Spanish Friday - Barato!

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This post is written in Spanish for Spanish Friday at Latinaish.com. The English version is below. You can also use the Google translator on the sidebar to translate the entire page in Spanish. If you would like to participate follow the Spanish Friday link.

A mi encanta cuando encuentro algo bien barato que he esperado a comprar por un buen tiempo por que no he tenido suficiente dinero. Tu sabes como es, cuentas, comida y artículos personales son primero. El año pasado me dí de cuenta que yo puedo comprar un libro de citas bien barato en una tienda de 99¢ que hay por aquí. Si claro tengo que esperar un mes después que empieza el año para que los empiezen a vender, pero me cuesta solamente $1.89! Comparado con $8.99 a $11.99,  que es lo que me cuesta cuando lo compro en Target o más caro si lo compro en otra tienda. Como pueden ver en las fotos, tiene todo lo que necesito. La primera página es plástica, con calendarios desde 2011 hasta 2013. La última página es plástica tambíén, con los días feriados desde 2012 hasta 2015. Que yo sepa no tiene nada malo para que los vendan tan barato. Como que le falte un día a una de las páginas (como he encontrado en los calendarios que he recibido gratis por correo de Betty Crocker or alguíen más) o algo así. Los venden en diferentes tamaños, pero escogí este porque no quiero que ocupe mucho espacio. Me encanta tener cosas de oficinas!


I love when I find something really cheap that I have waited to buy for some time because I haven't had enough money. You know how it is, bills, food and personal items come first. Last year I noticed that I can buy an appointment book really cheap at a 99¢ store around here. Of course I have to wait a month after the year starts for them to start selling them, but it only costs $1.89! Compared with $8.99 to $11.99, that's how it is if I buy it at Target or more expensive if I buy it at another store. As you can see in the photos, it has everything I need. The first page is plastic, with the calendars from 2011 to 2013. The last page is also plastic, with the holidays from 2012 to 2015. That I know of there is nothing wrong with it for them to sell it so cheap. Like a missing day to one of the pages (like I found on free calendars I have received in the mail from Betty Crocker or someone else) or something like that. They sell it in different sizes, but I chose this one because I don't want it to take a lot space. I love having office stuff!






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My Top Entrecard Droppers - Thank You!

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I want to thank my top Entrecard (in no particular order) droppers for taking time to pass by my little corner. Here is my link love to their blogs. Check them out, each of them different in their own unique way!

For new bloggers who doesn't know what Entrecard is. It is a way to increase traffic to your site. You add the Entrecard widget advertising other sites on your homepage. When you drop on other sites and other sites buy ads to advertise on yours, you earn credits. You then use those credits to advertise your site. It's that simple. Want to know more about Entrecard, click here. I have been using it since I started blogging and have found many great blogs.

Confessions of a Psychotic Housewife
Sparkle
eastcoastlife
Digital Rebel350
the way I see it
The Natural State Hawg
Dream Share
Fotografia Actual
Life, In My Own Backyard
Funky Town Disco Music


image credit: my cute graphics

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Keep Your Data Safe When Telecommuting.

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Every Day Connected: Work

From the Editors of Every Day Connected

Thanks to the Web, more and more people are working remotely -- from home or anywhere. But not commuting anymore doesn't mean you don't have the same security issues that your corporate-office counterparts do. Here's how to protect your data, devices and computer without an IT department:

1. Back up your data in the cloud.
It’s easy to lose all your work: One computer virus or hard-disk-drive meltdown, and your important files may vanish forever. That’s why, when working from home, backup is crucial. Instead of depending on bulky hardware, try the many cloud services on the Web. They back up new content every night while you sleep, keeping your files safe and allowing you access from any computer at any time.

"Backup used to be cost-prohibitive," says Phil Montero, founder and CEO of an online resource called You Can Work From Anywhere. But these days, many online services charge as little as $50 per year, depending on your needs. Mozy even offers certain amounts of backup for free. If you’re only backing up documents, Google Docs is another good bet.

2. Protect your computer and critical files.
If your employer issues you a PC or laptop to use at home, they'll often install security software or a Web-based security service to block viruses or bar hackers. But if you are self-employed, the burden of protecting your computer and data from the increasing array of online security threats falls squarely on your shoulders.

When choosing a cloud-based security service, be sure it protects your computer with antivirus, spyware and firewall programs. It should also constantly updates to protect you against evolving threats.

You should also limit your family members’ access to your work computer. "You have to be sure that the really critical stuff isn't made accessible to someone who shouldn't have access to it," says Jack M. Nilles, founder of JALA International, a global telecommuting consulting company. "That includes the kids getting on your computer and downloading something [harmful]."

Finally, keep passwords and ID numbers private so they don’t fall into the wrong hands.

3. Seamlessly collaborate with others.
Whether you work on your home computer once a week or full time, if you need to share files with colleagues, synchronization tools can help ensure you (or your team) are working on the correct or latest version of a document. The “old” way to do this was to copy the files from your home computer onto an external hard drive, CD or thumb drive and install them on your work computer. But this process sets you up for accidentally writing over the most recent files -- and what if this external backup device you were depending on is destroyed or lost?

