Houston~ Cricket HLSR Sweepstakes

Cricket® Wireless is excited to launch a scavenger hunt around Houston, in conjunction with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Monday, February 20th through Sunday, March 18th Houstonians will have the opportunity to win various prizes including: three pairs of tickets to RODEOHOUSTON concerts, three pairs of tickets to Houston Rockets games, three basketballs autographed by Houston great and NBA Hall of Famer, Clyde Drexler, and a free Cricket Wireless Muve Music phone with a year of free service, just by taking a picture with the green Cricket Car.

The Cricket Car will be touring some of Houston's most well-known locations; contestants can receive clues on the location of the Cricket Car each day through Cricket¹s Twitter and Facebook accounts, and by listening to 93Q-FM and the High Tech Texan, Michael Garfield. When contestants find the official Cricket Car at the corresponding location, they need to take a picture of themselves with the car and tweet their photo to @CricketWireless with the hash tag #HouTour for a chance to win.

***Disclosure-No compensation was received. Informational post only.

La Merienda with Abuelita Giveaway

Do you need to "escape" from your day? A break? La Merienda, and is widely popular among the Latino community. A break with something to hit the spot like Abuelita hot chocolate.

Mi merienda always includes a cup of Abuelita hot chocolate. I love it. I have been loving it since I was a little girl. There is no other like it. Every evening when things slow down, the baby is fed and sleeping, I take my little break.

Do you currently partake in a daily afternoon snack break or “merienda”? What does your merienda look like? Who would you invite to join you? If you could enjoy a daily “virtual Merienda” with a friend or family member who lives further away, who would it be? Nestlé Abuelita wants to help you revive your daily merienda or help you start your own merienda tradition.
This gift pack which values at $50 will include:
-Nestle Abuelita Instant and Nestle Abuelita Granulado product (to try and review!)
-Two coffee/hot chocolate mugs (to share your merienda cup with a friend!)
-One hot chocolate spoon (for a perfect mix)
-A set of recipe cards for use with your Nestle Abuelita product (for snack inspirations!)
-Nestle note cards (so you can invite your friend to your next Merienda)

How to enter:

1) Mandatory-Do you currently partake in a daily afternoon snack break or “merienda”, and if so, what does your merienda look like (who is invited, what do you include in your merienda)?
2) Tweet. (1 entry/per tweet, unlimited)

Enter to #win a #Nestle Abuelita prize pack 2/23 @independentmami http://tinyurl.com/7qsufms

This giveaway ends on 2/23/12 @ 8 am. 1 winner will be randomly selected. Winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize. Open to US Residents Only. Please leave email in comment.

***Disclosure-No compensation was received. Sample product was received to review.

Visit www.Facebook.com/Abuelita to RSVP to join in a special event, with the chance to get another Merienda Prize pack from Nestlé Abuelita.

Treat Yourself to a Vita Moment

This week shoppers at the Palais Royal location in Meyerland will receive a free Vitabath tote and eye mask with the purchase of two bottles from Vitabath's Fragrance Collection while supplies last.

Starting on Valentines Day, February 14th, two winners will be selected at random on Monday, February 20th and will receive one of each of the fragrances from their favorite Vitabath collection, a shower caddy, and pouf. Show your LOVE for Vitabath® for a chance to WIN your entire favorite collection by doing the following:

1) For those who attended the Houston event, tag yourselves in photos on our Facebook page.

2) Tag Vitabath in your status updates and/or tweets telling the world which collection is your favorite!

In Bloom BEACH BLOSSOM with Passion Flower Extract 12 oz Body Wash
NEW FRAGRANCE COLLECTION!

My thoughts-I like how it smells. It lathers well. Get the Spa feeling at home without the Spa price. It has antioxidants: Acai, Goji, Coffee, Noni, Pomegranate, Green Tea & Mangosteen. It also has Vitamin A, B3, C, E and Pro-Vitamin B5. It is Sulfate & Paraben Free.

