::38 Birthday Wishes::

Every year I try to do something on social media or my blog for my birthday month.... this month, this year, this life have been hectic... but I wrote out a list of 38 birthday wishes.....

For my 38th year of life, I wish the following...

1. "Blessings for the best, most in alignment year of life to date." (SO MUCH YES!)
2. I wish to pick up my Bible more times this year than ever before. 
3. I wish for my children to be safe, protected, and healthy. 
4. I wish to be more organized and present as a human being. 
5. I wish to be a more attentive and responsive as a woman to myself. 
6. To continue to surround myself with women, and people who are in similar seasons and have similar goals.  
7. To be a blessing to others. 
8.  I wish to grow more this new year of life- Emotionally, Spiritually, Mentally and in Strength.
9. I am wishing for a new renewed sense of self and self-awareness so that I can continuously admit to my mistakes and correct my actions. 
10. To learn a new skill that will allow me to grow professionally. 
11. To receive and accept all the new blessings coming in my life. 
12. To live abundantly in all the things that I need to survive, especially in love. 
13. I want to wish for further peace; inner and around me. 
14. I wish to pick-up new mediation habits. 
15. I wish to be ever present for those people who truly need me. 
16. To be happy and smile no matter what comes my way. 
17. To bring peace and joy to others. 
18. I wish to be strong and uplifting in the hard times. 
19. I wish to stop complaining about the things, I know I can't change, and take more action. 
20. I wish for a very healthy year. 
21. I wish to bring out the best in others and allow them to fulfill their fullest potential! 
22. To travel more. 
23. To truly and purposefully rest. 
24. To finish reading all the books I've started. 
25. I wish to start doing yoga again and try hot yoga. 
26. I wish to further recognize the people who have truly made a difference in my life. 
27. To continue to eat better and take care of ME. 
28. To take more times out of my day to breathe and reflect and truly be thankful for where I am. 
29. To advance in my career and be at peace with my career choices and path. 
30. I want to set bigger goals and new action items for myself. (Can you say America Ninja Warrior, MAYBE.) 
31. I wish to continue to reach my goals and dream BIGGER every day. 
32. I wish to build a strong community around me who are growing and successful so that I can grow and succeed with them. 
33. I wish to do more volunteer work this year. 
34. I wish to spend more time with friends. Especially friends who I have not seen in a while. 
35. I wish to be better at managing my money. 
36. I wish to turn my passion into my biggest asset. 
37. I wish to find myself and happiness at the same intersection. 
38. I wish to re-create who I am and thrive..... 
    

This is 38 ya'll! 

:: Faith and Motherhood:: with James Avery #MyJamesAvery

::Momma Disclosure:: This is a sponsored post in collaboration with James Avery, all opinions are my own. 

In September 2009, I had my Son, Santiago and 10 1/2 months later in July of 2010, I found out I was pregnant again this time with a Daughter, Camila. By March of 2011, I unexpectedly became a Momma of Dos. Being a mother isn't always an easy title to take on. I have had some very trying moments in the last almost 9 years but there is one thing I always find comfort in, my faith. Having faith that my direction as a mother is right, not always perfect or at all what I expected, but just right for me.  Along the way, I have learned many lessons of self-love as a Momma, patience and unconditional love towards my children. Not everyone walks the same journey into motherhood, it's easier for some more than others. Regardless of all the struggles, I wouldn't change the experience for the world. 

While motherhood isn't always an easy journey, it's a rewarding one. When I was asked to select two charms from James Avery Mother's Day collection, the first two that stood out to me were that of the Virgen de Guadalupe who has always been one of the biggest signs of faith in my life. I grew up Catholic and visiting many shrines in Mexico. La Virgen was always one of the saints that I prayed to the most, and still do. Her story of love and compassion towards a poor Mexican Campesino is one that always touches my heart so much. And the second charm was the Motherhood charm, which reminds me of the path I have been placed. One of great responsibility and love toward two tiny human beings. It reminds me of how much I should protect my children daily and remind them of how much I will always love them. 

I love James Avery current promotional offer where you can purchase two charms and receive a free bracelet, (or necklace up to a $70.00 value) This offer ends on May 29th so you can select to buy that special Mom in your life a new set of charms and necklace or maybe your favorite graduate a bracelet with some commemorative charms of their achievements since May is also graduation season!  

