Taco Lovers Unite! #TacoGear

::Momma Disclosure:: This is a compensated post. All opinions expressed are true and my own. 

When I was first asked to review shirts about tacos, I knew I couldn't say no. Then I saw the Jesus Loves Tacos shirt on the Taco Gear website, and I was absolutely sure I couldn't say no. Plus there is one thing I love more than tacos and that is working with young Texas entrepreneurs. Supporting them and their pursuit of what they love.  Oh, and did I mention tacos? 

Side story, my dad's name is Jesus and yes, he really does love tacos. But, that's not why I wanted this shirt, or maybe, just a bit. He will probably think this shirt is about him. 

Gerald reached out to me and all I could think was I must go eat Tacos and I must bring Ariana of 3twentysix along. And, so we did. We both selected our favorite shirt from the Taco Gear website and then waited anxiously for them to arrive.  

::A little about Gerald and his story::

Photo Credit: Dustin Ashcraft

 Gerald, what is the name of your company and the creative behind it all?- 

"Taco Gear is the name of my company. We create taco apparel for taco lovers!

I've been a graphic designer for the last 10 years and a taco lover for life, working with businesses agencies and startups, creating and developing brands, advertisements and more.

My experience over the last 10 years has given me the ability to launch my own clothing/apparel line. This is something I have wanted to do for a very long time, and I am thrilled to have finally had the opportunity."

What was the driving force behind your brand?-

"I always knew I wanted to start my own business (apparel mostly), but never really knew what kind or what style. I've always collected and worn all types of t-shirts and appreciated the unique designs they had. I knew the market was flooded with so many companies selling their own graphic tees, so that was never really in my mind as something I would want to jump into. 

When I say I am a taco lover, I really mean it. Like many I know, I can and do eat tacos almost every day for breakfast lunch and dinner, and I usually do. 

One day, I was looking for a taco t-shirt. I wanted something simple that was designed well. I remember thinking, 

"I'm sure there's something cool out there that someone has created." 

It's so easy in today's market to launch a shirt design or online e-commerce business. I was very surprised to find that there were not very many options out there. The few options I found were mostly overdone jokes or badly designed. 

Then it hit me like a ton of bricks! I should design my own! My experience as a designer and lifelong taco lover have given me every single tool I need to launch my own taco apparel company.

I knew when I started, that I wanted to focus on taco related apparel only. The thought of Mexican / Spanish culture designs did cross my mind, but I knew there were already companies out there designing some amazing apparel in this area. So the decision to focus on tacos only, became even easier, and it's been so much fun!"

Want  to snag your own sweet JESUS LOVES TACOS t-shirt? 

Here is how....

Use code: houstontaco at checkout to get 10% off your first order!
Expires 9/21/2016 (end of summer)or Enter below to win one!!! 

Finally, what inspires you most and allows you to be creative?-

"Creativity can come from anywhere and at anytime, at least for me. I can be inspired to create a new design or slogan from anything really. It's because of this that I always write everything down. To quote Field Notes,

 "I'm not writing it down to remember it later, I'm writing it down to remember it now."

 As far as where I do most of my designing and creating, it's usually at a large desk in our living room either watching tv (listening really), or listening to music."

Do you want to follow, shop or just say hello?

Website: http://www.tacogear.com

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tacocreative/

Tumblr: http://www.tacocreative.tumblr.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldrflores

Anyone is free to contact me via my social media networks or email me at gerald@tacocreative.com

Youtube: 

Also, could not forget, big thanks to my wild child and our blogger assistant for this collab, Cam. 
She loves tacos too. 

ENTER TO WIN:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

::5 Tips for a Stay-at-Home Mama:: Guest Blogger

Today on the blog we have Bailey of Everyday with Bay! Enjoy.
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I am a stay-at-home mama, it's my dream job! I sit on the couch all day while my sweet little innocent children play independently in their own rooms! They make their own breakfast, wipe their own hineys, kiss their own boo-boos. You get it, it's the perfect job! It's glamorous, it's easy and I'm a big fat liar!

Being a mama is hard and all of us mamas know that working outside the home or staying home, it's all hard! I wish I had tips for you working outside the home mamas but I've never experienced that so I'm gonna shed some of my stay-at-home mama light on you! I've been a SAHM for over 4 years now, that means for 4 years now my main source of conversation has been baby talk or toddler babble and I pretty much haven't been to the bathroom alone in 4 years either! So I thought about some of the ways I make my days go smoother, tips that have helped me keep sane, and things that just make me feel normal in my days of being a stay at home mama with demanding little people!

