Things I Hear

This new little segment is brought to you by the random things i hear whether they are to me, around me or from me.

"im not saying your not pretty, all im saying is that you got potential"

Lady Gah-ross

Did anyone happen to catch the VMAs this past weekend?

Eww, eww, eww. I know shes out there and all, but really? I'm not appalled, nor am i upset, nor am i insulted, not even because i don't favor meat. We've all worked with raw meat before right? that coldness, that texture. oh and not the mention the smell of cold raw red meat.

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She was quoted  "It's certainly no disrespect to anyone that's vegan or vegetarian, As you know, I am the most judgment-free human being on the earth. It has many interpretations, but for me this evening, it's 'If we don't stand up for what we believe in, we don't fight for our rights, pretty soon we're gonna have as much rights as the meat on our bones."

Uhh...Sure... what about the rights of that animal shes wearing? looks like the its rights were less than the meat on its bones.

Don't get me wrong, I like her music. Just some of the things she does are really not necessary. Sorta like the meat dress.

For a Mule

The last couple of days I've been feeling a bit under the weather. I finally gave in to the caring pressure of others, and went to the doctors. Found out i have a double ear infection really? How old am I? , an upper respiratory infection, swollen glands and just a bunch of other viral stuff. I got the usual, runny nose, sore throat, headache, tingling/achy body viral stuff.  So i went to the doctor and they gave me these bad boys....

I joked that these pills looked like mule tranquilizers, they sure are big enough. I was cautioned to break it half, take it with food and plenty of fluids to reduce the risk of getting it lodged in my throat. Great! Now not only am i sick, but I'm risking my life with every dose of amoxicillin.

I Have a Crush: Booties, Booties, Booties

"I like big butts and i cannot lie, you other bro...." Wha? just kidding, not the kind of booties your thinking.

But for this fall, when i think of a nice transition shoe, i think of booties. I'm really liking the menswear inspired collections in a lot of designers fall lines. Many shoes designers have tapped into this look by introducing oxford style booties! My favorite are the first ones below. They are a part of Ralph Laurens Fall collection.

I'm a little biased to browns, and different shades of brown, such as cognac, maples, etc since earth tones become alive during the fall months.  I did throw in a few color ones in there just to give you some variety, but darker colors, such as gray and dark or navy blue work great in the fall too!

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I know a lot of people aren't fans of the bootie, but i think they are so versatile! You can wear just about anything with your booties, from dresses, to skirts to jeans ( even shorts and stockings if your daring enough!). On cold days you can throw a pair of tights on with your skirt or dress and finish of your look with a great pair of booties. I also like that booties tend to be very comfortable since they hug your feet. I have a great pair of gray Vera Wang suede booties, but i have limited wear on those since they are suede. (cant let my babies get nasty in the rain!) My Vera Wang booties are so comfortable that i can seriously take a hike in them.

So run out and get yourself a pair...., go ahead... turn your computer off. Run along now.

Cookies Justice

You might recall that my precious little princess was maliciously attacked by a pitbul back in April. If you are just joining me now, this is what I'm talking about. When ever i talk about what happened to cookie, my mom cringes and asks me to stop. She cant stand hearing about it, and while it still makes me feel that anxious pain in my stomach and that knot in my throat- i actually like to go back and read every thought, every emotion and every feeling that was running through me. It makes me appreciate how far shes come and realize just how lucky we are to still have her in our lives.

Anyone who has ever had a pet before a child knows that they are our babies. She means the world to Juj and I- and we have personified her to be our baby, well maybe me more than him. I refer to us as "mommy" and "daddy". a little weird??? sure! Oh but she knows who "daddy" is when she gets scolded by "mommy". Any how, everyday that i get to wake up to her rank kisses is truly a blessing, stinky breath and all.

And anyone who knows me, knows how much i love her.

That is why i have spent countless hours going to all the hearing and dispositions regarding the kid who owned the pit who attacked. I've been to court a total of 4 times now. This Friday should be the last one. It seems like obstacle after obstacle have been presented in court and has kept it from being resolved, but i have faith that this will soon come to an end.

