Time To Love

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!! 

Febrero, Febuary- the month of Love, and the Chinese New Year. Coincidence? 

More like Perfección.

The first love should always be, to ourselves. To our feelings, our beliefs, our worth. Without that Beautifuls, are we truly loving anyone else? You can’t give fully if you’re not fully yourself.  And is anything else worth giving if you can’t give it Your All? Si, BB hears you. Life has you being gentle, not gung ho, not the full Beautiful you can be. Sometimes your 100 is only 25 porque La Vida truly is La Vida Loca, but that’s ok. Just give with all your being, even if 25% is all your being. The 100 percent is your truth at the momento, del corazon. Great to remember that heartlove as we go into the New Lunar Year.

Being of Chinese descent, Babushka makes sure to celebrate this holiday. For BB, it’s the time to truly set our sights. In past writings, the joy and timing of this holiday was shared. We’ve had time to do- or NOT do our “New Year’s Resolutions”. How’s that going for ya Beautifuls?? Let’s smile at ourselves when we think about that. Porque, Life~ JU SO FONII!!  

Imagine seeing a toddler learning to walk. They know they want to get across the room. Their legs not quite steady, pero still they try; las ganas don’t go away. Would you laugh at them or smile, knowing that eventually they’ll find the way. Do you stop caring/loving, because they didn’t get there straight away?  See yourself as that toddler, KNOW that eventually you’ll find the way. Worthy of amor, encouragement each and everytime we follow our callings and are true to them; true to ourselves. 

Getting back to the New Lunar Year, it’s the year of the Fire Horse. 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUUjE6zEXpk/?igsh=a3kzemNsZXJ5cWM5

These are the Vibes of the Year and BB is certainly feeling them and soaking them in. Bit mucho, pero taking Deep Breaths and absorbing.  

Ready to Gallop in 2026. 

Fully, Unapologetically and Dramatically. 

2026- May this be a year of LOVE, a year of YOU.

Babushka Besos a todos. Cuidensen. 

This post was originally written for BB's article in @ConexiónFlorida.  A wonderful bilingual publication covering Florida, Georgia y Alabama, and now that it's an online paper, reaching out even farther.

#TBT Month of Love -Months of Movement #ValentinesDay #BlackHistory #PrideMonth #HispanicHeritage #MinorityMentalHealth

Originally shared in 2014, the links and sentiment are still valid and very much alive now in 2022.  Hope this blast from the past illustrates  that the year is for celebrating our diversities, learning and caring about others, and that no matter how much time may pass, these are still temas to communicate and bring attention to.

 HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!!

February. In this month we've celebrated Chinese New Year, Valentine's Day, and a month of Black History. That's a lot of activity, energy and love. It's also no coincidence.  

For Babushka a new year symbolizes hope, and Valentine's Day of course is love.  Black History is the history, both past and present, of the contributions made by blacks to our lives, the world.  BB sees it as a perfect combination.  We hope to bring enlightenment and love by sharing our histories with each other, and this is the month that the black community can share theirs with us so that we may have a better sense of their story.  And we all have our stories.

For Latinos, September starts Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 - October 15.  These are our days, our past and present will be highlighted for the world to see. Of course these months are used to celebrate the good, educate on accomplishments, and BB's all for that. But Babushka's also about keeping it real.

Pride is fine if it's for betterment, to help our youth strive higher, however Pride is a double-edged sword that's also stabbing our youth.  We are losing the future because we're hanging on to the past.  The past where being different, not being "strong", was either ridiculed or the person was ignored.  The Pride of solitary self-sufficiency and strength, very clear cut rules on what was sane and acceptable, is from another unelightened time, and we MUST leave it behind.  Unfortunately this is a common thread between both stories. Fortunately, we have a month for mental health enlightenment and share love for this too.

July is "National Minority Mental Illness Awareness Month."  Si, so great is the need that we have a whole month just for this.  According to the U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health-

" In May 2008, the United States House of Representatives proclaimed July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, providing agencies with the opportunity to raise awareness about severe mental illness in diverse communities, while highlighting avenues for wellness and recovery." 

"Mental illness is a leading cause of disability, yet nearly two-thirds of people with a diagnosable mental illness do not seek treatment, and racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. are even less likely to get help".

Their website goes on to say, "During National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, help raise awareness in your organization or community. Encourage your family, friends, loved ones and clients to learn more about improving mental health and illness."

