.. Elena of Avalor, Inspires our Christmas Decor!! ..

When I tell someone that in my house we love to decorate during holidays, the word love is a major understatement!! We absolutely love holiday decor, and Christmas is definitely on the top of the list! 

My husband & I love to show our little one not only the American traditions but those that are celebrated in Mexico. We show her videos and/or pictures of some traditions that are celebrated and we incorporate them in our household. 

This year we had extra help in showing her some of those traditions, help that came in the name of, Elena! 

Elena Of Avalor, is a thoughtful, compassionate and adventurous princess who with the help of family and friends learns new things while she's helping someone in need or just being her adventurous self. Princess Elena's Kingdom is inspired by Latin America and it is most certainly seen in the kingdom's vivid colors, Elena's beautiful dramatic dress as well as events that take place in her palace or in the kingdom with an extra latin flair.

As we cut our choices down for what our "theme" would be for christmas decor, we were struck by an idea (An idea given to us by our 3yr old) Why not have an Elena of Avalor inspired color sway for our front door.
With the help of our eager 3yr old, we choose Gold & red as the main colors, we set out to look for the perfect decor but weren't lucky because nothing really caught our eye.
So what did we do? We DIY our own decor what we turned out with was this:

Frida loved the Elena of Avalor inspired color sway for our door!

Elena Of Avalor: Feliz Navidad, A royal Christmas. (Artwork from book)

Frida hiding behind her copy of Elena of Avalor: Ready to Rule, DVD.

With some of the leftover ribbon Frida wanted to give her snowman ornament a glitzy & fancy attire like Elena.

We used the bold colors red & gold which Princess Elena gracefully wears a beautiful Navidad gown (pictured above) with these vibrant colors. 

We found metallic gold wrapping paper, a red ribbon with gold trim and and red ribbon to use for our decor. Wrapping our door with the paper, and then carefully placing the ribbon as one would do so when wrapping a gift we were left with the task of making the giant bow with our shiny red ribbon, after many tries we finally had the perfect bow & we placed it on to finalize our door!

After our decor was done we proceeded with another great tradition making some tamales!!! Tamales are a must during the holiday season! 

Frida helping her Grandma  make some delicious Tamales!!

We love our holiday traditions while listening to seasonal music, wether its Feliz Navidad or Santa Claus is coming to town we love sharing traditions with our little one. 

So this holiday season share all your memories, traditions or simply start new ones with your family, those are the memories that all of you will remember. Make sure to get a copy Of Elena of Avalor, Ready to Rule DVD as well! 

Celebrate National Mutt Day with the help of Peppy Pups!

Guess what national day it is??? 

Today is National Mutt Day!!  National Mutt day was was founded by Pet lifestyle & animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige. It is observed on Dec.2 and July 31st, to celebrate the many wonderful attributes of mutts to promote adoption worldwide.  Of course my dog-loving family is going to spoil our fur baby Maverick with a his favorite special treat & extra cuddles!! (As if he isn't a spoiled enough, Lol). 

So lately Frida has been asking for a new baby, to be be specific she wants a new baby doggy. In fact she has been telling people that theres going to be a new baby at our home & once friends & family ask her filled with emotion "Omg! Frida, are you going to be a big sister?" she calmly answers "Yes, my mommy is going to have a baby doggy!" I laugh so hard every time I see their reaction to what she answers them. 

Frida & Maverick are inseparable, they're best friends, and I absolutely love seeing their bond. Would I love to have another puppy, YES!! But another dog that's Maverick's size would be a little too much for our NYC sized apartment!

So what is a momma to do??? Frida already has a billion doggy plushes in a variety of sizes but it's not quite as realistic. 

But wait what about Peppy Pups?!?!? What are Peppy Pups you ask? 

Peppy Pups are the only plush dog who really run with you! They have spring action legs, tails & heads so when it's time for their walk, they will bounce along right beside you! The best part aside from their super snuggable demeanor is that absolutely no batteries are required!!! 

