Feeling Batty?

Nope, not a Halloween post but a deal discovery.

You may or may not like her music but her eyes are always on point. I saw that Katy Perry partnered up with Eylure when I saw these at Kitson in LA back in September. Being that I have a million sets of lashes, I skipped out on buying yet another but I'm running low. Now, I do not know if I want the full on drama of OH, MY! or the subtle drama of OH, HONEY! Maybe both since I found them for $6.99 instead of the $12 price tag at TopShop or the $14 at Kitson. STEAL!

Getting Bikini Bound Before the Holidays

I'm going to start at the beginning. The bachelor party. Yup. My husband attended one of these gentlemen soirees and decided he was to share his eventful night with me. After pointing out that none of the "entertainment" was worth looking at, he mention one that caught everyone's eye and the fierceness that was her body. Not in those exact words of course. The very next day, I joined a gym and for the next 3 months I went regularly trying to replicated what I described to my trainer as a...well...a stripper's body. I got close. Then at the end of March my workload became unbearable, between the mommy business, working full time hours outside the home, my blog (which suffered), my side projects, well, the gym was slowly forgotten. Want to know what else suffered? My backside that once was described as "defying gravity" was no longer defying jack! This morning, I noticed my friend Sili, who blogs over at My Mamihood threw up a 30 fitness challenge from BodyRock.TV with two other bloggers. Check out their posts here and here. I jumped in not knowing what I was getting myself into but how bad can 12 minutes a day be? Well, I did my first twelve and I have melted into the floor. I'm thin but in shape I am not yo! What do you say? Anyone else want to join the fun?

Zipped Street Style {Snapped}

I cannot remember if it was the play of color or the zipper but she caught my eye. The streets of NYFW s/s 13 was where it was at.

Moms are Crazy and I am Certifiable

Source: ffffound.com via Yanira on Pinterest

My daughter attends play school two days out of the week. It barely gives me enough time to blog, work on my side projects, house work and my actual "out of the house" job. I grab my laptop and head over to the Starbucks 2 minutes down the road from her school. Maybe it is my addiction to mocha lattes or my insane inability to let go but I like being right here. With my heart in one hand (they use scissors in school after all) and my latte in another. Even though I am looking at my phone every 5 minutes in case the school calls and tells me something bad has happened, it gives me a bit of a break to breathe for a moment. Sure I spend my Sunday mornings on Pinterest but I have her running around damn near tearing the house apart. Mondays I try and spend the entire day blogging while my mother is watching her in the next room. I hear every tantrum, every meltdown and every so often have to stop mid sentence to do a puzzle with her or have her sit in my lap while she shuts down my unsaved work. The rest of the week is a variation of this, work, timeouts, sing alongs, clients and it is just non stop. So here I am in my safe place (written on a Tuesday) with my latte, writing in my planner, organizing my week, planning the next, people watching, shamelessly and unapologetically browsing theoutnet.com. This is me time... that I spend watching my phone and missing the chaos.

The Only 3 Products You Need to Grow Out Your Hair Now

Source: breakfastatyurmans.tumblr.com via Yanira on Pinterest

I promised myself two things by the time I turn 30. One, have lunch under the Eiffel Tower (unlike Guy de Maupassant I think it is beautiful) and two, have my curls down my back the way it was in college. It was that wild, long and crazy hair that I believed made the hubs fall in love in the first place. I figured since I get scissor happy every three months, I would give myself a year and a half to get my hair where it needs to be. However, it doesn't come without self control and the help of these three key products.


1. Hair oil

I discovered this product a while ago but it wasn't until an emergency bobbi pin run at Rick's NYC in Astoria, Queens that I actually tried it. Guess what? It works. Be sure to not use too much of this oil as it does weigh hair down a bit, a small price to pay for longer locks.

2. A clean scalp

I received a sample of this product when I went to Hispanicize and then again in the mail from Influenster. I cannot wash my hair with any other shampoo now. My hair is softer, fuller, more manageable and CLEAN!!!!

3. An old fashioned brushing

I have wanted this brush for a long time but the price always scared me. I ended up getting the pocket size for a fraction of the cost and absolutely love it. It takes me twice as long to brush my hair but did I mention a fraction of the cost? Although the more I use it, the more I think I will splurge for the full size.

Clueless {Snapped}

Spotted these on a blogger at NYFW. The second she said they were Alaia all I thought was the scene in Clueless when Alicia Silverstone's character gets mugged. Nice right?

