Summer Drinks with Tekeen #TexasMade

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

One of my favorite Latina/Tejana food bloggers is Vianney of Sweet Life, she is one of the sweetest, no pun intended, food bloggers known to Texas. She recently featured a drink on her IG page where she used Tekeen as her blend. So, when Tekeen reached out to me as well about creating drinks with their premium cocktail mixes I was thrilled! Vianney was a great inspiration as I created my drinks. 

Enjoy! 

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When I think of Summer I think of fruity, refreshing drinks and of course classic margaritas! Thanks to Tekeen, I was able to start sampling my Summer drinks early. I decided to make a minimal-alcoholic version and then your full on bring the tequila version. As mentioned in my last post  I have a passion for local and Texas shops. What better than genuinely delicious Texas Made drinks. It's the best way to recover from the upcoming Houston heat. 

I made my version of a berry filled "white wine sangria" with the Tekeen Grapefruit cocktail mix. Think of it as a fruit infused, aqua fresca with a sweet kick. It was super easy. 

I combined (about 1 1/2 cups) of fresh blueberries, raspberries and sliced strawberries with (1 whole lime) lime wedges and mint (to taste, I used about 2 sprigs) to about 2 cups of the grapefruit flavored cocktail in a small receptacle. It's best if you have a large jar with a lid or pitcher with a top that seals. So, that your flavors lock in. I left it in the fridge for about 8 hours to chill and infuse and then served over ice, it created a colorful and refreshing drink. The alcohol in Tekeen is only about 12%, so it's very light and perfect for a relaxing afternoon in your backyard.    

My second drink was a classic, with a spicy kick alternative, a Margarita! Perfect for your upcoming Cinco de Mayo celebrations or just your everyday backyard get-together. 

Also, very simple I mixed about 2-3 cups of the Cucumber Lime-flavored cocktail (but you can also use the Passion Fruit Lime flavor) with about 1/2 cup of tequila (really this is up to you), in a large pitcher and stirred it together. You can also shake it in a drink shaker or blend it with ice for a frostier taste. I preferred it with crushed ice so I crushed about 3 cups of ice in the blender, and then salted my rim and served the mix over ice. I garnished it with lime wedges and mint. It was so good, I cannot lie. As an alternate serving, I also salted my rim with a combination of tajin and regular salt. The combination was so yummy! 

I am a no fuss kind of Momma and these two drinks were simple, quick and easy to put together. These drinks serve about 3-4 people.  

Thank you to Takeen for sponsoring this post for Momma of Dos- Visit their site for all their newest recipes and information. http://tekeen.com/

::Top 10 Reasons to attend LOCAL Conferences:: #BACHou16 Recap

I will always express my gratitude towards having been able to attend LATISM here in Houston back in 2012. I think that up until that moment I felt that good conferences only happened outside my city but truth is they can be even better when they are local. All you have to do is seek them and as they say, you will find them. A couple of  weekends ago Houston Latina Bloggers attended a new local conference that I am sure will only grow in the coming years. We went to the Business Advancement Conference which was held at the Houston Food Bank and was hosted by a young, yes, local entrepreneur Kiersten Kindred of Kindred Communications. 

The conference gave a bigger and broad insight into starting your own business, the steps you need to take and the resources that you will need to acquire. It featured a great group of speakers, mostly local entrepreneurs that helped cover a great amount of detail in each of their topics of expertise. Because, like most people who create something new, Kiersten learned along the way of building her own business that she needed specific people who could assist her but they were not all in one place. From that lack of resources, she created this conference, a kind of "one-stop shop" for all your business needs! It was a very informational conference filled with good, local contacts that will help you get to that next level of entrepreneurship you might be seeking. 

Speakers Included: 

• Bob Keplinger – The Action Coach, The Woodlands who presented Five Ways to Massive Profits For Your Business! 
• Local blogger: Kirsten Oliphant – Create If Writing who presented  The Art of Crafting The Perfect Brand Story
• Toni Harris – Constant Contact who presented  The Power of the Inbox to Advance Small Business
• Donna Wick – WICKed Publicity who presented It’s All About You, It’s All About Yes!
• Kristal Howard, Kroger who presented Do-It-Yourself Public Relations
• Liz Robinson, Turningstones who presented SEO Essentials
• Thais Amaral Tellawi  & Saeed Tellawi – Amaral Tellawi Law Firm who presented Using Business Entities to Achieve Your Goals
• Ronald Richmond – Weebly  who presented  How To Build A Website And Online Store In 30 minutes

Houston Latina Bloggers were invited to attend as Conference Mentors, we were honored and happy to be a part of this event: http://www.businessadvancementconference.com/mentors-houston-business-conference/

Here are 10 reasons to seek out and attend local conferences, enrichment programs, and/or workshops:

1. Resources at your fingertips, literally you will be able to reach out and being local makes it easier to meet up with new people after that initial connection. Sometimes that face to face contact is needed to conduct certain business items. You can reach out to local connections and meet in person without worrying about being miles and miles away from one another. 

