Category — travel

This cold/flu bug thing I’ve had, since my trip to Michigan last month, has delayed everything with this blog. I’ve been anxious to blog about my trip to Michigan for over a month now. How did I end up in frigid temperature from sunny Los Angeles in the middle of January, you ask? The people over at Ford were kind enough to invite me to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), along with a few fabulous bloggers. The trip included lots of great food, a visit to the TechShop, Rouge Factory and the Henry Ford Museum (seen in this post). Like Murphy would have it, I spent most of my visit sick, and even ended up being escorted back to my hotel room after turning an unflattering shade of green. However, I did manage to have a fantastic time at the Auto Show (see pics ) and at the Henry Ford Museum, where I got to see (albeit a bit morbid) the Kennedy Limo and the Lincoln Chair. I was very touched and internalized the installations as if I had witnessed these events in history. It was that moving. Another one that got me right in the gut was the Rosa Parks Bus – Honestly had no idea this vehicle was at this museum. I stood in shock when I turned the gallery corner and saw it right before me. Again, television images and the recounted stories of this day played in my head as I sat inside what I felt was a very crammed space. I mean, how do you put the feeling of awe, sadness and pride into one beautiful articulate package of written words, really? It’s an experience I will hold close always.

Visiting the museum, prior to attending the NAIAS, really put things into perspective for me when comes to the extraordinary vision of Mr. Ford himself and why Ford is such a leader in technology and innovation. Thank you Ford for the invitation and the lovely accommodations – But most of all for offering me the opportunity to experience history, the future and the realization of dreams.

Every time I look at pictures of NYC, Frank Sinatra plays in my head. Doesn’t happen when I’m there, especially when I’m stuck in midtown in a rental, at a light, with no hope of getting to my destination. Pigeons walk faster. Who rents a car in New York?! Or … in my cousin’s words “What the heck is wrong with you? You can’t take the train?” But more on the pesky habits I’ve picked up in LA another time. Not only did we celebrate 85 years with the Rockettes, my son and I walked (yes, walked!) all over town. He always leaves with a better understanding about the way I grew up, and why I don’t spend 15 minutes chit-chatting or paying compliments before delivering a point. Really, there was no time for that. And, as it stands, can’t say I’ve mastered the art of having a pre-conversation.

Let’s move it people! I have a Kangocho coffee from Kenya waiting for me at Intelligentsia! All four of you, move out of the way! (I’ve noted by the strange stares that his hustle & bustle talk doesn’t translate well in Pasadena. I smell a 2013 resolution, maybe??)

FAO Shwarz, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Tree and the beautiful window displays made for a wonderful mom and son afternoon. Hot dogs were also invited. It was a happier day than the one spent at the Freedom Towers a few days prior. Visiting reminded me of my years at the World Financial Center. My first job. I was a front desk receptionist at a banking firm. It’s what I did while I worked on my arts education credentials. As I walked around the area, I felt an overwhelming amount of sadness and pride at once. In fact, I didn’t fly for years after 9/11. This was the first time I ever flew alone, and to NYC at that (my son was in Philly with grandparents).

My visits to NYC are always a mixed bag of emotions. Needles to say, it was a perfect way to end 2012.

There’s nothing like Christmas time in NYC. I’m back in LA but reminiscing about the Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall. It was so much fun being there with my son and sharing the things that will forever live in me as a proud New Yorker.

From Broadway back to Hollywood, Mary Kay’s Hollywood Mystique Collection has been the perfect go-to makeup this season. I made sure to pack the radiant red nail lacquer and their bold red lip shine. I didn’t have the luxury of time – Visiting family, working and wanting to take my son everywhere doesn’t allow for much primping. But a little red goes a long way to keep things fun and glamorous!

Hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season!

(Sweater: Banana Republic. Shoes: Zara. Makeup/Nail polish: Mary Kay)

This past year has been filled with many unexpected turns and blessings in disguise. My life has changed tremendously – personally and career-wise. Needless to say, the transitions in all aspects of my life have turned my eating habits into one-big-mess. I mean, why beat around the bush? In one year, I’ve gained 35 lbs. And exercise? When I can squeeze it in. I know. Excuses. Excuses. Time is definitely a factor but I know in order to keep up with what I do, I need to take better care of myself. Last year, I set work goals, and am proud to say I achieved many of them. My health goals should be no different.

