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

No mas hiding for BB!! ZYRTEC® Fall Season 'Allergy Face'

Babushka wrote this post as part of her participation in a blog tour for Latina Mom Bloggers on behalf of ZYRTEC® ALLERGY FACE® and received compensation to thank  BB for taking the time to participate. However, all opinions expressed are purely Babushka's.

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!!!

Another season change is coming and with it,the allergies.  Above you see how Babushka used to handle them, not too well. This Latinita needed to be out there doing my daily dance, pero no could do. Eyes would water and puff up, and then BB would get drugged out with the medicines used to combat the swelling and pain.  Right now Up North in The South, Fall is ready to make itself known.  Pretty soon the leaves and the temperature will be falling, but not BB! With the help of ZYRTEC® and their ALLERGYFACE® campaign with makeup artist Jackie Gomez, Babushka will be Bella y Bright Eyed- and rewarded for it!!

Join ZYRTEC® Rewards for Great Savings and Exciting Rewards 

The makers of ZYRTEC® know that allergies can affect not only the way you feel, but also how you look. To help you Face Your Allergies this fall, we’re giving you and your readers 20 bonus ZYRTEC® Rewards points! All you have to do is sign in or register (https://www.zyrtec.com/rewards), then click on the Earn Points tab to enter the Secret Word ALLERGYFACE. 

Points vary depending on count size and frequency of purchase as well as completion of non-purchase activities. See Terms and Conditions Restrictions apply.  Offer expires 10/18/14.

You can get a free $2-off coupon for ZYRTEC®, just for signing up. Once you’ve earned 500 points, you have the option to redeem them for a Neutrogena® mascara to help disguise ALLERGY FACE® beauty challenges. 

Looking Fresca AND a coupon?? ESO!!! That's definitely a twofer BB can get into!

This is the look Babushka will recreate.  The object here is to detract from watery eyes.

Por Supuesto looking nice is wonderful, but if you end up as a sleeping beauty you're not gonna get much done.  Here are the points that has BB poised to take this allergy medicine.

• • ZYRTEC® Dissolve Tabs can be taken anytime or anywhere because they dissolve in your mouth without water and provide allergy relief for 24-hours. They’re perfect for someone who is on the go!
  • ZYRTEC® (cetirizine HCl) is the number one allergist recommended brand among OTC oral antihistamines.
    
  • ZYRTEC® helps relieve the allergy symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes and itchy nose or throat.  These symptoms can be caused by allergy triggers such as dust, mold, pet dander, tree pollen, weeds and grasses.
  
  
• ZYRTEC® starts working at hour one on the first day you take it and provides 24-hour relief.

.

Again BB must say,  ESO!!!  

What a welcome relief this allergy season will be compared to those before.

How will you be welcoming the new season My Beautifuls??

BB2U

P.S.  You can go to ZYRTEC® Feibu page for more great info

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/zyrtec 

My Team, My Heritage- #MiEquipoMiHerencia It's in La Sangre #ad

Disclaimer: This is part of a sponsored collaboration with Latina Mom Bloggers and Pampers.

 All opinions are 100% Babushka's and in loving memory of my mom who tried to support soccer in Miami when soccer wasn't cool.

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!!!

"Pampers is bringing Latino families and their babies together to honor two very important aspects of their lives: national pride and a love of fútbol. Just in time for the 2014 International Futbol matches, Pampers Latino is ·        launching the “Mi Equipo, Mi Herencia” Virtual Stadium app and sweepstakes on the Pampers Latino Facebook page, to celebrate these two very quintessential parts of life in a memorable way.

From May 22nd through July 15th, parents are encouraged to log on to the Pampers Latino Facebook page to celebrate their love of country and their favorite sport by participating in the “Mi ·        Equipo, Mi Herencia”  app and sweepstakes.  Moms and Dads can upload and customize photos of their little fan in the Pampers Virtual Stadium, generating a shareable meme that friends, family and other fútbol fans will love.

