• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
My Big Fat Cuban Family

My Big Fat Cuban Family

Cuban recipes, family, heritage, and culture.

  • Meet Marta
    • Media Mentions
  • Lifestyle
    • Cuban-American Life
    • My Big, Fat, Cuban Family
  • Entertainment
    • Disney
    • Marvel
    • Television
    • Concerts
    • Books
    • Theatre
  • Celebrate
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Cuban Christmas
    • Mother’s Day
    • Movie Nights
    • Summer Nights
  • Recipes
    • Cuban Recipes With Pictures
    • Family Favorites
    • My Cook Book
  • Shop
    • Cuban Foods Poster
    • Cuban T-Shirts
    • Costa Rican Foods Poster
    • Honduran Foods Poster
    • Puerto Rican Foods Poster
    • Salvadoran Foods Poster
    • Scottish Foods Poster
    • Customize Your Own
    • Cuban Goodies In Your Mailbox
  • Contact
    • Advertise
  • Archives

Fourteen

October 1, 2020 By Marta Darby 8 Comments

Welcome to the Celebration of my 14th Year in the Blogosphere!

*insert lively party music here*

It makes me really happy to be able to be writing this blog post today for a few reasons. 

  • Because I can’t even believe I’ve kept at this blog thing for this long.
  • Because I’ve created something that I’m super proud of.
  • Because it has afforded me the opportunity to go lots of cool places and meet tons of people that I now consider part of my big fat Cuban family. 
  • Because I have fourteen years worth of stories and recipes and celebrations all documented here. 
  • Because when I go back and read some of my older posts it takes me back to that time. For example: when I started this blog, I was homeschooling my two younger kids, Lucy and Jon. Now I’m writing about my grandsons (!) Asher and Sebastian (you may call him Bash).

  • Because my original goal was just to “find my voice,” and I feel I’ve been pretty successful. 
  • Because writing about my everyday life has been extremely cathartic and enjoyable. 
  • Because the internet has helped me connect with so many wonderful people in so many ways. 
  • Because writing this blog has made me “Miami famous.” (Little “f.”) LOL!

  • Because I love celebrating pretty much anything. 
  • Because in the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite Cuban vendors to bring you some seriously fun and fabulous giveaways.
  • Because you’ve been amazingly kind, loyal, and enthusiastic supporters of My Big Fat Cuban Family through the years.
  • Because I have cupcakes! 

My Big Fat Cuban Family has changed in the past 14 years. If you’ve been reading long enough, you know that in 2017  I lost my mom, Luza at the ripe old age of 103. And I still miss her every day. 

I’m so happy that in my attempt to entertain you, I documented her in lots of ways. I hope you will join me in celebrating my favorite video of her, when she was a young 96, explaining how the internet search engines work. Please appreciate: Cuco and Yayo.

My siblings have gotten older and because of covid it has been more and more difficult to get together. This saddens me greatly, but I’m comforted in knowing they are well and quarantining with their own families.

However, I do see my kids and grandkids regularly and am delighted to report that all are doing well and are in good health. 

The kids are now calling me the Matriarch of our growing family and I’m starting to embrace the inevitable. (Shh! I kind of like it.) 

I had not written about it before, but I survived breast cancer and if I’m being honest, there are some underlying side effects I’m still dealing with. But life goes on and I’m grateful I’m still here to be a part of everyone’s life. Read about that here –  One Bad Year. 

My daughter, Amy and grandson, Sebastian (you may call him Bash) have been living with us for the last year and a half. When I was going through cancer treatment, it helped to have all the life that only a 3 year old (now 4) can bring. They’ve just found a place of their own and moved out two weeks ago.

Our home is quiet like it hasn’t been for a long time. And we miss them terribly, but they’re in a home of their own and it makes me happy that they’re doing so well. 

We have continued to celebrate the every day in spite of lockdowns. We’ve had movie nights and even a pig roast. Because life goes on and it must be celebrated.

Please enjoy – May the 4th Be With You.

If you follow both of my Instagram accounts you’ll see that that’s true. Here’s my family’s social distancing photo. (They crack me up.)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mybigfatcubanfamily/ AND https://www.instagram.com/martadarby/

Last year when I celebrated my 13th Blogging Year, I went a little more in depth into what I have done in past years, but 2020 will pretty much stand on its own. You know what I mean? 

