An Everyday Mom

random musings

2011-03-11T15:16:00.001-05:00

.....miss blogging...life is getting in the way of blogging about, well, life.....

.....worrying about my son's health has left me a closet basket-case...ugh.....

.....so many ideas floating around in my head, can't concentrate long enough to write one down.....

.....must start re-defining what "normal" means for me.....

.....feeling incredibly sad for the people of Japan today...random devastation is a tough and bitter pill to swallow...gonna give to the international red cross...hope it helps.....

My Etsy Shop is Finally OPEN!!!

2011-01-16T21:12:00.001-05:00

Woo Hoo!!!

I'm so insanely excited! My shop is officially open! There's only one listing up, but it's a start. I'll be putting more listings up throughout the week as I finish photographing the items. Hope you'll stop by the shop to see what's available :-))))

Trata Threads: Adorable (and cheeky!) Latin-Inspired Baby Bibs

2010-12-16T16:24:00.000-05:00

I was recently contacted by Taina from Trata Threads regarding her baby bib store. I no longer have kids of bib-using age, but I visited her Etsy store because the concept behind her bibs intrigued me.

Taina brought up a very good point in her email:

As a Latina Mom I'm sure you've walked into BabiesRUs or Target and have seen all of the bibs and onesies celebrated Mommies and Daddies, Grandma's and Grandpas. If you're anything like me you searched through the loads of novelty bibs and wondered, what about Abuelita and Tio? What about Madrina and Padrino? I've spent tons of time scouring the internet for baby gifts for my primos that could represent the things that I wanted to say, the inside jokes we have, or just something with MY name on it. I'm a Titi and a Madrina and I just want my favorite babies to be able to celebrate the people in their lives the way other kids get to. That's when my hermana del alma and I decided that there was entirely too many exclusions in the baby apparel industry and create Trata Threads.

I will admit I've had the same thought myself on countless occasions. There are so many cute bibs with funny phrases or slogans out there, and trust me, latins have just as many, if not more! I'm so happy there are people out there like Taina and her best friend Tracy who realize there is an untapped market for latin-inspired baby gear.

I urge you to visit their website Trata Threads. You can follow the "shop" link to their Etsy shop and browse the absolutely adorable and fresh selection of baby bibs.

Pins, Clips and Earrings - Oh My!

2010-12-14T20:14:00.001-05:00

Tons of new items are up at Handmade Contessa. By "up" I mean, you can check out what I've been working on and what will be available at my new Etsy store come January. So stop by and check them out. Let me know what you think. I LOVE FEEDBACK!

Freezing My Tush In Miami

2010-12-14T10:56:00.000-05:00

It was 36 degrees this morning in Miami. Huh? This Cuban mama was officially freezing her big Cuban tush off! Mother Nature certainly has a funny sense of humor. Doesn't she know we So FL natives can't handle anything below 55? Well, at least I can wear my "real" winter clothes for one day ;-)

Have a great day everyone.

More Etsy Shop Stuff: What Do You Think?

2010-12-11T21:03:00.000-05:00

Aside from hair accessories and a host of other handmade goodies, my new Etsy shop {which will hopefully be up and running by January} will carry fabric flower brooches in several styles.

Take a look at what I've been cooking up here and tell me what you think of my latest creations? I really do appreciate your input while I tweak my products to get them listed.

Input Request on My Etsy Shop Items

2010-12-08T22:43:00.003-05:00

If you get the chance, I'd love if you could stop by Handmade Contessa. I have a preview of what I'm working on for my new Etsy shop, and would love to read your thoughts on my finished products before I list them.

Thanks :-)

Ornament Wreath

2010-12-05T18:02:00.000-05:00

Look who's been busy decorating for the holidays?!?! I made a lovely Christmas wreath using the very first ornaments I bought when we first got married. We've added new ones this year, and I couldn't bear getting rid of the old ones. So, voila, recycled ornaments and a new family Christmas heirloom.

You can find a tutorial to make a wreath like this one here. It really is easy to make, even if you're not the craftiest person ;-)

Are you a big decorator during the holidays? What are your decorating traditions? Do tell!

Chocolate Chip Coconut Macaroons

2010-12-02T19:10:00.001-05:00

The holidays always bring out the baker in me. It's the perfect setting to whip up a batch or two of chocolate chip coconut macaroons. Oh the yummy goodness of chocolate and coconut together!

