From All of Us to You My Beautifuls- Giving Thanks on ThanksGiving

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!!

BB hope this finds you well, stuffed, and all shopped out. Quee??  Ok si, I realize the buying may have just started, but before we totally forget the reason for the season and the wonderful day that started it all, let's share the feel good glow one more time.  From all Babushka's incarnations:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=768128716547432&set=a.260240407336268.81531.258124544214521&type=1

LA GALLINA VIEJA

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=491691814280297&set=a.297793043670176.72457.297314457051368&type=1

#BABUBODA- 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=563836150371693&set=a.372852206136756.92475.372044492884194&type=1

Babushka's #JUSOFONII Life

http://bbabushkajusofonii.tumblr.com/post/68364047139/menurkey-menorah-thanksgivukkah

Bohemian Babushka- Pinterest

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/87609155225011672/

BBabushka- Tweety 

https://twitter.com/BBabushka/status/406196337299173376

Bohemian Babushka- Feibu

BB hopes your holiday was filled with love and the acknowledgement of the many, many things we are blessed with in this great country.  Babushka's family, like the original celebrators of Thanksgiving are grateful for the freedom found here, and like them, BB's among  friends, and feeling very Blessed.

BBabushka- Instagram

http://instagram.com/p/hUnSW_ida8/

Queeee??  

And you thought BB wouldn't mention The Shopping??

JU SO FONII!!!

; )  

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

Personal Lifelong Memories- Instajunction Makes them Easy and Fun!

*This is a sponsored post between FuelMyBlog and Instajunction. The opinions and item ordered are all BB's.

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!!!

It's the day before Thanksgiving and Babushka was looking over family pictures, thinking how blessed life has been.  It then hit me, the power of pictures and the loving memories they share. Right there and then BB started doing her gift list. Quee?? Just give out generic last minute gifts? JU SO FONII!!!  Babushka may be spontaneous and extreme, but my gifts are always heartfelt and thought out, personalized in some way for that special person. And who more special than La Tata , my 92 year old abuelita?

When one asks her what she wants she says "Un abrazo y un beso."  A hug and a kiss.  Very nice, but not very lasting. She also says the only thing that keeps her alive is her family- especially the children.  If it were up to her she'd always have them around and on hand.  Y sabes que? You know what BB found? A company that'll help me do just that.

Instajunction is a company that's modern and innovative, using the style of Instagram and Feibu to share pictures on the most original products!  Ok si, soy Cubana, but BB exagerates not.  Lookey aqui-

Viste? Did you see the different items? 

Coasters, Polaroid Style Cards, Minibook, Posters, Magnets, Greeting Cards, Framed Prints, Wall Calendar, Vinyls, Luxury Aluminum Plates, Key Rings, Cufflinks, Wrapping Paper

The last two items had BB just smiling at the originality, but for La Tata, what better way to have her greatgreatgrandchildren, greatgranchildren, and grandchildren always on hand, than, a charm bracelet?!

Easy to do and fun playing with so many possiblilities! But you know the real fun?  Not only will La Tata LOVE this gift, but I get to gift something to you too. For you My Beautifuls, a 25% discount on any orders placed before December 8- use the code FRIEND25DG. 

Have a good time making your gifts and reliving memories. Instajunction makes it Easy and Fun!

As soon as Babushka receives the bracelet I'll share a pic; hope y'all do the same.

BB2U

#Girl #Empowerment Network- GENAustin

*This is a kindasorta sponsored post between BB, Sverve, and GENAustin. Babushka says kinda sorta because I offered to write about this for $1- because BB had to put a price on it. Para mi, this is a social good post because I believe 100% in what they're aspiring and accomplishing, and I would have done it for free.  Babushka hopes other cities follow their example. Porsea, I write this disclosure; all opinions expressed are BB's and hopefully  by the end of this, they will be yours too.

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!!

