Products from 2020 that I am keeping in 2021

It's a brand new year, and with a new year it is safe to say we all want new things to help us create a bigger and better year ahead. But; shall I say that 2020 did bring a lot of good that I have actually decided to bring in with me to 2021. Cus, not absolutely everything needs to get left behind. Just the toxic stuff of course. So i'll be sharing with you different products from books, to health and beauty, and even technology. Hope you find something on this list that might be new to you and you will enjoy as much as me that it will roll into many new years as well! 

1. Each and Every Deodorant : Beginning of 2020 I decided I was going to start using non toxic brands and when it came to body wash; toothpaste and moisturizer that was so simple - but with deodorants it was such a struggle guys - and let me tell you how much I hate to smell bad; even a little. I was stressed and really thought I would have no other choice but to return back to aluminum deodorant which is the worst thing ever to allow into your bloodstream. When I saw an instagram AD on this deodorant I honestly did not have high hopes for it, and I felt it was just going to be another disappointment but I ordered anyway; and I am so happy I did because I have found my holy grail of deodorants that never lets me down and has me smelling and feeling like a whole garden of roses.

www.eachandevery.com

2. 100 Days of Believing Bigger Devotional: If you know me you know I am all about my devotionals. They are how I start and end my days because I have noticed how life changing it is for me; and helps me study the bible easier; and breaks down scripture in a way that I can fully understand it. This devotional specifically I did not finish just yet since I got it not long ago in June. But I love how its a reflective kind of devotional which you journal about how it spoke to you; and how you will apply it to your life. The questions are not basic either; they really have you question how you are doing life; and how to believe bigger and strengthen your faith. It has opened my eyes to things I did not even notice I was hiding from or just in denial about. It has most definitely been allowing my faith to grow in miraculous ways.

3. Maybelline Lifter Gloss Topaz: I have always been quite the fan of lipstick; and I feel like it can honestly brighten your face on days when you look tired and pale. But sometimes you just need something easy to throw on while you are busy and on the go - which lately for me has been my usual day to day. So lipstick has had to take a break and I am okay with it now that I have reunited with my first love - lipgloss. And wow has the lipgloss game stepped it up. Not only are the colors more vibrant; but the shine is intense; and not as sticky as I remember it to be. I love how this one really does give my lips the lift it needs to look fuller and plumper as well without the tingly feeling most plumper glosses have. It makes me feel confident and ready to take on the day!

4. Vanity Planet Aira Facial Steamer:  If you follow me on Instagram you have seen me post about this facial steamer quite a lot; because I have not been able to stop using it ever since I got it. It does everything it says it does; and more. I really don't know how I lived without it because its worth every penny honestly. It is easy to use; easy to set up; and small enough to store away when no longer being used. I usually use it at night after a shower; and I keep a towel at hand because the steamer is no joke - your face will be drenched in seconds of using it. You feel all of the impurities of the day leaving your skin and its amazing. After using it I either do a facial mask; or I use a cotton pad and cleanse with some micellar water. 

www.vanityplanet.com

5. Goli Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies: I have really been trying everything possible to live a healthier lifestyle and we won't even get into how terribly I failed at that because emotional eating has been really real for me in 2020, so eating healthy has been quite challenging - but I have still showed up with light work outs and vitamins/supplements. I had read up on all the benefits Apple Cider Vinegar has and I was so excited to start taking shots of it - until I did it once; and that one time ruined it all for me. I couldn't even finish the small shot I had. So looking more into I found these and hoped for the best. These gummies actually taste GOOD; and are all natural with all of the same exact benefits you get from a shot of it daily. I must say this was a huge 2020 win for me that I must keep in my every day for 2021 as well and years to come.

www.goli.com

6. Victrola All in one Bluetooth Record Player/Radio : Music has been such a profound and soul filling part of my life for years now. When I get in a funk or just need to unwind I know that music can help heal me; and take me to places where I can feel my feelings and let down my guard. I can always count on music to bring me back to me when I feel I have lost myself. I had been wanting to take it back to an old school record player because I have so many great childhood memories of being in my parents home and they would throw on some songs. I remember a lot of the songs and the way my mom would dance around the house; and seeing the happiness in her eyes made me just as happy. So I knew I needed one for my own home so I could re live some of my childhood memories that were so simple yet still so clear in my head. Now every time I play a record on it I can get lost in the music; and find myself over and over again.

