Today, I leave for a Blogger Event with, one of my favorite companies, H-E-B. If you've been around since January, you might know I'm among 10 Bloggers who represent their Beauty Blogger Panel. The perks are just beyond cool. We receive a "Beauty Pick" each month, review it, and then give you guys the chance to win it too. Not only that, but H-E-B has sent awesome surprise gifts, and now we're off to meet with them to learn more about their Beauty Buyers, Products, and, hopefully, develop a business relationship to bring you guys more awesome stuff.

But here's the deal. H-E-B didn't earn my loyalty over night. I am a very picky Brand Advocate. You see me singing their praises all the time on Facebook, Twitter, and on this Blog. For me? Working with this Brand just fits. Why is that?

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Last week, I co-hosted an online discussion regarding cheerleading safety and ways we can encourage our daughters to take on a healthy and active role in their youth. I, for one, was a cheerleader and it brought back so many memories when I listened to Nicole Lauchaire, VP Corporate Marketing and Communications for Varsity Brands, and a former cheerleader herself. She led us through the fascinating discussion via live feed video and was joined for a Q&A session by Amy Bender, a seasoned sports announcer and host of ESPN’s National Cheerleading Championships.

Today, I want to re-cap a few very important points we discussed. If you're a parent of a young girl and want to know just exactly what you should be asking in regards to her coaches and safety, I've got a few answers and resources. Plus, I'm bringing you a really fun giveaway from Varsity Brands just in time for Cheerleading try-outs.

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Yesterday, we experienced a really horrible day. When we have bad days it's usually because one of us is tired, or stressed, or things just aren't going our way. It's very rare that someone, outside our sweet circle, intentionally hurts us.

That's what happened yesterday. She was out to hurt me and hurt my children. I was angry. I was in that vengeful state for a mere moment. So, I did the only thing I knew to do. I sat. I breathed deeply. I prayed and I listened to music.

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We've brought you the awesome world of Kung Zhu with our ultimate Kung Zhu party. We've brought you Random Acts of Zhu last year at Christmas as we donated 100 Zhu Zhu Pets to a local charity. Today, we bring you more exciting news from the Zhuniverse. Welcome ZhuZhu Puppies!

We had the chance to check out these sweet puppies and all they have to bring. Despite a minor set-back upon opening, we think these pets are going to be our favorite out of the ZhuZhu family, but I may eat my words once we check out ZhuZhu Babies. So, what did we think? What can you, as a family, expect out of the ZhuZhu Puppy breed?

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Lately, my perfume tray has been filled to the max with new fragrances hitting shelves. I never used to be much of a perfume girl. My senses are very weird that way. I can never tell whether or not a perfume or scent will give me a headache, make me nauseous, or, even worse, make someone around me nauseous.

If you know me at all, I've always stuck with my favorite musk, by Jovan. Before you laugh, note that I've gotten so many compliments on this perfume than I EVER have. Plus, it's very budget friendly for a Mom of three, but today... Today? I'm branching out more, experimenting with more perfumes and enlisting a few into my favorites, while building my perfume collection. To be honest? It's kind of fun! So, first up is the New GUESS Seductive Fragrance.

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I'm very much the "Word Mom". By that, I mean I emphasize Vocabulary and Literacy in my children more than Math and Science, not because I think one is more important than the other, but because that's what I excel in. That's what I'm interested in. That's what I've come to grow and love from childhood all the way into my adult years. Besides, that's why we have Daddy. He's good at all the other stuff, like Math.

That being said, when I was approached to check out the new Synonyms Word Game, I thought What a GREAT way to teach the kids new words and meanings. They'll think it's just a board game! It was genius. I read and learned more about this word game and figured we HAD to try it. So, we have the game. Was it up to this Momma's standards?

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I never paid attention to what was in the products I was using for my children or myself, until my daughter was born. She, immediately, as a baby, had issues with her skin. She's 7-yrs-old now and suffers with severe eczema, especially in the hot Summer months. We're constantly moisturizing her skin with special lotions and cream, but have yet to find a body wash we like that's gentle enough for her delicate skin.

Well, today, we're happy to say Johnson's Baby has introduced a new line of natural products for kids and babies with their Johnson's Natural shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, and more! I was ecstatic to see a viable option for my daughter's needs.

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When I can't decide what to cook for dinner, I usually end up in front of the pantry, hoping the magic recipe fairy will come out and just TELL me what to do with what I have. That rarely happens. So, I do the next best thing. I text my friend Gloria: I've got zero ideas for dinner tonight. Help. 

She usually does great giving me step-by-step instructions and I look like the hero by the end of the night. My other go-to helper BESIDES Gloria? Easy Grilled & Ready Chicken from Tyson. It has seriously saved me the last few nights, as I pull my hair out from preparing for my two trips coming up. Have you tried them?