Yummy Chocolate Chip Coconut Macaroons!

Wanna make a batch for yourself or as a holiday gift? Here's what you'll need:

1 bag of coconut shavings (I like to use Mounds, but any brand will do)
1 can of condensed milk
1 bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp of vanilla extract
2 egg whites
1/2 tbsp of kosher salt

Mix the coconut shavings and condensed milk until both are well-blended together. Add the vanilla extract and egg whites (whipped). Fold the chocolate chips in slowly, and finish off with salt.

Place 2 inch wide spoonfuls of the mix (should look like little "hills") on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Enjoy!

What I Wore Wednesday

2010-12-01T20:50:00.000-05:00

I'm awfully late linking up this week with Lindsey's What I Wore Wednesday blog hop but it was a crazy weekend. Little man came down with a mysterious "virus" that no one could figure out. High fevers and no other symptoms - jeesh! A shot weekend put me way behind this week and I, of course, have no pics of what I wore EXCEPT for what my entire family wore for our annual Christmas portrait. Don't my men look adorbs?!?!

In case you care about what I'm wearing, here's a rundown:

white tank top - Avenue
grey ruffled sweater - Old Navy
jeans - I.N.C.
grey knit scarf - Old Navy
cranberry Petal Pusher - The Pleated Poppy
"whoo do you love?" necklace - Lisa Leonard Designs
bling butterfly ring - Forever 21

Have a great week ya'll !

What I Wore Wednesday

2010-11-24T15:30:00.002-05:00

Well, I mustered enough courage to link up again with Lindsey from The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday. You know, I think there might be something to this taking pictures of what one wears. Why? For one, I noticed I wear alot of the same clothes time and again. And there's not that much color in my closet either. Ugh! Guess it's time to go shopping for some new items. Yay!!!

1) sheer blouse, white tank top...old navy
    tommy hilfiger boot-cut jeans
    white socks...express
   brown close-toe wedges...target
   fabric earrings, locket...Christine Kangas Jewelry Design
   poppy-accented gold bracelets...Forever 21
   white acrylic watch...fossil

2) gray cardigan w/ ruffled trim...target
    white tank top...old navy
    skinny jeans (a total oxymoron in my case)...I.N.C.
    blue flip flops...old navy

3) blue t-shirt...old navy
    skinny jeans...I.N.C.
    black gladiator sandals...D.S.W.
    crystal heart earrings (can remember where I got them)
    "from up here" necklace...Lisa Leonard Designs
    silver/black bangles...forever 21
    white acrylic watch...fossil
    stains on my shirt courtesy of my 2 year old ragamuffin

4) cream sheer peasant top, white tank top...old navy
    skinny jeans...I.N.C.
    brown close-toe wedges...target
    "from up here" necklace...Lisa Leonard Designs
    white acrylic watch...fossil

Here's hoping next week will be better and more colorful!

look at that punum!

2010-11-17T10:46:00.002-05:00

Don't you just want to hug and squeeze that adorable little punum?!?!

What I Wore Wednesday

2010-11-17T10:26:00.002-05:00

So I've been secretly pouring over countless "What I Wore Wednesday" posts from around the web for MONTHS. The voyeur in me just loves to see what my fellow bloggers are wearing. As much as I wanted to join in the fun, I was terrified of showing others what I wear. Frankly, I think my wardrobe sucks. Mommyhood has severely impaired my personal fashion sense. How sad {:-( } But the crazy Cuban in me can't resist a challenge. So I'm linking up for the very first time with Lindsey from The Pleated Poppy for my inaugural What I Wore Wednesday post. I only have a couple of outfits to share because my camera is acting a bit wonky lately {which is why I'll be buying a nice, new dslr camera VERY soon!}

