::This is 35:: House of Alice Rose~Stylist Review & Tender Nest Portraits Photo Shoot

::Momma Disclosure:: { This is a compensated post. All statements are my own and my true and honest opinion. All photographs were taken as part of a brand ambassadorship with Tender Nest Portraits, Momma's outfit styled by House of Alice Rose}

Turning 35 seems like no biggie. Only really it is. 35 is one of those mid to something numbers. Midway to 40, is what 35 is. I am okay with that. When I look back at the last 35 years and more specifically the last 17 years, I have learned, grown and endured so much. Life has not always been pretty, or fair, or good. But, I have pushed through the struggles and today I have a life filled with a great Husband who is constantly supporting all my crazy thoughts, and ideas, one who hates taking family pictures but loves us so much. I have dos amazing little children, who have changed my body, my drive and my heart in so many wonderful ways. 

In the last 8 years, I have slowly walked the blogging journey and started meeting some of the most amazing women. Women with whom I have long distance, over the internet relationships and some of whom live in Houston and I have the great honor of meeting in person. For my 35th, I decided to accept an invitation to do some shopping with a personal stylist. I know and follow the wonderful ladies of House of Alice Rose, but had never met them in person. A couple of weeks ago that all changed. I met Isabel one of the creators and stylists of HoAR, she is without a doubt a strong Houston Latina Momma, stylist, blogger, creative, and sweet soul. 

I wasn't sure what would happen, first off I am NOT one to shop for myself. Secondly, I suck at shopping and making things go together and fit me and yeah. All that kind of pretty, girly stuff, I truly didn't inherit when it was handed out at birth. BUT, be still my heart, Isabel. She has become my fashion hero. She not only put a perfect outfit together for me in a matter of minutes but she herself walks the walk. The day we met she wore the cutest printed shorts with a striped shirt and wedges, y'all she looked amazing. She made me feel comfortable and definitely helped me step out of my comfort zone. Though I am highly outspoken and outgoing there is still something very conservative about me and how I dress, I have always been that way. 

Isabel and I spoke about marriage, our children, our careers, and how we joined the blogging world. The connection was instant. I love people, I love women who are constantly seeking to better themselves, who push and create lives that are exemplary and true. She is a U.S. Coast Guard and crossfitter so not only is she a strong, determined and fit Momma, she is also one of those badasses I truly admire, for their courage and bravery. Isabel reminded me of how being feminine and looking pretty comes from deep within especially as we age. She made me feel my age and I loved it. 

Thank you again for the amazing 35th birthday present Isabel, I will forever appreciate it. 

There is so much more to my life than the number 35, you might look at me and not know what my heart truly holds. But, another great person that I have met in the last year and thanks to my blog is Anel of Tender Nest Portraits, a fellow Momma, a professional photographer, and new Houston Latina Blogger member. She has managed to capture the inside of my heart in this world, my children's smiles and love, they are everything that my heart always holds true. They show me how beautiful life can turn out despite all the ugly, bad and disappointment. They have managed to erase the bad memories, the heartache and the pain that once ate at my heart.  

Please don't confuse our happy smiles for perfection. Our lives are not perfect and may never be but we make it all work-out.  

::Weekend Snapshots:: Easter + Opening Day

{We are linked up with Jessica and Ari of  3twentysix on their #WeekendSnapshots }

Last week was uber busy for us. Between my 8-5 outside the home job, kids new baseball schedules, speaking at an IKSH event, my second blogging 101 workshop (more on that later), and tantrums and tears, like always. I was lazy about writing. But, back at it this week. Hey, I deserve a lazy blog week.

Easter Weekend was also Cam's 5th birthday, I posted her Birthday Letter and we celebrated the only way we know how, with LOTS of family. We had to split her birthday parties into two, one on her actual birthday which was also good Friday. We had cake and tamales with family who had small children or no children because the next day we would be roller skating with yes more family and couple of Cam's friends.   

She had a great 5th Birthday! She got presents and lots of family time with cousins we don't get to see a lot. It was great, and the kids (and parents) got to practice their roller skating skills. That Sunday was Easter and we decided to have a relaxed day by the pool but oh yeah, Texas weather is crazy so it was freezing! The kids didn't care and had fun anyway. Then they all changed into their pj's and we had a mini-Easter egg hunt. 

The weekend was filled with family and blessings, it's what it's all about. We loved it. We want to make it a point to connect this year more and more with family. 

Then, this past weekend was all about baseball. We had a long day Saturday and spent about 8 hours at the ballpark... and here is how we felt about it. 

Kidding we had fun! The kids remained focused and played lots of baseball. Santi won a good prize and Cam won her first game ball! We posted more about it on our IG- follow us HERE. 

