Tejas y Nopales #JamesAvery

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

As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, I am getting the opportunity to write a little about my background and heritage. Thanks to the beautiful sterling silver charms at James Avery I am able to fully express who I am and where I am from.

I'm a little bit Texan and a little nopaluda. In between Tejano music and Banda. I know English but think in Spanish (super true). I love carne asada and I can eat Whataburger and pizza every day. I love Novelas and watch This is Us. It's like the scene from Selena (Yes, I went there.) "Being a Mexican-American is exhausting." You have to live in two very different worlds and somehow merge them very gracefully. 

My parents were born and raised in Mexico. In the 80's they came to Texas, Brenham/Navasota area to be exact. I was born and then we moved to Houston, when I was in the 7th grade we moved down to South Texas, or what is known as the Rio Grande Valley. My identity since I was born has been both Texan and Mexican. Mexican-American. I was taught to speak, think and feel in Spanish before I even learned English. Being Bilingual is also a big part of my identity.

My love for both sides of the border has always existed. Over the years it's grown. I will admit being a young Mexican-American in the US, was not easy in the sense that I was always so embarrassed to bring my non-Mexican friends around. My parents (and whole entire family) were "super Mexican" whatever that means, right? Now in my 30's and with kids of my own, I find myself missing my parents home and all of our food, family, traditions, and way of life. I do everything possible to not only continuously embrace my heritage and culture but also further learn about it and teach it to my children.

Growing up I had the opportunity to visit and travel to Mexico quite often with my parents and sometimes spent months there over the Summer. As an adult, I have also traveled to certain regions of Mexico. The absolute richness of its culture, its food, the heart and passion that Mexico has to survive is something that I hope to one day share with my children. Right now Mexico is a distant place for them but they know exactly where their GrandParents were born and how great being Mexican can be. I have always strived to teach them about both our Texas/American culture and way of life as well as that of being Mexican. I think they understand it well. Of course, they see and know the Texas side a lot more but when they get older I hope to take them to Mexico where they can experience it all first hand.

In the meantime, I love being able to continuously express who I am through the beautiful and customizable accessories that James Avery creates. There are so many pieces that I know I need and am obsessed with. 

Visit their page for more: James Avery 

::Empowering Youth:: Inspired Latinos

In my time in social media, I have met and engage with various new people from around the world. Sometimes it helps me realize how small the world really is. A little background about myself; my Momma is from a small town in Mexico called Temixco. Outside of my family circle here in Houston, I never EVER think many know about her town and her traditions. So when I found Omar online and his entire project based on Chinelos, which are pretty specific to the region my Momma is from, I was intrigued. I am glad I reached out and am featuring him today! His story is an amazing one and he is wishing to inspire us all! I can't wait to see his project evolve... I am so proud as a Mexican-American to find wonderful people like Omar doing great things! 

Enjoy!
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::GUEST BLOGGER::

The name of my project is "el Chinelo loco 777". This name really reflects my personality and origins. I will explain why.

The "chinelo" dance is a traditional Mexican dance created in Tlayacapan, a city of the Morelos state, in approx. 1807. It was created by a group of indigenous young people who were not allowed to participate in the carnival celebrations. Their response was to dress up with old clothes and to start shouting and whistling by walking the streets of the town. A form of rebellion.

As the dance evolved, the white mask was introduced to mock bearded Spanish and the clothes changed for specific costumes made out of velvet. The word "chinelo" is believed to come from the Nahuatl language and means "he/she who moves well his/her feet and hip" or "hip wiggle".

"el Chinelo loco 777" describes me well as I was born in Cuernavaca, area code 777, the capital city of the Morelos state. The "chinelo" is a reflection of my passion and love for Breakin' or Breakdance, as I used to be -and will always be- a B-boy. The "loco" part is just my personality, who I really am. An intricate engineer yet very simple person full of energy and crazy ideas that I am always willing to implement.