So here we go:

midnight blue tank with rosette appliqués - I.N.C., Macy's
gray cardigan sweater with rosette trim - Target
jeans - I.N.C., Macy's
brown closed-toe wedges, Target (on clearance for $12.99! So comfy!)
white daisy earrings, So Good
heart necklace, Simply Silver Boutique in Coral Gables (now defunct :-( )
white acrylic watch, Fossil

gray tank dress, Target
jeeans, I.N.C., Macy's
brown close-toe wedges, Target (did I mention how comfy they are?)
from up here necklace, Lisa Leonard Designs
pearl earrings, Macy's
white acrylic watch, Fossil
petal pusher, The Pleated Poppy
charcoal bow-accented headband, Forever 21

my five favorite examples of the written word

2010-11-15T10:00:00.001-05:00

The Raven

Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good night

Cultivo Una Rosa Blanca

Invictus

Green Eggs and Ham

(and, yes, i am totally serious about the last one { :)}

sunday lunch on lincoln road

2010-11-14T15:41:00.003-05:00

it's so rare for us to venture outside of our little coral gables that it felt like we were on a trip today. we headed to south beach and ended up on lincoln road. after strolling east and west (and shopping for jewelry at 'so good'), we sat down at a small outdoor tapas café called 'maya'.

i love the weaved chairs and enormous outdoor fans {so south beach}.

a simple glass of water is all i need to keep me happy on a warm so fl day.

on second thought, having these two ragamuffins near me is much better than the aforementioned { :) }

happy sunday to everyone

27 years ago today...

2010-11-06T20:06:00.001-04:00

my mother went to heaven. i miss her now more than ever. every year i miss her presence with more intensity. i'm sad that she never got to see me grow up to be the woman i am today. i'm sad that she never experienced the joy of being a grandmother to two amazing little boys. i'm sad that her life ended at 30 - too young. but mostly i'm sad that i can't look at her beautiful, smiling face and feel her arms around me. i miss having a mom.

mami, i will love you forever. these past 27 years seem so long...and not long enough. until we see each other again, te mando un beso y un abrazo...xoxo

Sorry I pulled a "Hoffa" on You Guys

2010-08-04T19:40:00.000-04:00

I'm alive and well folks. July kicked my butt, that's all. I vacationed at the beginning of the month ( by that I mean I stayed at home and TRIED to rest ;-) and then the kiddos got sick. Both of them. A virus that ended in a nice bout of CROUP! Oh yeah! It was oodles of fun at my house last month.

The kids are FINALLY better, and I am thoroughly exhausted. I do have tons to share with everyone about what I've been up to, and it involves saving lots of money :-) I'm sure that is something we can all benefit from.

I hope to be back to posting next week once I catch up with other commitments and take the boys to Nick Jr Live! this weekend. Thanks to all of you that wrote asking how I was doing. It's nice to know I'm missed. So hang in there, and I'll see ya soon.

-Dania

I Fought Karma and Guess Who Won

2010-06-29T23:04:00.000-04:00

Let's get one thing straight before I redact the details of my day - I am not an air-head, space cadet or walking moron. I actually have a pretty decent IQ, but my brain apparently succumbed to the unbearable Miami heat today and what was left was, well, a total absent-minded mess.

I'll begin with what was supposed to be a quick trip to Toys r Us. HA! Quick my a**. Once I walked through the doors, I couldn't remember why I was there. I was immediately bombarded by all things Toy Story 3. ARGH! My little one had about 10 orgasms while we were there, and finally remembered I needed diapers and wipes after 45 friggin minutes. Needless to say, I caved in and bought both boys "a little something", a euphemism I use to get my husband off my case when he questions my "reckless" shopping practices. In reality, I brought home a HUGE stuffed Tolee from Ni Hao, Kai-lan (for those of you that even know what I'm talking about) and a Penguins of Madagascar Fishing Game (as if I really needed another battery-guzzling toy in my house!). Buying more unecessary toys for my overly-spoiled boys could be perceived as "reckless". We'll just blame that on my air-head binge, allrighty?!?!

My day continued with a trip to the grocery store which I jammed into my schedule before I picked up my oldest at summer camp. Here's where things get interesting and cosmic and ironic. When I arrived at the parking lot, I managed to find an open stroller permit parking spot. This place always annoys me because they only have two stroller permit spaces for the entire mall! What really ticks me off, though, is how so many people park in these scarce spots without a permit. Or they park when they're without kids and don't need the space. That's exactly what happened today. I was unloading my son and sitting him in his stroller when a woman parked in the only other stroller permit spot available without a permit!!! I gave her a dirty look and rolled my eyes (a very Cuban reaction BTW) as she got off her car. She looked at me as I did this, but kept walking into the store. I followed a few moments later and spent the next 30 minutes or so stuffing the storage bin under my son's stroller with the groceries I needed. I headed to the register to pay. I placed all the groceries to get scanned, reached under the stroller sunshade where I usually store my purse while I shop and came up empty-handed.