Needless-to-say, our last two weekends have been busy, so yesterday we rested. A lot then we went grocery shopping and had an early dinner at the Korean market. My Santi started feeling sick to his stomach and this morning we ended up at the doctors office. Never a dull moment, and we have gotten pretty used it. But, we aren't super humans and do need some rest. Tomorrow, back to reality work for me and school for the kids. 

{DON'T FORGET: Link up with Jessica and Ari of  3twentysix on their #WeekendSnapshots}

How about you, how busy do you stay on the weekends? 

::A Beautiful Mess:: Inspired by Francesca's T-shirt

::Momma Disclosure:: 

Momma of Dos, has partnered with Tender Nest Portraits as a brand ambassador, this post is a result of that partnership.  All photographs belong to Tender Nest Portraits.  

When it comes to pictures of myself, I am highly critical of them all. I am not some super cute young top professional model. I am a Momma of Dos, who never sleeps and loves tacos. There I said it. It's not a secret. I love food. I have gained weight, and lost it and managed to find it one more time. Every time. I am what I like to call a beautiful mess. Because deep down inside, I know I am beautiful, worthy and yes why not, a freaking super model. I am always cautious about pictures with other photographers, cause I know they won't see my lumps, my extra messy curly hair and those poses that make me look awkward. 

                       Photo Credit: All photos taken by Tender Nest Portraits. 

I told Annelle that I had this fear of looking weird in my pictures; she said I was a natural, in her attempt to put me at ease. And, I believed her. It helped me relax. She is also a Momma and we talked about how others don't capture her the way she feels she looks good, either. When she sent my pictures over I told her, I am only going to pick the ones I don't look fat in. HA. Not fair to her. I looked at them all and then over again. And, fell in love with the set. 

She really did help me relax and be at ease about what I knew would be a good set of pictures. As women, we are too overly critical of ourselves. For myself, I have realized that I often fear that if I don't criticize myself, then others will and that would  be worse. So, I go ahead and look at all the wrong, the fat, the extra misplaced curls, and even deeper... all the faults I have, the people I have hurt, the words I have spoken and should have kept to myself. I overly criticize me and who I am. But, why? That's not fair to ME. 

I know that I am a beautiful mess. I work on being a better person every day. I am me. And,  I need to remember to let others be themselves as well. As women, we should embrace who we are and move forward with grace, self-love and confidence. Embrace the mess and love yourself no matter what. 

You are beautiful. You are strong. You are filled with courage. 

About the outfit: 

What a Beautiful Mess t-shirt: Francesca's

Grey jacket, torn legging jeans, gold necklace and ring; New York and Company

Brown leather strap wristband, Slice of Heaven Cuff: Original Wear Clothing - Which we have a special discount for items in this shop if you find anything you like let them know that Momma of Dos sent you! 

And, use code {MOD15} plus we have free shipping from now until the end of March! 

Are you looking to have portraits taken? 

Tender Nest will have upcoming Bluebonnet minis and Easter minis! 

:: More about Tender Nest Portraits::

Annelle is a local photographer who owns and runs Tender Nest Portraits. 

She owns a studio and does natural light photography 

in Houston, Katy, and the Sugarland area.  

Her work can be seen on her social media sites and website below. 

Website: http://www.tendernestportraits.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tendernestportraits/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TenderNest

Photo Credit: All photos taken by Tender Nest Portraits. 

::Camila's Outfit of the Day:: Western Wear

::Momma Disclosure:: 

Momma of Dos, has partnered with Tender Nest Portraits as a brand ambassador, this post is a result of that partnership.  All photographs belong to Tender Nest Portraits.  
Also, in collaboration with this post outfit by Rose and Rhodes clothing. 

Houston Rodeo kicks off this week and along with some of the most exciting weeks in Houston, comes some pretty big boots to fill. The entire city lights up with cowboy gleam and makes sure their attire is up to par. No excuse for even the tiniest of cowboys and in our case cowgirls! 

My siblings and I grew up dressing western for this special occasion here in Houston every year. My parents had such pride in us being vaqueras; my Sister even won best dressed in Elementary school. It's one of those deep down local traditions that if  you ain't from Texas, well you better get here soon, cause you wouldn't understand. But, we can teach you the basics. 

Today we are showing off Camila's cowgirl look with this colorful, jean and flower print dress from Rose and Rhodes Clothing, Momma of Dos, has a special $5 off coupon {USE CODE: MD5} for you to use towards your next purchase! Thanks to the amazing photography skills of Annelle of Tender Nest Portraits here in Houston, we can showcase Cami's western outfit like never before. 

:: More about Tender Nest Portraits::

Annelle is a local photographer who owns and runs Tender Nest Portraits. 

She owns a studio and does natural light photography 

in Houston, Katy and the Sugarland area.  

Her work can be seen on her social media sites and website below. 

Website: http://www.tendernestportraits.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tendernestportraits/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TenderNest

Photo Credit: All photos taken by Tender Nest Portraits. 

