TECHNOLOGY AND STORY TELLING

by with One Comment adventurecharitycommunityinspirationmommy diariestechnologytravel

I launched my brand back in 2009 and have developed an affinity of sharing my message through story telling. For me, it includes a side of comedy, always.

Being a creative in new media today means being able to do it all. To wear all the hats. Technology has been an especially vital tool in growing and conducting my business .. after all, it is entirely based online. It’s a beautiful thing to be able to engage with you all, across the globe, like we are now, time and space not stopping us! *says this while holding radio above head outside your window*

Celebrating technology and humanity came together this weekend when I was invited out to the Santa Monica Pier for the AT&T and TOMS #CelebrateGood event. To commemorate a decade of partnership between the two companies, I got to step inside a huge shoebox, and this is what they shared with us.

AT&T has helped TOMS grow their business since they began, 10 years ago, by powering their network and spreading their mission of one for one giving. Now, AT&T is giving fans a virtual reality experience that takes you on, “A Walk In Their Shoes.” I got to enjoy this incredible advance in technology that transported me to Colombia on an actual giving trip!

It’s pretty unbelievable how real it felt to be there along the giving trip. Being able to see the activities the kids were doing, and to look up, down, and around at everything they were seeing was unreal! I’m glad I was sitting down!

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I was immersed in experiences, after stepping aside from the VR station, I learned about the AT&T and TOMS partnership through this interactive 10 year timeline. Talk about being in awe of technology, I was using my feet to scroll through the years!

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Above is Blake Mycoskie, the Founder and Chief Shoe Giver of the company, who was on site walking around each station explaining the impact technology has had in sharing his company’s mission with the world.


I’m so happy to have shared this moment with you all, activating a shoe give, and being a part of this momentous occasion where technology and philanthropy came together. Fun fact, when you purchase a pair of TOMS, an additional pair is given to a child in need and the type of shoe gifted to them is dependent on where in the country they live!

I hope this inspires you to inspire and to view the 360 video and more, just click HERE for your VR tour!

If you could use your voice to spread a message, what would you say? We’re listening <33

 

 

 

 

 

This post is proudly brought to you in partnership with AT&T

Let’s Be Clear

by with No Comment fitnessmental healthmommy diariespersonalrantswellness

I used to resent being referred to as an “influencer”. Bleh- you want to group me in with people who create these unrealistic lifestyles and never show the real life that takes place behind all of their picture perfect social media squares? No thanks! But then I thought about it, leaders influence people and we’re all leaders in our way right? P.S. don’t come for my throat, I’m not saying all influencers do this, I’m referring to the people out there who are real ‘influencer buttholes’, you know the ones.

Because I realized that we can choose what we influence and how, and we can choose to not influence at all, even. But to have the “capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone”… wow, well that seems like a big responsibility to me. And honestly, some days I choose not to go too deep and just post about my burrito and some days I choose to go there. Like today. If what we’ve been through in life and how we’ve coped can help even ONE person, wouldn’t we want to influence in that way?

you’re not f*cking it all up and whatever you’re doing, you’re doing just great

I would’ve really loved to have that when Corrine was little. For someone tell me that I’m not f*ucking it all up, that we’d make it out a-okay, that my best was in fact enough, and that I birthed a baby and stretch marks ARE sexy! Holy hell can you imagine what that would’ve done for my confidence as a single mother and my self esteem as a person?

This was wayyy before Instagram , Facebook, and all the other social media platforms that exist today ever existed. So if I had a hard time adulting before all this (still do sometimes tbh) then I know that what our kids and these impressionable young minds (adult minds too c’mon now) are feeling and how it can weigh heavily on their mental health. I have an almost 22 year old daughter and to teach her to think outside of social media is a pain in the ass, and also a lesson I had to learn. PS I still have to remind myself of that, I have my days, trust.

