::A Book about Rules & a Motivational Mug:: #KickAss

Last week seemed to get better by the days, it was almost like our PR reps knew we were gonna be home all week! Our second product was another book, this one was one about rules. Ian is a rule follower and his Sister Jenny, not so much. We loved it, the book teaches the importance of yes, following rules but knowing when to bend the rules. Even if it means telling lies to save your Sister from a giant tub with teeth, an angry furnace, and a bear rug! Ha. Bizzare. Not if you follow the rules. It came with the cutest toothbrush holder and a white erase board to write our own house rules down. 

The kids did a great job at listing our usual rules. Camila tried to help me write it all down. Rules of the House comes out May 3rd, you will want to buy it for your collection. Because we all know...rules are meant to be.... followed! 

By the end of the week, I had received this beautiful motivational mug I purchased from Bliss on Main, a great local shop. It will definitely be my morning go to mug when I need that extra pick me up!  We all need that little reminder to Kick Ass every now and again. 

And finally, this past weekend we received the deliciously fresh Tekeen, a "premium line of cocktails made with agave nectar, orange wine and natural flavors for an exotic and fresh taste." My favorite part about this drink is that it's made in Texas. If you know me you should know that I love supporting local or Texas created products. Who else knows Tejanos better than a native Tejana. Full review next week. All I can say now is that it smells so sweet and light, I can't wait to make some fruity drinks with this liquor and share my creations with you! 

My Year of Yes #ShondaRhimes

It's been 6 years since I completely read a book, cover to cover. Shame? Nope. Been busy having kids, raising kids, exploring my career options, trying out the stay-at-home-momma thing (not for me), growing as a writer, blogger, now speaker, and being involved in my community. Trust me, I do read. Don't get me wrong. I just haven't been able to finish a book in years. I read different articles, blogs of course and I have started several books now by Jon Acuff. So as part of my year of yes, I decided to say yes, to more reading in 2016. The first challenge accepted was, you got it, read Year of Yes by the amazingly talented and smart Shonda Rhimes.

                                         

                                                         {Pictures from Google search}

In case you are wondering how the reading went. Well, I fractured my foot the first weekend in December and had to stop going to my 3 night a week boot camp, and rest. So, I started the book and no matter what, I didn't put it down until this past weekend when I finished it. If you think you don't know who Shonda Rhimes is, like me until I started reading the book and then realized how much I did know her. She is the creator and writer of amazing TV shows like- Grey's Anatomy, Scandal and How to get away with Murder. If you read her book you will discover that it goes so much deeper than just being the creator and writer, these shows are her. They embody her and who she is deep down inside. Just REAL life. 

If I am being really honest with you, the book started off slow for me. Sorry Shonda! {As if she will ever read this, ha.} It wasn't until her commencement speech at Dartmouth on page 79 that she really hit a cord. The first part of the book I couldn't help but think, she is so full of herself. But, trust me as the book continues you will fall in love with her and realize how much it took for her to take on the Year of Yes. And, how courageous she is. How much talent she has and how incredible her thoughts are. As someone who has suffered from anxiety due to stress, and had a full on panic attack, I commend Shonda for all that she has done. So, if you just started reading the book and can't get into it. WAIT for it. Cause trust me it gets really good.

I loved following her journey every step of the way, every new self-revelation, every new YES being accomplished. Shonda, I can call her by her first name, cause she said we were personal friends somewhere in the book, maybe. Shonda she is incredibly smart and so funny. Her twisted deep thoughts, I identify with her words and personality. A lot. I love that she adopted her daughters because she knew she wanted children. I love that she decided marriage wasn't for her. Her strength and courage as a Momma and a minority are truly inspiring. She makes me want to get in my Wonder Woman power pose and take over the world. If you are reading the book, you will know.

As a recap, Shonda started her Year of Yes because her sister made the comment that she never said YES to anything. As a woman who is as creative and hardworking as Shonda, I can imagine that hit hard. I would be shocked that people thought I wasn't living to my fullest potential. And, honestly, sometimes we aren't. She needed that push to make her further grow and develop into the absolute Wonder Woman that she is, and more importantly, it made her own it. All of it. Her mistakes, her shortcomings, her talents, and inner beauty. She even lost weight as part of her YES year. Without any gimmicks or tricks, just a simple yes to health and exercise.

