Week 1: #raisedbyculture Holiday Links

I love the holidays!  I have been busy enjoying family since blogging was a little slow and I started (and almost finished) Christmas shopping.  In the downtime, I've been pinning ideas, experimenting in the kitchen and loving links!  I'm sharing this week's favorites:

I had the pleasure of meeting sisters Dariela and Dariana at Niche Mommy Conference earlier this year, they are quite lovely and talented.  They run Dari Design Studio and are looking to fund their dream, you can help make this happen!  I think the $25 or $50 Contributions make great gifts!  

> Dari Design Studio Surtex 2013 Campaign  

I also had the pleasure of meeting Juan of Juan of Words and his lovely wife, Anjelica.  Turns out Anjelica loves thrifting and crafting (some of my fave things!)  I really love her holiday project.

> 12 Gift Wrapping Days of Christmas: Day 1 - Loteria Style!

When I was making editing the gift guide for textdrivebys.com - I came across Door Sixteen's Handmade Shop List.  It is pretty cool.  Shop small business!

> The Swell Life: Glitter Galaxy Ornament DIY - These are fantastic, I think they would look good on any tree and as gifts!  

My longtime Internet friend and co-editor at textdrivebys.com Marilla of Cupcake Rehab made these Maple Pumpkin Pasties with Bourbon Whipped Cream that I'll be making very soon!  Yum! 

The Friend Collective is one of those sites I just love.  They will be co-hosting my other project Think Outside The Blog Thursday Blog Hop in the near future.  I have been wanting to get an Elf on the Shelf but they are pricey (I think its worth it, don't get me wrong) and didn't go down in price after Christmas last year.  So for now, I have been enjoying TFC Elf On The Shelf Friday.  

Channing Tatum is PEOPLE Magazine 2012 #SexiestManAlive

I didn't think it would be a big deal buying PEOPLE Magazine's Annual Sexiest Man Alive issue but I felt some kinda way being a 37 year old married, mom of 4 boys let me tell you.  If you read my other post, Johnny Depp is my always and forever choice - lots of my readers voted for him,  George Clooney and Hugh Jackman so I was a little disappointed that Channing Tatum took the win.  I'm not downplaying Channing Tatum's win - I know he had a big year and I enjoyed him in 21 Jump Street (Johnny Depp cameo - hello!)  So many of my friends were so excited Channing won and good for them!  The best thing about this issue is that its a double issue and there is no shortage of sexy men for me to look at.  *fans self*

My favorite part of the issue is Channing Tatum's "Early Years" spread.  I love seeing celebs when they were young!  I also thought it was cute that PEOPLE touched on 50 Shades of Grey.

Go out and get this issue today!  It's only on newsstands for 2 weeks!    

Disclosure:  This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media
Group™, but all my opinions are my own http://cmp.ly/3/KqtZiE.  

Catal Restaurant - Downtown Disney Anaheim #CatalDTD

I was thrilled when I got the invite from GigaSavvy to attend a Pre-Holiday event at Catal Restaurant in Downtown Disney.  I've passed Catal many times over the years but haven't had the pleasure of checking it out till last week.  Just as I suspected, I have been missing out all this time!

I invited one of my best friends, Noemy, to come with me because a girls' night out was in order and she wants to start blogging so I figured if she can hang with a bunch of bloggers / social media people... she's automatically in.  We were greeted at the door with blueberry mojitos and sangria.  There were cheeses, crackers, dried fruit and servers walking around with tapas.  And there was Albert, the very accommodating gentleman that was there every time we needed something.  From checking in my coat, schooling us on Sofia Coppola wine, getting us more drinks, to finding a table for us.  It wasn't until later that we found out Albert is Catal's General Manager.  The staff, food and ambiance at Catal is superior.  It's no wonder that Catal is voted one of the top three dining options in Anaheim Downtown Disney District.  The fine dining oasis offers a relaxed, elegant setting with floor-to-ceiling windows and patio terraces offering spectacular views of Downtown Disney from it’s second-story location.  If you make it out now till the end of the year, you will be able to experience Disneyland’s “Believe...In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular show. 

