::Summer Giveaway with The Pink Envelope:: #giveaway #partnership

This morning I have partnered with Samantha of the Pink Envelope for a super fun Summer giveaway for your kids! To enter follow the Raffelcopter instructions below or visit The Pink Envelope!! 

Good luck and happy Thursday! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 The giveaway Swag Bag includes: 

Hape Lacing Skate in Red - $10.27

Treestar Hair Pins from EC Boom Box - $10.00

Espionage Cosmetics Nail Wraps in Turquoise & Pretty Poison - $24.00

3 Slap Bracelets - $3.00

Baggu Bag in Purple Leopard - $9.00

Disney Minnie Mouse Beach Towel - $21.98

Branch Color Pencils - $6.75

Mini Blue Picture Frame - $7.99

Mad Hatter Book Mark - $1.00

Amazon Fire Cooper Case in Blue with handle - $15.99

Amazon Fire Cooper Case Trooper in Blue - $9.95

Amazon Fire Cooper Case Screen Protectors - $13.45

Owl Temporary Tattoo Sticker Book - $1.00

Dress Up Costume Jewelry - $9.95

FOLLOW THE PINK ENVELOPE HERE:

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/thepinkenvelope/

IG: @thepinkenvelope

Web: www.thepinkenvelope.com

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::

a Rafflecopter giveaway

::Blogger Bonanza:: The Woodlands Mom Expo

::Momma Disclosure:: { This is not a compensated post. I received complimentary pass for myself & my readers in collaboration with The Woodlands Mom Expo. All opinions and statements expressed below are my own and true and honest. }

Blogger Bonaza! Sounds like fun huh?! Well it will be. 

http://www.thewoodlandsmomexpo.com/show-schedule/

Are you looking for something new and fun to do in Houston next weekend, Feb 6-7? 

Well how about heading out to the Woodlands Mom Expo. On Saturday February 7th, you can  join myself and 3 other expert bloggers as we share how you too can become a blogger!! We will also be sharing other great tips on how you can start your blog, learn more about how you too can turn your blog into a business and fun details about our bloggy lives!

It will be an informational discussion panel which will be held on Saturday from 2-3 p.m. at the Woodlands Mom Expo. I will also be available to answer your questions and get to meet some of the best blog followers in town, MY MOMMA READERS! 

You don't have a ticket yet? Well then grab one right here and bring your Momma friends! There will be so many great sponsors and vendors that you can visit and learn more about. There will also be a lot of fun activities for the kids. 

So, don't wait and grab some of your BEST Momma friends, print your tickets and we will see you at the Woodlands Mom Expo you will not want to miss it! Can't wait to see you there!! 

{La Pulga} #northsidehouston

So, let me keep it real for you. And, I mean real.

My parents are Mexican. So am I.

Ever since I can remember,especially from my memories living here in Houston, my parents have never been "fancy eaters". We have always been simple. And, yes we have always enjoyed the Pulga {or Flea Market}.

Here in Houston there is no doubt that one of the most aged flea markets is the "Airline Flea Market" which has many other names or references but that's how I know it. La Pulga de la Airline.

It's unique Mexican style Tianguis setup and authentic food, music and atmosphere really makes me feel comfortable and not quite in Mexico but at least close to it.

I have always loved Houston for this very reason, no matter how far we are from the Mexican border we somehow have managed to recreate many Mexican classics in a very "American" city. Places like the Mercado and the Panaderia are also some of my favorites also interestingly enough located on Airline.

Northside Houston is where I grew up, so I was no stranger to these places. Now that I am a adult with children of my own, we opted for living a bit outside of the city and in a more "rural" location. But, that doesn't keep us from our favorite places in town. We visit at least 2 or 3 times a month or as often as we visit my Mom and Dad at their home, which sometimes is every weekend.

My kids have been exposed to all types of food, places and people and they too  are no strangers to these where-abouts. We love it because while it's not fully authentic in location it's very similar and teaches our kids a lot about different Mexican traditions and really a lot about how my Hubby and I grew up.  

What about you? What are some favorite places that you feel are authentic to your roots and that you want your children to grow up with?

