Being Latina...

DIY: Kale Chips

2013-03-04T16:16:00.000-08:00

These chips sound so foreign and exciting, almost as if they are extraterrestrial. I hate to burst your bubble, but once you make them, they really aren't that strange. I found them to be so easy to make that I plan on incorporating them into my meals weekly if not more often. Also, once you make your first batch, you can get all sorts of crazy flavor combinations going on in your kitchen!

You will need the following items:
1) One bunch of kale
2) Olive oil (about 3 tablespoons or enough to coat the all leaves)
3) Kosher salt

The aforemetioned items are the basis of kale chip making. I suggest making plain kale chips first, that way you know what you might want to tweak when exploring flavor combinations.

Left: Chopped kale tossed in olive oil and kosher salt, Right: kale chip baked on aluminum foil

The first step to making the perfect kale chip is thoroughly washing and drying the kale. If you have a salad spinner, this is the perfect opportunity to bring it out. If not, rinse and towel dry kale. (Seriously, your kale needs to be really really dry).
Next, cut kale into 2x2 inch chips. Of if you are like me, cut them into sizes that you would like to eat.
Toss kale in a bowl with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and one teaspoon of salt or enough olive oil to coat all leaves thoroughly.
Spread kale leaves onto a cookie sheet so that they lay flat. You will probably have to bake 2-3 batches.
Bake kale for 7-10 minutes depending on your altitude. Flip kale chips half way through the baking time so that both sides crisp. Kale chips will be finished when they are crispy.

**Browning does not necessarily mean that the kale chip is finished or crispy, this just means that it is burning.

Now that you have mastered Kale chip making, experiment with the following flavor combinations!

Salt and Pepper- Add 2 teaspoons of cracked pepper to the olive oil.
Vinegar and Salt- Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to the olive oil.
Spicy and Sour- Add 1 tablespoon of Tajin to the olive oil.
Wasabi - Add 1 tablespoon of wasabi to the olive oil.
Cheesy- Add 3 tablespoons of grated parmesan to the kale when it is on the cookie sheet before baking.

Day 1 of My Low Carb Week

2013-03-04T15:26:00.001-08:00

Pasta, bread, cookies, crackers, muffins, scones, are a no no this week! I have vowed to avoid carbohydrates for one week. I eased into the process by beginning to cut carbohydrates over the weekend. I immediately began to feel withdrawal like symptoms. I felt a little jittery. Other than that, I can put my nose on it, but I just didn't feel at my best. I am glad that I began weaning off of my addiction over the weekend. All of those ugly feelings have subsided for the most part and I am beginning to feel more clear headed and energized. We will see where I stand in a few days.

I do not think that I can be low carb forever, but I definitely think this is something that I can do every other week if all goes well. I have been on a weightloss plateau for a while now and going low carb may just be the solution. My day one meal plan is as follows:

Breakfast: Bannana, grapes and 1 tablespoon of almond butter
Snack: Wasabi flavored Almonds (Trader Joe's brand)
Lunch: 1 Mahi Mahi Filet, Orange-Glazed Carrots and a Babybel Cheese
Snack: More Wasabi flavored Almonds (Trader Joe's brand), Oranges and a Nectarine
Dinner: To Be Determined....

This week, I have also decided to also eliminate artificial sugars from my diet. I know, big changes?! I drink lots and lots of iced tea with Splenda as well as diet dark sodas on occasion. I have noticed that after ingesting artificial sweeteners, I have an insatiable appetite. Through my research, I believe that my articial sweetner intake is the culprit. I purchased Wholesome Sweeterners' Organic Blue Agave and raw honey from Costco. These two products will replace my Splenda/Sweet n' Low products from here on out. I will keep you all posted daily to share my experience going low carb as well as artifical sweetener free.

