Friday, February 25, 2011

Friday Hair Fashion

I was reading in Marie Claire magazine to see what the hair trends are for 2011.  Apparently volume hair is up, so tease to your heart's content.  Remember the bouffant bee-hive?  Also in style are big curls that are messy waves.  I guess the toussel tresses are in which means I don't have to do much other than towel dry and go.   Up-do's are pulled back sleek this year and with extra shine.  A hot trend are woven locks and loose hair braids.  They look casual, sexy, and so easy to do.  Braids are worn to the side, laid back, or braided on top in a natural head band.  The low pony tail is a huge hit on the fashion runways,just loosely gathered or twisted in place. 

As for me,  I have natural medium brown hair. I'm feeling blahhh about it right now, so I might get some high-lights.  I usually blow-dry my hear with a large round brush and wear it down.  Most of my life my hair has been medium to long in length. I have a lot of hair and I tend to over tease it...LOL. 


Love these hair styles!


Friday Blog Hops

Linky Loves Friday at Sweet Charlie    -    Blog Hop Friday at Chubby Cheek

1. Can you drive a stick shift?  Yes
2. What are two foods you just can't eat? - shrimp, lobster
3. Do you buy Girl Scout Cookies? What is your favorite kind? - Tagalongs
4. How do you pamper yourself? Mani-Pedi
5. What is your nickname and how did you get it?  Yoli


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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Fruit for the Body & Soul

" The Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. "  Galatians 5:22-23


Eating fruit provides many health benefits.  People who eat more fruits as part of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases.  Fruits provide nutrients vital for health and maintenance of your body.  Eating a diet rich in fruits may reduce risk for stroke, perhaps other cardiovascular diseases,  and may reduce risk for type 2 diabetes.  Keep a bowl of fruit on the table or in the refrigerator where you can easily grab some.  Prepare some fruits to take to your office so you can snack throughout the day.  Buy fresh fruits that are in season for optimum flavor and nutrition.  For the most nutrutional value, eat fruits high in potassium like bananas, peaches, cantalopes, and prunes.  Go for fresh fruits instead of canned or dried fruit which tend to have added sugars.  Make fruits fun for kids by cutting it into creative shapes, paring up with yogurt dips, or blending into delicous cool smoothies.  Squeeze some lemon juice on fresh fruit salad for an added twist.  

I know it can be tough for me to stay away from the sweets and fast food. 
Eating healthier starts with planning ahead and be prepared for those "hungry" moments. 
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Tuesday, February 22, 2011

In my next life....


In my next life, or maybe  next chapter of my life, I would love to be a wedding planner.  Coming from a large Hispanic family means there are plenty of weddings to attend. The Hispanic Wedding is a time honored tradition that is culture oriented and religion based.  There are many symbolic customs that are passed from generation to generation, just as in many other cultures.  It is traditional for both families to help pay for the wedding celebration, from the dress to ceremony and reception.  Most services are at the local Catholic Church and performed in Spanish and English.  The church is adorned with flowers like roses, which are left behind as a gift to the Holy Family.  The bridal party is large with many cousins and friends being selected and bridesmaids and groomsmen.  The bridal dress is gorgeously layered in lace and the bride wears a mantilla veil during the ceremony.  During the service the bride and groom will be draped with a large size rosary "lazo" which symbolizes the union made after the wedding vows.  As a token of prosperity, the groom will present the bride with a gift of gold coins that have been blessed by the priest.  The 13 coins represents Jesus and the 12 apostles.  