Some quick Cowgirl attire facts {taken from Google/Wikipedia}:

• Most cowboy attire, sometimes termed Western wear, grew out of practical need and the environment in which the cowboy worked. 
• Most items were adapted from the Mexican vaqueros, though sources from other cultures, including Native Americans and Mountain Men contributed.
• Many of these items show marked regional variations. Parameters such as hat brim width, or chap length and material were adjusted to accommodate the various environmental conditions encountered by working cowboys.
•  In the modern world, remnants of two major and distinct cowboy traditions remain, known today as the "Texas" tradition and the "Spanish", "Vaquero", or "California" tradition. 
• Rodeo competition for women changed in the 1920s due to several factors. Also, the public had difficulties with seeing women seriously injured or killed, and in particular, the death of Bonnie McCarroll at the 1929Pendleton Round-Up led to the elimination of women's bronc riding from rodeo competition.
• The history of women in the west, and women who worked on cattle ranches in particular, is not as well documented as that of men. 
• It wasn't until the advent of Wild West Shows that "cowgirls" came into their own. These adult women were skilled performers, demonstrating riding, expert marksmanship, and trick roping that entertained audiences around the world.

And, usually, the attire is simple: a bandana, cowboy boots, cowboy hat, chaps, gloves and jeans. 

Obtain the outfit above with purse at Rose and Rhodes Clothing, don't forget to use your $5 discount code {MD5} today!!! 

Are you ready for the rodeo??

::Weekend Snapshots:: Link Up with 3TwentySix

I love the link-up over at 3TwentySix, Ari is one of my favorite series creators and I love following her posts. This weekend I decided that I would join her on Monday for the Weekend Snapshot series. 

Here we go. 

Friday. 

Last week, I had a very long week. Deadlines at work and tons to do made me eh, the whole week. When Friday came I was ready for some me-time. I did something I seldom do. I headed to the mall right after work. Glad, I did. I found some great deals and something to wear for an event on Saturday. 

My finds came from; 

Teavana, I had been wanting to visit this store but had not been able to in the past. I didn't realize they actually make you fresh tea there. I was looking for a loose tea strainer since mine broke. I love tea and drink it almost daily. This store was heaven. Glad I finally visited and found the cutest strainer. 

Francesca's where my Sister-in-Law had given me a Christmas gift card and I was ready to use it. It's a great store, but not quite my style. I feel I am at times, not as "whimsical" as I like to be, this store has great clothing just not quite what I wear. But, I did find some great t-shirts. I also love all of their accessories. 

Icing they have some great accessories and word graphic art. I found a great quote which I love, She believed she could so she did. Obviously, I had to buy it, I don't know yet if I will take it to work or keep it at home. It's a great reminder that no matter what if we believe in ourselves, we can do anything. 

Finally, I was looking for something to wear for Saturday, since I would be moderating and speaking on a panel for Career Day with the Houston Hispanic Forum. Since, I didn't really find anything that suit me at Francesca's I headed over to my favorite store, New York and Company. I buy all my work clothes there and of course most of my casual clothes too. I can never go wrong. I ended up with a great blouse and 2 pair of soft sole flats. Which I love and also found 2 black dress pants, all for $88.00, yes, winning for sure! Everything was on sale. Loved it. 

In all my trip to the mall was very good, I got a lot of things I needed and wanted. 

Saturday. 

Saturday turned out to be a great experience. A while back my good friend Sybil invited myself and our HLB co-founder Jihane, to speak on the Print and Digital Media panels for Career Day which is hosted by the Houston Hispanic Forum. This past week before the event, she also asked us to moderate the panels we were on. This was a first for me. I honestly like it more than just speaking. It was a very fun experience. I loved seeing all the young kids there who are considering different career paths and obtaining the information they need to succeed. I met a lot of local writers, news anchors and radio personalities whom I follow online and had not had a chance to meet in person.  

Something that I love and thought about was that, as Speakers, we were all volunteers to the event, there are certain connections and knowledge that you just can't pay for or be paid to obtain. Everyone was very nice and informative, so willing to give out their best career advice. And, reminded everyone that sometimes it's not a straight shot into a set career, the journey can be long. Don't focus on how you will get there, simply work hard and do what you love. I will be writing more about some of the panelist and what I learned later this week. 

Sunday. 

Sunday was Valentine's Day, the Hubby and I don't do big gifts or fancy dinners, for years we have decided that it's just a day. But, with the kids now, we always try to do something special. Last year we started a double date lunch, we took them out to a "fancy" lunch. This year, I went and bought them kolaches and donuts for breakfast and we decided to try a late lunch, early dinner. After all the whining and complaining,  and prying my couch potato, home-bodies away from the house, we finally made it through a good meal and even got some good pictures of the two best dates ever. 

The rest of my day consisted of napping, laundry and cleaning two very messy kid rooms. But, it was a super productive weekend. So, I have no complaints! 

Now off to my Monday!! Have a great week everyone.