:: Camila's Birthday Surprise:: by Houston Events Galore #ad

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is a compensated post in collaboration with Houston Events Galore. All opinions and statements expressed below are my own and true and honest.}

The night before her 4th Birthday Camila said "Mom tomorrow is my birthday, surprise me and have all my friends over." I think the pictures are indeed worth a thousand words. Thanks to Houston Events Galore, I not only surprised her but her entire school! I was beyond happy to be able to make my little loves day! 

I might have cried a little during my photo editing. My little baby. So beautiful. So Thankful. So sweet. I truly think that every little girl should be treated like a Princess. And, if you too want to surprise your little darling loves, then read on. Today on the blog I am featuring a local Houston Momma who's passion is so bright and shines through her work. 

Crystal and her crew over at H.E.Galore, are so talented and definitely fulfilling a beautiful purpose. The dreams created and fulfilled, were so evident on March 25th, when Elsa flowed into the hallways of our daycare. As you can see, Crystal is not only a gorgeous Elsa but a passionate entrepreneur. From the details in her appearance to the amazing "show" that she exhibits. She not only brings her character to life but she also engages with the kids and truly makes them feel as if they are in a magical kingdom. For this day her beauty and soft spoken voice helped her embody the princess EVERY girl wants to be these day. 

She then provides an actual real life coronation. See for yourself and learn more about Crystal's business in today's shop feature:

::About Houston Events Galore::

Lucia Cortinas & Crystal Velasquez are the Founders of Houston Events Galore.

Lucia is the creative brain of this business She brings almost 20 years of experience when it comes to décor, arrangements, and centerpieces. She truly loves it! She has a gnat for decorating and can spot beauty and art out of chaos. 

Crystal is the entertainer. She is a singer at heart and has been performing in front of large audiences since she was 7 years old. She loves the art of being able to channel a character and bring them to life but most importantly she loves to be surrounded by children.

Together we wanted to serve our community in a positive manner and share the love of our work. 

We started this business out of love {as cliché as it sounds}. We truly love what we do but most importantly we truly enjoy it. Our inspiration and motivation comes from our very own homes. We have children who range in age as young as 10 months and as old as 20 years old. They are the reason why this form of entertainment came about.  {Connect with us on Social Media} 

Website: www.houstoneventsgalore.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/houstoneventsgalore/Twitter: https://twitter.com/EventsGaloreHouFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Houstoneventsgalore
 
{Current Offers}

We are currently offering $25 off of every package. Effective June 1st our rates will go up!

{More fun facts about Houston Events Galore founders}

We are both bilingual. 

I tend to be the most creative late at night when the house is quiet and the entire world is asleep {unless you're awake like me}. I immediately get up and go to my office {which is my garage, lol} and jot everything down because I don’t want to miss a thing. 

As funny as it sounds lately our favorite saying is “Let it go”.  You can easily get worked up over something not going your way or a deal falling through… instead of allowing the negative thought to overtake you and discourage you… we just tell each other "Let it go", well I sing it lol.                  

::Cami:: 4 years of Blessings...

{Birthday Letters are kind of a big deal for us, you can read the yearly series ::HERE::}

When God blesses you, it's always to the fullest. Santiago was only 10 1/2 months when I found out I would be a Momma again. I cried, in fear. Another baby. I couldn't possibly do it. My plate was "so full" already. Months later we found out we were having a Girl. Oh boy. The tears were new. Happy. Blessed. Joyous. My heart was full now. Our family complete. Our lives made new. Never would I have thought that I would have the amazing little Princess Diva that runs our house today.

A letter to my daughter on what the last 4 years with her have been about and who she is today:

::Dear Camila::

Today you turn 4. You act like you are 13 year olds and talk for days. You love to dance. You make the silliest of faces. Your favorite things are dancing to Bruno Mars-Uptown Funk You Up and Maroon 5-Sugar; as well as making your brothers life impossible. It's good, keeps him on his toes. He is rough and you guys fight a lot but he loves you so much. And, you admire him. I pray this continues. 

