::Blogalicious:: Conference Recap

{::Momma Disclosure:: This is not a compensated post. I was invited to Blogalicious by Texas Latino Bloggers. All opinions expressed are my own personal opinions.}

Friday morning, I boarded the Mega-Bus in Katy, Texas near Houston and headed out to San Antonio! My second trip by myself , since my children were born and maybe since I have been married. It's always exciting at first and soon after I start to miss the chaos I leave behind. I was so excited about the Mega-bus that I never took a picture. It was a good experience, I booked my trip for $15.00. The bus was clean and comfy, the trip took about 2 1/2 hours. {For more pictures find me on Instagram @mommaofdos !}

I arrived in San Antonio and was greeted by my friends Alba & Michelle at the bus stop. We walked a couple of blocks to the Westin on the Riverwalk where I hit the ground running! I started with lunch and went on to attend afternoon sessions and to meet all of the amazing sponsors.

Later that night I had the opportunity to attend a dinner sponsored by Tylenol and their #smilingitforward #ad campaign, please visit their website for details. The campaign will donate $1.00 for every smiling photo of our children that we upload on their site. The funds are donated to the Children's Health Fund. During the dinner we discussed our own concerns or questions about our families and children's health. It was so informative and a great way to learn more about what other Momma's think about different health issues in the Latino community. This was also a wonderful opportunity to meet and chat will all of the Latina bloggers at the event. We then broke away into a smaller group and set out on a mini-girls night out! It didn't last long we were exhausted but it was so much fun!

Saturday morning; I took the challenge of waking up early {at 6:30 a.m.} and joined some of the other amazing bloggers  from Blogalicious for a Photo-walk on the Riverwalk! It was very informative our Photography guru was Candace her pictures and perspective are very unique. She gave some great tips which allowed us to capture our early morning site-seeing. If you want to see some of the images captured follow us on Instagram {@mommaofdos} under the hashtag #begreatb6pics.

That afternoon I was able to attend sessions given by some of my personal favorites including a very inspirational lunch about embracing your failures and learning from them given by Kathy Cano-Murillo of Crafty Chica. {I wish I had a glitter font, she deserves to have a sparkly name!} She spoke about eliminating self-doubt and "throwing away the inner sergeant whistle". When I attend this kind of session I feel re-energized, inspired and motivated. It's a wonderful feel-good session filled with so many emotions. Kathy never disappoints, when she speaks she is sure to motivate you to do more! Who can say no to her positive energy and always smiling face!  

I also attended Pintrest/Facebook Engagement sessions both equally important for gaining traffic to my little ol'blog. In all, the sessions were great and I walked away rich in information.    

Personally I have learned something new at every conference that I attend and they have all helped build my blog in positive new ways!

What I gain at each conference:

::Connections:: Real life and in-person. It's just so different once you meet all of the amazing writers, photographers and inspiration speakers in person and can actually talk to them! 

::Perspective:: I usually come away with a new perspective in so many different areas of life and blogging. Everything just seems to shift into a positive and hopeful direction. 

::New Tips Acquired:: I am not a newbie blogger but I learn something new everyday! 

::A Mini-Girls Getaway:: The past few conference have just felt like fun little girlfriend getaways and it's so relaxing and a great way to relieve some daily stress for this Momma of Dos. 

::Inspiration/Motivation:: Every writer and person at the conference adds a little to my spirit and motivation. I am always so inspired when I listen to other's story, their struggles and how they have overcome all obstacles to be where they are. 

{TOMORROW :: HUGE PICTURE POST!}

Traveling with Toddlers #sanantonio #begreatb6

I don’t know about you but traveling with toddlers is a pain in my rear. 

Come on, being real here. 

It’s not my favorite thing to do but it’s also not something that can be avoided forever. Eventually you will want to take a vacation with your lovely little family. Up until about a year ago, I dreaded traveling with two kids, who are only 18 months apart. It was my worst nightmare. But, one day we did it. We traveled a 3 hour trip to visit my Dad in Lake Charles, Louisiana.  

And, guess what? 

