Meri Crisma 2014 - Had Myself A Merry Little Christmas

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!

Navidad- Christmas, or as mi gente would say, "Crisma", is a time of craziness, cuddles, comida,cariño & candies. And of course- kids.

The Grands- PicaPica,Rinquincaya,El Dr., Dr. J, La Princesa 

and the biggest kid of all Santi Clo

The reason for the season

BB's entry to +Bloggin' Mamas  #2014Recap Instagram Challenge

Can't be a joyous occassion sin 

♪MUSICA♪

Cookie Monster cantando para Christmas

http://instagram.com/p/xC0YrMidXx

Comidas of Crisma

Noche Buena-Cuban Style 12/24    Christmas Dinner-made by BIL 12/25

FAMILIA

The Grands Christmas pic, waiting for Santa,visiting holiday decorations, the boys playing w/tablets they got at La Tata's house, and La Tata holiding the youngest member Dr. J

All phases of the holidays and looks of love.

Sending you lots of Amor My Beautifuls, and 

Hoping these days are everything you wished for.

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S. For those who wonder where the rest of BB's post is... 

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here is a novel for ya! 

Quee?? Babushka actually write a post when there are fotos of the Grands?  JU SO FONII!!!  

Besides, the after Christmas Sales await.

; )

For the Children. @AdoptUsKids @BlogginMamas @AdCouncil #FosterCare

BB's sharing this on behalf of a Bloggin' Mamas Social Good Campaign. Bloggin' Mamas and Element Associates are donating a toy to a child in foster care for every blog post sharing this information, up to 25.

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!

In a season where gifts are in everyone's mind, how about the gift of time and action? 

Do you have space in your home & heart for just one more??

Today, 402,000 children are in the foster care system in the United States. Nearly 102,000 children (under 18 years of age) waiting for adoption.

During this holiday season, there’s an extra push to help them find homes. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, AdoptUSKids and the Ad Council recently unveiled a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) designed to continue to encourage the adoption of children from foster care with an emphasis on the importance of keeping siblings together.

Check out this PSA video from the Ad Council:

Since the launch of the campaign in 2004, more than 22,000 children who were once photo-listed on the AdoptUSKids website are now with their adoptive families and over 35,000 families have registered to adopt through AdoptUSKids.

Many times, there are siblings also listed. Approximately 23% of children and youth actively photolisted on the AdoptUSKids website and waiting for placement in adoptive homes were registered with one or more siblings. Sibling relationships are often the longest-lasting relationships for children in foster care.

For more information about adoption, or about becoming an adoptive parent to a child from foster care, please visit www.AdoptUSKids.org or visit the campaign’s communities on Facebook and Twitter.

BB was not compensated for this post. Babushka's donating this space towards sharing this message. Bloggin' Mamas and Element Associates will be donating a toy to a foster child in exchange for my post, in support of AdoptUSKids.

Hoping this begins a week of precious memories for All,

BB2U 

Christmas Far From Home, but close to the Heart. @Rebtel #InternationalCalls

Babushka received no monetary compensation for this post, however the gana to post and the opinions of this post are 110% BB.

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!!!

Those of you who've been reading BB's posts for awhile know politics or being political isn't what Babushka's all about. Quee??  Ok si, JU SO FONII, ever proud to say CubanAmerican, but not usually spouting my views. Pero... Babushka IS about family, and most of them remember the time when Christmas was no longer allowed to be celebrated openly on the island.  Since 1969. Thankfully most of BB's family were already in the US, but no doubt it was very rough for those still there. Especially not being able to speak to those they missed.

The 30 years of missed celebrations and conversations was not lost on Rebtel,    From their press release:

"Rebtel commemorates those families who did not celebrate that first Christmas, and celebrates the Cuban families that today can enjoy this important date without losing the traditions and culture of the island. As part of this celebration, Rebtel called five people who lived in Cuba during 1969 and personally experienced the silence of that first Christmas to narrate their personal Christmas story. Their stories are available at www.rebtel.com/lostchristmasstory "


What are your stories My Beautifuls? Which stories would you like to be sharing with your loved ones this holiday season?  To help facilitate that sharing, Rebtel is giving 5 of BB's readers $20 of credit to use for international long distance. Buenisimo right??  A little more about them and their services:

"In this new digital era, communication with family and friends that live abroad is available wherever and whenever, but choosing the right provider is a challenge. Rebtel offers the lowest prices in the market for international calls to any phone and provides free voice calls and text messages between Rebtel app users. You can easily access the high quality calling service using WiFi, 3G network, or a local access number from any phone.

