::Back to School | In Style:: Yvonne - Guest Houston Latina Blogger

**This is a guest post provided by a fellow Houston Latina Blogger**

School kicked off yesterday and all over you can hear the cries of chaos as parents rush to get everything ready for the new school year.  Everywhere you go you see “Back to School” sales with the promise of saving you money in the most fashionable way. I’m all about the money saving but truth be told when it comes to fashion we become a little limited because Hailey Bear’s school requires her to wear a uniform or we are limited by the “dress code”. Trust me I get the love behind having to follow a dress code – you get to buy a bunch of polo style shirts and dresses, a few khaki/Navy blue pants and you just throw it into a rotating cycle and watch the school days go by!! 

Where is the fun in that? Yes, yes I know mornings are busy and crazy and whether you are a SAHM or a working mom like me, you might feel like you don’t have time for fun and fashion. Unless you make it easy – so hear me out and maybe after a few tricks and tips you can make uniform a little more fashionable.

Hailey hates the standard khaki pants and she also hates stiff jeans (don’t we all?) so I am always on the lookout for jeggings in different colors like these or these from Crazy 8. I also found this color at Crazy 8 and little bear loved them plus they are tons comfortable and really soft.

I do end up buying polo style dresses for Hailey but I also look for an alternative, the catch is that her dresses have to have a collar and sleeves so I was super happy when I came across this little dress at H&M, we also bought it in a black and white plaid like this. Super cute dress and she loved everything about it. 

So, in the end I find just a few pieces that I can put into the rotation of her uniform and make it a little more fun and not so super boring without breaking the rules. I really love buying her plaid button downs when it gets cold out and tights with different patterns for the winter. 

Another quick-tip to making the morning rush just a little bit easier takes a little work beforehand but it helps out a great deal during the weekday rush! I simply split little bear’s closet into two sections on one side I hang all her regular clothes and on the other I hang all her school clothes. This makes it quick and easy to see what I’m working with during the week and it cuts down on hunting down the “school clothes”.

Also as a plus my husband always knows what’s what and where he can find it!

About Yvonne:

Faith ● Coffee● Love

I’m just a girl that turned into a wife, momma, and blogger! I live every day knowing that thanks to my Faith I have made it this far and when times get tough it’s easy to lean into Faith but harder still is to know that everyday my Faith carries me forward. Of course with a daily dose of coffee to wake me up and always surrounded by the ones I love, my husband of 7 years, my 19 year old giant and my 6 year old little bear. I also survive by finding peace in my garage with power tools building and creating whatever DIY project comes along the way! My life can get a little crazy but everyday my little family and I make while we run our lives in Faith, with a little bit of coffee and a whole lotta love!

::Honey Bunches of Oats Sweet Treat:: No fuss Cheesecake Recipe #ad

 ::Momma Disclosure:: { This is a compensated post. All statements are my own and my true and honest opinion.}

Our usual afternoon school routine begins with food! As soon as I or my Husband arrive with the kids they rush to the refrigerator for a snack, any snack will do usually. Some days they really crave something sweet. Our usual go to is cereal. Seems pretty basic I know but the kids love it and it's quick and easy, and inexpensive. Today, thanks to my partnership with Honey Bunches of Oats, I am sharing with you a fun, quick and easy snack that you can prepare the night before for that next day after school munchies hour! 

One of my all time favorite desserts is cheesecake! Of course, who doesn't love it. But, I am not a baker or master chef, nor do I feel like I have time to whip it up from scratch but thanks to this no fuss cheesecake recipe I definitely feel very gourmet. For this recipe, my Husband, who is rather and far more resourceful in the kitchen than I, helped me. We pulled together and did some team work, as Team Gomez usually does, even the kids joined in right before bed time. Not without some chaos and tears but all was good at the end of the night and the next morning when our cheesecake was done! 

You will need to prep this sweet treat the night before. It's very simple and far less complicated than it may sound. 

