Do Something Nice For Someone Today - Send Flowers with Teleflora!

I remember the first time I bought my Mom flowers.  I was in my 20s.  I didn't buy a cheap bouquet from a store - I actually saved enough money to choose online and have beautiful flowers delivered.  I'd like to think it was a big deal for my Mom since it was such a big deal to me.  I felt proud that I was able to do something nice for my Mama.  When is the last time you sent your Mom flowers on a day other than Mother's Day or her Birthday?  

Teleflora Flower Deliveries make a great gift for any occasion.  There are hundreds of floral arrangements available in different price ranges.   You can search by occasion, type of flower, color and price range.  Teleflora even offers a deal of the day.  If that's not enough, Teleflora has same day flower delivery when you place your order before 3pm in your recipient's time zone and there's no additional surcharge!

One of my favorites is Teleflora's Island Blooms bouquet.  It is colorful and gorgeous!  Definitely takes away the end of Summer blues.  You can add balloons, stuffed animals or even chocolate!

Do something nice for someone today - Send flowers delivered with Teleflora!  

Disclosure: This sponsored post was made possible by Mom Spark Media. I was compensated for my time investment and work on this campaign. Thoughts are my own.

Flossing my Life List #CompleteCare

Fun fact:  Flossing regularly actually improves life expectancy since it decreases your likelihood of gum and heart disease.  

Flossing is helping me and my family live healthier, longer lives!  Since I'm able to accomplish more -I'm going to share FIVE things on my life list:

• Embark on a Great American Road Trip.  We went on an emergency road trip from California to Texas in April 2010 because my Mom was diagnosed with cancer so obviously we didn't get to enjoy the trip as much as we would've liked.  My Mom is good now so hopefully in the next year or two when Omieoso is a little older, we can go on a real adventure.  The plan is to stop in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.  
• Eat at moto - a molecular gastronomy restaurant in Chicago.  I first heard about molecular gastronomy on Top Chef and have been curious ever since.  This definitely ranks up high on my life list.  Look at moto's gallery - all the offerings look like art & magic.  Yum!
• Family Vacation in Hawaii.  We deserve it.  I grew up on the island of Guam till I was 11 and want my sons to experience the island life even if it's only for a week.  Hang out at the beach, get a plate lunch, enjoy a shave ice...   
• Go to New Orleans again.  I attended The Niche Mommy Conference in New Orleans over the weekend and didn't get much sightseeing done.  I also want to take my Husband with me next year - there's just so much to take in and even though he might complain about the heat and humidity, I know he will love the music, culture and history.    
• Open a Gallery / Shop.  This is a real goal of my Husband & I.  This is probably the biggest on both of our life lists.  It's also the longest goal we have.  We have so many ideas and we need to live long to fulfill this one.  

    

Here is my 6 year old Duke with his Waterpik Water Flosser for Kids - he loves it, not only is it fun for him but it's keeping his gums healthy!  I wish I had one when I was a kid!

Complete Care Water Flosser System

• Brushing alone is not enough
• Up to 159% more effective vs. manual brushing
• The superior combination of Water Flossing and Sonic Brushing
• A $10 Savings Coupon on the Complete Care system, which can be found on Water Pik's newest site here: http://www.complete.waterpik.com

Water Flosser for Kids

• Up to 3x as effective as flossing and 1000x more fun!
• Back to School Savings: Get a $10 Savings coupon when you "Like" Water Pik on Facebook

Disclosure:  I received free product in exchange for this post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Marinating.

I was in New Orleans from Thursday-Sunday for The Niche Mommy Conference.  I've been home for a couple days just... marinating.  My weekend was full of good coincidences and positive signs.  I enjoyed hearing people speak.    