::Children's Books:: #RealCincodeMayo Blog Hop Edition

In an effort to constantly educate my children about our culture, where we come from and the history of Texas and yes, Mexico; I wanted to create a short book list that could help my toddlers learn a little more about Cinco de Mayo. 

I am pretty sure I have written about Cinco de Mayo once before, because just like my children I also love learning about Mexico and it's history. I grew up in Texas and spent most of my grade school summer vacations and winter breaks in Mexico; mostly the border town of Reynosa and a few summers in Cuernavaca. I have since vacationed with my Husband to several places in Mexico such as San Luis Potosi, Guanajuato and Michoacan. 

Due to the current problems in Mexico my children have only visited Mexico once {Reynosa} and it was for about 2 days. But, they love books and they love what they already know about Mexico. My son calls it the "republic of Mexica". Slowly but surely they have come to realize that we live in a home with diverse cultures. We embrace our home, the U.S. but we also love to learn about where our parents, Grand-Parents and Great-Grand Parents came from, Mexico.

This list was created with my 3 and 4 year old in mind; there are plenty of other age appropriate books that will assist older children learn more about Cinco de Mayo, why it's celebrated and it's traditions. 

When I am trying to teach my children more about the Mexican culture, I seek books with the following characteristics; 

1.I look for at least one of the authors to be Hispanic to teach my children about Hispanic/Latino authors.

2.I look for colorful pictures because my children are toddlers they love pictures.

3.And, finally I love Bilingual or books written in Spanish because it helps my children learn our second language, Español.  

The following books were my Top 3 online choices to help us learn about Cinco de Mayo in a toddler friendly manner: 

Two of the books are bilingual and they have great illustrations!

{Book Pictures from: AMAZON.COM}

I have teamed up with a great group of Ladies from Texas Latino Bloggers to create this Blog Hop ::PLEASE VISIT THEIR SITES FOR MORE #REALCINCODEMAYO POST::

04/28 Tejana Made

04/29 Que Means What

04/30 Candypolooza

05/01 Mejorando Mi Hogar

05/02 ME

05/03 Family Love In My City

05/05  Your Sassy Self

{Friday Update!} #BEconference

Happy Friday Everyone!!!!

Hope you enjoyed our posts this week the lovely ladies... Sybil and Darlene are really good friends and they are always so nice to share and join me on my Blog adventures!

As you may know I am at the Blog Elevated Conference today!!!! Focused and ready to learn and take it all in. So, yes....stay tuned to lots of fun recap posts next week! Follow me on Twitter {@MommaofDosTX} so that you can see what all the hoopla is about and maybe next year you will join us....



Last year I attended my first conference and I urge all Bloggers to attend at least one Conference per year, even if it's local because trust me  you will learn SO much and meet SO many great people!  I can't wait to come back next week and share all of my new experiences with you. Also, watch for my upcoming post over at Houston Moms Blog! I have a pretty great local restaurant review coming up, pretty excited about it!

Hope you enjoy your Friday and have a great weekend!

See you back here next week......

{Guest Blogger} Sybil

{Sleeping in Goggles: The Beauty of a Child's Imagination}

Like many nights before, the kids, hubby and I were all getting ready for bed. We were brushing our teeth, putting on our pajamas, preparing the pillows and blankets for our nightly rest. While checking in to make sure the kids were almost ready to go to sleep, I saw my oldest sitting in bed, trying to put on some water goggles my mother had bought her the day before.

"Ixchel, what are you doing with those?" I asked.

"I want to wear them," she answered.

At this point it was getting late and I brushed this nonsense aside, took the goggles from her and hung them on the headboard.

"Ixchel, you can't wear those to bed. Goggles are for the water. Anyways, they are going to bother you at night. I'm going to hang them right here so you don't lose them!"

"Okay, Mami," she replied.

I went on with the nightly routine and, after I was finally ready to kiss my babies goodnight, a smile came across my face when I saw my beautiful Leah Ixchel laying in bed, sleeping with her goggles on.

At first I chuckled at the sight of my little girl wearing those things in bed. But then I paused and I really took in the sight before me. It was magical! It brought thoughts of fantasy, adventure, exploration and imagination to my mind! I wondered whether my little girl was off on a scuba diving expedition or maybe she was in an airplane flying high in the sky.