Celebrating the Holiday's through Storytelling!

 

The holiday's are always such a magical time. All the bright lights; and cheery music! I honestly don't know a better time of year. And though this year might look a bit different for some of us around the world - something no one can take away from you is being able to read a good book that can magically transport you to amazing places all over the world without even having to leave your couch. 

Reading has always been something we take seriously in our home. And for me it has been my companion during my lonely days away from family and friends. Reading books that make me believe I am in a winter wonderland; or in Whoville christmas caroling. Down below I am sharing some of our current favorite holiday stories that not only put us in a good mood; but reminds us about the beauty and excitement of the holiday season!

Click the link below and browse our favorites:

Amazon Holiday Book Collection

Celebrating with Santiago Of The Seas!

 

It's time to get muy excited about Nick Jr.'s newest show SANTIAGO OF THE SEAS! Santiago of the Seas is a pirate adventure show for preschoolers with exciting, bilingual missions rooted in Latin Caribbean culture! In this video, he sets sail on his ship El Bravo with his cousin Tomás!

I don't know about you but as a Latina mother who is struggling with teaching her children Spanish I love knowing that I can throw on a fun and teachable show to get them to be more excited about learning the language without even realizing they are learning!To get into the halloween spirit we put on our pirate attire and made our own fun maps to learn pirate words in Spanish translation while creating! We also spoke about Colombia, which is my parents original hometown, and they loved learning about it and then creating the flag with the bright colors of yellow, blue, and red. Pero, of course like any hispanic momma at the end of the day I reminded them they are my only true tesoros in life!

Jace took a printable sheet of a map and I taught him the words El Mar (The Sea) Tesoro (Treasure) and Isla (Island). He said he loved how the words sounded when you said them, and I really couldn't agree more. Everything sounds better when said in Spanish. He used his markers to create a dark blue deep sea, and a very brown island which he said was an island where you can get stranded on, so you have to be very careful on your boat so it can take you to the treasure. He labeled everything in the Spanish context that he learned, and was very excited to share with his grandma the new words he had learned from this acitvity. He said he will start watching the show as well because he would love to learn even more words. So thanks to Santiago, the possibility of my children being billingual is a
much bigger chance than before! That's a win if you ask me!!!

Caleb loves creating flags, and he was happy that this one was very simple with just three colors. He said it was made out of his three favorite colors too! I showed him a photo of the flag and I let him go his own way to create it. We then watched a video on youtube about Colombian food, traditions, and famous sights like Monserate, which is a beautiful church that over looks the city of Bogota. A perfect place to watch the sunset; and a place on our bucket list now for sure. Since we are from Barranquilla I had to talk to them about the Magdalena River which you see as soon as you fly into Barranquilla and it's quite a sight. I also showed them videos of Los Carnavales which are usually held in February in Barranquilla with lots of colorful ethnic clothing and dresses, and fun, exciting music to get your body up and moving. They really enjoyed reading and seeing these videos, and it made me really happy to share all of these great things that make Colombia what it is, and why we should be proud to say we are from there. I know that now that I have shared this with them they are much more interested in traveling there, and experiencing all these festivities and landmarks that bring our culture to life. 

At the end of all of these fun DIY activities they probably learned more about being part of a Latino family then they ever have before, and now they want to be more aware of the language, with a little bit of help from their new friend Santiago Of The Seas! I actually can't wait to start watching it with them as well. I know I will absolutely love it! I see a lot of pirate sword fighting in my near future, and maybe I can even join on the fun too! 

Watch SANTIAGO OF THE SEAS at home with your little pirates too, and we can chat about it sometime! You can catch it on NICK JR and infuse the latino Caribbean culture!

But; you're a mom you can't.....

Becoming a mom changes your life. You hear that everywhere; and from absolutely everyone. But they don't necessarily explain just how it changes ALL parts of your life; and they happen in phases. Basically as the kids get older; mother hood changes in different ways. My boys are elementary school aged; close to middle school age (WOW; that really hit me that it's THAT close!) So I can say I kinda sorta have mastered some parts of motherhood with lots and lots of mistakes along the way trust me. But even so there are still so many ways my life is changing and the struggle is still very real. 

