#ad :: Elf on the Shelf :: Discovering Traditions

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is not a compensated campaign. I received an Elf on the Shelf courtesy of creator Carol Aebersold and MSL Group. The statements below are both my true and honest opinion.}

PARA INFORMACION EN ESPAÑOL SOBRE LA TRADICION DE ELF ON THE SELF VEA ::AQUI::

I never know when to introduce certain tradition to my children, they are fairly young still and well I don't ever know if they will fully appreciate them. But, this past weekend I decided to join in on the Christmas Elf on the Shelf fun since I had been gifted the cute little Elf earlier this year. I also had the opportunity to interview the creator which was a very neat experience. 

I put my box filled with goodies on the table and of course immediately sparked attention in my kids. When I opened it, the tradition was immediately born. A magical experience if you will. My son was intrigued. He asked so many questions, "will she come alive?" , "does she move?", "are you sure?". I started to unpack and explain. 

They started to fall in love with the idea of having an actual "SANTA SPY!" in their home!  

They quickly started talking to her and my daughter of course loved that she was a girl. We jumped into bed and read the book. We then started thinking of a name but needed some help from Daddy. He suggested Wendi, my kids automatically thought of Peter Pan's Wendy since she flies! I decided to spell it Wendi with an "i" to be unique. Ha. 

We read the book 3 times, Camila wanted to be sure of what was going to happen and my Santi wanted to be reminded of how and when she would come and go to the North Pole. 

Afterward we decided that the best place for her to start her new stay in our home was  on our Christmas tree... we shall see what adventures she has for the next week leading up to Christmas when she has to go back to Santa in the North Pole. 

I loved the book, this was all new to me but it's such a sweet idea and my kids are excited to see where Wendi will venture to each day! 

The best part was chatting with   when she was here earlier this year presenting her newest addition to Elf on Shelf now a Birthday tradition! She is really an inspiration to writers and Mom-entrepreneurs everywhere. Her and her daughter were persistent and had faith in their brand. All of which I love. 

Here is a summary of my 
Interview with the creator of Elf on the Shelf:

Where did the idea come from? Carol Aebersold had an elf named Fisbee when she was a young girl which she then used to help her children celebrate their Holiday season. In 2004,one of  her daughters suggested that they write a book about the tradition. Her story becomes one of persistence and never giving up. She was rejected 9 times before her book was self-published. Carol stated that we should:

"Keep chasing our dreams. Because if we don't, we may miss many great opportunities." 

Her passion for this tradition now translates into thousands of book sales, education initiatives  to help teachers with lesson plans & creative activities for students and now book signing tours. She came to Houston this year to share with with us her newest sequel which is the Elf on the Shelf a Birthday tradition which I cannot wait to open in March for Cami's 4th Birthday! It's a special permission that Santa has given his scout elf for 24 hours to help share in the child's birthday.  

She mentioned that one of the biggest boosts that the book received was in 2007. Unplanned, actress Jennifer Garner was photographed with an Elf on the Shelf, the rest is history! Her story really gives me hope. She stated that we should't assume that things will be easy  or that they will go a certain way, because nothing is set in stone! 

These days Elf on the Shelf is committed to giving back and when you purchase Elf on the Shelf a Birthday Tradition you will help a child receive clean water, $1 of each book sale is donated to Charity Water. This is so important to me, as I want to teach my children about the importance of giving back to our communities and the world around us. 

::Top 5:: Types of Gifts for Momma's #holidays2014

When I think about gifting to other Momma’s I think about things I would love to receive for myself here are my top 5 types of gifts for Momma’s:

1-Personalized gifts:

My friend Tracey from TeeWii recently launched a new shop Plush Design LA  

Their current feature is the Adventurer Set and the Adventur-ish case. 

The GLAMP pillowcase is $12 and the Mr. Outdoors/Mrs. Adventure set is $20.

Website: 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/PlushDesignLA

Social Media: 

https://www.facebook.com/plushdesignla

https://twitter.com/plushdesignla

http://instagram.com/plushdesignla/

I recently purchased a personalized item from Designed to Shine and I am so in love with the shop!

