::chloe + isabel:: review

::Momma Disclosure:: I have been provided a product in exchange for this review. All opinions and statements are my own, true and honest opinions. 

A couple of months ago (I know, so behind these days) I was contacted by a local Momma friend about creating a post for her new jewelry en-devours. Of course I agreed, who doesn't love jewelry! I'm not huge on being "blinged" out all the time, I'm not Bey or JLo, haha. But, every once in a while a Momma likes to be fancy. Evelin met me and gifted me this gorgeous necklace. I loved it. It was flashy and I didn't think it was my style. But, once I was able to put it on with my everyday clothes, I fell in love with it. I even played with some different looks, I'm rarely one to dress up or wear makeup but this was fun! 

Information and how to obtain the necklace:

Style:  Art Deco Convertible Statement Necklace 

Website: https://www.chloeandisabel.com/boutique/evelinmartinez

IG: https://www.instagram.com/p/BQEL1yFg7oy/?taken-by=chloeandisabel.evelin

FB: https://www.facebook.com/ChloeandIsabelbyevelin/?__mref=message_bubble

Don't forget you can shop now for Mother's Day and/or any other occasion; birthday's, anniversary gifts, just-because gifts! 

And, about my Bidi-Bidi-Bom-Bom jewelry dish pictured below:

Handcrafted by Maura Hernandez

Website: http://maurahernandez.com/

The piece can be very versatile and you can dress it up any way you'd like, but I feel you can also wear it in a very casual way! As a busy Momma, I look for fun, easy looks I can run out of the house with whether I am going to work, school events, or just to run errands. See my looks below and let me know which is your favorite? 

One thing I am huge on are unique pieces and fashion jewelry. It's so much fun and much more affordable than most items you find in department stores.  I love the idea of "side hustles" and love to support Momma's who are trying to make it all work! Evelin is definitely a Momma who hustles, so I loved doing this mini-review for her. Chloe and Isabel is also a great company for stay-at-home Momma's extra income options, https://www.chloeandisabel.com/. 

And, their tagline speaks volumes... BE CREATIVE. BE CONFIDENT. BE YOU.  I live by this so much! Being Creative is my constant goal, and I feel that the closer you are to your truest self the more confident you become! This to me has all come with age, experience and lots of self-seeking as well as always evaluating my failures.  As I mentioned in my IG post today, failure isn't always a bad word and a lot of my success has come from trial and error...it's life! 

HAPPY MONDAY...AND HAPPY SHOPPING!!! 

::HallYu Cosmetics:: Intro to Korean Beauty Products

Most my post these days begin with "so I turned 35" and it's not because I want to bug anyone or remind people how old I am. The reason is, that 35 unlike 20, 25, & 30, 35 has felt diffident. A little more "laissez-faire" if you will but very focused. I just really want to change certain things about me and my habits, if you read my list of things I plan on doing more  , one  of those items was taking care of my skin.

I have always had several skin issues, numerous prescribed medications and small cosmetic procedures to eliminate acne. At 35 I want to be as natural as possible about my skin and it's healing if you will. I don't want to rely on medication and I know that the foods I eat and drinking more water both have high effects on this. I have started to drink more water, the food, though... let's get back to that later. 

And, just like most things a new collaboration opportunity came up just as I planned to create a new skin regime for myself. Enter HallYu Cosmetics into my life. I am very thankful because they have created a new awareness in me of the importance of regime and taking care of my skin. If you have never heard of them or visited their shop, I highly recommend you do both.

::Welcome to HallYu Cosmetics::

12168 Bellaire Blvd Suite 178, Houston, TX 77072 

(281) 741-7923

"HallYu (한류) is defined as wave of Korean influence spreading globally attributed to the popularity of Korean entertainment and music. Now Korean beauty products are entering the same recognition and popularity by offering amazing, fun products at remarkably reasonable price points. This is where HallYu Cosmetics enters the story........... We as a company strive to bring entire product lines and selectively chosen niche brands directly from South Korea."