I started this project because I detected a need. As a current Finance Director for a multinational company, I have developed the ability to identify "needs". I realized the Mexican and Latin American people do not have a lot of "role models", and if they do, maybe these are not reflecting what the "pueblo" actually is and what is capable of doing.

I have experienced a lot of things in my job and getting to where I am has not been easy as I have sacrificed a lot -you probably have heard this over and over again-, but I have also lived a lot of incredible experiences! -Maybe you have not heard this that much- What are these experiences about? I have traveled the world -and still do-, I have eaten in the most fancy and expensive restaurants, I have met crazier people than me and learned from them, I have managed very important projects for the company I work for, I am able to communicate and interact vis-à-vis with Top Executive Directors/Vice presidents, I have helped people out to get a job, etc. So why not sharing all this? Precisely the objective of "el Chinelo loco 777".

As a young executive, I believe I got a social responsibility to transmit to "la banda", people of my generation and the one that follows, positive examples that will inspire people that surround me to fight for their dreams, to succeed in what they want and why not, to become a better version of themselves. 

Growing up in a middle-class family, never did I lack food or a home for that matter, but I sure know and have seen what it is not to have these two. This is where my motivation comes from. If I can do it, then you can surely do it too, right? 

I did not study in the top Mexican schools, but I did get my engineering degree in a very respected private university, Universidad La Salle Cuernavaca -where I was able to get a scholarship thanks to my grades from high school and kept it during my whole time there.

People can find me here:

Email: elchineloloco777@gmail.com

Instagram: @elchineloloco777

Facebook: @elchineloloco777

Twitter: @chineloloco777

YouTube: "el chinelo loco 777" 

**People can contact me through any of my social networks. Whatever they prefer! I normally reply very fast to everyone, but if I take some time do not take it wrong as I am always on the move. 

No special events are planned in the sort term, but in the mid-term I am planning to invite "random" people to share their story with the audience on my YouTube channel. As for now, I will keep on uploading videos, I will finish the series "Vivir en el extranjero" (living abroad) and will move forward on to another series. More content will come to my Facebook page as well. However, on Twitter I do share very practical tips for everyone so you should go and follow me! 

One time, a group of friends and I participated in a Hip Hop dance competition. It was our first time competing in this type of event and we trained very hard for three full months. We did our thing, we danced and believed that we nailed it and that we deserved to take home one of the three first places.

The time to announce the winners came and my friends and I were backstage holding hands waiting to hear the name of our group "Soydev" -which you can actually find in YouTube if you write it and add "hip hop". The third place was announced, but it was not us, then we believed we had won second place. The second place was announced and again, it wasn't us. At this point we thought we had won the first place and we got super excited about i! When the host announced the first place we did not hesitate to go to the main stage screaming, yelling and celebrating that we had won!

Our faces dropped immediately after we arrived to the main stage just to see that we did not win the first place, but because we were so confident of ourselves we thought we had won but neither my friends nor I actually heard our team's name. You can imagine how embarrassed we were afterwards. My friends and I still laugh a lot every time we talk about this.

By the way, we ended up taking home the 8th place out of 42 crews that participated. Not bad after all. 

There are two main things I want to establish through my persona. These are very simple actually.
First, I want "el Chinelo loco 777" to be a role model for the community so that people that follow me can become role models as well for the people close to them. Second, I want it to be a platform for sharing experiences and stories about how people like you and me were able to succeed in what they wanted. I believe everyone has succeed in some way, we just need to take the time to listen to them.

"Brains and talent are nothing without discipline. Discipline is the key to achieve everything." The way I see things is that everything is reachable if you really want it and work hard for it.

::La Virgen de Guadalupe ~ Empress of the Americas:: #ad #HMNS

::Momma Disclosure:: This is a compensated post. All opinions expressed are true and my own. 

I didn't know what to expect as we embarked on our Saturday morning adventure to the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Let me start off with, if you have never been to the museum, plan to visit several times as you will need them to fully take in everything it has to offer. With the purchase of the temporary exhibits, you obtain access to all the permanent exhibits and free special exhibits. But, taking on the task of visiting them all and being fully immersed in each one, is a longs day work. We spent at least 4 hours there and we feel like we have to go back at least 2 or 3 more times to fully appreciate all the learning and beauty of each exhibit. The amount of detail and information in each exhibit is wonderful. Especially for young families who's children are absorbing all the information for the first time. 