Rebtel offers the lowest prices in the market for international calls to any phone and provides free voice calls and text messages between Rebtel app users. You can easily access the high quality calling service using WiFi, 3G network, or a local access number from any phone.

To celebrate family during this holiday season with Rebtel, download the app for iOS or Android operating systems or sign in directly at www.rebtel.com, and enjoy your first call for free. Make this Christmas something to talk about.

Download the Rebtel application for iOS here: http://bit.ly/1sm1sZF

Download the Rebtel application for Android here: http://bitly.com/KD7KgE

Download the app for iOS or Android operating systems or sign in directly at www.rebtel.com, and enjoy your first call for free. Make this Christmas something to talk about.

About Rebtel

Rebtel is one of the leading players in cheap international calling, offering high quality calls through a smartphone application, to any phone in the world.  The company's mission is to help millions of people stay in touch with their loved ones, by turning international calls into local calls so that you can talk more for less. For more information please visit: www.rebtel.com."

And there you have it My Beautifuls. Things have changed muchisimo in communication over the last 30 years, but las ganas to speak to loved ones hasn't.  Go ahead and look into this new way de hablar, and meanwhile enter the giveaway for $20 of Rebtel Credit.

Entry-Form

Buena Suerte & Happy Conversaciones to all!!

BB2U

Neater Feeder Giveaway- For our 4 Legged Loves

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!

Actually, that title is only 1/2 right... we 2 legged creatures will love the Neater Feeder tambien.

You see my Grandpuppy's face? Don't let that proper little sweater fool ya- she's a mess! Atrocious table manners, slings her food and water all over the place when she gobbles her comida. There have been a number of oopsy moments in our casita, that's for sure. Bueno Beautifuls, BB's found something that looks like it'll solve that problem and Babushka wants to share it with you. Not only will there be sharing, but we get a chance to win it too!! Que?? JUSOFONII!!! Of course "we", Babu will also be entering this one.

Neater Feeder Giveaway ~ (Winner Receives Color/Size Of Their Choice)

Sponsored By: Neater Feeder

Hosted By: Deliciously Savvy

Co-Hosted By:

With A Blast

Mommy Only Has 2 Hands

Michigan Saving and More

Heartbeats~ Soul Stains

&

God's Growing Garden

Plus a BIG Thank You to all other blogs helping to promote this giveaway!

Deliciously Savvy was able to try out this awesome pet feeding dish and I don't know how I ever lived without it! Now one lucky winner will receive a Neater Feeder in their choice of color and size. They have the perfect size Neater Feeder for all of your pets! Check Neater Feeder Out HERE. A Big Thank You To Neater Feeder For Sponsoring This Giveaway!

Follow Neater Feeder On

FACEBOOOK ~ TWITTER ~ YOU TUBE

Giveaway Dates: 12/15 12AM EST until 1/05 12AM EST

Giveaway Valid for Continental US Residents ONLY and must be 18+ to enter

This giveaway is in no way endorsed, affiliated or associated with Facebook,

Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This giveaway is valid only

in the Continental United States (48 states). Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter.

This giveaway will end at 12:00 AM (EST) on 1/05/15.

And Now The Giveaway!!!

#Miami how about #FloatBall @ZooMiami this winter break? #Giveaway

Gracias to Bloggin' Mamas and @CelebConcepts for the invite. Babushka was given a free ride on FloatBall and a certificate giveaway for one of her Beautifuls. Como always,the story & opinions are 100% BB's.

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!

So, BB's hoping y'all have finished doing your holiday shopping and are on the final details of your celebrations, but did you think of whatcha gonna do afterwards?  Quee?? Ok si, JU SO FONII, Babushka usually says to live in the moment, pero after having The Trio, BB knows too much time spent at home can put anyone on Santa's naughty list.  For you Miami mamas, let's see if I can't help you out a bit.

Babushka was invited by @CelebConcepts & Bloggin' Mamas to attend the inaugural US spinnings of the Floatball.  Yes, tal vez it should be "sailings" but they're not your typical seaworthy ship and boy can they spin!! Don't let their cute appearance fool ya, these guys are fully packed. They've got hydraulic cieligs, pahoramic widows, LED backlighting for a great night ride, and they run on electric engines. Here's a little sample of what you can enjoy.

