No Fuss Mornings + Braids with Johnson's #TangleTalk

                                                 ::Momma Disclosure:: 

{This is a compensated post, in collaboration with Johnson's & Latina Bloggers Connect.  All opinions and statements expressed below are my own and true and honest.}

Mornings in our home are hectic, to say the least. Getting Dos{2} small children ready is always a busy task to complete. Now, with a new school year kicking off we need more than ever to have good mornings. Thankfully we came across Johnson's NO MORE TANGLES® products. That along with a little pep-talk for my 4 year old; who never likes brushing her hair, is convinced that we can indeed have good hair days. 

Good hair days are very important in our home. 

We follow a very tight morning routine and schedule, everything has to be exact down to the last minute.  This way we can assure the kids make it to school on time and as parents we are not late to work!  So, for a quick and easy move out the front door with minimal to no tears; we have started the use of Johnson's NO MORE TANGLES® products. 

My little Cami, was so excited to start Pre-K. And, with this new school year she wanted to try new hair styles, that would help her express her own unique style. Which this toddler totally has! She wanted braids like her favorite cartoon princess. In 3 easy steps we accomplished a tear free, chic new look. This helped us get through our morning. Which makes not only for a beautiful and happy little girl but a happy {and stress-free} Momma as well. 

1) The night before school started we washed Cami's hair with the Johnson's Shampoo & Conditioner for straight and thin hair. 

2) With her hair still a little damp, we brushed it and applied a small amount of the Johnson's No More Tangles leave-in conditioner.

3) Finally, in the morning we styled her braids with the Johnson's No More Tangles de-tangling spray. 

Johnson's NO MORE TANGLES® line have helped us have good hair days! Which is great since I don't like to see my Cami fuss and cry while I brush her hair. 

How does your little one like their hair brushed or styled? 

This is a sponsored campaign in collaboration with JOHNSON'S® and Latina Bloggers Connect. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

::Cantinflas, La Pelicula:: #Cantinflas

::Momma of Dos:: { This is not a compensated post. I received a free ticket to the press screening of Cantinflas and an invitation to interview Oscar Jaenada in collaboration with Latina Bloggers Connect. The opinions expressed are my own. }

Cuando era niña me acuerdo que lo que nos mantenía apegados a mi Abuelita era su amor por el cine Mexicano. Ella se sabe todas las películas del cine Mexicano y Americano de los años 30 y 40. Su conocimiento del cine Mexicano es algo que siempre ha compartido con nosotros. Por eso cuando me invitaron a ver la primicia de la película de Cantinflas, no espere y me apunte!

Al igual que muchas familias mexicanas,  Cantinflas era y es un nombre reconocido y muy querido en nuestra casa. Su historia como comediante y actor en México al igual que sus películas son inigualables. La pelicula  nos da más detalles sobre la vida privada de la estrella querida de México. Tambien nos muestra cómo fue el  inicio de Mario Moreno al cine México y el talento que se encontraba en el estilo de entretenimiento de "las carpas" en los años 30 en la ciudad de México.

 

No cabe duda que el personaje de Cantinflas fue unico y alguien especial para Mario Moreno quien nacio muy humilde y crecio el Tepito.

Su trayectoria fue admirable, claro que en su vida personal tuvo tropiezos pero a pesar de todo era humano. Su sencillez y manera tan inconfundible de hacer reír y entretener con sus "Cantinfladas" es lo que más se recuerda ahora. El actor Oscar Jaenada ha capturado la esencia del fallecido actor y su personaje tan querido en la película nueva, Cantinflas the Movie. Su parecido físico a Mario Moreno es algo que hace que Cantinflas vuelva a la vida.

Lo que me encanto también fue que la película tiene muchos actores populares y grandes del cine Mexicano como Rafa Amaya, Barbara Mori, Otto Sirgo, Joaquín Cosio y muchos más. Al igual que otros comediantes de México como Adal Ramones. Es un orgullo como mexicana que estos personajes sean introducidos al cine Americano. Porque al igual que en la vida real de Cantinflas; yo pienso que Hollywood subestima a los actores increíblemente talentosos que se desarrollan en la Cinematografía de México.

