Category: Health

How is that stress working out for you?

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Have you had an overwhelming moment that is taking more than a “moment?” I think everyone has had that elongated moment. Where you think it will pass…but it doesn’t, the moment stays there and you keep on adding things to it instead of working through the moment, dispelling it from our lives. What am I talking about moments??? STRESS! 

Everyone in this earth has experienced some sort of stress, even new borns coming out into this world have experienced it. Stress can be a good and bad thing. It can help you or bring you down “it can make you or break you,” and yes, there is an between here too. It is how you keep control over it. Yes, Control. I’m stressed just writing about stress…ooooh child! šŸ™‚

Stress comes when something is taking you out of your norm…yes, I dare say the word Normal. By Normal, I mean “YOUR NORMAL.” Which to others may be awkward. Taking you out of your norm in turn can be a good thing because it takes you to a new level, somewhere you had not dared to experience.

I will place myself as an example: How I use to see:

I am now eating healthy… its been a few months now, but BOY oh BOY has it caused stress! Packing my foods earlier, making several small meals, eating it in between clients, hitting the gym in the morning, walking up way too early… see how I just made that sound a bit negative? That is how I use to look at it.

Here is the scenario and how I see it now:

I wake up in the morning take care of myself packing my several meals that will help my metabolism increase, and then I make time for me in between my work day. I am taking care of myself.  I make time for the gym and that makes me feel better.

I took an event and choose to make it into a positive. Of course, the action itself being a positive one. I’m not going to say Doing drugs is good for me either… that would be, well…. For the lack of the phrase i would like to use… a PG13 word, stupid. Its using your common sense, of which many of us, don’t use sometimes.

http://vdldodgeball.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Schedule.gifScheduling: 
Managing your self, your life and placing VALUE to what you really want will help you make decisions on what you want most, what you have to do to make that happen and make you take CONTROL of what you want.  An example, Does time with your child come over going to the movies with your friends on a daily basis ? …. I would say NOT!  Does you having a few hours to yourself after you place your child to bed….I would say YES!. Its all how you schedule yourself.  What you allow in your lifestyle and where you allow it to fit into your life. If you have to schedule time for your kids, do it. Some people say it sounds WAY wrong, but you know what, if you do, then don’t do it. If you like the idea try it. As long its good quality time, and I don’t mean 30 a daily mins either.

Just BE MINDFUL of others while doing you too… don’t neglect other’s, you will feel more stressed afterwards. 

What about us single, non-parent workaholics? 

Schedule yourself too… Being busy is a great thing! keep you out of trouble, but MAKE TIME for your family and friends, even the person you are Dating or Getting to know.  The point of getting to know someone is just that, getting to know if they are compatible with your lifestyle, your constant changes (because changes are the only constant). If you can deal with their flaws and them yours.  Don’t be afraid to show up to your relationship. Hiding or being private will only make the other weary. Don’t be afraid to be you… at the end of the day, they will see you for you anyways.

Work wise, show up too… it help pays the bills. Whatever you do, do your best, be successful and make it happen. If you want to.

If you are like me, you know almost EVERY excuse in the book, but that should not stop you from taking initiative to do something or make it happen and successful.  YOU CAN TAKE CONTROL AND BALANCE YOUR LIFE. YOU CAN DO IT! 

Make it happen people… you don’t want to be stressed out when you can be enjoying life.

How have you learned to relieve stress? How do you do it?  Leave a comment. šŸ™‚

Smile (If you want)

Jes Sofia Valle

Oh Calvin Klein… Which one?!

So summer is around the corner, Spring is Semi here???
In Cali we currently have these weird days where its super cold in the morning and Hot in the afternoon. Its a bit weird, this weather. ļ»æļ»æ And!!!  Of course every morning I’m looking for something versatile to wear because The weather here has issues and needs to be therapized.
So…. I’m at nordies looking at these dresses because I’m just tired with my current dresses and need new ones. I’m attractive to this coral color… I think one of these will look good with my Guatemalaness. 
Which one should I get? A or B and Why
A
Calvin Klein Belted Dress (Plus)