Comparison is the thief of joy- Theodore Roosevelt

Every image… every.single.image. *claps hands, you know she means business* that is published in magazines, on billboards, etc. is retouched. I already knew that but a few of my friends have highlighted a page on Instagram called @beauty.false and others, where Real Life vs Instagram is showcased side by side. You guysssss, it’s pretty crazy what we see on social media versus real life… and hey I get it, I love a good filter! But I use VSCO to enhance the brightness not the booty. Let’s be clear, I love bright whites and shadows and light flares and bumping up saturation…but I’m not going to bump up my booty just to fit into these ‘new norms’ I’ve been seeing. Have you seen this? Where tiny women make their waists even tinier and where they make their asses look like a science experiment? To each their own, this is not a dig, but if you’re out there with an audience and you have a voice on any platform, and you’re not sharing your truths (should you choose to be an ‘influencer’, don’t @ me), then what the fuck are you doing?

it took me 0.5 seconds to cinch my waist and fill out my hip dips

I mean, I’m a fitness coach who loves food, drinks tequila, hulks out at the gym, and has hip dips, stretch marks, and cellulite. GASP! Now, will I post what I feel is a ‘bad’ photo of myself to Instagram? Probs not, but I will be honest about how bomb lighting, a flex, or a filter will make me feel like a GD supermodel. Oh man, I’ll go into the pressures of the industry on another day, but this topic really fires me up. I personally unfollow, delete, mute, block, whatever I gotta do to not have the BS of IG creepin’ on my inner dialogue. If I’m not interested in someone’s actual life or don’t talk to them IRL than I don’t feel bad doing that and you shouldn’t either. They’re the images and messages that will fill our personal space on the daily. I need to follow more cute animal accounts! Don’t we all <3

I’d like to hear your thoughts on this, I kind of went on a tangent (no surprise) so please tell me how you feel about social media. How do you feel about influencers, are you one? Do you feel the pressure to be authentic or inauthentic? Do you think about the content you see in your feed or do you mindlessly scroll for entertainment? I’m guilty of consuming IG in both ways…hello slime vids at 3am <3

this photo got so much praise which I’m grateful for because I do LOVE my body, but also: lighting, filter, flex baby <3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Self Care Every Day

Self Care Every Day

by with No Comment makeupmommy diarieswellness

Self care Sunday is a thing so says Instagram but also so says my soul. Except I think we should practice a lil self care every day don’t you?

It’s such a necessary practice to partake in to keep your skin glowy and your soul shiny. But the reality is that something I’ve experienced, is that mom guilt is real. Human guilt is real. That feeling like we don’t have time or that we don’t deserve a moment to reset and slow down and breath. And it’s complete BS.

Since when aren’t we allowed to take time out for ourselves to be still, can we change that? I want us to do something together, a lil Self Care Sunday or Monday or Tuesday or any or ALL days of the week. And lets share what we’re doing,  and it can be any time where you sit alone, or stretch to candle light, or bathe with a glass of wine, or eat a treat in your closet alone while the rest of the world outside loses their shit. Anything that settles your mind and relaxes your body.

I’ll start here with my self care Sunday routine that I did this morning over on my Instagram.

Madewell heart bandana – holds back all the hairs

Glossier Moon Mask – ultra hydrating, goes on like buttah, skin feels like silk after

Hempz exfoliating lip gloss – your lips have never known this kind of love

Sustainable cotton rounds – do good by your skin and by the Earth

Laneige lip mask – the mostest luscious evaaar

Osea Sea Vitamin Boost – so refreshing, a hydrating vitamin boost

 

So tell me bb, do you practice self lovin? Which day? Every day I hope but starting with one thing, one day a week, is a wonderful start <333

 

 

 

 

 

 

My morning routine and why you need one too!

by with No Comment familyfitnesslifestylemom lifemommy diariesmotivationreviews

This post was sponsored by Café Bustelo as part of an Influence Central campaign, however all opinions expressed here are my own.

I recently uploaded a video to my YouTube channel where I share with you some highs and lows I’ve experienced being a teen mom. I believe that so much of being a parent revolves around patience, understanding, and the desire to teach over the desire to punish. So much easier said than done when your emotions are high and your tolerance is low, I know. Though my Corriney is 19 years old, this mama is still very much a part of #TeamNoSleep!

Something I touch on in my video is the importance of setting aside time each day that is just for you. As a mom and a generally compassionate person, a lot of my time is spent making sure that everyone around me is okay. So much so that sometimes I forget that I need to do that for myself too, or I start to feel like the walls are closing in.