2. Making a local impact is very important and easier done if you attend local conferences, you can learn where you fit in the circle of needs and close that gap almost immediately. Making that connection in your own community is always gratifying. 

3. Creating friendships from local connections usually, it's easier to establish not only partnerships but long lasting friendships when you are both in the same city. It makes it easier to find a common ground and again it will make meeting up easier. It's happened to me several times now.  

4. You don't have to worry about travel and board, the expense is less and you don't have to worry about extra out of pocket expenses. As a momma money isn't everything but it's very important that I make money wise decisions. When you are a new entrepreneur you want to save as much as you can and invest in areas that you know will benefit you more than others. 

5.  You get to explore your own city. Some of the events or conferences that I have attended are in areas of town I don't usually get a chance to visit. This makes exploring new locations in my own city a fun part of local events. I always say that I like to stay in my bubble or own area of town, but attending events is a good excuse to visit new areas of Houston.

6. Your tribe can join you! It's easier to get a group of ladies to go to something local than to have to worry about travel, it becomes more accessible for everyone. And, it also makes it easier to work around schedules when it's a few hours out of your day. 

7. You get to meet your online connections in person, even though Houston is a large city seeing people who you have connected with online is very likely when you attend local events. And, it's always fun to put a live face to your online profile. 

8. Time is well spent, when events are local you can make time to attend an event, 1-day conference or workshop and then go about your day as usual with family or friends. No one's time is really impacted or sacrificed which makes staying local a great investment.

9. Because really nothing can replace that face to face interaction. I don't care how great the world wide web is and how fancy we have become at communicating with one another, there is just something to be said about always being able to meet someone in person. To be able to reach out and shake their hand and heck why not, even give them a hug! The need for human interaction will never die. Ever. I love meeting online people in person. It's fun. 

10. It's fun! Simple as that, having this type of conference or event locally allows you to have fun and be close to home. Having fun and enjoying yourself, for me, is a big part of the puzzle and what keeps coming to this type of local happening. 

::Camila's Outfit of the Day:: Western Wear

::Momma Disclosure:: 

Momma of Dos, has partnered with Tender Nest Portraits as a brand ambassador, this post is a result of that partnership.  All photographs belong to Tender Nest Portraits.  
Also, in collaboration with this post outfit by Rose and Rhodes clothing. 

Houston Rodeo kicks off this week and along with some of the most exciting weeks in Houston, comes some pretty big boots to fill. The entire city lights up with cowboy gleam and makes sure their attire is up to par. No excuse for even the tiniest of cowboys and in our case cowgirls! 

My siblings and I grew up dressing western for this special occasion here in Houston every year. My parents had such pride in us being vaqueras; my Sister even won best dressed in Elementary school. It's one of those deep down local traditions that if  you ain't from Texas, well you better get here soon, cause you wouldn't understand. But, we can teach you the basics. 

Today we are showing off Camila's cowgirl look with this colorful, jean and flower print dress from Rose and Rhodes Clothing, Momma of Dos, has a special $5 off coupon {USE CODE: MD5} for you to use towards your next purchase! Thanks to the amazing photography skills of Annelle of Tender Nest Portraits here in Houston, we can showcase Cami's western outfit like never before. 

:: More about Tender Nest Portraits::

Annelle is a local photographer who owns and runs Tender Nest Portraits. 

She owns a studio and does natural light photography 

in Houston, Katy and the Sugarland area.  

Her work can be seen on her social media sites and website below. 

Website: http://www.tendernestportraits.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tendernestportraits/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tendernestportraits/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TenderNest

Photo Credit: All photos taken by Tender Nest Portraits. 

Some quick Cowgirl attire facts {taken from Google/Wikipedia}:

• Most cowboy attire, sometimes termed Western wear, grew out of practical need and the environment in which the cowboy worked. 
• Most items were adapted from the Mexican vaqueros, though sources from other cultures, including Native Americans and Mountain Men contributed.
• Many of these items show marked regional variations. Parameters such as hat brim width, or chap length and material were adjusted to accommodate the various environmental conditions encountered by working cowboys.
•  In the modern world, remnants of two major and distinct cowboy traditions remain, known today as the "Texas" tradition and the "Spanish", "Vaquero", or "California" tradition. 
• Rodeo competition for women changed in the 1920s due to several factors. Also, the public had difficulties with seeing women seriously injured or killed, and in particular, the death of Bonnie McCarroll at the 1929Pendleton Round-Up led to the elimination of women's bronc riding from rodeo competition.
• The history of women in the west, and women who worked on cattle ranches in particular, is not as well documented as that of men. 
• It wasn't until the advent of Wild West Shows that "cowgirls" came into their own. These adult women were skilled performers, demonstrating riding, expert marksmanship, and trick roping that entertained audiences around the world.