Matter of fact, on Friday the judge will decide where this kid will spend his year long probation. Obviously his attorney and his mother want him to spend his probation time at home with therapy and social services involved. My family and I (& the state) want him to enter a Rehabilitation Treatment Facility, RTC to serve his year probation. In an interesting twist of events, this kid has been interviewed by an RTC and he "let the record show" that he wanted to go to the RTC that interviewed him. He would rather go to the RTC than go home.

As mad as I am about what happened to Cookie, I am also thankful that he will get the help he needs to give him a fighting chance at having a normal adulthood. I believe in giving people a second chance, and by this kid actually saying himself that he wants to got to the RTC, to some degree, shows me that he is repentful.

I only pray to God that this leads him into the right path and then we can all start to fully forgive him.

Vera Wang for the Cure

I was very excited when Kohl's introduced this "Women's Cause Merchandise". Kohl's is known for their community programs such as Kohl's Cares for Kids, Associates in Action, Green Initiatives etc, etc. Earlier this year Kohl's announced a large donation ans partnership with the American Cancer Society and the Milwaukee Affiliate of Susan G. Komen foundation.

A few days ago they launched an exclusive line of Vera Wang Committed to the Cure merchandise. What is awesome about the line is:

1. All the merchandise is only $5 or $10!
2. Everything is available at your local Kohl's, i say this because the majority of my readers are in WI ( All 7 of you, ;-D) and in the event that you want to share this with people across the nation, it is also available online at Kohls.com.
3. It has Vera Wang's stylish flair.
4. And most importantly 100% of the net profits are donated to support the fight against breast Cancer!

These are just a few of the items in Vera Wang's line, there is tons more at Kohls.com.

Here are a few of the many great items that are available:

Coin Purse- for the girl who has all her change at the bottom of her purse

Coffee Mug- For the coffee lover

Slippers- For the person whose feet are always cold

Pajama set- For the girl who has everything.... except for PJ's

There is tons more on Kohl's.com. These are all great gift giving ideas, or you can also get yourself a little some-some.... all while still contributing to a great cause!!

My Reasons for the Seasons

With Labor day behind us, the weather dropping and the cooler days rolling in, my brain automatically begins to think of the changes up ahead. Its hard for me to pick a season as my favorite season. If i had to number them in order of my liking for them it would have to be- Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring.

Summer- I like the warmth, i love the sun, i love wearing sunglasses, i love busting out the chicken legs. And truthfully, the heat doesn't "get to me" as it does to other people, in fact i was asked: "Do you even sweat?!?" I love the smell of the grill. It reminds me of eating hot dogs, in tortillas, after swimming with my sister. I love that the days seem to last forever.

Fall- I like the smell it has. I like the sound of leaves crunching under my feet, not to mention the different shandes of amber the tree leaves turn. I like sweat pants, a lot, i even wear them in the summer =-D i like socks and footies and sock footies and chanclas. I also like the fact that its cold enough to have an excuse to drink hot drinks. I like pumpkin flavored a.n.y.t.h.i.n.g. I like pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin breads, muffins, ice cream, cheesecake, pie, etc. etc. hell i have even had pumpkin shampoo. I like the fall because you can have bonfires and drink wine as you listen to the wood(& any other items you might have thrown in there because the stupid thing wouldn't stay lit) crackle.

Winter- that's a no brainer, like any other child  person, i favor my birthday season. I love being ridiculously bundled up ( because im a coldy cat ), I like driving in the snow with my snow tires, I love that i can still wear my sunglasses because it is unbelievably bright with snowfall. I love the fact that i live far enough from work to milk any large snow fall, and of course snow days!! I'm beginning to like Christmas as the time passes. Having lost my brother, and by no means close to the Christmas season, always made my (our) Christmas feel so incomplete, so sad, so cold (no pun intended), so 'dark'. This past Christmas was my little family's first, we did a lot of things to the house to make it seem more Christmasee. We I decked the halls with something jolly and i was happy. I actually don't mind that cold all that much either. I like the feeling of my face defrosting when i step inside a warm house, makes me feel alive!

