::chloe + isabel:: review

::Momma Disclosure:: I have been provided a product in exchange for this review. All opinions and statements are my own, true and honest opinions. 

A couple of months ago (I know, so behind these days) I was contacted by a local Momma friend about creating a post for her new jewelry en-devours. Of course I agreed, who doesn't love jewelry! I'm not huge on being "blinged" out all the time, I'm not Bey or JLo, haha. But, every once in a while a Momma likes to be fancy. Evelin met me and gifted me this gorgeous necklace. I loved it. It was flashy and I didn't think it was my style. But, once I was able to put it on with my everyday clothes, I fell in love with it. I even played with some different looks, I'm rarely one to dress up or wear makeup but this was fun! 

Information and how to obtain the necklace:

Style:  Art Deco Convertible Statement Necklace 

Website: https://www.chloeandisabel.com/boutique/evelinmartinez

IG: https://www.instagram.com/p/BQEL1yFg7oy/?taken-by=chloeandisabel.evelin

FB: https://www.facebook.com/ChloeandIsabelbyevelin/?__mref=message_bubble

Don't forget you can shop now for Mother's Day and/or any other occasion; birthday's, anniversary gifts, just-because gifts! 

And, about my Bidi-Bidi-Bom-Bom jewelry dish pictured below:

Handcrafted by Maura Hernandez

Website: http://maurahernandez.com/

The piece can be very versatile and you can dress it up any way you'd like, but I feel you can also wear it in a very casual way! As a busy Momma, I look for fun, easy looks I can run out of the house with whether I am going to work, school events, or just to run errands. See my looks below and let me know which is your favorite? 

One thing I am huge on are unique pieces and fashion jewelry. It's so much fun and much more affordable than most items you find in department stores.  I love the idea of "side hustles" and love to support Momma's who are trying to make it all work! Evelin is definitely a Momma who hustles, so I loved doing this mini-review for her. Chloe and Isabel is also a great company for stay-at-home Momma's extra income options, https://www.chloeandisabel.com/. 

And, their tagline speaks volumes... BE CREATIVE. BE CONFIDENT. BE YOU.  I live by this so much! Being Creative is my constant goal, and I feel that the closer you are to your truest self the more confident you become! This to me has all come with age, experience and lots of self-seeking as well as always evaluating my failures.  As I mentioned in my IG post today, failure isn't always a bad word and a lot of my success has come from trial and error...it's life! 

HAPPY MONDAY...AND HAPPY SHOPPING!!! 

::This is 35:: House of Alice Rose~Stylist Review & Tender Nest Portraits Photo Shoot

::Momma Disclosure:: { This is a compensated post. All statements are my own and my true and honest opinion. All photographs were taken as part of a brand ambassadorship with Tender Nest Portraits, Momma's outfit styled by House of Alice Rose}

Turning 35 seems like no biggie. Only really it is. 35 is one of those mid to something numbers. Midway to 40, is what 35 is. I am okay with that. When I look back at the last 35 years and more specifically the last 17 years, I have learned, grown and endured so much. Life has not always been pretty, or fair, or good. But, I have pushed through the struggles and today I have a life filled with a great Husband who is constantly supporting all my crazy thoughts, and ideas, one who hates taking family pictures but loves us so much. I have dos amazing little children, who have changed my body, my drive and my heart in so many wonderful ways. 

In the last 8 years, I have slowly walked the blogging journey and started meeting some of the most amazing women. Women with whom I have long distance, over the internet relationships and some of whom live in Houston and I have the great honor of meeting in person. For my 35th, I decided to accept an invitation to do some shopping with a personal stylist. I know and follow the wonderful ladies of House of Alice Rose, but had never met them in person. A couple of weeks ago that all changed. I met Isabel one of the creators and stylists of HoAR, she is without a doubt a strong Houston Latina Momma, stylist, blogger, creative, and sweet soul. 

