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About Me....
I am a working out of the home mom to a toddler. I'm Dominican and married my Puerto Rican HS sweetheart almost 4 years ago but we've been together for 12. I love all things decorating, scrapbooking and love to do crafts on my non exisitent spare time. I love to shop and save money doing it! I have an addiction to shoes purses and lipgloss (what women doesn't!) and I hope my tips are helpful to you!!
Mami's Time Out
Do You Wear Glasses?
I've always needed glasses but started having to wear them daily about two years ago. They say with pregnancy everything changes and contacts don't fit because your eyes swell (along with everything else!) I am also a contact lens wearer but mostly I'm wearing my glasses every day. I would love a new more fashionable pair though. I met someone with the cutest pair of glasses and she said she had a few pairs. She treated them as accessories. I thought to myself what a great idea!! zennioptical.com is a site that sells stylish prescription glasses online at dirt cheap prices. When I say dirt cheap I mean DIRT cheap! I think I'm going to head over there for some glasses. They have complete single vision glasses starting at $8!! I had to read it twice! That includes anti scratch coating, full UV protection, hard case and lots more!
My son grabs my glasses off my face constantly and I'm so afraid of them getting broken because even at walmart my glasses would cost me over $100. And I like to wear my glasses around the house even if I wear contacts during the day. They're a lot more comfortable to me. I'm definitely going over there to order one (or two or three!) pairs of glasses since I just visited my optician in January. And they offer a flat rate shipping fee of 4.95 no matter how many pairs you buy! Go check them out. It almost sounds too good to be true!
These look like the pair that I currently own. I would love to replace them since they are almost broken beyond repair! 
My son grabs my glasses off my face constantly and I'm so afraid of them getting broken because even at walmart my glasses would cost me over $100. And I like to wear my glasses around the house even if I wear contacts during the day. They're a lot more comfortable to me. I'm definitely going over there to order one (or two or three!) pairs of glasses since I just visited my optician in January. And they offer a flat rate shipping fee of 4.95 no matter how many pairs you buy! Go check them out. It almost sounds too good to be true!
Today's Vent
Now that school is out it doesn’t mean your kids should be outside early in the morning! I passed by my neighborhood’s playground this morning on my way to work around 6:45 AM and there were kids on the swing! Now, bad enough that it’s that early in the morning but here’s the worst of it….I didn’t see a parent in sight! I don’t live in a bad neighborhood but these kids were like 4 or 5. Good, bad or great neighborhood they shouldn’t be out by themselves. It’s been bothering me all day! What is wrong with people now days! I just don’t get it. So here’s one scenario: Kid’s woke up and left the house to go to the playground without you realizing it. I hope this isn’t the case and there’s some poor parent looking all over for her kids all morning. But even if this scenario were true I’d still be speechless. They were really little! I know kids are sneaky though especially when they want something. I really wanted to pull over but hubby was driving. I hope I don’t see a distraught mom on the local news.
Baby On The Brain!
I've been going back and forth on having another child. I love my son to death (as all Mami's do!) and I would love a sibling for him in a perfect world but daycare is just ridiculous! I would end up paying over $400 a week!! Right now though Hubby is looking for a new job hopefully he can get something between 3-11 so we can share the daycare duties. If we do decide to try for #2 (and our last!) it would be next summer.
That being said, I found a quiz titled: How Badly Do You Want Another Baby? Thought it might be a fun test to take but it was actually right! This was my score: 23 18-24 Thermometer reading: 99.5 F. You’ve got babies on your mind but you’re not quite ready to take the plunge and have another immediately. Got that one right on! There was also a link on ideal spacing between kids but this article makes a good point. You should keep an open mind because even though their might be a perfect time for you to get pregnant it might not happen exactly when you want it to. I definitely didn't want two kids in diapers though. It's almost like you'd rush the older one and I want him to be center of attention for a little bit longer.
That being said, I found a quiz titled: How Badly Do You Want Another Baby? Thought it might be a fun test to take but it was actually right! This was my score: 23 18-24 Thermometer reading: 99.5 F. You’ve got babies on your mind but you’re not quite ready to take the plunge and have another immediately. Got that one right on! There was also a link on ideal spacing between kids but this article makes a good point. You should keep an open mind because even though their might be a perfect time for you to get pregnant it might not happen exactly when you want it to. I definitely didn't want two kids in diapers though. It's almost like you'd rush the older one and I want him to be center of attention for a little bit longer.