What you need: 

2- 8 oz packages of cream cheese

1/2 cup of Sugar

1/2 tablespoon of vanilla extract

2 large eggs

Pie dish 9-inch

1 box of Honey Bunches of Oats (will only use about 2 cups)

If you have a food processor grind about 1 1/2 cups of Honey Bunches of Oats into semi-fine grains, you can leave it semi-crunchy for texture. You can also use a blender and just use the pulse setting. 

Once you grind the cereal place it in a medium to large bowl so that you can mix with butter. Add about 1/2 a stick of melted butter to it and mix it together, the mixture will be soft but not too soggy. Then, in a 9-inch pie pan press the mixture into the bottom, to create a crust for your cheesecake.  

Set this aside while you work on your filling. 

In another bowl mix, 2 packages of 8 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup of sugar, 2- large eggs and 1/2 tablespoon of vanilla extract. {You can add sugar and vanilla depending on how sweet you like it.} You can use a high-speed mixer or in my case, I used my food processor to wipe the ingredients together. Once my filling was soft and semi-liquid, I added it to the pie crust already prepared and placed in the oven at 325 degrees for about 40-45 minutes. 

Once the center is firm and set you can take it out. 

Once cooked I set it out to cool for about 20-30 minutes, then placed it in the refrigerator for 4 hours (or overnight) to set. I then added some fruity toppings. I had strawberries available but you can add peaches, blueberries or any other of your choice. I also used some leftover pie crumbs for my topping to add some extra crunch. 

::Last Day of School:: First year complete..many more to come...

::First day of school post here::

The last day of school finally came and guess what just like the first we survived. We missed the bus and were a little late but we made it. Made it through a whole year of school. As my Husband would say... "I didn't think we were gonna make it, but we made it." Truth is, our first year of Kinder with Santiago was not easy. I am not going to blame it on anyone but his teacher was a little difficult. Regardless of all the continued work and efforts on my part, it just was never enough for her. She had some kind of complaint about Santiago every other day. Toward the end of the year, it got old. I would tell Santiago every day until the last day, be good son. The complaints were harmless, trust me.

Truth is, he is a great kid. He is 6, active and very social. Some may see that as bad and will scrutinize his behavior, which is that of an active healthy 6-year-old boy, who loves to joke and play around. But, we worked on it and at the end of the day he wasn't a robot. He did though excel in all his academics especially math and science according to all his testing and "grades", cause we never actually saw grades just pass or needs improvement. Mostly pass. Santiago was also bullied this year, to the extent that I had to call upon  a friend who is a police officer, the bullying ended once I threatened to press charges. I am sure the issue will arise again, but we will know how to handle it. None-the-less, we made it! We survived. 

Now on to a kick ass Summer with lots of fun and some studying. I want Santiago to do even better in 1st grade and I know that a lot of that will come from our own efforts and hard work. We plan on doing all that's needed to make 1st grade better than Kinder. 

As for Camila, I am not sure Kinder is ready for her. Her sass grows with every new thought in that little crazy brain of hers. She doesn't miss a beat and is currently the reigning Queen of her daycare. We have warned her time and time again that nap time will be no more and that Kinder at a new school will be a whole new ball game...to which she replied this week... "I'm not gonna stress about it." Y'all be ready for the stories...Kinder watch OUT, Cam is on her way and she is gonna bring you down. Just saying.... Of course, she had a wonderful year in pre-K, as I said, she rules and runs her school. She is smart and SO strong willed, I have no doubt Kinder will be a breeze for her. I think I will send her teachers' thank you notes in advance, maybe even apology letters. She is getting all the new school particulars from her brother, who has warned her..."Camila this school is hard."

Her reply... 

"Santiago where do you go when you get in trouble and how do you get in trouble?" 

Y'all help me! HAHAHA. 

::Let’s Go See:: Visionworks #AD

::Momma Disclosure:: This is a compensated post. All statements are my true and honest opinion.   