B

Rachel Matos

There is always a person in your life, that no matter what you are going through, makes you laugh. These people are usually called friends. I tend to acquaint myself with strong mined women, those that when the going gets rough… they make you laugh and tell you the truth about it all. I’m not much of a groupie chich either… so finding friends at this latter part of my life is difficult. No lies, that’s just what it is. My friends are usually the ones who i grew up with, have known me since i was in Junior high even… some high school, college etc… some lived experience. I recommend you value, and add worth to your friends, your true ones. Learn how to choose your friends.
This one right here… I met her at an Eva Langoria event… and we’ve been friends since. I have to say.. she is your awesome working, blogging, great mother. She has this awesome relationship with her son, one I wish I will have some day with my kids… if I end up having one. šŸ˜€ She and her husband crack me up, they are so awesome. People like Rachel are not easy to find… but can be found. This is Rachel, mother, wife, curator, blogger, business owner, awesome friend.
Where are you from? Born and Raised, and currently.

Iā€™m from the Bronx NY ā€¦ specifically the North East area. When I got older, my family moved to Riverdale. Itā€™s a very centrally located community yet you feel like youā€˜re out of the city. I loved it there. I live in Los Angeles now. It took me a long time to adjust but Iā€™m having a great time here. 

What do you like most about being an Art Historian, an actress, a Blogging, anything else that you do?

I actually remember the day I fell in love with art history. I was reading about Picasso for a school paper. This particular essay introduced me not only to Cubism but to Spain. It was that moment I realized that I could travel to many places through these works. I loved to live vicariously through the artists and their work. It was fun to learn about the dandies of France and it was gut wrenching to witness the injustice in Mexico. I was intrigued by all of it.   It was that curiosity which led me to acting. It was just one step further for me.  Blogging is another creative outlet. Itā€™s an interesting way to blend all the things that I do. I enjoy sharing and collaborating. 

What drives you in your occupations?

I certainly did not work in arts education for monetary gain. The drive comes from a very innate place that is hard for me to describe. Itā€™s those moments when you teach a class or paint a portrait that moves a person that keeps me plugging away. 
How do you keep your Balance in life?  

As a person in the creative field and as a mother , keeping balance is always a work in progress. You have to be in the moment. You have to be there, present, at all times. At the same time, you need to plan ahead, schedule, be organized and very self-disciplined. To help with the daily ins and outs, I carry a huge black planner that includes everything from reminders to iron shirts all the way to my sonā€™s exams.  My friends love making fun of the size of this planner but itā€™s a life saver. In there, I also make sure to squeeze in ā€˜meā€™ times as well, whether itā€™s a yoga class or a visit to the salon.  

What do you believe/know makes you a strong woman?  

My mother taught me to speak my mind. She was very shy and did not want me to be that way.  She wanted me to take a stand and never allow myself to be abused, bullied or mistreated in any way. She made sure I received a good education, gave me chores, taught me to be responsible, respected my views, talked things out with me and just gave me the most wonderful love a mother could give their child. My grandmother taught me about faith and the power of prayer. My aunts taught me how to keep a beautiful home, cook, clean and take pride in the way you live life, no matter how much or how little you have. My uncles taught me that through hard work and determination you can work your way up from the ā€˜warehouseā€™ to the ā€˜executive chairā€™. So I feel strong knowing that I have so much to pull from when obstacles come my way. My strength also comes from knowing my limits. I know when I need help. Iā€™m not afraid to admit when I feel vulnerable, hurt or afraid. I know that itā€™s OK to feel that and say it if you need to. Release it, accept the pain and slowly let it go. Believe me, this has all been a journey. Iā€™m no exception, Iā€™ve seen my share of hard times ā€¦ but Iā€™m grateful for each experience. They are my teachers who continue to strengthen me with every test. 

 How do you handle your relationships?  

This is a tough question. Iā€™m not sure how I ā€œhandleā€ them.    My son and I are super close. We talk about so many different things. Heā€™s my baby and always will be. In many ways, Iā€™m a typical latina mom. I spoil him with tons of love and am very protective of him. My mom and I are best friends. We talk about deep life issues and we talk about shoes. My relationship with my friends is always filled with tons of laughter. We laugh at each other and ourselves – all the time. Nothing is taken too seriously. 

