Toyota ::Day Trip- Houston Zoo:: #TBT

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is not a compensated post. All opinions expressed are mine.}

One of our favorite things to do on a beautiful sunny Houston day is step out of the house and take mini-road trips. Day trips, short trips, in-town trips! 

The weekend before my Birthday I received this great surprise! Toyota sent me this beauty to test drive for a week. It made my week for sure, this Texas girl was giddy to jump in this truck. Trust me the agent had me at Tundra. But, not as happy as my children, they loved all the features and roomy interior. 

So, we headed out on an awesome adventure to the Houston Zoo. Our adventures always have a little chaos and whole lot of fun. On this day, we were so happy to be riding in style that nothing else mattered. 

How can you have a great weekend and enjoy your trips? 

A few quick and easy tips:

1. Be Comfortable- no matter what comfort is important. On this day we enjoy the spacious and        soft leather seats of the Toyota Tundra. 

2. Always have Fun!- no matter how crazy your short roads trips can be or how chaotic the back seat       is with your toddlers. Relax and enjoy! Life is too short not to. 

3. The more the merrier- being Latinos we always like big family outings, no matter how loud they     can become. Invite your friends and family and let everyone join in on your fun day. You will not       regret it. 

4. Don't forget to take some Selfies- These days you can not go without taking at least one selfie, it's     the best thing ever! They always make us smile and we even get photobombed. HA. 

5. Finally, wear a Smile- No matter how difficult or grueling our weeks might be. The weekend is a      great time to reconnect, disconnect and feel happy once more. After a wonderful weekend you            always feel re-energized and inspired to start over on Monday. 

What about you, what's your favorite Toyota??

::Weekend Snapshots:: July Edition

My sweet friend Ari of 3TwentySix does an amazing job at keeping up with her weekend snapshots. I think I will make it a once a month thing. HA. Because I suck at it! HAHA. I take the pictures but then never put them into a post. It's why I love Instagram {follow us!!} I can tell a short story and share my pictures all at once. 

My last weekend snapshots is from like April you can see it here: 

http://mommaofdos.blogspot.com/2015/04/weekend-snapshots.html

This weekend was fun, not too eventful and VERY hot ya'll. We opted for staying in, a lot, at least during the day when the heat was unbearable. We came out only at night like the bats. When it was not so sunny! Ha. But, we had fun none-the-less. 

Our weekend kicked off with a quick visit to the doctors office, where Camila was diagnosed with Viral Croup. It's not fun. But, for some reason my kids have no fear of doctors or medicine. I guess it's a good thing. I think this will change for Camila once she gets her next set of shots. We shall see. In the mean time she is a happy camper and always good at waiting for the doctor. 

Saturday morning my Hubby, the foodie, wanted to take us to try something new for breakfast. Einstein Bros. Bagels. It was a good change from our usual cereal and scrambled eggs on Saturday or weekend mornings. Santiago had trouble sharing his Chocolate chip bagel with sweet cinnamon cream cheese.  My Hubby tried to explain he couldn't eat both and had to share with his Sister. We enjoyed a variety of bagels, you know to figure out what we liked! Ha. 

We had the following:

Chocolate Chip Bagel with Cinnamon Sugar Cream cheese

Plain bagel with Berry Goodness Topper

Asiago bagel with Smoked Salmon spread topped with capers and smoked salmon-this was my fav! 

Plain Bagel sandwich with turkey sausage and cheese 

And, it was pretty kids friendly. Except my kids are wild, so we couldn't just hang out and talk. We usually eat and go right.before.the.tantrums. 

Saturday afternoon the girls headed out to a baby shower for a sweet friend whom, I happened to do Maternity Pictures for! 

Saturday night we headed out on another food adventure- TORCHY'S TACOS. It was OK, in our book. We went to try it out but not sure it's a place for us. We felt we could make it all home, or have had better homemade. We did eat, service and food were good but yeah... They did have a kids menu which is always appreciated and it was semi-kid friendly. Definitely the night crowd was starting to stare at us but the kids did very well. Colored the coloring pages provided, asked infinite questions and ate their chicken quesadillas.  We had a good night out. 

Sunday morning we headed out early and registered the kids for Soccer, this will be Santiago's 3rd season and Cam's first. Let me tell you. She is beyond ecstatic! She has been wanting to play since last year but is just now old enough. She can't wait and I know she will kick butt. She is focused, fierce and excited- perfect attitude to get the goals in!