El actor Oscar Jaenda interpreto de maravilla a Mario Moreno. Y yo creo que con esta película se ha brindado un lindo homenaje al el gran actor, improvisaste y comediante que era Mario Moreno “Cantinflas”. La película muestra el lado humano del actor quien se sucumbió a las tentaciones del mundo de los artistas y quien sufrió en sus relaciones personales y matrimonió. Fue antes que nada humanosiempre puede haber tenido éxitos también hubo fracasos en su vida.

La película demuestra que hubo una falta de credibilidad y apoyo en Hollywood, quizás todavía la hay para artistas Mexicanos. Su poca fe en él como un actor "Mexicano" y querer menospreciarlo y darle papeles insignificantes cuando él muy bien podría tomar el papel principal en cualquier película. Y fue así en la película de Around the World in 80 Days, por la cual Cantinflas gano un Golden Globe.

Aparte de poder ver la película tuve la oportunidad de entrevistar a el Actor Oscar Jaenada aquí en Houston en la sala de conferencias del hermoso Hotel Granduca. Aqui estan algunas de las preguntas que le hice sobre la película y los obstáculos que tuvo para completar este proyecto de ser Cantinflas:

Yo: Cual fue el reto más grande que tuviste al aprender a ser "Cantinflas"?

Oscar Jaenada: Bueno lo más difícil para mí no fue mucho Cantinflas si no Mario Moreno. Ser Cantinflas fue ver películas, contrate a una instructora de baile, aprendí a imitar/colocar su voz.... era trabajo, disciplina....para mí el reto fue encontrar a Mario Moreno, porque sobre Mario Moreno "la persona" había muy poco. Fue buscar entrevistas y documentos y hablar con personas quien podían darme información sobre el... eso fue mi reto.

Lily: Que te dejo Mario Moreno y Cantinflas en lo personal?

Oscar Jaenada: En varias entrevistas que encontré de Mario Moreno le preguntaban quién es Cantinflas?... y él decía….."México". Yo creo que eso es lo que me dejo esta experiencia yo me llevo a México! Yo vaya me siento Mexicano por haber podido interpretar a Cantinflas.

Yo: Con quien te identificas más con Mario Moreno o con Cantinflas?

Oscar Jaenada: Solo una vez e tendió que interpretar a un actor antes de ahora, y es una cosa maravillosa porque estás hablando de tu misa profesión, de tu mismo estilo de vida, de tu misma dirección! En el caso de Mario Moreno me pasa lo mismo, conocer al artista, tenía mucha atracción aprender sobre el actor y sobre su personaje que mantuvo durante tanto tiempo… y fue impresionante su calidad que tenía como actor!

Lily: En algún momento tuviste miedo de no poder personificar a Cantinflas a nivel de quién era el?

Osacar Jaenada: La seguridad absoluta no la tienes pero la confianza en sí mismo sí. Tenía experiencia y confianza pero fue un poco más difícil porque fueron dos personajes fue un reto, nunca dude que lo podía hacer y que iba a poner todo de mi parte, y cuando uno pone todo de su parte raramente te puede salir mal.

Tools & Benefits of Pull-Ups® Training Pants #SayAdiostoDiapers #ad

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is a compensated campaign in collaboration with Pull-Ups® Training Pants and Latina Bloggers Connect. The statements below are both my true and honest opinion.}

As I expressed last week, Potty Training has been a challenge in our home but thankfully we have had great support from our daycare. One of the greatest transitions was going from diapers to training pants. I think that one of the benefits is that the whole potty training situation becomes less rushed and less intimidating when a child is taken through it with small changes like going from diapers to Pull-Up training pants. 

It was easier for my Cami to understand that she was starting to become a big girl by making her transition from diapers to Pull-Ups; rather than taking her from diapers to underwear. She slowly came to terms with the news and then ultimately made the switch from Pull-Up training pants which we still use interchangeably to avoid accidents and ease the pressure of potty training, to underwear. My daughter loves that they are easy to take off when in a rush and that much like her big girl underwear they have her favorite characters on the outside! It's the little things that make a difference and you never know what will motive your little one.

Pull-Ups not only has great training pants for toddlers but also different tools and resources that can assist parents and their little ones with this milestone. Tools such as the website Big Kid Academy  filled with different celebration activities such as the “Celebrating Every Flush”ritual. I am sure all of the tech savvy Momma's and their kids will love the different online activities and can even download fun apps to your  fancy gadgets! 

