::Weekend Snapshots:: Texas Bluebonnets 2016

This weekend was super busy for our little family. Saturday we had to split up, I went to an all day conference with our HLB crew and my Hubby and kids had baseball. This is one of the biggest sacrifices I make as a Momma who wants to grow and develop not only for myself but for my brand. And, a sacrifice my children and Hubby make for me as my children and spouse. I try to rarely cut into our family time and obligations on the weekend but sometimes it's needed. This was also an event that we committed to a while ago and before I knew we would do baseball this season. But, I made no excuses and woke up early and left the house that morning, leaving behind all baseball things prepped for my kids so that their morning could go smooth as well.

I am really glad I did. Because we made new connections at the Business Advancement Conference and our administrative team was able to have an actual face to face meeting, most of our day to day work is done online via, chat and texts, and phone calls. Face to face is becoming more and more important as we begin to get more organized and structured and committed to our group. So, that was awesome! I love seeing Jihane and Ariana in person when needed. I think we are 3 truly different people and our dynamic is interesting but I feel we have and continue to grow every time we meet and talk. 

More on the conference this week. 

Since I had spent all day away from the kids and Hubby we went to dinner at my In-Laws house to eat some crawfish. And, we also planned a small day-trip for the next day to seek out what the bluebonnet craze was all about! Sunday morning we slept in a little and then woke up, got ready and met up with Ricardo's cousin for a short trip further out into the country. We drove, with really no clue of where we would go. Finally, about 30-45 minutes away from Houston we found a spot along the side of the road where everyone was stopping so we stopped, cause when in Rome. Ha. We for the first time ever, yes, ever, got bluebonnet shots! It was fun until we were eaten alive by tiny ants. After which we continued to take more pictures but were definitely done with it. We headed towards the Blue Bell Creameries, we didn't know it would be closed but still looked around and planned to go back on a weekday when it's open to see more.

{ Please note we did not climb on the truck, we gently sat for pictures. } 

You would think our Sunday would have ended there, but oh yeah we have a 5 and 6-year old who never stop. We had a late lunch at MOD Pizza and then headed out to Meyer park to walk it off. We had fun and for sure, a FAMILY filled day. Exploring is always good, we went home exhausted, us, not the kids, and then tried to relax and get ready for the week.

How was your weekend?? 

DON'T FORGET: Link up with Jessica and me on our #WeekendSnapshots

link up below by entering this weeks post link!

http://www.3twentysix.com/2016/04/weekend-snapshots-15.html#more

::How can you empower YOUNG women:: #SXSW

Music Keynote Speaker and First Lady Michelle Obama. Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images.

Powerhouse women. That's who was united on the stages of SXSW this week. Powerhouse people, artists, creatives, and doers. As a Momma, as a Woman, as a Writer. I am affected and fully inspired by these types of events.  One of my favorite panels was Let Girls Learn Panel. Moderated by Queen Latifah. It was composed of the most epic Boss Lady/Tribe ever. Michelle Obama, Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott, Diane Warren, and Sophia Bush. I mean who wouldn't want any of the ladies sitting on stage in their corner and it got me thinking... who do I have in mine?   

You know who I keep in my corner? Women who love me and support me. People, who believe in me. People. Who want me to succeed. Those people who will look at me and be real, who will say...yeah you are crazy but go for it! I have people in my life who are honest and hurt my feelings but love me. I have people in my life who inspire me, motivate me, push me. I have people in my corner who keep me humble and remind me...it is NOT that serious. And, who don't take me for granted. I have people in my life who allow me to be me, who allow me to miss dates or rescheduled appointments because I have a family. I have people in my life who don't create more drama and issues for me but instead, help me solve issues and give me solutions.

That is what this panel brought to mind. How can I feel empowered and in return empower the younger generation of women? More importantly, how can I empower those young women in my life, especially my daughter! 

LET GIRLS LEARN PANEL: the FIRST LADY was JOINED BY MISSY ELLIOTT, DIANE WARREN, SOPHIA BUSH, AND QUEEN LATIFAH

"Find your passion, turn it into Action! Support your Sisters!!" -Queen Latifah

Equal rights is the work of both men and women. 

