Spanish Friday - Recuerdos Navideños!

Tweet

Re-posting this from last year to once again share the music we used to listen to during Christmas time in Puerto Rico. Enjoy!

This post is written in Spanish for Spanish Friday. The English version is after. You can also use the Google translator on the sidebar to translate the entire page in Spanish.

Ayer estaba viendo los Latin Grammys Awards. Los grabé en el DVR y como necesitaba espacio decidí verlo. Me trajo muchos recuerdos de cuando vivía en Puerto Rico. La primera canción de Calle 13 (Latinoamérica), me gustó mucho. Nunca había oido la música de ese grupo. En fín me puse a pensar en los tiempos de antes, las navidades y de toda la música que se escuchaba en aquellos años. Las navidades se pasaban tan bien. No eran acerca de regalos sino acerca de pasarla con la familia y amistades. La pasabamos bailando, comiendo buena comida y después a llevarle parrandas a los vecinos y a familiares que vivían en otros pueblos. Nos quedabamos hasta las 3 y 4 de la mañana! Ay, tantos recuerdos! 

Ya que me dió nostalgia decidí buscar en youtube algunas de las canciones para compartirlas con mis lectores y a la misma vez añadirlas a mi lista de música Navideña, salsa y merengue. Espero que las disfruten tanto como yo..

Si quieres participar en Spanish Friday visita Latinaish.com

Yesterday I was watching the Latin Grammys Awards. I recorded it on the DVR and since I needed space I decided to watch it. It brought back memories from when I lived in Puerto Rico. I really liked the first song from Calle 13 (Latinoamérica). Never heard the music of that band before. Anyway, I started thinking about back in the days, the holidays and all the music we used to listened to in those years. The holidays were good. It wasn't about gifts it was about spending it with family and friends. We would dance, have good food and then to take the parrandas to the neighbors and relatives living in other towns. We would stay until 3 and 4 in the morning! So many memories!

Since I was nostalgic I decided to look for some of the songs on youtube to share it with my readers and at the same time add it to my music list of Christmas music, salsa and merengue. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do..

If you would like to participate in Spanish Friday visit Latinaish.com.












image credit: De Puerto Rico Pal Mundo

Pin It Now!

Growing up Bilingual, Bicultural, and Bi-happy.

Tweet

Las Fabulosas: Success

By Bryna Bates Jean-Marie for Las Fabulosas

For parents who are raising kids in a bicultural household, teaching them to speak Ingles y Español is something of a passion. That’s why developing habits that incorporate both cultures into kids’ daily routines, says John Baugh -- chair of the Public Relations Committee at the Linguistic Society of America and professor emeritus of education and linguistics at Stanford University -- will bring bicultural happiness to la familia.

Engage them in activities from both culturas.
“Watch television in both languages, particularly the one that is not dominant in your speech community. Sing songs and nursery rhymes from both cultures. This will instill respect and familiarity with both,” says Baugh, the Margaret Bush Wilson professor in arts and sciences at Washington University in St. Louis.

Give both cultures equal importance.
“Depending upon the context in which people live, circumstances may imply that one culture may be devalued in comparison to the dominant culture and language,” adds Baugh. “If this impression exists, family members should do everything possible to maintain and value their family heritage, language and culture, while doing what’s necessary to gain fluency in the dominant language and culture.”

Baugh offers this final note: “The benefits of bilingualism and biculturalism are tremendous. Chinese, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese are growing in global influence. People who are familiar with more than one language, and more than one culture, will be better equipped to participate more fully in the future global economy. This familiarity with languages and cultures besides English is an underutilized asset in a global economy that demands linguistic and cultural dexterity.”

Photo: Corbis Images

Bryna Bates Jean-Marie  Bryna Bates Jean-Marie has contributed to People, Black Enterprise, Glamour, Marie Claire, O, The Oprah Magazine and Tyra.com.



Pin It Now!

Memories: Sept. 11 10th Anniversary.

Tweet

Reposting this post in memory of those lost on this day 11 years ago...✞

Today is the 10Th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. I wasn't sure I wanted to write a post about it because just last night I had a nightmare (reason why I posted it so late), but here I am. First, my prayers and blessings to the families and friends of those lost on this day 10 years ago. 