Check Peppy Pup in action here:

The perfect companion, free of mess & batteries! Ha! 

Absolutely love Peppy Pup & Frida has watched the video over and over again asking mommy for this new baby doggy! 

This is one more doggy that mommy can bring home for sure!

 So join us to celebrate National Mutt day today with your fur babies at home and if you're looking for a new addition give Peppy Pups a chance to win over your child's heart! 

Peppy pupps is available at retailers nationwide, including Toy R'Us and Amazon for a retail price of $19.99. Recommended for ages 4 & up.

Stay up to all things Peppy Pups by following their social media channels here...

• Instagram  -  @Peppypups_official
• Peppy Pups on Facebook
• #peppypups

.. Tis the season (Already?!?!) ..

Department stores, neighborhoods, school holiday plays and pretty much everything around us is already full of holiday spirit. Its hard to believe that the holiday season is just around the corner! Time to get your noggin thinking about the best gifts as well as entertaining. 

It can be overwhelming trying to figure out some gift ideas or how you can spruce up your house during this holiday season.  

Luckily I was invited to attend this years MomTrends 6th annual Holiday Sioree. This was my 2nd year attending and the fabulous chic ladies of MomTrends never fail in making us feel ready for the holiday season. Not only were we able to see products but were also given tips and resources to make to make this holiday full of gift giving and entertaining painless and enjoyable as well. 

In Keeping with the spirit of holiday, attendees arrived bearing a gift for this years charity which was 'No baby left Unplugged' for the national diaper drive. Our donations were donated to The HopeLine, a charity located in Bronx,Ny, where they help low income families with the essential resources and critical skills they need to better their lives.

 We were treated with with tasty nibbles as well as some delicious AriZona and La Croix sparkling  water beverages. Once I was well hydrated I had the opportunity to check out some wonderful products that possibly but most definitely will be under my christmas tree!

From DIY fun with Avery, to fabulous fashion with ivivva and ARMigami, to the classics such as LeSport Sac, American Girl, Avon and much more were there with amazing product and tips for the holiday season.

Photo courtesy of MomTrends

After spending some time with the brands, we also had the opportunity to take some photo booth style pics with the help of PearHead. Always fun to capture memorable times with some good ole photo booth style pics.

This holiday season can become stressful but thanks to MomTrends I feel ready to tackle the gift list as well as the holiday entertaining! A huge shout out to the wonderful ladies Nicole & Sherri for having us at yet another outstanding MT Holiday Soiree! 

.. Bounty. Enjoy the moment, not the mess! ..

Thanks to Bounty &  Kristin Cavallari we were able to enjoy the moment & forget about the mess at their  Messy But Memorable Birthday Bash event. Cake decorating, finger painting, dying some Bounty made flowers & some cake smashing didn't phase our fun especially with Bounty on hand to clean up the messes!

As a mother to a very creative & curious toddler there's not a day that goes by where a mess is not made, and when accidents happen we tend to worry about the mess & not enjoy the moment with our child. (Not necessarily the mess but the experience)  Guilty of such behavior I was reminded at the event that memories last more than the mess! (Plus I will always have Bounty nearby so the mess will be cleaned up easy & fast!) 

As parents we encounter messes every day, but thankfully Bounty is 2x more absorbent vs. the leading ordinary brand, and one Bounty roll can last 50% longer.  So weather it be your child's first finger paint, baking a cake for the bake sale, or if you have any pets in your household (that's a whole other set of messes!) Just have Bounty nearby & remember to enjoy the moment, not the mess!

Bounty, the Quicker Picker Upper offers a variety of its wonderful product including cool prints, select a size, dura towel & one of my faves Bounty with dawn!! Thumbs up for Bounty for cleaning messes easy & fast! And for giving us mommies the chance to enjoy those messy yet wonderful moments with our kids! 

.. Dia de los Muertos, Celebrate the cycle of life ..