My Lunch: Mahi Mahi and Orange Glazed Carrots

Favorite Office Snacks

2013-02-28T15:59:00.001-08:00

I am always looking for high quality delicious snack to eat while I'm at work. I'm not one of those Special K bar girls, I don't like eating cardboard. I like taking a bite into something that is so tasty it doesn't feel like I'm dieting. When I started my weight loss journey two years ago, I was looking to make a lifestyle change forever. That is the difference between dieting and lifestyle changes - temporality.

Over two years time, I have tried new products and I make it a point to do so as a way of keeping things fresh. For the month of February, I was inspired by sweets (especially chocolate) and nuts. Just because I choose to be health conscious, it does not mean that I can't have a pop of indulgence inbetween all my veggies!

1) Trader Joe's Cocoa Almond Spread
2) Trader Joe's Dried Feezed Mango slices
3) Fresh bananas
4) Trader Joe's Almond Butter
5) Trader Joe's Wasabi Flavored Almonds
6) Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Lover's Chocolate Bar
7) thinkThin Brownie Crunch

Being Latina is complicated when trying to pack the most flavor into a healthy lifestyle, but it is so worth it!

The Perfect Torta

2013-02-28T10:47:00.001-08:00

Now that I have been on a health kick for over two years now, I have become even more particular about what I eat, especially in regard to high calorie foods. Mexican and Italian food are notorious for packing in the calories and they happen to be my favorite. Although I love enchiladas and pizza just as much as the next person, I have had to cut back my intake.

Two years ago, I would have been the first person down to hit up a late night taco place, but it's just not worth the repercussions anymore. By living a healthier lifestyle, I have actually grown to appreciate when I do have the opportunity to splurge. I find it funny that when I post pictures of unhealthy food now on Instagram people freak out and think I have fallen off the wagon. It's actually the contrary! I give myself treats so that I can continue being honest with myself.

Becoming healthy is being willing to listen to your body and never denying it a treat if you worked for it. I stand by this and know that giving myself a little something out of my usual diet isn't going to send me into a huge food binge. I trust myself.

Now onto the real story. I have been craving a great carne asada torta, a Mexican steak sandwich, and these are hard to find! Now my husband can make a delicious one, but I didn't want him cooking after a two hour commute.

The only option at that point was eating out! The only place that I trust my order with is El Rincon in La Puente, California. My sandwich was complete with a slice of white Monterey Jack cheese, avocado, mayo, refried beans, carne asada, lettuce and pickled jalapeños and carrots. It was divine to say the least. The chubberita inside of me wished that the sandwich was bigger, but I fought off the desire to buy a second.

Being Latina is less complicated when you are making strides to live a healthier lifestyle rather than dieting!

Friday Outfit of the Day (OOTD)

2013-01-18T09:00:00.001-08:00

Pink is my favorite color, but I don't like to wear so much of it that I look like a big piece of bubble gum walking around. In order to get away with wearing pink and still look professional at the work place, try pairing it with a more muted color. Today, I chose navy blue!

I put a Ralph Lauren navy blue cotton cardigan over my super hot pink top. My blouse is ruffly and is able to hang outside of my sweater. Since there is a ton going on with my blouse, I do not need to wear a necklace today. Instead, I opted for a headband with a cute pink bow. For shoes, I picked out suede blue flats. Using different textured materials is the secret to making your outfit truly unique. Plus, I think suede adds a little touch of "I'm luxurious" into your fashion statement.

Lastly, I chose to sidestep from all the navy and pink with my earrings and nail polish by using charcoal grey. My nail color is called "Chinchilly" by Essie and I purchased my earrings from Forever 21. Why did I choose charcoal grey? I wanted a neutral color that wouldn't clash with pink or blue.

I'm all ready for date night after work!

Being Latina is complicated when you have to be cute and ready to go out with your husband after work and still be a business professional.

Chic Updo

2013-01-17T09:04:00.001-08:00

I am on a quest to grow my hair out and in order for it to be healthy, I have to wash it less. I used to wash my hair with shampoo daily, not knowing that I was weakening my hair. I am now trying to find hairstyles for the second or third day of unwashed. I have finally found a new simple updo!

