::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! 

Saboree Su Salud ::United Healthcare Event::

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is a compensated post. I was invited to collaborate with United Healthcare in hosting the Saboree Su Salud Private Event and cooking demonstration. All statements below and opinions are my own and are true and honest.}

When I remember dinner time in my house as a child I think of amazing homemade Mexican food created by my parents. The spicy and tasteful flavors. Sometimes it was somewhat healthy and some days it was just delicious! What I know now is that those meals while absolutely filling in the long run weren’t always the best choices for our health. These days my family lives with the reality of Diabetes at an early age, cholesterol and high blood pressure. While our foods and traditions have been lasting we don’t want to allow disease to overwhelm our lives so that we can no longer enjoy family, food and culture.

My Husband and I both have a history of health problems on both sides of our families. Our goal as Mexican-American’s is to keep eating those traditional Hispanic foods that we love and enjoy while also seeking healthier alternatives to what we feed our family. The balance some nights becomes a true challenge. As a Mexican-American family one of the most important times in our home is; as my son would call it , "comida time"! But, making the best decisions that will not affect our health can be something that often leads us to eating the same thing night after night.

Which is why I love what United Healthcare/AARP is doing with their new cooking demonstrations and seminars to learn a little more about healthy alternatives to traditional Latin favorites; such as the tasty Arroz con Leche prepared last week by Chef Lydia Gonzlaez. Her demonstration included teaching us how the smallest changes can make a big healthy difference and we don't have to lose our unique and usual taste as Hispanics in our kitchens and homes! My Tia Nina was my guest that day and although her way is set in stone she was definitely open to trying Chef Lydia's recipe as it proved to satisfy her taste buds!

Chef Lydia will also be at the upcoming Houston cooking demonstrations hosted by United Healthcare/AARP and we urge the Houston community to attend as they will not be disappointed! Lydia Gonzalez, who will be leading the cooking demonstration, is the founder of and chef at the Latino Culinary Institute in Dallas.

The seminars are part of a summer kick-off series by United Healthcare they are completely free and open to the public more information can be obtained by calling 1866-296-9489 {Code: 8FJ} or see the information below!

The Medicare education Seminars and cooking demonstrations will be conducted in Spanish to make it easier for Spanish speaking beneficiaries to get the information needed.

Las dos fechas en las que estarán haciendo las demostraciones de cocina y las sesiones de Medicare son:

August 5, 2014, 10 am, at Southwest Multi-Service Center, 6400 High Star Drive, Houston, TX 77074

August 6, 2014, 11 am, at Ring Neighborhood Library, 8835 Long Point Road, Houston, TX 77055


Upcoming seminars in other cities see below;
Aug. 19-21: Brooklyn and Queens, NY
Sept. 9-11: San Diego, Chula Vista and San Ysidro, CA
Sept. 23-26: Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Oct. 8-9: Ft. Worth, TX

[All information below was provided by United Healthcare representatives;

::Some more details about the Seminars::

The seminars are being held across six states, including Texas, through October to help Hispanic-American beneficiaries learn how to find Medicare coverage that best fits their health needs and budget.

During the educational seminar, participants will learn about their Medicare options as well as the basics of Medicare.

Bilingual representatives will be available to answer beneficiaries’ questions about Medicare coverage options that will meet their health and financial needs.

::UnitedHealthcare’s Commitment to Hispanic-American Beneficiaries::

UnitedHealthcare’s mission is to help seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries live healthier, more secure lives.

Understanding Medicare and their health care coverage options is a key component of achieving optimal health and wellness.

Over the past three years, UnitedHealthcare has hosted more than 90 Medicare education seminars that were specially designed to meet the needs of Hispanic-American Medicare beneficiaries and help them better understand the Medicare program.

Through these interactive and informative seminars, Hispanic-American beneficiaries have received the information they need – in their own language – to help them make more informed decisions about their health care coverage options. ]

#ad Ford Trend Conference ::Day 2::

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is not a compensated post. I was invited by Ford Espanol to attend the Ford Trend Conference this year. Compensation was given in form of travel and lodging expenses. The statements below are both my true and honest opinion.} 

The hashtags that you can follow on Twitter to find more details and great statistics from the Ford Trend Conference are; #FurtherwithFord #FordTrends #FordEspanol #RoleForward #FordTech #FordGreen #DesigningInnovation

I have been to conferences in the past and there was some downtime involved, but with the Ford Trend Conference it was one exciting and learning experience after another. Each one filled with interesting data and inspiring speakers who composed the different panels for each session.

