Saturday, February 12, 2011

Taking off...



I'm off to Mexico tomorrow, for a much needed vacation and family time. See you all in two weeks!

Mucho love,

MJ

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

"Window" Shopping

I love shopping!!! sometimes a bit too much... Before Julian was born, I used to go shopping all the time and shopped online as well. Now that we have more financial responsibilities, I've become more frugal :P
I'm thankful my fiance and I have good jobs that allow us to splurge on unnecessary things sometimes.  But chances are that if what I want is not on sale or too pricey for my taste, I won't buy it.  Thankfully I can "window" shop online, it's free and I can bookmark as many items as I want (just in case we win the lottery... ha!)
I use Polyvore to keep track of the items I like. I can be all day there, coordinating my "dream" outfits and feeling all glamourous! LOL

I seriously live in jeans, scarves, plain tees, and a good pair of comfy boots. So this is what I came up with today:









O.P.I. Nagellack
19 EUR - conleys.de






 In case you were wondering, I didn't get any of the items above. Although those booties are really cute and only $15!!  I REALLY want the scarf though! sooo cute! But I have way too many scarves, maybe if I find it at the store I'll buy it, but I don't want to pay shipping :P

The Urban Decay Naked Palette has been on my wish list since it came out. Luckily for me, it's been sold out everywhere and I couldn't get it. I say luckily, because last week I found out that NYX released a very similar palette for half the price so I got that one. It's actually better because it comes with more colors and a set of lip glosses too!! yeah, I'm cheap like that LOL

I think I might have to watch "Confessions of a Shopaholic" tonight just to stayed focus ;)

Mucho love,

MJ

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Ni de aquí ni de allá


I came to the U.S when I was about 13 years old, and needless to say I went through a lot of identity issues. I became an outsider, marked with a "different" label along with a bunch of stereotypes and perceptions. At first I tried to assimilate, "blend in" as best as I could. Then at one point during my high school years, I accepted who I was, embraced and loved my differences. I adapted, but kept my culture close to my heart. I changed those labels to "Mexicana and loving it! deal with it". Those feelings of not belonging seemed to have disappeared, but it didn't last forever.

I started feeling like an outsider within my own culture! That if I'm too blanquita to be Mexican, that I dress "white", that I'm not Mexican enough because I don't listen to banda or regional Mexican music, blah, blah, blah... I've heard this from many people, even family, and surprisingly several college educated people! I mostly get it from Mexican Americans, chicanos born and raised in the U.S. that have this image of "Mexican" , and if you don't fit into it you're not one of them! They think that they're Mexican just because they listen to corridos (that sometimes they don't understand) and wear Tejanas and botas piteadas. They dare to doubt my "Mexicaness",  even though some of them have never been to Mexico and I was born and raised there.

Truth is, I didn't even listened to regional Mexican music when I was in Mexico. I've always liked the spanish rock and indie Mexican music. If you ask me about "bandas" I'll talk about Cafe Tacvba, I don't know what "white" people dress like, I wear what I feel comfortable wearing and that doesn't include botas and tejanas! And if my skin is light is because I'm from a region in Mexico where Spanish and French conquistadores settled, killing or kicking out most native indians that lived there. I'm mestiza, like any other Mexican, with Indian, African, and European blood. And I love every single one of them!

At first, it really upset me. I felt like the India Maria, ni de aquí ni de allá. But I know we have had different experiences, I know why they feel they way they do and it doesn't bother me anymore. I know who I am, I love the person I've grown to be, and I'm completely confident with my culture and heritage. I respect every single Mexican in them, no matter how different they are! Because like my abuelito says, "pa' gustos están los colores!" or what's the same, "different strokes for different folks"

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Super Bowl???

[via]

ohhhh, you mean a big bowl for my chips right?
And I take like mine with a little bit of lemon and lots of Tapatio on top,  please!

hehe
enjoy your Sunday!

MJ

Zoé makes everything better!

