Casa de Chimayo

A few weeks ago, I headed up north. It was just for the day. To CSV Hospital. We were doing some "Career Connecting" activities. Trying to improve the health of our state. It was a nice change of pace for me. Something that I needed.

While in the glorious capital city, we hit our familiar road block. Where to eat? This happens all the time. I really need to become pals, with some of our pals to the north. Like usual we headed to Pascual's for breakfast. I can never get tired of this "hole in the wall."

For lunch, we usually head up to Tomacita's. Honestly, it's one of our favorites! Just a little local place. That used to serve up some delicious treats. I say USED TO, very sadly. The last few times we've been there, it has been pretty horrible. I don't know if it was sold recently. Or if the quality has just changed. I tell you, I need to become friends with some locals. They always have the inside scoop.

On a chance outing, Dr. M and I, ran into Casa de Chimayo. Hello! Did we just walk into mi tia's casita? It was so cozy. Cute. And delish!!! One of my new favorite places. If I hadn't been a rush, to get home, I probably would have had dinner there too. No lie!

The food tasted like something my family would cook. At home. The pure red chili. The incredible enchiladas. The frijoles. Holy frijoles! Just like home!!! The way I LOVED this comida, it's a good thing I don't live nearby. I'd be 100lbs heavier! In fact, I should probably go run 10 miles right now. ;)

But for reals, I need to find an amigo or 2, up north. I have a feeling, that I'm going to be working more and more, in our beautiful capital. And I really need to expand my stops in the capital. For the most part, I hang out, in and around the plaza. I'll stop by the outlets from time to time. And maybe, I'll look around the mall. I'm just not too familiar with this town.

I'm definitely not lying about this! I still go to that same Wendy's, that as a cheerleader, we would stop at before and after games. Same goes for the McD's, that we'd have breakfast at, when I was in Student Government. And let's just be honest, until recently, every trip to the capital, included a trip to Tomacita's. Locals, let me know where I should be stopping.

♥Besitos

Hectic Life

How far behind on life am I? Well, that is the last episode of General Hospital that I watched. Um, that's over 3 months ago! People, this was a show that I never missed! Ever! OK, I would catch up on a week's worth of episodes, once a week. Yes, I'd watch all 5 episodes in one day.

But as you can see, it's been a while. I've been so busy! And I haven't even been on schedule at the hospital since July! If I'm this behind in life now, what's going to happen between now and Christmas?

And my family wonders why I'm still single. What man wants to compete with my hectic school and work schedule? ♥Besitos

Love this Makeup!

I happen to really like Trina's makeup. Especially her eye makeup. It always looks amazing! Not overly done. Or cheap looking. Just classy and well put together. And she doesn't use terribly expensive makeup. Or makeup brushes. But this is love! Seriously it is.

And it's so easy. I love that! Cheap, cheerful, and easy. What more can you ask for? It's just beautiful! OK so maybe half of the look has to do with her eye color. But for this brown eyed babe, I think I can also make this work for me too. :) ♥Besitos

Polkas

I was thinking about this today. My grandma taught me how to dance a polka when I was small. Like 3 or 4 years old. It was her thing. Her dance. Something that at every single party, she and my uncle would dance. The faster, the better. In her book anyway.

Me, I've had 1 good polka partner in my life. Zo, my best friend. He cracks me up! But he is such a good dancer. I think we just grew up around it. Going to fiestas, parties, etc. That's why we were good at it. But other people, wow! It's like they've never danced a day in their lives! They can't figure out the rhythm. Or the steps.

So I have a question. Was it just in my family, that we were taught how to dance as young kids? I mean they didn't teach us step by step. We just learned. Picked it up on our own. You know, it came naturally. Which I think, most Latinos would agree. it just happens.