                                           {Picture from Designed to Shine Facebook page} 

Etsy Shop: 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/DesignedToShineAcc

Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/DesignedToShineAcc?ref=br_tf

2-Gift cards:

Sometimes people think it's not enough to just give a gift card but trust me as a Momma on a budget this is always welcome by me! Either to my favorite stores like Old Navy and Target or  ANY food place or coffee shop like Starbucks or Panera Bread.

3- A gift basket:

Another great personalized item are gift baskets. Super easy to create or you can also buy them already filled with great goodies! I know places like Kroger and Walmart have some pretty afforable ones! So many different gift baskets with tons of goodies; cookies, coffee, treats; anything fun and yummy is always great during the holiday's. 

4-Holiday Cash:

Who doesn't need some extra money especially after the Holiday’s! I would say that to me it’s the thought that counts, $10-25. Depending on whom the person is; I would gift a close Momma friend between $20-25 & a co-worker Momma friend between $10-20. I think it's a great gift! 

5-Self Love:

Anything that involves some me time is great like a massage or spa day ! Or maybe a gift card to her favorite nail shop or hairdresser, that way the Momma can have some alone time and de-stress from all the Holiday hustle and bustle! 

::TOP 5 HOLIDAY DRINKS:: #mexicanmomma

When I think of Christmas I think of warm memories and hot homemade chocolate and so many others! 

The kids and I  created our top 5 favorite Christmas drink list, these are listed in no particular order: 

1) Traditional American Hot Chocolate- My kids have newly discovered this with the tiny marshmallows! We love! 

2) Chai Tea Latte-I always love the cold because I can head to Starbucks for my favorite drink. I love the warm spice with milk and extra whip cream. You can also replicate at home. I have and it's so good too. 

3) Warm Apple Cider with red hots- A few years ago we discovered a live nativity scene at a church near our home and after each act they would serve the BEST warm apple cider with red hots in it, we were hooked. It's a Holiday favorite in our home. 

4) Chocolate Abuelita- My Momma has always made us chocolate Abuelita and of course it's a must in our home!! The warm comfort that reminds me of my childhood. Always an amazing feeling! 

5) Champurrado- ::not in picture:: When I was pregnant with my son I was in love with warm Champurrado from a local snack stand outside of a Fiesta here in town and at a restaurant called Gorditas Aguascalientes. I would make my Momma take me after work to get a cup almost everday, even if it was hot outside! Haha. 

What are some of your favorite Holiday drinks?

Designs by Celenne ::Shop Review::

::Momma of Dos:: {This not a compensated post. I received product in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.}

I love shop reviews. I love personalized items. Without a doubt this so far has been one of my favorites! I love my new tumblers with my pretty little blog name on them! Excitement! 

The tumblers are so great, sturdy, with beautiful colors and their designs are so unique, learn more about Celenne and contact her for details and pricing.

When her and I started talking about my designs and what I kinda-sorta wanted, I had no idea she would create something so incredibly specific and close to what I had envisioned.

Her designs are different and completely personalized. As my lovely assistant is demonstrating below:

And, when my little model was tired she sipped on my water!

Here is a little about this awesome shop owner Celnne Gomez. By the way we are not related by blood but we are totally family now! Just sayin'... 

******
::Who I am::

My name is Celenne Gomez and I am the owner of Designs by Celenne. I sell an assortment of personalized items including; shot glasses for bachelorette parties, weddings and birthdays. I have recently expanded to personalizing acrylic tumblers, jewelry dishes, and wine glasses. I also make custom centerpieces for quinceanera's and birthday parties upon request.

::How I started::

For as long as I can remember, I've always told my mom I wanted to be an elementary school teacher when I grew up and that I would one day own a boutique. My mom is a very creative person and has always motivated me to be creative and think outside the box. In high school my mom and I stayed up late to make my own homecoming mums. When I was getting married and I couldn't find the right centerpieces my mom gave me the idea to make them myself. That put everything in motion for Designs by Celenne. My mom and husband have been my biggest supporters since the beginning and would always tell me I could create things to sell. 7 months later, with the full support of my husband, I quit my full time job to return to school full time to pursue my bachelors in Education. 