THANK YOU GigaSavvy, Catal Restaurant and Patina Group!  
It was great seeing old friends and making new ones!  Noemy & I had a great time!  I'll definitely be back with my family!

Hello there, blueberry mojito.

The first piping hot, super ginormous pan of Paella!  Look at everyone rush in to take pictures! Oh those bloggers!

The Paella was SO DELICIOUS and so was the Air Bread with Manchego cheese and shaved serrano ham!  Flavors danced in my mouth!

After 5 minutes of staring and another 5 minutes of being convinced by Noemy... I finally ate this beautiful Tuna Tartare Taco.  It was so good.  I wanted more!

I had the pleasure of spending a few days with these lovely ladies in New Orleans for The Niche Mommy Conference and love seeing them!  Sandra of mamanoticias.com and Eva of techfoodlife.com

Noemy and I decided to ditch the mojitos and got into the Sangria.  YUM!

There's my BFF Noemy!

Tee of thatsitmommy.com brought me a Wonka truffle from Sweet! at Hollywood & Highland.   Love ya Tee!


Get Social with Catal Restaurant and Uva Bar:  @CatalUvaBar on Twitter / Catal Uva Bar on Facebook

Disclosure:  This is not a sponsored post.  All thoughts are my own.

Listen To Your Mom - Eat Breakfast! #loveyourcereal Giveaway

I remember my mom always telling me, "Breakfast is the most important part of the day".  Even though I had a feeling she was right, it just wasn't important to me - I always skipped breakfast before school and never made a point to grab something to eat when I got there.  I was well into my 20s when I finally started eating breakfast and it really set the tone for the day for me - I just felt better.  I made sure to eat breakfast during all my pregnancies and now my sons all love eating in the morning.  You were right Mom!  

This fall, Kellogg’s® is showing parents how simple it is to get their children the nutrients they need – and it’s surprisingly as easy as a bowl of Kellogg’s cereal plus milk. According to the Breakfast in America study, experts agree that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. However, most moms aren’t always aware of the nutrition that a breakfast of cereal plus milk can provide.

• The dynamic duo of Kellogg’s cereal plus one cup of milk provides protein and four key nutrients (fiber, calcium, vitamin D, and potassium) most likely to be lacking in kids’ diets.
• Research shows that children who eat cereal for breakfast tend to weigh less.   
• On average, breakfast cereal provides only 4 percent of the average person’s daily intake of added sugar in the U.S. 
• Americans ages 9-13 who eat ready-to-eat cereal take in 49 percent more iron than kids who eat other types of breakfast, 35 percent more Vitamin A than those who ate other types of breakfast, 55 percent more Vitamin A than those who skip breakfast altogether
• Nine out of 10 moms agree that cereal makes a convenient breakfast choice 

Learn more about the dynamic duo of cereal plus milk at www.LoveYourCereal.com

I have a fun giveaway for my readers!  Enter to win a KELLOGG’S® LOVE YOUR CEREAL® Kit!

• one (1) 18 oz. box of Frosted Mini-Wheats ®
• one (1) Kellogg’s serving platter
• two (2) Kellogg’s cereal bowls
• one (1) Toucan Sam® tote bag
• two (2) Lickety Spoons

Total ARV: $46.89

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure:  This is not a sponsored post.  All thoughts are my own.

Give The Gift Of A Wine Adventure With California Wine Club

I always keep an eye out for thoughtful gifts I can give to family, coworkers and friends.  Wine is definitely a great gift to give but there are people like me that aren't well-versed in wine.  This is where a company like California Wine Club comes into play - they offer 4 types of wine of the month clubs with wine adventures to satisfy all tastes and budgets.  The best part is that California Wine Club proudly proclaims they discover California's Best "Mom & Pop" Wineries.  If you know my husband and I, we're all about Mom & Pop restaurants and shops.  They always have thee best food and products.     

I was lucky to receive a 2 month membership.  The first shipment arrived and I was impressed with the packaging (Packaging speaks volumes to me, I'm weird like that) and the Uncorked full-color newsletter full of information on the Robledo Family Winery.  It described both the wines I received - 2009 "The Seven Brothers" Napa Valley Tempranillo and 2008 "The Seven Brothers" Lake County Sauvignon Blanc.  The best thing about Uncorked is the mole recipe from Robledo Family Winery.  