And, usually, the attire is simple: a bandana, cowboy boots, cowboy hat, chaps, gloves and jeans. 

Obtain the outfit above with purse at Rose and Rhodes Clothing, don't forget to use your $5 discount code {MD5} today!!! 

Are you ready for the rodeo??

:: Diamonds and Pearls Mothers Organization:: Local Feature

Today I am featuring a wonderful local entrepreneur. I met Yvette last year at WEC and have not yet had the opportunity to work together, but I feel like this will be the beginning of a great new venture.

Yvette is a Houstonian with a passion for giving back to the community. Read about her organization and how you can join her in helping local Houston children and women obtain resources and assistance needed to better their lives and help them on a daily basis.  

Yvette Adams 

Founder of the Diamonds and Pearls Mothers Organization  

•We Promote Positive Change for Women 

and Children 

•Honor our UnSung Heroes 

•Rebuild and Revitalize the Community 

•Partners with the Community Leaders & 

Local Schools 

•Provides Resources to Aide Women and 

Children 

Our mission is to enrich, educate, empower, celebrate and unite women internationally of all ages, religions, nationalities and cultures from all socioeconomic background and be catalyst for positive change! 

@dandpmothers 

www.diamondsandpearlsmothers.org

{I am a native Houstonian and product of the HISD. I received my associate’s degree in interpreting and transliterating for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in 1997. I am a wife and mother of four children. I love to meet new people, travel and experience other traditions and cultures!}

I started my adult responsibilities at the premature age of 16, when I was put out of my mother’s house. There was no one in my family who wanted to take on the burden of rearing a displaced teenager, which was what I had been labeled. It was then that, my Auntie signed for me to get an efficiency apartment that her and my grandmother would help maintain. I was only in the tenth grade managing the responsibility of school, an apartment, financial woes, and having a social life. I did not have the support of my father, who I had known all my life to be chronically addicted to drugs and alcohol. I had very limited family support. 

What was I to do? The only thing I knew to do at the time was to try my best to survive. That meant that having employment to pay my bills now trumped the need for continuing to get my high school education. 

During this time, I meet my high school sweetheart. We had our first child, moved in together and began to plan getting married. We have been married 17 years and now have four children. Together, we became entrepreneurs. My husband has owned and operated his barber shop for 18 years and I have established an event planning, coordinating, and catering company that has been operating in business for 10 years. 

I have served as Chief Armor Bearer for the Co-pastor of my church from 2000-2008. We provided temporary living assistance to several young teen to allow them second chance opportunities that I was not given. There have been tumultuous times that I have had to endure as a young woman. I made a conscience decision to invoke my time into honoring mothers who have made some impact and contribution in a small or great way on our next generation of society. 

My event planning company now has hosted for the past eight years our annual “Diamonds and Pearls Mother’s Day Awards Gala” which I am executive coordinator & founder of the non profit 501(c)3 Diamonds and Pearls Mothers organization. The past three consecutive years our efforts were recognized by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, State Representative Ronald Reynolds & State Representative Alma Allan. 

The Diamonds and Pearls Mothers foundation was established in 2007 with the intention of helping women come to the realization that the world’s most precious gems are found within our women. Our mission is to enrich, educate, empower, celebrate and unite women internationally of all ages, religions; nationalities and cultures from all socioeconomic backgrounds and be a catalyst for positive change.

My upbringing growing up in a single parent home with very little outside community resources, mentors and support is what inspired and motivated me to begin my organization.

The Diamonds and Pearls Mothers have been featured in Houston Style Magazine, Forward Times, and The Defender.

In preparation of back to school, the Diamonds and Pearls Mothers along with Wanda Adams, HISD Trustee will be hosting a; 

Back to School Back Pack & Hair Kut Charity event, 

benefiting under privileged African American students, ages 5 to 12.

This event will be held 

Sunday, August 23, 2015 from 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM at 

Kut-N-Zone Barber Shop 

located at 2919 Westridge, Houston, Texas 77054.

