::chloe + isabel:: review

::Momma Disclosure:: I have been provided a product in exchange for this review. All opinions and statements are my own, true and honest opinions. 

A couple of months ago (I know, so behind these days) I was contacted by a local Momma friend about creating a post for her new jewelry en-devours. Of course I agreed, who doesn't love jewelry! I'm not huge on being "blinged" out all the time, I'm not Bey or JLo, haha. But, every once in a while a Momma likes to be fancy. Evelin met me and gifted me this gorgeous necklace. I loved it. It was flashy and I didn't think it was my style. But, once I was able to put it on with my everyday clothes, I fell in love with it. I even played with some different looks, I'm rarely one to dress up or wear makeup but this was fun! 

Information and how to obtain the necklace:

Style:  Art Deco Convertible Statement Necklace 

Website: https://www.chloeandisabel.com/boutique/evelinmartinez

IG: https://www.instagram.com/p/BQEL1yFg7oy/?taken-by=chloeandisabel.evelin

FB: https://www.facebook.com/ChloeandIsabelbyevelin/?__mref=message_bubble

Don't forget you can shop now for Mother's Day and/or any other occasion; birthday's, anniversary gifts, just-because gifts! 

And, about my Bidi-Bidi-Bom-Bom jewelry dish pictured below:

Handcrafted by Maura Hernandez

Website: http://maurahernandez.com/

The piece can be very versatile and you can dress it up any way you'd like, but I feel you can also wear it in a very casual way! As a busy Momma, I look for fun, easy looks I can run out of the house with whether I am going to work, school events, or just to run errands. See my looks below and let me know which is your favorite? 

One thing I am huge on are unique pieces and fashion jewelry. It's so much fun and much more affordable than most items you find in department stores.  I love the idea of "side hustles" and love to support Momma's who are trying to make it all work! Evelin is definitely a Momma who hustles, so I loved doing this mini-review for her. Chloe and Isabel is also a great company for stay-at-home Momma's extra income options, https://www.chloeandisabel.com/. 

And, their tagline speaks volumes... BE CREATIVE. BE CONFIDENT. BE YOU.  I live by this so much! Being Creative is my constant goal, and I feel that the closer you are to your truest self the more confident you become! This to me has all come with age, experience and lots of self-seeking as well as always evaluating my failures.  As I mentioned in my IG post today, failure isn't always a bad word and a lot of my success has come from trial and error...it's life! 

HAPPY MONDAY...AND HAPPY SHOPPING!!! 

::This is 35:: House of Alice Rose~Stylist Review & Tender Nest Portraits Photo Shoot

::Momma Disclosure:: { This is a compensated post. All statements are my own and my true and honest opinion. All photographs were taken as part of a brand ambassadorship with Tender Nest Portraits, Momma's outfit styled by House of Alice Rose}

Turning 35 seems like no biggie. Only really it is. 35 is one of those mid to something numbers. Midway to 40, is what 35 is. I am okay with that. When I look back at the last 35 years and more specifically the last 17 years, I have learned, grown and endured so much. Life has not always been pretty, or fair, or good. But, I have pushed through the struggles and today I have a life filled with a great Husband who is constantly supporting all my crazy thoughts, and ideas, one who hates taking family pictures but loves us so much. I have dos amazing little children, who have changed my body, my drive and my heart in so many wonderful ways. 

In the last 8 years, I have slowly walked the blogging journey and started meeting some of the most amazing women. Women with whom I have long distance, over the internet relationships and some of whom live in Houston and I have the great honor of meeting in person. For my 35th, I decided to accept an invitation to do some shopping with a personal stylist. I know and follow the wonderful ladies of House of Alice Rose, but had never met them in person. A couple of weeks ago that all changed. I met Isabel one of the creators and stylists of HoAR, she is without a doubt a strong Houston Latina Momma, stylist, blogger, creative, and sweet soul. 

I wasn't sure what would happen, first off I am NOT one to shop for myself. Secondly, I suck at shopping and making things go together and fit me and yeah. All that kind of pretty, girly stuff, I truly didn't inherit when it was handed out at birth. BUT, be still my heart, Isabel. She has become my fashion hero. She not only put a perfect outfit together for me in a matter of minutes but she herself walks the walk. The day we met she wore the cutest printed shorts with a striped shirt and wedges, y'all she looked amazing. She made me feel comfortable and definitely helped me step out of my comfort zone. Though I am highly outspoken and outgoing there is still something very conservative about me and how I dress, I have always been that way. 