By simple, I mean it. There is no way that could take any longer than fifteen minutes to my hair in the morning; my commute starts at 5:30 AM. If you are curious as to what inspired this updo, check out the video below. It is from The Small Things Blog! This is the only place I go to find fast, simple, classic hairstyles that are good for work and play.

Being Latina is complicated when you are trying to grow your hair out like Rapunzel after a botched dye job!

http://youtu.be/D39EsloH0yA

White pants in the office!

2013-01-16T14:47:00.001-08:00

I was always too chubby to wear white pants. They have to be the least forgiving pants of all! White tends to make people look more plump than what they actually are, but I was determined to have a pair months ago!

I bought white jeans when I was vacationing with family in Laughlin and they did not fit. I can proudly say today not only do they fit, but they are loose! Staying motivated to continue being healthy should not be difficult if I remind myself of how far I have come with this picture. Stay motivated ladies and gentlemen!

Being Latina is complicated when trying to lose weight and dress right.

Pants: Rue 21, Top: Old Navy, Undershirt: Abercrombie & Fitch, Shoes: TOMS' wedges, Necklace: Forever 21, Blazer: Random off-brand purchase

Addicted To Bruno Mars' Vocals

2013-01-16T09:51:00.002-08:00

These days, I just can't get enough of Bruno Mars. I don't think he is necessarily a looker, but he has a beautiful voice and pinache that most men don't- unless you are talking about my husband. Every time I listen to his music, I wonder if he is Latino. His voice is similar to Latino singers that I grew up listening to like Ralfie Pagan and Joe Bataan. After finally taking time out to research, it turns out that he is half Puerto Rican from his dad's side. My gay-dar may be totally off, but my Latino-dar is still right on track!

Click here to read my article on Bruno Mars' Latino background.

Being Latina is complicated, we are a heterogeneous group of people. Sometimes it is almost impossible to recognize your own fellow Latino!

Giving Guillermo Del Toro's Mama a Try?

2013-01-16T09:40:00.001-08:00

I hate scary movies, but I may be making an exception for Guillermo Del Toro's Mama. It seems scary, but not too scary? Has anyone seen it yet?

Being Latina is complicated when you want to support your fellow Mexican, but are terrified of their creations.

Click here to check out my article on Being Latino!

Homemade Candies Are A Hit With Family and Friends

2013-01-09T12:20:00.001-08:00

I love the idea of homemade things. They tend to be more than just an object, instead they convey emotion. Rightfully so, because they require more energy to produce. So why go the extra step to make goodies? They are a cost effective way to say "I love you"! Also, I believe that candy making has become a lost art. I'm not going to call myself the greatest cook or baker, but I am decent and know that I will continue to improve with time. In other words, if I can make it so can you!

I used the following recipes to make peanut brittle and English Toffee featured in the pictures below. The only thing that the recipes call for that you may have to go out and buy is a candy thermometer.

Hint: *You may want to pull your candy from the heat once it browns. I found that my candy thermometer did not hit the desired heat specified by the recipes. I pulled them out of the heat based on instinct and they came out perfectly! If I would have left them longer, they most likely would have burned.*

English Toffee Ingredients

4 sticks of Melted Butter
2 cups of Granulated Sugar
3 ounces, fluid Water
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract ( Can use immitation Vanilla flavor)
2 cups, weight Chopped Topping: Toasted Nuts, Candy Canes, Sea Salt, Etc.
3 cups of tempered Dark or Milk Chocolate For Coating, Melted ( I used milk and dark chocolate chips)