Does Your Child Suck His Thumb?
If you have a child with a problem sucking his or her thumb check out this article I found. It gives you five tips to help you keep your children from sucking their thumbs. My son found his thumb when he was literally days old. I couldn't stand it!! I was thinking when he gets older like now at 16 months he'd be into everything and still sucking his thumb. Between the thought of having tooth issues and germs I got rid of that habit quickly! He used a paci until he was about 6 months. My Mami couldn't stand it and tried to get me to stop giving it to him but I knew he needed something to suck on to go to sleep. And if I had to choose between his thumb (that I can't take away) and a paci (that I can "lose" if need be) I'll choose the paci. But know it's never to late to wean your baby off that thumb! It will save you thousands later in life when he won't need braces!
Fun Way to Get Fit!
I'm not the type to be happy with a gym membership and go run the treadmill three times a week. I get bored really easily and gym memberships are a waste of money for me. I'm looking into fun things to do in my area and I've found a great fitness club that offers classes for a good price. I was thinking of Belly Dancing (that looks so hot!!) and Zumba. If you haven't heard of Zumba before here's a explanation of the website of the club I'm looking into: Looking for something exciting and different that is exercise in disguise? Zumba is here at Goddess Hour! Zumba is a high-energy, primarily Latin based dance fitness workout that is so much fun you don't even notice you are working out. The best part is that anyone and everyone can do it! People of any size, age, gender, and fitness level can do Zumba without any dance experience! You'll Salsa, Hip hop, Belly dance, Merengue, Cha-cha, Rock, and more while you burn up to 800 calories an hour! Come try it out and see why this international fitness craze is becoming one of the most sought out classes. "It's like having a party while you are working out!" Drop-in anytime!
Doesn't that sound like fun? At $10 per class I'd love to check it out. They have classes to fit every schedule. Now to find a friend to go with me......
Doesn't that sound like fun? At $10 per class I'd love to check it out. They have classes to fit every schedule. Now to find a friend to go with me......
Will you be Stay-Cationing this Summer?
Stay-cations instead of vacations seem to be the new thing. With gas prices being what they are and budgets stretched to the limit, families are opting to stay home and enjoying what their local towns have to offer. For example, to celebrate July 4th our town had a parade. It seemed like the ENTIRE town was there! Everyone had the same idea, drive less than ten miles to the town hall and watch the festivities. Afterwords they had an arts and craft show and kids entertainment. So what kinds of things can you do with the kids for low to no cost?
How about having a water balloon fight? I just bought a pack of 300 water balloons for two bucks at walmart! That would be great to entertain the hubby and toddler for a while. I also went to the dollar store and got sidewalk chalk and bubbles. Great way to spend some time outside doing activities.
How about any local farms? There's a farm locally that has pets up for adoption but they also have farm animals and a petting zoo. For FREE! You can also visit your local farms for fruit picking and things like that. Local farms also do haunted hayrides and maize maze in October. And you'd be helping out your local farmers!
There are lots of great trails where I live. With water views and beaches. This is a great idea for getting some exercise in and just to get the kids out of the house. I googled "things for families to do in____" and got some GREAT ideas! You can do the same and enjoy the summer without going too far or spending too much!
How about having a water balloon fight? I just bought a pack of 300 water balloons for two bucks at walmart! That would be great to entertain the hubby and toddler for a while. I also went to the dollar store and got sidewalk chalk and bubbles. Great way to spend some time outside doing activities.
How about any local farms? There's a farm locally that has pets up for adoption but they also have farm animals and a petting zoo. For FREE! You can also visit your local farms for fruit picking and things like that. Local farms also do haunted hayrides and maize maze in October. And you'd be helping out your local farmers!
There are lots of great trails where I live. With water views and beaches. This is a great idea for getting some exercise in and just to get the kids out of the house. I googled "things for families to do in____" and got some GREAT ideas! You can do the same and enjoy the summer without going too far or spending too much!