When I saw her laying there, wearing those goggles, I was glad she hadn't listened to me. I didn't want to squash her sense of wonder, her sense of imagination. I want to nurture that and be the one who supports her in all her endeavors (be they imaginary or not). As a matter of fact, I wish I could bring back that childhood innocence I once had in me.

Many times we get caught up in everyday life: going to work, running errands, paying bills... just being practical, being adults! We might as well be on auto pilot, seeing that sometimes we can't distinguish one day from another because the days are all too similar. And just like we can fall victim to routine, our kids can be subject to it too: do your homework, do your chores, do this, do that!

So here's what I want to do. I want to build forts out of blankets and chairs and camp out in the living room, I want to fashion pirate swords out of cardboard and go searching for treasure, or maybe use a makeshift spaceship to travel across space and discover new planets.

Seeing how the adult world can keep me busy and I'll probably forget how inspired I was, I need to make sure to tell the kiddos my plan because I'm sure they'll make sure that I don't forget!

{About Sybil}

Sybil is an aspiring Houston Latina blogger. When not hesitating to write for herself, you will find her writing and producing for a local Spanish television station’s Community Affairs Department, where she has been since August 2003. Sybil graduated in May 2003 from the University of St. Thomas with a Bachelor’s in Communications and Spanish, minor in Theology.  Sybil is the mother of three beautiful children and wife of Francisco Sánchez.

You can read more from her at www.sybilblog.wordpress.com and follow her on Twitter @sybil_sanchez, Instagram: @sybil_sanchez and LinkedIn: Sybil Moncivais Sanchez.

"Sun in the Closet"

It's the best expression I have heard in a while....

I heard it this weekend as a good friend assessed my current job and abilities.

"Really Connie? It's like putting the Sun in the closet."

I couldn't help but smile and think....

It's true. You know those moments of shade or maybe even darkness in your life...when the Sun is stuck in the closet?

There come moments in life when we don't have all the answers, when we don't know what direction is best, and when we just don't shine the way we used to...

I think Dr. Seuss said it best in "Oh, the places you'll Go!" when he stated....

"And when you're in a Slump,
you're not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself
is not easily done."

{Yes, I totally just opened the book and looked for this line....}

Not sure what kind of a place I am in but what ever it is, it's not my usual place.

Maybe I am in that place right before the door is ready to open and the Sun is peeking through waiting for the perfect moment to shine bright again and say... "HERE I AM!"

Maybe it's a moment of change and transformation, that I am not quite aware of...or that isn't very clear.

What ever it is, it's a weird place and I am ready for the Sun to shine once more outside the closet....just don't know how to get it going again.

If motivation, and inspiration surround me, then what is stopping me?

No idea.

But, I am ready to let the Sun out of the closet and let it SHINE! Shine. SHINE! Shine.

{::meme credit:: created by: memegenerator.net}

{Friday Letters}

Dear Friday, 

why HELLO! So glad you are here!!

Dear Life, 

Thank you for the amazing Blessings that you bring my family and I everyday...we know that at times we treat you bad, we curse you and we even "dislike" you but you know what....we embrace you. We embrace the place we are in right now and even though it's not exactly what we expected, we work hard everyday to reach a new goal and new levels. We are Blessed and we thank you not only for allowing us to grow but for all the amazing opportunities you give us day in and day out to start over....and maybe get things right tomorrow.  

Dear ME, Yes me! 

Don't forget that we are all here for a reason and even though your purpose isn't as clear or as executed as you wish...it will come...your day will come. Be strong, keep the faith and MOVE forward...you are stronger than most and you have survived a lot...you can make it through this.

Dear Hubby, 

It's been a crazy year, soon we will have all kind of celebrations but in advanced....Thank you !! No matter how difficult things have gotten, you put up with my BLAH-NESS and we move forward...together. I don't say it enough..I appreciate you. I love you and I really can't live without you. 

Dear Minions {also known as Cami and Santi}, 

You are the most beautiful Blessings in my life, not sure where my life would be had you not come along. I love you more and more everyday and no matter how much we fight and how many tantrums you throw or how much mess you make or how many times you miss the toilet...I will always love you more than anything ever. Love you Dos. 

