Flick Friday-Daddy's Home

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

Check out the new trailer for DADDY’S HOME starring Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, and Linda Cardellini!

“DADDY’S HOME” follows a mild-mannered radio executive (Ferrell) who strives to become the best stepdad to his wife’s two children, but complications ensue when their freewheeling and freeloading real father (Wahlberg) arrives, forcing him to compete for the affection of the kids.

DADDY’S HOME is in-theaters December 25th!

Giveaway-Eczema Awareness and Tips

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

October is Eczema Awareness Month.  What is Eczema?

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes itchiness, redness and dryness of the skin.  It comes and goes.  Sweat, heat, sudden temperature changes, pets, dust mites and cigarette smoke are just some of the triggers that can exacerbate the symptoms of eczema.

This condition usually starts within the first five years, most often within the first six months.  Although eczema may affect most of the body, the location and its appearance changes as the child grows.  In babies, it is more prominent on the cheeks, forehead and scalp, although saliva from drooling may also cause additional irritation on the chin and neck.

Hispanic pediatrician for AVEENO® Baby, Dr. Andres Cotton, is sharing his tips and recommendations.

A good skincare routine is necessary to help control eczema flares:

1-  Give your baby, 10-minute baths in lukewarm water on a daily basis
2-  Use mild, fragrance-free soaps and limit its use during bath time
3-  Avoid bubble baths or other bath additives and loofahs or rough wash cloths as they can irritate
the skin or worsen the eczema
4-  Moisturize your baby’s skin at least twice daily with a fragrance and dye-free moisturizer
5-  It’s important to moisturize your baby’s skin within three minutes after bathing to lock in moisture
6-  Keep your little one’s fingernails short to prevent him from scratching and breaking the skin

It’s sometimes difficult to diagnose atopic eczema, as it is very commonly confused with other skin conditions. It is important that you consult with your baby’s pediatrician and learn to identify those risk factors in order to control this illness.

My daughter had a severe flare up and it was so scary.  My daughter's face had bumps and those bumps soon started having puss.  They looked so bad.  I had never seen Eczema on the face.  I took her to our pediatrician and guess what he recommended?  Aveeno.

While eczema’s causes are unknown, the solution to relieve its symptoms is right here.  AVEENO®Baby Eczema Therapy collection with ACTIVE NATURALS®Colloidal Oatmeal can help moisturize and alleviate your baby’s irritated, extra-dry skin.  This line of creams and bath treatments is clinically shown to soothe eczema symptoms.  Developed with leading dermatologists and pediatricians, these products have been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.

Would you like to win an Aveeno Baby Eczema Prize Pack?  Enter here:
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New Hot Pockets Snack Bites Review

***Disclosure-I received product coupons for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

What are you planning for Halloween night?  Do you have a plan?  Normally Halloween does not fall on a Friday or Saturday? For us, I rush off work to come home and get my kids ready.  We rush to start trick or treating around 6 pm - ish.  What about dinner, you ask?  We have a mission.  The clock is ticking as the sun goes down.

Who has time for dinner?

We do!  Fueling your family does not have to be hard.  I have a solution...We love Hot Pockets.  It is one of my kids favorite snacks.  It is the perfect size for my teen but for my toddler I have to cut it into smaller pieces.

Introducing New Hot Pockets Snack Bites.  These microwave in just over a minute.  

-4 flavors: Pepperoni Pizza, Four Cheese Pizza, Hickory Ham and Cheddar and Cheesy Beef Nacho
-100% real cheese
-a good source of protein with 7 grams per serving
-No artificial flavors.

My daughter wanted to show off her Halloween plate in our picture.  You can serve the snack bites in a platter and include fruits and veggies.  Perfect snacks for everyone.

Dragon Boat Regatta Race 2015

My husband and I were invited to participate in a boat race.  Never having done this before, we were very intrigued to learn what it was all about.  The more I found out about it, we made the decision that only my husband would participate.  There would be several practices, a full day of racing, and with our toddler - one of us always has to be stay behind.  So that was me.  The day finally came and it was so much fun, I wanted to share the event with you.  See I like learning about different cultures and heritages, it is so beautiful.

The opening ceremonies included the waking up of the sleeping dragon.  They brushed the dragons eyes.

Then there was the Dragon dance.  Did you know that is symbolizes good luck?

And then the races began.  Here are some pictures of the team that my husband was in:

It rained and poured down on them.  But the races went on.  There were 3 races.  They did great and came in 3rd place.  My husband had a blast and we had a blast watching them.

Taco Cabana WFSC 2015 Fundraiser

***Disclosure-Compensated post.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

It is Taco Tuesday.  What are you having for lunch or dinner today?

How about heading on over to Taco Cabana for a taco treat?  It is that time again for Taco Cabana's annual fundraiser that benefits the Warrior and Family Support Center (WFSC).  All Taco Cabana locations in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico are selling $1 coupon books, good for five free bean and cheese tacos, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to WFSC.