Who are/where your inspirations? If none, what influenced you? Or both.

As you can tell by now, my mom inspired me greatly as did my grandmother (RIP) and my great aunt. They were strong and determined in very different ways. My mother worked hard to get an education and raise me, my grandmother was a devout Christian and my aunt Gloria seemed to managed her home effortlessly.

Now, as I got older the majority of my influences came from pop culture, especially through music. I listened to a lot of Pearl Jam. Eddie Vedderā€™s lyrics absolutely influenced me. Yep, Eddie. Something about his lyrics validated many of my thoughts. Growing up in a matriarchal family, his music came a very good time for me. 

When was the last time you were told you where a strong figure in this world and why?

My husband tells me that I am – all the time. He tells me literally and he tells me indirectly when he asks for my opinion. He values what I say.  He admires me as a mother. He understands what I do and how much of myself I give to others. He knows that comes from strength. 

 What about you do we not know? A quirk? A special something. Your Human aspect I like to call it.

Pssssh, Iā€™m not saying. EVER.

OK, I will give you one – I canā€™t swim.

What are some suggestion you can give women about anything you wish give? (You can list if need to ā˜ŗ)

If your balancing work and parenting ( howā€™s that for redundancy, but you know what I mean) take time for yourself. Find a balance. Itā€™s OK to have moments to yourself. Donā€™t spread yourself so thin that you wonā€™t be good for anyone. 
Check out her blog: http://www.theartmuse.net/

Another awesome person in my life. 
Smile (if you want), 

Hawaii for me is… Part II

So While I was in Hawaii… I went literally across the WHOLE island. its like taking a bus from Santa Barbara to San Diego… I think that is pretty accurate.  I went to North Shore, which you read about some time ago, but that same day, raining I went to china man’s Hat… it a beautiful mountain. That looks like a china man’s hat….All that will come in Hawaii Part III… For II:

Places I Loved to eat at: 

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse
My uncle who was so kind to tall me about the good and inexpensive food places told me about Wolfgang’s Steakhouse. Located at the Royal Hawaiian Center, Phone: (808) 922-3600 Bldg C, Third Level, C301, off the main strip  (can’t say the long names, nor write them…eeek), next to the Sheraton Waikiki.  I went during Happy Hour. 4-6:30. I had THE BEST beef, soft tender rich in flavor skewers and a drink of course.  I was excited!  So that place I truly recommend. I had so much fun, the Bartender Greg was such an awesome man! Really made you feel welcomes, not just because he wanted to have buy drinks. He was awesome entertainment with his jokes… I was cracking up!   They have a Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Steak House In Beverly Hill. I think i will give that a try too!

  • Dining Style: Fine Dining
  • Cuisine: American
  • Neighborhood: Honolulu
  • Cross Street: Sea Side
  • Menu: View menu on restaurant’s website
  • Price: $50 and over
  • Website: http://www.wolfgangssteakhouse.net/waikiki/
  • Phone: (808) 922-3600
  • Hours of Operation: Lunch: Monday – Sunday: 11:30am – 3:30pm
    Dinner: Sunday – Thursday: 3:30pm – 10:30pm, Friday – Saturday: 3:30pm – 11:30pm
  • Payment Options:
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
  • Executive Chef: Amiro Cruz
  • Dress Code: Casual Dress
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Additional Details: Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Delivery, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Yummy Korean BBQ

Yummy Korean BBQ –

They had very Yummy Korean BBQ. Great size, super fast service and the food was just yummy. This is not a restaurant.
It is more of a food court place, there are other choices of food, most ok. But this one is super cool. AND after you are done eating, you can head over to the Sheraton and watch the sunset or take a boat to see the sunset while you cruise in the boat.

Yummy food. The name defiantly says it.

THE KAI MARKET

In the morning, if you want to wake up and eat breakfast set for a King or Queen, Hit up The Kai Market. Its a breakfast Buffet. Of where you overlook the water it is a to die for scenery place. I stay there, just sitting drinking coffee after my meal for about an hour! I got caught up whats up with m, my love life, and with replying to all my missed texted messages of my friends asking how I was, and what I was doing in Hawaii.

