Summer Health & Beauty Products ::Top 10::

I will admit as a Momma it's hard to keep up with all the great new beauty products sometimes! So, I asked the Beautiful and very talented Tracy from TeeWii to help us put a list together of her TOP 10 favorite Summer Beauty products! 

I met Tracy at the Ford Trend Conference in Detroit last month little did I know that soon we would be collaborating! For more fun reviews and awesome ::DIY:: videos visit TeeWii on Facebook and Pintrest! 

::Here is what she came up with::

Summer is my favorite time of year; I love to get a healthy tan and keep my beauty routine fresh and natural. Here are the 10 summer beauty products I cant live without!

1. Josie Maran Argon Infinity Cream

You can use this miracle balm on everything from dry lips and elbows, to soothing razor burn or taming fly aways. You can also add it to cheek bones for a healthy glow, which is perfect for summer.

2. Shea Moisture, Coconut and Hibiscus Hand and Body Scrub

The Target beauty section never does me wrong! Shea Moisture's Coconut & Hibiscus Hand & Body Scrub is a moisturizing sugar scrub that exfoliates and nourishes while leaving skin firm and toned. This is great to use before a spray tan or once a week to keep your skin fresh and glowing.

3. Kiehl’s Nashi Blossom and Pink Grapefruit Body Mist

This bright, citrusy scent screams summertime date! It’s refreshing, light and perfectly feminine. I guarantee you’ll have people ask what you're wearing everywhere you go!

4. Pureology Strength Cure Split End Salve

Our hair takes a beating this time of year, and I have yet to find a product that repairs my ends like Pureology. Apply one pump to ends before drying and sport shiny locks all summer long!

5. Whish Post Wax and Shave Serum

Being in a bikini all summer means extra maintenance on our lady parts; which can cause razor burn or post wax irritation. I’m not embarrassed to say that I use this cream after every bikini line shave. Nothing is worse than hitting the pool or beach with razor bumps, and this all natural formula will prevent that. It also fights off ingrown hairs which is an added bonus!

6. Eraclea Ever-Moist

I’ve been battling dry lips for years and I can tell you from experience that this product is the best! Ever-Moist is great on its on or applied (lightly) over lipstick. This is a must have for your beach bag, purse and suitcase! A tube costs $16, which may SEEM like a lot- but one tube will last you half the year, you don't need much.

7. Essie Fiji and Good To Go Top Coat

Theres a reason why Fiji is an Essie fan favorite. This shade is my go-to for summer! It looks great on any skin tone and coordinates with your entire wardrobe. I recently discovered Good To Go Top Coat and it is a miracle worker! You know when you paint your nails late at night or right before you run out the door, then you get those little dents and lines? Give your Fiji nail polish 5 minutes to dry, smack a coat of Good To Go on and your nails will be perfection!

8. Wella Ocean Spritz

You don't have to go to the beach for perfect tousled waves! Wrap sections of air dried hair around a curling rod and spray with Ocean Spritz to create the perfect beach bunny waves.

9. Mountain Ocean Skin Trip (Coconut)

This lotion is amazing! It’s blended with Coconut Oil, Aloe Vera, and Lanolin which makes it perfect for soothing sun-kissed skin or applying after a shower. This is also a great belly lotion for mamas-to-be.

10. Beauty Society Making Shade SPF 30

This sunscreen is a little pricey, but it’s worth every penny. It’s light, gentle and wont clog your pores.

What about you, what are some of your favorite beauty products right now?

Learn more about Tracy @ TeeWii:

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B + J ::On the Run::

Where to begin. I won tickets to go see Beyonce and Jay-Z, yes I know still totally in shock!!! I signed up by participating in the Woman to Woman Conference Luncheon, you can join us at the conference  ::click here:: for more information! 

First off, I don’t listen to a whole lot of new music only what my Pandora stations at work feed me and what I can catch on the radio on my short commute to and from daycare and work everyday. With that said. I knew 1, yes 1 Jay-Z song, here is where all the true fans will probably start to hate me, sorry. And, I know Beyonce and a lot of her old stuff but since she had her baby I don’t think I had real listened to any of her music. I was stuck on Single Ladies and Halo! Yes, I am lame I know. But, going to see her was the refresher I needed.

::What I thought::

I totally get what she is doing her show is edgy, current and very sexy and sensual. She is a grown married woman, free to express herself in ways that many may not be able to! As a Momma the feeling of not only real world relevance and knowing that we can still be sexy, is important to me. I struggle with it every day! 

