Home Improvements Here we go! (plus a Giveaway)

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by The Home Depot.  All thoughts, opinions and photos are my own. 

This summer has been a big summer for us! We have been very busy and not in the fun summer way most would think. We have been going through a lot as a family dealing with my dads diabetes and getting ready for the youngest in my family (my son) to head off to school for the first time. With all this stuff and more our home has been neglected sadly. But when you spend so much time at the hospital and your days after are doctor appointments non stop you kinda have to set priorities and for us family comes first. 

Now that things seem to be winding down I started looking around here at home and we are in need of major changes and improvements!

For the next couple of months I want you to follow along and see how we get our home in tip top shape. We are adding more of our Hispanic culture into the mix. We are starting this month with the outside. With Texas temperatures being over 100 every day this month my lawn has been neglected and overgrown and full of ants. And don't get me started on my plants! They are mostly dead and for a very sad example let me show you a picture of our rose bush last year. 

Yep! Beautiful fresh roses outside my window! But not anymore. All the branches were brown now and even crispy. Not one single flower on them and in desperate need of new life so off they were chopped and now we are trying to salvage the roots and start new. Look at the sadness in front of my window now. 

Here are the branches from it that are being cleaned up

We are cleaning up and making our lawn fresh little by little by trimming and cleaning around the plants that are still living and giving room for them to flourish again. We are making our lawn/garden brand new with help from The Home Depot. The Home Depot has many Hispanic themed products out there to add a little culture and make your house feel more like Home. We are adding some fun lawn decor to brighten up the area too. Like this fun and cooky monkey 

and this amazingly beautiful hand crafted pot that I adore!

I am thinking of which plant to grow in this pot and am very open to suggestions. Something that will be ok during a drought and with extreme heat but be very pretty. 

To find some fun Hispanic Themed products like the Tin crazy Monkey and Talavera Round Pot be sure to check out a local store near you here.

So you can join along in the Home Improvement fun be sure to enter this awesome Giveaway for one of three $50 Home Improvement Gift Cards. Good luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Hope you guys join me along this Home Improvement Adventure time and give me tips and suggestions just like I will give you plenty too! 

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by The Home Depot.  All thoughts, opinions and photos are my own. 

10 yrs ago today I graduated Highschool

Ten years ago today I graduated High school.... yep time sure does fly. I didn't even feel it go by. It seems too fast, too soon and like I'm not ready to accept that its been 10 years. I have been sorta really kinda definitely dreading this day. I knew it was coming... I was constantly being bombarded with news about the 10 year reunion. The planning..."do you want to decorate? plan? raise funds..etc? " The ticket sales "Are you buying now or at the door?" And finally the invites! 

A lot has changed in ten years... my dreams, wishes, view of life and goals. I'm not the same person from the past and while many will say that not being the me of ten years ago is bad, I proudly object. I wouldn't change who I am today for the person I was. I don't want to live in the past, its not good to dwell. I honestly can say I wouldn't change a thing from my past. Why? I think everything happens for a reason. The good, the bad and through it all you live and learn from your mistakes. If I hadn't gone through all the tumbles that led me down this road, I would never have gotten this miracle in life. I would never have been blessed with my son, this child who is now my world. That's why I wouldn't have my life any other way. 

Strolling down memory lane I went through my old high school pictures. I was so proud when I graduated. I was the first one from my family to ever graduate! My dad dropped out in 9th grade to work and help support his family and my mom never even did one single year in school because she grew up working in Mexico, helping her father to support there family. I was very fortunate that even though we went through hard times I was able to go and have an education. 