I still remember the day I got my first pair of glasses I was in the 5th grade. Knowing how imperative it would be to my overall function, I wasn't ashamed or scared but thankful that I could now see better. I know the importance of good eyesight the older I become the more I stress wearing my glasses and getting my eyes checked regularly. Now that I have children I am constantly checking for signs of good or bad vision.  As they continue on their journey through school and life I will always be on the look out for signs of needing glasses, I know how beneficial they are. 

Which is why when I heard of the Visionworks and Davis Vision's goal of giving away 10,000 comprehensive eye exams and complete pairs of glasses to children in need; I was happy to share the information with all my readers! 

All children should obtain annual eye exams. Every child. Every year. My children go to daycare and they are a great resource and reminder of our annual exams, my kids also get their vision tested by their pediatrician. I know that a much more in-depth analysis will be needed as they grow, which is why I would trust the experts like Visionworks. 

::A message from Visionworks::

You can take the action needed to help get your child a yearly exam. "Take the pledge to get your kids an eye exam every school year, starting this year! It's as important to their health as annual physicals and dental exams." Parents can take the pledge at http://www.letsgosee.net/pledge/

Help a child in need: 

Visionworks is giving out 10,000 vouchers good for a free eye exam and glasses. If a child doesn’t have vision insurance or Medicaid, aren’t signed up for ACA and can’t afford an eye exam and glasses, or if you know of a school or organization that has children who could benefit, nominate them for a free voucher at http://www.letsgosee.net/help/ 

Nominations can be made in English or Spanish.   

An eye exam may be the simplest test kids ever take. It’s certainly the most important for helping shape their future outlook.

  

Let’s Go See is a national movement to raise awareness of the importance of annual eye exams for children as part of their yearly health routine.

As a parent, how can you be sure your kids' vision isn't keeping them from doing their best in school, enjoying life fully, and being successful? The answer is an annual eye exam. An easy way to remember is to add "Annual Eye Exam" to your child's Back-to-School checklist and they'll start every school year with optimum visual performance to achieve both inside and outside of the classroom.

Some of the signs that your child might have trouble seeing:

• Headaches and dizziness
• Squinting
• Holding books close to their face or too far away
• Sitting close to the TV, computer or tablet
• Twisting or tilting their head to favor one eye
• Frequent blinking or rubbing their eyes
• Inability to judge distance properly (bumping into things)
• Decreased performance in school and athletics

Add an annual eye exam to your child’s annual appointments, and find your closest Visionworks at http://www.visionworks.com/locations/results.php

Find out more about Visionworks and follow (and tag) them on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Visionworks
Instagram: @visionworks_eyewear
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/vwks/

#Visionworks
#LetsGoSee

:: First Day of School:: #Non-Traditional

The first day of school happened.

I was a complete and total mess. I never know how emotions will catch me, and this first day of school was brutal. 

But, guess what? We survived. And, my kids are now in full school mode. You know driving a new set of teacher semi-crazy, I really wish I could say my kids were perfect angels, but I don't lie. I am sure they are good kids but perfect, nah.

Santiago and Camila are social kids, I am sure that can't be good for any teacher to hear but I know they both have great and VERY patient teachers. My Husband and I are working hard to keep on track with everything they need and support the teaching staff as much as possible.

They are quickly gaining new friendships and creating new memories. I knew that this school year would not be easy. I would hope that my kids could just work hard and stay focused, but we did know where the struggles would be and come. The year is young, and hopefully we can remain and regain focus. 

We have joined the PTO, school committees and parent nights. Yes, we are those parents. We truly vow to stay connected and be as active as possible in our children's education. Not just for our own peace of mind but I am sure it will be helpful in big ways to our kids. To their, well-being and their growth and education. Plus, we will be better connected to what they do, OR don't do! Santiago is catching on that his teacher sends me notes in his backpack everyday. I have an eye on him at all times.