Since I had no clue on what to pair the wines with, I researched and found that both of the wines are food friendly.  Given its Spanish origins, Tempranillo would be great with Spanish cuisine such as tapas.  I decided to make ribeye steaks and I felt it really brought out the flavor of the meat.  We're still experimenting though!  I haven't cracked open the Sauvignon Blanc yet but have decided to make White Sangria with it, I am so excited!  I think it would even be perfect with Thanksgiving Dinner!  

Check back next month because I will be giving away a $50 Gift Certificate to California Wine Club!

What is your favorite wine? What would you pair Tempranillo and Sauvignon Blanc with?  

Get Social with California Wine Club:  @CAWineClub on Twitter / California Wine Club on Facebook

Disclosure:  This review was made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own. I received a 2 month Membership to the California Wine Club for the purpose of this review.

Energy Management and You

I asked my friend Dina in NorCal to cover an event for me and thought this would be great information for my readers!  Thanks Dina! 

This time of year, I not only have to watch our bank accounts due to holiday spending but how much that gas and electric bill is going to be. Is it cold enough to turn on the heater just yet? Or can we just throw another blanket on to be warm and toasty? Do we enjoy the pretty lights of our holiday decor or do we save some money and not plug them in, just yet? When is the best time to turn on the oven, so I can get some holiday baking done? All of these are concerns that I have running through my head on the daily, this time of year.

Who knew that a big corporate company like PG&E, the energy provider for 15 million customers in the state of California, would have programs and incentives for US, the consumers, on how to SAVE money! PG&E lays out 3 simple steps to quickly get involved and take your family along:

1. Participate in their winter gas savings program

Highlights customer progress between bills

• Reinforces actions taken to reduce energy usage
• Provides information and tips to help customers meet goals
• Provides link to detailed online usage information via MyEnergy
• pge.com/wintergassavings

2. Visit PG&E's Energy Efficiency Hub

• pge.com/myhome/saveenergymoney
• pge.com/myenergy
• Fun teaching resource for kids

3.  Sign up for Energy Alerts pge.com/energyalerts

Lets you know when you’re moving into higher-priced electric tiers

Customer chooses delivery method:

• Email
• Text message
• Phone call

The earlier in the season you log onto their wintersavings program, the more savings you can receive. The more engaged you are on the website (the more you look around and click on things) the more savings you get, not to mention the more informed you are. In past seasons, just for logging on, people have saved more than 23% on their bills than people who didn't. Having access in the palm of your hand is a good incentive as well, many people have smart phones these days. Just sign up for the energy alerts and be infomed on what your energy usage is and how much you're paying for power, pun intended, don't be left in the dark. When your family uses less energy there are incentives for you and savings opportunities, like rebates on energy efficient products. Log on to pge.com/smartrate, pge.com/pdp, and pge.com/greenbutton for more incentives and saving tips. Every little cent counts toward that holiday spending, to my family anyhow.

PG&E and Opower have teamed up and they work together to help California be more energy efficient. Opower works on a global level, their programs consistently generate cost-effective, verified, sustainable energy savings, along with increased participation in other utility-marketed programs. Their programs also motivate customers to reduce their energy use during peak times and seasons—when it matters the most. Interestingly enough, OPower has saved enough energy to take the City of Oakland, "off the grid" for a whole year.

Our family has always been good about unplugging things that don't need to be plugged in, turning off lights when necessary, and even washing clothes at the optimal time of day (after 6PM). But now with all this new found information, I went home and logged on to both sites pge.com/myenergy and www.social.opower.com and got  BETTER informed. The PG&E bill was always something that came in the mail and I just paid it, without a concern on how to save money. Who knew we could actually SAVE.

Stay Connected and Be Informed

PG&E / PG&E on Twitter / PG&E on Facebook

Opower / Opower on Twitter / Opower on Facebook

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of PG&E and Opower. I attended an informational luncheon and received a promotional item to thank me for my participation. 

