Disclosure: This is a compensated campaign in collaboration with Vi and Va Dolls and Latina Bloggers Connect. However, all experiences and opinions are always 100% my own as this post is written by me in its entirety.

Raising multicultural girls is not an easy task. Teaching them the values and culture of their Russian and Latino heritages is more important to me than teaching them about being American. There is something to be said for bonds of family and friendship that comes from these cultures that I simply do not find in some of my American counterparts.

Growing up I spent a lot of time with my neighbors, when I wasn’t with my own family, who were Peruvian and Argentinian. Every holiday, every occasion, every night for dinner, you could see my neighbors family gathering together to spend time with each other. My neighbors and my family were of different faiths, and cultures, but our beliefs were very much the same, family and friendship was synonymous and the more the merrier at the table.

One of the things I admired most about my neighbor V was her fashion sense. She was older than I by several years so I looked up to her like an older sister and wanted to be just like her. V always looked amazing in what she wore and I was ecstatic the day she let me pick out something from her closet to wear. Everything in her closet was respectful and I admired that.

Recently a new fashion doll line inspired by Latino cultures was launched. Th    e first thing I noticed and was extremely excited about was their wardrobe, it was respectful. These were dolls I could give to my girls to play with and teach them about their Latino culture through. , two teenage sisters, along with their cousins/best friends, Felicia and Roxxi are here to entertain young Latinas and enrich them with self respect and a way to identify themselves with their Latino culture.

Vi and Va were created to help girls honor and embrace their heritage with themes and storytelling that focus both on family and culture. Exclusively available at Target, these 4 girls are sure to light up the imaginations of little Latinas everywhere. Each character has their own unique traits and ambitions.

Va is 15 and loves learning to cook from her mother and grandmothers. She reminds me of my Em who loves to help out in the kitchen. Va loves trying out new hairstyles and making herself look unique with ribbons and flowers in her hair. She’s also neat and organized, a trait that I would definitely want for my girls to follow! Her older sister Vi is 16 and loves creating new styles as a fashion designer. She’s also passionate about music and plays the guitar. Vi isn’t shy about hitting the strings in front of the entire family during gatherings because shes spontaneous and easy going. Va and Vi’s cousins Felicia and Roxxi are just as talented. Felicia is 17 and an artist, and cousin Roxxi is 18 and a dancer.

When the girls get together, every day is an adventure and a reason to celebrate the bonds of family and friendship. Each girls has her own special talent to share with your little girl. My girls really had a blast role playing with Vi, Va, Felicia and Roxxi. Together we played out each character’s storyline and the girls took turns sharing the dolls with each other. We swapped outfits, instruments and shoes!

For older girls getting ready to celebrate their quince, the new Vi and Va fashion doll line has a special birthday party / quinceanera collection where the family celebrates Vi turning 16 and Va turning 15 with a combined family party celebration. Celebrating birthdays, especially a quince is such an important milestone in the Latino culture. Ethnic diversity in the toys that the girls play with is an important component to their upbringing. Being able to identify with an imagination building experience is crucial. Even my Yin/Yang girls can relate and identify with at least one of these dolls due to the variations in skin color, hair color and eye color. The Vi and Va dolls bring into perspective another important lesson in that our little Latinas cannot be stereotyped based on their appearance.

You can find the full assortment of “Vi and Va” fashion dolls at Target stores and on Target.com. I just visited the Target site and noticed that the dolls are on sale, so be sure to check them out! You can visit the official Vi and Va Dolls website for more information. Get social with the girls by following them on Twitter and liking them Facebook. 

I would love to learn more about your culture, tell something about your culture that you love! Leave a comment below letting me about your culture, family, holidays, anything!

Side note: There are small parts, like the removable earrings, so please use your best judgment when giving these dolls to younger children. Additionally, when removing the dolls from the packaging, please make sure to check the back of the dolls head for packaging material that may remain intact.

Win It with Vi and Va!

One lucky reader will be randomly selected to receive a Vi and Va Birthday Celebration Doll Set, ARV $30! The Vi and Va Giveaway will run from 4/28/15 – 5/11/15 at 11:59pm EST. All entrants must be at least 18 years of age or older. This giveaway is open to residents of the United States. The prize may be sent via FedEx or USPS. No P.O. Boxes please. Only one entrant per email address, ip address or home address. If you have won this prize on another blog, you may be ineligible to win again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. All entries are optional; however, the more tasks you complete the greater your chances of winning. Confirmed Winner(s), via Random.org, will be contacted by email. Winner(s) have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. You must use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: This is sponsored post in collaboration with Vi and Va Dolls and Latina Bloggers Connect. However, all opinions expressed are my own. I received product samples like the ones mentioned above, with additional compensation for sharing this post and giveaway. Regardless, I only share products that I truly believe in and use for my family, that I feel will be a good fit for you the reader. The sponsor of this event will be responsible for fulfillment of the prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. This event is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media network. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.