Election 2012

Hello Queens (Hola Reinas):

It is election day.  We will be heading to the polls to cast our votes to decide the direction/future of our
country.   It is imperative that all of us participate in the political process, because many have died for our right to vote.  Please go out and exercise your right!  There are too many issues that we confront as women that are at stake in this election cycle, including the appointment of Supreme Court Justices.
As a person that follow politics very closely, I am excited to participate in a post-election town hall meeting tomorrow,  November 7th, 2012 @AndersonLive to discuss how the election results will impact jobs, taxes and healthcare.  I will be voicing my perspective as a mom blogger.  I am confident that our country will be moving FORWARD! Follow me on twitter @LareinaRita.  Tune in to Channel 5(Fox 5) at 12:00 noon to the Anderson Live show.

Launch of ChicRebellion.TV

Hola Reinas (Hello Queens):

 

It is with great pleasure that I announce to you the launch of ChicRebellion.tv, a network dedicated to women of color.  My dear friend, Karen-Taylor Bass, the PR expert and founder of The Brand New Mommy is the host of Brand: Mom- an authentic show about motherhood.  Please check out her first episode with Melinda Williams and support the network.

http://chicrebellion.tv/video/lifestyle/malinda-williams-motherhood-and-more 

Congratulations to Karen Taylor-Bass on your new endeavor!
 

Karen, you are simply FABULOUS!

 “Always looking forward to connecting and moving forward in this gift called life” -Karen Taylor- Bass.

 

Candidate for NYS Assembly-District 22

 

I had the honor to interview Milagros Vicente democratic candidate for New York State Assembly.  She is originally from the South Bronx, but she moved her family to Valley Stream/Nassau County to provide them with a better quality of life.  She is a wife, mother of three children, and a compassionate human being who advocates for children with special needs.

Milagros did not hesitate to utilize her experience in New York City politics and quickly became involved in local politics in the community.  She was instrumental in the election of a local politician.  In addition, she was involved and led the efforts of “Save the 5^th Precinct” rallies.

Milagros is passionate about maintaining the quality of life in the community.  For example, she wants to preserve services for children/persons with special needs like Able-Ride.  She also wants to create responsible and sustainable economic development for the community. 

If you are a registered democrat, please come out on September 13^th to exercise your right to vote.  To read more about Milagros Vicente, visit her website at www.friendsofmilagros.com-
Get Involved, Be Active, and Be Heard!

Happy Birthday To My Son!

Hola Reinas:

On August 8th, 2012 my son turned seven years old. It was British Soccer Camp week, so I surprised him with a cake and pizza for his group.  I must say that I have had a birthday party each year since his birth. But, last year my husband and I announced that it was our last year throwing a birthday party. Therefore, I decided to bring the cake and pizza to his camp site.  My son was joyful and extremely grateful. Moreover, he said to me, "Mommy, you are the best mom in the world." So the reason that I am blogging about this is to inform mommies that children are not as difficult to satisfy as we often think.

Reinas, you can do the same for your children if you are in a tight budget or do not have the time to organize a birthday bash. It is simple and cost-effective to bring the party to school, summer camp, or the park. But most importantly, your child is content that his or her birthday was acknowledged and celebrated.  Frequently, kids do not notice the difference between a big birthday bash or the alternative which is a win-win situation.

Useful Tips: It is not necessary to spend a great deal of money on a cake. BJ's has an inexpensive bakery that custom make cakes. Pizza is always an inexpensive meal for a birthday party. Simply place the order in advance from your local pizzeria.

I am all about providing tips to moms to make their lives easier and less stressful. So I hope that you find this information useful.
Happy Stress Free Birthday Celebration! I certainly enjoyed it!

'Sparkle' In The City

Hola Reinas (Hello Queens):

Ready to ‘Sparkle’ in the City? WIN a pair of Tickets!