We arrived about mid-day on Saturday and then planned to make our way slowly to the main exhibit we were there to see, La Virgen de Guadalupe. Time went by so fast, we had to speed through some of the other exhibits and then made it to the section where La Virgen was exhibited. It goes without saying that since I grew up in a Mexican Catholic family, La Virgen de Gualdape or La Virgen Morena means so much to me.

::Sentimental Value of my Visit::

Years ago I was told I might not be able to have children, after several tumor diagnosis and surgeries. All tumors and cysts though benign still could have caused reproductive damage, due to medications I had taken and scar tissue formed after 3 surgeries prior to becoming pregnant. As a Catholic I turned to my faith a lot in my early 20's petitioning to the Virgen to watch over me in years to come and as I tried to grow our family.

Fast forward to 2009, I became pregnant with my son. I had so much to be thankful for and prayed to the Virgen that one day I would visit her at her altar in Mexico City as a form of expressing my gratitude. In 2011 I became pregnant again, another moment of complete gratitude all of which I attribute fully to my faith. I am yet to make the trip to Mexico city but seeing the beautiful replica at the HMNS this weekend has inspired me to attempt to make that trip in this lifetime. I have so much to be thankful for and a lot of which I have prayed for in past years.

::History & Representation of La Virgen in Mexico::

The setting for this astonishing appearance begins in the outskirts of Mexico City in December of 1531. The accounts tell of a humble, indigenous Campesino or peasant, who spoke Nahuatl his name, Juan Diego. He stated that  he was asked by a beautiful young woman surrounded by light, La Virgen de Guadalupe, to build a church in her honor at the top of the Tepeyac hill. In this place, there was once an Aztec temple built for the goodness Tonantzin.

Of course, when Juan Diego approached the Spanish archbishop, Juan de Zumarraga, he didn't believe him.  After several failed attempts to relay the message to the bishop, Juan Diego was asked to bring back Rosas de Castilla, as proof of a miracle that he, in fact, was seeing the Virgen on the Tepeyac hill. Uncertain that he would obtain these Juan Diego returned to the site of the apparition. The hill was barren and the roses were not native to Mexico. But, to his surprise when he returned to the site where he had seen the beautiful Virgen, there were flowers. He cut them and gathered them in his cloak and quickly returned to the bishop. When he arrived and opened his cloak to reveal the roses, the Bishop witnessed not one but two beautiful miracles. As the flowers fell to the floor the vivid imagine of La Virgen de Guadalupe imprinted on Juan Diego's cloak was revealed.

The church which began as a chapel was built soon after. It came with much speculation, controversy, and resistance. Once formed those who followed the Bishop were said to be part of a cult. In years to come, the church would grow and "accept" the miracle as truth that many now live for. The cloak has been examined by various museum historians and artifact researchers, most of the findings have been released. But, still to this day the beautiful mystery of how Juan Diego was chosen, why the miracle happened and what we as Catholics believe in, still lies in a glorious cloak that is displayed in Mexico city.

::The exhibit and it's presentation at the HMNS::

I didn't know what to expect as far as the exhibit was concerned. But, I loved the setup. It starts you off with the history of the miracle and appearances with much, much more detailed than I could express here.  It leads you into a chapel, where you are allowed to take pictures. The quiet, dimly lit room gives you so much peace and serenity. It's hard not to fall to your knees and pray or simply admire La Virgen and her beautiful face. Once you have marveled into the eyes of the light. You are lead into a room where the most colorfully beautiful art pieces made of cloth, clay, yarn, gold, paint, and lots of lentejuela or sequins are displayed. You cannot take pictures in this area, which is why you MUST visit the HMNS, between now and September when the exhibit will be taken down.

Visit the HMNS website and my previous post for more details.

