First Annual Hispanicize Topgolf Tournament

Last month, I celebrated another year of life.  I had a few things on my birthday list.  One of the things I have had on my list was to try Topgolf.

Thanks to Topgolf for hosting the First Annual Hispanicize Topgolf Tournament.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

My husband, son, and I were invited to participate in this friendly competition between influencers as part of one of the events for Hispanicize Texas 2017.  One thing our family loves to do is partake in competitions.  Win or lose, we were up for the challenge.

First, we had to pick a team and a team name.  The three of us from my family partnered with Cynthia from Grasstainz.  We could not come up with a team name but my husband threw out the name Too Much Pressure and it stuck.  Each team selected a bay to play at.  There are over 100+ climate-controlled hitting bays to choose from.

We hit some practice rounds to get the feel of things.  Three of our team members, including me, were newbies.  We really did not know what we were doing at all, but we had nothing to worry about.  Miguel, certified pro instructor at the Katy location, was available to help us and gave us great tips and tricks for us to use.

Topgolf 101 - Blue = Ladies Black = Men (kids clubs are available too)

The black clubs are slighter longer than the blue clubs.

FORM-It is important to pay attention to your stance just like in any sport.  Buttie out, knees bent.

FOCUS-Keep your eye on the ball.  Even when you are about to swing.

FOOD-No worries.  Topgolf has a full service restaurant and bar.

FUN-You do not have to be a pro.  From the smallest member of your family to the most veteran golfer, you will all have fun.  Topgolf is a great place for family and friends to hangout and have fun.

Oh and about that competition, wanna know where we placed?

Too Much Pressure won 2nd place.  Not bad for three newbies.  Yeah, I told you the tips Miguel gave us really did help us out.  You too can book golf lessons with one of the certified pros starting at $29.

For more information, go to topgolf.com.

Again, thanks to Topgolf for hosting not only our family but all the other influencers, families, and friends.  Thanks to the DiMe Media and Hispanicize team for planning such a great event in Houston.

Hispanicize Texas 2017

In 2011, I attended my very first Hispanicize event in California.  Little did I know that after that I would have a little surprise in my oven.  With me almost losing Lil Bit and my near death experience after birth, I truly cherish my family time.  Traveling without my family for work or conferences went to the back burner.  This is why I appreciate when conferences come to Texas.

Even better when they come to my home town of Houston.  According to census reports, Houston is the biggest metropolis city in Texas.  It is the 4th most populous city in the United States.

Thanks to the all the people that made this happen.  Especially Manny Ruiz, founder of Hispanicize.  Hispanicize Texas 2017 was hosted at Silver Street Studios with a full schedule of panels, brand/creator meet and greets, and unlimited opportunities.  A wonderful event that gathered creators, influencers, and entrepreneurs all under one roof.

And if you know Latinos, we go everywhere with family.  So nobody gets left behind.  This includes our Latinitos who are paving their own way.  Sessions were available for the tween/teen creators.

It is also a conference that celebrates our culture.  You know it is not a Latino event unless there is music and dancing because wherever we go, there is always a party.

(Thanks to United for helping celebrate our culture)

(Thanks to Kroger for the delicious treats)

One of my most favorite things is seeing the comadres/compadres.  It is like a family reunion.  We come from far and wide.  It is crazy how many friendships I have made online through social media.

And did I tell you, there is always an after party.

(closing night reception - Henke and Pillot featuring Valerie Ponzio from The Voice, Team Blake)

Hispanicize-Thanks Buick and OnStar

Do you remember the first car you bought? I do, it was a Metallic Blue Chevy Blazer. I remember the day like it was yesterday. I had gotten into a car accident in my used, previously own car I was driving, not a Chevy. The brakes went out. They locked up on me. It was a drizzly day. I had just gotten out of work, and was trying to get on the highway. I hit the brakes, and nothing. I hit the hand brake and nothing. Next thing you know, the entire front end of my little, bitty car was under a big farm truck's bed. No one was injured, except that my car was a gonner. The next day, we headed to the dealer and I walked off the lot with my 1st new truck. I was so scared to get into a car after the accident and the truck just seem like the right fit. I did not know what I was going to purchase when I got to the lot but I knew it was going to be a Chevy. After walking around the lot, my son and I made the decision to get our truck. And yes, my son helped me decide what vehicle we would be buying. I live in Texas and I am a Chevy Girl.