We also signed up to COACH! Posts on that for sure! HAHA. 

We ended our Sunday with my parents coming over, cooking for us, fixing my plants outside and helping me clean up! They are SUCH  a huge blessing for our children and family. My parents are amazing. We also watch Mexico play and you know everyone has to support and sport their Mexican pride!

That was our weekend, what did you do this past weekend?

::Pollo Tropical & Taco Cabana:: GRAND OPENING

Pollo Tropical is the Sister concept of Taco Cabana and they are about to celebrate another grand opening this weekend  here in Houston!

The new Pollo Tropical will be opening it's doors at 25635 US Highway 59N in the Kingwood area & the grand opening will be this Friday, May 8 with giveaways and entertainment including:

•  First 100 guests will receive a coupon for a free Create Your Own Family Meal
• Guests can enter to win Free Chicken for a Year
• Calypso music, a RoboSurfer challenge to benefit local charities and prizes

Right next door, Taco Cabana will be celebrating its newest location at 25657 US Highway 59 on Saturday, May 9. The grand opening celebration will also feature a variety of giveaways and entertainment including:

• First 50 guests will receive a $10 gift card
• Guests can enter to win Free Taco Cabana for a Year and an iPad Air
• A face painter, balloon artist, DJ, photo booth and radio remote with KRBE-FM

::Explore Houston:: Hiking Trails

Last year we took a couple of  road trips with the kids, we have grown to love these. The adventures are endless and the memories, forever priceless. One of our trips was a camping trip to Gardner State Park and the other was a weekend in San Antonio.

On these adventures we discovered, that my kids loved the outdoors, maps { cause it reminds them of Dora, GRACIAS DORA!} and trails! My Husband and I in an effort to keep this alive and thriving decided that we would find local Houston parks and trails to explore. There.are.so.many.

A couple of months ago the weather was amazing, nothing like this week where the rain just won't leave us alone. In those gorgeous days we ventured out. Today, I will show you a little  from our first Houston trail adventure as well as, share a little information about the park. If you are local or visiting, I highly suggest exploring the nature in our city, it's amazing ya'll.

The peace and family bonding it great too. 

::Terry Hersey Park and Trails::

The park is so BIG, it will take you at least 2-3 hours to explore it very well. We took a 4 hour hike that day, the kids slept all the way home. It has trails and interesting areas that will make you forget you live near the city. The park trails do cross under the freeway and intersect with high volume streets, but trust me, you will not even notice it. We went out on a Saturday afternoon. The bikers were in full gear so just stay clear of them and beware of there warnings "ON THE LEFT". Is their usual sign of, here I come, MOVE. 

While you learn the park lingo, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery. 

We parked at Memorial near Eldridge. And, on this afternoon we had a small picnic when we reached the reservoir at I10 & Eldridge. So, the walk is about 20 minutes out, we then climbed up the edge of the reservoir and collected rocks. Then back down to the trails and into the park area with the playground. Where my daughter randomly yelled out a cuss word and we decided it was time to go. Have I mentioned I have wild children? I do. You would think they grew up on a farm with no humans. 

Usually randomness completes our adventures. The park is filled with great picture op areas, as a Momma who always carries a camera this is an amazing place! 

I highly recommend Terry Hersey, you can explore it and find a new spot every time.  It might take hours, maybe even days, to complete it's trails. We have been back a couple of times since, for pictures and picnics.

You can follow our adventures daily on Instagram. 

Follow our Park series, by coming back next week and looking for a new post! 

{La Pulga} #northsidehouston

So, let me keep it real for you. And, I mean real.

My parents are Mexican. So am I.

Ever since I can remember,especially from my memories living here in Houston, my parents have never been "fancy eaters". We have always been simple. And, yes we have always enjoyed the Pulga {or Flea Market}.

Here in Houston there is no doubt that one of the most aged flea markets is the "Airline Flea Market" which has many other names or references but that's how I know it. La Pulga de la Airline.

It's unique Mexican style Tianguis setup and authentic food, music and atmosphere really makes me feel comfortable and not quite in Mexico but at least close to it.

I have always loved Houston for this very reason, no matter how far we are from the Mexican border we somehow have managed to recreate many Mexican classics in a very "American" city. Places like the Mercado and the Panaderia are also some of my favorites also interestingly enough located on Airline.

Northside Houston is where I grew up, so I was no stranger to these places. Now that I am a adult with children of my own, we opted for living a bit outside of the city and in a more "rural" location. But, that doesn't keep us from our favorite places in town. We visit at least 2 or 3 times a month or as often as we visit my Mom and Dad at their home, which sometimes is every weekend.