   Picture Credit: My Sister in Law took this one in the HMNS store, I loved it! 

Hola Septiembre! #mommaofdos

People say I am a dreamer... oh yeah and a little crazy and ambitious too.

I am.

 

And, like August, September has so much meaning. In 2004 it was a difficult eye opening month for our family. It was never ending and hopeless we almost lost my father to addiction a situation my family doesn't take lightly. Our story was written, our lives were changed....then 5 years later a complete 360. Hope, faith, life, rebirth. My son was born {Sept. 16th}, he was the light, the tie, the sign of good that we all needed. And, my father, like everyone else...fighting to live life once again, taking charge of his life and regaining his family.

Not only is September my Son's birth month, it's also the month that was honored with my Momma's birth {Sept.26th}. That same woman that experienced life in the most painful way and today is the only reason why I never, ever, EVER give-up. Her and my son are part of my motivation. My inspiration. My reason. My faith. My life.

It's also Hispanic Heritage month, AJUAH!!!!  {September 15th-October 15}

And, {September 16th} Mexico's Independence Day!!! AJUAH!!!!

Every month since May I have told myself, I am going to take a break but I only take on more projects and more collaborations. And, I am tired but you know what I wouldn't have it any other way! I don't know where this road is leading me to but I am running it and I can't give up now.... or ever...

My Momma always says.... "Si vas a hacer algo, hazlo bien!" Which is probably why I never give-up on my dream for this little here blog, which is why I believe in being consistent and finding time for my priorities!

{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?

::Children's Books:: #RealCincodeMayo Blog Hop Edition

In an effort to constantly educate my children about our culture, where we come from and the history of Texas and yes, Mexico; I wanted to create a short book list that could help my toddlers learn a little more about Cinco de Mayo. 

I am pretty sure I have written about Cinco de Mayo once before, because just like my children I also love learning about Mexico and it's history. I grew up in Texas and spent most of my grade school summer vacations and winter breaks in Mexico; mostly the border town of Reynosa and a few summers in Cuernavaca. I have since vacationed with my Husband to several places in Mexico such as San Luis Potosi, Guanajuato and Michoacan. 

Due to the current problems in Mexico my children have only visited Mexico once {Reynosa} and it was for about 2 days. But, they love books and they love what they already know about Mexico. My son calls it the "republic of Mexica". Slowly but surely they have come to realize that we live in a home with diverse cultures. We embrace our home, the U.S. but we also love to learn about where our parents, Grand-Parents and Great-Grand Parents came from, Mexico.

This list was created with my 3 and 4 year old in mind; there are plenty of other age appropriate books that will assist older children learn more about Cinco de Mayo, why it's celebrated and it's traditions. 

When I am trying to teach my children more about the Mexican culture, I seek books with the following characteristics; 

1.I look for at least one of the authors to be Hispanic to teach my children about Hispanic/Latino authors.

2.I look for colorful pictures because my children are toddlers they love pictures.

3.And, finally I love Bilingual or books written in Spanish because it helps my children learn our second language, Español.  

The following books were my Top 3 online choices to help us learn about Cinco de Mayo in a toddler friendly manner: 

Two of the books are bilingual and they have great illustrations!

{Book Pictures from: AMAZON.COM}

I have teamed up with a great group of Ladies from Texas Latino Bloggers to create this Blog Hop ::PLEASE VISIT THEIR SITES FOR MORE #REALCINCODEMAYO POST::

04/28 Tejana Made

04/29 Que Means What

04/30 Candypolooza

05/01 Mejorando Mi Hogar

05/02 ME

05/03 Family Love In My City

05/05  Your Sassy Self

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS {Meca}

{Momma Disclosure: This is not a sponsored or paid post. All thoughts expressed are my own beliefs and honest opinion.} 

Houston is filled with so many vibrant cultures and traditions. I of coarse love the Mexican {Hispanic/Latino} traditions. One that I want my children to learn about is El Dia de Los Muertos. It's not only a great way to learn more about our family history but also appreciate life as a whole. 