Before I even left California, I made friends on the shuttle to the airport with two dudes from Baton Rouge, LA.  Turns out they were on the same flight as me.  And as luck would have it, some lady had her bags in my seat and traded seats across the aisle with one of the dudes I met on the shuttle.  He talked my ear off the whole flight (I wanted to sleep but didn't want to be rude) and he reminded me of my Dad.  Both Lifetime Union Members, Lifelong Democrats, pro-guns and loves food.  We talked about black and white, Democrats and Republicans, New World Order, New Orleans cuisine and ghost stories...  He was in his 50s, White, born and raised in Louisiana, upper middle class, avid golfer and hunter.  He told me that all you need to get a gun in Louisiana is to be over 18 years old and have the cash for it.  He told me that tipped workers only get paid $2.18 an hour.    

If I hadn't taken the time to talk with him, I would have never got a snapshot into his life, I would have never guessed we would share very similar beliefs.  

Was our meeting by chance or completely random?  I always think of the bigger picture, I focus on the larger details - Why did you come into my life?  Mark Turner, thank you for being a character in my guide to recognizing my saints.  


This is not Mark Turner.  It was our cab driver from the airport to our hotel.  6 of us bloggers shared a ride. That was pretty amazing too.  

Culture starts at Home! #WorldMarketSweeps

Our home is full of interesting pieces from all over the World.  It makes for great History lessons with our children and conversation pieces with visiting friends.  I love shopping at World Market because they offer unique and trendy items.  I can spend a few hours in there just looking at stuff, I get lost in their aisles.  More recently I picked up a few food items to send to my foodie pen pal.  World Market carries everything!  Get lost online, I dare you!

Here are my top picks:


1 / Glass Cloche / I need these for craft projects!
2 / Mini Alpaca / So adorable and really inexpensive, only $7.99!  Great for gifts!
3 / Stone Lotus Bowl / This would give personality to our entertainment center. Also great for gifts!
4 / Armillary Sphere / This is really interesting.
5 / Small Alaina Bird Cage Wall Frame / I'm always looking for ways to display notes and pictures!
6 / Antique Leather Rectangle Suitcase / I love suitcases, this has a vintage look and would look good on one of my shelves with a figure or figures sitting on top of it.
7 / Giraffe Bust / I love faux animal busts, this one is different and would fit perfect in our home!

Enter to win Gourmet Getaway Sweepstakes!

**Grand Prize package includes:

A trip for two to to Santa Fe, New Mexico (this is a 5 day Trip for 2 to Santa Fe which includes airfare and hotel)

Hands on Southwestern Cooking class with Master Chef

Personally signed glossy cookbook

Multi-course dinner at the acclaimed Geronimo

Southwestern Foodie Tour with a cultural kick

A $1,000 World Market gift card

** There will also be 3 runner up prize winners that will each receive a $500 World Market gift card!

**The Gourmet Getaway Sweepstakes runs from August 18, 2012 until September 21, 2012.

**If you share the sweepstakes with 5 of your friends (via FB share or email) you can receive 5 additional bonus entries. This is part of the registration process when entering. Users can also enter daily for more chances to win.

WEBSITE - http://www.worldmarket.com/home/index.jsp

TWITTER - https://twitter.com/#!/worldmarket

FACEBOOK - http://www.facebook.com/worldmarket

GOOGLE+ https://plus.google.com/116195269616123281160/posts

PINTEREST - http://www.pinterest.com/WorldMarket

Disclosure: This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™, but all my opinions are my own.

What do you want? Find it with Ubokia Marketplace #UbokiaEverywhere

I'm always searching for stuff...online and off.  I usually have a price in mind and stick to my budget.  When I found out about Ubokia Marketplace I was happy to check it out because it hit on everything I'm looking for.  Ubokia is easier for buyers because all they have to do is post a want and let sellers come to them.  No more searching!  Ubokia is easier for sellers because they don't have to wait for potential buyers to view their products.  They can immediately connect with buyers.  Buying through a blog marketplace means you are connecting with other like-minded people - making it easier to find what you want and in general, your interactions are more pleasant than something like Craigslist.   