My morning routine, that’s just for me. I’m a coffee and carbs kind of morning person and I love waking up before anyone else does. There’s something really special about enjoying quiet, still mornings before the day begins. I’m up around 6am to doodle in my planner, prep for the gym, and set my intentions for the day over a cup of coffee and puppy snuggles. The pups love our morning routine just as much as I do because they get 100% of my attention before I run a muck for the day.


As a part of Hispanic Heritage Month, Café Bustelo® K-Cup® Pods launched at Target and I couldn’t wait to try them. They’re espresso style and just what I need to literally kick start my day- I mean I head to bootcamp before Joe leaves for work on most days. My favorite way to enjoy a cup each morning is cafe con leche style with warm milk, cinnamon, and sugar … oh and whipped cream!

During the week it’s a cup of cafe con leche with toast and eggs, something simple and fast that I can just run out the door with. On weekends when both Corrine and Joe are home, their favorite lately has been my huevos rancheros quinoa bowls! It’s spicy, protein packed, and delicious!



I didn’t know if my Target was going to have the Café Bustelo K Cup Pods but lucky for me they were easy to find- bright in color and displayed with the rest of the K Cup Pods. I’ve got to tell you, as a coffee connoisseur, I’m swooning over Café Bustelo’s bold flavor that I can still taste through the milk, sugar, and whipped cream I pair it with. It has this full bodied, rich flavor, that you can both smell and taste. I know that sounds a bit woo woo but once you’ve tried it you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about!

Do yourself a favor and adopt a morning routine that’s just for you, and however you take your coffee, try Café Bustelo! It’s available at Target in whole bean, ground, K-Cup Pods, instant, and brick, so pick some up and try it the way I have it each morning. You can get 10% off with the Target Cartwheel app, you know I love a great bargain!

I’ll link you to my video here, please Subscribe if you haven’t already, I have a whole series where I just chat mom life <3 You do you and get on a routine that’s realistic and manageable, and remember that mamas need a break sometimes too.

Do you have a morning routine? How do you carve out time each day just for you? 

 

 

 

 

Raspberry Champagne Float – Wine Not Wednesday!

by with No Comment hostinglifestylemommy diariesparty ideaswine not wednesday

For all my fellow #winemoms out there, this is for you! My babes over at Tone It Up started a Wine Not Wednesday IN their meal plan, talk about balance! It inspired me to get shakin’ and I’ll take it up a notch each week for you here, sharing my favorite cocktails, spirits, and liqueurs – because sometimes wine’s not enough and a cocktail is in order! So cheers to feelin’ frisky, no whining allowed. Pun intended.


Raspberry Champagne Float

Shake it up baby! You’ll need:

  • glass of champagne
  • your favorite sherbet
  • fresh fruit

Mix it all together and enjoy babes! It is National Ice Cream Day on the 16th so double cheers to the freakin’ weekend <3

Are there any particular ingredients you’d like to see used in next week’s #winenotwednesday?

 

 

 

My natural and cruelty-free beauty routine!

by with 4 Comments get the lookhealthmommy diariesreviewsskin carewellness

It started off slowly with me switching over to a natural deodorant at first. But now I’ve fully submerged myself – and my entire family – into the world of au natural! I’ve got paraben free, sulfate free, cruelty free products all around my bathroom, and even Joe now (reluctantly) wears all natural deodorant.

I say reluctant because he gave me an eye roll when I threw out the 4 Costco antiperspirants he purchased last month but I mean, health. Also, his mom is a breast cancer survivor, which to me means everyone in our entire merged family should jump on this bandwagon. It’s really hard to find ‘natural’ products that ACTUALLY work so today I’m sharing with you my tried, tested, and approved list of skincare, body care, and hair care products that I currently have on repeat this summer. Here’s my natural and cruelty-free beauty routine and I can’t be held responsible when you too become obsessed.

I dumped out my skincare dufffffel and here goes:

OSEA – a natural, vegan, organic, non-toxic, family owned brand that’s been giving me life since I first discovered their Atmosphere Protection Cream. It protects your skin from pollution, the weather, and sets your face up for success. Yes you read that right, welcome to the new power suit, yo face. Here’s the breakdown babes: cleanse, tone, refresh, protect. Their Ocean Cleanser is super gentle, it’s an organic seaweed gel and it exfoliates and hydrates your skin all at once. When you’re done un-dulling your skin, hit it with a few spritzes of the Sea Vitamin Boost! It’s rich in antioxidants, locks in moisture, and is perfect to tote around for mid-day pick me ups. My absolute favorites especially during this warmer weather!