1. ALWAYS have your coffee on a self-timer so that's it's ready before your kids are up!

This may sound silly but there is nothing worse than waking up to a baby covered in poop, a screaming child because we're out of cereal, and one who tried to independently pour her own milk because she's 4 now which means she can do anything which resulted in milk all over the floor that your dog is now licking up and flicking on your cabinets. Now imagine all of this going down with a hot cup of coffee already in hand or imagine it without....yah I can handle a lot more with coffee in my life!! So coffee self-timer for the win y'all! Seriously if your's doesn't do this, change that and get one! I have this one!

2. Don't stay in your pajamas all day/everyday

Okay, okay stop freaking out! I said all day/everyday! Don't get me wrong I loveeeeee, like double love my pajamas but man there is something about putting on real yoga pants (these are my fav) & a tank that just makes me feel a lbittle more put together and like I'm actually doing something with my life! I sometimes put shoes on inside the house just to feel like I'm real or that I'm going somewhere when in reality I hardly ever leave the house with all 3 alone! #hotmessexpress

 

3. Go get some fresh air!

Take your kids outside to play or for a walk, it's magical! You will be surprised how much better you feel & how much their little imaginations start opening up when you just remove them from everything and explore outside! 

4. Find playdates/friends (for you & them) 

Everyone is always like it's so important for your kids to get social interaction with other kids...yea it is but my goodness I think moms need it more! Kids are entertained with a box, we as moms are not, so find some friends and have them over, join a MOPS group, do something with other adults/kids for the sake of you AND your children! I have friends that have kids and some that don't and I love them all dearly! Having ones with kids is nice because all of our crazies can play together while we talk about how
insanemuch we love them, while the ones without kids aren't totally fed up with their own kids so they entertain mine with new things that I don't do which is totally nice to get a little break in that way! 

5. Soak it in & breathe! 

Some days are just flat out disastrous. Everyone cries, everyone throws fits, everyone loses their temper, everyone yells...I'm talking about you mama! It's okay! That's one of the best parts about being a mama, is you have children who love you unconditionally. They don't care that you break down, that you haven't worn makeup in 14 days, that your hair hasn't been washed in a week or that you just need a moment to regroup! They think you are the perfect mama, and you are! So in those moments, breathe & love them harder! Remember these days because they will be gone before you know it! 

What tips do you have for making your day go smooth? I'd love to hear them!!

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More about Bailey:

Hey Y’all! I’m Bailey! I am a blessed wife, to my fabulous husband Matt and stay at home mom to three littles, Greleigh, Kaige & Huxx! I am a small town Texas girl heading to the big city. I grew up in a town of 365 people so really anything is “big city” to me! We are chaos everywhere we go with 3 little 4 and under & I love it! I am a nurse, turned realtor, turned just stay-at-home and raise my babies kind of girl! This blog is to share our everyday life and things we love! Hope you stay awhile & lets be friends!

You can find her on her BLOG, FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM & PINTEREST. 

::Helping Loved Ones Cope with Tragedy:: #HealOrlando

::momma disclosure:: informational post, content provided by Edelman communications. 

We realize that all of the events happening in the U.S. are difficult to speak about and to share. In an effort to actively support those affected in Orlando, a new LGBTQ Alliance which launched a support website HealOrlando.org to offer help to the surrounding communities and resources for those affected by the tragedy at Pulse.

Please help spread the word. The Alliance and the website were announced a few weeks back and a full media statement is below with founding partners.

To ensure that the community has the support needed after the tragedy, also helping is  Dr. David Baker Hargrove, President/CEO of Two Spirit Health Services (a local non-profit in Orlando), who can provide guidance about the Pulse Tragedy, providing you with on-the-ground insights/tips for healthy ways both gay and straight Americans can mentally and emotionally process this horrible event, whether it’s now, two months from now, or two years from now. Dr. David provided mental health support to the FDNY and NYPD at World Trade Center Ground Zero following the September 11th terrorist attacks and brings 21 years of experience to this arena, providing you with expert insights during these tough times.  

Two Spirits has offered their services to the community, already helping hundreds of people who have been struggling in the immediate aftermath of the shooting - a number that we would anticipate actually increase as the shock wears off and other emotions, such as fear, anger and vulnerability begin to set in. More importantly, there is still a very serious on-the-ground need for counseling services who can be available to those who need them most, even if it’s traveling to a victims’ home or place of worship.