My Family Rocks!

This post is brought to you by The New Santa Fe from Hyundai. Think your family rocks? Show us by uploading a photo of your family rocking out. Enter now for a chance to win great prizes.

My husband and I love music - hip hop is our favorite but we don't discriminate, there is equal play at play in our home and when we're out & about.  We encourage our kids to dance and sing-along.  My husband and I take everyday things and make simple, funny songs.  A family favorite is "Apple Juice & Fries" - My husband makes a funny voice and just starts singing apple juice and fries.  It is so SO funny to watch.  Especially when Duke starts dancing to it.  I've been begging him to make a video but he's not going for it.

And just last month I made a video singing to our baby.  I'm that Mom.  I have no shame.  See how fun it is to rock out with your kids?!  I have the whole family singing to Omar now and he loves watching the video!



A defining moment in parenthood is when your child shares their love of anything with you.  I remember when my parents would turn off the tv, put on some records and just relax with us when I was a kid, they are such great memories.  When our preteen expressed his love for Wu-Tang Clan, Pink Floyd, Bob Marley, Led Zeppelin, Metallica it was such a bonding moment for us...  The littles are slowly coming around!  It's an amazing thing when their taste in music reflects your own, like you done good, you raised 'em right.

MY FAMILY ROCKS!!!


Hyundai Santa Fe and Rolling Stone are looking for families who rock and whose values include kindness, sharing, hard work, loud singing, mud, practical jokes and mischief in general.  

Does your family rock?!  Enter Hyundai Santa Fe and Rolling Stone's contest! 

Prizes include a photo shoot in Rolling Stone featuring the winning family shot by an industry photographer, airfare, hotel and transportation to the 55th Grammy Awards, and a fully tricked-out Hyundai Santa Fe custom rock ‘n’ roller.

Contest ends December 14, 2012.

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

Knott's Merry Farm Coupon!

Knott's Merry Farm is from Thanksgiving Day to January 6

Knott’s Berry Farm is filled with the magic of the season as it transforms into Knott’s Merry Farm and celebrates “A Charlie Brown Christmas” with seasonal entertainment, spectacular decorations including a 65 foot tall Christmas tree, and a colorful Christmas parade.

Now a holiday tradition in Southern California, Knott’s Merry Farm is proud to present the holiday ice spectacular, “It’s Christmas, Snoopy!” The show, performed in the 2,100-seat Charles M. Schulz Theatre, is hosted by the famous skating beagle and his PEANUTS friends as they look for the true meaning of Christmas and features Knott’s ensemble skaters, dazzling sets, colorful costumes and plenty of surprises!

“A Peanuts’ Holiday Parade” offers seven elaborately themed floats featuring the PEANUTS Gang and accompanied by students from Orange County Song and Dance Company. Children and adults alike will be able to get into the holiday spirit with the Peanuts Gang as they get ready for the holidays.

Children and adults alike will enjoy “A Peanuts’ Holiday Parade” which offers seven elaborately themed floats featuring the PEANUTS Gang.  Join CHARLIE BROWN, LUCY, SALLY, SCHROEDER and of course SNOOPY as they partake in all the holiday festivities including cookie making, tree trimming, and even toy building.

Knott’s 1880s Ghost Town is transformed into Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village, inviting mall-weary guests to explore one-of-a-kind treasures created by more than 100 artisans in a Victorian holiday wonderland of strolling carolers, musical groups, community choirs and lavish holiday decorations.

Adding to the unique Village atmosphere are live performances of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and O. Henry’s “A Gift of the Magi” in the Bird Cage Theatre. Additionally, the world famous Timber Mountain Log Ride is transformed into Elf Mountain giving guests an up-close and-personal view into the world of Santa’s Elves.

Guests can also experience the wonder of “Snoopy’s Magical Nights of Lights.” Hundreds of thousands of twinkling white and multicolored lights merrily light up the nighttime sky accompanied by a festive soundtrack that bring the Christmas spirit alive from dusk to Park closing.