Here's some pictures of my High school memories:

My graduation invitations

A few of the fun programs and places I went to with school plus awards

I was in ROTC for 4 years! Part of John Jays AFJROTC Tx 782nd, my spirit senior bags and my High school prom invitation

My 18th Birthday I actually celebrated at work! My first job was at Seaworld San Antonio. I was a photographer there for 4 seasons! For my 18th birthday my mom had talked to my manager and they talked to Seaworld to get permission to bring in mariachis and cake and pizza through the employee area to surprise me at work. I had no idea any of this was going to happen. It was late and I was working behind the counter when all of a sudden these mariachis pop out and sing to me! I wanted to cry! My moms boyfriend is the one singing. It was so special and more so because of all the planning and work my mom put into it. I have so many beautiful high school memories at Seaworld such as this one back when they use to have the Shamu you could get on and take pictures with (Im the one on the front and my friend krystle is behind me), my family all getting kissed by belugas and lots more fun times! 

Here's one of my Senior pictures

My graduating class of 2003 Science &Engineering Academy at John Jay Highschool! And of course finally the reason today is special... A picture of me crossing the  stage and getting my diploma. My High school graduation! 

Happy ten years to all my fellow graduates of 2003! May you all be blessed with happiness in life. That these years have brought you wisdom and strength and many happy memories. 

Mothers Day 2013

Today is a special day for us moms. Today we celebrate us! We celebrate our children above all else who made us who we are today. So today I celebrate the little man in my life who calls me Mommy and fills my heart with love. He gave me a reason, a purpose in life to smile and love. He makes me whole! 

From the day he was born he changed my life. I find it so special how the first time I felt him in my tummy it was Mothers day! It was like he was telling me Happy Mothers day mommy, I cant wait to meet you! 

Happy Mothers day to all you mommys out there! Hope your day is Beautiful and full of love! 

Project 52: Week 16 (Catching Up)

I haven't been writing as much as I would like to have been. If your wondering why? Well my dad this year has had a rough time fighting with his diabetes. In January he had a huge wound on his leg that almost cost him his leg. He spent some time in the hospital and got better and his wound recently closed up all the way with lots of care. 

Then more recently a wound he had on his foot was looking ugly and finally with enough of nagging my dad came to his senses and off we went to the hospital. Turns out his foot wound already had an infection in the bone and he would need surgery and care to save his foot. This wouldn't be his first foot surgery. Not even 2 yrs before he had a partial amputation of his feet, on one a pinky toe and on the other just a partial side. The situation this time was spooky since both the leg wound and foot wound were on his left side and that's a lot for a body to handle. So this week was mostly spent in the hospital. He had a good surgery and now he is home where he is healing, resting and off his feet. 

Well it doesn't end there though... this week has been a tough one mentally for me. It makes me sad and hurt inside and worries me in ways I cant even write. While all the worries of my father were happening I would take breaks and look at the tv in the waiting room and the images in front of my eyes only brought more tears. When the tv should have been a distraction it only brought more worry and fear. Our country was in mourning and my heart couldn't stand it anymore. Inside me there was too much pain...

I cant get the thought out of my mind... What if I get diabetes? (The doctor told me having one parent with diabetes ups your risk to 40%) The fear of my life taking that path has been like a dark shadow on me this week. Is this my future? How could I put my child through what Im going through right now with my dad? Its all too much. Its a struggle. Its even been the reason of a nightmare this week that woke me up screaming at the top of my lungs.  

So I know I should be sharing pictures of my week but guess what? I have no pictures of my sadness, of the hospital of my dad or my fears. I only have my words to share and I hope thats enough for now. 

Sorry to be a dark cloud but all this is stirring in me and for fear of exploding one day from holding it all in I share it here. I need suggestions/advice/tips/recipes/links anything you can think of to help me and my family with our journey with my dads diabetes. Thank you guys in advance

Project 52: Week 13

This past week was a tough one. Thursday early morning we lost our cat Gilbert. She was killed by dogs outside our yard and we got there too late. I am beyond heartbroken and so is my family. Its been nonstop crying for days. I dont think my heart will ever heal properly from her loss because she was in our lives over 15 years. Thats forever! She was more than a pet to us, she was family... a best friend. 