Cloud services enable you to sync automatically to ensure speedy backups. Or try Microsoft’s FolderShare, which allows you to synchronize files with colleagues over the Web.

There's no doubt to the benefits of Web to the home office worker. That said, you want to be smart about security issues. To really cover your bases, in addition to backing up and securing your data, Niles also says it's important to get a clear protocol from your company or clients: "We recommend that telecommuters working for a company have a formal agreement specifically stating who is responsible for what." This way, you can always fall back on the agreed-upon security plan for your best-quality work away from your IT department.


Like this article?   Follow us @EveryDayConnect


Photo Credit: @iStockphoto.com/ChristopherBernard

More info on Learn more about secure online living from our sponsor, Webroot.




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Wait, What?

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I'm so HAPPY the weather has cool down a lot this week. Sorry for all the Spring lovers out there. I am enjoying it. I said before that I need a fan on all night to be able to sleep. My good fan broke back in December so I decided before it gets hot and everyone flocks to the stores to get fans, I was going to get mine. Been reading reviews and looking at Target, Best Buy and Bed Bath and Beyond. I have been trying to find my old fan, but so far nada. I decided to get the Holmes Stand Fan, so I went to Target last week determined to get one.

I called the store ahead of time to find out if they had the fan, but it seems like they are too busy to pick up the phone. I called four times and no one picked up, so off I went to Target. I went at night of course, like vampires that we are, lol. I got everything I needed before heading to get the fan. So I'm running like a chicken without a head looking for a fan and nothing. I asked one of the guys who works there, he then tells me that they don't have them on display yet. I was like, wait what? Duh! It never occurred to me that it's not hot enough for them to sell fans yet. Even though Bed Bath and Beyond already are selling fans. I was so disappointed.

It is hell for me to go out, so when I do I want to do as much as I can. Go everywhere possible. Thank God that when we went it was foggy and a bit chilly so there weren't a lot of people. I took some pictures (one below) when we were leaving around 10:50PM. As you can see we were practically the only ones leaving at that time. There were more people inside Target still and a few walking around. The mall closes early besides Target, they close at 11PM! I so love that. Wish the other stores would close at 10PM but most of them close at 9PM.

Hopefully this week I will be able to get one. If anyone happens to know when they are going to be for sale, please let me know. I called to ask but I got transferred and no one picked up on the other end. It sucks, I'm going to keep calling of course. Coño, so much mierda just to buy a fan!






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Get Your Kids Excited About Learning Spanish.

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Expert QA

My mother’s watching my 8-year-old soon, and while they have bonded, there’s one problem: My mom only speaks Español, and my daughter doesn’t want to learn! How can I encourage my daughter?

From the Editors of Las Fabulosas

One of the best ways to connect your child to her Latino heritage is to teach her Spanish. “Like any other skill you’re teaching your child, it requires time, patience and perseverance,” says Jacqueline Valencia Rodriguez, a therapist in New York City. Try these tips to make it fun.

1. Create games. “Play a game in the teaching moments,” says Rodriguez. One idea? Speak in Spanish about your kids, and then have them figure out what you’re saying. Or try tongue twisters such as “R con R cigarro.”

2. New tradition. Pick a Spanish-only day. Tell your kids that anyone who wants to speak and be heard today needs to speak Spanish, including parents and siblings. Remember “Los Pollitos”? Teach a Spanish nursery rhyme and sing along.

3. Learn the culture. Experiencing our culture and the beautiful music while speaking Spanish will cement their language skills. “Organize a trip to your native country at least once a year,” says Rodriguez.


Francesca Velasquez is a first-time contributor to Las Fabulosas.




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Is Free Public Wi-Fi Safe?

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Every Day Connected: Work

From the Editors of Every Day Connected

If you work remotely or travel a lot for your job, you probably take advantage of free public Wi-Fi often. Unfortunately, that probably means you’re regularly opening up your devices and your data to serious security threats. And if you’re a heavy user of cloud services, which often store your data on a remote server rather than your computer, Wi-Fi security is even more crucial.

Most people these days have password-protected networks at home, so it’s unlikely that anybody is able to snoop on your data as it passes between your device and your router. But when you’re surfing the Web via a free public Wi-Fi at a cafe, library or airport, you should be suspicious of everyone, says technology consultant Leo Notenboom of Ask-Leo.com. “It’s trivially easy for any of them to be watching your unencrypted information flying by.”

Here’s what you need to know to stay safe next time you’re surfing on a free public Wi-Fi connection.

Free Public Wi-Fi Tip No. 1: Turn on your firewall.
The cafe might use firewall software to protect your computer from outside attacks, but that doesn’t protect you from other people surfing around the same Wi-Fi network inside the cafe. Be sure your computer’s firewall is turned on.

Free Public Wi-Fi Tip No. 2: Protect your smartphone or tablet.
If your smartphone or tablet connects to Wi-Fi networks, require it to ask your permission before joining any network. A lot of people never change the default network name, so if you logged on to your friend’s “linksys” network, your device will remember that and could automatically join any network of the same name in the future -- unless you tell it to ask your permission first.