It's hard to believe 10 years have passed. Feels like it wasn't too long ago that I was riding the bus after dropping the kids at school. I was going through a rough time then so I was feeling depressed (that's another story). I turned on the radio on my phone to listen to some music. As I was thinking about the apartment I was going to see I heard about the first plane. I thought, wait did I hear right? I wish I could have pressed rewind at that moment. At first, I thought it was a prank or an accident. Then I heard them say a second plane just hit the second tower. I kept looking around the bus to see if everyone else heard the same thing because I still didn't believe it. Everyone looked normal.

After the bus, I took the train to get to Roosevelt Avenue and there from the platform I could see the Twin Towers filled with smoke. My mind was racing trying to think about every possible explanation. I kept trying to call my kid's school but the cell phones weren't working. When I looked up again there was only one tower standing. At this point I still wasn't sure what had happened so I kept trying to call my kid's school but couldn't get through. While I'm trying to look for change for the pay phone I glanced over and the second tower was gone. I could hear people gasping and crying. Me, I was stunned for a moment. I couldn't think. I thought, what is happening? Then I see everyone else going down the stairs when I heard the announcement that there were no trains running. I started panicking thinking how am I going to get to the kids. I kept calling the school from a pay phone but nothing. I finally got through to my ex (we were together at the time) when he tells me that we were attacked. I said to him what do you mean? He tells me again, I started crying. I could feel my heart beating really fast, feeling like someone just dropped a bucket of cold water on me. I told him I have to get the kids, I don't know how but I'll get there. He was further away so he couldn't get to them. 

Everyone was leaving the train station so I followed them. We ended up in Northern Boulevard, trying catch a bus from there but the buses that kept passing by were full. People were trying to call their families to pick them up. I didn't have anyone to call so I keep trying to catch a bus but none of them were stopping. People started talking to each other trying to keep calm, asking where they were headed to see if they could get a ride. A lady started talking to me, she told me that her son was going to pick her up that she could drop me off at the nearest bus stop. I said to her, Ay, Gracias! Que Dios se lo pague/Oh, thank you! May God bless you! Every time I think about it I wish we would've asked each others name, would've liked to stay in touch. If it wasn't for her God knows how much more I would've had to wait to get to my kids. From the time we got there to the time we left it was almost 4 hours. 

I finally got to the school, I literally ran to them to hug them. I kept asking them if they were ok. At the time they were 11 and 8 years old so they didn't really understand the magnitude of what was going on. I told them I was trying to call the school and that's when they told me someone had called in a bomb threat. On a day like that why would someone be so cruel, and call a bomb threat to a school, is beyond me. We took the bus home, and as soon as I opened the door I ran to turn to the TV. I remember vividly seeing the first images, I was sobbing. Finding out that they not only attacked New York, but also Virginia. The third attack prevented by the heroes of flight 93. God bless them for giving their lives for us. 

All that time I thought that the people inside the buildings had had enough time to get out. When it was clear most of them didn't, I felt angry and helpless at the same time. As silly as it may sound (I'm sure I wasn't the only one), I wanted to help somehow. Go down there to help with the digging, serving food, anything. Of course that didn't happened for me, but I am glad so many people did help in one way or another.  

For the next couple of days, weeks I was glued to the TV. My problems were secondary at that point. All I could think about were the people under the rubble waiting to be rescued. I wanted to know every little bit of new information. That, for some reason gave me some comfort (until this day I don't know why) even though when I went to sleep I would have nightmares. 

I remember people being nice to each other after that day. Asking how are you doing today? Saying hello and good morning. Something that not many people used to say, and still don't. I remember feeling so proud of being an American. Thinking we are now at war, our soldiers will find them. We will show them how strong United States can be. Our way of living may have changed, but we are as strong as ever. We Will Never Forget... 



Note: I uploaded some photos I received through emails years ago. I don't claim this photos as mine, I'm simply sharing them.

Pin It Now!

Familia Values.

Tweet

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.




Pin It Now!

Tommy Torres New Music Video - 11:11

Tweet

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). 