***Disclosure-No compensation was received. Samples provided to review. These are my honest opinions.

Love Struck Chocolate Bundt Cake

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Cool Time: 30 minutes
Servings:16

Ingredients:
Nonstick cooking spray
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Baking Cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons NESCAFÉ TASTER'S CHOICE House Blend 100% Pure Instant Coffee Granules
4 large egg whites
2 large eggs
1 cup lowfat milk
Chocolate Glaze (recipe follows)
Fresh raspberries (optional)

Instructions:
PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Spray 12-cup Bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray.

COMBINE flour, baking cocoa, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat sugar, butter, vanilla extract and coffee granules in large mixer bowl until creamy. Beat in egg whites and eggs. Beat in flour mixture alternately with milk. Spoon batter into prepared pan.

BAKE for 40 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in cake comes out almost clean. Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes; invert onto wire rack to cool completely. Drizzle with chocolate glaze. Serve with raspberries.

FOR CHOCOLATE GLAZE:
WHISK together 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 cup NESTLÉ TOLL HOUSE Baking Cocoa, 3 tablespoons lowfat milk and 1 tablespoon melted butter in medium bowl until smooth.

***Disclosure-Informational post only. No compensation was received.

Abuelita® Enmoladas

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
1 cup water
1 packet (3.98 ounces) MAGGI Sofrito Seasoning Paste (tomato, garlic, onion)
2 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce from a can, seeded if desired
2 tablespoons canned adobo sauce from the chipotle chiles
1 tablespoon MAGGI Granulated Chicken Flavor Bouillon
1 tablet (90 grams) NESTLÉ ABUELITA Chocolate, broken into pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
8 large corn tortillas
2 cups crumbled panela cheese
Toasted sesame seeds
Chopped onions
Chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions:
PLACE water, sofrito, chipotle chiles, adobo sauce and bouillon in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.

PLACE mixture in large saucepan. Add Abuelita chocolate. Cook, stirring frequently, over medium-low heat for 5 minutes or until chocolate has dissolved completely and sauce has thickened. Set aside; keep warm.

HEAT oil in large skillet. Fry tortillas one at a time for 2 to 3 seconds to soften. Drain tortillas on paper towels. Dip tortillas in Abuelita mixture.

FILL dipped tortillas evenly with cheese; roll and place in serving dish. Pour remaining Abuelita sauce over tortillas. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and top with onion and cilantro; serve immediately.

***Disclosure-Informational post only. No compensation was received.

Alvin and The Chipmunks:Chipwrecked 3/27

Las ardillas favoritas de todo el mundo, Alvin, Simon y Theodore, junto a sus compañeras del sexo femenino, las Chipettes, se divertirán en grande durante unas vacaciones familiares que jamás olvidarán en ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED, que debutará en Blu-ray, DVD y descarga digital el 27 de marzo a través de Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. La hilarante comedia con actores reales también estará disponible en una emocionante edición especial, “Island Adventure” en Blu-ray y 2 discos DVD, cargada con diversión para toda la familia, la que llegará justo para Semana Santa.

Los Chipmunks, las Chipettes y su cuidador Dave Sevelle (Jason Lee; “My Name is Earl”) se embarcan en el viaje de sus vidas en el crucero Carnival Dream. Buscando diversión y emoción, los Chipmunks transformarán este crucero de lujo en su propio patio de juegos. Pero la mejor vacación de todas se convertirá en un desastre cuando los Chipmunks, Dave, y el pelícano mascota del crucero – que es ni más ni menos que el viejo manager de los Chipmunks Ian Hawke (David Cross; Megamind) – accidentalmente se caigan por la borda y se encuentren varados en una isla remota. En este territorio desconocido, los seis náufragos peludos se verán separados de Dave y deberán encontrar la manera de valerse por sí mismos por primera vez en sus vidas.

