When I was nearly 12 years old we moved to my current community in SouthEast Louisiana. The move was a huge geographical & cultural change from our longtime home in Southern California. My siblings and I were ready to embark in a new journey. We were kids, so starting over for us was not a big ordeal at all. But for my mother, things were a little bit harder. One thing my mother lacked was community. We were there for her, but what she needed was her peers (other Latinas) to be near her so Continue Reading
Boys Will Be Boys- Wordless Wednesday #Parenting #Family
Sneak Peek: Macy’s Culinary Council Cooking Event w/ Chefs Nancy Silverton & Johnny Iuzzini
Last night I had the honor of going to a local Macy's Culinary Council Cooking Demo. I had no idea what to expect, but I was hoping to get a little inspiration in the kitchen. Inspiration, along with tips, tricks of the trade, and a fun atmosphere is what I gained by attending the cooking demo. Chef's Nancy Silverton & Johnny Iuzzini came to the NOLA Event will energy, humor, and some amazing recipes that most anyone could make. Chef Bios: Chef Johnny Iuzzini is a 2006, the James Continue Reading
Reyes Magos with Net10 Wireless #Net10Latino
Culture & tradition is something my husband & I try very hard to instill in our young children. Last Sunday, January 6th was Dia de los Reyes or Rayes Magos which many Latino families celebrate. Living in the New Orleans area, we call it Twelfth night (Epiphany or the 1st day of Carnival Season). Although the similarities in the 2 holidays is similar, we try to maintain the family aspect of Rayes Magos on January 6th since Carnival Season is something my children are extremely family Continue Reading
In 2013 I Want To……
I'm back from my blogging vacation! Nothing can beat spending an peaceful Christmas & New Years with those you love the most in this world. But now that we have embarked into a new year, and so have our directions in life. As usual so many of us have made resolutions (or made a resolutions of having NO resolutions). I have decided to do something that many of us already do except I'm saying it "out loud". With an uncertain economy & our society unraveling a small thread of morality on Continue Reading
Giving Back-Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans & Acadiana Community Kitchen @2ndHarvestGNOA
In my previous Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans & Acadiana post, I spoke mainly about the Food Bank itself, but today I wanted to focus & share more information on the new commercial grade Community Kitchen. At nearly 6,500 square feet, the Community Kitchen is one of the largest productions in the region. The Community Kitchen helps to produce nutritious meals for the Summer Feeding and Kids Cafe programs. Meals are proportioned and well-balanced to new dietary Continue Reading
Adding Soybean Oil to Your Fun & Festive Baking Recipes + $25 Walmart Gift Card Giveaway #SoyParaSoy #Spon
One of my favorite things to do with the kids during the holidays is bake. I use my days off of my 9-5p.m job to focus on quality time with the kids, so baking seems to be the best way to multitask with them. But it seems I'm not the only one baking for my children this time of year. Since they are receiving treats from neighbors, our church family, grandparents and naturally their school classroom, I need to focus on the ingredients I use in my family recipes. I am by far not a "health foodie", Continue Reading
A “Gumbo” of Flavors: Winn-Dixie Holiday Recipes To Impress E-book #WDLocalHoliday
To say my family's recipes are bursting with flavor would be a complete understatement. Since we are local to the New Orleans area & are a Hispanic family as well, our family recipe book would be considered a "gumbo" of flavors. Start off with a thick spicy Creole base, add our Mexican & Guatemalan stock & seasonings, chop up some Cajun Sausage and last but certainly not least, add some rich hearty Mississippi southern poultry (aka Sanderson's Farm). Stir slowly & simmer to have a complete taste Continue Reading
Lil’ Yat’s …..”New Orleans Christmas”- Lil’ Yat’s Books @YatsUnlimited 7 Book Set and 5 Coloring Books Giveaway
Originally I was born in Los Angeles, but at the age of 11 moved in a small town outside of the New Orleans area. I remember prior to moving & there after, my grandfather would tell my older brother & I stories of New Orleans traditions & culture in hopes to instill some Louisiana characters in us. Over the years he told factual events that took place, as well as a little lagniappe (something extra). I'm not sure if my Grandfather was just a great story teller or that the characters Continue Reading
A Mother’s Reflection: A Silent Tree
Today was a rare day off of work during the week. I sat outside under one of our patio areas and noticed something. Our big beautiful backyard tree seems so sad to me. With almost 2 acres of land, I noticed this tree today. I can see this tree from my kitchen window & our dining room area. Years ago I would leave the backdoor open and hear the giggling of 2 small children under that same tree. Once upon a time, that same tree was a pivotal area on our property. It was the central hub for many Continue Reading
Wordless Wednesday: The Great Smoky Mountains
Mom’s Holiday Helper Event 2012 #NolaHoliday
One of my favorite aspects of Thanksgiving is being so very grateful for the people I have in my life. And although I show my love and appreciation to them on a daily basis, I also love to think of a unique gift for them every Christmas. It may not be much, but their present is something I put time and effort into either making or purchasing. Buying for the child may seem like an easy task, but getting your monies worth out a toy or gadget is something you sometimes take a chance in buying. Continue Reading