 One of the great things about being part of Influenster is that you never quite know what campaign will come up next. But the beauty of it is that I get the opportunity to share these products with people that might really appreciate it. In this case, I received rich organic soil and organic plant nutrition from Miracle-Gro. I knew this project was perfect for my mom.
Gardening is one of her favorite hobbies. The kind of hobby that fills your heart gives you peace and well it feeds you not only emotionally but physically too! Her Garden is loved, well kept and it shows.  To be honest... I'm not very good at keeping plants alive myself. In fact, the only one plant living in my home is a succulent that thoroughly refuses to die. I'll go water that now... But back to my mother's garden, she began to use the Miracle-Gro Performance Organics All Purpose Soil and their all Purpose Plant Nutrition. And well, it took only a few days to see just how well the products worked. She especially loved the soil.  It took no time at all as plants sprouted quickly, flower buds were visible and to the existing plants like the fig, the leaves became fuller and the figs, well they got bigger.
She's happily using the soil on all the plants now. The Performance Organics Soil guarantees 2x more bounty. This is organic, season long plant nutrition and aged compost. She said she 100% recommends the soil. The difference was very significant and we gotta love that it is organic especially growing food that will be brought to the table.
My kids also love helping grandma and want to start a garden of their own. I kind of do too now...
Do you have a garden or are interested in starting one? I'd like to see if I can grow something small like cilantro, chives, mint, etc. In the meantime, we'll just enjoy my mother's garden.  * I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing Purposes. Interested in becoming part of Influenster? Click here. More on the Blog More on Youtube
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Summer is finally here and I'm SO excited to share something a little bit different with you today!
They say there is a time for everything. A time to heal from the time there was pain. A time to rebuild from the time we were torn apart. A time to laugh and dance to forget the times we've cried and sworn we almost died. A time to sow and a time to reap and of course a time to live before it all runs out. Time is a law we cannot overcome however much we long to preserve it.
I know. There is so much happening out there, enough to stun many of us into a state of idleness and escapism. But what if we reach beyond our self to embrace, to search, to keep, to sow together, to speak up, to love and push for peace in this time of war. The war within our selves, the war within our human race.
Time is everything and everything is time. Let love become your story. In a world full of hate, be love. Be the change you want to see in the world. There is so much to be grateful for. Don't take the air you breathe for granted and those you can still hold in your arms, your family, your loved ones.
Love fanatically together, find your passions and your joys. Let love become your story. Find your art and let love unfold.
$100.00 Giveaway Towards a Jord Watch (ends 6/24/2018)
Time is a Love Story
Hi everyone! Welcome to my happy list! well, part of it:) A topic straight out of the 365 Blog Topic Ideas. Let's just get right into it!
1. My girls. Well, that's definitely a given. They're both incredible, beautiful, spectacular little people I do love so and they make my entire life happy.
2. Time with my husband. Cuddling, loving, lazy days, watching movies, eating pistachios and everything else.
3. Exploring the world with my husband. Visiting places we've never been to but even wandering our very own city and experiencing life together taking time to unplug.
San Diego City Picture by @eric_scire
4. Coffee. Definitely good, delicious coffee at home or at favorite cafes and trying new cafes we haven't been to yet! You can watch our Coffee Addict Series here.
5. Cozy evenings with good old comedy shows.
6. Date Night.
7. Peonies. Carnations. Tulips.
8. Love letters.
9. Nature surrounding me. Camping, Cabins, Adventure!
10. The ocean.
11. Sunsets.
12. Hugs.
13. Lazy Rivers.
14. Music.
15. Sitting on the curb eating tacos.
16. Farmers Markets because they remind me of the street markets in Morelos Mexico.
17. The sun shining in my home with just the right breeze.
18. Campfires.
19. Positive people who refuse to be put down. I admire you greatly.
20. Mi mama. Porque no hay nadie como ella. Es mi vida entera.
And last but not least...
21. Blogging. The process, creating, publishing. community!
22. Vlogging! Youtube, filming, editing and of course, community.
23. Photography.
24. You. For taking the time to read my blog. I really appreciate you SO MUCH. You are absolutely the best.
25. My dreams and aspirations. In the pursuit of living my best life.
ps Next on the blog: A typical day in 10 pictures ! If you want to join me click below to grab the book! It is helping me create good habits with the thing I love to do. Create.