And this Beautifuls is what BB'S asking of you.  My #StopTheStigma campaign has not stopped, and neither has Babushka.  And neither has the climbing rate of suicide among our young.  PLEASE, POR FA, help spread the word about this very important month.  Any event is welcome and needed.  It doesn't even have to be a fundraiser, just a chance to start the conversation going.  We need to have these conversations. 

Being Black History Month BB will share this post from NAMI's Website-

NAMI- Ntl. Alliance on Mental Illness Feibu Page

Black History Month: A Historic Call for Action

This is for February; what do you have in mind for July?

A long time away you say?

JU SO FONII!!!

Babushka Besos a todos.   Cuidensen.

P.S. The Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Feibu page 

highlights various minorities, and is a page worth the "like".

P.S.P.S. Added 2022 Pride Month History

Corazones & CASH!! $100 Paypal #Giveaway

   

CORAZONES & CASH!! 

 HolaHolaHola Beautifuls! 

Babushka showing her Amor with a Corazon de Cash, A giveaway for $100.

 What is your heart longing for? Would $100 help you go for it? Enter and Enjoy!

Welcome to the My Sweet Valentine

PayPal Cash Giveaway!

Hosted By: Mommy's Playbook

Co-Hosted By: Deliciously Savvy

Golden Goose Giveaways & Babushka's Baile

 

ENTER TO WIN!

$100 PayPal Cash!

The giveaway is open US/CAN Only, 18+

The giveaway ends 2/15 at 1159 pm est

Be sure to come back daily for more chances to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mommy’s Playbook Giveaway Rules: This giveaway is Sponsored by and hosted by Mommy’s Playbook. Participating bloggers, are not responsible for prize fulfillment. By entering this giveaway you are giving the giveaway host and/or event sponsor permission to retain your email address for future communication, you may choose to opt-out of such communications at any time. This giveaway is not sponsored or endorsed by any social media outlet including, but not limited to, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn Please contact Victoria (at) MommysPlaybook.com regarding any questions you have pertaining to this giveaway.

Buena Suerte Beautifuls!

BB2U

Showing the Amor! $100 Target eGift Card Dates: February 1- 28 #BTEvents #February #HappyValentinesDay

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!

Y'all know BB te quiere, and what better way than to cohost a giveaway. 

For $100- at TARGET!!

 Happy February! Love is in the air, and we're spreading some love with a chance to win a $100 Target eGift Card! Grab your chance to win below and be sure to visit some of the amazing bloggers that have joined us to make this event possible. This event is HOSTED by The Mommy Island and The Kids Did It and sponsored by the awesome bloggers, authors, and Etsy shop owners! Click Your Way Over To The CoHosts! Mom Does Reviews, Sonya's Happenings..., Sybrina's Book Blog, Deliciously Savvy , Golden Goose Giveaways, The Frugal Grandmom, LitNuts, Chatty Patty's Place, Raising 3 Savvy Ladies, Beautiful Touches, Ottawa Mommy Club, Versatileer, Susan Skutt, Babushka's Baile, and It's Free At Last

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

ONE entrant will be selected by the entry form to win a $100 Target eGift Card! Open for entry WW, 18 years and older from 2/01/2022 at 12:01 a.m. ET thru 2/28/2022 at 11:59 p.m. ET. No purchase is necessary. Void where prohibited. This event is not sponsored or endorsed by Target. A winner will be chosen after/around March 1, 2022. The winner will have 24 hours to respond to the notification email to claim their prize or a new winner will be selected. See Rafflecopter for official rules. The Kids Did It and The Mommy Island are responsible for sending the winner their prize. Twitter and Facebook dummy/fake accounts are ineligible for entry and will be blocked. Authentic accounts only are eligible to win. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Buena Suerte Beautifuls!

BB2U

Love in a Blanket. Plush Personalized Blanket #Giveaway with @las930

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!

Is there someone you'd love to give a grandisimo hug to? Maybe for a Valentine's gift, or for someone who lives far away, or maybe to yourself? Here's a present you can have made just for them. A Personalized Blanket to wrap themselves in your love. Wouldn't that be a wonderful regalo? And if you won it, even better!!  Here's your chance to do just that. 

Welcome to the Plush Personalized Blanket Giveaway!

1 Winner Plush Personalized Blanket

This giveaway is part of our Valentine's Day Gift Guide – Stop by to see all the giveaways and great products.

HOST IS MICHIGAN SAVING AND MORE

My co-hosts for this giveaway are Deliciously Savvy, Gifts for all seasons, Home Jobs by Mom, Miki’s Hope,

Below is a list of all the bloggers involved in the gift guide.