Mario Badescu – cleansing lotion that smells like cucumbers, I love swabbing this over my face with a cotton round after I’ve washed my face. It removes any residue makeup and isn’t drying at all.

Color Lover – primer 11 is a leave-in treatment that is free of sulfates and parabens, it strengthens and moisturizes your hair. If you’re like me and you color and curl all the time, you’ll love this and it smells great.

PUR – hydrafluid I love for these warmer months because it’s a sheer, lightweight tinted moisturizer that is buildable enough that you don’t have to wear another foundation over it. It’s for my more dry skinned readers out there as it’s a bit oily and leaves your skin looking dewy and fresh.

Nip Fab – hydrate hyaluronic acid shot can be combined with any moisturizer to to give you an extra boost of hydration. I add one drop to my 2 pumps of OSEA atmosphere protection cream each morning and my skin looks low 20’s and not mid 30’s lol

Native – all natural aluminum free deodorant! Back at it again with this product because I won’t stop until you’ve all converted! We’re supposed to sweat, we’re human baby. This one featured is their Grapefruit and Bergamont scented deodorant and I almoooost love it even MORE than the coconut vanilla . . . almost 😉 It’s so good!

And all things Coola – I’m a loyal daily consumer of these 3 products right here. The usual suspects, they’re mineral based, they don’t feel thick, greasy, or heavy, and they hydrate and protect your face and body. Not to mention, they smell like a tropical getaway. Do ittt, ahem GUAVA MANGO, you won’t regret anything from this line. It’s my final line of defense in my daily beauty routine, right before I apply primer and foundation. I’ll never go back to using store bought SPF ever.ever.never.again.


There you have it friends! My updated beauty routine! I’d never suggest a product to you that I myself don’t use and trust, so I hope you give some of these a try and let me know what you think!

Are there any all natural products that you’re currently obsessing over?

 

 

TOP 10 FREE THINGS TO DO WITH THE FAMILY!

by with One Comment adventureartDIYfamilymommy diariesparenting

I had a really nostalgic moment today, I was remembering that as a kid, each weekend my family and I would drive over to the local Blockbuster to hand-pick movies for the weekend. If you’re lucky enough to remember those good ol’ days than this will spark some fun memories, and if you were born after Blockbuster and MC Hammer pants, than just imagine this: My sister, brother, and I would walk up and down the aisles reading the synopsis on the backs of each VHS (yes VHS days) or DVD, beg our parents for popcorn and candy, and then we’d decide which movies we’d rent . . . as a family. I mean, it DID depend on if it were a $2.99 or $4.99 rental and IF you could have it for two days or FOUR, but it really was just some good ol’ clean family bonding times. Gahhh can we bring back some of that!

I thought today I’d share with you my favorite things to do with my Corriney and Joe, not to mention they’re practically free! So here are my top 10 free (almost) things to do with the family!

PAINT NIGHT – places like Color Me Mine can be a bit pricey especially if you have more than 1 child, so why not head over to Michael’s (or the DOLLAR STORE woot!) pick up some paints and craft paper and boom, paint night at home! Ahem for you parents out there, this is also a wonderful time to bust out a bottle of wine and crank up some paint night tunes!

PICNIC – best thing is eating your favorite food, outside, on a blanket, listening to the birds chirp. Picnics are easy I promise! For this particular day we went to Trader Joe’s and spent under $10 for a baguette and cheese, threw some fruit and drinks into our picnic basket and enjoyed our fancy shmancy picnic outside. Pro tip: when you’ve forgotten to pack cutlery just simply eat with your hands! Also, watermelon eaten with your hands will get sticky. Also also, farmers markets make for the best treats and have home made PIE (featured below is caramel pecan for your viewing pleasure)!




HIKE – get out and get movin’! Pointing things out in nature, identifying plants and animals while you’re with the kiddos, and then picnicking at the end of it . . . leads straight into my next favorite thing!

