Nina on the Moon

Diego Rivera's Bedroom in "La Casa Azul" Museo de Frida Kahlo

2013-06-18T03:14:00.000-07:00

Last week I shared some of the photos I took of the kitchen and dining room in La Casa Azul (click here to see). Today I present to you some of the photos from Diego Rivera's personal bedroom in La Casa Azul. Yes, although Frida and Diego were married while living in La Casa Azul, they did sleep separately.

The first thing that I noticed when I walked into Diego Rivera's room was the pair of signature denim overalls hanging on the wall. I was able to close my eyes and envision him wearing them while painting one of his many famous murals. His signature overalls and hats also reminded me of the Portrait of Ignacio Sanchez, which is an oil on canvas he completed in 1927. I felt his presence.

I carefully examined the small bedroom and spotted a miniature of Diego Rivera's death mask on top of the cabinet (pictured in photo #2, far right). I also noticed that there were couple of Pre-Hispanic pieces on that same cabinet, which is nothing compared to the HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of pieces he collected

Do you have a favorite painting/mural by Diego Rivera?

Y.R.U Platforms, Levi's and a some leopard

2013-06-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

Buenos dias!!

Since I worked yesterday, I have today off, woo-hoo! Time for me to go visit my soon to be God-son. Yes, this girl right here is going to become like a guardian angel of some sort to a beautiful 8 month old baby boy next month.

I'm pretty excited to be his God-mother because besides I was one of the first to see him come out into this world! It's actually pretty crazy, I saw him when he was still inside trying to come out...and then when he was out, I couldn't believe what I had just witnessed...LIFE.

You can read a little bit more about that experience here.

I'm looking forward to being a source of spiritual guidance to this little dude. Plus, I think I'm going to be like "the cool aunt" hahaha considering his mom and I are like sisters! I am excited to experience what it's like to be a God-mother :) I have a couple great examples of God-mothers in my circle of family and friends, so I can't wait to talk about the experience with them.

wearing: Canucks snapback - Garage Clothing jacket - F21 tanktop -Levi's jeans -Y.R.U Platforms -

Grandpa Guilt

2013-06-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be honest, I feel guilty because I don't really have a relationship with my grandpas. I know I am not doing enough to be present in their lives...

Sometimes I feel like we don't really talk or see each other because we don't live in the same Country. I was born and have lived my whole life (so far) in Vancouver and they live in Honduras. I don't know, I mean I have a healthy relationship with my grandma who lives in Illinois. She visited us often here in Vancouver during our childhood and we would visit her when she lived in New Orleans and Texas during our adolescence. She came to my wedding in Guadalajara and we talk on the phone de ves en cuando and Facebook each other...

But I feel like that's a bullshit excuse really because I can pick up a phone and call them, I just don't know what we'd talk about and I don't want it to be awkward, you know? But I guess small talk can work in this situation since we would really just be getting to know one another? Uhm, I don't know..I feel like I need to call them and tell them that I think about them everyday, that I am sorry for rarely communicating or visiting them. But that I want to start... Is a short call better than no call?

No, no...my grandpa's don't have Facebook. I'm pretty sure they don't even have internet.

Ef, I don't even know when their birth dates are...ugh, how embarrassing I feel like such a horrible person. But, I'm going to change this. Later today I'm going to ask my parents for my abuelos birth dates. I will jot them down in my agenda and make sure I send birthday cards (for the first time). What about writing them each a letter and sending them a photo of us the last time we saw each other (one in 2008, the other in 2010). I'm nervous about calling them, to tell you the truth, but I want to do it.

I want to show and tell them how much I love, appreciate and admire them. I want to hear their stories of love, loss, the civil war and so much more...before it's too late.

I want more memories with them.

What else can I do to build an authentic relationship with my abuelos?