You can't look to other for a change...."Change happens on the ground!"-Michelle Obama

• Never give up
• Work Hard
• Nothing will ever be handed to you
• When others tell you, you are a nobody, show them who you are and MORE! 
• Don't let anyone hold you down. 

Powerful women, empower women. 

How can you help empower young ladies in your life?

1. Be Involved- Volunteer, advocate, and support those organizations that will help young women achieve the dreams and create an impact. There are so many out there, locally and nationwide. The one presented in this panel was #62MillionGirls 

2. Tell them they CAN- Your words can make a huge difference. Encouraging young women, mentoring them and telling them that they CAN be the difference everyone speaks of, is a very important and powerful part of the puzzle.

3. Be the example- As most things happen, we must show others what we are capable of by leading and being the example that young women need. You do have to lead by example.

4. Instill an education- I say it all the time and I know that many great people have not needed schooling and are self-taught. But, when a child is taught that an education can change their lives, it helps them grow with that mindset. I want my children to know school is an option. And, when other children want an education and can't get one, then we should take advantage of that and run with it.

5. Give them options- Just as I mentioned before, we want our children to know that they do have option. If a 4 year degree isn't for them, maybe some other type of certification or enrichment programs can be obtained. And, always letting them know that they can follow their dreams by taking different paths.

6. Inspire their dreams- In that same sense, we want to feed our children's dreams, support and encourage those dreams. I want my children to know that they can do anything they want, as long as they put the work in and become educated in what they want to do.

7. Let them be creative- Allowing young women to freely express, to be creative and to know that they can express their dreams through different outlets.

8. Help them find their voice- In the same sense of feeding young ladies dreams and allowing them to be creative, we can help them find their voice through mentoring and exposure to different resources.

9. Help them produce change- And, like with anything else you want to help young ladies and walk with them side-by-side to help them achieve their dreams. Providing resources and information they need to grow and learn.

10. Be the change! -  We cannot move forward without truly creating change, unless we create action and do those things that we say we are going to do! That's what it's about.

http://www.sxsw.com/

::Weekend Snapshots:: Link-Up with 3TwentySix & The Reinvention of Jessica

When we created Houston Latina Bloggers the group was meant to join together local Latina writers who really wanted to engage their readers and simply be part of a culturally unique group. I feel that the purpose has definitely evolved and changed over the past few months. We seek to not only bring together local Latinas who love to write and are true social media influencers but also motivate and inspire all women to feel empowered and share their unique voice. I hope that over the next year we can further grow this sense of community and share even more. 

In the meantime, the ladies that form the group are extremely wonderful and motivate me to keep moving forward in our direction.

I couldn't do anything or make things possible without my fellow co-founders, a huge thanks as always to Ariana of 3TwentySix and Jihane of OnixJ. While I have been seen as the face and "voice" of the team, the ladies who run all the behind the scenes are incredible and truly nothing can be done without them. Their support of my somewhat out there ideas has been great and I truly see them as my Latina Tribe who have been here for me through this amazing venture and journey. Our own community of constant support and love, it's so important to what we do, to always support one another. 

Oh, weekend snapshots. Right, so this past weekend was amazing. We had a great event with amazing women involved. Wonderful sponsors such as Kroger, CHI, Define Hair Studio in Spring, Thinking Girls Boutique, and Pollo Tropical.  Two make-up artist Sylvia and Jannette, as well as three very inspiring speakers.

First up was Dr. Kelley Watts, a local family therapist who spoke on how we should not allow our inner demons to take charge of our world, and instead we should conquer them one day at a time and be confident in who we are.  Then, came a personal favorite, as she is my boot camp trainer Maggie of Texas Fit Chicks. She spoke about how she isn't the typical young trainer and how her weight struggles led her to where she is today. She confessed to having a cheat day and how she creates balance in her everyday workout routine by also indulging in those things she loves. She spoke about being motivated as a fellow Momma of Dos and growing into her true purpose. She is an amazing motivator and person. Finally, my good friend Sharon of the Bitchy Business Briefs told us a little about her daily activities keep her mentally and physically healthy and young. How she doesn't want to necessarily be young again but knows the importance of feeling great at whatever age. How embracing your age and learning to care for yourself has given her new life.