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is celebrated in Mexico from November 1- 2. 

It is a celebration of the lives of the deceased in which we honor them with food, drink, parties, and activities the dead enjoyed in life. It recognizes death as a natural part of life, it is a natural part of the life cycle. On the this day the dead are awakened from their eternal sleep to share celebrations with their loved ones.

The most familiar symbol row Dia De Los Muertos is are Calaveras (Skulls, Sugar Skulls), it may appear everywhere during the holiday in candied sweets, parade masks, dolls, face painting & more. Calaveras present themselves often in bright colors or portrayed enjoying life.
Ofrendas are an essential part of the celebration (Ofrenda means offering in spainsh.) Also know as altares (altars), these ofrendas often contain a deceased ones favorite food, drink and sweets, sweet bread ( pan de muerto) and a toy if the altar is for a child as well. Pictures of saints, Virgen De Guadalupe, and a crucifix may also be placed on the altar, along with bright yellow & orange marigolds (an Aztec power of the dead.) Ofrendas are placed at home as well as in the cemeteries.

Ive always loved Dia De Los Muertos, its always filled my heart with happiness as well as a bit of sadness to celebrate my loved ones who are no loner here. It is bittersweet but I love to celebrate their life with as much joy as they once did.
This year I will be setting up my very own FIRST ofrenda! Ive always helped my mom with hers as well as my mom in law. But this year Ive decided to do my own with the help of my Frida, I love how she asks question regarding the calaveras, or what the sugar skulls are for?
This is part of her culture, a tradition that I wish she follows with years to come and grows to love as much as I do.

.. Fun & Stylish, Warby Parker & Leith Clark ..

Are you a a fan of sunglasses? Are you looking for an inspired vintage, classy yet fun look? 

Look no further, Warby Parker has partnered with Leith Clark for a second time to bring a vintage inspired collection of sunglasses and eyeglasses. Leith Clark's inimitable eye and her admiration for the old and uncommon bring this collection to life. 

The collection incorperates rimless frames, mixed material construction and exposed screws. Leith took their classic silhouettes and gave them that extra touch! Think cateye, or a winged temple detail on what are already beautiful frames, you have a combination that just makes you full fiesty, classy & stylish!

*Sunglasses*

"I like the 1970's. I miss River Phoniex. I like Diane Keaton as Annie Hall. Antique russian seeing chatelaines. Bookish girls. I like Simone de Beauvoir and Geoffrey Habermas's bronze mantids. I like it when the sky is all violet too." -Leith Clark

*Eyeglasses*

I have absolutely fallen in love with this collection. I tend to always go for the aviator style when purchasing sunglasses but the Valda frames have won over! I love these frames, they give off a classy but with a touch of oomph.  Its never too early to think  ahead for your next vacation or for those who live in sunny weather year round take a look into this collection, you won't regret it! ( I' will be adding those sunglasses to my holiday list and add an asterisk next to them so hubby gets the hint, Lol) The collection also includes eyeglasses so no one is left behind. I personally do not need eyeglasses but I would totally rock the Wednesday frame if I did! 

There is something for everyone in this collection, you'll definitely will be ready to take on any situation coming your way weather it be at work or giving your eyes some shade from those bright sunny days!

If this awesome collection already wasn't rad enough, in celebration of their partnership, they are donating to an organization that is dear to Leith. The United Nations foundation, Girl Up, is a campaign that encourages girls to raise awareness and funds UN programs that offer life-changing opportunities for girls all around the world. And as always, for every pair of frames sold, a pair is distributed to someone in need.

Make sure you take a look at this wonderful vintage inspired collection of sunglasses and unique eyeglasses.

.. Disney always bringing the Magic! ..

Everyone needs a little magic in their life and Disney brings us closer to Magic every time! We were invited to a pre-release party at the Nintendo World New York for the newest Disney game, Disney Magical World 2 (Available on Nintendo 3DS as of October 14th). 