Some of my favorites are the Night Time Check List & the do the Potty Dance videos!!  

One of our favorite tricks that has proven effective when trying to get our children to use the bathroom is the old “let the faucet water run” trick. My daughter is a stubborn little lady and this trick has helped us get her in the habit of actually going to the bathroom every time we are in there. Some days it works others it doesn't. This whole transition comes down to a little trial and error. And, it's more than okay to start over. This process takes times and requires patience.   

Thanks to Latina Bloggers Connect and Pull-ups for allowing me to share this experience with everyone. It's great to see all the helpful support and community being built around a simple task that can become quite daunting at times. 


For more on this conversation head on over to Twitter & follow our hash-tag #SayAdiostoDiapers .

Potty training with Pull Ups #SayAdiosToDiapers #Ad

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is a compensated campaign in collaboration with Pull-Ups® Training Pants and Latina Bloggers Connect. The statements below are both my true and honest opinion.}

As Momma's we deal with everyday challenges; being a Momma, a Wife, an Employee, etc... Situations and life are rarely easy or quick. Much like this, potty training can be a Momma's worse nightmare. But, thankfully we can rest assured that we are not alone and that with the right mindset we can create an effective plan that can help us have success while potty training. 


                               {Photo Credit: Trey Bell of TDK Photography }

Thanks to #pullupsbigkids and their #SayAdiostoDiapers campaign, I was invited to attend an event that would help me realize that I have been right on track when it came to potty training my children. Realizing that every child is different and that in their own time they will surely develop the confidence that they need to be fully potty trained is very important, I think. As a Momma, I know my children and when they are ready to move on to a new milestone. I have never been one to rush them or to set a specific time frame, todo a su tiempo. My kids have surely met some pretty amazing milestone on their own with our support and guidance and potty training has been no different. 

A big determining factor for us has been daycare. Our daycare has not only been patient but a good indication of when our kids have been ready to start their transitions into their big kid stages. But, not all of us have that kind of assistance and support. Which is why it was important for me to attend this event and help other Momma's reach their potty training goals! 

Our host was in the incredibly sweet and genuine Jeannette Kapul a lifestyle and parenting expert from Hispana Global. She is no doubt a great Momma and recognized Author who gave us some key factors in having success while potty training. Her advice and tips are definitely worth learning. 
    
                                 {Photo Credit: Trey Bell of TDK Photography }

                                  {Photo Credit: Trey Bell of TDK Photography }

Not sure I am that interesting..lol! 

Here is a little of what was discussed during our luncheon; our conversation was open and honest not only with Jeannette who is an excellent mediator but with some fellow Houston Bloggers:

::Establish a routine:: The best way to get your child to use the bathroom is by setting up a consistent schedule or routine, one that everyone can follow. For us our normal routine is wake up and first thing my Hubby and I say is; let's go potty. Sure there is hesitation and denial involved but after a couple of weeks of the same routine my kids are kinda sorta used to it now and it prevents early morning delays due to accidents as we walk into the daycare in the morning. 

::Be on the same page as your support group:: It is very important that what is followed at home is followed everywhere else the child goes. If the child is with Daddy, then Daddy and Momma should be on the same page about how many times the child should be asked to go to the bathroom or what the normal routine will be for family outings and so on. For us it's the same at daycare as it is at home as it is at GranMomma's casa. It works! 

::Lead by example:: My kids were shy to the potty and so I would take them every time I went to the bathroom and encouraged them to go as well. Sometimes they just need someone to be there with them and show them that the toilet will not swallow them or cause harm. It can be an intimidating place for kids. 

::Reinforce the positive:: One of our tactics for potty training was being EXTRA excited every time my children used the bathroom on their own; we clap, sing and even dance! Anything that will make them feel special and a positive sense of true accomplishment! We announce it to our home... "Santiago is a big boy he went in the potty!" and then we all clap. For my Cami as well, and the kids LOVE it! 