A Rain of Thought, Deliciously Savvy, Giveaway Gator Home Jobs by Mom, Jessica Inspired by Faith, MarksvilleandMe, Michigan Saving and More, My Silly Little Gang, Tales From A Southern Mom, This Frugal Family

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This giveaway's Sponsor is:

WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ INSTAGRAM

~~~

1 Winner receives the Plush Personalized Blanket

Plush Personalized Blanket

Unbelievably fluffy and warm custom sherpa blanket with names in the shape of a heart. This high quality cozy fleece blanket is impossible to leave behind, wherever one might go. The perfect size for snuggling on the couch, by the fireplace or at outdoor events. It makes a great gift for parents, grandparents & families.

$56 ARV

See review HERE.

~~~~~~

THE GIVEAWAY

This giveaway/sweepstakes is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This Giveaway is valid to continental United States residents only, Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 2/1/21. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to las93063 at gmail dot com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The giveaway is not valid where prohibited! By entering you are authorizing us to collect the information on the form below, this information is used only to contact the winner! No purchase necessary, Void where prohibited by law, and the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winners are chosen randomly by the Giveaway Tools program. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contest are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Laura Smith at las930 (at)gmail (dot) com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

If you are a blogger interested in our gift guides sign up here or more information is HERE.

Get blogger opps just like this by signing up to receive blogger emails HERE.

Sponsors interested in joining our gift guides can see the information HERE.

 

Entry-Form

Here's to giving hugs!!

Buena Suerte Beautifuls.

BB2U

Biracial,Bilingual,is Beautiful. Amor is our history. 💕

Disclosure: Babushka wrote this for the Febrero/February 2020 edition of Conexion. 

A bilingual newspaper here in Florida's panhandle as well as Georgia and South Alabama.

Hola Hola Hola Beautifuls!

This post will be a BB Twofer. If you’ve been reading Babushka for awhile, you know that’s when you get dos topics in one post. A Two fer (for) uno. Last week the editor asked for submissions and BB asked what he’d like her post to be about. He never mandates, pero usually has some pretty good prompts y suggestions. For February he answered, “Valentine’s Day or Black HIstory Month”. Naturalmente, both very apropo and good temas, so pa’lante-pero, a la Babushka. Combining the two con corazon y cariño, a true story of love.

Miami, 15 years ago, Babushka’s eldest found her love. La CubanDominicanChinese Princess chose her Panamanian Prince and they proceeded to make a familia. 

Their first, a special child with an affinity to those smaller and younger than himself, especially babies. Then came la preciosa Princesa whose artistic attitude started a movement. The third is a little man who was already studying his surroundings on his first dia of vida. One could tell he had history, and would probably make history.

Familia is blood, the color red, the color of Valentine’s.

La Tata and her six greatgreatgrandchildren.

Si, they will make history, be a part of history. As we all are. Babushka chose to include this under Valentine’s/Black History month because of what she hopes is obvious. Through our examples, our passions, we influence our surroundings. So for those who first see the color, JU SO FONII!! May you see with your corazones the truth, that the outcome is a tale of love. Y al final Beautifuls,when all is said and done,  Amor is our history. 

Babushka Besos a Todos. Cuidensen.

PicturesOnGold.com 💗 Locket Giveaway-$140+ RV! via @Love_MrsMommy

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!

Babushka couldn't think of a better day than Valentine's to share the amor with a giveaway.

 This one is perfecto to literally have those you love next to your corazon.

BB not share something bello?

JU SO FONII!!

Sponsored By: PicturesOnGold.com

Hosted By: Love, Mrs. Mommy

Winner Will Receive: 

A Beautiful Sterling Silver 2 Photo Heart Locket w/ 18in. Box Chain 

from PicturesOnGold.com worth $140+! 

~*~*~*~

Can't wait to see if you won? I have a coupon code for 15% OFF your order! 

Just use "HEART" at checkout on PicturesOnGold.com!

~*~*~*~

Love, Mrs. Mommy's PicturesOnGold.com Review:

Their website made it easy for me to create a custom heart locket. I picked out a double picture locket with clip art on the front and a special engraving on the backside. The PicturesOnGold website allows you to see what your pictures, engraving, and art will look like in real time before you hit the purchase button. So neat! You will also see the price upfront as you customize your piece. Everything is upfront, which I appreciate, and this helps you to stay in budget. Which is great on your wallet!

Click here to see pictures and to read the full review!

PicturesOnGold.com will go even further to make sure your gift is perfect. They will make sure that your photos fit perfectly, no matter their size, and if there is awkward spacing in the photo, they’ll enhance the photo to eliminate blank space. Often, they can even remove the background of a photo, leaving your loved ones front and center in your favorite photo. The laser engraving is 100% waterproof & scratch-proof and is guaranteed for a lifetime!

