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 ...
Things That Grow – ScholarShare 529
If this was the TV game show, Jeopardy, today's category would be: Things That Grow. My first answer would enthusiastically be, "Well, Alex, I'd have to go with: My grandson, Sebastian." Today I offer the photographic proof to the truth of that statement. Here is Sebastian (we call him Bash) at a mere 1 month. Still curled up and fetal. ...
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 ...
My Big Fat Cuban Christmas Playlist
Do you love everything about December? I absolutely do. Also, being Cuban at Christmas is like the best thing ever. I wrote about that here: 10 Things That Are Awesome About Being Cuban At Christmas. You're welcome. And because I'm a giver and you asked for it, I created a very Cuban Christmas playlist for you to enjoy while you're making your ...
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 ...
Disney’s “Moana” Press Junket Was So. Much. Fun.
I probably should start with a disclaimer that I think every single press junket is fun. It's always such a treat to interact with the collection of impressive talent that bring your favorite films to life. This was especially true of the creative folks assembled for the Moana press junket I recently attended. You can't beat Disney when it ...
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, ...
The Age-old Cuban Question: Maduros or Tostones?
We Cubans love to talk (and talk and talk) about pretty much anything. We have an opinion. And of course, our opinion is the correct one. The best part of this is that we love to engage in what I like to call "Recreational Arguing." In other words, we will argue a point sometimes, not on its merits, but just because we can. Is anyone else ...
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 ...
Giving Thoughtfully
Do you know what's better than receiving a super thoughtful gift in the mail? (Maybe some fresh baked homemade Pastelitos de Guayaba, but that's not important right now.) I'd say there's nothing more fun than having a package land on your doorstep and getting to unpack some awesome. I don't think Receiving Gifts is my particular brand of Love ...
Saving for College – Too Soon?
Have you seen how quickly our grandsons are growing up? Asher is now 2 years old and in love with horses and dinosaurs - playing with and pretending to be - it's a delight to watch him grow. (Thank you, Skype!) Sebastian is now 5 months old. His latest activity is rolling over and pushing himself up to a Yoga-ish Downward Dog. It's endlessly ...
Doctor Strange Will Blow Your Mind
I have to start with a full disclosure here: I didn't really know much about Doctor Strange when I heard that this movie was going to be made. This character didn't seem to me to fit into the general Marvel Cinematic Universe. But if I have learned one lesson from Marvel, it is to TRUST. Time and time again they've managed to surprise and amaze ...
