Hot Mama In The City: July 2013

Big Poppa Smokers BBQ Menu at BJ's Restaurants

{This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group and BJ’s Restaurants but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #BJsrestaurants http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO}

Last week we headed to BJ's Restaurant to check out their new specialty menu featuring Big Poppa Smokers BBQ, I've been in the mood for some good BBQ recently and was excited to have a family lunch date there. I've been going to BJ's Restaurants for years now because I love the atmosphere and they have great food, I'm also a root beer lover and their craft root beer is amazing! You would think that living in Texas you would have many options to select from with it came to BBQ dining but there aren't many, we do however have plenty of steak places but not many places where you go in and enjoy some good authentic BBQ. The new specialty menu is available at all neighborhood BJ's Restaurant locations.

The new specialty menu had much to select from, you had options for appetizer, entrees, desserts and craft beer. It was hard to select because it all looked so good so we decided to get a the "BJ's Blue Ribbon Barbeque Combo" It serves two for under $20 and we got to select our BBQ sauce and sides.

We started off with the Corn Fritters and Corn Bread for our appetizers and a craft beer for Trey and a craft root beer for me. We all loved the corn bread and fritters especially the kids, it all tasted delicious.

We selected the traditional BBQ sauce for our chicken and ribs and it all tasted delicious. It was so good and completely satisfied my BBQ craving, it's exactly what I've been looking for.

My picky eater Emma lee was not ready to try out some ribs but Maddox my meat eater loved it. I think this his first time trying barbequed ribs and it was a hit with him.

The Big Poppa Smokers BBQ menu is available at all neighborhood BJ's Restaurant until September 9th, 2013 to hurry in for some awesome BBQ for the family, Girls night out or date night.

8 Beauty Tips to Help Combat ALLERGY FACE

{This post is part of a sponsored campaign on behalf of Latina Bloggers Connect and the makers of ZYRTEC}

Summer is half way over but many of us are still combating our allergy symptoms that usually arrive in the Spring and many of us aren't feeling so pretty with our big red noses, watery eyes and puffy faces, otherwise known as "ALLERGY FACE". According to a recent survey by the makers of ZYRTEC, two-thirds (66 percent) of women with allergies have felt ugly or unattractive because of their ALLERGY FACE. It's Summer time and we all want to be outside in sun without suffering from allergies and ALLERGY FACE.

ZYRTEC has teamed up with beauty and fashion expert, Carmen Ordoñez from VivaFashionBlog.com, to help women like myself combat “ALLERGY FACE". Her motto is that you can look great without breaking the bank. You don’t need pricey beauty products to achieve great results when trying to look your best during allergy season. bank. In this second video of her three-part, bilingual video series, Carmen shares her simple, do-it-yourself beauty solutions to help women tackle allergy-related beauty challenges.

Here are some of Carmen's awesome beauty tips that have been
passed down from her mama y abuelita, including:

How to Avoid Irritating a Red Nose: Use baby wipes instead of tissues, which are gentler on the skin.
How to Relieve a Puffy Face: Try drinking watermelon juice. Watermelons are a high water content fruit and are an excellent source of antioxidants.
How to Help Hydrate a Puffy Face: Eat more fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, celery and zucchini all of which have high water content. Citrus fruits and berries are also rich in vitamin C.
How to Refresh Your ALLERGY FACE: Place two metal spoons in the refrigerator and then place the back of the spoons on your eyelids for five minutes.

Here are some of my personal tips:

Use a humidifier to help reduce allergens in your home.
Try to go light on the make-up especially around the eye to avoid further irritation.
Use a BB cream or other tinted moisturizers instead of foundation.
Cleansing and exfoliating your skin daily can help remove allergens and other environmental pollutants from your skin.

Visit YouTube.com/Zyrtec to view part one and part two of Carmen’s ALLERY FACE video series. Stay tuned for the release of part three, which will be distributed later this summer. In the meantime, be sure to follow Carmen on Twitter at @VivaFashion and check out her blog www.VivaFashionBlog.com for her latest ALLERGY FACE™ tips and tricks.

Mamas & Papas Sweepstakes and Giveaway

To celebrate the arrival of the Royal Baby, Mamas & Papas has launched a Royal Baby Must Haves sweepstakes, in which several winners will win one of six amazing prizes, including an Urbo stroller, Baby Snug and more!

