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 

Rosca de Reyes with Arandas Bakery #DiadeReyesHouston

::Momma Disclosure:: This is part of a sponsored collaboration with Arandas Bakery. However, all opinions expressed are my own. 

Some of my favorite memories are from when I was a child and spent Christmas in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico. We loved going to all of the Posadas in December, spending Noche Buena and New Years at my GrandMother's house and just when we thought the season was over. We had a bonus holiday, Dia de Reyes. We would place our shoes under the Christmas tree or in front of the Nacimiento (nativity scene) and then on January 6th our shoe would be sitting on top of an extra gift depending on how big it was, from the 3 wise men. It was so magical. It's this type of tradition that I love passing on to my children. 

When I was asked to visit one of the original locations of Arandas bakery here in the heart of Northside Houston, where I grew up, I was more than happy to do it. I went behind the scenes with the location's manager, Johnathan who gave us a tour of how things happen on one of their busiest holiday's. You can see a full video on my Facebook page. The location works around the clock with 50 staff members, for almost 4 days to produce, hundreds, if not thousands of delicious roscas, or King's Cake. The dough is set overnight to rise and then baked for 45 minutes in their industrial ovens, cooled, then decorated with candies imported from Mexico and then inspected again. The roscas are then boxed and set out in the bakery for fresh purchase or delivered and picked up for external orders. The roscas go as far as Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  To be enjoyed by families who celebrate this day. 

The rosca has a secret though, plastic "baby Jesus" figures are hidden inside the bread and it's said that whoever finds the baby Jesus figurine is blessed. It is then that persons' responsibility to have a rosary or mass dedication on February 2 on el Día de la Candelaria. In the Mexican culture, this person then hosts a dinner and typically serves tamales and atole for the attendees. Arandas Bakery hides 3 figurines in their large roscas and 2 in the smaller one. And, by the way, those tamales can also be purchased at an Arandas Bakery location nearest to you.  

After we had the location tour, the Arandas team had a Dia de Reyes celebration at their Plaza Arandas location near Airline and Tidwell, where they gifted a large group of deserving children, with a gift from the Reyes Magos. It was great to see all the kids patiently waiting. The Reyes Magos showed up and the children lit up with joy.  You can see more on my Instagram and page. 

A little about Arandas: 

Via: https://www.arandasbakery.com/our-story/
"Arandas Bakery comes from a strong, deep tradition of delicious and authentic Mexican pastries and desserts. Through the years we have used are traditional recipes that come from the depths of Mexico. Our name, Arandas, comes from the small town name of Arandas in the state of Jalisco, which is about 140 kilometers East of Guadalajara. This is where our family is from, and where our traditions began."

 Arandas Bakery #1 – Airline & Tidwell

5307 Airline

Houston Texas 77022 

Monday – Sunday  5:00am – 10:00pm

(713) 694-1813

Arandas Bakery #2 – Beechnut

8331-C Beechnut St.

Houston Texas 77036 

Monday – Sunday 6:00am – 10:00pm

(713) 771-3616

Arandas Bakery #3 – 45 Sur & College

9803 Gulf Fwy.

Houston Texas 77034 

Monday – Sunday 5:00am – 10:00pm

(713) 941-0100

Arandas Bakery #4 – 59 Norte & Aldine Mail Rd

11919 Eastex Frwy.

Houston Texas 77039 

Monday – Sunday 5:00am – 10:00pm

(281) 227 3600

Arandas Bakery #5 – Conroe

1906 N Frazier St 

Conroe, TX 77301

Monday -Sunday 5:30AM–9:30PM

(936) 760-6677

::Keeping your Child's Skin Healthy:: H-E-B #BabyDoveArrival #sponsored

:: Momma Disclosure:: This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Mirum Shopper, but all opinions are true and my own. 

H-E-B has a great new product that will be both pleasing to you as a parent and to your baby's skin, Baby Dove! My children are no longer babies but I love taking care of them just like I did on day one. Their skin is sometimes overly sensitive and exposed to the sun more than it should be. Some soaps can be harsh and don't moisturize as much as Dove does. I love the soft, hydrated skin that results from using Dove products. Now that they are available at my local H-E-B, they are very accessible. Good skin is very important to me and for our well being. 