As BB was saying, the floatballs are operated by Aquatic Sports LLC inside ZooMiami 

and BB, Heather Lopez, Babushkas Bebe and Dr.J were among the first to try them out.

Did I say Dr. J?  Oh Si I did! 

As his mother was proud to mention, he was the youngest sailor that day.

Dr. J waiting for Babushka's Bebe to carry him, was fascinated by her actions. Instinctively he seemed to know they were for him and he watched her until she figured it out, and then he went right back to sleep.  Gracias Baby K'Tan for such a great present- both mom & baby loved it!

And speaking about loving it...

A Giveaway for 4 rides on the Floatball!!

Now Beautifuls, this is located within ZooMiami but you must buy your entrances to the zoo.
Thankfully they're not too expensive and you can apply them to a years membership.

The ride is good until January 4, 2015 so it's perfecto for the winter break.

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Buena Suerte My Beautifuls, and may your memories of this time be Merry.

BB2U

HSF- Hispanic Scholarship Fund #HSFChat #HablaconHSF

Disclaimer: This is part of a sponsored collaboration with Latina Mom Bloggers. 
 All opinions are 100% Babushka.

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!

There she is, my eldest, Babushkas Bebe. In 2008 she received her BA, and we were so proud of her!!  By this time her son had already been born and she had gone back to school to finish her degree. As a single mother, BB had sacrificed to make sure The Trio had their college covered- wish I had known about the Hispanic Scholarship Fund back in the day!!



The Hispanic Scholarship Fund, besides helping with scholarships, helps parents navigate the confusing take of college applications and guides with resources and valuable information needed before,during,and after graduation. HSF.net  for more detailed information.

Founded in 1975, but who knew?? Bueno Beautifuls, now YOU know.

BB for one will go and see what's available for My Little One who's finishing her 2nd year of college.  For sure HSF will know more about it than Babushka and any help in our children's future is always welcomed, correcto??  They look for us for guidance; it's nice to know there's a place parents can go for guidance too. A great place to start is @HSFnews  "Getting Ready for College" tips #HSFchat  Also, http://hsf.net/en/resources/parents/

OJO Beautifuls. Although the official scholarship season runs from Jan 1 - Mar 30, take advantage of school recess and begin the application process. Create a profile on HSF.net, que eso Santi Clo can't put into your stocking.

BB2U

P.S. Hispanic Scholarship Fund on Feibu 

en Tweety: @HSFNews

Sunday, A Day of Rest. #JUSOFONII

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!

This weekend Miami was jumping even more than usual & Babushka didn't miss a moment. 

http://www.kiwanislittlehavana.org/

As part of the Carnaval Miami Blogger Ambassadors, my daughter Cristyls Corazon and BB were given tickets to this years Kiwanis of Little Havana Christmas Gala.  The grounds of the Miami Seaquarium were turned into a winter wonderland. Quee??  Ok si, JU SO FONII!!! Winter for Miami, a divine night in the 70's filled with music of the 80's. Lime, Grupo Niche, Hansel y Raul, much loved and favorited musica, along with holiday drinks by Bacardi (Babushka loved the spice one) as well as beer by Heineken who saved us ladies in heels with their outdoor lounging area.  Besides the tragos, there was arroz con pollo, tapas, y BBQ pork.  Honestamente, you couldn't have had a party without any of those elements and the Kiwanis did it up right.  For one ticket you get a fantastic night and help a fantastic organization. That's one twofer worth repeating. Already told Sweetie he and Babushka will be there for 2015.  

Sunday we start with Art Basel.

Social Media Club South Florida, Bloggin' Mamas, MidBlock Midtown

celebrating Art Basel and the art of fashion illustrator Carlos Marrero

A glorious view & company BB wouldn't mind dancing with again.

Then Babushka skedaddled (actually walked almost 2 hours) to get the metromover to my next event over at the Shops of Sunset Place.  The Elves Workshop was being held there from 4-7 pm and BB couldn't miss spending that time with the Grands and their parents.  Babushka had already missed the Caring Santa at The Falls for La Princesa, so if walking was the way, so be it. Ahora, eso si.  Was definitely on Cubantime and arrived a little over an hour late, but Grandma Gozo!

