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'... 

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::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::

Crafty Chica in Houston! #craftychicatour #latinapower

{::Momma of Dos:: This is not a compensated post. I RSVP'd to meet Kathy Cano-Murillo at the private Houston meet and greet for her Crafty Chica Tour hosted by Juan of Words. All opinions and statements below are my true and honest experiences.}

A couple of weeks ago I was able to meet and chat with well known Latina Artist, Entrepreneur, Blogger, & Author Kathy Cano-Murillo.  As she was in Houston promoting her Craft Chica product line in Michael's stores. Sitting with her that night really set my brain on fire in a very motivating way. Her wit and sense of humor are so contagious. It was like sitting with an old friend who I just hadn't seen in years. 

What she doesn't know is that I have been staulking  following her for years now, years. So, as I contained my Blogger-Star-Struck-ness ::real word:: I took in all of her advice and positive spirits. She really sets off a vibe of empowerment and true sense of community. All of which I look for in those women whom I consider great Latina role models. She inspired me right out of bed at 1:27 a.m. last night as these words just came to me!

One of the biggest things I am recently struggling with is focus and organization. As a writer it's hard to lose these things and continue to be successful. Thankfully, our conversation that night with Kathy lead to an awesome mentor session. The 3 most important tips that I took away  from that night about maintaining focus and being organized were as follows:

1.:: Make Lists :: Kathy said that she is a list maker. She creates lists with her ideas and projects she wants to accomplish. She loves notebooks and pens. {A woman after my own heart.} But,the real organization comes in when she categorizes those lists from easy to difficult. You then work your way from those goals/ideas/projects that are easy to accomplish to those that may take a little more time or you might have to brainstorm a little longer about. Makes sense. 

2. ::Prioritize::  She then said that she takes her lists and selects 2 things from that list and gives them a deadline. She then turns on her "laser beam" focus and completes those 2 tasks close to or by her deadline and then...continues down through her lists. Kathy stated; "turn on your laser beam focus and that {idea/project} will light on fire!" That's the type of focus I want in  my life and for my projects the kind that will ignite the flame and set it all off! Loved it. 

3. ::Be Prepared:: Finally, she stated "Always be prepared for an opportunity, never wait for it." Sounds easy and simple enough. And, true. Why wait for the opportunity to come up for you to start working on your projects or ideas? Simply be ready for it when it does comes. Prepare, stock-up and create so that you are not be caught off guard.    

Kathy is a business savvy, genuinely creative and fearless Latina who is so down-to-earth and real! Most importantly she is not afraid to laugh at herself, which is just amazing! That night we laughed so much, she inspired me and in her presence I had that sense of Latina Empowerment that I want to be a part of. She used the word Latina Power and it just made me reflect on what that really means. 

To me Latina Power is about supporting one another when you are truly trying to build up a strong Latina community and there is no room for egos or jealousy, simply genuine engagement to create a strong and lasting presence.  

Focus on your dreams and anything is possible.~Momma of Dos 

Tejana Made Designs ::shop giveaway::

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is not a compensated post but I did receive a free custom made Rosary Bracelet and a Gift Card to giveaway  in exchange for this feature of Tejana Made Designs. All statements below and opinions are my own and are true and honest.}

Today I am introducing to you an amazing artist from Texas and proof that good friends can be found on the world wide web;   Jessica Olivarez-Mazone of Tejana MadeDesigns. {Her custom made jewelry is amazing, I love it!} 

I created a short Q & A for her to share with us about her shop, enjoy! 

Why did you start your Shop?

Well, originally my blog started first when I was still trying to figure out what I wanted to write about. I started off sharing about my life in Texas. Tejana Made also means Texas Made but that was already taken. Obviously, right?

I started making jewelry mostly rosaries because they are the easiest way to learn how to string. I had huge success with my husband’s co-workers at his rig site.

Slowly, we started offering wearable rosaries, calavera braclets (skull bracelets), and then I moved to leather making.

I wanted to embrace what it meant to me to be Tejana, American, and Mexicana all at the same time.

What inspires you or motivates you?