Isabel and I spoke about marriage, our children, our careers, and how we joined the blogging world. The connection was instant. I love people, I love women who are constantly seeking to better themselves, who push and create lives that are exemplary and true. She is a U.S. Coast Guard and crossfitter so not only is she a strong, determined and fit Momma, she is also one of those badasses I truly admire, for their courage and bravery. Isabel reminded me of how being feminine and looking pretty comes from deep within especially as we age. She made me feel my age and I loved it. 

Thank you again for the amazing 35th birthday present Isabel, I will forever appreciate it. 

There is so much more to my life than the number 35, you might look at me and not know what my heart truly holds. But, another great person that I have met in the last year and thanks to my blog is Anel of Tender Nest Portraits, a fellow Momma, a professional photographer, and new Houston Latina Blogger member. She has managed to capture the inside of my heart in this world, my children's smiles and love, they are everything that my heart always holds true. They show me how beautiful life can turn out despite all the ugly, bad and disappointment. They have managed to erase the bad memories, the heartache and the pain that once ate at my heart.  

Please don't confuse our happy smiles for perfection. Our lives are not perfect and may never be but we make it all work-out.  

#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.

Flu Season Control #Staples #StaplesFluKit

{Momma Disclosure~2014: I did not receive compensation for this post but I did receive Staples products in exchange for this review from Staples. The statements below are both my true and honest opinions. Staples also provided stats from their 4th annual Flu Season Survey.}

It's "Winter". Which for most Houstonians means, crazy weather. One day cold, one day hot sometimes both all within hours. Today it's cold! A nice 29 degrees, I know most states are laughing at us but it's Houston we are not that use to it. Who knows what tomorrow may hold {only because I don't keep track of the weather.} What I do know is that for about 2 months now I have been sick, a lot and so have many around me including my family.

Started with a sore throat, by Thanksgiving a full on upper respiratory infection. And, ever since then it's been constant congestion, snotty nose, and an achy cough. Yep. Flu season is in full effect. Not sure what kind of germs are flying around but working in small areas and living with two toddlers you can never be too prepared.

Thankfully Staples has all you need this flu season to help not only prevent the spread of icky germs but keep those germs from spreading once you have been attacked by every symptom possible. I always say that the most difficult place to start is at home but it's where most germs travel to and from.

But, thanks to Staples we now have clean hands, clean surfaces and Kleenex to catch the germs!



Our Office Illness Prevention Kit included:

• Clorox Clean Up Wipes
• Lysol Antibacterial Cleaner
• Purell Hand Sanitizer
• Soft Soap Hand Soap
• Kleenex Tissue Box 

As a Momma who works outside the home missing work and constantly going to doctor's visits are not an option. Therefore, Staples' message is prevention! Which, I completely agree with! Preventive medicine is the best, saves you time and money. If you want to create this spiffy kit, it's great to carry to the office or maybe donate it to your child's classroom! My little ones and I have been taking some preventive measures to ensure clean healthy habits!

#BeechNutGoya {Momma Review}

{Momma Disclosure: This is a compensated post and I also received Beech-Nut Goya products in exchange for this review from Mamiverse. The 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. 

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! 

#WhiteCloudDiapers {Momma Review}

{Momma Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of White Cloud Diapers. We received a Pack of Wal-Mart White Cloud Diapers, in exchange for this review. We also attended an in-home event which provided us with more free product. The statements below are both my true and honest opinions.}

{Logo provided by: Wal-Mart White Cloud Diapers}

These days some of our biggest challenges have become some of our best experiences. A couple of things that we have learned about products since becoming a one income household is that we seek items that are both affordable and of good quality. Who doesn't enjoy a good bargain that comes with an even better product?

Which is why when given the opportunity to try out the Wal-Mart exclusive brand #WhiteCloudDiapers and attend an in-home  event with fellow Houston Bloggers, I was excited! We received a bag of size 5 diapers to try about a week before the event. Even though my son who is 3 1/2 is in the process of being potty trained we use a combination of diapers and training pants. Our biggest problem with diapers is appropriate fit, my son is a big kid! When we received the diapers I immediately noticed the size, they seemed larger and more absorbent than  most other brands. Once we tried them on for size they were a perfect fit! And, after a week in them, I can honestly say that I was very satisfied not only with the leakage protection but with the overall quality of the diapers!

My son was comfortable in them and the savings that we will have from switching to this product will be well worth it. Both of us will be happy campers!

