Wednesday, June 26, 2013

My #CascadePlatinum #sponsored

{Momma Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Cascade. I received a product sample to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.}

One of the least favorite chores in our home is washing dishes. We are always trying to figure out shortcuts or something that will work better and faster than the last time. Which is why when we received the new Cascade Platinum Pacs I was excited. I will admit, I wasn't sure that such tiny pacs would get the job done.

momcentral


I was pleased to see all of my dishes looking clean and shiny after the  first time using it. I also didn't have to deal with the residue that regular dish detergents leave behind. 

Usually we have to rinse very dirty dishes with soap and water before putting them in the dishwasher. With the Cascade Platinum Pacs, I rinsed all my dishes once with warm water only and then put them in the dishwasher. The results were great. I definitely recommend the Cascade Platinum Pacs for your daily dish washing routine.

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The Cascade Platinum Pacs definitely deliver the most powerful cleaning action due to their advanced triple action recipe. I immediately noticed the new spot-free sparkle that my old dishes gained. The pacs are affordable and lasted twice as long as our powdered detergent usually does. 

I can't wait to try some of the other scents and products such as:
{Product information provided by Mom Central Consulting}
• Cascade© Complete© Pacs
• Cascade © ActionPacs™ with Dawn® Grease Fighting Power
• Cascade© with the scent of Gain® ActionPacs™
• Cascade © ActionPacs™ Destinations: Mediterranean Lavender and Thai Dragon Fruit scents

For great tips on dish washing and the importance of presentation during your meal time visit the Gail Simmons by Cascade YouTube Channel:




Please be sure to visit the Cascade website and Facebook page for special promotions and offers:

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Developing Self-Worth {Alone/Momma Time}

girlfriends


As a Momma we put our blood, sweat and tears into everything that we do. Our families are our motivation, our inspiration and the reasons why we wake up everyday and do it all over again. Trust me, I know. I have met many Momma's in my lifetime and I have had extensive conversations about how they get things done and how they make life happen. They, we, all deserve a break. 

I often had a feeling of guilt and selfishness. I didn't want to go out and have "fun" alone because I was doing it without my family. Until I realized how important it is to have alone time. To have your own time. Away from the every day chaos and tantrums. Truth is, no matter how much or how little you think you do it's a lot more than you give  yourself credit for. A lot more. All of the time. 24/7. Not sure how my Momma did it. But, these days family and work stress and  no down time in between makes for a very cranky Momma.

My Momma often says; "Yo lo hacia todo sola, y con tres!" I feel bad for being so weak and for being so needy. But, the truth is, that times have changed. The pressures of having a professional and accomplished career along with the "perfect" family is just plain out overwhelming at times. I am not afraid to admit it, times get tough. As time has progressed and situations become more than we can handle, my Hubby and I have agreed that we both need alone time. 

Because, this is not just about Momma, Daddy needs time away from it all too. And honestly, if it makes for a happier and more peaceful home then we are all for it. Just like we believe in date nights as a couple, we also think that some alone time is more than necessary. 

I love meeting up with my girlfriends on a weekday evening and breaking away from routine, it's a healthy way of gaining a sense of self. I feel refreshed if I can get a little break. Or, maybe I can get away and get my toes done, some pampering and relaxation is also welcomed. 

Don't get me wrong, not complaining or trying to escape from reality. I love my family and I love my children.   It's just that like with any job it always changes your perspective when you can take a break, stand back and look at the bigger picture. And, the Adult/Momma conversation and sharing of stories, experiences and advice is an added plus. Therapeutic, if you will. 

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

{Jesse y Joy Meet and Greet} #Downy #LatinosImparables

{Momma Disclosure: This is not a compensated post but Downy & the #LatinoImparales Concert series provided me with two tickets and a meet and greet pass for the Jesse y Joy concert. We were also given two t-shirts. The review was not required and the statements below are my true and honest opinion. }

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{Picture courtesy of Jesse y Joy; Latinos Imparables Meet and Greet Host}

Last week I had the opportunity to attend a House of Blue concert here in Houston. The Hubby and I took it as an opportunity to have a date night. It was much needed. All thanks to Downy who sponsored the Latinos Imaprables concert series, for Jesse y Joy and the very talented La Santa Cecilia. Thank you again DOWNY#LatinoImparables for the Invite and Meet and Greet pass. It definitely made my month, which is nice since this is my Birthday month!

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{Picture taken by Susy Barbosa of Houston, Texas}

The night was filled with great music and an enthusiastic Latino crowd of all ages. I loved listening to La Santa Cecilia, the lead singer Marisoul has a very unique voice and is so graceful and sweet.  I fell in love with the sounds of the accordion, the Mexican in me comes out and I just had to dance to their cumbia rendition. Reminds me of my valley days back home in South Texas. There is something about an accordion that just gives you an overall good feeling and happy feet if you will.

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                                      {Picture taken by Susy Barbosa of Houston,Texas}

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                                         {Picture taken by Susy Barbosa of Houston,Texas}

After the crowd did a little dancing and the excitement had grown, the headliners came on. Jesse y Joy, they were amazing. Listening to their absolute hits like “Espacio Sideral” and “Corre” live, was definitely a fun experience. Joy is beautiful and they were so sweet when we met them. They thanked us for coming out and we got a sweet little t-shirt.  I am too big for mine. Ha. My kids quickly pulled them on when we got home though so problem solved.