Dear Momma Readers, 

In case you missed it... I made a "BIG" announcement this morning.... 

I am officially the newest Contributor for the HOUSTON MOMS BLOG!!!!! If you have not "liked" their Facebook fan page, please do so, SO much FUN to come!!!! The site launches in September so watch for this Momma!!!! I will be sharing more about the group as the month goes by but for now go, PLEASE, and check out HOUSTON MOMS BLOG Facebook page!!!! 

{Sidetracked} Mes de Agosto

It's August! {Hola Agosto!}

I am excited. I think I have said it a million times today but I honestly believe it; August is going to be a good month! 

A lot of fun activities scheduled. As everyone prepares to go "back" to school we just have a continuance of the school year. My kids are in daycare and they go to school, ALL the time. I know some kids would probably cringe but it's true, especially since this Momma got a new job back in May. 

Which is why we have been a little {or a lot} sidetracked. 

I mean between just now getting back on a schedule or routine again, all the daycare adjustments and work training; it's been hectic. Oh and did I mention the sicks? In July we were sick. All of us, for a while. I think we are finally back on track though. 

Which is difficult considering that for a while now I have not been one to follow strict schedules and routines simply because the organized chaos works best for us. I know that children need some structure and believe me we have structure, we just don't like to get stuck in the same routine or schedule everyday...I think it's my un-diagnosed ADHD. I can't sit still and I can't do the same thing over and over. I have tried. And, really I have been there and done that, and for some reason since I had the kids the less scheduling the better and things just seem to fall into place for us. Not saying we don't plan anything because we do but we just don't plan everything. 

What was I saying? You see sidetracked. 

It happens that quick. But, August will be my month to regain some control, some structure and some scheduling. I am exited, and happy. Cause, have I told you? I have a big announcement tomorrow. I can't wait! Agh! 

HOPE  YOU WILL JOIN ME, OH AND TELL YOUR AMIGAS {&AMIGOS} ABOUT IT. It's going to be fun! And, if you don't follow us PLEASE DO:

::FACEBOOK MOMMA::

::TWITTER MOMMA::

::PINTREST MOMMA::

{Ford Summer Spectacular} #FordEspanol

{Momma Disclosure: This is not a compensated post. Informational post only.}

There is no doubt that Summer is known for it's "Blockbuster" films and the Ford Motor Company has created a series which portrays these epic Summer films but with a twist. The star line-up is none other than the motor companies very own, vehicles.  The creativity of this series definitely caught my attention. When I first saw one of the commercials on T.V., it honestly kept me glued to the screen waiting to see what movie it was. When I realized it was a Ford commercial I thought, how clever. 

The Ford Summer Spectacular was previewed at the Miami Beach Cinemateque. The premiere attendees; composed of Ford representatives and other members of the media were given the red-carpet treatment and were even interviewed by top celebrity and lifestyle Bloggers. They enjoyed a private screening and a unique behind the scenes glimpse of the filming of Ford's newest advertising campaign. Their  "blockbuster movie-like commercials" where filmed in Los Angeles and it's surrounding areas. 

The short films where directed by Kyle Cooper, who is a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Science. Cooper was also recognized as one of the top 50 "Biggest and Best thinkers" from the last 20 years of advertising and consumer culture by Creativity Magazine. 

Not only is the Summer Spectacular directed by well known talent the films also showcase a Hispanic International actor and host, Cristián de la Fuente. Cristian has been chosen as one of People magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful,” TV Guide’s sexiest man and twice named Cosmo’s Man of the Year. The former Dancing with the Stars performer appears in two of the Spanish language campaigns commercials.

The unique campaign runs from now through September 3rd. My favorite has been the recreation of Twilight, especially in Spanish. Which clip is your favorite?

{Friday Letters}

Dear Friday,

It’s been a good and very productive week. At work, at home and on my mission to be a more dedicated and motivated 32 year old ME. My house is organized and I think almost fully recovered from last weekend’s celebration.
Thank you for being here.
I really needed you.

See ya’next week!

Dear NYC,

I plan to meet you one day soon, if it’s not for a conference it will be for some fun!

