Category — style & beauty

There’s so much I want to say about my position at Latina Bloggers Connect (LBC), I just don’t even know where to begin. It all started some time in 2010 when I met Ana online and then in real life at an LA event that focused on the lives of American Latinos. Being new to blogging, I hit it off with her and we continued to chat here & there about random things until one day she called and said she needed an intern for her new business venture. At that time, I was at a crossroads. I was working as a museum lecturer and acting (a creative experiment, if you will, after over a decade of museum work) but missing the pulse of community I once felt when I lived in NYC. In addition to lecturing, I developed and executed museum education programs for a long time. I was at the heart of local and national communities, and let’s face it, the museum field as a whole in NYC is like no other when it comes to collaborations and discourse. After she explained what the internship was I replied “that’s not an internship, that’s a job.” I started out with 10 hours a week managing campaigns (my first one was for PBS Kids), and things grew from there. One day, while driving to a conference, Ana presented me with a box of business cards with the title Account Executive. I was very excited about my new position, but still not sure what it all meant. You see, the museum world is an old one. It’s set in stone. I knew it like the back of my hand. And although community building was my specialty, it took a bit of homework to translate my non-profit experiences into the fast paced world of the blogging business, which involves marketing, public relations and brand partnerships all with the ultimate goal of empowering a community online and making sure voices are heard – In many ways like museum education but with a different time-frame and medium. The company was a start-up, which meant one of two things: 1. It can fold 2. It will blow up. Fortunately, the latter happened and my ten hours a week was no more. Brands kept coming back, the Latina/o community online was making beautiful noise and doors started opening more and more. Between working on incredibly rich brand campaigns that sparked much needed conversations to traveling all over the country, my life has completely transformed and there’s no turning back. Our mission is to share what we learn in the trenches, which has fulfilled my once aching “I miss collaborations” heart. The magic of small groups with little budgets and big dreams was back in my life again and I can’t tell you how many lives I’ve seen transform because one person wanted to make a change. Whether it was bringing art to kids who live in at-risk communities or supporting a blogger’s business endeavors, I’m incredibly proud of all my career experiences. I’m currently “teching” out as the Social Media Director at LBC and am honored to work with an amazing team and a mentor/boss/friend who is a powerhouse in the digital space. But it’s time to take the art of empowerment to the next level. Today, I’m excited to announce that Latina Bloggers Connect has launched a summit called We All Grow.

We All Grow it set to be the go-to professional conference for Latina digital content creators and social media influencers who specialize in parenting, lifestyle, fashion/beauty, food, entertainment and more. More importantly, the mission is to create long-lasting relationships between bloggers, brands and PR professionals. That magic is scheduled to happen February 26th – 28th in Los Angeles, where it all began. I hope you will join us and follow the We All Grow team on for the latest! Between now and February, there will be tons of unbelievably awesome updates. Community building, empowerment through the arts and teaching has always been my passion and I can’t wait to share all that is coming up. Join us on the journey! Because when one grows, we all grow!

This a compensated post in collaboration with Latina Bloggers Connect and NEUTROGENA MEN®. Everything said in this post is all me.

This guy right here is my heart. I actually met him many moons ago in high school and we dated for a short time until I transferred to a different school and never saw him again. But if you ask him, he would tell you that he actually did see me again when I was in my 20s walking out of art school with a portfolio in my hand. He was too afraid to approach me. I guess it just wasn’t meant to be back then but I always did wonder what ever happened to him. Who can forget those beautiful eyes? It wasn’t until I received a friend request from Facebook that I saw him again. Social media being what it is, we didn’t really chat aside from the occasional like. During one of my work trips to Miami (where he lived at the time), I sent him a DM letting him know I was going to be in town. We hung out for two hours tops, ate a meal and shook hands good night. I didn’t really think much of it until one day, out of the blue, we started texting and the rest is history. We embarked on a long distance relationship for a year (with lots of travel in between) until he moved west to be with me.

He is the most caring, attentive and nurturing man I’ve ever met. He can also cook up a great meal and he likes to take care of himself. Even though his job is physically demanding, he is always well-shaved, groomed and never misses his barber shop appointments. To relax, he likes to smoke cigars with friends, watch sports, cook, write or catch a movie. He is a total family man with a refreshing traditional but modern perspective about family life, and has very strong views about how men should dress, groom and carry themselves. He loves a nice suit and a great shave.