I want my kids to always feel comfortable and healthy. I love that my daughter was able to use the products without worrying about it getting in her eyes and stinging. She loved being able to use the Tip to Toe wash for her hair and body. She's slowly learning to be very independent at bath-time and knowing that she can be with the Baby Dove products is reassuring to me as a Momma. Baby Dove smells great and leaves your skin so soft and moisturized. I've used Dove products due to my very sensitive skin and am glad that there are now products available for my little ones. 

The products I was able to purchase at my local H-E-B in the baby section were: 

• Baby Dove Rich Moisture Tip to Toe (20oz)
• Baby Dove Rich Moisture Lotion (20oz)
• Baby Dove Rich Moisture Bar

The easy to use pump makes it great for when your little ones are learning to shower on their own and they cannot spill it nor does the bottle leak which prevents it from being wasted. And, I like knowing that there are options to use when your child has sensitive skin. In addition to the bathing with the Tip to Toe wash, I used the Baby Dove lotion to help add extra moisture to Camila's skin. She has very dry knees and elbows but the Baby Dove lotion helps replenish the moisture she needs! 

Laundry for days...the Momma Struggle with Tide® PODS™ + Downy® #sponsored

::Momma Disclosure:: This is a sponsored post, but all statements are my true and honest opinion.

I love doing laundry. Said NO Momma ever. But, as a busy Momma of Dos who works outside the home, I do have to embrace my chores and find effective and fast ways to complete them.  I know my loads of laundry are not going to disappear, we wash at least 1-2 loads a day for our little family of 4. With Tide® PODS™ + Downy®, it makes everything so much easier and convenient. The single packets are great! Small but powerful. And, being a single dose makes it a no-fuss, less-mess situation!

Using the pods was so easy and I could tell in one wash how strong they were, leaving our clothes fresh and clean!

Another factor that makes these pods so wonderful is their containers when closed properly and sealed helps your little ones protect protected from the harms of household items. An important reminder is to keep them closed and in a high place where they are out of reach of children.

My kids are my first and most important priority. I love being able to give them a safe environment in my home without having to worry about the items I’m cleaning my clothes with.

Finally, I love the final product after washing several, hundred, loads throughout the week, my clothes were soft, clean and smelled fresh! My children loved the feel of all of their pajamas and blankies! I loved that I could wash some of our daily favorite times like my black slacks for work which have to look presentable and clean every day! With Tide® PODS™ + Downy®, I did not have to worry about them fading or stretching after a couple of washes.

I love being able to count on detergent to not have to worry about my clothes not washing completely or being damaged in the wash. We are constantly on the go and having one less thing to worry about daily, is definitely a plus for us. Our days get hectic and can be a little crazy and having clothes drama is never fun in our home, but being able to eliminate that worry with reliable detergent makes this Momma happy!

::Sponsored:: JORD Watch & Giveaway #SummerAccessories

Momma Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Time. 

It's said that, "time is of the essence", such a true statement. Time also always seems to be lacking. We never have enough of it. But, this Summer even though it has already gone by too fast, it was one where, my family and I purposely took the time to slow down and take it all in. To enjoy one another and seek time to relax. I feel we did just that. I am proud of us and our ability to relax this Summer because we never really seem to have the time!  

Enter JORD and their creative watches into my time piece. When I am in the middle of the hustle and bustle I rarely look at a clock. And, with all the technology these days, I often forget how beautiful watches can be. When I first discovered wood watches, I thought, they are beautiful. So unique yet classic. 

Jord watches has some of the most unique wood watches I have seen. The colors, the styles and very cool pairing of something so classic and sleek with the modern styles. I love their women's watches of course, but their selection is endless. For me it's important to have something that is functional for a working Momma who is constantly on the go as well as something that will look pretty and fit my style. When I picked my watch for this post I thought about all things girly. I am not usually a very fashionable person but I love nice accessories and items to wear when I get a chance to dress up! 

Now! Get your very own wrist watch with JORD! Their styles are very versatile and they carry more than just watches for women. Their unique watches for men are also very nice and would be very cool gifts for any upcoming birthday's or anniversaries! 

Picture credit to my 5 year old daughter, Camila. 

Follow JORD watches on their various social networks!

Instagram: @woodwatches_com

Pinterest: @jordwoodwatches

Facebook: JordWoodWatches

Twitter: @woodwatches_com

Snapchat: @jordwatches

Click this link in order to be entered to win a $75 voucher towards your very own JORD wooden watch or you can use to buy a timeless & unique gift for a friend or loved one! 

