Tuesday, February 25, 2014

::Do you Rodeo?:: #HLSR

Momma DisclosureThis is not a compensated post or sponsored post. 
The statements below are both my true and honest opinion.}

One of my biggest passions over the years has been volunteering. Since I had my Dos little ones, I try to do as much as I can but limit myself to a couple of events a year. 

Like every year for the past almost 7 years I serve as a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Committee Member. It's been one of the greatest experiences and has given me the opportunity to not only network and meet interesting people of all walks of life but also learn new skills needed to succeed. I recommend it to anyone who inquires about it and I also encourage young Hispanic students to join and become involved. They have amazing scholarship and volunteering opportunities and it looks great on your resume! 

As a Carnival Ticket Sales Committee Member I sell Half-Price Carnival Tickets if you are local or planning on coming to Houston to the one of greatest Rodeos then please feel free to purchase tickets from me. {The link to order is on the flyer below.} The funds raised are not only used to provide Scholarships for students but you can also donate towards the Arm Forces Appreciation day to provide our Military Service Members a free day to enjoy the carnival with their families! 

{Please feel free to contact me via my personal email should you have any questions: gomez.connor2007@gmail.com} 

THANK YOU AGAIN TO EVERYONE FOR ALL OF THEIR SUPPORT YEAR AFTER YEAR!!!!






Monday, February 24, 2014

::Balance::

For the longest time balance has been on my mind.

The word just makes me cringe.

Between trying to be a career Momma, a house-wifey/home-making Momma, a blogger Momma and an everything else Momma; balance just never seems to be the right fit for me. I mean really when do I have time to balance when I am always on the go.

Thankfully, I came across this article and I am not the only who doesn't agree with the word; Balance. I have always thought, I will do what works for me...semi-somewhat-organized, spur of the moment, let's see how today goes kinda Momma. One day at a time a new plan and new way almost every day.

Crazy? Sure. Chaos? Definitely but it works for me.

Trying to find balance is more like "blurred lines" for me as the article states. I do go through stages where I am either focused on my family, my health, my friends, my writing, myself or any other particular item that comes my way that day, that week, that month and yes...that year...

Here is a little of what my somewhat daily "schedule" looks like:

5:45/6:15ish-6:30 am Wake up time; jump in the shower and get self ready.
6:30-7:25/30ish Wake up kids, get them ready {sometimes with help or alone}, pack lunches {sometimes}, get out the door..don't forget pack backpacks and nap-time blankets on Monday's; we pray in the car.
7:30-7:45/50ish depending on how the moods are I sit and eat breakfast at school with my kids... then walk them to class.
7:50-8:00 am get to work, our daycare is close by...thank goodness.
8am-5/6/or 6:30 pm or so...depending on the day..Work work work....work....
5pm-6:00 pm When I don't work late I workout right after work, then go get my kids...
5pm-6:30 pm right now due to Rodeo season this is my travel time from my kids daycare to my Momma's house so she can watch them and then I head to Reliant; Tuesday nights only. {Meeting usually runs from 6:30 or so until 9 pm or so.}
7 pm Bible Study- when I can Thursday nights... I was doing really good for months and then stopped...gotta get back to it.
6:30-9 pm Travel time home, talk to my kids about their day, get home on a regular day; start dinner, clean up, Dinner {talk time with my Hubby}, kid bath time...every other night...yes every other night....laundry and clean up some more... put clothes away..clean up some more. Get lunches ready {sometimes}.
9pm-11pm If I didn't exercise then it goes here. If not then I start Blogging, checking emails, scheduling posts on Blogger or FB. Check deadlines and plan Blog posts. Upload pictures to FB, review stats and number of followers...sometimes...
11-12:30 am On a good night, this is bed time... then get up all over again and do it all over again...

This varies depending on what we have going on.... I am sure I am missing something... I am now fitting in Date Nights with my Hubby at least once a month...and GNO or Selfie time once a month as well. Soon we will have to add kids extra curricular activities.