Free Public Wi-Fi Tip No. 3: Use strong encryption.
Encryption works by disguising data that your computer wirelessly sends to a router. Without it, that person sitting near you at the cafe could use special software to intercept and see all the data that travels back and forth between your device and the router. And that means everything: emails, passwords and things you search for. That’s why it’s imperative, says Notenboom, to use encrypted sites when possible.

How do you know when a site offers encryption? Instead of “http” at the beginning of the address, you’ll see “https.” You’ll also see a little padlock icon in your browser window, usually on the bottom right.

What else should you consider encrypting?

• Your email. If you use a locally installed email program such as Outlook or Entourage, you can protect your mail and passwords by using something called SSL (secure sockets layer) on each of your accounts. This encrypts all your data when you send and receive email. Not all email providers allow the use of SSL, though, so check your provider’s help page.

• Your Facebook and Twitter pages. Facebook and Twitter recently began offering encrypted sessions; just go into your account settings and find the option that says “Always use https.”

• Your Google search. If you think the keywords you’re searching could be embarrassing or you prefer to keep your privacy, try the secure version of Google search. Instead of going to Google.com, do all of your searching at Encrypted.Google.com.

• Everything. Consider a VPN service. VPN stands for virtual private network and encrypts everything you send and receive. You can download free mobile VPN software from such a site as Hotspot Shield and everything -- instant messages, passwords, emails and websites -- will be virtually impenetrable to prying eyes whenever you’re using a free public Wi-Fi connection. Or if your employer offers its own VPN, always connect to it through your computer or mobile device.

“That guy in the corner of Starbucks with his laptop -- do you trust him with your private data?” asks Notenboom. Follow these Wi-Fi safety tips, and you won’t ever have to ever wonder.


Like this article? Follow us @EveryDayConnect

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Happy Blogoversary To Me!

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Today my blog turns three! Hard to believe I started it three years ago, although I had another blog before this one so I have been blogging for four years. Kind of proud to have been blogging this long. I thought, who is going to want to read about the little that I share about my life. My life is kind of boring for the most part, lol. I almost stopped blogging a few times but I'm glad I didn't.

I have met (not in person) many wonderful (some not so nice) people along the way, some I know from before blogging, when message boards where the it thing. Some I consider what I call online friends. It's a community that keeps getting bigger and bigger as you discover new blogs. I hope to be blogging for three more years if not more. Then again, who knows maybe blogs won't be the it thing in three years from now. We'll see, but for now I'm happy to have my little corner in the world wide web.♥♥



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Spotlight on JoAnna Garcia Swisher.

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Las Fabulosas: Success

By Shirley Velásquez for Las Fabulosas


JoAnna Garcia Swisher’s star is rising. Landing the top role in an upcoming comedy pilot, the actress will lead a primetime show once again.

The Florida-born Latina got her first big break in high school when she was cast on Nickelodeon’s “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” Ever since then, she has starred in hit shows, such as “Reba,” “Privileged” and “Gossip Girl.” But it was playing Mia Putney, the lead in the hit comedy “Better With You,” that secured her place as a young comedic actress to watch.

If the 32-year-old’s work accomplishments impress, then her off-camera efforts inspire. Last June, Garcia Swisher teamed up with Merck to launch the Let’s Go There campaign, an initiative to encourage women to talk to their doctors about birth control options. “As the daughter of an OB/GYN, I learned from an early age the importance of educating myself to better understand my health options,” said Garcia Swisher last summer.

To top it off, last Thanksgiving, Garcia Swisher and her husband -- New York Yankees outfielder Nick Swisher -- finally took their overdue honeymoon (they married in December 2010) to Afghanistan. But this wasn’t just an adventurous trip to a rugged country. They were there to cheer on the troops. “I think we had about eight different Thanksgiving meals,” said Garcia Swisher afterward. “We’ve made friends for a lifetime.”

Photo:  Getty Images


Shirley Velásquez  is an editor and writer at ELLE magazine. She has contributed to Woman’s Day, Glamour, InStyle, Latina, The New York Sun, and Border-line Personalities, an anthology of essays written by Latina writers. She is a frequent contributor to Las Fabulosas.



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Katy Perry Music Video - Part Of Me

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This is the latest music video from Katy Perry. I love this song a lot. I so can relate! Although she says she wrote it before she met Russell Brand (her ex-husband) it sounds like she wrote it just for him. Who knows. I did the same thing she did in the video for the army, after I separated from my first husband. Problem was, I needed to loose 30 pounds, lol. I never lost the weight and I'm glad I didn't at the time. My poor kids would've had to stay with my mother. She treated them like shit while I was going to school, imagine if I had to be away for months at a time. Dios sabe lo que hace!

Anyway, check out the video. It is very empowering, at least for me it is! My thoughts and prayers to all the women/men who risk their lives daily for this country. What do you think? Do you like the video? 

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Put la Familia on the Health Track.

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Las Fabulosas: Success

By Robyn Moreno for Las Fabulosas

With young kids, it can often be difficult to incorporate healthy nutrition into your kids’ diet as well as your own. We asked experts for easy tips on helping your kids -- and yourself -- successfully stay healthy and perform better.