And to those who believe Sunday should be a day of rest and spiritual renewal, let me assure you,

 a day with the Grands is rest from silly grownup thoughts and worries. 

And in Babushka's opinion there's no better way to renew one's spirit.

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

Tickets,food, and fun were given to and had by BB. 

And as you can tell by the pics,the review and the fun wasn't only Babushka's.

The Circle of Life. To Care con Cariño- for Loved Ones & Yourself. #Caregiving #AARP #AARPCUIDAR

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!

The Circle of Life, Circulo de La Vida. 

Now before y'all start singing the Disney tune, see what tune you sing despues de ver esto.

Bittersweet verdad? Oh, but what a grateful cancion to be able to sing.

Last month BB was invited to an AARP luncheon promoting their #AARPCuidar program. 

"This program provides much needed resources and information to Hispanic/Latino Caregivers and their families across the nation. The goal is to let the Latino community know that AARP has a wealth of information to help them care for their loved ones and themselves. The information is in-language and in-culture."

Signs from the luncheon, and My Capitan Maria de los Angeles sharing some caregiving insights

As you may recall My Beautifuls, when in Miami Babushka stays with her 92 year old grandmother, La Tata. Like many elderly, she has her bouts with being mal geniosa and depression as shared before, so the premise of caregiving to an older loved one wasn't new to BB. However, to find out that AARP has dedicated an entire campaign- in English Y en Español was enlightening, and even a relief.

In the Hispanic culture, families take care of their elderly without question.  Before, there was always a family member who stayed home to be the caregiver, nowadays the percentage of those who can actually do so is getting smaller and smaller.  How does one ask for help for something that has always been a given?  AARP has resources for those giving care, and also for those who will receive it. Quee?? Ok Si, JU SO FONII!!! If we're lucky, si tenemos suerte, we'll ALL have to receive it.  

So if you're the one now being the caregiver, there are articles to help you care for your loved one, and articles to help  you care for yourself.  It's very easy to forget that last part. Por favor don't. And if you can pass along the info to the ones who'll probably be taking care of you in the future, you'll be doing everyone a big favor.  At the very least, give them the websites so they know there is help, and this is just a part of The Circle of Life.

NOW you can start singing.

; )

BB2U

*Disclosure- Babushka was compensated for this post, but the sentiments are all BB's.

The websites to visit www.aarp.org/cuidar or www.aarp.org/caregiving to find out what resources and information is available to caregivers and their families.

The Last Days of November

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!!!

Si, today is the first of December... where the heck did the year go? Bueno, if the last days of November are any indication of the coming holiday season, good thing there's vitamins, cafe, and lots of sales on chocolate!!

Saturday Nov 22:
Took the Metrobus, Metrorail, Metromover, and TriRail to take Bloggin' Mamas President and close friend Heather Lopez and her family to the airport

+Papa Hype +Heather Lopez 

Then from there, @TheFallsMiami for their Christmas Parade

Peyton List Is The Grand Marshal For The 18th Annual Miracle On 136th Street Parade @PeytonList @TheFallsMiami http://t.co/WHdM2cGtuT

— dis411 (@dis411) November 19, 2014

It was surprising that such a "big" city like Miami could still have a little town feeling. Local dignitaries, groups, bands, made a great point. No matter the size of your home town, we're all individuals with families, friends, and enjoy seeing them shine in events like these. Kinda makes you feel at home wherever you go.



Sunday Nov 23:

Bloggin' Mamas Pink&White NYC Night





Now this one BB didn't actually attend, but there was so much behind the scenes stuff to do and tasks to accomplish while the Prez was in NYC that it counts as if Babushka was there.

Mon, Tues. Wed- Don't recall the specifics but these for sure were done

Wrote Posts- 

5 years @HeartofHaiti

Did online shopping- and almost finished my Christmas List. Quee?? BB wait to the last minute??  JUSOFONII!!!

My Little One is gonna love this!!

More Posts w/Giveaways!

cirque de soleil #Giveaway

#OldFactoryCandles #Giveaway




Kcup Extravaganza #Giveaway




The other days of the week may have been a blur,
but this is one Thanksgiving BB will put into the Happy Memories Box.

All the craziness of the week, of life, is worth it for moments like these.

May the rest of your year be full of happy busyness.

BB2U

*disclosures- FTC all of this is BB's and prior sponsored info on links

Small business Saturday- Moms Nite Out #MNOSFL