Monthly Favorites: My Summer favorites for my 1 and a half year toddler

July was the beginning of some serious heat here in Cali so a lot of these items are summer staples that I’ve been using nonstop. Unlike other places, California summers run long into October so it’s never too late to start using some of these items if you live in California or any other “forever summer” states.

Over-sized Band Tee

Ever since it started heating up in California I’ve been opting for a more casual everyday look for Salome. I love the “Tom Boy” look on her. The look consists of biker shorts, an over-sized graphic tee shirt, and comfy sneakers or sandals. I girly it up by using pastel colorways for her biker shorts and the graphic design on her tee shirts. and the graphic design on her tee shirts.

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Teva Original Universal Sandals

Salome recently started walking and she has been nonstop on the go! These Sandals have given her the confidence to let go and be on her own by helping with her balance. Aside from the balance, they are so cute! and are perfect for the hot summer days.

Solis Modern Wellness Bug Spray

This bug spray only needs one word to describe it, LIFESAVER! Every summer it’s the same story the mosquitoes come out to attack however, fortunately, this spray has kept my little one mosquito bite-free all summer long. This is a natural and chemical-free solution for the whole family.

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Luca

If you are one of those parents that do not believe in “Screen time” keep scrolling because in this household we do a little every day. I allow my daughter to watch 1 movie a day with her dad once he’s back from work. So far this has been a great way for them to bond and while he still gets a chance to relax once he’s off of work. This movie is a beautiful story and I truly appreciate the effort Disney put into creating characters with different disabilities.

GoGo Squeez Fruit pouch

Like all moms, we are constantly doing something, forever busy dealing with life. These fruit pouches have been very convenient for on the go. I used to and still do make my version with reusable pouches but at times life takes over and you can make these so I usually keep these on hand just in case I didn’t have time to make my own. I love that these do not have any extra nonsense, just fruit.

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I’m really looking forward to creating these monthly round ups. Comment down below some of your favorites!

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Nordstrom 2021 Anniversary Sale: My Top Shoe Picks Under $100

“Donde dice SALE, yo entro!” that’s my motto 24/7. Go wherever the hot deals are, save your money and take advantage of the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. Below are my top shoe picks, and of course all under $100 dollars.

Schulz Picca Platform Sandal

ZAC Zac Posen Yanni Sandal

Calvin Klein Quen Ankle Strap Sandal

Schultz Khemira Ankle Strap Sandal

Chinese Laundry Lana Slide Sandal

Vince Camuto Candialia Sanal

You don’t need to go broke to stay on trend, choosing neutral colors will help the longevity of any style so that your shoes can last many seasons.
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All Saints Karli Slide Sandals

All Saints Signet Transfer Slide Sandals

Marc Fisher Gadri Pointed Toe Bootie

Comfort and style all in one

Nike React Escape Run Running Shoe

Nike Internationalist Sneaker

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lift Platform Sneaker

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Dirty Laundry Mazzy Lace-Up Boot

Lucky Brand Dareek Lace-Up Bootie

Dr. Scholl’s Canyon Hiking Boot

Did you join in on the savings at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale? Let me know below what you got!


Best Affordable Facial Cleansers for Sensitive, Dry and Acne Prone Skin- CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser and The Inkey Oat Cleansing Balm

At the beginning and end of a long day of mommying, my skincare routine always begins with the same 1st step- cleansing. For many years, I thought that after washing my face I needed to feel “clean” by having a striped tight feeling afterwards. However, with time and experience I realized that your skin should never feel like that. As I’ve gotten older, my skin has changed from oily to dry and I’ve tried many different cleansers in search of the perfect one. I am happy to report back to y’all that I not only found the perfect one but TWO!

Let me break down how and why I use the Inkey Oat Cleansing Balm & the Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser.