See you soon!

Dear Life,

I am 32. Life is good. That is all.

Love you!!

Dear Perspective,

I see you, I hear you and trust me I am coming to get you. I will not give up and I will move forward. I know what it will take to get to where I want to be. Hard work, patience, dedication and time. I will get there on many levels and in many areas of my life.

Thank you for opening my eyes up this week!
Your attentive heart and mind,
Momma of Dos

Dear Houston Heat,

You are HOT! And, I don’t mean in a wink wink meow kinda way....I mean in a I want to sit in a tub of ice  and take a long dip in the Arctic Ocean kinda way!

You is a hot mess!

Happy Friday everyone! We made it to the weekend.....

My #CascadePlatinum #sponsored

{Momma Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Cascade. I received a product sample to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.}

One of the least favorite chores in our home is washing dishes. We are always trying to figure out shortcuts or something that will work better and faster than the last time. Which is why when we received the new Cascade Platinum Pacs I was excited. I will admit, I wasn't sure that such tiny pacs would get the job done.

I was pleased to see all of my dishes looking clean and shiny after the  first time using it. I also didn't have to deal with the residue that regular dish detergents leave behind. 

Usually we have to rinse very dirty dishes with soap and water before putting them in the dishwasher. With the Cascade Platinum Pacs, I rinsed all my dishes once with warm water only and then put them in the dishwasher. The results were great. I definitely recommend the Cascade Platinum Pacs for your daily dish washing routine.

The Cascade Platinum Pacs definitely deliver the most powerful cleaning action due to their advanced triple action recipe. I immediately noticed the new spot-free sparkle that my old dishes gained. The pacs are affordable and lasted twice as long as our powdered detergent usually does. 

I can't wait to try some of the other scents and products such as:
{Product information provided by Mom Central Consulting}
• Cascade© Complete© Pacs
• Cascade © ActionPacs™ with Dawn® Grease Fighting Power
• Cascade© with the scent of Gain® ActionPacs™
• Cascade © ActionPacs™ Destinations: Mediterranean Lavender and Thai Dragon Fruit scents

For great tips on dish washing and the importance of presentation during your meal time visit the Gail Simmons by Cascade YouTube Channel:

Please be sure to visit the Cascade website and Facebook page for special promotions and offers:

• Cascade Website: http://bit.ly/16Te3N5
• Cascade Facebook page:http://on.fb.me/10Y8RQQ
• #MyPlatinum Instagram:http://tinyurl.com/PlatBlog

{Jesse y Joy Meet and Greet} #Downy #LatinosImparables

{Momma Disclosure: This is not a compensated post but Downy & the #LatinoImparales Concert series provided me with two tickets and a meet and greet pass for the Jesse y Joy concert. We were also given two t-shirts. The review was not required and the statements below are my true and honest opinion. }

{Picture courtesy of Jesse y Joy; Latinos Imparables Meet and Greet Host}

Last week I had the opportunity to attend a House of Blue concert here in Houston. The Hubby and I took it as an opportunity to have a date night. It was much needed. All thanks to Downy who sponsored the Latinos Imaprables concert series, for Jesse y Joy and the very talented La Santa Cecilia. Thank you again DOWNY & #LatinoImparables for the Invite and Meet and Greet pass. It definitely made my month, which is nice since this is my Birthday month!

{Picture taken by Susy Barbosa of Houston, Texas}

The night was filled with great music and an enthusiastic Latino crowd of all ages. I loved listening to La Santa Cecilia, the lead singer Marisoul has a very unique voice and is so graceful and sweet.  I fell in love with the sounds of the accordion, the Mexican in me comes out and I just had to dance to their cumbia rendition. Reminds me of my valley days back home in South Texas. There is something about an accordion that just gives you an overall good feeling and happy feet if you will.

                                      {Picture taken by Susy Barbosa of Houston,Texas}


                                         {Picture taken by Susy Barbosa of Houston,Texas}

After the crowd did a little dancing and the excitement had grown, the headliners came on. Jesse y Joy, they were amazing. Listening to their absolute hits like “Espacio Sideral” and “Corre” live, was definitely a fun experience. Joy is beautiful and they were so sweet when we met them. They thanked us for coming out and we got a sweet little t-shirt.  I am too big for mine. Ha. My kids quickly pulled them on when we got home though so problem solved.