Pin It Now!

Who's Tommy Torres?

Tweet

I'm a little bit embarrassed to say that until today, I didn't know who Tommy Torres was. Tommy started out as composer and producer in the late 90's. Since then, he has released a three albums and has written hits songs for artists like Ricky Martin, Ednita Nazario and Paulina Rubio, to name a few.  He has also received numerous awards, including Grammy awards and Billboard.

This is his new single, Querido Tommy. Querido Tommy is a song about a guy who is in love with a girl but he doesn't know how to express how he feels. He writes a letter to Tommy Torres asking him to help him find the right words to tell her how he feels. Well, I don't want to spoil it for you, just check out the video below. Such a great song and video, I am definitely adding him to my music list.

So, who's Tommy Torres? He is a multi-talented artist, extremely hot looking and he is from Puerto Rico. As a Boricua, this fills me with tremendous pride!

Tommy will be doing a Twitcam tomorrow, June 12 at 8pm ET #QueridoTommy You can follow him through his webpage, Facebook page, Twitter (@Tommy_Torres) and subscribe to his youtube channel.

Pin It Now!

Feliz Cinco De Mayo!

Tweet

I want to wish a Feliz Día de Cinco de Mayo to those who celebrate it! Through blogging, I have met a few cool bloggers (check out my blog list or my Facebook page to find their blogs) who's husbands are from Mexico or they are Mexican themselves. Have found some delish recipes reading some of their blogs. I am a big fan of Mexican food, although I don't get to eat it often. I'm talking about the authentic stuff. My son and I love chicken quesadillas (my daughter not so much), so since it is Cinco de Mayo I thought today would be a good day to have some for dinner. As a way to celebrate today and all the cool blogueras I have met. Happy Cinco de Mayo, Chicas!

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.♥♥

Pin It Now!

Belated Spanish Friday - Mensajes de Spam

Tweet

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.

Yo odio cuando mi buzón se llena de mensajes de spam. Yo lo configuro para que la mayoría de los mensajes spam vayan al sobre de junk, pero siempre se cuelan dos o tres (y a veces más). Abajon pueden ver tres de las que terminaron en mi buzón. Lo triste es que todavía hay muchas personas que no saben de computadoras y el internet, que si caen en la trampa. Por eso si conocen a alguien que no sabe mucho de computadoras, hable con ellos acerca de mensajes de spam para no terminen perdiendo miles de dólares...


I hate when my inbox is full of spam. I set it up so that the majority of spam goes to the junk folder, but there is always two or three (sometimes more) that slip through. Below are three that ended up in inbox. The sad part is that there are a lot of people who don't know much about computers or the internet that do fall into the trap. So if you know someone who don't know much about computers, talk to them about spam emails so they don't end up loosing thousands of dollars...

Pin It Now!

Get Your Kids Excited About Learning Spanish.

Tweet

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.




Pin It Now!

The New Supermercado Latino.

Tweet

Las Fabulosas: Success

By Letisha Marrero for Las Fabulosas


Pregnancy cravings are no joke. But try being a pregnant Latina foodie. That’s what 27-year-old Venezolana-Italiana Melissa Berthier experienced last year. Since her Mexican-Lebanese esposo, Alfonso, no longer was an executive at Mexicana airlines who could lavish her with dulces from Latin America, what could a food-obsessed couple do to satisfy mami-to-be’s authentic cravings?

It took about nine months, but on the same day their daughter Sabrina was born, another entity was birthed: Mister Gallo, the mascot for LatinBag.com, the new parents’ e-commerce site that would launch a few weeks later in October 2010. The Berthiers had tapped into a nostalgia market for authentic comidas Latinas. So, they now offer to bag the groceries from your homeland for you, with customers as far away as South Korea and Australia.

The Bethesda, Md., couple balances fulfilling orders daily between day jobs: Melissa works for Metro in Washington, D.C., and Alfonso owns a distribution company. LatinBag is a work in progress -- from shipping and tracking, to storage and inventory. Now raising a growing toddler, Melissa concedes, “There is no such thing as spare time.” But her job provides stability and health insurance, as they’d like to have another child. Eventually, however, they’d like to devote themselves full-time to LatinBag and expand their inventory. “I’d love to sell authentic Oaxaca cheese,” says Melissa. “But it’s a matter of storing it properly.” So for now, LatinBag stocks an assortment of dry and canned goods, as well as pan dulce, café, candy, spices and more goodies to satisfy those cravings -- whether you’re pregnant or not.


