::Marigold Couture:: Spring Dress for All Occasions

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

Spring is here and sometimes as a Momma to one very girly girl it's overwhelming to enter department stores to find something both Camila and I love. When it comes to dressing Camila I am often torn between keeping her in "in-style" and allowing her to be herself. But, when it comes to fun, appropriate and comfortable clothes, I trust Camila and her own personal style. She is above all very girly and while I might have to stop her sometimes from walking outside in some kind of Disney Princess dress or her pajamas, she is always very modest and appropriate. 

I want Camila to always be herself, that's foremost. I want Camila to be fun and happy. I love that she is so comfortable and confident in her own skin. 

I think that the styles brought forth by Marigold Couture help capture all the fun and innocence that a 6-year-old can portray. I love the beautiful hand-crafted dresses. I love the unique prints and very age appropriate styles. The dresses they make are great for all occasions; formal, casual and every day. This past weekend we celebrated Easter and Camila's new dress was so great for church but it's also one I can see her wearing to school or to a friends birthday party.  

I loved the details like the neckline ruffle and the waistline ribbon, the colors, and print on this butterfly dress was so perfect for our Spring season celebrations. Camila loves her new dress but was also very free to be herself.  That's what I loved about it. 

A little about Marigold Couture; 

"We are three Mompreneurs based in the large and diverse city of Houston, TX. We also have children and launched Marigold Couture in 2016 to bring to you a children's line that is 'traditionally trendy'. We love playing with fabrics and patterns and mixing them to give you unique, beautiful handmade pieces that are also child appropriate. 

All of our designs are crafted and manufactured with LOVE here in the USA."

Visit and Follow Marigold Cotoure on social media:

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marigoldcoutureusa/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/marigoldcouture/

Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/marigoldchildrenapparel

::Top 5 Unique Gifts for the Awesomely Fun Momma in your Life::

::Momma Disclosure:: This post is not a sponsored, but some of the items below have been gifted to me by some of the shops mentioned below. All opinions are true and my own. 

We all have those people in our lives who have everything and who just need a little extra swag this Christmas. I love being a fun and cool Momma. Sometimes I fail, majorly, but I still love being a Momma. I have loved receiving the items below and know that there has to be that one Momma in your life who would also love them! I love it when gifts are more about the true thought put into it than the cost. The gifts below are all great items to add to any area of your collections and are also not going to break the bank! 

::Unique Graphic Tees:: 

I am known to wear graphic tees, a lot. This year I was happy to work with a couple of awesome Texas shops like; Sew Bonita (Frida Shirt below) and Taco Creative (Jesus Loves Taco shirt below). There are so many other shops where I get my t-shirts including places like Liv Luv Shop (Caffeine t-shirt below) & Pick Your Plum. As well as more common stores like Target or Walmart.  As part of my shop review with Elena, of Sew Bonita, we did an interview! 

It was our first time doing this hope you like it (Content edited by 90 Seconds Media): 

::Workout Clothes:: 

I am an active Momma. I am not the skinniest, nor do I run 10 miles a day, but I workout and love workout clothes! This year I partnered with Dick's Sporting Goods and received a gift card to purchase the items I needed and wanted most. They also sent me a great new pair of workout tennis shoes, all which I love. My favorites are comfortable form fitting yoga pants and bright colors! Loved this whole outfit from Dick's. I usually end up looking a hot mess after my workouts but at least now I look cute! Hey! 

::Mugs:: 

So, I have a little secret, or maybe not so much, I love MUGS! I drink tea more than coffee and I rarely use my pretty mugs but I love collecting them! These are my top favorites that I have sitting on my desk, looking oh so pretty! I also use them to hold my pens or business cards. Multi-use! I have purchased them in different places. Some local shops and places like Francesca's for the Blogging Day mug. The Calavera mug my co-worker gifted to me, of course, it's my absolute favorite!

::Unique Colorful Clutch bags or Purses:: 

This year I also partnered with Original Wear Travels Abroad, the three bags below are from some of their Spring and Summer Collections. You can truly never have enough purses. They are so handy and when you have options it makes getting ready a little more fun, such a girl, sometimes! There are so many shops that have unique pieces that are sure to match something in your closet and can turn into a great conversation piece at your next outing! 

