Klout Perks: Essie Mirror Metallics - Good As Gold!

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I received another Essie nail polish Perk through Klout! I was sent the Good as Gold color from their Mirror Metallics collection. I love the color, but to be honest I was really hoping I would get Penny Talk. But hey, you can't complain when it is free, right?

I couldn't wait, so I did my nails that same night to test it. Well, you know how with some nail polishes you need at least three coats to have a good color? With this one, you only need two because of its high pigmentation. Actually, you can even get away with one coat, and it will still give you a good color. As for drying, it dried up fast. A plus for me, I hate having to wait more than two minutes before I do another coat.

I took the photo below five days after I did my nails. They still looked good with no major chipping. However, keep in mind that using glitter nail polish helps with the chipping. I did two coats of Essie's Good As Gold, followed by Wet n Wild glitter nail polish. The same nail polish I used here. I also added a design from the stamping Konad plate #M31. For the top coat, I did one coat of Seche Vite. I am very happy with the results...

If you are not a member of Klout yet, you can sign up here. It's free, and you get to try goodies before they are released to the rest of the human population!

Note: I received this product through Klout as part of being an influential member with the score of 45 with beauty as one of my topics.

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Protecting Our Autoestima

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Las Fabulosas: Success

By Shirley Velásquez for Las Fabulosas

Throughout Rosie Molinary’s writing career, one question has consistently preoccupied her: How do Latinas reconcile the seemingly conflicting messages between mainstream America telling them to be themselves versus la familia telling them to strive toward beauty and femininity?

Molinary’s discoveries about living within two cultures appear in her critical books, Hijas Americanas: Beauty, Body Image, and Growing Up Latina and Beautiful You: A Daily Guide to Radical Self Acceptance, which are “empowerment guides” to help Latinas love and accept themselves.

“Women are hungering for affirmation of what they inherently know to be true, and guidance for letting that truth shine out,” says Molinary. Here, she shares four rocking body-image boosters:

1. Break negative pensamientos: “Our whole lives are affected by how we think and speak about our bodies,” says Rosie. “Find a bowl or piggy bank and deposit a quarter each time you knock yourself. Watch your self-awareness soar and your habits change.” Then treat yourself to a gift with the money or donate it.

2. Talk back: Do family or friends make jabs about your appearance or weight? Prepare a comeback, and practice it out loud. “Let that critical person know that your body is off limits for discussion,” says Rosie.

3. Make eye contact: “Much of our confidence is projected through our eyes,” explains Rosie. Avoiding eye contact communicates that you want to be invisible.

4. Stop body-checking: How often do you check yourself in mirrors or windows? Each time, “take a breath and change your focus,” says Rosie. By curtailing obsessive behavior, you train yourself to turn off [negative] tapes in your head.”


Photo: @iStockphoto.com/sdominick 

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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A Wedding Planner - A Must Have!

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From the moment we are born our parents start thinking if we are going to get married, who are we going to marry and when. Getting married it's one of the biggest moments of our lives besides having a child and going to college. Some people choose to do a big wedding where even the mailman is invited. Some do a small private wedding where only immediate family and close friends are invited. Whatever the case may be, planning a wedding can turn into a nightmare if you don't know what to do or have the right connections.

That is when a wedding planner comes in. This is an infographic giving you details of what a wedding planner would do for you. From all the connections a wedding planner has, to an example of a few nightmare moments that can happen at a wedding. There are also some fun facts. Who tends to pay for weddings more often, how much the average wedding costs, what wedding supplies you will need and what is popular these days. Very informative indeed!

Infographic Provided by EquipSupply

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Empanadillas De Pizza.

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I don't like to be in the kitchen cooking for hours, especially if it's hot. If I had a bigger AC then I wouldn't mind as much. For these days I try to cook something simple. This is when empanadillas/turnovers come in handy. You can use almost anything as a filling. If I'm making them as a snack I tend to fill them with something sweet, like american/cheddar cheese and guava/mango paste or just guava/mango paste. Yesterday I made them of pizza. I don't make them often, but I was in the mood for pizza flavor. Pizza can be expensive, this way I get to have the pizza flavor without having to spend a fortune and this lasts for two to three days or more if you freeze them.