HIKE ANNND PICNIC – okay okay this is me cheating by combining my two faves but for realizies! If you hike to the top of that mountain or stroll to the other side of that park and then add in a PICNIC, it’s the best thing ever! Go ahead, enjoy that refreshing sticky watermelon with your hands!

BOARD GAMES – you guys my family and I used to play Dungeons And Dragons, like the board game version! Oh yes, we were supes popular in school LOL I legit think a wonderful team building activity is a board game or arts and crafts. You learn how to NOT be a sore loser *me* and how to appreciate a night in with board games and crafting. And remember when crafting, “God don’t make no junk”- 100 points to whomever can guess where that’s from! LOL

MUSEUMS – or art exhibits even! These are fun, free (mostly), AND you’ll all learn something along the way. Fun fact, I got really into the stars and constellations as a child and even wanted to be an astronaut. Visiting museums absolutely contributed to that dream! Can you tell from this list so far that I’m a HUGE nerd?! I love nerds <3

COOK TOGETHER – how fun to teach the kids (and your significant other) how to cook! The stirring, the spices, the creativity of it all, it’s one of my favorite things to do even when we do nothing but make mac n cheese together while noshing on snacks in the kitchen. It’s fun to ‘Pinterest pluck’ and just make a recipe you wouldn’t usually make, get cookin!

MOVIE NIGHT – reminiscent of Blockbuster night, movie night is the best way to snuggle up with your babes and make popcorn the old fashioned way! Toss all of the pillows and blankets onto the floor and just have one big ol’ slumber party – onesies highly encouraged!

TALENT SHOW – how fun right? Lets put on a talent show for one another! Sing, dance, put on a play, it’s just so fun to be silly and encouraging. Also, this is how those blooper reels from America’s Got Talent are created so lets also be real with one another mkayyy! 😉

GO FOR A DRIVE – alright, so this is gonna sound super cheesy but one of my favorite things in life ever, is to just pack up the car, my family, and puppy Luna and drive. Drive to another city, explore another town, anything, but ya gotta do it! The open road is full of new adventures … and new places to eat teehee 😀

 

I hope you enjoyed this list of fun and almost free things to do with your loved ones, you could even refer to this for fun date night ideas!

Are there any other things that you love to do that we can add to this list? Share! <333

 

 

 

 

 

BEST MOM FRIENDLY BATHING SUITS

by with 4 Comments bridalfashionget the lookinspirationleisurelifestylemommy diariesstyleweddingwedding planning

If I’m being honest, I really hate when things are referred to as being ‘mom friendly’, and I’m a mom! I don’t know if it’s me assuming the phrase denotes negativity or it’s just me being paranoid that I’m fully defined by my mom hat. Either way I really wanted to share my favorite ‘mom friendly’ bathing suits.

I say that with a smirk because here I am saying it’s crappy to say ‘mom bod’ or ‘dad bod’ like what the hell does that even mean? But in this case, this momma over here has some rips and tears in this fabric and there’s just some bathing suits I prefer to wear! But these styles still make me feel beautiful, sexy, and fierce, which is important to me because I love to feel feminine! Whether you’re trying to conceal your tummy area, hips, or booty and thighs, I’ve got ya covered, literally! Disclaimer: rock your damn body no matter your size or shape because we only get one body in this life, so we mine as well love the shit out of it! We’re perfect just the way we are. *I have to remind myself of this all the time* <333

THE HIGH-WAISTED BIKINI


I’m especially fond of this type of bikini even though you run the risk of looking like you’re in a diaper haha I’ll take my chances! This conceals whatever pooch it is that I think I have, I also got a few stretch marks from having my daughter so beyond wearing a one-piece, this is my favorite version of a bikini. Also this style has scrunched Brazilian cut bottoms so you’re booty looks hot hot hot!

THE CROCHET SEXY ONE PIECE


Honestly, this is probably my all time favorite go-to bathing suit. I even wear it under jeans as seen here, or with a summer skirt because I think it can double as a sexy top. Crochet one pieces come in so many different colors and styles and if you’re trying to conceal your tummy or your hips, and even if you’re busty, I think this style flatters everyone. I refer to this bathing suit as my ‘mommy cover-up’ but it’s actually the best version of a one-piece that I’ve ever put on. It’s sexy but not offensive. And even if it were, if people don’t like it, tell them to close their eyes.

