Friday, August 28, 2015

Why I Blog and how I will never compete with you.....



Where to begin? 

Blogging. It started off as a "writing challenge" to myself. I wrote about anything really. Random happenings. Then, I got pregnant. In a desperate attempt to relate to someone and to know that the crazy baby happenings were normal; I sought out other "Mommy Bloggers". I found some of the best, and one of my biggest inspirations. Inspirations for sharing. Sharing, in a very vivid way, all the beautiful, sad and overwhelming details about life as a whole.  

I gained a small but loyal following. Then life changed, once again. I was a "stay-at-home mom" with Dos {2} small toddlers. I learned about sponsors and compensation. Again, meeting and being mentored by some of the nations absolute best. I gained a little bigger audience and support. 

I went back to work outside of my home after about 7 months. 

Then big things started happening. My blog "took off". Lots of awesome opportunities. After a full year of work, home and "blog work". I decided that going "that big" wasn't for me. Why? Because I love working an "8-5" job that relates to my career and my college degree; which I am still paying off. But, I will continue to blog, always, no matter what. I will continue to network and meet new people. To seize opportunities and seek them. I will. Because I want to and I love it.

Working outside of my home, taking care of my home, blogging and volunteering. Most can't do it. Some don't want to. But me, it's a way to create and establish my balance. To be busy. To blog big or small. It's what I live for. My passion. 

Am, I a huge blogger with a large following? Some times. I don't really look at that. I just like to write. I have fallen in love with telling my story and sharing our life. Small bits at a time. Do I take breaks? All the time. Do I feel overwhelmed? Some days. Do I quit? Never. 

I feel that once this life is established there is really nothing else that fills the void or the need to be busy. Do I blog like other bloggers? Maybe not. But, to me that's OK.... 

As they say..I am too busy making my grass greener to be looking at your lawn. 

Right now, I am seeking more. From myself mentally, physically and emotionally. I want my Husband and kids to be happy and stable. I seek to maintain my home life; cooking, cleaning, wiping butts, being Momma and Wife to the chaos. I want to grow and develop my career. Explore life and be a good writer with a loyal group of readers. 

I will never compete with other Momma's or Bloggers... we are all so very different. Our stories and blogs were created for different purposes. And, that's OK with me. 

Just a Friday morning thought.... 

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

No Fuss Mornings + Braids with Johnson's #TangleTalk

                                                 ::Momma Disclosure:: 
{This is a compensated post, in collaboration with Johnson's & Latina Bloggers Connect All opinions and statements expressed below are my own and true and honest.}


Mornings in our home are hectic, to say the least. Getting Dos{2} small children ready is always a busy task to complete. Now, with a new school year kicking off we need more than ever to have good mornings. Thankfully we came across Johnson's NO MORE TANGLES® products. That along with a little pep-talk for my 4 year old; who never likes brushing her hair, is convinced that we can indeed have good hair days. 

Good hair days are very important in our home. 

We follow a very tight morning routine and schedule, everything has to be exact down to the last minute.  This way we can assure the kids make it to school on time and as parents we are not late to work!  So, for a quick and easy move out the front door with minimal to no tears; we have started the use of Johnson's NO MORE TANGLES® products. 



My little Cami, was so excited to start Pre-K. And, with this new school year she wanted to try new hair styles, that would help her express her own unique style. Which this toddler totally has! She wanted braids like her favorite cartoon princess. In 3 easy steps we accomplished a tear free, chic new look. This helped us get through our morning. Which makes not only for a beautiful and happy little girl but a happy {and stress-free} Momma as well. 



1) The night before school started we washed Cami's hair with the Johnson's Shampoo & Conditioner for straight and thin hair. 

2) With her hair still a little damp, we brushed it and applied a small amount of the Johnson's No More Tangles leave-in conditioner.

3) Finally, in the morning we styled her braids with the Johnson's No More Tangles de-tangling spray. 

Johnson's NO MORE TANGLES® line have helped us have good hair days! Which is great since I don't like to see my Cami fuss and cry while I brush her hair. 

How does your little one like their hair brushed or styled? 