Recipe:
1 pack of discs Rico brand (10 discs) - On sale for 99¢
I used Tropical mozzarella cheese. We use mozzarella cheese a lot, so I bought a 32 oz bag for $7.99
1 jar of Pizza sauce from Ragu - $2.89
1 pack of ready to eat pepperoni from Hormel - It brings 2 pouches, a total of 50 pieces - $2.49
A bit of flour to add to the roller.
Wooden roller to make the disc thin.

With the roller thin out the disc to the size of your liking. Add a tablespoon of sauce to the center of the disc, a handfull of mozzarella cheese, 3 - 4 pieces of pepperoni and fold in half. Press the edges together using a fork to crimp the edges. Use the same paper that came with the pre made discs to put in between the empanadillas to prevent them from sticking together. Fry them in hot canola oil until they are golden. Put on a paper towel to drain excess oil. You can also bake them if you don't like eating fried food.

I had to Google the time for baking because I have never baked my empanadillas. Maybe next time, since it's healthier that way. I checked two sites for the baking time. Click on either link to get more information. Anyway, preheat oven at 350 - 375 degrees F, brush empanadillas with oil and bake for 20 minutes until golden and crispy.

There you have it. Pizza empanadillas, a quick dinner.

image credit: Holistic Health

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Wordless Wednesday - Huh?

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This gave me a good laugh. Was checking my email on my computer yesterday morning and this is the message I got.

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Glittery Nails!

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Sharing some pictures of my glittery nails. To me glitter makes almost anything look festive/cute, I love it on my nails. I was bored over the weekend, so I decided it was time to beautify my nails. I made a deal with my daughter so she would do my toes. I dyed her hair, lol. My toe nails turned out so cute I even dust off my toe ring and put it on. The glitter nail polish is from Wet n Wild, it is called Kaleidoscope. As you can see I use it a lot! The other two are from Sally Hansen. The dark one is called Gunmetal and the other one is Celeb City. Hopefully they will last a week without chipping...

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Familia Values.

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Las Fabulosas: Home & Happiness

By Michelle Herrera Mulligan for Las Fabulosas

As children, we rolled our eyes when our padres demanded we speak fluent español and attend our neighbors’ quinceñeras. But in the process of acclimating to an American lifestyle, we may leave too much behind. Here are nine nuggets of Latino wisdom we should never forget, and how to incorporate them into our complicated modern lives:

1. Familia comes first. In good times and in bad, no one is there like the family. But it’s not just obligation that should compel you to put the ones closest to you first. After all, what’s more relaxing: reality TV drama or story time with your children?

2. Pool your resources. Saving in groups has helped Latin-Americans around the world to start businesses and buy homes. Combine energy with like-minded professionals by starting a Latino affinity group in your field.

3. Dinner is sacred. At least once a month, make a whole meal from scratch for a small group of close friends. The memory will last longer than a night at the movies.

4. Don’t spend what you don’t make. Immigrants don’t use credit cards, but we have to sometimes. Make sure to keep a careful log to justify each charge.

5. Never complain. This may be unrealistic, but do we really have to whine so much? Try cutting all negative comments for one week.

6. Invest in people, not things. Our families helped out the neighbors; we barely know who lives on our block. Create a sense of community by joining a local parent group, cultural organization or food coop.

7. Romance is king. Our abuelitos never quit dancing or date nights.

8. A little fat never killed anyone. Even research backs Mami up on this one: the body needs monounsaturated fats -- so bring on the guacamole and pepitas. (Skip the chips.)

9. Don’t bring work home. If you can’t pull this off, budget at least 30 task- and media- free minutes a day. You’ll be more relaxed and effective in the morning.


Michelle Herrera Mulligan is the managing editor of Las Fabulosas.