In the last post BB wrote about the "Women Rise Above It" campaign, so now let's talk about the strength, guidance, self belief that girls need in order to become those women.  Today, more than ever, being female is full of contradicting options and thoughts, and good direction with positive programs are much needed.

http://genaustin.org/about/

Scary stuff on that infograph isn't there?  That's why Babushka ♥♥♥ what GENaustin's about.

 "GEN’s mission is to support and guide girls to make wise choices 

as they navigate the unique pressures of girlhood." 

As a mother of two girls, grandmother of one girl, and having been one myself, I know the need for such programs. Quee??  JU SO FONII!!!  Ok si, it's been a loooonnnngggg time since BB was bb, but the memory is still with me.  Do you still remember what it was like to be that age?




and just how does GENaustin help girls?  

Here are some of their programs:

• clubGEN  " is an after school program for girls in grades 4-8. At clubGEN, girls are surrounded with positive role models they can relate to for connection, inspiration, and guidance." 
• We Are Girls Conference " is a statewide annual conference that helps girls explore the issues of bullying, body image and being a girl.  Topics addressed include bullying, cyber bullying, self image, dating, diversity, financial literacy, media literacy, parent-daughter relationships and physical health and wellness." 
• Girl Talk Workshops " explore the issues of being a girl with topics such dating, body image, communication, friendships, and parent-daughter relationships.  Girl Talk Workshops are offered to schools and community groups for girls in grades 4-12 year-round." 
• GirlConnect, a Dell "Powering the Possible" Program  "Technology has a major impact on the lives of girls today, influencing their choices and relationships.  GirlConnect’s goal is to address the challenges girls face in their daily lives by incorporating technology and 21st century skills into an engaging and interactive curriculum." 
• 180 Program " is a prevention and intervention program designed to reach middle and high school girls involved in or at high risk of becoming involved in the juvenile justice system. The program goals are to decrease rates of juvenile delinquency and increase in-school functioning, critical thinking skills and self-sufficiency for program participants. 180 reaches many girls after a first offense and helps them get back on track, preventing them from entering or re-entering the juvenile justice system. " 
• Parent Workshops "The teen and preteen years are equally tough for girls and parents. Your role and relationship with your daughter is changing. It can be difficult to know how to help her navigate the new challenges and pressures in her life. GENaustin’s Parent Workshops are a resource available to address your concerns. At our workshops, we provide tips, tools, and strategies you can use to raise a healthy and empowered daughter. They are also a space to connect and share with other parents experiencing similar challenges". 

They are all great programs, but the one Babushka could have used most was the Parent Workshops, because a child's Puberty ::shudder:: doesn't just affect them. Created in 1996 by a group of 12 concerned mothers raising girls in Austin, Texas, it has become a program worth donating to, emulating, and continuing. 

 A voice of someone who knows:

So what say you My Beautifuls? 

Do you agree with BB on the need for such programs?  Do you have any of these type of organizations in your area?  Isn't Genaustin worthy of our help and appreciation? Babushka wholeheartedly thanks them for their efforts and the committment to their mission. Please feel free to click on any of the above links- I'm sure you'll join me in my praises.

Genaustin- y'all are a definite ESO!!!

BB2U

'When Life Gets Tough, Women Rise Above it" - Share the Power Baby!

*This is a sponsored post with Latina Bloggers Connect and the makers of Pine-Sol® products. Naturally, the opinions expressed are 100% Babushka, because as y'all well know, BB doesn't take activism nor cleaning very lightly.

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!

Today we celebrate the power within, something we all possess. According to a survey conducted by Wakefield Research, women surveyed said their best female role model was someone in their family (60%) or someone in their community (24%), with 65% of them stating they themselves were a role model for someone in their lives.  In recognition of this,  Actress/Activist Rosie Perez and Pine-Sol® have united to praise the power within us via the "When Life Gets Tough, Women Rise Above it" campaign.

Español www.LasMujeresNoSeRinden.com     In English www.WomenRiseAboveIt.com

Quee? JU SO FONII!!  Ok si, for those fluent in Spanglish, just squint a little so the infographics kinda blur together, y alli you have it.  You know what else y'all have?  A Fabulous story to tell, and you have until January 31, 2014 to do so- pero no esperan, don't wait.  And here My Beautifuls comes the Babushka Twofer- not only will you empower someone with your story, you can win fantastic prizes by sharing that power moment.   