This is a sponsored campaign in collaboration with JOHNSON'S® and Latina Bloggers Connect. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

iT'Z Summer Sizzler ::FLASH GIVEAWAY::

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is a compensated post. In collaboration with iT'Z. All opinions and statements expressed below are my own and true and honest.}

Summer is indeed over for most kids ages 4 and up, ha. But, that doesn't mean that we can't enjoy one last Summer fun day. The school days will quickly become hectic. As a matter of fact the first couple of weeks can be a little overwhelming, but maybe I can help with one night of free dinner! 

Momma of Dos and iT'Z wants you to enjoy a night out with your family. My family and I will also be going out for a family fun dinner to relieve some of the back to school stress, thanks to iT'Z.  




Enter to win, I have DOS {2} family 5 packs to give away for your family to enjoy themselves.           Please note the passes are not good for Sat or Sun, weekdays only, offer ends 09/04/2015. 





iT’Z Family Food & Fun, a family friendly entertainment destination, is offering a “Summer Sizzler” of a deal, all summer long. For just $19.99, guests can enjoy unlimited buffet, drink, video games and attractions.  




Saturday, August 22, 2015

:: Diamonds and Pearls Mothers Organization:: Local Feature


Today I am featuring a wonderful local entrepreneur. I met Yvette last year at WEC and have not yet had the opportunity to work together, but I feel like this will be the beginning of a great new venture.

Yvette is a Houstonian with a passion for giving back to the community. Read about her organization and how you can join her in helping local Houston children and women obtain resources and assistance needed to better their lives and help them on a daily basis.  







Yvette Adams 


Founder of the Diamonds and Pearls Mothers Organization  

•We Promote Positive Change for Women 
and Children 
•Honor our UnSung Heroes 
•Rebuild and Revitalize the Community 
•Partners with the Community Leaders & 
Local Schools 
•Provides Resources to Aide Women and 
Children 

Our mission is to enrich, educate, empower, celebrate and unite women internationally of all ages, religions, nationalities and cultures from all socioeconomic background and be catalyst for positive change! 



{I am a native Houstonian and product of the HISD. I received my associate’s degree in interpreting and transliterating for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in 1997. I am a wife and mother of four children. I love to meet new people, travel and experience other traditions and cultures!}

I started my adult responsibilities at the premature age of 16, when I was put out of my mother’s house. There was no one in my family who wanted to take on the burden of rearing a displaced teenager, which was what I had been labeled. It was then that, my Auntie signed for me to get an efficiency apartment that her and my grandmother would help maintain. I was only in the tenth grade managing the responsibility of school, an apartment, financial woes, and having a social life. I did not have the support of my father, who I had known all my life to be chronically addicted to drugs and alcohol. I had very limited family support. 

What was I to do? The only thing I knew to do at the time was to try my best to survive. That meant that having employment to pay my bills now trumped the need for continuing to get my high school education. 

During this time, I meet my high school sweetheart. We had our first child, moved in together and began to plan getting married. We have been married 17 years and now have four children. Together, we became entrepreneurs. My husband has owned and operated his barber shop for 18 years and I have established an event planning, coordinating, and catering company that has been operating in business for 10 years. 

I have served as Chief Armor Bearer for the Co-pastor of my church from 2000-2008. We provided temporary living assistance to several young teen to allow them second chance opportunities that I was not given. There have been tumultuous times that I have had to endure as a young woman. I made a conscience decision to invoke my time into honoring mothers who have made some impact and contribution in a small or great way on our next generation of society. 

My event planning company now has hosted for the past eight years our annual “Diamonds and Pearls Mother’s Day Awards Gala” which I am executive coordinator & founder of the non profit 501(c)3 Diamonds and Pearls Mothers organization. The past three consecutive years our efforts were recognized by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, State Representative Ronald Reynolds & State Representative Alma Allan. 

The Diamonds and Pearls Mothers foundation was established in 2007 with the intention of helping women come to the realization that the world’s most precious gems are found within our women. Our mission is to enrich, educate, empower, celebrate and unite women internationally of all ages, religions; nationalities and cultures from all socioeconomic backgrounds and be a catalyst for positive change.

My upbringing growing up in a single parent home with very little outside community resources, mentors and support is what inspired and motivated me to begin my organization.