We survived.  ::kinda::

We did everything possible to travel when it was most convenient for us, during a time when the kids would maybe fall asleep and cause minimal havoc on our trip. I made sure to pack plenty of snacks, coloring books, toys, and we took as many stops as needed. The kids are now a little older and traveling late at night is not always the best so now we dare to travel at any time of the day and have pretty much mastered that part. {totally different post coming up this week; our top 10 travel musts for busy toddlers.}

We always figure that the travel portion is half the battle, but no. Not with my kids, there is no half battle! They have a full on all the time battle. This past weekend we visited San Antonio. Don't get me wrong my kids are good kids, they love to explore and once we get going it's not too bad. We do have our moments. The tantrums are real, the stress builds and this Momma usually needs a Margarita..or dos. 

How do we manage? 

Today, I will share my top 3 ways to deal with fussy toddlers so that we can enjoy our travels and make the most out of every situation.

1) We select kid friendly activities as well as kid friendly places & restaurants to visit. While in San Antonio we walked the River Walk of course and my son took it upon himself to create a moment of "trail exploring". We handed him and Camila a map and they led the way until Santiago thought we should cross the River at a spot where there was no bridge or boat! We didn't have swim gear so yeah, not gonna happen.  It was pretty hilarious though.  We also opted for eating at Fuddruckers and Poblanos at the San Fernando Cathedral.  Both were the best kid/family friendly, inexpensive choices with open fun surroundings. 

2) We ignore then address tantrum related situations. At times the best thing to do is just ignore the situation and it will diffuse itself, this method only works if we then follow it up with a reassurance that we care about what is really wrong with them. We know our kids really well; sometimes they have just had enough and are ready to eat, change activities or have some down time. As parents we get carried away and want our kids to experience everything... not always possible for a tired and irritable 3 1/2 or 5 year old. Of course sometimes your kids are just being spoiled and want to rant and cry in which case I usually panic. Haha. No but really. In these cases my Husband then becomes the Ying to my Yang and helps me diffuse the situation. #teamgomez 

3) We relax, enjoy and take a lot of fun pictures. It's the best way to divert any bad situation, sometimes we just need to relax and not be so worried about those around us. I used to become overly paranoid about what everyone else would think about my kids running about freely and exploring in public. These days, not so much. I have learned to relax and simply enjoy our site-seeing or trips, it creates some pretty amazing memories. I am also all about taking a ton of pictures to help us have great visuals of where we have been. 

What are some of your tips for traveling with toddlers?

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Pre-Conference Jitters #beblogalicious #begreatb6

                                                     http://beblogalicious.com/conference/

I know. I am not a newbie. But, this is really the first year that I get invited to "so many" different conferences and that I am able to attend. Therefore, most the conferences I attend are new to me. Even Blog Elevated which I attended last year, but this year the venue was new, there were so many new people and opportunities! 

When I first got invited to Blogalicious, I thought, "Oh sure, no biggie. Just another conference." But then, I registered and was added into the Facebook group. And, OH.MY.WOW. Within a day I realized how huge this will be and how awesome it is that I am ending this year's conference run with Blogalicious! I can just feel that it will be another amazing experience to share and learn from. 

After I had my major "O.M.W!" moment my next thought was; what am I going to wear?!?! Haha. Such a girl.  Here are a few looks and outfits from the conferences I have attended so far this year...

Also, it's midnight on Thursday and I am not yet finished packing! I leave tomorrow morning...if you want to follow my little adventure and conference wardrobe follow me on:

::Facebook:: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Momma-of-Dos/167499493284586

::Pintrest:: http://pinterest.com/mommaofdos/

::Twitter:: https://twitter.com/MommaofDosTX

::Instagram:: http://instagram.com/mommaofdos

       

Why I want to meet J.J.Watt's Momma... #houstontexans #jjwatt

I am not a huge football fan ::insert gasps here:: as those who know me can tell you, it's not a big secret. My Hubby; DIE.HARD.TEXANS.FAN. That's neither here nor there though. I stand behind my city even if I don't know what a "3rd down" or a "fumble" are.  Ha. 

YES, come on...no denying J.J. Watt....Cutie, Hottie, whatever you want to call him, yes. Very handsome.  I know all the girls and even though they might deny it most men, would LOVE to meet J.J. Watt. Who wouldn't? Mr. Nice Guy, amazing football player, caring, humble, strong, intelligent, tall, good looking, single; etc. etc.  

But as a Momma, you know who I really want to meet? His Momma. Ms. Yes, CONNIE Watt. We have a lot in common, even our names!  I would love to just hug her and know more about her and how she managed to raise such an amazing young man. Why? Simple. Because I have son. 