Six lucky winners will be selected at random and each will win one of the following prizes:

Urbo stroller
Baby Snug
Classic Carrier
Tummy Time Activity Toy
Gingerbread Blanket
Mini Red Bus Stroller Toy

Visit the Mama & Papas USA facebook page to enter. Sweepstakes ends July 31, 2013. Good Luck!

Giveaway

Win a Red Mini Bus Stroller Toy here.

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{Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post}

Tomato & Avocado Salad

This Tomato & Avocado salad makes for a perfect side salad to almost any meal. It's low calorie and very simple to make. Doesn't require many ingredients and it's full of flavor.

Bacon? Avocados? Grill cheese? Yes Please! Vamp up your plain and boring grilled cheese sandwich with some bacon and avocados.

Is a new cell phone on your back to school shopping list? No matter the reason, we are always on the look out for a cheap wireless plans or unlimited plans. Walmart Family Mobile has some the lowest price rate plans on the market for what is included in the plan package. Get unlimited talk, text and web for the current roll back price of $39.88! No need to break the bank this summer when purchasing a new mobile phone for your student this school year.

Many of us have kids going back to school this fall, some will be just beginning their schooling journey and others might be starting an entire new school because they are moving on to middle school or high school. Depending on our situations, some parents maybe considering getting their child a cell phone to help keep track of them when they are away from home. Some kids will be traveling to and from school on the school bus or by public transportation other students may have to stay after school for a study group or for team sport practice and many parents will feel at ease if their child had a cell phone in case of emergencies or just to check in often.

The SIM card starter kit is only $25 and you can purchase one of the many affordable smartphone's Walmart Mobile has to offer or use your own. There are current roll back prices available for the Concord (pictured) and MyTouch devices. It's so easy to get set up with Walmart Family Mobile, just select your phone; buy a starter kit for each line of service; activate in-store, by phone or on-line. Manage your account online at https://www.myfamilymobile.com/

{Disclosure:This is a compensated post for #FamilyMobileSaves and #cbias. However, all opinions expressed are of my own.}

iPad Mini Giveaway

Welcome to the iPad Mini Giveaway! I’ve joined some fabulous blogs to give our awesome readers the chance to win a brand new iPad Mini Wi-fi 16GB - a $329 ARV!

About the iPad Mini: Everything you love about iPad — the beautiful screen, fast and fluid performance, FaceTime and iSight cameras, thousands of amazing apps, 10-hour battery life — is everything you’ll love about iPad mini, too. And you can hold it in one hand.

Special thanks to our co-hosts: Bay Area Mommy, Life’s Cheap Thrills, Oh My Gosh Beck! and The Nobodies

This giveaway ends on August 19th at 11:59 PM EST and is open to the US only. All entries are optional, but remember that there are also daily entries available so be sure to come back everyday for more chances to win. Good luck!

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Strawberry Shake Recipe

Here is a simple recipe for a classic Strawberry shake using fresh strawberries.

My 5-year-old Emma lee loves to get her nails painted. She always see's that I have my nails painted and wants colorful nails too. Snail Nails are all-natural and toxic-free nail polishes designed for little fingers. We were recently sent some pretty nail polish and pens to try out. Emma lee can easily design her own nail art with their nail polish, pens and accessories. Since they are all-natural, I don't have to worry about her breathing in any harsh fumes or her accidentally digesting paint chips. Snail Nails are also washable, which is great and I don't have to worry about her staining her clothing.

About Snail Nails:

100% European-made: our kids nail polish satisfies the strictest cosmetics laws in the world
Non-toxic: no chemical substances in our natural children’s nail polish
Completely water based: simply wash off with soap and water — no harsh nail polish remover required
Packaged lead-free: only pure Italian glass bottles — custom designed for kids — bear our nail polish
Stain free: forget colourful blemishes on clothes, carpet or floors. SNAILS Kids nail polish is entirely soluble, so it will wash off easily.

Snail Nails are not just for little fingers but great for expecting mothers, or those who prefer to use all-natural products.

Snail Nails polish and pens come in many pretty colors and sold in 30 countries. Please visit Safe-Nails.com to learn more and to purchase Snail Nails.

{Disclosure: I received items for my review. However, all opinions expressed are of my own}

I'm A Huggies Latina Ambassador!

{This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Huggies. However, all opinions expressed are my own.}

I'm very excited to announce that I am a Huggies Latina Brand Ambassador! I've been using Huggies since my first was born, over 5 1/2 years ago. There was a short time that I was using Huggies Pull-Ups with Emma lee and newborn diapers with Maddox. With 2 in diapers at one time, I trusted Huggies to keep them protected from leaks. For the next couple of months, Maddox and I will be sharing our experiences.