Speaking of Hotties...
Speaking of hotties, has anyone been catching the show In Plain Sight on USA? I added it to my DVR list. If you rememeber the hottie post a few weeks back this show includes hottie Cristian De La Fuente. Who in my opinion has gotten a whole lot hotter! He's gained some weight and his hair is cut short. The show is a pretty good show. He's really icing on the cake!!! Check it out and let me know what you think.
Hottie of the Week!
A little late but I got caught up with July 4th celebrations and forgot it was Friday! This week I wanted to showcase a hottie that is a sweetheart. Married to his wife for 12 years and having three beautiful kids I just love the way he stands by his wife since she is more in the spotlight than he is. His name is Mark Consuelos born in Spain and grew up in Illinois. He met his wife Kelly Ripa on the soap "All My Children". Born March 30, 1970 Mark played Mateo who became on screen husband to Kelly Ripa's character. They were married May 1, 1996. He has a degree in Marketing from U of Florida. His brother is a doctor and his sister is a lawyer. He learned to speak English while watching American Television. Eva La Rue (the actress formerly on All My Children and now on CSI: Miami is his oldest son's godmother. Here he is! After all these years they look so happy together!
Here he is! After all these years they look so happy together!
Miss Universe
Miss Universe is airing soon and while on latingossip website I stumbled on pictures of all the Latina's respresenting their countries in the Miss Universe pagent. As you may or may not know Puerto Rico had a Miss Universe who is Marc Anthony's ex wife. Maybe this year the crown can go to another latina! She would hopefully be a great role model for our little girls. I say hopefully because you've heard I'm sure what's happened to winners and contestants of Miss America in the recent past. Well here's a picture of Miss Dominican Republic....
I love that all these women break the stereotypes with their looks and names. I think her name is Marianne but don't quot me on this. I know growing up I loved watching the Miss America and Miss Universe pagents. I would pick my favorite to root for and follow her until she would get eliminated. My cousins and I actually played "miss universe" where we'd go through the talent show and the questions and everything. We even had a handmade crown made of construction paper and glitter we got to keep until the next pagent. Anyone else a fan?
I love that all these women break the stereotypes with their looks and names. I think her name is Marianne but don't quot me on this. I know growing up I loved watching the Miss America and Miss Universe pagents. I would pick my favorite to root for and follow her until she would get eliminated. My cousins and I actually played "miss universe" where we'd go through the talent show and the questions and everything. We even had a handmade crown made of construction paper and glitter we got to keep until the next pagent.
Anyone else a fan?
Bikini Body in 4 Weeks?
You can get a beach body in four weeks (the healthy way) with help of this article and here's the link to the four week program that can help you get from babe to even better babe! I downloaded it myself let's see how it goes for me! Hopefully I can actually get it done. The first week it says walk two miles with hills and I actually have a nice trail a walk's distance from my house that includes great views of the lake. I've lived here for 13 months how many times do you think I've walked that trail? ONCE! lol! I'm sure this would work if I actually got off my lazy butt and got it done. But oh well. I'm sharing it with you ladies in case you'd like to get a Bikini Body in 4 weeks.
I downloaded it myself let's see how it goes for me! Hopefully I can actually get it done. The first week it says walk two miles with hills and I actually have a nice trail a walk's distance from my house that includes great views of the lake. I've lived here for 13 months how many times do you think I've walked that trail? ONCE! lol! I'm sure this would work if I actually got off my lazy butt and got it done. But oh well. I'm sharing it with you ladies in case you'd like to get a Bikini Body in 4 weeks.
Do You Think You Can Have Your Own Show?
Do you want your own reality show? Or would you like to try out for a current show? If you think you can be a reality star iVillage has a fun quiz to tell you which one would be the best fit for you. I tried it just for fun and the only question that was hard for me to answer was "Which item would you take with you to a private island". The choices were ipod, blackberry, laptop, multiple magazines and makeup and non perishable food. Sad that I couldn't pick between the first four! But I think I'd go with my blackerry because I can listen to music with it and get online. Some of the questions were a little out there but here are my results....
All aboard the drama train! Living in a house with strangers might seem easy at first, but once the cameras start rolling and time goes on, you'll be the one involved in all the drama. It's okay though, because you thrive on the drama, and, hey, it makes you the center of attention!