Spring- I don't like spring. two words. WET & WINDY yuk! I know, April shower bring blah blah blah. But it gets so nasty and gray outside. It makes me not want to do anything. at all. Heck even cookie dislikes spring the most. She loved to sunbathe, she too, likes the sound of crackling leaves under her paws, and although she is a coldy cat like her momma, as long and their is a path she'll walk to do her business. She does not like the rain. at. all. in fact when she walks as close to the house as possible to find refuge under the small dry area the roof provides. Another thing i dislike is that once the snow melts, there is always those few leaves that have been buried all season long and get all wet and mushy and stick to the bottom of your shoe because of all the rain.

With fall right around the corner, I begin to get excited to transition into my fall wardrobe, which i have yet to buy =-D

Just because

I don't think i let him know this enough. Juju is the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me. He provides such an amazing support in my life i would honestly go nuts with out him. Im not going to sugar coat this, because im sure you all think- yeah, yeah. what a blessing, yada yada yada. hes so amazing, blah blah blah. Don't get me wrong, sometimes, I want to beat him with an orange stuffed sock in his sleep- but as i approach him, sock in hand- and i see his face snuggled into his pillow, covered to his neck with his half, and my half, of the blanket and his big (envious) pout- my heart melts.

I go to school, I have a very demanding job, I am involved at my church, I am constantly running around like a chicken with out a head, whether it be for school group meeting, to run errands, to take my ma places, or for work related activities- he is always there, trying to help. Poor guy hasn't had a decent home cooked meal in a while. We try to make time for us- but sometimes our schedules conflict. Does he complain? no.

A few weeks ago i hosted girls night for some of my girlfriends. The entire 2 weeks before hand he dedicated all his spare time to clean our house. Seriously. I mean he dusted, he washed, he scrubbed, he mopped, he swept, he organized, re organized, dis organized. He was a machine! He helped me so much, and then come the day of, he came home, helped with some finishing touches, took a shower and headed out the door ( you know, its girls night.... and all). Did i ask him to help? no, not once. He is just that good.

 Hes got my back. And i got his.

Stereotypes at their best

I for one, hate stereotypes. I do. They are so nasty. They are never "good" stereotypes, they are always negative. As much as i like to give people the benefit of the doubt or even toy with the idea that they ( the subject of the stereotype) are the exception to the rule, something always happens to shake that idea away.

Like this past weekend for example. We went to Mexican Fiesta to enjoy some food, overly priced drinks and to listen to a band or two. I was truly disgusted ( cant even say i was surprised, because, well that is what i expected to see) at what some of the people were wearing. I saw things. Ugly things. I saw butt cracks. I saw saggy boobs. I saw pants so tight they looked like they were painted on. I saw plenty of people wearing inflatable like preservers. I saw people stuffed into a dresses 3 sizes too small. Not to mention grown men with girls on their arms that looked young enough to be their own daughters.

C'MON!! People- we, as a culture, as a race, as a 'minority' are trying to move forward. We want to be an educated well rounded asset to society. Society does not want to see your Assets. It made me so upset to see how much (or little) respect these people seemed to have for themselves. Its hard enough to break through the stereotypes and the barriers against Hispanics... and you go and pull something like this.

I was discussing this with my sister, and i say(s) to her- I wonder what they think they they are picking out their outfits? I understand that fact that some people are really comfortable in their own skin and all the power to you. But you can be a beautiful confident person with the adequate amount of clothes on as well. Then i pondered to myself... I wonder if juju thinks I'm an old hag. I wonder if he wants me to be that girl- that girl that leaves nothing to the imagination. That girl that is so high maintenance, she that wont step out of the house with out  a lick of make up on. Or wears 5 inch heels to the festival grounds, which by the end of the night, looks like shes been walking on cactus pricked feet all day.

Oh and don't even get me started on people who use Zs at the end of words that should end with an S.

Ay, maybe I'm being over critical, maybe I'm the exception to the rule.