 

We are joining forces with The Brand New Mommy blog to bring you ‘Sparkle’ in the city.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE~ Sparkle In the City

Join us on Friday, August 17th as we witness movie history and hold each other as we say goodbye to Whitney Houston on the big screen, and, learn how to make our dreams sparkle in the big city.

Details: Friday, August 17, 2012~ 5:30pm- Cocktails @ Aloft Harlem (2296 Frederick Douglass Boulevard) *We are providing the cupcakes from Tonni’s Minis
7:00pm-ish – “Sparkle” @ Magic Johnson Theater (across the street from hotel)
*(2) free tickets will be given away complimentary courtesy of The Brand New Mommy & La Reina Afro-Latina.
Simply like us on Facebook-, La Reina Afro-Latina,  The Brand New Mommy
Follow us on Twitter-, @LareinaRita, @thebrandnewmom
Send us a COMMENT and let us know we are CONNECTED!

Winner will be announced on Thursday, August 16th on both blogs.
*Free parking is usually available on the streets
Purchase your movie ticket and cocktail and bring stub to receive your “Sparkle” in the city admission.
Looking forward to sparkling in the city with you!

Queens Mocha Moms 10th Anniversary

Hola Reinas ( Hello Queens):

On August 2, 2012, Queens Mocha Moms celebrated their 10th anniversary in an all-white affair under the stars overseeing the 59th Street Bridge at Penthouse 808.  It was simply AWESOME! We gathered in sisterhood and friendship with a common purpose to celebrate TEN thriving years as a chapter and support group for mothers of color.  I have been a member for seven years and served on the executive board twice.  Consequently, this important milestone has meant a great deal to me.  Moreover, I am honored to serve as Vice-President and thankful for the enthusiasm and support that the membership body has displayed during the course of this year.

Happy 10^th Anniversary Queens Mocha Moms!

Leaders

Simply Beautiful Mochas

Soror and Mocha Iva Wilson-English

Queens Mocha Moms

Executive Board

Mocha DADS

ReNew YOU

One of my proudest moments as Vice-President of Queens Mocha Moms, was coordinating with the help of my dynamic executive board, the Spring ReNew You Beauty and Fashion Show Event on April 28, 2012.  As a leader,  I felt the need to create an event that focussed on beauty and fashion where moms will have an opportunity to Rip the pink carpet as models in elegant gowns designed by one our own mocha Charmaine Mischel Couture.
The Women/Mothers graced the runway feeling beautiful as well as CONFIDENT.  For me, it was mission accomplished because that is what I am all about- uplifting and inspiring women.    

The Spring ReNew You Event was a FABULOUS event for all the women who attended.   It was filled with Fashion and Make-Up Tips by Naima Smith, and Hair Tips by Khadija James.  Hosted by Karen Taylor-Bass-The PR Expert and founder of the blog -The Brand New Mommy.  

Ms. Chu the deejay entertained the crowd with great musical selections.  Check out her latest tips on nightlife in Long island as seen in Hempstead Living Magazine. 
http://issuu.com/hempsteadcda/docs/hl_sum12_f?mode=window&pageNumber=26

*Women must invest time in self-care.  Tips on how to free up time to take care of the WOMAN in YOU:

• Delegate chores to husband/partner or teenage kids.
• Get help if you can afford it, a nanny, a housekeeper, or reach out to friends and family.
• Allow DADS to take a more active role in your child's life. They too should drive the kids around for their extra curriculum activities when possible. 
• Do not be an over sacrificing woman/mother who takes on the world on your own, because you will be exhausted.
• Learn to SAY NO.  There is no need to explain yourself.  Just say NO!  I can't do it!
• Now, you have plenty of time to take care of yourself and do things that will reinvigorate and ReNew YOU like a  manicure/pedicure, massage, makeover, etc.  Enjoy your ME time!

  *Remember - A Happy Woman equals A Happy Family!
 

Simply Beautiful Reinas