Some of the questions were a little out there but here are my results....You belong on: The Real World or Big Brother!
All aboard the drama train! Living in a house with strangers might seem easy at first, but once the cameras start rolling and time goes on, you'll be the one involved in all the drama. It's okay though, because you thrive on the drama, and, hey, it makes you the center of attention!
I don't really think that's me though. I'm about watching the drama not living it! LOL! But it was a fun quiz.
iTunes Free Song Download
iTunes has a free song every week—I keep a link to it on my sidebar. It updates every week. This is for up and coming latin artists. I downloaded Lento and it’s pretty hot. If you like reggaeton you should check this out. This guy sounds just like the big boys of reggaeton and it’s free! Can't beat it! I'm going to keep an eye out for him. I'm always on the lookout for new music. Some older artists get redundant. And I LOVE my Spanish music! If you do download it please leave me a comment with your thoughts! I'd like to hear how you liked it. Or disliked it for that matter.
Tuesday Toot 7/1!
I can't believe we're in July already! Where's this year going! Well here's my Tuesday Toot!
My biggest accomplishment this week is my shopping at CVS! I bought lots of cleaning neccesities for my house, saved close to six dollars and then received $5.50 back in ECB (Extra Care Bucks) and spent less than $17! How's that for some thrifty shopping! I also got some cute flip flops in pink and brown for 1.49! It was 1.99 with 20% off! And I stayed under my $20 shopping limit!
My biggest accomplishment this week is my shopping at CVS! I bought lots of cleaning neccesities for my house, saved close to six dollars and then received $5.50 back in ECB (Extra Care Bucks) and spent less than $17! How's that for some thrifty shopping! I also got some cute flip flops in pink and brown for 1.49! It was 1.99 with 20% off! And I stayed under my $20 shopping limit!
First Contest Winner!
I'm happy to announce the winner of my first blog contest! I do hope it's the first of many. It did increase the traffic to my blog but after so many hits I only had two official entries!! I did still go to random.org even though it was a 50/50 chance! But first I do want to thank:
Ivan Girl from Dear Me
Lisa from New York Chica
For entering my contest. Well that being said.....
Congrats to Ivan Girl for winning the book by Alisa Valdez Rodriguez "Playing with Boys!" Please email me at jai@mamistimeout to let me know where you'd want me to send that and I will do that this weekend. Thanks for playing ladies! And stay tuned who knows what I'll give away next! I can't wait to see your blog post when you receive the book!
Ivan Girl from Dear Me
Lisa from New York Chica
For entering my contest. Well that being said.....
Congrats to Ivan Girl for winning the book by Alisa Valdez Rodriguez "Playing with Boys!" Please email me at jai@mamistimeout to let me know where you'd want me to send that and I will do that this weekend. Thanks for playing ladies! And stay tuned who knows what I'll give away next! I can't wait to see your blog post when you receive the book!
Teen Pregnancy the new It Thing?
I was watching TV last night and saw a commercial for a new show on ABC family about teen pregnancy. It's called "The Secret Life of an American Teenager". In the commercial the girl is feeling sick in her school bathroom and they show her with a positive pregnancy test. I’m no prude by any means and it’s a reality that teen pregnancy is an epidemic and has been since before I was a teen. I remember being in middle school in Brooklyn which would make me about 13 and there was a girl in my grade who was very pregnant. 13! My best friend at the time had her first child at 16. She was 15 when she found out she was pregnant. 15!
Now with social media obsessing about pregnant stars and Jamie-Lynn Spears having her first child at 16 it’s almost like it’s “cool” to be pregnant. Teen pregnancy has been on the rise. Let's not forget about the movie Juno. Aren’t we glorifying teen pregnancy with this show? Hopefully it would go more into the actuality of having a child. I just think that you should become an adult first and experience life so that you have some knowledge and experience to pass on to your kids. You need to learn to take care of yourself before you try taking care of a child. I know at 17 I wasn’t prepared at all to have a child. I was raised in a very strict religious family and my mother sat me down at that age and told me this: “If you get pregnant you wouldn’t be the first and you wouldn’t be the last. But you would have to move out and your boyfriend would have to take care of you and the baby. I’m done raising kids.” I knew she was serious about this. I was on birth control since then and even though me and hubby have been together since before then (hence the talk) there were no oops babies for me. Ten years later I’m a happy mom of a toddler and no regrets. What was I going to offer a baby at 17? At least now I have a college degree, a good job and a great husband. We own our own house and we don’t have to worry about where the diapers and milk are going to come from.