Her son is obviously an exceptionally talented person. I too want to raise a strong, motivated and inspiring young man who will follow his dreams, reach all his goals and strive to be the very best in whatever it is he chooses to be! 

Photo: Google Search 

                                                        Photo: Google Search 

Granted I know that a lot of these types of people are just naturally gifted but I also know that as parents, as Momma's we have a huge influence in our children and their development. 

I know exactly what I would tell her and ask her! She is a Momma, a Professional, a friend, a hilarious commercial side-kick and so much more. As a fairly new Momma I could use some tips. 

Here is what I would ask her... 

Did you imagine your son being the most recognizable household name in the U.S.? When did you know your son had something special that needed to be nurtured?

Was your son always seen as a leader and if so how did you help him boost those qualities and characteristics?

I want my son to be a role model to his peers and his community, what did you instill in your son that allowed him to grow into the role model that he is?

And, no joke, how did you keep him single and focused? Because trust me that matters. Some relationships are great and will help push one another along or build each other up to where you need to be. But, a lot of young relationships can be a distraction. And, focus makes a difference in reaching your goals.

What advice could you give Young Momma’s who are maybe not making that connection that you have obviously created for you and your son?

Being a Momma is so much work. Every day we have new struggles, obstacles and challenges to face. We do so much for everyone else.  What tips do you have that helped you manage your everyday schedule?

What would I tell her? I would say… 

Photo: http://www.provision-inc.org/

                                                        Photo: http://www.provision-inc.org

Thank you for being such a strong and involved Momma. Thank you for being an inspiration and role model to Momma’s in Houston! You are doing an incredible job.

What about you, what would you ask  or have to say to Connie Watt? 

What type of qualities are you constantly looking to build and nurture in your children as they grow and develop? 

::Time Change~Seasons:: #motivationalmonday

http://conference.beblogalicious.com

Our lives have many seasons of change, growth and just everyday life filled experiences.

This year I am definitely thankful to have not only a full-time job but also that my blog has been filled with work and opportunity. It’s been one of the biggest seasons for me and this little here journey of sharing and pouring my heart out. 

After almost 7 years of working, writing, and attempting to take my blog to the next level, it’s happened.

But, funny thing is, now that I am living this season. I want something different. Something more “personally” fulfilling. Just can’t quite put my keyboard on what it is yet… and I know, people would probably think; what else do you want? But, trust me, I know there is more out there, I just have to keep working towards the goal of turning my passion into something that everyone can see and will want to be a part of!

I have figured out that too much hustle and bustle is not the perfect fit for my family. Yet, I keep doing it anyway. I told myself in June that the Ford conference was the last conference I would attend in 2014. But, here I am in October and getting ready to go to my second conference since June.  

I told myself I would take a break from October to November for about a month, but guess what? October is gone and I worked more than I did in September. Now November is here and all I can think is, why would I take a break now?

While I know that extensive traveling is not exactly what I want for myself and my family life, I do love it. I love the adventure of it all and this month my little family will join me in the travel to one of my conferences. That’s a blessing for sure.

I have in recent years lacked in my planning, so these days we tend to do a lot of “spur of the moment” type things. I think Blogging can be a combination of both being prepared and then just taking it one day at a time. Which is why I feel it has worked me and I have been able to get through this season and prepare for what is to come... 

And, as this season comes to an end and I feel a new one coming in… while the fears and doubt fill my mind and clutter my heart. I am ready. I want this place to be filled with so much more and I am want to make it all happen.

Are you going through a new season right now? How will you handle it?

::Friday Letters:: #happyhalloween

Hello Friday!!!

Dear Friday!!! Thank goodness you are here!! I have been waiting for you all week.  Gracias!

Dear HOUSE. I know you are super messy, it's a bit scary, and I am not sure about that smell in the garage.....but we will see you on Sunday when we are done having Halloween fun! Haha. Sorry. #notsorry

Dear Opportunity, thank you for knocking on my door and ridding me of fears as I take the leaps of faith into what I know is my destiny and is most definitely my passion. #blogging #blogaliciousready

Dear Hubby & Kids, thank you again for showing me your constant love and support and allowing me to take us on this journey. It's not easy. We sacrifice a lot but I can promise that something amazing will come of this...