Recent data from the U.S. Census Report show that the average income for African American families in the 77048/77054 zip code area is $12,477, which are several thousands of dollars below the poverty line. This is a startling statistic; hence, this event is being held to help offset some of the back to school expenses parents/guardians will be faced with as they prepare for the new school year. 

L to R: Iris Lancaster, Tanyetta Buckner, Yvette  Adams, CleRenda McGrady, Barbara Holman,  & LaTasha Deuchane

The Diamonds and Pearls Mothers would like to obtain notable recognition for being the largest international community action organization for women and children!

Enriching the Lives of Women & Children. 

"Coming together is a beginning, Keeping together is a process, Working together is a success." ~Henry Ford

Email: adams@diamondsandpearlsmothers.org

Instagram: @dandpmothers 

Youtube: diamonds and pearls mothers 

Website: www.diamondsandpearlsmothers.org

My Personal Twitter: Mrs.AdamsEE  

Phone number: 713.412.0707

::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

::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! 

The Woodlands Mom Expo ::February 2015::

::Momma Disclosure:: { This is not a compensated post. I received complimentary pass for myself & my readers in collaboration with The Woodlands Mom Expo. All opinions and statements expressed below are my own and true and honest. }

As a local Momma I am constantly seeking events where I can network,meet amazing new people, learn and explore Houston a little more. Having the best support system and great resources is very important for every Momma. Which is why I am happy to be helping spread the word about this years Mom Expo! Will you join us for great information and resources and I am sure a fun-filled day?  

The Woodlands Mom Expo is a family friendly, Momma lead event.  You will not want to miss it, join us in the fun and tell your friends about it! Visit the site for all the details and if you come by on Saturday we might even run into each other, see you there.... 

                                                             February 6-7, 2015

Friday  10-3 & Saturday 10-4  

Legends Sports Complex 602 Pruitt Rd., The Woodlands, TX  77380

Attend the Mom EXPO $5 per person ages 12+; Kids are FREE!
Tickets available at the door.

Check out the show schedule for TWO days filled with vendors and forums that fit every Momma's needs.  http://www.thewoodlandsmomexpo.com/show-schedule/

The show has some great pre-show promotions and sponsors! They are even hosting a Box Top Challenge that you can join: http://www.thewoodlandsmomexpo.com/box-tops-school-challenge/

The list of exhibitors is amazing as well, one of my personal favorites is the local support group lead by my good friend Shana. The Real Single Moms Club is a growing site that provides everyday empowerment for Single Moms. 

For a full list visit the website today: http://www.thewoodlandsmomexpo.com/exhibitor-list/

IF YOU ARE A MOMMA OF DOS READER PLEASE FEEL FREE TO JOIN US WITH THIS FREE PASS!!! 

TELL YOUR FRIENDS AND JOIN US FOR A GREAT WEEKEND OF LEARNING AND NETWORKING: http://www.thewoodlandsmomexpo.com/

Learn more about the creator: 

::Source~http://www.thewoodlandsmomexpo.com/about-1/:: 

About Your Host

I had the pleasurable and unique experience of forming a mommy group, where I was so fortunate to share my experiences with other women through both online and off-line interactions. This group was very near and dear to my heart for the four years I ran it as the founder and organizer, while my first child was very small, and until my second daughter was about a year old, where I felt deeply connected to its foundation because of my passion for continuing my bond with fellow moms.  I was able to devote additional quality time for my children as well as build on my own social interaction as a new mommy.  I was already running my own business from home, a boutique media consulting group, when my mompreneur abilities nurtured a newly founded mommy marketing division, Mommy Gateway.  My personal life started to blend with my professional background, and I soon developed the Mom EXPO, where I simply placed my own needs and experiences about being a mom right out there on the trade show floor.  I love what I do! I pair moms with their needs, and businesses who target moms, with theirs.   It's a very satisfying role in my journey.  The Mom EXPO has grown to a national tour, and has also spun off Mom 2 CEO:  The Work-At-Home Mom Conference.

The reason for coordinating this EXPO, is because as a mommy group organizer, I've been inspired by our moms who ask questions about their journey of motherhood and look upon other moms for advise and comfort when they don't know if what they're doing is right. Some are more confident than others, but most of us first time moms experience uncertainty in our abilities as a new parent, and sometimes just need reassurance and seek compassion during times of doubt. This is also why I chose the theme of our first year event to be "Positive Affirmations of A Mother's Journey". Sometimes we just need to remind ourselves that what we do is important, and we do matter every day as we raise our children.

Mom EXPO will come together to "Celebrate A Mother's Journey" for many years to come.  

Lori Carrese

Mom EXPO Event Coordinator

Principal, Mommy Gateway