English Toffee Preparation Instructions

*Necessary Equipment: Candy Thermometer*
Mix butter, sugar, water, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
Cook over moderate heat, stirring gently, until candy thermometer registers 298 degrees.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla until well combined. (You can tell that this needs to be done as soon as the mixture turns to the color that you desire and is near the 298 mark.)
Pour the mixture onto a silicone baking mat or good parchment paper on top of a pan or heat resistant surface.(I used Costco's parchment paper and it worked great on top of a cookie sheet!) Use a heatproof rubber spatula or offset spatula to spread quickly (by quick I mean instantly) before the toffee sets. Spread thin.
Allow toffee to cool completely! Coat surface with half of the melted chocolate and immediately sprinkle with topping.
When chocolate has totally set, carefully flip over (it's okay if it falls apart a bit) and coat other side with the rest of the chocolate. Sprinkle on topping.
Allow to set, then break into bite-size pieces.
Store in an airtight container. (I used Bell mason jars.)

Peanut Brittle Ingredients

1 cupwhite sugar
1/2 cuplight corn syrup
1/4 teaspoonsalt
1/4 cupwater

1 cuppeanuts
2 tablespoonsbutter, softened
1 teaspoonbaking soda

In a metal saucepan (that is shallow enough for your candy thermometer to sit in), over medium heat, bring to a boil sugar, corn syrup, salt, and water. Stir frequently until the sugar dissolves. Next, stir in peanuts. Set your candy thermometer in place, and continue cooking. Stir frequently until temperature reaches 300 degrees F (150 degrees C), or until the color reaches the desired shade of brown.
Remove from heat; immediately stir in butter and baking soda; pour at once onto cookie sheet. With 2 forks, lift and pull peanut mixture into rectangle about 14x12 inches; cool. Snap candy into pieces.

P.S. Do not fret over how much sugar, butter, chocolate and nuts you will purchase....it all goes a long way! Plus, once you taste it, you will not regret your decision to buy it.

P.S.S. You can go to town decorating your candy mason jars. Take a look at what I made for this past Christmas!

Being Latina is complicated during the holidays and special events (especially with my huge family), but you still have to show them some love!

Brown boots...A fashion staple

2012-12-19T14:46:00.001-08:00

Brown boots are a must for every woman's closet. I have found that calf-length boots are one of the most slimming articles in my outfit that I can wear. They also kick me up a notch on the glam scale when I am short on time. My favorite boots just died and went to shoe heaven aka the trash from wearing them so much! I naturally had to pick up another pair. So here are my new favorites. I love the zipper in the back; it adds just the right pop of color. I also want to showcase my little sister's boots. They are a little more funky and fun than something that I would typically pick out. Find out what brown boot is right for you by trying some on at Wet Seal. I never buy anything here besides my boots, so take my word on their selection being trendy and affordable. I love Nordie's (Nordstrom's), but they are just way too expensive. Since I like to keep up with new styles of boots, I opt for the knock offs that Wet Seal carries. Forty dollars goes way farther at Wet Seal compared to other stores, like Nordie's, Forever 21, and Charlotte Russe.

Denim on Denim

2012-12-19T13:50:00.001-08:00

I never thought that I could pair two types of denim together. It wasn't until a magazine article that I stumbled upon, showed me that it was possible. In order to avoid the farmer look, do not wear similar shades of blue. Below, you can see an example of how I made a denim on denim outfit come together.

iPhone 5 and New Blogs to Come

2012-12-09T16:16:00.000-08:00

As an adult who lives at home with her parents, I can say that it is near impossible to blog. Moving back home means that your lifestyle is no longer about just you (and my husband). It is also about my mother, father, and sister. This is great, but it means a lot less free time. With this being said, I have had a break from blogging. I have realized that I have come to miss it. Now that I finally have a smartphone that is worth having, I am so excited to post nicer pictures!

Being Latina is so much easier with great technology!

Sofia Vergara Is Casted As A Lesbian

2012-12-09T16:05:00.001-08:00

Getty Images

Click here to read more!

How to Buy Hair Extensions

2012-09-28T13:11:00.002-07:00

I have heard many women argue that hair shouldn't define a woman. I can see truth in that statement, but I love my hair and I think it definitely makes a statement about who you are as a person. I have had many botched dye jobs in the past and one recently. The latest, was not my fault. I swear.