One day, I was just dancing a cumbia. No one taught me. I just knew. My hips, my feet, every part of me just knew what to do. And now, I dance all the time. To a HUGE variety of music. It was natural. Something that we were taught. But also something that came from inside. I'm yet to meet a Latino that doesn't know how to dance. ♥Besitos

Princess Slippers

You know, my best friend is having a baby girl soon. Actually, lots of my friends are expecting baby girls. And this pattern, it's just way too cute! I just need to buy some cotton. I really want to make some. How cute are they!!! ♥Besitos

Fun Saturday

I've really had a nice weekend thus far. I had a good show on Friday night. A really good one actually. I just need to find a Mariachi that is from "The City Different." It would make my life a whole lot easier! But because Zo and a few other friends were in town, I was able to pull a group together for the show. :)

Yesterday, it was busy. And crazy! I went home. To my parents home. Only after a morning run in "The City Different." If you were driving around, yes that was me. In the shorts and tank top. Running on one of their main streets, at 5AM! My parents and I went out to breakfast and then, we had to do some quick birthday shopping.

I head out to a friend's house. And we started decorating and cooking. One of the girls that performs with me, she's getting married. And we were throwing her a Lingerie Party. After all the prep work, I headed to the other side of town. For a birthday party. It was for a friend's little girl. She was turning 8. I only stayed for a little while. But it was nice to see my parents there too!

And then, I headed out to meet the girls. We took the bride-to-be for a mani, pedi, massage. We all had our hair blown out. And just had a very girly afternoon. Then off to dinner. I had prepped everything for Tapas. Our favorite! I cooked, and we all talked and laughed. Before long, the place was packed with friends!

We played games, ate, danced, laughed, opened presents, relaxed, and embarrassed the soon-to-be-Mrs. It was such a fun night. With some of my very best friends! I always enjoy spending time with them. And I can't wait until the wedding! I'm sure, the Mr. will appreciate all the loot from the party too! ♥Besitos

Contigo

What a beautiful song! I heard it on the radio this morning. And it just made me smile. Seems very fitting for today. Since I'm hosting a Lingerie Party for a good friend. She is getting married in just about a month.

It kind of makes me wonder about my own future. And if I will ever find someone to share my life with. It's weird. I never thought about this, until the last few months. It's like now, I'm ready in my life. Ready for the next adventure. But I'm a patient person. And when God decides that I'm really ready, well, I'll be here. :)

Hopefully, one day, I'll have an amazing hombrecito to share this song with. And my life with. Until then, I'm going to enjoy the milestones in my friends' lives. Happy Saturday! ♥Besitos

Morning Morning Glory

I'm home for the night. Day. Whatever it turns out to be. It's going to be a busy weekend. I drove from "The City Different" early this morning. And when I walked in the door, my Dad said, "Morning, Morning Glory."

Apparently, he used to tell my Mom that. But since I was little, that's how he has told me "Good Morning." It's cute. And it's our thing. I tell him, "Good Morning Sunshine." When I was little and I didn't want to get out of bed, I've always hated mornings! My Dad would tell me "Morning, Morning Glory." And he would tickle me until he knew I was awake.

It was funny, because my Dad told me, that he better be the only "Sunshine" in my life. I wonder what my Dad is going to do when I bring home "The One." You know that is something that freaks me out. How am I ever going to introduce a man to my father. He will probably scare the poor guy away!

I always tell my parents, when I decide to get married, I'm going to elope. Then they will get to meet their son-in-law. But only after it's official. Because I fear that they would be so upset. At least my Dad would. It's tough being the baby of the family. People just don't get it. But for now, I'm my Daddy's "Morning Glory," and he's my "Sunshine." ♥Besitos

Mi Cucu

Mi Cucu...or how I came to know it as a small girl..."Don't Mess with My Tutu." I don't even know who the recording was by. All I can remember is, a man sang the song. And I swear to you, it was a country western song. But it was mine song, because my grandma said so. I know. Weird choice for a 3 year old. But there you go.

I would go around my grandparents' house singing and dancing to this song. For hours...even days! I was a bit of a dorky kid. But this was my song. I'm pretty sure that the recording that they had was by a country singer. But don't quote me on that.

Then I got older. And I became a musician. And my good friend and fellow musician so, he had a wise idea. I should sing this song in spanish. Hello! We were already jamming to "Who Let the Dogs Out." So there you go. My song came to life again. Can you tell we had A LOT of fun at work?