My kids have been exposed to all types of food, places and people and they too  are no strangers to these where-abouts. We love it because while it's not fully authentic in location it's very similar and teaches our kids a lot about different Mexican traditions and really a lot about how my Hubby and I grew up.  

What about you? What are some favorite places that you feel are authentic to your roots and that you want your children to grow up with?

{Houston Children's Festival} GIVEAWAY!!!!

I posted details about the Houston Children's Festival coming up in April ::HERE::  

The Festival will take place APRIL 6th & 7th in DOWNTOWN HOUSTON at City Hall, Houston Public Library Plaza and Tranquility Park! The fun will begin at 10:30 am and continue thru 6:30 pm. Tickets are $10 per person and Children under 3 are free!

For more on ticketing information check out the festival's webpage here: http://www.houstonchildrensfestival.com/tickets-info

NOW it's time for a giveaway!!!! Thanks to the Houston Children's Festival and in association with Hello Houston! Media Blogger I will be making one lucky family of 4 very happy! I will be giving away a FAMILY 4 PACK TO THE HOUSTON CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL!!!!!!!

Enter below!!! Tell your friends and GOOD LUCK!!!!

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE THIS POST WITH YOUR CONTACTS AND ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA SITES! Thank you in advanced!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



{Momma Disclosure: The above statements are both my true and honest opinion. This is not a compensated post. However, I will receive complimentary entries for my family in exchange for posting about this event from the Houston Children's Festival in association with Hello Houston! Media Bloggers.}

{Houston Children's Festival} 25th Birthday Celebration!

Happy Birthday Houston Children's Festival!


{Source: Houston Children's Festival Website}

It's the 25th Birthday Celebration of a family friendly Houston event!

The Festival raises money for a good cause!  Raising over $4.5 million for Child Advocates, Inc. to make a Donation visit their site here: http://childadvocates.org/give & to further create a local impact Volunteer here: http://childadvocates.org/volunteer


The Houston Children's Festival is one of those purpose filled events that make a huge difference in our community! For detailed information check out their website here : http://www.houstonchildrensfestival.com/ and follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HoustonChildrensFestival and Twitter https://twitter.com/Houstonkidfest

                                       {Source: Houston Children's Festival Website}

The Festival will take place APRIL 6th & 7th in DOWNTOWN HOUSTON at City Hall, Houston Public Library Plaza and Tranquility Park! The fun will begin at 10:30 am and continue thru 6:30 pm. Tickets are $10 per person and Children under 3 are free!

For more on ticketing information check out the festival's webpage here: http://www.houstonchildrensfestival.com/tickets-info

There will be OVER 300 family friendly activities and 5 Entertainment stages!!! Including appearances from Nickelodeon and Disney Celebrities!!! As well as special appearances from our personal favorites; DORA and Sid the Science Kid!!!


                                         {Source: Houston Children's Festival Website}

I am sure that this event will be a lot of fun as well as bring awareness and raise money for a good cause!

Mark you calendars and head on out to the Houston Children's Festival for a day filled with fun for all ages!

Explore Houston and help raise money for  Child Advocates, Inc.


PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE THIS POST WITH YOUR CONTACTS AND ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA SITES! Thank you in advanced!


{Momma Disclosure: The above statements are both my true and honest opinion. This is not a compensated post. However, I will receive complimentary entries for my family in exchange for posting about this event from the Houston Children's Festival in association with Hello Houston! Media Bloggers.}

{Kemah~Spring Break 2013} Locally Inspired...Kinda

Funny how at times inspiration to do more locally comes from 1,523 miles away... trust me, I Googled it. 

My Social Media-Cali-Amiga from Raised by Culture, Xenia... said to me....after I posted about being in an "inspiration rut"....

 "Connie - I'm a huge fan of bloggers that talk about local stuff, I especially loved your taco truck post and when you went to Sam Moon... are there other local things you can share?"    

To which my local wheels starting spinning... 

Now every time I step outside I think local! 

First was the Rodeo... which this year we opted out of with the kiddos... as much fun as Rodeo is and can be... uhm not so much for a 3 and 2 year old, waiting in line and big crowds are a bit overwhelming for adults so you can only image for TWO-terrible two-er/horrible three-er-Toddlers... it was fussville last year and not-so-fun-ville for Momma and Daddy... 

