Feels Good To Be Glam #MaryKayGlam

I can't tell you how often people tell me:  You look really tired.   As if I didn't know.  As if I didn't look in the mirror every day.  As if my tube of under eye concealer goes untouched.  As if the exhaustion is fighting its way through my make up.


But truth be told - I look tired, because I am tired.  I don't get much sleep.  (Just see the labels - Lack of Sleep or Exhaustion.)   


And even though, I go through the motions of applying under eye concealer, pressed powder, blush and painting on enhancing my eye brows.  And on a good day - curling my lashes and brushing on mascara.  I stop there.  


Even though I am a lover of lipstick.  I don't take the two extra seconds to put it on.  I apply clear lip balm to keep my lips from chapping.  But lipstick?  Not really.


And my reasons are silly.  Usually, I just forget.  Or I think, it will just come off while drinking my coffee.  I'll have to reapply it when I get to work or after lunch.  I think - what's the point?  Or - who am I trying to impress?  As if looking in the mirror and impressing myself is not reason enough to make the effort.


But it's amazing what a little lipstick can do?  


While attending the LATISM Top Blogueras Retreat, we were all pampered by the fabulous ladies of Mary Kay.


And we clustered around the Mary Kay Beauty Bar, giddy with girly excitement, trying on glosses - ohhing and ahhing over the products.  Every bloguera left with a sweet swag bag of Mary Kay products.  


I'll be honest, I've never used Mary Kay in my life.  But once I tried on their Rock n' Red
lip gloss - I was hooked.

photo courtesy of Latina Bloggers Connect
Mary Kay nourishine plus lip gloss in Rock n' Red

  
It felt light and natural.  It wasn't sticky - which I love.  And the best part?  It made me feel better about how I looked.
        



au naturel - not wearing a stitch of make up
#MaryKayGlam - feeling fab in Mary Kay nourishine plus lip gloss in Cream and Sugar

  Will a smear of lip gloss take away the exhaustion?  Probably not.  But if I can look in the mirror and feel a little bit brighter and a little less worn out - that's good enough for me.  

I think as moms - especially as special needs moms - we put ourselves last.  We forget to make the effort.  We forget to put on the pretty dress that's hanging in the closet with the tags still on because we're saving it for a special occasion.  We forget to put on some blush or lip gloss or paint our nails or brush our hair (please someone agree with me, don't let me the only one...) because we're always running someplace, because we have a never ending to do list.  As moms, we make sure our kids have everything they need while we walk around looking like a hot mess.  (Or is it just me, that's a hot mess on most days?) 
So ever since coming back from DC, I've been taking those 2 extra seconds to apply a little lip gloss. Because the person I'm trying to impress, is me.  And I've decided I'm worth the effort.
What will YOU do to feel glam?

 Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post.  I was provided with complimentary Mary Kay products, the opinions expresses are my own.  

"Let's Talk About Autism" Radio Capicu Blog Talk Radio Recap

Last month while at Hispanicize, I met George "Urban Jibaro" Torres, founder of Sofrito Media Group.  Both Boricuas from New York, we immediately clicked - we even knew some of the same people.  So when George asked me if I was interested in participating on his Blog Talk Radio Show - Radio Capicu, "Let's Talk About Autism" - I didn't even hesitate.


Even if that meant taking a break from the Top Blogueras Retreat.  Connecting with the Latino community about autism was the very purpose of this blog.  


Today I had the chance to listen to the show.  And it was incredibly moving for me.  Listening to the other parents share their stories.  Also on the show was Veronica Vasquez-Jackson and Stuart Chaifetz. 


The show really made me think.  It sparked some topics for blog posts.  It made me realize that Latinos want to talk about autism - they just need the opportunity to do so.   


You can listen to the show by clicking the link below and/or it can be downloaded to your iTunes for Free.  That's how I listened to it.

 

Listen to internet radio with Radio Capicu on Blog Talk Radio

Here are some links that I talked about while on the show: 

Part 200 (Student with Disabilities) and Part 201 (Procedural Safeguards for Students with Disabilities Subject to Discipline) -- This has been extremely helpful; it is a PDF of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education. (I found the link here.)  The document is long (about 200 pgs) but it's important to look through.  It goes through Due Process Procedures and the Board of Education Responsibilities and Definitions. I've noted sections in letters to CPSE administrators.  Let them know that you know the law. Please note there is a  disclaimer: These Rules of the Regents and Regulations of the Commissioner of Education ("regulations") are unofficial, and are presented for general informational purposes as a public service. 

