Terrífico Tuesday-Agua de Beber

Submitted by on March 31, 2009 - 10:30 am

Today I was in the mood for more Brazilian music. This is one of my favorite Bossa Novas, Agua de Beber by Antonio Carlos Jobim. It’s just so groovy.

Take a listen on the LBL Music Player (on the main page). Enjoy!

Maravilloso Monday-Love our land

Submitted by on March 30, 2009 - 10:30 am

We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.
- Aldo Leopold

So true. We are lucky to be enjoying the earth. We need to take care of it. I am thrilled to know that Earth Hour exists and that so many countries participated on Saturday night. (I made baby formula and blogged by candlelight. It was nice). In the UK, alone, over 200 landmarks – and world famous cultural symbols — including Big Ben, the Palace of Westminster in London, and Edinburgh Castle, went dark during World Wildlife Federation’s Earth Hour. More than 100 cities and towns in the UK, including London, Belfast, Cardiff, and Edinburgh to Manchester, Newcastle, Bristol and Birmingham took part in what is set to be the biggest mass action on climate change. Thousands of individuals, organizations, and businesses also switched out their lights and took part in activities such as candlelit dinners to show global leaders that they want strong action to tackle climate change. Many other countries also participated. To read more about it click here.

It’s a start. Let’s all do our part to take care of this world.

Fabuloso Friday-City Hearts

Submitted by on March 27, 2009 - 10:30 am

Last spring I was invited by a friend LBL member, Lisa Elia, to participate in a fashion show to benefit City Hearts. I hadn’t heard of the organization but was happy to help Lisa in any way that I could. Well, I ended modeling Lilly Pulitzer apparel at the fundraiser held at The Jonathan Beach Club in Santa Monica. It was a great event and my introduction to City Hearts.

City Hearts: Kids Say YES to the Arts is a non-profit organization that provides visual and performing arts programs to transform the lives of the most disadvantaged, at-risk children by providing the highest quality arts education, training and experience. Established in 1984 by criminal defense attorneys, Sherry and Bob Jason. City Hearts was founded on the belief that the arts are the most powerful tools with which to communicate and rehabilitate troubled youth at risk of becoming involved with gangs and drugs. City Hearts has come to be an integral part of the preventive and rehabilitative effort in Los Angeles, inner city, and serves as a model for youth diversion programs across the country.

To learn more about City Hearts and how you can support its mission, please visit www.CityHearts.org.

Tentación Thursday-Lafe’s Natural & Organic Baby Oil

Submitted by on March 26, 2009 - 10:30 am

What goes on your body is as important as what goes in your body.

In a world where more and more companies claim to be “natural,” Lafe’s Natural & Organic products strives for the highest possible standards achievable, by offering certified organic products, many of which bear the prestigious USDA green seal. Additionally, they have signed the Safe Cosmetics Pact agreeing not to use known carcinogenic or harmful ingredients.

As a result, all of Lafe’s Natural Body Care product collections are free of parabens, glycol, PEGs, and sodium laureth. And their vigilance doesn’t stop with what’s inside the bottle – with their new line of baby products, they’re setting higher standards for their packaging, safeguarding a new generation against chemicals that can be harmful to child development.

With Lafe’s new line of baby products, they’ve raised the bar on their high standards to unprecedented new levels. Not only are these products at least 95 percent certified organic, but they are also packaged in plastic free of estrogenic activity. This baby-safe, EA-free plastic addresses the concerns recently raised by consumers over Bisphenol A and creates a higher standard to safeguard against chemicals that trigger endocrine disruption.

My baby loves his Lafe’s Natural & Organic Baby Oil.

This week one lucky LBL member will win a bottle of Lafe’s Natural & Organic Baby Oil. Enter a comment below and you will be entered to win.

Buen Sabor Wednesday-Scrambled Egg Burrito

Submitted by on March 25, 2009 - 10:30 am

I am not sure if anyone enjoys breakfast as much as I do. I could, seriously, eat it all the time. (And it’s actually the one meal that I say, with confidence, that I can cook). I found this scrambled egg burrito recipe and had to share it with you. Try it out and let me know what you think!

Terrífico Tuesday-Mírala

Submitted by on March 24, 2009 - 10:30 am

Here’s another song that’ll make you wanna move, Mírala. This song is a collaboration of longtime salsa star, Oscar D’Leon and the band Zona 7 (who has been combining reggae and rock since the late 90′s). I hope that you enjoy this song as much as I do.