There are wayyyy too many misconceptions though that I have hated about parenting, and it's like as soon as you become a mother you have to live up to everyone and societies expectations of you. Like, what you're a mom and you go out and have fun with friends? But, that's against all mom code of conduct!! I know I have felt this way millions of times before stepping out to try and enjoy myself. Which inevitably ends up as me feeling so guilty for being out with friends, that I don't end up fully embracing the moment and enjoying it. We kind of do it to ourselves really, because we gotta learn to let go of what we believe others may think of us, or think less of us if we do something that doesn't live up to the definition a mother has been given by society. It's been a long road but I have learned that this momma over here deserves to feel good, and have a good time. I have learned to love me for me, not as just a mom - but as a human. 

Below I wanted to share some special things I do to help myself feel more like myself, more than a mom.

1. Painting - I am not an artist, at all. But Youtube videos can sure make you feel like you are. I purchased some canvases; acrylic paints; and brushes and threw on an easy beginners painting class and that was that. I didn't apply any pressure on myself to be good at it, but just used it to remind myself that I can try new things just for fun, and it does the job every time. Experimenting with colors, and just letting my mind go of all the things around me for just a couple minutes. It's so therapeutic, and it doesn't cost much at all. 

2. Random Walks - I don't choose a destination, and I literally just step outside, throw on my air pods and let the wind lead me. It's a favorite thing I like to do when I know I need some solitude away from distractions at home. I can find a quiet area to sit and meditate to the sounds of the city, or I stop and get a special treat that I can fully enjoy for myself that I do not have to share or buy plenty for all.

3. Take Selfies - Yup, just do it. Because lets face it- most of my camera roll is my kids, my kids, and my kids again. Cus, they are pretty cute - BUT guess what you are beautiful too, and sometimes getting all cute and taking photos of yourself feels good. So why not? and then if you really do like how they came out you can even post it - because just like you post all these photos of your kids because you think they are absolutely amazing and you want to just constantly show them off to the world - it's perfectly fine for you to do the same exact thing with yourself - because you should feel like showing yourself off to the world too!

4. Buy things; for yourself. Now I am not saying go and splurge and forget about all of your responsibilities. But as a mom myself I know just how much money I spend on unnecessary things for the boys just because I know it will make them happy. Roblox and Fortnite are literally taking full control of my bank account honestly - but here and there I like to make them happy. I also have a bad habit of weekend snacks that I know will completely make their night. So, I have learned to do that with myself too - if it's buying myself flowers on Friday to brighten up my day and my home - or finally splurging on a new perfume that I have been wanting! It feels good to have certain things that you buy just for you.

We have to remind ourselves that self love is so important, because if we can't teach our kids what that looks like and be a role model for it - they won't ever find it within themselves either. Let's love ourselves so much that they see it, and feel it in every thing we do!

So; wear that sexy bikini and show off your mom bod on Instagram.

Get a drink or two with a friend; and don't call every ten minutes to check on the kids!

Book that trip to go enjoy some alone time in a hotel; in blissful silence.

Buy yourself that new book you have been wanting to read!

You matter; and you are more than just someones beautiful; amazing mother.

Binge Watching w/ Amazon Fire Stick

It's been over a year since I convinced my household we would be better off without cable. Trust me, it was tough and something I wanted to do for some time but it took a couple years of convincing and I am glad I didn't give up. I am not big on TV, and honestly before this virus I didn't have much time to even Netflix and chill. Now I have a pretty good amount of time, with work being slower than usual; and school being at home. You can say I have currently done my fair share of Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, and since many of us are home looking for something interesting to watch I want to share some shows that I feel aren't being spoken about as much as Stranger Things, and Game Of Thrones that I think you would all find really interested in watching right now, with no real spoilers! I have really been loving our Amazon Fire Stick which I was able to connect all of our streaming services on to; to make our lives even easier when enjoying some late night binge watching. For a great price of just $50 you will cancel your cable too!


Netflix:

New Girl - Now, if anyone EVER asks me what they should start watching - this is the show I automatically recommend. Because I can't say it enough. This show literally helped me through my down days. It was all I needed to turn a bad day into a better day. I loved just how much it made me laugh, yet at the same time find a connection with each and every character in the show. I loved them all, and if I had to choose my favorite it would be nearly impossible. I have never laughed so much watching something and it became my nightly routine that I just couldn't do without. So of course once it all ended I felt like I lost a piece of my soul; and nothing else satisfied me. You think im being dramatic? Well just watch season one and you will come to understand me. I promise! 