Escrita y producida por el matrimonio de Ross Bagdasarian, Jr. y Janice Karman, ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED cuenta con un elenco vocal de estrellas que incluye a Justin Long (Dodgeball) como Alvin, Mathew Gray Gubler (“Criminal Minds”) como Simon, Jesse McCartney (Horton Hears a Who!) como Theodore, Christina Applegate (“Up All Night”) como Brittany, Anna Faris (What’s Your Number?) como Jeanette, y Amy Poehler (“Parks and Recreation”) como Eleanor.

Alvin and the Chipmunks comenzó como un grupo de música realizado con animación en Estados Unidos en 1958, el que fue desarrollado por Ross Bagdasarian, Sr. Este creó un trío único formado por tres ardillas animadas; Alvin, Simon y Theodore. Casi seis décadas más tarde, la franquicia cuenta con una impresionante colección de álbumes musicales, libros infantiles, videojuegos, programas de televisión, especiales de televisión, películas animadas y con actores. Además, Alvin and the Chipmunks ha recibido varias nominaciones a premios, incluyendo cinco Grammys®, dos Kid Choice Awards®, y a un American Music Award® entre otros, y sigue entreteniendo a familias con los adorables personajes que ahora cuentan con una nueva película, ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED.
Con una gran variedad de canciones populares que van desde “Bad Romance” de Lady Gaga hasta “Party Rock Anthem” de LMFAO, los fanáticos podrán bailar al ritmo de la aplicación especial Munk Music & Dance Machine en el Blu-ray y DVD de ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED. Los contenidos adicionales en el Blu-ray y el DVD incluyen videos musicales para cantar, videos del detrás de escenas, escenas extendidas y más. Los fans también podrán disfrutar de una emocionante aplicación para colorear, Chipwrecked: Coloring with The Chipmunks, exclusiva del Blu-ray. La película estará disponible en Blu-ray y DVD a un precio sugerido de venta de $39.99 y $29.98 respectivamente, y la edición Island Adventure de dos discos estará disponible a un precio de $34.98.
ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED Island Adventure Blu-ray + DVD+ Copia digital (Número de catálogo 2275303)

• Película

• Canciones del Munk Music & Dance Machine

o Vacation

o Trouble

o Whip My Hair

o Party Rock Anthem

o We Speak No Americano / Conga

o Kumbaya

o Survivor

o Real Wild Child

o Bad Romance

o Hello

o Say Hey

o S.O.S

o Vacation (Reprise)

o Born This Way / Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now / Firework

o Party Rock Anthem (Reprise)

o We Have Arrived

• Going Overboard with The Chipmunks

• Munking Movies in Paradise

• Everybody Munk Now!

• Alan Tudyk, Chipmunk Appearance

• Videos musicales / Karaoke

o Vacation

o Survivor

o Bad Romance

• Fox Music Channel presenta “Growing up Alvin”

• Fox Movie Channel presenta ”In Character with Jason Lee”

• Escenas extendidas

o Walk The Plank

o Brittany’s What If…

o Ian’s Hungry

o I Don’t Spank Them

o No, No, No…

o Zoe’s Map

o Nowhere Else To Go

• Cortos promocionales

o Survival Tips

o Rules

o Theatrical Trailers

• Aplicación Chipwrecked: Coloring with Chipmunks– Exclusivo del Blu-ray



ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED Island Adventure 2-Disc DVD (Número de catálogo 2279483)

• Igual que los contenidos del Blu-ray (excepto la aplicación Chipwrecked: Coloring with Chipmunks)



ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED DVD (Número de catálogo 2275296)

• Película

• Canciones Munk Music & Dance Machine

o Vacation

o Trouble

o Whip My Hair

o Party Rock Anthem

o We Speak No Americano / Conga

o Kumbaya

o Survivor

o Real Wild Child

o Bad Romance

o Hello

o Say Hey

o S.O.S

o Vacation (Reprise)

o Born This Way / Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now / Firework

o Party Rock Anthem (Reprise)

o We Have Arrived

• Corto Munking Movies in Paradise

Sock Ons Review

Do you have problems keeping your newborn or babies socks on? Are they always loosing a sock? Do you have to continue to lift their socks up? I have a wonderful solution for you, SOCK ONS. They go over the socks and keep them in place. No more fuss over lost socks, loose socks, or falling socks.