The Diamonds and Pearls Mothers have been featured in Houston Style Magazine, Forward Times, and The Defender.

In preparation of back to school, the Diamonds and Pearls Mothers along with Wanda Adams, HISD Trustee will be hosting a; 

benefiting under privileged African American students, ages 5 to 12.
This event will be held 
Sunday, August 23, 2015 from 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM at 
located at 2919 Westridge, Houston, Texas 77054.



Recent data from the U.S. Census Report show that the average income for African American families in the 77048/77054 zip code area is $12,477, which are several thousands of dollars below the poverty line. This is a startling statistic; hence, this event is being held to help offset some of the back to school expenses parents/guardians will be faced with as they prepare for the new school year. 


L to R: Iris Lancaster, Tanyetta Buckner, Yvette  Adams, CleRenda McGrady, Barbara Holman,  & LaTasha Deuchane


The Diamonds and Pearls Mothers would like to obtain notable recognition for being the largest international community action organization for women and children!

Enriching the Lives of Women & Children. 


"Coming together is a beginning, Keeping together is a process, Working together is a success." ~Henry Ford


Email: adams@diamondsandpearlsmothers.org
Instagram: @dandpmothers 
Youtube: diamonds and pearls mothers 
My Personal Twitter: Mrs.AdamsEE  
Phone number: 713.412.0707

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

::Be Free::




Don’t you wish you were a kid again? 

Just the other day my sweet friend Kristy from @sevengraces posted a picture of her daughter, having fun on a hot Houston weekday afternoon. I told her; "Don’t you wish you were a kid again?"  I mean they have SO much fun. I often question; did I have this much fun when I was a kid? I need to ask my Momma about this.

But, my Husband says it after almost every weekend about our kids- “Connie, these kids had a BLAST this weekend!" Truth is my kids have a blast every weekend. No matter what. No matter where. No matter how little or much we do. They always have a blast! Some weekends will end and my son will say, "Mom, I had so much fun."

And, it makes me happy.

Isn’t that the point of being a kid? To have fun and enjoy life. As a parent I feel responsible for nourishing this sense of excitement and adventure. Making them happy and knowing that they are being kids. Knowing that you can help preserve their childhood, their innocence, create amazing memories and be the reason why they can simply be happy little beings.

::Here are 3 simple ways you can allow your children to be kids and simply have fun::



::Allow their imagination to Run Wild:: 

Some days our kids have the craziest ideas. We try never to shoot them down or make fun. We listen. We might giggle or laugh; but we encourage them to keep telling us about their play-time, thoughts, ideas and crazy plans. They consistently come to us with their thoughts because they trust us, and let me tell you some are VERY serious thoughts.

In all we love to help them grow their imagination and allow them to be themselves.



::Let them be themselves::

When you see me post about my kids or pictures of them, know that these are RARELY posed and never something that I make up. If you know my children you will know that all that is portrayed in pictures, tantrums and all, are very REAL. We allow them to be themselves. We embrace them good or bad and we know that in the future it will all be good for them and their adaptation to the world around them.

Their personalities and character shine bright.  They are who they are. Take it or leave it. 



::Let them be FREE:: 

I am a parent who needs to know where my child is, what they are doing, who they are with. Trust me, daycare was a daily struggle. Going out in public is scary for me. But, at the same time I want to give my children the freedom to explore and learn. To be free in their environment and know that they can do anything. I don’t’ want them to be scared of the world around us. I want them to be safe but be aware. And, while I allow them to explore freely, I also maintain a close watch on their every move. This won’t always be possible and I have to trust a little and let go.

But, for now they are free to move about….

What are some of your favorite childhood memories and how do you let your children be free? 

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

::15 Things I do Daily to be Productive::


Because, well it's true. 

Sure; I don't have a live-in nanny, personal chef, trainer or daily hair and makeup stylist, but I manage. 

While I might not look like Beyonce everyday, cause occasionally...well you already know! HAHA. Flawless. I do though have the same amount of hours as her, as we all do. Those hours count to me and I fulfill them not only with work in Corporate America, but also following my dream, caring for children, nourishing my marriage and watching my Novela. Come on! Don't act like you don't watch, cause I know you do. Oh, and please don't call me on September 23rd at 9 p.m. 