Letisha Marrero has contributed to Latina, The Source, iVillage.com, ParentsConnect.com and MomsLikeMe.com. She is also a contributing author to Border-line Personalities: A New Generation of Latinas Dishes on Sex, Sass, and Cultural Shifting.




Pin It Now!

Feliz Nochebuena - Happy Christmas Eve!

Tweet

First, Feliz Nochebuena/Christmas Eve to everyone! I woke up early (8:30 AM, yes that's early for me) to put the pernil in the oven and enjoy some of the morning silence. It was so quiet! Yes, you would think since I live in the city I would love noise but no, I don't. It has to do with getting old and previously living next to a crazy woman for years.

Anyway, as I said 2 days ago I haven't been into celebrating the Holidays these days. I went out the same day and got some very simple/cheap Christmas decorations (see pictures below) for our table to brighten up my apartment and to force myself into feeling festive. Seems to be working a bit so far! Playing some mellow music working my way up to pop, rock and last some salsa and merengue. I wrote a post not too long with some of the music we (my familia) used to listen to for Christmas when I was growing up. Click here to read it. Add the songs to Spotify (Sign on for 30 days trial, cancel it before they charge your card!) and you'll be salseando and merengueando in no time! Weepa!

I've been cleaning up while the pernil cooks. My apartment smells (garlicky) so good right now, is making me hungry. Can't pick at the pernil yet, coño! So I will continue with the craving. Remember I was going to bake a cake, the Gooey Butter cake. I baked one on Thursday to see how it would come out. Well, it looked perfect when I took it out the oven as you can see by the pictures. But as I was taking some pictures, it started sinking on the sides, lol. Then the whole cake fell except for the edges. I left it for 45 minutes like the recipe said but it seems that it needed 5 to 10 minutes more. Still, it tasted DELISH (people weren't kidding!) but it was extra gooey in the center, lol. I'm not going to lie I had more than one piece on the same day and the day after. I'm baking another one later today, this time I'm leaving it a bit longer. 

Bueno, let me get back to what I was doing. I still have to make the arroz con gandules and the potato salad. Maybe fry some yellow plantains too. Bought an avocado, hopefully it will be good inside. I have bad luck with avocados! Same as with men, they are nice outside but when you taken them home they turn out rotten, lol. Sorry it was too good to pass up! This is me loosening up, feeling festive. And I don't even drink! 

Hope everyone is enjoying their Nochebuena/Christmas Eve wherever they are! Cuidense/Be safe. Don't drink and drive...

Pin It Now!

Happy Thanksgiving! - Feliz Día De Acción De Gracias!

Tweet

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! How is your day going? Our pernil has been in the oven since this morning. My apartment smell delish with the smell of garlic. It's coming to come out so juicy, rico! After this post I'm making the potato salad then a bit later to make the rice and the plátanos maduros. Unfortunately, they didn't have pasteles at the Dominican Restaurant yesterday so me quedé con las ganas. We still have Christmas and New Year so I will check if those days they have some. That if I can control my craving until then, lol.

The heat is on so I have two windows open with the window fan on to keep the apartment cool. I get cranky when I'm sweating while I'm cooking, lol. I can hear my neighbors playing Spanish Christmas music. I'm not in a festive mood yet but I will get there little by little. My sore throat is keeping me from singing which is something I like doing when I'm feeling festive. Not that I can sing but I do it anyway! 

Later I'm going to Skype with my daughter for a bit. I love that we can do that. Makes it easier her not being here, I miss my baby. She's coming back on Saturday so far, so we will probably be making a trip to airport. The airport is going to be full that's for sure, but we enjoy taking the trip down there.