I wasn't sure what would happen, first off I am NOT one to shop for myself. Secondly, I suck at shopping and making things go together and fit me and yeah. All that kind of pretty, girly stuff, I truly didn't inherit when it was handed out at birth. BUT, be still my heart, Isabel. She has become my fashion hero. She not only put a perfect outfit together for me in a matter of minutes but she herself walks the walk. The day we met she wore the cutest printed shorts with a striped shirt and wedges, y'all she looked amazing. She made me feel comfortable and definitely helped me step out of my comfort zone. Though I am highly outspoken and outgoing there is still something very conservative about me and how I dress, I have always been that way. 

Isabel and I spoke about marriage, our children, our careers, and how we joined the blogging world. The connection was instant. I love people, I love women who are constantly seeking to better themselves, who push and create lives that are exemplary and true. She is a U.S. Coast Guard and crossfitter so not only is she a strong, determined and fit Momma, she is also one of those badasses I truly admire, for their courage and bravery. Isabel reminded me of how being feminine and looking pretty comes from deep within especially as we age. She made me feel my age and I loved it. 

Thank you again for the amazing 35th birthday present Isabel, I will forever appreciate it. 

There is so much more to my life than the number 35, you might look at me and not know what my heart truly holds. But, another great person that I have met in the last year and thanks to my blog is Anel of Tender Nest Portraits, a fellow Momma, a professional photographer, and new Houston Latina Blogger member. She has managed to capture the inside of my heart in this world, my children's smiles and love, they are everything that my heart always holds true. They show me how beautiful life can turn out despite all the ugly, bad and disappointment. They have managed to erase the bad memories, the heartache and the pain that once ate at my heart.  

Please don't confuse our happy smiles for perfection. Our lives are not perfect and may never be but we make it all work-out.  

#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. 

::12 Days of Christmas HUGE Giveaway:: #texasshops

::Momma of Dos:: Shop Giveaway Partnership 

This is a very exciting post! I have partnered up with FIVE amazing Female run Texas shops! 

You will have 6 days only to enter you can submit an entry per day just follow the RAFFLECOPTER instructions below! 

::ONE:: Lucky Momma of Dos Reader will win this GIANT BUNDLE PACK! It's a great present for you to keep or give to your Best Friend, Sister or Tia! 

I have reviewed 3 of the shops individually, received free items from Santiani and Madre T's is fairly new be sure to check out her FACEBOOK page for more details. 

Please see reviews for more information:

CONTACT LIZ HERE:

BLOG REVIEW

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

CONTACT YVETTE & BEA HERE:

BLOG REVIEW

INSTAGRAM

WEBSITE

CONTACT CELENNE HERE:

BLOG REVIEW

FACEBOOK PAGE

INSTAGRAM

ETSY SHOP

CONTACT TANIA HERE:

FACEBOOK PAGE 

CONTACT FORM

INSTAGRAM

CONTACT MARIA HERE:

FACEBOOK PAGE 

Have you seen all the amazing goodies?? They are amazing the shop owners are all now my personal friends some I have known for years since elementary school and I love their creativity and how their passion and personalities shine through their shops! 

NOW WHAT WILL YOU WIN?!?

OUR GIANT MOMMA OF DOS ::12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS:: 

GIVEAWAY PRIZE PACK INCLUDES:

One Custom Made Birthday Outfit from E-Creations

One Smash Cake or Cupcake Bouquet from Madre T's Creation

One Personalized Tumbler from  Designs by Celenne

One 3 Piece Outfit from Rose & Rhodes 

One set of Hair Bows from Santiani Creations

&

$25.00 Target Gift Card from Momma of Dos 

!!!!

TOTAL PRIZE PACK VALUED AT $150.00 

Are you ready to WIN?!?! ENTER BELOW!!!

{::Momma Fine Print:: Prize items are not all guaranteed to deliver by Christmas ::Each Shop will determine shipping or delivery:: GIVEAWAY OPEN TO HOUSTON AND SAN ANTONIO READERS DUE TO CAKE/PERISHABLE DELIVERY. }

a Rafflecopter giveaway

:: El Pollo Loco:: Eating Healthy & Conveniently

::Momma of Dos:: {This is a compensated post by El Pollo Loco. All statements are my own and honest opinion.}

I think that this year even before Thanksgiving came to be we were all Turkey'd out! Ha. Between pot-lucks at work and Thanksgiving feasts at the kids schools in a time span of 2 weeks; by the time Thanksgiving came around we were semi-done with turkey. After Thanksgiving comes a day of leftovers and last night we were ready for something different. I bet you are too? 