El Comedor y Cocina in "La Casa Azul" Mueseo Frida Kahlo

2013-06-11T06:30:00.000-07:00

Cuando tuve el privilegio de conocer La Casa Azul, el hogar de Frida Kahlo senti una fuerte energia que me inspiraba mas con cada pazo. Cuando caminaba por los cuartos y pasillos senti que la tenia a mi lado guiandome. Y cuando estaba viendo sus maravillosas obras de arte juro que la tenia frente mi, pude sentir su fuerza, su amor y su dolor. Fue algo fuera de este mundo poder convivir con ella en su hogar donde realizaba sus sueños.

La verdad es que en cada rincon de La Casa Azul puedes sentir a Frida Kahlo. Si no as tenido la oportunidad de visitar La Casa Azul, Museo de Frida Kahlo, espero que puedas disfrutar de estas fotos que comparto. Bueno, y si si has tenido el privilegio de conocer La Casa Azul, espero que estas fotos te traigan buenos recuerdos!

Posts anteriores sobre LA CASA AZUL:

Click AQUI para ver las pinturas en cuartos 1 y 2.

Click AQUI para ver fotos, retablos y pinturas de Diego Rivera.

Pies, para que los quiero si tengo alas para volar- Frida Kahlo

Aqui les muestro algunas de las fotos que tome de el comedor y cocina en La Casa Azul.

COMEDOR:

COCINA:

COVERGIRL LIP PERFECTION Lipstick Swatches and Review

2013-06-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am currently obsessed with COVERGIRL's Lip Perfection Lipstick! Watch the video above for swatches of my favorite colours.

According to COVERGIRL, the Lip Perfection Lipstick is enriched with Silk Moisturizing Complex, which helps sustain levels of moisture and helps create soft, smoother, beautiful lips in just 7 days.

I personally love how COVERGIRL's Lip Perfection Lipstick colours are rich and vibrant, as you can see in the video I got an array of colours including: nudes/coral/red and brown. I am thinking of getting a lilac/mauve or burgandy colour next!

I found that COVERGIRL's Lip Perfection Lipstick did not cause my lips to dry. While wearing the Lip Perfection Lipstick my lips felt soft, smooth and conditioned. I was pleasantly surprise when I realized that the Lip Perfection Lipsticks don't smell or taste bad. I also found that the colours did not bleed and were long lasting.

My favorite COVERGIRL Lip Perfection Lipstick is Spellbound, #325. Do you own any Lip Perfection Lipsticks?

Overall shorts, stripes and the hand of Fatima

2013-06-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

Looking back through photos from our trip to Los Angeles makes me miss it all; our friends, the food, the art, the culture! There are days where I'm on the bus going to work and I close my eyes and transport myself (and Gabriel because he is a part of me hehehe..) to the sunny City of Angels.

It's a place that enriches our drive to wander, create and celebrate. It seems like every time we go, we discover something new. There's just something in the air that excites me when I'm there...and it's not the fog!

Maybe it's all of the amazing art and history LA has to show or how it's "normal" to be a dreamer chasing your dreams! No wait it, maybe it's the cheap alcohol and GOOD authentic Mexican food...hahaha. Whatever it is, it's addicting and I love the constant energy that we posses when we are there...

What City do reminisce about?

wearing: Ray-Bans - Gap overall shorts - JVL Los Angeles tee - KEDS - NOTM hand of Fatima necklace

Our Second Anniversary

2013-06-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

"El Amor es la fuerza que transforma y mejora el Alma del Mundo." -Paulo Coelho, El Alquimista

I've had THE TIME OF MY LIFE since meeting you five years ago Gabriel and Thanks be to God, today we are celebrating our two year civil wedding anniversary! You're everything I had dreamed of AND MORE. You make my mind, soul and heart complete. Thank you for loving me unconditionally and showing me what true love really is. I'm looking forward to an eternity with you, Feliz Aniversario!

La Guelaguetza in Los Angeles, California

2013-06-03T06:30:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I know! This weekly spotlight on the delicious food from various restaurants is making my mouth water too!! Hahaha, I'm going to start calling this segment, the Monday Munchies hahaha.

La Guelaguetza is not only THE LA hot spot for authentic Oaxacan food, but also home to one of the largest selections of Mezcals in the USA! And our local LA friends said to believe the hype, that it was DELICIOSO! So you can kind of get a feel of why Gabriel and I were so excited to finally sit down and eat at La Guelaguetza!