·        One grand prize winner will win a year’s supply of Pampers diapers and wipes!

We invite your baby to be part of a once in a lifetime opportunity.  And with the protection from Pampers he can live it without any interruptions. Passion for soccer and your team’s colors are inherited, so upload your baby’s photo and enjoy each game together! Enroll him at “My Team. My Heritage.” and you’ll have a chance to win a year of FREE Pampers diapers and wipes!"

That's the sponsors rhyme and reason, now here's Babushka's.

More than 30 years ago, BB remembers how her mother was such a soccer fan,(si, I know, I'm using the American name ) that when South Florida had a team she would take us to all the games. Hoping to show solidarity and support for a sport that she knew wasn't really on the US radar, she would scream louder than anyone in the bleachers. Unfortunately the time for soccer wasn't then, but her love of soccer did pass on to the latest generation.

And Rinquincaya takes his soccer seriously!!

The love of the game is in la sangre- it's in the blood. 

Bueno, Ok Si. That's in his blood too!

You know what's also in our blood? TREMENDA MESCLA!!!

Here La Princesa has confiscated "Baby Brother's" toys, while El Dr. happily holds up the onesie of his much asked for Little Brother.
These are the prizes of the giveaway. Sans the book on Pele; that one's for Babushka.

Cuban,Chinese,Dominican, Panamanian,Spanish, African, French-
so the one team we all are rooting for:

PicaPica supporting the Red,White & Blue!!!

My Grandbabies, mis nietos- that's "Mi Equipo, Mi Herencia" 

At last soccer/futbol is appreciated at home- 
I know Mama's up there still screaming her support and pleasure.


And now you My Beautifuls can join in the fun too!
Go to Pampers “Mi Equipo, Mi Herencia” App & Sweepstakes https://www.facebook.com/pamperslatino/app_1450457481858031


But that's not the only Giveaway!!

One of BB's readers will win the above pictured items!!

o   Objectivo More Than a Game Infant Onesie

o   Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Singin' Soccer Ball

o   Pele King of Soccer/Pele, El Rey Del Futbol [Book]

o   Baby Soccer Slippers

o    Fuleco 8.5'' Plush Mascot

o   Pampers Diapers

o   Pampers Wipes

Entry-Form

Follow the fun on Tweety-

https://twitter.com/pampers AND https://twitter.com/PampersLatino


Buena Suerte and enjoy the futbol matches!!


BB2U

MassMutual's State of the American Family Study- #HispanicDream , Ojo on Hispanic Families

Babushka was asked by Latina Mom Bloggers to join a blog tour on behalf of MassMutual Financial Group.

BB's time was compensated, pero the story and opinions belong to Babushka.

"Hispanics are a force to be reckoned with in the United States today."

So starts MassMutual's Study of the American Family; you know BB had to read it verdad??

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls! 

Today Babushka shares with y'all the findings of a study MassMutual Financial Group did on Hispanic Families.  BB finds it interesante, and of course for this CAP (Cuban American Princesa), a story waiting to be told.


"The importance of respect, family unity, community involvement and loyalty permeate every aspect of 
life, including their attitudes and perspectives about finances" "As a group, Hispanics are vulnerable to potential financial setbacks. Over one-third (35 percent) have set aside less than three months of their monthly living expenses for emergencies, and 7 percent have no savings at all."

They ain't just whistlin' La Guantanamera there!!

According to the study, the American Dream of home ownership is the number one priority of Hispanic families, with credit card liquidation following second.  Apparently Hispanics tend to owe slightly more than others.  Personally BB believes it's because we don't want our children to feel "lacking" or inferior to others.  Not to mention we tend to dress more stylish, love our perfumes, and take more issue with makeup and looks.  At least that's this CAPs view. Quee?  Ok si, JU SO FONII!!!,  the last sentence doesn't fit Babushka too much ahora, pero cuando era younger? Beautifuls, Por Fa! Actually, my parents were never into the typical material things. Pero si, they did fit the lucha for home ownership.  I also believe they never wanted us to feel less than our classmates or surroundings.  My parents did very well for themselves and we were the first Hispanic family to live in Miami Lakes, an upper middle class community.  BB and siblings never lacked for anything thanks to mis padres and La Tata who most definitely outright spoiled us.  