El Dia de los Muertos is traditionally celebrated by placing items at the deceased family members grave site or tomb. Not only bringing food offerings that the family member liked but also those things that you believe he or she would enjoy on this day. The altars are created with festive colors, fresh fruits and homemade dishes as well as pictures and personal items that belonged to the deceased; as a way to remember the life that this person lead while they were still among us. The belief is that on November 2nd your loved ones spirit returns to sit and enjoy those items brought to their grave site. 

It's difficult now to show my children this exact replica since most my family is buried in Reynosa, Tamaulipas and Cuernavaca, Morelos. I hope that one day they can accompany me to Mexico where we can fully celebrate life and honor those who have left our lives but still live deep within our hearts. 

On this day I remember not only one but several Woman who have some how impacted my life. From my father's family; my Grandmother Soccorro who passed away a couple of week before my 14th birthday, my Tia Lucy {My Dad's Sister} who passed away when I was a Senior in H.S., and my Tia Angelica {even her name means Angel} who passed away when I was 21. From my Mom's family; my Great Grandmother whom I was ultimately named after Maria del Consuelo and my Tia Nieves both whom passed away long before I was born and my Tia Lola our most recent loss she was a amazing woman of great faith and great impact in her family and community. Along with, my Great Grandfather Titos who passed away at 99 years old and several uncles.

From my Husband's family and someone that my kids will learn a lot about is his Grandfather, Don Victor, who passed away 9 months before we found out we would have our first baby. My Husband was very close to his Grandfather and he is someone who was very important to him. 

Next year I think we will create an altar. My children are more aware of their surroundings these days and the questions flow like clock-work. I know they will learn from the experience and enjoy creating an altar. In the mean time for the second year in a row we visited Meca for their annual Altar Exhibit. The colors, the items brought forth, the history and lost loved ones remembered just fill me with knowledge of how deep and rich our culture is. As well as how fragile and short life can be. 

Meca will also have their Calavera Rendezvous Fundraiser this Friday November 1st from 7 to 11pm and then their Dia de Los Muertos Festival on Saturday November 2nd and Sunday November 3rd this event is free and open to the public! Great way to explore Houston and find out more about El Dia de Los Muertos' history. Please visit their website for more information on all of the upcoming festivities. 

www.Meca-Houston.org

Raising Bi-Cultural Children {Toddlers Mexicanos}

I think that when most people think of Bi-Cultural children you look for them to have parents with two different races or nationalities. It's not the case in our home. Both my Husband and I are born and raised Texans. I was born in Brenham and he was born here in Houston. 

The difference is that both of us have parents that were born in Mexico and came to the U.S. many years ago to work. 

From September 15th thru October 15th Hispanics all over the U.S. celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. http://hispanicheritagemonth.gov/ Being of Mexican descendant,  I not only celebrate U.S. holidays but I also celebrate many Mexican holidays. Such as, Mexico's Independence day which is September 16th, not to be confused with 5 de Mayo which is when Mexico won the Battle of Puebla. 

Here in Houston there are several places that you can go to help your children learn more about and celebrate the Hispanic culture. Places like the Houston Library have family friendly events that are free and open to the public, http://www.houstonlibrary.org/hhm-events . And, the Miller Outdoor Theater which has presentations such as Traditional Folkloric dance presentation called Mexicanisimo; http://milleroutdoortheatre.com/events/464/

There are also places that have events year round such as Talento Biligue de Houston http://www.talentobilingue.org/ and MECCA http://meca-houston.org/. Both places on the top of my list to visit in the next few months as the Day of Dead {El Dia de Los Muertos} approaches. 

I believe in embracing my roots and teaching my children to do the same; we celebrate a variety of holidays in our home which will help them learn not only about our America culture but also about our Mexican background.  

{Pozole} Happy "Cinco de Mayo" Ya'll!