To a successful school year to all the young, and not so young entering a new school year. May it be filled with good and positive life experiences as well as mental and educational value. I hope everyone is safe and healthy. May you maintain perfect attendance and stay far away from trouble.

Case of the Mondays ::Back to School Edition::

Today was the first day of school for many! 

While my children are not in public school, which for this Momma is santiy on this very unexpectly emotional Monday morning, they still had exciting changes today. My little man started Pre-School in daycare, he is officially in the "big kids class". My little Mama started in the 3/4 year olds class she was in the 2/3 year old class until now. 

I didn't think I would be emotional but here is the thing, for the last year and half Camila and Santiago have been in the same group of toddlers and their days were pretty much on the same schedule. With Santi moving to the Pre-K class he will no longer have lunch or recess with my baby! They will both have to depend on their own strengths and courage to go through the day without one another. Santi is a very big brother who loves and protects his Sister when he isn't trying to get her out of his face. 

I think this will serve as an experience of growth and appreciation for one another. I hope. My Hubby and I have given them both very firm and supportive talks about starting this new stage of their lives and I hope that they will not only make brave decisions but also stand up for themselves and be strong in their beliefs. A bit much for a 3 and almost 5 year old? Maybe but my Hubby and I are both the eldest in our families and we have learned from struggles and mishaps and know the direction in which we wish to shape our children's independence as well as their courage and bravery. 

This world, no matter what age can be cruel and while we are teaching them to see the good in everyone and everything we also don't want them to grow up close-minded or naive to the harms of the outside world. I know that may sound a bit intense but until now our children have developed very unique personalities and they are never afraid to be themselves. I want that to continue. 

Everyday a new lesson. Everyday growth.

Happy New School Year!!

What do you want your children to learn this school year?

{Back-to-School} #staples

{Momma Disclosure: 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.}

I still remember it like it was yesterday; the first day of school! Summer vacation is over. You get to see all your friends again and meet all your new teachers. Your stomach is in a knot, your brand new outfit and shoes stand out. The most important part; well at least for me it was, I was a bit of a nerd girl...the backpack filled with school supplies. You remember? The brand new wide ruled notebooks, your trapper-keeper, and of course your number 2 pencils. It was a fun time, these days kids are fully equipped with so many new gadgets and trends and how can they not be with all the new school supplies that Staples carries.

Staples was generous enough to send me samples of all the new gear for heading back to school this year.

I immediately took care of using it all.

Here is what we got:

A. Studio C Neon Zip It Notebook
B. Staples Flexible Calculator {Which is so cute and I am totally taking to work!}
C. Neon Tube Pencil Pouch
D. Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery No-Iron Clothing Labels, 1/2"X1 3/4",24 Pack {LOVE!!!!!}
E. Staples Fashion Portfolios
F. Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery Message Board, Petal
G. Staples BETTER binder, Screen Print

Some of the awesome ways that Staples is helping give back as you spend is with the REWARD-A-CLASSROOM program; when parents shop for students they receive rewards for the teach of their choice!

Another deal that I would love to take advantage of is; the Binder Recycle program, you get $2 off a new binder when you bring in your old binder during the back-to-school season!

Staples also offers weekly back-to-school deals, some as low as a penny just check out their weekly add at: www.staples.com/weeklyad



Here is how we used it:

I quickly filled the binder and folder with the kids daily daycare/school work. I filled my pouch with Cami's hair ties, they get lost all the time. I used our Martha Stewart labels on the extra clothes that we send to daycare in case the kids have an accident. The Zip It notebook I used for all the extra Momma business cards that I hand out, and  like I said I will be taking the calculator to work for my daily number crunching. I also set up our nifty bulletin board to start pinning important school work and notes.





My kids are not yet of school age but they do attend a daycare. Organization is key in my house and I am always trying to find useful ways to keep our home under control. Staples helped me with this!