I woke up today with a sore throat and no voice. I couldn't go to work so I'm home with the baby hoping he will take a nap soon so I can rest. Thankfully, one of my favorite bands, has just released their first video of the unplugged session they did for MTV. I'm in love!!!! Can't wait until March when the album comes out!

Also, the girl singing with him is the lead singer of another one of my favorite bands Hello Seahorse!





3:54 minutes of heaven!


Mucho love,
MJ

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Biutiful



Last night we had the chance to attend a free screening or Iñárritu's latest film, Biutiful. It tells the story of Uxbal (Bardem), a criminal facing his harsh reality after he finds out he has terminal cancer. I don't want to give too much away because everyone has to go see it!! It's simply amazing! Let's just say it's a mixture of Amores Perros and The Sixth Sense. ;)

I'm specially glad that Iñárritu had the courage to portray the poor living conditions and exploitation of immigrants in Spain. I worked at non-profit organization in Spain that provided free legal aid to immigrants, and I heard and saw many stories like the ones in the movie. Many faces came to mind while watching the movie, and my heart felt really heavy today.

Anyway, I won't get into politics... The movie will be in theaters nationwide this Friday. Please make sure you go see it! you won't be disappointed. It has been nominated as Best Foreign Film and Javier Bardem as Best Actor for the Oscars. His character is simply breath taking!

Another masterpiece by the mexican Iñárritu that you can't miss!

Mucho Love,

MJ

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

LIBERATED!


After four extremely hectic months, I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel! 
My schedule is almost back to normal at work, no more crazy extra hours.
The holiday season is over!!!! As much as I love the holidays, I'm glad there's no more cooking or shopping.

The kid's party is over!! No more organizing, making decorations, and dealing with all the stress.
And, more importantly, all law school applications have been submitted! I had all the materials ready since November but it was just impossible for me to sit down and submit the damn applications. I was super busy, but I know it has to do with fear, avoiding the fact that they might reject me. Now I only have to wait, but I'm trying not to think too much about it. 

There is still one more application I need to do for a Masters Program on Mexican American Studies I'm also contemplating in case law school doesn't work out. But I should have that one done by this weekend! 

Oh, and the financial aid application needs to get done... which means I have to get my taxes done this week... right after I go to church and get the stuff ready for the kid's baptism at the end of the month... which, by the way, is taking place in Mexico so I only have a week and a half more before I leave... 

ok, ok.... what was I saying? oh, yes! the light at the end of the tunnel...almost there... 

Mucho love,

MJ

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Julián's Luchador Birthday Bash!!

Last Saturday we celebrated my little Julián's 1st birthday with a Luchador theme party! Since the theme is kinda.. well, unique.. I had to make most of the stuff, including the invitations. The party was absolutely perfect! At first we were worried that no one would show up but slowly many family members and friends came to celebrate with us! Including friends I hadn't seen in YEARS which made it really special <3

Here are some of the pics:

Banner and cupcake picks I made

We had a jumper for the little ones and we played "pin the tail to the donkey" Also both kids and adults got to decorate their own luchador mask! they were a hit!

^ you can kinda see one of the centerpieces I made 


 We had one piñata for the kiddos and one for the grown ups. Julián was more interested on tearing the paper off the piñata! Also, you can see a luchador felt brooch I wore which I made years ago!



We have very generous friends and family, our kid got tons of presents!! I seriously think we need to get rid of the couch just to make room for all his new toys. 


A dear friend made some delicious cupcakes for us! And Julián loved them as you can see:

The kids, (and some adults lol), got these awesome star goodie boxes! We also gave out star shaped suckers to all the wonderful people that brought my little one gifts!

The menu, (not pictured), was Nachos for the appetizer, Pozole as the main course, and pizza for the little ones. Very delicious!!

Julián had so much fun! He laughed a lot, ate a lot, and was held by many loving arms that came to celebrate this important milestone with him. I won't deny that organizing a birthday party can be very stressful, but just looking at this face I know it was well worth it ;)

The last picture of the night!


Like I said, it was simply a perfect night! I can't wait for next year =D

mucho love,

MJ