Ketchup Day

Random compilation of whats going on:

Juju is back in school, and i couldn't be prouder. He is so organized and determined to get his education back on track that its inspiring. Luckily, i only have to manage a class at a time while he is managing 5 classes. Sometimes i sneak into bed while hes off buried in his books. What a nerd! In all seriousness I think that it is finally his 'time' to finish school. Not everyone knows what they want to be when they grow up, little less fresh out of high school, and I've come to realize how much more one can appreciate their education as an adult.
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I'm going to be an auntie! Titi Lolo if you will. I can finally spill the beans as my sister, Llella, has hit her 13th week. Shes officially in her 2nd trimester. I am very excited, we have nothing but boys in our family. I really want her to have a little girl. I find myself looking at baby girl outfits online. I know..... i know, it doesn't what it is as long as its healthy. BS!! i want a girl , =-)

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Its been roughly 6 months since I last bought something on borrowed money, in other words, a credit card. I find it liberating, but at the same time i liked spending frivolously. Now, i look at all the tags and really analyze my purchases before heading to the register. I've learned to live with out those things ( garments ) " I swore i just had to have", I look back at the things that i would spend my money on. Really? i would spend $400 on a purse? a purse? mind you, my purses only lasted me a year before it would bore me. Not only has my shopping habits changed, but actual spending habits have changed as well. I find myself being the voice of reason with our money now, whereas before, Juj was the one who had to try and manage my shopoholicism. Don't get me wrong, I'm still Fabulous, I'm just a little more Financially Fit (& responsible) while being Fabulous ;-D
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We have another court hearing for cookie coming up. We've been to court 4 times already, i think. September 10th will hopefully be the last court we have. We should be able to wrap things up and finish sentencing with placement arrangements this time around, if not, i might just have to take matters into my own hands. OK maybe that's a little too drastic, but seish, one only has so much patience.

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My hair is all gone. I cut about 12.5 inches, donating 11.5 of them. I was very excited to do it for a second time. I donated my hair about 2 years ago and i immediately knew i wanted to do it again. Although having it this short ( a little past my chin ) is a lot more up keeping i know its worth it. It makes me sad to think of all the children that are in need of hair, and that's all they really want, and that, hair, is enough to make them happy. I know there is plenty of great charities and causes out there. And i also know there is tons of more ways to help as well, but sometimes people don't have the time or the money to make contributions to charities, but your hair? Its just sitting there, doing nothing- most of the time, unless your having a bad hair day then you know what its doing, you know that really odd sideways curl, you know what I'm talking about. Plus the hair costs you absolutely nothing, except time to grow it back.

That's it for now. Maybe i can jump back into posting a bit more regularly. We'll see.

me? MIA?

Sorry i was away on vacation. I have yet to recap our anniversary and i will then begin to recap my family vacation. Im going to upload pictures tonight and let the recapping begin!

I love Ju(ju)-Life Ethics

Today im lovin' Jujus Life ethics.


I know what your thinking life ethic? Yes, his ethics! Juju is one of the most persistent people i know. He's obviously more persistent when its something that really interests him. He does what a lot of people don't do... he researches. He researches everything and anything he buys. He researches until he is 110% satisfied with the results. He is not a man who gives up easily, nor can he be convinced to. I mean yesterday alone he spent 20 minutes in the coffee aisle deciding which coffee to buy. He always reaches his goals, both big and small. His persistency has gotten me up from writing 12 page papers to go watch a basketball game, his persistency has made me leave piles of dishes undone to eat popcorn and watch a movie, his persistency has resulted in middle of the night jogs.

Along with his persitnency, Juju has a unique outlook on life. I am the type of person who likes to have fun, shop, go out, entertain, travel- regardless of what it costs or does to our pockets. He on the other hand always has our best interest at heart. He always talks to the future and thinks of things long term. He brings me back down from the clouds when necessary, but he also knows how to go along for the ride. He knows when to splurge and went to save. He knows when to give in to my pout and yet knows when to put his foot down. He not only critically thinks about his( & our) decisions but also thinks about them logically.