Here are 15 things I do, daily. Yes, DAILY. To be fully productive and allow myself time for just about everything. 

1. Laundry-Not full on loads of laundry. I do most my laundry Friday night, that's right while most are out partying it up, I do laundry. It's very helpful. Daily; I collect clothes, sort and throw in a load to wash and a load to dry. The empty baskets don't last but loads literally get lighter. 

2. Lists- I make lists of things I want to do, things I have to do and things that need to get done. It helps me remember and keep things in order. I still end up forgetting most days but they are helpful to sort my thoughts and things I have to do. My Husband is the same way. 

3. Prepare for Tomorrow- I try to do as much as possible the night before; get my lunch ready, write a blog post, lay out our clothes for the next morning. I iron in the morning but I at least know what the kids will wear and what I will wear. I make sure my Hubby has the clothes he needs... shirts, socks, pants, etc. He selects his outfits in the morning. One less person to plan for. 

4. Meal Plan- For a while now we have been planning our meals out on Sunday night when we do groceries. Some Sunday's we can prepare for Monday but it's hard. We don't like to eat the same meal more than a couple of days, so meal planning is thought of at the beginning of the week but we prep and cook almost every night. Or every couple of nights at least. 

5. Tidy- I usually clean on Sunday mornings, but everyday I like to pick up toys and put shoes away. It helps keep things in order and trust me some days are easier than others. Most days, I don't really care. The mess is a mess but we are ok with that now. Having {2} small kids calls for constant toys and stuff all over the house. {I have learned to live past the judgment, especially from child-less people.}

6. Relax- People are always asking me; when do you sleep or if I sleep at all?  I do. And, I also have a ton of lazy relax time. I really do! Trust me most days I am relaxing. Plus I have said this several times, I am a home-body. My son is just like me. Give us a good reason to lay on the couch all day, or no reason at all, and we are there. Rest is essential in getting things done. 

7. Write- Even if I don't post it, I write almost daily. If I don't, I will forget it. It's part of getting old. Haha. If I don't write I record voice notes on my phone. Or a short video to help me remember what I want to write about. Writing is what my therapist recommended. She really did. It has helped with so many sleepless, restless nights of constant thought. Just write it down, get it off your spinning wheels. 

8. Take pictures- If you follow me on Instagram or FB then you know, we love pictures in our house. I take them daily and post throughout the week. It makes for easy sharing and I don't overload the social media stratosphere all at once. So, rarely do I post things the moment or day of. 

9. Wake up Early- Yes, I start my day around 5:45-6 a.m. depending on what my goals are for the morning and day. It's hard but I pull myself out of bed and get going early in the morning. I get myself and Camila ready everyday for work and school. My Husband gets Santi and himself ready. 

10. Go to bed last- To make sure that I have some quiet time and get it all done. I do go to bed last around midnight or 1 a.m. But, no I am not always tired. I do the following {2 points} to maintain my 34 year old self healthy and strong. Plus it's true the older you get the less sleep you need. I used to hate getting up so early and on the weekend I do like to sleep in. 

11. Exercise- I exercise, if not daily at least every other day. 30 minute walks, 1 hour walk/run or 1 hour Zumba. Or, just about any workout I can get in. Even if it's 15 minutes, I do it. It's  must. It's also my alone/relax time. And, the older you get the harder it also is to lose weight. I don't necessarily exercise to lose weight but I do like to maintain myself. It's a daily battle. 

12. Take my Vitamins- I take a ton of vitamins- Vitamin B, Iron and Omega 3 with Fish Oil are the most important. 

13. Talk to friends- I have a few friends I talk to daily. Just to say Hi, or to vent or to bounce ideas off of. It helps ease the stress and tension. I like to share with them because I always get positive and honest feedback. Most of them are Momma's as well, as most of them have full-time 8-5 jobs, so they are very relate-able. But, I do have friends who are single or don't have children. 

14. Read positive notes/Bible- Right now I am doing a 30 days of affirmation challenge on Instagram. So, I try to not only read positive happy notes but also write them for other women and Momma's like myself. It helps. I try to make time and actually sit and read my Bible. I need to do it more often. But, I have several with great devotionals that come to my email and I read those daily. My faith has pulled me through the toughest of spots. It's only fair I dedicate some time to praise and pray for all the good in my life.  