Bueno, upon arriving, we were warmly greeted and quickly seated. And like any good Mexican restaurant, the complimentary totopos, or "tortilla chips" were served. But to our wonderful surprise, they were served with a side of MOLE (moh-leh), instead of your typical pico de gallo!!!!!! ^.^ Now if you haven't tried MOLE before, oh mai gawsh you are missing out!

There were many delicious authentic Oaxacan options on the menu, so we asked our server to recommend a dish that we could share. He suggested we try the Especial de Carnes, which includes: grilled tasajo (thinly sliced grilled beef), cecina (thinly sliced, salted and partially dried beef or pork), chorizo and Oaxacan string cheese. Served with rice, black beans and green salad.

We liked the Especial de Carnes, but I honestly don't know if it was worth the $16. I was disappointed with the store bought tortillas that had clearly been warmed up in micowave...which were advertised on their menu as freshly hand made.

Onto our next dish...a plate of fried CHAPULINES (grasshoppers). Yes, I was feeling adventurous and in need of something high in protein (and crunchy!), hahaha! I had never eaten grasshoppers before, so I figured I might as well check that off my bucket list! We also asked if we could have a sampling of three moles on the side (red, black and coloradito).

When I saw this huge plate of CHAPULINES infront of me, I thought I had lost my mind...forget it, I was about to bail eating those hopping insects...ah, f#CK it, I grabbed one, closed my eyes and started chewing...and chewing....and chewing. Damn, these little grasshopper were dry and crunchy!! Hahaha, mind over matter...forget they're grasshoppers that have legs and eyes and poop inside....by making TACOS!!

I grabbed a tortilla, spread some mole negro, added some Oaxacan cheese, sprinkled a handful of grasshoppers ontop, rolled it up and took a bite....mmmmmmuch better! I highly recommend eating tacos de chapulines! Hahaha, I had about 5, each time rotating between moles (rojo, negro and coloradito).

La Guelaguetza Restaurant

3014 W Olympic Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90006

A Bright Plaid Dress

2013-05-29T06:30:00.000-07:00

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...” ~Dr. Seuss

We are making decisions that will steer our lives in the direction we want to go. More love, more peace, more health, more freedom. Life is about making your own decisions, learning from the lessons and enjoying the experiences. Don't be afraid to say YES, don't be afraid to say NO! Listen to your heart and let it all go. Love to LIVE you LIFE.

There is only ONE YOU, so take reign of your life and make your dreams come true.

wearing: Vintage NOTM necklaces - Lands'End dress - Pinstriped KEDS

Bob's Big Boy in Burbank, California

2013-05-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

Before heading to the Ellen show in Burbank, CA our friend Ana Lydia from Cabeza de Coco took us to Bob's Big Boy, the home of the original double decker hamburger! Oh boy, were we in for a TREAT! This was our first time at the Historic Californian restaurant.

As soon as we opened the door and took a few steps in, we were warmly greeted by the host! He politely asked for our name and number of guests...when we asked how long the wait would be, he told us around 10 minutes and also mentioned that there were a few seats available at the "bar" if we wanted....

YES! I love eating at the bar, especially at diners or places that have that old school vibe, ya know what I mean? Hehehe. So we we quickly seated at the bar...and greeted by our server, Alma (who was GREAT, she told us about the classic car show held every Friday night and the 50s costume contest and classic car show trophy night held the first Saturday of every Month)!

I really couldn't keep my eyes off of all of the memorabilia and decor in Bob's Big Boy, it was BEAUTIFUL!!! Directly in front of where I was sitting, there was a two tier glass case with the original model of the first Bob's Big Boy, different size Big Boy figurines and toy cars from the 1950s. Ah, I wish there were more places with the retro feel of the 50s!! Oh, and I heard that THE BEATLES ate here while they were on tour in the 60s!!