Start Your Day off Right
“Eating a healthy breakfast is the single most important thing you can do,” says Barbara Mendez, a New York City–based nutritionist and pharmacist. From cereals to scones, 99 percent of what we eat has way too much sugar. Instead, Mendez recommends plain oatmeal with fresh fruit and cinnamon, which regulates your metabolism and burns fat. Another fast recipe is to make mini- frittatas (baked omelets) in muffin pans. You can individually wrap them and eat them on the go.

Smart Snacks
Seven to eight hours can pass between meals, which is when junk-food danger can strike. Mendez suggests beating cravings with good high-protein, low-fat snacks, such as sliced apples with natural peanut butter, or a little guacamole on a corn tortilla. All are easy-to-pack school lunches.

Stay Hydrated
“Hydration for the whole family is hugely important and often overlooked,” says Mendez. Drinking more water speeds up your metabolism by 3 percent, which helps you burn an extra 150 calories.

The Family That Plays Together Stays Together
Make fitness fun by joining a family soccer league or bringing your kids along to yoga class. Implement after-dinner strolls to look at the stars. People that are more active are less likely to be obese and have cancer, heart disease, stress and depression. Encouraging family fitness is the best way to show that you care.


Robyn Moreno  is a lifestyle expert and the author of Practically Posh: The Smart Girl’s Guide to a Glam Life. She is a frequent contributor to Las Fabulosas.




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Little Girl Singing Adele.

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Tan bella, Dios la bendiga! A two year old girl singing Adele's Someone Like You song. Had to share it! Doesn't she look cute? You can't help smiling looking at her singing. She's so into it. Her mom might have to get her a Karaoke machine soon if they don't have one yet. Who knows she might end being a singer too!

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What Is Cloud Computing?

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Every Day Connected: Play

From the Editors of Every Day Connected


These days, you’re probably seeing a lot of new TV commercials for gadgets and Internet services that mention “the cloud” -- or “cloud computing.” It may sound like the next big thing, but cloud computing has actually been around for a few years. Some popular examples of cloud services you may already be using are Gmail, YouTube or Google Docs.

So, what is cloud computing?

The Cloud Demystified
When people talk about the cloud, they’re still talking about the Internet. In the past, you went online to visit websites and use email, but most of your data and applications still lived locally on your computer. But now, you can store all your files on the Internet in the “cloud” and work directly on them at any time via your Web-connected devices (e.g., smartphone, laptop or desktop computer). Your PC or device is simply what’s connecting you to the cloud.

“The cloud is really about having the freedom to access and store information and get work done when you need it, wherever you are,” says Marcia Kaufman of analyst firm Hurwitz & Associates and co-author of Cloud Computing for Dummies. “No one is tied to their office or laptop computer anymore.”

Life Before and After the Cloud
You may not even realize how much the cloud helps you with your daily tasks. Consider these cloud benefits, along with what life online was like before:

Cloud Benefit No. 1: Store Your Files Online

• Before the cloud: To store your files, you had to save them on the hard drive of your personal laptop or computer. And if you wanted to take your files with you, you’d save them on a thumb drive or CD.

• With the cloud: Create a document within a cloud service like Google Docs, and you’ve securely stored it online. As a result, you don’t have to carry your laptop everywhere. You can access files -- and not just documents, but photos, videos and audio too -- from virtually any Web-connected computer or device. You can even use sites such as Deezer.com or Maestro.fm to store your music library in the cloud and listen to it anywhere you go.

Cloud Benefit No. 2: Get Your Apps Online

• Before the cloud: You depended on costly software installations on your personal computer to get the benefit of various applications.

• With the cloud: Many helpful applications now run in the cloud. Are you into video editing? Instead of purchasing costly movie-making software for pros on your computer, use YouTube Video Editor online. Or, want to jot down thoughts or links as you browse? Just log onto Evernote, a cloud-based note-taking application. The app will save your notes in the cloud for the next time you log on. You can even avoid paying for productivity software like Microsoft Office by using Google Docs or Zoho.

Cloud Benefit No. 3: Back up for Less

• Before the cloud: To back up your files, you had to buy expensive hardware.

• With the cloud: Rather than buying an expensive hard drive to back up your computer, try an inexpensive online backup service such as Mozy. Some cloud services you come to rely on may charge a monthly or annual subscription fee. So read the fine print to make sure you’re not signing up for a free trial that will eventually run out. Even so, if you love the service, the benefits may be worth avoiding costly software upgrades or the pitfalls of using an outdated desktop package.

Cloud Benefit No. 4: Save and Share Your Photos Easily

• Before the cloud: You saved your photos on your personal computer. If you wanted to share them with a friend, you emailed them. And if your hard drive or external drive crashed, you lost all your photos forever.
• With the cloud: Organize and back up your photos on multiple sites on the Web. You can control who sees your photos, and even if something happens to your hardware, your photos are still safe in the cloud. “I love sharing with Picasa Web albums,” says Milica Knezevic, a mother of two from Chicago. “You can share with family and friends who can choose to order prints from a variety of providers, set stricter privacy settings, comment on photos and upload original photos.”