Should I be the everyday Suburban Soccer Momma that people expect me to be with 2 toddlers or can I show people that I too can be a hottie and that my Husband loves me just the same?! I related on so many levels with a lot of her “new” songs. Trying to be Mrs. Perfect but being reminded that we are human we have flaws, we make mistakes. The show was at times retro catching the heart and soul of who Beyonce is and very burlesque catching the essence of her style and who she wants to be! I loved it, as a Woman, a Momma and from a marketing perspective; being yourself and true to who you are sells. 

Beyonce= Be yourself!

With that said I think that while her marriage is a perfect Hollywood, super star marriage and that maybe they are making millions off of being the power couple that they are and they may or may not be happy and “real”. To me they seemed genuine and in love, despite the mistakes, flaws and fights in elevators…Just sayin!

They inspire me to want to create that power couple image and make it work not just because it sells but because it can happen and it can be real! The impact I am sure is huge on those around you and the inspiration and motivation to do and be more is infinite! Sure it can just be really good marketing for their business but at the same time, there has to be some love for one another and a true desire to be with eachtoher, if not I feel it would shine through in their performances. You can only hide so long. 

::The Message::

Feminist. Feminism. Equality. Teaching our children to be versatile and ever changing.  

As a young girl I had the same dream that most girls had, finding my Prince Charming and getting married, have children and live happily ever after. Kind of. Not really. I knew it could maybe be real but I never expected it to happen to me.  

What I knew was that I had to go to school, get a good job and help my family financially. Getting married and having kids was on the back burner. I had always been independent and had never relied on others to do for me or help me, not because I was disrespectful but because I am me. I like to take care of myself.

Then I met my Husband. It didn’t stop me from getting an education, being independent and working hard for everything that I want and really everything that was needed to survive. These days I am married, and my Prince Charming is a real man that eats, works, sleeps and yes, even burps and farts! Let's be real. #realtalk

He is my Hubby and he is an amazing provider for our family and a great support and hard worker! Together we make it work. Are we perfect? Nope. But, we work hard together. He allows me to be me. Not because he “owns” me but because he really wants me to be my own person and even though it’s frustrating he likes that I argue about it all, that I have my own voice and speak up and that I don’t take any bull--- from him or anyone else! 

I am sure that he loves the fact that I want to get up every day and help him provide for our family and that although he could do it on his own, I try not to place all the burden on him. In the same way he tries to help me around the house, he cooks more than I do and has changed diapers and help feed the kids when they were babies, he bathes them and starts story time without me asking him to. Yes a lot of the household duties fall on me but he gets the bills paid on time something that I suck at and we’d probably have no light or water if I took care of it. In all we do have traditional roles but sometimes they flip! It’s all about mutual support and really wanting the other person to succeed not just for the better of your family but for that person as an individual!

::The Hiccups::

The Parking; parking was $50++, thankfully my Momma lives 5 minutes away, she dropped us off and picked us up! People still paid, would I have paid, not more than $20, maybe..... Would it have been worth it, absolutely for someone like me who doesn’t do this kind of event often it’s ok every once in a while.

The Entrance; not sure what the wait was about but my Hubby doesn’t wait for anyone…..he found a fast moving VIP line got us in it and in the venue within 20 minutes or so of having arrived. We searched, we asked, we got in and we conquered! 

The Audio; I don’t know about sound but I am sure that at the beginning of the show the audio was off. The music was too loud, I couldn’t hear what Beyonce was saying and it just didn’t sound good,  not sure if it was fixed or I just got used to it but it got better!  I still sang and fell further in love with Beyonce!

::My Favorite Moment::

Their show was like watching a short movie and it followed a script and every scene went on without a  glitch. But, when they switched over to real life…they started a home video reel and their reality is a baby…a family and a love that right now, no one can touch. Family comes first and for Beyonce and Jay-Z that amazingly beautiful little girl is all that matters and the reason why they work so hard. Can I relate? Abso-freaking-lutley!

Did you go see Beyonce? What did you think of it?

Be You-nique

En serio! BE YOU-NIQUE, y no mires hace atras! 

Once people get to know you, no hay vuelta atras; there is no fake, no lie and no recreating you. Just be you. Simple as that. Will everyone love you? Probably not. Will some people Love you? Claro que si! 

Never give up on who you are, evolve and grow but always be true to who you want to be, what you believe in and where you want to go. 

My children are being taught that life is about being real, being themselves and loving the toasty brown skin we were born with. We know we are Mexican's born in the "states of America" as my Santi would say. 

We never attempt to be anything other than who we are and we embrace life as it comes. 

What about you? Are you embracing who you are and loving the skin you were born with and in? 