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Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser

The Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser is such a gentle product that at first when I used it I thought ” This can not possible cleanse my skin enough”. However, with time I noticed my once dry and itchy skin becoming more supple and hydrated. Of course with the help of a moisturizer, the hydrating facial cleanser restored my skin barrier. What I loved most about this cleanser was that is non-comedogenic, which is a big word for it doesn’t clog your pores. Also this cleanser is fragrance free, which is a great benefit for people who have sensitive skin that can become irritated with artificial fragrances. My skin is a complicate mess of dry, sensitive and acne prone so it has always been a struggle to find something that checked off my list of needs. This has become my must have cleanser and I can not recommend it enough.

The Inkey Oat Cleansing Balm

If I was already if-y about the Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser I was even more skeptical about the Inkey Oat Cleansing Balm! I had never used anything like this to cleanse my face because it is oil based and I thought it would cause breakouts. I was completely wrong! The Oat Cleansing Balm is such a great product, I noticed a difference over night. I use this particularly on days that I’ve worn make up because of the oil base it acts almost as a double cleanser, really removing and breakdown any makeup and build up. Also, this cleanser was heavenly during the drier winter months because it wasn’t harsh or stripping leaving my face feeling clean and supple. Highly recommend for all dry and sensitive skin types!

Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser

  • Gentle for everyday use
  • Hydrating Soothing
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Great for sensitive skin
  • Light and refreshing for the summer
  • Available in most drug stores

Inkey Oat Cleansing Balm

  • Gentle for everyday use- even better for make up days
  • Hydrating & Soothing
  • Can double as an ultra hydrating face mask
  • Great for sensitive skin
  • Must have for the winter
  • Available only Online or Sephora

If you have a facial cleanser that you think I should try out let me know!

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Disclaimer: All links, as well as links through out the Blog , are affiliate links. Products purchased through these links give me a small commission that helps me create content for the blog and income for my family.

Instapot Honey Garlic Chicken- Quick and Easy Instapot Chicken

Let’s start with the obvious, if you don’t already have an instapot you need one asap. If your anything like me, not just a mom, but want more time to finish that never ending to-do list then you don’t want to spend your whole day stuck making meals in the kitchen. Thankfully, the instapot is super easy to use and makes cooking a breeze just like this recipe. The honey garlic chicken is savory, tender and just so damn good!

Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 12 mins | Total Time: 17 mins

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 1/2 -2 lbs. chicken thighs (4 chicken thighs)
  • Salt ( I use Pink Himalayan Salt)
  • Ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced (1 tablespoon pre-minced)

HONEY GARLIC SAUCE:

  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons water or chicken broth
  • 3 dashes cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons corn starch

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Set aside.
  2. Mix all the ingredients in the Honey Garlic Sauce together, stir to mix well. Make sure the honey and sugar are completely dissolved. Set aside.
  3. Turn on the Saute mode on your Instant Pot. As soon as the pot is heated, add 1 tablespoon of the cooking oil. Pan sear the chicken thighs (I remove the skin but if you prefer it then sear the skin side down first) until both sides turn a golden brown.
  4. Leave the chicken thighs in the Instant Pot, add the garlic. Saute the garlic a little bit. Pour in the sauce and cover with the lid. Select Manual and set to High pressure for 10 minutes. Place valve in “Sealing” position.
  5. Once done cooking and it beeps, turn to Quick Release. When the valve drops, remove the lid and carefully place chicken onto a serving plate.
  6. To thicken honey garlic sauce, in a separate bowl combine corn starch and cold water. Add corn starch liquid to honey garlic sauce. Select Saute mode and let boil for 2 minutes. Stir occasionally. Sauce will thicken further as it cools.
  7. Pour honey garlic sauce onto chicken thighs. Serve immediately.

If you tried out this recipe, let me know! Also if you have an instapot recipe that you swear by send it my way.

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Disclaimer: All links, as well as links through out the Blog , are affiliate links. Products purchased through these links give me a small commission that helps me create content for the blog and income for my family

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas 2021 Edition: The Best First Time Mom Mother’s Day Gifts From Target

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Whether your currently pregnant or just gave birth to your little bendición its still just as exciting when it comes to your first mother’s day. Here are some ideas for those of you looking to spoil the first time mother’s in your lives.