At Bob's Big Boy you can buy anything from the classic breakfast favorites (pancakes, french toast, belgian waffles, omelettes, etc) to burgers (their FAMOUS BIG BOY burgers, gourmet burgers and sandwiches) and Bob's Classics Chili Spaghetti. Wait that's not all, they also have quesadillas, fried chicken, steak, shrimp/fish and Italian spaghetti!! And for those who prefer salads, they have a couple choices for you too!

Bob's Big Boy has a great list of dessert classics from the 50s! Milkshakes, floats, sundaes, pies and cakes! Oh, and the classic Coca-Cola (Vanilla, Cherry and Chocolate).

So what did we order? I ordered "The Original Big Boy Combo" which is their original double-decker hamburger with two all-beef patties on a grilled sesame seed bun with crisp shredded lettuce, American cheese, dressings, an their "special" relish. It is served with french fries and a salad. I got onion rings instead of fries tho :P

The dinner salad was a big portion and there were many dressings to choose from. I went with my favorite, Ceasar. It even came with croutons and parmesan!

Original Big Boy Combo: $8.59

And to drink I had to have my favorite classic, a root beer float made with 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream and a whole lot of root beer! So much, that it's served on a saucer for the over-flowing root beer hehehe.

Root Beer Float $3.59

Check out the original double-decker hamburger and root beer float below! I ate everything and was one step away from lickin my plate...ahahaha it was THAT GOOD! Everything tasted fresh!!

My husband, Gabriel ordered the "Super Big Boy Combo" which is basically the same double-decker hamburger, just with 50 percent more meat and cheese! Don't mind his mixture of ketchup, mustard and hot sauce on the plate..lol

Super Big Boy Combo: $8.99

And to drink he had a Rich Vanilla Milkshake made with real ice cream, topped to the rim with whip and a cherry on top! There was also a little extra in the silver tin it was made in to fill up, yuuum! Gabriel says it's one of the best milkshakes he's had.

Rich Milkshake: $3.89

Uhm, my mouth has been watering the whole time I've been writing this post and now I want a double-decker hamburger and a root beer float!!! But it's clearly TOO early for that, so I will go back to sleep and dream of being at Bob's Big Boy eating...what's in the photos below ahahaha. Have a great day!! XOX

BOB'S BIG BOY
4211 W Riverside Dr
Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 843-9334

A baseball tee and skirt

2013-05-27T05:30:00.000-07:00

If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place. ~Nora Roberts

Don't be afraid to chase your dreams, that's the only way they will come true. You have to envision, plan and execute strategically. It takes time and dedication, but as long as you execute your plan, you are one step closer to making your dreams come true.

How will you make one of your dreams come true?

wearing: Baseball Tee c/o JVL Los Angeles - Vintage circle skirt - KEDS - NOTM necklace

Fatty belongs to my friends Jess&Joel

Blue Leather, KEDS and a Lotus

2013-05-23T02:48:00.004-07:00

The Blue Ribbon Garden is a beautifully serene urban green space located on the rooftop of the Disney Concert Hall in Downtown LA.

Usually after a long morning of exploring downtown LA, Gabriel and I will head up into the Blue Ribbon Garden to relax and catch some shade under the trees before continuing with our exploration of DTLA. The garden is a perfect spot to relax, read a book or have a tasty meal (lunch date!). I think you can actually get married there too!

When was the last time you went to a park?

wearing: CLovelly tank top - Lisa Cohen for PHOENIX skirt - KEDS - Betsey Johnson watch

Polka Dots, Clip-Ons and Classic Keds

2013-05-22T03:42:00.003-07:00

Besides exploring and taking adventures, this Spring/Summer I want to push some of my fears aside and really live fearlessly. I'm going to start doing things that I'm not used to or comfortable with... like wearing a skirt when it's still breezy outside ahahaha.

I think it's funny how when I was younger I wasn't afraid of heights...and now as an adult which I am. Going on huge rides at the adventure park, walking across bridges and diving from the highest board into a pool are included in some of my best childhood memories... and now just thinking of those activities makes me feel a little anxious.