Do you know how much we love our Chevy cars? Meet Chevy Rolet Garza. This is our dog. When we were thinking of names, we could not agree on a name. Until my son said he wanted to name our dog, Chevy Rolet like our truck. First name Chevy. Middle name Rolet. My son was 8 yrs old when we got him, and he thought Chevrolet, one word, was actually 2, Chevy Rolet. And after we laughed, and laughed, we all decided that was the perfect name.

In 2009, after putting so many miles into my truck driving from Texas to Florida, and everywhere in between, my husband and I decided I needed a new truck. We looked and looked. I could not see over the dashboards. There was just nothing I really liked, so we almost bought me another Chevy Blazer when my husband found a truck online for me. The GMC Terrain had just come out and was only available at some dealers. We went the same day to see it and drove off in my brand new 2010 GMC Terrain. By the way my GMC Terrain's name is T-Rex. My T-Rex and I go everywhere together. One of the features I love in my truck is the OnStar. You never know what could happen and just knowing I have OnStar gives me confidence that they will unlock my car or call EMS if ever needed. Like the time my mom was T-boned by a car and was left unconcious at the scene of the accident. Or the time a friend of ours accidently lock the car behind her, while her son was sitting in the car seat.
So now that you know that our family loves GMC, Chevy, and Onstar let me tell you of my experience...

Buick came to Hispanicize and allowed us to check out some of their vehicles. I love the experience because I was able to check out the goods of the vehicles before purchasing. Funny thing, my husband and I are currently shopping for a new vehicle since he doesn't want to put more miles on his cherished Chevy Impala which he thinks is a classic. We are looking for an everyday car, and one I can also drive if needed. Again, I must be able to see over the dashboard. If you know me, I have short legs and drive with my seat all the way up. I think I found our next purchase...which by the way if you did not know Buick is part of the GM family. I really liked the Buick Regal and it was in my favorite color, Blue! And the best thing of all, no pushy salesman trying to make his quota for the day or to sell me anything.

I wanted to Thank Buick and Onstar for providing transportation in their vehicles to one of our events. Check out the cars lined up waiting for us...

Do you see the Blue Chevrolet Silverado truck? Out of pure coincidence, this is the truck that drove us to our event. The driver hit the OnStar button. The operator greeted him. He told him where we were going, and OnStar sent the directions to the truck. I, having never driven in Los Angeles, could have not gotten lost with these directions. I was cold so the driver showed me, the dual air control system where I was able to control the temperature on my side. On the way back we rode in the Buick Regal. It was a very comfortable ride.

Disclosure-No compensation was received. This is a post about my honest experiences. Again a special Thank you to our drivers, Buick, OnStar, the wonderful ladies who greeted us and talk to us about the Buick vehicles, and to GM for making great cars!

I am attending Hispanicize 2011

It is the 2nd Annual Hispanic PR and Social Media Conference. Next week on April 6-8, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. This conference will have 32 sessions, and more than 80 speakers, keynoters like Edward James Olmos and panels in Hispanic public relations, social media and bloggers.

I cannot wait to meet and greet some of the elite Latina and Latino bloggers from all over the United States. I am also excited to learn from everyone, the sessions, trainings, and boot camp. Again this will be my first conference.

So stay tuned to my blog next week, as I blog live from Hollywood, California. Follow me @independentmami and #HISPZ11, for conference updates.

Any advice? Have you been to a conference? What was the good, and what was the bad? What do you want to hear about? Since this is my first conference I will be taking plenty of notes on everything. I will try and bring everything back to this blog and let you in. I love blogging. I have met a great group of bloggers who have helped me. But then there are those that only help themselves. Just recently I asked for help from some bloggers with my media kit (becuase I do not have one), sponsorship (because I am not rich but really wanted to attend this conference and learn), and just some place to start, again this being my first ever conference. Leave a comment with questions, advice, or just comments.

Thanks!

Quien es Independentmami, The face behind the name?