Funny how those things happen. Then I became known for this song! It was so weird. And in every Mariachi I've ever played in, I've had to sing this song. And then it crossed over, to the other genres of music that I perform. I think my dancing skills also add to the fun of this song. :)

The crazy thing is, I still like going to my grandparents house and listening to the 8-track recording. Yes, I told you it was old! The label has fallen off. And I have no idea who recorded it. But it brings back so many memories.

I don't know why I woke up thinking about this song. But I did. Go figure! But I found this video and had it playing as I got ready this morning. A bit weird. But I enjoyed it. It's definitely a fun song to dance to. Too bad I'm here alone. With no dance partner...AGAIN!

Now, I need to go get ready for my niece's birthday party. Yes, it's at a weird time...11AM. And I still need to wrap her presents. And sign her card. Oh, and drive the hour to my brother's house. Happy Saturday! ♥Besitos

Tantita Pena

Funny how I seen him today. And all I could think about was his lips. And 1:45 of this video. Doesn't help that he has grown out his hair, is a musician, and has a voice to die for! I wanted to talk to him. But oh ya, I got soaked by the kind firemen of "The City Different."

Oh ya, and that fireman, why do I always see him when I come here? It's just strange. Yes, he asked me out when I was younger. But I was 16 and he was 21. A little illegal in our state. I could have imagined what my Dad would have done.

But back to the man...he looked amazing. I wanted to talk to him. Then the light bulb went off in my head. Um, hello! He plays the guitar. I'm sure he would enjoy this gig. And the money. Too bad my white shirt was drenched. And you could see through it! My bra was clearly visible. And I was running to my car. He would be perfect for this gig. Then maybe just maybe, I'd finally get to talk to him...

But it didn't happen. When I got to my car, Zo called me. And I told him about the entire situation. He told me that I should have just went to talk to him. Maybe he would have just taken the job. hahaha Zo is a funny one! If it had been Zo, he would have taken the job. :P

But seriously, I know at one time I had a phone number for him. Other than that one, to the apartment, where he no longer lives. Oh ya. I could make a quick call to an old teacher. I know he has the number. But then...what do I say?

Now I'm at my parent's house. Calling every musician I know. But he's on my mind. And this video. Why do I make life so complicated for myself? ♥Besitos

Camping

I can't believe summer is pretty much over. I never went camping. Not once! What is wrong with me? I had all these plans. My friends and I were going to go camping. We had plans to fish. Zo and I even went to the shooting range. In hopes of a little hunting. We thought about going to the Ranch for a week. Maybe doing some hiking. Heck, we even considered renting a cabin. But we never did...

Me? I stressed out all summer long. I worked. I tried to figure out what I was going to do this semester. I dealt with my brother. And I never once went camping. In my books, that's a total failure!

So I start my classes tomorrow. So much is still uncertain. The next month or so is going to be nuts. And I kinda just want to call up some friends and plan a mini camping trip. Even if it's just for a day or 2. I like sleeping under the stars. Walking up with dirt in my sleeping bag. And wondering how it got there. Camp fire food is also quite tasty!

Did you have any summer plans that just didn't happen? Trips that you planned, things you wanted to do, that sort of thing? I know I had a lot that I wanted to do. But these family issues keep bringing me down. Well, if nothing else, I want to go camping before the snow starts to fall. At least then, I won't feel so bad. ♥Besitos

Yum!

This my friends, is one of my favorite "Mom and Pop," "hole in the wall" restaurants that I love! Doesn't hurt that I grew up less than 5 minutes away. Heck, it's about a 2 minute drive from my parent's house.



Just looking at this picture makes me hungry. For a tortilla burger. Or chicharrones. Even huevos rancheros. And I don't like breakfast. But this breakfast is amazing!



Just look at that plate! It makes me so hungry. Yes, I like to go eat there. After a yummy breakfast, you can walk across the street and spend a few hours at the Cultural Center. Which I love too! There may or may not be some pictures of me and my family there too... :)

But this is definitely one of my favorite places to eat. It just screams home to me. Probably because I have so many great memories of the place. I love going with my parents. And with my friends. We like to eat outside. We tend to be a little loud when we get together. Then we'd head down the road to a local music shop. Or head out to play gigs. Heck, I remember a handful of times my friends and I would go to the Zoo after a yummy breakfast.

