Palmers Cocoa Butter Pregnancy Kit Review – 10+ Years of Stretch Mark Prevention

 If you’ve followed my journey, you know I’ve had four pregnancies — all with gigantic bellies and big, healthy babies except for my firstborn baby. I lost my first baby to a heart condition, but today I’m blessed with three healthy children — ages 9, 7, and 6 months — and I’m forever grateful to God for them.

Through every pregnancy, my belly grew big and fast — and I knew I had to take care of my skin to avoid pregnancy stretch marks. That’s why the Palmers Cocoa Butter Pregnancy Kit has been my absolute go-to for over a decade. I’ve used it faithfully during each pregnancy, and I can honestly say it works.

Why Pregnant Women Get Stretch Marks

Most pregnant women experience stretch marks because the skin stretches quickly to accommodate the growing baby. This rapid stretching can cause dryness and itchiness. And while it’s tempting to scratch (trust me, I know!), scratching often makes stretch marks worse.

That’s where the Palmers Cocoa Butter Pregnancy Kit comes in. It deeply moisturizes the belly, helps reduce itchiness, and keeps the skin supple and elastic — which in my case, meant no stretch marks through all four pregnancies.

My Personal Results

I’ve been using Palmers for over 10 years, and every time, it’s kept my belly hydrated, soft, and smooth from the first trimester all the way to postpartum. I love that it’s:

• Rich and creamy but not greasy
• Affordable compared to many “luxury” stretch mark creams
• Lightly scented with that comforting cocoa butter smell
• Dermatologist-tested and safe for pregnancy

Why I Recommend Palmers Cocoa Butter Pregnancy Kit

If you’re pregnant and want a budget-friendly stretch mark prevention cream that truly delivers, Palmers is the one I recommend. It works for:

• Preventing pregnancy stretch marks
• Reducing belly itchiness
• Moisturizing growing bellies, hips, and thighs
• Postpartum skin recovery

You can order it here: Palmers Cocoa Butter Pregnancy Kit on Amazon

This is not a paid review — just an honest recommendation from a mama who’s been there and has used Palmers for over a decade.

Don’t let anyone steal your joy,

Maryam 💛

When Your Breakthrough Is Wrapped in a Challenge

 Sometimes, our breakthroughs come wrapped in what looks like a challenge. And if we’re not discerning, we could completely miss them. It often takes perseverance—and most importantly, the grace of God—to recognize when an opportunity is disguised as a problem.

I’ve had a few situations in my life that looked like problems at first but, in the big picture, turned out to be the answers to my prayers. One recent example happened in my travel business, MaryamsJoyfulLifeLuxuryVacation.com, where I offer great deals for both individual and group travels.

This particular situation involved a challenging customer—one of those who sends you what feels like an entire textbook of messages, filled with endless details, requests, and sometimes complaints… all about a simple booking. I did my best to keep her happy, but truthfully, there were moments it was hard. To protect my peace, I decided to delay responding to her right away and instead reply at my own time.

Then one day, she sent me yet another long message—this one almost four pages long—filled with complaints and notes. Somewhere buried deep inside, she had made a request for a room upgrade. I missed it.

A little while later, I received an email from the other person staying in the room—her husband. He politely mentioned that his wife had reached out but hadn’t gotten a response. I checked my messages, found her request, and quickly sent him the upgrade price. He approved it, and I made the change… which ended up earning me additional commission on the booking.

In that moment, it hit me—if I hadn’t taken the time to re-check the messages because of her husband’s follow-up, I would have missed the opportunity completely.

You may be reading this and wondering, “How does this relate to me?” Well, let me ask you: could it be that your opportunity is currently wrapped in what seems like an annoying client, a frustrating delay, or a challenging situation?

I pray that you won’t miss your big break—that God gives you eyes to see beyond the frustration and the discernment to recognize where your opportunities lie.

Wishing you all the best, and remember…

Don’t let anyone steal your joy!

With love,

Maryam

Lesson from My 15-Year-Old Nephew

 

Sometimes, life teaches us lessons in the most unexpected ways—and sometimes, those lessons come from the younger ones we think we’re supposed to be teaching.

My 15-year-old nephew used to be overweight. At just 14 years old, he decided he didn’t want to stay that way. I was curious, so I asked him what he did. His answer was so simple, yet so powerful.