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Last year I brought you an extensive Holiday Gift Guide for families during the Christmas season. This year we want to bring you more gift ideas for more Holidays. First up? Our 2011 Mother's Day Gift Guide! I'm, seriously, excited about this one because we've partnered with Manny Ruiz from Papiblogger and Rory Lassanske from Mama Contemporanea. Yes, we're rolling out the red carpet for Mommas. Would you expect anything less?

Below is the Press Release (Yes, I told you it would be big) issued today on what you can expect and how you can be included if your a Brand that wants to work with us.

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Yesterday, I hosted an online discussion at TheMotherhood on the benefits of cheerleading in young girls. We were joined by Nicole Lauchaire, VP Corporate Marketing and Communications for Varsity Brands, who stated that cheerleaders are more comfortable in the spotlight, more comfortable speaking in front of large crowds, and more apt to do charitable work in her community as opposed to other teens who aren't involved in sports. It got me thinking I was a cheerleader. I loved being in the spotlight. I was very comfortable speaking in front of the student body, and I, often, volunteered around town for local charities. How different is my life now?

Were there signs I'd be a blogger? Were there signs I'd help lead the way in this Social Media explosion? Was I being prepped back then? 

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Breakfast, for us, is probably the most challenging meal of the day. I'm tired. They're tired. The morning is left with the same options day in and day out. Everyone is in a rush to get out the door and I'm left wondering if my children had a balanced meal to get them through a morning of learning in class.

Well, thanks to Mommy Parties, I've learned quite a few recipes using Nutella, a hazelnut spread, that my kids will love. Actually, it's one of our go-to spreads already because my youngest is allergic to peanuts. So, on a mission to "spread the word" (no pun intended), we hosted a Nutella Party for our friends. Wanna take a look?

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Spring Break went by in a blink of an eye. We enjoyed family days at the park, parties, and lots of movie nights both here at home and on the big screen. This week, we're bringing you two movies we saw over the Holiday. First up? Mars Needs Moms.

I went into this movie, not really knowing what to expect. I figured it would depict an over-worked Mom and a bratty kid. Was I right? Well, yes and no. I left the movie theater with an odd feeling. A feeling that, as a Mother, I may be too hard on my kids, but like Milo? I think they know we're the epitome of that "Crazy Love Thing." At least that's what I like to think. So, was Mars Needs Moms family friendly?

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Today marks the end of our Spring Break and we hit a bit of a speed bump this morning. Despite my plea to my children to go to bed last night, they indeed stayed up passed their bed time. It was 11:30pm when my daughter walked in my room, crawled under the quilt with me, and said, "Momma, I'm kinda nervous. I haven't been to school in over a week and I think you threw away my homework when you cleaned out my folder."

Gah. Now I can't sleep. Now we'll both be up in the morning, tired, and grouchy.

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When I was in Junior High, my love for sports sky rocketed. Sports came very naturally to me. Whenever I was active, no matter what the sport, no matter what the level, I was happy. I enjoyed the healthy competition and I made some of my best friends through those years all the way through High School. My long time favorite? Track & Field and Cross Country. Whenever I was pushing myself the hardest is when I was most content. Another sport I loved was Cheerleading. So, it's no surprise to me that my 7-yr-old daughter is interesting in Cheerleading and, soon enough, I'll be on the flip side of the sport. The Cheerleader Mom.

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Welcome to another round of our Beauty Pick of the Month, here at Momma Findings. It's officially March and we all know what that means, right? Well, for me, it means warm weather, beautiful sunshine, and hair care, hair care, hair care. What? It doesn't mean that to you?

All kidding aside, we're entering the humid months here on the Texas Coast and my hair always feels the wrath. I'm a long curly haired girl and I battle the frizz every Spring and Summer. So, today, I want to talk about our Beauty Pick of the Month and why I am SO in love with it. Have you tried the NEW Suave Professionals line of hair care products? It's our Beauty Pick of the Month for March.

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You guys remember me telling you about the Primrose Family Dance-Off Contest? Well, this is your friendly reminder that the last day to enter your family's video, is March 19th! Don't worry you've got time. In fact, we JUST finished our video last night. Yes, we boogied the night away with fun music and games. The kids even set up their own pretend "Vendor Booths" for us to purchase souvenirs. They have quite the imagination, I tell ya. So, the Primrose Family Dance Off? It's all about dancing for a good cause and why wouldn't you?

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Did you know that 83% of kids believe that they can help children in other countries in addition to people in their own communities? That’s according to the "Kids' Altruism Indicator," conducted in partnership with Parenting magazine. I believe it, because my children show me every day how caring they can be. Last Christmas, we donated 100 Zhu Zhu Pets to an area Charity called Bridgehaven, an child advocacy center who helps victims of child abuse. It was an amazing week of preparation and stirred quite the conversation, at the end of the day, specifically, how we, as a family, can help more families and more children in need. Thanks to Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks we can!

