Day 1 of My Low Carb Week

Pasta, bread, cookies, crackers, muffins, scones, are a no no this week! I have vowed to avoid carbohydrates for one week. I eased into the process by beginning to cut carbohydrates over the weekend. I immediately began to feel withdrawal like symptoms. I felt a little jittery. Other than that, I can put my nose on it, but I just didn't feel at my best. I am glad that I began weaning off of my addiction over the weekend. All of those ugly feelings have subsided for the most part and I am beginning to feel more clear headed and energized. We will see where I stand in a few days.

I do not think that I can be low carb forever, but I definitely think this is something that I can do every other week if all goes well. I have been on a weightloss plateau for a while now and going low carb may just be the solution. My day one meal plan is as follows:

Breakfast: Bannana, grapes and 1 tablespoon of almond butter
Snack: Wasabi flavored Almonds (Trader Joe's brand)
Lunch: 1 Mahi Mahi Filet, Orange-Glazed Carrots and a Babybel Cheese
Snack: More Wasabi flavored Almonds (Trader Joe's brand), Oranges and a Nectarine
Dinner: To Be Determined....

This week, I have also decided to also eliminate artificial sugars from my diet. I know, big changes?! I drink lots and lots of iced tea with Splenda as well as diet dark sodas on occasion. I have noticed that after ingesting artificial sweeteners, I have an insatiable appetite. Through my research, I believe that my articial sweetner intake is the culprit. I purchased Wholesome Sweeterners' Organic Blue Agave and raw honey from Costco. These two products will replace my Splenda/Sweet n' Low products from here on out. I will keep you all posted daily to share my experience going low carb as well as artifical sweetener free.

My Lunch: Mahi Mahi and Orange Glazed Carrots

Favorite Office Snacks

I am always looking for high quality delicious snack to eat while I'm at work. I'm not one of those Special K bar girls, I don't like eating cardboard. I like taking a bite into something that is so tasty it doesn't feel like I'm dieting. When I started my weight loss journey two years ago, I was looking to make a lifestyle change forever. That is the difference between dieting and lifestyle changes - temporality.

Over two years time, I have tried new products and I make it a point to do so as a way of keeping things fresh. For the month of February, I was inspired by sweets (especially chocolate) and nuts. Just because I choose to be health conscious, it does not mean that I can't have a pop of indulgence inbetween all my veggies!

1) Trader Joe's Cocoa Almond Spread
2) Trader Joe's Dried Feezed Mango slices
3) Fresh bananas
4) Trader Joe's Almond Butter
5) Trader Joe's Wasabi Flavored Almonds
6) Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Lover's Chocolate Bar
7) thinkThin Brownie Crunch



 

 

Being Latina is complicated when trying to pack the most flavor into a healthy lifestyle, but it is so worth it!



The Perfect Torta

Now that I have been on a health kick for over two years now, I have become even more particular about what I eat, especially in regard to high calorie foods. Mexican and Italian food are notorious for packing in the calories and they happen to be my favorite. Although I love enchiladas and pizza just as much as the next person, I have had to cut back my intake.

Two years ago, I would have been the first person down to hit up a late night taco place, but it's just not worth the repercussions anymore. By living a healthier lifestyle, I have actually grown to appreciate when I do have the opportunity to splurge. I find it funny that when I post pictures of unhealthy food now on Instagram people freak out and think I have fallen off the wagon. It's actually the contrary! I give myself treats so that I can continue being honest with myself.

Becoming healthy is being willing to listen to your body and never denying it a treat if you worked for it. I stand by this and know that giving myself a little something out of my usual diet isn't going to send me into a huge food binge. I trust myself.

Now onto the real story. I have been craving a great carne asada torta, a Mexican steak sandwich, and these are hard to find! Now my husband can make a delicious one, but I didn't want him cooking after a two hour commute.

The only option at that point was eating out! The only place that I trust my order with is El Rincon in La Puente, California.  My sandwich was complete with a slice of white Monterey Jack cheese, avocado, mayo, refried beans, carne asada, lettuce and pickled jalapeños and carrots. It was divine to say the least. The chubberita inside of me wished that the sandwich was bigger, but I fought off the desire to buy a second.