Even though i am the voice of reason in the majority of situations, he always helps me see his side of story. His persistency is most noticeable when he is fighting against the grain, when he doesn't give up, even when others tell him to let it go. He shows true passion for what he believes in, even if its not pretty. He is relentless to give in because of what people think is right or should be right. He never compromises what he believes to play no ones game.
His persistency shows courage and is admirable. I admire it. I admire him.

I love Ju(ju)- Swagger like that

Today im lovin' Jujus swagga'. Juju has a distinct sense of style. When we step out, hes dressed to impress. Hes not afraid to step out the boundaries of acceptable norms for fashion. Not only does he dress well, but he helps keep me on point too. He always offers constructive criticism when i ask him how something looks. He is quite fashion savvy, both in men's and woman's fashion.


Along with his ability to dress and impress, he is able to keep my stomach aching with his sense of humor. I've never been in a situation that Juj hasn't been able to turn right side up with his sense of humor. I remember when i first met juju i thought he was by far the funniest person i had ever met. I've always told him that the day he cant make me laugh any longer... its over. I love that he doesn't take himself too serious (only when needed). He can make light of any situation and is not afraid to act like himself in front of my family. His sense of humor is easy going, non offensive and honestly unique.

His swagger goes beyond 'no on the corner has swagger like us' .... His swagger is confidence and sophistication. His swagger earns him respect because he conducts himself in a respectful manner. His swagger means he owns the room because of his natural charisma.

I just have to say... If he's Mr.Swagger, I'm Mrs.Swagger.

I Love Ju(ju)- i love thee face

There are many reasons why i love him. Today, I'm loving his face. That's right, his face.

Not only is he easy on the eyes, but he has an amazing smile. That was one of the first things that i noticed about juju. Not only does he have a great smile, but its highly contagious. I think about how smitten i was when i first met him. I was like a school girl, i couldn't help but smile when he smiled. Juj likes to smile, and he looks good doing it, and hes not afraid to do it either. Not like those guys who think they are too 'tough' to smile and when they try to smile they look odd. Not only his jujus smile perfect, it is perfectly proportionate to his face.

I also love his big brown eyes. I can remember how intrigued i was when i first looked at him in the eyes. From the get go i knew there was something different about this boy. In a good way. He seemed so rough and tough on the outside, but one look into his eyes and i knew he was nothing more than a big teddy. Plus he can wink both eyes, not simultaneously.

I love his ManBrows. He is as rugged as the brawny man but his manbrows don't give it away. They are nicely maintained, never caveman like nor too girlyman like. They are perfect.

 I never met someone that had this particular skill or talent he has. Not only can he wiggle his ears, he can wiggle both of them. He was the first person i ever met that could wiggle his ears. He can also flare his nose. I know that's not that impressive, but i cant do it, so he has one up on me.

I love his lips, well because of the obvious, but also because he can sing. He doesn't do it often, or in front of many people, but every time he does it make me smile (& melt a little on the inside). He is also really great at speaking in foreign accents, imitations and just right out funny noises.

Does his hair on the top of his head count as part of the face? Because if so.... He had me at hello with his curls. 'Nuf said.

Fast Approaching

In less than a week Juj and I will be celebrating our first year anniversary. Its crazy how fast time flies. Its not unusual to hear people say, "oh we want to wait at least a year* to have kids after we get married" Boy does a year come and go quickly. *Note, NO we are not preganant nor will we be any time soon. This past weekend i was remembering that a year ago, i was going crazy, i was busy trying to finish my monogrammed aisle runner, I had a laundry list of things that i had yet to do for the wedding. But, i was also the happiest, and luckiest, girl in the world. I was days away from marrying the man of my dreams and today i am days away from celebrating an unforgettable year of being married.

In honor of our anniversary this week will be extra mushy and lovie dovie with a daily segment of : I Love Ju(ju)

I have a crush: Michael Antonio

I recently discovered a shoe designer that I'm currently gaga over. Seriously. He has awesome shoes, great prices and who doesn't love a name like Michael Antonio? (Not to be confused con El Buky Marco Antonio Solis)

He has some Badass heels and some great looking flats for those who don't care as much for a heel.

I cant deny that shoes make me happy. Matter of fact.... remember these strappy taupe ones?? I can take those off my list. Those arrived in the mail on Friday. Eeek!!