::Unique Jewelry Pieces::

Also from Original Wear are the slice of heaven and colorful cuffs seen in the far right corner. The leather cuff with the large metal piece is from another amazing Texas talent, who is from the RGV (If you know me, I am a Texas Valley girl, so much support local!! so much support local?) the artist's name is Mitch Darte. She recently partnered with two local artists and opened a shop called Mi Casa Hidalgo. Check it out!! One of my favorite partnerships this year was with JORD Watches, their wood watches are amazing, and as holiday gifts, I am sure you'd make the Momma in your life very happy! The other items above are from The Silver Loft (red heart necklace and silver bracelet)  and  Luca Love Bracelets  (Set of 4 bracelets which include the Tree of Life, Story of Jesus and Alejandra's arrow, a set I created). 

Taco Lovers Unite! #TacoGear

::Momma Disclosure:: This is a compensated post. All opinions expressed are true and my own. 

When I was first asked to review shirts about tacos, I knew I couldn't say no. Then I saw the Jesus Loves Tacos shirt on the Taco Gear website, and I was absolutely sure I couldn't say no. Plus there is one thing I love more than tacos and that is working with young Texas entrepreneurs. Supporting them and their pursuit of what they love.  Oh, and did I mention tacos? 

Side story, my dad's name is Jesus and yes, he really does love tacos. But, that's not why I wanted this shirt, or maybe, just a bit. He will probably think this shirt is about him. 

Gerald reached out to me and all I could think was I must go eat Tacos and I must bring Ariana of 3twentysix along. And, so we did. We both selected our favorite shirt from the Taco Gear website and then waited anxiously for them to arrive.  

::A little about Gerald and his story::

Photo Credit: Dustin Ashcraft

 Gerald, what is the name of your company and the creative behind it all?- 

"Taco Gear is the name of my company. We create taco apparel for taco lovers!

I've been a graphic designer for the last 10 years and a taco lover for life, working with businesses agencies and startups, creating and developing brands, advertisements and more.

My experience over the last 10 years has given me the ability to launch my own clothing/apparel line. This is something I have wanted to do for a very long time, and I am thrilled to have finally had the opportunity."

What was the driving force behind your brand?-

"I always knew I wanted to start my own business (apparel mostly), but never really knew what kind or what style. I've always collected and worn all types of t-shirts and appreciated the unique designs they had. I knew the market was flooded with so many companies selling their own graphic tees, so that was never really in my mind as something I would want to jump into. 

When I say I am a taco lover, I really mean it. Like many I know, I can and do eat tacos almost every day for breakfast lunch and dinner, and I usually do. 

One day, I was looking for a taco t-shirt. I wanted something simple that was designed well. I remember thinking, 

"I'm sure there's something cool out there that someone has created." 

It's so easy in today's market to launch a shirt design or online e-commerce business. I was very surprised to find that there were not very many options out there. The few options I found were mostly overdone jokes or badly designed. 

Then it hit me like a ton of bricks! I should design my own! My experience as a designer and lifelong taco lover have given me every single tool I need to launch my own taco apparel company.

I knew when I started, that I wanted to focus on taco related apparel only. The thought of Mexican / Spanish culture designs did cross my mind, but I knew there were already companies out there designing some amazing apparel in this area. So the decision to focus on tacos only, became even easier, and it's been so much fun!"

Want  to snag your own sweet JESUS LOVES TACOS t-shirt? 

Here is how....

Use code: houstontaco at checkout to get 10% off your first order!
Expires 9/21/2016 (end of summer)or Enter below to win one!!! 

Finally, what inspires you most and allows you to be creative?-

"Creativity can come from anywhere and at anytime, at least for me. I can be inspired to create a new design or slogan from anything really. It's because of this that I always write everything down. To quote Field Notes,

 "I'm not writing it down to remember it later, I'm writing it down to remember it now."

 As far as where I do most of my designing and creating, it's usually at a large desk in our living room either watching tv (listening really), or listening to music."

Do you want to follow, shop or just say hello?

Website: http://www.tacogear.com

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tacocreative/

Tumblr: http://www.tacocreative.tumblr.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldrflores

Anyone is free to contact me via my social media networks or email me at gerald@tacocreative.com

Youtube: 

Also, could not forget, big thanks to my wild child and our blogger assistant for this collab, Cam. 
She loves tacos too. 

ENTER TO WIN:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

::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. 

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.