  

  

**MEDIA ADVISORY **

Orlando, Florida, June 18, 2016 - In the hours after the tragic Pulse nightclub attack of June 12^th, 2016, LGBTQ leaders in Orlando came together to form The LGBTQ Alliance.  The LGBTQ Alliance is unified in support of the LGBTQ community and Hispanic communities and the City of Orlando. The Alliance grieves with the parents, partners, siblings, children and friends who lost their loved ones.

In a spirit of unity and recovery, the LGBTQ Alliance created The HealOrlando Project to help survivors and victims’ families get the help they need.

By visiting HealOrlando.org, community members can seek necessary resources or offer their assistance.

The LGBTQ Alliance and the HealOrlando Project will be formally announced this evening at the Orlando City Soccer game starting at 7:30 pm EST, at the Orlando Citrus Bowl.

The LGBTQ Alliance comes together with support from the below:

Christ Church Unity Orlando

Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention

Come Out With Pride

Equality Florida

GLBT Community Center of Central Florida

Hispanic Federation

Hope & Help Center of Central Florida

Human Rights Campaign

Impulse Group Orlando

Libby’s Legacy

MBA Orlando

Miracle of Love

Orlando Gay Chorus

Out + Equal

Orlando Youth Alliance

Pulse of Orlando

PFLAG

The Venue

Two Spirit Health

Watermark

Zebra Coalition

                                                                                                               

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**ANUNCIO A LOS MEDIOS **

Orlando (Florida), 18 de junio de 2016 – Tras el ataque en la discoteca Pulse el pasado 12 de junio, los líderes de la comunidad LGBTQ se han unido para formar la Alianza LGBTQ, para ofrecer apoyo a las comunidades hispana yLGBTQ, y a la ciudad de Orlando. Esta coalición se une al duelo de padres, parejas, hermanos, hijos y amigos por la pérdida de sus seres queridos. En el espíritu de unidad y recuperación, la Alianza LGBTQ lanza hoy el ProyectoHealOrlando, con el fin de que sobrevivientes y familiares de las víctimas reciban la ayuda necesaria.

Al visitar HealOrlando.org, la comunidad tendrá acceso a diferentes recursos y también podrá ofrecer su ayuda. La Alianza LGBTQ y el Proyecto HealOrlando serán anunciados formalmente esta noche durante el partido de fútbol entre Orlando City y San Jose Earthquakes en el estadio Citrus Bowl a las 7:3O p.m (hora estándar del este).

La Alianza LGBTQ está conformada por las siguientes organizaciones:

Christ Church Unity Orlando

Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention

Come Out With Pride

Equality Florida

GLBT Community Center of Central Florida

Hispanic Federation

Hope & Help Center of Central Florida

Human Rights Campaign

Impulse Group Orlando

Libby’s Legacy

MBA Orlando

Miracle of Love

Orlando Gay Chorus

Out + Equal

Orlando Youth Alliance

Pulse of Orlando

PFLAG

The Venue

Two Spirit Health

Watermark

Zebra Coalition

::Top Wins and Challenges of being a Working Momma:: #WorkWardrobeSeries

::This post is written in collaboration with Val of  Val Around Town and her Work Wardrobe Series:: 

Summer is in full-effect for us in the Gomez home. Things just seem so laid back and we have been out of town quite a bit traveling and road-tripping as much as we can! More on that tomorrow. With that also comes a more laid back atmosphere at work. We have a much more casual and laid back wardrobe. We are currently allowed to wear jeans and t-shirts, all within good taste. I am so used to wearing more business casual clothes that I often forget about the casual wardrobe days at work but fully appreciate them on our busy Summer mornings. 

Today, I have partnered with Val a fellow Houston Latina Blogger to discuss our top 5 wins as working Momma's as well as our top 5 challenges. Every Momma is different and we should embrace the good and the bad that we learn along the way in this parenting journey. As well as support one another and encourage each other! 

 ::My top 5 wins have been::

1) Creating my own legacy- As a woman who has always seen her Momma work her butt off, all hours of the day and long hard days of the year. I wanted to create that same legacy for my children. My Momma's main goal was for my siblings and I to obtain degrees and have careers where we didn't have to scrub toilets like her. She would tell me in Spanish, "you need to do well in school, or you will end up like me." While she was never ashamed to be a house keeper, and nor have I ever been ashamed of her, she wanted us to work smarter not harder. I hope I am achieving that... 

2) Following my dreams- We all have different goals, when I first started my career I didn't know what direction it would take me in. Almost 18 years later the path of following your dreams, pursing your goals and working towards your passion, has truly paid off for me! I want all working Momma's to know that they to can do anything they set their mind to! 