Former Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera has also teamed up with Huggies to try out the new and improved diapers and wipes. The partnership was announced last month in New York at an exclusive event that several Latina Mom Bloggers network members attended. Zuleyka will offer real-life parenting tips via a monthly webisode series that will be available on the Huggies Latino Facebook page. You watch the first webisode here.

I encourage you to grab a pack of Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers with New SureFit Design and Huggies Natural Care Wipes with New Triple Clean Layers and join Zuleyka and I as we put Huggies to the test. Visit Huggies.com/tuprueba for more information on the new Huggies products.

I Love Avocados! Do You?

{This is a compensated campaign in collaboration with Latina Bloggers Connect and Avocados from Mexico. However, recipes are of my creation.}

I love Avocados, I love everything about them. They're delicious, healthy and you can add them to almost anything to help liven up the flavor of your meal. Avocados were my son's first food. When he was 6 months old, I smashed up a slice of avocado and fed it to him, it was his first taste of food and he's loved them ever since.

Do you like Chocolate, Coffee and Ice Cream? If you do then you're going to love this shake! Or maybe you're looking for a new way of enjoying coffee on a warm day. Try this Chocolate Chunk Mocha Shake.

This Peach and Strawberry smoothie is full of Vitamin C and less than 100 calories per serving! Taste great and perfect for warm days out in the sun. Contains 3 simple ingredients and very easy to make.

Fun in the Sun at Splashtown San Antonio

We were recently invited to spend the day at Splashtown San Antonio and the girls and I had tons of fun! They have over 50 attractions & rides that includes a Wave Pool, Lazy River and multiple kid-friendly areas with slides. This is a waterpark everyone in the family can enjoy.

Splashtown San Antonio is 20 landscaped acres of cool, clean water excitement!
Location - Just 3 minutes north of downtown San Antonio

FREE Life Jackets
Covered Public Picnic Area
Restaurant & Concessions
Dive-In Movies
Lockers for Rent
Professionaly Trained Lifeguards
FREE Parking
Restrooms with Shower Facilities
Souvenir Shop
Special Events

Some of the many kid-friendly slides in the park

One of the many kid-friendly attractions. The girls had a lot playing on this castle.

Bring in any Big Red can or bottle and get in for only $19.99 + tax. For more information about the waterpark, visit www.SplashtownSA.com

Huggies Snug & Dry with the all-new SureFit Design

"This is part of a sponsored campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Huggies. However all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Guidelines, 16 C.F.R Part 255."

As a parent we have so many things to get done and worry about throughout our day that the last thing we want to worry about is how well will my little one's diaper hold up? Whether you're at home or on the go, it's never a good time for a diaper mishap or disaster. I've been there, and it's no fun. I have a lot of things to get done throughout my day and the last thing I want to add to my to-do list is cleaning up a big gross mess because my child's diaper failed to deliver proper protection from leaks or wasn't flexible enough to handle their twist and turns as a toddler on the go.

I picked up a few boxes of Huggies Snug & Dry diaper with SureFit technology so I wouldn't have to worry about any diaper mishaps. HUGGIES Snug & Dry diapers have up to 12 hours of leak protection and the new SureFit* Design offers a flexible waistband.

I have a very active 2 year-old and it's important for the both of us that he has a diaper that will keep up with all his running, jumping, climbing and even his little poutty moments. No 2 year-old wants to hit the pause button on having fun to get their diaper changed. With Huggies Snug & Dry, we can both get on with our busy days filled with fun activities and less tears for the both of us. Huggies diapers has always protected my kids from leaks and that's why I continue to use them.

Why I use Huggies?

Only Huggies has New SureFit* Design (*exclusive waistband, new softer outer cover and less bulky more flexible absorbent pad)
Up to 12 hours of Leak Protection
Unique Flexible Waistband

Huggies recently unveiled a new parenting webisode series featuring former Miss Universe Zuleyka and her son Sebastian

For more information about Huggies Snug & Dry please visit their website: http://www.huggies.com/en-US
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/HuggiesLatino

Click here for a $2.00 HUGGIES® Diaper coupon, redeemable only at Target.

Do you have a diaper mishap story? Was there a time where you needed extra protection from leaks? please share!

July Extreme $200 Cash Giveaway

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Welcome to the July Extreme Cash Giveaway! I’ve teamed up with some rockstar bloggers to bring you the chance to win $200 cash!