Bueno, la cocina is calling me for now. I will take pictures of my pernil if I remember. It's hard to remember to take pictures when you are dying to meterle mano a la comida, lol. Hope everyone is enjoying their Thanksgiving. No coman ni beban mucho!/Don't eat or drink too much! LOL Stay safe, mi gente! Cuidensen!

Pin It Now!

Thanksgiving With a Latino Twist!

Tweet

Las Fabulosas: Home & Happiness

By Letisha Marrero for Las Fabulosas




Let’s face it: Unless your mezcla is part Pequot, Canarsee or Wampanoag, the tales of Puritan pilgrim settlers may not resonate. What we can relate to, however, is food and familia.

Still, if you think about it, some of the staple ingredients on a Thanksgiving menu -- corn, potatoes, calabazas -- are all inherently Latin. And the spices -- cinnamon, paprika, cilantro, vanilla and chiles -- all add distinctive sabor. Carolina Buia, co-author of the book Latin Chic, shares some quick tips on how to spice up your Thanksgiving feast, Latin-style.

Decorations
Fill you home with giant Mexican paper flowers, which you can pick up at most craft stores. They don’t just add a pop of festive color; they’re also reusable and will stay beautiful all year long. Use a plain white tablecloth with colorful runners. Check Etsy.com for beautifully handcrafted ideas.

Meal
For the turkey, first brine the pavochón, then add an adobo rub or salsa valentina, a Mexican hot sauce. For a stuffing with mofongo-style dressing, add some green plaintains, garlic, salchicha and nuts to your recipe. Instead of mashed potatoes, serve boiled yucca with garlic mojo sauce. Or, go the rice route with some arroz con gandules and sofrito.

Dessert
Whip up a tres leches cake, which is very festive and kid-approved. Or, substitute a creamy flan de calabazas for pumpkin pie.

Beverages

• Kid-friendly: Make a batch of tropical batidas of either guava, piña or passion fruit. Or, serve Jarritos instead of soda. These yummy Mexican sodas are made with real sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup.
• Adult beverages: “Latin eggnog,” “coquito” and “ponche crema” are all different names for the same deliciously wicked rum drink. Buia recommends that you serve high-quality rum after dinner.

Kid Activities
Let them celebrate and get their ya-yas out by whacking a piñata that’s filled with Spanish dulces. LatinBag.com sells authentic sweets to cater to all your nostalgic Latin cravings. LatinBag’s Luchador piñata is particularly awesome.

China
Don’t worry about having everything matchy-matchy. If you’re having a large party but don’t have enough plates, places like HomeGoods have plain white everyday dishware for only $1.50 per plate. They’re nicer-looking than plastic or paper, and you can reuse them for the next fiesta!


Letisha Marrero: Letisha Marrero has contributed to Latina, The Source, iVillage.com, ParentsConnect.com and MomsLikeMe.com. She is also a contributing author to Border-line Personalities: A New Generation of Latinas Dishes on Sex, Sass, and Cultural Shifting.





Pin It Now!

Spanish Friday - Revisión De Kat Von D's Lápiz De Labios Set.

Tweet

Hacen dos semanas que no he participado en Spanish Friday porque he estado ocupada con la vida, pero aquí estoy otra vez! No hace mucho mi hija compró un set de lápiz de labios de Kat Von D llamado Painted Love y Foiled lipstick set en Sephora. Lo cual me encantó porque hace mucho tiempo que he querido tratar sus cosméticos. Lo bueno es que mi hija y yo tenemos los mismos gustos en muchas cosas incluyendo maquillaje. Aunque tengo cuarenta y pico de años mentalmente me siento en mis treintas, lol.

El set trae seis mini lápiz de labios en mate y metálicos con colores como Hellbent y Whiskey Woman. Me encantan los nombres, lol. Los colores son bellos aunque se ven más oscuros de lo que son en el la página de Sephora y en la parte de atrás de la caja. Por ejemplo, Celebutard es mucho más claro como pueden ver en la foto. A mí me gustaron los colores más oscuros especialmente, pienso que me quedan mejor. Yo pensé que como tienen ingredientes emolientes iban a ser grasosos pero para mi sorpresa no lo son. Tanto pronto me lo puse me dí de cuenta que tienen buena textura. Los colores tienen alta pigmentación y duran casi todo el día. Tres cosas que son bien importantes para mí ya que tengo piel grasosa y el maquillaje se me derrite en una hora, media hora si el clima está húmedo.