Cloud Benefit 5: Get the Latest Updates Fast

• Before the cloud: You had to wait for hours on the phone with tech support when one of your computer’s desktop applications wasn’t working.
• With the cloud: Cloud apps are typically maintained and updated automatically by their provider, so you are less likely to encounter technical problems. And if you do, the cloud service provider is probably already working on ironing out the kinks.

The last thing you may be wondering is, Are cloud-based services safe? In general, yes. But before you trust your data to any cloud provider, be sure to read the terms of service and understand your privacy settings -- especially if you’ll be sharing content. The cloud can also deliver security services -- SaaS, aka “software as a service” -- that make it easier to keep your spyware, antivirus and other security features updated while you’re on the go for all your devices.


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Day 17 & Day 18 - March Photo Challenge

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This is day 17 and day 18 of my March Photo Challenge. I'm two days behind though. My daughter takes the camera almost every time she goes out so it's hard for me to take pictures when I need to. Grrr. Tomorrow I might go out so I'm going to try to take pictures of all the themes coming up. People might look at me like I'm loca, but oh well. After all this is New York. Anything can happen, verdad que sí?

After not renting movies for about 5 months, I got tired of the same old movies Netflix has streaming. They really need to get more recent movies into their streaming service. You can say about 80% of their streaming service is indie movies and tv shows. The rest is old movies and about 1% of recent movies. The latest movie I watched streaming was The Lincoln Lawyer, great movie! I was so happy to see something recent streaming. They are adding Melancholia soon, can't wait! Love Kirsten Dunst.

Over the weekend we rented, Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Hugo. So far we have seen Rise of the Planet of the Apes, it was good! Just when I thought the  movie couldn't get any good it got better. Mis hijos didn't wanted to see it at first, especially my son but then after I kept showing him some parts he finally decided to see it. So I started the movie all over again for both of them. They loved it. Apart from the violence, it is a movie the whole family can watch. Wouldn't recommend it for little ones, but that's up the parents.


Day 17  - Work  Lasagña, a lot of work to make, but oh so good after it is done!

Day 18 - Looking Up  I can't remember if this was in Manhattan or Brooklyn.

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Limpieza de Primavera.

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Las Fabulosas: Home & Happiness

By Shirley Velásquez for Las Fabulosas


With our hectic schedules, it’s unlikely that we’ll be treating our homes to a full-on session of squeaky-cleaning this spring. But experts say that we can actually shave time from long hours of cleaning if we scrub the grime right away.

For example, if we reassess our rutina de limpieza, we may discover that some of our habits actually keep things dirty, merely spreading around el polvo, according to Debra Johnson, an expert and training manager with the nationwide house-cleaning service Merry Maids.

And if we divvy up the work into several steps by “setting aside a couple of days a month to focus on cleaning,” says Johnson, our casitas will stay cleaner for longer. Here are some more easy-to-implement steps you can try.

1. Dispose of clutter. Before you start cleaning, get rid of whatever you can’t put away, says Johnson. Divide your clutter into three groups: “junk,” which you will simply toss; “charity,” which you will give away; and “undecided,” which will be put away in a box until a later date.

2. Use appropriate amounts of cleaning product. “Most people use too much,” which leaves residue behind, says Johnson. Any dirt will then cling to the residue.

3. Swipe the dust. “Microfiber is the best tool for removing dust, and not as much product is needed,” says Johnson. Start by wiping and see how clean the surface will get before applying product. “Make sure to use a plush, rather than thin, cloth.”

4. Steam-clean. Use a high-temperature canister steam-cleaner to quickly bust grease and grime on the more challenging surfaces, such as oven grill trays, windows and mattresses. To avoid water residue, use the least amount of steam.

5. Clean your gadgets. Remote controls, game stations, DVD players and telephones are often overlooked. All-purpose cleaners dredge out the dirt that easily accumulates in the nooks from constant touching.

6. Dust first, vacuum last. Clean each room or piece of furniture from the top down. Start by dusting higher surfaces or furniture. Finish by wiping lower items and vacuuming the floors.

Photo: @iStockphoto.com/fatihhoca


Shirley Velásquez  is an editor and writer at ELLE magazine. She has contributed to Woman’s Day, Glamour, InStyle, Latina, The New York Sun, and Border-line Personalities, an anthology of essays written by Latina writers. She is a frequent contributor to Las Fabulosas.





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Belated Spanish Friday - Desafío de Fotos de Marzo

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This post is written in Spanish for Spanish Friday at Latinaish. The English version is below. You can also use the Google translator on the sidebar to translate the entire page in Spanish. If you would like to participate follow the Spanish Friday link.

Decidí participar en otro desafío de fotos mensual, esta vez para el mes the Marzo. Me encanta tomar fotos, así que pensé que esta es una buena excusa para tomar más fotos. ¡Además es divertido tener que buscar los temas que te piden! Algunas las he tomado recientemente y otras son más viejas. Si te gustaría participar haz click en la foto abajo. Encontré esto a través de mi amiga, la dueña del blog Mami Dearest.


I decided to participate in another photo challenge, this time for the month of March. I love taking photos, so I thought this is a good excuse to take more photos. Plus is fun to have to look for the themes they ask for! Some I have taken recently and some are older. If you would like to participate click on the photo below. I found this through my friend, the owner the Mami Dearest blog.