The program, which runs each fall, was established in 2011.  The WFSC is dedicated to providing coordinated services to patients, next-of-kin and extended family members with a primary focus on Wounded Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom Warriors.  The center provides entertainment in a relaxing environment to veterans receiving treatment at the Brooke Army Medical Center and their families.  Donations to the WFSC pay for summer and winter camps for the children of wounded warriors, as well as diapers, formula and foods to be shared by Families and Warriors.

Currently all Taco Cabana locations offer a 20% military discount.  For more information, visit www.tacocabana.com.
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AdoramaPix Holiday Gift Idea

***Disclosure-I am a USFG member.  This is a compensated post.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Are you looking for a great Christmas gift?  Pictures capture moments and they tell a story.  Have you ever thought about giving this as a gift?

AdoramaPix helps people turn their digital photographs from abstract computer files into beautiful keepsakes designed to last a lifetime.  Their contemporary metal prints capture memories in rich color and vibrant detail.

Because your images are infused right into the metal, and not painted on the surface, their metal prints are extremely durable.  Not only will your metal image be water and weather proof, but scratch resistant as well.  You can even clean it with glass cleaner. Your memories deserve to live in true, archival luxury with AdoramaPix metal prints.

You can find all the fun gift ideas HERE:
http://www.adoramapix.com/app/home/

Independentmami readers get to save 35% off all metal prints by using code: pxusfam35m
 expires 12/15/2015.

Dia de los Muertos Make Up

***Disclosure-I was invited to a Nestle event at a local Fiesta mart.  This is a compensated post.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Have you ever wondered how to do a Dia de los Muertos make up?  Here is a simple step by step for a Catrina:

Step 1-Start by cleaning the face with a baby wipe.

Step 2-Cover the face with white face paint.  You can use a sponge or your index finger works the same.

Make sure to completely cover the entire face.

Step 3-Draw a black circle around the eyes.  You can use an old eye liner.  Or you can use a thin brush with the black face paint.  

You will use the circle as an outline.  Now color in the black circle using black face paint.

You can also use black eye shadow to fill in the circle.

Step 4-Make loops around the border of the black circle.  You can use the liner or thin brush again.

Step 5-Use your thin brush or liner to make a line from one side of the mouth to the other.  Use the lips as your guide.

Step 6-Now make small lines going up and down the line you drew.  Making the lips look like they are sewn together.

Step 7-Color in the loops on the circles with red.  Use a brush or a Q-tip.

This is the final look.  

You can also add black to the tip of your nose for more of the skeleton  look.

Nestle Dia de los Muertos 2015 Event

***Disclosure-This is a compensated post.  All opinions stated are my based on my personal experience.

Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead is a traditional Hispanic/Latino holiday to celebrate those who have left our lives and are no longer amongst the living.  There are flowers, sugar skulls, candles, frames, colorful decorations, and lots of food.

It is celebrated on November 1st, All Saints Day and 2nd, All Souls Day.  A celebration of the continuum of life.  Altars are set up.  Favorite foods of the departed are served along with Pan de Muerto, tamales, atole, mole, and so much more.

 Death has always been a scary topic for me.  I try not to deal with it.  I do not do well talking about it and it has been taboo.  But I don't want my kids to grow up feeling this way.  Dia de los Muertos is a part of our heritage and it is a good way to help get over the taboo-fear of death.  A party, a Fiesta, a celebration!

Nestle hosts a Dia de los Muertos event at local Fiestas that includes face painting, free samples, coupons, and recipes to help you plan your celebrations.

We are in Fall and the temperatures are falling.  This day it was rainy.  That yummy Nescafe that was being served hit the spot to warm me up.  Another one of my favorites to warm me up is Nestle Abuelita Chocolate.

Here is a recipe for Spicy Hot Chocolate:

Ingredients:
2 cups of 2% milk
1/2 tablet Nestle Abuelita
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

*cook's tip-sprinkle with cayenne pepper, if desired

Directions:

Heat milk in medium saucepan over medium-high heat.  Add Abuelita Chocolate; cook, stirring frequently with a whisk, for 5 to 7 minutes or until chocolate is dissolved.  Stir in cayenne and cloves; let stand for 1 minute.  Using a whisk or hand blender, whisk mixture until frothy.  Serve hot.

Yum.  For more recipes, go to  www.elmejornido.com.

TRANSFORMERS ROBOTS IN DISGUISE: A NEW AUTOBOT MISSION

***Disclosure-Sample product was received for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Who is your favorite Transformer?  Our is BUMBLEBEE.  In TRANSFORMERS ROBOTS IN DISGUISE, BUMBLEBEE [voiced by Will Friedle] is a charismatic autobot who must learn how to take charge of his new team and save the planet from the DECEPTICONS!

Check out Bumblebee leading the pack in this clip:

Synopsis:

The new mission begins as BUMBLEBEE must step up to be leader in the years after we left the AUTOBOTS in TRANSFORMERS PRIME. Summoned by OPTIMUS PRIME to save Earth from a new DECEPTICON threat, BUMBLEBEE puts his light-hearted mettle to the test after assembling a rouge team of AUTOBOTS action heroes. BUMBLEBEE must balance his job fighting off evil with being equal parts squad leader and coach to a rascally team that needs constant coaxing to learn how to work together. The results are comical when the cool rebel SIDESWIPE, elite guard cadet STRONGARM, bombastic dinobot GRIMLOCK and overly-excited mini-con FIXIT must balance keeping the team together with chasing and capturing their new enemies in each adventure-filled episode.