My Readers Save Big At Knott's Merry Farm Running Nov. 22 - Jan. 6 - Only $37.99 Admission to Knott's Merry Farm with this coupon
Disclosure:  This is not a sponsored post.

November 17 is World Prematurity Day

I didn't have preemies but it was definitely something I worried about with all 4 of my pregnancies because each pregnancy is different.  I wouldn't say I was lucky, pre-term birth can happen to anyone.  One of my good friends and coworker Maria had problems with her pregnancy a few years ago, I knew the signs of pre-term labor and would urge her to make an appointment to see her Dr. to see if she should go on bed rest.  5 months into her pregnancy, she was finally put on bed rest and had her son Danny at 35 weeks.  Maria was a preemie herself and has had health problems all her life and in the first year of Danny's life, he has exhibited health problems too.

November 17th marks World Prematurity Day, a day dedicated to help raise awareness about prematurity and the potential risks associated with pre-term birth. With underdeveloped organs and immature immune systems, babies born prior to 37 weeks can be especially prone to infections from seemingly harmless viruses like the common cold, the flu or RSV.

Did you know that worldwide, 13 million babies are born early every year, including more than half a million in the United States? Despite these staggering numbers, many parents still aren’t aware of prematurity—the leading cause of neonatal death.

RSV is very contagious and can be spread easily through touching, sneezing and coughing. Since there’s no treatment for RSV, parents should take the following preventive steps to help protect their child:
• Wash hands, toys, bedding, and play areas frequently
• Ensure you, your family, and any visitors in your home wash their hands or use hand sanitizer
• Avoid large crowds and people who are or have been sick
• Never let anyone smoke near your baby
• Speak with your child’s doctor if he or she may be at high risk for RSV, as a preventive therapy may be available

Contact your child’s pediatrician immediately if your child exhibits one or more of the following: 

• Severe coughing,  wheezing or rapid gasping breaths 

• Blue color on the lips, mouth, or under the fingernails

• High fever and extreme fatigue

To learn more about RSV, visit www.rsvprotection.com 

Disclosure:  This is a compensated post in collaboration with RSV Protection and Latina Bloggers Connect.  All opinions are my own.

Give The Gift Of Art #AlphabetPhotography

My husband & I love art.  He happens to be an artist and currently in school as a Fine Arts major.  We're really picky on how we decorate our home so when the opportunity came up to own a custom piece from Alphabet Photography... I was excited but also a little worried.  I loved the options I saw on their site, their prices are really reasonable but could they live up to our standards?  I had Chris place our order and within a week, our order was here.  The moment I opened the box and pulled out the carefully and thoughtfully wrapped package... I knew it would be love.  Everything from the ribbon to personally addressed card was awesome.  I love little details like that.  It means people truly love what they do and they genuinely care.  It speaks volumes.

Chris, Duke and I were so excited to open the kraft wrap but I was positioned closer to seeing it first and I gasped, "Oh my goodness, It is so beautiful!" Chris begged me to show him already and he was stunned at how fantastic it came out.  He chose our last name in bright Vegas Signage letters in Chocolate Frame with Double Mat and V-Groove.  The prints are so vibrant and eye catching.  The workmanship is excellent.  Our custom piece came signed and dated by Alphabet Photography founder and photographer Jennifer Blakeley. When Chris hung it up in our living room, our 6 month old Omar immediately noticed.  He couldn't stop looking at it for a few days.

It fits our family, it fits our home, it is us.  Alphabet Photography lived up to our standards and then some.  If you are looking to give the perfect gift this Holiday season, this is it.  Alphabet Photography's personalized products are exceptional.




The perfect customized gift that includes photographs from all over the world, this is the original Alphabet Photography. Celebrity owners include: Prince Charles, Prince William and Kate, Tyra Banks, Ryan Seacrest, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, John Schneider, Nelly Furtado, and many more!

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Alphabet Photography. The opinions and text are all mine.

Knott's Berry Farm Take Home Thanksgiving Dinner Review

We are a turkey loving family so when we were asked to review Knott's Berry Farm's Take Home Thanksgiving Dinner a couple weeks before Thanksgiving, we were like YES!!!  We can definitely do turkey a few times this year.  My in-laws and my family are in Texas so Thanksgiving Dinner for us is very low-key.  I do the cooking, we don't dress up and all of the boys lounge around all day because Chris usually has to go in to work late Thanksgiving night.