Día 8 - Reflejo/Day 8 - Reflection

Día 9 - Agua/Day 9 - Water

Día 11 - Metal/Day 11 - Metal

Día 13 - Alguien Más/Day 13 - Someone Else

Día 14 - Tesoro/Day 14 - Treasure

Día 15 - Plástico/Day 15 - Plastic

Día 16 - Tu Comida/Day 16 - Your Food

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March's Monthly Preguntas!

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It's time for the monthly questions from the blog From One Country To Another. If you would like to join the fun pass by her blog. She posts it monthly.

1. What are three things that really annoy you about your "better half"

I don't have a better half right now so I'm going to post things that used to annoy me.

A. His snoring.
B. He was too friendly. Would get into a conversation with almost anyone.
C. Would fall asleep every time we were at the movies.

2. Who was your first crush. Did they ever find out how you felt?

His name was Enrique. I think I was in sixth grade. He was, like we call them in Puerto Rico, a bilingual. He had moved to Puerto Rico from NY. He new I liked him, we exchanged looks a few times, which it was all that was aloud back then, lol. Plus I was very shy, still am. 

3. Tea or Coffee? Coffee.
Lime or Lemon? Lemons.
Mayonnaise or crema? Mayo.
Jack or Cheddar? Cheddar.
Drama or comedy? Drama.

4. Who made the first move in the relationship?

He did. He sent me an instant message online. We talked on the phone for 6 hours until morning.

5. What is a funny quirk you have?

There are a few thing I have to do before going to bed. Turn on the fan, turn on the nature sounds on my phone, put it above my pillow next to my glasses, roll a towel to put under the arch of my back, and put on one ear plug. If I do all of that I can't sleep well.

6. If you could change one physical part of you what would it be?

My belly.

7. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? English or Spanish?

My daughter. English and Spanish. I talk to her in both languages so I don't forget my Spanish she can keep learning.

8. Do you believe everything happens for a reason?

Yes, I do!

9. Five words that describe your immediate family.

Close, loyal, protective, caring, cautious

10. Wedding or Elope? Elope
Beach or snow? Snow
Fruits or Veggies? Fruits
Chicken or Beef? Chicken
Cake or Pie? Cake



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Vevo Gets A New Look.

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I love watching videos on Vevo because their videos are mainly HD. I don't have any of the cable channels where you can see videos so I have to settle for watching them online. Vevo just updated their site with a bigger player. I love it! They made more changes, you can now see the lyrics, but the one that I like the most is the size of the player. Keep in mind that if you don't have a good graphic card you will have some trouble playing the videos because of the size. I don't have a separate graphic card, I'm using the one from the motherboard so it sucks. I have to close everything else on my pc to be able to play the videos normally. Go check it out! Meanwhile enjoy these two videos.♥

Update: For some reason the videos are not showing on my blog so I'm adding the links to the videos. Click on the song tittle.

Florence + the machine - Never Let Me Go. I love her music ever since Dogs Day Are Over. I have her both of her latest CD's on my Spotify list. 

Jessie J - Domino. I like this song (very catchy), heard it for the first time on the radio two or three weeks ago. This is first time I see her, completely different from what I thought she would look like.




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Slowly Creeping In.

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Lately I have been feeling more crappy than usual. Reason why I haven't been blogging that much. Last year I decided to stop taking my medications because I was starting to loose myself (in some ways), was gaining a lot weight and the skin on my face was changing. I was doing good at first but as time has gone by I have noticed depression has been creeping in little by little.

My anxiety levels have been through the roof. Two days ago I found myself crying in the middle of the kitchen while cooking. Why? You might find this a stupid reason but here it goes. Temperatures are getting warmer, which means that this week the front of the building where I live is going to be full of idiots, women and men. Sitting there for hours, talking loud, playing music, making noise right outside my windows. That happened the same day I broke down crying. It was hot as hell inside my apartment so I opened my window to let some fresh air in. Had to close it within 15 minutes because I couldn't take the noise. Like everyone else, all I want is some peace and quiet. I want to be able to watch TV without having to turn up the volume because I can't hear it. The thought of what's coming has been keeping me awake at night since January. This is affecting me emotionally and physically. Not only me, but my son and daughter as well.

My therapist mentioned last year that we are suffering from PTSD, at the time I thought that might be the case, but now I'm sure we are. Those who know me on a more personal level know why. I don't go out at all, except to the supermarket once a week if at all. When I try to go out the nerves get the better of me, I end up in the bathroom with a stomach ache. I know, TMI. Sorry! Not only that, but I have been getting nauseous. It can be right after I eat, while I'm eating, basically at any time of the day. No, I'm not pregnant, unless one can get pregnant from a dream, lol. I'm not taking any medications so I don't know where it is coming from. Anxiety maybe?

I used to enjoy going out, walking around, being around other people. Not anymore. I know I'm missing out on a lot. Reason why I enjoy reading other bloggers who write about their experiences in life, I live vicariously through them.

I'm seriously considering starting taking medications again. The thought scares me, but this is sucking the life out of me...