NEUTROGENA MEN® sent over a really great set that includes aDaily Face Scrub, Face Wash, Shaving Cream and Face Lotion. We love all of the products (they smell great!) but I think my guy favors the Triple Threat Face Lotion as the finishing touch. It soothes razor irritation, heals dry skin and helps fight the signs of aging. At 42, I think he looks pretty darn good! As you know, we already love Neutrogena in this house, and now he does too!

Before you go, I would also like to invite you to the NEUTROGENA MEN® #RespectYourFace Twitter Party on Wednesday, June 25th at 5pm PT/ 8pm ET. RSVP HERE!

I’ve gone nail polish mad, I tell you! Square Hue sent me this set that just screams “I love Brazil”. Yep, I have been watching the games and definitely feeling the spirit of beautiful South America. This trio of colors is part of the company’s Passport Collection – Rio. The colors are Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana. And all of the colors have a “5-Free” Clean formula which does not contain Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP, Camphor or Formaldehyde Resin. They are cruelty-free, vegan-friendly and made here in the U.S. of A. They also offer a subscription plan, which I think is pretty genius. But what I really like about Square Hue is that they’re committed to human rights. A portion of all monthly subscription proceeds are being donated for prevention awareness, the protection of trafficked victims and the prosecution of human traffickers, through The A21 Campaign.

I would love to link you up with this company so I’m offering a giveaway! A three month subscription to their next collection of beautiful colors.

To get your three month subscription, you must enter the giveaway by sharing your best nail care tip in the comments section below. The winner will be randomly chosen through Random.org. The giveaway ends Thursday, June 26th at 9am PST. By June 27th, the winner will receive an email in addition to me announcing it here on the blog. The winner must respond within 48 hours otherwise another winner be chosen. US only. Good luck!

(BCBG Ambrose Romper, Zara heels similar, Ann Taylor clutch)

After making my statement about not wearing very short shorts anymore in my post about shorts at 40 … I went ahead and got these. I really could not resist the color. I just had to have them. I’m like any woman who tries on clothes and finds 1000 reasons why it doesn’t look good. I almost put this romper back on the hanger because I haven’t been able to work out in months. But I decided to not care and just go for it. I’m so happy to feel better that all I want to do is throw on heels and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. And I absolutely love rompers. They’re perfect if you want to just throw something on quickly but still look chic.

I spent the weekend mostly relaxing. It’s been two weeks of middle school promotion events, lots of work and family visiting. I fell a little bit off of my schedule but getting back on track. My son is in Philly with his grandparents, so I get to catch up and have a few date nights with my guy. I hope you had a fabulous Father’s Day!

(Zara Men shirt and jacket, Bar III slacks, Bostoninan shoes)

I present you with the light of life – my son. He just completed those three very defining years in a child’s life called Junior High School. It was a time of transition, challenges, learning experiences and opportunities to grow. He made many new friends while remaining loyal to old ones, bonded with school staff members, liked a few girls and developed a social life. Keeping up with grades, moving around to different classes daily, staying organized with work and communicating with individual teachers were all things my son was taught to do to prepare him for the world of High School. Was it always perfect? Absolutely not. Did he forget assignments? More so than I care to admit. Did he cram for tests? You bet. Were there new terms and words he picked up from his social environment that would make a parent cringe? Many. He got all the experiences that make being this age a time of learning, reflection and growth. It was the introduction to the real world – A place that is not as forgiving. And as many times as I’ve wanted to blow the whistle, make sense of everything, push him harder and practically sit next to him in class to micro-manage his every academic move, I learned that I needed to let things go, pick my battles and trust that my son will make the right choices. He can only make those choices if he is given the space to do so. Trusting your child and letting them know you believe in them goes a long way in the end.

I guided him through the pangs of having to grow up, talked him through tough times, hugged him when he needed it, pushed him where it mattered and offered a few moments of tough love. My son is very vocal, has his own opinions and does not hide the way he feels. Not always easy to hear but I’m proud that he feels confident to articulate his feelings. And may I add, he has the beautiful ability to express emotion without being emotional, and speaks with maturity. A trait I hope he carries into manhood. He and I have had many candid conversations and I feel fortunate that we have that kind of relationship. Of course there are things he rather share with his father and friends, and I’m OK with that too. As long as he knows he’s loved and has a circle of support around him, that’s all that matters.