Being Latina is less complicated when you are making strides to live a healthier lifestyle rather than dieting!

Friday Outfit of the Day (OOTD)

Pink is my favorite color, but I don't like to wear so much of it that I look like a big piece of bubble gum walking around. In order to get away with wearing pink and still look professional at the work place, try pairing it with a more muted color. Today, I chose navy blue!

I put a Ralph Lauren navy blue cotton cardigan over my super hot pink top. My blouse is ruffly and is able to hang outside of my sweater. Since there is a ton going on with my blouse, I do not need to wear a necklace today. Instead, I opted for a headband with a cute pink bow. For shoes, I picked out suede blue flats. Using different textured materials is the secret to making your outfit truly unique. Plus, I think suede adds a little touch of "I'm luxurious" into your fashion statement.

Lastly, I chose to sidestep from all the navy and pink with my earrings and nail polish by using charcoal grey. My nail color is called "Chinchilly" by Essie and I purchased my earrings from Forever 21. Why did I choose charcoal grey? I wanted a neutral color that wouldn't clash with pink or blue.

I'm all ready for date night after work!

Being Latina is complicated when you have to be cute and ready to go out with your husband after work and still be a business professional.

Chic Updo

I am on a quest to grow my hair out and in order for it to be healthy, I have to wash it less. I used to wash my hair with shampoo daily, not knowing that I was weakening my hair. I am now trying to find hairstyles for the second or third day of unwashed. I have finally found a new simple updo!

By simple, I mean it. There is no way that could take any longer than fifteen minutes to my hair in the morning; my commute starts at 5:30 AM. If you are curious as to what inspired this updo, check out the video below. It is from The Small Things Blog! This is the only place I go to find fast, simple, classic hairstyles that are good for work and play.

 

Being Latina is complicated when you are trying to grow your hair out like Rapunzel after a botched dye job!

 

http://youtu.be/D39EsloH0yA

White pants in the office!

I was always too chubby to wear white pants. They have to be the least forgiving pants of all! White tends to make people look more plump than what they actually are, but I was determined to have a pair months ago!

I bought white jeans when I was vacationing with family in Laughlin and they did not fit. I can proudly say today not only do they fit, but they are loose! Staying motivated to continue being healthy should not be difficult if I remind myself of how far I have come with this picture. Stay motivated ladies and gentlemen!

Being Latina is complicated when trying to lose weight and dress right.

 

Pants: Rue 21, Top: Old Navy, Undershirt: Abercrombie & Fitch, Shoes: TOMS' wedges, Necklace: Forever 21, Blazer: Random off-brand purchase

 



Addicted To Bruno Mars' Vocals

These days, I just can't get enough of Bruno Mars. I don't think he is necessarily a looker, but he has a beautiful voice and pinache that most men don't- unless you are talking about my husband. Every time I listen to his music, I wonder if he is Latino. His voice is similar to Latino singers that I grew up listening to like Ralfie Pagan and Joe Bataan. After finally taking time out to research, it turns out that he is half Puerto Rican from his dad's side. My gay-dar may be totally off, but my Latino-dar is still right on track!

Click here to read my article on Bruno Mars' Latino background.

 

 

 

Being Latina is complicated, we are a heterogeneous group of people. Sometimes it is almost impossible to recognize your own fellow Latino! 

Giving Guillermo Del Toro's Mama a Try?

I hate scary movies, but I may be making an exception for Guillermo Del Toro's Mama. It seems scary, but not too scary? Has anyone seen it yet?

Being Latina is complicated when you want to support your fellow Mexican, but are terrified of their creations.

Click here to check out my article on Being Latino!

 

Homemade Candies Are A Hit With Family and Friends

I love the idea of homemade things. They tend to be more than just an object, instead they convey emotion. Rightfully so, because they require more energy to produce. So why go the extra step to make goodies? They are a cost effective way to say "I love you"! Also, I believe that candy making has become a lost art. I'm not going to call myself the greatest cook or baker, but I am decent and know that I will continue to improve with time. In other words, if I can make it so can you!