Hulu:

11.22.63 - I am a huge fan of anything that has to do with time traveling. I WILL watch anything that has that kind of plot twist; and especially if its dated back into the 60's. This show I knew I was going to love as soon as I read the description, but I didn't think it was going to stick with me for years to come and become an all time favorite. I mean first of all, who doesn't love them some James Franco? It is based on the book from Stephen King, which I honestly never read so I have no idea how much of it is the same or not. But what got me was the love story that you didn't even see coming; and you know can't possibly happen - which makes you love it even more of course. I felt like I was living in the 60's and I myself fell into a rabbit hole, it was exciting and I just couldn't get enough. Brace yourself though because the ending made me pretty teary eyed. It's worth every tear though!

Amazon Prime: 

Orphan Black - I remember watching trailer; and thinking it looked good. But as soon as I finished the first episode I realized it wasn't just good - it was GREAT. Really though, I was absolutely amazed by Tatiana Maslany's role, and how perfect she was at becoming all of these different characters that made this show so shocking and mesmerizing. I would forget that it was just one actress playing all these different women. Thats how good she was at it! This is a kind of show where you think you know all the answers - and you believe it is going to go a certain way - but then it turns right around and gets you. There are literally NO basic things going on in this show; and you will never really know what is happening next. That's what I loved most about it. She plays such amazing strong woman; who are all so different, yet still so alike as well. The girl power in this show is off the charts and I felt it all the way through. It's definitely a great sci-fi thriller, with so much comedy in the mix.

Let me know in the comments below if you have watched these yourself, and what was your favorite thing about them? If not , get to it - & share with me some of your favorite binge worthy shows. 

x0x0-

Jess S 

Gift Guide For Your Favorite Mommas

I love celebrating women, in general. But Mother's Day is such a special day for me because it makes me extremely emotional to know that it's been nine beautiful years since I became a mom myself. It is a day that really makes me go down memory lane and be fully in the moment of gratitude for the position God has given me in my children's lives. I knew it was going to be tough, and most of the time too much to handle, but I didn't quite notice just how rewarding it would be. I also found so much appreciation for my own mother more than ever before. Mostly when I saw a lot of little Jessica, in stubborn Jace. My mom was a warrior for dealing with me as gracefully as she did. She tried her very best to mold me into the best version of myself, and stopped at nothing to make sure I was always well taken care of. So I know that the mother I am today is the reflection of how she raised me, for sure. 

So I am here to share some awesome finds that you can gift to your momma or momma friends to let them know just how appreciative you are for there very presence in your life. 

To the Faithful Mom: Prayer Journal

www.amazon.com

I have really loved using this prayer journal on a weekly basis. It is such an amazing addition to my prayer life. I know that prayer for me sometimes comes a bit difficult. Just like meditation I feel like when I sit to pray I don't know where to start and I am unsure if I can really keep it going. When do I end it? Where do I go from here? Did I say everything I needed to say to Him? Lets face it, most of the time I get side tracked, or just tired and I tell myself I will finish praying later on. With this prayer journal I am able to devote my time to one specific bible verse and how it makes me feel, and what specific prayer requests I have on my heart during that time. I have really been pouring my heart out onto these pages and it has become something I can look forward to! 

To the mom who NEEDS some Self Care: PMD Beauty

www.pmdbeauty.com 

I splurged for myself because I have been really into skincare lately, more than before. I love having all this extra time at night to give my skin some extra loving. I decided to pick up the PMD Beauty Clean PRO Brush which gently cleanses my skin with vibrations and an ultra hygienic silicone. But thats not all - my favorite part about this magical wand is that you can turn it over to the Sonic Glow side that has a rose quartz and a special button to warm it up with ActiveWarmth to aid in reducing inflammation with a facial massage that will truly make you feel like you are at the spa. It's my most favorite thing to do at night will I sip on my tea. Just feeling the stone warm up with my face serum on it, and smoothing it back and forth on to my skin feels magical. I just recently received my 2nd purchase with them which was their PMD Microderm Device, which I have only used twice so far, but I have heard amazing things about it really helping your skin renew, by removing dead skin cells and reveals a clearer, healthier complexion.  I am so excited to keep on using these two products to share full on reviews, but so far I can't even deal without them as part of my night time routine. I wish I would have known about these sooner.