Recently, I've been buying items from thrift stores and estate sales and listing them on other sites - now with Ubokia, I can see what people want to buy and keep an eye out for those items.  It's also great to get rid of junk that's just been sitting around the house - one man's trash is another man's treasure!  I spent a good hour checking out the "Vacation Rentals" category, there are some deals to be had!  I posted a few Want ads for timeshares in Hawaii.  We're looking for a good deal this Winter for our family Christmas gift.  I have faith someone will find my ad and hook it up with a great price!  That's the best thing about placing a want ad - no negotiating, you list your details and close it.  With uTrust, Ubokia is the safest way to buy online.  

You can check out Ubokia Marketplace on Raised By Culture!

Ubokia launched in November of 2011, and has been growing steadily ever since. With over two years of development, and a membership base of over 200,000 Ubokians since our launch, Ubokia is the largest and quickest growing “want-centric” ecommerce platform out there. With Ubokia, you simply have to ask, and you shall receive.

Disclosure: I was compensated for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

My Awesome Net10 Android Phone & Service!

I'm here in New Orleans for The Niche Mommy Conference test driving Net10 Wireless LG Optimus Net and it is amazing!  I love this Android!  It was so easy to activate and set up, took me less than 5 minutes!  Once I got that out of the way, I immediately installed my go-to Social Media tools.  The real test was when I travelled from Southern California - My flight was early in the morning, I caught a shuttle and tweeted like crazy on the shuttle.  After I passed through the security check, I got comfy at my gate - called my Husband, tweeted some more and took some pictures.  When I got to New Orleans, powered on my phone, called my Husband, tweeted some more, took some more pictures and texted my friends.  The battery lasted with all my networking and lasted till the end of the Welcome Reception.
The features of LG Optimus Net are:

Android 2.3 operating system

3G speed

Wi-Fi connectivity

Bluetooth compatibility

3.2" HVGA color touch screen

Store contacts, photos and videos with 4GB internal memory; microSD card slot

3.0MP digital camera

MP3 player

Hands-free speakerphone

Vibration alert

Up to 5 hours talk time and up to 10 days standby

You can check out Net10's other phones here:  http://www.levantateun10.com/product.php

Net10 Wireless Benefits:

• No contracts
• Coverage on the best networks such as Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, etc.
• Up to half the cost of plans with contracts
• Unlimited calls, text, and Internet to Mexico and other countries including cell phones
• Available in over 90,000 stores such as Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Walgreens, Radio Shack, among others
• Latest phone models including Androids

Net10 Wireless is the leading prepaid cell phone service for medium to heavy users who desire the most minutes for their money.

Net10 Wireless offers the latest Android and other phones, with unlimited local and long-distance calling on America's best GSM networks as well as roaming, text messaging and internet access and WiFi connectivity.

With Net10 Wireless you can enjoy unlimited calls to landlines and cell phones in Mexico and over 100 other countries at up to half the price of postpaid phone services.

Visit www.levantateun10.com and www.facebook.com/net10wirelesslatino for more information about Net10 Wireless.

Disclosure:  This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Net10 Wireless.  However, all opinions expressed are my own.  

#ShineOn Saturdays at GapKids!

This post is sponsored by GapKids. Check out all the fun Shine On activities at your nearest Gap store. For event dates and locations, visit Gap’s Facebook page and join the conversation on Twitter with hashtag #ShineOn.

This month, select GapKids stores will be hosting a series of special art projects by Merrilee Liddiard of Mer Mag!  Merrilee was inspired by the GapKids and babyGap fall collection, including the best new 1969 denim.  Jewel Box Skinnies for girls (the new skinny jean updated in bright stretchy denim) and Action Stretch Demin for boys (designed for play all day-it's denim that's made to move)

I have always enjoyed my 6 year old son's special doodles to me and the arts & crafts he brought home from preschool and kindergarten.  I have a 20 pound box of papers I've collected over the past few years to prove it.  I knew he was creative but watching him at the Shine On event at GapKids was amazing and I'm not saying it because he's my kid but because he's good at choosing colors and composition.  He's a natural.