 
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Hiiiii everyone!!!! So here’s to 365 Blog Topic Ideas that I’ll be posting EVERY... other day or every day, no every other day... everyday? well I guess we'll see guys! Because let’s face it, this challenge is going to be HUGE for me. I hope you enjoy this fascinating challenge I’ve set for myself and maybe... just maybe, join me too?  1. I am in fact a hot mess in these pictures but bear with me while I practice shooting myself more often. 📸 2. Yuli is actually short for Yuliana. 3. My husband and I have been married for 6 years. We got married in Yosemite National Park April 15, 2012. 4. We do not drink alcohol. At all. Since 2011. 5. My favorite color is in fact BLACK.   Hi everyone! Let me start by saying (wait I forgot what i was going to say...) I have really bad ADD.  Ok, so let me start off by saying that in 2007 I filmed my first video in Santa Barbara California with the hopes and dreams of starting a youtube channel. Unfortunately, the video was never uploaded, my life took a big turn and the video was lost through files, ended up in a Zune device (anyone remember those?) that a cousin of mine ended up finding, watching and told me it.was.stupid. So there's that. When I filmed that first video back in 2007, I also started a website to post recipes and things on, you know, like a blog! on what was called Windows Live Spaces. I was starting to blog back before I even knew what blogging really meant! I always filmed around me but with no purpose to upload. I don't know why for the life of me a decade went by and I never attempted to get back to starting my channel again. But you know what, we'll go back to that story later. Lets just fast forward to the part where I uploaded my first YouTube video on my channel, December 4th, 2016. And guess what? It wasn't me in front of the camera. It was my 4-year-old daughter. Ellie's First Lookbook 2016 Music for Youtube Shooting it wasn't as hard as it was editing because you see, I did not want to cut out any footage of my adorable daughter... I used about 3 songs and it only came out to around 4 minutes. I started by getting my music from NCS. You find great music and follow their rules. Youtubers I Watch I went on to filming everything and anything else but ME. Amy Schmittauer's VEDA definitely got me a lot of practice editing and uploading even though I did not once finish a whole month. I started to think about what I wanted to be a part of, what I wanted to support. I also watched A LOT of Amy Schmittauer, Peter McKinnon, Casey Neistat and Nick Nimmin to name a few. Books I've Read I started to work on my personal growth reading and listening to various books because I was battling something that had kept me from doing anything I had ever wanted to do for the better part of 2005 - 2016. Crippling Anxiety. It wasn't anxiety towards youtube but rather everything in life. And that has been the biggest process trying to survive. Looking back I think you really have to have a deep yearning and the will to allow yourself to dream and dream big, to give yourself permission to live. I kept pushing to find resources to help me focus, to help me dream, to help me take action, to get myself excited and pumped to execute my dreams. So in the process of working on my personal growth I read books like The list goes on. These are a few of the books that meant something to me, significantly impacting me, getting me excited, pumping me up and more importantly, stories and people I could relate to. Podcasts I listen to In my personal growth, I continue to keep things positive and productive in my life on a daily basis and there are podcasts that help me do just that. Just to name a few. Gratitude When things still attempt to overwhelm me there's been one thing that has helped me overcome. Gratitude. Being grateful is immensly powerful. It releases me to be at peace once again. But let me mention the different ways gratitude can change everything. As written in Psychology Today Gratitude effectively increases happiness and reduces depression. Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression. Grateful people are more likely to behave in a prosocial manner, even when others behave less kindly, according to a 2012 study by the University of Kentucky. Study participants who ranked higher on gratitude scales were less likely to retaliate against others, even when given negative feedback. They experienced more sensitivity and empathy toward other people and a decreased desire to seek revenge. Other studies have shown that gratitude reduces social comparisons. Rather than becoming resentful toward people who have more money or better jobs—a major factor in reduced self-esteem—grateful people are able to appreciate other people’s accomplishments. For years, research has shown gratitude not only reduces stress, but it may also play a major role in overcoming trauma. We all have the ability and opportunity to cultivate gratitude. Rather than complain about the things you think you deserve, take a few moments to focus on all that you have. Developing an “attitude of gratitude” is one of the simplest ways to improve your life. So in my life gratitude definitely has it's place. Especially when thoughts and emotions try to overwhelm me. I am grateful for my life. I am grateful for my daughters' lives. I am grateful for my family. I am grateful for our home, food to eat, the car .. I mean everything. There is so many tools and ways to be more consciously grateful and I encourage you to find the tools that will help you personally.  