Hola mi gente! My blogger name is Independent Mami. Where did I come up with that? De donde me salio ese nombre? Es lo primero que se me metio a la cabesa cuando pense quien soy yo. Una mama independiente. But my real name is Alba. Yo soy la cara detraes de este nombre, detraes de este blog, y detraes de las letras. Yo soy Alba. Nacida en El Salvador. Yeah, I know I don't sound like it. Mi mama se immigro a los Estados Unidos para dar me a mi el Ultimate Dream. LLegue a los 4 anos al lugar magico. Yo soy la hermana mayor y tengo tres hermanos menores. Me gradue de la high school con Honors, la #10 de mi clase. Yo fui la primera persona que se graduo. Antendi el colegio pero mi certificado de graduacion tiene 12 anos y se llama Mateo. Mateo es mi unico hijo, a cual hecido mama soltera toda su vida. La vida hacido dificil pero son lecciones para aprender. Hace cuatro anos conoci a mi esposo por el internet. hahahhaha... Si oyeron bien. Myspace era popular antes. Yo y el fuimos a la mismas escuelas para middle school y high school. Nos conociamos por nombre pero nada mas. Que chistosa es la vida y el circulo que damos. El ano pasado nos casamos en frente de toda nuestra familia y todos nuestros amigos. Yo soy Cinderella y el es mi Prince solo que nuestro castillo esta pequeno y en Houston, TX. Y como les digo todo comenso por el internet. El internet...what a magical place....it can make dreams come true sometimes...

Yo estoy escribiendo este blog post para ser entra en el concurso para ganar un pase a la conferencia Hispanicize 2011. Hispanicize 2011 esta en su segundo ano. Este ano va hacer en Los Angeles, California. A cual nunca he hido, no mas en mis suenos. Hispanicize es para cualquiera persona en Social Media para la communidad hispana. Hispanicize tambien es para blogueras y blogueros. (Hello, I'm a blogger) Va hacer de Abril 6 a Abril 8. (Ok, I know that is opening day for the Astros. But I am willing to forfeit going to the one thing I look forward to all year long. I go to opening day every year. I never miss it. Opening Day is an event we do, and tickets have already been purchased. Pero saben que? Que, I want to go to Hispanicize more than I want to go to opening day) Va haber 32 sesiones de differentes temas. Yo comense este blog en el Octubre del 2008. Con la poca ayuda de unas blogueras que conosi. Pero nunca me imagine el mundo que se me hiba ha abrir por el internet. He conocido ha mucha gente de differentes lugares. Aunque yo no he viajado por todo los Estados Unidos, por los blogs si puedo vizualizar. Yo comense ha escribir mi blog para desaogarme, para soltar todo lo tenia por dentro, sin pensar quien hiba estar leyendo. Despues de 2 anos de estar escribien, no siento que he aprendido todo. Lo poco que he aprendido me tiene quieriendo aprender mas. Yo escribo de lo que pasa en mi vida. Yo escribo de causas que son importantes para mi. Yo pruebo productos, escribo de ellos, y asta habeses los regalo. Yo escribo de cosas y temas de mi communidad. Escribo de el ejercicio y nutricion. I can't forget fashion and make-up, hello I'm a girl. Mis categorias serian Miscellaneous porque hablo de todo, pero de summary FAMILY, FITNESS, and FASHION. El ano pasado tube el privilegio de conocer a un grupo de blogueras Latinas. Este grupo es un grupo especial. Me hicieron sentir como una de ellas en solos unas pocas horas. Rory, Mama Contemporanea es un de ellas. Mama Contemporanea esta regalando un pase para la conferencia Hispanicize. Y ella esta preguntado por quiero ir a esta conferencia?

Why do I want to attend a conference just for hispanics? Porque? Estoy loca a querer ir a una conferencia establecida para unir, ayudar, ensenar, educar, aprender, communicar, charlar, hablar, conocer, descubrir, aplicar, consumir, etc... Yo soy hispana. Esta conferencia es para mi. Yo quiero absorber mas de este mundo y ayudar a nuestra communidad. Yo soy una voz. Quiero aprendar ha usar esta voz. Unidos podemos aser mucho. (SI SE PUEDE! SI SE PUEDE!) Yo me quiero unir a esta revolucion de Hispanicize. Yo quiero ir a Hispanicize. Pick me. Pretty, pretty please con una cherry on top!