All the ladies had such wonderful stories to share, that I feel they impacted us in many ways. They gave great insights into how our overall well being affects our everyday lives as women. How negative thoughts affect our inner beauty which in return affects what we feel like and look like. And, that we should really focus on ourselves to be strong and healthy because in the end if we aren't well our lives show it and our moods can be altered in a not so good way!

The rest of our weekend was spent, with friends, resting and eating great homemade food.

{This is a Link-Up with 3TwentySix & The Reinvention of Jessica }

::10 Positive things to do BEFORE 2016::

The new year will be upon us soon, in 30 days to be exact. I love happy, positive posts that will help us grow. 2015 has been a great one. I will have a reflection post soon. But, for now I wanted to kick off our "new year resolution" making, early. Only because being prepared and envisioning what I want in 2016 is highly important to me. I have been doing this for a couple of years now and things have just slowly become better and gone in a more desired direction. Now, I have said this before, my challenges and my vision boards don't go without troubles or difficulties. They just help me get through the tough moments easier. 

Let's begin. How can you make 2016 a better and bigger year?

::Envision your 2016::

Think about what it is you want, envision your happy place. Never a prefect world but always happy with your choices and the path you are walking. What you want for your family, your career, your education, your friendships, your business endeavors and partnerships. Anything goes. Sometimes the bigger the dream the better making those dreams come true though might take small steps and setting a series of smaller goals. These goals can be monthly goals. Just know that the process takes times. Be patient.

::Write it down::

Now that you have it all set-up in your mind and you have envisioned what 2016 will look like, write it down! One of my biggest mistakes is thinking, and thinking and not making notes or writing it down. Write your vision out as bullet points if you want just quick notes, or into your planner as monthly or weekly goals so that it's already planned. Writing down what you want is very important. It creates a visual, it's another reason why I believe in vision boards. This year I even created a digital vision board on Pinterest. Anything to help me SEE everything that I want, helps.

::Positive thoughts::

Set your mind in the right direction and the rest will follow. Trust. One of my biggest challenges year to year is my weight. Some months out of the year, I can't. I won't. My mind can't focus on being strict and disciplined, it wants to just be. I think months like these are necessary, it helps prepare our minds for what we really want. Once your mind is set on something it's hard to not go through with it, at least for me. I can be very stubborn. Mindset is everything!


::Positive Words::

Words, my friend Jotina has an excellent book about our language and how we should change this. I myself have done several #30daychallenege's now. And, 2016 will not be an exception, already planning it, so be ready January 1. The 30 day challenge is mainly on my Instagram. And, trust me, it has truly changed me. I used to work in a negative environment with co-workers whose words were always unhappy and complaint, once I changed my language to myself, that situation turned itself around. Our minds and our language are key to progressing. I have lived it.

::Start your weight loss plan now::

I started boot-camp about a month ago in November, knowing myself and that I love to eat. That and that the holidays were coming up and that I suck at self-control. I got a good deal on Texas Fit Chicks through Groupon and went with it. This week I started on my second month and have signed up for 3 new months. Oh this will be hell. But, it's okay because I am already loving the changes in my body and the 7 pound weight-loss in November. I have pictures on Instagram. Not like transformation stuff, but motivational ones that keep me going and reminded. If you start now, you won't have to think about it come January 1, you will already have a plan and your habits set. Just sayin'. As they say, the early bird gets the worm...and the abs! Ha.

:: Take a Break::

We all know that those who hustle succeed, but every once in a while a break is  much needed. You don't want to burn yourself out and lose sight of what you are really after. Taking a break and reorganizing your thoughts and plan is needed. I try to do this often, sometimes it's easier said than done. I am a person who constantly needs to be in motion, only because my anxiety and depression will kick in if I don't. And, that's even harder to shake. But, I do believe in resting and making sure that I remain focused so I take breaks, when needed. A break for everyone is different. For me, even not doing laundry, staying off social media after 5 p.m. or skipping a blog are all good breaks. I mentally shut down and enjoy things like; napping, T.V. and annoying my Husband and kids to do things!

::Take up a Hobby::

Helps fuel creativity and new ideas. I love making things, writing and exercising. All, I feel, are good hobbies to have. I have started doing some photography and learning more about taking quality pictures. I love making wreaths and headbands. Of course writing is my obvious passion. Exercising I feel is a good hobby, keeps you busy and in shape. I am not as good at that but I try. Always doing the things I really like, because they keep me motivated and inspire me so much. Plus they make me happy and keep me in a good mood which is valuable to good family life.