When you throw fits {and oh my do you throw fits} he is the one that helps calm you. It works sometimes. He does his best. You love wearing makeup, dressing up and nail polish {lots and tons of nail polish, in every shade of pink}. You asked just this week if you can dye your hair pink. Don't know where you get all of this from but it makes for interesting days, and it keeps me on my toes. You are very girly. Very. 

You love dresses. But you also love dirt. You are super sweet, caring and sensitive. But, you can also be feisty and tough. You speak "Spanish" when you want {it's usually a cuss word or something you shouldn't be saying. Totally our fault.} and claim that your Brother is SO Mexican. Not sure what that makes you. 

You love everything Princess and you act like one too. You love your GranPa Chuy. You love your teacher and you even wear your sweater around your waist like her. It's hard to see you in pain or when you are sick, because you are so tiny. The last 4 years have flown by. You are no longer my chubby little baby, you are now my skinny long leg baby. 

You finally, yes barely {no judgement please}, moved on from your "titi" and are now a "big gurl" and drink from a Sippy. It took me a long time to allow you to let go. I had to. You look crazy with a bottle. 

You have the funnest dance moves, you care very little about what others may think of you and you are most definitely yourself. I don't ever want you to think that you can't be yourself. I want you to know that you should above all love who you were created to be. I want your confidence to grow, I want your little wings to give you the energy needed to be who ever you want to be. I want you to follow your dreams. Never allow others to tell you otherwise. Be yourself. 

You are stubborn. A lot. You want things done your way. You are competitive. And, you are outspoken and not shy. I don't want that to change. But, I do want you to use your personality for the better, for your own well-being and to become a strong, confident grown-up. 

The last 4 years have been a heart-filled life lesson and one of the biggest blessings God could give us . The light and colors that you bring into our lives shine brighter everyday. I pray that you continue to shine. That your smile grows and remains, that your heart is soft but your eyes wide open. Don't be naive to the world around you. You are smarter than that. Don't go with the flow just because, have a purpose and reason.  

Your laugh is contagious. You are our little baby no matter what. And, always will be. We love you. So much. Much more than you can ever imagine. I know that right now, you don't like that I have so many rules, that I am constantly watching what you do. Or, that I might push you to try even though you want to give up. You will thank me later in life. I hope. 

You are everything we could have ever wanted in a perfect little Princess baby. And so much more. 

God has filled our home with amazing love.  {You and your Brother are the life of this place..without you we would be nobody.}

Love you ALWAYS so much more, 

Your Momma

::Tacos con Land O'Lakes:: Giveaway

::Momma Disclosure:: {I received a toaster/oven, $25 gift card and a butter spreader from Land O’Lakes in connection with this post. All opinions are my own.}

These days we have so much to keep up with, and it can be difficult to try and figure out what’s in our food.  Thankfully Land O’Lakes, keeps it easy to know #quehayentumargarnia! Thanks to their yummy recipes I was able to prepare a healthy and delicious meal for my family last night. The yummy tacos were both sweet and spicy and the butter with canola oil is so creamy it gives your meat the best blend of flavors. 

Did you know that Land O Lakes^® Butter with Canola Oil is made with only three real ingredients?Sweet cream, canola oil and salt. Many margarine's contain up to 15 ingredients.  You will love its great wholesome, delicious flavor and its spreadable convenience. It's soft texture made it easy to not only use to prepare my food but to spread on toast to snack on as I got my meal together! 

A little more about Land O'Lakes: The Land O’ Lakes^® Butter with Canola Oil is made with pride by Land O’Lakes. With more than 90 years of experience in dairy products, Land O’ Lakes is a trusted name. Land O'Lakes^® is a farmer-owned cooperative whose members produce sweet cream that's churned into Land O Lakes^® Butter.

I often like to say that I am not that great at cooking but I do love simple meals with great ingredients. And, although I am no chef I often enjoy making my family happy by preparing good, homemade, healthy meals. With Land O Lakes^® Butter with Canola Oil and their flavorful, wholesome choice of butter with no artificial ingredients, a busy Momma like myself can feel good about serving it to my family.  Land O'Lakes’ ^® farm families take pride in the butter they help produce because they care what you feed your family. The product is spreadable right out of the refrigerator, making it so convenient for you.