Honestly, being Texan inspires me. I grew up in rural South Texas amid the mesquite tress and nopales. With boots on my feet and the sun on my face, it is the only life I have ever known. It is sitting on porches, sniffing mesquite laced smoke on the BBQ pits while watching my kids run up and down in boots and shorts.

Leather crafting and my Rosary Bracelets embrace those tiny parts of my cultura that are near and dear to me.

My Abuelita praying the Rosario and each click of the bead between her nails in the sacred halls of San Juan, Tx.

My reclaimed leather cuff bracelets that remind me of my Abuelitos and their weathered “good” boots.

I have always been a little bit country. Okay, more than just a little.

::Get in touch with Jessica::

http://www.pinterest.com/TejanaMade/

https://twitter.com/tejana_made

https://www.etsy.com/shop/tejanamade

https://www.facebook.com/TejanaMade

Any fun details you want to share about yourself?

I am a Supernatural Fan but I may be more in love with the car than the Winchester Brothers.

I love anything with bling (tacky or not). It must be a Texas thing that I like to call Country Glam.

My favorite food is Chinese food and Sushi.

Favorite taco will always be Bean, Cheese, and Chorizo.

What is your routine while creating items for your shop?

 I am a huge Diet Pepsi drinker so that is always around when I create.

The music depends on what I am creating and who is around me. My 4 yr old loves to play Katy Perry when she is painting with me. I prefer to listen to Lila Downs.

Are you bilingual and what is your favorite saying or motto?

I speak Tex-Mex but the one saying that stuck with me growing up was it didn’t matter if you were poor but always hold yourself up to a higher standard.  My grandpa used to say something like “No necessitias a mirar ni hablar como estas pobre”. 

Can readers contact you if they have questions?

I am very active on Twitter and you can email me at tejanamadejewelry@gmail.com

My Blog is Tejana Made--It is evolving to become more of a DIY/Jewelry Tutorial site as well as an introduction into Leather Crafting. I really love making Leather Cuffs and hope to one day to learn how to make handbags. Or, boots! Wouldn’t that be awesome!      www.tejanamade.wordpress.com

::GIVEAWAY::

So, you want a custom piece from Tejana Made Designs? ENTER BELOW TO WIN A $35.00 GIFT CARD!!!! You have until July 1st to enter!!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

{DreamTree} ♥

Why hello lovelies! My name is Casey, and I am a local Houston photographer trying to make it in this crazy business!  I got started like many other photographers… at the beginning of my SAHM journey when I was a tender 24 years old.  I had a cheap camera, didn’t know much about it, woke up one day, and decided to go to art school.  Ha!  I soon found myself interning with The Houston Ballet, and working with some pretty amazing people in and around the Houston area.  I am now less than a week away from turning the big two-seven, with not only one but two beautiful blessings- Aislynn (6 years old) and Anabella (6 months old).  Together, they motivate my everyday, and inspire me to be a better…well, me. 

I’ve always had a passion for arts… When I was in elementary school, I was obsessed with the design and organization of my bedroom.  Six months wouldn’t go by without me redecorating and rearranging furniture.   By the time I was in middle school, I was in the school band, and music quickly became my muse.  Come high school, I danced and shimmied on stage to choreographed music.  And in college, I learned and finally embraced the fact that it’s okay to not “fit in” or be apart of the “in crowd”.  Art has always been apart of my life, and I hadn’t realized how much of an impact it made on my life until I picked up a camera and began snapping away! 

A little bit about my business:

The name, “DreamTree” encompasses the meaning of a dream… the roots of the tree, and the branches of hope… growing and blossoming into beautiful stories!  This too, has encompassed the journey of my own business.  When I first started out, I was all over the place… I hadn’t found my niche.  After photographing any and every opportunity that came at me, today, I can finally say I know exactly where I want DreamTree to go.  Over the past 6 months, my brand and style have taken on a new look and feel… one that I feel conveys the message behind DreamTree. 