15. Listen to music- I listen to all kinds of music throughout the day. Keeps me motivated and in a good mood. Helps fill the quiet space and even gets my creativity going. I love music. 

I know. It seems like a lot and I do have 2 {dos} kids. We do have dinner around the dinner table every night. I cook almost every night. We also have a semi-strict bed time routine that we follow. My Husband and I usually talk about important things right after work, we vent, let it all out and then enjoy our family time.

So, you see. If Queen Bey can do it, SO CAN YOU!!

Thursday, August 13, 2015

:: My Weight Loss Journey- Q&A:: #InspiredSeries

I love meeting new people and listening to their stories, or following it on social media. That has been the case with today's Guest Blogger her name is Susana and she is from Houston. I started following her through a family member on Instagram, soon we became friends on Facebook and her goals and story just motivate me more and more everyday! 

I did a short Q & A with her so that you too can learn from her weight loss journey and follow her! 



Tell me; what is it that you were after when it came to your weight loss/what were your original goals?

I wanted to be HEALTHY and not have any medical issues... My original goal was to lose 100 lbs and to be able to do a 5k run.... 

What motivated you to start on this journey? 

Honestly MY EX BREAKING UP WITH ME....  I felt like I was not gonna be good for no one at me weight witch was close to 400 lbs...  

What was your plan of action?    Eat healthy and workout..... 



How did you first get started and what was the most difficult part? 

Getting up and taking my self to the gym when I first started! I could only last up to 30 minutes at the gym before I wanted to call it quits.

Did anyone help push you or inspired you to get here? 

Yes..... My family and friends but my BIGGEST INSPIRATION was my personal trainer Josh Norris.... 

What has your progress been? I have lost over 150 lbs!

How are you keeping motivated to continue down this path? 

don't want to gain any of this weight back.... I am my biggest MOTIVATION!! 

What advice do you have for others in your place? 

It's not an easy road, don't give up, &  keep pushing YOURSELF! Always remember why you started. 



We all struggle daily with so many self issues; what has been your favorite quote, book, movie, item, or website that has helped you keep strong and move forward? 

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.~Buddha


Did you run the 5k? If so, when and which one? 

Yes, I ran and walked it took me over 2 hrs to do my first one but I got it done and I did the color me Run. 

What is your favorite workout? 

LEG DAY........ you can't go wrong with working out that booty... I am really getting into cycling and swimming at the moment. 

What is your least favorite? 

I will have to say upper body chest and arms ohhh no I cant stand it at all... I would say I don't like CARDIO... haha!  

How do you feel about your progress? 

I feel great I have a lot more to go but I love how I feel and how I look..... I love my CALVES.....




::Contact Susana::

Facebook: Susana Martinez 
IG: susemtz82
Snapchat: Susemtz82


Friday, August 7, 2015

::Women Empowering Change Conference::

IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE IN 2016 PLEASE PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS THROUGH MY AFFILIATE LINK : HERE: 



As a constant observer of life; if you know me you know that when invited to events or conferences, I usually do not  walk away empty handed. I will always try to take something from it, whether it’s a new business contact or a full heart. Either way I love events, mini-retreats and conferences where I can share my story, be myself and grow. This past weekend that very thing happened. Shunte Gamble-Davis of Women Empowering Change Conference is slowly building an environment of true Sisterhood. A place where we can come together as Women, as Momma’s and as goal driven individuals to share, grow and embrace one another. Last year’s conference was my first and it did not disappoint. Walking away feeling purpose-filled and happy, I knew this year’s conference could not be missed.

Then this year happened. Let me tell you as Shunte would say…..HEY YA’LL! This year, I walked away with direction and action steps. I walked away with an even bigger support group and cheerleaders of daily life struggles. I walked away with a deeper and a more true sense of self. The ladies in the group are not only ambitious and inspiring but also down to earth and open to help others in any way possible. They are creative writers, authors and poets. Women of faith and of all walk of life. Of all ages and sizes. Nothing matters in this space other than coming together as one.