And this video that my daughter Lucy made for my 10th Blogoversary still makes me super happy. Because we seriously love to celebrate anything. 

Also, I probably should have named this post: Things That Make Me Happy, but that’s not important right now.

But today, as I celebrate my 14 Years in the Blogosphere, I am simply grateful. 

  • Grateful for all the little things I listed above. 
  • Grateful that I’m still here to celebrate them all.
  • Grateful that you’re here reading about my cyber-life and celebrating with me. 

GIVEAWAYS!

Let me remind you again that I have some amazing Cuban friends and vendors that are generously sponsoring giveaways for the entire month of October. I hope you’ll come back and participate in those. I’m so excited!!

Meanwhile, let’s have cupcakes! 

Or maybe some pastelitos? 😉

Happy Blogoversary to ME! Please come celebrate with me! 

10/5/2020 First Giveaway – Feeling Welcome with Palm * Pine 

You might also like:

Seven Years. (MBFCF Giveaway WEEK!) Giving Thanks Because fireworks always make me cry (but that’s not important right now)… Celebrating Six Years in the Blogosphere (MBFCF Giveaway WEEK!)

Filed Under: Celebrate, Cuban-American Life Tagged With: 14 Blog Years, Cuban family, Fat, May the 4th be with you, My Big

Previous Post: « Roasted Butternut Squash With Apples And Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Next Post: Feeling Welcome with Palm & Pine »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ody says

    October 1, 2020 at 12:56 pm

    Congratulations my friend on so many levels!!! On your blog’s success, you beating breast cancer, being open and transparent with your life etc!!!!
    You deserve the PRIZE!!!!
    I remember finding you like 13 years ago and I sat and read up on all your posts just to be up to date on MBFCF. No FB back then but you would write almodt everyday. It was like sitting down with a cup of coffee and listening to an old friend share about her day.
    Many blessings to you, your growing family and your blog!!!!
    Te quiero mi amiga!!!
    Ody

    Reply
  2. George says

    October 1, 2020 at 3:23 pm

    Congratulations. I hope to see your blog for many more years.

    Reply
  3. Loretta Garcia says

    October 1, 2020 at 3:42 pm

    Happy Blogiversary! Your friendship and blog have brought many a smile and joy to my life and to friends and family I have shared with! May you continue to enjoy good health and successful blogging! #fanforlife #belikemarta #mybigfatcubanfamily

    Reply
  4. Marie says

    October 1, 2020 at 3:48 pm

    I also have a grandson named Sebastian… we call him Sebastian, he is a twin to a girl named Cambria!
    Congrats on this milestone!

    Reply
  5. Madelin says

    October 1, 2020 at 4:10 pm

    Hi, just wanted to say hello and congratulate you on keeping the Cubanity out there.

    Reply
  6. Maria Dieguez-Prieto says

    October 1, 2020 at 6:58 pm

    Congratulations on 14 years! I still remember your recipes on Babalu, that’s how I met you! Hope to be reading your blog for many, many more years.

    Reply
  7. Candice says

    October 2, 2020 at 7:53 am

    Congrats! I have loved following you and look forward to many more years of reading about your adventures.

    Reply
  8. Rebecca Martin says

    October 2, 2020 at 8:04 am

    Congratulations! So happy that you have many things to be grateful for, and that you and your family are doing well. Stay safe and keep blogging! Love your recipes!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

TRY SUPER SMOOTH CAFE LA LLAVE ESPRESSO

Cafe La Llave espresso coffee pods

My Cuban T-Shirt Designs

“Cuban T-Shirts

Subscribe to MBFCF Newsletter!

Never miss a post! Sign up with your email address to receive recipes, news and updates right in your inbox!

