::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. 

#HoustonLatinas ::360:: Link-Up {New Year's Eve} Party!!

Hello All!

We would love for you to join us as we remember 2013 in the most fitting way! We are hosting our first ever Houston Latina Bloggers Link-Up party!!

Your hostesses are myself and Jihane from over at Onix.J

The ::360:: Link-Up is simple we have 2 rules:

1. Add our button somewhere on your post;

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.rebelmouse.com/houstonlatinabloggers/" title="Houston Latina Bloggers"><img src="http://i40.tinypic.com/21d53sj.jpg" alt="Houston Latina Bloggers" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

2. Use the Houston Latina Bloggers hash-tag when sharing; #HoustonLatinas

Post Content should be anything related to reviewing 2013 in a full circle ::360::, New Year's resolutions, or how you remembered/celebrated/honored 2013! 

You have from now until Wednesday at Midnight to link-up! 

NOW GO ON! Link-Up!!

{Thankful Thursday} SAHM Edition #latism #latism12

Good Morning! 

Today my list will consist of the 5 reasons I am Thankful for being a S@HMomma:

1} Spending more time at home with my kids... I love it! It's a true Blessing! 

2} Having my own schedule! I try really hard to stick to one and it seems to be working....for me. :) 

3} Not having to deal with HOUSTON traffic! 

4} Not spending as much on GAS! Now that it's cheaper....haha. 

5} Oh yes....and being able to attend BLOGGER CONFERENCES! I will be there tonight!

{Thankful Thursday} #latism

This week I am most Thankful for:

{Support} Especially from my Husband.The last month or so have not been easy. He has been there. I have cried more than usual. My Husband has calmed me down, a few times over the phone because he wasn't here physically. I love him. I give him a hard time. I shouldn't. He is my rock. Through it all.

{Non-Momma friends} Being  a Momma I tend to gravitate towards Momma friends and forget that I have SO many amazing friends who are hardworking Wives and FRIENDS! The past few weeks have been filled with many great conversations of motivation and life. I love it. I thank God for them very much and appreciate EVERY woman in my life, past and present!

{Kids Birthday Parties} It reminds me I am not the only person with children who like to loudly express themselves as this is a free world right! Ha. Some of you may not know but last week my family and I were at a FAMILY restaurant {Chili's} and a lady MOVED because apparently my children didn't know "how to use their inside voice"... well Sunday we went to a birthday party at a bowling alley...seeing SO many kids of all ages run around, speak loudly WHILE INDOORS, and just BE themselves as we ALL have the right to BE, made me feel welcomed and as if I belonged better yet my CHILDREN were accepted! I loved that!

{Blessings} As some of you may know I quit my job to become a Full-time Stay at Home Momma...a Blessing in itself and dream come true...On my last day of work my brother graduated from the Culinary Institute and I was contacted about attending a BLOGGER CONFERENCE! My first!!!! Ever. I am so very excited, nervous and anxious. It's been a huge Blessing and I can't wait!

As you can tell, this Momma has been well... a bit busy! Thank You to everyone who has been there and Thank You to all of our new readers! I have been promising change for a while now and now...it will come!

Hope you stick around or join us!

{Thankful Thursday} ♥ Link Up!

I know it's late in the day......but....







This week I am most Thankful for:

{Communication} Various sorts and modes of communication; verbal, written, phone calls, text messages, emails, Facebook wall post, blogs, events, presentations, meetings, etc. etc. It's so important to be able to keep in touch, to speak to others {even if it's not in person}, to convey your thoughts, feelings and emotions. Hablando se entiende la gente...or so they say... I am a COMMUNICATOR. Hence the Blog. I share. It all. Sometimes too much. Oh well. Life goes on and I am happy with my accumulated communications skills. These words, these expressions have gotten me through a lot, have taught me a lot and have allowed me to move about the Blog world and meet new people, specifically Momma Bloggers who are just such a great and learning impact in my life.