How You Can Still Wear Your Spring Look Now {Personal Style}

sweater: H&M (similar here) | pant: H&M (similar here) | boot: Steve Madden (similar here)

As with any major change in life, some things have to give in order to make way for something else. I've said it a million times before and I will say it again, my shopping budget gave and in a major way. With that said, I find myself wearing the same outfit over and over again. Since this major project I am working on requires a lot of behind the scenes work, I usually do not mind. But what happens when you have to run out for a quick errand or to visit family. What would they think if I wore the same old frocks over and over again? Here is what they would think "she works in fashion?" Hey, I would judge me too.

What I have begun to do is dig into my Spring and Summer bin to see what pieces I can use for layering. Here I went for bold with color using the same fun printed pant from H&M that bloggers when gaga over back in May. I bought mine in June and am decided October would be a great go at it. I added high boots to cover the fact that they are a crop pant, a long tank with a sweater layered over. What piece do you find yourself wanting to wear this season still? Why don't you and if you did, how would you?



Thanks to my mom who looked like she found a new hobby in photography.

Rust {Snapped}

She was waiting for someone. I do not know who nor did I ask, I just SNAPPED. Yet another great look I saw at NYFW this year.

What to Wear? Part Two

So I made it out to JcPenny to browse the new Liz Claiborne collection. I was very sad that my local "penny's" was out of a size 4 in EVERY bottom. I kid you not. I already had my heart set on a certain pant so I bit the bullet and brought home a 6. I figured I can exchange them later when a 4 comes in, if not my tailor can add one more item to my ever growing "hey, I lost another pound so take this in" pile. So here are my two casual looks that I planned for Analiese's very simple 3rd birthday. What to wear?

Outfit One:

I love how versatile this boat neck sweater can be and it was the first thing I grabbed. I thought pairing it with a bright ankle pant can play it up just a bit. 

I can just as easily go with 

Outfit Two: 

Everyone who knows me knows that I live in denim. This denim shirt was comfortable, casual and chic all at one. Hello?! That is so me. The snake print pant had been on my list for a while so when this project came up, well, hello again!

Mind you the pants are a size too big and you know I plan on "stylin' it up with some shoes" a la' Carrie Bradshaw but you get the idea. Now, let the voting begin. What outfit should I wear?
Vote for the outfit you think I should wear and tell me which is your favorite item I bought! I included links to the pieces from my outfits but be sure to visit jcpenney  for more classic pieces.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of jcpenney. The opinions and text are all mine.

Macy's & Vanidades Magazine Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

I'm still mad that he didn't play Black Magic Woman last time I saw his perform, but I'm not mad a the rocker's collection of shoes. I'll be celebrating my Hispanic Heritage at Macy's State St today at 6 and coming home with a new pair. Where will you be?

Coffee Cups & Hot Chocolate {Being Mom}

Seasons change and plans do as well. With a new home, new plans and new ideas, I have been thinking a lot about the direction of my own career to make more time to enjoy the simple things in life. The love and laughter that my family brings. I've worked hard as a stylist, working on photo shoots and shopping trips but I find the mother's guilt to be stronger than the satisfaction from work. I'm taking time to reflect and find a way to make it work for my happiness, his and hers. Today, I am taking the day to plan her 3rd birthday, plan out my "home remodel" for the week, spending time with my dad who is in town until Sunday and just being mom. In the meantime, check out these (new to me) blogs I have discovered.

Funny how an outfit can inspire a whole room.

My name is Mommy and I am a blogger.

I am having coffee from now on with an Artistpreneur. 

How to travel with little ones from one of NYC's most fashionable.

I learned from Knots Collective from here.

Why I Think I am so Pretty {Thoughts on Self Love}

"Anorexic." That is the one word that was constantly whispered to describe me. No matter how quiet they thought they were being, I heard them. I ate and still eat more than most. "Her hair is nappy." I heard that one also. "She can't wear that lipstick, her lips are TOO big," said as I walked on by. Back then the sticks and stones never hurt but their words almost did break me. 

I am a thin woman still, now just with child bearing hips. Lucky me. I have fun hair. Jealous much? Red, orange and even hot pink, I wear every shade imaginable on my big full lips that some can only dream of. I'm not sure if I outgrew the criticism or if I just chose to be deaf to them but I am beautiful. No really. I am a beautiful woman and am ashamed that I didn't always believe it to be so. It is a shame that we are drilled to think we are "supposed" to look a certain way at an early age. 72% of girls (ages 10-17) feel tremendous pressure to be beautiful. As a mother to a little girl and with my experience, it scares me. More than half of girls globally say their mother is their #1 female role model and that is exactly what I intend to do. This weekend, Dove with Girls, Inc, Girls Scouts and Boys & Girls Club, kicked off their 3rd annual self esteem weekend in NYC with events taking place across the US. Join in on the conversation here and here. Don't worry, we may have missed the events but the most important one is the role you aim to play from this day forward. Let her know, that every curve and curl is exactly where it is suppose to be. We are exactly who we are supposed to be.

