Posts from — March 2013

The other day I was on the phone talking about a few things that happened over the winter and – wow – it seemed like such a vague memory. Maybe it’s mom brain or the fact that way too much happens in a day to recall details from just a few months ago. Maybe it’s simply the change of weather and the scent of flowers blooming that just takes my mind to new places. This has always been a strange time of year for me. It marks the anniversary of my grandparents death. It also marks the anniversary of “symbolic” deaths (like relationships, etc). And what do you know, it’s also the day Jesus resurrected from the dead. So. Interestingly enough, it certainly screams New Beginnings all around. And by Summer I always find myself in a new venture with a welcoming horizon ahead. I guess that’s the beauty of Spring and the real meaning behind Easter. Death comes in many forms, and sometimes it needs to happen in order for life to begin (again).

I hope you and your family have a wonderful Easter … and here’s to new beginnings!

I love when artists redefine the word canvas. For example, internationally renowned aerosol artist Jaime “Vyal” Reyes and award-winning iconic artist Patssi Valdez were given a Lexus CT 200h to use as their very own canvas to create an art piece that pays homage to innovation and street art. I highlighted this installation last spring when I attended the Self Help Graphic Annual Fundraiser. I also got to hang out with Vyal who showed me (very patiently) how to use a spray can to paint. Not easy.

This year I got to see my favorite moving canvas again at the Sabor De Lujo event in Los Angeles. The evening was a multi-sensory experience filled with music, art, innovation and of course delicious Latin cuisine (I forgot just how amazing guava is when it’s wrapped in the flakiest of dough). Mexico, Argentina, Cuba and Peru were all present.

Sabor De Lujo was created to bring together live music, delicious food and drinks, and some of the most compelling art pieces from Self Help Graphics & Art (SHG), a Latino community arts center in East Los Angeles. Since the event is officially over, you should check out SHG – They always have a great show going on, an event or workshop.

The Chado Tea Room and an afternoon of beauty talk with friends and makeup artist was certainly a welcomed treat this week. First I have to say that Chado’s white tea with coconut and vanilla was seriously the best I ever had. And I ate enough finger sandwiches to make a sub. Everything was really that delicious and has sparked a new interest in the world of teas. We also used honey instead of sugar in our tea, and I actually liked it a lot better. I’m sure my doctor would like that too, as I’m actually supposed to lower my sugar intake (more about that another time). Alternative ingredients is high priority on my list these days, and that includes making more of my own skin creams and scrubs as well. An Inside and Out effort. In fact, I love natural products and rave about the benefits of honey for your skin so much, I recently created a gallery with several awesome recipes at Like most moms, I have my moments where I let my skin go. The moment I do, it shows. Even if you’re busy, it’s important to replenish your skin and keep it moisturized. Honey is a humectant – it attracts and retains moisture and there are tons of great recipes you can try to keep your skin glowing. It’s also just good for the soul to do something good and relaxing for yourself. Mauricio created several honey recipes for those of us who are always on the go. Check them out.

Thanks so much Chado Tea Room and The National Honey Board for a wonderful afternoon. Nicole, muchas gracias for your help with the pic of me.

Here are a few snapshots of the Cover Girl event I attended on Sunday. The makeup line was introducing their 3 in 1 foundation – Outlast Stay Fabulous – which was designed for women like me who are always looking for an all-in-one foundation with the perfect shade. This has been an on-going thing for me. I used to get my liquid foundation custom made because my face, neck and chest are all different colors. I also found that too many shades leaned to the pink side. My skin color is very yellow/olive and cool as opposed to warm. I used Asian makeup products because they were less pink (and still do) for years before mainstream brands finally started adding more hues to their foundations. Make up artist Luis Casco was at the event and played around with two colors to match my skin, and it was really on point. I also love that in one bottle, you’ve got your primer, concealer, and foundation all together. The foundation went on really smooth, and it covered really well. I naturally have a bit of dark under my eyes and I get acne here and there, so I was impressed at how even my face looked. Oh, and it’s not photographed here but I also tried this lip color, and absolutely love it for Spring, or any time of the year.

Thank you Cover Girl and SLS Beverly for a wonderful afternoon.

I graduated from the full white coat to the white blazer. I guess I just can’t get enough of this Spring’s white and black trend (with a pop of color). If you’re into it too or want some ideas, check out my gallery at , where I offer a few tips on how to wear this trend – Play with patterns, keep it fun or super simple. And really, I’m using this term “trend” but is it really? I think we went color blocking mad last year and now we just want to go back to a basic, classic look and I’m all for it.

I’m so ready for Spring – I also decided it was time for a change. Not a life change (I’ve already done enough of that this past year). I went back to my natural hair color. My ombre look had seen its final days. It was time for something (not so) new. The raven locks I was born with got several nods at the Cover Girl event I was on my way to, where I got to try a ton of their new products including their new 3-in-1 foundation (with primer included). I will be sure to share all the goods about that this week!

(Blazer/Zara – similar, Top/Zara – similar, Purse/Zara – similar, Shoes/Guess – similar, Pants/Gap)