Check it out on the LBL Music Player (on the main page).

Maravilloso Monday-Tenderness, compassion and sympathy

Submitted by on March 23, 2009 - 10:30 am

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these.
- George Washington Carver

This is so true. LIfe is full of ups and downs. Therefore, it is important to be aware of & sensitive to those who may be encountering a period of difficulty in their lives. Please make it a point to help someone this week.

Wishing you all a very positive and rewarding week!

Fabuloso Friday-Earth Hour

Submitted by on March 20, 2009 - 10:30 am

Turn out. Take action.
Be part of this historic event.
March 28, 2009, 8:30 pm local time

World Wildlife Fund is asking individuals, businesses, governments and organizations around the world to turn off their lights for one hour – Earth Hour – to make a global statement of concern about climate change and to demonstrate commitment to finding solutions. Nearly 100 US cities, towns, and communities have now pledged to “turn out” for the largest climate event in history, with more signing up each day. Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, Tucson, Orlando, and not one, but two Arlingtons—Texas and Virginia! Please join me in supporting this amazing event. Click here to learn more or just click here to sign up.

Tentación Thursday-GAIAM Aluminum Water Bottle

Submitted by on March 19, 2009 - 10:30 am

Aluminum water bottles make sure your water remains free of unhealthy plastic residues, while keeping disposable water bottles out of landfills. I have been carrying an aluminum water bottle around for about 2 years now. I love them! Firstly, I like that I am doing something to help the environment. Secondly, I am helping myself (by not picking up any plastic residue). And thirdly, I always have water. I fill my bottle up from my water filter at home and I am set to go. (I take my bottle everywhere with me). I also like that aluminum bottles tend to keep liquids cooler than plastic bottles. I have this water bottle and I love the sports cap. I don’t have to keep putting on and taking off the cap each time I take a sip. If you’d like to purchase this bottle, or view thousands of other cool eco-conscious products visit www.Gaiam.com.

This week one lucky LBL member will win the GAIAM Grass Aluminum Water Bottle. Enter a comment below and you will be entered to win.

¡Buena suerte!

Buen Sabor Wednesday-Tropical Smoothie

Submitted by on March 18, 2009 - 10:30 am

Oh, how I love the tropics. And living here in Southern California, it often feels like I am in the tropics. (Well, not quite as humid). Take yesterday, for instance. I spent the early part of the day at The Americana, an open-air mall, in Glendale. It was sunny, 75 degrees out and the perfect day for a tropical smoothie. The closest thing that I could find was a strawberry-lemonade slushy. But I did manage to track down this Mexican-inspired tropical smoothie recipe for you all to enjoy.

¡Buen provecho!

Terrífico Tuesday-Desafinado

Submitted by on March 17, 2009 - 10:30 am

I love Jazz (and of all eras). One of my Jazz favorites is Dizzy Gillespie. This week I wanted to share his version of a famous bossa nova, entitled Desafinado. If I close my eyes I am transported back to a concert that I saw of him in New York City, in my teen years. My dad drove my friends and me to the City (a 3 1/2 hour drive from my hometown in Western Massachusetts-go Dad!) to see the concert. I still remember Dizzy’s cheeks. I couldn’t get over how much he reminded me of a chipmunk. He was amazing!

Enjoy Desafinado on the LBL Music Player (on the main page).

Maravilloso Monday-Opportunity

Submitted by on March 16, 2009 - 10:30 am

Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don’t recognize them.
- Ann Landers

So true. I have to say that I have felt blessed to be given many wonderful opportunities in my life. However, none have come without some effort on my part. You reap what you sow. That being said, I try to always be positive, keep my eyes open for opportunities, embrace them and work hard at whatever comes my way.

Wishing you all una semana fantástica (a fantastic week)! Keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities in life, love, career, family…everywhere. And remember to dream big!

Fabuloso Friday-OneKid OneWorld

Submitted by on March 13, 2009 - 10:30 am

The mission of OneKid OneWorld is simple: to make a difference in the lives of children in need around the globe: One world, one school, one kid, at a time. They are an education and sports based grassroots organization partnering U.S high school students with rural schools and kids in refugee camps in war torn and poverty stricken areas of the world. One soccer ball and one notebook can have a profound affect on the lives of kids who have nothing. Yes, it’s a little victory but our goal is to make all of those little victories add up to one big one. Founded in 2005 by Josh Bycel and David Brownlee, OneKid OneWorld has raised over $200,000 for schools that are barely surviving. Their goal is to figure out the schools need to stay open another day and then obtain those things.