{Image provided by: Wal-Mart White Cloud Diapers}

I then attended the home event at our awesome Hostess's home; {Formula Mom} who was not just very welcoming and sweet but also very generous! Meeting the new Momma's and discussing our experiences with the product was a lot of fun and very informative. Wal-Mart is a regular store for us these days as we learn about new ways to make ends meet while providing our little Team Gomez with all of the necessities. I definitely learned a lot about #WhiteCloudDiapers and made some new Momma friends along the way!

Please be sure to check out Wal-Mart's website and in store ads to receive more information about weekly specials and in store deals!

{Diapering can be one of the biggest expenses in a family’s weekly budget and a great performing diaper is a must-have for parents. In order to make this affordable, Wal-Mart has reintroduced their premium line of White Cloud diapers to address the needs of today’s busy parents.

White Cloud Diapers provide your baby the highest quality diaper with superior leakage protection, exceptional softness and great fit. White Cloud Diapers are available exclusively at Walmart, where you can find low prices everyday on all your family’s needs. Check them out today!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of #WhiteCloudDiapers.}

Time to Play! #toys

A few weeks ago, I was contacted and invited to attend a Bloggers lunch for a toy review. I immediately agreed. How fun would it be! 

Being a new Momma I am not much of an up-to-date toy expert. My kids have received a lot of toys in the last 3 years as gifts and we have shopped for very few, when we have, we thought we were doing very careful child age appropriate research, oh boy was I wrong! 

{The picture below has a smudge in the middle of it..because my lens was dirty and I didn't realize it!}




Our lunch took place on a very sunny Friday afternoon, we met at a little Italian restaurant here in Houston and that meeting has changed my perspective on "toys". I met a new parent Blogger who also changed the way I look at toys when it comes to children's development and motor skills. I also got to personally meet a Facebook friend and Blogger who I am in awe of...she has a Full-time outside the home job, 2 children, a Hubby and an amazing Blog! She talked about how she organized game night with friends and I don't know how she does it all....

We met with Jim from Time to Play, to hear him speak about his work and the amount of dedication that he has for the industry was so inspiring. He explained their website and it's resources such as their price comparison tool, which is so convenient! As a Dad he talk to us about his favorite reviews and shared picture of his beautiful daughters! I am always so inspired by parents who have turned their passions into their everyday career! 

It was a great experience for me and I enjoyed not only the great food but the very knowledgeable company! I thought that Jim was very informative and I loved hearing him speak about toys on a whole new level! As a fairly new Momma his passion for toys and their function as well as safety really opened my eyes as to what I have sitting in my home and to what I will consider buying or spending money on in the future! 

Needless to say, I am very Thankful for the opportunity and am happy to have been able to attend! 

We had a fun afternoon and I can't wait to do it again! 

Oh and did I mention. We got a Time to Play tote FULL of great...TOYS! I have decided that I will personally gift some of these toys to our friends and family! My children have too many toys but we might keep one or 2 for a review later. 





{Momma Disclosure: The above statements are both my true and honest opinion.It is not a compensated post. However, I did receive complimentary merchandise from TIME TO PLAY as a Thank You for attending the luncheon/meeting. And, I was not required to post about my experience.}

{Developing Language & an Imagination} #hasbro #latism12 #LATISM

Last week the kids and I patiently waited a couple of days while we received our very first package with contents to be reviewed..literally. Ha.

The package arrived before Thanksgiving but with all the hustle and bustle I was unable to open it. But, as we ate breakfast and played with the kids Sunday morning, I decided that we would open the box and see the kids reaction.

So, we opened the box.

This is what came from it:

We received the Baby Alive Baby All Gone doll and the Poppin'Park Learn n'Pop Lion from Hasbro.

Source: Provided by Marketing Representative

{BABY ALIVE BABY ALL GONE Doll

(HASBRO/Ages 3 & up/Approx. Retail Price $24.99/Available: Fall 12)

It’s snack time for your BABY ALIVE BABY ALL GONE doll and she’s hungry for strawberry yogurt! Put the yogurt in the spoon and “feed” it to your adorable little baby to watch her “eat” it all up. If baby is still hungry after her snack, she’ll call for her mommy to feed her more with sayings like “Strawberries are yummy!” and “Where did it go?” When it is time for a drink, the BABY ALIVE BABY ALL GONE doll can be fed from her bottle, and her milk will magically      disappear. Since there’s no mess to clean up, you can cuddle and play with your little one right away! Requires 2 “AAA” batteries, included.  Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.}