And if you don't believe me, the place is always packed! During the week, business men come in, wearing their suits and ties. And a bib! You gotta make sure you don't get the chili on your work clothes. On Saturday mornings, the line is out the door. No lie! Those are probably the only mornings I get up early. Just to go have a chicharron and bean burrito. ♥Besitos

The City Different

Today, my parents and I decided to head up north. My Mom needed to get away. And we had heard that the Indian Market was happening this weekend. So after church and breakfast, we headed north.

An hour later, my Mom and I were trying to find a parking. There were so many people in town. We hadn't forgot about the Church Celebration. But we didn't think that there would be that many people there.

My Dad's leg is still bothering him. So we met up with him and walked him to the Plaza. Where he sat and watched people while my Mom and I looked around. We did a little bit of shopping not much. Just a few things for my best friend's baby girl. Who will be here before we know it! And my mom bought me a little jewelry box. Mostly, we just enjoyed looking at all the shops. And getting so many ideas for our upcoming Craft Fair.

By the time we got back to my Dad, he had found some good entertainment. "Balloon Man." If you live in the area, do you know him? He was...well, let's say, he was different. And interesting. But the kids enjoyed all the balloons he made them. One little girl was fascinated by him. And walked away with about 5 different balloon animals and flowers.

It was hot day though. And we were hungry. Honestly, we couldn't decide between the Fajita tacos and ice cream. But the heat won out. And we decided on some ice cream. You have to try the pineapple coconut. It's delicious! It tastes just like a Pina Colada. :) Although, it is a very soft ice cream. And almost immediately, the scoop fell over. And I had a ice cream cone in a cup. A little messy. But delicious! I don't know the name of the place. But it's the only ice cream shop in the main plaza.

We also managed to see the church precession. Which was very nice. And it was nice to just get out and see something new. We never made it to any of the Indian Market festivities. And we only encountered one extremely rude lady. I was going to buy a bracelet. And I guess she thought I didn't understand spanish. In case I haven't mentioned it before, I'm very light complected. After she insulted me in spanish, I said screw it. I didn't need to buy her $200 bracelet. But the day was a lot of fun. I just wish we could have found some Mariachis to listen to. I've been craving some good music.

My Dad was clearly hungry by this time. It was around 5PM. So we decided to head out for some dinner. I was praying that we'd stop at Tomacita's. It happens to be one of my favorite restaurants around. But my parents were wanting to go to the Casino.

We headed back south. And maybe 45 minutes later, we were having dinner. I do believe, I was the only one that ate though. My parents were ready to gamble. And they didn't eat much. Honestly, they had little more than a salad. So while I ate, they hit the slots. We didn't stay a long time. Just a couple of hours. But we had a lot of fun.

We also ran into a cousin of mine and his girlfriend. They're were really winning. In all, I probably lost $3. Which is not bad. And I had a yummy dinner. My parents had a blast! And when we finally decided to leave, we walked out and found that it was pouring!

My Mom and I ran to the car. We still got soaked. But we laughed the entire way. And after we picked up my Dad, we got lost. Yes, between the parking lot and the Valet parking. But all was good and we made it home safely. We actually just got home a few minutes ago.

It was such a fun day. Mostly because I got to spend time with my parents. Which I don't get to do often. And I didn't have to worry about anything. That was also nice. I know that I'm heading back north in about a week. And I'm so excited! It's for work and school. But there are a few shops I want to go to. I really like the city. I honestly wish I could live there. ♥Besitos

Salsa

Today my parents and I headed out to the Salsa Festival. You know, there was a salsa contest. Yum! Not only did everything smell good, it tasted good too!



But it was about much more than bowls of salsa. Although, many of them were extra yummy!



There was tons of amazing Salsa music. We have some really good local Salsa bands. :) And it made me want to dance so badly! Where were all my favorite dance partners?



And of course, there was Salsa dancing! They even did a mini dance lesson. So if you didn't know how to dance to the Salsa music, you would quickly learn. Very cool!

Something that people might not know, I love to go Salsa dancing! A few years ago, I used to go dancing at one of the hotels where I know live. They have a weekly night of Salsa dancing. It was so much fun!

