm at all times and in all weather conditions. This lip balm from Butterfly Bliss Natural was certainly what the doctor called for to liven up my dry, chapped lips. It conditions my lips like no other lip balm, plus the flavor and scent are incredible!

Put the Lime in Da’ Coconut Body Scrub

Ingredients: coconut oil, lime essential oil, sugar

Price: $12.50

My experience: A-mazing! This product buffed away the old, and reveals an unexpectant healthy glow to my complexion. I shared some with a friend and we both agreed that it is our favorite body scrub of all time. The coconut oil was a nourishing and welcoming change to our battered and abused skin. I could hardly believe that the silky skin that was revealed was my own!

Mineral Eyeshadow

Contains only natural ingredients. Available colors include: Light Gold Shimmer, Greenish Gold, Light Brown, Bronze, Antique Grey, Aqua Blue

Price: $6.25

My experience: First of all, and I have said this before, you must wear an eye primer with any loose eyeshadow in order to pull it off. This eyeshadow went on smoothly for me and lasted all day. I took great comfort in knowing that it was made from only the most natural ingredients.

My favorite part about Butterfly Bliss Naturals is the all-natural approach they take with their products! The fact that they are all homemade is definitely a bonus. I recommend Butterfly Bliss Naturals to everyone I know. Embrace a natural and organic lifetsyle and make these products a part of your new year routine! Visit Butterfly Bliss Naturals on Etsy and favorite their shop. When you do be sure to tell them that I sent you!

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the above mentioned products for free. Nevertheless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. The opinions are completely my own and based on my own experience. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Mamatography: Week 46

Posted on November 27, 2013 by Martine

Week 46

Wednesday, November 20, 2013: We were all sick today.

Thursday, November 21, 2013: Mommy and Daddy were still too sick to take photos.

Friday, November 22, 2013: Corban was feeling so sick that he was beginning to nap where he fell.

Saturday, November 23, 2013: The whole family was still ill on Saturday so we had a pretty lazy day.

Sunday, November 24, 2013: Corban has lots of fun helping the owls deliver his birthday invitations.

Monday, November 25, 2013: Grandma came to visit today and Mommy messed up and didn’t get a snapshot! Uh oh!

Tuesday, November 26, 2013: Daddy thought it would be funny to see if he would still fit!

This post is part of the Mamatography 2013 Project with Diary of a First Child and Momma Jorje. I will be sharing a photo a day in one weekly post to keep a record of the year. My week will be running from Wednesday to Tuesday. You can join this project at any point during the year. Start sharing your own daily photos now!

Mamatography: Week 45

Posted on November 20, 2013 by Martine

Week 45

Wednesday, November 13, 2013: They love to crawl up in the seats. I think Corban just likes the food.

Thursday, November 14, 2013: Little Séamus is a good eater. Corban has not quite grasped that the toilet set is for sitting, not for wearing.

Friday, November 15, 2013: There he goes again! The penguin hat was too precious not to put on Séamus before he left with Daddy and Corban for the park.

Saturday, November 16, 2013: Séamus looks so much like his daddy.

Sunday, November 17, 2013: Séamus, my newsie, loves spending time with Aunt Kym. Corban had a lot of fun pulling his books and toys off the shelf to make room for himself.

Monday, November 18, 2013: I love snapshots of the boys together. I also love to see how much Corban loves to help take care of his little brother.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013: Corban just might be a concert pianist someday. Who knows? That blanket means it’s Séamus Tuesdays!

This post is part of the Mamatography 2013 Project with Diary of a First Child and Momma Jorje. I will be sharing a photo a day in one weekly post to keep a record of the year. My week will be running from Wednesday to Tuesday. You can join this project at any point during the year. Start sharing your own daily photos now!

Mamatography: Week 44

Posted on November 13, 2013 by Martine

Week 44

Wednesday, November 6, 2013: I love those chubby cheeks!

Thursday, November 7, 2013: There are actually few pictures where Séamus doesn’t have his fingers in his mouth. So sweet.

Friday, November 8, 2013: He naps in the floor now and hides behind futons whenever he gets the chance.

Saturday, November 9, 2013: My happy Séamus is such awesome company.

Sunday, November 10, 2013: From bikes, to laundry, to piggy back rides, that Corban kid certainly had a long day.

Monday, November 11, 2013: I love that he loves Mickey.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013: Corban loves his little brother, and Porter does too!