The amount of energy and research that has gone into Korean cosmetics and beauty products is evident from the moment you walk in their shop. From the sleek and very clean environment of the shop to the extensive line of products. Everything is just perfect.  Now, for those fashion, beauty, and make-up expert who are obviously knowledgeable about this, none of it may come to you as a surprise. But, for myself, someone who knows, little to nothing about beauty this new world of skin care and products has opened up my eyes to all the wonderful options out there.

I am a full-time outside the home employee, a Momma of two very busy and active children, and a wife/homemaker. My schedule usually runs very tight from as early as 5:30 am (depending on what level of professional I have to look that day) until about midnight or later when my day finally comes to an end. I am also almost always on a very strict budget filled with house and car notes, bills, daycare payments, food and everything in-between. What does this mean? I have very little time and limited resources. When I told Anton, one of the partners at HallYu, that I needed a regimen that was fast, easy and inexpensive; he quickly put his thinking hat on and created one that was perfect for me.

He explained that Korean beauty involves very details steps and that for the most part, the cost has no limit. But, he was also very understanding of who I am and his knowledge catered to my needs as a busy Momma who still wants to look good and improve skin conditions at an inexpensive cost. Because we live in Texas and the weather has many effects on my skin, I also have that factor against me.  But, again the shop is created to cater to all needs, skin type and wallet size which is perfect!

Come back next week when I will explain and share what Anton recommended and how much I am loving it! 

In the mean time visit them online and social media: 

https://www.hallyucosmetics.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Hallyucosmetics/

https://www.instagram.com/hallyucosmetics/

https://www.pinterest.com/hallyucosmetics/

ENTER : mommaofdos 

at checkout for a 20% discount off your first purchase. 

Or in person at their shop:

12168 Bellaire Blvd Suite 178, Houston, TX 77072 

(281) 741-7923

::Thinking Girls Boutique & Studio::

::Momma Disclosure:: { This is a compensated post. All statements are my own and my true and honest opinion.}

Alicia Araujo-Elatassi is the owner and curator of Thinking Girls Boutique & Studio. 

Alicia was raised in a loving tight-knit family in the Near Northside of Houston,  She has a Masters in Educational Administration from the University of St. Thomas and served as a Founding President for Project GRAD a group made of scholarship recipient alumni.

Alicia Araujo-Elatassi, a published author with 17 years in education. She also is sought after speaker on parenting topics. Through her book and presentations, Alicia works to bridge generational and cultural gaps between young adults and parents. She is a world traveler, whose extensive traveling, and the adventures serve as the foundation and inspiration for every item found in the shop and the overall shopping experience. 

After 15 years of extensive travel experiences I fell in love with locating unique amazing gift. So wanted to bring back unique gift items that are interesting and much different than the usual mainstream aesthetic. Thus the idea to bring those cultural items  that resonate with my idea of growth to the store  is a joy to share with women who appreciate artisan handmade from all over the world and thus connect to Alicia’s exotic travels. 

  

End of Summer sale, selected items are 20% off. Until September 15

I'm an avid reader who reads about 5 books a month on a variety of topics, my book club encourages discussions and dissent. I also made a full 180 on my perspective on motherhood upon visiting Peru in 2009 and learning about the Pacha Mamas (Earth Mother).  I changed my view from being a perfect prescriptive book follower of so called mainstream mothering, to becoming an instinctual mother who trusted her inner dialogue first and I learned to nurture and love completely while giving my children plenty of space to roam. Thus I never became a helicopter mom. Today I love that my boys are adventurous and generous. 

We are world traveling family, we have been to over 4 different continents and traveled over thousands of miles. The boys come along as much as possible and I take pride in showing them how other people live and survive, today my boys have seen more than the average 50 year old American.  

