Don’t worry about what other kids say.

January 21, 2019January 21, 2019Leave a comment

Hey Mommas, future Mommas, and soon to be Mommas.

Last week, Rob was picking up Averie from daycare. While I was at work, he called me to let me know something happened. So I panicked a little but kept it cool and asked calmly, “What happened”? He begins to tell me that, when picking up Averie from school he noticed that she looked upset in the playground area. She walked across from him at the water fountain station and began to cry. He asked her what happened?

Backstory

Early that day we got a notification on Class Dojo (If you don’t know, its an app where parents and teachers can communicate) that Averie was the only child to pass the state exam for VPK with a perfect score.

So Rob asked her one more time, “What is wrong Averie?” She now begins to cry and then ugly cry. (You know when the boogers just come out- that’s when you know whatever was bothering really affected her) She begins to tell him while taking deep breaths, “The twins… called me… a DUMB IDIOT!” Begins to cry softly.

As they get into the car, they called me. I could hear Averie weeping quietly and I asked her version of the story. It’s exactly the same. But I wanted to reassure her that I heard it from her mouth not Daddy’s. Deep down inside I was crushed while listening to her tell me the story. How did this just happened? She must’ve asked the twins how they did in their exam. Because that’s who Averie is, she likes to help and loves to learn from others and they crushed it for her. This idea was just running in my head. How do I explain to my child that what others say should not be taken to the heart.

So I calmly tell her, “Averie, sometimes kids will be mean because they do not know how to express themselves. They can be frustrated and the words they choose come out rude. They may not be thinking at that moment. And yes, words can hurt. But remember that in the end of the day, the only people that matter are…. FAMILY. We don’t see you as a dumb idiot. Your are wonderful, beautiful and smart. You are beyond your years. Don’t let her bring you down. Hold your head up! I will see you soon after I get out from work.”

As I told her those words, I tried to hold my own tears and be strong for her. Because this was my first time that I wasn’t there to help her.

When I got home, the first thing I did was to go lay in bed with her. I asked her how she was feeling and she told me better. But in the back of my mind, I knew I had to write her a little note for school as I do everyday. But this time I wanted to tell her how special she truly is to me.

At 6 AM I wrote: Don’t worry about what other kids say. You are smart, beautiful, nice and FABU-LOUS! (Inside joke: she likes to mimic Lamb Lamb from Doc Mcstuffins) Hold your head high. YOU ARE A QUEEN! And ONLY YOU wears the crown! – Love Mom *Excuse my butchering of words, 6 AM and still half asleep*

You are also wondering, does she even read this note? And the answer to that is YES. The teacher sees her reading each note everyday. She has mentioned that is the first time she sees a little girl at her age reading and hugging the note from us. I think it’s a great inspirational note half way through her day.

So with that said, nobody tells you that parenting is easy. It’s a hard job and I wish I could protect her always. But I know she will learn and grow from this experience. With tougher skin.

-The Mominista

Taking it Back – The Girls

November 27, 2018November 27, 2018Leave a comment

As a mother, have you ever just watched your kids and just studied their facial features? Yes, it may sound creepy. But I tend to look at how they have aged, in amazement. On this particular day it was just about that. I was in love watching the girls play with blocks. Then, I took the camera and took advantage in capturing their face expressions. They have plenty, just look for yourself.

-The Mominista

Taking it Back – NYE 2018

November 26, 2018November 26, 2018Leave a comment

As my previous post mentioned, it is time to pause and reflect. I have been looking at my phone and have seen the number of pictures I hadn’t post. As a mom of 2, I am either helping my oldest in her homework, while running after a toddler in the other hand. In reality, social media tends to be left in the “To do list.” In the upcoming days I will have a series called, Taking it Back. Where I will revisit all the events that occurred in 2018.

This post is about New Year’s Eve 2018. On December, 30 of every year, it has become a tradition to go and buy fireworks. We usually go to the mecca store, TNT Fireworks in Daytona Beach. But this year, we decided to stay local. Averie picks her fireworks that she likes and we help guide her to the ones that is age appropriate for her to play with. Which is usually the pop-it’s, you know the ones that you throw on the floor and it pops. With our guidance, she plays with the sparklers that change colors.

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Both the girls were mesmerized by the fireworks. This year was Arya’s first time being close to the noise. I was a bit nervous but she wasn’t afraid.

After looking at these photographs I can see how in the matter of a year the girls have grown so much. It is truly remarkable. Like the old saying goes, “Time does fly.” because we are less than a month away to ring in the new year.

-The Mominista

How did I know I was ready for baby # 2?

April 24, 2018Leave a comment

I get this question asked a lot by friends. And the answer is, “I wasn’t ready.”

I was actually surprised. I always knew that I wanted 2 kids but it felt that it happen fast. Even though they are 3 years apart.

I believe that no one is really ready for baby number 2. Unless, you plan for it. I in the other hand, was a bit scared of us becoming a family of four but I believed that faith had blessed us with a wonderful miracle.