When we walked in, Alyssa greeted us and asked Duke if he wanted to make a journal - she had him choose the cover, tapes and stickers.  They sat at a table and she showed him how to do it - you put your papers in a stack, fold in half, staple, add different tapes to cover the staples and decorate!  I was taking notes and thinking hey, I could do this!  Alyssa was impressed at Duke's sticker placement, I was too.  Look at the pictures, he did all of that on his own!

The Sherman Oaks GapKids was a drive for us and traffic was horrible but Duke found a pencil on the back of my seat and drew in his journal!  He said he's going to take it with him to college.  Talk about extending his creativity!

I can't remember the last time we went out and did something on a Saturday morning as a family so this was a fun change for us.  It's sweet and super thoughtful that a company I have loved since I was a kid offers free activities like this.  Thank you Gap!




Saturday, August 25 - Make an animal character badge
10am-1pm
GapKids @ Glendale Galleria
2114 Glendale Galleria
Glendale, CA 91210

Select GapKids stores in these cities are hosting Shine On Saturdays: New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, Miami, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Dallas and Toronto!  Check Gap's Facebook page for specific locations!


Disclosure: I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Buzz, Woody & Mrs. Beasley.

Buzz & Woody.  My son Duke's favorite toys and his best friends.  Woody is his favorite.  He always tells us how he's going to take him to college.  I never knew a kid could love a toy so much.  

I was packaging Mrs. Beasley to send her to her new home in Florida and they couldn't help but jump in her box to say bye and check her out.  Duke was curious about how old she was and why she was so different...   They know all too well how toy stories go.  

Do your children have a favorite toy?  Share their toy story!

A Trip to Scooter's Jungle

We got invited to check out open play at Scooter's Jungle last week.  I had no idea what the place was but a bunch of Moms in my tribe were raving about it so we decided to check it out.

Scooter's Jungle is an indoor play arena and has a huge, custom inflatable slide, jumpers and structures.  One of the inflatable structures had a zip-line, another had a basketball hoop.  There were "free" table games like air hockey and ping pong.  Open play is a 2 hour event and it's only $8 per kid and includes one adult.  Check the Scooter's Jungle website for location specific calendars on open play. 

Duke went down the slide about 40 times.  I'm not even exaggerating.  He loved the slide the most, I think all the kids did, even some of the Moms.  I was surprised when he tried the zip-line because he plays like he's scared but really he's not.  I was so excited for him, he really liked it too.  Chris and I played air hockey a couple times and we took turns playing with Duke.  Our little one, Omar, enjoyed watching all the kids run around while he sat on my lap.  They had good music on and cold air flowing.  I'm not sure what the rules are but most of the parents brought in their own drinks and snacks which I love because I always have a water bottle on me.

Scooter's Jungle would be great for a Birthday Party and I'm considering getting together some Moms and kids together for a play date during open play.

It was our first time going and we had a blast.  Duke didn't want to leave.  We didn't have to drag him out though because we promised we would be back!

Duke says Scooter's Jungle is better than other kids places that shall not be named.  His words!


Disclosure: We were invited by Scooter's Jungle to enjoy open play.  All opinions are my own.  

I'm Going To The Niche Mommy Conference! Thanks #HuggiesLatino

Let me tell you a story about how things just work out sometimes.  You just have to have a little faith.  

I had been itching to attend a blogging conference after all the fun and learning from last year's BlogHer.   I met many, lovely ladies that understand blogging.  I turned down many drinks at BlogHer because we were trying to conceive and I didn't know if I was with child yet.  I found out later that I was pregnant and I knew I had to count out all conferences for the next year.  BlogHer in New York was definitely out.  I couldn't handle being almost 3000 miles away from my 3 month old.  It just wasn't happening and I was kinda sad about it.