Sock Ons Bright New Arrivals…

Sock Ons Brights have just arrived and now there is a colour to suit every outfit! Available in Red, Orange, Lemon, Lime, Turquoise, Blueberry, Grape, Chocolate and Charcoal. Sized 0-6m and 6-12m.

Sock Ons Classics

Sock Ons Classic colours have become part of a baby’s essential wardrobe!
Sock Ons are made from a softly woven blend of elasticised material with contrasting coloured stitching around the edges.

They are currently available in 5 plain colours: Baby Pink, fuchsia, Baby Blue, Navy and White.

My thoughts: Why didnt I think of these? They are so good at keeping the baby socks on. My Lil Bit loves to kick her little legs around all day long and even in her sleep. I even tried big socks and she got those off. But with Sock Ons, she never can get them suckers off. They are so cute. Everyone always asks me what they are, and wished they had those when they had their kids. But now they know for next time. Check out my Lil Bit in her Sock Ons...

Disclosure-Sample product was provided for review. This are my honest opinions. No compensation was received.

Friends Count ~ Build A Bear Workshop

In 2012, Build-A-Bear Workshop will celebrate two major milestones. The first milestone is their 15th birthday! Since the company opened its doors in St. Louis Galleria on October 27, 1997 it has grown to become a global brand while being recognized as a company with heart. The second milestone is the celebration of selling their 100 millionth furry friend!

In honor of their birthday and helping create 100 million best friends, Build-A-Bear Workshop wants to spread the word that Friends Count! Whether your best friend is one of your longtime gal pals, your spouse, your pet, or even your teddy bear, we can all agree that our friends have made our lives so much better.

Friends are so important to me. In my book, they are my family. That is how close we really are. We do everything together, and our kids are growing up the same way. Everyone needs a bestfriend and friends they can always count on. Just recently when I had my baby, they were all there for me. At the delivery, in the hospital day in and day out. Even when we came home. Here are me and my bestfriends, The Crew:

***Disclosure-By publishing this post, I was entered to win a gift card as part of a promotional offer from MomSelect and Build-A-Bear Workshop. All opinions are my own.

Journey 2 Mysterious Island Screening Pass*FREE*

7:00 p.m.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Edwards Grand Palace
Houston, Texas

TO ATTEND, PLEASE LOG ON TO GOFOBO.COM AND ENTER THE FOLLOWING CODE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR TICKETS:MOMSBWQC

Rated PG for “some adventure action and brief, mild language”Arrive early! Seating is first come, first serve, except for members of the reviewing press. This ticket does not guarantee you a seat. Theatre is overbooked to ensure a full house. Theatre is not responsible for overbooking. Very young children/infants are strongly discouraged. No admittance once screening has begun. This pass is the property of Warner Bros. Pictures who reserves the right to admit or refuse access to the theatre at the discretion of an authorized studio and/or theatre representative. This ticket is not for resale. This screening will be monitored for unauthorized recording. By attending, you agree not to bring any audio or video recording device, including cell phones into the theater (audio recording devices for credentialed press excepted) and consent to a physical search of your belongings and person. Any attempted use of recording devices will result in your immediate removal from the theater, forfeiture of the device, and may subject you to criminal and civil liability. Please allow additional time for heightened security. You can assist us by leaving all non essential bags at home or in your vehicle. Warner Bros.