Day 2 started with an early 6:30am breakfast where I met the lovely Channing of Channing in theCity, she was very friendly, sweet and informative; together we headed into our first session of the morning. Frontier Female, talk about female empowerment through non-traditional roles! The session was kicked off by Chantel Lenard the Director of U.S. Marketing for Ford Motor Company. She discussed her work abroad in China and what she learned about females as consumers in that country compared to the U.S. The impact will be impressive in the next decade as we have already entered new levels within the consumer market. As women who not only maintain a home but also work outside the home to provide for our children we are already paving new roads for female generations to come.

Some of the stats that really stood out and that would make the most impact for me were the following;

1. 67% of women in management roles in the U.S.
2. 40% of primary breadwinners in U.S.
3. 172 WOMEN MADE THE BILLIONAIRE LIST IN 2012; 12 % MADE IT FROM SCRATCH
4. 1 billion woman consumers are expected to enter the market and workforce in the next decade.

“Traditional gender roles are also changing and there are now 2 million women taking the wheel; For the first time in history female drivers outnumber male drives!”  Women’s roles are evolving and even your “average” role of being a Stay-at-home-Momma is no longer what it was just a few years ago.  And, in the same way many Momma’s are becoming successful business woman whether outside the home or from home, as are most Bloggers.  

As these roles evolve in the home and in the workplace they are reflected in the marketplace or in consumer trends for various items and more importantly for large consumer items such as vehicles which used to be dominated by men.  

Another speaker that caught my attention was Jenna Wofle of NBC. I knew her from television but when I heard her speak it really allowed me to connect with her on a whole new level. She is an incredible woman who has paved the way for many women reporters on so many different levels. I don't like to think of our personal lives as a barrier because we should be able to live it as we'd like. But, Jenna overcame the barriers presented not only of being a female Sports caster but also by openly sharing her personal life with NBC viewers. Jenna and her Partner became Momma's and her story of how it was revealed and how her co-workers embraced her just brought tears to my eyes. 

Life is difficult. Being an accomplished career women is difficult. Adding a child to any relationship is difficult. I can totally relate with Jenna in so many different areas and breaking those barrier or overcoming them is an everyday struggle for me. I can just imagine for someone like her who is in the spotlight being examined and judged every time she walks out of her house. It's not easy, but let me tell you; she is one amazingly accomplished Momma and her career is very impressive! I fell in love with her story and her take on Momma-hood!  

She was genuine and didn't mind taking pictures with us, she was definitely fun and her words made such an impact.

This day was information filled, other speakers in the morning session included;
JOHN GERZEMA 
New York Times best-selling author,
 strategist and leadership consultant
JENNIFER SENIOR 
Contributing editor, New York Magazine

A couple of questions posed during the panel discussion were the following:

"Are we challenge free today or do we have a whole new host of challenges compared to those women from 40 years ago?"

“Why aren't there more women in leadership roles?”

What do you think? 

To be continued.... 

#ad #furtherwithford Ford Trend Conference ::Day 1:: #fordespanol

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is not a compensated post. I was invited by Ford Espanol to attend the Ford Trend Conference this year. Compensation was given in form of travel and lodging expenses. The statements below are both my true and honest opinion.}

To the everyday eye I am an 8 to 5 employee and an after 5 Momma but some days

I like to believe that life although great can be a bit more, adventurous. Last week I had the opportunity to have my own "Momma Adventure", if you will.  Traveled to a state that I once called home. Ford en Espanol invited me to Dearborn, Michigan to attend the Ford Trend Conference. 

As a Momma I always want to be at the top of my game in different areas of my life. By creating experiences that my children will not only enjoy and remember but also those that they will learn and grow from.  I also want to be a part of experiences that my children can look up to and be inspired by. I want my children to admire life and follow their dreams by taking risks and conquering their fears. Life is about so much more and I want them to realize it and experience it. 