The truth is we sometimes need that one person who will push us to our limits so that we can discover what we are really made of and how much MORE we can accomplish. If you have not read the book, I highly recommend it. If you are looking to overcome your fears and conquer your purpose in 2016, this book is a must read to kick off your year. Shonda will make you cry, laugh and realize who you are really meant to be. She will also help you realize that no matter how old you are, it is never too late to start saying yes. The journey will not be easy but will be well worth it. You will need to pull up your big girl panties and push forward. You will discover who is truly there for you and who is out to get you. 

As part of my Year of Yes, I am taking on bigger tasks as a writer, employee, Wife, Momma, Sister, Friend, Daughter, etc, etc, etc. I want to say yes to opportunities that bring me life and purpose. I want to say YES to being myself and not worrying about what others may think. I want to say yes to helping others who are willing to help me. I want to say yes to being present and alive for my Husband and children. I want to say yes to life and the sun. I want to say yes to inspiring, motivating and teaching others. I want to be able to say NO to those things that hinder me from saying YES to greatness. I want to be more whole. And, happier. If at all possible.

Are you ready to say YES to 2016?

And, as I am saying yes to many new opportunities in 2016 one of them is Public Speaking engagements, therefore, my upcoming presentations are as follows:

A ::Latin Twist:: Recap + Giveaway!

So, you want to a host a nice little get together but you don't know what your fancy and fun guest will sip on? ::Insert Latin Twist Recipe book here::

I actually had the absolute honor of meeting both of the Authors here in Houston this month. I have known Vianney for some time now, through social media and our blogs. I have always been a fan. Now I know Yvette and am also a true fan. 

Their book is so beautiful and filled with vibrant colors that just bring their drinks to life. I loved the Introduction and the beautiful anecdotes shared by the ladies, both of Mexican decent. As a young Mexican-American, I can relate to their up bringing. Fun nights filled with family, food and drinks for the adults. As they stated these days we are the adults and now I know why our parents drank, HA. For the wonderful flavors, of course! And, all of the great memory making moments. 

Latin Twist has a wonderful flow from the traditional Spicy Infused Tequila of Mexico  to the very sophisticated Sangria's of Spain. The book gives you a wonderful tour through the taste of Latin American countries. The recipes are very easy and make me want to have a get-together right now!

Not only can you win a book of  your own to re-create the tasty drinks but you also have time to meet these beautiful ladies, their book tour continues through July you can see their dates here: LATIN TWIST BOOK TOUR DATES.

The book launch/signing here in Houston was so much fun. The location was a fairly new boutique called, Thinking Girls by Alicia Boutique and Studio. Her setup there was perfect. So chic and cozy for the Authors to serve up their awesome drinks. Of which I had a couple. It was a perfect opportunity to catch up with local bloggers and of course check out all of the great goodies in the store {entirely different post all-together}.

These great pictures are from a local Artist as well, if you have not realized it yet, I love LOCAL. Local Latinos, Local locations, Local Blogger, Local is my new passion. Alex is a creative person with a unique vision. 

::Photo credit- all picture taken by Alex Montoya of Houston- D'Mont Photography::

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Borrón y Cuenta Nueva!

You know what my favorite part about life is? Our human ability to recreate it.

The ability to start over. Clear out the past and move on. I know that I have had many chances to start over and why not start over in my 30's. I turned 32 last month and you know what? It's time to start over. The beauty of 2nd, 3rd and 4th chances is they are all yours!



The other day I finally got my copy of Start by Jon Acuff and ironically enough I have not started but just the cover alone has inspired so many new feelings!

So, today. I start over. And, since I am a person of exact circumstances and timing, I will start my book when I feel it's right.

The energy is almost in that place where the ruts and blah-ness are gone and you just can't live in that cloud anymore. For me it was this week and more so today!

What about you? Today is Friday, July 19th, will you hit the START button and start over?