                                         {Picture taken by Susy Barbosa of Houston,Texas}


                                        {Picture taken by Susy Barbosa of Houston,Texas}


                                      {Picture taken by Susy Barbosa of Houston,Texas, In picture above}

I personally believe that Downy made the perfect combination and that this concert series has been a huge success not only because of the artist but because of all the special attention given to the fans.

Have you been to any fun concerts this month?

Inspired. {Local Blogger}

When I started Blogging I had no idea what being a Blogger was, and I definitely didn't know about the Latinos that were so immersed in such an amazing community. I had been Blogging since 2008 but it wasn't until last year that I started to see Blogging in a different light. I used to Blog to share my everyday happenings as a Wife and Employee, then as a Pregnant Wife and Employee, then as a first time Momma, and finally as a Momma of Dos. 

Last year I had the opportunity to attend my first ever Blogger Conference here in Houston and the doors that it has opened as well as the AH-MA-ZING people that I have met has changed my views not only about my own Blog and personal journey but about the Latino Blogging Community as a whole! 

I am HUGE on locals. I love to know that everyday women and men who live here in Houston are Blogging not just to make a personal difference but to make a difference in our community. 

I seek daily inspiration and I have created this mini-series "Inspired." in hopes of inspiring others. 

Today's feature is a Local Blogger {Independent Mami} Q & A: 

 

Hi! My Name is Alba from Independentmami.net, I am 34 yrs old (turning the dreaded 35 this yr) and I am from El Salvador. I am married. I have 2 kids: MJ 14 and Lil Bit 16 months.

How long have you been Blogging? I have been blogging since 2008 but never full time like other bloggers out there.  For me it is just an outlet, I have fun, but when the fun stops I can turn it off.

How did you first get started and what was the most difficult part?  Blogging seemed perfect for me back then.  I was looking for an outlet, a place to have a voice, never thought I would really have much response or influence at all.  The most difficult part was opening up and letting go.  Anything on the internet is no longer yours and that was scary, and it still is.

Tell me what is it that you are after/what were your original goals for your Blog?  I wish I could turn this into a business where I did not have to go to my 8-5 Corporate America job.  

Have you met those goals or gone beyond your expectations?  I have yet to meet that goal but blogging has taken me beyond my initial expectations and who knows where it is taking me.

Tell me what motivates you to continue Blogging?  The opportunity and possibilities are what keep looking for more.

What is your usual plan of action for Blogging?  There is no set plan.  I do not follow a calendar or plan too much ahead.

Did anyone help push you or inspire you to get here?  At first the Walmart 11 moms were the ones who inspired me, then meeting a great group of Latina bloggers really inspired me to believe that I wasn't alone out there.  In our Latin culture anything out of the norm it taboo, you just don't do it.  You are crazy.  Call me crazy then because after meeting these ladies the more I got inspired.  Ana Flores, Rory from MamaContemporanea, and Sylvia from Mama Latina tips are great women who have helped me in one way or another.  They continue to inspired me and others.  

What advice do you have for others in your place? Or for someone who wants to start Blogging?  Advice hmmm...Do what works for you!  You will not become a millionaire entrepreneur from blogging from one day to another.  Some are successful and some aren't.  You get what you give.  This is a full time job and it is a real world you have to deal with out there.  Sometimes people are nice or not, willing to help or not, or embracing you to the community or not liking that you are coming into their territory.   

We all struggle daily with so many personal and daily stress; what has been your favorite quote, book, movie, item, or website that has helped you keep strong and move forward?  My motto is Live Life don't let life live you.  I love my family and that is my priority.  God, family and then work....it just works for me.

Please feel free to contact Alba via Email, FB or Twitter:

madeguevara@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/independentmami.albagarza

@independentmami 

And don't forget to visit her Blog: www.independentmami.net

{Momma Note} If you would like to nominate someone for the "Inspired" series, please contact me for details!!! ::mommaofdos@gmail.com:: Also, Momma of Dos will be featured on another Local Blogger's Blog on the 23rd, Wait for it......