How do you keep balanced or not? What are your best tips for staying on track?








Friday, February 21, 2014

::Momma Fitness:: Recipe~Caldo de Pollo #weightlossbattle

{::Momma Disclosure:: I know the health benefits of eating well. I reap the benefits of healthy choices when it comes to my weight, family history of diabetes, anemia and on going kidney issues.}

Let me be totally honest in this space. 

First of all, I have not really worked out since maybe the 2nd week in January. I have probably gained about 6 lbs. Not too worried considering where I was this time last year...over 180 lbs and now I am in the 160's. Trust me 6 lbs is not much!

Fact number 2; I don't do well with, "eating well"... "eating clean" or clean eating, or healthy eating. Eating well and I are not exactly friends; as a matter of fact if I could I would eat oreos and pizza all day. No really. It's beautiful.  Not sure if I have told you this little bit of information, I am Mexican. Big time. Ha. And, being that my family is superbly and awesomely Mexican...you know el cafecito,el pancito, las tortillitas, los taquitos, y mas taquitos;  bottom line I have not been eating well. Oh yeah did I mention el PAN!

The awesome sweet smelling colorful pan dulce...ok, done.


So, for the last month {or two} I have been a lump on the couch {not really but you know what I mean}and a face stuffing Momma.

But, this week. Back on track after a horribly wonderful food filled weekend. My Hubby said to me Sunday night we need a detox man! I agree man!

So, by Monday it was green tea and soup time. One of my favorite soups is chicken soup or Caldo de Pollo. Another honest truth about me. I don't like the word diet, thankfully I have learned to detox and exercise regularly.

Caldo de Pollo is so simple and a great detox tool, I think. One friend really simplified it because she used the Paleo food list, still looked so good.

My caldo is not really a diet recipe, I just took my Momma's ideas and made it mine, so here you are:



I usually buy a whole chicken and gut it myself, but for healthier options I dice chicken breast and  add chicken legs for my kiddos.

What you need:
  • 2 large chicken breast {diced or whole} and 4 to 6 legs depending on how big they are.
  • 2 large cloves of garlic
  • ½ of a large onion {diced}
  • 2 small red tomatoes {diced}
  • 2 to 4 Serrano Peppers {depending on the heat you want, you can also leave them out}
  • About 10 small red potatoes {cut in half}
  • 1 bag of baby carrots
  • About ¾ cup of brown rice
  • 1 celery stick
  • 2 or 3 sprigs of cilantro
  • Optional: corn on the cob halves about 6 to 8

First, in a medium to large pot add about 10 to 12 cups of water, the water should completely cover all of the chicken. Add, the celery stick, your springs of cilantro and garlic cloves with seasoning and salt to taste. I use Knorr de Pollo about a spoonful or so.

Cover and bring it to a complete boil, once it’s boiled once and your chicken looks semi cooked, bring it down to a medium heat. At this point you will add all of your onion, tomatoes, whole Serrano peppers {optional}, the red potato halves, your baby carrots and the ¾ cup of rice and corn.


Allow everything to cook for about 30 minutes…you will know it’s ready when all your veggies are tender and the rice has fully cooked. Brown rice is tough and it could take a bit longer to fully cook.


It’s so simple and as my Hubby would say…one of those “set it and forget it” meals! Just a little note; my caldo is never the same, it all depends on what is in my fridge that day. Ha. I do though make it often, because it's easy and my kids love it. 






Thursday, February 20, 2014

::Confidence:: #galentinesNP

Momma DisclosureThis is not a compensated post. The statements below are both my true and honest opinion.}

"The No's hurt so bad"

They do.

No.

You're not pretty enough.
You're not skinny enough.
You're not smart enough.
You're not tall enough.
You're not good enough.
You're not ______ enough.
...enough.

In a land filled with no's why not create our own YES! 

We have the power to give ourselves a Yes! 

Yes we can do it! 
Yes we are smart enough!
Yes we are good enough !