Para personas que los vayan a usar con mucha frecuencia el tamaño les parecerá muy pequeño pero para mí es suficiente. Además como son pequeños los puedes llevar en tu cartera, en un bolsillo de tu blusa o en tus jeans. Este set es edición limitada, no sé hasta cuando va a estar disponible. El set cuesta $28.00 y lo puedes comprar en Sephora.

Si quieres participar en Spanish Friday sigue el enlace/link o haz clic en la imagen de Spanish Friday a la parte de arriba.


Nota: Este post estaba supuesto a subir ayer pero puse la fecha equivocada porque tenía sueño cuando lo escribí, lol. No me juzgues!



English version of the Spanish Friday post below.


It has been two weeks that I haven't participated in Spanish Friday because I have been busy with life, but here I am again. Not too long my daughter purchased a set of lipsticks from Kat Von D called Painted Love & Foiled lipstick set at Sephora. Which I loved because I have been wanting to try her cosmetics for a long time. The good thing is that my daughter and I have the same taste in a lot of things including makeup. Even though I'm forty something years old, mentally I feel I'm in my thirties, lol.

The set brings six mini lipsticks with matte and foiled colors like Hellbent and Whiskey Woman. Love the names, lol. The colors are beautiful although they look darker than they really are in Sephora's page and in back of the box. For example, Celebutard is a lot lighter as you can see in the photo. I liked the darker colors especially, I think they look better on me. I thought that because they have emollients ingredients they would be greasy but to my surprise they are not. As soon as I put it on I noticed the good texture. The colors have high pigmentation and last almost all day. Three things that are very important to me because I have oily skin and the makeup melts away in an hour, half hour if the climate is humid.

For people who are going to use them frequently the size might seem too small but for me it's enough. Besides since they are small you can carry them in your purse, the pocket of your blouse or in your jeans. This set is limited edition, I don't know until when it will be available. This set costs $28.00 and you can purchase it at Sephora.

If you would like to participate in Spanish Friday follow the link or click on the Spanish Friday image on top.


Note: This post was supposed go up yesterday but I put the wrong date because I was sleepy when I wrote it, lol. Don't judge me!

Pin It Now!

Smells So Good!

Tweet

Yesterday we went to Target and I was happy to see they have the Christmas stuff up already. It just brightens my mood to see all the lights. When we passed by the candles, you could smell the cinnamon, pumpkin spice and all those delicious scents. That's when I remembered we needed to get Febreze. To my delight they had the limited edition scents they always have this time of the year. Although I noticed they don't have it listed on their site. Not sure why. Anyway, I bought Cinnamon Sugar & Home. I love anything cinnamon, lol. When I got home I sprayed around, it smells delicious! Made my apartment feel homey and for a few minutes I forgot about my back/legs pain. The power of Febreze, lol.


I was looking at the bottle when I noticed something that reminded me of a post I read at Latinaish.com. I started laughing while my kids were looking at me funny wondering what was wrong with me, lol. The post was for Spanish Friday where a bottle of Febreze was involved. You can read it here if you want to have a good chuckle...


Note: This is not a sponsored post. I'm just sharing my thoughts.


  

Pin It Now!

Boost Your Happiness & Health With Latin Dance!

Tweet

Las Fabulosas: Home & Happiness

By Shirley Velásquez for Las Fabulosas

Yes, we know your Latina blood gives you natural rhythm. But are you getting the most out of your girls’ nights out? It’s time to shake up your half-hearted merengue routine and sign up for a class. The health benefits of regular vigorous dance sessions, such as Zumba aerobics and Brazilian capoeira, are vast. In addition to strengthening bones, toning muscles and boosting heart health, hooking up with comadres for regular dance-offs will also make you happier and smarter. Science shows that exercise, especially in groups, can work as an instant antidepressant. Here are three ways to add a dash of sexy to your summer exercise routine:

1. Zumba Aerobics. This workout originated in Colombia, but it takes Latin dance moves from everywhere: salsa, merengue, reggaeton, hip-hop, pop and more. Unlike typical aerobics routines that focus on counting out loud, Zumba sessions are high-energy parties where you dance to the beat and burn between 400 and 600 calories. The high levels of feel-good hormones you will release help lower stress, avoid hypertension and keep your heart healthy.