THE SIDE-CUTOUT ONE PIECE / COVER UP

Processed with Snapseed.

I just purchased this suit for our trip to Azul Beach trip when we did our wedding site visit because I wanted as many options for the beach and pool that I could possibly pack! I fell in love with this style because it’s got an open back, a higher neckline, deep side cut outs, and it comes attached to it’s own mesh cover up. This felt stunning on, I felt sexy yet modest . . . though I did have to keep tugging at the sides as to not have a nip slip, but hey, all’s fair when you’re on vacation. This style is perfect for concealing just about anything, for us bustier ladies though, be cautious of your lady bits when you’re in the pool LOL

So these are my favorite styles for us ladies, whether you’re a momma like me or if you just want a little more coverage in some areas, I think these bathing suits will make you feel beautiful, sexy, and fierce!

Rock it baby!

Are there any particular styles that you like that weren’t featured in today’s article? Do you like a high-waisted bikini even if you aren’t trying to conceal anything? What’s your style?! Do tell!

 

 

HOW TO PARENT THE INTERNET

by with No Comment entertainmentmommy diariesparentingvideowedding planning

Whoa that’s a bit ambitious I know! But I like it! I have to say, with the ever latest and not-so-greatest entertainment buzz about the Biebers and Kardashians of the world, as a mom and fellow consumer of social media- I HATE everything about it. All the bub bub and mind numbing content that’s out there unfortunately I have to admit, that I get a kick out of sometimes! Guilty! Sometimes I just scroll through to scroll without thinking or drawing thoughts of anything in particular about … anything in particular. So I decided I would figure out how to parent the internet. Well try to anyway in that I’ll just talk about it. All of it. Social media, raising a teenage daughter in the age of photoshop and waist trainers, first time stories, and last time choices.

The series will live on my YouTube channel (pssst Subscribe if you haven’t already so you don’t miss out on any of my ramblings) and will kick to some content here for you on my blog. A place for me to detail some things in my life, lessons I’m teaching my daughter Corrine, and lessons I’m continuing to learn myself. I’ve kind of grown fond of the idea that I can alternate between trending entertainment news and my own real-life news that touches on things from my current wedding planning (or lack there of), to all the ‘things you’ll need to know about shaving your legs for the first time’. A conversation between the internets and I, youngster or fellow parent, about the woes and wins in life. And I’m SO DAMN EXCITED about this!

The first video in the series is here and it’s an introduction to my weird and awkward ways of bringing up things like sex and teen parenting, and how to talk about them in a normal-person type of way. Normal-person, to be used lightly.

To break up the awkwardness of each episode, whether it’s my eye roll at the Kardashians or my embarrassing story about stuffing my bra in HIGH SCHOOL, I will throw in my own relatable real life stories. And pictures.

So here are some baby pictures of my Corriney to start off the series- a chat about teen parenting and how babies are an amazing gift … when you’re ready for them <333

Corrine and I when she was only a few months old, and 16 year old Chola me! Oh that lipliner!

Corrine is 2 and I’m 18, the day I got my very first tattoo! One that my mom picked out and paid for … a rose with a butterfly on it of course. Hey, it was the 90’s!

A side by side of Corrine when she was a baby and when she was 16. Can we just hit reset?

Ahh my baby at her High School graduation! She was 17 … and I … well we won’t talk about that.

This doll face angel princess is 18 here, this is from her 18th birthday! A day of French food, old movies, and good food with people we love!

A collage of the good ol’ days! Elmo is still a thing!

Corrine was 2 and I was 18. I also wanted to be J-Lo here, and also, I still do!

And us today. My rock, my heart and soul, holding me up when I’m not holding her up. We lean most of the time <3 This was taken at Gracias Madre on my 35th birthday. Man, I feel so much more comfortable in my own skin and vibrant today then I ever did at 25 dammit! Something I’ll also talk about in this series.

So please share with me some topics you’d like to see me cover! Some days Corrine or Joe (or both) will be joining me for the conversation so give us some things to chat about with you!