I used the following recipes to make peanut brittle and English Toffee featured in the pictures below. The only thing that the recipes call for that you may have to go out and buy is a candy thermometer.

Hint: *You may want to pull your candy from the heat once it browns. I found that my candy thermometer did not hit the desired heat specified by the recipes. I pulled them out of the heat based on instinct and they came out perfectly! If I would have left them longer, they most likely would have burned.*

English Toffee Ingredients

• 4 sticks of Melted Butter
• 2 cups of Granulated Sugar
• 3 ounces, fluid Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract ( Can use immitation Vanilla flavor)
• 2 cups, weight Chopped Topping: Toasted Nuts, Candy Canes, Sea Salt, Etc.
• 3 cups of tempered Dark or Milk Chocolate For Coating, Melted ( I used milk and dark chocolate chips)

English Toffee Preparation Instructions

*Necessary Equipment: Candy Thermometer*
Mix butter, sugar, water, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
Cook over moderate heat, stirring gently, until candy thermometer registers 298 degrees.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla until well combined. (You can tell that this needs to be done as soon as the mixture turns to the color that you desire and is near the 298 mark.)
Pour the mixture onto a silicone baking mat or good parchment paper on top of a pan or heat resistant surface.(I used Costco's parchment paper and it worked great on top of a cookie sheet!) Use a heatproof rubber spatula or offset spatula to spread quickly (by quick I mean instantly) before the toffee sets. Spread thin.
Allow toffee to cool completely! Coat surface with half of the melted chocolate and immediately sprinkle with topping.
When chocolate has totally set, carefully flip over (it's okay if it falls apart a bit) and coat other side with the rest of the chocolate. Sprinkle on topping.
Allow to set, then break into bite-size pieces.
Store in an airtight container. (I used Bell mason jars.)

Peanut Brittle Ingredients

Makes servings USMetricAdjust Recipe (Help)

• 1 cupwhite sugar
• 1/2 cuplight corn syrup
• 1/4 teaspoonsalt
• 1/4 cupwater

• 1 cuppeanuts
• 2 tablespoonsbutter, softened
• 1 teaspoonbaking soda

1. In a metal saucepan (that is shallow enough for your candy thermometer to sit in), over medium heat, bring to a boil sugar, corn syrup, salt, and water. Stir frequently until the sugar dissolves. Next, stir in peanuts. Set your candy thermometer in place, and continue cooking. Stir frequently until temperature reaches 300 degrees F (150 degrees C), or until the color reaches the desired shade of brown.
2. Remove from heat; immediately stir in butter and baking soda; pour at once onto cookie sheet. With 2 forks, lift and pull peanut mixture into rectangle about 14x12 inches; cool. Snap candy into pieces.

 

 

 

 

P.S. Do not fret over how much sugar, butter, chocolate and nuts you will purchase....it all goes a long way! Plus, once you taste it, you will not regret your decision to buy it.

 

P.S.S. You can go to town decorating your candy mason jars. Take a look at what I made for this past Christmas!

Being Latina is complicated during the holidays and special events (especially with my huge family), but you still have to show them some love!

Brown boots...A fashion staple

Brown boots are a must for every woman's closet. I have found that calf-length boots are one of the most slimming articles in my outfit that I can wear. They also kick me up a notch on the glam scale when I am short on time. My favorite boots just died and went to shoe heaven aka the trash from wearing them so much! I naturally had to pick up another pair. So here are my new favorites. I love the zipper in the back; it adds just the right pop of color. I also want to showcase my little sister's boots. They are a little more funky and fun than something that I would typically pick out. Find out what brown boot is right for you by trying some on at Wet Seal. I never buy anything here besides my boots, so take my word on their selection being trendy and affordable. I love Nordie's (Nordstrom's), but they are just way too expensive. Since I like to keep up with new styles of boots, I opt for the knock offs that Wet Seal carries. Forty dollars goes way farther at Wet Seal compared to other stores, like Nordie's, Forever 21, and Charlotte Russe.