2. Brazilian Capoeira. A combination of martial arts and music, this art form originated in the quilombos -- or slave settlements -- of South America. The practice was both a way for slaves to entertain themselves and a cunning way for them to practice self-protection moves in case of an attack. Today, this “dance-fight” is practiced around the world. It can be a lethal workout on the dance floor, burning as many as 500 to 700 calories per hour. The best part? You will be using your entire body -- head, arms, legs, and feet -- to kick, cartwheel and do handstands. You’ll have incredible flexibility.

3. Argentine Tango. This well-known dance is best described as a combination of walking and gymnastics. Though it can burn anywhere from 200 to 400 calories per hour, the dance’s powerful workout is often overlooked. Those slow, deep lunges are amazing for improving coordination and toning legs. And its sharp turns require a strong, wide upper body frame, which in turn improves posture.


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.

Pin It Now!

Latina Resilience.

Tweet

Las Fabulosas: Home & Happiness

By Marissa Matteo for Las Fabulosas


In her groundbreaking memoir, When I Was Puerto Rican, Esmeralda Santiago wrote of her journey from the barrios of Puerto Rico to the halls of Harvard University. The book, published in 1994, opened up a dialogue on cultural identity, immigration and assimilation. Her recent novel, Conquistadora, continues the conversation, exploring class, survival and romance in untamed Puerto Rico.

Las Fabulosas: During your research for your novel, you read about the history of Puerto Rico in the face of so much adversity -- slave insurrections, a cholera epidemic and hurricanes. What was the universal response to each of these catastrophes, as a people?

Esmeralda Santiago: People picked themselves up and started over with an unbelievable optimism. As I read, I was thinking, “My God, I cannot imagine going through all these things and having the strength to go on.” But that is very much a part of our people. There’s an attitude of, “Well that happened, and I’m alive, and I’m just going to do what I have to do. Fix things and keep going.” And it’s not like they just fixed their own house. They helped one another. There was this willingness to give the next person the shirt off of your back, literally.

LF: What is the best advice you ever heard from your relatives about making do when money is tight?

E.S.: My mom raised 11 children as a single mother, and the thing she is very proud of is that we always ate well. And she did it by being creative. If there was no milk, she made almond milk. If there were no almonds, she made rice milk. If there was no rice, she made oat milk. I remember her saying, “So long as I’m upright, I will work to make sure that I will take care of my family.” When she wasn’t able to work as a seamstress, she worked as a maid or she made alterations at the laundry, or she cooked for men who didn’t have families. This attitude is ingrained in my family.

LF: What is the best advice your mother gave you about finding true love?

E.S.: My mother’s attitude about true love is, “It’s great to fall in love, but if he doesn’t treat you right, there are plenty of men.” She had five husbands, and at 81, she still tells this to her granddaughters and great-granddaughters.

LF: What has your family taught you about what makes life meaningful?

E.S.: I think for us, it is the sense of closeness and unity. We are not physically close, because we live scattered over the United States and Puerto Rico, but we are close in the sense that if any one member needs help, the whole family goes into action. The sense of unity is very, very important to us. I always know that if I need them, my sisters and brothers will be there. And that is an incredible comfort.



Marissa Matteo  is a ghostwriter for HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster and Penguin Group. Her work has appeared on The New York Times bestseller list. She is currently at work on a seventh celebrity memoir and a semiautobiographical novel.









Pin It Now!

Junta Hispana: Last Two Events This Year.

Tweet

Do you live in the Houston or Miami area? Are you looking for a place where you can take your whole family? During the next two Sundays Junta Hispana will be having their last two events according to their calendar.

Junta Hispana is an event for the whole family where you will enjoy Latino culture in every sense of the word. From food to dancing to music to traditional customs from Bolivia, Panama, Chile, Puerto Rico and Paraguay to name a few. Best of all is free admission. 

