Family Love In My City

5 Easy Ways to Freshen Up Your Spring Cleaning

2018-02-27T08:24:00.000-06:00

This post was developed in collaboration with Downy, however all pictures and opinions are my own.

I know I’m not the only one welcoming Spring with open arms! The winter seemed to be extra cold and long this year - I can’t wait to get out of hibernation! There are SO many things we are looking forward to doing - from spending more time outside with the kids, the Book Festival, FIESTA, birthday BBQs and just meeting up with some friends!

First things first, I need to bust out my spring clothes, and get them ready for the season. That’s why I LOVE Downy Liquid Fabric Conditioner and Downy Fresh Protect . Not only do they get my clothes looking and feeling great after a season in the closet – but together, they also protect my Spring wardrobe from stretching, fading and fuzz and protect them from odors for 24 hours. So I can take on my fun Spring adventures without fearing that my fresh clothes are going to smell bad at the end of the day—it’s like deodorant for my clothes!
It’s so easy to incorporate into your laundry routine:

First, pour your laundry detergent as directed.
Second, pour a capful of Downy Fresh Protect beads into the washing machine drum
Then, add Downy Liquid Fabric Conditioner into the dispenser.
No waiting for the rinse cycle—just set it and go on with your day!!

Spring marks the season to refresh so many aspects of your life – not just your laundry routine – and Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a huge daunting task. Go get Downy Liquid Fabric Conditioner and Fresh Protect beads here to upgrade your own Spring laundry routine, and check out my tips below for refreshing your home, clothes and outlook on life this season -- small changes make big things happen!

Bring the outside in! Adding indoor plants into your home decor is a great way to bring spring colors and vibes into your life.

If you can find indoor plants that have color, you’ve found the jackpot! And spending the weekend in your favorite top is a bonus. My favorite that I will carry with me everywhere in the Spring is this orange sweater.

Find new outdoor adventures!

Refresh your outlook on your city and explore like a tourist! Find historical sites, new parks and festivals! If you are in San Antonio, the San Antonio Missions are a great place to start. Not only do you get active, but you learn more of the history of the city.

Start with small organizing! Junk drawers? The small tools in your garage? Your first aid kit? Tackle organizing these small projects and you’ll be energized for the big ones.

Pare down your closet!

Have you heard of the hanger trick where you flip all the hangers in your closet the opposite way.

When you use the item, put them back the correct way and at the end of the year, you’ll know which items you are ready to give away. But thanks to Downy Fresh Protect, you may just be holding on to your clothes for longer, now that they stay protected and smelling amazing.

Getaway 5k/10k: A New Race at the Mission Reach

2018-02-15T09:41:00.000-06:00

This post is sponsored by Vocalpoint and Getaway 5K, but all opinions are my own.

How fitting that a new YMCA opened a few months ago and now there is a new race moving to the Mission Reach, just a block away?! I love the Southside!

We've always been a pretty active family. We love Siclovia, the kids have always participated in sports and my husband is a PE teacher/coach, so he stays pretty active. But me? Mom? That's a different story, but one that is pretty common to a lot of mothers I know.

It takes a lot of effort to get to the gym, before or after work, with or without kids in tow. We've usually got to get dinner taken care and have to prepare early for the next day. I feel you!

A couple years ago, I participated in a 5k and it was a great way to jumpstart my physical activity! 5Ks and Kids Runs are a great way to get you motivated. You can walk it, jog it, jogging strollers are even welcome!

And a race like Getaway 5K/10K is a lot of fun for the family with a Finish Line Party, Kids Zone, Festival and a live band! It will make for a great day off the San Antonio Mission Reach! The race officially starts at Mission County Park.

Participants in the 5k and 10k receive (2) tacos, (2) beers for 21+, free shaved ice and a race specific medal that doubles as a bottle opener and magnet! 10k participants also get a pull over jacket and 5k and kids get a super soft cotton shirt!

Sign up now to get the a discounted rate, if you sign up after 2/28, the fee goes up by $5! Use the code SUNFUNRUN3C for and additional 15% off. And it you are an AARP Member, you get a 50% discount off your registration fee. The Kids Run always stays $15.

You can also view the event page for Getaway 5k/10k San Antonio on Facebook for updates and reminders! There is also a map of the course on the website.

I hope to see you there!

Day Hike: Crownridge Canyon Natural Area

2018-02-01T00:57:00.000-06:00

Little by little, my love for the outdoors is growing. I didn't grow up hiking or fishing or camping. We'd take yearly trips to Garner State Park where we'd enjoy the Frio River, the put-put and the view, but that was kind of the extent of the outdoors for us!

Continuing the tradition of the outdoors or just mearly starting a outdoor culture in your family is challenging.

Why does it seem like camping gear costs so much? What if I see a snake?

Families work more and we are often over scheduled with sports and clubs and other events. And sometimes, you just don't know where to start!

That is where Latino Outdoors steps in.

Latino Outdoors is an organization that provides the opportunities for many to experience the outdoors with a group and with knowledgeable volunteers and leaders. It is non inclusive but there is definitely an emphasis to educate that Latinos are a part of the history and to increase diversity in the outdoors. The Southwest Region Program Coordinator in San Antonio is Josie Gutierrez, who also blogs at fitfunand. She is a San Antonio native and has a passion for getting us city kids outdoors!

The first Latino Outdoor hike of 2018 was at Crownridge Canyon Natural Area near the La Cantera area of town. There are two hikes, one paved and the other unpaved and a level blank according to the trail map.

Here's a peek inside:

Winning The Day: From the Garden to the PTA

2018-01-30T07:00:00.000-06:00

This post was developed in collaboration with Downy, however all pictures and opinions are my own.

Sometimes, it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day. I know you feel me, mommas. My days as a small business owner/accountant/work-from-home mom can range from client meetings, impromptu coffee dates and emergency visits to my kids’ school.

One thing that helps me stay grounded, and gives me some “woosa” is the few minutes each day I get to spend gardening. Watering some plants, growing some veggies, or at the very least, trying to! It’s the recharge I need to jump back into my hectic day.

Although I love being outside and getting my hands dirty, I don’t always have time to change clothes after working in the garden – I often have errands to run, or meetings to attend - and the last thing I want is to smell like a bunch of sweat and herbs!

So, what’s a busy gardening-loving mom to do?