Congratulations to you, my son. I love you more than you will ever know. You’re going to have an amazing time in High School and I’m there for you whenever you need me (and when you think you don’t!).

(Banana Republic top, Zara belt old but love this, shorts and shoes old but these are awesome)

Shorts. Let’s talk about it. At 40, wearing the teeny numbers I once did is not cool anymore. However, I’m certainly not ready to give up my love for shorts. I think length and style is key as you get older, and this season has offered up a really nice variety to choose from that are very flattering. I really don’t like the outdated belief that once you reach a certain age, you can’t wear the things you once enjoyed. You just need to update your look, know your body and invest in better fabrics. I would link back to the shorts and tops I’m wearing but they’re not on the sites yet … But I’m in love with Banana Republic and Zara these days. They’re great options for looking chic and current at a great price. Whatever your brand of choice, just go ahead and have fun shopping this summer! Viva shorts!

(Teri Jon Bouclé dress with b/w reversed,  Zara shoes)

When I turned 40 back in July, I knew this was going to be a journey like no other. I knew changes were happening and that by the time summer crept around again, I would be a different person. I was not wrong. Dealing with a pain disorder, embarking on a new relationship, managing a household, parenting a middle schooler, taking ownership of a new position at work while trying to balance the pros and cons of many awesome opportunities that came my way was a lot to take on. It was year of challenges, triumphs, closed chapters and opened doors. I’ve cried, laughed, unleashed the dragon, reflected, meditated and have let love in in ways I never imagined were possible. When I was at the peak of not feeling well, the hardest thing for me to do was dress up or put on makeup. It was during this time that Teri Jon sent me a beautiful cocktail dress that I wasn’t able to wear. For months, it sat in the box as a reminder that I had a way to go before I could feel like my old self again. Inspired by a fellow blogger who was recently diagnosed with cancer but continued sharing her positive outlook on life (no matter how challenging her days were becoming), I stopped seeing the package as a reminder of what was and viewed it was what is now. Her perspective humbled me and really shed light on the power of my thoughts. As a thank you to all those who inspired me, encouraged me, supported me and reached out to me to share their incredible stories, I would like to give one my readers a dress from Teri Jon. They have gorgeous dresses for every occasion and offered to give one of my readers $500.00 to choose from any dress on their site.
Teri Jon dresses, jackets, skirts, gowns and evening separates are available at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. Their apparel is designed with a woman’s figure in mind and are perfect for any age. There are quite a few lace cocktail dresses I have my eye on!

To enter the giveaway, all you have to do is leave a comment sharing a time you felt tremendous growth. I know, that’s a bit personal for a giveaway but why not use this post to uplift one another! The winner will be randomly chosen through Random.org. The giveaway ends Thursday, June 5th at 9am PST. On June 6th, the winner will receive an email in addition to me announcing it here on the blog. The winner must respond within 48 hours otherwise another winner be chosen. US only. Good luck!

UPDATE: The giveaway is closed. Congratulations Shana Elliott!

(Rachel Roy top, Style & Co. necklace similar, Jones New York bangles, Zara jeans similar + shoes similar, Ann Taylor clutch, Mary Kay Sunny Citrus lip color)

I wear a lot of denim. It’s sort of my staple look for date nights, art shows and hanging out with friends. I just love the way a pair of jeans look with a white or cream colored top. It’s a very clean style that leaves room for a pop of color and accessories. I especially love gold statement pieces and delicate clutches.

I hope you had a great weekend. I indulged in a few dates nights with my guy, a bit of cooking and baking fun and family QT time over the last few days. I needed a respite. The last couple of weeks were jam packed with work. We’ve had a lot of great campaigns going on this Spring – Many in the name of female empowerment and the celebration of family and motherhood. So happy about the work we’ve been doing, and how many people it reaches. But it’s so important to have a bit of down time, a cup of coffee with a friend, an afternoon of baking with a loved one or an evening of art gallery hopping. Whatever you enjoy. I was thrilled to go to my first art show in ages since this TMJD flare consumed my life. It was a beautiful show that inspired me to pick up my own set of brushes. I will share the details this week!