Dear Momma of Dos Reader, Have I told you how much I appreciate your support, some have been here since 2008, to you I say…WHOA! Thanks for bearing with us through the good, the bad and the growth and learning, it’s been quite the journey!!!! Muchas Gracias por estar aqui y por su apoyo! 

::Women Empowerment Series:: #HoustonLatinas

My question this week was: 

What does Latina Empowerment mean to you?

Myself and a few of our local Houston Latina Bloggers answered the following...

Karen is a local Houston Blogger you can read more about here at http://karebearstake.weebly.com/

Missy is a fashion and style Houston blogger you can read more about her at http://www.missyg.com/

Lauren is a new Momma and Houston Blogger you can read more about her at http://mommyandwifecantkeepcalm.blogspot.com/?m=0

What about you, what does Latina Empowerment mean to you?

Designs by Celenne ::Shop Review::

::Momma of Dos:: {This not a compensated post. I received product in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.}

I love shop reviews. I love personalized items. Without a doubt this so far has been one of my favorites! I love my new tumblers with my pretty little blog name on them! Excitement! 

The tumblers are so great, sturdy, with beautiful colors and their designs are so unique, learn more about Celenne and contact her for details and pricing.

When her and I started talking about my designs and what I kinda-sorta wanted, I had no idea she would create something so incredibly specific and close to what I had envisioned.

Her designs are different and completely personalized. As my lovely assistant is demonstrating below:

And, when my little model was tired she sipped on my water!

Here is a little about this awesome shop owner Celnne Gomez. By the way we are not related by blood but we are totally family now! Just sayin'... 

******
::Who I am::

My name is Celenne Gomez and I am the owner of Designs by Celenne. I sell an assortment of personalized items including; shot glasses for bachelorette parties, weddings and birthdays. I have recently expanded to personalizing acrylic tumblers, jewelry dishes, and wine glasses. I also make custom centerpieces for quinceanera's and birthday parties upon request.

::How I started::

For as long as I can remember, I've always told my mom I wanted to be an elementary school teacher when I grew up and that I would one day own a boutique. My mom is a very creative person and has always motivated me to be creative and think outside the box. In high school my mom and I stayed up late to make my own homecoming mums. When I was getting married and I couldn't find the right centerpieces my mom gave me the idea to make them myself. That put everything in motion for Designs by Celenne. My mom and husband have been my biggest supporters since the beginning and would always tell me I could create things to sell. 7 months later, with the full support of my husband, I quit my full time job to return to school full time to pursue my bachelors in Education. 

And, Designs by Celenne is allowing me to be able to continue my education and has opened many  new doors for me in the business world.

::A little fun details about me:: 

How I keep motivated while working on my designs.... I have Pandora saved as my home page for my internet so as soon as I turn on my computer I open the internet browser and the music gets me in my work zone. The great thing is I love what I do and I'd rather be in my office creating new ideas or working on current orders than watching TV, even on my off hours. 

This past summer I went fishing for the first time and I loved it!!! I will definitely be making time to go again!!

I am Bilingual. And,one of my favorite sayings is one that my mom would tell me all the time growing up....

I currently have a tumbler giveaway going on that will be end soon, please visit my Facebook Fan Page for more information.

::My best way to reach me is as follows::

The Book of Life~Inspired Halloween #diadelosmuertos

::Momma Disclosure:: { This is not a compensated post. All opinions expressed are my own. }

The Book of Life was a wonderful movie about family, true love and culture! I loved the colorful scenery and the tale of Manolo, the young man torn between family honor and his love for Maria. I love how it depicts el Dia de los Muertos. It's a true remembrance of our heritage and ancestors, as Mexican{Americans} I want my children to learn about this holiday and it's significance. 

El Dia de Los Muertos is the perfect moment to reflect on life and honor the memory of our loved ones. The altar or "ofrenda" is a symbolic exhibit that reflects your loved ones personality and likes. It's also a close connection that is said to bring back the souls of our loved ones on this specific day. 

I remember as a child leaving not only fresh flowers as well water and bread at my Abuelita's grave-site but also sitting in the dark night with only veladoras lighting the way as we prayed for our loved ones now gone. It was never a scary situation but one that brought me peace.

We are yet to build and create an altar, maybe next year. But, we do visit the altars created at Meca every year. 