And, Designs by Celenne is allowing me to be able to continue my education and has opened many  new doors for me in the business world.

::A little fun details about me:: 

How I keep motivated while working on my designs.... I have Pandora saved as my home page for my internet so as soon as I turn on my computer I open the internet browser and the music gets me in my work zone. The great thing is I love what I do and I'd rather be in my office creating new ideas or working on current orders than watching TV, even on my off hours. 

This past summer I went fishing for the first time and I loved it!!! I will definitely be making time to go again!!

I am Bilingual. And,one of my favorite sayings is one that my mom would tell me all the time growing up....

I currently have a tumbler giveaway going on that will be end soon, please visit my Facebook Fan Page for more information.

::My best way to reach me is as follows::

Fall TV Shows ::Momma Approved::

I don't know about you but I get really excited about new TV shows or returning seasons of my favorite ones. Then I remember that I have two toddlers who will never let me watch them. But, this Fall I have a few MUST see shows that I don't want to miss! 

I don't care what anyone says..a Momma can dream no? 

And, yes I know, maybe I will fall off the bandwagon but here we go! 

::Monday & Tuesday::

THE VOICE.  RETURNS SEPT 22-at 8/7 p.m. 

For obvious reasons. Pharell. Adam. Gwen. & Blake. Need I say more! I love this show. I love the stories. I love the music. I love it. All. 

::Wednesday::

Black-ish. SERIES PREMIERE WED SEPT 24 9:30/8:30 p.m.
  
I love Tracee Ross, she was hilarious in Girlfriends and I also love shows that could possibly reach levels of classics like "The Cosby Show" or "Good Times" but with a new age twist on them. 

::Thursday::

How to get Away with Murder.  SERIES PREMIERE THU SEPT 25 10/9 p.m. 

I love the suspense that will come with this one. It reminds me of "House M.D." but with Lawyers. Just seems like it will keep you on the edge of your seat!   

::Friday:: 

Cristela. SERIES PREMIERE FRI OCT 10 8:30/7:30 p.m.

DUH! Because I have hope for all shows that portray Mexican-American's in a humorous manner. If we can't laugh at ourselves, well then it's no fun!  

       {Photo Credit~All pictures and video clips are originals of ABC & NBC websites}

:: Movie Fix:: #MommaApproved

::TMNT::
Did you grow up in the 90's? I kinda did, okay, I totally did! This past weekend I had a total flashback to about 8th grade when this came out:

We took our kids to watch the new movie this past weekend, really more so my son because my daughter is not a good movie-goer; she uses the bathroom about 4 times and talks the entire time. In the end I think my Husband and I enjoyed it more than they did! It was funny and such a great way to introduce a “classic” to a new generation! Cowabunga baby!!! 

We will definitely be buying the DVD, favorite scene anything Mikey was involved in he is HILARIOUS! Especially the elevator scene.... M.C. Mikey! Very family friendly. 

Have you seen it? What did you think? 

::When the Game Stands Tall:: This movie comes out today!!! I was invited to see it but wasn't able to make it! Hope to catch it soon, looks really good and so inspiring! I would think great beginning of the school year story for any football family out there.  "Inspired by a true story, When the Game Stands Tall tell the journey of legendary football coach Bob Ladouceur (Jim Caviezel), who took a high school football team from obscurity to a 151-game winning streak that shattered all records for any American sport."

::Cantinflas::  Comes out next Friday August 29th. I was invited to a pre-screening last week for this movie in association with Latina Bloggers Connect.

As a child I grew up watching Cantinflas, so I was very excited to watch this movie.  I thought it was great! Oscar Jaenada does a wonderful job of portraying such an amazingly talented and beloved Mexican actor/comedian. I think the movie captured the essence of who Mario Moreno was. I definitely LOVE the exposure this movie will give all of the upcoming Mexican actors. {FULL MOVIE REVIEW AND INTERVIEW WITH ACTOR OSCAR JAENADA NEXT FRIDAY!}

::Movies that we are looking forward ::

September:

::THE BOX TROLLS::  !!!