**There will be one winner chosen at random who will win a $75 e-voucher. Everyone who enters *(excluding the winner) will get a $20.00 e-gift card that can be applied to any watch on our website! The winning e-voucher will be expire after 1 month after the ending date. The ending date for this giveaway is 09/04.

To shop for your very own watch, click here. 

Womens Wood Watches

::Honey Bunches of Oats Event Recap:: Voces con Dedicacion #ad

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

A couple of weekends ago I helped present my cheesecake recipe made with Honey Bunches of Oats at the Voces con Dedicacion event hosted at our local H-E-B. The event was a family filled, back to school event. There was so much food, music, giveaways and fun games for both adults and kids. It was a great platform to meet local Momma's who like to create fun treats for their kids, and I did! I was very happy to see everyone eating and enjoying my cheesecake as much as my kids and family did. 

Not only was I was one of the guests but also met an incredibly young and talented Texas girl, Ashley Acosta. She is not only talented but also respectful and sweet. Her parents were with her on this Sunday morning and you can see where she gets her good hardworking habits from. Ashley Acosta is local singer and has participated in singing competitions like La Voz Kids! I was very honored to have been a part of this event. 

During the event Honey Bunches of Oats presented Ashley with a $10,000.00 as recognition of talents. She stated that she would use that money to help further her future education and fund her career. It was a great way for Honey Bunches of Oats to give back to local Latino Youth, such an honor to have been in the company of everyone at this event on that day! 

You can visit Honey Bunches of Oats and see more great recipes! 

Visit their Twitter at @HBOatsLatino

Visit their Facebook page @HoneyBunchesLatino

View my recipe here! 

Motivating Moms for Financial Success #WomenInspired #ad

::Momma of Dos Disclosure:: This is part of a sponsored collaboration with Prudential and DiMe Media. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

I hate to admit this but there is only one thing that pains me more than anything in this life as an adult, and that is money. Money and the concept of having, maintaining and saving it. Money truly is the center of many things in life, like having a home, and bills to pay and food, and all things needed to survive. It can be a true woe, but one that I know is highly important to be informed and educated about. Enter Prudential and their #WomenInspired workshop series.  The conversations being held in these workshops, the questions being asked to think and reflect on, have truly allowed me to gain a whole new perspective and one, that I want to know more about. 

::My history and knowledge of and with money::

For some reason, in my family, and early on in life, we didn't learn much about money except that we have to find a way to earn it and that since we have earned it, we have the right to spend it. I don't remember thinking about or talking to my parents about a saving account, how to fund future education, or where I would obtain a down payment for a big purchase like a car or house. I knew I would go to college but had no real plan on how to fund it. While I obtained some scholarships, it wasn't enough. I came out of college with debt, one that I have carried since I graduated from the Univeristy of Houston in 2005. Not the most convenient or best use of my money now. Thankfully my Husband grew up with a different mentality and teachings. We are both first generation Mexican-American, born to immigrant parents. But, had very different upbringings. Not bad, because we balance one another. 

I feel that we cannot blame anyone for where we are now, but we can become knowledgeable in our habits and become aware of the resources available to break the cycles of poor money management. During the Women Inspired conversation, we all spoke openly about our wants, needs and fears in regard to money and our futures, and more importantly the future of our children. Knowing that I am not the only person with questions and that there are resources via organizations like Prudential is relieving.

::Where I am now and what I want to learn about money management:: 

Knowing that I can properly secure funds for my children to attend college, that I can teach them the value of saving at an early age for a future investment, is all very important as our young family ages. I know that I will need to properly manage my money and obtain the appropriate advice and consulting in order to have a system in place as my kids grow and our needs become more pressing. Currently, I have mentioned being in a "good place", one where we are slowly coming out of years where we have accumulated debt for various reasons and/or spending money on big purchase items like a home and new cars or more importantly our children's daycare services.

As a Momma who values my career, I knew that my children would have to be placed in some type of child care facility. I wanted, of course, the absolute best in both care and expense. I didn't know how we would be able to afford it as we had not financially prepared ahead for it. Now that those years are almost over and my children will enter public school, I am relieved and know what I should have done differently. I feel Prudential would have been a good resource early in my pregnancy for this type of planning.