When we were little kids she was so much fun and happy, full of life. She was a fighter. One day walking home I saw a little lump on the road and it seemed familiar... it was her. She had been run over and there was blood everywhere and I carried her home. We cleaned her and cared for and prayed she wouldnt die. She slowly but surely regained strength after a couple days and even though she forever had a scar on her face and lost her tail she was Beautiful and a survivor. 

Now here with me as an adult she was comfort to me during the hard times in my pregnancy. She would lay next to my belly and magically make the pain go away. Since my son was born she has only ever been sweet to him. She would lay next to him while he slept and never once scratched him or hurt him. She was a great pet to have. A pet that will be deeply missed and forever cherished and loved in our family. 

And I know that up in Heaven by Gods side she is watching over us and being a good Girl. We will one day be together again and until then she will always be a part of my heart.

 

Having Fun at the Park

A couple of weeks ago we checked out an old Park we hadn't been to in over a year. It had gotten a new walking trail and we were excited to try it out. 

Here are some pictures of our adventure! 

It was fun to look all around at nature. 

At the end of the trail there was a really cute park playground where we took a break and played! It was fun!! 

Play Time... Fun Time! 

Its always fun to discover a new place! It got us outdoors walking and enjoying nature, so I think we might be finding other trails to go on adventures. 

Whens the last time you took a walk with your family? 

Project 52: Week 8

Project 52: Week 8

Hi there! Another week has come and gone so quickly! Can you believe February is ending in a couple of days and then its March! Yep, too quick. Not only that but this year Easter is in March so if you haven't started planning, then you are already late. Don't worry, its not your fault! We normally celebrate Easter in April so this year it just sneaks in right after St. Patrick's day. 

This past week we went to SeaWorld San Antonio for Wild Days and had lots of fun! It was our first visit of the new season and we cant wait to go back! We had fun wearing some new fashionable pieces in our hair and we started getting ready for Easter! yep, I went through the storage and got out all the Easter baskets and grass and fun eggs. I also have been making pretty much only scrambled eggs (instead of sunny side up) so I can save the eggs in order to make cascarones. Its so much fun to make your own cascarones rather than spending money on them. 

How was your past week? Share your Project 52 with me! 

If you are looking for some fun St. Patricks Day ideas check out my St. Patricks Day board on Pinterest!

I also have a Board full of yummy food, basket ideas and decorations for Easter so check that out! 

Happiness Is...

Happiness Is... (Week 3)

Happiness is... Family, having time to relax and have fun with them

Happiness is... Imagination! This week I have been crafting and painting, I love it! Especially when it includes my munchkin. 

Happiness is... enjoying the sunshine

Happiness is... Realizing how Happy you are in your life and knowing you deserve it. 

Happiness is... How this week San Antonio has been showing everyone that we know have to have fun! This Harlem Shake craze has gone viral! Just a couple of days ago SeaWorld San Antonio made this awesome video which features a walrus and Sea lions! It is awesome!  
 

Lisa at Crazy Adventures in parenting has been doing a weekly series called "Happiness Is_____" where every Wednesday she will be having a link up for others to share what Happiness is to them. So go check that out and link up! You can also follow others along with the hashtag #HappinessIs on twitter and Instagram. Hope to see you there spreading the happiness!

"Haute" Fashion with Flexy

I'm so excited to tell you guys about a fun fashionable find I got to try out. In my opinion its great for all ages depending on your style. Its called Fashion Flexy. Its a mix of hair accessories and jewelry that you can use as hair ties but also when not in use double as bracelets. It helps people like me a lot! I like to have my hair down when its cold but then as soon as I get a little hot, up it goes and I always worry I wont be able to find a hair tie. Now I can always carry one around my wrist and you would think it was just another accessory.

Let me show you the neat stuff I got to try out:

Here's some fun pictures of them on:

There are so many styles to choose from depending on the occasion and you can even special order some for special events such as business, charity, Runs, etc. The prices are pretty great too, most start as low as $2 (without charm)! I think thats great if you have a big group of girls for a sleep over/birthday party and want to get them each a little special keepsake of the night. 