This is The Five Minute Journal, in case you haven't heard of it. If you know me, you won't be surprised to know I have this journal both in a physical book and in the app. It's a quick, easy and fun way to prompt gratefulness at the beginning of my day and to consciously take note of how I'm doing at the end of my day. I love this concept and the way it was made and I certainly love the authors. And they made one for kids too!! Exercise and Nutrition My last tip because I didn't mean to write a novel... I don't believe there's anything that can replace what exercising does for me. If nothing else I would start here. Work out. An article from Frontiers in Psychiatry in The National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine states that: The beneficial effects of regular physical activity on health are indisputable in the field of modern medicine. Exercise is often the first step in lifestyle modifications... Numerous epidemiological studies have shown that exercise improves one’s self-esteem, and a sense of wellbeing... Adults who engage in regular physical activity experience fewer depressive and anxiety symptoms, thus supporting the notion that exercise offers a protective effect against the development of mental disorders... There is strong evidence that exercise and regular activity positively impacts the pathophysiological processes of anxiety. Numerous studies and meta-analyses show that exercise is also associated with reduced anxiety in clinical settings. Physical activity positively impacts a number of biological, as well as psychological, mechanisms. But do we really need an article from the National Library of Medicine to tell us that exercise is good for us? Although it can be daunting and regrettably skipped every single day as a perfectly good treadmill, reasonably priced group workouts or literally the sidewalk staring at you in the face, knowing it could possibly change everything for you... Isn't worth your best effort? I personally weight train in a group workout twice a week. And I belly dance on the weekends... I plan to increase this because I have loved what this alone has done for me mentally, emotionally and physically. Find what works for you. Nutrition will follow. Just Start Let's be clear that I am NOT an expert in any of this. I am an expert opinionater... (Thank you, Gary Vaynerchuk) And I'm sharing my story and what has been working for me. Never really saw myself talking about this but here I am and if my words and these resources that have helped me, can help you and push you to pick up that camera and just START, then everything is 1000000 % worth it. I currently have 25 videos uploaded now. It hasn't been easy or consistent or niched down. But I'm doing it. Putting myself in front of the camera more everytime. Now, it's a matter of organizing all the amazing things I get to do. Everything comes with practice. We all have our own journey but the key is to keep pushing for what you want even when everything goes wrong, keep pushing. Now, my heart is exploding with the urgency to create. Exploding.
ps Look out for my coming more light hearted, get to know me posts from 360 Blog Topic Ideas! Consider joining me ? *We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
 What is the Mystery Blogger Award? The Award was originally created by Okoto Enigma. Clicking the link will take you to her original post where you can find out more information about the Award. The intent of the Award is to award bloggers for their content and let them know that their work is appreciated. Rules 1. Put the award logo in your post 2. Thank the person who nominated you, include a link to the post. 3. Mention the creator of the award, include a link to the blog. 4. List three things about you 5. Nominate 10 people 6. Notify the nominees by a blog comment 7. Ask your nominee 5 questions with one funny question 8. Share links to your best posts Thank youuuu to AmandaStyleBeauty for the nomination! And more importantly, thanks for putting that itch back on me to start blogging again! Nothing motivates more than watching more of your friends doing it! Questions 1. What inspires you? OH. Life. I mean real life, watching people living their truest self. No Filters and 100% laughter. But also a crap load of reminders, notebooks, planners, sticky notes, alerts, inspirational speakers, podcasts, strategy guides, print outs, motivational quotes and plenty of accountability to keep me inspired. Just being real. Anxiety is no joke. 2. What are your hobbies? Learning. Always learning. Always a student. Frolicking about. Capturing Life. Chasing dreams. But also Netflix and Amazon Video. I definitely like Amazon Video more... Don't forget the coffee. 3. What's your most embarrassing moment EVER? You know I can't think of more embarrassing moments than your regular being made fun of by your own Mexican family because there was nothing better to do but to make fun of you. Anyone else? #growingupmexican 4. What goals do you have for the new year? My husband and I work as a team creating our content together and we really want to grow our Blog and our Youtube Channels this year. We've started an editorial calendar and family schedule! And starting this year we'll begin to post our content weekly. We also want to take a trip abroad. Experience new and exciting things! 5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 2023!!! AHHHH!!! Three Facts About Me 1. I was born in Cuernavaca Morelos Mexico. 2. I'm a Belly Dancer. 3. I'm part Asian!!!! Questions for you 1. What is at the heart of your content? 2. How do you want your readers to feel? 3. Is there anyone you would love to collaborate with? 4. Who has impacted you the most ? 5. What is the most ridiculous fact you know? Bonus * In 1 sentence, sum up your life. Happy New Years Everyone!
