Month: July 2017

My Maternity Shoot

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Before I became a mother I always envisioned my maternity shoot. It would go something like this, a beautiful sunny day, a light breeze; with love ones surrounding me and the feeling of empowerment by what I was creating inside. On April 15, 2017 this was the day that I felt all of that.

I have the best mom friends, Michelle and Yesenia surprised me a week before this day and told me “SURPRISE, you have a photoshoot on this date, time and oh, we got you a dress. So don’t stress!” My eyes watered, my jaw fell to the floor, and I let out a scream of excitement! I literally, could not believe it.

I had never done a professional photoshoot before and Rosa, photographer of Perfect Love Photography is beyond amazing to work with. She clearly knows how to work with kids because she was able to capture my toddler smiling in pictures while she was running around. She had Averie entertained and laughing throughout the entire shoot. I appreciate that she had patience and played with her. She made me feel relaxed in all of our shots and made us laugh when I would make an awkward pose and we would adjust to it.

Our photos came out amazing filled with the most beautiful warm natural lighting, just like I envisioned. If it wasn’t for my mommy friends I literally wouldn’t have this magical moment captured. I am truly grateful for this gift given to my family.

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–  The Mominista

Product Review: Amazon’s Fire HD 8 Kids Edition

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So a while back we bought an Insignia tablet for Averie. Let me tell you it’s the best thing we had ever purchase. Especially, when we are at a restaurant Averie could get entertained for an entire meal. I sometimes wonder what my parents had, to entertain me while I was a child (possibly paper and colors). Currently, we ran into issues, apps wouldn’t upload and we were unable to do updates. And if you are a parent of a toddler this is critical, so it was time for a change.

Rob did his research on kid friendly tablets. He showed me Amazon’s Fire HD 8 Kids Edition. It is designed with kids in mind. SCORE!

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And we love the fact that it lasts for a total of 12-hour because of their mixed-use battery life. It is more than enough for Averie and it came with a pink kid proof case with the purchase.

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But what we love most of all is that this tablet is educational (something we both wanted) and Amazon gives you access to 15,000 popular apps for a year. YES, 15,000. Averie has been learning sentences. Just the other day she asked me, “Mom, what’s your favorite color?” I was shocked because she is only 2 1/2. How did she learn that? Or how about she asked, “Mom, why is the sky black?” I asked her “Why” and she told me, “Because it’s night time.” My heart melted with joy as she told me those words. She is reading, she is learning and I am proud.

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One thing that sold me on this product was the 2 year worry-free guarantee. Amazon promises that if your child breaks it or you return it. They will replace it for F-R-E-E, no questions asked. How awesome is that? We all know by now that toddlers love to throw things, spill juice and the list goes on.

I recommend this product. I know we are in July, but if your child’s birthday is coming up or you are even thinking about Christmas in July (like I am) this would be a great gift for both you and a child. It’s a great investment for learning and overall fun!

– The Mominista

Product Review: Just for Me! Hair Milk Smoothing Edges Creme by Soft & Beautiful

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I started to notice that every time I went out with Averie, her hair was always on her face. I told myself, “What product can she use that can make her look put-together.?” I talked to my mommy friends and I asked them what type of products they use on their boys. They told me “Gel, preferably with no alcohol.” My eyes got huge, how did I not think of that?! “HELLO… alcohol can ruin your hair, duh! Thank god I did not put moose on my daughters hair”, I said to myself. So I am at Walmart (you know my favorite place now) looking at the aisle of hair products and not finding anything without alcohol or for kids. Until, I found Just for Me!

So I picked it up and it said, Hair milk with shea butter, soymilk & honey (well that’s good). It also said smoothing edges crème, tames edges & adds shine ALCOHOL-FREE (this is real good). So I turned the bottle around and the directions read, apply to hair when smoothing back for pony tail styles. Perfect for taming baby hairs and flyaways. (SOLD, TAKE MY MONEY). It smelled good so why not give it a try? I could use it too.

I tried it on Averie, she loved it especially the smell. I put her hair in a pony tail and it worked. It looked like she had gel on and she didn’t. It lasted the whole day and her hair at the end of the night was soft. Another thing that it is important to me is that it did not give her any flakiness or dandruff. I would definitely recommend this product to any mom. I also use it when I am in a rush and I just want to tame my baby hairs in the front and it works! Check out the pictures below.

**Mom’s if you have a product that you are currently using let me know on the comments below, I would love to check it out.**

– The Mominista

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5 Must Have’s During Pregnancy

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Once you find out you are pregnant all excitement begins and you IMMEDIATELY want to start shopping for … the baby. But hold on baby girl; let’s get YOUR essential items first. You’ll thank me for this post later! You are welcome.

So for me, once I knew I was pregnant again, right away I told myself, “Oh shit I need….”