As stated currently we are in a "good place" one where perhaps there is room for struggle but we also want to enjoy our children and ourselves as a small reward for all of our work in past years. With that said one of our fun "splurges" this year will be a little more family travel. We have indeed planned ahead and saved up for our upcoming vacations. So, while I feel that we should be prepared for rainy days we also want to enjoy our investments and the now.

::About Prudential and how they can help:: 

Prudential is here to help you find a solution for those challenges that we can all face at any age or stage of our lives. Learn more by visiting their website. Follow their hashtag #WomenInspired so that you can follow along on their journey across the country as they discover how women are taking charge of their financial lives. Prudential is bringing together women from all walks of life to open up in a conversation that, I feel, needs to begin in every home across America.

VISIT THEM- HERE. 

::Women Inspired::

Prudential has inspired me to become educated in my finances, to take charge early on of my future planning and to teach my children about money management and savings so that we can break the cycle of bad money habits and create a better future for us all.  ~Connie, Momma of Dos 

::Tacos con Land O'Lakes:: Giveaway

::Momma Disclosure:: {I received a toaster/oven, $25 gift card and a butter spreader from Land O’Lakes in connection with this post. All opinions are my own.}

These days we have so much to keep up with, and it can be difficult to try and figure out what’s in our food.  Thankfully Land O’Lakes, keeps it easy to know #quehayentumargarnia! Thanks to their yummy recipes I was able to prepare a healthy and delicious meal for my family last night. The yummy tacos were both sweet and spicy and the butter with canola oil is so creamy it gives your meat the best blend of flavors. 

Did you know that Land O Lakes^® Butter with Canola Oil is made with only three real ingredients?Sweet cream, canola oil and salt. Many margarine's contain up to 15 ingredients.  You will love its great wholesome, delicious flavor and its spreadable convenience. It's soft texture made it easy to not only use to prepare my food but to spread on toast to snack on as I got my meal together! 

A little more about Land O'Lakes: The Land O’ Lakes^® Butter with Canola Oil is made with pride by Land O’Lakes. With more than 90 years of experience in dairy products, Land O’ Lakes is a trusted name. Land O'Lakes^® is a farmer-owned cooperative whose members produce sweet cream that's churned into Land O Lakes^® Butter.

I often like to say that I am not that great at cooking but I do love simple meals with great ingredients. And, although I am no chef I often enjoy making my family happy by preparing good, homemade, healthy meals. With Land O Lakes^® Butter with Canola Oil and their flavorful, wholesome choice of butter with no artificial ingredients, a busy Momma like myself can feel good about serving it to my family.  Land O'Lakes’ ^® farm families take pride in the butter they help produce because they care what you feed your family. The product is spreadable right out of the refrigerator, making it so convenient for you.

Below is the recipe to not only the delicious tacos I prepared last night but also to a green bean dish that is sure to be a hit with your entire family! It was quick and easy.

You too can create these great meals for your family; by signing up to WIN a $35 gift card and a butter spreader!! You can also obtain Land O'Lakes a coupon to use at your local 

retailer by clicking here: http://coupons2.smartsource.com/smartsource/index.jsp?Link=JPMPGWRQA2ES6.

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."

Stay Healthy and Be Fit #MolinaHealthcare #ad #client

::Momma Disclosure:: { The opinions in this article are my own. I do not work for, or with, any brand mentioned in this article, nor do I have any official relationship with them. I have a relationship with GigaSavvy, for whom I create original editorial content.  I am  also not a healthcare professional, the statements below are simply from experience and may not work for everyone, some people may require a medical doctors opinion before beginning a new fitness regimen. }

It happens to the best of us! 

We get on a health binge and then slowly start to fall off the wagon. It's normal, we have busy lives filled with work, children, bosses, and well everyday life situations. As a Momma it's never easy to stick to one routine or a routine at all. Most my days no matter how organized and scheduled I want to be are thrown off with just about anything. 

In the last few months, sadly, I am one of those people that not only fell of the wagon but jumped off and ran! I know. Shame. Thankfully, I have learned the ways to get back to on track and help me fight the lazies I have been feeling lately. 

It's so important to have the support of your family, so if you are married and/or have kids make sure you announce it to them. That you will be starting a new health routine and you want everyone to help and stick to it. It helps to know you are not alone. 

