Some of you guys might roll your eyes at this post, but I have seriously been changing my eating habits. I've found that by giving up soda and controlling my portion sizes has made a HUGE impact on my waistline. I also feel SO much better throughout the day.

These eating habits have also made an impact on my children. Instead of reaching for sugary soda and greasy potato chips (which I always kept around), they want yogurt with granola, or fruit kabobs, and even a nice bowl of whole grain cereal. As a Mom, I've found it hard to distinguish which cereal is healthy and which is not, but thanks to the white check on General Mills cereal boxes I can rest assured it has more whole grain than any other single ingredient. So, do you want to know which cereals are packed with whole grain? Better yet, want to win FIVE boxes of them?

Read the full story »

I've, seriously, enjoyed my "Pin of the Week" segment. It's been such a change in my lifestyle since I became a Pinterest user. That sounds silly, but I've found REALLY easy recipes that have little ingredients and are low-cost. I've EVEN been making healthy snacks and lunches thanks to all the recipes I've found. It's like we're a whole new family. No joke.

So, what's on tap for this week? Well, I love me some squash and zucchini. My children, however, do not. At all. I started searching for recipes that include these vegetables, but provide more taste the kids will love. That's when I found this Cheesy Zucchini Bake recipe. Oh my sweet tastebuds. It was so easy to make AND the kids enjoyed it too. Score!

Read the full story »

If you guys follow me on Twitter or Facebook, you may or may not have seen how geeky-nerdy-excited I was about the new Joe V's Smart Shop opening, here, in Baytown. The Grand Opening was yesterday and I was there, in the rain and everything.

I've totally missed my H-E-B the last few weeks and have been forced to shop at other grocery stores, in which I will not name. A friend of mine picked me up and we headed out to our new grocery store. I've never been in a Joe V's Smart Shop before, so I really had no idea what to expect. I knew it would look like a Costco and would have insane low prices, but that's about it. I went. I shopped. I, quickly, realized that if you're a newbie to Joe V's Smart Shop, there's a few things you need to know before arriving.

Read the full story »

Within a marriage, there lies a big ball of compromise, from the color of your sheets to what kind of bread to buy. He likes white. I love my wheat. Decisions are made, jointly, on a variety of topics and one just learns to compromise.

The first five, okay... wait.. no... the first eight years, it seemed as if I was the one to give in. Ok. You want hunter green walls in the bathroom? I can live with that. You want to move us 900 miles away from home? Ok. I'm sad, but uh... well... ok. In the last two years of a marriage, I finally felt comfortable saying No. That's not ok. No. I don't think it will benefit our family. The fact is, I think, I've always felt if I disagreed with him, it would start an argument (everyone knows I'm not good at confrontation), and we'll be well on our way to divorce. Little did I know that I was dealing with a creature from a different planet. How stupid of me.

Read the full story »

This morning I talked to you guys about little changes I made in my diet in order to manage my weight loss. I, completely, gave up soda of any shape and form. Yup. No more Diet Coke. No more Dr. Pepper. I do have, an occasional glass of Ginger Ale, but that's few and far between.

Another thing I'm doing? Portion control and lighter lunches with Progresso Soups. I'm just BEYOND determined to have a new look for 2012. Are you ready for a new look this New Year too? Progresso® is excited to announce the return of their Souper You® Contest giving you the chance to win an incredible makeover! I don't know about you guys, but I'd LOVE to have a make-over. Oh, and I ALSO have your chance to win a few of those tasty soups and the Biggest Loser Workout DVD to jump start your commitment.

Read the full story »

Okay guys. So, it's the end of January and by now, most of us know, if we're REALLY serious about our New Year's Resolution to stay fit and eat healthy. I'll be honest. That's not my resolution, however, I am being more aware of what I'm putting into my body. For instance, I'm going on 10 days with no soda. That's a BIG deal. Usually I hit 2:00pm and the caffeine headache sets in. That's when I reach for diet coke or a cup of coffee. Now? I'm digging the water. Who knew this decision would give me more energy and a few inches off my waist (already!).

I've also limited my coffee intake to one cup in the morning and Tropicana Trop50 juice throughout the day. Did you know that it has 50 percent less sugar and calories, and no artificial sweeteners? I can actually feel better about keeping this juice around while I try to lose a few pant sizes. Oh, and in true Momma Findings fashion, I want YOU guys to try it too!

Read the full story »

I may or may not have mentioned a million times here, on my blog, on Facebook, and Twitter how proud I am of my daughter. Last weekend she won first place in her school district's UIL Creative Writing competition. Heck, I think I even chatted that up with my mail man. The day she competed she came home on cloud nine. She was beaming telling me all about the story she wrote. Right then, I knew she HAD to have gotten first place, not because the content was just the most original, or because her handwriting is impeccable, but because her passion completely shined through as she told me about it. The love she has for words and her ability to evoke emotion across the paper would be the deciding factor.

Then I thought about it. She wants to be like me. Wait. What?