Therefore, for our first day of Spring Break, even though our kids don't go to school, my Hubby took the day off and took his little family OUT! To enjoy a day together and the somewhat good Houston weather... we went to a little place about 45 minutes from our home...called Kemah! The Kemah Boardwalk to be exact.... 

Places like this in Houston remind me of why I am such a city slicker, who lives in the suburbs, ha.ha. I love the city, I hated working in it but I love all of the amazing surrounding areas of Houston. It's truly a place that has grown in the last 14 years since I arrived here to start college, whoa, that makes me sound way old! Way. Moving on... 

Kemah. It has the best of the best; rides for truly all ages and levels of heart-attack desired... and then of coarse, who can go wrong with amazing seafood! I love the concept of building little cities within and/or around a bigger city! It gives you a sense of adventure at only about 45 minutes away. You don't spend much on gas or overnight stays and you get to enjoy a fun filled day of amusement without ever leaving home. 

Here is some of what we did on our first day of Spring Break 2013.. 

It was a Blessed day, the kids had a blast and my Hubby and I loved it. No stress, no long lines and HUGE smiles on everyone's face! 

{Rodeo Houston} 2013

While the rest of the world is turning... Houston enjoys Rodeo! For 3 whole weeks the city if consumed by Cowboys, Horses and Concerts. Lots of fun Concerts. This year so far I have gone to see Lady Antebellum and Thursday, it was Bruno Mars!

One of my life long habits has been volunteering. In High School it was the library and nursing homes. In college it was well... just about anything from church to official governmental offices that helped people complete their INS forms to become Citizens. I have always loved helping. More so in those areas where my culture, my language {Spanish} and my passion would shine through!






In 2008, I was asked to become a part of a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Committee which provided daily tours to students and international visitors of the Rodeo... in particular those who spoke Spanish. I was added on to the roster of Bilingual Tours Committeemen and I won an award that year... Best Spanish Speaking Tour guide! Say What! Ha. I did. It was a fun committee. I loved, I mean LOVED it! More so hearing the Hispanic kids mostly Mexican kids tell me how their parents; owned horses and ate pigs! True story one little boy in particular gave me the run down as I gave his class a tour of the Ag-Venture livestock area... he told me that his Dad had goats and that he would kill them and eat them... {circle of life}, but amazingly as we went on this possible 2nd or 3rd grader went on to tell me how they also had pigs and how they also killed and ate those... when we got to the cows he said he Dad showed him to milk the cows just like the one I was telling his class about. When we got to the horses I said. "So, do you eat the horses too?"... and in a very Norteño accent he says to me in Spanish; "No'mbre! Esos los montamos!"And, as I pictured the little boy and his Dad, Vaqueros of the Houston area, riding away into the sunset and this little man being so full of agricultural knowledge and life long skills, I knew that my job as a volunteer with the Houston Rodeo....would be a fulfilling one!









I loved it and as the years go by I am excited to be a part of such an awesome Houston; lifestyle and tradition. I mean the days of riding off the farm in your horse and carriage into the city to work or conduct business are long gone, the Vaquero traditions live in this city very vividly for 3 weeks! Along with tradition, entertainment and Texas heritage the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo brings large groups into Houston from all over the world. I mean, I have met many Mexican Cowboys and European Cowboys as well as people from Japan and many parts of the U.S. Who come specifically to see what the Houston Rodeo is all about. There is also the matter of money raising for not only local kids but Texas High School students to obtain not only agricultural skills but also scholarships to go to college. My current committee raised over 6 Million this year alone!





It's definitely an organization that I am very proud of and enjoy participating with. And, all of the above mentioned are the kind of Texas and Mexican culture that we want to instill in our Children. Volunteer work, Heritage and yearly traditions!

I used to be in LOVE with Mexico and every year thought that NOTHING could ever compare to my Mexico lindo y querido! But, as I grow older and learn to enjoy local Texas cities and traditions I know that Mexico is beautiful, but  Houston and Texas has a lot to offer a family who wants to have well-rounded and locally educated children! Don't get me wrong... one day I hope to be able to travel to Mexico to show my children the cities where their Grand-parents were born and where I grew up {Cuernavaca & Reynosa} but for now... we will have to settle for local grounds!


YOU CAN SEE LAST YEARS EPIC FAIL ::HERE:: 


And, a THANK YOU to Xenia from Raised by Culture...for helping me gain some perspective and inspiration... 

Sometimes we don't realize our own potential until someone opens your eyes...