3) Being Challenged- One of my biggest passions in life is being challenged, I know it sounds crazy, but I love the challenge of being a full-time outside the home employee, a full-time plus Momma, Wife, and Blogger. It's all part of me and I enjoy it! 

4) Making my own money- While my Husband has never been one to care where our income comes from or who is making the money. For me making my own money and having control of that aspect of my life makes me feel good. That's just me. I have had times when I have had to depend on my Husband as the sole-provider, and I didn't mind it, but having my own income, is great! 

5) Being that example for kids-  A job and a career can be in any industry and take on various forms, the most important part for me is the hustle. Being the example that my kids see working hard, every day, no matter what that means to gain income or a better life for them is very important to me. In the same way that I have seen my Momma work hard and hustle for 35 years, I want my kids to see that example in me and be driven to be better! 

In the same sense that I embrace all the good, I have had challenges in my last 6 years as a Working Momma. 

::My top 5 challenges have been::

1) Sacrificing Time-  This is something I try not to complain about, because I know what I signed up for when I decided to be a working Momma. But, that doesn't mean I don't struggle with it. And, I struggled with it more when the kids were little, there were always thought of "missing" something that they may do while I was at work. These days I have learned that my kids do "something" 24/7, and I can't miss it because they will repeat it and show  it to me a million times, so I don't forget it. 

2) Finding a Flexible job- Of course this is probably a struggle for many Momma's, we can't have it all, or can we? It's been a struggle to find a job that truly understands me and is fully flexible with my family schedule, happening and emergencies. But, thinking back every job has been accommodating in the best way possible. For that I am grateful! And, I have learned that no matter what I will find a way to be there with my kids, to help them when needed and to tend to the emergencies as they come! At the end of the day it's up to me to create my own flexibility and establish priorities. 

3) Not having down time- So you may have realized from my tag line that I don't sleep. Again, something I try not to complain about and knew exactly what the boat required when I jumped in it.  I don't have much down time these days; between home, writing, working out and work, down time is virtually non-existent. I do try to create as much down time as possible for myself. It's hard cause I love working and DOING. But, I try to rest when I can!  

4) Having to pay for childcare- Paying for daycare has over the years been hard. It's expensive but in my eyes has been worth it. My kids have had a safe, happy place to learn and meet kids their age. Exposing them to others and to an early educational start has been one of those items that although expensive has it's rewards, I don't regret it. Wish it was cheaper but no regrets! 

5) Making Choices- So, one of the challenges I have had as a working Momma has been that, making the choice to work or not. I tried being home, it worked for all the 7 months that I gave it a good honest go! Then I decided it wasn't for me. Of course then I struggled with leaving my kids, paying for daycare and being "that" working Momma. The choices that I have had to make have been life changing not just for me but for my entire family. It's one of the biggest things about this whole journey making the best and most appropriate choices for my family. 

What are some of your wins and current challenges as a  working Momma? 

San Antonio we meet again... #SummerRoadtrips

::Read about our San Antonio Visit in 2014 here:: & HERE

It's been a couple of years since we visited San Antonio with the kids. Since, we were rained out of our camping trip back at the end of May, we decided that weekend to head on over to San Antonio and relax in a fun and dry hotel room! On our last visit, in 2014, we missed out on the River Walk boat Tour because we arrived to late in the day, so that was one of our goals for this short visit. And, since the kids are older we thought the Alamo would be a good learning experience on Memorial Day. It was very much worth it. Santiago loved hearing about the history of the Alamo and how Mexico used to own Texas. I am horrible at History but seeing that Santi loves it, I will need to brush up on it. He retained some of the information and during the week after our visit as we traveled to the Rio Grande Valley he asked me questions about Mexico and who won what. That just shows how much his little 6 year old brain is absorbing. 

We also had a wonderful boat tour it was hot outside but very relaxing. I don't have many pictures from it because I SnapChapped most of it (@realmommaofdos). The San Antonio waterway history with Rio Tours was very informative, the guide was funny and entertaining! The kids took in all the site seeing that the ride has to offer and were pumped to explore the River Walk some more. We had a fun caricature drawn of them by a local artist and then had some ice cream and food before heading back home. I think like many other cities, it will take several trips before we have visited all the great sites in San Antonio, just recently someone recommended I visit the missions. I have never been. Maybe next Spring we can return to San Antonio... in the mean time, hasta pronto!  

Thank you San Antonio...as my Hubby would say.. It's been real! 