Below is the recipe to not only the delicious tacos I prepared last night but also to a green bean dish that is sure to be a hit with your entire family! It was quick and easy.

You too can create these great meals for your family; by signing up to WIN a $35 gift card and a butter spreader!! You can also obtain Land O'Lakes a coupon to use at your local 

retailer by clicking here: http://coupons2.smartsource.com/smartsource/index.jsp?Link=JPMPGWRQA2ES6.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

::Friday Letters:: Grace & Thankfulness

Hello Friday, 

For most, this day is one to rejoice in because it's the end of a hard work week. For me, Friday's usually mean the beginning of my second jobs work week. No, not my job as a Momma or Wife, because that is never ending, but my job as a blogger. Writer and Doer of THINGS, I know I'm a busy body. A year ago began a very busy season for my blog. While I love writing and events, I feel the start of a new season coming on. And, although most won't believe me, I am slowing down. 

The commitment will be less. Not because I don't love blogging and going to events but because I am at a stand still in all places that I stand. I am not excelling at one thing or another, I am in between. So, it's time to choose a path, a road, a journey and excel in that. I want to write a book. I want to be more emotionally involved in my community and I want to be more purposeful with my family and career. Yes, it involves SOME blogging so I won't be ditching it altogether but I'm changing my direction, once more. It's my own way of re-branding!

Thank you Friday for the perspective of how busy I really am! Not complaining, I'm just going to make changes! I am very thankful for everything and everyone in my life. I want to be happy and graceful, thankful and filled with joy. I know what I have to do to change all this and I am working on it.

Dear Beautiful Children,

I love you both. So much. Thank you for making my life chaotic and wild. I need that balance in my life. Sorry for not always being the best Momma. I try hard everyday to learn from my mistakes, to love and to hold you longer, & to give you kisses and understanding. I know I yell too much and it probably will not get better. Sorry. I love you though more than anyone ever will. You are strong and confident & I don't want that to ever change. I always want that to grow every day. I will do my best to give you the guidance you need and the encouragement to pursue you dreams and be happy.

Ricardo (the Hubby), 

Thank you for putting up with me. I love you! Did I say thank you for putting up with me? I mean it. Thank you for loving me the way I am and for who I am, even though I b*tch & complain so much. I will try to stop but you know watching Empire gets me all kinds of hyped up! #CookieMonsters, just sayin'!

Hello Blog Readers!!! 
I truly appreciate all the LOVE and support!!!! Most my social medias are at 1K my cup runneth over! I love the journey of growth and your following. I love hearing from you and reading your comments! Thank you for being here!!!!! 

Love Always, 

Connie~Momma of Dos. 

::Wordless Wednesday:: Kinda... #RodeoHouston Edition

As some of you may know, one of my biggest passions has always been volunteer work. Giving back to my community and being involved as a Houston Latina Professional, Momma and now Blogger is very important to me. It adds value to my purpose and creates a sense of pride that no one can take from me.  

This year it rained and it poured but nothing stopped me from going to my Rodeo Houston Committeeman meetings and reaching my goals to help raise money for scholarships! With the help of so many amazing clients and constant supporters, I buckled! What does this mean? I raised a little over 12K in scholarship money for my committee and for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. 

Hard work, dedication, commitment and perseverance pays off.  I firmly believe in this. ~Momma of Dos 

                             {Rodeo Art as exhibited in the Houston Intercontinental Airport}

How to be a Momma to a Girly Girl?

As you may know I am a Momma to a son and then I am Momma to a Girl. GIRL. Did I mention Girl? She is not just any girl; she is "a" girl. Very detail oriented, remembers everything you say and loves her clothes and hair a certain way. If you see me on Social Media you might think... she is just like you! And, yes to some extent I am  a Girly Girl. But, as I have gotten older and become a Momma I have become very tom boyish, plain Jane, and am VERY comfortable with it all. 

I don't care to do my hair every day. I no longer sleep with hot rollers and face masks. I should tho. I am happy being frumpy me on most days. But, the comfort makes me forget. I forget that I too loved being girly and that my Cami is just starting to be a girly girl. 