Last week, was one of those new experiences, the last 4, almost 5 years have been dedicated to seeking new ways to provide for my family, to care for my children and seek my "niche". Until last week I had done all of this locally. When I was presented with the opportunity to travel to Michigan, alone, I was hesitant. But, within minutes decided that this was going to be a perfect opportunity to conquer those fears of traveling without my family and of the "what-if's". 

For the next couple of weeks everything was calm. Until last Monday that is. So much had to go into me leaving my home alone for the first time in 5 years. I lived for over 24 hours with a knot in my stomach. Making sure my husband knew morning routines, that we had back-up for childcare pick-up, I washed my kids clothes and then left daily outfits together for easy access, and finally I had to let go of how perfect I "needed" everything to be while I was gone. 

As a Momma I have sacrificed so much more than at any other stage of my life, by choice. This was the perfect moment to receive just a little reward for those things that I have chosen to let go of in my life to become a better and more complete Momma.

That morning started out pretty much like every other day. I posted about it here. My Hubby and I took the kids to daycare, then he dropped me off at the airport. Even though my stomach was in a knot, I tried to relax and started taking it all in. I called my good friend Karen, who prayed for me. I was that nervous. Her words and excitement helped. Then it was time. I boarded an extremely small Delta plane with what felt like a million other people and started my 3 day journey. 

I arrived in Michigan after the pilot circled the Detroit airport a couple of times due to bad weather. Our first event was a dinner at 6:30 pm at the Ford Performing Arts Center. I arrived at 5:45 pm, ran though the airport because I didn't know that the hotel was connected to it!

The next few hours I would go through a mix of emotions finally relaxing and realizing that I needed to embrace the next few days and not worry about the who, what, where and when. 

Below is a picture re-cap of my first night in "Ford City" where Innovation truly does meet design, the new Ford Edge was unveiled. The night was most definitely filled with inspiration, new ideas, and great conversations with new colleagues. The food was amazing. The drinks were oh so fancy for this Texas Momma and I didn't allow not knowing anyone to stop me. 

It was the perfect kick-off to a great few days of knowledge and inspiration from the Ford Motor Company:

(Pictures were taken with my Canon, IPad and Blu phone.)

"Ford and the future of automotive design, technology, and mobility."

#ad Lianna Grethel Celebrando Etapas del Bebe #babiesrus #procterandgamble

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is a compensated campaign in collaboration with Procter & Gamble and Babies R Us. I received the gifts mentioned below both for myself and 1 winning reader. The statements below are both my true and honest opinion.}

Ayer tuve el gusto de conocer a Lianna Grethel, la hermosa conductora de Alarma TV. Fue tan linda y sincera conmigo, me encanto platicar con ella sobre sus experiencias como Momma! Estuvimos en la tienda de Babies R Us del 17776 Hwy 249 cerca de Willobrook Mall, y platicamos mientras llegaba toda la gente para aprender mas sobre los productos de Babies R Us como son Pampers y Dreft.

Nos explicas un poco sobre este evento y lo que significa para ti poder celebrar las etapas como Momma?

“Imagínate, primero estoy súper contenta que me hayan escogido a mi como Madre para representar a Babies R Us y Pampers! Poder utilizar la imagen de mi hijo y sentirme representada por otras madres también que trabajamos y tenemos que hacer 20mil cosas al mismo tiempo. Es un proyectó en donde puedo dar el ejemplo o ser la vocera de que uno como Madre aprendiendo a administrar su tiempo puede hacer todo para su bebe!”

“Y cada etapa del bebe es muy importante y es importante disfrutarlos!”

“Saber de cada producto de Babies R Us, y los represéntates de la tienda todos saben de los productos y lo importante que es saber que producto es mejor para tu bebe…”

Ella le dio Gracias a Dios por haberle dado la oportunidad de encabezar esta gira con las tiendas de Babies R Us y los productos de Procter y Gamble como son los Pampers y Dreft. 

Que es el reto más difícil para ti como Momma?

“Pues para mí fue volver a empezar! Yo tengo una hija de 18 y mi hijo Liam de 14 meses… ya se me había olvidado todo y pues fue de volver a aprender todo de vuelta! Y es que los dos han sido muy diferentes. Y la verdad ahorita estoy disfrutando todo mucho lo que no aprendí a disfrutar con mi hija, porque fue diferente todo y Gracias  a Dios tener el apoyo del Papa también es muy importante.”

Como te organizas, ya que eres muy ocupada?