• Once a week for 12 weeks, Pine-Sol will award one lucky winner small tokens of appreciation. (Flower bouquet + Pine Sol coupons) ARV: $150
• Three first prize winners will receive complimentary house cleaning services for a year ARV: $2,400
• One grand prize winner will be awarded an all-inclusive trip to enjoy a peaceful spa experience at a deluxe hotel.  ARV: $5,000  

Still a little shy to share?  Aqui tienen un video to embullar & encourage:

BB's inner power appeared when my daughter was hospitalized and I started the #StopTheStigma campaign. The stigma of mental illness is very powerful in the Latino community, to the point that NO ONE wanted to help or give me direction when my overstressed and depressed child became catatonic and was Baker Acted into a psychiatric ward. The full story and events done since then can be found on the link, but suffice to say I vowed no other parent would have to go through the frustration of finding help.  I turned the angst into advocacy and am now helping others rise above the stigma of mental illness. 

 Where has your inspiration for rising above challenges come from?

"When Life Gets Tough, Women Rise Above it"

Pine-Sol® 

You ain't just whistlin' La Guantanamera with that one!!

BB2U

http://www.latinabloggersconnect.com/

P.S. Contest Disclosure--NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States & D.C. 18 years and older.  Ends 1/31/14 at 11:59 a.m. PT

.  To enter and for Official Rules, including odds, and prize descriptions, visit www.womenriseaboveit.com. Void where prohibited.

Spanish

SIN OBLIGACIÓN DE COMPRA. Abierto a residentes legales de los 50 estados de los Estados Unidos y D.C., mayores de 18 años. Termina el 1/31/14 a las 11:59 a.m. PT Para participar y consultar las Reglas oficiales, incluyendo las probabilidades y las descripciones de los premios, visite www.lasmujeresnoserinden.com. Nulo donde esté prohibido.

Fooey to Food Poisoning- TheFood Safe Families Campaign

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!!!

As BB was packing her snack bag, it reminded me of the days I used to pack lunch for the trio. One of my biggest concerns was maintaining the food fresh without spoilage. Quee? JU SO FONII!!!  Y'all know Babushka doesn't give the items in her snack bag time to spoil before they're eaten, however the trio weren't as thorough. Nowadays, thanks to the wonderful age of internet and the USDA, it's easier to protect children from eating spoiled food.

"The Food Safe Families Campaign (a partnership on behalf of the Ad Council, USDA, FDA and CDC) is helping parents protect their families from foodborne illness. Food poisoning is not simply an upset stomach; it is a serious public health threat in America. In fact, the CDC estimates that about 1 in 6 Americans (about 48 million people) could suffer from foodborne illness this year. The result is approximately 128,000 hospitalizations and sadly, an estimated 3,000 deaths!"

Now, death by chocolate BB can handle, but muerta because of spoiled food? Nada de eso- no way Jose! Check out the Snapguide on How to Pack a Safe & Satisfying School Lunch.

http://www.foodsafety.gov/blog/school_lunch.html

 BB's newly learned favorite is tip #2.

Tip #2: Frozen juice boxes can also be used as freezer packs. Freeze juice boxes overnight and use as freezer packs. By lunchtime, the juice should be thawed and ready to drink!

Buenisimo right??

Here are some more great tips and information that you can find on the FoodSafety.gov site.

4 Simple Steps to Food Safety 

And there you have it My Beautifuls!  The way to keep your food safe so life can be fun.

Of course in Babuska's mundo no food is safe (from comiendo) around BB and that makes life fun.

;  )

With dark chocolate on my chin and espresso on my breath, 

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S. "Visit FoodSafety.gov to learn about best food safety practices, utilize “Ask Karen,” an online database with nearly 1,500 answers to specific questions related to preventing foodborne illnesses, in both English and Spanish, or to call the USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline."