The study goes on to say only 31% of Hispanics actually rank saving/investing for their children's education as important, though 50% of those asked say they will pay for the education themselves. Babushka in this showed her Anglo upbringing; my trio had a college fund paid into monthly, and the same is being done for the grandbabies.   

Another area studied was financial planning.  While 43% believe investing and financial planning should be a high priority, only 28% think they are capable of reaching their goals by themselves.  Thankfully my parents were able to reach their goals, unfortunately BB never quite grasped the idea. This leads to the next part of the study, financial education for children.

Babushka's first real job was writing checks for my father. He showed me how to organize the bills, write in the checkbook the "to" and "for", and write checks.  BB learned very well how to write checks; what I didn't learn well was my bank account was not as llenito or fluid as his. Te lo dije- a true CAP.

Lastly, the subject of retirement among Hispanics is discussed.  Apparently we're more anxious about outliving our retirement savings.  Bueno, para Babushka that's so very true because there ain't nana nina in the nest.  Good thing Sweetie brings home straw so we can start padding, because it's never too late.

Y ustedes My Beautifuls, what's your style of saving, do you have one?  How accurate is this to your financial history?  Que views do you have on the topic?  Are you saving for your children? Will you be vagabond viejos?  Please compartir, compart insights y dreams. Oh, and a couple of dimes would be nice too.  

; )

BB2U

This post was sponsored by:

• MassMutual on Feibu: https://www.facebook.com/massmutual
• MassMutual on Tweety: https://twitter.com/massmutual

facilitated by:

LatinaMomBloggers.com

opinions & escrito by:

Wowed by Wubbzy y El Tren Bilingual App

This is part of a sponsored campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Cupcake Digital. However, all opinions expressed are BB's.


HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!

Don't know how many of you are from a bilingual home, but it can be a tricky thing teaching the younger generation their ancestors' tongue.  Babushka never spoke Spanish as a child, hence the Spanglish and the reason why my trio speak Miamish (that's Spanglish Miami Style).  Thankfully we lived with La Tata when the children were young and at least they learned some Spanish correctly.  Problem is, the young don't find the foreign language "cool". Yep, even in Pre-K they balk at speaking it, but I think I may have found a perfect way to "coolify" el Español for my grandbabies.

Ya can't beat an iTunes app for cool.

Brought to you by Cupcake Digital executives Jennifer Powers and Carmen Hernandez, these Latina,bilingual moms know the importance of the cool factor and have found a fun way to interest children in Spanish.  Via games, music, colors and stories little ones learn with alegria!

"Wubbzy y El Tren Loco features:

• Fun mini-games within the story and added learning games for practice of number, letter and sight word recognition
• Professional narration of the same story in English and Spanish is a good introduction for initiating natural language acquisition
• Individually highlighted words in the app are designed specifically for teaching the basics of spelling and vocabulary and can be used to practice Spanish
• Three reading modes: Just a Book for quiet reading time, Read to Me and Read & Play
• Three original sing-along music videos taken from the popular Emmy® award-winning series  Coloring pages with scenes straight from the story
• A Grown-Up’s Corner to guide parents, teachers and caregivers in discussing the story with kids"

Rinquincaya  starting out not too happy but quickly found the games.

Then after the games he tried the stories.

By his own admission this was "Cool" and by himself decided to repeat the words of the story.  Pero the coolest thing?  He answered his mother's question asked in Spanish and wanted to continue playing in the language of his ancestors.  What a great way to learn Spanish.