And then I applied for a sponsorship for The Niche Mommy Conference in New Orleans and was chosen!  You can't imagine how honored I am!  Excited is an understatement.  I am so grateful to The Niche Mommy Network and Huggies!  Thank you for choosing me and giving me this huge opportunity to learn and grow!

There are still passes available - This is a great opportunity for those of you that want to start blogging or advance your skills!

      

Huggies® is helping new Moms get all their first-time baby questions answered with Huggies Mommy Answers—a one-stop destination on the Huggies Latino Facebook page that compiles information from top baby sites, making it easy for Mom to get all the answers she needs as she starts the incredible journey of motherhood. 

At this year’s conference, child development and parenting expert Jeannette Torres-Alvarez will be greeting attendees in the Huggies® Mommy Answers suite and discussing all of your most pressing baby questions.

Disclosure: I didn't have to write this post but I wanted to.  I also want to hug each and every one who had a hand in the process.  All thoughts are my own.  As always.

Popped My Estate Sale Cherry - Part 2

Last month I went on my first estate sale adventure and I was slightly bummed I got there late because I missed out on some great items.  I watched men load gorgeous pieces of furniture into trucks while I waited for my turn to go in.  When I finally got in, women were running around like crazy with their finds and still continuing the hunt.  I can imagine most (if not all) weren't collectors but flippers.  I guess you can say I'm a little of both, there are certain things I'm looking for and there are things I can't pass up to make a buck or two.

These are some pictures of what I bought
Read more »

Life opens up when you do! #CrestSponsored #WinningSmile

As a parent, I want healthy, happy kids and it starts with a winning smile.  I've since been reminded of this by having a very cute and sweet newborn in the house.  Confidence starts when they are tiny, you smile at them and they respond by smiling back.  A smile - a simple gesture - goes a long way and means so much.  Look at my 6 year old Duke for example, he's alright looking (okay, he is a cutie) but when he smiles - it lights up a room and this is all thanks to good brushing habits, good attitude (and good genes!)  Have you ever seen a bigger, more genuine smile?

The reality is that when people hear about health, most of us don't think about keeping our teeth and gums healthy until the pain is unbearable and have to visit the Dentist!  No one likes a trip to the Dentist and this can be avoided if you brush and floss regularly.  I remember my Mom telling me to take care of my teeth and here I am, encouraging my sons to take care of their teeth!  Especially since 2 of my 4 boys are girl crazy.  I tell them they need to keep their teeth pearly white so they can show off big smiles, no one wants to see butter teeth and smell stinky breath!  

I was so excited to try Oral-B Complete Deep Clean toothbrush and Crest Complete Multi-Benefit Whitening + Deep Clean Toothpaste this morning, I was shocked to feel it working so fast.  Good cause I'm ready for Hubby to take in my freshness!        

With a confident smile, you're ready for anything!

For more information on Crest: 

http://www.crestcomplete.com (English)

http://www.crestcomplete.com/es-US/home/ (Spanish)

The Procter & Gamble Company is the official oral care sponsor of the London 2012 Olympic Games, helping to improve the understanding of oral care and the effect on an athlete's performance.

To learn more about P&G Oral Care Olympic Games partnership, please "Like" Crest 3D White, Crest and Oral-B on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/crest

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a test drive campaign by Latina Mom Bloggers on behalf of Crest and Oral-B and received product samples to facilitate my candid review.  Latina Mom Bloggers sent me a promotional gift to thank me for taking the time to participate.  However, all opinions expressed are my own.  

I Have A Vision Board.

This is my vision board.  I started it last year but changed it up a few weeks ago.  I've always had a bulletin board or stuff taped on my walls... but a vision board is different.  There isn't a tutorial on this post or anywhere on my blog on how to do your vision board.  There are no rules, there isn't a wrong way to do it.  A vision board is another way of "putting it in the Universe", you know - your thoughts, wishes, dreams...  I can't tell you if it'll work for you but it has for me.  Mine is full of my little family, a wish for Hawaii and quotes that keep me going.

