New Series: Today’s Gratitude Photo – First One

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A few years ago, I went to see a chiropractor. I had a few appointments with him. He was a calm doctor, with a kind of zen peace to him. He always had interesting plans on weekends, did lots of activities in nature, and practiced meditation. After a few appointments, I got to know him better and we would chat about various topics during the appointment and after my adjustment if he didn’t have a patient immediately after me. During one of our conversations, he mentioned Continue reading

Things I Like This Week & Fun Links: Hubby Is Back!

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This week has been a bit different because my hubby was out of town. He is back today. I didn’t make evening plans this week. I usually go to one or two outings every week, perhaps an event, dinner with a friend, a movie screening, or a facial. Not this week. I was caring for Alessandra on my own. I enjoyed the time I spent with her. We followed our weekly routine as much as possible. I worked late into the night on several occasions, which was hugely gratifying, but I must admit, Continue reading

To Botox or Not to Botox?…That is the Question – I Am Asking Myself Currently

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Overall, I would say I am aging well. Yet, even saying the words “aging well” makes me feel like I am getting older, and well, I guess I am. I don’t feel my age, but I think I may be starting to look closer to my age than before. Some of you may know my age. For those of you that don’t, how old do you think I am? People usually say they think I am in my mid-thirties, which is Continue reading

From My View as Host: San Diego Latino Film Festival

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Photo by Amanda San Martin

This year, the San Diego Latino Film Festival celebrated its 25th Anniversary! This is very impressive! The Festival started as a student film festival and grew into what it is today, an eleven day film festival, with more than 160 films, 20,000 plus attendees, the Sabor Latino – Food, Beer & Wine Festival, plus lots of events, red carpets, parties, press conferences, and of course the participation of many filmmakers and celebrities! It has become one of the largest film festival’s in the country! It is one of the largest Latino entertainment events in the nation! I have been hosting the Festival for four years. The first year, I Continue reading

Ever Wonder What a Gala is like? Join Us at 25th Awards Gala & Concert

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I will never forget the first gala I went to in San Diego. I was about 23 years old and was a volunteer for the San Diego County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Through my volunteer work at the Chamber’s events, I became friends with the organization’s Manager. We have remained good friends to this day. One day, she invited me to a dinner. I had no idea who we would be seating with or how nice the event would be. It was an event in a high rise hotel in La Jolla. We were seated at the Continue reading

San Diego Latino Film Festival Media Kick-off Party

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Before I was the Host of the San Diego Latino Film Festival (SDLFF), I was a media sponsor of the Festival for about eight years through my position as Community Outreach & Publicity Manager at ABC10 and Azteca San Diego 15 television stations. Even before my position at the television stations, I was a supporter of the SDLFF through a Continue reading

Visiting Mythbusters: The Explosive Exhibition at the Fleet

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Have you ever wondered about myths? I have. I have also heard of the television series Mythbusters. The television show puts to the test myths and urban legends, some are common things, others may be a bit quacky. The series puts lots of myths to the test and determines if they are true or not. I always like to learn facts, and about science, and how things work and why. The new Mythbusters: An Explosive Exhibition at the Fleet Science Center (Fleet) is just about that! It is based on Continue reading

Visiting the Children’s Nature Retreat & Interacting with 120 Animals

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We are always seeking places to take Alessandra where she can learn and have fun at the same time. Locations where the entire family will have a good time! Recently, we have been reading more books about animals to her and she has learned to identify many of them. She also likes to Continue reading

Making The Decision To Have Another Baby or Not

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When are you having another baby? Alessandra needs a sibling. It’s not that hard, just have them one after the other. But you are such a good mom. These are some of the questions and comments I most frequently hear from family members, friends, and even strangers about the subject of having another baby. It is a very difficult decision. Some days, I think Continue reading

Getting a Part of Myself Back by Going to the Theater to see Dirty Dancing

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I enjoy going to the theater. In particular, I enjoy going to see Broadway shows and plays. I have been to Broadway shows in New York and in San Diego. The shows which come to San Diego are the touring Broadway shows, which are just as wonderful! For a few years, I went to Broadway San Diego shows regularly. Then, I stopped attending for a few years because Continue reading

The One Thing Which Determines The Type of Day I Will Have

 

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Being a stay-at-home mom and continuing to work part-time from home is challenging. Being a stay-at-home mom is a full-time job in itself. I have great respect for moms! I always have, but now, it is even greater. Being able to stay at home to care for Alessandra is a blessing. I feel very fortunate. I am not complaining about it. It is the most rewarding experience and job I have ever had. Trying to continue to work is something I choose to do. Yes, I like the income and Continue reading

Why I Participated in Women’s March This Year

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Last year, my friend Lorena, her mom, and I joined thirty to forty thousand women at City Hall in downtown San Diego for the first Women’s March. We braved the rain and walked in ponchos, it was a wonderful and memorable experience! You can watch my video from last year’s Women’s March here or at the end of this post. This year, as the March date (Saturday, January 20) got closer, Lorena and I Continue reading

Found More Good Deals at Gymboree Clearance Sale

I went back to Gymboree & found even more great deals, 75% off already marked down clearance prices, at one of the stores which is closing. Watch video for details! Lots of cute clothes for winter, spring, & summer! Hope you enjoy this video! Thanks for watching! If you like this video, please Like it & Subscribe to my Youtube channel to receive  Continue reading

Baby’s First Snow in Germany & Holiday Party at a Winery

We enjoyed a white winter in Germany! On our second day, it snowed & we went to a Holiday Party at a friend’s winery where I tried a traditional hot wine beverage, red wine cake, & German fruit cake, click on link to watch the video. Hope you like it, the snow was breathtaking & the wine was delicious! Hope you enjoy this video! Thanks for watching! If you like this video, please Like it & Subscribe to my Youtube channel to receive  Continue reading

Best Christmas Decorations in So Cal – You Can Visit for Free – We Did!

We visited the The Mission Inn in Riverside, California, to see their amazing Christmas decorations! It is quite enchanting & beautiful! This year, our daughter is a toddler and walking, so she got to experience it in a whole new way. We visited during the day and just before the Christmas rush. Watch video for more, I highly recommend visiting this resort! Admission in the lobby and several decorated areas is free. Hope you enjoy this video! Thanks for watching! If you like this video, please Like it & Subscribe to my Youtube channel to receive  Continue reading

Coco: The Importance of Traditions & Culture

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At the Coco movie screening. 

Growing up in a Mexican household (while living in California), I learned about Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead, the holiday celebrated in Mexico to honor the dead) at an early age. It was important to my parents that my siblings and I learn about the Mexican culture and traditions. They not only worked hard to teach us proper Spanish, but also to instill in us a sense of pride and appreciation for our Mexican culture and heritage. I am very appreciative to my parents for giving me this wonderful gift! I grew up in the United States, but I am Mexican-American, bicultural and bilingual! I feel I have the best of both worlds!

I want to be able to pass on this priceless gift to my daughter, Alessandra. So, when I got invited to the preview screening of Disney Pixar’s new animated movie Coco, I got excited! To add to the excitement and fun, I Continue reading