You can never go wrong with some comfy clothes, especially as first time moms. Cozy slippers, lounge wear and a robe are great while waiting to pop, but quickly become essential when you’ve welcomed your baby into the world and you are thrown into new born survival mode.

If you are anything like me you need a good caffeine fix in the morning to get you going, especially after a long night of feedings and diaper changes. The Keurig is the most practical kitchen appliance for moms, it provides the mommy fuel lol. Don’t forget a cute mug with a motivational saying, it’s the little details that make all the difference.

Lastly, every mom loves to cherish memories of their little one but first time moms take the cake! We love to document every little thing, which after waiting 9 months to meet your little one its only right. Having your photos of your baby on your phone isn’t as fun as having the physical copy to hold and admire. However, who has time to go to Walgreens to develop photos anyways? Print them quickly during nap time and hang them as decor.

Congratulations and happy Mother’s Day to all the first time moms, enjoy!

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Disclaimer: All links, as well as links through out the Blog , are affiliate links. Products purchased through these links give me a small commission that helps me create content for the blog and income for my family

Tried it! Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant- A Natural, No Aluminum or Baking Soda, Alternative Deodorant.


When I first heard of “Natural Deodorant” I couldn’t help but think ” Musty, Stinky, BO” just to name a few words that came to mind. However, my family health history has lead me to a more natural way of life. I’m definitely not perfect, I don’t always use “Clean” make up or organic food. However, I really try and incorporate small changes that will help me live a healthier lifestyle.

My family, on both my mother and fathers side, have a vast history of breast cancer. Family history wasn’t enough for me to make changes until my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago. Breast cancer hit home, literally, and that was when I realized I needed to take my health more seriously. Those health concerns only grew when I had my baby girl. I want to do anything and everything possible to ensure I live a long and healthy life for her, so I can care for and love her for as long as God allows.


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I am a full on sweat-er. I put my shirt on and I already have sweat marks. I used to use the clinical strength antiperspirant deodorant from drug stores and that STILL wouldn’t keep me 100% dry. Although I wish what I’m saying was an exaggeration it’s not and I’m here to give you all the bare nasty honest truth. Let’s get down to what everyone really wants to know, does this deodorant actually work? and my answer is yes but also no. Let me explain.

Pros

  • Great smell
  • No white marks or residue on clothing
  • 8/10 controls sweat
  • Lightens armpit darkness (Hyperpigmentation)
  • Helps with ingrown hair

Cons

  • Wet formula takes some time to dry down.
  • Need to reapply to avoid BO
  • Packaging
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I give the Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant a 7.5/10

This deodorant has many benefits that makes me really want to make this work for me. Unfortunately its not my go to everyday use, especially my busy moving and grooving days. I absolutely love the smell or better yet lack there of. The smell is very light almost nonexistent which I personally love. My favorite benefit however is the lightening effect, which definitely brightened and lightened my arm pits. As well, I noticed a significant reduction in ingrown hair which I am extremely prone too.

However, as much as I love the benefits that I mentioned above I have to keep it 100 with you guys… it didn’t stop me from being a little stinky at the end of the day. Mind you that I am a stay at home mom that is cleaning, cooking and keeping up with a 1 year old but unless I reapplied towards the afternoon I could definitely smell myself. Also, the packaging makes applying a little difficult once your half way through the product. The product is suck towards the bottom of the tube and doesn’t apply product as evenly with the roller top.

Regardless, I love the benefits so much that I still use this deodorant at night after I shower so that I can sneak in those lightening factors. If your not a heavy sweat-er like me and are looking for a natural deodorant then I would say giving the Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant a try.

Disclaimer: All links, as well as links through out the Blog , are affiliate links. Products purchased through these links give me a small commission that helps me create content for the blog and income for my family

A life style blog about a first time mom trying to do it all.