::Let your child lead :: As an adult I very much dislike being pushed to do something I don't want to do. So, I can only imagine that as a small child being pressured into using this giant white hole as a bathroom can be very intimidating. The last thing I want is for my child to feel upset or pressured, being a kid is a lot of work. So, when Jeannette stated that we should allow our child to take the lead on when they are ready for this big commitment, I totally agreed. 

::Allow choices and control:: In order for our children to develop a sense of self and independence a little control and some choices are necessary when trying to succeed in potty training. Giving your child some control over the situation may help it become a little less overwhelming. And, providing options may make it all seem a little more appealing. 

::Be patient:: I have little patience but with children patience truly is key. If they get frustrated you get frustrated and in the same sense if you get frustrated well you will just have one very frustrating situation. Be patient. You and your little one will learn what is best for you and fits your current situation. Patience. 

::Be consistent:: Establishing your routine, having everyone on the same page and sticking to your plan is very important when it comes to trying to get your child to use the bathroom. Being consistent will result in success and becomes a little  less frustrating. 

::Don’t allow others to hinder your progress by taking  bad advice, remember Momma knows best!:: I think we can all relate. Everyone has their own opinions and myths about when and how YOUR child should reach milestones. But, in all honesty, only we know our children and our children know themselves. Just like any normal process we will know when our children are ready and our children will let us know when they are ready to reach this milestone. 

::Every child is different::  This can not be more true. Especially in our home. My Son is one world and my daughter is a very hot pink and busy plant on the edge of the universe waiting to kick some butt. And, it's no different for potty training. My Son took some time but got it as soon as it was introduced at daycare. I think he fell under the pressure of his peers. But, Camila. That little lady is stubborn and being the baby is her favorite spot right now. She is taking a lot longer to potty train than I imagined. She will get there. In her own time. 

::Don’t compare your child to others:: Finally, the more we talked on Sunday the more I came to realize that we just can't compare our situations to anyone else's. I work outside the home and only see my children night's and weekends. I have to trust our daycare and that they are doing their job just as well as I am doing mine. So, my children may not be where the neighbors kids are but eventually they will catch up and that's not a big deal at all. 

We had so much fun spending Momma time with a great group of #latinamovers we even tried our attempt at an #epciselfie #butfirstletmetakeaselfie! 
                                     {Selfie taken by Telma from  At the Fire Hydrant}

Best of all I got to meet all of these amazing ladies, their words and advice not only about potty training but about family and blogging will resonate with me throughout! More on this conversation over at Twitter follow our hash-tag #SayAdiostoDiapers .

                                      {Photo Credit: Trey Bell of TDK Photography }

Softness and Warmth #KleenexSWS

I love the Holiday's and I  love the cold weather...well not so much for us here in Houston but it gets cold and we end up getting sick. Plus flu season is in full swing, I don't like getting sick and I hope that this season doesn't catch me but every time I get sick I am reminded of how much I miss living at home with my Momma. My Momma now lives about 45 minutes away from me and all I know is that on those days when I am sneezing, coughing and just want to crawl into my bed and NEVER get up all I want is my Momma and her care!

Being that we were very Mexican, when I was sick my Momma always made me un caldo de pollo con tortilla y limon, una canela caliente, and of course handed me los Kleenex! It never failed her extra care and loved filled warmth made me feel better! I would rest and be back on my feet in no time! These days I am a Momma myself and Kleenex is an essential for the runny, stuffy get all over your face, hands and clothes moco days! Not to mention when we are sick we love that extra softness rather than any other rough tissue paper.





Kleenex is definitely a household name for us with 2 toddlers running around we love to wipe hands and faces when we are on the go! Which is why these awesome SHARE PACKS are so handy for this Momma of Dos on the move! I will make sure to always have one handy not just for my little ones but to share as well!

Make sure to visit Kleenex and get yours today, or send someone a{links that follow are for Spanish site for Kleenex} SHARE PACK or CARE PACK today and make those special people in your life feel the softness and warmth on their worse days!

The Care Pack is a complete care package and would make an awesome gift for anyone who is feeling a little under the weather, cause we all know... "'ain't nobody got time for that!"! Ha. Ha.

Momma Disclosure: This is a compensated post and in collaboration with Latina Bloggers Connect as well as with Kleenex. We received a Share Pack of Kleenex in order to write about it for this post. The above statements are both my true and honest opinions.