The July Extreme Cash Giveaway will rock for four weeks which means you’ll have lots of time to complete any entries that you choose to do. Remember, all entries are OPTIONAL. As always, there will be daily entries that you can do as well, so bookmark this page and come back everyday for more chances to win!

A huge thanks to our awesome co-hosts who made this giveaway possible: Oh My Gosh Beck!, Free Makeup and Beauty Samples and The Inspiration Network

Giveaway is open worldwide and ends August 14th at 11:59 PM EST. Good luck!

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Banana Peanut Butter & Honey Shake Recipe

Looking for a sweet treat to satisty your sweet craving? Try this Banana, Peanut Butter and Honey milkshake! It offers a variety of sweet flavors and taste great.

5 Tips To Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage - Choose Skin Health

{This post is sponsored by Latina Bloggers Connect and Neutrogena}

Many of us ask ourselves "What's so important about wearing sunscreen?" and many of us use it to protect ourselves especially those with fair skin like myself, from getting burnt and having to deal with the pain and discomfort of being sun burnt. No one wants to spend a part of their vacation or Summer indoors tending to their sun burn and no one wants to look like a big red lobster either... not cute! So to avoid those situations, we choose to slather on the sunscreen, But there are many important and serious reasons to wear sunscreen everyday. Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans will get skin cancer? And that's why you should protect your skin with sunscreen.

Skin cancer is completely avoidable when protected properly and you should protect it! it's the only skin you have and it's the skin you'll have for the rest of you life, so take care of it. Everyone wants to spend time outdoors enjoying fun activities but no one ever wants to hear that they have skin cancer, so wear sunscreen when spending time outside.

Neutrogena wants you to choose skin health and that's why they have an awesome line of products that will protect your skin from sun damage.

The products pictured are :

These are great products that will help save your skin from minor and serious skin damage. Most of their sunscreens are oil-free, lightweight and water resistant for 80 minutes.

5 tips to help protect your skin from harmful UVB rays:

Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more -The SPF number is the level of protection the sunscreen provides against UVB rays − a higher number means more protection.
Seek shade when possible.
Wear a wide brimmed hat to help protect your head, face, ears and neck.
Sunglasses will help protect your eyes and the sensitive skin around your eyes.
Wear lightweight and light colored clothing to avoid direct sun exposure.
Don't forget to reapply your sunscreen!

Here's a video that talks about the danger and risk of long-term exposure to the sun and the effects it can have on your skin.

Remember to choose skin health!

NetFlix Families

{This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Netflix.}

With Summer here and the kids on vacation, we as parents look for more options to keep our kids entertained, happy and creative other wise it's going to be a loooong and not so great Summer. Netflix recently launched their new family site this Summer to help keep your kids entertained, learning, happy and hopefully inspired to be creative.As a long time Netflix customer and lover, I'm very excited about this new feature.

The new Netflix.com/Families page is available for both members and non-members!

The Netflix Families site has a ton of great movies, shows and documentaries that are both classics and new favorites. I love watching movies and shows with my kids that use to watch as a child growing up. I love how Netflix helps me share those memories with the kids.

We love gathering around the TV for a family movie night after a long and busy day out in the sun. It's nice to sit and relax with the kids and watch a movie with them and answer any questions our 5 year-old has, and trust me... they can ask a lot of questions but it makes me happy to know she's curious and what's to know more.

Netflix.com/Families features several new categories including Family Movie Night, Are We There Yet and TV for Curious Kids.

We also stream Netflix from the app on our iPad, And there are several ways to keep your kids occupied with Netflix on your tablets. The kids can watch movies and shows while in the car on long road trips, this helps to keep them from constantly asking "Are we there yet?" every few minutes because they're bored. Some days our 5 year-old will sit and quietly watch something on the iPad while her little brother naps and that allows me to get some work done.

Netflix.com/Families is a new destination designed to meet your family’s summertime entertainment needs. On Netflix.com/Families, parents can find lists of movies and TV shows for all kinds of special summer moments.

Visit www.Netflix.com/Families for more information on the best ways to stream as well as videos from families using Netflix.

{This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Netflix.}

Strawberry Mango Lemonade Recipe

Looking for another tasty and refreshing drink? Try this Strawberry Mango Lemonade recipe. Perfect for anytime on any day of the year.

$200 Cash Giveaway {closed}

Hott Mama in the City

Welcomes you to the We Love July Celebration Giveaway

One lucky reader will receive a $200 PAYPAL CASH PAYDAY!

Mama's Mission along with a group of amazing bloggers have come together to

bring you this awesome Cash Giveaway.