Disney Magical World 2 definitely gets two thumps up from us! Not only are there six different magical worlds to explore such as The Little Mermaid, Snow White's , Lilo & Stitch's, Alice in Wonderland, Winnie The Pooh and last but not least Frozen With Anna Elsa and the oh so lovable Olaf! In each of these worlds you'll be able to partake in fun magical adventures that simulate each of the characters "home".  There are more than one hundred characters throughout the game!! 

But by far one of my favorite parts is the Mickey's Magical dream parades within the game, why is one of my favorite things?! 

Because Jack Skellington is there!! My family & I are The Nightmare Before Christmas fans, so to see Jack in there made us cheer with joy! (Can Jack Skellington & the his halloween town gang, get their own game?? Lol)

The game has so many features on it from being able to live in the world of beloved Disney Characters, invite Disney Princesses to the Enchanted Ball, Customize your look with hundreds of Diney themed outfits and much more!

Disney's Magical World 2 most certainly be on our Holiday list this year! Not only on Frida's but also mine! Lol. This game will surely be a family favorite! 

Disney has surely brought that special magical touch with this game!

Check out the game here: Disney Magical World 2

.. Hello October! ..

.. Hola Octubre!!! ..


October is by far one of our favorite months here at my house because it officially brings in the fall feel! Not only ado we love the weather but the holiday & traditions that we begin to celebrate in the months coming.

Join us as our over decorating (LOL) & celebrating for this magical time begins!!

.. The Stinky & Dirty show! ..

On September 2nd Amazon Prime video premiered The Stinky & Dirty Show! The show is based on the "I Stink!" book series by Kate & Jim McMullan. The show includes celebrity voices Whoopi Goldberg, Jane Lynch, Andy Ricther, Joan Cusack and Wallace Shawn, it also features original music from Dan Bern.

In this new original preschool show kids learn through creative learning, how to be resourceful, listen to what others (friends) have to say & last but not least, keep trying if you fail. The Stinky & Dirty show encourages the type of relationship weather it be self or with other people you want your kids to learn. This dynamic duo will surely be a favorite for both kids and parents.

As a parent I try to show my 3yr old how to overcome a problem weather it be role playing (if she's playing with her toys) or when it comes to an actual problem she is facing, example, she doesn't reach a book on her shelf or put on her book bag on correctly; we encourage her not get frustrated or upset if she fails the first time & take a deep breath & try again. That's why I as a parent have totally fallen in love with the message behind The Stinky & Dirty Show! Besides the fact that it shows kids about trial & error, it also shows the value of friendship. Stinky & Dirty are friends and with each others help they overcome difficult situations, they encourage each other to keep trying.

So if you're looking for a new show for your littles, The Stinky & Dirty Show should definitely be on the top of your list! A fun, learning & awesome show with lovable characters that will surely win over your heart!




Check out The Stinky & Dirty Show at Amazon Prime

.. New home Decor? Save money using Groupon Goods..

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post but all words and opinions expressed are 100% my own as always.

Fact about me: I usually love to change my home decor depending on the season an/or the upcoming  holiday. Downside: It can become somewhat costly. (Especially if you go slightly over board,  like I tend to do. Lol.) This is where Groupon Goods comes into play. 

Groupon Goods has a great variety of things to spruce up every corner of your home. From the kitchen to the bathroom, the kids room, living room, you name it they have it! You'll love the selection but the savings will be the cherry that tops it off! Home Decor is just one of the categories thats available, theres entertainment, jewelry, fashion, electronics, health & beauty & so much more. So if home decor is not your thing take a look at all of the other savings that are available in an area of interest for you.

Saving money is something we all enjoy and Groupon makes it super easy! No fees, no membership needed! It's all free & at your reach. So next time you're looking for outstanding deals, great savings & a hassle free site make sure you go look on Groupon. 

.. Saving money with Groupon Coupons ..

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post but all words and opinions expressed are 100% my own as always.

