::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.  

::Original Wear Clothing:: Travels to the Valley

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

One of my favorite Texas shops abroad is Original Wear Clothing for several reason; Myriam the owner is a High School friend and finding her via Facebook over 10 years after we graduated to learn about her adventures and success has been wonderful! Not only is her story fascinating; which is always my favorite part of local shops, getting to know how they were created and founded then there are her store items, they are amazing. If you have not visited her online shop, you should. Her sense of style is very unique and is kind of Texas boho meets Spanish Chic. I love it all. I love her accessories and those small detailed clutches. 

For this review, she sent  several of us over at Houston Latina Bloggers the above box with a bonus which I will talk about below, it was awesome to open! I loved the personalization that Myriam took the time to do. She is always very cheerful and giving, much like her beautiful items! The colors and  quality in her leather goods and clothing is what keeps me attracted to her brand. 

In picture, which I think she is running out of.... soon, are the Moroccan Leather Wristlet- https://shop.originalwearclothing.com/collections/the-moroccan-collection/products/wallets

and, one of my personal favorites the Slice of Heaven Cuff- https://shop.originalwearclothing.com/products/slice-of-heaven

Since Myriam and I grew up in South Texas, I thought it would be most appropriate to take my items with me on my recent visit back home and do a mini-photo shoot while on my trip! My Husband who tries to be helpful and supportive was funny enough to take the following pictures of me. If I am smiling really big, it's because he makes me laugh a lot.  I wore the wristlet everywhere I went because it was small and still very spacious for all the things I really needed!

You can see all of Myriam's new items over on her website: https://shop.originalwearclothing.com/
Pictures were taken in McAllen, Texas at the Quinta Mazatlan by my Hubby and myself.

As you can see, the wristlet is fairly small but a good travel size, great for carrying around just the right amount of items while out and about. And, it really does go with just about anything. Everyone who saw it asked me about it and loved it. I even purchased one to gift to my Cousin's wife who hosted us for the weekend, so it's also a good personalized gift for all fashion lovers! 

The bonus item that Myriam included was an original leather cuff created by another South Texas Artist, Mitch D'arte, you can see all of her creations here: https://www.facebook.com/UnoByMitch/ 

::Original Wear:: Product Review

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

Last week I posted about Original Wear Clothing shop, this week I received my products from the owner, Myriam. I couldn't be happier with them. As a Momma I rarely treat myself to anything. These three pieces were gifted by the shop. I instantly fell in love and knew that I wanted to take good picture to do them some justice. The leather and quality is everything to me. I am not a super flashy person so the neutral colors were nice.

I received the following 3 pieces from Original Wear: 

A Slice of Heaven cuff with slits

A colorful Mexiglam cuff

& a small hand purse from their Vida Collection

Outfit: Shirt, Acid Wash jeans {my FAV!} and the gold flats. From NYC. 

Pictures of me were taken by my good friend Ari of 3TwentySix.  

To contact Original Wear Clothing please see previous post: 

http://mommaofdos.blogspot.com/2015/09/original-clothing-wear.html

::Thinking Girls Boutique & Studio::

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

Alicia Araujo-Elatassi is the owner and curator of Thinking Girls Boutique & Studio. 

Alicia was raised in a loving tight-knit family in the Near Northside of Houston,  She has a Masters in Educational Administration from the University of St. Thomas and served as a Founding President for Project GRAD a group made of scholarship recipient alumni.

Alicia Araujo-Elatassi, a published author with 17 years in education. She also is sought after speaker on parenting topics. Through her book and presentations, Alicia works to bridge generational and cultural gaps between young adults and parents. She is a world traveler, whose extensive traveling, and the adventures serve as the foundation and inspiration for every item found in the shop and the overall shopping experience. 

After 15 years of extensive travel experiences I fell in love with locating unique amazing gift. So wanted to bring back unique gift items that are interesting and much different than the usual mainstream aesthetic. Thus the idea to bring those cultural items  that resonate with my idea of growth to the store  is a joy to share with women who appreciate artisan handmade from all over the world and thus connect to Alicia’s exotic travels. 

  

End of Summer sale, selected items are 20% off. Until September 15

I'm an avid reader who reads about 5 books a month on a variety of topics, my book club encourages discussions and dissent. I also made a full 180 on my perspective on motherhood upon visiting Peru in 2009 and learning about the Pacha Mamas (Earth Mother).  I changed my view from being a perfect prescriptive book follower of so called mainstream mothering, to becoming an instinctual mother who trusted her inner dialogue first and I learned to nurture and love completely while giving my children plenty of space to roam. Thus I never became a helicopter mom. Today I love that my boys are adventurous and generous. 