 Nice Right?

DUKE’S
Those where my favorite ones. Duke’s was nice, but We have a Duke’s here in Huntington Beach… the water here in Los Angeles isn’t as clear as at Dukes Waikiki Though. But all the SCENERY šŸ˜‰ is similar… other than they seem more tan.  Jesse the Bartender there is cool.

BARS


The Shack
They have LIVE bands. Really great ones too! Along with $2 beers and $2 sliders! Ummm HEAVEN! The atmosphere is of a whole bunch of folks coming, chilling, and making time to meet new people.  Its a Bar, so sometimes you will have a few police cars outside… Met a lot of Military Folks there. Ladies, there are loads of Single men there… Trust me, spoke to a lot of them. But I’m taken, so I had to keep my hands, lips and all of me to myself. LOL! Men, Loads of hot ladies there too! Good spot to get picked up at, find a date, meet super cool people.

Shack Waikiki
2255 Kuhio Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815-2642  
(808) 921-2255 ā€Ž shackwaikiki.com

This is what I can write for now… Hawaii III will be of Nature Tours. 
And sometimes between I write that, some interviews will pop up of AWESOME people I communicate on a daily basis. 

Let me know what you think of this post please; leave a comment. 

Smile (If you want), 

Jes Sofia Valle  www.sofiavalle.com

Know what you want?…

http://www.moviemobsters.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Finding-Nemo.jpg

Who knows what they want?…
 
There are many things in this life that will bring about you making choices; do you want it/them, or do you need it/them?

Having a target, a goal will help you to reach those goals. You see… you will not always know what you want in life… but you can work with what you do know and have at the moment.  You can stick to your goals you currently have, and this may eventually bring you to what you want and need. 

Just keep focused. Keep working. In the word’s of the Doreen, Movie Nemo.. “just keep swimming.”

And remember life’s only constant is change. 

I hope you have a terrific day!

Smile (If you want)

Jes Sofia Valle

Let me know what you think: Comment šŸ™‚

Hawaii for me is… Part I – Conversations.

There are many things that one can say of paradise. Most tell you about all the great adventures you will have, its beauty and overall awesomeness. All of which is true.  None will tell you much of the rouge, rugged, sad or everyday life you can have here too. The following is based on my personal observations…experience of the island and of the hard working people here. PART I. This does not include all my fun times here… that will be Part II.

Iā€™ve been here 10 days; Iā€™ve had the pleasure of meeting awesome bartenders who have a follow praising their names. Random people who ask me how I am doing, as I walked the streets asking who I was, and what I am about. Iā€™ve had awesome front desk people telling me where to go and what to do while Iā€™m here.
Iā€™ve also shopped at the biggest outside mall ever I believe, eaten at various Boigie too expensive places, other places had the BEST beef skewers for only $5. Amazing right?  Talk about Happy hour. Some places are the same as in Los Angeles, only cheaper in LA. I went to a wal-mart…bought groceries to reduce non-sensical (i think i just made up a word) spending. Iā€™ve gotten my skin color like the natives here and Iā€™ve even been asked if I live here a few times.  Iā€™ve had tweekers (I will assume…who asked them to be their gf before even knowing you? LOL) ask me to be their girlfriend about three times by different men. I donā€™t even know what to say about that.
Currently, I am riding the bus to hit a different part of the island to enjoy the beach of north shore, a place about 2-3 hours away from Waikiki (got to love my blackberry). And, although I have been taking the buses everywhere, exploring, I am STILL dumbfounded as I see homelessness everywhere. This saddens me, literally made me cry when I saw a family trying to reach over from the rain. Coming from Los Angeles, I hoped I would not have to see this… Families, children, elderly ladies sleeping at and on the bus stations. Did I mention children? Children! I would assume if I were to be homeless why not in paradise. But to what degree does someone feel that living on a beach, searching for home shelter, being burned from the hot sun, not being able to drink water, and yet being surrounded by it.  I personally would feel trapped, angry and lost.
I spoke to the lady at the bus stop. She was 71 years old. She use to own a home and it was taken away from her because she was unable to afford it. “All the jobs they give to the young ones.” she told me her story, how she had become sad after her husband passed away. She took a week off from her. Job only to find that they had hired a younger person for less pay. Where is the loyalty for her?
The lady then continued saying that I was the first person in months she had spoken too. It broke my heart. In a place where I was talking, meeting, laughing with strangers, she was not spoken too. Granted her main language was not English…but of I was able to speak and understand her, I am sure other could. My question here is…how hard is it to sit down and communicate with someone. She said she tried to speak to visitors as they took the bus, but they paid no attention. I can only imagine how rejected she must have felt. Thankfully there are new emergent programs like REACH that will help.
Facebook: REACH 808.  ā€œREACH is a organization created and focused on renewing and reviving the economy one COMMUNITY at a time. We would like to assist you in any fundraising events or community service Events that you may have.ā€
Website: REACH
***
Time. Everyone that lives here is always working. Always! Trying to live the island life. If you come from the mainland, then you will find this place to be expensive. I expected it to be expensive… Understandably so, everything gets shipped here from elsewhere. They have Wal-Mart and Costco… You can buy a week full groceries and cook the recipes the natives give you… I loved cooking such recipes.So much hard work to make this place into paradise. Thank you. 