My inspiration comes from visiting other boutiques in other cities around the world.  I loved the elegance of a Florence boutique where you will find high end items with an approachable sales person.  I ask the locals to recommend because I don't  follow the travel guides, locals know the best places.  I make time to visit galleries and museums, because beauty changes but creativity is always inspiring.   I shop at tiny mom and pop places where there it isn't about quantity but quality and craftsmanship.  I love that every single item has a story and the purchaser takes that story with them. My most favorite accessory is a wooded ring I bought from a street vendor in Costa Rica, it is beautifully made and exquisite.  Made by him from a special tree branch but meant for me to find. 

I am bilingual and my favorite person to quote is: 

Mark Twain ~ "Why Not Go Out on a Limb, that is where the Fruit is".  

Spanish Quote By Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz~ "Yo no Estudio para saber mas sino para Ignorar Menos." 

::Connecting with Alicia::

http://www.thinkinggirlsboutique.com

www.facebook.com/thinkinggirlsboutique

Twitter: @aliciathinkgirl

Tumblr: queridopapa.tumblr.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciaelatassi

https://instagram.com/thinking_girls_boutique/

https://www.pinterest.com/aliciathinkgirl/

Email is best:  alicia@thinkinggirlsboutique.com

Queridopapa.tumblr.com is a collection of stories that inspire dads connect with their daughters during the most difficult time in her adolescence. Based on my own loving relationship with my daddy. 

::Flower to Flower:: #ShopReview

One of our biggest passions as girls in our home is fashion. Especially Camila. Trust me I have become girlier and more fashion conscious because of her. I know that other Momma's have the same passion because they have even began their own business centered around girl, or children's fashion. Today on the blog- Flower to Flower! 

{The dress that Camila is wearing in the picture below is from the Flower to Flower shop.}

::Meet Jazmin-Momma, Entrepreneur and Owner of Flower to Flower::

My name is Jazmin. I am currently a SAHM to a 5 year old Son that loves singing and baseball and a 1 year old Daughter that is fascinated with everything around her and loves smiling at everyone and anything. In my day to day you can find me in the kitchen experimenting with dishes from other countries and especially from my home country, Mexico. I wish I had friends from each country so they an teach more of their cuisines, I'm interested in anything and everything in Arts and Fine Arts. Reason why I got a degree in Filmmaking and I love helping in any DIY projects.

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

Si lo soy! Orgullosamente Mexicana!!! I find myself saying this saying the most "Para todos ahi sol" which mean "Their is a sun for everyone" also "God gives us the best opportunities dressed as challenges" which means "Dios nos da las mejores oportunidades disfrazadas de retos"  

What is your routine while creating items for your shop?

I love searching through our pieces while I listen to mellow music like Carla Morrison while my Daughter naps or is sitting in my leg taking out all my pens and highlighters from the cup holder.

What Motivates you?

Since the birth of my Daughter I've rediscovered my passion for fashion through my human doll aka My Daughter Rose. I found an opportunity to share a bit of the clothing that my daughter herself dresses with and share it with parents alike myself that want to dress their children fashionable without breaking the bank. We are trying to offered clothing you have picked in your dream closet for them and pinned in Pinterest.

Fun Details about Jazmin: 

I've found a love for thrift store shopping and up-cycling adult clothing to little people clothing. I can sit down in the couch with a cup of Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Tea) and sew my life away while I watch Netflix. Favorite series thus far is between Scandal and Mad Men. Also I started a small little garden in white pots I've been collecting. It's been fun seeing my 5 year old talk to be how the circle of life works with plants and the seeing both kids enjoying watering the plants.

You can easily contact me through a Direct Message(DM) on Instagram or Inbox me through Facebook or Email me at: flower2flowertx@yahoo.com

Follow Jazmin:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flowertoflowerlove?ref=hl

Instagram: https://instagram.com/flowertoflower/

Do you want to win a dress like the one Cami is wearing from Flower to Flower? 

Enter Below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway