Her Deep Thoughts (sm)

Wordless Wednesday: Sisters Rule!

2012-05-30T01:12:00.001-04:00

A Note of Thanks

2012-05-28T22:16:00.000-04:00

I had an amazing time in Miami with my sister! We've never gone away together - I mean we do it all the time, because jetsetting is in our genes, but it's never been just the two of us. Boy did we have a blast!!!!

It was such a blessing that a little slogan opened the door to such a fabulous weekend.

That's us, the @MillayesGirls

I don't know how things like this happen... how the stars align and the Universe whispers "enjoy." But I am sincerely thankful for it, and for all the support.

Positivity keeps flowing in... words of congratulations, encouragement, and affection... I even got a care package in the mail!

You, my deep thinkers, family, friends and fellow blogueras have been truly awesome telling me how this is only the beginning of wonderful things to come; sharing how you've followed the progress in my career and are proud of me; pointing out the rays of sunshine that surround me. It just feels good. And I deeply appreciate all the love.

Kindness is something that never goes unnoticed. Not in my mind. My heart swells with gratitude with every sweet word written and kind gesture that comes my way.

So thank you. Thank you, my deep thinkers for your virtual hugs, your applause, el apoyo que me han dado todos ustedes... and for making me feel friggin' AWESOME.

In a world full of "impossible" you help give me the strength to push past every obstacle. And for that, I adore you.

"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!" ― Audrey Hepburn

Wordless Wednesday: Happy To Be Hair

2012-05-23T12:35:00.000-04:00

Head over to MiPantene.com for my @pantene

Summer Looks & Behind the scenes pics from my Miami Trip!

Disclosure: I was provided with multiple Pantene hair care products to sample, a camera to document the experience, a trip for two to Miami, a zumba class and photoshoot. Wooo! That smile depicted is my own from the sheer joy of being there!

Chasing Your Dreams? It's Worth It!

2012-05-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

I told you a little bit about the release of the music video/short film The Medley a while back. Well, I am happy to report that the world of Male vs Female is totally inspired, and their debut single will drop very soon! You know I will keep you posted on the release date.

The duo has a great story that I hope we can share in the interviews to come. It's amazing to see these two creative people collaborate, especially given the similar paths they've led prior to coming together. Their individual experiences in the music industry, the stumbles along the way, and the success they are having together are a fantastic example of persistence paying off.

Please check out the short interview I hosted with the duo on the Her Deep Thoughts YouTube page. The female component, Jillian, drops some wisdom at the end, which I think we can all identify with.

If any of my deep thinkers has a question for the duo, please leave it in a comment. I will pick one of the questions (shouting you out, of course) and ask it in my next interview after the release of their first single.

LushLunes: Share Your Vision

2012-05-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

I'm a good listener. I'd rather gauge your responses, learn what you're about, and get to know the real you, than to share about myself. Especially when it comes to my acting.

I've only recently become comfortable speaking about my acting career. I'm not much for sharing - I know it's odd because as a writer and actress all I'm doing is sharing, exposing my soul and storytelling!

But when I'm asked about my acting by people I don't really know, I get shy. I feel like I'm showing you my diary - my real handwritten diary, full of doodles and hearts - giving you a window into my heart of hearts.

However, what I've learned over the past few years, as I've been growing as an individual, is that you 1) can't share everything with just anyone, but at the same time, 2) don't be afraid to share your vision for your life. It's a delicate balance, I know.

Keeping that balance in mind, while I was in Los Angeles each time I was asked, I began to share what was going on with my acting career and my long term goals in a really fluid way. Mostly because I take note of each event and actively add it to the list of what's new in the world of Li...and somehow this list does not leave my mind (unlike the "where did I put my glasses," or, "what was I looking for in the fridge?" moments).

Sharing this information - a sort of progress report - seems to caused a ripple effect in my life. The more I speak about it, (planting seeds in the universe), the more that comes from it in terms of more acting work, an overall sense of happiness and accomplishment, and a lightness on my heart by letting it all out.

All of this to say that your mission today is to share. Pick one person (or just use the comment space below) and share what's going on with you now, your dreams for tomorrow, and the progress you've made since. Let it out. Speak freely. And let me know if this makes for a really Lush Lunes having your aspirations whirl around you all day.