OneKid’s first project was the Nyamasare Girls School and Orphanage in Suba, Kenya, an area that has one of the highest HIV/AIDS infection rates and one of the highest child mortality rates in all of East Africa. So far, they have accomplished the following:

• Built a new, beautiful, permanent lab/classroom that will allow the students to take national exams for the first time.

• Bought textbooks for the entire school in every subject for a generation of students (which we personally delivered).

• Bought bunk beds, mattresses and mosquito nets for the girls who live at the school.

• Built a permanent fence around the school to protect the girls.

• Sporting equipment and uniforms were donated to create the school’s first athletic program.

• Lastly, they paid school tuition for a year for over one hundred of the students.

What sets OneKid OneWorld apart from all the other non-profits out there?

There are a few things that set OneKid OneWorld apart from other non-profits:

• One: They’re small. And that’s on purpose. They know you can’t save the whole world. They are just trying to help one school at a time. Each of our projects will focus on one school and will have a clear and comprehensive plan for what that school needs.

• Two: The money goes to what the money should go to. They are a volunteer organization. Their promise is to make sure that on every project at least 95% of the donations go straight to the school.

• Three: The most important one of all; it’s about the kids. Their goal is be an organization for kids, run by kids. they want the students in the United States to find the schools in need, organize the donation drives, figure out the logistics of getting the donated goods and money to the schools and, eventually, travel to the schools to see, first hand, what a difference they can make.

OneKid OneWorld is doing (and has done) so much more than listed above. They have now expanded to El Salvador, where they are helping el Centro Escolar Caserillo Puerto El Lano in Nejapa. In 1999, land was donated to build the school. Parents, teachers and the community got together to begin construction of the school. Construction was finalized in a couple of years with government funds and support from the community and local businesses. They now have a total of FOUR classrooms. They were using TEXTBOOKS FROM 1992 until OneKid OneWorld bought NEW TEXTBOOKS for the entire school.

However, TWO of those classrooms are temporary, made from aluminum due to the damage they received from the two earthquakes in 2001. Since then, they have not had the money to rebuild the classrooms. Due to lack of funds they now have the computer room with no electricity or windows and the library is still missing windows, doors and electricity. OneKid OneWorld hopes to assist the Centro Escolar Caserillo Puerto El Lano in its repair.

To learn more about OneKid OneWorld and how you can support them, please Click Here. You can contribute money, sporting goods, school supplies and more. A contribution of $250 can send a girl to school for an entire year, at the Nyamasare Girls School and Orphanage in Suba, Kenya. (85 girls still need assistance paying for their education. Please help, if you can).

Life is short. Make a difference.

Tentación Thursday-Almond Tin (3 lucky winners!)

Submitted by on March 12, 2009 - 10:30 am

Almonds are a simple, tasty choice that can make a big difference. They are heart smart, satisfying, nutrient rich & a great antioxidant source. For years almonds have been shown to lower cholesterol as part of a diet low in saturated fat. Almonds are filling due to the protein, fiber and monosaturated fat that they provide. According to AlmondsAreIn.com “A one-ounce serving of almonds (about 23 almonds) is an excellent source of vitamin E, magnesium and manganese, and a good source of fiber, copper, riboflavin, and phosphorus. Not to mention, every ounce has 6 grams of protein, and 12 grams of heart-healthy unsaturated fats… Almonds are one of the leading food sources of alpha-tocopherol vitamin E. Alpha-tocopherol is the kind of vitamin E the human body absorbs best. Data shows that most Americans get only half of their recommended vitamin E per day and almonds are the ideal way to close that gap”.

For years I have been carrying almonds in my bag & my car, as a quick and easy snack. Up until now I had been storing them in plastic bags. Now there is a cool almond tin, just the right size for a snack. This almond tin is available at AlmondsAreIn.com.

This week not one, but 3, lucky LBL members will win an almond tin, filled with California Almonds. Enter a comment, below, to be included in the drawing for one of 3 almond tins.