What ensued was a mixture of crazy Cuban lady hysterics as I yelled to everyone within earshot (as well as the folks enjoying an eternal rest at the nearby cemetery) that my purse had been stolen. Forget that it would've been darn near impossible for that to happen without removing my child from his stroller seat first. I was convinced it was stolen and began a store-wide search for the perpetrator. Throughout all this, my boy sipped on his bottle totally oblivious even though I and his stroller were probably clocking about 50mph. I panted. I sweat. I searched high and low on the off chance the bag had fallen out of the stroller without my noticing it, but NADA!

I went back to the register as the store manager managed to catch up with me. I asked to have the video surveillance checked to see who took my purse and was nearly on the verge of tears (which is totally out of character for me) when karma b*tch-slapped me in the face. HARD. As my pseudo stolen purse drama began to unfold, the illegal stroller spot lady (that's what I'm calling her) got in line two shoppers behind me. When I came back and began talking to the manager, the lady (very politely I might add) interrupted our conversation to suggest I look for the "missing" purse inside my car. I probably looked at her as if she'd grown a third boob or something because I HAVE NEVER LEFT MY PURSE INSIDE MY CAR. EVER. EVER. The mere suggestion was completely absurd. I'm the chick who always has it together. I know where everything is and no way would I or could I be such an air-head. Until today that is. The lady insisted I should check my car. She was certain I would feel better once I did. So I walked out to my car and, sure enough, there was my purse sitting on the front passenger seat.

This is the part where I opened the car door, grabbed my bag and stuck my tongue way up my judgemental a**. The illegal stroller parking spot lady was right, and I was knee-deep in irony. Once I returned to the store to pay for my groceries (the illegal parking spot lady allowed me to cut her in line to pay for my stuff - more irony and cosmic crap coming my way), the lady explained that she'd seen me in the parking lot while I was getting my son into his stroller and thought he was so darn cute she just had to stare at him a bit. She was sure I had not taken a purse out of my car, so she figured I'd left it inside while I was busy "GIVING HER THE EVIL, SELF-RIGHTEOUS EYE" (that, by the way, is a translated quote). Under normal circumstances, I would have sent this illegal parking lady straight to hell without a second thought, but I was so glad to have my purse back I let it slide. In the end, she had a point. I judged her and made it my business to let her know she was wrong when it really had nothing to do with me. I put out negative karma and it came back and bit me in my large Cuban rear end.

So what did I learn from this experience? To not judge others? To refrain from giving strangers dirty looks? To appreciate karma and irony? HELL NO! I'm still going to be the self-righteous "Cubanita" I've always been. A lesson I did manage to take away from all this is to never be such a fool and an air-head again. Karma may get me down every once in awhile, but it'll never change who I am. And I don't care what any illegal stroller permit parking lady thinks about that either ;-)

My Very First Award!

2010-06-28T19:48:00.002-04:00

A big, huge, enormous, behemoth "THANK YOU" to Yenta Mary from Food Floozie for bestowing this award upon my very appreciative shoulders. I hope everyone takes a minute to stop by her blog because, well, I say so (and because it's one of the best I've ever come across).

There are a few "rules" that come with accepting this award:

Bow down and worship me (OK, so I inserted that one in there, you know, for fuuuuuuuuuun...;-)

Thank the blog that presented me with the award. Check.

Next, share (7) things about myself.

1.I've visited all of the 48 contiguous states (LOTS of road trips!)
2.I once gave serious thought to joining the CIA
3.I have a healthy obsession with most things vampire (except Twilight)
4.I love Coke (the soda, of course)
5.I've been to Disney World 30 times (that's during my adult life)
6.I celebrated the millennium in Paris at the foot of the Eiffel Tower
7.I'd leave my husband for Daniel Craig in a heartbeat (JK...No, I'm not...)

I now have the task of passing on this award to 15 other blogs who I've recently discovered and think are pretty fantastic. I have to cheat on this one because I'm picky! I'm only passing this award along to five blogs I feel are truly "versatile", but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate all the other blogs I read. You know I love ya too! In no particular order:

collide
Take a Mom's Word For It
Stash Mama
A belle, a bean & a Chicago dog
Welcome Sunshine Home

Please visit these blogs if you have the chance to do so. They're each special for different reasons (hence, versatile), but every one of them is worth the read.