 
Paradise is defiantly a state of mind for everyone who decided to see it that way. Everyone I spoke to that came here from elsewhere came here because of his or her thought of paradise. I met a lot of awesome people. Everyone with his or her own paths in life… Searching for peace. Strength. Love. Faith. Hope. Understanding.

About 75% of the people I met told me what they left in the mainland. And for a lot, it was sadness. Feeling like they needed a new start. A new adventure to get taken out of their old life. Some still working through it, others not working through it and now feeling more depressed. At some point I hope they fill their empty whole.
I met others who say that their lives came around. Some had lost loved ones and came to fund healing.  They say this island is a healing place. I would agree with this. I came with the only expectation to enjoy and take it in. I found that I was not a burden to the people who accept you here because that’s just what you do here. You support others when you allow yourself to be kind. “Everyone here is nice because they are in vacation, who wants to deal with bull shit when they are on vacation?ā€
***
 
Recently, I was caught in the rain. I was at the beach, chilling, taking pictures, enjoying myself and I found a tall tree to hide behind as the rain fell. It was also windy, so you can only imagine how painful the rain hit. Thank goodness for that tree. After the rain calmed down I walked to the bus station. Still, raining, not as hard, but defiantly wet. I had my towel wrapped around me, hair wet, and hoodie on under the towel. I was standing in a bus stop with no rooftop. Just the bus sign and me. Loads of cars passing by. One Gentleman asked me if I needed a ride to the next city. I declined because I was alone. Second car that stopped was a surfing chick that asked if I needed a ride…there really was no space for me in her car, she had her surfing board, and so I declined. Third person stopped, asked me if she could take me to a bus stop with a roof, I accepted.
I was tired of being soaked, wet and hungry. LOL an experience I tell you.
While at the bus stop I met a young woman. She had come back from the main land because she just endured heartache, parting from a 5-year relationship. We spoke about life, the differences, how most men are cheaters and donā€™t care how they can hurt someone. I understood her all too well, been there. My question on this is, as a woman, what do we or should we allow, compromise for having ā€œsomeone/company?ā€ Being an Independent woman is great, but we, at least I do, still have the want of a man in my life. I can only imagine what conversation can come from this. 
Do I have to bare pain from a manā€™s stupid choices? Iā€™ve always been told that someone elseā€™s choices are just that, their choices, you did not do anything wrong to lead him there… they did it all on their own. You can opt to continue to love them, deal with them, forgive them, and move on. Hoping they donā€™t continue making you look like a fool. Or you can do the same thing to them, of which is VERY common sense that a man cannot handle their woman to cheat on them. But in the end, I guess its what one allows, and the choices we make… choices.  I hope she make the best choice for herself, makes sure she is valued in high regard, adored, respected and loved back by her man.  All I have to say is what my friends once told me, first time, shame on him…second time shame on you if you stay after two. And Hopefully there is no Two.
***
People surely come here for many reasons. A Get-Away is the main one. Which only takes my mind to the word avoidance. And my question then is… Avoidance? Coming from my training and thinking, avoidance only then creates other problems… Eventually causing underlying issues that overtake with out you even expecting things to change in your life…a general theory…but wow. Imagine?  That was my mind running.
But Iā€™m one also having a Get-Away. Avoiding the workload of letters, emails, writing, and home life. Coming for fun, adventure, which Iā€™m surly getting, a twisted ankle after slipping coming out of the Ralph Lauren store while it is raining and Iā€™m wearing sandals, (yeah I know, only me). Wanting the closeness of my boe, because I choose to be in a long distance relationship with someone who makes me laugh and is not always bombarding me with what are you doing or woman you NEED to do this or that…  Coming for the awesome weather, and its VERY awesome, way better than LA right now. The weather helping reduce my bone pain. Also, trying to figure out what I want for my future too… getting away from stress for a bit.
 All I can say… this took my mind away. 