I have had the pleasure of photographing some pretty ah-mazing people with beautiful stories to share and incredible hearts just bursting with pure LOVE!  Many clients have become wonderful and close friends, and each client has been a blessing!  I love being apart of something so very special! 

Please, feel free to take a look around my website and blog.  I’d love to meet you and your family, to get to know your dreams, and to help document some of the most precious and memorable moments in your lives!

{As a special thanks to Momma of Dos for having me as a guest on her oh so fab blog, with the mention of this post, receive 10% OFF your session.  Not a fan on Facebook? Become one, and receive a complimentary 11x14 with your session! Because you’re extra awesome, and want to share the love, share this post, comment below, and receive a $50 print credit towards your next session!} 

Thank you, all, for taking the time to read my little story!  And a special thank you to Momma of Dos for having me!  Much love, blessings, and happiness to you all!

Xoxo

--Casey

Website: www.dreamtree-photography.com

Blog: www.dreamtree-photography.com/blog

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

{Awesome Wickless Candles & More} Shop Giveaway Jan. 2013

Let's show some Momma Love to Stacey!!! 

Our January Giveaway Partner!!
{Don't let the month fool you, head on over to her page and hit "LIKE"!!}

Meet Stacey:

Hi, my name is Stacey Imboden and I am a married mother of 3 daughters who live in Pasadena. 

I am 31 years old and I am a Scentsy Consultant. I love Scentsy because of all the wonderful smells and a huge variety of items that can be purchased. I started my shop so I can spread the word of me selling Scentsy and to offer my friends, family and customers with good deals and discounts. I also periodically give away FREE items on my page to those who want to participate. 

My customers motivate me to sell more and to keep getting the word out so I can reach the next level in Scentsy. All of my daughters love animals and so selling Scentsy makes it even better because I offer a lot of different stuffed buddies for the kids. I love listening to music or hearing my daughters sing to me while I work. My oldest daughter is a wonderful singer and just loves to sing all day long and write songs. My middle daughter loves Justin Bieber and wishes one day to meet him. My youngest who will soon have a birthday loves to draw, color, and make crafty stuff for everyone she knows. I myself love Coca Cola and I am a HUGE collector! 

My hubby is a stay at home dad and makes sure that the kids and I are all taken care of by the time I get off of work. I enjoy meeting new people and helping others when I can. I only speak English but I do understand Spanish a lot. My favorite saying is "rubber ducky your my friend"....lol I know its kind of childish but hey who said we ever have to completely grow up? Some of my favorite hobbies are making crafty things with my kiddos and collecting Coca Cola stuff. 

Connect with Stacey:

Awesome Wickless Candles & More

Personal Website: www.staceyimboden.scentsy.us

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/awesomewicklesscandles {PLEASE LIKE} 

When Stacey gets to 500 likes on her Facebook Page she will give away a FREE Plug-In Warmer!

Current Specials:

Buy $250 or more and get FREE SHIPPING + I will give you a FREE LAYERS LOTION 
(choice of what I have in stock)

Buy $150 or more and get FREE SHIPPING!

Buy $75 in items and get a FREE Scent Pack (choice of what I have in stock)

For anyone who places an order on her website their name will be put in a drawing for a FREE Full-Size Warmer of their choice!

Offer ends: March 31, 2013 and drawing will be held on April 1, 2013. Must have at least 10 people with orders before drawing will be done!

How to enter the Momma of Dos January Giveaway:

Readers must be a fan and “like” Stacey’s page at ::Awesome Wickless Candles & More:: to be entered into the drawing. 

{Participants should also "like" Momma of Dos; then go to Stacey’s page and tell her the Momma sent you!}

Simple. 

Tell your Amigas and family to participate as well once Stacey reaches 500 readers your name will then be entered in the drawing!!! 

We will select a winner and announce it here!!!

Makes for a GREAT gift for any occasion!!!

Disclosure:This is not a compensated post. However, Awesome Wickless Candles is providing an item to giveaway and Momma of Dos is Hosting the giveaway. Momma of Dos will only advertise or promote items that fit in with the beliefs and character of this blog.  If you are found to not be a good fit, your shop will not be posted.