Denim on Denim

I never thought that I could pair two types of denim together. It wasn't until a magazine article that I stumbled upon, showed me that it was possible. In order to avoid the farmer look, do not wear similar shades of blue. Below, you can see an example of how I made a denim on denim outfit come together.

iPhone 5 and New Blogs to Come

As an adult who lives at home with her parents, I can say that it is near impossible to blog. Moving back home means that your lifestyle is no longer about just you (and my husband). It is also about my mother, father, and sister. This is great, but it means a lot less free time. With this being said, I have had a break from blogging. I have realized that I have come to miss it. Now that I finally have a smartphone that is worth having, I am so excited to post nicer pictures!

Being Latina is so much easier with great technology!

Sofia Vergara Is Casted As A Lesbian

Getty Images

Click here to read more!

How to Buy Hair Extensions

I have heard many women argue that hair shouldn't define a woman. I can see truth in that statement, but I love my hair and I think it definitely makes a statement about who you are as a person. I have had many botched dye jobs in the past and one recently. The latest, was not my fault. I swear.

My husband's barber told him for months and months that he would love to do my hair. I finally gave in  around May. This guy burned my hair to the point that as he was blow drying it, little pieces of hair were flying around my hair as they broke off. It was mortifying. I learned two important lessons.

1) Don't go to someone who doesn't speak the same language as you. (Husbands do not make great interpreters.)
2) If the person doing your hair does not want to let you look into the mirror, it is a definite sign that something went horribly wrong.

I just want my long pretty hair back!

It has now been four months since this horrid experience, but I am still traumatized. I had to cut my hair really short as a result of how badly he burned my hair. Yes, I could imagine someone who is bald (Like my dad) telling me, "Well be glad you have any hair." True, true, but it is not the same. There is no legitimate reason for me to have short hair except for the fact that this guy messed me up.

I am still bitter. My hair hasn't really grown a ton in four months because I have had to get several trims.  I never knew that you are supposed to get your hair trimmed every 3-4 months, until this fiasco. I don't foresee my hair getting back to its typical length for another year. In the meantime, I have a little trick up my sleeve.

Extensions! They work wonders. A good pack of extensions with clips should cost anywhere from eighty-five to a hundred and fifty dollars. Pricey, I know, but they are worth the investment. Plus, you don't want to walk around with stringy, plastic looking hair. All you have to do is look up your local weave/wig shop or even Sally's Beauty. Walk in and don't be ashamed that you are looking for fake hair. Everybody wears extensions now. Every shop that I have visited in California and Arizona has been friendly so far and eager to help you find your perfect length. I like my hair super long, so I buy eighteen inch extensions.

They are also super easy to snap onto your head. Below I have posted a link to a Youtube video that will show you exactly what to do. Happy extension hunting!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lJ5h9TiiiU

Being Latina is complicated when you don't speak Spanish and that is your ex-hairdresser's only language.

I Talked to Officer Garcia from Reno 911!

Reno 911 isn't for everybody, but I love it. This show helped get me through my first year of teaching as a matter of fact. I was so swamped and dead that first year, that I needed something as ridiculous as Reno 911 to keep me alive. The fifteen to twenty minutes that I was able to watch on Netflix a day was just enough to keep me trekking.

Who would have thought that two years later, I would be able to talk to Officer Garcia. "Take that!", best friend who used to make fun of me for watching such a weird show. Not only was I able to interview him via phone, I was able to watch him at a comedy show for Proposition 38, hosted by Rick Najera.

I had such a fun evening at the L.A. Theatre and the entire time I kept thinking was, "Who would have thought I'd be here?"

To read more about Latino actors coming together in support of Proposition 38, click here to read my article.

Too Busy to Spare Time To Pay It Forward?

If you have ever felt the pressure of not having enough time to give back to your community...this article is for you.

Read My Article

Being Latina is complicated when you are juggling work/school, family/friends, career and...volunteerism!