Q:  Do you have a vision / inspiration board?  Would you make one?

My Top 10 Tips for Traveling With Kids #CulturelleKids

My sons are pros when it comes to traveling.  We travel at least once a year and if we're lucky, up to 3x.  We fly, we road trip and we have fun!  We haven't had an unhappy kid yet.  Even after a 24+ road trip so hey, maybe I know a thing or two about traveling with kids!  We have a travel routine that works for us and I'm going to share my tips for keeping your kids happy.
Happy kids = happy parents = more trips!  

• Discuss your travel plans with your kids.  I can't emphasize how important this tip is.  The more your kids know about the trip, the more enthusiastic and easy they'll be.  Easy.  None of that pesky question: "Are we there yet?"  
• Prepare fun facts / history about your destination.  When we took a road trip from CA to TX in 2010, I researched Roadside Attractions and cities we would be stopping in.  The kids were definitely interested in where we were passing through.  
• Have each kid pack his/her own backpack.  I gave each kid a general list (pair of socks, underwear, one comfy outfit) and it was up to them to add whatever else they wanted.  Make sure you check those backpacks!      
• Bring portable tv's or iPods.  Download fun apps and movies.  Talking Tim is still a fun one in our house.  It will keep them busy for a few hours.  
• Pack snacks and drinks.  This should be a no-brainer!  One time I forgot that Duke had a Capri-sun in his backpack and we passed TSA Screening with it!  He was happy.  I was kinda scared we would get in trouble!    
• Give them a travel allowance.  Trust me on this.  Hand each kid $20 and tell them that's their spending money (even if you plan on splurging on them later).  It will teach them how to budget.  
• Assign each kid a job.  My sons are seasoned travelers and it's because we've taught them how to be responsible during trips.  Anything from making sure we don't forget anything in a hotel room to listening for gate changes at the airport.      
• Group restroom trips.  Our boys only use public restrooms together or with Dad.  We know that traveling can lead to "tummy troubles" so Culturelle Kids Probiotic Packets can help with digestion.  Kids don't want to feel blah on a vacation!  Just empty a packet into a water bottle, it's tasteless and odorless!  
• Let them choose a store they want to shop at.  This goes back to having a travel allowance.  Damien (our 13 year old) loves games so I can guarantee you he almost always wants to check out the used game section of Game Stop.  
• Make a surprise pack for each kid.  Even though I have teenagers, they still like being surprised.  When you create a fun kit (notebook, stickers, markers, funny books, Lego) for a kid, it'll keep them busy for a couple hours (maybe more).  

Our favorite staycation trip is to Carlsbad, home of Legoland.  We love staying at Grand Pacific Palisades.  You bet we used my top 10 tips for this trip!  Makes travel easier for Chris and I!  See those smiles!?!

Did you know that 70% of your immune system is in your digestive tract?  Having a healthy and balanced digestive system plays a vital role in strengthening your child's overall health and well being!  Culturelle is trusted by parents, trusted by pediatricians and #1 pediatrician recommended!  

Disclosure:  I was compensated for this post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Super Excited to Test Drive Net10 Wireless Phones & Service!

I always cringe (& laugh) when I hear my friends talk about their awful service, $100+ bills and being stuck on a 2 year contract.  Having a cellphone contract is a headache.  I never liked the small print on contracts and pushy salespeople, so since 2007, we've been a prepaid family.  It makes life so much easier and cheaper.  And you bet I rub it in my friends faces that I pay less than $100 per month for 3 cellphones.  

Participating in Net10 Wireless Test Drive Program is a perfect fit for me (and you!) because there are no contracts to sign, no monthly bills, no long-term commitments, no credit checks, no age limit and no hidden fees.  You don't have to worry activation charges or early termination fees.  It's as easy as buying a phone and purchasing any one of several airtime or monthly plans.      

