::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). 

::Being a Chingona has no age:: What I am teaching my daughter about being a badass + Sew Bonita review!

::Momma of Dos:: All opinions and statements are my own, items in posts have been provided by www.sewbonita.com in order to provide a review. 

Growing up my Momma instilled in us; hard work, a good education and oh yeah being a complete and total bad-ass or Chingona. I grew up knowing that this word was something to be reckoned with. And, it was used often in our home as a sarcastic view on something we had done that we thought we could get away with, like "ah, que chingona me saliste!" HA. HA. HA. My Momma was not one to hide her feelings, she has always been outspoken, strong and independent. We were not taught to be meek or hold back, we were taught to be ourselves, and others had to take it or leave it. Flash forward to 35 years of life, marriage, a college degree, a career and Dos littles. Chingona? 

For sure. 

I had a recent conversation with Elena of Sew Bonita, and it inspired today's post. Completely. We both had very similar views on being a Chingona and where we get our inspiration from...our Momma's. 

What and how am I teaching my 5-year-old to be a Chingona?!  Let's begin. 

1) ::She is Encouraged to be Herself:: I tell Camila that it's ok to be herself. She is a spunky, bright, and very happy child. She loves everyone and isn't scared to be herself. She talks. A lot. Like me. She has always been unique and specific in the way she dresses. She isn't scared to stand out. I encourage this. Because she should be allowed to be herself in a world filled with so many people trying to be like everyone else. She steps outside everyone's comfort zone, especially mine and I have learned to embrace it and let her be. 

2) ::She speaks her mind::  Camila, like many children, is outspoken and truthful. And, although those truths are sometimes embarrassing and painfully true, we encourage it. I want her to always tell others how she feels and what she thinks is right for her. To be bold and speak her mind the way everyone should! Sin pelos en la lengua, and oh trust me this little girl will speak her mind. No matter who you are or where she is. It's scary but freeing as a parent to know that she will one day be able to stand up for herself. 

3) ::No Fear:: I am teaching Camila, that although as a parent, there are many things that frighten me she shouldn't be scared. She should try new things, be adventurous and never give up!  I know there are fears in many aspects of life and sometimes you just have to follow those gut feelings and do those things that scare us. At the end of the day once we have conquered our fears we realize that the only thing standing in the way was our own self-doubt and not really fear.  

4) ::Be Fierce:: I am teaching Camila that it's OK to be girly and strong, and smart and hard working. Being these things come without an age requirement. She can be fierce and stand her ground even at 5 years old. Her presence is known and she makes it known. Like a true Chingona, she lets people know she has arrived, SO MOVE. I love that about her. She sometimes claims to be shy but I quickly encourage her to be herself to stand out from the crowd and lead.

5) ::To be a Leader, even if that means you stand alone:: One thing that always bothers Camila is not having "friends", early on I taught her that she can do anything she wants, even if that means doing it alone. She won't always have friends and with growth and doing great things comes a certain level of "loner status", and that's OK. Camila knows that even although some days its a hard concept for her to grasp. I have had her come home from school and say, "Mom, today I played on the swings all my self and it was fun!" or "Mom, -so&so- said they didn't want to be my friend and I said, good, I don't care." Because in this world she will have to learn that some times no company is better than bad company. 

And, still, Camila is only 5 years old, although she has a long way to go she is still a fun love-able little girl who is slowly forming her own attitude and perception of being a Chingona. I hope to constantly influence her in the right direction! 

About our "Frida is my Homegirl" t-shirt: Special thanks to Elena of Sew Bonita for providing this t-shirt and inspiring this post and mini-photo shoot! You can see all of her latest creations and collections HERE. Also, the t-shirt has very soft and comfortable material, it's in a small and the print is just uber inspiring. We love Frida Khalo in our house, she is the official Mexican Chingona and we are so proud to wear items with her on them and love what she stands for and represents. All of Elena's collections are very telling of being a Chingona in 2016 and I am proud to have collaborated with her.