I love their jewelry because it's so versatile and I can wear it with any of my outfits which even for special occasions are usually very casual. Seen below is my new bracelet with my charms, which I was able to just clasp on and can change out whenever I want since my bracelet has an open clasp to hook the charms onto! 

Visit your nearest James Avery location and find out more about the offer details::HERE::  

::Momma-sanity:: Top 5 tips to keep mentally sane as a working Momma

Imagine you’ve been up since 5 am, gone to work for 8 hours and dealt with…well, work. 

You are now home trying to make dinner and get ready for the next day but to add to the mix, you are also dealing with a sick child. You are standing in the kitchen waiting for your husband to come home and help take over the madness. You are dazed and confused staring into space while your second child has been wreaking havoc on your entire house for an hour. 

No? Just me. Well, let me be real. This is my life most days. 

Crazy schedules, kids’ school activities, work from 8-5 pm and trying to pursue my own dreams and passion as a writer and community leader. All these things! Not complaining, I chose this life. I earned a degree so that I could have a career that would help me provide for my family. It's part of my purpose. I am one of those momma's who LOVES to work outside the home; of course, that means that home life and extra-curricular's can get a little tricky. 

But not impossible; and trust me I am a firm believer that a momma can have a fulfilling career as well as have plenty of time to make amazing life-lasting memories with her family. I am proof of that. I have no regrets of working 40 (plus) hours a week and only seeing my children and husband nights and weekends. We have so much fun, I am uber productive and my real purpose shines in every area of my life because I am happy and fulfilled. 

How? Well here are my top 5 tips of things I do to keep mentally sane as a working Momma of Dos and other challenges because we all have them. 

1) Create a schedule but know that SHIT happens.

I don't always have it written down but I have a mental schedule of things we must do weekly and sometimes daily. This includes work, school, doctor appointments, soccer for my son, dance for my daughter, me time for me and time for husband with his friends or co-workers. Do we follow the schedules to an exact science? Nope. 

That's where the sanity part comes in. Some days we are WAY off schedule and things don't get done cause we sit on the couch and enjoy each other’s company (which is hard for a busy body like me) but when we do, I am happy. 

The trick here is to not sweat the small stuff and be flexible with the idea that things will happen and you might not be on schedule every single day. 

2) Eat well, stay healthy and workout.

One of the best things I can do for my family is to remain healthy and fit. I learned years ago that when I exercise alone or with a group of ladies, away from my house and family I am happy. I get some amazing quiet, thinking time and/or awesome company when I do my group workouts which include other local momma's. I get an hour of happy, healthy me time, I love it! Plus, remaining healthy, trying to eat well and staying active is good overall for me as a human being not just because I'm a mom. I feel more energized and don't get sick as often which helps me be productive for my home! 

Now the sanity part. Do I work out every day and eat salads at every meal? NO. I try to workout 2-3 times a week and try to replace a big meal every other day with a good salad. I am a firm believer of balance: it does exist. Not saying I eat pizza and burgers every other day: at least I try not to. I limit those to 2-3 times a month, if not less. I do try to run home every other night and make a home-cooked healthy meal for my family. Does this happen every week? NO. Some weeks we are so busy after work that we eat out or pick up fast food because it's inevitable. 

We try hard to eat well often and remain active. 

3) Remain Active and Explore as a family.

Confession time. I'm a lazy Momma! Some days I can't or don't want to move because we are so active and always going. But my Husband is great at suggesting fun outdoor activities: parks, the zoo, museums, fishing, camping or the beach! He has to drag me out of the house while I grumble and complain but once we are out and about, it feels great! 

The kids love it and we have fun even if it's a simple walk on a new trail in a local park or if it's a day out and we picnic on the beach or fishing pier. 

Those are the moments when I am creating awesome memories with my kids! They remember those small moments and appreciate them so much, as do I! 

Sanity moment, don't worry about "creating memories." Focus on having fun and relaxing with your family. It's those spontaneous moments where nothing is truly planned that my family and I have made the most precious memories...like bike riding on the Galveston Pier or exploring a new park in our area and following a trail for miles! 

Nothing forced is ever fun.