I found the solution in Downy! I added both Downy Liquid Fabric Conditioner and Downy Fresh Protect to my laundry routine. Together they not only protect my clothes from stretching, fading and fuzz, they also give them 24-hours of odor protection—like deodorant for clothes! Win-Win. They’re also super easy to use:

First, pour your laundry detergent as directed.
Second, pour a capful of Downy Fresh Protect beads into the washing machine drum and add Downy Liquid Fabric Conditioner into the dispenser. No waiting for the rinse cycle! And even in hard water like we have here in Texas, Downy will still keep your clothes soft and protect them from stretching, fading or fuzz.

So now I can go from gardening in the morning, grocery shopping in the afternoon, and volunteering for my PTA buddies after school – and never feel self-conscious about how my clothes smell. Using Downy Fabric Conditioner and Fresh Protect beads together has really been a lifesaver!

Go get your own Downy here and let me know how it has worked for you! And since we are talking about gardening, I’ve got a couple beginner gardening tips that I’d love to share:

Prepare for growing in any season by checking gardening guides. Urban Farmer has a Vegetable Planting Schedule for every state except Alaska and Hawaii
Find online agricultural resources to learn about soil preparation and making raised beds.
Use the handle of a gardening tool and with a permanent marker, write inch and foot marks. Trust me, they will come in handy one day!
Have fun! Grab a pair of gloves, an apron, a kneeling pad and a fun watering can!
And my favorite, invest in Downy Liquid Fabric Conditioner and Fresh Protect beads to help protect your clothes and keep them smelling and looking great while you grow and cultivate some plants & veggies!

Gift Giving for the Whole Family

2017-11-27T02:42:00.000-06:00

It is prime holiday shopping time and don't you love it when you can get gifts for everyone on your list in one shop?

From the sweetest totes, unique gifts for kids to the musicians and boss ladies in your lives, Uncommon Goods specializes in handcrafted gifts created in harmony with the environment without harm to animals or people. So you can feel good about shopping there too!

There is so many items to choose from, but on my list is gift giving for the whole family! Here are some of my favorite picks:

For my younger nephews (and if I had a niece) is the Galaxy Rocket Adventure Cape! It is reversible with the galaxy on the other side, a detachable rocket, and hook and loop planet and flame patches! I have also seen the coolest Jetpack Backpack to hold all of the mini astronauts gear!

If you are looking for gifts for family members a bit older, the Makey Makey circuit board is perfect for kids 8 and up. It's great for STEM activities at home, and simple enough for tweens and teens to use. And for the musician in the family, young or old, you can create your own guitar pics with the Pick Punch. Because we both know, musicians probably lose picks, like we lose hair ties in this house! (both pictured above)

The holidays always call for "Secret Santa" gifts and if you are looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the office white elephant party, Uncommon Goods has multiple, fun desk signs to choose from. No more picking up a mug set or a gift card!

My favorite gift for the chignonas in my life, office desk or not, is the "Boss Lady" and "Get It, Girl" Inspired Women plaques.

My last gift reminds me of the time I asked for all books for Christmas! I haven't been much of a bookworm lately, but I know many friends who are. And who can resist the nostalgic library card tote? Plus this bag is made in Brooklyn, New York, which feels extra special!

For conscious shoppers, and just because it is good for the soul to know, Uncommon Goods is a B Corporation, which means they meet rigorous standards of wage levels, environmental impact and giving back to the community. Uncommon Goods has a Vendor Code of Conduct and is not afraid to state causes they believe in: Wildlands for Wildlife, Addressing the DNA Rape Kit Backlog and Paid Family Leave.

Besides sharing great products and gift ideas, they are a company I can respect and know that my dollars are going a bit farther than just a gift purchase.

I hope you give them a look during your gift giving this season.

:)

#yesmyuncommongoods

A Chuck-E-Cheese's remodel everyone will love!

2017-11-21T08:05:00.000-06:00

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Chuck E. Cheese's. The opinions and text are all mine.

You can never escape a kid's birthday party at a pizza place, but that doesn't mean parents can't enjoy them! Chuck E. Cheese’s has remodeled the inside and outside of several of their San Antonio restaurants to include inviting and warm decor, a focus on their fresh foods, while keeping the fun for that everyone in the family!

We visited their 238 SW Military location last week, which happens to be our neighborhood Chuck E. Cheese’s and enjoyed every moment!

The new design makes the inside of the restaurant feel bigger! There is more seating in the front of the restaurant, game areas are reconfigured and with the playground tubes gone, you can see straight to the Birthday Zone!

The Birthday Zone, towards the back of the restaurant, has more seating options than before. Where the stage was, now features party sections, highlighting characters in Chuck E.’s band with a wall graphic silhouette and character biography.

Near by is also the new light up dance floor where the hourly live show and birthday show will take place.

The interior design also highlights the pizza-making process with the graphics on the walls (like the seating area above) and bigger windows to see inside the kitchen. Did you know that Chuck E. Cheese's pizzas made from scratch and all the fresh veggies are chopped daily?!

Our favorite feature is Chuck E. Cheese’s new, programmable ‘tap-to-play’ Play Pass game card system! No more losing your tokens! There were so many new games, like Luigi's Mansion and old favorites like the Monkey one my son can't get enough of! I hear that they like to incorporate new and rotate older games to keep things fresh!

Something else new for Mom & Dad is that they are now serving beer and wine! When family date nights become the norm on a Friday or Saturday night, this comes in very handy!

I was so glad to see our neighborhood Chuck E. Cheese's remodeled! I hope you get a chance to stop in soon! Check out Chuck E. Cheese on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest!

New Expansion at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens opens Saturday October 21st!

2017-10-19T23:40:00.002-05:00

The first time I took my kids to the San Antonio Botanical Garden was for the Diego and Dora exhibit when they were toddlers! Since then, we've enjoyed dinosaurs, amazing butterflies and field trips making terrariums, and every time, it's been such a freeing experience to just be outside and explore. With the new 8 acre expansion of the Garden, families have so much more exploring to do!

I got to see a sneak peek of the expansion, which includes a new entrance and parking, the Mays
Family Display Garden, Halsell Welcome Building, H-E-B Discovery Center, Culinary Garden, Goldsbury Foundation Pavilion and CHEF Teaching Kitchen!

And with the new facilities comes new exciting programming! Come experience it all this Saturday, October 21st!

The Grand Opening ribbon cutting starts at Saturday at 9:30am, and from 10am – 2 pm on Saturday and Sunday, families can enjoy hands-on children’s activities, wellness activities, culinary demonstrations, live music, performances and story telling, food trucks, speakers, herb giveaways, lawn games and more!