Today I will share 5 ways that I will be a Momma to a Girly girl so that she can be herself and learn that we can be beautiful and smart all at once. 

::5 ways to be a Momma to a Girly Girl::

1) Paint her Toes~ One of Camila's favorite things is to paint her nails. I am usually busy and rarely get a chance to get pedicures of my own but when I do, it feels amazing. I love feeling pampered, who doesn't right? The other night all Camila wanted was her toes painted. I didn't want to be bothered. I tend to forget how fun and awesome it feels to have someone pamper you. I want my daughter to feel loved and pampered. Because she deserves it and much more! Plus she will learn that all of her hard work deserves some relaxing and treating yourself. 

2) Give her Space~ Giving Camila her own space and allowing her to be herself gives her confidence and strength. I love that she knows exactly what she loves. Yes she is only 4 but trust me she is very good at knowing what she loves; these days it's lip gloss and nail polish. She has true collections and is very proud of them. I don't ever want to stop her from being herself. I know plenty of beautiful Makeup Artist and women who look amazing and are CEO's.  Camila will choose who she wants to be and I want to give her that space but with guidance. 

3) Let her Dress herself~ A great way that Camila shows individuality is in dressing herself. Trust me most days she does a lot better than I would. Often my Husband says I won't be able to afford her, but my number one priority will be to teach my daughter to work hard and be able to afford herself. It's an example that I had growing up, my Momma was independent and I have been as well. My Sister and I own what we have because we bought it. No need to be dependent on others for stuff.  A little strong for a 4 year old? Yep. It is but she definitely needs to learn it. 

4) She can be  Princess whenever she wants~ She is 4, reality is years away. I want my child to be a child. That means if she wakes up and feels her inner Princess shinning on any given day, she should be able to be a PRINCESS darnit! She is in our home. We love her. While we want her to constantly learn value, morals and self-esteem we also want her to be a child and enjoy life. With or without her crown. 

5) Give her attention~ I want to genuinely give her my time and attention. Some days are difficult but the more time that I can give her the better she will communicate with me. She loves to talk. I will learn to listen, always. She is one of the loves of my life and she deserve all of my time and attention. Her and her brother have a lot of patience for me and my writing in return I like to think that I can be patient with them and what they need. Camila is so loving, she loves to spend time with me and I love her so much. I want to always show her that I care and listen. Communication will be essential in later years. 

#VivaLaMorena Chipotles Make my Day ::Recipe:: #ad

Momma Disclosure {This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #VivaLaMorena #CollectiveBias}

In our home we love eating homemade traditional meals. Most of the time we call on one of the GrandMa's to share their recipes for us. Especially when we are looking for good meatless alternatives. One of my personal favorites are "tortas de papa". I know you are probably imagining these huge "bolillos" stuffed with potatoes but nope. What they are is little round potatoe patties covered in egg and slightly browned in oil.  For this recipe I decided to bring out some traditional flavors and created a tomatoe and chipotle based "caldillo" or sauce. So, my mini-me and I went to our local La Michoacana Meat Market to purchase some La Morena Chipotles & La Morena sliced jalapeños. You know just to add a little kick to our delicious dinner. 

What you will need to create this meatless meal:

• 2-3 large potatoes
• 2 eggs
• tomatoes
• 1- can of  La Morena chipotle chiles 
• seasonings~garlic salt and pepper
• onion and garlic
• 2 tablespoons of bouillon
• 2 cups of water  

First, I set my potatoes to boil. I usually don't add seasoning here. 

Then I start with my sauce. I blend; tomatoes, 1 clove of garlic, a couple of slices of onion and the 2 tablespoons of bouillon and depending on how spicy you want it to be, I add about 1/2 a can of La Morena chipotles. I blend it all with about 2 cups of water. Depending on the consistency I might add more water if it's too thick. You want the sauce to be thin like a soup. 

I then put the sauce in a pan to simmer while I prepare my potatoes patties. 

I add the 2 eggs to a bowl and scramble them until the yoke is completely blended. And, set them aside.