Queens Parent Support Group - http://www.qcpac.org/

For more local resources please visit my NYC Resources page. But please keep checking back - I have LOTS of updating to do.  

April may have been Autism Awareness Month, but for us it's Autism Awareness every day.  Thank you Radio Capicu for helping spread awareness and for allowing your listeners to share their stories.

Making My Voice Heard at The White House #LATISM recap

Four years ago, when The Boy was diagnosed with autism - if someone would have told me that it would have led me to The White House, I would have told them to shut the __ __!  (I think you can fill in the blanks.)

And when I started this blog - I never imagined any one would read it other than my professor and maybe, my classmates.  But some how, over the last year and a half - people are reading.

So when I was invited to The White House as one of the Top Blogueras - for a White House Policy Briefing/Panel Discussion on Creating an America that is Built to Last.  I was honored.  And I owned it.

Walking up the steps to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building

I am not a public speaker.  I am uncomfortable speaking in front of an audience.  Only when I am truly comfortable with someone, am I at ease speaking.  I always tell people - I am so much better on paper.  On paper, I can get it right.    

When the distinguished panel opened up the discussion for Q & A, I wondered if I should say anything.  I had nothing prepared.  No brilliant question or poignant statement to make.  But I forced myself to raise my hand  (after all there was a chance,  I would not be picked and I could tell myself that I tried) knowing this was a once in a lifetime opportunity.  

But I was picked.  And I had to speak.  

That's ME!  Standing at the podium.
Photo courtesy of AnaRc
“@Autismwonderland advocates for kids with autism in the Bronx #latismatthewh”

I told them my name, my blog name and where I was from.  I very briefly told them about The Boy and our experience with special needs services in The Bronx. I told them how much The Bronx was lacking when it came to special education and appropriate services.  I didn't say anything earth moving or mind blowing - I just voiced my concerns for my child.  

And while I expressed that the Let's Move campaign was a great idea - I told them that a program like that wouldn't be appropriate for a child like mine.  All children can benefit from physical activity - especially children with autism.

My ultimate question:  What does the administration plan on doing for special needs children?


For a recap on the discussion go visit Mommy Maestra here - http://www.mommymaestra.com/2012/05/latina-bloggers-policy-briefing.html   

But there was so much I didn't say.

I could have told them all the things I've been through As a Parent. 

I could have talked about how I Cannot Lose Him.

I could have told them All the things I want for The Boy.

There were so many things I could have said that I didn't say.  

Should have.  Could have.  It doesn't matter.  I said something.  I made my voice heard.  And I got my point across.

  

I've been speaking almost all of my life.  I've been writing for more than half.  

My professor inspired me to start this blog.  

LATISM gave me the opportunity to go to the White House.

The Husband and my family and friends gave me the support I needed to go.  

As for The Boy?  He gave me my voice.  


And I will continue to use my voice to speak up for him, until the time comes when he will speak up for himself.

AutismWonderland Goes to the White House (The First Ever Top Latina Blogger Retreat) #LATISM

Yes, that's right.  THE WHITE HOUSE!


This last week has been insane.  On Friday (5/18) marked 4 years since The Boy's autism diagnosis.  I have a post in draft about that...but with all the last minute preparations, I just couldn't get it done.  But it's coming.  


It's strange the things that can happen in 4 years.  4 years ago, I felt incredibly alone.  There was no one who could understand what I was going through.  In 4 years, I built an amazing community and support system.  And through this blog, I am helping some parents feel less alone.  That feels pretty amazing.  


But back to the White House.  Why am I going, you wonder? 


I was invited to be part of the very first Top Latina Blogger Retreat organized by Latinos in Social Media (LATISM).  And some invitations, a girl just can't turn down.  

Here's a snippet of the press release (to view the full press release visit Latinos in Social Media Latism Announces the First Ever Top Latina Blogger Retreat in Washington D.C.): 

ABOUT THE FIRST EVER TOP LATINA BLOGGER RETREAT

The First-Ever Top Latina Blogger Retreat is an exclusive, by-invitation-only event organized by Latinos in Social Media (LATISM), with the objective of empowering the top voices of the Latina community with the skills and connections they need to turn their blogs into social enterprises and tools for advocacy. The two-day event will include capacity-building and mentoring sessions with top executives from a variety of industries and causes as well as a LATISM-exclusive briefing at the White House. For more information about the First-Ever Latina Blogger Retreat, visit http://blogueras.latism.org/