But wait, there's even more to come! Phase 2 will bring the Family Adventure Garden in March 2018 which includes 2.5 acres of nature play and learning space.

The San Antonio Botanical Garden is such a vital experience for all of us to be able to disconnect from our digital lives and connect with nature. I hope the new expansion gives you every reason to do so and create new memories with your families!

Ways You Can Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

2017-10-10T16:09:00.003-05:00

This post was sponsored by Café Bustelo as part of an Influence Central campaign and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a month long celebration of all of the wonderful contributions that Latinos and Hispanics have made to the United States. From food to music to politicians, it's a reminder to me to be sure that I am educating my children of their Mexican American heritage.

Do you know who Emma Tenayuca is? What's the difference between Latino and Hispanic? Have you tasted molé? Who was the first Hispanic astronaut or Supreme Court Justice? They are both women by the way! :)

So much of their experience growing up as a Mexican American is influenced by the cultural images they see around them and the cultural knowledge we give them. And it's always been my belief that if we teach our children where they came from, they have a better understanding of their purpose and where they are going in life.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, ways that we incorporate and celebrate our culture are through visiting art museums, listening to music, reading books from Latino authors, watching documentaries and of course, comida!

Art museums, like the San Antonio Museum of Art, often have special exhibits during Hispanic Heritage Month. Right now, our local art museum is featuring portraits from the documentary, The Latino List. Festivals, like Dia De Los Muertos celebrations, are also a great way to hear Spanish language music and see the traditions up close!

Libraries often feature cultural books and Latino authors during this time. If you are lucky to be in San Antonio, you can visit The Latino Collection and Resource Center in the public Central Library. It will have books like this on display all year long!

And as far as food, we can talk about this forever! But one of my favorites is the pairing of cafecito and pan de dulce. Coffee like Café Bustelo® and a little conchita are staples at Mexican American family gatherings and bring back so many memories of my grandmother's kitchen table.

Café Bustelo has that strong full-bodied flavor, even with cream and sugar. It is available in ground, whole bean, brick, instant and my personal favorite, K-Cup Pods®.

You can also get 10% off Café Bustelo K-Cup® Pods with the Target Cartwheel app!

Hispanics and Latinos are all so different, and from so many different Spanish speaking countries, which means that there are so many different ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! So, I'd love to know, what are your favorite ways to celebrate your culture with your family? Drop some special events and recipes in the comments or follow along the hashtag #CafeBusteloAtTarget to see how others celebrate!

SAMA with Tweens & Teens

2017-08-28T11:01:00.000-05:00

Before you read this entire post, don't forget that Museum Day Live! is Saturday 9/23/17. Get your free tickets here!

As I'm writing this, my twins are having their 1st day of middle school. I can tell you that they are just about to leave their advisory period, because I'm a little obsessed with this transition at the moment. You know the transition of being, not just little to big kids, but big kids to teenagers. This tween phase.

They've got these moods, nothing horrible. I just can't tell if they are having a good time, or if they are bothered, or upset. And there are so many questions. How do we stay close? How can I keep them engaged in all the things that were so easy when they were little? How do I keep them off their devices?

I thought a visit to SAMA, the San Antonio Museum of Art, would be good for these big kids. It has been a couple years since our last visit and they could use a little art and culture in their YouTube loving lives.

So we went and they were all in!

We went to breakfast at Pete's Taco House before to fuel up on some tacos.

And then we just explored and just let the art spark the conversations.

No rush, we just walked from floor to floor, from Contemporary to Latin American to Texas and Folk Art. To the current exhibit, Heaven and Hell: Salvation and Retribution in Pure Land Buddhism to Egyptian to Greek to Oceanic, Asian an Islamic art, we walked the entire museum in about 3 hours!

There were connections to art reflecting Mexico border crossings.

Remembering the Mayans from their Mexican-American Studies camp.

We talked about religion and reincarnation.

And had surprisingly long conversation about the animated Disney movie, Hercules, in Greek Mythology section.

Tips to visit SAMA with big kids, tweens and teenagers

Bring a friend: Mix things up. When we visited, my best friend was in town, so bringing him along helped create a new dynamic and new conversations! Next time, we will bring one of the twins' friends. They always love showing their friends places they've explored.

Let them take pictures: I let each of them take an extra iphone we had, so they could take pictures just like I know I would be doing. It keeps them looking for more and allows them to see the art from a fun perspective. Just freshen up on the rules: No flash photography, stay at least twelve inches away from labels, display cases, gallery wall surfaces, and have the phones on silent.

Pick up an Activity Cards or an Activity Backpack: Parents and caregivers may check out a backpack to enhance their Museum experience. Filled with hands- on fun, backpacks are a unique way to engage children in learning about world cultures. Available for checkout at the Museum Shop. You can also download Family Guides from their website before your visit!

Make it a day: Have breakfast or lunch at some of the best spots downtown! Our SAMA tradition is Pete's Take House. But you can grab a bite at Guillermos, Commonwealth, the Luxury or even stop by the Pearl's newest cafeteria style restaurant for some Maybelle's donuts.

And plan ahead: There are some great exhibits and events coming up! I listed some below, but be sure to check out the events calendar and Facebook page for more info!

You're gonna have a great time!

September 12, 2017
Art Fit: Art + Yoga
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

September 23, 2017

FREE DAY! Museum Day Live
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Get your free tickets here
October 1, 2017
Family Day: See + Do Science and Art

October 6–December 31, 2017

The Latino List: Photographs by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders presents thirty-one portraits of influential Latinos from the worlds of culture, business, politics, and sports.

October 27, 2017
Family Flicks: Selena
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

November 5, 2017
Family Day: See + Do Día de Los Muertos
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

There is also FREE General Admission to the San Antonio Museum of Art: Tuesdays 4:00–9:00 p.m. and Sundays 10:00 a.m.–noon.

Tex-Mex Chorizo Breakfast Muffins

2017-08-23T12:21:00.004-05:00

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #NestleEnMiLista #NestleKitchen #CollectiveBias.

To make sure the kids have a great first week of school, I always try to give them a hearty breakfast. I know they need to stay energized until lunch time and ready to learn, instead of focusing on a rumbling tummy. My twins are starting middle school this year and honestly, I just want them to focus on having a good day.

I recently made these Tex-Mex chorizo & egg breakfast muffins and I know they are the perfect breakfast for back-to-school. Paired with a glass of chocolate milk made with Nestlé Nesquik® chocolate they are the perfect breakfast! Bite size, good on the go and they have everything you want in a breakfast taco without the tortilla! They can be made ahead of time and individually wrapped, so they can be a snack after school or a quick bite for mama, during the day!