Buen Sabor Wednesday-Sizzled Shrimp (Gambas al ajillo)

Submitted by on March 11, 2009 - 10:30 am

In Spain, tapas is the word used to refer to a wide variety of appetizers. They may be cold or warm. Over the past few years tapas have become popular in American culture and serve as more of a meal than an appetizer. Groups out for tapas usually order lots of different types, grab toothpicks and try a bit of each, While spending my junior year abroad, at the University of Seville, in the south of Spain my favorite tapa quickly became gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp). I have tracked down a healthy version of my fave (referred to as Sizzled Shrimp) for you to enjoy.

¡Buen provecho!

Click here for Sizzling Shrimp recipe.

Terrifico Tuesday-Boogie Oogie Oogie

Submitted by on March 10, 2009 - 10:30 am

Ok, I have a confession to make. I love disco. I dare you not to bop your head while listening to this song. I downloaded it for a party that I had a couple of years ago and I just stumbled upon it over the weekend.

Check out Boogie Oogie Oogie, on the LBL Music Player (on the main page). I hope that it makes you wanna boogie down!

Maravilloso Monday-Smile

Submitted by on March 9, 2009 - 10:30 am

A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.
-Anonymous

A few reasons why you should smile more often:
1. It actually takes less muscles to smile than to frown. (So keep those frown lines at bay by smiling).
2. When you smile others smile with you.
3. Smiles can be heard. (You sound happier when smiling while talking on the phone). That’s all the more reason to smile when leaving a voicemail.

Have a great week and don’t forget to smile!

Fabuloso Friday-East L.A. Classic Theatre

Submitted by on March 6, 2009 - 11:30 am

As many of you know, I am involved with a not-for-profit called East L.A. Classic Theatre (ECT). ECT was founded by Ugly Betty actor, Tony Plana. This amazing organization provides comprehensive literacy instruction and engaging adaptations of theatrical masterpieces to disadvantaged youth and minority communities. East L.A. Classic Theatre is dedicated to the development and professional delivery of educational outreach programs and classic theatrical productions that authentically reflect the diversity of American society. ECT’s programs develop literacy skills in English learners and cultivate minority readers, writers and audiences through exposure to classic plays and literature.

I have been to both the performances of ECT’s professional company, which delivers contemporary Shakespeare works, as well as to the literacy program theater performances in elementary schools. ECT’s performers are professional Equity actors. after each performance they provide a Q & A session, so that the children in the audience can ask them about themselves, how they got into acting and more. The children that are in the Language in Play and Beyond Borders programs created by ECT learn so much by using drama to explore language and performance. They are beautiful to watch. If it weren’t for the programs provided by ECT most of these children would never be exposed to Drama (or any form of Performing Arts, for that matter). Please click here to watch a TV segment about ECT (on the LBL main page). ECT is doing very important work, however it needs people’s support, like yours and mine, to continue to do this great work. Please click here to learn more about ECT or to make a contribution.

Tentación Thursday-Smart Mom Jewelry Teething Bling®

Submitted by on March 5, 2009 - 11:30 am

At an MTV Movie Awards swag party in West Hollywood, last spring, I met Amy Maurer (the creator of the Smart Mom Jewelry Teething Bling®). Being that my husband and I were awaiting an adopted child I was happy to snag that swag. Teething Bling® was inspired by babies who like to tug on our jewelry. It is the original patent-pending teething jewelry. Made from the same material as many teething toys, Teething Bling® looks great on Moms, Grandmas, Aunts and Caregivers but is safe for curious babies to handle and chew. Teething Bling® products are non-toxic, phthalate, BPA, PVC and lead free and all pendants come with a breakaway clasp. CE marking approved.

I get loads of compliments on my Teething Bling® Necklace & Bracelet. People are always shocked that they are not just cool looking jewelry, but actually serve a purpose, for my son (who needs to chew on everything these days). I’ve turned several friends on to Teething Bling®. Click here to find out where you can get yours (or for a friend with a baby).

(Enter a comment below and you may be the lucky LBL member who wins their own Teething Bling® Bracelet & Necklace).

Buen Sabor Wednesday-Mofongo (Puerto Rican Mashed Plantains & Pork Cracklings)

Submitted by on March 4, 2009 - 11:30 am

Ok, so everytime I go to Puerto Rico I have to have mofongo, a typical Puerto Rican dish of mashed plantains with pork or seafood, usually. My favorite is seafood mofongo. I tracked down this recipe for pork mofongo. By the way, you can make a lower fat version by boiling the plantains in salted water instead of sautéing them (as noted in the recipe).

¡Buen provecho!

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