My husband's barber told him for months and months that he would love to do my hair. I finally gave in around May. This guy burned my hair to the point that as he was blow drying it, little pieces of hair were flying around my hair as they broke off. It was mortifying. I learned two important lessons.

1) Don't go to someone who doesn't speak the same language as you. (Husbands do not make great interpreters.)
2) If the person doing your hair does not want to let you look into the mirror, it is a definite sign that something went horribly wrong.

I just want my long pretty hair back!

It has now been four months since this horrid experience, but I am still traumatized. I had to cut my hair really short as a result of how badly he burned my hair. Yes, I could imagine someone who is bald (Like my dad) telling me, "Well be glad you have any hair." True, true, but it is not the same. There is no legitimate reason for me to have short hair except for the fact that this guy messed me up.

I am still bitter. My hair hasn't really grown a ton in four months because I have had to get several trims. I never knew that you are supposed to get your hair trimmed every 3-4 months, until this fiasco. I don't foresee my hair getting back to its typical length for another year. In the meantime, I have a little trick up my sleeve.

Extensions! They work wonders. A good pack of extensions with clips should cost anywhere from eighty-five to a hundred and fifty dollars. Pricey, I know, but they are worth the investment. Plus, you don't want to walk around with stringy, plastic looking hair. All you have to do is look up your local weave/wig shop or even Sally's Beauty. Walk in and don't be ashamed that you are looking for fake hair. Everybody wears extensions now. Every shop that I have visited in California and Arizona has been friendly so far and eager to help you find your perfect length. I like my hair super long, so I buy eighteen inch extensions.

They are also super easy to snap onto your head. Below I have posted a link to a Youtube video that will show you exactly what to do. Happy extension hunting!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lJ5h9TiiiU

Being Latina is complicated when you don't speak Spanish and that is your ex-hairdresser's only language.

I Talked to Officer Garcia from Reno 911!

2012-09-28T12:48:00.002-07:00

Reno 911 isn't for everybody, but I love it. This show helped get me through my first year of teaching as a matter of fact. I was so swamped and dead that first year, that I needed something as ridiculous as Reno 911 to keep me alive. The fifteen to twenty minutes that I was able to watch on Netflix a day was just enough to keep me trekking.

Who would have thought that two years later, I would be able to talk to Officer Garcia. "Take that!", best friend who used to make fun of me for watching such a weird show. Not only was I able to interview him via phone, I was able to watch him at a comedy show for Proposition 38, hosted by Rick Najera.

I had such a fun evening at the L.A. Theatre and the entire time I kept thinking was, "Who would have thought I'd be here?"

To read more about Latino actors coming together in support of Proposition 38, click here to read my article.

How to Host A Tea Party (You Know...The Non-Political Kind)

2012-08-17T11:28:00.000-07:00

I love tea and often host tea parties with my family. Start this tradition with your friends and family. The sooner you begin, the faster you can start adding to your own tea collection!

Read more on how to host a tea party by reading my article in Being Latino Online Magazine. Just click here!

The Lauren Conrad Bun

2012-08-10T12:24:00.001-07:00

I love buns. My affinity toward them started when I began taking ballet lessons as a pre-schooler and I have worn them ever since, until I met Jorge, my husband. When Jorge and I first started dating up until now, I have repeatedly heard him say that he hates buns. His remarks made me not want to wear them anymore. Why wear a bun if my husband thinks they are ugly?

Lately, I have seen girls sporting buns at the mall, in the grocery store and even on television (Kim Kardashian). I cannot get away from them, so I finally hit a breaking point. I was looking on Lauren Conrad's website and I saw her wearing her signature bun. I told myself, "You have got to go back to wearing buns again, Jorge will love you either way."

Re-united and it feels so good...

Top your bun off with a headband for a polished look!