Ingredients:

2 cups of eggs (I like to use a mixture of egg whites and eggs)

Potatoes (1 large red potato, cut in small cubes and fried on the pan with paprika, salt & pepper)

Chorizo (8 oz)

Shredded cheddar cheese

Optional: diced fresh spinach, sliced jalapeño

I like make extra breakfast potatoes & chorizo on Sundays and use them for breakfast muffins on Sunday morning.

First, be sure to spray the muffin tin with non-stick spray. Spoon in potatoes, chorizo, diced spinach. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Pour in egg mixture. For a kick, you can top with a sliced jalapeño!

Bake at 375 degrees for 18-20 minutes.

And they come out amazing!!!

I always say that I will make them in the masses and individually wrap and have plenty for the week, but these babies go so quickly! They go great with coffee or chocolate milk, both are always in stock at our house! We love to add Nestlé Nesquik to our milk. It has 7 essential vitamins and minerals and no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners.

You can check out Nestlé's Back to School products at Walmart.com here.

My favorites are Nestlé Nesquik®, Nestlé Coffee-mate® Natural Bliss® Sweet Cream, NESCAFÉ® Taster's Choice® House Blend and NESCAFÉ® Clasico™ Dark Roast! NESCAFÉ® Taster's Choice® House Blend has responsibly sourced beans and NESCAFÉ® Clasico™ Dark Roast is 100% pure coffee and Nestlé Coffee-mate® Natural Bliss® Sweet Cream is simple: just real milk, cream, pure cane sugar and natural flavor.

Make the Most of Your Mornings! #MustHaveBox

2017-08-16T19:47:00.000-05:00

We are in the dog days of summer! Back to school preparation is being done, the last weeks of camp are finishing and football started weeks ago! Self care is so important during the transition from summer to school, which is why I love this month's Must Have Box from PopSugar!

This August, POPSUGAR #MustHaveBox turns 5! The birthday box is all about celebrating, gratitude, loyalty, smiling and friendship. One of my favorite's is Fringe Studio's Free Spirit Journal. The journal is sponosored by JEEP but also comes with notes on how to #BreakTheDawn and make the most of your mornings! Because so many mommas can relate, I want to share the tips with you!

Here's How to Make the Most of Your Mornings

Put the phone down: Maybe replace late night scrolling with a book, even if it is just to get you to fall asleep!
Make a to-do list: One of the best pieces of advice I heard was to write a to-do list of only 3 things and get them accomplished every day! Even if one is just scheduling an appointment, it helps!
Hit the gym: Get moving and it's a decision you won't regret! It will boost your metabolism and set the tone for your day!
Press play: A personal playlist of feel-good songs will put you in a great mood from the moment you wake up! It will also be great for the kids to get them excited for school!
Eat smart: Lemon water, your favorite green smoothie, avocado toast! Feel great and your body will thank you later!

The boxes are filled with best-loved brands and full-sized products valued at over $100. Another favorite from the Birthday box is First Aid Beauty's 5 in 1 Bouncy Mask. It feels like such a luxury in a quick and easy 10 minute pampering session. This product alone retails for $38 and the monthly subscription for the Must Have Box is $39.95!

If you want to subscribe to this month's box and start receiving all this goodness, use the $10 off discount code PARTY! It expires 8/3.

There are also special weekly giveaways this month, so be sure to sign up here!

Breakfast with Giraffes at the San Antonio Zoo

2017-08-06T11:12:00.002-05:00

If you are going to visit the zoo, why not get an early start and have breakfast with the giraffes? Or a hippo?

Last week, we were invited to experience Beastly Breakfast, a new experience at our San Antonio Zoo! We enjoyed a buffet style breakfast, participated in a private feeding and took pictures with the zoo's three giraffes, Alan, Brayden and Cosmo!

Breakfast includes eggs, sausage, bacon, pancakes, a yogurt bar, an assortment of pastries, and refreshments.

Animal Care Specialists are on site and great at answering any questions you have, from where the giraffes were born to the conservation efforts of the San Antonio Zoo.

Each paid person recieves three pieces of lettuce during giraffe feed.

And you get to take an amazing family photo! I think Brayden, this 4 year old reticulated giraffe, will be on our Christmas card!

Children 2 and under are free, Children older than 2 are $19.99 and Adults are $24.99. When you remember that regular giraffe feedings are $7 for 3 pieces of lettuce, Beastly Breakfast is a great deal for such a memorable experience!

And every giraffe feeding helps the San Antonio Zoo's partnership with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF).

Just added are Beastly Breakfasts with a Uma, the hippo! You can enjoy breakfast inside the Africa Live exhibit, plus, animal care specialists will also be on hand to chat about the hippo, her care, and you can see her get her breakfast.

You can grab tickets to the zoo here and make reservations for Beastly Breakfasts here!

FYI - Beastly Breakfast Guidelines

San Antonio Zoo admission required, but not included.
Guests 15yrs and younger must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Check-in starts at 8:00 a.m. and the experience starts at 8:30 a.m.
Overall program lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
Each paid person will receive 3 pieces of lettuce.
Refunds are not available for no-shows or without a minimum of one week notice.
The San Antonio Zoo reserves the right to cancel or modify the experience due to inclement weather, animal health, and/or safety concerns. In the event of cancellation, efforts will be made to reschedule you on a future date.
Program is subject to change and/or cancellation due to animal availability.
No service animals are permitted at the giraffe feeding experience.

Quick Texas Daytrips - San Antonio --> Johnson City Science Mill

2017-07-13T19:12:00.001-05:00

This post is sponsored by the Science Mill. We were hosted, however all all opinions and pictures are our own.

Summer always calls for road trips and for us city kids, a drive to the Hill Country is always a nice change of scenery. We drove to Johnson City (about an hour and 15 minutes from the Southside of San Antonio) to visit the Science Mill. I have seen so many friends post about the Science Mill, so I was excited to bring my 11 year olds. We are growing out of a few little kid places, but the Science Mill still intrigued these middle schoolers!

When you get to the Science Mill, parking is free and the entrance is on S. Ladybird Lane. There was a bit of overflow, so we parked at the LBJ National Historic Park Visitors Center and took a detour through the center to learn a bit about Ladybird and President Johnson. We wanted to explore more of the park, and had I done better research, we would have left earlier than we did!