To the Coffee Fueled Mom: Target Coffee Mugs

www.target.com

There isn't much I have to say about this but I can't possibly be the only mother who collects a crap ton of coffee mugs, for no real reason at all, but just because they are too cute to not get. I have one too many and I love collecting them - even if I don't get a chance to use them all, on a regular. Lately though the new ones for parents that I have found on Target have been my favorites. They are the best size, and have the funniest sayings on them. I have gotten so many compliments on my " Queen of the Kid-dom" cup and I must say it makes me feel pretty royal as I sip on my green tea at night once the little angels are sound asleep in their rooms.

To the Bag Lady Mom: Nothing In This Bag Belongs To Me Tote

www.etsy.com

This bag just screams MOMLIFE, and I can't count on how many times I have thought this exact thing as I am lugging around a bag full of snacks, books, toys, etc - all that are not mine. Right now we are on stay at home orders due to the virus, but when we were going to church as a family I packed my bag up as if we were going on a four hour road trip. Honestly, it was necessary so that they could enjoy themselves while we listened to the service. This tote is the perfect size too, and last time we took it out in the AM for some soccer play at the field across the street from us. It fit the soccer ball, a skip it, a frisbee, two water bottles, sweaters just incase it got chilly, and even their scooter helmets. Yep, all that stuff - that does not belong to me, as usual. I feel like every mom needs this tote!

Wishing all of my awesome momma family and friends the most amazing mothers day regardless of the situations going on around us. Remember we all have so much to be grateful for. Treat yourself to one or all four of these products because I know that you know that you deserve it!

Lets Get Personal: Period Talk!

Lets get personal right now, and lets talk about something people usually don't want to talk about. Periods. Because it's time we talk about these things that make us, us. Without feeling like it's wrong or not allowed.

Now I don't know about you, but for some odd reason my period days after pregnancy have been worse than they even were when I first got my period as a teen. You would think my tolerance for pain would increase after pushing out two babies, but honestly every month it's a real struggle. I feel so much pain and the discomfort makes me just want to lay in bed all day. But lets face it, mommas can't get sick days, at all. So we gotta push through, but thanks to these products I know longer have to push through and feel like crap through it. I would love to share these very effective products with you so you can find some peace in the middle of the erupting volcano. ( Do you see what I did there? LOL) Get up, get things done, and even get a work out in! Yup, I said a work out during your period!! Because nothing can stop us ladies!



First product I would like to talk about is from a company I truly believe in and live by honestly. They have made homeopathic medicine for just about anything that you are feeling. My medicine cabinet is filled with their products because it's such a peace of mind to me, to know that I am not putting a ton of chemicals and toxins into my body, yet they work without harming my body. These quick dissolving tablets are called Cyclease Cramp by Boiron for Menstrual Cramps, discomfort, aches, and cramps. The instant I feel my abdomens screaming out I pop two under my tongue and let them dissolve on their own. In about 10 minutes I start to feel the cramps fading with each minute. It also helped me with the bloating feeling that I usually feel, and I felt light and great - which is amazing because feeling bloated can instantly change your mood, and make you feel BLAH. I honestly only take it once in the day, and I'm not so sure if its because my body doesn't need much to work its magic, but it is very safe to take every 15 minutes for three doses I guess to get the full effects of it. This is a product for children 12 years and older, so it's great for mommas with teens who are going through this transition into womanhood. We all know the side effects of aspirin/ pain killers, and how it increases the serious risk of liver damage so it's best to stay on the natural side of things but get the same effects of relief!



Second product I found randomly, and I had never heard of the company Rael before, but I am so happy that I did because they have such amazing products in their period line. So I got to try their Heating Patches for menstrual cramps. These cute little patches just stick right on to the front part of your undies, and they activate in a couple minutes with 149F maximum, and last up to 6 hours!It stays put the whole time - trust me I have done a full on yoga class with it on, and it did not move even a bit, plus it was not possibly seen by anyone so they are perfect to use even when you have to go out and gets done.  They are also a healthy alternative by using the highest quality ingredients! These are made with lemon balm, juniper berry, jasmine, dandelion root, and rosehip. YES, to herbs that can cure it all! These are just perfect mini companions to keep on you when you gotta get moving, and need the temporary relief for your muscle aches.

Both products I keep in my work purse, just incase around the week that I know it's a possibility. I have been so amazed finding so many great products that work naturally to help keep your body lively and moving, yet clean and safe. I am so happy I found these two products because they made my life a bit easier to tackle! I hope you find comfort in them as well!


- I was sent these products for review, but this post is 100% my honest review!