Net10 Wireless phones and airtime cards are available at 90,000 locations across the USA, including Walmart, Best Buy, Target, Family Dollar, K-Mart, Radio Shack and CVS stores.  Net10 carries Smartphones!  Get like me and save your money to spend on other fun stuff like shoes and purses!      

Net10 Wireless is launching in the US Hispanic market with the “Levántate un 10” campaign featuring Carlos Ponce and Alejandra Espinoza, which is all about enabling customers to achieve “un diez en servicio cellular”  (“a ten in wireless service”). 

As part of the launch, Net 10 Wireless is a presenting sponsor of this Summer’s Los GIGANT3S Tour, which launched in Miami in August and continues through September, featuring music sensations Marc Anthony, Chayanne and Marco Antonio Solis.. 

Visit www.levantateun10.com and www.facebook.com/net10wirelesslatino for more information about Net10 Wireless.

Make sure to join Latina Mom Bloggers and Net10 Wireless Latino on August 15th from 9-10:30pm ET for a Twitter Party! There will be lots of fun prizes, including tickets to the Los Gigant3s tour! Make sure to RSVP at Latina Mom Bloggers to be eligible to win prizes. 

Disclosure:  This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Net10 Wireless. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

Good fun is happening at GapKids Shine On Saturdays!

This post is sponsored by GapKids. Check out all the fun Shine On activities at your nearest Gap store. For event dates and locations, visit Gap’s Facebook page and join the conversation on Twitter with hashtag #ShineOn.

I enjoy free events.  Especially free events for kids that involves art.  This month, select GapKids stores will be hosting a series of special art projects by Merrilee Liddiard of Mer Mag!  Merrilee was inspired by the GapKids and babyGap fall collection, including the best new 1969 denim.  Jewel Box Skinnies for girls (the new skinny jean updated in bright stretchy denim) and Action Stretch Demin for boys (designed for play all day-it's denim that's made to move)

The first Shine On Saturdays event is on August 11th where kids will use a mixture of tape and paint to create geometric masterpieces on canvas!  Take your kids out and let them express their creativity!  Unleash those inner artists!    

Meet Mer Mag's Merrilee Liddiard on 8/11 from 10am-1pm at GapKids at The Grove!  

Saturday, August 11 - Make geometric art
10am-1pm
GapKids @ The Grove
189 The Grove Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Saturday, August 18 - Create your own art journal
10am-1pm
GapKids @ Westfield Fashion Square Mall
14006 Riverside Drive #218
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Saturday, August 25 - Make an animal character badge
10am-1pm
GapKids @ Glendale Galleria
2114 Glendale Galleria
Glendale, CA 91210

Select GapKids stores in these cities are hosting Shine On Saturdays: New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, Miami, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Dallas and Toronto!  Check Gap's Facebook page for specific locations!


Disclosure: I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Blogging is a Family Affair

Now that I got to share Hubby's recipe, I have high hopes he'll want to guest blog here.  I'm not asking him to commit to blogging once a week... I'll be happy if he does one post each season!

I used to tweet and update my Facebook status with "Things Duke Says" and even started a tumblr for Duke but that didn't work out.  Now with the help of Chris, we started a blog for our 6 year old called - Days With Duke!  He's excited about it and is asking me to take photos for him!  Most of his posts are about his toys.  He's got a great imagination and we're so proud of him.  Comment, share his posts, show your kids!        

The Best Chilaquiles In The World...

because my Husband makes 'em special for me!  He knows how much I love 'em and it's a good day when he gets in the kitchen!  I had to beg to share his recipe but it was worth it, his chilaquiles are so good and super easy to make!  Thank you baby!

C's Chilaquiles Ingredients
1 Dozen Corn Tortillas
1 7 3/4 oz. El Pato Yellow Can
1/4 Cup Vegetable Oil

Directions

• Cut a dozen tortillas into quarters (like a pizza)
• Fry tortilla triangles in vegetable oil till crispy
• Drain oil
• Add the whole can of El Pato until all the chips are covered in sauce 
• Simmer and stir for about 2-4 minutes 

That was just the foundation recipe - You can sprinkle with cheese (The picture shows Queso Fresco but you can use any Mexican cheese or shredded cheese) or add eggs or do both.  Chilaquiles are great with a side of beans.  If you want your chilaquiles a little spicier - add chopped, dried red chile peppers after you add the sauce.    