Hosted by: Mama's Mission

With a special thanks to our co-hosts: Chronically Content, Stay a Stay at Home Mom, Life's Cheap Thrills, Jenn's Blah Blah Blog, and Reel Mama.

Giveaway ends August 9th at 11:59pm EST, and is open World Wide, to anyone ages 18+. Void where prohibited by law. The winner must respond to the winning notification email within 24 hours, or a new winner will be chosen. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck.

Disclosure: Hott Mama in the City was not compensated for this post, nor for their part in this giveaway and is not responsible for the prize fulfillment. Please contact Mama's Mission with any questions about this giveaway or for more information on how to see your business or blog featured on the next big giveaway! This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or any other social media websites nor are they responsible for the prize fulfillment.

Snapple Fruitsicles Recipe

Peach, Strawberry, Lemonade and Iced Tea Frozen Popsicles.

These Snapple Fruitsicles are delicious and so easy to make! Only 3 ingredients, Frozen peaches and strawberries, and diet Snapple half and half. You get a fruity bar with a hint of lemonade and tea flavor. Recipe makes for about 8 servings and each servings is full of Vitamin C and about 15 calories.

It's Summer time and with the heat outside, we're all looking for was to stay cool and comfortable when we are out enjoying Summer fun activities. We all love a cool and refreshing Summer drinks to keep our thirst quenched and Iced Tea is a popular Summer drink especially here in Texas, Texans love their Tea! Lemonade is another favorite Summer drink for many and it's my favorite go to drink in the Summer. Snapple Half and Half is the best of both world's in a single glass, half Iced Tea and half Lemonade! And absolutely refreshing and makes for an awesome Summer drink.

The other day I stopped at my local Walmart to pick up some Snapple Half and Half to take along on our Summer activities including our pre-4th of July BBQ we were having. I knew Snapple Half and Half was a drink everyone in the family will enjoy, and I love that it's an all natural, tasty and affordable drink. I picked up a 6-pack of Snapple Half and Half and a 6 pack of Diet Snapple Half and Half. Walmart currently has a coupon for Snapple products which made for a better bargain, who doesn't love a bargain?

Snapple Half and Half was the perfect drink to enjoy on my patio and watch the kids play with their water toys and was a great drink to pair up with our BBQ'd meal later that evening.

Aside from enjoying Snapple Half and Half on your porch and at home, it's makes for a perfect to go drink. Pack it up in cooler and take it with you to a picnic at the park, BBQ, your kids baseball or swim tournaments and other sporting events. Not only are there many places you can enjoy Snapple Half and Half but there are also many ways to enjoy it and keep cool this Summer.

Use Snapple Half and Half to make Snapple Fruitsicles!

Just blend together 1 cup of frozen Peaches and 1 Cup of frozen Strawberries and use about 1/3 of the diet Snapple half and half from the glass. Pour into Popsicle trays, freeze and served when frozen. Serves about 8 and each fruitsicle has about 15 calories, 2 grams of sugar and full of Vitamin C!

Find the full recipe here.

Or you can use Snapple Half and Half to make a peach and strawberry smoothie!

Same ingredients as above and makes a little more than a serving. A smoothie full of Vitamin C and less than 100 calories per serving! Find the full recipe here.

Check out this digital magazine for more great ideas for summer!

Hot Mama In The City

Pages

Big Poppa Smokers BBQ Menu at BJ's Restaurants

8 Beauty Tips to Help Combat ALLERGY FACE

Mamas & Papas Sweepstakes and Giveaway

Tomato & Avocado Salad

Bacon Avocado Grill Cheese Recipe

Back to School With Walmart Family Mobile Unlimited Plans

iPad Mini Giveaway

Strawberry Shake Recipe

Snail Nails - All-natural Nail Polish

I'm A Huggies Latina Ambassador!

I Love Avocados! Do You?

Chocolate Chunk Mocha Shake Recipe

Peach & Strawberry Smoothie Recipe

Fun in the Sun at Splashtown San Antonio

Huggies Snug & Dry with the all-new SureFit Design

July Extreme $200 Cash Giveaway

Banana Peanut Butter & Honey Shake Recipe

5 Tips To Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage - Choose Skin Health

NetFlix Families

Strawberry Mango Lemonade Recipe

$200 Cash Giveaway {closed}

One lucky reader will receive a $200 PAYPAL CASH PAYDAY!

Snapple Fruitsicles Recipe

Snapple Ice Tea + Lemonade = Awesomeness

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