You see the first picture, of the woven strappy ones? I actually saw someone wearing a 'replica' of the shoe. I'm sure its discouraging to designers when companies imitate their designs. Though I'm sure the designer still feels a bit honored, no? One thing i can truly ates (sp?) to is that the real deal, the designer shoes, are heck of a lot more comfortable than imitations. I mean, sure designer shoes are more expensive, and sometimes you feel like you are just paying for the name, but you are also paying for a better fit and construction of the shoe, let alone a better quality.

So when ever you eye up a pair of designer shoes that are a wee bit over the amount you anticipated spending, just remember.... they are not a expense, they are an investment. =-)

If i were a boy

Sometimes, i amaze myself- really. I always have these really romantic ideas. Or very thoughtful and carefully crafted projects. Or i spend weeks upon weeks researching and exhausting all my options to find the perfect anything.This leads me to believe that i would make a great boy, or guy, or male in a relationship. I mean it was February and i was already bouncing ideas off my friends for a great anniversary gift. I know girls are wired differently than guys are, but still. I mean we are identical in make up, with the exception of a few parts.

So what is it about guys that seem to lack this Romanticism? Or is that we, as girls, forget that men aren't generally in touch with their softer side? I think a lot of times we get swept away with the protagonists from those romantic comedies. You know, where the girls walk away from the relationship and he sits at home all alone,  thinking... only to discover that he really does love her and takes a plane, a cab, a train ( anything ) to find her and profess his love for her before shes gone forever? And at this point it has started raining and he catches up to her in the middle of the street and simply pulls her in and kisses and embraces her in the pouring rain.

*sigh*

So if i were a boy, would i be as romantic as i have proclaimed to be? or would i simple be that. A boy?

I have a crush

I have been doing really good lately. I haven't shopped much. Do i want to? yes. Is there a few things on my list that I really want  need? yes. Unfortunately, im the type of person who gets what she wants, not in the way your thinking. In a non-mean girl type of way. Once the idea is in my head, it really wont go away until it comes to fulfillment. For example, not long ago i had a thought. I said- "Lolo, You need a good pair of nude shoes" so i searched high and low, online, on sale, at the store... everywhere. I knew i wanted them. In my head... i already had them, i just needed to find them. In my head, they looked great with a top i had just purchased (with my debit card =]). One day as we were shopping for some new work clothes for juju, there they were. Sitting, being nicely displayed in the store's window. I asked for my size and they were perfect, and so they were mine.

Below is a random compilation of all the things that have recently caught my eye....

So honey, if your reading this, these are a few of the items i may or may not like as a gift....in the near future. Please.

I just notice how many shoes are on my crush list. You know what they say 'Diamonds and Shoes are a girls best friends'

Mother's Day!!

Happy mothers day to all ya'll Mommas out there!

I spent the morning finishing up a HUGE paper and presentation for school today. Then it was off to celebrate with my family.

I ate relatively healthy. Sorta.

I had Caldo de Res, or Beef soup with 2 tortillas. Only drank diet soda. Then i had a Johnsonville Chorizo Sausage. That's right, Johnsonville. Who knew Johnson was into Chorizo? I snacked on a few chips here and there but other wise fully satisfied.

And i guess your probably wondering what the results of my diet where?
Well im down 3 pounds. Not bad eh? Im going to keep eating better and trying my best to work out. I'll try to log my meals, not too much in detail, but when i log it, i feel a little bit more accountable.

Day 6

Today was my last day. Seeing that sunday was mothers day there was just no way i would be able to follow my diet through the weekend.

Saturday morning i had a meeting with my school group. We met at the starbucks by my house. I resisted the temptation of drinking a nice hot frothy latte.

I went home and had the soup for lunch with black coffee.

Then juju and i spent the day shopping for our mothers. Before we knew it, it was 5pm and we were both starving. We gave in and went to eat an early dinner. And that was about all i ate for the day.

Later on in the evening, Dulce stopped by and i had 2 glasses of wine with her. So even though i didnt follow the diet to the T i still didnt eat too much.