Cuban Foods Poster

“Cuba

Cuban Coffee Poster

“Cuba

Cuban Desserts Poster

“Cuba poster - Cuban desserts subway art print

Most Recent Posts

  • Hispanic Heritage Coffee Basket Giveaway
    October 24, 2023
  • Cafe La Llave Espresso Ice Cream
    September 12, 2023
  • Summer Café La Llave Basket Giveaway
    June 26, 2023
  • Cafe La Llave Espresso Coffee Coffee Cake
    June 9, 2023
  • Espresso Cupcakes with Espresso Frosting
    April 29, 2023

Cuban Recipes Cookbook

Cuban recipes with pictures cookbook from My Big Fat Cuban Family

Follow Me on Instagram

mybigfatcubanfamily

I love all things Cuban. I'm passionate about sharing stories, my family, food & recipes. I'm Marta. 💋🎉 @martadarby

My Big Fat Cuban Family Blog
It‘s time to start making Crema de Vie for all t It‘s time to start making Crema de Vie for all the people who are on The Nice List. 🇨🇺🎅🏻🎁🤩🎄❤️I’ve included printable tags because I’m a giver that way.😉
You’re welcome. ❤️https://bit.ly/3nKgVpG#BeLikeMarta 🖖🏼😎#cubanchristmas #cremadevie #nochebuena #ohthecubanity #mybigfatcubanfamily
It’s that time of the year. 🎉 Before the Holi It’s that time of the year. 🎉 Before the Holiday Comelatas begin, we have to get our homes clean, people!
Not just “clean” - but Cuban Clean® - ahora sí!
🚰🧽🧹bit.ly/CubanCleanIf you need to review the “8 Rules for Getting Your House Cuban Clean®” tap the link in my profile for all the details.
Get the trapeadores ready!#ohthecubanity #cubanclean
#thecleanofmypeople
#mybigfatcubanfamily
Con un poquito de azúcar, por favor. 🇨🇺☕️Come check out my Etsy shop for all the delicious digital downloads.You can take to your local printer and have it done immediately. Que cosa más rica! 🎉Oye, pero Christmas is coming! 🎁🎄🎅🏻Visit Marta Darby Designs on Etsy. Link in profile.☝🏼https://www.etsy.com/shop/MartaDarbyDesigns#cubanfood
#cubanfoodposters
#martadarbydesigns
I’m giving away a box of delicious @cafelallave I’m giving away a box of delicious @cafelallave coffee goodies to celebrate the end of Hispanic Heritage Month. 🎉
Please visit my site and leave a message on that blog post to enter. Thank you. 🇨🇺☕️https://bit.ly/46OJcm0Link is in bio☝🏼Salud! ☕️#ohthecubanity
#cubancoffee☕️
#cafecubano
#mybigfatcubanfamily
@cafelallaveThanks 🙏🏼
It’s time to play my favorite game: “Maduros o It’s time to play my favorite game:
“Maduros o Tostones?”What do you have with each? I’m a picadillo xo tostones type girl.You? 🍌“It’s a Cuban thing.” 🇨🇺😉#mybigfatcubanfamily
#itsacubanthing
#ohthecubanity🇨🇺
My “merienda.” 😊And that’s how you do M My “merienda.” 😊And that’s how you do Mondays. 🙌🏼🇨🇺🏆You’re welcome. 😉#croquetas
#galletas
#cubanfood
#portosbakery
Some Mondays require more than others. Am I right? Some Mondays require more than others.
Am I right?? 🇨🇺☕️
Alaba’o sea santísima!🤩#belikemarta 🖖🏼😎#thedrinkofmypeople☕️
#cafecubano #cubancoffee
#ohthecubanity
#mybigfatcubanfamily
There’s nothing sexier. 🇨🇺☕️❤️ I K There’s nothing sexier. 🇨🇺☕️❤️
I KNOW I’m right. 😉💋Happy National Coffee Day! 🇨🇺☕️#nationalcoffeeday #cafecubano☕️ #cubancoffee #mybigfatcubanfamily
I made some amazing espresso ice cream with the he I made some amazing espresso ice cream with the help of @cafelallave // smooth, creamy, and.it tastes like your first cafecito of the day. // Best thing you’ll taste all day. ☕️💚🗝️Buen Provecho! 🤩Please visit my blog for the whole delicious recipe. (Link in profile☝🏼)You’re welcome! 😉🇨🇺https://bit.ly/45QhRPN#espressoicecream #cafelallave #mybigfatcubanfamily
It goes without saying, because CUBAN.
🇨🇺🍮😉❤️#BeLikeMarta 🖖🏼😎#flanislife #itsacubanthing🇨🇺
Cafe La llave Espresso ice Cream Check my site for Cafe La llave Espresso ice Cream
Check my site for full recipe 🍨
(Link in profile ☝🏼)https://bit.ly/45QhRPN
My grandson Max will be 2 next week. I figured it My grandson Max will be 2 next week. I figured it was time. 🇨🇺☕️