2 years ago we did our first big family road trip. We drove from Houston, Texas (our hometown) to Destin, Florida (a gorgeous beach), and on our way back we stopped in New Orleans for a few days. It was "planned" but it was the best time we have had and my children remember every moment. It's the small things that matter.We didn't do anything too big and fancy, just us driving across the country and enjoying the time. We played the "telephone" game at dinner one night and the kids had a blast. Like I said, don't sweat the small stuff, and just relax. 

Which again for someone like me, this is easier said than done.

4) ME TIME.

I mean some real me-time! Not the time you have while you go to the bathroom and lock the kids out or when you hide in your room while they are distracted watching TV and you enjoy those 10 minutes before they find you. I mean real me-time, away from it all! 

Going out for dinner and drinks with friends. In my case, attending events and workshops for my blog, or just hanging out with a girlfriend for breakfast or lunch. Getting a mani/pedi or your hair done or going on a fake mini-shopping spree at Target! That dollar spot though! Ha! Or whatever it is you like to do for YOU. Just time to pamper yourself. It's simple.  Make time, schedule it and then GO. At least twice a month, if not more. 

Taking care of me and making time for myself has been a wonderful investment. I try to get out as often as I can escape. Yes, it's not easy but I do it. I love when I do because I get to see my friends and truly relax. Everything about this screams sanity!   

5) Know your limits.

This is hard which is why I am writing about it. I am the type of person who does it all, takes it all on, and then falls so exhausted at the end of the day. It's insane! I have learned in my last almost 7 years of parenting two children, working full-time, following my passion and trying to be a normal momma, that I can't do it all. And, I probably won't. 

Sanity moment, IT'S OK! You don't have to be Super Hero Mom 24/7.Your sleep, health and sanity are more important. My friends will read this and laugh because they know it's BS coming from me. I don't rest. I get super sick and I feel like a failure a lot. I never said I was perfect; I only said I was trying to remain sane. 

To my defense, I am learning to rest and sleep more and not worry so much about the world and it feels good to be carefree sometimes! 

Know your body, your limits and how much you can do. Learn to say NO and move forward happy with your decision to take on less. It's necessary for you and your family. 

::Latina Home Party:: Open to TEXAS & COLORADO #ad #LatinaHomeParty

::Momma Disclosure:: This is part of a sponsored collaboration with Latina Home Party and DiMe Media. All opinions expressed are my own.

After a long week at work sometimes this Momma needs a good relaxing drink! How fun would it be to host your own event where all Momma's could just sit back relax and enjoy a refreshing Summer drink? Latina Home Party is offering just that! Learn more about this fun opportunity and sign-up today. It's open to all Latinas in Texas and Colorado but it ends SOON so sign up today!

We’re excited to share the first event of Latina Home Party and tell you how you too can be a part of the party! The launch of Latina Home Party will feature Palm Breeze. Palm Breeze is a sparkling alcoholic spritz, all hosts that apply must be 21+. The best thing about this opportunity is that it’s FREE!

Latina Home Party is looking to sign up hosts living in Texas and Colorado, if you fit this demographic, sign up to host a Palm Breeze party HERE. Confirmed hosts will receive the follow home party products to share with friends and family at their own home party:

• $25 Gift Card
• 15 Palm Breeze Lip Balm
• 20 Drink Umbrellas
• 2 Flower Garland (for party decorations)
• 15 Leis
• 1 Info Card for Host
• 2 Framed table card (for party decorations)
• 15 Palm Breeze sunglasses
• 3 Palm Breeze Beach Balls (for party decorations)

What an awesome party pack! Host a movie night with your friends, share with your book club, or just a casual get together will turn into a great night with the Latina Home Party, Palm Breeze party box.

Make sure to sign up soon as registration closes at 11:59pm EST on Thursday, June 29th.

SIGN UP HERE: http://www.latinahomeparty.com/host-a-party/?projectid=90

What is Latina Home Party? Latina Home Party provides you exclusive access to new products and services to try at home with your friends and family. We provide you with the fun, you provide the location and the atmosphere! Latina Home Party is a community of collaborative marketing by Hispanic women. Here you have the opportunity to participate in marketing activities from your favorite products and be able to collaborate with your favorite brands. You learn about new products just to be launched to market at the convenience of your own home (try them for free) and influence with your opinion some of the best known companies in the world.