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It every Parent's nightmare. Their kid is being bullied at school. What do you do? I, personally, have never experienced this, on a long term basis, with my children, however, I HAVE experienced the sporadic instances where my child has been run over by the "Mean Kid" at the playground.

In fact, just yesterday, we were enjoying a family day out at the park, when my 7-yr-old daughter came to me in tears, barely catching her breath, with her head down, stating, "Momma, I want to go home. The kids here are mean." I don't have to say that most Mommas, want to get to the bottom of it. I certainly didn't miss a beat scanning the park for the bully, but moreover, scanning the park for the PARENTS of that bully.

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The latest fridge art from my daughter. In her eyes, Dad is King of the House, Momma has beautiful thick hair, and sweet birds chirp in the trees outside our window. It's our happy family.

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I'm excited to announce that Momma Findings is OFFICIALLY going to the Hollywood for the 2011 Hispanicize Conference. Do you guys remember me talking about how badly I wanted to be there? It's ONLY the biggest Latino and Latina Social Media Conference of the year and it's in HOLLYWOOD!

I've been working closely with the Hispanicize Team and Papi Blogger, Manny Ruiz, on various projects the last month or so. I'd like to thank him for helping me create an amazing partnership with Kolcraft, our official conference Sponsor. You can find me at the Kolcraft booth throughout the conference along with really great posts here at Momma Findings regarding our take on their NEW Wally the Wonderbug Activity Center for babies. Since, we're talking about it... Wanna win one?

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You know? I come from a small Texas town. Where I'd, secretly, become giddy seeing any of my friends in the local newspaper. To me? It's a big deal to see your name in lights for something good you've done or even for just being you.

So, it comes to no surprise that the news I have to share with you has me completely-over-the-top-in-abnormally-proud-giddiness. Back in January, Woman's World Magazine contacted me to ask my opinion on healthy breakfast options, specifically instant breakfasts. I'm the queen of instant breakfasts, since my mornings are usually chaotic. I gave a quick interview on Momma Findings favorite breakfast shake and it's been published in this week's issue of Woman's World Magazine!

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April will be here before we know it and deems to be a  really busy month for the Momma Findings family. We kick off the first day of April with a Birthday Celebration. Mine. I'm turning the BIG 3-0! A few days later, I jump on an airplane and head to Hollywood for Hispanicize 2011, thanks to Kolcraft. When I arrive back home, we finish packing and move into our new home. I can't say how exciting this is, but during the chaos we've reserved one night of fun.

On April 15th, Rio the Movie is hitting theaters and we plan to be there. It's one of the first Latino animated films I've seen debut in a really long time and I'm anxious to check it out. To add to the fun, we'll also be playing Rio the Wii Game. Yup. We'll have it. Do you want it too? I'm giving THREE away!

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What's your favorite way to exercise? I happen to love running, however, there is this craze across America called Zumba that has everyone dancing and everyone shedding those pounds. I tried a few classes and it's crazy fun. Another way people are using dance to lose weight and stay healthy, is through video games. Exercise Wii Games are very popular among families, like Zumba Fitness and Just Dance 2. These games help me, as a parent fight childhood obesity and have fun all at the same time. 

Primrose Schools is stepping up, as well, with it's fight against childhood obesity with the second annual Family Dance-off, benefiting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. And you can help! They’re inviting families across the country to submit 30-second dance videos to FamilyDanceoff.com to compete to win cash prizes and a donation to their local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

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Thank you to P&G’s Have You Tried This Yet? program and Kroger for sponsoring my writing about trying new things and breaking out of my everyday routine. Click here to find great savings on high-performing P&G products at a Kroger store near you. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

Tomorrow, my husband and I celebrate 10 years of marriage. In those 10 years, we've moved seven times (some across country), had three children, and changed career paths countless times. Needless to say, our date nights are rare and when we DO have them, they're the same thing over and over again. Let's go to the movies. Let's go out to eat. Last weekend, however, we broke out of our date night routine and enjoyed a day together doing something I NEVER thought we'd do.

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Shockage. It'll be 10 years on Thursday & he still likes me.
10 YEARS OF ME! I really don't know how he does it.

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When you're a Parent to an infant, you pay your dues, being the sole person that bathes that child until he or she is rendered responsible enough to do it themselves. So, let me just say this, "I've paid my dues."

We're at the stage, where all my children can bath or shower on there own without the help from me or their Dad. It's a point that seemed so far away just a few years ago and, I feel, a milestone worth celebrating. Once you DO get to the point where I am, however, you face a WHOLE array of problems.... Are they really getting clean? How is it that my child SAID he showered, yet his hair isn't even wet? Why is the bottle of shower gel that I JUST bought already empty? What gives?