Don’t judge me. It’s a Cuban thing. 😉(For those of you freaking out right now, it’s only milk. I know. Shut up.🥛😆)Full disclosure: my mom would give all of us kids espresso from time to time. The most explanation I ever got from her was, “Asi se usaba en Cuba.” 🤷🏼‍♀️Oh the Cubanity. 🙌🏼🇨🇺#cafelallave #cubancoffee
This chapel, called “La Ermita,” is dedicated This chapel, called “La Ermita,” is dedicated to La Virgen de La Caridad Del Cobre, and is located in Miami.
Part of the @peroletmetellyou Miami Tour, 😉
I was there to show my respects, but as I sat there praying, I was not prepared for the intense burden I felt over the suffering of our people.Today, September 8th, is her feast day.
Today, like every day, we pray for a free Cuba. 🇨🇺We familiarly and with great love call her Cachita. ❤️Please read my story on how she is honored in Cuban homes everywhere. 🙏🏼https://bit.ly/15bs9I4(☝🏼link in profile)Photo 📸: @peroletmetellyou“Nuestro día ya viene llegando.” ~ @willychirino#itsacubanthing🇨🇺 #cachita #laermitadelacaridad
Today’s PSA, some words to live by: “Toma choc Today’s PSA, some words to live by:
“Toma chocolate.
Paga lo que debes.”And this is where I randomly start to cha-cha around my kitchen.🎶💃🏻🕺🏼
Who is with me?!Oh, the Cubanity. 🇨🇺😉#itsacubanthing #elbodeguero
The world looks brighter and much more fun after I The world looks brighter and much more fun after I’ve had my cafecito. ☕️ @cafelallave 💚🗝️🇨🇺🎨 by @ericdarby88#cafelallave #cafecubano
National Cuban Sandwich Day - from the archives - National Cuban Sandwich Day - from the archives - How to Make the Perfect Cuban Sandwich. 🇨🇺🥖This is a day I’m happy to celebrate. 🙌🏼🥳❤️https://bit.ly/1J31P2yStory and recipe link in profile☝🏼
#cubansandwichday
#mybigfatcubanfamily
I’m willing to die on this hill. 🤭 Oh, the Cu I’m willing to die on this hill. 🤭
Oh, the Cubanity. 🇨🇺#belikemarta 🖖🏼😎
Am amazing afternoon with our friends. Thanks to Am amazing afternoon with our friends. Thanks to  @spaghettinisb #spaghettiniathome #spaghettinisb @melissasproduce
To celebrate the beginning of summer I’m giving To celebrate the beginning of summer I’m giving away a beautiful basket of delicious Cuban coffee goodness courtesy of my friends at @cafelallave .
☕️💚🗝️⭐️Please click on the link in my profile☝🏼https://bit.ly/3NP9DRpLeave a comment on that post to enter,  and answer all my curious Cuban Coffee questions.🎉It’s time to wake up and smell the Cuban coffee, people! 😉Oh, the Cubanity!🇨🇺#cafelallave☕️ #cubancoffee #giveaway #coffeebasket
My Papi had the blessed gift of storytelling. 📖 My Papi had the blessed gift of storytelling. 📖
This photo was taken on the roof of our Miami home, from where he convinced us we could see Havana. 🇨🇺 👀Please visit my blog for the entire story. (Link in profile☝🏼)Happy Father’s Day to all.
I miss mine every day. 🥰https://bit.ly/44749Xn#mybigfatcubanfamily #happyfathersday
Load More Follow on Instagram

Follow Marta On Social

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

FEATURED POSTS

  • Crema de Vie – A Cuban Family Tradition
    December 10, 2018
  • My Big Fat Cuban Cooking Playlist
    November 21, 2016
  • Pastelitos de guayaba recipe with picturesPastelitos de Guayaba Recipe (Guava Pastry)
    July 27, 2016
  • 8 Rules to Getting Your House Cuban Clean®
    April 5, 2016
  • 10 Cuban Superstitions That Helped You Survive
    November 16, 2015

Blog Archives

Footer

Meet Marta

Marta Verdes Darby is a Cuban-American food blogger in South Orange County.

Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Sign Up For My Newsletter

October 2020
MTWTFSS
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031 
« Sep   Nov »

Copyright © 2023 my big fat cuban family

 

Loading Comments...