This Summer I'm going to explore and take some new adventures while getting over a little fear of heights!! ;) What will you do to try to live fearlessly?

wearing: Vintage clip-on earrings - F21 top - Tabi polka-dot skirt - KEDS - Coach Purse

Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles

2013-05-21T04:06:00.002-07:00

Gabriel and I finally made it up to the iconic Griffith Observatory for the first time on our most recent trip to Los Angeles. We were SO thrilled to finally explore and observe the most visited public observatory in the world!!!

We decided that we were first going to take in the views from atop. We walked around the Griffith Observatory and enjoyed the astronomical views of LA, the Hollywood Sign and beyond. Yes, that little white blur in the first photo is the famous Hollywood Sign hehehe.

After taking in the views from outside, we headed in towards the Ahmanson Hall of the Sky where we got to explore the Sun. In this hall you can learn about what causes the day and night, seasons, and Moon phases. My favorite part in the Ahmanson Hall of the Sky was being able to use the Solar telescopes to get a LIVE view of the Sun!!!

Besides being obsessed with the Moon and the rest of Space, Gabriel and I also enjoy watching pendulums (energy), so we were excited to see the Foucault Pendulum while walking through the W.M Keck Foundation Central Rotunda towards the Wilder Hall of the Eye. You can also find beautiful Hugo Ballin Murals at the Rotunda, I fell in love with the mural on the ceiling from where the Pendulum hangs.

In the Wilder Hall of the Eye we learned how observing the Sky has changed over thousands of years and how it affects the way we perceive Earth and the universe. My favorite learning activity in this hall was the Sky dioramas, where illustrations explained how different peoples used the Sky to improve their lives. I could also sit and stare at the Tesla Coil for hours, it's so cool! :P

The Gottlieb Transit Corridor is a tool that demonstrates how the movement of the Sun, Moon and stars are linked to time and the calendar.

Ok, so my FAVORITE section of the Griffith Observatory may be the Edge of Space because it's where I got to see a part of the MOON!!!!!! YES!!!!! Nina got to see a part of the Apollo Moon Rock up close and personal! I also got to see a Meteorite collection, Cloud and Spark Chambers and other objects from space.

And finally, the Gunther Depths of Space where we were able to explore exhibits dedicated to The Planets, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy, Stars and so much more of what's out there in the Universe!

I still can't believe that the Griffith Observatory is FREE!!!! THANK YOU Griffith J. Griffith for the amazing gift you've given to millions and millions..and millions of people. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention the view from the Roof Terrace is UNREAL. Next time we visit the Griffith Observatory I'd like to go at night to look though the telescope on the Roof Terrace. Maybe a picnic too?

Have you ever been to the Griffith Observatory?

Guisados in Los Angeles

2013-05-20T18:08:00.001-07:00

When it comes to eating tacos, I admit I'm kind of a snob. I partially blame it on Gabriel (my husband), Pedro and Mariana (bil+sil) for always taking me to the BEST taco joints in Guadalajara, Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Some of my pre-requisites before buying/eating a taco are:

1) Tortillas must be freshly handmade

2) Ingredients must be fresh

3) Various salsa options

4) Lots of limes handy

5) FRESHLY made hot sauce, none of this Valentina/Tapatio business

Anyways, when we were in LA, our friend took us to this taco spot called GUISADOS. Oh boy, first thing I noticed when I walked thru the doors of their Boyle Heights location was their huge comal. As I peeked over the counter, I saw the fresh tortillas being cooked, YES YES YES, I was so stoked because I love fresh tortillas hechas a mano! Also noticed that they served aguas frescas de horchata, jamaica, melon and limon! YUM! When we were looking at the menu, the lady at the cash register mentioned that everything was made fresh!!!! ^.^

The variety of tacos was good: Steak Picado, Bistek en Salsa Roja, Mole Poblano, Cochinita Pibil, Chicharon, Chuleta, Chorizo, Tinga, Calabacitas, Hongos con Cilantro, Frijoles con Queso, Chiles Toreados, Camarones, Pescado and Quesadilla. Each taco sold for $2.50.