NBC does have a new reality show called "Baby Borrowers" that basically have teens raise a baby, a toddler and a school aged kid. They are trying to avoid teen pregnancy with this show. Anyone seen this? I want to put both shows on my DVR list so I can get a better idea. I'm going to get off my soap box now. Love to hear your comments on this issue!
Now with social media obsessing about pregnant stars and Jamie-Lynn Spears having her first child at 16 it’s almost like it’s “cool” to be pregnant. Teen pregnancy has been on the rise. Let's not forget about the movie Juno. Aren’t we glorifying teen pregnancy with this show? Hopefully it would go more into the actuality of having a child. I just think that you should become an adult first and experience life so that you have some knowledge and experience to pass on to your kids. You need to learn to take care of yourself before you try taking care of a child. I know at 17 I wasn’t prepared at all to have a child. I was raised in a very strict religious family and my mother sat me down at that age and told me this: “If you get pregnant you wouldn’t be the first and you wouldn’t be the last. But you would have to move out and your boyfriend would have to take care of you and the baby. I’m done raising kids.” I knew she was serious about this. I was on birth control since then and even though me and hubby have been together since before then (hence the talk) there were no oops babies for me. Ten years later I’m a happy mom of a toddler and no regrets. What was I going to offer a baby at 17? At least now I have a college degree, a good job and a great husband. We own our own house and we don’t have to worry about where the diapers and milk are going to come from.
NBC does have a new reality show called "Baby Borrowers" that basically have teens raise a baby, a toddler and a school aged kid. They are trying to avoid teen pregnancy with this show. Anyone seen this? I want to put both shows on my DVR list so I can get a better idea. I'm going to get off my soap box now.
Love to hear your comments on this issue!
Final Call!!
The Contest ends at midnight tonight! Good luck to you ladies that entered! I will post the winners tomorrow afternoon/evening!
Prematurity Risks
My hubby sent me a story he read over at foxnews.com. Since we’ve had a preemie (a late one like in the article) and also Latinas have a higher chance of premature birth I figure I share this article. They are saying a portion of these late preemies are due to unnecessary cesarean sections. Here’s a quote from the article: If slightly early birth sounds like no big deal, consider: A baby's brain at 35 weeks weighs only two-thirds of what it will weigh at 40 weeks, says a dramatic "brain card" developed by the March of Dimes to educate women. Some will catch up fine, while others have learning or behavioral delays. Also, being even a few weeks early can cause initial breathing problems if lungs aren't mature enough; feeding problems; even an increased risk of SIDS.
That’s scary because my son was born at 34 ½ weeks. He did have some apnea in the beginning but he’s fine now and a little too smart for his own good! They say these almost term or late preemie babies make up 70% of all preemie births. They are also saying a lot of it could be confusion of the fetus’ actual age. They recommend a first semester ultrasound because it’s the more accurate at predicting fetal age. Here are some factors of prematurity:
Folic acid supplements already are advised to prevent birth defects, but new research shows consuming folic acid for a year before getting pregnant dramatically lowers risk of premature birth. That's longer than most women are believed to take the nutrient, and thus an opportunity.
Carrying twins or more increases prematurity risk, a risk worth discussing with women undergoing in vitro fertilization where more than one embryo typically is implanted.
Pregnancy before age 16 and after 35 increases prematurity risk, another opportunity to discuss the importance of pregnancy timing.
I knew folic acid helps with birth defects but I didn’t know that it will lower the risk of preterm birth. I’m definitely going to look into this if we decide to add to our family. Probably should start taking them now! J go to www.marchofdimes.com for more info they have a great website!