Why Grandpa Would Roll Over in His Grave After Watching DWTS

2010-06-24T11:20:00.006-04:00

I love Dancing With The Stars because (1) I love dancing, (2) I love music and (3) I love watching D-list, has-been stars making spectacles of themselves. What I DON'T like about the show is how horribly they interpret the sublime dances that originated in Cuba. Neither would my grandfather. He would roll around in his grave if he knew what ballroom dancers have done with his beloved mambo, rumba and cha-cha-cha.

Each style has its own magical appeal. The mambo is a rhythmic dance fueled by drums, trumpets and horns. It's a melding of the traditional Cuban danzón with African syncopated beats. Not everyone can dance the mambo. It's tough to do it. In my opinion, only those with a fine-tuned sense of rhythm will pick it up, internalize it and interpret it properly in the form of dance. As wonderful as the professional ballroom dancers are on DWTS, none of them can dance the mambo worth a dime. Sorry, but it's the truth. If you want to know what a real mambo sounds like and looks like (minus the addition of Mexican film star and comedian 'Resortes' in the clip), take a look at this video of Perez Prado, the king of mambo, performing Que Rico El Mambo, one of his greatest hits.

The rumba is probably the most egregiously butchered Cuban dance style. What you see on DWTS is NOTHING like the true Cuban rumba. I feel like gouging my eyes out every time I have to see a rumba performed by ballroom dancers. It's a hack job if ever I saw one. The musical styling of the rumba varies from a more sedate 'son' like The Peanut Vendor (El Manisero) to the more rhythmic and fast-paced 'guaguanco' like Celia Cruz's Quimbara. As you'll derive from watching both videos, the ballroom version of rumba is a result of slowing down a fun, musical dance to something that resembles catatonia. Ugh!!!

Last but certainly not least is the cha-cha-cha. This dance is basically a danzón with a very specific set of steps. It's the simplest of all Cuban dances, but the music that inspired the dance is anything but. I grew up hearing cha-cha-cha in my home. The tell-tale sounds of soft percussion and a heavenly flute would send me into a trance of cha-cha-cha dancing. My grandfather's favorite piece was El Bodeguero by Orchestra Aragón, arguably the most accomplished cha-cha-cha band in the world. When I close my eyes and listen to this song, I can picture my grandfather dancing and smiling at me as he sang the clever song. I still tear up everytime I hear it.

If you'd like to know more about these Cuban dances and musical styles, please, don't take notes from an episode of Dancing With The Stars. You'll only be wasting your time.

Jueves Trece - 6/24/10

2010-06-23T23:14:00.006-04:00

Last week I joined up for my very first Thursday Thirteen post, and I had so much fun coming up with a list of 13 people that piss me off that I decided to do one again this week. Since last week was all about people who annoy me, I felt it only proper to focus this time around on 13 people I actually like! (and, yes, there are that many people I like, so no sarcastic comments from friends who believe that to be utterly impossible ;-)

{Drumroll, please...}

13 people I actually like
1. Donald Trump - Boy do I love me some Donald, comb-over and all. The shear tenacity this man possesses in abundance is a quality I seek out in others and strive to maintain myself. If I had the opportunity to do so, I'd be more than happy to hang with "The Donald".

2. Victoria Beckham - Contrary to her often austere and unapproachable persona, Posh is quite a hoot. She has that wry, self-deprecating British humor I find so appealing. She may dress to the nines, but she's not afraid of dissing her knobby knees and flat tush. Love her!

3. Anthony Bourdain - I know plenty of people find the abrasive chef to be droll and snooty, but that's exactly where his charm lies. He dares you not to like him, but secretly hopes you do. That inner dichotomy is as plain as the salt -n- pepper hair on his head.

4. New Kids On The Block - I just love them to death. I'm not going to explain why. It's a high school thing, alright?

5. Sarah Palin - She's a lipstick-wearing, moose-hunting "pit bull". 'Nuf said.

6. Madonna - Music goddess who puts all these little girls who've come after her to shame. "Always imitated, never duplicated".

7. David "Puck" Rainey - He's a putz and a pig, but is always a spot-on judge of character. My favorite Real World cast member to this day.