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Alex Clare's Music Video - Too Close

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I heard this song on the radio not too long ago. I thought, coño this man can sing! Then, I heard it on TV during a commercial for IE9. It has been playing in my head all day. I had to add it to my Spotify list. It's the type of song that you can't listen to without turning up the volume. I fought the urge, lol. Thank God for headphones! In an era where many lip sync and rap their way to stardom, it's refreshing to hear someone who can really sing.

From Wikipedia: Alex Clare (born Alexander George Claire; 14 September 1985 in Southwark, London, England) is a British singer-songwriter. His debut album, The Lateness of the Hour, was released in the UK on 11 July 2011 on Island Records[2] and was produced by Mike Spencer and Major Lazer.

Clare adopted his current stage name, Alex Clare, in 2010, replacing Alexander G. Muertos, a pseudonym he first used whilst still at school.

This is the official music video, and although I love everything about the song, I'm disappointed with the video. With a song like this, this video should have been epic, brutal, bestial (like we say in PR). Maybe they had a small budget, who knows. I know I'm being picky, sorry. Actually, I just checked his website again. There is a blog post with a few photos. The title, Too Close 2. So I guess a new video will be released soon?!


There are few other songs that I like, Caroline is one of them, but can't find it on Spotify. For now I'll listen to it on YouTube.

Check it out. What do you think?

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Life - Venting!

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And no I don't mean farting. I am a pretty patient person. I have been through a lot of crap so I have learned to have patience, but this bitch upstairs or whoever the hell is, it's getting on my nerves. Every day I have to put up with two hours of jumping. Not a little bit of jumping, is jumping that shakes the light bulb jumping. My guess, she's exercising. I understand that one has to exercise to stay healthy, etc. But how the hell can a person not know that her/his jumping is bothering other people. Why can't she/he jump lighter? Yes, it can be done. I have done it!

Before it used to be a treadmill, and yes it was annoying, but it wasn't really loud. It has gotten to the point where I try not use the area where I hear the noise the most when she's exercising. Ridiculous! I can't catch a break.

When it's not one thing is another one. The bitches/assholes sitting in front of the building for hours with chairs like that's their living room. Kicking the front door at all hours so their madre hears them on the third floor and come open the door for them. They can't spend $10 to make an extra key, but they can wear the latest name brand sneakers. Hollering for someone to come down to open the door even though they have a cell phone with them and there is a pay phone right there. They can't even walk in the hallway without making noise. Mierda!

You know, one of the biggest misconceptions is that All people living in the ghetto are ghetto and enjoy living like that. Sure move in and bring your ghettoness with you. We love it, we can't get enough. Fuck, no! Most of us live here because the rent is too damn expensive anywhere else. So it is either live around here or be homeless.

Ok, feeling a bit better now that I got it off my chest...


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Dress for Your Body Type.

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Las Fabulosas: Beauty & Style

By Jennifer Parris for Las Fabulosas

Your co-worker always looks fabulosa in her cocktail dress, no matter what she weighs. It’s not that she has a perfect shape; she simply knows how to dress for her body type. Figure out your type here, and find a dress style that will make you feel glamorous and beautiful on your big night out.

Hourglass Shape: Considered to be the most ideal body type, the hourglass shape boasts breast and hip measurements that are almost identical.

Dress: Although the hourglass’ best feature is her waist, don’t overemphasize it with a skin-tight slinky number, advises Barbosa. Instead, choose a flowy look and complete it with a belt to show off your small waist.

Pear or Spoon Shape: The pear shape is one of the most common body types -- especially for Latinas -- and features a more bountiful booty.

Dress: Choose a flattering empire cut that balances your bounty by featuring your upper half.

Apple Shape: Slightly bigger around the tummy, you’re lucky because you have skinny arms and legs, making it easy to camouflage your trouble spots.

Dress: It’s all about the structured look for you. A shift’s vertical lines will create a longer, leaner look.

Tube (Ruler) Shape: Often called “the boy shape,” the tube has minimal curves and is straight up and down.