Note:  Only use El Pato brand sauces for maximum flavor!  DO NOT SUBSTITUTE!  

  

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post.  We are big fans of El Pato and El Pato gave me some samples .  All opinions expressed are our own.  

2012 Circle of Moms Top 25 SoCal Mom Blogger!

I'm up for Circle of Moms Top 25 SoCal Mom Bloggers!  I don't need to win the #1 spot, I'll be just as happy as being #25!  If you feel like I deserve your vote, please vote for me - You can vote once a day.  There's no registration and it only takes a second...  If you don't think I deserve it, there are a bunch of other Moms you can vote for!

Thanks so much for your continued support!

SAVE in San Antonio! Our home away from home!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of SAVE for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
My husband Chris is from San Antonio and I love visiting the city and his family anytime we get a chance!  Even though I have visited over 3 times, we still haven't done and seen it all!  Flights aren't cheap these days so when we do get a chance to visit, we're all about saving money with other expenses like the hotel, attractions and food!  When I heard about SAVE – San Antonio Vacation Experience, I was excited to check it out and start planning our next family trip!  SAVE makes it easy to find discounts and deals in San Antonio!  I love getting the most out of my money and so should you!

Looking over SAVE partners - this is my San Antonio to-do list and perfect for our family of 6:

• Stay at the beautiful Hilton Palacio del Rio - right on The Riverwalk and rates starting at $99 per night
• Shop at Market Square - 10% discount on purchases of $20 or more
• Visit San Antonio Children's Museum - 20% off $8 admission
• Visit San Antonio Zoo - $2 off admission
• Visit Schlitterbahn Waterpark - $2 off admission
• Visit Witte Museum - $1 off admission

SAVE also has a list of Limited Time Offers.  This deal for Hilton Palacio del Rio can't be beat - 10% discount from SAVE rate, Complimentary Self Parking, Complimentary Wi-Fi and $25 Food & Beverage Credit.
I started following @SAVEinSA on Twitter for updates on deals, limited time offers and ideas to help plan my next trip to San Antonio!

 

Toy Story Rock & Roll, this is my Stay-At-Home life.

Deciding to be a stay-at-home Mom to bond with our newborn and homeschool our 6 year old is possibly the best decision I've made in my life.  I'm saying that now, right?!  Ask me again at the end of the year.

We turned in Duke's first month homeschool packet last Monday and I didn't even bother putting on makeup.  No makeup was just me testing out my SAHM theory.  More on that later.  Duke finished the whole packet which turned out to be TWO months worth of work so with that done and behind us, we really turned on the chill mode.  It was our first mellow week of the Summer so when Duke wanted to be in his Woody pajamas for 3 days straight, I let him.  He looked adorable.  And I was amused.        

Some days my life feels like the soundtrack to a Vietnam War movie.  I'm not saying that in a bad way but because those movies have kickass music.  I have Jimi Hendrix - All Along the Watchtower on.  And after that, I'll put on The Rolling Stones - Paint It Black.  Music is powerful and right now, that's how I power up.  I started working when I was 14, I'm 36 now.  I have never not worked so staying at home to enjoy my children is a major adjustment for me.

They are at a great age right now.  Omar is learning new things each day.  He is our last child - I live for every moment.  Duke started this thing when the baby gets up from a nap where he'll say "The wonderfullest, cutest Omar!!!" and we present the baby like Simba.  It's really cute.  I love watching them together.  I wish I got to enjoy times like that with my older two.  (But seeing them as teenagers is interesting in it's own right)

So for now, I'm grateful I can take advantage and enjoy this stay-at-home life.

/Ice Cube - It Was A Good Day.