We all love to shop, we all have those moments where we splurge on one or a few items that we  want, but as a parent I know I enjoy saving money just as much as I love spending it, Ha!! I'm always trying to find ways to save money, weather it be with coupons or just a good sale. 
One of my favorite and super easy ways to save money is with Groupon Coupons.

Not only does it help save money with groceries but also at department stores, restaurants, event tickets and much more!!! 

Groupon Coupons is so easy to use and what makes it one of my favorite coupon go to sites is that there is no membership required! Ever try using a coupon site where they make you get a membership or you have to download some sort of additional program to use the coupons (super frustrating!!!) Honestly that discourages me from using that site and/or coupons. Groupon Coupons easy functional system makes splurging easy and extra fun because of the savings! When checking out the site make sure to take your time to look through because they have some amazing deals that can NOT be found any where else they are exclusively for Groupon Coupons! 

Here are a few examples of where you can save money using Groupon coupons:

• Barnes & Nobles
• Bed Bath & Beyond
• Foot Locker
• Macys
• Nike
• Sephora
• Walgreens

And many more!

So make sure you go over to Groupon Coupons and check out the awesome deals on there. Easy way to shop and save money!! 

What more you can you ask for?!

.. Worlds Smallest Toys but such big fun!!! ..

Classics have made a come back these past few years, remake of tv shows, some of the fashion, music groups/singers, but one of my faves are certainly the toys!!! Now don't get me wrong toys from generation are cool but some of the old school toys are most definitely way cooler!!! 

Worlds smallest toys brings back some awesome classics but in mini version!!! Some of the classics are Rubik's Cube, Perplexus, Fisher Price Chatter Telephone, Doodle Top and more. These toys were cool in their original form but in mini version they freaking cool!!! Lol. 

As a parent I absolutely love these for their convenience, my daughter loves carry toys when we are out & about (& What i mean she loves to carry she usually stuffs them in my bag, lol) so worlds smallest toys makes that so much easier for both her & I. 

As we prepare for this upcoming holiday season definitely look into getting World's smallest toys, they're perfect as stocking stuffers or get the them all as collectibles or heck to play with while the kids are sleeping. 

Do not hesitate to look into World's Smallest Toys this holiday season! 

Take a trip down memory lane & enjoy watching your kids play with some of your favorites!!

Chatter telephone is the perfect size to play along Cinderella! 

Mommy & baby. My daughter loves that even her Chatter telephone  has a mommy!! 

.. The Moodsters. Helping kids understand its ok to feel all the moods. ..

A child's social and emotional development is essential through out their life,  it is important for them to learn how to identify and manage their own emotions as well as the emotions of others.  The understanding of their feelings can have a life long effect on their behavior, physical & emotional well-being, school success and relationships. 

Sometimes we only help kids understand the feeling of happiness, accomplishment and love but what about sadness, fear, and anger. All of the above moods are natural to one as adult but to a young child   they are as well. As parents we can be somewhat protective, normally we only wish our child to feel happiness and a sense of accomplishment and sometimes try to hide that feeling of sadness and fear from them. 

As parents we are their guide, the person they come to for help and sometimes we might not know how to explain to them in a way they will fully understand. Thankfully for this (when dealing with feelings) there is help, help that comes in the form of The Moodsters!

The Moodsters are 5 lovable little detectives who use their skills to help their friends when they have a feelings emergency. Lolly (Love), Snorf (Sad), Coz (Happy), Razzy (Angry) and Quigly (Afraid) personify basic emotions that all children experience in their everyday lives.  Along with The Moodsters and their tools like the Moodster Meter, Moodster Mirror, Moodster Feelings Flashlight and the Feelings notebook  & Feelings crayons your kids can express what mood they are in. Each tool is designed to help them communicate and understand their mood with ease. The Moodster mirror for example  helps them make a connection between feelings on the inside and the facial expressions that are associated with that feeling. 