Open To US and must be 18+ to enter
Giveaway Dates ~ 2/8 9:00 AM EST through 3/8 11:59PM EST
Good Luck!!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: Love, Mrs. Mommy and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. This giveaway is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site. The winner will be randomly drawn by Giveaway Tools and will be notified by email. Winner has 48 hours to reply before a replacement winner will be drawn. If you would like to participate in an event like this please contact LoveMrsMommy (at) gmail (dot) com.

Buena Suerte Beautifuls!

BB2U

Appreciation is Love. Gracias @Seaworld for sharing Latino Lore. #hosted #3KingsDay #ValentinesDay

This was originally posted for the February issue of Conexion. BB was given three media passes to Seaworld for their Three Kings Celebration. Opinions and post all Babushka's.

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!

It’s Febrero and lots of y’all are thinking about Valentine’s, Dia de los Enamorados. Aunque Babushka’s been married 3 times and romanced plenty, write on that aspect? JU SO FONII!! Today we speak on something different.  

BB takes daily life and being grateful for it very seriously. Those of you who follow Babushka on social media know that at noon is posted #GSOG #GigaSecondOfGratitude #GospelOfGracias. This is where a quick shout out to life is shared. It could be for anything, everything. This is what is wished for you this year Beautifuls-to be grateful for life and all its' adventures. Hoy BB shares her first adventure of the year.

Babushka started 2019 off with a hosted visit to SeaWorld Orlando , on Three Kings Day. Reyes, celebrated by a major Florida theme park. Think about this Beautifuls. Via the US Census, Latinos in the summer of 2018 made up 25% of the states population- yet there had been no dedicated dia to us. Gracias Seaworld. BB went to the inaugural Reyes Celebration last year and wanted to see if they would repeat it. Not only was it repeated, but it was bigger. No te puedo decir how happy we were to see more of our culture shared. The foods, the musica, the beautiful sound of our language being spoken, sin pena and often. Families sharing with their little ones the story of the 3 Kings and their memories of childhood celebrations. The best part of the grand day was in the final show. The “warm up” was a latino singer/musician who spoke to the audience in Spanish and sang Christmas songs of their youth. Sin exageration, a BB se le aguaron los ojos, couldn’t help getting emotional when a giant auditorium was filled with love of their Navidades Nativos, all joining in song, memorias y longing. Being able to relive the joy and reason of the season, to share with family our ways, our culture, in GRANDE. Because we all know recognition by a major presence vale mucho in the world’s eyes, we thank you Seaworld Orlando for the festivities.

Appreciation is love. And there is so much to be appreciative of. Make sure to acknowledge whatever brings you joy. Share that acknowledgement and joy wherever you can. The memory will bring you more joy, and we could all use some of that.

Love. 
This article shows appreciation and familia fall under that palabra. 
What falls under that word for you Beautifuls?

BB2U

P.S.  Gracias to Seaworld Orlando FB Messenger for sharing the musician's info.
That performance was wonderfully done by Samuel Velez. 

$150 Valentine's Day Cash Giveaway - That's a lotta chocolate!!

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!

Happy Dia de los Enamorados- Valentines' Day!!

And yes, dinero doesn't buy you love, pero $150 will buy you lotsa Chocolate VDay Hearts. Especially the day after.  

 ; )

Aqui- pa' gozar.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Prize: $150 Cash via Paypal

Co-hosts:  Mom and More // A Labour of Life // Beautiful Touches // Crayons & Cravings // Coupons and Freebies Mom // Kate Style Petite // The Mommyhood Mentor® // Mama's Mission // Surviving Mommy // Inspiring Words from the Heart // Sparkles and Shoes // Java John Z's // SWEETHAUTE // Ottawa Mommy Club // Made In A Pinch // Mommies with Cents // Foxy's Domestic Side //  babushka's baile // Capri’s Coupons // The Denver Housewife // Endless Bliss // Wondermom Wannabe // Blog By Donna //FashionFoodMusic // Sweating Champagne // rolala loves // Deliciously Savvy // Spoons and Stilettos // Simone - Your Style Architect // Homemade for Elle

Giveaway organized by: Oh My Gosh Beck!

Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 2/28 and is open worldwide. Winner will be notified via email.

Are you a blogger who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your blog? Click here to find out how you can join a totally awesome group of bloggers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Buena Suerte Beautifuls!

BB2U

#Teleflora #LoveOutLoud Valentine's Day Giveaway ~ 1 Winner ~ $75 Gift Certificate (Ends 2/07)

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!