Dress: Try a wrap or another style that is cinched or gathered at the waist to help create an hourglass figure.

Regardless of body type, you should ultimately shop for clothing that makes you feel beautiful. And remember to embrace your curves. After all, accepting (and loving!) your body is the first step in selecting clothes that will consistently fit and flatter.


Photo: @iStockphoto.com/quavondo


Jennifer Parris  is an award-winning writer and editor, whose articles have previously appeared in Las Fabulosas. She is the founder of Celebrity Parents Magazine and has written for publications such as Seventeen, Latina and Parenting.


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Update On Daughter & #PhotoADayAug

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(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For those who like me, try home remedies before running to the store, etc. I wanted to update you on my daughter's underarm bump. It's not longer there! The onion worked. I forgot to take pictures of the before and after though. The trick is to put the onion as soon as you see it. Before the bump gets big, that way when it comes to the surface it will be able to drain because there is not a big amount of debris.

Of course there is a chance that it might not always work. Like what happened with the first bump on her leg. I'm in no way saying that you should not go to the doctor, etc. I'm just sharing my experience using this home remedy.

The bump on her leg healed nicely, thank God. She has learned her lesson after this. She shaved with an old razor and instead of using shaving cream, she used soap because she was in a hurry. She probably cut herself and that's how it got infected. So don't risk it. Use a new razor!

Now to my Photo A Day August from @FatMumSlim. Check out her blog for the rules on how to play. You can share your photos on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, Pinterest, Tumblr or you Blog. I have missed one day so far. Not bad! I would like to share them on Instagram, but I have an Android phone so I have to crop the photo before uploading it. Most of the time I end having to crop the best part of the photo so sometimes I don't bother. It sucks. They have to change that and they should let us upload from the web already. I don't know if you have to do that with the iPhone. Do let me know if you are an iPhone user. Yo quiero saber, I'm nosey like that.    

Day 2 - One, Day 3 - Coin

Day 4 - Somewhere You Sat, Day 5 - Logo, Day 6 - Writing

Day 8 - Glasses, Day 9 - Messy

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Klout Perks - Essie's Luxeffects Stroke Of Brilliance!

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I am a proud owner of my first Essie's nail polish thanks to Klout! Yesterday I received the Essie's Luxeffects Stroke of Brilliance nail polish in the mail. I was so excited I had to do my nails to see how it looked. Even though I had done my nails two days before, lol. I love it! I love the color, the size of the glitter and it dries really fast with a good shine. Which is always good in case you don't have a top coat available or you are in a hurry. I took these pictures with my cell phone so they might not be the best.

I tested it with three different colors (should have taken pictures) to see how it looked but I wanted the glitter to show well so I chose a light color. The color is Easy Going from Sinful Colors (don't pay attention to the polish around the cuticle!) followed by a coat of Seche Vite. It's a very light pink. I was never one to wear light colors on my nails because I'm trigueña, but decided to give it a try. Now I like them!

I am definitely a FAN of Essie's Luxeffects nail polishes. I'm still a glitter girl/woman even though I'm no longer in my 20's, lol.

If you are not a member of Klout yet, you can sign up here. It's free and you get to try goodies!♥

Although it looks silver a bit, the color is light blue

  

Note: I received this product through Klout as part of being an influential member with the score of 45 with beauty as one of my topics.

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Tommy Torres New Music Video - 11:11

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I first found out about hot Puerto Rican singer, producer and songwriter Tommy Torres through Hispano Bloggers when he released his single Querido Tommy. The song has been a great success. I watched him on Twitcam as he talked and sang to his fans. He even gave us a tour of his recording studio. It was great!

Well, he just released a new single and this is the official music video. The song is called 11:11. You are probably thinking 11:11? Take a look at the video and it will make perfect sense after that. Make sure you watch it until the end. You are going to like it. What can I say, another great song. Romantic and sexy as hell! The song is already available in iTunes.