{Deliveries} Like my Bloggy friend; Julia over at Black Tag Diaries, who by the way hosts this here LINK UP, stated in her post about V~day. It's different for married people. I couldn't think of what to give Ricardo for Valentine's day as I mentioned he's not into gifts, at least not out loud! So, I finally thought of a gift. He has a job fair next week where he can meet potential life long employers and so aside from prayer I think he need a little good luck so I "created" a good luck charm for him. I will get it all together and post a picture next week. Part of it was delivered today. I love deliveries. They are so exciting. It's like, you know what you are expecting but still the anticipation of actually receiving is so...well... exciting! {I am also waiting on a book from his favorite Pastor; Dr.Tony Evans}

{Birthday's} Today was my Mother-in-Law's Birthday! {Feliz Cumpleaños to her!}It just made me think about life. What a great way to remember that we are here for a reason and a purpose. That God created us for that reason and purpose. And, every year we celebrate our lives for a reason and a purpose. I love that! God is so great. Amazing how He knew that days of the year wear you down and can make you forget those reasons and that purpose, so once a year you are reminded...you are here..alive, .purposely created for His reason! {I think...}

{Forgetfulness ::as I forget what I was about to write::} Today I went to Target; as I do most days {Ha.} and I was looking for a sweater for Camila, well I couldn't find one. That prompted me to look for one at home. I had forgotten that I had a bin of clothes that I set aside months ago as clothes that fit Camila too big. I went to the closet and what do you know? A WHOLE NEW WARDROBE for my little growing baby. That was a nice little surprise. Everything in the bin fit her PERFECTLY. I love it when I forget but then again I hate it... all this time looking for a good sweater for her and I had plenty! Maybe I forgot about a few extra bucks somewhere...let me go look... {HA.}

{Thankful Thursday} LINK UP!!!!

{It's  been a LONG, LONG week to say the least. I am worried, the worse is just to come... work is going to get crazy busy REALLY soon here. Ahii. I will make the absolute best of it though. God has amazing things in store for our little family, I can only pray. }

This week I am most Thankful for:

{Different Types of Girlfriends} Every one of my friends is special and different. Just this week I thought, I am glad I have Yvonne in my life she is a 30 something Momma of Dos with a great Hubby. But, then I thought, I also have so many other friends who contribute to my everyday in such great ways...single girlfriends, single Momma girlfriends {and Sis}, engaged or ready to be engaged friends, Momma/Wife friends, co-worker Momma friends, co-worker single friends, etc etc. It's so awesome how much God Blesses me with so many type of women who can help me in so many different areas of my life that need improvement or up-keep! Thank You Amigas!!

{Morning and Afternoon Commutes} I usually complain about  my 45 minute plus commute in the mornings on my way to work or in the afternoons on my way home. But, just last night I thought, when I've had a LONG stressful day at work..the extra alone time in the car is a great way to unwinde and plan for the evening as well as the extra ride home giggling with my kids afte I pick them up. In the mornings it's a great time to pray and think about the day ahead. Either way I get amazing alone time with God and myself... I guess if my car could speak... I wonder about the stories it would tell...lots of amazing Blessed moments.

{KSBJ on the Radio} I started listening to Christian Radio a little over 5 years ago. Most days are just great, then there are those days when I am totally Blessed. The Dj's are just SO relateable. I can't imagine a day without KSBJ and I don't know how I ever got through my days without it. Just Blessed and I love all their music!

{Thankful Thursday} Link Up!

Is it crazy that it was only Monday and I was already writing my post for Thursday! I know a LOT can happen between Monday and Thursday but I just want to get my list started ....

This week I am most Thankful for:

{G.N.O} That's right GIRL'S NIGHT OUT. Not like most would think tho. This was a Blessed girls night out! And, I loved it. Every year KSBJ, Houston's local Christian Radio station hosts a "G.N.O". I went two years ago with one my Bestie's Casey. Couldn't go last year, I think I was super preggers or something... And, this year...WOW. Captured. Captivated. Changed and Beyond Blessed. Those were the words in my mind as I drove home I went with another one of my Bestie's Yvonne. All I can say is, IT WAS AN AMAZING NIGHT. Amazing.

{Sunday Night Races} That's right. This past Saturday was my Nephew's 2nd Birthday, we had the party  at the park in my neighborhood. So, Sunday everyone came over for the all famous Mexican recalentado {basically we eat up all the leftover food from the night before and since everything has to be re-heated..well we call it...recalentado!} It was a great weekend. I am so Thankful for a Sister and a Beautiful God given Nephew, a brother to my Dos. Not sure how it all started but everyone was so full and in need of some sort of exercise, so my Husband suggested racing each other....IT WAS SO MUCH FUN! SO MUCH.