Magazine Subscriptions
I am the queen of magazine subscriptions. Right now I'm subscribed to the follwing mags:
1. Latina
2. Vibe
3. Parents
4. Better Homes & Gardens
Wow pretty diverse right? Just looking at my list you can tell I'm an urban music loving latina mom with a passion for home decorating! lol! Couldn't describe myself better than that in one sentence! Anyway, I get something in the mail from Cookie magazine. It's a subscribe card where you can get one issue free to try out and then it's only about $12 for a year's subscribtion. Not bad right? I'm reading the insert about the mag and it sounds like something I'm into. I'm wondering if they go through some kind of consumer list to see what you're currently subscribed to. It's like Cosmo and Parenting all in one!! But Cosmo for the married mom. Doesn't that sound great! On their website you can get recipes for popsicles and enter to win $250 in makeup. It covers every aspect of being a mom! I'm hoping I like it because the Parenting magazine is missing something to me. Cookie may be it! Too bad I'm subscribed to Parenting for another two years! I'm such a big reader but because I never have time to read books I read magazines. And it gives me topic ideas for blog posts so everyone benefits from my many magazine subscriptions! Do you think hubby would buy that? "It's a public service honey!! It's my job to keep the ladies in cyperspace informed!!" Yea I don't think he'd buy that either.
1. Latina
2. Vibe
3. Parents
4. Better Homes & Gardens
Wow pretty diverse right? Just looking at my list you can tell I'm an urban music loving latina mom with a passion for home decorating! lol! Couldn't describe myself better than that in one sentence! Anyway, I get something in the mail from Cookie magazine. It's a subscribe card where you can get one issue free to try out and then it's only about $12 for a year's subscribtion. Not bad right? I'm reading the insert about the mag and it sounds like something I'm into. I'm wondering if they go through some kind of consumer list to see what you're currently subscribed to. It's like Cosmo and Parenting all in one!! But Cosmo for the married mom. Doesn't that sound great! On their website you can get recipes for popsicles and enter to win $250 in makeup. It covers every aspect of being a mom! I'm hoping I like it because the Parenting magazine is missing something to me. Cookie may be it! Too bad I'm subscribed to Parenting for another two years! I'm such a big reader but because I never have time to read books I read magazines. And it gives me topic ideas for blog posts so everyone benefits from my many magazine subscriptions! Do you think hubby would buy that? "It's a public service honey!! It's my job to keep the ladies in cyperspace informed!!" Yea I don't think he'd buy that either.
Do You Have A Signature Scent?
I have a collection of perfume and perfume lotions that you wouldn’t believe. I barely ever wear perfume so I’ve had small decanters of perfume for years that still look full. I don’t wear perfume much to work and because of my allergies don’t wear much in the summer. Of course my allergies are killing me today and on top of it I’m wearing perfume so go figure. But I’ve had this bottle of perfume for years it’s from BCBG. It’s either called star or sexy. I love musky light fragrances. No vanilla or flowers for me. I do like Baby Phat’s Goddess and they have a small one for $10 I might get that for my signature scent. Anyone who’s been reading this blog knows I’m a Baby Phat fan. I love their purses and shoes. So that would be a nice addition I’d have for years. J I also own some Avon stuff I’ll probably get rid of and Curve crush which is my fave. I got it for Christmas maybe two years ago I still have two bottles left. I’m telling you I rarely wear perfume. And when I do it’s very light. I like for hubby to have to get real close to smell my perfume not for everyone to smell me coming a while away! So what is your signature scent? Do you have a preference between clean smelling, flower scents or musky scents?
A Girl Can Dream Right?
If I was a famous singer or actress I would have the most amazing shoe game. I would have one of those closets you envy like Mariah Carey's. With the shoes in order by color and heel and type. You would always see a gorgeous pair of shoes on my feet (even if they were Air Force Ones!)
Anyway I'm on the Jimmy Choo website (check the blog post title if you're wondering why) and seriously you should be able to fill out an application and submit a credit check before even entering the site! These shoes are sinful!!! They both would take more than one week's check of mine. But if I was single and living at home with no bills and places to go? I would gladly blow a week's check on these shoes. I'm just saying....a girl can dream right? Check these out!
So as you can see besides my love for my Air Force Ones I definitely have a thing for strappy high heels. A latina through and through!