This is a social good campaign via

http://blogginmamas.com/

#SMCSFBlog Challenge- And I'm doing this because???

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!!!

I know Babushka hinted at this before, but the JU SO FONII is on the border of becoming JU SO CRAZII!!!

BB's half way through the #SMCSFBlog Challenge and needs to be reminded why I ever said si.

Vamos a ver, let's see.

1. The Social Media Club of South Florida is a nice group of people. They truly believe in the power of              social media and are generous with their knowledge. Besides, they're a bunch of locos who are fun and          welcomed esta vieja with open arms.

2.  Babushka likes challenges.  Remember, Sweetie is hubby#3.

3.  There are so many adventures and events that BB hasn't written about yet.  Como:

and of course time in Little Havana

and time w/my boys.

and that was just Septiembre!!!

Hmmm... 

maybe 30 days of straight blogging won't be enough!

; )

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

Dressfirst.com - Delightful y De Todo

* This is a sponsored post between BB & Dressfirst, but the beauty is real, and so are Babushka's opinions.

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!!

Are y'all ready to be even more beautiful? Quee?? JU SO FONII!!! Ok si, we're all Bellas, but sometimes you want to shine extra special, verdad?  Weddings, Graduations, Baptisms,Quinces, the holiday parties fast approaching, wonderful moments of celebration.  Bueno, Babushka's found a site that's a wonderful moment of celebration for Bellas- Dressfirst.com  Now, I know everyone has seen sites with wedding dresses and the like, but BB has never seen the likes of one como este.  Let me show you why they got my heart happy.

'Tis The Season- Evening Gowns/Cocktail Dresses 

http://www.dressfirst.com/A-Line-Princess-V-Neck-Floor-Length-Charmeuse-Evening-Dress-With-Ruffle-017020657-g20657

http://www.dressfirst.com/A-Line-Princess-V-Neck-Floor-Length-Charmeuse-Evening-Dress-With-Ruffle-017020657-g20657

Perfect for those holiday parties.

 Now y'know SOMEBODY's gonna be singing 

♪Lady in Red♪ when you show up in that one!

Mother of the Bride Dresses

http://www.dressfirst.com/Empire-Sweetheart-Sweep-Train-Chiffon-Charmeuse-Mother-Of-The-Bride-Dress-With-Beading-018025659-g25659

http://www.dressfirst.com/Sheath-One-Shoulder-Sweep-Train-Charmeuse-Lace-Mother-Of-The-Bride-Dress-With-Beading-008005973-g5973

Now THESE are gowns BB wouldn't mind wearing! Babushka loves the way Dressfirst recognizes Madre doesn't mean matronly. Another thing that made me appreciate this site?  They also recognized the importance of La Quinceañera to my culture.  

  Quinceañera

http://www.dressfirst.com/Ball-Gown-Sweetheart-Floor-Length-Organza-Satin-Quinceanera-Dress-With-Ruffle-Lace-Beading-021015601-g15601

http://www.dressfirst.com/Ball-Gown-Strapless-Floor-Length-Taffeta-Quinceanera-Dress-With-Ruffle-Beading-021020667-g20667


Ahora, as if that wasn't enough.

FANS!!!

http://www.dressfirst.com/Luxurious-Bamboo-Silk-Fan-Set-Of-4-051024148-g24148




http://www.dressfirst.com/Personalized-Eiffel-Tower-Design-Plastic-Hand-Fans-118029513-g29513


Y ahora- The Twofer Clincher!!

"The High Quality Craftsmanship & Affordable Prices Your Special Occasion Deserves

DressFirst.com understands the importance of your event, which is why we only provide the highest quality materials and designs in everything we deliver. For dresses, we have over 1,200 styles that be customized and tailored to your exact specifications. And, all of our selections are incredibly affordable, starting at just $79 and featuring savings of up to 60% off competitors’ prices."

Price & Personalized-  ESO!!!

Bueno, ya vieron.  