Read the full story »

How many of you are a "tightwad" when it comes to downloading apps? I'll admit it, I'm a bit of a nazi when my preschooler asks to download a new iPad app. He's already gotten so used to me saying no that he ONLY approaches me when he doesn't see a price next to the apps he wants. Then, he slowly walks towards me with a gentle voice, "Mom, can I download this app? There's no numbers next to it. It's totally free."

Well, the last few days, I've given in to his charm and found some REALLY cool iPad apps for kids. My two youngest children totally loved the Beauty and the Beast app that I couldn't help myself. I just HAD to download another Disney Storybook App with our favorite characters Buzz, Woody, and Jessie! Oh and the cool part? I'm gifting this app to three lucky winners. Totally worth it at the pediatrician's by the way.

Read the full story »

I have, seriously, been experimenting with different chili recipes and, although my skills have improved, I have YET to find one I absolutely love.... until Jenn, my food contributor, sent me this. I can't WAIT to try this for Superbowl weekend. What are you guys cooking?

Whether you are having company over for a playoff game / Superbowl gathering or just want a warm, comforting meal for your family, this recipe is a great alternative to the traditional chili. It has amazing flavor and freezes well.

Read the full story »

What makes you go to the theater to see a movie? Is it because you're a "movie buff" and you ALWAYS do it? Or does something inspire you as you watch the preview? Sometimes there's a movie that completely captures your heart and makes you run out to the theater the first day to see it. However, sometimes there comes a movie that completely captures your child's heart and, for me, that makes our family run out to the theater the first day to see it.

On February 3rd, Big Miracle will debut on big screens everywhere. It's an inspirational true story about the rescue of majestic gray whales in the Arctic Circle. My two youngest children saw the preview and, with empathy in their eyes, they said, "Mom. We HAVE to see this." So, alas we countdown the days until we can learn more about these endangered animals and how they inspired the world around them.

Read the full story »

Last week, I confessed my obsession with Pinterest. There I said it. I am addicted to this tack board of beautiful crafts, breathtaking home decor, and mouth watering recipes. If you're not on Pinterest... Go. Now. Need an invite? I'll send you one.

If you ARE on Pinterst, then you already know what kind of obsession this is. I've tried out FIVE new recipes off My Kitchen Pantry board and I'm kind of bummed that I decided to only share one pin a week with you all, but that just means, I'll never run out of cool Pinterest finds to post, right? So, this week, I'm sharing a creative pizza bread that makes for a PERFECT Super Bowl Party food.

Read the full story »

Faith is a tricky thing. The word, in itself, is defined as a firm belief in something for which there is no proof. It's a complete trust in something or someone even if you haven't seen them, like God. How can you love and trust a God without having, first, seen Him?

It's difficult for me to explain my faith to a stranger on the street much less my own young children. They have so many questions, so many wonders of this almighty King of Kings. I have faith in God because He first loved me, because I feel Him in my heart, because I've felt His spirit within me. I don't have to see him to believe. The thing is, that explanation is good enough for my children, because they are filled with an innocence where believing makes them feel safe and loved. A few weeks ago, my 4-yr-old reminded me just how sweet a child like faith can be.

Read the full story »

Remember when I mentioned I'm not much of a cereal eater? That's probably the oddest little statement you'll ever read, but it's true. I didn't grow up eating cereal. As a Latina, my Mami and Papi fed us foods like tortillas con frijoles, migas, y arroz con leche. They were staples in my little casita. You, rarely, found us eating a cold breakfast like cereal.

Things have changed since I've become a Mom (and ironically married into the Anglo culture). My husband loves him some cereal and has passed that little morning habit onto my children who opt for a "cold breakfast" any day. So, what's a Latina Momma to do? Well, thanks to General Mills, moms everywhere can bring a beloved traditional Latin flavor to their family´s breakfast table with new Dulce de Leche Cheerios. Can we say delicioso?

Read the full story »

Photo Credit: P&G COVERGIRL via Fleishman/MMC

Did you guys watch the Golden Globes? I, usually, pass on awards shows, such as this, because well.... I'm not really a TV junkie. I mean, I don't have favorite shows I like to watch and I rarely watch movies (unless they aimed towards the kids). For some reason, I tuned into the Golden Globes. I got sucked in by all the glitz and glam of the whole event.

Two of my absolute favorites that walked the red carpet were Latina actresses, Selma Hayek and Sofia Vergara. They looked absolutely stunning in their gowns, hair, and make-up. Thanks to CoverGirl, I've got some fabulous tips straight from Sofia's make-up artist on how you can get the look too. I mean... We're Moms, but that doesn't mean we can't look fabulous, right?

Read the full story »

Yesterday was pretty crazy. I spent the day cleaning, doing laundry, and helping my 8-yr-old dig herself out of the mess she calls a room. As we finished organizing, I checked my email. That's when the nerves took over my entire body.

The producer at KPRC Houston, emailed to let me know they would be airing our interview on Mom Bloggers and to look for clips in between commercials as an advertisement on the story. I did this interview, MONTHS ago. I don't even remember what I said. If you're here, on my site, because you've seen the interview.. Welcome. If you're here because you usually visit? It's readers like you that make blogging worth it. If you're here because you want to make thousands and thousands of dollars being a Stay-at-Home-Mom.. Well? Let's talk about that.

Read the full story »