A couple of weekends ago I attended a great event with an inspiring group of ladies who have all created their YES! 

They were beautiful, motivating and above all YES creators!

Neydi from Neydi Photography came up with the idea of a Galentines "Valentines" themed makeover meet-up! It was a fun event, not only to meet new friends but also to gain some much need ME time!




Ashley  is the seemingly quiet and very beautiful artist from Make me Over Ashley! Her passion is her true voice expressed through her work! She is so sweet and really captures who are you as she works diligently on your make-up.

Then the Sister duo a true inspiration for me because I often ponder on how my Sister and I could team up! Karen and Brenda from Xten by DeAnda!! They were vivacious and spirited and their YES has already been determined by following their dreams and seeking their talents!

For a Momma like me the afternoon not only allowed for the much needed pampering ME time but it also opened my heart to a realization that I am also following my YES and my passion; by constantly seeking my true talents. The event allowed us to share stories, lots of fun laughs, some good bottle(s) of wine and delicious sweets provided by Ms. Neydi and her fabulous guests!


And oh yes, did I mention our Makeovers!? An amazing boost of confidence for this Momma of Dos! I felt so great inside and out!



Definitely a YES moment in my book! Thank you Neydi Photography and your awesome sponsors for this beautiful event!

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

::Overflow:: #womanseventhouston #BCF

Momma DisclosureThis is not a compensated post. The statements below are both my true and honest opinion.}

This year finding my one word has made a difference for me; Peace has changed my perspective. Finding my peace in every instance. 

For others, words like Love, Live, or maybe Overflow will change their perspective. 



One thing is for sure whatever your word may be, stick with it and soar! 

The second thing I want for this year is to seek more opportunities of growth and positive experiences. So, when I was contacted to share about Overflow, I fell in love with the idea! 

Being a Momma is a lot of work, being a Single Momma is, I think, double or triple that work. I have learned from the very best, my Beautiful Sister, who works so hard to make an amazing life for her and my nephew! 

If you are a Single Momma and want to attend a local event that is sure to change your perspective please visit; www.overflowbcf.com

Also!! We will be giving away TWO scholarships for the event!!! All you have to do is enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


{Event Information provided by Overflow
A gathering for women who are raising children on their own  for a day of encouragement and  fresh revelation of a heavenly Father who loves them.
March 22, 2014   8am-5pm  
at Houston Christian High School
2700 West Sam Houston Parkway N, Houston  77043
A ministry of  Bayou City Fellowship 
When you were a little girl, being a single mom was probably not your dream but this is the reality of your life.   The demands are intense and the total responsibility can be overwhelming. However, through the Jesus Christ, there is hope, joy and a peace that overflows! From life overwhelming to a life overflowing!
At Overflow, you are in for a day of encouragement, refreshment and inspiration, connection to other women in similar life circumstances, a celebration of motherhood and time for drawing closer to Christ.
If you are separated, widowed, divorced, have never married, adopted a child without a spouse, have husbands that are incarcerated or stationed overseas in the military, you are invited to join us for a special day as you connect with other single moms, learn more about God's purpose for your family and leave feeling encouraged and refreshed.
Featuring :

  •  Speakers who have traveled the journey of single motherhood with inspiring stories to share of how God has been faithful with His grace and mercy in their lives.
  •  A fun program for your children designed to entertain and encourage them with God's love through His Word!
  •  Uplifting worship and powerful prayer!
  • Breakout sessions covering a broad range of topics such as:  Praying for Your Children, Forgiveness, Filling the Daddy Gap, Biblically Budgeting, Who Am I? Who Does God Say I Am?, Organizing Home and Schedules (suggestions at present, actual session titles to be determined)
  • Opportunities to gather information on issues pertinent to single moms!
  •  Goodies & Surprises! }

Romans 15:13 New International Version (NIV)13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 
Social Media Sites for Overflow:
http://instagram.com/overflow_bcf#

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Brilliant Earth’s Create a Little Love Campaign! #brilliantearth

Momma Disclosure: This is not a compensated post. The statements below are both my true and honest opinion.}

LOVE



Love is...