  1. Maternity bra that will eventually be a nursing bra. loving moments by leading lady maternityImage via Walmart.com I’m a mommy on a budget. So Walmart was the place I found my maternity/nursing bra. My tip is if you are a C cup know that during pregnancy you will go up a size. So choose a bigger cup, you’ll thank me later. For both of my pregnancy’s I have used, Loving Moments by Leading Lady Maternity Wirefree Sport Nursing Bra with Padded Comfort Straps and Full Sling. It is comfortable and adjustable.
  2. Maternity Underwear Great Expectations Maternity Over the Belly 2 Pack Seamless PantiesImage via Walmart.comOnce again, Walmart comes in handy. Just recently I used, Great Expectations Maternity Over the Belly 2 Pack Seamless Panties and they were life savers. They hugged my big ol’ belly just right and they were super comfortable, didn’t feel like I was wearing anything. And that’s an awesome feeling for a preggo! What I LOVED about it was the fact that it came in a 2 pack deal!
  3. Pregnancy pants Maternity Full-Panel Skinny JeansImage via oldnavy.com  Old Navy saved me both times for my pregnancy. I love skinny jeans/pants and they cater to maternity women’s fashion. If you are not sure what pants you should buy give Old Navy’s Maternity Full-Panel Skinny Jeans a try. The waistband hugs the belly in all the right places and the jeans are fitted just like you were non pregnant.
  4. Maxi Dress onImage via oldnavy.comI am telling you now; it must have some type of opening in the front. Eventually, you will want to breastfeed. Easy access, duh! Plus, when you are SUPER pregnant, usually when you are around 35 weeks, you will end up blowing up big time (you will look like a turtle and feel like a whale I’m just being honest) and the last thing on your mind is trying to decide what fits you by figuring out what to wear. You will rather just throw something on and go on your way because walking takes a bit of time and you are already running late. Same thing happens after you give birth, you want to feel comfortable. What is fashionable and convenient? Take a look at this Old Navy Maternity Side-Slit Henley Maxi Dress. It has 3 buttons that you can open and breastfeed your child. You both win!
  5. Sandals adidasImage via Adidas.comnewbalanceImage via newbalance.com

    I swore that I will never get canckles during pregnancy because I would be an active mommy. HA! HA! HA! Yeah right! No matter if you are sitting, running behind a toddler, or exercising. Your feet will get swollen and that shit hurts! So I am telling you now, go buy sandals! Wide width will be your friend! Preferably like the one above, from Adidas, Women’s Training Adilette Ultra Slides. Oh! and remember you will possibly need a bigger size. During both of my pregnancy, my foot got so swollen I was a size 10 – 10.5 and non-pregnant I am a 9 in shoes. You can also get sandals with adjustable strap,  New Balance PureAlign Slide. This helped me so much at the office when I couldn’t fit into the Adidas. Yes, they got real bad.

    So, that’s it. Those were my top 5 items needed during pregnancy. Happy shopping and enjoy your pregnancy.

     

    – The Mominista

I’m Back

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memories

Hello everybody! OH, how I missed you.

It’s been a while since I have written on here. Let me give you some background information on what has been going on in my world.

The Mominista was founded in November 2015. During that time, Averie was born and I was on maternity leave. I got inspired to have a blog as a new mommy. But then an opportunity emerged. One day, I was browsing online to see what jobs were in the area for fashion. You know just for fun and giggles. Then I saw it, the corporate offices for Claire’s Boutiques had an opening. I turned to Rob (Fiance.) and said, “Should I apply?” and he told me, “Of course.” I went in with the mentality of, “If I get it, I get it. If I don’t, don’t stress about it”. Guess what happened?

I GOT THE JOB! Averie was 3 months and it was the hardest thing for me. I then disregarded the blog and life continued. I always had the blog in the back of my head but it once again, life.

Fast forward, to June 13, 2016. I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising from Miami International University AND I got ENGAGED! It was one of the best moments in my life. One, my daughter was there and two, I was engaged to my high school sweetheart. (Insert “AWWEEE”) At the same time I got a promotion at work. Life was awesome.

The next couple of months, there was a lot of traveling to Disney World as we were annual passholders. Literally, almost every month we visited the mouse and friends.

Continue to the month of October, that’s when I found out I was pregnant. We could’ve sworn it was a boy. But to our SURPRISE, it was a girl. A friend for Averie!!! We were all excited.

We rang in the New Year 2017 with Averie and a bun in the oven.

February 25, our friends got married and both Rob and I were walking the wedding (yup I was 5 months pregnant). We were happy to part of their wedding. At the same time, Rob and I were moving! Just in time for my birthday!!

For my birthday March 8, I have the best mommy friends! Love them to death, they spoiled me got me cake, we went out, and we played the hilarious game of Speak Out. You know the one that looks like you are going to the dentist? That’s a game you must play, if you haven’t already. And we can’t forget my job, I have the best Manager and department ever! They treated me to a surprise birthday cake, took me out to eat at Sosta Café (please check them out. Best customer service, the owner is always there and hooks you up!) March was one of my busiest months, we then had another wedding we attended to on March 25, our other friends got married. It was the cutest, most intimate wedding. It was perfect for them. Then Averie, had a bunch of birthday parties to attend, she had a blast.

On April 15, I had my surprise maternity shoot from the group of mommy friends! I have never felt so pretty and secure of my body as I did that day. I loved it. I had a surprise baby shower at work. The following weeks were spent with Averie, did a belly cast, and by the time you know it I was ready to POP!

June 5, 2017 we welcomed Arya into our lives. As a family of four we were now complete. Averie has been wonderful helping us out and being a big sister. So I can’t wait to share with you my new journey as a mommy of two.

Yay, I did it. I am back. This is my first post of many more to come.

– The Mominista