My Hair, My Words and "Mi Pantene"

2012-05-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

Growing up, the hair care regimen at my house was always of utmost importance. We started with a Latino-oriented brand and transitioned into Pantene during my teen years. I've tried lots of different brands in my adult years and switch it up every once in a while depending on what stage my hair is in. Right now, we are in the "my hair color is fading and my hair looks dry" phase.

I thought about this and imagined my locks blowing in the wind (in slow motion) looking like the mane of Eva Mendes.... and I came up for a slogan for Pantene:

“With @Pantene this summer my hair

will be as smooth & as strong as I am. #mipantene"

I tweeted the above per the requirements listed in the Summer Beauty With Pantene {Miami Trip Giveaway!} over at MommaFindings. These few seconds of inspiration got me a trip to MIAMI!!!!

I also got a box of goodies shipped to my door. With all of these new products, I have been given ample opportunity to decide whether I will be swayed back to the Pantene family once again.

Besides how shiny, healthy and full my hair looks today after using Pantene, my house looks like a Salon, I have a fabulous camera to use for the trip, and the beach is looking awesome! There will be a photoshoot and zumba class to look forward to.

That old saying never fails: take a second to write a slogan and win a fabulous weekend. Wait, that's not un dicho? Well now, I think it should be.

Follow me on twitter and Instagram via @LaLicenciada for updates on the #mipantene trip while I'm in Miami!

Disclosure: My excitement in this post was made possible by Pantene and their PR agency, but My opinions are always 100% my own. I was provided with multiple Pantene hair care products to sample, a camera to document the experience, a trip for two to Miami... and according to the itinerary, a pending zumba class and photoshoot. Wooo!

Wordless Wednesday: Welcome To Miami

2012-05-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of Team @Pantene

We Are Unlimited In Our Potential

2012-05-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

I have been very busy lately. So busy that I haven't dedicated time to my deep thinkers. If you'll forgive me, here's why: I've been filming, auditioning, traveling, writing, networking, and making decisions that needed to be made.

I love these uplifting messages I get from my Tazo Tea.

I spent a long weekend in Los Angeles checking out some neighborhoods and meeting with friends. I had a blast! It really brought some clarity to my decision, and how to proceed from here. But all of that will have to wait for another post.

Between writing a screenplay (yes, I did!), going to some film festivals, photo shoots, promotion for the webseries, meeting lots of new and interesting people in the field, and my volunteerism with NY chapter of LATISM, I feel like I'm always on the go-go-go!

I'm in a HUGE transition phase, and it has taken so much of my time and energy (and strength) to take care of me in the process. And since so many people I know in real life read this blog, I feel like I can't really share details right now, until the next chapter is open.

This blog was meant to be my freedom, my soundboard, my way of sharing my journey and inspiring others, and I hate to feel limited in that because there are people out there who really don't get it... and I hate to hear the gossip. So in due time, I hope to restore that peace of mind to this space of mine, because you my readers have been so faithful on this journey.

I've taken some really big chances and so many doors have opened for me. I am so very grateful. And all I can say, without really saying anything too specific, is that you've got to take a chance on your passion. You don't want to spend your life asking "what if?" It is far more satisfying to say, "I gave it my best," no matter the result.

LushLunes: The Recipe

2012-05-14T11:31:00.000-04:00

My aunt spent an entire day getting pampered at a salon. My aunt, who devotes her life to her grandchildren, never pampers herself. And although she looked fabulous, she said she would never do it again. She said, "my daughter spent three hundred dollars on this! I could've paid bills with that." To which I said, "exactly... that's exactly why it's better she paid the salon directly, because you would never have spent money on a day to yourself."

Why is it so bad to take a day off? Why is it so bad to spend time and money on the ritual of beautifying yourself?

Of course you could spend your time and money on others...on a charity...on a bill...we accept that notion as easily as we accept the air that we breathe. But why isn't this statement just as easily accepted: "Of course I should set aside some money so I can take the day off and pamper myself."

Why are such thoughts few and far between, and so heavily laden with guilt? Taking care of our bodies, our souls, our hearts, and our minds... this should be a required part of the life ritual. The recipe for living life should not be "work, pay bills, work, pay bills." NO. I veto that.

My aunt has noble goals. But I always remind her that she honors the love for her grandchildren when she honors the love for herself. I say this to my wonderful mother, I say this to the mirror, I say this to everyone I meet that overextends themselves. I remind them that it is necessary to put themselves first.

On LushLunes, I am here to remind you - mother, father, friend, aunt, uncle, godparent, grandparent or single-free spirited you- that when you are scheduling your To-Do's, make sure one of them is solely dedicated to some guilt-free you time for your body, your soul, your heart and your mind.

You not only deserve it, you require it. It's part of the recipe for a life well lived.

Have a fabulous LushLunes my deep thinkers!

Wordless Wednesday: Restful Sleep

2012-05-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

Live Large And Prosper

2012-05-08T14:58:00.002-04:00

Helllooo my deep thinkers! I've been taking a break from the blogosphere because life as an actress and a writer has been keeping me very busy. This is FANTASTIC news!

It's ok to do a little shimmy. Go ahead. Thanks for that.

Unfortunately this means I haven't devoted much time to this lil' ol' blog of mine over the past few weeks. Not to worry, I've got some AWESEOME blog related news to share in about a week... so stay tuned.

While I'm living large, thankfully reaping the benefits of all the hard work I have sown, I hope you too are having a prosperous Spring.

Big Hugs,

Wordless Wednesday: ¿Café? ¡Olé!

2012-04-18T13:42:00.002-04:00

Don't Hate. Participate.

2012-04-10T12:34:00.000-04:00

I'm the first to tell someone how awesome they are when they share an achievement.

Why? That's just how I am.

I've had people frown when I said I was going to be a lawyer. They loved to tell me how hard it would be, how competitive, and my odds of passing the bar."Why thank you" says this lawyer. But no thank you.

I sat next to a woman at a conference who shared with me how she was worried she wouldn't pass a nursing exam. Did I tell her about her odds? Hell no. I told her not to worry, that all she can do is her best and her best is surely enough ... it is just in my nature to be encouraging. But people love to spread doom and gloom... don't let yourself be permeated by that.

What do you think I hear about the pursuit of an acting career? Psht, they too can step to the left, and get right out of my way. I'm not just dreaming, I'm doing! And this degree is mine to keep - the best back up plan everrrrr.

Following ones bliss is not easy and we can use all the support we can get. So why doesn't everyone just dole it out and let that good karma pour all over them? I don't know. Maybe it's not in everyone's nature to show kindness, support or to be compassionate. It's not just a gender thing or a cultural thing... it's across the board.

I don't understand why some people easily spread gossip, speak ill about the success of another, look to dig up dirt or to bash someone's dreams. Yet it is very hard for those same individuals to simply congratulate a person on their success, courage or creativity when they beat the odds or take risks.

What I say to those people is that the path someone leads is not a reflection of your own success, failure or unexplored potential. And no one is in a position to mock or judge dreams or goals.

Instead look at your life and celebrate all you have gone through to be where you are. And if you are unhappy with where you are, my advice is this: Change. Leave. Move. Go. And take the first step to where you want to be.

But don't rain on the parade of the dreamers and the do-ers out there. Join us instead.

LushLunes: The Art of Appreciation

2012-04-09T12:33:00.002-04:00

It's funny how imparting kindness on another will not only bring a smile to their face, but on yours as well. All those honest feel-good moments are exactly that... good for you.

I feel good when I tell Che how much I appreciate his support; when I tell Sorayu how much her friendship means to me; when I thank Bubbles and Buttercup for always being there for me. I feel like the luckiest person in the world to have such beautiful and genuine people in my life. And they should know it.

So what's your mission? Spread a little joy today. Here's a simple example:

"Hey, _____ I appreciate it when you _____. It makes me feel _____. Thanks for being so awesome."

Make this Lunes a Lush one by telling your loved ones you appreciate them. And remember, the energy you put out into the world will be returned in like kind.

Found Memories: A beautiful film.

2012-04-03T12:10:00.001-04:00

"Historias Que So Existem Quando Lembradas," also known as "Found Memories" is set in a coffee plantation town in Brazil that celebrates the raw beauty of life, love, and even death. I'm honored to have had the opportunity to see and support a film from Latin America where the strongest characters are the women.

Synopsis: Like every morning, Madalena makes bread for Antonio's old coffee shop. Like every day, she crosses the railways where no trains have passed for years; she cleans up the gate of the locked cemetery, and listens to the priest's sermon before sharing lunch with the other old villagers. Clinging to the image of her dead husband and living in her memories, Madalena is awakened by the arrival of Rita, a young photographer who is arriving in the ghost village of Jotuomba, where time seems to have stopped. A deep relationship is forged between the two women, which gradually builds to have a profound effect on both of their lives, as well as the rest of the villagers.

How did I come to find out about this award-winning film? Well I'll tell ya!

A colleague of mine - Wally - has been talking about his friends Julia and John, the film maker and photographer (respectively) for years! I found out that the film was playing at MOMA and at the Film Society at Lincoln Center, so I bought tickets to check it out and finally get a chance to meet this artistic couple.

As life has it, when Wally spoke about his friend Julia whose movie was playing, I did not inquire as to her last name. Which is why I walked up to Julia Murat, the Director, and her husband, speaking of Wally, expressing my excitement to finally meet her and to watch this film. She was very gracious and thanked me without revealing that she had no clue to who Wally was. This just happens to be a classic ME moment, by the way.

The couple I intended to meet was Julia Solomonoff (the Producer!) and her husband John Harris. Despite my horror at having babbled about my colleague to a different Julia in front of many people (including the Julia I intended to meet, a tid bit that I later discovered), I am excited to have met Julia Murat, and am thrilled that I had an opportunity to at least hear Julia Solomonof speak on stage about the making of this film.

Found Memories pays such homage to old age, where the people of this town take solace in their routines, and the surprising way life is painted when a young photographer comes to this seemingly desolate town.

I must say, I really enjoyed the movie. The strength of the two very different, yet very strong female characters of Madalena, a widow and a baker, and Rita, a young photographer really resonated with me. Their sheer stubbornness will make you laugh, but they also evoke an appreciation for this life in the other. And what is also so interesting is that the majority of these characters - who seem like they have spent eons in this town - are not actors at all... but you wouldn't know it.

In a way, this film portrays life as a beautiful dance, and the film captures these moments, with striking images that may move you or even startle you. It was funny, warm and inviting in its stillness and silence.

Found Memories really was a beautiful film in every way. It's the kind of film to watch while cuddling on a rainy Sunday afternoon, reading the subtitles in English, and drinking a glass of Malbec. And I hope you do.

Mark your calendars because this film will be available to view on June 2012 and released on Amazon on November 6, 2012.

LushLunes: Quality Time

2012-04-02T10:15:00.001-04:00

What is something that you love to do? I can count a bunch of things, depending on the category we put it in.

I love spending time with my family, cuddling with Che, watching a really good movie with my friends... basically being with people I care about.

So what could your LushLunes mission possibly be? Plan something special with friends, family or your significant other. Plan it for this week so you have something to look forward to - but the catch is, it can't be on a Friday. Friday has enough glory, so let another day of the week shine. I've got my plans for tonight with family, and friends for Thursday!

What will you do this LushLunes?

Doin' It Well: She Was Raised Out In Brooklyn

2012-03-28T00:00:00.000-04:00

Coqui, Coqui: A Night in Puerto Rico

2012-03-27T10:30:00.000-04:00

You know how much I love Puerto Rico. I try to post as many pictures of I can displaying this beautiful island. But what I can't photograph the scent of the fresh rain, the warm sun on my skin, or the cool ocean breeze. I also can't take a picture of how beautiful the Coquí sings at night, every night, bringing it's melody to the night air.

a night in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

The coquí has become a national symbol and an icon for anything Puerto Rican... "Soy de aquí como el coquí" (I'm as Puerto Rican as a coquí). -topuertorico.org

These tiny little frogs have a lot of romantic lore attached to them as well - stories in the same vein as Romeo and Juliet, which only adds to its' beauty.

Fountain in La Plaza with the lyrics to Campanitas de Cristal, one of my favorite songs.

The sound brings me such nostalgia, that I wanted to share it with you. So I recorded it. It's in google docs for you, for a brief time only, so feel free to download it, make it a ring tone, or add it to your meditation music. Just enjoy a little piece of la isla del encanto: The sounds of el Coqui.

LushLunes: Off The Grid

2012-03-26T00:44:00.003-04:00

I have returned from a fabulous week of having café con leche every morning as I looked at palm trees from my balcony, spending afternoons sipping piña coladas on the beach, and indulging in parcha (passion fruit) sorbet's at night.

pic I took in La Plaza.

I certainly relaxed and did my best to stay off the grid - which is why I have neglected my deep thinkers (sorry y'all but I really needed to). I would only log on occasionally to throw up a photo on instagram of my beautiful island of Puerto Rico. Other than that, I was detached from the online world: no work, no networking, no emails. Which leads me to your LushLunes mission:

Unplug for at least an hour today. Just one hour of no email, no surfing the web and no social media. Even if it's just an hour during dinner or the hour before you hit the sheets, it will do you some good to get away from it all!