Entering the Science Mill, you check in and create your own avatar. It warms my heart that everything is in English and Spanish. It helps my dual language kids see their 2nd language at their level and it shows that the Science Mill really wants to include everyone!

You can scan your code at just about every exhibit and the robot gives you a quick breakdown.

We explored for the Science Mill for about 4 hours, including a lunch break at their cafe, Lady Bird Lane Cafe, the 3D movie and the outside exhibits.

Inside, we made code to control animals in the Hill Country,

had MINDBALL battles, where you control the with brain waves and your ability to relax and focus. It was a lot harder than it seems!

We could have stayed for an hour at Dig In!, a hands-on-geology exhibit, where you can create land, mountains, islands, rivers, lakes and clouds with this virtual topography map. When you hold your hand over to make a cloud, it begins to virtually rain and you can see the flow of the water. It was mesmerizing!

In the BioLab, we used our phones as microscopes in the laboratory.

and learned about the Zebrafish and how these guys are different colors.

Outside, there was an intense battle of tug of war at the Giant Lever, until they learned that it is sometimes the positioning and not just the strength of the those involved!

There is a fossil dig, African Spurred Tortoises (named Speedy & Tortilla), an imagination playground building area and the Silo of McKay!

So much to keep up with, I know! At the time, there is also an exhibit under construction, and we can't wait to come back and see.

Because many kids begin to lose interest in STEM subjects in their teenage years, I am so glad to see that the Science Mill's exhibits were those that older kids could enjoy!

You can also check out our friends at Qué Means What, where she shares a fun video and few of her favorite exhibits from the Science Mill. :)

Unstoppable Together: Honoring the Past, Present and Accepting Responsibility for the Future

2017-07-07T21:03:00.002-05:00

I am a strong believer that when we acknowledge our past, we have a stronger self awareness.

It is why I sit my kids down to watch documentaries about Dolores Huerta and Willie Velasquez; and why we tell stories in the car. When we know where we've been, we have a better trajectory of where to go. Whether historical or in present day, it is important that we acknowledge those that have influenced our lives.

Who has impacted your life? Who helped you move forward? What characteristics do they embody? And how are you continuing to inspire others?

I was invited by Toyota Latino to attend the 88th Annual LULAC Convention held in San Antonio this week, as a part of their 'Juntos Somos Imparables' campaign. 'Together we are unstoppable'.

At the expo, Toyota asked attendees to pick a characteristic (energetic, dreamer, strong) of someone who has inspired them in their life, then customize that license plate as a gift for that person. The plates hung as a mural of appreciation and inspiration to all.

As I read through some of the characteristics, 'profesional' stood out. Automatically, I think of my dad and his reputation of a hard working, professional and respected businessman. He built an audio visual business 34 years ago that is still alive today!

The company has transitioned from being solely owned to now, family-owned, AV SHOP. My brothers and I are owners and invested in the sustainability and growth, but always with the professionalism that has been deeply embedded by our father. The Rodriguez name is what keeps me inspired, and together, we will continue to instill the value of professionalism in our work and in our children.

Award-winning journalist Neida Sandoval is the celebrity ambassador for the campaign and she, like myself and many, look to her parents as her inspiration. They inspire her to be courageous, conquer her fears and dream big. And dream big, she has! Sandoval has won five Emmys during her 37-year broadcast career. She worked as a National Correspondent for Univision for 23 years, including 15 years as lead news anchor of its top-rated morning show “Despierta America and works passionately for children's causes. Another thing we have in common is that we are mothers of twins! :)

Toyota believes that when we recognize the unstoppable qualities of individual Hispanics, we create an unstoppable community that is constantly moving forward. When we tell these stories and project these positive images into the world, we influence current and future generations, because they see that anything is possible.

In San Antonio, Toyota continues to influence the community surrounding it's TMMT plant with educational and environmental initiatives. They have introduced the Toyota Advanced Manufacturing Technician Program (AMT) that includes a two-year Associate Technical Degree and the opportunity for paid working experience. And in May 2017, the Toyota USA Foundation awarded Southwest Independent School District, a $1.7 million grant to help prepare students for high-demand, high-growth occupations in the region by expanding education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

The youth being impacted by these initiatives will someday be that person choosen to have their name on a license plate. They will influence others and it will be an unstoppable ripple throughout the community, a true example of 'Juntos Somos Imparables'.

BBQ Tips: Add Refreshing Flavor to Your Drinks! #RefrescaTuSummer

2017-07-06T04:26:00.001-05:00

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, INC. and The Coca-Cola Company, all opinions are mine alone. #RefrescaTuSummer #CollectiveBias

It's July! And how many barbecues have you been too this summer? How many more are you hosting? When it comes to summer barbecues, as fun as they can be, sometimes the menu gets a little boring. Fajitas, hot dogs, sausage, frijoles, rice, potato salad and sandia, sound familiar?

We got a little creative and decided to refresh the way you flavor your day, by turning these drinks into ice and mix & matching! As refreshing as an agua fresca, but without all of the work of chopping fruits!

To do this, you will need cans of Minute Maid® Lemonade, FUZE® Iced Tea, silicone ice trays and some lemon for garnishing. Just pour the lemonade and iced tea into separate trays and give yourself at least 5 hours for the ice to completely freeze!

When frozen, fill a glass with the Minute Maid® Lemonade ice, pour FUZE® Iced Tea and you will have lemonade flavor slowly mixing into your tea. Garnish with some fresh lemon slices or even some mint and you've got a fun addition to your barbecues!

FUZE® Iced Tea is available in select markets, but you can always incorporate different Minute Maid® flavors for more fun! Grab your 12-packs at Walmart in the soda aisle!

Just FYI: Not all fruits depicted are present in each product. Juice percentage varies.

Bug Mania! and so much more at the San Antonio Zoo this Summer!

2017-06-12T11:43:00.000-05:00

As a member of the San Antonio Zoo’s Zoo Troop Ambassador Program, we receive an annual membership and access to special events throughout the year. As always, opinions and photos are all my own.

There is so much happening at the San Antonio Zoo! From big bugs, music in the evenings and new BFF days, it is the perfect time to get your annual passes.

If you haven't been in a while, there is a lot to catch up on. In the last couple years, the Zoo has added events like Zoo Lights during the holidays, new attractions like the giraffe feeding experience in The Savanna and the new lion habitat, Big Cat Valley. Along with that are changes to the membership plans with great member benefits like special member previews, BFF days and Jungle Boogie evenings!