Opens in theaters Friday, February 10, 2012

Baby ~ Newborn Photo Session

I am a do-it-yourself person or thrifty (cheap) person. We did not get to take the cute hospital pictures of the baby in the hospital because she was in the NICU. So after coming out of the hospital my bestfriend who did my maternity pictures took pictures of the baby herself. It was very easy. We found cute outfits for the baby. We used blankets for the back drops. And of course let our immagination go wild. Here are some of my baby girl's pictures, let me know what you think...

Lil Bit @ 3 weeks

Have fun! Nothing to it. Grab your camera and just let your immagination go. Anything is possible.

LilBit Update Wk 1 - 6

So I have been a little absent from the blog but if you read my previous post you will understand where my mind, and body have been. I have been trying to recover at home while taking care of my newborn. Let me introduce you to my little one..baby Gia aka Lil Bit.

Week 1-We were in the hospital for most of the first week. I was battling the blood lost trying to get my blood count back to normal. Lil Bit was just trying to breath. She was in the NICU. She swallowed fluid and was having a hard time breathing. We were told she might have to stay in the hospital because her oxygen level was not were they wanted it to be. But thank God, day 5 she got it. She was still Jaundice but ok enough to leave. The first 2 days we slept on the coaches downstairs.
Week 2-Learning how to take care of a newborn at home all over again. We had to take the baby to the doctor to check her bilirubin number. It finally was ok.
Week 3-Week 6-Everyday is a new battle. Sleepless nights. Breastfeeding is challenging at times. Balancing the new baby and our son and his schedule. Luckily my husband has been at home on maternity leave. He has been alot fo help. My mother in law and sister in laws have also come over to help with taking care of the baby while we take naps. My mom also took off 3 weeks off and that was awesome. The more help you get the better, especially at the beginning.

At her 1 month ck up she weighed 9 lbs 2 oz, and we can def feel the weight on her.

I love all the first moments. I love the smell of baby.

Lady and the Tramp ~ espanol

Pregnancy Diaries ~ To bleed or not to bleed

So my C-section went fine but did I tell you I almost died. My c-section went fine so I thought. I was sent to recovery for an hour, and then moved to my own room. As family and friends came to check on me, and the baby, something was going on without me really knowing. Hours after my c-section something went totally wrong. I was visitng with family when I felt something come out of me. I paged for my nurse. My family was asked to step out for a minute. The nurse came in to check on me, and then the chaos began. I was bleeding out. Blood clots were coming out. The doctor was paged. And then they began taking out the "blood clots" one by one out of me by hand. It was so painful. 3 doctors, dozen of blood clots, and what looked like a crime scene later, it was finally over. But as they checked my blood count, they learned I had lost more than half of my blood that I came in with. I had to have a blood tranfussion that took 6 hours to get into my body. I died and came back I tell myself. It was the worse thing ever. Just when I thought everything was fine, I had spoke too soon, but I am glad that I was at the hospital and that they saved my life.

So when you think something is wrong, make sure you tell someone. Dont be embarrased or afraid to ask if something is normal. The hospital I delivered at is a Trauma hospital so they are use to seeing things like these but I know I was the talk of the hospital, and everyone is still talking about my hemmoraging.

Latina CoverGirl Rocks Golden Globes

Sofia Vergara by Kayleen McAdams

· Inspiration/Dress: This look is all about the lips. We chose a bright plum lip and kept the eyes soft with bronze shadow and multiple coats of mascara. The dress is a gorgeous Vera Wang in a shade of teal and the hair (@atkinjen) is very sleek and youthful so we wanted the makeup to stand out and look youthful as well.

· Face: I started by applying COVERGIRL TRUconceal Concealer #4 under the eyes and around the nose. I then applied COVERGIRL NatureLuxe Silk Foundation in Nutmeg with a sponge and set that with COVERGIRL Clean Pressed Powder in Soft Honey. I chose a plum toned blush (COVERGIRL Cheekers Blush in Plumberry Glow ) and applied it along the cheekbones and apples of the cheeks.