Affirmations and prayers were given. A sense of belonging was created and I always love the random moments where everyone can break out in song or dance. It’s always a fun and happy environment. No room for judgment or negativity. Always love and true support.





I believe the time has come for us to realize our difference and learn more about one another, this conference I feel is the shift toward the beginning of something great. Best of all, it’s local! Houston needs more events like this. Where local women who are creating, doing and becoming can come together encourage one another and be productive and active in our very own community.  





The event came at the perfect time of the year for me, as I began a new journey. A new position, with a new company. So, this was a refreshing way to begin that journey. The hostesses were so gracious and fun. The speakers all with their own story of despair and victory were are all so sincere and kindhearted. I think this is all something that comes with the size of the conference and the surroundings being created by the participants and founder of the conference.



Women Empowering Change Conference provided not only a safe space to share and open up about who we are. It is also a networking event for women who really want to make local lasting connections and even friendships. Most of the ladies I met last year, I have now worked with through the year and still keep in touch. The workshops and team building activities encourage us to actively participate and meet the women around us. These women, like most, wake up every day and make a positive impact not just for themselves and their families but for our community as a whole. Women Empowering Change is a conference that I truly wish will grow and gain community recognition, it is well deserved.  



I walk away with hope, feeling victorious and knowing that I have women on my side who will help me no matter what! 

***************

If you want to meet Shunte, then attend her next event and find out more about her and her story... 







Thursday, August 6, 2015

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

::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 have always been in love with clothing, anything pink and feeling pretty. For a long time after I became a Momma, I gave up on these things. Today, it emerges again. In my beautiful little doll. My Camila. She loves anything pink, covered in glitter. She also loves dance and taking pictures. 

We received the dress in the pictures below and Camila instantly fell in love! The beautiful glittery detail and flowing skirt made her feel like a true Princess. Playing dress up and being girly is always allowed in our house. And, with the great fashion at Rose and Rhodes clothing; I can always count on a very stylish and affordable outfit for my CamBam!  

See for yourself the fun we had with our photo-shoot.

If you order from Rose and Rhodes Clothing enter the following code for a 15% discount- MommaofDos










Rose & Rhodes Clothing is owned by Yvette Perez and Beatriz (Bea) Garza.  They are two cousins that grew up together in the Valley (South Texas). Bea and Yvette decided to open Rose and Rhodes Clothing because they fell in love with children's clothing. Yvette, had her daughter in 2009 and her son in 2012. Bea had her daughter in 2012 and it seemed natural to join forces and get the boutique up and running. Rose and Rhodes Clothing cater to moms with small children looking for a good deal. As Mothers they know that sometimes boutique clothing can be very expensive-their motto is, "Adorable Clothing at an Affordable Price". They are motivated by their children on a daily basis to do better and to work harder. 

CONTACT YVETTE & BEA HERE:
EMAIL: RoseandRhodesClothing@gmail.com



 

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

::Wordless Wednesday:: #MommaChallenge

My wordless Wednesday's are rarely wordless. I just have to have words! HA.HA. 

Last year I started a self-challenge, and then I had people following and asking me about it. I turned into not only a self-challenge but also a way of being accountable. I started a 30 days of Affirmations challenges after a talk with a life coach and a wonderful series of conferences in 2014.  You can see those posts ::HERE::

The challenge made a HUGE difference in all areas of my life. As a Wife, as a Momma, and as a Momma with a career. 

Last week I began a new journey so, I started that challenge again. As a way to remain focused and joyful! Then, this weekend, I went to a local conference. I will write about it more soon. During this conference we spoke abundantly about affirmations and it made me feel like I was on the right path once again. Today I share the challenge with you again. 

It's very simple {or so we think} for 30 days you write a love note to yourself, a happy, positive thought that will help you get through your day, through the next 2 hours or through the year.You post these notes in a place where you can read them everyday. If you post them on Instagram or Twitter make sure to tag us and hashtags us: @MommaofDos- Instagram & @MommaofdosTX- Twitter,  #MommaChallenge #MommaofDos #PressForwardGuerrera 

Last year I used sticky notes, this year I used a notebook cause it's easy to carry around.  

Hope you join us!!