{Exercise} Yes, you read correctly, that's not a typo. I actually said I am thankful for exercise. After your shock of "YOU? CONNIE, YOU EXERCISED?" thought runs out, here is what happened...I want to make all these changes {baby steps remember} well Sunday night after all that racing I felt good and late at night while I was in the middle of house chores I took a break in my room to exercise. It was good oh, 20 minutes, hey don't laugh, it was a really productive 20 minutes. Anyway. Every time I did a sit up Camila would come and lay across my stomach, she was being super sweet and supportive of her Momma. I loved it. I was spending time with her and working out, nothing better than that!

What are you Thankful for this week??

{Thankful Thursdays} LINK UP!

This week I am most Thankful for:

Weddings {What better way to start off our Anniversary  week, than to have attended a traditional Mexican wedding on Sunday evening. It was Beautiful. It was a great little adventure and get-away night for Momma and Daddy to Wimberly, Texas. I think we will move there one day...no joke. It's amazing!}

A Perfect fit {So, I have said it before. Times are tough. And, I am low maintenance. Therefore. I don't ask for much and try not to want more than I can have. So, when it comes to borrowing clothes and SHOES these days. I have no shame. I simply ask. Thankfully; Ricardo's Sister is about  my size in clothing and his little cousin is about my size in SHOES. Which she let me borrow for that wedding on Sunday! Thank you ladies...you always make me feel like Cinderella...by the way Miss. E..I lost a slipper at the ball..and uhm you may not get either one back! HA!!}

Toothless Grins { I had almost, ALMOST, forgotten what a toothless grin looked like and how much it fills your heart....overflows your joy and brightens your days....My little Mama helped remind me of that this week as she flashed that toothless grin at me all week... ALL WEEK. I love her. I am Blessed.}

Night Owls {Ever since my little Man was a baby, he's been a night owl. These days..when I can't sleep..he is my faithful companion. We walk around the house and seek out new adventures. Laugh and create new memories. I love him. So, MUCH.} 


Days off {It gives me time to re-group, re-think and re-energize...and time to pretend that I am a Stay-at-Home Momma.}

 

{Thankful Thursdays} LINK UP!

This week I am most Thankful for:









Sorrows {Without them I'd have no need to fall to my knees and be reminded of WHY I am here...of WHO my purpose is.}


Smiles {My kids have some of the best ones...see for yourself!}

Speech Courses {Without them, I wouldn't be reminded of how much I am needed and depended on as a Wife.}


Pain {It just brings everything into perspective. Really it does.}


"Like-Minded Women" {I am going through a lot right now and having these ladies in my life makes things all the more enjoyable!}

What are you Thankful for this week?

{Thankful Thursdays} LINK UP!

It's a little late but here I go....

This week I am most Thankful for:

My Momma's of Faith {They are 3 GREAT friends that I have made and met ONLINE. Yes. ONLINE. But, we are great friends together and to each other. We had dinner this week and it was AMAZING. We ate, we talked, we laughed and have that one great FRIEND day for the week! It totally rocked my socks!}

Pizza {Without it, I wouldn't have been sitting on the couch, gazing into my ALMOST TWO YEAR OLD'S most Beautiful, Big Dark Brown eyes as I wiped tomato sauce off his mouth and chin and cheeks.... He is perfect....}

Mornings { I am in deed a MORNING person. I love it. I love the sun. When it's up and out so am I! I love it. Did I say that already? My favorite time these days is saying Good Morning to my new little ray of light, MY CAMBAM. She is ALSO a morning person! She SMILES from ear to ear as I say "Good Mornin'Mama!" That more than makes my day!!}

Finally....

Dress shoes and Socks on the living room floor { It reminds me that I have a soul mate in my home, that the Lord has given my home a provider. It reminds me that my Husband has a stable job that he went to that day. It reminds me that I am a Wife and that I fell in love with THAT man....}

That's all.

{Great Thursday to Everyone!}