· Eyes: I applied COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers 3-kit Shadow in Golden Sunset all over the lid and into the crease and then applied three coats of NEW COVERGIRL LashBlast 24HR Mascara to the top lashes and one coat on the bottom.

· Lips: I applied COVERGIRL LipPerfection Lipcolor in Everlasting first and then applied COVERGIRL LipPerfection Lipliner in Beloved .

· Application Tip: This keeps the lipstick from bleeding, but makes it easier to apply the line with the moisture of the lipstick.

· What’s in the clutch?: When she was ready to hit the red carpet, I sent Sofia on her way with powder, lip pencil and lipstick for reapplication.

· Twitter: @COVERGIRL @SofiaVergara by @KayleenMcAdams in @VeraWangGang for @NBC’s @GoldenGlobes. #covergirl #goldenglobes

Paula Patton by Fiona Stiles

· Inspiration/Dress: Paula was wearing a strapless Monique Lhuillier gown, a beautiful sunny yellow. We wanted to keep the look light and pretty, focusing on lashes and cheeks, playing up the happy element of the color.

· Face: After prepping the skin, I used a flat synthetic foundation brush to swipe on COVERGIRL Queen Collection Natural Hue Liquid Makeup in Rich Sand , applying it to the bridge of the nose, the cheeks, the forehand and the chin. Then I used the brush to blend the color out towards the jaw and hairline, going over the base with a criss-cross motion to ensure that it was well blended and there were no lines. I used a little COVERGIRL Queen Collection Natural Hue Concealer in Light to cover any darkness under the eye or redness along the side of the nose, feathering it out so it blended perfectly with the foundation. Before I powdered with COVERGIRL Queen Collection Natural Hue Pressed Powder in Light Bronze , I used a dual fiber brush to apply a bit of COVERIGRL + Olay Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush in Lush Berry onto the apples of the cheeks and then after I powdered, I used a touch of COVERGIRL Cheekers Blush in Classic Pink to brighten the face a bit more.

· Application Tip: I like to combine cream and powder blush – just make sure you apply "like to like," so use the cream blush before you powder and the powder blush after the makeup is set.

· Eyebrows: Next I focused on the brows. I gave them a nice full look by adding a little to the shape with COVERGIRL Brow & Eyemakers Pencil in Midnight Brown . The key to making it not look too heavy is to run a clean spooly through the brows after you fill in with pencil. This softens the lines and blends the color in, making it undetectable. Set the brows with a clear gel, brushing the hairs into the desired shape.

· Eyes: For the eyes, I started by sweeping COVERGIRL Queen Collection Natural Hue Bronzer in Light Bronze over the lid, giving the eye a wash of warmth and a little depth, while still looking like her skin. Then I took COVERGIRL Queen Collection Eyeliner in Black Onyx and drew a black line all along the upper lash line, pushing it into the lashes. Taking a small synthetic brush, I smudged the line, softening the edge, making it less severe. I used a little black liner on the bottom as well, pushing it deep into the lashes so that when I applied NEW COVERGIRL LashBlast 24HR Mascara, the illusion was thicker, darker lashes.

· Lips: A soft pale, peachy lip achieved using COVERGIRL Queen Collection Lip Gloss in Starlet Sand , made Paula look radiant without distracting too much from the eyes, and the wash of warm pink on the cheeks gave her a fresh, healthy flush.

· Focus: The eyes--soft liner and strong lashes--were the focus of the look, so the lips and cheeks were just meant to compliment them.

· What’s in the clutch?: I gave Paula her lip gloss, a few cotton buds, and some blotting papers for her to take with her on the red carpet. I wish I could be there to touch up my clients when they get to the red carpet, but once I leave them they are on their own. The challenge is fitting all of those touch up supplies in those teeny tiny clutches!

· Twitter: @COVERGIRL ambassador @PaulaPattonXO by @FionaStiles for @NBC’s @GoldenGlobes. #covergirl #goldenglobes