:: Eat Well::

Hardest thing ever for this Mexican Momma who loves ALL foods. But, I do notice that when I eat well I feel better. About myself, about my energy and overall mood. Good healthy food is so important in your 30's and beyond, I am sure. I ate so much crap food for so long that now, I would rather eat clean healthy homemade food. It's good every once in a while to have a good cheat meal, but for the long haul I prefer healthy eats. I get a lot my food prep ideas from Pinterest . Your body and mind will love you!


::Sleep::

This doesn't apply to me. Ha. I should sleep more. I can't sometimes. I have a problem shutting down and refuse to take medicine. Even after a long day waking up before 6 a.m. and exercising every night, I still can't seem to shut down. Insomnia is a real issue I have had for years, since High School. But, now well into my 30's, I know how important it is and when I can, I do sleep well. It's vital to my health. I can function just fine even on a couple of hours of sleep, my body is kind of used to it.

::Go Out::

Being social and meeting up with friends or meeting new people are vital, you never know who you will meet and how they will impact your life. Friends are a good reminder of how awesome your life's journey has been. Going out with your Hubby or significant other, is just as important to relax and have fun. I have the most fun on date-nights now with my Husband because they are so long overdue at times. They help remind me of how life brought us together and we always sit and think about the kids which is an amazing reminder of how much God has blessed us over the years.  This all helps re-inspire you on so many levels. So have a taco, drink a margarita, enjoy life and the rest will follow.

::HELLO:: #Adele

[ Hello from the other side

I must've called a thousand times 

To tell you I'm sorry, for 

everything that I've done

But when I call you never

seem to be home]

Funny story, I love break-up songs. Not because I have been involved in a ton of horrible break-ups. I have been with my Husband for over 15 years, never once have we split up. Good? Bad? I don't know.

But, there is one person I have issues with. I split up with that person and reconcile; and then split up again and start all over. That person is, me. No, not crazy, just bare with me. You see when I hear songs like Hello, I think about myself. The lyrics above speak to me, Hello Connie from the other side! In a good way. 

Still not crazy, wait for it. 

Every experience in my life, has been a moment to reflect, a good moment to reinvent myself, learn, grow and start over. With myself. Learning in my 20's who I really was. How strong I could really be. Here I am 7 months from 35.

Hello Connie, from the other side. Wiser, braver and far more knowledgeable of my capabilities. Scared, sure. Who isn't? But, not paralyzed by my fears like I was 5 years ago when I was a new Momma with 2 babies. 

[Hello, it's me, I was wondering

If after all these years you'd like to meet to go

over everything

They say that time's supposed to heal, yeah

But I ain't done much healing]

I must've called a thousand times, to tell you I 'm sorry for everything I have done.  As a Wife, a Momma, an Employee, a Daughter, a Sister, a Friend. I have failed. I tell myself over and over that I am sorry for all that I have disrespected my true self, hated my body, felt sad and unworthy, felt like a failure. But, I forgive myself. I am allowed to fail and fall short. To disappoint and be firm in my beliefs and thoughts. I am sorry Connie, for all that I have done. To self-manipulate my confidence and strength. For thinking I was incapable or unworthy.

I have been broken in so many areas of my life. The healing has been hard. Judged and hurt. Like so many others. 

[There's such a difference between us

And a million miles]

Hello. I am on the other side. I stand strong. Now braver, more empowered and far more confident of my capabilities and worth! A song about self-love and how much stronger I have come out of every single ordeal I have been faced with.

A million miles from where I once have stood, from where I was and have fallen, many times. 

Maybe it's not the break-up songs I am attracted to but the female empowerment songs that really call out to me. It's about healing your soul and moving forward. It's about loving who you have become and continuing to grow. 

[Hello from the outside

At least I can say that I've tried 

To tell you I'm sorry, for breaking your

heart

But it don't matter, it clearly

doesn't tear you apart

anymore]

And, I am at peace with it all. Myself , who I am and who I am not. I have learned to love me, and get back up after being knocked down. Hello, again, from the other side.

Where I am strong, empowered and above all...loved.