Last month, we attended the special members preview of the big bugs at Bug Mania! that included hands on exhibits, music and extended evening hours at the zoo!

Bug Mania! includes 12 huge replicas of bugs will be scattered throughout the entire zoo from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, inspiring guests to appreciate the roles these little creatures play in a diverse animal world.

We missed 2 during our first attempt, but we'll be back to catch them all!

You can also see them in the evening, because they are still on display during Jungle Boogie Nights. Jungle Boogie Nights are every Friday until September 1st, from 6 - 9pm. You can catch live music, sip on some happy hour specials and enjoy the cooler temperatures. Free for members, or $9 admission, there will even be food trucks and fun family games! You can find the live music lineup here! Finding Friday is one of our favorite! ;)

See you there!

Shrek The Musical at The Woodlawn Theatre this Summer

2017-06-06T10:18:00.002-05:00

Sponsored by: Jefferson Woodlawn Lake Community Development Corporation

This summer, follow the adventures of Shrek, his sidekick Donkey, Princess Fiona, Lord Farquaad and everybody's favorite fairy-tale creatures, as they grace the Woodlawn stage.

Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale that is tons of fun for the whole family!

*Featuring all new songs from Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie; Caroline, or Change) and a sidesplitting book by David Lindsay-Abaire. Shrek brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage and proves there's more to the story than meets the ears.

June 30 - July 30, 2017
Fridays at Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. & Sundays at 3:00 p.m.

You can get $2 Off SHREK The Musical! Purchase tickets at www.woodlawntheatre.org. Enter the promo code FAMILYGUIDE at checkout to redeem this deal!

Making Mindful Moments with Tweens #EverydayIvory #ad

2017-05-12T12:54:00.003-05:00

This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Ivory Soap. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

It's inevitable. Our daughters grow up.

The ability for time to fly by so fast is beyond me, but, somehow these sweet little girls get to this tween stage where they are intuitive, curious and sometimes dramatic.

It can be worrisome, wondering if I am guiding her in the right direction. I want my daughter to feel comfortable talking with me about her problems, as trivial or serious as they may be. I want her to feel safe. I want to help her to be confident. I want her to stay true to herself and not feel pressure to grow up too fast. In the effort to just "do" instead of worry, I try to just focus on making some gentle moments with her. It gives me peace of mind, to know that I am taking steps to just be present.

What also eases my mind is that I choose products that are paraben-free and free of dyes for their growing bodies. I honestly stood in the deodorant aisle for 30 minutes looking at the back of ingredients once. And that is why I love about Ivory soap. They are just that, 99.44% pure and clean and doctor recommended for all members of the family, ages 3 and up!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Ivory. The opinions and text are all mine.

Back to making gentle moments into memories. Here are three examples of how I try to be mindful with my pre-teen:

Share a notebook together. Write notes to each other. Ask her a question and let her answer back in the same book. Decorate it and make it special for both of you!

As comfortable as they may be with us, there may be something that is easier for them to write to you. It is also a great way to give some encouraging words that they can go back and read when they really need it!

Connect with them the way they connect with others. My daughter watches kids DIY videos, they hear about kids having blogs and their favorite channels and entertainers have social media profiles everywhere! They hear about it and are curious, so it presents a great way to talk about it and what you do and don't approve of. Take a selfie and have a smile together!

Allow them to be creative. Part of being true to yourself is digging in and allowing that creativity to come out. Whether it's painting something in the house or experimenting with recipes, sometimes you've got to allow them to get a little dirty. I think it helps when that mess is outside, lol. But you get the idea.

Ivory cares for your family, just in the same way you do. And can I just mention this added bonus?! When talking to preteens about face wash and such, Ivory bar soap is doctor recommended as a facial cleanser, so it makes it easier for them to take care of their own hygiene!

You can visit Ivory on Facebook and Instagram for more information!

DIY: Matching Square Knot Bracelet and Dog Collar

2016-10-19T10:48:00.000-05:00

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ThrowItBarkDogChow #CollectiveBias

Last week I talked about how our rescue pup just magically dropped from the sky and became the perfect addition to our family. He's one of us. When I shop for Christmas, Santa always leaves him treats in his stocking. When it's Halloween, we include him in the dress up! Last year he was a rufferee to wrestler, John Cena. The year before he was a camel to an Egyptian.

This summer we even took him with us on a family road trip. A first for us!

We were headed to Padre Island and favorite hotel is pet friendly, so why not? It was his first time on a long car ride and his first time at the beach, in the sand.

It was just for a couple of days and everyone agreed to share responsibility! It's hard to resist this guy. Clearly he enjoyed himself!

It was a sweet memory for us and heartfelt to see how close my kids have grown to him. They talk to him lovingly, cuddle with him and say little words in Spanish, it melts my heart! So much so that I thought it would be cute to make matching square knot bracelets and a collar, so they could BBF forever or PV, por vida, as we used to say! LOL!

So here's how it goes to make a square knotted collar. You will need twine or waxed cotton cords (a couple different colors), a collar, tape and scissors on hand.

Step 1: Make sure the extend the collar to fit your dog's neck correctly.

Step 2: Cut about 80" of twine for a small collar.

Step 3: For your starting point, thread the jute where the loop for the dog tag is.

Step 4: Begin your square knots, alternating sides. At the end, cut and seal with clear nail polish.

For the matching bracelet, use the same materials. Start with a 60" twine of the color you want shown (blue in picture). Cut a second color about 18" for the middle (green in picture). You will also need a third string about 10" (mint in picture). Follow along below!

And there you go, so cute, right?! Make as many as you want for your family members or pets and you're sure to have these sweet memories last as long as Purina's 90 years of proven nutrition. Be sure to look out for the new Dog Chow packaging, from Puppy to Dog, they've got you covered!

And once again, I want to share that Purina is giving away five year's long supplies of Dog Chow from Target! Enter for your chance to win one of these fabulous prizes for you and your furry best friend!

Zoo Boo Every Weekend in October at the San Antonio Zoo

2016-10-14T08:50:00.000-05:00

Hey all! As a member of the Zoo Troop, my job is to help spread the word of all the great things that the San Antonio Zoo has to offer! Zoo Boo is happening now and if you've never been able to attend because you've heard of major crowds on Halloween, now is your chance because Zoo Boo is now every weekend in October!