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Facebook Parenting: A Proactive Approach For Tweens

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Every Day Connected: Sponsored Blog

By Marsali Hancock for Every Day Connected

A lot of you may wonder: “Why do you have to be 13 years old to legally use Facebook? Why can’t you be 16, 18 or 12? What’s so special about that particular age?”

First of all, it’s not an age arbitrarily chosen by Facebook. According to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), websites collecting information from a general-audience population must receive guardian permission to gather data from children 12 years old and younger.

Often, websites -- Facebook included -- choose to make the legal age of usage 13 years and older to bypass the litigious headaches that parental consent incurs. But, as I’m sure you know, rules are made to be broken. And not surprisingly, countless tweens between the ages of 8 and 12 -- and at times their parents -- turn a blind eye to Facebook’s age policy.

The Parent Trap
Parents who knowingly let their preadolescent youngsters use Facebook may say: “I’ve fixed the privacy settings, my child’s OK.” It’s fantastic that those moms and dads have taken steps to protect their children online, but the service frequently changes its privacy policies. That makes it difficult to continuously adjust the settings that create a secure, highly regulated “bubble shield” around the child.

And of course there are a lot of unsuspecting parents out there whose underage children are sailing the Facebook seas without a captain, compass or lifeboat. Even if their young ones strictly stick to “harmless” social games, like FarmVille, they’re unaware of the types of relationships their children are building in forums and with friends.

Anyone who’s created a Facebook account knows that proving you are at least 13 years of age is as simple as checking a box. So you can imagine how difficult it is to find those wily tweens who are feverishly posting pictures, taking quizzes and making friends through the service. However, the website does take measures to find those young ones and remove them from the system.

Recently, Mozelle Thompson -- Facebook’s chief privacy officer -- told the Australian Federal Parliament’s cyber-safety committee that the social networking giant deletes 20,000 accounts each day for age violations. Although an impressive number, he went on to say that the tools employed to find underage users are not foolproof.

Thompson’s admission substantiates the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project results, stating that 46 percent of 12-year-olds surveyed in the U.S. use social networks. That sounds like a high percentage, but the number makes sense when you consider that children meet and connect emotionally through their digital devices. The virtual world is now and forevermore injected into daily interpersonal relationships, and nobody knows that better than our blossoming digital natives.

Doing It for the Kids
Facebook is an arena intended for the older set. Younger children are not developmentally ready to navigate the scrutiny and politics that often take place in this social space. Teens and adults prove to have a hard enough time with it, as evidenced by the daily news.

That doesn’t mean parents should wait to introduce their boys and girls to the concept of digital citizenship. Instead, they should carefully choose online environments that are specifically created with tweens in mind.

Currently, there are plenty of fun and safe social networks for children on the Web. The level of control, permission and oversight needed to play in these realms makes them more secure than the other PG-13-rated spaces. More importantly, getting your children set up on age-appropriate sites is a great way to start talking about the boons and burdens of social media.

Remember: Don’t close doors; just guide your children through the ones that lead to safe and healthy online relationships. Statistics prove they want to use social media; it only makes sense that they learn through you.

Like this blog?   Follow us @EveryDayConnect





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Are You Too Snarky Online?

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Every Day Connected: Socialize

By Kelby Carr for Every Day Connected

It can be tempting to be snarky online. By nature, social media makes it easy. In fact, it encourages snarkiness. The online space is one in which people shine by having a witty personality, and it’s also a place that can feel misleadingly anonymous.

But there is a fine line between clever and crude. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you post, tweet, update, email or otherwise share snarkiness online.

Would you say it in person?

Before you share something, particularly if it could be taken as an offense to a certain person or group of people, ask yourself if you would say it to someone’s face. This is often a great litmus test for whether or not something is over-the-top. It can be easy to hide behind the monitor and behave in ways we never would in real life.

Does it read like it sounds?

Without the inflection of voice and without body language, things like sarcasm and silliness do not always translate online. Many times sharing something online -- especially on sites that limit characters, like Twitter -- can alter the perceived meaning dramatically.

If you aren’t sure, read it a few times, read it out loud in different tones and emphasize different words, or send the comment to a friend to ask what they think you meant. Ask what their gut reaction is.

“Snark is easier to interpret as humor when spoken,” explains Ilina Ewen, a marketing consultant and brand strategist who blogs at Dirt & Noise. “When used in writing, it might require some follow-up supporting thoughts, proper inflection and a sense of humor throughout the piece.”

It is snarky or just mean?

There is a dramatic difference between being snarky in a manner that engages, and mean in a way that is a big turnoff. It’s great to be edgy, but it’s not necessary to be cruel.

“I think it’s OK to take a snarky tone if it’s a subject that has a universal disdain, like parents who are competitive, tailgating drivers or litterers,” said Ewen. “But it’s not acceptable if the snark becomes a personal attack. You always want to approach a snarky tone with a sense of humor, not a wicked, mean stab.”

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Wet & Wild Fast Dry Nail Polish Review.