::La Virgen de Guadalupe ~ Empress of the Americas:: #ad #HMNS

::Momma Disclosure:: This is a compensated post. All opinions expressed are true and my own. 

I didn't know what to expect as we embarked on our Saturday morning adventure to the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Let me start off with, if you have never been to the museum, plan to visit several times as you will need them to fully take in everything it has to offer. With the purchase of the temporary exhibits, you obtain access to all the permanent exhibits and free special exhibits. But, taking on the task of visiting them all and being fully immersed in each one, is a longs day work. We spent at least 4 hours there and we feel like we have to go back at least 2 or 3 more times to fully appreciate all the learning and beauty of each exhibit. The amount of detail and information in each exhibit is wonderful. Especially for young families who's children are absorbing all the information for the first time. 

We arrived about mid-day on Saturday and then planned to make our way slowly to the main exhibit we were there to see, La Virgen de Guadalupe. Time went by so fast, we had to speed through some of the other exhibits and then made it to the section where La Virgen was exhibited. It goes without saying that since I grew up in a Mexican Catholic family, La Virgen de Gualdape or La Virgen Morena means so much to me.

::Sentimental Value of my Visit::

Years ago I was told I might not be able to have children, after several tumor diagnosis and surgeries. All tumors and cysts though benign still could have caused reproductive damage, due to medications I had taken and scar tissue formed after 3 surgeries prior to becoming pregnant. As a Catholic I turned to my faith a lot in my early 20's petitioning to the Virgen to watch over me in years to come and as I tried to grow our family.

Fast forward to 2009, I became pregnant with my son. I had so much to be thankful for and prayed to the Virgen that one day I would visit her at her altar in Mexico City as a form of expressing my gratitude. In 2011 I became pregnant again, another moment of complete gratitude all of which I attribute fully to my faith. I am yet to make the trip to Mexico city but seeing the beautiful replica at the HMNS this weekend has inspired me to attempt to make that trip in this lifetime. I have so much to be thankful for and a lot of which I have prayed for in past years.

::History & Representation of La Virgen in Mexico::

The setting for this astonishing appearance begins in the outskirts of Mexico City in December of 1531. The accounts tell of a humble, indigenous Campesino or peasant, who spoke Nahuatl his name, Juan Diego. He stated that  he was asked by a beautiful young woman surrounded by light, La Virgen de Guadalupe, to build a church in her honor at the top of the Tepeyac hill. In this place, there was once an Aztec temple built for the goodness Tonantzin.

Of course, when Juan Diego approached the Spanish archbishop, Juan de Zumarraga, he didn't believe him.  After several failed attempts to relay the message to the bishop, Juan Diego was asked to bring back Rosas de Castilla, as proof of a miracle that he, in fact, was seeing the Virgen on the Tepeyac hill. Uncertain that he would obtain these Juan Diego returned to the site of the apparition. The hill was barren and the roses were not native to Mexico. But, to his surprise when he returned to the site where he had seen the beautiful Virgen, there were flowers. He cut them and gathered them in his cloak and quickly returned to the bishop. When he arrived and opened his cloak to reveal the roses, the Bishop witnessed not one but two beautiful miracles. As the flowers fell to the floor the vivid imagine of La Virgen de Guadalupe imprinted on Juan Diego's cloak was revealed.

The church which began as a chapel was built soon after. It came with much speculation, controversy, and resistance. Once formed those who followed the Bishop were said to be part of a cult. In years to come, the church would grow and "accept" the miracle as truth that many now live for. The cloak has been examined by various museum historians and artifact researchers, most of the findings have been released. But, still to this day the beautiful mystery of how Juan Diego was chosen, why the miracle happened and what we as Catholics believe in, still lies in a glorious cloak that is displayed in Mexico city.

::The exhibit and it's presentation at the HMNS::

I didn't know what to expect as far as the exhibit was concerned. But, I loved the setup. It starts you off with the history of the miracle and appearances with much, much more detailed than I could express here.  It leads you into a chapel, where you are allowed to take pictures. The quiet, dimly lit room gives you so much peace and serenity. It's hard not to fall to your knees and pray or simply admire La Virgen and her beautiful face. Once you have marveled into the eyes of the light. You are lead into a room where the most colorfully beautiful art pieces made of cloth, clay, yarn, gold, paint, and lots of lentejuela or sequins are displayed. You cannot take pictures in this area, which is why you MUST visit the HMNS, between now and September when the exhibit will be taken down.

Visit the HMNS website and my previous post for more details.

   Picture Credit: My Sister in Law took this one in the HMNS store, I loved it!