Make sure you check out The Moodsters for a more depth look into their products but as well as the tools they offer parents. With the help of The Moodsters and you (Parent/s) your kid/s will be able to share and understand their feelings. 

Nickelodeon Holiday Gift Guide preview...

Can you peep all the Classics? 

Nickelodeon was such a big part of my childhood, so many memories with my siblings. Now I also have the opportunity to create memories with my little one because nickelodeon has such a wonderful selection for toddlers (preschoolers) that are equally fun as educational, that as a parent I appreciate very much.

So when I was invited to attend Nickelodeon's holiday Gift Guide I was so eager & excited as well as my little one was. 

This  years holiday gift guide preview included some of their most popular shows such as Shimmer & Shine, Paw Patrol, Blaze and the machines, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and SpongeBoob Squarepants. So many options with toys, clothes, bedroom decor and even home appliances. It was so cool to see all the new merchandise that was soon to be launched, even cooler we got to ( well Frida tested more than I did, Lol) txt some out.

Nickelodeon is not only helping kids use their imagination but also providing new ways to incorporate physical activity in your kids playtime. As well as giving your child the wonderful chance to explore their individuality with some of their favorite characters!

Shimmer & Shine, Frida loves Shimmer & Shine! She wanted everything! Lol. Their new product line is absolute magic!

SpongeBob, already an icon! How Cute are the megablocks!

Paw Patrol, That Yoga Mat though (Pink+ Skye= Can I have one please! Lol) The Bedding was one of my faves for all of the characters!

TMNT!! A classic for us the parents now enjoyed by our littles! All of the home appliances are on Mommy's christmas  wish list! 

As you can see Frida enjoyed seeing the upcoming products for some of her favorite characters!
Thank you Nickelodeon!!

ENK Children's Club at the Jacob Javits Center...

   

Yesterday I had the chance to go to the ENK Children's Club Fashion Showcase at the Jacob Javits Center thanks to Brianne from Stroller In The City.

It was my first time going to a fashion expo, I was beyond excited and slightly nervous since I had no idea what to expect but come on, Who doesn't love clothes?! Right, LOL. With Frida being an absolute Threenager, (She's 3) , her love for clothes grows rapidly. So I was intrigued to see what Fashion I would see at the expo.  The expo is every fashionistas dream come to a reality, endless aisles of clothes, accessories, shoes and more!!! It was so awesome to meet some of the team members behind the great brands. Side note: I highly recommend you attend a fashion expo if you ever had the chance, you'll have a new appreciation for some of the brands you may already love and you'll even fall in love with new ones. 

Lanoosh: Love everything but those Mommy & Me styles stoles my heart!! These wonderful pieces are not only absolutely cute but so comfortable! The fabric is divine!!!

Chili Ortega: Love the message behind the brand!!! Hope they launch adult shirts soon!!

KinderKind: Offers outfits with a flare, that can be worn as the set its sold as or used separately. Versatility + fashionable is a major plus in my book.

Fasten Swim: This revolutionary amazing swimwear has magnetic fasteners which makes diaper changing and/or going to the bathroom a breeze for both parents & kids. Plus it super fashionable!!!

Snap't: Attention all accessories lovers, Snap't will become your new addiction. Not only are these super cool but it gives girls of all ages (including us moms) to express our uniqueness, to celebrate our individuality! Snap't is simple: Pick your base+ pick your Snap't of your choice=  Boom! you got your Snap't accessory that celebrates YOU!!!

Keenz Wagon: This amazing foldable stroller wagon is on the top of my wish list! The Keenz wagon combines aspects of a stroller with those of a  wagon! This is a must for all parents that are always out & about with the littles.  Did I mention its foldable?!? I'll take one in each color please!! Lol 

Those are only some of the wonderful brands that I saw and had the pleasure of meeting at the Childerns fashion expo. There were so many more that were just as equally amazing and they all turned me a fashion crazed mama!!!

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. I was invited to attend this event as press and received a goodie bag. All words and opinions expressed are 100% my own.