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I asked my daughter to buy a new nail polish the other day. I was tired of the colors we have. I asked her to get a dark red, she came back with the color you see on the picture. Yep, not red. The color is Teal of Fortune from Wet & Wild. I was a bit upset but what the hell. I'm not a fan of green but since I have it might as well use it. This is my second time using it. I took the picture below after I did the second coat, ignore the messy edges, lol. I don't bother to clean up the edges, it comes off after you take a shower or wash your hands, but if I'm going out right after then I clean it off or I "try" not to paint the edges. I did three coats plus a top coat of Sally Hansen's Nail Growth Miracle nail polish. It didn't take a long time to dry.

I do a lot dishes so I thought it wasn't going to be long before it would start chipping. Not the case! I think it has to do with the glitter. I have noticed that nail polishes with glitter tend to last longer although they are a hassle to remove, but I rather struggle a little bit with removal than having the nail polish chip off the next day! I definitely recommend this nail polish. What's best, if you are on a budget like me, this won't cost you a lot. I have a hard time spending almost $10 on a nail polish, at least for now.

Note: I was not compensated for the review of this product.

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Pretty For Primavera.

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Las Fabulosas: Beauty & Style

By Belén Aranda-Alvarado for Las Fabulosas


“Pastels are really in this spring season,” says Ermahn Ospina, a Los Angeles–based makeup artist who has worked with celebrities like Rosario Dawson, Carla Gugino and Emmanuelle Chriqui. If you hear the word “pastels” and are thinking about Easter-egg shades of safe neutrals, think again. Pastels are packing a serious punch this spring, and the color range is broad enough that every woman can find a new tone to experiment with.




The top five shades to try if you want to update and warm up your color palette are:

1. Shimmery pale blue: Great for eyes. Stick to formulas that have subtle shimmer instead of heavy frost in the formula.

2. Golden-toned green: Think iridescent and bright, like vibrant lime instead of staid forest-green.

3. Medium-pigmented pinks: “Medium” being the key word: Try pops of vivid bubble-gum pink on the eyes, cheeks and lips.

4. Very soft violet: Apply a wash of light opalescent purple on the eyes or lips.

5. Natural nudes: This spring season, nude does not equal boring. Look for velvety peaches, shimmery taupes and glowing bronzes.

Feeling color-shy? Ospina urges those of you who can’t bear to part with your year-round makeup shades to get over your can’t-fail staples by focusing instead on one feature and experimenting with that. “The easiest way for a woman to update her spring makeup look would be to play with lip colors,” advises Ospina. Just changing up your lip gloss will show you the light that color brings to the whole face. Be bold and playful, urges Ospina. It is spring, after all.


Belén Aranda-Alvarado  
lives in New York City with her husband and 9-year-old daughter. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, The Washington Post Magazine and Latina magazine. Belen's articles have previously appeared in Las Fabulosas.


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Get Inspired in No Time!

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Las Fabulosas: Success

By Shirley Velásquez for Las Fabulosas


It happens to all of us: We find a project or a goal we want to reach, and then we throw ourselves at it with loads of good intention and excitement. But somewhere down the road, we lose steam. And before we know it, we’ve lost our motivación completely. Life coach Monica Borbely tells us how to get it back.

Remember Your Great Moments
Thinking about the times when you felt at the top of your game helps to put you back in the zone. “These moments of triumph remind you of who you are and what you are about,” says Borbely. Those memories, she says, “connect you with that time when you felt most fulfilled, most stretched and most present.”

Remember That Each Day Is Precious
“When I’m not motivated to do what I know needs to be done,” says Borbely, “I remind myself that if I waste this opportunity, I’ll never get it back.” Borbely recommends building playtime into your schedule each week. “My minutes, hours and days come around one time. It’s up to me to live the life I want, right now.”

Dream Big
According to Borbely, you must allow yourself to be a big dreamer to be happy right down to the core of your being. Forget about caution. “Big dreams can fulfill you right down to the soul because you’ve sought out your true purpose in life,” she says. “Big dreams can push your limits and keep your life fresh.”


Shirley Velásquez is an editor and writer at ELLE magazine. She has contributed to Woman’s Day, Glamour, InStyle, Latina, The New York Sun, and Border-line Personalities, an anthology of essays written by Latina writers. She is a frequent contributor to Las Fabulosas.

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Safety in Numbers.

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The Author of this post is Velma Baird

My mother and grandmother always reminded me that there is, “Safety in numbers.” I remember this especially when I was going out as a teenager to the movies or to the mall. As a mom of two young girls, I find myself teaching my daughters this very same thing. Since my girls are young, they are never far my side, but if they venture out in the yard to play, I always make sure that they stay together. We have tried to teach them the dangers of straying especially when alone. This is really a fine balance to teach kids to be safe and cautious and aware without making them worry. I have tough time with this idea with my eight year old as she is not as naïve to dangers as my five year old seems to be. My husband and I have always taken the approach that you teach lessons as life presents them, as they become applicable or appropriate. A few months back, there was word going around our area that a car was seen in local neighborhoods trying to lure children. Because it seemed like a legitimate concern, we took this time to discuss such dangers with our girls and teach them how to avoid situations like this one and how to protect themselves. We also signed up for ADT Security Champaign which helped to give us all the added feeling of safety and comfort.





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