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Dove and Latina Blogger Connect. The words, self love and finally self acceptance is all my own honey. *add finger snaps for effect*

Best of LA

I was lucky enough to finally make my way to the West Coast thanks to General Motors. Here are a few highlights from my weekend getaway.

I was spoiled and stayed at The Langham Hotel in Pasadena. I was excited to here one will open in Chicago. Maybe I will get lucky and stay there a night. The room came with its own copy of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. I didn't have much time for reading but it was a great option and almost made me stay in the first night. To a mom, nothing seems more relaxing than a hot shower and a good read, uninterrupted.

I was given a few roses upon my arrival. I noticed everyone else received only one but I was given two. I'll brag a bit and say I still got it.

What I didn't have was the sense to turn off the flash but whatever. I decided to head out to West Hollywood on my first night, used my new eyeliner from the Carine Roitfield Collection from MAC, almost had my car towed but had a blast that night with friends that were in from Chicago never the less.

When I came back, I opened the leather box in the bathroom to find a shaving kit, a dental kit, a sewing kit that actually saved my day the following day and many more goodies.

In the morning I headed off to pick up my tickets at will call for the Alma Awards. It was inspiring and down right amazing to see so many influential Latinos all in one room.

I dressed in red to match the red 2013 Buick Verano that was so graciously loaned to me by the team at GM. I appropriately named her Lola and she drove like a beauty. I have never driven an American car until now and I was in love. I felt a bit of sadness when I had to say goodbye.

I even ended up at Bella Nail Spa to get the pedicure of my life (30 foot rub, thank you) and picked out "Big Apple Red" from OPI to match "Lola". The hotel also has an OPI color named after it in that beautiful shade of pick that cover the boxes and accent decor. Yes, I own it now.

The outdoor hallway from my hotel room to the lobby was a bit long but a refreshing site and walk every morning. I missed it as soon as I left.

Behind the building I was staying in was an herb garden. I didn't try any of the restaurants at the hotel but on the morning of my departure when I saw this, I was filled with regret.

I didn't take a swimsuit and quickly regretted that also. You would have cried if you saw the private jacuzzi that was covered by trees on the other side of the pool.

It wouldn't have been fun had I not did a little shopping and evened up in Santa Monica for a little retail therapy. That is when I discovered Johnny Was.

The shop girl was AH-mazingly sweet. She was a transplant with such a great attitude and was seriously a breath of fresh air.

This store was covered in books, scarves and a vibe that I dare not put into words as I fear it just wouldn't be enough.

I was told these were made just for the shop and now looking at the pictures I am kicking myself for not picking up one or two. Lucky for me they have an online shop.

I had to photograph the chairs. Since I am in the middle of redoing this whole house, this was a big inspiration for me. I'm going bold, mixing prints and not apologizing. The classic chairs and the traditional rug look comfortable and lived in. It is just what I want to live in everyday.

I could have and should have brought a few things with me. My suitcase was just already filled with a items I picked up in Pasadena that I was sure nothing would have fit. 

I walked out of the outdoor mall and walked straight here. It was a beautiful day, so I kicked off my sandals and dipped my feet. The water was chilly but felt great.

All in all, it was a great trip. It was lonely when I first arrived as I knew no one and knew not where to go. I had a few "online friends" I had made try to squeeze in some time for me which was extremely touching to say the least even though we didn't actually get together. I have to go and make time for these amazing women. In a short amount of time, I saw the Hollywood sign (from the road), had dinner and drinks in West Hollywood with my Chicago friend and his partner. I had a pedicure, lunch and bought my new favorite clutch in Pasadena while picking up tickets for the award show. I went to the Almas! I saw too many celebrities to list and made some amazing friends that night. My new friends took me salsa dancing after the after party. The dancing, the inspiring conversations and the late night run for a bag of Flaming Hot Cheetos was too fun to even go into details. My last day was filled with window shopping, magazine shopping, lunch in Santa Monica and the pier. Not bad for 48 hours. Thank you so much GM. You made this mom extremely happy.

Disclaimer: I was flown to LA, given a shiny red Buick and all my expenses were paid. No stings attached. This post was not paid for nor required and all thoughts and opinions (like always) are my own. If I don't like it, I won't write it but I loved it.