When my children saw the Book of Life they too learned that death was not scary but simply the circle of life. Yes, we are filled with deep pain and sorrow when we loose a loved one but we are left with their legacy, their image and our memories of them. That is what truly matters. 

I decided to create a very simple and easy Halloween look with Camila as my model. Inspired by the Book of Life and El Dia de los Muertos. Another symbolic way of celebrating life and death on this day is by dressing as "la catrina" or with "calavera" face painting. 

Camila and I worked hard to create this look for the first time. Keep in mind we are not experts and she is very wiggly 3 year old! 

What you will need to create your look:

• Halloween White Face Paint
• Halloween Color Sticks
• Simple Make-up applicators 

You will also need a willing and eager 3 year old. At first Camila was really excited but it took some time for the paint to set and for us to move forward, so she quickly became antsy. 

Then, I applied the white paint all over her little clean and dry face. I let it set for about 20 minutes or so. And, attempted to add color afterward.

Then, I added a spiderweb on her forehead and the stitch like smile around her lips with the black color stick. Finally, I added some color around her eyes; a red flower and a heart with the red glittery stick. 

I finished her look with a big red flower for her hair and a colorful folkloric Mexican dress. 

At the end of the night my little lady is a super trooper and as you can see very expressive! 

What about you, how you will celebrate Halloween and/or El Dia de los Muertos?

::Total Beauty Expo:: #LatinaEmpowerment

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is not a compensated post. All thoughts expressed are my own.}

I say this all the time. I love meeting new people. A lot of the people who I have met in recent years are a direct result of this blog. I never know what to expect of people who you meet on-line because well there are not so good stories about the world wide web. But, fortunately I have met not only extremely nice people but more importantly women who have made great impacts in my life and mind.

This weekend I attend the Total Beauty Expo created and run by the beautiful Shunte Davis of Total Beauty Ladies Events. She is also the creator of Beautifully Being U Magazine. 

As I sat and took in the show I also started to think; what does it mean to have "Total Beauty"?

Photos: Make-up Artist Brenda of XTenbyDeAnda  getting her model ready for the make-up competition. Finished look and other pictures on my Instagram @mommaofdos  and on @xtenbydeanda

Society has set standards and clothes size that we have, for the most part, allowed to define what total beauty means or how it’s represented.

As women we tend to be very hard on ourselves, I know that personally I tend to be very hard on myself. Especially now as a Momma. Growing into who I am and owning my style, body image and who I truly want to be has been a process.

What does total beauty mean to me and how I choose to view it?

I believe that the following characteristics create total beauty.

::Attitude:: 

Who we are is represented by our attitude. How we carry ourselves and interact with others. Being confident and knowing that no matter what size or skin color we are, we are all beautiful.  Attitude is not only a feeling deep inside of us but it’s also seen when we go out in public; the way we dress and how we own our body image and feel. If I feel confident about my size, my hair and my skin color, and so on; then others will perceive me as a beautiful and confident woman.  And, if I act as if I am not important and doubt myself, that too will show and people can see that.

::Strength::

As Women we are somehow given some of the most difficult jobs and tasks in life. We build not only courage and character but also strength. That strength is notable in our actions, our words and who we choose to be around. Usually other strong women who can encourage us and build us up. It's that inner strength that grows as the difficult days pile upon us; that we learn to push forward and rise above the deepest obstacles. Strength, has been a force and a propeller in my life. Just when I think I am weakest, something happens within me that allows me to prove to myself that I am not only growing in strength daily but stronger now than I have ever been.  

&

::Self-love/Respect::

I cannot tell you enough how much we should LOVE & Respect ourselves. These are two other characteristics that also shine through our being and in how we chose to live our lives and carry ourselves. Most importantly the more we love ourselves the more our confidence grows, when we are confident we respect ourselves and in return others will respect you as well. Ladies love yourself, respect yourself.  

How does this transcend into Latina Empowerment? Or Women Empowerment as a whole, no matter what race you are? 

I think that we can all be personally responsible as a Momma, a Friend, an Aunt, a Cousin, and so much more. We are role models for the young ladies/women around us. We can teach them these characteristics and allow them to constantly know that they too can learn to be strong, independent women. That they can be confident women who can achieve anything they set their mind on. That we believe in them and their dreams.