They also had an option called the "Sampler" which is your choice of 6 mini tacos from the list. Gabriel and I both choose the Sampler so we could try some of our favorite kinds of tacos at Guisados for the first time! Let me tell you, I was very happy with my picks: Mole Poblano, Cochinita Pibil, Chicharon,Tinga, Steak Picado and Bistek en Salsa Roja. I had my limes and salsa picante handy on the side! And to wash it all down, Gabriel had bolted across the street for a 6 pack of Pacifico...the perfect pairing for tacos is always a cold cerveza ;)

If I had to pick my top two tacos from this experience at Guisados, it would be the Cochinita Pibil and Mole Poblano! Agh, just thinking of them is making my mouth water ahahaa. Guisados is by far THE BEST TACO joint we've experienced in Los Angeles.

Guisados

Boyle Heights

2100 E. Cesar Chavez Ave

LA, CA

Echo Park

1261 W. Sunset Blvd

LA, CA

Henna Art by Nena Soulfly at ArtForm Studio

2013-05-15T02:12:00.000-07:00

While we were in Los Angeles last month, my friend Ana of Cha Cha Covers took us to an event at ArtForm Studio in the Arts District. First of all, ArtForm Studio is all sorts of CrazySexyCool (I love TLC), it's a record shop and hair salon! I think you can also get your nails done there too.

Anyways, I learned that ArtForm Studio hold monthly events where they have a DJ spinning great tunes and have several independent artists selling their handmade goods. The event we went to was a great experience, we hadn't been to something like it before. The guest DJ was RZA from Wu-Tang Clan and delicious cupcakes for sale by Noreen of Little Sweeties Cupcakes, women's jewelry and accessories by Nena Soulfly.

So besides designing dope women's jewelry and accessories with beautiful ethnic prints, she also does mehndi henna art! I was fortunate enough to squeeze in and get Nena SoulFly to express her creative fluidity thru henna on my hand!

This was my first time getting henna done and I absolutely loved it! I look forward to getting my henna done by Nena again next time we are in Los Angeles! ^.^ If you are in the LA area and want to get your henna done, make sure to visit Nena SoulFly at ArtForm Studio #201-701 E 3rd Street.

Let's Go Places: Toyota Prius V

2013-05-14T01:13:00.000-07:00

Toyota was kind enough to lend me this sweet Prius v for a week while I was in LA attending the Latina Lifestyle Bloggers Conference. Dude, this ride def. saved us a lot of time and money! Did I mention it's a HYBRID and we spent no money on gas the week we had it?!

We had never driven a Hybrid before sitting behind the wheel of this Blue Ribbon Metallic Prius v and we were psyched to explore LA with it!

Some of the first things we noticed while cruising in the new 2013 Prius v is that the trunk in the rear is HUGE, 34.3 cu ft HUGE! We learned that the trunk of this Prius v is larger than that of most small SUVS. Phew, because we had a ton of luggage!!

Like most Toyota cars now a days, the seats in the back are very flexible, adding even MORE space for storage in the back. While we were arranging some of our things in the trunk one day, we noticed that there was an additional storage compartment under the carpet lining...which would be perfect for storing things like a first aid kit or even an extra pair of flats and heels ;)

The Prius v has an awesome panoramic roof that we tried opening for several minutes. Picture me pressing the "open" button for literally ten minutes and just having the shades continuously open and close a bunch of times until realizing the roof wasn't meant to open! It was cool to look up and get a different view.

We also spent a lot of time playing with the technology in Prius v. The 7 inch high resolution touch screen was a whole learning experience of its own hehehe. We had never driven a car with one in it, so we had a lot of fun playing around with all of the cool commands and apps. I think our favorite was the backup camera! It was just a breath of fresh air while trying to park especially in tiny spots! The navigation was a little tricky, but I think that's because we had never used one before.

While driving around in LA we quickly realized that the gas engine would shut off if we would slow down to 19mph or come to a complete stop. Don't worry, the electric motor would takeover right away. I picture the gas and electric motors like a relay team...hahaha. GO HYBRIDS!