If you are a momma and your family is growing, its ok to be nervous or a bit scared. The fear of the unknown, is just temporary. It may be wonderful and sometimes chaotic but there’s always a better understanding at the end if the journey.

When we were a family of 3, our only attention was to Averie. As she began to socialize with other little girls her age, I became aware that she was lonely. She needed someone to have magic unicorn tea parties, extravagant dress up galas, and a friend to share all these wonderful memories with. Not only mamma, which I don’t mind at all. But seeing her one day play with a little girl in the middle of the mall changed our minds. They were playing hide and seek and singing “Let it Go”. When the little girl left, Averie became sad and so were we. We then knew right at that moment she was destined to have a sister.

Growing up for me I didn’t share those moments with a sibling. Even though I have two older sisters, our age gap is so wide that I felt like a only child growing up. My imagination did run freely but overall I know how lonely it can get. So when I became a mother, I knew I didn’t want that for my child.

Seeing my fiance’s relationship with his brother and sister made me realize what I wanted for Averie. The bond that they have is cherishable and embracing. They text and call each other everday. Sundays are meant to have dinner with the family. Where they all prepare a bbq and catch up about the week and reminisce of the old days when they were small.

Our wish for our girls is that they remain close and share a great bond. That they value the importance of having each other and that nothing can separate them because they are our ARC of this family.

If I could tell my scared pregnant self then that the journey is incredibly great, I would. Because now we all share wonderful memories and milestones. We are so blessed to have Averie and Arya in our lives. Party of 4 please.

– The Mominista

Be B.O.L.D to stand OUT.

April 13, 2018April 13, 2018Leave a comment

Have you ever tried an outfit outside of your comfort zone? If your answer is “no”, you should try it out. Fashion comes in many styles.

I like to experiment with different patterns normally others wouldn’t dare to mix. This time, I used a high waisted leopard print pleated flare skirt. I LOVE flare skirts it’s makes me feel oh so elegant! It even has handy concealed pockets, making this mommy hands free. My pockets usually carry Mr.Piggy for Averie and a pacifier for Arya. Like @Rachelzoe would say, “This is MAHJOR”.

A taupe, gold-flakes polyester shirt is the perfect match. Pearls are already sewn in, making this mommy a fashion statement without worrying for extra accessories. Pairing it up with coach flats, makes it comfortable as I dash out the door.

Blouse: @rossdressforless Skirt: Thrift item Shoes: Coach

📍Styling tip: An a-line silhouette and a broad waistband makes makes the mommy pouch actually flattering.

When we don’t succeed. We try again.

April 10, 2018April 10, 2018Leave a comment

The Mominista launched July 2017. One month after I had given birth to Arya. I assumed I had time on my hands but boy was I wrong. Regardless of the support of my fiance, having a newborn, a toddler, a full time job and house chores. It took a toll on me. I wasn’t prepared and needless to say I did not have the time for blogging.

When I did decide to try again, time kept running away from me. I would start planning but my mind became consumed by looking at other moms on instagram and blogs for inspiration. The sudden fear and doubt came crushing down on me. “Was my pictures ok? Did my blog post make sense?” This was eating me alive and I didn’t know how to snap out of it.

I spoke to my family, and they didn’t understand why I was feeling this way. They made me realize that blogging motivates me. I am passionate in sharing my accomplishments, fashion tips and mommy struggles. They pushed me to continue to focus on my calling and The Mominista is it.

Time management has always been a struggle but I am determined to make this a challenge and a livelihood. New content will be added over the weeks to come. So, stay tuned.

THE MOMINISTA

Recap- First Week Back to Work

September 3, 2017September 3, 2017Leave a comment

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A bittersweet feeling came over me last Sunday night. I was torn with the thought of going back to work and leaving my two daughters behind. I was already used to our routine, waking up and having breakfast, our daily reading and our dance parties. But I knew it would be for the best and that this feeling was only temporary. The first day back at work I felt uneased, I sat down waiting to hear Averie ask, “Mommy?” and cooing baby Arya in the background. But I came to work with talking adults. Ha-ha. The week was filled with amazing baby gifts and welcome back talks. I needed the break from the children but throughout the day I would wonder if they needed me. That feeling quickly left as I just counted the hours until I was back home. That is what I love the most of the days after work, when I will open the door and I hear Averie say, “MOMMY, YOU FOUND ME.” and baby Arya cooing “AHHH”. This feeling would melt me every time and just then I knew it was ok.

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

July 22, 2017July 26, 20174 Comments

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

5 Must Have’s During Pregnancy

July 19, 2017July 19, 2017Leave a comment

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….”

Maternity bra that will eventually be a nursing bra. Image 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.
Maternity Underwear Image 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!
Pregnancy pants Image 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.
Maxi Dress Image 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!
Sandals Image via Adidas.comImage 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