“Ya toca planear todo, pero tu mente y cuerpo se programa con un horario, como una alarma ya! Y crear un horario y una rutina de todos los días que funcione. Y si algo sucede que no estaba en los planes siempre mantearme organizada pero recurrir a otra estrategia. Es lo que yo he aprendido ahorita con Liam. A veces me ha tocado llevármelo al trabajo pero todo te funciona…”

Últimos consejos para las  Momma’s de Houston?

“Para todas las mamas; lo más importante pues para mi disfrutar cada etapa con tu bebe son el amor verdadero, son angelitos, e inocentes. Para mí, mi bebe es como terapia, el me ayuda a olvidar todo! No tiene precio poder compartir con ellos en cada etapa… Pero para todas las mamas recordar que somos SUPER MAMAS! Saber que un Papa es importante pero nosotros lo podemos todo…podemos desempeñar todo el trabajo que nos venga, porque Dios nos dio esta capacidad. Y que no desistan de sus sueños y de sacar a sus hijos adelante!”

Para mí personalmente siempre me gusto usar los panales de Pampers cuando mis hijos estaban bebes. Y el jabón de Dreft fue el mejor para la piel de mis hijos. Los productos se pueden conseguir en cualquier Babies R Us, si viven cerca de la tienda del 249 se las recomiendo el personal habla español y son muy amables!  

Para registrase para ganar lo siguiente vea al final de este resumen, y registrese  por medio del "Raffelcopter" o deje su Nombre y correo electronio en un comentario:

 Yo estoy regalando lo siguiente a una seguidora de Momma of Dos!! 

·         Pampers wipes

·         $50 gift card to Babies “R” Us

·         Kids tableware set

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#ad Jugada Musical #XMSIRIUSRADIO #elshowdepiolin

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is not a compensated but I was invited by XM Sirius Radio in collaboration with Lopez Negrete Communications to attend the Jugada Musical event for free. All statements below and opinions are my own and are true and honest.}

This past Tuesday, June 17th, we were invited to attend a Mega-Event that was hosted by none other than Piolin! He broadcasted live through his XM Sirius radio station, from the House of Blues here in Houston. The event was a huge viewing party for all Mexican's and proud Hispanics here in Houston who showed up to support their favorite soccer team, Mexico, as they attempted to defeat Brazil.

And, even though the outcome was 0-0, the event was a great success and fans of all ages and all genders showed up to support not only their favorite team but also to witness the return of Piolin to Houston.

Piolin attributes his success not only to his humble beginnings but to the support of Mexicans and Hispanics here in Houston, his personality really does shine through in everything that he does and speaks. It is no doubt that he was born to shine. This event proved to be everything that he promised the Houston audience.

Jugada Musical featured not only, the successful radio talk show host Piolin but also the funny and charismatic Gabriel Iglesias who is promoting his new movie Fluffy Guy. And, it ended with a classic performance by Tejano band, Intocable who played some of their greatest hits like “Y Todo para Que?” and “Coqueta”. Both songs that took me back to my high school years. Yes, a long, long time ago.

Jugada Musical began with comedic entertainment, food, drinks and after the game dancing and good times. The line-up of entertainers was stellar and they did not fail to impress! We had a great time; the family friendly event went on without a hitch and provided entertainment for everyone!

The venue was perfect to keep out of the Houston heat and host a cozy game viewing crowd; everyone cheered and watched Mexico take on Brazil with great pride and on the edge of their seats! After many nail biting, nerve wrecking moments the Mexico fans went home content. The next game which will determine the fate of Mexico will take place this Monday…Good luck to both teams, from what I know they will need it!

I was also given the opportunity to interview Piolin where he gave us more details about the event and his new show on XM Sirius Radio. You can read all about it here: http://www.mommaofdos.blogspot.com/2014/06/ad-jugada-musical-xmsiriusradio.html

Follow Piolin on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElshowdePiolin

Here is a picture recap of all the fans that came out to show Mexico and Piolin their un-dying love and support!

Sobre el Show de Piolin:

“El Show de Piolín” se transmite por SiriusXM Piolín Radio y presenta su visión de los eventos del día, entrevistas con famosos, llamadas de los radio escuchas, bromas, música y los queridos personajes “Doña Chela”,  “Casimiro” y “Don Poncho.” El programa en vivo de cuatro horas se emite de lunes a viernes de 6:00 am – 10:00 am PT llegando a todos los oyentes del país y reemitiéndose, varias veces a lo largo del día, por Piolín Radio canal 147. 