Oh the old Cinco de Mayo Controversy. You see it's not "really" a Mexican "holiday" per say it's more of a State holiday for Puebla because May 5th was when la Batalla de Puebla took place. In all reality it should be called El Dia de la Batalla de Puebla but I think that for all marketing purposes here in the U.S. it's called Cinco de Mayo and it originated in California. 

Now that, that is out of the way. 

My all time favorite Mexican dish is Pozole. Not just Pozole but Pozole estilo Morelense. My Momma grew up in a small town called Temixco. It's in the state of Morelos. Most of my life I grew up in Mexico. And, if I have not stated it before, let me state it now. In order to understand me like most other people you must understand my background. Where I came from. Where my parents come from and where I grew up. 

My Momma is from Morelos, my Dad is from Reynosa. Oh, so VERY different. Not just in culture and in "language" but in food as well. Therefore, I grew up speaking differently depending on what area of Mexico we traveled to that Summer and eating differently. Now that I think back on it and although I hated it as a child, I am thankful for my parents and their distinct and unique backgrounds. Mexico is so diverse in itself. It's so sad that these days politics and drug lords have taken over more than is necessary really but we won't get into that. 

The recipe Connie! 

Oh yes, so this recipe originated from my Momma's kitchen, I have always loved it, it's always on my request list when my Momma is cooking and my kids now love it so I am glad that I learned how to make it.  

Pozole estilo Morelense: 

Ingredients ~ Ojas de Laurel {Bay Leaves}, Oregano, Onion, Garlic, Knorr de Pollo, Pork Shoulder/Butt or Pork Picnic works best, a large can of Hominy {forgot the ounces!}, Lettuce, Radishes, Avocado, Chiles de Arbol, Cayenne Pepper, and Limes.

Start off with a Medium to Large pot {You can cut all this in half to make a smaller pot}

About a gallon, or so of water {enough to cover your piece of pork meat so that it can cook}

For this recipe I also added chicken just cause that's how we make it sometimes. 

In the pot I place my piece of meat with the gallon of water and about 4 to 5 Bay Leaves {Ojas de Laurel}, 2 table spoons of Oregano, half of an onion, because I am a huge garlic lover I use a whole bulb of garlic  

{you can use half}, and because it's easy to use as salt I use about 3 to 4 tablespoons of Knorr de Pollo  {you can taste it and add salt to taste or more Knorr de Pollo}. 

{Here in Houston you can find all of these ingredients in stores like Fiesta or Mexican Meat Markets, I found it all at Kroger or Wal-Mart too.} 

I place the pot on the stove at high heat until it boils, once it boils I remove the excess "foam" that travels to the top of the pot, I think it's fat, not sure. I then put it on low heat until my meat it cooked. I check it periodically for tenderness. Once the meat is soft and easy to pull apart {Usually about an hour or two} I then add the Hominy {you can rinse it and add a little extra water, about 3 cups} and let it cook for about 15 to 20 minutes until the Hominy is soft at touch. 

{Once the soup is done and meat is tender we like to pull the meat out of the pot because it gets mushy if you leave it in too long and it makes it easier to serve. I pull it apart in a large bowl with a fork and then every time I serve a bowl I add some meat to the top.} 

Now, preparation of your Pozole bowl... {the following ingredients are chopped while your Pozole is cooking} 

We add the following to the top of our Pozole: 

Shredded lettuce

Chopped Onions

Chopped Radishes

Avocado slices {not in picture}

Lime Juice

Cayenne Pepper 

And, I like to blend {or you can stick them in your food processor} some dry Chiles de Arbol and add then to the Pozole as well. { You can also use the Pepper flakes that they sell already made at the store, we just like to make our own}

As a side dish we like to make either taquitos de papa y de chorizo like flautas and then we top them with sour cream, queso fresco and homemade salsa. This time I made tostadas, YES with canned re-fried beans topped with sour cream, queso fresco and home made salsa {a whole other post on it's own!}. 

Then we eat it for days! Ha. It's just so good and comforting. It really does make me feel special and all warm and fuzzy inside! 

{Trust me it's not that difficult, and it's so good!}

Enjoy and Happy Cinco de Mayo!!