Life
Friends
Family
Marriage
&
Children

Love is....
All around us. 

It comes in all shapes and sizes and when you least except it. When I think about Love these days, I think about not only my Hubby but also these 2 {Dos} little people who rules our lives..in the most amazing way!

To Love someone the way you can love your children is beyond comprehension. You just don’t know how much love you are capable of  until you have children. Your entire purpose and meaning of life are forever changed.

When I think about love, I think about my children and their childish way…so perfect, so unique, so love-stricken!  

Tiny hands and tiny feet with pure hearts and lots of toys!

I say Love with all my heart and soul….

How Do You Say Love?

{Information below provided by Brilliant Earth}
::Post Inspired by Brilliant Earth and their Create a Little Love Campaign::

::BRILLIANT EARTH::
   OUR MISSIONhttps://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/images/cleardot.gif
    ----------------
::PROVIDE QUALITY::
Brilliant Earth provides the highest quality jewelry originating from


pure sources and harvested using socially responsible practices.


::FOSTER CHANGE::
Brilliant Earth provides education about the social and
environmental issues affecting the jewelry industry and identifies
ways to help.
::PROMOTE GROWTH::
Brilliant Earth supports underdeveloped communities ravaged by
the jewelry industry by donating a share of our profits.



Thursday, February 6, 2014

::OVERWHELMED::

Last year I attended a Women's conference, the name "Overwhelmed" the message, well yes...Overwhelming. In a good way. 

Ever since then I carry a blue pen in my purse and the word on it speaks out to me every time I use it.

Overwhelmed.

I used the pen this past weekend at yet another faith-filled mini-seminar, this time for couples. It was a message of Intimacy, yes in a physical way but more importantly in a Spiritual and Emotional manner.

And, it's something that I have taken with me all week. 



Why do I become overwhelmed? Well, because I am now a Momma and doing is well what I do! Then there are passions that I have like Volunteering and this here Blog. And, 8 hours of crazy work days, plus a house to maintain and children's birthday parties and family parties and all kind of other meet-ups and fun life activities to do!

How do I recognize that I can become overwhelmed? I remind myself that while it would be fun to meet Sid the Science kid at 9 am on a Saturday morning at the Children's museum, my 4 year old and almost 3 year old wouldn't mind sleeping in and eating pancakes instead. They have no matter what we do. I remind myself that while I can get free tickets to the Children's festival by blogging about it, I can also go to the park that same day and enjoy my family in a less crowded space.

How do I make peace with not being overwhelmed? I allow my heart and soul to take over my life rather than the world.

Yes, all of these activities are great and I do participate in a lot of things during the week; Rodeo work, work Work, Bible Study, mentoring and preparing for new Blogging experiences..but my children and my Husband are not me.

They enjoy down time and relaxing and I should respect them. Stressing them out with daily and weekend schedules is well overwhelming. Allowing our family to just be, gives us more peace and more rest to enjoy not only each others company but also the smaller things in life that we tend to ignore when we try to fill our calendars with so much of everything else.

While my calendar quickly fills-up with my responsibilities and passions...my families calendar sits still and remains in peace, and that works for us.... 

What about you? How do you remain in control and not allow yourself to become overwhelmed? 

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

::Blogging Q & A::Parte Dos #mommatips

This is a continuation of my Blogging Q&A for anyone looking to get more information about this awesome world of sharing and writing:



Have you been to a Blog Conference and should I Invest in going to one?

YES and YES! I was changed by my first conference and the way I looked at my Blog. I was sponsored to attend my very first conference locally. It was an amazing experience and it really opened my world to the market of Latina Bloggers. I met a wonderful group of ladies and am constantly impressed by their persistence and determination, they were inspiring and continue to be the ones that constantly motivate me and push me to be more. 