He told me he made two decisions:

1. Walk 10,000 steps every single day.
2. Stop eating at 6PM.

That’s it. No fad diet. No complicated workout plan. No expensive gym membership.

He walked every single day, making sure he hit those 10,000 steps. And when the clock struck 6PM, he was done eating for the day—no matter what. He stayed consistent, and before long, he lost 50 pounds.

Now, he’s lighter, healthier, and happier. Walking has become a natural part of his life. He looks amazing and feels even better.

When I was visiting him recently in London, we worked out together and even walked those 10,000 steps a few times. And let me tell you—he inspired me. If a teenager can make that decision, stick to it, and transform his life, then anyone can.

So, to you reading this right now: is there a change you’ve been wanting to make? Have you been hesitating, scared to take that first step? Let this be your sign—start now. Face that fear. Begin today.

As you stay consistent, you will achieve your goal. Don’t let fear or the judgment of others keep you from good health, freedom, or whatever your heart desires.

Let my nephew’s story be your inspiration. Get up and get going—there’s greatness waiting for you on the other side of your first step!

Don’t let anyone steal your joy!

With love,

Maryam 💛

Trusting God Through the Struggle

It’s easy to have faith when everything is smooth, when life is good, and things seem to be falling perfectly into place. But would faith truly be faith if it never had to stand the test of trials? Would hope be hope if there were no challenges that required us to hope for a better outcome or to believe in a power greater than ourselves?

The truth is, life will give us moments that leave us scratching our heads, wondering how we’ll make it through. There will be seasons where the answers don’t come easily and the road ahead feels uncertain. And it is in these very moments that we are invited to trust—not in our own strength, wisdom, or ability, but in the One who sees the beginning from the end.

If we had all the answers, we wouldn’t need God. But thank God for the struggles that remind us we do need Him. I believe our faith is refined in the fire, strengthened in the struggle, and our battles are won when we choose to place them in God’s hands.

No matter what you’re going through today, I want to encourage you—trust God with it. Even if doubt tries to creep in, trust Him anyway. Even if the situation seems impossible, trust Him in the middle of it. And be open to seeing how He will show up for you in ways you never expected.

The Bible tells us, “Those who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). So today, I call on the Lord with you while I write these words:

Lord, we trust You. We place every struggle, fear, and challenge into Your hands. We ask for supernatural breakthroughs in our lives and situations. Show Yourself mighty in our stories. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Hold on, dear friend. Your story is still being written, and with God as the Author, the ending will be victorious.

Don’t let anyone steal your joy!

With love,

Maryam ❤️

Our Baby Laila Turns 6 Months – A Heart Full of Gratitude

 Oh, how time flies!

Just like that, our sweet baby Laila is 6 months old! I can hardly believe it. It feels like only yesterday I was holding her for the very first time—so tiny, so beautiful, and so full of promise. And now, here she is—growing, thriving, giggling, exploring, and blessing our lives in the most beautiful ways.

From the bottom of my heart, I just want to say: Thank You, Lord.

Thank You for sustaining us, for preserving us, and for surrounding us with Your goodness. Thank You for keeping Laila healthy, strong, and full of life. She’s truly a gift—a brilliant little light in our lives. I may be biased (haha!), but she’s already showing signs of being a genius! 💛

Watching her smile, babble, roll over, and reach out for the world has been such a joy. She’s filled our hearts and home with a kind of happiness that can only come from Heaven. And for this, we are forever grateful to God.

To everyone reading this, whether you’re a parent, a parent-to-be, or someone still praying and hoping—I want to pause here and speak from my heart.

If you are waiting on God for the gift of a child,

I pray for you today.

May the Lord bless you with a healthy, beautiful baby of your own.

May your arms soon be full and your heart overflow with joy.

May your home ring with the sweet sound of laughter and the pitter-patter of tiny feet.

In Jesus’ Mighty Name. Amen.

To all the mothers, fathers, aunties, uncles, and those who love and care for little ones—hold them close. Celebrate the moments, big and small. And never forget to give thanks to the One who makes it all possible.

Here’s to baby Laila and to the many miracles yet to come. 💕

With joy and gratitude,

Maryam