Los fans en todo el país pueden escuchar “El Show de Piolín” por SiriusXM Piolín Radio canal 147 gratis poo medio del SiriusXM Internet App para teléfonos inteligentes y en línea.  

Para escuchar “El Show de Piolín” gratis visita www.siriusxm.com/piolinprueba.  

#ad Conozca a Lianna Grethel!! #babiesrus #procterandgamble

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is a compensated campaign in collaboration with Procter & Gamble and Babies R Us. I received the gifts mentioned below both for myself and 1 winning reader. The statements below are both my true and honest opinion.}

Procter y Gamble y Babies “R” Us se han juntado para celebrar nuevas etapas con Lianna Grethel, la conductora del programa Alarma TV en Estrella TV! Es una modelo internacionalmente reconocida y modelo popular de en programa  "Deal or No Deal” en NBC. “Whether it’s a baby’s first smile, first crawl or the first meal, Babies“R”Us is there every step of the way to help prepare me – and every mom - for all the milestones with baby,” dijo Lianna. 

Ella entiende que hay Momma's ocupadas como nosotros quienes necesitamos un solo lugar para hacer las compras necesarias para las necesidades de nuestros hijos.

Los queremos invitar a conocer a Lianna Grethel en Houston estará en el Babies”R”Us, ubicado en el 17776 Highway Interestatal 249,el 22 de Junio de la 1-4pm. Durante el evento Lianna estara hablando sobre su experiencia como Mama y de cómo celebra las etapas de su bebe. Estará tomándose fotos y firmando autógrafos.

Tendrá la oportunidad de participar en rifas durante el evento en la tienda que incluyen premios semanales de  tarjetas de regalo de $250 para compras en  Babies”R”Us o el gran premio de una tarjeta de regalo $1,000 para ir a un dia de compras en la tienda.  

 Yo tambien estare regalando lo siguiente a una seguidora de Momma of Dos!! 

·         Pampers wipes

·         $50 gift card to Babies “R” Us

·         Kids tableware set

  Los esperamos!!! 

#ad #SummerSauce ::Quick & Easy Summer Meals::

::Momma Disclosure:: I am a member of the Colectiva Latina®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Colectiva Latina and its advertiser.

Summer is here and my children and familia are always hungry! We try to combine healthy with a little bit of our own sabor Latino. Not only are all the Summer vacation and end of school year celebrations about to begin but as a working Momma having quick and easy after school snack solutions is very important!  Which is why I loved the Panko Tyson chicken nuggets; I can combine them with my own sauce recipe to create a great dish that is kid friendly and that my entire family can enjoy! They are a good option and quick to prepare. I personally love them in toasted in the oven. 

This past weekend was Memorial weekend and it was a perfect opportunity to head on over to our local Sam’s Club on West Rd in Houston in collaboration with Social Fabric’s #mycolectiva to purchase our Panko Tyson Chicken Nuggets. The Sam’s Club close to me had a large supply of the Panko Tyson Chicken Nuggets. It was a great opportunity to create my own #SummerSauce . 

One of my favorite Summer ingredients is avocado. So, I decided to create a smooth and creamy avocado dip, a green salsa if you will. We usually eat this with chips or on our tacos so why not try it as a dipping sauce for the tasty white meat chicken nuggets. It’s easy and healthy and if you don’t like spicy food or your children don’t eat spicy food you can leave the jalapenos out. Or you can also chop the jalapenos up and add them afterward. 

For your {Spicy} Summer Avocado dip you will need the following ingredients;

1 Avocado (Save a slice for garnish)

1 slice of onion

1 garlic clove

½ a teaspoon of salt or seasoning of choice (we use chicken bouillon)

1/3 cup of water

1 Jalapeno (Optional)

& a handful of Cilantro (Chop and save some for garnish)
  

It’s so easy!! You add all your ingredients to a blender or food processor and BLEND away until the avocado is smooth. You then  pour your sauce into a serving bowl and add your garnish on top and finished. 

           A delicious and healthy dip for those toasty chicken nuggets for everyone to munch on!