This post is part of the Mamatography 2013 Project with Diary of a First Child and Momma Jorje. I will be sharing a photo a day in one weekly post to keep a record of the year. My week will be running from Wednesday to Tuesday. You can join this project at any point during the year. Start sharing your own daily photos now!

Mamatography: Week 43

Posted on November 6, 2013 by Martine

Week 43

Wednesday, October 30, 2013: Corban loves his early morning yogurt and his morning commute to beneath the kitchen table.

Thursday, October 31, 2013: This is one of my favorite photos taken of Séamus, compliments of Mrs. Jessica. For Halloween Corban and I dressed as happy little trees, while Daddy dressed up as Bob Ross and Séamus as his paint palette.

Friday, November 1, 2013: I love happy babies!

Saturday, November 2, 2013: Cuddle time with Séamus is a favorite past time of mine.

Sunday, November 3, 2013: My two big tough men!

Monday, November 4, 2013: Another favorite photo of Séamus, compliments of Mrs. Jessica. Corban loves to play in small, tight spaces. He’ll be stuck under the couch in no time I’m sure.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013: Corban is still a dancing machine. Later in the day, Daddy took both boys to the park for a little bonding time.

This post is part of the Mamatography 2013 Project with Diary of a First Child and Momma Jorje. I will be sharing a photo a day in one weekly post to keep a record of the year. My week will be running from Wednesday to Tuesday. You can join this project at any point during the year. Start sharing your own daily photos now!

Mamatography: Week 42

Posted on October 30, 2013 by Martine

Week 42

Wednesday, October 23, 2013: Séamus is loving his weekly trips to the park with Daddy. Corban discovered his love for watermelon!

Thursday, October 24, 2013: Now that is one happy baby waiting for Mommy to hurry up and shower already.

Friday, October 25, 2013: Corban is such an intellectual.

Saturday, October 26, 2013: Corban pauses from his busy schedule to relax with Daddy.

Sunday, October 27, 2013: Yes, that is a naked baby under my bed. I just love the faces that Séamus makes!

Monday, October 28, 2013: Corban had a great time playing outside next to a lovely white picket fence.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013: Séamus is getting big enough to really take advantage of park time with Daddy.

This post is part of the Mamatography 2013 Project with Diary of a First Child and Momma Jorje. I will be sharing a photo a day in one weekly post to keep a record of the year. My week will be running from Wednesday to Tuesday. You can join this project at any point during the year. Start sharing your own daily photos now!

Mamatography: Week 41

Posted on October 23, 2013 by Martine

Week 41

Wednesday, October 16, 2013: Sittin’ on a toy at Ms. Jessica’s.

Thursday, October 17, 2013: Havin’ some tummy time at Mommy’s office.

Friday, October 18, 2013: A sweet baby waking from a nap–complete with drool puddle.

Saturday, October 19, 2013: Two of my favorite men pose for a morning photo together. Later, Séamus drives us to a band competition where Corban gets too much sun.

Sunday, October 20, 2013: We all have a nice cuddle before heading off to church. Corban loves to play in a hole we have in the front yard. He also likes to love on his little brother a lot. Bedtime means a storybook with Daddy.

October 20th (3)

Monday, October 21, 2013: Smiling is Séamus’ favorite. Séamus and Corban just chillin’ out in front of the ol’ tube for a minute. Later, once Séamus is in the bed, Mommy and Corban have some silly fun in front of the camera.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013: Séamus is trying to figure out what big brother is thinking.

This post is part of the Mamatography 2013 Project with Diary of a First Child and Momma Jorje. I will be sharing a photo a day in one weekly post to keep a record of the year. My week will be running from Wednesday to Tuesday. You can join this project at any point during the year. Start sharing your own daily photos now!

Cucumber Avocado Salad with Tuna

Posted on October 21, 2013 by Martine

You may or may not know this, but my family and I have been trying to cut back on our consumption of meat. It has not been easy. I was born a omnivore, and I shall die an omnivore. Nevertheless, I am trying my very best to be less carnivorous and more of what you could call a “flexitarian” these days. I have established a set of rules for myself that include less red meat and chicken, and more veggies and fish. This recipe for a cucumber avocado salad with tuna had quickly become a favorite of mine during the transition. I can get a little of both worlds without feeling guilty!

I think the cucumbers are the best part. My husband would argue it is the avocado that makes the salad. This simply means that I have had to learn to share, which is actually not that easy for me. He is a salad lover. I, on the other hand, find it difficult to get through one most of the time. You would think he would let me have it all to myself when a salad comes along that I will eat wholeheartedly. Not so much with this one. It is just too yummy for him to pass up!