Zoo Boo runs every weekend day in October from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and includes non-scary, daytime activities like:

Hay Maze 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Monster Mash (Dance area in Africa Live!) 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Costume Contests at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Trick-or-Treating from 4 – 6 p.m.
Pumpkin Painting* begins at 11 a.m. (additional fee may apply)
Halloween Games* begins at 11 a.m. (additional fee may apply)

Tickets can be purchased online and if you don't have a annual pass, check out the Zoo Fun Day Ticket. The Fun Day ticket is $18.99 for adults 12+ and $15.99 for kids 3-11 and includes one-day admission, train ride, carousel ride, entry into butterflies and a box of popcorn.

If you've got bigger kids, bring them along! It's also a great time to feed the giraffes if you haven't done that yet!

Because we are in the middle of football season (my son is playing), we didn't get to attend the Zoo Boo blogger event, but that just gives me a chance to introduce you to some of the Zoo Troop Blogger Crew! Check out the fun below!

Painting pumpkins for the hornbills w/ the #ZooTroop at @sanantoniozoo. Watch them tear into them on snapchat 👻 (StacyofKSW) . #ZooBoo starts today , every weekend in October. Our kind of #familyfun -- come dressed up or get your face painted here, do some trick or treating, visit your favorite animals, play some Pokemon Go and have an amazing time you'll remember for years to come
A photo posted by Stacy (@stacyofksw) on Oct 1, 2016 at 2:46pm PDT

@SanAntonioZoo #zooboo #SAZooTroop #ZooTroop #pumpkins for animals!
A photo posted by 🔹🔶Geekette Bits🔶🔹 (@geekettebits) on Oct 1, 2016 at 12:09pm PDT

Checking out #ZooBoo with the #ZooTroop today. Fun around every corner of the @sanantoniozoo! #twitter #ad
A photo posted by San Antonio Mom Blogs (@colleenpence) on Oct 1, 2016 at 1:05pm PDT

We had a wild Halloween adventure @sanantoniozoo 's #ZooBoo. It's a great option for those looking for non-scary fun. Link in profile. #zootroop • • • #satx #satxbloggers #sanantoniozoo #pumpkinpainting #pumpkin #kidfriendlyhalloween
A photo posted by Modern Tejana (@moderntejana) on Oct 12, 2016 at 5:20pm PDT

Three Steps to Making the Perfect Pet Pamper Basket

2016-10-12T11:26:00.001-05:00

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ThrowBarkDogChow #CollectiveBias

I once wrote about my daughter being the Chair of the Pet Committee, always championing about how we needed a puppy, or any pet, in our lives. As a toddler, she would only buy stuffed animals that stood on all fours and would walk them around the house. Eventually we would settle for a hamster, but it was hard to commit to a puppy. But that all changed a few years ago…

It was a rainy Sunday, a three-day weekend and I came home from the grocery store to find a Chihuahua hanging around our front yard. As I unloaded grocery bags, he stayed around. He was so cute.

No collar, no barking, big eyes. I thought he must be someone's dog, so I thought we should hold him in the backyard until the weather got better. Maybe he got out in the storm and someone would be posting about him in our neighborhood website.

Not having any dog food in the house, we gave him some water and cooked chicken. The following days we searched the neighborhood website, lost pet sites and even drove around our side of town to look for signs of a lost Chihuahua. Next step was to see if he had a chip.

Nothing. No chip. We had no idea where he came from!

But since we were at the vet, we decided to get him make him ours. He has been such a special addition to our family, it is like he was just meant to be! I mean, look at that smile!

We named him Papi, and the kids swear that he understands Spanish, because Chihuahuas are from Mexico. I don’t argue! Whatever keeps them speaking the language outside of their dual language classes, I am all for!

Because we don't know his actual birthday every year or so, we spoil Papi with a pamper basket. But anything that I purchase for our pet, or for others has to fit one of the three: Functional, Family & Fun! Here’s how easy it is to make a pet pamper basket:

Make it functional. Whether it's a comfy bed, or a bin to keep all your pets things, the owner will appreciate it. Throwing in a bag of dog food from the Dog Chow family is always a bonus! Purina Dog Chow has new packaging, so look out for the new colors!
Match the family. We are a pretty neutral family, so I love pet products that fit in our style. We choose a grey blanket so he can be nice and cozy this fall!
Make it fun! Papi is a part of our family, so keeping him engaged and healthy is important to us. Choose items that we can play with together, like this football chew toy!

We love the Purina Dog Chow family because it’s grows with our Papi, even though we didn’t have him as a puppy. We trust them because they have been around for 90 years, are crafted in US plants and have a Natural product, too! Dog Chow has new bright packaging, so be sure to find it in the Pet Aisle at Target when you make your own pet pamper basket!

You can enter the sweepstakes below to win Purina Dog Chow products from our friends at Purina at Target for an entire year!

When you don't have an immigration story

2016-09-28T22:43:00.000-05:00

I saw a writing prompt encouraging Latina bloggers to write about their immigration story for a Hispanic Heritage themed post. And, like many Tejanos, all I could think was that I didn't have one.

Who was the first in my family lineage to leave their country and decide to live permanently in the United States? As far as I know, at least 3 generations before me, there was no one on either side of my family. Whenever I asked, every one just said we were from here.

You know the saying... 'we didn't cross the border, the border crossed us.'

Maybe my ancestors were a part of the Tejanos who died defending the Alamo against the Mexican Army in 1836? It is said that there were about 4,000 Tejanos living north of the Nueces River around that time, almost 100 years before the picture above was taken.

That's my grandma in that picture, the güera on the top row. We didn't call her 'abuela' and she didn't speak Spanish to us, but I'll always remember the story that she was sent into the stores that only allowed 'Whites Only' because of her fair skin and blue eyes. I know that she and her parents were born here in South Texas, near Corpus Christi. It's where she met my grandpa, picking cotton in the fields. It's been over 10 years since she has passed and I just wish I knew more.

Maybe her family and the families of all the children in the Mexican Department were born in Texas, too? Either way, they were looked at as different, segregated into their own department. Their histories, their US birth place didn't matter. Maybe that is why they didn't pass the stories down to us?

It feels like that is where the chingona in us originates. Because we were told that our stories didn't matter, our history was not taught to us alongside the history of the United States. In fact, it is something we are still fighting for.

So, I will continue to learn myself, share my history and teach my children because our Tejano history, our story of us being a part of the United States was not just a cut and dry decision, it's layered in historical events that we are still uncovering ourselves.

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This story is a part of the Texas Latino Bloggers Hispanic Heritage Month Blog Hop. We are sharing our stories all month, check out the schedule below! And follow the hashtag #TXLatinoBlog on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, too.