#ad Ford Trend Conference ::Day 2::

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is not a compensated post. I was invited by Ford Espanol to attend the Ford Trend Conference this year. Compensation was given in form of travel and lodging expenses. The statements below are both my true and honest opinion.} 

The hashtags that you can follow on Twitter to find more details and great statistics from the Ford Trend Conference are; #FurtherwithFord #FordTrends #FordEspanol #RoleForward #FordTech #FordGreen #DesigningInnovation

I have been to conferences in the past and there was some downtime involved, but with the Ford Trend Conference it was one exciting and learning experience after another. Each one filled with interesting data and inspiring speakers who composed the different panels for each session.

Day 2 started with an early 6:30am breakfast where I met the lovely Channing of Channing in theCity, she was very friendly, sweet and informative; together we headed into our first session of the morning. Frontier Female, talk about female empowerment through non-traditional roles! The session was kicked off by Chantel Lenard the Director of U.S. Marketing for Ford Motor Company. She discussed her work abroad in China and what she learned about females as consumers in that country compared to the U.S. The impact will be impressive in the next decade as we have already entered new levels within the consumer market. As women who not only maintain a home but also work outside the home to provide for our children we are already paving new roads for female generations to come.

Some of the stats that really stood out and that would make the most impact for me were the following;

1. 67% of women in management roles in the U.S.
2. 40% of primary breadwinners in U.S.
3. 172 WOMEN MADE THE BILLIONAIRE LIST IN 2012; 12 % MADE IT FROM SCRATCH
4. 1 billion woman consumers are expected to enter the market and workforce in the next decade.

“Traditional gender roles are also changing and there are now 2 million women taking the wheel; For the first time in history female drivers outnumber male drives!”  Women’s roles are evolving and even your “average” role of being a Stay-at-home-Momma is no longer what it was just a few years ago.  And, in the same way many Momma’s are becoming successful business woman whether outside the home or from home, as are most Bloggers.  

As these roles evolve in the home and in the workplace they are reflected in the marketplace or in consumer trends for various items and more importantly for large consumer items such as vehicles which used to be dominated by men.  

Another speaker that caught my attention was Jenna Wofle of NBC. I knew her from television but when I heard her speak it really allowed me to connect with her on a whole new level. She is an incredible woman who has paved the way for many women reporters on so many different levels. I don't like to think of our personal lives as a barrier because we should be able to live it as we'd like. But, Jenna overcame the barriers presented not only of being a female Sports caster but also by openly sharing her personal life with NBC viewers. Jenna and her Partner became Momma's and her story of how it was revealed and how her co-workers embraced her just brought tears to my eyes. 

Life is difficult. Being an accomplished career women is difficult. Adding a child to any relationship is difficult. I can totally relate with Jenna in so many different areas and breaking those barrier or overcoming them is an everyday struggle for me. I can just imagine for someone like her who is in the spotlight being examined and judged every time she walks out of her house. It's not easy, but let me tell you; she is one amazingly accomplished Momma and her career is very impressive! I fell in love with her story and her take on Momma-hood!  

She was genuine and didn't mind taking pictures with us, she was definitely fun and her words made such an impact.

This day was information filled, other speakers in the morning session included;
JOHN GERZEMA 
New York Times best-selling author,
 strategist and leadership consultant
JENNIFER SENIOR 
Contributing editor, New York Magazine

A couple of questions posed during the panel discussion were the following:

"Are we challenge free today or do we have a whole new host of challenges compared to those women from 40 years ago?"

“Why aren't there more women in leadership roles?”

What do you think? 

To be continued.... 

#ad Rose & Rhodes Clothing ::Shop Review::

::Momma Disclosure:: { This is not a compensated post. I received a clothing item from Rose and Rhodes Clothing in exchange for this review. All statements are my own and my true and honest opinion.}

I love finding new shops where I can obtain affordable and cute clothing for my little girl. When the shops have colorful and playful items as well as a good variety; it makes it easier for me to fall in love with it. This was the case with Rose and Rhodes Clothing who right now has the cutest Swim Suits for the Summer! I received the cutest, two piece outfit which I used as a Swim Suit cover up when we went to the pool last weekend. Perfect for pool parties and these warm Summer nights!

The shop is owned by two hardworking and very inspiring Momma's which just makes it so much easier to relate and find what you need. Find out more about them and how the idea for their shop came to be as well as how you can get all of their items for your Summer events!

Hello Everyone!  

We are Yvette Perez and Beatriz (Bea) Garza, proud owners of Rose and Rhodes Clothing.  We are two cousins that grew up together in the Valley.  They used to say that we were "joined at the hip".  Bea and I decided to open Rose and Rhodes Clothing because we fell in love with children's clothing.  I, Yvette, had my daughter in 2009 and my son in 2012.  The idea of opening up a children's boutique was always there but I didn't know how to move forward.  Bea had her daughter in 2012 and it seemed natural to join forces and get the boutique up and running.  