We are world traveling family, we have been to over 4 different continents and traveled over thousands of miles. The boys come along as much as possible and I take pride in showing them how other people live and survive, today my boys have seen more than the average 50 year old American.  

My inspiration comes from visiting other boutiques in other cities around the world.  I loved the elegance of a Florence boutique where you will find high end items with an approachable sales person.  I ask the locals to recommend because I don't  follow the travel guides, locals know the best places.  I make time to visit galleries and museums, because beauty changes but creativity is always inspiring.   I shop at tiny mom and pop places where there it isn't about quantity but quality and craftsmanship.  I love that every single item has a story and the purchaser takes that story with them. My most favorite accessory is a wooded ring I bought from a street vendor in Costa Rica, it is beautifully made and exquisite.  Made by him from a special tree branch but meant for me to find. 

I am bilingual and my favorite person to quote is: 

Mark Twain ~ "Why Not Go Out on a Limb, that is where the Fruit is".  

Spanish Quote By Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz~ "Yo no Estudio para saber mas sino para Ignorar Menos." 

::Connecting with Alicia::

http://www.thinkinggirlsboutique.com

www.facebook.com/thinkinggirlsboutique

Twitter: @aliciathinkgirl

Tumblr: queridopapa.tumblr.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciaelatassi

https://instagram.com/thinking_girls_boutique/

https://www.pinterest.com/aliciathinkgirl/

Email is best:  alicia@thinkinggirlsboutique.com

Queridopapa.tumblr.com is a collection of stories that inspire dads connect with their daughters during the most difficult time in her adolescence. Based on my own loving relationship with my daddy. 

::Original Clothing Wear::

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

Today on the blog; I am sharing a shop directly from Spain, created and run by a Texas High School classmates of mine. I know you are fully intrigued now. Growing up, I never knew what we would all become as we graduated High School or how our lives would make a full circle. These days, I am impacted and changed by so many amazingly talented friends and "old" classmates.

My name is Myriam Guerrero, and the name of my shop is Original Wear.  

So, a little bit about me and my shop; let's see where do I begin? 

I love Fashion and traveling so much I've made it my business. The idea was born in South Korea but I've since moved from Korea, to NYC and now Spain. It started off as apparel and screen printed items, and has gradually grown to artisan work from around the world.  

                     {Photography Credit: Martin Aaron Carrasco/Model: Kendra Hernandez}

Original Wear started originally in 2009, while teaching English in South Korea.  My expat friends and I found it very difficult to shop for clothing items. So, I put my Fashion Merchandise & Marketing Degree to use.  Having to shop online and pay excessive shipping fees, made me realize I was probably on to something. I started screen printing apparel and Original Wear was born in McAllen, Texas.  Inspiration came from the cultural differences we were experiencing and the benefit of being able to tap into such a large market.  

                   {Photography Credit: Martin Aaron Carrasco/ Models: Emily & Micaela Cantu}

Fun details about me; hmmm…..well I love to travel!  I got my first travel bug experience at Northwood University where I was hand selected to study abroad with 4 other students. South East Asia was the destination and since that opportunity presented itself, I've found myself being able to walk easily through other open doors and experiences.  I think the fear we sometimes have about maybe leaving things behind to travel to the unknown is the thought of NEW challenges within a WHOLE NEW world!  I've come to enjoy the thrill and adrenaline rush of it all and I can tell you that I absolutely  love it.

                         {Photography Credit: Martin Aaron Carrasco/ Models: Emily & Micaela Cantu} 

I can't say I have a specific routine that I do religiously to get me going.  I can say that inspiration at times can be hard to find and/or create.  I find myself trying to live a healthy lifestyle and with that comes the ability to travel.  In traveling I strive to find handmade items by artisans that are not mainstream and bring those to you, my customer.  Sometimes I do like to jam in my work studio and create long lists of THINGS TO DO and keep myself busy!  

I am bilingual in English and Spanish, I wish I could say fluent in Korean but for now I'll have to admit to speaking a bit of Konglish. My favorite motto or a final phrase from Robert Frost's poems:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

~Robert Frost

For questions feel free to contact me on any site that might be easiest.  

Facebook as well as personal emails to originalwearclothing@gmail.com are always welcomed!  

Thanks again for the opportunity and thanks for supporting global artisans and small businesses!

::Connecting with Original Wear::

https://www.facebook.com/originalwearclothing

http://shop.originalwearclothing.com/

http://blog.originalwearclothing.com/

https://instagram.com/originalweartravelsabroad

https://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hp-identity-edit-profile

::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

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::