Que Means What - Being Latina Enough - Wednesday, 9/14
MexiMoments - Importance of Learning the Language as a Child - Thursday, 9/15
The Social Butterfly Gal - Mentoring Young Latinas - Friday, 9/16

Juan of Words - Mexican-American Culture - Monday, 9/19
Sweet Life - Food Recipes - Tuesday, 9/20
The Optimistic Heathen - Sharing Our Heritage with the Kids - Wednesday, 9/21
Modern Tejana - How to Live Your Latinidad in Mixed-Race Families - Thursday, 9/22
The Esposa Experience - Navigating the Pressures of Traditional Esposa Expectations - Friday, 9/23

The Nueva Latina - Mexican Indepence Day in Guadalajara - Saturday, 9/24
FitFunAnd.com - Self-Reflection and Latino Outdoors - Sunday, 9/25

VodkaGirlATX - Latin-Inspired Cocktails - Monday, 9/26
Momma of Dos - How Mexican I grew up! - Tuesday, 9/27
Family Love in My City - When You Don't Have An Immigration Story - Wednesday, 9/28
Creative Meli - Basic and Healthy Latin Cooking - Thursday, 9/29
Mejorando Mi Hogar - Being Latino or Hispanic - Friday, 9/30

Power to Prevail - Body Shame in Latino Culture - Monday, 10/3
Teatrolatinegro - Latin@ Theatre Show in Houston - Tuesday, 10/4
Candypo - Being a Latino Military Spouse - Wednesday, 10/5
Coppelia Marie - Am I a Bad Latina Mom? - Thursday, 10/6
The Restaurant Fanatic - Cocina Latina - Friday, 10/7

Haute in Texas - Mothering Latinas When You’re Not a Latina - Monday, 10/10

Experience WWE Live!

2016-09-11T01:00:00.000-05:00

Alright WWE fans, today is Backlash, Dean Ambrose v. AJ Styles! But let's flashback to a couple Sundays ago when WWE Live stopped at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio. We were able to see these two in separate matches along with more of our favorite WWE Superstars.

This was our first WWE Live event. We've been to Monday Night RAW before, but I enjoyed the more intimate feel that WWE Live has. It's not televised, so it has less pyro and big screens, but the matches are more diverse and fan interactive. It kind of gave me that backyard lucha feel!

We saw fan favorites, Enzo Amore and Big Cass against The Vaudevillians, Sin Cara in a tag team with Jack Swagger, Dolph Ziggler versus The Miz.

New guys like Epico and Primo and even match ups we maybe never thought of seeing, like the newer Baron Corbin and the older Demon Kane!

All leading up the the Triple Threat match between AJ Styles, Bray Wyatt and Dean Ambrose.

If you haven't had a chance to attend a WWE event before, WWE Live is a great start. WWE tours all year long, check out their website or Ticketmaster for the latest!

Children's Dance Classes at the Bibliotech in South San Antonio

2016-08-21T14:51:00.001-05:00

A couple months ago, thanks to Luisa, the San Antonio Socialista, I met the owner of Kinderdance of Alamo City, Jennifer Reid. She introduced Kinderdance to a group of local bloggers to share the benefits of learning through movement and all the programs that Kinderdance had to offer. I could really tell that Jennifer had such a kind heart and just wanted to grow children's self-confidence and life skills.

I was glad to hear about her programs because I have searched for non-formal, fun dance and movement classes for my daughter, but didn't really find what I wanted, convenient to where I live on the Southside. It is also difficult to find something available for older kids and their KinderCombo class goes up to 5th grade.

The great thing about Kinderdance is that it's mobile and travels to different public spaces, private schools, preschools and daycares throughout the city. At the time she did not have any on the Southside. We just attended Bug Camp at the Bibliotech on Pleasanton and they had a nice open space in the building. I mentioned this to the group and what do you know? Now Kinderdance is open for enrollment for classes at the Bibliotech!

I'm so happy to have suggested the location and even more delighted that the classes are affordable! Check other locations if the Bibliotech is not convenient for you and see how easy it is to enroll online. The classes must have a minimum of 6 students, so tell your friends, and pay the a visit at an Open House or Demo Day event!

#ad Chicken Bacon Jalapeño Wraps and Burritos on deck!

2016-08-15T11:32:00.000-05:00

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SchoolFuel #CollectiveBias

How many lunches do you make in the morning? 2, 3? Multiply by 5 school days a week? That's a lot of packing. We mix in school provided lunch with our own, but with school and youth sports, we always have a need to have some ready to go meals in the refrigerator. Just to break free from the plain sandwiches and protein bars, I'm making a protein filled Chicken, Bacon & Ranch burrito for the kids and a jalapeño wrap version for the adults. I'm using Tyson® Better for You Lightly Breaded Chicken Strips and Wright Brand® Bacon, which is a Texas brand! Go Texas!

They are made the same way, I just fold them differently to distinguish which has jalapeños and which do not. Wraps are with jalapeños, burritos are without and also fit in a kid size lunch box a little better.

Ingredients:

large wheat tortillas
romaine lettuce, cut into long strips
ranch dressing
jalapeños (optional)
plastic wrap
toothpicks
Wright Brand® Bacon
Tyson® Better for You Lightly Breaded Chicken Strips

How to make Chicken Bacon Ranch wraps:

Cook chicken strips and bacon in the oven. This can be done earlier in the day or the night before you make wraps.
Warm the wheat tortillas in the microwave or as listed on the package
Cut a piece of plastic wrap, place tortilla on top.
Spoon a bit of ranch dressing on top.
Layer with bacon, chicken strips, lettuce, jalapeños.
Wrap the bottom up, then sided in for a wrap.
Wrap the bottom and top first, then roll sides in for a burrito.
Wrap plastic wrap around, use toothpick for closure.

Making these are really easy and the result is a great meal. And for all of you moms that rush to find a great meal for dinner before or after sports practice, having a few of these wraps in reserve really come in handy before rushing to practice or for the hungry kids after. With natural ingredients, lightly breaded chicken, it really keeps us ready for anything. Paired with some fruit, I feel good giving them this meal anytime!

You can find all the items at H-E-B. The strips are in the frozen section and be sure to look for a coupon on the on packages of Wright Brand®, State Fair® and Tyson® back-to-school products and enter to WIN 1 of 20 H-E-B $100 Gift Cards. For bacon coupons, you can find some on the H-E-B website, be sure to search for Wright Brand in the search box.