Hope he shares it with BB.

; )

BB2U




P.S.  The app is also available for Androids. Coolisimo & $2.99 - Tremendo twofer!! 

La Tata & the UHF America’s Health Rankings Senior Report

*This is part of a sponsored campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and United Health Foundation, pero como siempre- as always, the story and expressed opinions are BB's.  

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!

Do you remember my post about the S Sisters? Bueno, they've once again danced into BB's life joining my grandmother, La Tata and my Hispanicize friends United Health Care .  Thankfully she's back home and for being 90 or 92 she's doing remarkably well, however the scare did prompt me to read the UHF America's Health Rankings Senior Report more diligently than I would have otherwise and I found many points in it valid and part of our daily lives with La Tata. Go ahead and click on the link- excellent information in there.

English PDF Files

In the report they mention tobacco use, inactivity, alcohol consumption, and poor diet, as some of the contributing factors in bad health in seniors.  Here we are lucky, La Tata rarely smoked, and though she does like her wine from time to time and I have to challenge her to walk a little more, as I mentioned, she's remarkably well for her age, and as far as poor diet... please, she's Cubana.  So on those counts we're doing well. There is one area however where Babushka must battle daily with her, and it's one topic Latinos don't speak of too often and I think that may be part of the problem.

Having been one of 12 children, an entrepreneur, a world traveler, La Tata was not ready to live a slower and more isolated life.  As in most modern households, everyone has work or studies outside the home and La Tata would find herself alone for more hours as the years went by; she fell into a heavy depression.  To say BB was scared and saddened when I saw her like this a year ago is an understatement.  It's not age that makes the old act old, it's the frustration of not being able to do what they used to do, which then turns to feelings of helplessness and being unneeded.  They lose social contact because of embarassment - in La Tata's case she doesn't like to go to parties because she wouldn't want to show up in "old lady shoes" which are the only ones that she's comfortable in.  How do we combat this?

As a family we make sure to call her daily, visit at least weekly, and make sure she knows she's still a very valued and special part of our lives.  Of course having the great,great grandchildren give her giant hugs and kisses over the phone lights up her disposition instantly.

Taking her out works wonders too.  

Nobody likes to be cooped up in the house all the time and in La Tata's case, the louder and more festive the place, the better it is.  

For some unexplicable reason she's always in better spirits and health when she's "de Farandula". 

Cuba Nostalgia- she ♥♥♥ this! 

Special Occasions

Memorial Day & with her son going out to eat for her birthday

Let them Lead and be who they used to be.

La Tata leading the way to do some grocery shopping,

getting a perm and then her nails done.

Make sure they laugh at least one good belly laugh a day.

How'd you think I came up with JU SO FONII !!!??

Show them they're needed, vital and still useful.

La Tata will show me how to play Spanish Cards and help me w/my Spanish whilst I read outloud.

Note: To counteract all the news, programas escandalosas, y novelas, I pick a book with positive affirmations/messages.

But most of all, show them they are loved and not alone.

Rinquincaya "loaning" his best friend to La Tata so she wouldn't have to be alone and afraid in the hospital. 

 From the report:  "Older Hispanics (28.2%) were less likely to rate their health as excellent or very good than were older Whites (42.8%) or Older Asians (35.3%) 

Hispanic older adults are expected to become the largest/ethnic minority of those aged 65 or older by 2019.

Now is a critical time to study senior health at the population level because we know that America's senior population will grow by more than 50% in the next 15 years and that Americans are living longer but sicker lives."

Bueno, I don't know about the stats, or the other Older Hispanics, but if La Tata lives to 2019 we will be blessed, and if she lives another 15 years- 

Babushka's bottling up her DNA!!

; )

Enjoy your elders now, help them and you live longer, more productive and enjoyable lives.

The memories & love never grow old.

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

*This is part of a sponsored campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and United Health Foundation, pero expressed opinions are BB's.