Overall, I have found that no matter where I am, or where I travel I am blessed that I am able to enjoy and live life. I am constantly reminded that I have the choice to view life, as I want it. I have will. If I put myself out there to be successful I can be. Also, that I can make anywhere paradise. After all, California is not so bad. I also come out with the knowledge that homelessness is universal. Mars probably has homeless people too. But it reminded how sentimental I am as a human. Something I felt Iā€™d lost while working as a psychotherapist. I though Iā€™d lost that part, only to find that Iā€™d avoided that part of me. So now that Iā€™ve found it, Iā€™m ready to go back to helping.
You will be surprised what re-kindling you do when you are away of the daily hustle and bustle. Much-recommended place in Oahu: North shore. Be one with you, nature, play some golf and be with God or whatever youā€™re higher being is.  My adventure still continues for 6 more days in this island.  Ok, Back to Vacation for me.
Leave me a comment, Want to hear what you think.
Smile (if you want)
Jes Sofia Valle

NEWS! LATINOPIA.COM A CORNUCOPIA OF LATINO CULTURE FOR THE DIGITAL AGE

LATINOPIA.COM
A CORNUCOPIA OF LATINO CULTURE
FOR THE DIGITAL AGE

 ” Music, recipes, poetry, art, cinema, theater and history make up the rich cornucopia of Latino culture showcased on www.Latinopia.com  a new website set for launch March 19, 2011.

     The brainchild of veteran Los Angeles television director and documentary filmmaker JesĆŗs Salvador TreviƱo, the video-driven website is designed as a one-stop web destination for all things Latino.

   “As U.S. Latinos enter the digital age, we need a website that can offer videos about all aspects of our history culture and life,” explains Jesus TreviƱo, whose television credits include programs like Law and Order-Criminal Intent, The Unit, Criminal Minds and Resurrection Blvd and who shot and edited much of the video footage on Latinopia.com.

    “We’re starting with five-minute videos in seven subject areas–interviews, music performances, short films, theater plays and authors reading from their works,” Trevino explains. “We are excited that top Latino writers, artists and musicians from around the U.S. have seen the value of Latinopia.com and are enthusiastically sharing their time, stories and creativity.      
        A click on Latinopia’s Art section will take the visitor to video profiles of Chicano, Puerto Rican and Cuban American artists, painters and muralists such as Gilbert “Magu” Lujan, Ester HernĆ”ndez, Frank Romero, Yolanda LĆ³pez, CĆ©sar MartĆ­nez, Rupert GarcĆ­a, JosĆ© Montoya, Gronk, Judy Baca, Carmen Lomas Garza, Zarco Guerrero as well as print interviews and special features.
  The Literature section features a timeline on the emergence of Chicano, Puerto Rican and Cuban-American literature in the United States in addition to listings of Latino books. Video interviews include such important Latino writers such as Rudolfo Anaya, Pat Mora, Dagoberto Gilb, Judith OrtĆ­z Cofer, Alberto Rios, Denise Chavez and Luis J. Rodriguez. Dramatic re-enactments and additional footage bring their works to life.

        The website’s Theater section includes video interviews with Chicano, Puerto Rican and Cuban American playwrights, actors and stage directors and groups like Culture Clash as well as excerpts from plays written performed and directed by Latinos in New York, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco; among them Crystal City 1969, Gaytino, RegeneraciĆ³n, and The Silver Dollar.