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I was chatting with Libby's Table and two of my favorite Texas Bloggers, (A Southern Fairytale and  My Monkey Mayhem) on Twitter, about what to eat for dinner last night. It seems, here lately, that my Momma Brian is tired, so tired that I can't seem to think of meal ideas OR snack ideas for kids. What's one of your favorite things to snack on? What about your kids? Do you have a "Go-To Snack" that you turn to when the kids come home famished from school?

Some of our favorites include Fruit Smoothies, Goya Maria Cookies and Milk, Fruit and Cheese Tray, but today I'm bringing you a NEW snack that my children have really taken to. It's sweet like candy, but WAY healthier like Raisins. They're called Raisels and they've got all the kids talkin' at the lunch table.

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As a young mother with a baby, I was meticulous in caring for my children. I made sure they were healthy with well check-ups. We were up to date with their immunizations and I monitored everything they ate and drank. Today, however, I have children who have grown and developed a mind of their own (the NERVE of them!) and making sure they're eating healthy has become quite the task.

It's amazing to see my children's weight fluctuate as they go through growth spurts and feeding them vitamin rich food is top on my priority list. That's why rely on Big G Cereals to give us the Whole Grain they need each morning before school.

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A few days ago, I was driving in the car with my three children ages 8, 7, and 4 when a familiar song came on the radio that we all happen to love. Mercy Me's I Can Only Imagine was softly singing to each little ear listening. Then through the song and through our silence my youngest says, "Momma? This is a song you sing in big church. Isn't it?"

I answered with, "We may have. Do you know what this song is about? It's a song that sings of how you'll feel when you meet Jesus face to face. What would you do? How will you feel?" My heart was not prepared to hear their sweet answers. Not prepared at all at the reminders they would set forth into my heart.

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What kind of games do you play with your kids? We love doing puzzles together. It helps my 4-yr-old practice his problem solving skills and we have fun all at the same time. We've done 'em all: Floor Puzzles, Lenticular Puzzles, Puzzles on the iPhone, Puzzles on the Wii. You name it, but we have YET to do a 3D puzzles. I'm not talking one of those crazy puzzles you built into a shape. I'm talking a puzzle that takes your STRAIGHT into it's scene by way of 3D Glasses.

Have you tried one like that? Well, Patch Products has TONS of them ranging in themes like Lighning Bus, Singin' Sea Creatures, Midnight Safari's and so much more! We got to try one. Wanna see?

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As Spring rolls in, we're able to see the light at the end of the tunnel regarding Cold & Flu Season. For me, I've counted my blessings that it didn't hit us too hard this year. The previous year, however, we were all bound to our bed for weeks with the dreaded Swine Flu.

You might count me as a lucky one, because we've seemed to stay healthy, but you might think otherwise when you know that the dry air in the house and allergy season blooming makes for a really hard time for my daughter. She suffers from eczema and the last few weeks has been pretty tough on her when she had a break out on her face. How do fight eczema in kids? We've learned which lotions and soaps to use and, only recently, found a kids humidifier that has done wonders for my daughter's skin, thanks to Germ Guardian.

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He's classic. One Fish. Two Fish. Red Fish. Blue Fish. Happy Birthday Dr. Suess. I've aligned my stickers on my face just for you. Well, actually my preschooler did that, but all's the same as we celebrate you today.

Take a look at our Dr. Suess Birthday Celebration.

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As Spring hits, in comes the season of the Birthdays. Yup. We just celebrated little guy's 4th birthday, then we look forward to my Dad's birthday, my 30th Birthday in April, my husband's in May, along with both my Mother and Father-In-Law. We're in BIRTHDAY mode and tomorrow is a big one. Tomorrow we celebrate the birthday of a Classic American Icon. Dr. Suess.

Join us and PBS Kids on March 2, in honoring the birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel, more widely known as Dr. Seuss, with a two-hour marathon of THE CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT!. PBS KIDS will celebrate Dr. Seuss' 107th birthday by rhyming along with the playful Cat during two brand new episodes. The fun will then continue with encore presentations of two more favorite episodes.

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Today is the first day of March. HELLO SPRING! Just last week, the little guy and I were barefoot outside, playing with our playground ball, blowing bubbles, painting pictures, and eating ice-cream. It's just one of those little perks that ya' get when you live on the coast of Texas. The warm weather is here and I can't wait to jump right into our Spring Break.

One of our favorite things to do in this beautiful weather is go on a Backyard Bug Hunt. My 4-yr-old is all boy ALL the time and there's nothing quite like hunting for bugs, digging for worms, and examining them through glass jars. Just recently, we discovered a few tools to help us do that, Coghlan's Bug-Eye Headlight and 7-Function Binoculars for Kids.

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