Oh Santa Barbara, as beautiful as I remembered you. Filled with memories of good friends and the best sunrise worth getting up early for. A Spanish colonial style kind of city with high mountains and a coastline to give you one of the best sunrises you have ever seen, where the sun rises over the ocean.
We arrived at Stearns Wharf and headed directly to Char West for the Fish and Chips.
The fish and chips were as good as I remembered, crispy and delicious. It was the perfect lunch and a great way to just take in the view of the ocean and truly appreciate where we were. Next stop was our hotel.
The Hotel
I booked Montecito Inn, I think, about 2 weeks prior to our trip. I always try to find the very best deal on my go-to apps, however, after looking around I called Montecito Inn directly and they actually ended up giving me the better deal themselves! But if you want to look around and you're looking for same night accommodations Hotel Tonight is possibly the best for that in my experience.
(use my "invite a friend" CODE: YUARMSTRONG for $25 off your first HotelTonight booking* ) Arriving at the Inn, it was true to the beautiful pictures posted on their website. We were met right away by the exceptional concierge. They welcomed us and were truly inviting and warm in their manners. Check-in was at 4:00 pm but they managed to get us in our room a bit earlier. We stayed in the beautiful 1 King 1 Full bedroom that included 2 lovely bathrooms! It was a very pleasant stay. We weren't able to experience their onsite restaurant, Scratch, because it has been closed for renovation, but they are reopening this Summer, 2017. Breakfast
In the morning we ended up taking a very nice stroll down the street finding Jeannine's American Bakery on yelp! It's a beautiful little restaurant, with outside seating included which we happen to chose on this beautiful morning. The weather was just right, sunny, but not too warm. We were a group of 5 with two little kids included. We were able to park our stroller right next to our table just fine. The staff was wonderful and our breakfast was delicious. It was the start to a very nice day in a natural bright setting.
Lunch
After breakfast we made our way to State St. Downtown Santa Barbara. It's always fresh full of nice people taking their lunch strolls, shopping through all the different stores, boutiques, restaurants and the beautiful Paseo Nuevo. This place is pretty amazing. I remember taking my own lunch strolls here everyday.
There is so much to pick from! But on this day we ended up at Sushi Tyme. It's kind of our thing when we are together with John. Sushi Time, sushi everything. And it was soooooo goood! The heart attack was my favorite! A lot was spent and we regret nothing. 
Dessert
Now it was time for dessert. Next to Sushi Tyme happened to be the perfect sweet option, Le Macaron, French Pastries!! To my pleasant surprise, it was run by some one who is actually from France! It's always nice to practice your high school french a little, you know, just incase... I could not be more excited about this place. I came back the next day before leaving, for an order to go.
On our last State st walk we also had to stop by Blenders in the Grass. I was desperate for an Acai Bowl and their bowl wasn't too bad. A little bit on the basic side, but certainly a fix to an Acai bowl addiction! Really, it was good. I'm just partial to my homemade bowls and no one can serve an Acai Bowl like The Nest in San Diego California of course, in my hometown.
Being out with little kids.
We enjoyed the rest of the day along the beach saying goodbye as we're definitely ready for our next family adventure. Kids are always a bit of a challenge, but a couple things that have helped me is packing yummy healthy organic snacks and drinks for them, because chances are, you might not always find places that have these things available. Cut up strawberries, for example, have always been a hit with my kids. I'll take them in a container, store them in the hotel fridge and take baggies with me as I need them. Bananas are easy and also cuties! I should probably make a separate post about this because I could go on forever. In the meantime, please share in the comments what are your favorite snacks on the go for your kids!
For me, I feel much more safe for Ellie (my 4 year old) to be buckled in, in her seat and everyone is pretty happy as we stroll along even just for our daily errands. I'll talk about this more in the future, but it's worth checking it out if you want to be out and about. You can see it in use in the video above!
Thank you so so much for stopping by!
I hope you found this useful, if for nothing else, but for the food bits. No one says it quite like Ethel Mertz. 
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_____________________________________________________________________________ Items Mentioned: Baby Trend Sit N Stand Stroller |
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