Of course they carry MUCH more than just this- they have shoes, favors, and accessories, but being called DressFirst I figured I'd just highlight some of their gorgeous dresses. Ok si, fans aren't dresses, but y'all know Babushka doesn't feel dressed without one.

; )

Go check out the site My Beautifuls
and be the Brilliant Bellas BB knows you are.



Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

Are you Looking For An Administrative Job? From Resume to Job Ready- Catherine's Got you Covered!

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!!

Today I introduce you to a friend of BB's- Catherine R. Cameron. 

Quee? JU SO FONII!!! No this isn't one of those PR shots, she's de verdad a friend- and one I am so proud of.  You see those books we're holding? Catherine is the author. Oh yes she is! She lived what Babushka's always telling y'all- she followed her dream; she wrote her book. And another point she's a living example of, reinvention and growth after 50.  ESO!!!

Working in the corporate world for decades, Catherine would see so many job aspirants go in and out of interviews and 9 out of 10 times she could tell who'd get hired before they entered personnel.  Si, she's THAT good.

If you're looking to enter the administrative work field you really must read her book.  In plain, understandable English (sorry, no Spanglish) she takes you "from resume to job ready".  Go ahead and check out the preview in the next link- be ready for some good stuff!

Available on Amazon.com in print and for Kindle.  


Of course & por supuesto, being Babushka's amiga she is on different social media platforms.


Feibu   Tweety  Pinterest

So you see My Beautifuls? You CAN aspire and be inspired at any age to follow your dreams.  Catherine is  excellent proof of that. She's also an excellent source of reference and direction if you or someone you know is looking for an administrative job.  Think stocking stuffer, New Year Guidance, Graduation.  A book of lifetime learning that took a lifetime to write, and will serve you well throughout your lifetime.  Yeah, it's THAT good.

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

Groaners 3- #SMCSFBlog Challenge Day 13

Groaners 3- aka if you're muse refuses to wake up until 2 am and the #SMCSFBlog Challenge dictates a post before midnite, then you continue doing what you did during the last challenge. You post bad jokes (Groaners) that roll eyes and make mouths smirk.  Queee?? JU SO FONII!!!  Bueno, at least I hope that's what you'll say after you see these.

And the last one- 

Algo Babushka is always telling y'all

;  ) 

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

p.s.  For those who missed Groaners 2

http://bohemianbabushka.blogspot.com/2012/11/groaners-2-day-29-of-smcsf-30-day.html

The Garfield Show- A Purr-fect Life *A BB Review & Giveaway

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!

Today we talk Garfield. Queee?? JU SO FONII!!! Of course it's relevant to BB- and it's not because of the grandbabies.  Did you know Sweetie married Babushka because of her lasagna?? Oh yes he did! I've never seen that kind of pasta putting down in one sitting!! Except of course for Garfield. Tambien, the lounging around in the house and eating is also pertinent (BB), but I think I've shown the relevance verdad?  Continuing.

66 minutes of our Favorite Feline, Groovin' Garfield

Official Synopsis:

 Garfield is back in this collection of 6 episodes that show what's really necesary for a purr-fect life: ooey-gooey lasagna, a slobbery puppy, a devoted human, and a favorite bear!  Follow everyone's favorite cat as he tries to hold on to these kitty treasures

while giving Nermal a "make-under"

The Art of Being Uncute

putting his spin on feline history,

History of Cats



partying with his mice friends and going out on the town.  Then tag-along as Garfield discovers it's not so easy to break a bad luck curse and shows a pampered pussycat what he's missing.

Don't miss this meowing good time!!

And now you won't have to!

 As part of GAIAM Vivendi Entertainment now available on DVD -MSRP $14.93

but you My Beautifuls have a chance to get it for free! Si, a Garfield Giveaway!!

Entry-Form

And what is BB's Review on this dvd?

Vamos a ver, let's see...

You've got Lasagna, Laughs, and Lots of living in the moment, moments.
Sounds like a definite ESO!!! to BB.

; )

BB2U