Knott's Berry Farm Take Home Thanksgiving Dinner is a great option for everyone.  You place your order by phone and pick up before or on Thanksgiving Day.  Pick up is easy - you pull up in the designated area during your time slot and your box is loaded into your car.  Easy, right?!?!

We got home and couldn't wait to dig in.  We're happy to say everything was good.  I know, how can we just say "everything was good"?!  Oh but it was - SO GOOD.  My picky 6 year old asked for mashed potatoes, corn, roll and turkey TWICE.  My husband had two servings!  And he teased that he needed a straw for the gravy.  I think he was serious though because after he said it, I wanted a straw too.  Now I'm not a fan of pickles.  I almost always order food without pickles but I couldn't keep away from the bread and butter pickles.  I really loved the candied yams too.  My husband's favorite is the country apple stuffing.  The turkey?  YUMMY!  We had it for 3 meals in 24 hours!


The Knott's Take Home Thanksgiving Dinner comes with a letter from Executive Chef Bobby Obezo and on the other side is helpful hints for reheating your meal!

Wondering what's in the box?  The meal consists of:

•  Complete 12-14 lb. Turkey
• 1 Quart of Country Apple Stuffing
• 2 Quarts of Mashed Potatoes
• 1 Quart of Candied Yams
• 8 oz. of Cranberry Sauce
• 8 oz. of Bread and Butter Pickles
• 1 Quart of Whole Kernel Corn
• 1 Dozen Farm Baked Rolls
• Butter and Boysenberry Preserves
• Choice of Boysenberry Pie or Pumpkin Pie

Vanilla Cool Whip Frosting to go on my Knott's Pumpkin Pie - YUMMY!

A holiday dinner on the go never tasted this good! Knott’s famous Take Home Thanksgiving Dinner offers a complete meal with all the fixings your family will love including a complete turkey or honey glazed ham, country apple stuffing, freshly baked rolls, warm candied yams, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, creamy giblet gravy, whole kernel corn, bread and butter pickles, and your choice of fresh boysenberry or pumpkin pie. For $99.95+tax, the Take Home Thanksgiving Dinner serves 6-8 people. Placing your order has never been so easy, simply visit www.knotts.com or call (714) 220-5055.


Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant will also offer a Thanksgiving Champagne Brunch, November 22, 2012, 9 am to 4 pm.  Guests can make reservations by calling (714) 220-5055
Adults: $29.95
Seniors: $23.95
Children: $17.95

The Knott's Thanksgiving Day Brunch features over 70 home-cooked dishes to enjoy:

• Three hand-carving stations offering Rib of Beef, Roasted Turkey, and Baked Ham
• Omelet Station
• Belgian Waffle Station
• Fresh Salads
• Pasta Station
• Peel and Eat Shrimp
• All Knott's classic dishes including Mrs. Knott's Chicken
• Fresh Thanksgiving Desserts from our bakery and much more!

Disclosure:  This is not a compensated post.  We were provided with a Turkey Dinner to review.  All thoughts are our own.

PEOPLE Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive & CVS Giveaway

PEOPLE Magazine is definitely a guilty pleasure for me.  One of the ways I love to relax after a long day with the kids is grabbing an issue (even past issues are great!), laying on the couch and seeing what celebrities are up to, what they are wearing and what they are doing.  The special issues rock.  My favorites are 100 Most Beautiful People and Sexiest Man Alive.  My vote for Sexiest Man Alive will always and forever be Johnny Depp.  That man is SO FINE.  My husband knows about my crush for Johnny Depp and I am hoping he is in PEOPLE Magazine's Annual Sexiest Man Alive issue again!

This year's Sexiest Alive Man issue hits the shelves this Thursday, November 15th and will only be available for 2 weeks!  Who do you think will win?  Who would you choose to win?  

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure:  This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media
Group™, but all my opinions are my own http://cmp.ly/3/KqtZiE.