They offer raffles, free samples from the sponsors of the event like Rite Aid. You can purchase typical items from different countries, likes hats, bracelets, necklaces, etc. For the children, Dora the Explorer will be there. This is all according to their website. I'm posting their video below so you can get a better sense of what you will be seeing. I'm having trouble with it so I'm hoping it will work. If not you can always visit their webpage. 

The event for Houston is on Sunday, October 16. From 11AM - 6PM Rain or shine the event will go on.

• Stage performances begin at 12 noon
• Meet and take pictures with Dora the Explorer and Sponge Bob at 12PM to 5PM 
• Location: Thomas Bass Park - 3452 Fellows Road - near Hwy 288 and Beltway 8 

The Miami event is one Sunday, October 23 from 6AM - 6PM Rain or shine the event will go on.

• Stage performances begin at 12 noon
• Dora the Explorer dance: 1PM - 2:30PM - 4:00PM
• Meet and take pictures with Dora and Spongebob: 12PM - 5PM
• Location: Miami Dade Expo Center at Tamiami Park - 112th Avenue and SW 24th Street

Update: For some reason the Junta Hispana video doesn't want to work on my blog so I have no choice but to remove it. Visit the Junta Hispana webpage to see it.

Pin It Now!

Spanish Friday - Dulces

Tweet

It's time for another Latinaish's Spanish Friday. This post is in Spanish. If you would like a translation you can use the translate widget on the sidebar.

He estado leyendo el Blog Life in the Armpit en donde puedes leer acerca del El Salvador y la vida cotidiana de la autora y su familia. Lo cual me ha hecho sentir nostalgia for la comida y dulces de mi país, Puerto Rico. Anoche fuí a la bodega a comprar leche y pan. Pero terminé comprando más de lo que necesitaba como pueden ver en la fotos. Compré unos dulces y aunque no dicen que son hechos en Puerto Rico, son hechos por latinos y eso para mí es suficiente, lol. Aunque con el nombre El Faro Bakery creo que los dueños si son Puertorriqueños. 

Todos me gustaron, pero el más que me gustó fue el de la etiqueta blanca. Con la consistencia más suave y con el sabor más dulce. Rico! Se ven grande en las fotos pero no lo son. Son pequeños y cada uno cuesta 89¢ (en los tiempos de antes costaban 5¢).  Pero como dicen en Puerto Rico, perfume bueno viene en frasco pequeño. Ya que son tan dulce con comerse uno es suficiente para calmar los deseos!

Si quieren participar en Spanish Friday hagan clic en el enlace/link o en la imagen de Spanish Friday. Que tengan un buen fin de semana, mi gente!♥

Pin It Now!

Belated Spanish Friday - Receta.

Tweet

Aquí estoy con mi Spanish Friday y como pueden ver estoy tarde otra vez. Bueno, yo les he dicho que no me gusta cocinar mucho. Sin embargo, últimamente como he estado cocinando todos los días incluyendo los fines de semanas me ha empezado a gustar. ¿La razón? Estamos en un presupuesto por lo tanto no puedo comprar lo quiero sino no lo que mi dinero me permite. Es por eso que he estado experimentando con diferentes recetas y todas me han salido bien buenas. No quiero presumir, pero mis hijos no se han quejado hasta ahora, ha, ha.


El Jueves por la mañana entré a Google+ y ví una receta que Yoli from Cuponeando compartió. La receta, Pollo en Escabeche! Me acordé de lo guineitos en escabeche que mi abuela hace, tan ricos. Como no tenía ni idea de que cocinar y tenía todos los ingredientes (menos aceitunas) decidí tratarla! Me quedó rico y aunque le faltaba las aceitunas para tener un poco de más sabor, se dejó comer (como decimos en Puerto Rico). No le puse aceitunas porque no tenía. Yo lo hice con arroz blanco y plátanos maduros. Gracias a Yoli for esta rica receta. 







Si quieren participar en Spanish Friday sigan el enlace/link o hagan clic en la imagen de Spanish Friday que ven arriba.


Nota: Pueden traducir este post en el sidebar donde dice translate my site.

Pin It Now!