I like how soft they were and the many choices you have for charms or colors and types of hair ties. Not only that but they also made earrings, necklaces and rings to match. That way they really get incorporated into your style. My favorite was the heart charm. It was a great touch to my hair on Valentines Day.

So go and check them out on there website Fashion Flexy or keep up with them on Twitter and Facebook. 

Disclosure: I received the Fashion Flexy hair ties Free to test out. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Your experience may vary from mine. 

Have you tried Glade Expressions?

I know most of you have heard of Glade. I love it and have used it many times but for the first time I got to try out Glade Expressions. They are the more fashionable side of Glade. 

The fragrance mist is awesome! Its funny how you squeeze it, Its easy to use.  Plus its a peekaboo kind of container where you can switch the scents in and out. I tried out the Cotton scent and I actually like it. It was the only one available at the store and I felt disappointed because I actually wanted to try lavender but once I did try cotton I loved it! It was so fresh and a clean scent. (I still want to try lavender though). 

I also got to try out The Oil diffuser in pineapple and that is so strong smelling! It would be great for a bathroom or a large room where you need it most. It smells really yummy and tropical even and I like that. 

Have you tried Glade Expressions? Which scent is your favorite?

Disclosure: I am a Bzzz Agent. I have received this item free to try out and Review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Your experience may vary from mine. 

Have you tried Schick Hydro silk?

I am so excited to be telling you about the first item I had a chance to check out Thanks to Bzzz and its the Schick Hydro Silk. Ok girls I know its winter but I'm in Texas so it gets pretty hot sometimes here even in winter. I've been wearing my shorts every so often and I need to have shorts ready legs. 

So when I got this in the mail I was super excited to try it and see the difference between this and the other brands. Ok I will admit that with razors I am pretty cheap. I think that since its only shaving all brands must be pretty much the same. But oh boy was I wrong! 

This razor was so smooth on my skin and gentle that I feel bad for my legs for mistreating them before. But never again! I know about Schick now and you should give it a try it too! 

Disclosure: I am a Bzzz Agent. I have received this item free to try out and Review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Your experience may vary from mine. 

Project 52: Week 7

Project 52: Week 7

This past week was all about Love in this house. We made Valentines and Valentine treat bags. We went to Play and learn at Central library where the theme was Red for Valentines day! Then of course the big day came and we played with chalk outside making hearts.

We had a pretty great week. How was your week? Did you have a good Valentines day? Hope your week was filled with Love like ours!

Plus If you have not yet checked out my first time at Gummy Lump then head on over and see my Indoor Zoo Craft made with paper plates. I made a Lion, giraffe, bear and turtle with my munchkin so we could play indoors during winter. I hope your munchkins have fun with it! 

Are you doing a Project 52? Even though we are in February that doesn't mean you cant still start yours up. Share yours with me! 

Happiness Is...

Happiness Is... (Week 2)

Happiness Is... sleep (I need more of it)

Happiness Is... Health which we are blessed with right now

Happiness Is... that on the 13th of January my dad was in the ER with doctors saying he could have lost his leg but today one month later he is feeling so much better, his leg was not lost and is healing so beautifully! 

Happiness Is... the fact that tomorrow is the day of Love... Valentines Day! And I cant wait to see all the cutesy stuff people do. I have munchkins treat bags ready! Are you ready?

Happiness Is... trying out Krazy Ketchup which is full of vegetables and your kids will never know because it tastes so Yummy! So go give them a try!

Happiness Is... Opportunities! I have a big announcement for tomorrow and I have been going crazy keeping it inside for weeks. Hint: It involves paper plates

Happiness Is... My Munchkin! Here he is being a Rock Star! Watch out world! 

Lisa at Crazy Adventures in parenting has been doing a weekly series called "Happiness Is_____" where every Wednesday she will be having a link up for others to share what Happiness is to them. So go check that out and link up! You can also follow others along with the hashtag #HappinessIs on twitter and Instagram. Hope to see you there spreading the happiness!