ABOUT LATISM

Latinos in Social Media (LATISM) is a 501(c) 4 nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing the social, civic and economic status of the Latino community through technology innovation and social media. LATISM also helps to raise awareness among corporate brands, NGOs and government entities about using social media to reach Latinos. Our partnership initiatives include research, event sponsorships, and leadership training. A pioneering social media organization with over 150,000 members in its network, LATISM has been hailed as the most influential online movement in the new multicultural Web. To learn more about the Latinos in Social Media (LATISM) organization, visit http://blog.latism.org      


Sponsors and partners for this event include Johnson & Johnson, Univision, McDonald’s, Mary Kay, Southwest Airlines, Procter and Gamble, Comcast, Fleishman Hillard, Disney/Babble, Macys, Porter Novelli, and Consumer Reports. The event was organized in partnership with Latina Bloggers Connect. 



Check out who else is going (in no particular order):

Mirna Arce http://AhorrosConCupones.com

Rachel Armas http://www.theartmuse.net

Veronica Arreola http://www.vivalafeminista.com

Caryn Bailey  http://rockinmama.net

Elisa Batista http://www.momsrising.org

Jeannette Kaplun http://todobebe.com

Elizabeth Cerezo http://thoughtsofamommy.net

Jessie Nuez http://www.hechoparamama.com

Brenda Cisneros-Dewong http://www.mejorandomihogar.com

Yvonne Condes http://momsla.com  //  http://yvonneinla.com

Janice Correa  http://mamistimeout.com

Marta Maria Darby  http://mybigfatcubanfamily.com

Luciana Gabriela Davidzon de Scher http://www.latinfoodlovers.com/

Laura de Ona http://SolyPimienta.com

Julie Diaz Asper  http://blog.gigcoin.com

Melanie Edwards  http://www.modernmami.com

Ana L. Flores http://spanglishbaby.com

Monique Frausto   http://BlogsbyLatinas.com

Teresa Garza  http://checalamovie.net

Dariela Cruz-Gillespie  http://www.mamitalks.com/

Carolyn Gonzalez  http://www.caroincarolina.com

Maura Hernandez  http://theothersideofthetortilla.com

Eugenia Hurtado  http://www.thewiselatinaclub.com

Jennifer Hutcheson http://mami2mommy.com

Denisse Icaza  http://ahorrosparamama.com

Nadia Jones  http://www.justicejonesie.com/blog

Roraima Lassanske http://www.mamacontemporanea.com

Tracy Lopez http://latinaish.com

Yolanda Machado http://sassymamainla.com

Adriana Maestas http://latinopoliticsblog.com // http://politic365.com

Yvette Marquez http://www.muybuenocookbook.com/

Silvia Martinez  http://www.mamalatinatips.com

Yolanda Mason http://lasblogueras.com

Ruby Wright http://www.growingbilingual.com

Blanca Stella Mejia http://micaminar.com

Melyssa Mendoza http://changeyourliferideabike.blogspot.com/

Raquel Negrón http://thedigitallatina.com

Monica Olivera http://www.MommyMaestra.com

Carmen Ordoñez http://www.vivafashionblog.com

Monica Vila  http://www.TheOnlineMom.com

Maegan Ortiz  http://vivirlatino.com

Helena Osorio-Zavala  http://pinkguayoyo.com

Maria Jose Ovalle  http://www.verybusymamablog.com

Chantilly Patiño  http://www.biculturalmom.com

Angelica Perez http://www.newlatina.net

Mariana Perez http://thedomesticbuzz.com

Carolina Pichardo http://www.youngurbanmoms.com

Lynn Ponder http://webcitygirls.com/

Nicole Presley  http://presleyspantry.com/

Jeannette Quiñones http://www.sazonboricua.com

Lisa Quinones Fontanez http://www.autismwonderland.com/

Flor de Maria Rivera http://flordemariafashion.com/

Migdalia Rivera  http://latinaonamission.com

Vianney Rodriguez http://sweetlifebake.com

Roxana Soto Romero  http://www.spanglishbaby.com

Ericka Sanchez  http://nibblesandfeasts.com/

Mercedes Sanchez http://bechicmag.com/magazine/

Dania Santana Henriquez  http://www.lafamiliacool.com/

Alejandra Suarez  http://www.brandlateen.com/

Eliana Tardio Hurtado  http://www.elianatardio.com

Laura Tellado http://holdinoutforahero.org

Laura Termini  http://www.chicanol.com

Maybelline Valenti  http://www.naturalmentemama.com/

Carrie Ferguson Weir  http://tikitikiblog.com

Ruby Wright  http://www.growingupblackxican.com/