The workshops and seminars were all very helpful and the people there are so interesting and full of information! 

That was Latism in 2012 and then last year I attended Blog Elevated which was an awesome refresher where I met; John and again another great group of ladies, some which I had already connected with and others that I have now become great friends with! 

How to get sponsors for the blog?

This is going to sound so bad. But, most the sponsored posts that I have done, the PR's have contacted me. Some I have applied for through various groups that I have signed up with, like SITS and Mom Central. Other than that I have been Blessed to have been contacted by a couple of marketing and PR companies that I have worked with throughout the last year or so. 

I would say put your Blog out there, join different groups and sign up for different newsletters where you can be constantly informed of what different companies have to offer. Word of advice. Don't do too many at once start with a couple and go from there, it becomes overwhelming at first. I have had to pass up on opportunities that I just didn't have time for. 

WordPress vs Blogger?

It's really a matter of preference and what you get use to. I started on Wordpress in 2008 and then converted to Blogger in 2010, it seemed more user-friendly and provided more options as a beginner. I like it. I love the simplicity of WordPress though and I think it's become better to navigate but for now I am sticking to Blogger. I love it. 

I would say; use what works for you! 

How do you find time for it all?

I am not going to lie....it's difficult sometimes. I often found myself writing at 1 or 2 am just to get a post in for that day. But, these days I post as I have ideas and when I have time, unless I have deadlines to meet with another Blog or Sponsor. I work 8 to 5 pm outside the home every day and then run home to pick-up my kids, clean up, cook dinner and get ready for the next day. 

I also squeeze in exercising and for about a month now I have been doing my yearly Rodeo Volunteer work which will end at the end of Feb and then Rodeo begins and this Momma is going to enjoy some concerts! But, I manage and time becomes available. 

It's life, we will always have time for those things we find important and meaningful! 

How do you make your pictures pretty?

Well if you are awesome you would use Photoshop but I am average so I rely on websites like PICMONKEY.COM or Photoscape. Both are free and easy to use! 

Please feel free to send all your questions to the following email: mommaofdos@gmail.com and don't forget to visit my Social Media pages:
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Momma-of-Dos/167499493284586
Pintrest:http://pinterest.com/mommaofdos/
Twitter:https://twitter.com/MommaofDosTX
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mommaofdos/





Tuesday, February 4, 2014

::February:: #lovemonth

Can you believe it's February?! NO. Really. It's February!  




I don't even remember January and it was only 3 days ago. Just another sign that this year will go by fast!

I have a couple of Blog updates. I am seeking a designer to help me with a new logo I have in mind so stay tuned to some very awesome new changes. And, I am trying to keep up between Rodeo season here in Houston, home and work so I will try to write as much as possible this month!

I owe you a Parte Dos of the Blogger Q&A, working on those! I also have a yummy recipe in the works for our Friday Health/Fitness post.

Not sure if you read some of the ways I plan to keep sane, happy and in peace this year but one of them was and is more alone time with my Husband. Our first date night of the year was to a wedding last month it was FUN. Very appropriate. I think.




This past weekend a friend invited us to a Couples Dinner hosted by her church the theme was Intimacy, what an appropriate way to begin this month and to add another date night to 2014.

The topic at first seemed a bit intimidating  and we were intrigued as to how this would work in this type of setting but everyone was so extremely nice and their sincerity put us at ease. It was a great reminder that no matter how great of a marriage we have, we need to constantly work on our true Love for one another.

Not because we don't love one another, but because we do and we want to continue to grow not only as a couple but as individuals and remain in love as the years go by. It was a great night filled with fun memories and definitely eye opening thoughts about love, marriage and yes, sex.

It was quite the interesting session as the Pastor gave us a very honest insight into his own marriage and how he has overcome those barriers that were keeping him from having the marriage and life that God intended for him. Definitely a type of dinner that I would recommend for any couple seeking MORE out of their relationship with each other and with their faith.



How was your first weekend of the month? And, what type of LOVE plans do you have for February?