 

Source: Provided by Marketing Representative

{LEARN ‘n pop lion

(PLAYSKOOL/Ages 9 months & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/Available: Fall ‘12)

This adorable lion is a playful grow-with-me toy that helps little ones develop fine motor skills and learn to count to ten in four different languages – English, Spanish, French and Mandarin Chinese. Babies can drop balls into the lion’s belly from the side and push down on the tail to activate music and lights as the colorful balls bounce out of the lion’s belly to encourage chasing. As babies grow, they can feed the balls into the lion’s mouth and hear him count up to ten in four different languages.  Toddler is rewarded with lights and sounds as she counts along! Includes three POPPIN’ PARK balls and an easy-carry handle for on the go fun! Requires two AA batteries, included. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.}

Both Baby All Gone and Learn N'Pop Lion are Bilingual and the kids had so much fun listening to {& learning} everything they said in BOTH Spanish and English. My son was so thrilled for the rest of the afternoon he went around saying... "ENGLISH:ESPAÑOL! HOLA!" when he would switch between the two languages. The Lion counts in Spanish, English and French! Santi is learning his numbers so this is helping to reinforce what he has already learned! Plus he is also learning the numbers in Spanish so again the Lion is a big help in that area!

It's pretty interesting to watch him speak both languages. He has been a late bloomer as far as language goes; plus having to learn two languages has made this milestone a little difficult to reach. His vocabulary is very ample now and with toys that allow for bilingual learning like the ones provided to us from Hasbro, I think he will love learning in both ENGLISH and ESPAÑOL! Ha.

Cami on the other had was quickly transformed. There is something about little girls and baby dolls that just instantly turns them into the most caring little Momma's. Cami spent the rest of the afternoon reading, feeding and changing "her baby". She loves her Baby All Gone doll! And, she too spent the afternoon saying..."pa-tanos", "rico-sh"! Ha. It's been fun! 

Both toys are very much age appropriate and effective learning tools. I think. I would definitely place these items on my children's Christmas wish list. They would also make great gifts for toddlers who are learning to speak and more importantly who are learning both Spanish and English. If you have toddlers who are learning both languages I highly recommend  these toys they are very effective and child safe. I loved them and the kids loved them too.    

Before I had children I never even thought about this type of toy but now that I do, I am in love. Do you know of any good toys that will help your children both learn a second language and develop a good sense of imagination? If so share! I would love to know!

Momma Disclosure: This is not a compensated post. However complimentary Hasbro products were provided through a representative for the purpose of producing this review. The above statements are both my true and honest opinion.

The Adjustment Bureau {Movie Review} Double Post Monday

{I don't think I have done this lately, or really more than a couple of times....BTW, I don't get ANY type of compensation for doing this...It's just for fun!}

SO!

Matt Damon.

NUFF'SAID!

Ha. But no, really!

And with his wife...

I mean...seriously...AH-MAY-ZING!

Ok, done now. 

What movie?

Oh yes, yes. {Ha. Ha.}

This movie was more than amazing. And, not just cause of the above mentioned.

This movie. This movie.

Wow.

Purpose, Fate, Free will.

God, Angels..and did I mention Matt Damon?

My Husband and I sat down after a LONG week...a LONG week...A crazy couple of days and exhausted as an understatement and said....we may just fall asleep. Less than half way through the movie we were hooked and by the end of the movie. We wanted more!

I am not even kidding. Ricardo wanted to know what others thought. If I thought the Catholic church would approve.

This movie just affirmed our FAITH in Christ and HIS PLAN and PURPOSE for us to the HUNDREDTH power!

Without spoiling the movie...

We thought it was a Government/Mystery/Thriller... but OH.BOY. Were we wrong. It's a GOD/Divine Purpose/Faith-seeking/THRILLER! {It does have some politics involved but it just affirms the movie as a whole!}

The movie discusses Angels and God's plan for our lives...and the role that fate and free will plays in it all.

I loved it.

My Husband loved it.

We needed it.

It just reminded us that we ARE here because of HIM. That the choices we make will affect the outcome of our lives BUT that when we make GOOD choices those that God tugs at our hearts with constantly, then we can change the course of our plan but ultimately HIS plan is working and moving right along!

It's a romantic LOVE story.

Definitely not for children, as it has strong language and some sexual content...

But, for mature, Faith-seeking adults..I think a TOTAL MUST!!!!

I totally. {We totally} Give it an:

A++ For just being truly amazing!