Traditional meals include include feasts of meats and fresh seafood.  There are so many side dishes so no one goes hungry.  The beverages are never ending like expensive selections of liquors and beverages.  The table service is top class with waiter staff readily available to serve the guests.  During the meal the sound of festive music is heard as the Mariachi Band entertains the guests with the guitars, violins, and trumpets.  After the meal is the presentation of the bridal party and then the wedding couple makes the grand enterance.  It is followed by the traditional father-daughter dance.  The Mexican wedding cake is presented and takes center stage.  There is no skimping on the cake, as it is often a gift to the couple.  The Latin Music dance is exciting and meant to get everyone up and dancing.  Hispanic weddings can go late into the night; some even continue into the early morning with breakfast at the in-laws.  One thing is for sure, Hispanic weddings are very exciting.  There is plenty of food, continuous music, and lots of family and friends. 


Wednesday Blog Hops

Today's Feature Blogger
Visit Joyce at "From This Side of the Pond"


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Heart of a Home

We grew-up around the kitchen, whether it was watching mom cook or us as kids making grilled sandwiches.  A woman doesn't need much to make the kitchen the heart of her home.  The kitchen is an accessory of color and flavor that adorns the heart of woman.  It doesn't matter if you can cook like a chef or if you just make simple dishes for hungry  kids, your kitchen is your creative platform. 

After a long day at school and when I get home from work, my teen kids and I gather in the kitchen.  We don't make fancy foods, in fact most of our meals lately have been quick and simple.  Yet, we spend time together in our little kitchen.  When it is time to eat, we all sit together talking about our day.  The kitchen is more than just a place to cook.  It is a place for us to unwind and distress.  It is also a training station.  My son is graduating from high school in  May, so he is doing much of his own cooking in preparation for college.  My daughter is in 10th grade and she is become independent, and she is really enjoying learning how to cook.  We share funny stories and we also try to talk through the challenges of of our day.  The kids will do their homework in the kitchen at times and I also us the kitchen table as my crafting areas at time.  Our kitchen isn't big or fancy, but it is "us".  We are are a small family of 3, making the best of time that we have left before the kids leave to college.







Paula Deen Peach Cobbler 
Recipe Courtesy of Paula Deen

Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cup self-rising flour
  • 8 tablespoon (1 stick) butter
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 cup sugar, divided
  • 4 cup peeled, sliced peaches
  • 1 1/2 cup milk
  • ground cinnamon, optional
Directions
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Combine the peaches, 1 cup sugar, and water in a saucepan and mix well. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  • Put the butter in a 3-quart baking dish and place in oven to melt.
  • Mix remaining 1 cup sugar, flour, and milk slowly to prevent clumping. Pour mixture over melted butter. Do not stir. Spoon fruit on top, gently pouring in syrup. Sprinkle top with ground cinnamon, if using. Batter will rise to top during baking. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes.
  • To serve, scoop onto a plate and serve with your choice of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

 Tuesday Blog Hops
Follow Me Back Tuesday at Survey Junkie Review & Giveaway
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Monday, February 21, 2011

Dreaming in Pink

Dreaming of pink, that is a Pink Purse by Kate Spade.  I keep seeing adverstisments in my magazines and it is calling my name.  I know the purse is pricey, so I'm going to visit the Kate Spade Outlet Store.  It is located about 15 minutes from my home in central Texas.  I would love the the pink purse in the picture below but I will settle for any pink purse by Kate Spade. She has such gorgeous yet simple designs.  I really need some bright spring colors. 

 




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Sunday, February 20, 2011

Sunday of Gratitude


Today I am joining Charlotte, Ginger, and their friends for Spiritual Sundays.  There are so many blessings in my life that I am sincerely grateful for.  It doesn't mean that tough situations don't get me down or worry me, but I know that they are all in God's plan towards a greater life.   One of the things I'm grateful for is that through the years I have see God's promise manifest itself in my life.  I tell my kids that in everything step we take we can see God in our journey.  In the furthest of our imagination, is God working his compassion for us.  Nothing is impossible for God...nothing!  That alone is something to be grateful for.  With the news we hear about the unrest in Middle East and studies we hear about troubles in our schools, lets be thankful that nothing is impossible for God to fix.  Yes, we need to reach out to him but it is just as simple as inviting him into our life. Together as a Christian community we can do great things through prayer, actions, and faith.