  Interviews with leading Chicano, Puerto Rican and Cuban musicians are an attraction in the Music section: Los Lobos, Little Joe and La Familia, Flaco Jimenez all discuss their art. There are also performances by such groups as Mitote, Los Pochos, La Santa Cecilia, Olmeca.
        In Cinema and Television many of the nation’s leading Latino actresses and actors discuss their work and making their way in Hollywood: Hector Elizondo, Lupe Ontiveros, Jimmy Smits, Edward James Olmos, America Ferrera, Evelina Fernandez and are among those to be featured. Behind the camera talent will also be featured such as writer/producer Dennis Leoni (Resurrection Blvd), Director of Photography Rey Villalobos (Nine to Five, Urban Cowboy) and Director Leon Ichaso (El Cantante).

   A visit to the History page will reveal videos of important historical events in Chicano and Latino life along with event timelines, biographies and documents. It includes profiles of important Chicano, Puerto Rican and Cuban American leaders and historical figures such as Jose Marti, Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta.

  Latinopia Food offers Latinopia’s recommendations on the best places in major cities in the United States to eat Mexican and Latino food along with “how-to” videos on making great Mexican food–enchiladas, guacamole, Spanish rice, salsa– as well as Puerto Rican and Cuban American cuisine.
      “We are launching modestly with a few dozen videos,” JesĆŗs TreviƱo explains, “but we add new videos each week and will grow the site into more than hundred videos by the end of the first year. Seeing is believing. Check us out at www.Latinopia.com “

        “Once we establish an audience of regular visitors, we plan to expand beyond short videos into original webisodes and longer form dramas geared to the Latino public. The potential is as rich and limitless as is the life and culture of America’s 47 million Latinos.””

How to Pack it Right!

http://blog.fueloverdose.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/snoopy2.jpgI’ve been investigating this whole packing business for a bit now. Every time I go away, I’ve been altering my list over and over and over… ok, you get it. 

Well, I have found something! That there is a method to the madness of packing. You see sometimes we over do it. The Answer: Take what you NEED, not what you want. Yes, If you have been reading my blog for a while now, you know I’m going back to the basics of which I wrote about in the early parts of this blog.

Need Vs. Want… and on this one, Need wins yet again! (yay need? LOL)

So this is my list with explanations so you can understand it.

A three week trip, two tropical places:

Things you will need to get organized: 

  • Luggage: One medium, one carry on, one backpack  
  • Seven (a few) Ziplock bags.  
  • A toiletries travel kit
  • Some “No air”  bags

List of Items Luggage one: 

  •  One business card in the WHOS BAG THIS IS section and one inside. Just in case they loose it, there is no excuse to have it lost in Timbuktu instead of being sent to you.
  • Your Underwear (LOL LOTS OF IT!) just kidding
    • a few pairs Learn how to wash in La Pila (the washboard).
    • 4-6 bras At least all sexy… you never know. LOL jk Not really.
  • In the Travel kit add: 
    • your favorite shampoo, conditioner, and any much needed things. Your own shampoo will remind you of home and feel safe. UNLESS you’ve recently had a fall incident in your shower or your hair dryer fell in your bubble bath…eeek. DO NOT TAKE YOUR HAIR DRYER unless you are a beautician or stylist and really NEED it.
    •  One toothbrush with a cover (you don’t want to get to a place with out a toothbrush) YUCK!
    • Soap and your wash cloth Lavander makes a cloth/scrub where you can put your soap in. 
    • Q-tips, lawd knows you should not have yellow guck coming out of your ears. 
    • Cotton pads/swabs – just in case you need to clean your face? Always a use. 
    • Lotion, SPF 65 so you won’t get burned. 
    • Your make up – you never know, might find me right now. If you are taken, well good for you. šŸ˜›
    • Hair Brush 
    • you get it. 
  • Two pair of Jeans. 
    • Wear one pair on the plane ride to reduce weight on your luggage. And just in case your plane falls down and you get LOST. Just messing.
  • Several COMFORTABLE tops. 
    • Cute and comfort. Some Cute are not always comfort. FYI 
    • for three weeks, I took 9. You can always  re-use one or two and Wash them. 
    • take cotton ones, they dry faster than other kinds. And last longer.
  • Three Dresses 
    • one semi-dressy, classy, short
  • Bathing suit(s) no more than two. 
  • Light hoodies/ sweaters (Jackets if you must take it on the plane) 
  • Shoes  