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                                         {Picture taken by Susy Barbosa of Houston,Texas}

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                                        {Picture taken by Susy Barbosa of Houston,Texas}

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                                      {Picture taken by Susy Barbosa of Houston,Texas, In picture above}

I personally believe that Downy made the perfect combination and that this concert series has been a huge success not only because of the artist but because of all the special attention given to the fans.

Have you been to any fun concerts this month?




Friday, June 14, 2013

{Anatomy of a Date Night} #latinosimparables

Marriage is a priority in my life. The Hubby and I have been together since 1999. We were young. It's been a while. We now have kids. Toddlers to be exact. A 3 1/2 year old and a Two year old. I mention that a lot. They are only 18 months apart. In our defense we were getting older and we didn't want to miss out on having kids. So, we had two, back to back. It's been the biggest Blessing of our life. It's been exhausting. It's been draining. It's been a truly unexpected journey which we didn't expect in our 30's! But, we survive every day more and more...we love our children and our life together. 

Through it all we both have degrees and pursuing our careers and dreams. Then there is every day life. People. Family. Extended Family. Friends. Etc. Etc. 

Marriage is OUR priority. In 2012, my Hubby graduated from college and  we had a series of events that started the realization that we needed adult time. Not just him and I but with friends and people who were living lives similar to ours. We started some date nights. But, it wasn't until December of last year that we realized how important date night was. It was then that my Hubby said; "Man. We need to do this once a month, at least! That's my New Year Resolution." Music to my ears. And, this man has delivered. 

We have made it a point to have a date night at least once a month, sometimes it happens twice and if we are lucky date night has occurred more than twice in a single month. ::insert happy dance here:: One of my great online friends; who I have met in person, wrote about date nights ::here::

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{Gracias a Downy for making our date night a memorable one at the #LatinosImparables Jesse & Joy concert!}

Today, I want to establish what needs to happen in our home for a date night to happen...successfully:

First; we must establish WAY far in advanced a date and/or event. We have been to Birthday Dinners, Weddings, the Theater, Company Parties, Happy Hours, Concerts, Our own Anniversary Dinner, and yes even Church, did I mention Target, every date counts....we make no exceptions or excuses. 

Then; we must find a willing soul who would freely {Did I mention, FREELY} like to take on the task of dealing with not one but DOS {2} toddlers named Cami and Santi.  The Baby-sitter! Usually my Momma. She is the best. And, they love her which makes for an easy escape. Minimal tears=Carefree Momma; kind of! I still worry and the Hubby worries more... at the end of the night we end up showing every cell phone picture of our kids to everyone in the room even strangers. They must know how great our kids are. 

We must then figure our logistics. Time frames, pick up/ drop off locations, number involved in party, and supplies needed to care for the party of two and how we will get ready/ meet up and what time we should leave to our event. Trust me coordination and communication is key in operation "Let's Get this Party Started". I may think of hiring a helicopter in the future, just sayin'...

Finally, we make our great escape into adult land and start our night.   

Sound simple enough? Sure, it may seem simple on paper, but it's taken us a little practice and time to get our act together!  We have both placed the same effort into every outing which makes for a very successful and fun night! 

What about you; how do your date nights usually go?  

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Minted {Momma Review} #minted

{Momma Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this post but I did receive Minted Business Cards in exchange for this review from Minted in association with Texas Women Bloggers. The statements below are both my true and honest opinions.}
mommaofdosbc


Last year when I was sponsored to attend the Latism Conference here in Houston, I was ecstatic. And, then I thought, “I need a business card!” I headed out on an online quest to find the perfect business card. I wanted something new, fresh, clean cut and that reflected ME. I found sophisticated and soft, the complete opposite of me, but I went with it. I had discovered MINTED

My business cards were a hit and within a couple of days and a few meetings later, this Momma had handed out 50 business cards. I was definitely a happy Blogger. Minted is not limited to business cards though and the perfect time to be sophisticated and elegant is when you are about to enter into wedded bliss.


Minted has the most beautiful wedding invitations and they are very reasonable. The quality of paper is more than great and they have a wide selection of unique styles. You are not limited though; you can also give your selection a personal touch by creating your own design. A design specialist then works with you to perfect and approve all of your edits. It gives your shopping experience a far more personalized finish.

whimsically romantic by bridget, see more wedding invitations

whimsically romantic board by bridget. See more wedding invitations



They now also have a new feature called Inspiration Boards; these boards are filled with ideas that can help you when making decision for your own wedding by exhibiting some of the best color coordinating and  most romantic wedding ideas.



I loved working with Minted once before and I am more than happy to be working with them now. I recommend you hop on over to their site and see what you have been missing. Wow your guest with beautiful invitations. You will not regret it.