That very day, I put my hair up in a bun! And guess what? Jorge loved it. I was so furious, I told him, "Why did you say that you didn't like buns then?" Jorge responded, "Well, I don't like other buns, but I like this style." All I kept thinking was "Aye, I should have never listened to him about hair stuff after the last fiasco he got me into." (He took me to his barber to dye my hair and it ended up burned!...but that is another story for a later time. I'm not quite over it yet.)

Being Latina is complicated when your husband has no clue about hair.

Click here for a link on how to create your own bun!

4 Cost Effective Summer Date Ideas

2012-08-06T10:56:00.002-07:00

Read My Article

Dates are essential to happy/healthy relationships, so Jorge and I go on 2-3 dates a week. In order to go out this many times, him and I know that not all dates have to be pricey. If you are looking for some date suggestions that won't break the bank, click the link above.

Being Latina is less complicated when you can go on dates without worrying about funding.

Mint Is An "It" Color For A Reason

2012-08-02T01:42:00.005-07:00

July 31, is my mother's birthday. Not only does my family celebrate her birth date, but we honor her the entire week! To kick off her birthday week festivities, we decided to have lunch at one of our favorite casual Japanese restaurants, Sakura of Tokoyo in West Covina.

This outing was a perfect time for me to try out the mint skirt that I purchased at Cotton On for $10.

I paired the skirt with a ruffled tank top purchased at Target for $6 and mint necklace from Forever 21 for the same price. By pairing my skirt and necklace with a neutral colored top and shoes, I was able to further accentuate the mint color. Peach/pink blush and lipstick/lipgloss are also a good way to add more color to your overall look.

My Sister, Mom, and I

I now know why mint is an "it" color this season. It is versatile and makes all outfits "pop". I cannot wait to re-use this skirt again in another setting with a different top, accessories and shoes.

It is safe to say that my outfit and lunch were an overall success.

Being Latina is less complicated when you can budget shop and still look stylish, while simultaneously enjoying time with family.

Grandparents, Husband, Parents

Study Chic

2012-07-30T23:01:00.000-07:00

Now that Jorge and I are studying for the LSAT, our lifestyle is different. Waking up at 7:00AM to begin looking at the LSAT's logical reasoning section is not exactly what I would call a good time. Maybe as I practice more, I will consider the LSAT sexy? Until then, I am just trying not to fry my brain.

Although Starbucks has become my new hang out spot, it does not mean that I have to look like a bum. Yes, I am a nerd, but I still love fashion. So with this being said, I have made a pact with myself. I will not allow myself to creep into hobo mode, as I delve deeper and deeper into the LSAT.

Stretchy, long, flowing skirts are perfect for the woman in study mode. You do not have to worry about crossing your legs as you simultaneously drink your tea latte and read.

Today, I tried my new nude colored maxi skirt and I fell in love. Paired with a black ruffled tank top and a floral headband, my maxi skirt looked comfortable and classy.

It took a lot to hunt down this skirt, so I am glad that I liked it! When I first started looking for a maxi skirt, they were $50 at H&M, $30 at Forever 21 and $20 at Target. Being the savvy shopper that I am, I found this one for $12.99 at a no-name off brand store in the mall. So if you are looking for Maxi skirts, be a wise shopper and look around before you spend over $20 dollars.

Being a chic Latina is complicated when the LSAT is forcing you to become a recluse.

Too Busy to Spare Time To Pay It Forward?

2012-07-26T11:18:00.001-07:00

If you have ever felt the pressure of not having enough time to give back to your community...this article is for you.

Read My Article

Being Latina is complicated when you are juggling work/school, family/friends, career and...volunteerism!

So What Does It Really Feel Like to Unplug For A Month?

2012-07-26T01:58:00.002-07:00

Phone-less for a month! What?

Verizon's Pantech Jest is a piece of _______. (You can fill in the blank for yourself.) A month ago, my phone finally kicked rocks and never turned on again. I cannot act like I didn't see it coming. It would constantly shut off on its own, freeze, or only turn on if it was plugged into a charger. This behavior went on for about two months before it just died.