8. Tim Gunn - He can be my gay husband any day of the week. I worship and adore him!!!

9. Daniel Craig - He can be my straight lover any day of the week and twice on Sunday. HOT, HOT, HOT!!!

10. Meryl Streep - She can act the s_ _ t out of any roll she plays. The greatest actress of our time.

11. Hayden Christensen - {sigh}

12. P-Diddy - I'm not sure why I like him, but I do. He's a bit of an ass and a dog when it comes to women, but he's cool. I like that.

13. Les Grossman (a.k.a Tom Cruise) - ".....from now on my fist is going to be so far up your s**thole that every time you have a thought, it's gonna have to tiptoe past my wedding ring....." Les, you ARE the man even if you are a fictitious movie character ;-)

Photo via google images

It's Their Party, and I'll Cry If I Want To!

2010-06-23T21:49:00.007-04:00

Sometimes when I want to blog about life, "life" gets in the way. I managed to survive the epic production that was A.J. and Benjamin's joint birthday party. And boy do I use the word managed loosely. First of all, it was like 100 degrees outside and the party was at a park.

I know what you're thinking. A park? In Miami? In the SUMMER!?

No I'm not on crack, I just wanted to give my outdoors-loving boys a chance to spend some time, you know, OUTDOORS!!! While the actual party was indoors for the sake of all the adults and elderly family members attending, the bounce house and inflatable slide were not. Let's just say those two devices saw very little action. I can never get kids out of a bounce house, and this time I could barely get them in it. I practically begged my son to jump for a minute or two. That was all he could manage without needing a spatula to get out. I swear those kids were melting before my very eyes!

Those who know me well will certainly attest to the fact that I throw a mean party. It doesn't matter what the event may be - a bridal shower, wedding reception, baby shower, baptism or kids birthday - all my parties are well-oiled machines. This event was no exception, but for some reason it totally kicked my butt. I was drained at the end of it all. I had a headache all day Monday (probably stress-induced) and I literally cried at the end of the night in pain. It hurt that much. And I don't cry, not even when I was in labor. In light of all this, I've decided to forgo any large scale events for the foreseeable future, and just keep it simple and all in the family. My poor little head can't take any more mega productions.

It's a Social Parade! and Friday-Follow - 6/18/10

2010-06-17T21:26:00.001-04:00

It's FRIDAY!!!! Welcome to those of you stopping by on Social Parade Follower Friday and Friday-Follow. Thanks to Smart and Trendy Moms and Friday-Follow.com for hosting these hops. I can't tell you how many wonderful blogs I've found through the hopping process. If you decide to follow my blog (and you should because I'm totally fabulous!), please leave a comment and let me know you're following. I will certainly follow you back.

Have a great weekend everyone. Wishing all the wonderful dads in the world a Happy Father's Day. We're celebrating with a joint birthday party for our boys. I'll be sure to post pics of the party next week.

Thursday Thirteen - 6/17/10

2010-06-17T18:00:00.006-04:00

I thought I'd seen all the memes there were until I stopped by to read the latest postings by one of my favorite blogs, Food Floozie, and caught Yenta Mary's Thursday Thirteen post. An excuse to list 13 "anythings"? Oh, I'm so in! It was Mary's first time doing a Thursday Thirteen and mine as well. Guess this is the only opportunity either one of us is going to have to be called "virgins" again. I'm only kidding, folks. I would NEVER suggest that Mary is anything but a virgin ;-) But enough about virginity, let's get to my inaugural Thursday Thirteen before it becomes a Friday Thirteen, and who wants a Friday the 13th anyway!

The theme for this group of 13 is "13 people that piss me off!". Now on with the show!:

1. Gisele Bündchen - Models in general piss me off, but this chick is just annoying. She's all like "Giving birth was great!. It didn't hurt! I didn't scream! Yada, yada, yada." C'mon, who is she kidding? Just admit it was painful and that it sucks, but having a beautiful little lump of flesh to show for it makes up for all the crap you go through, and call it a day. No one believes you anyway you rich and genetically favored b***h. (I'm sure she's a nice person and all, but she still pisses me off).

2. James Cameron - Do I really need to expound on the reasons why this man pisses me off? I know the reasons are as obvious as the perpetually-constipated look on his face.

