It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Santayana Jewelry. I think any Cuban worth their salt owns a piece by them. If you're interested in their "Coming to America" story - which I know you totally are - please click on this link, "Cuando Sali De Cuba, Elena's Story." You're welcome. As you probably have guessed by now, I'm still celebrating my 10 ...
Cuban-American Life
I hope you enjoy my posts about my crazy and wonderful Cuban-American life.
Put SeaWorld on Your Summer Bucket List
{DISCLOSURE: My family and I were guests of SeaWorld San Diego and were given a VIP tour of their amazing new attractions. All opinions that follow are my own.} We start making our Summer Bucket List around this time each year. The days are already growing longer and warmer and we usually like to do more than just the regular beach days. Enter ...
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 – Movie Review
A few years ago when the original Guardians of the Galaxy came out, I have to admit that from seeing the trailer, I didn't think I would like it. (I know. Don't judge me.) But if I've learned anything in all my years of reviewing films, it's that most times you can't count on the trailer to give you a complete picture (pun intended) of the entire ...
Cuban Heritage Day 2017 Promises to Be Awesome
It's happening again, mi gente. Cuban Heritage Day at Dodger Stadium is officially on the Dodger calendar for Sunday, August 27th, 2017. I'm so proud and delighted that once again I get to be a part of the Cuban Heritage Day Committee. (#winning) Because these are the best, hardest working, most fun people I've ever worked with. Because ...
As Seen On MBFCF… Santayana Jewelers Does It Again
First, a primer on Cuban women and jewelry. As a Cuban woman, wearing jewelry is very much a part of my Cuban DNA. Like my ubiquitous red lipstick, I don't can't go out in public without my earrings, necklace, and bracelets. (Yes, plural.) It started as a baby, of course, before I was old enough to walk I was wearing my 18k gold necklace with La ...
‘Chef’ Inspired Birthday Celebration
"You throw the BEST parties," she said to me, "Why aren't you sharing them on your blog?" It's true. Even if I do say so myself. I throw great parties. Actually, I have to say WE. I am pretty much just the idea person, and it absolutely takes a village to make my great ideas happen. WARNING: Lots of colorful photos and extensive party details ...
Celebrating a Life
I realize I've spent a bit of time now writing about how losing my mom, Luza has affected me. I'm not saying that apologetically. She was a tremendous part of my life and for so many years. And I have a lot to say on this particular subject, but today I want to share how we went about organizing a Celebration of Life. How do you go about ...
Selective Reality
It's not that we didn't know it was coming. I'm talking about my mom, Luza. She was, after all, 102 years old - going on 103, mind you. My sisters and I had often discussed things like, "this might be her last - *Birthday, Mother's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas." *(__________) fill in the blank* We started throwing her birthday parties when ...
Getting It Before Christmas
I'm a giver. That's just in my Cuban DNA. Maybe it's something in my personal genetic programming, but I have a hard time saying, "no." "Do you want me to do something that will take me lots of time I don't have?" "Yes. Of course I'll do it." I'm convinced it all started with my family of origin. Have you ever tried to say, "no" to your ...
Love My Skinny Latina
You know those people you meet online and instantly hit it off with? That's what happened when I had my first phone conversation with the lovely Ana "Don't Hate Me Because I'm Beautiful" Quincoces. (That's just what I call her, but that's not important right now.) This was many years ago before she was a Food Network Star and the darling of the ...
The Smart Cuban’s Christmas Gift Guide
Who doesn't appreciate a little shopping help at this time of year? Of course, I know you can head down to the local mall and spend a few frustrating hours hunting from store to store to find just the right thing. Of course, there's always the issue of finding a convenient place to park and fighting the Battle of the Parking Structure. And this ...
At Long Last…
Here in Southern California, the news came to us on Friday night, November 25th. I've been chewing on everything that's happened and taking in the scenes unfolding, particularly on social media, since that night. That night began like any other around my home. My girls, along with some family and friends were settled in to watch the Gilmore ...
The Mandatory “Things I’m Grateful For” Post
Okay, so it's not really mandatory to do this, but I can't help but want to share all the things I'm grateful for as we approach Thanksgiving Day. I have to start with my family. Because, pretty much my life begins and ends with them. From their smiles to their crazy-making messes, they are the people who keep me engaged and moving forward. And ...
Disney’s Moana Amazes and Delights
Disney Animation has done it again. Their latest offering, Moana, is full of adventure, great characters and yes, catchy songs. f Breaking the mold of the Disney princesses that have gone before her, Moana (voiced by newcomer Auli’i Cravalho) is an adventurous and delightfully smart 16 year-old. The daughter of Chief Tui (voiced by Temuera ...
My Big Fat Cuban Cooking Playlist
As we head into the holidays, we are marking the beginning of what my dad used to call The Gran Comelatas. There's going to be lots of eating which means there's going to be lots of cooking. Lots and lots of cooking. And eating. And so on, and so on... I don't know about you, but there's nothing that makes me happier in the kitchen than some ...
Stuffing Stockings With Future Promise
Welcome to the (allegedly) Most Wonderful Time of The Year. We're gearing up for celebrating Thanksgiving at my house, and you know I don't decorate early for Christmas. Read all about that here. But I'm all about shopping early. As a matter of fact, I'm usually done with my list by the first week of December. I'm not bragging or anything - 0k, ...
Hats Off to Your Cubanity!
My friends at Habana Brand Clothing are always coming up with new and wonderful ways for us Cubans - and Lovers of All Things Cuban - to express ourselves and the pride we feel over our culture. I often say to my kids, "We need to show off our Cubanity!" (<--I know it's not a word, but it should be.) They love the many options that Habana ...