I had gotten this phone replaced before for the exact same reason, and this time I decided not to pay my insurance's deductible to get a third phone. This time was different, I waited. I figured that I could hold out until my contract with Verizon was up for renewal in September.

Note to self: Your bright ideas often do not seem as brilliant to others.

My decision to wait has led my husband to receive plenty of angry phone calls from my best friends. The first thing that came out of their mouths as soon as my husband passed his cell phone over was, "You are the worst friend ever!" I laughed and said, "I know, I know....My phone is either, broken or lost, and you can never get a hold of me." Although I laughed it off, I knew that what they were saying had truth to it.

My Bestie aka Lifesaver Since High School, Nick!

Quality friends do not just allow themselves to drop off the face of the planet. It was time to get a phone and luckily my bestie Nick had an extra Blackberry. As Nick handed it over, he made it quite clear that I have no excuse for my inability to return phone calls and he's right.

Being Latina is a lot easier when you have loyal friends and technology that actually works.

This gadget saved my friendships.

Nobody Wants to Have to Visit the Mechanic!

2012-07-26T01:25:00.002-07:00

Car shaking is a definite sign that your wallet is going to get hit hard. Jorge and I experienced this when we placed our car key in the ignition and immediately felt like we were on the Indiana Jone's ride at Disneyland. I quickly called my dad and asked him what we should do. My dad nonchalantly said that we probably just need an air filter change so drive home and go to the mechanic the following day. Well, that little drive home just cost us 860 big ones.

Apparently, whenever your car shakes, do not drive it! Otherwise, you may break your catalystic converter. What the heck is a catalystic converter? I don't really know still. What I do know is that you need it to work so that your car can pass a smog test. And with our luck, we have to get our car smog tested this week (in order to register our car in California before my Arizona plates expire). (Sad face)

After all this is said and done, I do not want to see the mechanic or DMV for a really long time.

Being Latina is complicated when your broke as it is and your car is sickly.

I just want my car to be happy again.

I LOVE LA

2012-07-24T01:24:00.000-07:00

The transition back to California has been hectic! Unpacking somehow took longer than the packing process and getting used to living at home with my parents took some time. I am rejuvenated and ready to get back to blogging my heart out.

Week one of being back at home, I had to stop at Dodger Stadium. So what if we lost that day? It was just an awesome experience being there representing my home team; the same team that I grew up watching as a child. Before we left we basked at Dodger stadium's ambience and the downtown skyline.

Me, Jorge (My Husband), and My Sister

Week two, entailed a much fuller schedule. Jorge and I decided to apply to become volunteers with Homeboy Industries. Speedily, we were called back within the week, had an interview, and were "hired". Now I am a GED tutor. Besides volunteering, I enrolled and started my LSAT class on Saturday. Taking a full-length LSAT test meanwhile, my nose was running like a faucet, was no easy task. It was actually pretty disgusting to be honest. I truly feel bad for the random dude sitting next to me that had to put up with my sneezing and nose blowing. On the other hand, he kind of had it coming since, he showed up to class late and had no choice but to sit next to the girl with allergies.

This past Saturday, my husband and I, had a Welcome Home party hosted by my parents. The theme was Angels vs. Dodgers. My family loves the Dodgers, while my husband's family represents the Angels. Get it? Friends and family gathered to celebrate our long awaited return from the Arizona desert. I really needed to dance on Saturday night and thank goodness I had all night to do it! I danced my heart out and it felt great. As I danced, I felt like a woman again and not the stressed out creature that I had let myself become with the move back home.

Working on a word search puzzle that my Mom made for our Welcome Home party.

My Grandma Pat, Me, and My Mom

My Mom and I

My Bestie Wendy, Jorge, Me, and My Big Dog Nelson

Being Latina is complicated, especially when you move back to your hometown after being away for college and graduate school.