 1. Create a weekly meal plan; there are so many websites out there with great everyday easy meals, Molina Healthcare provides great expert advice and tips for eating healthy and staying fit. It's a great quick reference. I then make my shopping lists based on the ideas that I find. And, then plan out my weekly meals. It helps SO much! 

2. Have plenty of healthy snacks; One of the things that I know about myself is that if I don't bring good healthy snacks I will turn to the vending machine. We have another snack room but the food there is so expensive. So, I buy things like cheese sticks, yogurt, and fruits like bananas or apples. It is a sure way for me to stay away from junk food or spending too much on expensive snacks that I can buy for cheaper at the grocery store. A great place for ideas is Molina Healthcare .

3. Drink a lot of water; A lot! It helps you feel full and is so good for detox! I hear so many different recommendations. Drinking half your weight or a gallon a day or 8 glasses a day, or twice that amount if you are super active. I do as much as I can and I set a goal for myself. 4 bottles in an 8 hour work day and 2 after work. Something simple I know I will be able to keep up with. 

4. Workout for at least 30 minutes a day; Hard I know. But, start slow. When I have to get back in shape I start with a 30 minute walk. Again I give myself a goal, small one, and go from there. I for example calculate that 30 minutes is a few blocks down from my house and a lap around the trail and back home. I then build on that or start thinking of it in mileage. I was up to 5 miles a or more a day. A great way to keep track of this and be motivated is by using a step-counter. There are so many. I used a simple $20.00 one from the nearest grocery store.  Unitl I threw it in the washer one too many times.  Start small and go big! 

5. Keep a photo journal for motivation; YES, PHOTOS. I take them with my cell phone and then refer to them when I want to see progress or in my case now, when I want to get back on track. What you look like impacts how you feel. I know that if I think I look good in pictures, I feel amazing. Trust me, it's hard. I don't want to look at most my pictures but when I do it helps me be reminded of where I started and how far I have gone. 

6. Create a support group; In my case I created a small FB group where I added ladies who were also trying to be healthy and stay fit. It has REALLY helped, those ladies are amazing. Most of them are Momma's themselves and they have the best advice and supportive words! We are in it together and it makes me feel like I am not alone in this journey and like I can ask for motivation when needed. It doesn't have to be on FB it can be a friend, a cousin, a Sister, a neighbor; anyone you feel comfortable sharing with and who you know will keep you accountable. That is so important! 

7. Accountability partner; I have one or two friends who I email or text daily. It is so important to have that 1 person who is truly supporting you and wants to see you succeed. They will push you when you are not feeling motivated and they will remind you that you don't have to give up. It's such a great way to move forward on days when you just can't. Feeling accountable to that person will be motivation in itself, personally I don't want to disappoint my friends so I try to complete those tasks that I say I will do! Of course this should not be a stressful situation and that person should be positive and supportive anything is just not worth it. 

8. Set goals; write it down, I am a very visual person so I have to have things written down. I am a sort of a list maker. Start small,like I will walk 30 minutes this week, drink more water and cut out fries. Then check your goals monthly, are you reaching your weekly goals and which can you increase and how can you surpass your previous goals. You can make lists cross off items and make new lists with bigger and better goals. BUT, don't worry if you don't reach all your goals in a week or a month, fitness is a constant job. Be fit and staying healthy is an every day one step at a time kind of lifestyle. You should be ready on every level; mentally, physically and emotionally. 

9. Have fun! I always say...it's not that serious. Whatever your "it" maybe, it really isn't. Working out should not be a chore and if you no longer enjoy it that you should take a break. Doing something you really like as part of your work out is important, it will keep you motivated and easier to make this a good happy time. You don't want to burn yourself out though, having a varied routine that YOU like is important. There should be a good balance that you agree upon and want to do! 

10. Make some time to relax and rest; it's so important. I often forget to rest and just relax and become so involved in doing that I end up stressing out about having to workout.  You should want to work out and if you feel like you need a break then take one. You know your body better than anyone. You don't want to cause yourself harm and you want to be in full balance of body, mind and spirit. Otherwise you will not be engaged long and it will result in frustrating ups and downs. So, make sure you schedule some down time into your schedule and follow through with it. 

As mentioned before, this process is an everyday job. You must work on it everyday. And, if you fall off track well simply start over! No biggie. No one has a set timeline for you and you will know when and how to start.