Cucumber Avocado Salad with Tuna

Ingredients

2 Tbsp Greek yogurt
juice of 1 lime
1 large cucumber, chopped
1 avocado, diced
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup green onion, sliced
1 can (5 oz.) tuna packed in olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt and lime juice; set aside.
In a large bowl, add cucumber, avocado, cilatro, and green onions. Add dressing and toss lightly.
Drain oil from tuna; and add to salad. Gently toss until well-combined, careful not to break up the tuna too much.
Add salt and pepper; serve immediately. Enjoy!

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Sautéed Chicken & Mango Salad with Honey-Lime Vinaigrette

Posted on October 20, 2013 by Martine

Sautéed chicken is a convenient standby for any night of the week. Add it to your favorite greens and toss in some fresh fruit and you have the perfect meal-solution! I like it best on a nice bed of spinach, which is what I have done with this recipe for sautéed chicken & mango salad. It is delicious, and takes very little time to prepare.

It is topped with avocado, cashews and a simple honey-lime vinaigrette. You can always spice things up a bit by adding red pepper flakes to some red pepper flakes to the dressing. I was not in the mood for anything spicy, so I enjoyed a much sweeter version of the salad. For me, it is a great way to curb a craving for something sweet, while also getting a heaping dose of vitamins and nutrients from the other ingredients.

Sautéed Chicken & Mango Salad with Honey-Lime Vinaigrette

Ingredients

For the Dressing:

1/4 cup lime juice
2 Tbsp honey
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

For the Salad:

1 Tbsp ghee
2 pastured chicken breasts
salt & pepper
6 cups spinach
1 mango
1 avocado
1/2 cup raw cashews

Instructions

For the Dressing:

Combine lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a food processor or bowl. Slowly stream in olive oil while processing or whisking.

For the Salad:

Heat ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Trim excess fat and small pieces of meat attached to chicken breasts; season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper.
Once the skillet is hot, place chicken in the skillet, seasoned side down. Sauté chicken over medium-high heat for 4-6 minutes. Season the facing side with remaining salt and pepper. Flip the chicken and continue to cook for an additional 4-6 minutes. Chicken is done when juices run clear.
Remove chicken from skillet and allow to cool slight before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
Divide spinach between two plate and top with chicken, mango, avocado, and 1/4 cup cashews each. Drizzle with dressing and serve. Enjoy!

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Such a Séamus: 4 Months

Posted on October 18, 2013 by Martine

Weight: 12lbs 13.5oz.

Height: 25″

Clothing: 3-6 months

Communication: We have been enjoying his smiles and coos for quite some time now. Our new favorite things are his laughs and his gurgles. He is becoming quite vocal.

Diapers: We still keep him in prefolds most of the time. I used to not be inclined to grab for one when so many other options were available. Prefolds just work for him so that is definitely my go-to diaper these days.

Eating: He is still eating every 3-4 hours, and, yes, I still worry about his weight gain. His desire to take long naps accompanied by my being too lazy to pump, I fear, has affected my supply. I shall work to remedy this!

Friendships: He made his debut at my old office where he met a lot of my former colleagues who thought he was pretty–well–awesome.

Mobility: He scoots all over the place and can roll from his belly to his back. He has excellent head and neck control, and does a great job lifting his chest during tummy time.

Sleeping: Séamus sleeps 2-3 hours at a time during the day. He’ll stay awake between 1-2 hours before getting bored and asking for some attention. At this time I stop what I am doing and change him, feed him, cuddle him–whatever he needs. Then he goes back down for a nap (in his crib). It’s a glorious routine. He sleeps through the night. He hates sleeping with us. So, I will pull him into the bed to nurse him and when he is done he goes back in his bassinet. He usually goes down around 7pm and is up again slightly before 5am. Even then he’ll eat and go back down sometimes.

Playtime: He loves to play peek-a-book. He laughs out loud practically every time.

Teeth: No teeth yet!

Check back here every month for updates on Séamus’ and Corban’s growth and all the mischief they manage. You can start by taking a peek at Project Payne and Edison’s Exposé. These are ongoing projects that I am constantly editing, and to which I am continually adding new posts and photos. You can also follow me every week for Mamatography, a year long photo project where I take a picture a day to record what life is like for the White family. Feel free to leave comments! I look forward to your visits.