Have a LushLunes my deep thinkers!

LushLunes: All About Your Attitude.

2012-03-18T17:00:00.000-04:00

I remember watching Our Town on PBS as a kid. The scene toward the end when Emily talks about all the things she will miss in this life really moved me. I walked away wondering, touching the cotton on my shirt, marveling at the feel of a cold wooden floor... then asking my multi-tasking mama if she ever thought about these things.

I was 12 and so my mom just laughed and said, "well, no, not really." Many of us don't really take the time to consider the little things. We sometimes just wish the days away until the weekend. I've certainly been guilty of this. But if we learned to appreciate these moments, instead of focusing on the weekly Friday count down, couldn't we enjoy the days more?

What attitude do you chose to have when it comes to day to day living?

Your mission for LushLunes is NOT to gripe about Monday. Instead ramble off some reasons you are happy to open our eyes to this new day, and enjoy "every, every minute."

Let's be thankful for the air we breathe, the clothes on our back, and the gift of time. Let's be grateful for the love we have, our network of friends and the support of family. Let's enjoy the smell of fresh coffee, the taste of our favorite ice cream, the feel of fresh sheets against our skin. Let's marvel at the miracle of connecting with friends across the world at the click of a button, and the privilege of being exactly who we are at this moment in time.

Wishing you have a mindful and appreciative LushLunes!

Wordless Wednesday: Dizzy With Chocolate

2012-03-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

LushLunes: A Passionate Life

2012-03-12T03:09:00.001-04:00

My deep thinkers, I am writing while I'm on set to tell you that your talents matter!

Whatever you are passionate about in this life was put in your heart for a reason.

I know this with every fiber of my being. I have so much fun on set, in front of a camera... doing what I love.

I only wish the same for you.

So what's your mission?
Do something you LOVE today!!! Indulge in your passion, because you're with it.

Have a Lush Lunes full of passion.

Wordless Wednesday: Don't Sweat It.

2012-03-07T00:09:00.000-05:00

Save The Date: "The Medley" comes out March 6, 2012!

2012-03-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

I am so excited for the release of this music video by MaleVSFemale for so many reasons! First, this duo covers some AMAZING songs with their own spin: a little Prince, Lady Gaga, White Stripes, and Adele.

Second, I was in the video playing "the decoy." What does that mean? Let's just say they portray a Latino Bonnie & Clyde! Gotta love that.

But the third and most important reason comes next.

For the sake of disclosure and to express my immense pride, the Female component is my sister Jillian who has been a singer/song writer for as long as I can remember. She is such a creative individual who has always pursued her bliss fearlessly!

I'm so proud that she's carved a way for herself in the entertainment industry - as a singer, a tv host, and a personality through the years. The incarnation of MaleVSFemale allowed Omar (the male component) and Jillian to find their niche in the industry, moving upward and onward from their past musical endeavors. I know they are going to soar!

I'm hoping to interview the duo soon for the HerDeepThoughts youtube page and will post it for my Deep Thinkers.

In the meantime, save the date and head on over to MaleVSFemaleMusic.com for the March 6, 2012 release! And puhleeeez spread the word!

Lush Lunes: Things That Make You Smile

2012-03-04T22:46:00.001-05:00

“Bliss is not added to your nature; it is merely revealed as your true and natural state, eternal and imperishable.” ~ Sri Ramana Maharishi

Sorayu and I at City Bakery.

This is a quote from a recent meditation from the Chopra Center, which inspired today's Lush Lunes mission. Your mission today is to ask and answer one question: What makes you happy?

Think of one thing that makes you smile and let it permeate you. Is it the way your child laughs? Could it be something silly you and your friend were chatting about? Is it the scene from a movie? Or thinking of a childhood moment? Think a happy thought and relish the memory.

Here's the silly moment from today that made me laugh: My madre who, unbeknownst to me, had never watched "The Walking Dead" was shocked when I asked her "Do you like the walking dead, ma?" She said, "why would you ever say something so strange?" I almost died laughing. As I write this I'm giggling!

It's something really simple, not a very big moment, but it makes me smile. Bliss is a part of who we are, and we need to allow ourselves to enjoy moments of happiness. Forget the crap-tacular moments that can screw up our day. Make a conscious decision to relive the good whenever possible.

Have a Lush Lunes my deep thinkers!! And please share your smile-moment!