My son will be graduating from high school in a few  months.  He is getting ready to leave for college.  I knew this time would come, yet I seems to have crept up on me.  Where did 18 years go?   He isn't even gone yet and I already miss him so much.  I have to quiet myself, hear God's voice, and know that God will take care of my son for me.  I have done my part in raising a young man of grace, faith, and courage.  I am so grateful that God embraced my family and taught my son about love and service.  Now it is time for my son  to stand on his own with God.  Thank you Lord for giving us your life, your son Jesus Christ, and your everlasting love.




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Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Handmade Wednesday

I'm so excited that Julia & Cori at Blue Eyed Blessings have invited me to co-host this week for Handmade Wednesday.  This is the great place to post and promote your Etsy Store and Blog. 

http://www.blueeyedblessings.com/







Click Links Below for Wednesday Blog Hops

Here are some of my "handmade" aprons.



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Monday, February 14, 2011

Happy Valentine's Day

So excited that my aprons will be in Erin Hicks Miller's new cookbook.  She was gracious in inviting me to send several of my aprons for her photo shoot several months ago.  Her cookbook has been published and available online and bookstores.  She will be featured on KHOU's Great Day Houston TV show on February 24, where she will also be giving away her cookbook and our aprons.  Best of Luck Erin and a million thanks!!  :)


This past weekend we had "Girls Weekend" with my sisters, nieces, mother, aunt, and my daughter Gina.  We had a great time starting on Friday night with a dinner at San Antonio's Ciao Lavanderia, which serves traditional Italian.

Saturday we were at Garage of Goods in San Antonio for a huge sale from 9am - 3pm.  My sister Jessica from JOY Marie's Boutique and I had a booth.  It was a bit cold but we were happy to see people come out. There were 40 vendors with so gorgeous products from artisans, painters, vintage items, plants, and much more.  The music was hip and the place was urban chic, and we got to meet fabulous people.
I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Melissa Guerra, culinary expert, food historian, and author.  I have been a huge fan for years and she is my inspiration!   Much of my Apron Senorita designs are driven by my passion that celebrates the Hispanic lifestyle.  Melissa Guerra's store is a celebration of Latin products for the kitchen, from tablewear to authentic food ingredients.  Below is a picture that I took several weeks ago of my Aunt Connie at the store.  Visit Melissa Guerra Tienda de Cosina.


We met Steve Spriesterf rom KSAT News!
Also at the Garage of Goods was Steve Spriester from KSAT News.  It was such an honor to meet him because we are huge news fans in our family.  My son Vincent who is graduating this year from high school is going into journalism in college.  Steve was so kind to speak with my son for a few minutes.  It totally made my son's day and gave him inspiration!!


MONDAY BLOG HOPS


Follow Us Monday Morning ~ Frugality is Free
Meet and Greet Monday - Southern Reflextions
Mingle Monday - KdBuggie Boutique
Follow Me Monday - Be One Fine Day
Making Friends Blogger Style - Ins and Outs
Mom Blog Monday - Sippy Cups and Cloth Bums
Network Monday - Ashley Petite


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Friday, February 11, 2011

Friday Inspiration

My son was inducted into the National Honors Society at his school this week.  The ceremony was very nice and the best part was the key-note speaker, their high school coach.  It was one of the most inspiring, captivating, and motivating talks I have heard at a school function in a very long time.  The coach was relaxed and his talk was humours.  He touched on several topics like discipline, goals, courage, and having fun.  He mentioned that during his college years he was able to balance education, sports, and fun.  I liked that he said that some of his frat years were reminiscence to the "Animal House" moving of the 1970's.  Life is about  taking inspiration from comes from the simple things in life.  I hope the students heard the talk and took it to heart. It is about balancing hard work and enjoying the blessing God has to offer. 

Here is my idea for Animal House inspiration from Napa Style.


FRIDAY BLOGS






 

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