TRANSFORMERS ROBOTS IN DISGUISE: A NEW AUTOBOT MISSION is now available at Walmart.

Flick Friday-Sanjay's Super Team

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

In “Sanjay's Super Team,” the new short film from Pixar Animation Studios, accomplished artist Sanjay Patel uses his own experience to tell the story of a young, first-generation Indian-American boy whose love for western pop culture comes into conflict with his father’s traditions. Sanjay is absorbed in the world of cartoons and comics, while his father tries to draw him into the traditions of his Hindu practice. Tedium and reluctance quickly turn into an awe-inspiring adventure as the boy embarks on a journey he never imagined, returning with a new perspective that they can both embrace.

“Sanjay’s Super Team” opens in theaters everywhere on November 25th, in front of Disney•Pixar’s THE GOOD DINOSAUR!
 

***CLOSED-Giveaway-Inside Out Movie Digital Code

***Disclosure-I will received a digital code of my own.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

¡De las imaginativas mentes de Disney-Pixar llega una película realmente "emocionante" que no tiene comparación!

“Una de las mejores películas del año”                                                             “Una verdadera obra de arte”

         –Chicago Sun-Times/Richard Roeper                                                                      –Rolling Stone/Peter Travers

SINOPSIS: ¿Alguna vez miraste a una persona y te preguntaste qué sucedía dentro de su cabeza? La película de Disney-Pixar “Inside Out” te lleva en un viaje emocionante y divertido hacia el interior de la mente para encontrar la respuesta. Dentro del Cuartel General, el centro de mando de la mente de una niña de 11 años llamada Riley, cinco emociones trabajan sin descanso, lideradas por la alegre optimista Joy. Ella se esfuerza por garantizar que Riley siga siendo feliz mientras trabaja junto a las otras emociones: Fear, Anger, Disgust y Sadness. Richard Roeper, del Chicago Sun-Times la elogió como un “clásico instantáneo”. ¡Vívela como nunca antes en Disney Blu-ray!

A nuestra familia nos encanto esta pelicula.

Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray™ Combo Pack y On Demand sale el 3 de noviembre

Quieres ganar una copia digital?  Entra aqui:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

First Houston Latina Bloggers Networking Event

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Photo credit - Alejandro Montoya of D'Mont Photography

Blogging has made a very shy person become more and more comfortable with meeting and talking to new people.  For this reason, I like attending networking meetings, events and conferences.  Houston is the 4th largest city.  It is a melting pot of people.  Home to many bloggers like myself.  When I first started blogging, I only knew the ladies who introduced me to blogging.  Social media has grown over the years.  You have to learn to adapt with change.    

And this is how Houston Latina Bloggers was created.  Meet Arianna from 3twentysix, Connie from Momma of Dos, and Jihanne from ONIXJ.

Photo credit - Alejandro Montoya of D'Mont Photography

A couple of years ago, they had a vision of bringing a place to Latinas in Houston where they could empower each other in building their brands and businesses.  Because we are creators, brand ambassadors, visionaries, leaders, and community builders.  A common trait of a Latina is to embrace everyone and make them feel like FAMILY.  This past Saturday, the Houston Latina Bloggers hosted their first networking event at Thinking Girls Boutique & Studio.  Read more about them here.

Photo credit - Alejandro Montoya of D'Mont Photography

Thanks to the wonderful sponsors:

Pollo Tropical

Crumble & Co.

Wilding Wine

And to think this was their first event...

If you would like more information about Houston Latina Bloggers, go to:

Facebok:     HTXLatinaBlog

Twitter:        @houtxblogueras

Instagram:   houstonlatinabloggers

Thinking Girls Boutique & Studio

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  All opinions stated are my own based on my experience.

Photo credit:  Alejandro Montoya of D'Mont Photography

This past weekend I attended the Inaugural Houston Latina Bloggers Networking Event at:

 

Thinking Girls Boutique & Studio

1570 S. Dairy Ashford, Suite 109

Houston, TX 77077 

832-687-8431

Alicia Araujo Elatassi is the owner is this wonderful place.  
She has traveled on at least 56 trips and, as many who travel, likes to bring things back from her trips. She is a Speaker, Author and a Presenter.  

Photo credit:  Alejandro Montoya of D'Mont Photography

Check out some items from her shop:

rewind rings-rings with repurposed watch parts

These rings are so beautiful. They are unique pieces. Perfect gifts for any lady. Any occasion.

Sue Kerr's Merry Christmas from Houston Christmas cards

Latin Twist: Traditional & Modern Cocktails

This is not just a boutique, it is also a studio.  
Alicia has opened her doors for anyone to host:
meet-ups, classes, private shopping parties, and networking events.

For more information or to plan your next event:

www.thinkinggirlsboutique.com
Facebook:    thinkinggirlsboutique

Instagram:   thinking_girls_boutique