Porque it's the month of Amor and Babushka Amors y'all, a giveaway for Teleflora. 

 So many to choose from, honestamente, who doesn't like getting bouquets delivered?

 Para you Beautifuls.

Teleflora #LoveOutLoud Valentine's Day Giveaway ~ 1 Winner ~ $75 Gift Certificate (Ends 2/07) #Teleflora

Deliciously Savvy is hosting a giveaway in which one lucky winner will receive a $75 Gift Certificate to use towards a gorgeous bouquet from Teleflora for Valentine's Day! Once winner is selected they will receive a code to use by 2/12 at the latest. Free delivery and a $75 Gift Card to use on whoever the lucky winner chooses!

1 winner - certificate must be used by 2/12/18

Sponsored By:

Teleflora

Hosted By:

Deliciously Savvy

Co-Hosted By:

Missy's Views & Savings Clues // My Silly Little Gang // Amy & Aron's Real Life Reviews // Michigan Saving and More

Plus a big thank you to all of the fabulous blogs helping to promote this amazing giveaway!

Now To The Giveaway!

1 Lucky Winner receives a $75 Teleflora Gift Certificate

Read My Review Here

Enter To Win 1/23 - 2/07

Open to US Only and Must Be 18 Years Of Age Or Older 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 in the United States Only and Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 2/07/18. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to mcushing7 (at) hotmail (dot) com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The sponsor is responsible for shipping of the above prize. No blog associated with this contest are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Melissa Cushing at mcushing7 (at)hotmail(dot) com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

Also we all “love it if you like us” on Facebook! If you like our blogs on social media it helps us bring you only the best giveaways and more of them!

Enter below and Good Luck!

Entry-Form

Buena Suerte Beautifuls!

BB2U

For San Valentine Or Anytime, @ViajaSanAgustin #floridashistoriccoast hosted

This trip was sponsored/hosted by the Bella Gente de Viaja San Agustin & @FlHistoricCoast ,

 pero all opinions and fun times were BB y Sweetie's. 

Never too old to learn and love

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!

If you've been following Babushka for a while you know she's gone to St. Augustine many times. Besides visitng when she was bb (first trip age 11), there were notable trips such as the American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip and all the performances with TWAM , and though they were all fun and good trips, they were business and the city called to the soul for a more personal visita.  La belleza natural, la historia, la cultura, de San Agustin makes it easy to explain its over 400 years of existence and why one never tires of visiting. There are so many different "tours" and interests you can experience in St. Augustine, that every time truly can be a totally nuevo experience. This visit was one tailored for BB & Sweetie, a couples call, with a little bit of everything. 

1st night-Primera Noche

Por supuesto the wonderful folks of St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches

Visitors and Convention Bureau had a wonderful 3 day itinerary planned for us, and also por supuesto BB was running Cubantime and we didn't arrive until nightfall. Oh, but we knew all was fine and well planned when we saw our casa for the next few days, the Jaybird's Inn. 

2700 N Ponce de Leon Blvd Saint Augustine, Florida

Que Entrada!! 

Spacious with nods to the town's history, nos encanto.

Rapidito we checked in, dropped the equipaje and went to meet our hostess Barbara del visitor's bureau who was waiting for us at a local favorite restaurant, The Raintree.  Located in an 1829 Victorian Home, winner of numerous awards, and offering over 350 wine labels, BB & Sweetie couldn't have asked for a better place to enjoy our first cena en San Agustin.

102 San Marco Ave Saint Augustine, Florida

Que Belleza y detalles verdad? And if you think that's algo Beautifuls, wait 'till you see the comida!!

Sweetie thoroughly enjoying the pampering and the plates. House salad and the day's special, Flounder stuffed with crabmeat, fresh  vegetables and angel hair with mushroom Alfredo sauce.

Y hablando about Detalles y Belleza, you KNOW Babushka HAD to try some of their award winning postres. Made fresh and to order tambien, the combinaciones delectable, delightful y deliciosos!

Banana Crepe filled w/vanilla ice cream, Dessert chef, Chef Matt Berg, Barbara Golden, BB, Sweetie, Mgr Zack Fraser.


Of course we all had to give the dinner a great big ESO!!
Despues de la llenura of estomago, sights and senses it was time to call it a noche.

In our suite we found a sampling of what was to come.

Wineries, Fountain of Youth, Pirate's Museum, y mucho mas.

Hope you come back to see the rest of BB & Sweetie's @ViajaSanAgustin .

BB2U

FB San Agustin Album