10 Things I've Learned from My Mom

Mother always did know best...here's my latest Babble article on 10 Things I've Learned from my Mom.

1. Friends will come and go, but your family will always be your family.
2. Pat yourself dry with a towel, instead of rubbing yourself dry with a towel--it's better for your skin.
3. Do good deeds, without expecting anything in return; life has a way of thanking you later.
4. Always wear clean underwear, you never know when you might get in an accident.
5. You are beautiful just the way you are, don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise

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What is the Right Age to Have a Baby? 20's, 30's, or 40's

When my husband and I first started talking about having kids, I’m not going to lie, but I freaked out a little. I was 28 years old, and for some reason I just had a number in my head–that number was 30. I wanted to be 30 when I had my first child. Yes, I know, I wasn’t too far off.  Between the time spent being pregnant, I would have been 29 when my baby was born. But not being 30 made me uneasy. I spent hours searching the internet looking up the topic “what is the right age to have a baby.” It was as though I was looking for an affirmation, an article that would tell me “It’s okay Carmen to have a baby at 29.” I had been married for six years, was financially stable  and was settled in my career–what else was I waiting for? I soon learned there really is no right or wrong age to have a baby. Sometimes in fact, you’re never REALLY ready. As a new mom (at the age of 29) I couldn’t be happier. I interviewed six amazing moms, who became moms for the first time ranging from their 20′s, 30′s and 40′s and they share their perspective.

My Story: 29

Why was it the right time: I had been married for six years, so really got to enjoy that time with my husband. We traveled and I was also able to build my career in my early 20s. We were financially stable and had bought a house 3 years prior in the hopes to grow our family. My husband (who is 32) started getting the baby itch, so when I was 28 years old we decided to start trying to have a baby, surely enough, 2 months later I was pregnant!

Pros: We want to have 2 children and it's great not to feel rushed to have a second one right away. If we wait until our son is 3 years old, I'll still be in my early 30's (32). I had also heard stories from friends who were having a hard time trying to conceive, so I didn't want to wait too much longer. Also, having my first son at age 29, I was also able to work on building my brand and blog, Viva Fashion. 

Drawbacks: One of the things I feared the most was not being able to continue my career or having to put things on hold. Luckily this hasn't been a drawback.  I've never been more busier with work and believe it's all about having a strong support system. My husband stays with the baby (on his days off) while I work. Life does change though, but you just learn to multi-task :)

To continue reading my article on Babble.com click here.

P&G Ya Probaste Esto? Luncheon + Giveaway Valued at $400!

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend a special luncheon with celeb stylist, Irma Martinez for P&G’s Ya Probaste Esto? campaign during Hispanicize, a social media conference. Irma shared some great tips for dressing for different body types and how to incorporate some of the latest summer trends. One of her fashion tips that I loved and that actually swear by as well is don’t wear trends, just because they are in style. Overall, wear what you feel comfortable in and what makes you feel confident. Here’s a quick picture I snapped with her right before the luncheon. After Hispanicize

I also received some great P&G products I can’t wait to try out such as the Swiffer Wet Jet and Venus Razors. I already use their Swiffer Sweeper with Febreeze and love the way it smells. Be sure to check out the PGTryIt.com site to learn more about the Ya Probaste Esto (Have you Tried This Yet) program. Oh, I also received a Target gift card thanks to the folks at P&G and already got some cute summer essentials, such as a fedora for under $20 bucks.

We’ll also be giving away a P&G Prize Pack valued at $400! Here’s everything it includes. To enter, simply tweet “I want to win the @OneSundayMorn P&G Giveaway valued at $400.”

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Latina Mom Bloggers and Proctor & Gamble

Guest Bloguera: Sobrevivi (Spanish)

We're so excited to introduce to you one of our newest contributing writers...Katherine Callejas. She's the mother of a beautiful one year old girl, Sofia. She will be sharing her story in Spanish and what she's learned being the mother of a premature daughter. Here's her first story titled: "I Survived."

Por: Katherine Callejas

Un año.... Se dice fácil pero han sido muchas las cosas que han pasado. El primero de abril del 2012 mi vida cambio, ya no será igual. Nació mi princesa Sofía. Fue un tiempo difícil pues al ser mama primeriza no sabía nada de como cuidar a un bebe y aún menos a un bebe PREMATURO...
Gran palabra prematuro.... Aún da zumbidos en mi cabeza. Primero te dicen que debes entender porque es y ahora debes olvidar que lo fue.  Es increíble como alguien tan pequeño puede enseñarte tantas cosas y llenarte de felicidad con una sonrisa.
Me gustaría compartir con ustedes las 12 lecciones que mi pequeña me ha enseñado en estos doce meses:

1. Pierde el miedo: cuando estaba en la encubadora tenía tanto miedo de lo que iba a pasar, no sabía a lo que me enfrentaba y tampoco lo fuerte que ellos son.
2. Vive un día a la vez: estuve tanto tiempo pensando en mañana sin darme cuenta que el tiempo pasa y muy rápido. Creció y no se cuándo dejo de ser un bebe tan pequeñito y ya quiere explorar todo lo que ve.
3 sonríe: una sonrisa cambia todo no necesitas dinero para impactar la vida de alguien más solo sonríe :)
4. Permítete aprender a ser mamá: es verdad que nacemos con un instinto maternal pero en este tiempo entendí que aún hay que aprender a conectarnos con ellos, a conocerlos y re-conocernos. Si! Permítete equivocarte, sentirte incapaz, llora si es necesario y sigue. Creo que el ser mamá también se aprende. El día que nació sofí también nació una mamá.
5. Cree en tu instinto: si me pasó! Percibía que Sofi estaba enferma o le molestaba algo pero nadie me creía y yo... No creía en mi. Creo que al tenerlos en nosotras 40 semanas o 33 en mi caso, nos da una ventaja sobre los papas a conocerlos y conectar con ellos más fácil. No dudes tu sabes que necesita tu bebe.
6. Sana las heridas: ahora entiendo como mi vida va a impactar su vida... Por esto, entendí la importancia de cerrar círculos. Tu bebe merece vivir su historia no la tuya. No lo contamines. permítele escribir su propia aventura.
7. Ama: creo q la palabra lo dice todo. No sólo ama a tu bebe. Empieza por Dios,  a ti misma, tu esposo y a tu entorno.
8. No has dejado de ser mujer: aún me cuesta SER tantas en una. Esposa, amiga, amante, hija, profesional etc... Y MAMA
9. Se Tu:  no necesitas ser la mejor versión de nadie más. Tu bebe te ama a ti porque eres su mamá, sólo por eso y no le es necesario más razones. Más bien, conviértete en tu mejor versión.
10. Retoma tus sueños: cuando vi a sofí por primera vez me pregunte que estoy haciendo? No quise seguir haciéndome la misma pregunta.
11. Llora: hormonas, hormonas, hormonas... Habla y llora aunque pienses que no te entienden y que no te escuchan. Hazlo!
12. Cierra los ojos: en este momento estoy aprendiendo a soltar a sofí. Sólo cierro los ojos, oro y respiro.

How-To: Homemade Mango Jam

Check out my latest Babble.com post on how to make your own homemade mango jam. It's so easy to make and not to mention soooo yummy.

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