This has been great year for Tommy. Not only is he releasing a new album, he just became the proud father of a baby girl. Congrats to him and his wife!♥ 

You can follow him on Twitter (@Tommy_Torres), YouTube (tommytorresWML), Facebook (TommyTorresMusic) or his website (www.tommytorres.com). 

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The Cuteness!

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Had to share this! Have you seen anything more cute? They are both too big to stay on the same couch, lol. You move, no you move! Damn it, I said moveeeee... 

Enjoy your day!♥




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Oh, My...

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I can't believe July is over! Not that I'm complaining of course. I'm so ready for cooler temperatures so that I can go out without sweating buckets. We still have one more month to go before the temperature start going down! Yesterday I had to take a train and a bus to get to my ophthalmologist appointment. I was so happy it wasn't really hot, it made the long trip bearable.

This was my first time seeing an ophthalmologist. My doctor made the appointment after I told her that for the past two to three years I have been waking up with blurry vision. She said that it could be due to the diabetes. The ophthalmologist sent me for three more tests, one of them for glaucoma. He said it could be nothing that it might be something I was born with, but he wanted to check anyway. Hopefully is nothing, crossing my fingers. Oh yeah, the doctor had a resemblance to Rick(the hotness) from The Walking Dead. It was so weird, I could hardly look at him. Let's just say I left his office a bit hot and bothered, lol. That's a good sign, I guess. It means I'm still alive if you know what I mean...

Then as I'm trying to recuperate I get outside and bam, the light hit my eyes and I could barely see anything because of the eye drops the doctor put in my eyes. Thank God I had my sunglasses if not I would've had to wait until the effect wore off because I was by myself.

Ok, so it's time for a new month of Photo A Day from FatMumSlim. Below is the new list for August. If you would like to know more about it before you decide to join, here are the rules. I know I have been slacking off with taking pictures every day. I'm going to try my best for this month.

 Day 1 - Outside

If you are in New York, make sure you take an umbrella with you. Supposedly is going to be raining on and off today. Here we already had the first downpour, yay! Enjoy your day...♥♥


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Clutter No Mas: Organize Your Home With Style

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Las Fabulosas: Home & Happiness

By Shirley Velásquez for Las Fabulosas

You’ve already rid your home of the things you no longer use. Next is finding smart ways to keep it organized and chic. “The trick to making spaces look polished and finished is allowing the eye to see open horizontal spaces and only keeping visible what looks stylish,” says Helene Segura, an organization and productivity expert with LivingOrder in San Antonio. Try some of these fine-tuning tweaks to make your home show-ready.

La Antesala
Add a classic-style coat rack (with a wood base and metal hooks) on the wall, which gives everyone a place to hang up their belongings when they walk through the door. “If you have a larger entry, consider mudroom pieces that come in styles that range from locker room flashbacks, to country-chic, to gorgeous teak,” says Segura.

La Sala
If your functional furniture lacks a little jazz, opt for a clean, contemporary look. Consider spray-painting pieces in a cream color to add instant glamour. Forget utilitarian storage boxes. Instead, try ones that are made out of posh materials, such as velvet, leather or horn. Add rustic accents with bronze or wooden baskets. “For a uniform look, purchase varying sizes in the same style or buy sets of three in multiple colors within your color palette,” says Segura.

La Cocina
Families spend much of their time here. So keep it spacious. After you’ve cleared counters and used all of the cupboards and the upper reaches of the cabinetry, all that should be visible are neutral-colored earthenware containers to store grains, sugar, flour or any other foods.

El Dormitorio
If you’re using the area under your bed to store items, add a sham or trimming to hide what’s underneath. Also don’t cram the space. “Use long, rectangular plastic containers sorted by category,” says Segura. They make it easy to find what you need later on.

El Baño
Cabinets with glass-paneled doors create the effect of open space. Eliminate the cluttered look inside by using neutral-colored fine ware jars to stash bathroom supplies. “Tame what’s hidden in the bottom cabinets with a combination of bins with brushed nickel, stainless steel helper shelves or drawer systems,” says Segura.


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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