Sunday, June 9, 2013

#BeechNutGoya {Momma Review}


{Momma Disclosure: This is a compensated post and I also received Beech-Nut Goya products in exchange for this review from MamiverseThe statements below are both my true and honest opinions.}


There came a time when my kids were first born that I had to go back to work and times became extremely busy. I was very lucky to have my children taken care of by their paternal GrandMother. My Hubby and I always said we knew two things for sure; that the kids were safe and that the kids ate well, all the time. They ate homemade foods for every meal. My Mother-in Law and I started by making our own puree's and baby food. But, I must admit, it became hectic and we both would give in to jarred baby food. 

I wish we would have the option of the new Beech-Nut Goya Baby food which has authentic Hispanic flavors such as cereals with banana or rice with mango. Or purees with Apple and Guava or Mango and Apricot. Still to this day as a Working Momma I try to find the best quality foods that will help us save time and money. I believe that the new Beech-Nut Goya baby food products, are a good option. 

Beech-Nut-Goya-Introduce-Hispanic-Inspired-Baby-Food-Line-MainPhoto


The Beech-Nut Goya products are made not only with authentic Hispanic flavors that your baby will enjoy but also with healthy ingredients that you will approve of, most their products are Glutten Free and meet the dietary needs of any growing baby. They have a good variation of products which come in stages to provide the right about of vitamins for your baby at every growing stage. 

My children are toddlers now and they enjoy Mexican food and a lot of other Authentic Hispanic food but I personally tasted these baby food and they are definitely Momma Approved and surely your growing baby would approve as well. I recommend them for any Momma. I would surely use them in the future should this Momma decide to have baby numero Tres! I love our culture and our food is a major part of any Hispanic home the more authentic the better. Thank You Beech-Nut Goya products for thinking of such great combinations of foods! 

babyfood




Tuesday, June 4, 2013

{Sybil} Guest Blogger

Three Times a Mommy: Do you date your husband? Reasons why you should!

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It goes without saying that our children are the most precious beings in our lives. Like I tell my three kids, they are my hearts and "can we live without our heart? No." So just like I can't live without my heart, I can't live without them. And the most important job I have in this world, is to make sure that these three beautiful beings God blessed me with are happy, healthy and safe. 

Yes. This is why, outside of work, you'll find three gorgeous children by my side. However, just like it is important to care for these treasures in our lives, it is important to also take care of and nurture our relationship with our other half.

Just like work, parenthood can also drain our energies. Now being a parent is the most fulfilling role we have, but we are human and its okay to sometimes take time away so that we can focus on us -mommy and daddy- and focus on our relationship. 

The everyday routine of working, chores and caregiving -although always hectic- can also be monotonous. It can be boring, stressful and aggravating but there's no way around it (unless you got money).

For this reason, make sure to take time to ask your husband on a date. Go to the movies, go out for dinner, even just spending a night at home with takeout and a rented movie. This will give you the opportunity to reconnect, to talk about what's going on at work, what's new in our life, etc. 

Make sure to spend time talking about good old times, what's in store for the future and, what the plans are for the following week. This time should be about regrouping and making sure you are on the same page.

Marriage is love but it is also work and communication. If you just let it be then it will run the risk of that love and passion you had just slowly fading away. Make time to date your husband. Just because we are married doesn't mean we have to give up on dating and spending quality time together.

{About Sybil}
Sybil is an aspiring Houston Latina blogger. When not hesitating to write for herself, you will find her writing and producing for a local Spanish television station’s Community Affairs Department, where she has been since August 2003. Sybil graduated in May 2003 from the University of St. Thomas with a Bachelor’s in Communications and Spanish, minor in Theology.  Sybil is the mother of three beautiful children and wife of Francisco Sánchez.

You can read more from her on her {Blog} at: www.sybilblog.wordpress.com 
{Follow her on} 
Twitter @sybil_sanchez 
Instagram @sybil_sanchez
LinkedIn Sybil Moncivais Sanchez

Monday, June 3, 2013

Oh! So, you don't say...JUNE!

June is one of my favorite. I was born June 29 almost 32 years ago now.  My Hubby doesn't like to make a big deal out of his birthday ever. It's just another day. And, as I have gotten older it's no longer about a party or big festive celebration but more so about reflection and spending time with close friends and of course my beautiful little family!

To me it's a new year filled with new beginning and renewed hope of life! A little like a New Years Eve celebration of my life...haha. One more year on the face of this earth. Making new memories and seeking new ways to improve.

Most days I just see age as another number.  A reflection of the number of years on this earth facing life, every day, day by day. The growth, the lessons learned and the wisdom endured have all caught up to me.... I think. You can tell by the fact that I no longer have the same tolerance and/or the same mentality.

In my 20's I thought I would conquer it all and that I knew it all. I have since gotten married and had children and turned 30, not that I am this huge pot of " I got it all together" but the clarity that comes with the new perspective is pretty impressive. I can now look back and say... "what was I thinking?!" I am sure that in 8 short years when I turn 40, I will be even more en-lighted.

I know I have been promising pictures and posts and YAY-NESS and goodies..but life has been a little hectic lately and getting back into the routine of work has not been easy...I have a couple of deadlines to meet so hopefully I can get those post done.

UNTIL THEN...HAPPY 3 rd day of JUNE!!!!!