Today we had an incredibly fun day! I'm glad that we decided to come. It was so hot. And there was definitely a little bit of a snag. When we had to run and move my parents' car. They started towing cars. But we had a great time. Too bad it is only a 1 day event. ♥Besitos

Church Parade and Fiestas

Today, my parents and my aunt and uncle were in our Church Fiesta Parade. Something I did for a while. Because I was the Fiesta Queen. And for about 5 years, I had to be in the parade. Always a lot of fun. But now, my parents are in it. Because they have an old car. And they like to go to various parades and Car Shows.

Then we went to the Fiestas. The whole reason I came home this weekend. So much fun! I still wasn't feeling 100%. But I wanted a Fiesta Burger. Still haven't met a better burger than the ones from our fiestas. My Mom and I also bet on a few things in the Silent Auction. They are so many gorgeous things!

And we listened to lots of great music! Oh, we also shared a burrito. And some popcorn. Which was so yummy! So many friends were there. And we had a great time! Did I mention the music? Ya, it was really good.

But the highlight of my day, was seeing my 2 uncles. One of which, is not doing so well. And he was really excited to see my Dad. So that was good. Then my other uncle (who lost his wife, my Auntie, in March) was so happy to just be out of the house. We really enjoyed just talking.

So tomorrow, we have mass out in the Fiesta grounds. Then another day of the fiestas. I'm pretty excited! The weather has been holding out. So far! But it's supposed to rain tomorrow. ♥Besitos

Pretty Little Liars

OK, I'm going to confess something here. I like Pretty Little Liars. And I finally watched this week's episode. Which I enjoyed. A lot! Would have liked it more if Aria and Ezra were together. But that's the name of the game. Right?

I really like Aria's style though. That's the real reason why I watch the show. :) I know, teens watch this show. But what can I say? I really watch for Aria's style. I love her makeup and hair. It's a girl thing. You know what I mean? I guess because you don't see many brunette actresses that get attention. But the stylist for this show is doing a great job!

Now if I just had some money to go out and buy some similar items. But a girl can dream. And I wish, my hair would do that same thing. Oh to have hair that is beautiful. And that makeup too. ♥Besitos

Italian Wedding Soup

I must be feeling better. Because when I seen this video, I suddenly felt like cooking.

I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but I'm part Italian. And yum, this looks delicious. Something that we'd eat. I'm a HUGE fan of Italian Wedding Soup! And as much as I love to cook, I've never tried to make this.

That is going to end very soon. Because I'm going to go grocery shopping. And I want to make this. OK, maybe not this ginormous amount. But enough for me to eat. Because I seriously want some of this yummy soup! ♥Besitos

Violin Huapango

This is not just one of my favorite songs, but one of my favorite Mariachis. Rafael, he happens to now live in my hometown. I've had the pleasure of seeing him play and sing many times. He's so talented. And a really nice guy.

You just have to love the violin duo at the end. A father and a son. Doesn't get much better than that. I LOVE this song. And not just because I'm a violin player. I've always liked this song. But this particular video, with this group, just makes it amazing!

I know many of the current musicians in Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan. Wonderful musicians. And down to earth. I've had the pleasure in playing with many musicians. In a variety of genres. But there's something about Mariachi musicians, they're always down to earth. No matter how popular they are. It's like family. ♥Besitos

Boucle Bag

I'm still under the weather. Hoping and wishing that all the medication I was given yesterday, starts to work soon. Until then, I was ordered to stay in bed. And to rest. Well, between my 6 hour naps, I decided to look at some of my favorite blogs.

And I found this post on Crochet Everyday. Here is the pattern to this beautiful bag. I'm not one for crochet accessories. I LOVE to crochet. But I rarely, if ever, make wearables for myself. But this one, I definitely want to make for myself. Now I just need to get some yarn. ♥Besitos

Naked

I really want this beauty. Urban Decay has really outdone itself this time. The "Naked" pallet is much more wearable than the "Book of Shadows." Something that I could use daily. And not too bad at $44. You get 12 eyeshadows, a UD primer potion, and a dual eyeliner. Everything you could possibly need for any eyeshadow look.

I've been thinking long and hard about this. And I'm pretty sure, this is going to be my big summer splurge. Now I just have to wait until payday. ♥Besitos