3., 4., 5., 6, & 7. The entire cast of the Real Housewives of New Jersey - Don't believe for one second I'm trying to cheat my way through Thursday Thirteen by listing all these women in one shot. I've got beef with every single one of them. Dina - shame on you for letting Danielle and her vile ways make you quit the show. Grow a backbone, girl! Teresa - the mere fact that you have the nerve to claim your bankruptcy was caused by bad real estate investments and not the fact that you spend money faster than Paris Hilton jumps from man to man is enough to piss anyone off. Just admit you and your hubby are irresponsible with money, and get over yourselves. Jacqueline - stop hiding behind your husband and blaming him for not being friends with Danielle. Tell the woman she's a whack-job and you can't stand to be near her. Your hubby has nothing to do with it. Caroline - YOU AIN'T THE BOSS OF EVERYBODY!!! Get a life that does not involve dictating every thought, every action your family members have or make. Danielle - just the fact that you take up space on this planet pisses me off. In fact, book a seat on the next commercial space flight and stay there. You're as empty, black as void-less as space so you'll fit right in :-)

8. Tom Cruise - Your wife has a brain. Let her use it from time to time. I'm just sayin'...

9. Oprah - She doesn't actually piss me off as a person. Just her presence everywhere annoys me. She can send me a washer and dryer or a car any day of the week if she is so inclined.

10. Perez Hilton - Yes, I read his blog mainly because he's also Cuban-American like me. But he needs to remove his head from Lady GaGa's rear end long enough to realize she's not the Second Coming or anything like that. She's talented, quirky and fun, but she ain't Madonna! Let's not go crazy and put them in the same league now (I say this as I have my head stuck up Madonna's butt, and I'm damn proud of it!).

11. Angelina Jolie - I think she's a beautiful woman and a really good actress, but she can be so annoying when she starts talking about politics and other complicated issues. Shut up and look pretty. Oh and adopt more kids, but don't talk about stuff you know nothing about. You're stupid begins to show when you do that, so cover it up.

12. George Clooney - Just get married already, would ya?!?! You'll need someone to take care of you in your geriatric years (which are not too far off, I might ad ;-).

13. Me - I know, I know, me??? Totally cliché, right? But it's true. I piss myself off ALL THE TIME! Too bad I can't get away from me when I'm annoying myself. OK, I'm starting to get a headache trying to figure this all out which is pissing me off even more. I'll stop now.

"Mami": My Favorite Person Ever

2010-06-17T13:49:00.004-04:00

Re-printed from my January 15, 2010 post on Señora Cartera
.....If you ask folks who their favorite person is, many would undoubtedly answer that their mothers are. I definitely fall under that category. My mom will always be my favorite person. She fostered my love of fashion, handbags in particular, and taught me from a very early age to work hard for anything I wanted. She believed nothing is out of our grasp if we put our heart and souls into attaining it.

13 yr old Queens transplant(1968); teen bride(1970); loving mom(1974)
I only had my mom around for a short time. She passed away when I was eleven years old. Even though I've spent the majority of my life without her, I've always felt her presence in it. I can't listen to a 70's song, browse through a thrift shop or go shopping for a bag without thinking of her. It's inevitable. When I was a little girl, she was my idol (aside, of course, from Andy Gibb). Her favorite things became my favorite things. Her tastes became my tastes.

Case in point. Here are a few of my mom's "favorite things" (and mine, as well) - a sequined disco tube top, vintage Gucci clutch and the ever beautiful Diane von Furstenberg. DvF was her idol, the woman she molded her style after. My mom read her book entitled "Diane von Furstenberg's Book of Beauty: How to Become a More Attractive, Confident and Sensual Woman" so many times, I lost count. In fact, she would quote it all the time. Kaftan tops, chunky necklaces and wide-bottom pants were my mother's wardrobe staples. She loved her suede fringed hobo as much as her box-shaped handbag or Gucci envelope clutch. She was an amazing disco dancer (she and my father won many dance contests in the late 70's). I would sit on our red velvet sofa for hours watching them practice their routines. In my eyes, she was a goddess. Fierce when it came to style, but sweet in every other respect. She was, by far, the kindest human being I've ever encountered. A true "flower child" at heart. Perhaps this is the reason why, after 26 years of being apart, my mother remains my favorite person. Her sense of style and devotion to fashion were admirable, but it was her outer as well as inner beauty I'll cherish the most.....