We also noticed that there were buttons with ECO, EV and POWER labelled on them and we had no clue what each did. So while we sat in the car, we googled it and Toyota answered "different modes for different types of driving. ECO Mode helps maximize fuel economy. EV Mode runs solely on battery power for up to one half mile under certain conditions and POWER Mode increases gas pedal response for enhanced acceleration."

We had an absolute blast driving throughout LA and it's neighboring cities in the Toyota Prius v. Honestly got me thinking that a road trip in this car would be so smooth and comfortable!

What do you think of the Prius v?

Disclosure: Latina Lifestyle Bloggers Collective and Toyota offered me a chance to test drive the Prius v for a week. All opinions and photos are my own.

Nautical and Floral on Calle Ocho

2013-05-13T06:30:00.000-07:00

“It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live.” ― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables

I am thankful for the gifts I receive

love,

family,

friendship,

health,

stability,

freedom,

food,

water

I honour these privileges by living fearlessly and following my dreams.

You should too.

wearing: Perry Ellis Top - Joe Fresh Pants - KEDS

Easy, Delicious and Healthy Lunches/ Almuerzos Faciles, Ricos y Saludables

2013-05-09T06:30:00.000-07:00

Si me siguen por instagram saben que me gusta comer...MUCHO. Y la verdad es que no me niego nada, pero se que tengo que tener un balance...

En las ultimas semanas/meses me an llegado muchos emails, tweets y mensajes por facebook y twitter preguntado "cual es tu dieta" o "pasame tu dieta" y pues la verdad es que NO TENGO DIETA.

Mi modo de tener balance en la forma que como es que trato de almorzar un plato grande de frutas y vegetales frescos cuatro dias de la semana. A mi me encanta que el plato este lleno de colores! Como decido que voy a almorzar? Hmm pues algunas veces agarro un poco de todo y otras me decido en un color.

Por ejemplo, el dia que comi "The Hulk" decidi comer todo verde: pistachios, kiwi, broccoli, peas y prunes. Es poquito seco y crunchy, pero un vaso GRANDE de agua ayuda hehehe.

El segundo plato, que le puse "Spring into Summer Ensalada" lo hice hayer y consiste de: broccoli, snap peas, mangoes, fresas, cashews y un huevo duro. Le heche un poquito de vinagre balsamic y agrege unas crackers para empujar hehehe.

"HAMPS": Hummus, apples, mangoes, snap peas y fresas.

"Over the Rainbow": Este es uno de mis almuerzos favoritos hehehe. Un bagel con queso, aguacate, kiwi, snap peas, blueberries, manzanas y hummus!

"Chomper": La verdad es que este platillo se hico porque era la unico que tenia en mi refrigerador/pantry jajaja. Hummus, zanahorias, snap peas, banana, kiwi y cashews.

No te olvides de seguirme en instagram para estar al minuto con los almuerzos faciles, ricos y saludables que combino!

Above: "The Hulk"

Above: "Spring into Summer Ensalada"

Above: "HAMPS"

Above: "Over the Rainbow"

Above: "Chomper"

Homegirl Cafe in Los Angeles

2013-05-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

You know I love to eat, especially when I am on vacation! You could say that I eat almost anything and everything in sight. Hahaha, seriously you know I'm not lying if you follow me on instagram!

While we were in Los Angeles last month, my friend Ana from Cha Cha Covers introduced us to Homegirl Cafe. We made it right on time for breakfast which ends at 11am.

I love Mexican breakfast, and almost ALWAYS order chilaquiles, either verdes or divorciados (half red/half green). So what are chilaquiles? Chilaquiles is a plate of: fresh tortilla chips topped with either red or green salsa, queso, crema, sliced red onions, and cilantro with 2 eggs sunnyside up and a side of black beans.

At Homegirl Cafe, your chilaquiles come with an option of black beans, homegirl potatoes, or house salad. I obviously went with the the black beans. And the two eggs were also optional, at an extra cost of $3, which I had to fork over.

Overall, I was pretty happy with my plate of chilaquiles from Homegirl Cafe. My only "but", my egg was a little over done..everything else was FRESH! I ate it all and even licked my plate clean ahahaha.