We opened up Rose and Rhodes Clothing to cater to moms with small children looking for a good deal.  I know that sometimes boutique clothing can be very expensive so our motto is, "Adorable Clothing at an Affordable Price".  Our motivation comes from our children.  They motivate us on a daily basis to do better and to work harder. 

Rose & Rhodes Clothing ::Connect with Social Media links::

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/roseandrhodesclothing

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/randrclothing/

Twitter:     https://twitter.com/RoseandRhodes

Website:  http://roseandrhodesclothing.com/

   

Bea and I both have Bachelor's Degrees.  I have a degree in Business Finance and she has her degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Masters in Counseling.  She is currently a teacher at a local Elementary in Mission, Texas.  

  

We don't personally make our products and while we would love to always organize and promote our inventory in peace and quiet, the reality is that we usually do it with screams and babbles of our children in the background.  Of course, we wouldn't change it for anything.  It is the reason why we opened an online boutique and not a brick and mortar shop.  

  

There are so many ways to contact us.  I think the best way is to send a personal message through Facebook because if I don't see it, Bea will.  You can also contact us by email at RoseandRhodesClothing@gmail.com. 

We also have a blog on our boutique website at www.RoseandRhodesClothing.com.  It features items that we like best for the month.     

We like to remember that "Each river must flow at it's own pace." and to simply "BE HAPPY!"

Currently Rose and Rhodes Clothing is trying to reach 1,500 "Likes" on their ::FACEBOOK FAN PAGE:: We can help them reach their goal! Click on their link and hit "LIKE"...You will not be disappointed.

#ad #furtherwithford Ford Trend Conference ::Day 1:: #fordespanol

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is not a compensated post. I was invited by Ford Espanol to attend the Ford Trend Conference this year. Compensation was given in form of travel and lodging expenses. The statements below are both my true and honest opinion.}

To the everyday eye I am an 8 to 5 employee and an after 5 Momma but some days

I like to believe that life although great can be a bit more, adventurous. Last week I had the opportunity to have my own "Momma Adventure", if you will.  Traveled to a state that I once called home. Ford en Espanol invited me to Dearborn, Michigan to attend the Ford Trend Conference. 

As a Momma I always want to be at the top of my game in different areas of my life. By creating experiences that my children will not only enjoy and remember but also those that they will learn and grow from.  I also want to be a part of experiences that my children can look up to and be inspired by. I want my children to admire life and follow their dreams by taking risks and conquering their fears. Life is about so much more and I want them to realize it and experience it. 

Last week, was one of those new experiences, the last 4, almost 5 years have been dedicated to seeking new ways to provide for my family, to care for my children and seek my "niche". Until last week I had done all of this locally. When I was presented with the opportunity to travel to Michigan, alone, I was hesitant. But, within minutes decided that this was going to be a perfect opportunity to conquer those fears of traveling without my family and of the "what-if's". 

For the next couple of weeks everything was calm. Until last Monday that is. So much had to go into me leaving my home alone for the first time in 5 years. I lived for over 24 hours with a knot in my stomach. Making sure my husband knew morning routines, that we had back-up for childcare pick-up, I washed my kids clothes and then left daily outfits together for easy access, and finally I had to let go of how perfect I "needed" everything to be while I was gone. 

As a Momma I have sacrificed so much more than at any other stage of my life, by choice. This was the perfect moment to receive just a little reward for those things that I have chosen to let go of in my life to become a better and more complete Momma.

That morning started out pretty much like every other day. I posted about it here. My Hubby and I took the kids to daycare, then he dropped me off at the airport. Even though my stomach was in a knot, I tried to relax and started taking it all in. I called my good friend Karen, who prayed for me. I was that nervous. Her words and excitement helped. Then it was time. I boarded an extremely small Delta plane with what felt like a million other people and started my 3 day journey. 

I arrived in Michigan after the pilot circled the Detroit airport a couple of times due to bad weather. Our first event was a dinner at 6:30 pm at the Ford Performing Arts Center. I arrived at 5:45 pm, ran though the airport because I didn't know that the hotel was connected to it!

The next few hours I would go through a mix of emotions finally relaxing and realizing that I needed to embrace the next few days and not worry about the who, what, where and when. 

Below is a picture re-cap of my first night in "Ford City" where Innovation truly does meet design, the new Ford Edge was unveiled. The night was most definitely filled with inspiration, new ideas, and great conversations with new colleagues. The food was amazing. The drinks were oh so fancy for this Texas Momma and I didn't allow not knowing anyone to stop me. 

It was the perfect kick-off to a great few days of knowledge and inspiration from the Ford Motor Company:

(Pictures were taken with my Canon, IPad and Blu phone.)

"Ford and the future of automotive design, technology, and mobility."