    • Tennis -wear them on the plane less bulk 
    • Heals if you must, I do wedges because they are more comfortable 
    • Sandals
    • Fashionable sneakers ( girl needs to look cute!
    • if you have a big foot like me, good luck! If i didn’t have business meetings in my vacation trips (yes I don’t stop) then I would take only tennis and Sandals.
  • If you are picky like me, take your own bath towel… I am cautious of towels that have been used by 100s of people. 

All the above Items you can place in those bags that you can suck the air out of… more space, less weight. This same bags you can use for our dirty clothes. So you wont stink up the other clothes. 

  • A Ziplock filled with small snacks.
  • Your Vitamins in another. In a post-it Place what you have, by color 
    • Ex. Orange- Daily Multi-Vitamins 
    • White- 2x daily- Calcium 
    • Blue- One weekly Vitamin D  
    • Red- Iron ….etc.
  • In another, your Meds, if any. Always good to carry some Tylenol and/or Ibuprofen.
  • One can of Self open soup. (you never know, don’t want to get stuck with out food) 
  • Any medical electrical things. I have to take my Spine Muscle stimulator. 

Carry on Bag:

This bag is intended for your valuables, to take with you on the plane. Intended for an emergency in case your bigger luggage gets delayed, and we hope not lost.  You will have a lot of space on this one. It will allow for you to come back with trinkets, presents and what not. For me, It will be COFFEE! šŸ˜€

  • One dress outfit
  • Pjs
  • Tooth brush 
  • All your jewelry (if any) 
  • Presents (if any) 
  • One can of Soup 
  • One clutch or purse 
  • A Zip Lock bag of Almonds or some nuts (snacks). NO ICE CREAM!
  • One business card in the WHOS BAG THIS IS section and one inside. Just in case they loose it, there is no excuse to have it lost in Timbuktu instead of being sent to you.

Back Pack: 

  • IPAD or Lap top (if you really NEED IT!)
  • One book to read in the plane 
  • Your Camera (take loads of memories!) 
  • In two separate Ziplocks wind all your cords and tie them up with your hair bands. This way you have your hair bands and they are being put to use all at once.
  • Your Emergent meds, Inhalers, vicodine and a snack. (I love almonds)
  • One Small Emergency kit (Johnson & Johnson make a cool one) 
  • Gum 
  • Two working Pens. 
  • Small Make up bag (ONLY the necessary)
  • Your glasses/sun glasses
  • Your Wallet – 

    • Inside  Cash, about $160-200. One big bill, the others in 20s, 5 and singles. 
    • Your ID
    • Passport 
    • Credit Cards/Bank cards 
      • Contact all your cards so they won’t think they stole your monies and you cannot use your cards where ever you go.
    • Insurance Card 
      • contact your insurance company before you leave to find out if you are covered or if you need to buy supplemental coverage 
    • If you are a AID, Like CPR certified take that. You never know when someone will need help. 
    • Business cards 
    • A bag of Change. 
    • A copy of any Doctor notes needed. (I use mine to get through the scanner due to my spine metals) 
  • Tissue (blow your nose) 
  • Headphones/ Ipod 

Try to have EVERYTHING bagged one or two days before the day of travel. Doing this at the last minute will only make you worry and you don’t need all of that before a PLANNED trip.

Day of travel: 

  • Stretch, yoga it up. Chill. 
  • Wear what you planned. Make sure you have a warm sweater you can pull over your mouth just in case you hear people coughing in the plane, It’s recycled air…
  • Get comfy 
  • Enjoy the ride.

I hope this helps you some. I will be gone for a few weeks, but I will blog at least once or twice from my destination. 

If I forgot something, Leave me a comment. Or Just leave me a comment to feel the love from far away! šŸ˜€ <3

Smile (if you want)

Jes Sofia Valle