Once the potatoes are cooked and soft I peel and mash them, lumpy are my favorites so I try not to mash them too much. I add garlic salt and pepper to taste. I then grab about a small handful of the potatoes and mold them by hand into small round semi-flat patties. I cover them lightly with egg and  in a small already prepared pan with some oil I lightly brown the patties.  

Your patties and caldillo are complete. If you want to make it a good all around healthy meal you can place them on top of some brown rice. For my children today, I made spaghetti and added the patties on top. They can also be paired with your favorite lentil soup or lima bean soup. Both traditional for this season. 

I've shared my favorite traditional flavors. I'd love to hear about yours! Leave a comment sharing some of your favorite meatless meals during this season.

#Insurgent ::Movie Pack Giveaway::

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is a compensated post in collaboration with Allied-THA . All opinions and statements expressed below are my own and true and honest.}

Seems that these days the "Woman Power" movies have me hooked. Of course! Who doesn't love women kicking butt and taking names? It truly inspires me. I too feel empowered to take over and overcome. So many out there but this new series has me intrigued. It’s time that women are represented in roles where we can show off not only that we can be beautiful women but that we are smart, leaders and strong. I think that Tris in the Divergent series embodies all of these qualities. Stepping outside of the cookie cutter manipulated community that she lives in Tris is now doing everything possible to save her family and herself. Filled with obstacles and complications she is determined to be the hero of her own story. I love it.

The new movie in this series is set to release on Friday March 20^th, but thanks to great Houston marketing company you and a guest can go watch the movie at a local pre-release!  Follow the Divergent series on Social Media and enter to win.  Follow Momma of Dos on Social Media not only to enter to win but to receive updates and new on this giveaway and others. 

::En Español::

THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT aumenta las apuestas para Tris mientras busca aliados y respuestas en las ruinas de una Chicago en el futuro. Tris (Woodley) y Four (James) son ahora fugitivos y se ven perseguidos por Jeanine (Winslet), la líder de la élite de los Eruditos, que tienen una gran sed de poder. En una carrera contra el tiempo, deberán descubrir qué es lo la familia de Tris protegió con sus vidas, y por qué los líderes de Erudición harán cualquier cosa para detenerlos. Atormentada por las elecciones que tomó en el pasado pero desesperada por proteger a sus seres queridos, Tris, con Four a su lado, deberá enfrentar un desafío tras otro mientras descubren la verdad sobre el pasado y, en última instancia, sobre el futuro de su mundo.

La película de esta serie se estrena el dia viernes 20 de marzo, pero usted y un invitado puede asistir a un estreno antes del viernes aquí en Houston! Siga la serie de Divergent en las redes sociales y entre para ganar los boletos. Siga Momma of  Dos en las redes sociales no sólo para entrar para ganar sino para recibir actualizaciones y noticias nuevas en este sorteo y otros.

Official Website: http://www.thedivergentseries.com/ 

Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheDivergentSeries 

Official Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/DIVERGENT 

Official Instagram Account: www.instagram.com/thedivergentseries

Official Pinterest Page: www.pinterest.com/insurgentmovie

Follow on Snapchat: DivergentSeries

Hashtags: #Insurgent #InsurgentTrailer #DivergentFandom 

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::Wordless Wednesday:: Kinda....

I started blogging in 2008, haven't stopped since and haven't looked back. I don't think it's something I knew I would do. It's also not something I planned or had a plan for it just kind of happened. I loved writing and became intrigued with other Bloggers success. Initially it was all about the writing and then slowly I learned that it was balance of words and pictures that readers like, especially other Momma's. I too am a visual learner so I love blogs with a good combination of inspiring words and beautiful pictures. 

One thing I do know is that I strive to grow more and simply thrive. Blogging has now become my life, part of my career plan and more importantly my passion. I love it. I live it. And I love sharing it with others. 

This past weekend my friend Ari from 3TwentySix and I set out on a an early morning adventure from our side of town to the Woodlands. We met some new bloggers, saw old friends and realized how much we want to THRIVE in this business. Wait for it..... we have some ideas brewing. 

At the end of the day...it's all about being honest, being friendly being humble and doing what you LOVE to do! What about you, do you want to THRIVE and are you doing what you love to do?