Make a Statement

"Join us in giving aid to families coping with gun-violence tragedies." This is the first line in the about section of Wear It Don't Bear It, a non-profit helping to raise awareness and promoting gun control. No, I am not anti-gun per say, but that is irrelevant as this is not a political blog but I am a mom and this is a blog about me, moms like me and women, just like me. I am a mom who sat and cried as she watched the news develop around the Newtown tragedy. I am a mom who cried Christmas morning for the gifts that were never open, and the hugs that were not given that day. I am a mom who never understood why anyone feels the right to bear military grade weapons when not actively in the military. I am a mom who doesn't want to see arm guards at her daughter's school, but I am a mom who wants her child safe. I am a mom raising a child in city of Chicago. We have some of the toughest gun control laws here, unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be working very well. Hopefully, if we get that conversation started, we can get our lawmakers to stop trying to one up each other and finally join forces to help our children. Something must be done. Toby Milstein, a junior at Barnard College, designed and produce these special necklaces and now bracelets with the slogan Wear It Don't Bear It with 100% of the profits going to the organization, the Bereaved Parents of the USA, a nation-wide organization dedicated to helping parents and families who have lost children. I am a mom, who after 5 consecutive miscarriages became one. I know that loss, I couldn't dare imagine losing one I've already held in my arms. Let's get this conversation started. Peacefully.




Of all the post I have written, this is one I ask you share.

What's in Her {Diaper/Mom} Bag with Pattie Cordova

Today on the first of my new series, we meet super bloggy mama, Pattie. Check out what is in her {diaper/mom}bag.

What bag are you carrying?

L.A.M.B. Trademark Satchel 

Do you only carry this bag or to you carry a purse as well?

Only this bag

Favorite baby product?

Seventh Generation Baby Lotion

Favorite Mommy product?

Sony NEX-5N camera - to take great pictures of everyday moments

I never leave the house without my cell phone.

In case of an emergency, every mom should carry sunglasses. Because you know, it's an emergency if you don't have your eyes done.

Beauty product every mom should carry?

Beautifully Disney Lip Gloss in Enchanted Slumber

Pattie Cordova, the blogger behind LivingMiVidaLoca.com, is a Latina mother of two niños - a five year old and a one year old. 

The Work from Home Mommy Uniform

I am not sure if you all have noticed but mommy bloggers seem to be taking over the world. While some are documenting their triumphs, their struggles and offering us much needed advice from the comfort of the playroom, others are building businesses. Yup. Take for example, my friend Sili over at My Mamihood, who launched what will be a social/consultation/sassy pants mastermind of a business. Now, to say I love this girl is an understatement and to say I hate her unending love of yoga pants is as well. We get lazy, resort to just comfort and casualness, forgetting that it could be chic as well. We is the keyword because I have been guilty as well. Here are 5 must haves for the mommy blogger who works like a boss.

1. The Versatile Dress: Finding a dress that is comfortable enough to sit in all day  and run around in as well, is hard to find unless you resort to a plain cotton piece. This one from Old Navy, is a great price point, works for emergency Skype meetings, last minute errands like having to stop writing to rush across town to pick up your kid from ballet and even great for a date night.

2. Bold Sneakers: I use to tell everyone that I didn't own sneakers, and I didn't. I wore heels, a lot. After becoming a mom, my love of flats grew and soon there after, sneakers made their was into my life. Now, just because I am working it out casual doesn't mean it has to be sloppy. This are from a collaboration between Keds and Kate Spade, and a heaven sent.

3. Fun Notebooks: Staring at a screen all day will kill you if not turn you into the walking dead. Great show, by the way. It will also kill your creativity. I'm pumped and ready to go after being away from my computer for a few days. It is great to have a notebook handy to jot down ideas.

4. Coffee: This is for my sanity. My kid is non stop from the moment she wakes up to when she goes to bed. I can get a good hour out of the day if I pull the lazy mom card and hand her my iPad and two if she naps, otherwise I'm stuck going to bed at unspeakable hours just to get my projects done or if I want to shower. Shame I know. I love Starbucks but this Latina suggests refilling that cup with some good ole Bustelo!

5. A Watch: Yes, I am Puerto Rican. Yes, I have a problem being on time. But humorous stereotypes aside, wearing a watch makes multi tasking at home a breeze. Morning coffee, emails, commenting on other blogs, checking social media, updating fan page, reading press releases and oh, it is time for lunch. If it wasn't for this watch, my kid would probably still be at play school. I usually have to drag her out  anyway, and according to my watch, it takes me a whole 15 mins. I praise you, Anne Klein.


Whether you are a mommy blogger, non-mommy blogger, work from home mom or even a stay at home mom, getting dressed not only makes you more productive, it makes you feel better about yourself.

Back to Work: Just Another Day

Just another work day:

Before I can even function, I have to have a massive amount of coffee in me. That is what it is like for a working mother.

 So does Sara because she has three kids, works as a make up artist downtown just like me, is my partner in crime on this hush hush side project and she blogs. Kicking off our work day meeting just right.

It is always nice to have our city serve up some fresh inspiration for us then it is off to an event for Kmart. The fact that it was at the uber delicious Mastro's Steakhouse on Dearborn was a plus.

 Kmart carries Essie. I love Essie therefore I love Kmart. Seriously. That is all it takes.

 Oh and how cute is this for my little monster/diva. Her curly locks look great in headbands and for the price I could get quite a few.

 She is still too little for these earrings but my nieces would love them. The Bongo nail polishes however, are now on her "mommy, I want that" list. That I think is a never-ending list.

 How cool are back to school clothes and supplies now?

 Room full of mommy bloggers, media and experts + cocktails + food + products = great times!

 I was sent home with a few back to school products. I've hid the glue sticks but she got a hold of the notebook and coloring utensils. 

 Mommy got a few goodies for herself.

And almost an hour of free time. Thank you Kmart, for inviting me to your Back to School party. This makes me super emotional since she will be attending "play school" (preschool for 3 year olds) starting in September. My how time flies. Just another day in the life huh?