Why is it called Homegirl Cafe? Because the women working there are "serving you instead of serving time." GULP, yes that's right. Homegirl Cafe is a part of Homeboy Industries, an organization "that serves high risk, formerly gang-involved men and women with a continuum of free services and programs." Homegirl Cafe is one of "seven social enterprises that serve as job training sites."

HOMEBOY INDUSTRIES/ homegirl cafe
130 W. BRUNO ST.
LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

Denim, Turquoise and Canary Shorts

2013-05-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

Peace is the result of retraining your mind to process life as it is, rather as how you think it should be -Wayne W. Dyer

As our vacation was coming to an end, my mind kept thinking "back to life, back to reality" and it was actually making me feel sad and a little anxious. But after a day of that line being on repeat I had an "aha" moment in the washroom.. I was like, "girl, this is LIFE and this is YOUR REALITY! Stop stressing out and enjoy the rest of your days!" So I took a couple of deep breaths, forgot about the line and have been living life as it is, beautiful.

wearing: Calvin Klein Denim Vest - Monica Bandala BodySuit - Vintage Shorts - KEDS - Vintage Elehant Necklace

Milani Cosmetics Giveaway

2013-05-04T21:47:00.000-07:00

SPREADING SOME CHEER BY GIVING AWAY APPROX. $50 WORTH OF MILANI COSMETICS! ^.^ HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

Sorteo Internacional

Ends May 25, 2013 midnight PST. 1 WINNER. Announced NOTM Facebook.

1. Milani Shadow Eyez (#03 Champagne)

2. Milani Illuminating Face Powder

3. Milani Liquif'Eye (#06 Green)

4. Milani Nail Laquer High Speed Fast Dry (#08 Hot Pink Frenzy)

5. Milani Powder Eyeshadow Palette (#01)

6. Milani Baked Eyeshadow (#602 I Heart You)

7. Milani Powder Eyeshadow (#12 Just Perfect)

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Floral, Ruffles and Keds

2013-04-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Believe you can and you're half way there -Theodore Roosevelt

It's as simple as that. You must believe in yourself and your dreams, it's all POSSIBLE. You are meant to live the life you've dreamed of, I believe it. So never settle or give up on anything you believe in, whether it be love, health, work, or dreams. It can all be achieved because you were meant to live your life the way you want.

wearing (all thrifted): 80sBlazer - F21 blouse - FloralPants - KEDS - Rayban's -B.Johnson watch

Hispanicize13

2013-04-23T12:31:00.001-07:00

To be honest, our first day at Hispanicize13 felt like "the first day of school." You know that feeling: eager to see your friends, excited to make new friends and a little nervous about the unexpected/unknown. Our friend Babushka was kind enough to teach Hispanicize101 on our first day! So the rest of the days were smooth sailing.

Some of my favorite memories from Hispanicize13:

Experiencing it with my husband.
Seeing/Chillin with a couple of old friends again.
Meeting some of my online friends, offline for THE FIRST TIME!
Meeting new people and making real relationships!
Events/Parties: AH-MAY-ZING. The McDonald's Yacht Party/After-Party was off the chain. Target and Tide parties were so much fun too! The Coca-Cola Adelante Movement was beautiful. Clorox Sueña sin Limites was awesome too!
La Comida/The Food: The breakfast and luncheons were DELICIOUS!
La Playa/The Beach: Having Miami Beach a few steps away from the conference was brilliant. We snuck away in the evening and enjoyed listening to the waves crashing.
The exhibition area: We really enjoyed ourselves in the exhibition area were the sponsors strut their latest products and gave out some swag. Oh,we also had so much fun at the photo booths. A couple of my favorite booths were: VisitOrlando, P&G, Coca-Cola, RadioShack Lounge and the Target Lounge because they were those most interactive!
Networking, networking, NETWORKING.

Cranes, Silk and Suede

2013-04-22T05:30:00.000-07:00

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” - Lao Tzu

wearing: Silk Blouse - Crane Midi Skirt - Steve Madden Wedges - Ilaments Necklace - NOTM Sunnies