Come back later in the week to get to know Elena and an exclusive on her connection to the late Selena! 

VISIT SEW BONITA, PURCHASE AND RECEIVE A 10% DISCOUNT WHEN YOU ENTER MOMMAOF2 AT CHECK OUT! 

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

::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/ 

Summer Drinks with Tekeen #TexasMade

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

One of my favorite Latina/Tejana food bloggers is Vianney of Sweet Life, she is one of the sweetest, no pun intended, food bloggers known to Texas. She recently featured a drink on her IG page where she used Tekeen as her blend. So, when Tekeen reached out to me as well about creating drinks with their premium cocktail mixes I was thrilled! Vianney was a great inspiration as I created my drinks. 

Enjoy! 

-----

When I think of Summer I think of fruity, refreshing drinks and of course classic margaritas! Thanks to Tekeen, I was able to start sampling my Summer drinks early. I decided to make a minimal-alcoholic version and then your full on bring the tequila version. As mentioned in my last post  I have a passion for local and Texas shops. What better than genuinely delicious Texas Made drinks. It's the best way to recover from the upcoming Houston heat. 

I made my version of a berry filled "white wine sangria" with the Tekeen Grapefruit cocktail mix. Think of it as a fruit infused, aqua fresca with a sweet kick. It was super easy. 

I combined (about 1 1/2 cups) of fresh blueberries, raspberries and sliced strawberries with (1 whole lime) lime wedges and mint (to taste, I used about 2 sprigs) to about 2 cups of the grapefruit flavored cocktail in a small receptacle. It's best if you have a large jar with a lid or pitcher with a top that seals. So, that your flavors lock in. I left it in the fridge for about 8 hours to chill and infuse and then served over ice, it created a colorful and refreshing drink. The alcohol in Tekeen is only about 12%, so it's very light and perfect for a relaxing afternoon in your backyard.    

My second drink was a classic, with a spicy kick alternative, a Margarita! Perfect for your upcoming Cinco de Mayo celebrations or just your everyday backyard get-together. 

Also, very simple I mixed about 2-3 cups of the Cucumber Lime-flavored cocktail (but you can also use the Passion Fruit Lime flavor) with about 1/2 cup of tequila (really this is up to you), in a large pitcher and stirred it together. You can also shake it in a drink shaker or blend it with ice for a frostier taste. I preferred it with crushed ice so I crushed about 3 cups of ice in the blender, and then salted my rim and served the mix over ice. I garnished it with lime wedges and mint. It was so good, I cannot lie. As an alternate serving, I also salted my rim with a combination of tajin and regular salt. The combination was so yummy! 

I am a no fuss kind of Momma and these two drinks were simple, quick and easy to put together. These drinks serve about 3-4 people.  

Thank you to Takeen for sponsoring this post for Momma of Dos- Visit their site for all their newest recipes and information. http://tekeen.com/

::Ela Designs:: La Catrina #DiadelosMuertos

::Momma Disclosure:: This is a compensated product review. All statements are my true and honest opinion. 

Ela Designs is a local vendor, I found Ale and her beautiful hair designs on Instagram and instantly fell in love. Once I contacted her about sponsoring a post, she immediately agreed. Then my inspiration for the following shoot came to life. It's no secret that my daughter is my favorite model, but she truly brought these images to life for me and she remained in character throughout. 

La Catrina for el Dia de los Muertos. 

You can read more about how she came to be and the significance here: 

http://culturacolectiva.com/origen-e-historia-de-la-catrina/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Calavera_Catrina

And, it wouldn't be a classic Camila photo-shoot without her silly pose outtakes. She really was in character until I asked her to relax. 

All hair pieces are from Ela Designs you can find Ale on Facebook and Instagram:

https://www.facebook.com/elabyalexsandraurdaneta/?fref=ts

https://instagram.com/eladesigns/

Camila's Dress and accessories came from Cuernavaca, Mexico; my Momma and Aunt have brought her a large collection of traditional dresses and wear. 

Life is about doing what you love and enjoying every moment...