I was beyond excited to be invited to NYC by Amway’s Nutrilite to learn more about fitness, healthy eating and the importance of supplements. I also moderated a Twitter party along with several fabulous bloggers – Filled with #PackMoreHealth ideas for 2013 by Nutrilite. We also spent an afternoon with , who taught us the art of mixing colors in dishes for added flavor. He prepared Swiss Chard Tacos with caramelized onions, fresh cheese and red chile. I definitely took away ideas for adding more spice to life with herbs, spices and condiments. Now the time factor? The simple answer to that is plan, plan, plan. I cannot realize at 5pm that it’s time to cook dinner. It’s way too easy to just make some pasta or get take out. So guys, here’s to a new year and new eating habits. Uh oh! It is now in writing!

Before you go, make sure you check out – And a huge thank you to Amway and the New York Smyth Tribeca for being so accommodating and just plain old awesome. To see more pics, check out the

I’m not into the stereotypical Vegas thing, at all. I don’t gamble and I’m not sure I want to sit through a Celine Dion concert. However, the opportunity to see friends and maybe learn a thing or two – I’m so there …

I’m still getting over doing the Dougie as per Doug E Fresh himself at this year’s Blogalicious – A conference designed for influential multicultural women. It’s fellowship, celebration and plain old fun. I was happily spared of “The Strip” happenings. All the good stuff took place amongst a circle of friends and the awesome women who were there to share their inspirational journeys. I also can’t think of a place better than the Red Rock to take in a ‘luxury in the desert’ experience. Between the wandering about escapades with Ms. Presley’s Pantry herself and a spa day with the Ana and Roxana, I’m ready for the next few weeks of work.

Thank goodness we didn’t have to weigh in with our luggage before boarding our flight because after my trip to New Orleans, I would’ve been told to keep my fried green tomato eating self at The Roosevelt [Read more →]

Makeup, monuments and fashion bloggers – I mean, that’s why I love Mary Kay. And not just the products, but the actual people behind the pretty lip glosses and that “I swear by it” Lash Love that gives me the flirty eye my naturally bare lid often craves. Mixing business with pleasure, we sipped on mimosas while managing a beauty session and photo shoot around DC. Luis Casco, Demetress Valentine, Patti Nelson and worked it on out making sure all the lovely ladies looked fabulous. Ana and I probably should have asked for concealer because by the end of the day, we had a panda thing going on. But when you love what you do, it’s not work, right? I also got to bond a lot with – too amazing for words – , and , who happened to mention me in her Latina Magazine article. (Thank you V)

I’ve been running off at the keyboard about Mary Kay, so if you want to know more, you can see another write-up here or you can peruse my Facebook tribute .

I felt so honored to be invited to the White House as one of the top Latina Bloggers – an event created by the wonderful women of LATISM. And as you guys know (if you’ve read my blog more than once) I work for Latina Bloggers Connect so I was also there to ensure that all the fabulous bloggers in attendance were spoiled with beauty goodies courtesy of our client Mary Kay.

We arrived to the Helix on Saturday to familiar faces and lots of hugs before heading out to dinner at Cuba Libre with Mary Kay and a group of fab Latina fashion bloggers. The next day was all about monuments, touring DC, photo shoots, tacos, gelato and blogger arrivals – We pretty much crammed in 5 years of activity into one day. There were professional development sessions, a beauty bar and of course – The White House. We were given the extraordinary opportunity to address our concerns to the Obama administration. A range topics were on the list – Classroom size, special needs children, immigration, undergrad and grad school accessibility, just to name a few. Bloggers got to share their personal stories – Experiences that resonated with me, spoke to my family, my culture, my concerns as a mother and my work in arts education. It made me realize that so much needs to be done. We broke some ground, but there are still many mountains to climb. But – We were there. We made our voices heard. Empowerment to its fullest. I uploaded pics of the experience on FB.