My son caught the commercial of this during another movie and he has been obsessed ever since! We can’t wait. Best part is it comes out during his Birthday month so he is so looking forward to turning 5! September 26th is it's release date. 

October:

::The Book of Life::

This movie caught my eye on Facebook... I think it will be a great movie to help further explain "El Dia de Los Muertos" to my children. We visit the Dia de Los Muertos Altars every year here in Houston so this will be perfect for our yearly lesson! 

This movie is going to be filled with amazing star voices such as; Channing Tatum, Zoe Saldana, Diego Luna and Christina Applegate. It is scheduled to be released on October 17, 2014.

November:

::The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1::

Set to release November 21^st, who isn't ready for another Katniss butt kicking adventure!? I know I am!

What about you, what are you watching in the theaters this weekend!!??

Is your lunch Lola approved? #lolatalks #ad

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is not a compensated post. I was gifted an Oscar Mayer cutting board, a gift card and coupons to purchase the Oscar Mayer Deli meats. All statements below and opinions are my own and are true and honest.}

The first day of school has already come for many but for most next week is their first day! My children are in daycare so we go to school year-round, some days coming up with a good and healthy lunch becomes a challenge without being so repetitive. Que le daras a tus ninos para comer despues de la escuela, or pack for their lunch on the first day of school?

Whatever it is, I would say it better be Lola approved! Who is Lola you may ask? Surely you have seen her on the new and very clever  Oscar Mayer commercials as  la abuela que todo lo dice! Her transparent way of being is enlightening and truthful! Nothing wrong with a little truth. She is becoming a popular guest in our home, I love her commercials and let me tell you she reminds me very much of my very openly spoken Mexican Abuelita!

These days between late night meetings, afternoon soccer practice and oh yes more recently plumbing problems in my house we are constantly seeking a quick and easy lunch or dinner for my family! The deli style meats from Oscar Mayer are my favorite to make tasty homemade sandwiches for a quick and easy lunch for my kids to take to school or to enjoy after a long day of learning and activities.

These sandwiches would also make for a great pot-luck dish to take to work or for your next Book Club get together! The freshness of the deli style cut meats and their delicious taste gets me an A+ in the kitchen every time!  Did I mention how affordable they are and how that to us is Hubby Approved? For a family of 4 who is always on a budget my Husband loves the deal with freshness and tasty deli meats from Oscar Mayer!

On this day since we were having problems with our kitchen plumbing we needed a easy, light cooking alternative. I took the awesome Oscar Mayer recipes for these dos sandwiches and gave them my own Mexican Momma twist here is what we prepared and what you will need to recreate in your home:

::Ingredients::


Sandwich for the kids:

-Wheat Buns

-A couple of lettuce pieces cut into thin slices

-About 3 to 4 slices of the Oven Roasted Turkey Breast

-Kraft Tuscan House Italian dressing



Prepare:

-Cut wheat buns in half, place in toaster or oven until toasted

-I sliced the lettuce very thin and placed it in a bowl and mixed in about a spoonful of the Italian dressing, I mixed the two

-Once my bread was toasted I added the lettuce with the dressing on bottom half of bun, then I added slice of Kraft Singles cheese {not shown above}, then I added the turkey deli meat on top. And done!



Sandwich of the grown-ups:

-Wheat Sesame seed buns

-Slices of Avocado

-Thin slices of cucumber

-A can of chipotle pepper in adobo sauce

-Thin slices of Jalapenos {Only a few depending on how spicy you want your sandwich}

-About 6 slices of the Fresh Smoked Ham



Prepare:

-Cut wheat buns in half, place in toaster or oven until toasted

-Once bread was toasted I added a slice of Kraft Singles cheese and about 3 slices of the Smoked Ham.

-Then I added my thin slices of cucumbers about 3 medium size slices very thin, my thin sliced jalapenos about 2 or 3, some slices of avocado about 3 or 4, then on top I added a little of the chipotle sauce and peppers, and to top it off I added some more ham!

  

While deep in afterschool conversation my kids enjoyed their delicious sandwiches! My Son suggested we add a pickle to his dinner, I paired their plate with carrots and then a pickle and for the adults some spicy chips!  

Visit mioscarmayer.com for more information on various product offerings.  You can also follow Lola on Facebook at Facebook.com/LolaTalks and Oscar Mayer on Twitter at @OscarMayer.

About Kraft Foods Group

Kraft Foods Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: KRFT) is one of North America’s largest consumer packaged food and beverage companies, with annual revenues of more than $18 billion.  With the spirit of a startup and the soul of a powerhouse, Kraft has an unrivaled portfolio of products in the beverages, cheese, refrigerated meals and grocery categories.  The company’s iconic brands include Kraft, Capri Sun, Jell-O, Kool-Aid, Lunchables, Maxwell House, Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia, Planters and Velveeta. Kraft’s 22,500 employees in the U.S. and Canada have a passion for making the foods and beverages people love.  Kraft is a member of the Standard & Poor’s 500 and the NASDAQ-100 indices.  For more information, visit www.kraftfoodsgroup.com andwww.facebook.com/kraft.

Classic Hershey's S'Mores ::Toddler Activity:: #veranohersheys

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is not a compensated post, but I received sample products from Hershey's. They are also providing a Hershey’s S’mores Prize Pack to giveaway to one of my readers. All opinions and content is my true and honest opinion.}

::Additional Momma Disclaimer:: Do not by any means assume that my children have personalities, I have no idea where they get it from. ::insert laugh here::

My children are at the age where they want to help with everything I do {I hear it won't last long} and last month thanks to a visit to the circus they discovered S'mores!  Which is why when I was asked to create this post in honor of Hershey's S'mores I was sure they would be ecstatic! I wasn't wrong!

My kids helped me prepare their new favorite snack; perfect for after school snacking or to help keep two busy toddlers, well busy! We had so much fun preparing and enjoying our delicious snack! The process was so toddler friendly and easy to clean-up it definitely allowed us to enjoy this Summer moment and have a little fun in the process! 

Please note that at the end of this post you too will have TWO opportunities to win your very own Hershey's S'mores Prize pack!

Here is what you will need to create your classic Hershey's S'mores:

• 4-8 graham crackers, broken into halves
• 2-3 Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars (1.55 oz.), broken into halves
• 4-8 large fluffy marshmallows

Oh yes and Dos {2} adorable helpers, as you can see I had no luck! 

::Directions::
1. Place ½ of Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar on a graham cracker half.
2. Carefully toast marshmallow over grill or campfire (supervise the kids if they’re doing this); place over chocolate.
3. Top with second graham cracker half; gently press together.

And, yes while you can do this activity outdoors, it was a little rainy and hot in Houston today, so we decided to use our S'more to Love kit and prepared our tasty treats with the oven at 350 degrees and in only a couple of minutes our S'mores were done!

And, now for a chance to win your own prize pack to create this amazing snack to enjoy with your family and friends!

Your Prize pack will include:

• Pair of Tongs
• Apron
• S’mores Grill Basket
• Marshmallows
• Graham Crackers
• Hershey’s Milk Chocolate

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About The Hershey Company


The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America and a global leader in chocolate and sugar confectionery. Headquartered in Hershey, Pa., The Hershey Company has operations throughout the world and approximately 15,000 employees. With revenues of more than $7.1 billion, Hershey offers confectionery products under more than 80 brand names, including such iconic brands as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Hershey's Bliss, Hershey's Special Dark, Kit Kat, Twizzlers, Jolly Rancher and Ice Breakers. The company is focused on growing its presence in key international markets such as China, Mexico and Brazil while continuing to build its competitive advantage in the United States and Canada.

For more than 100 years, The Hershey Company has been a leader in making a positive difference in the communities where its employees live, work and do business. Corporate Social Responsibility is an integral part of the company’s global business strategy, which includes goals and priorities focused on fair and ethical business dealings, environmental stewardship, fostering a desirable workplace for employees, and positively impacting society and local communities. Milton Hershey School, established in 1909 by the company's founder and funded by a trust administered by Hershey Trust Company, provides a quality education, housing, and medical care at no cost to children in social and financial need. Students of Milton Hershey School are direct beneficiaries of The Hershey Company's success.