How about a chicken dinner with all the freshest of sides from El Pollo Loco! Like corn, broccoli, a loco salad or some yummy black beans.   It now has dos new locations here in Houston conveniently in your neighborhood and their newest location on Mason Road coming soon! 

El Pollo Loco has so many great family deals and I love their freshness and yummy desserts. For easy and convenient dinners you can order from the drive through and take it home to your Holiday guests or head on over and dine-in to get away from all the busy streets of Holiday shopping. No matter how you choose to order El Pollo Loco is a great alternative for family dinners during the upcoming Holiday season. 

For us as a Mexican {American} family of 4 we are always seeking delicious Mexican food and El Pollo Loco has some authentic foods such as their sopes and tortas as well as burritos and enchiladas which we crave! 

So, as you prepare to head out for Holiday travels or in-town shopping don't forget that El Pollo Loco has great healthy alternative for your entire family. And, if you decided to dine in or order out it's an easy and convenient way to get dinner done for you  and your family. 

::El Pollo Loco::

Their Passion... 

"At El Pollo Loco, pronounced “L Po-yo Lo-co” and Spanish for “The Crazy Chicken,” we go to crazy lengths for our signature citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken. First, we marinate fresh, whole chickens in a special recipe of herbs, spices, fruit juices and garlic. The whole chickens are then fire-grilled, hand-cut, and served with our chicken meals, burritos, salads, soups, tacos and quesadillas. And if that’s not enough, we apply that same passion to our handmade guacamole, salsas and dressings every day. Some say the lengths we go to are crazy. We say it’s Crazy You Can Taste."

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::

#ad Rose & Rhodes Clothing ::Shop Review::

::Momma Disclosure:: { This is not a compensated post. I received a clothing item from Rose and Rhodes Clothing in exchange for this review. All statements are my own and my true and honest opinion.}

I love finding new shops where I can obtain affordable and cute clothing for my little girl. When the shops have colorful and playful items as well as a good variety; it makes it easier for me to fall in love with it. This was the case with Rose and Rhodes Clothing who right now has the cutest Swim Suits for the Summer! I received the cutest, two piece outfit which I used as a Swim Suit cover up when we went to the pool last weekend. Perfect for pool parties and these warm Summer nights!

The shop is owned by two hardworking and very inspiring Momma's which just makes it so much easier to relate and find what you need. Find out more about them and how the idea for their shop came to be as well as how you can get all of their items for your Summer events!

Hello Everyone!  

We are Yvette Perez and Beatriz (Bea) Garza, proud owners of Rose and Rhodes Clothing.  We are two cousins that grew up together in the Valley.  They used to say that we were "joined at the hip".  Bea and I decided to open Rose and Rhodes Clothing because we fell in love with children's clothing.  I, Yvette, had my daughter in 2009 and my son in 2012.  The idea of opening up a children's boutique was always there but I didn't know how to move forward.  Bea had her daughter in 2012 and it seemed natural to join forces and get the boutique up and running.  

We opened up Rose and Rhodes Clothing to cater to moms with small children looking for a good deal.  I know that sometimes boutique clothing can be very expensive so our motto is, "Adorable Clothing at an Affordable Price".  Our motivation comes from our children.  They motivate us on a daily basis to do better and to work harder. 

Rose & Rhodes Clothing ::Connect with Social Media links::

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

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/randrclothing/

Twitter:     https://twitter.com/RoseandRhodes

Website:  http://roseandrhodesclothing.com/

   

Bea and I both have Bachelor's Degrees.  I have a degree in Business Finance and she has her degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Masters in Counseling.  She is currently a teacher at a local Elementary in Mission, Texas.  

  

We don't personally make our products and while we would love to always organize and promote our inventory in peace and quiet, the reality is that we usually do it with screams and babbles of our children in the background.  Of course, we wouldn't change it for anything.  It is the reason why we opened an online boutique and not a brick and mortar shop.  

  

There are so many ways to contact us.  I think the best way is to send a personal message through Facebook because if I don't see it, Bea will.  You can also contact us by email at RoseandRhodesClothing@gmail.com. 

We also have a blog on our boutique website at www.RoseandRhodesClothing.com.  It features items that we like best for the month.     

We like to remember that "Each river must flow at it's own pace." and to simply "BE HAPPY!"

Currently Rose and Rhodes Clothing is trying to reach 1,500 "Likes" on their ::FACEBOOK FAN PAGE:: We can help them reach their goal! Click on their link and hit "LIKE"...You will not be disappointed.

Tejana Made Designs ::shop giveaway::

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is not a compensated post but I did receive a free custom made Rosary Bracelet and a Gift Card to giveaway  in exchange for this feature of Tejana Made Designs. All statements below and opinions are my own and are true and honest.}

Today I am introducing to you an amazing artist from Texas and proof that good friends can be found on the world wide web;   Jessica Olivarez-Mazone of Tejana MadeDesigns. {Her custom made jewelry is amazing, I love it!} 

I created a short Q & A for her to share with us about her shop, enjoy! 

Why did you start your Shop?

Well, originally my blog started first when I was still trying to figure out what I wanted to write about. I started off sharing about my life in Texas. Tejana Made also means Texas Made but that was already taken. Obviously, right?

I started making jewelry mostly rosaries because they are the easiest way to learn how to string. I had huge success with my husband’s co-workers at his rig site.

Slowly, we started offering wearable rosaries, calavera braclets (skull bracelets), and then I moved to leather making.

I wanted to embrace what it meant to me to be Tejana, American, and Mexicana all at the same time.

What inspires you or motivates you?

Honestly, being Texan inspires me. I grew up in rural South Texas amid the mesquite tress and nopales. With boots on my feet and the sun on my face, it is the only life I have ever known. It is sitting on porches, sniffing mesquite laced smoke on the BBQ pits while watching my kids run up and down in boots and shorts.

Leather crafting and my Rosary Bracelets embrace those tiny parts of my cultura that are near and dear to me.

My Abuelita praying the Rosario and each click of the bead between her nails in the sacred halls of San Juan, Tx.

My reclaimed leather cuff bracelets that remind me of my Abuelitos and their weathered “good” boots.

I have always been a little bit country. Okay, more than just a little.

::Get in touch with Jessica::

http://www.pinterest.com/TejanaMade/

https://twitter.com/tejana_made

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

https://www.facebook.com/TejanaMade

Any fun details you want to share about yourself?

I am a Supernatural Fan but I may be more in love with the car than the Winchester Brothers.

I love anything with bling (tacky or not). It must be a Texas thing that I like to call Country Glam.

My favorite food is Chinese food and Sushi.

Favorite taco will always be Bean, Cheese, and Chorizo.

What is your routine while creating items for your shop?

 I am a huge Diet Pepsi drinker so that is always around when I create.

The music depends on what I am creating and who is around me. My 4 yr old loves to play Katy Perry when she is painting with me. I prefer to listen to Lila Downs.

Are you bilingual and what is your favorite saying or motto?

I speak Tex-Mex but the one saying that stuck with me growing up was it didn’t matter if you were poor but always hold yourself up to a higher standard.  My grandpa used to say something like “No necessitias a mirar ni hablar como estas pobre”. 

Can readers contact you if they have questions?

I am very active on Twitter and you can email me at tejanamadejewelry@gmail.com

My Blog is Tejana Made--It is evolving to become more of a DIY/Jewelry Tutorial site as well as an introduction into Leather Crafting. I really love making Leather Cuffs and hope to one day to learn how to make handbags. Or, boots! Wouldn’t that be awesome!      www.tejanamade.wordpress.com

::GIVEAWAY::

So, you want a custom piece from Tejana Made Designs? ENTER BELOW TO WIN A $35.00 GIFT CARD!!!! You have until July 1st to enter!!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway