Fabuloso Friday- Tahirih Justice Center

Submitted by on February 26, 2010 - 3:00 pm





It’s amazing the freedom that we take for granted, here in the USA. We are so very lucky. For many not so fortunate women and girls the Tahirih Justice Center has answered their call. Founded by a childhood friend of mine, Layli Muro-Miller, the Tahirih Justice Center, (Tahirih), is an innovative, efficient, and strategic nonprofit organization that works to protect immigrant women and girls from gender-based violence through legal services, advocacy, and public education programs. Since its inception, in 1997, Tahirih has helped over 9000 women and children fleeing from a wide variety of abuses. Tahirih needs your help. Please consider donating something to this important cause. (A $1 donation has a $5 Action return). Click Here to make a donation.


For those of you who live in the NYC area Tahirih will be there next week, with world-renowned pearl dealer Amy Lin! Amy is coming to New York City from China to sell her beautiful discounted jewelry to benefit the Tahirih Justice Center’s efforts to provide justice to immigrant women and girls fleeing gender-based violence. Tahirih receives 40% of the entire sale. Pearls are sold
at a wide range of affordable prices. Please join us and bring your friends!



Monday, March 1, 2010

10:00am-4:00pm

Bahá’í International Community Office

866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 120

New York, NY 10017



Please note that Tahirih is also looking for volunteers to help assist with the pearl
sales. For more information, please contact Jenny Nuber, Special Events
Manager, directly at 571-282-6193 or via email at jenny@tahirih.org. To preview
the type of merchandise being sold, please visit Amy Lin’s website at
 www.amylinspearls.com.











Tentación Thursday- 5-Ingredient Grilling Cookbook

Submitted by on February 25, 2010 - 11:30 am


I don’t love to cook. I do it because it must be done. So one of my favorite, (and quick), things to do is grill. I must grill things almost every night. This week I am featuring a great cookbook. It’s the Better Homes and Gardens 5-Ingredient Grilling Cookbook. It is jam packed with recipes, including desserts. Too cold to grill outside? No worries, I always grill in the kitchen. I have a couple of electric grills that are easy to use and easy to clean.


To buy this book Click Here. Remember that ONE lucky La Buena Life member will win the Better Homes and Gardens 5-Ingredient Grilling Cookbook. For your chance to win leave a comment below. (Please submit comment by 7:00AM PST on Thursday, 3/4/10).


Buena suerte!

Buen Sabor Wednesday- Chicken Corn Tamales Casserole

Submitted by on February 24, 2010 - 11:30 am

I can’t wait to make this recipe for Chicken Corn Tamale Casserole, again.  I’ve made it once before.  I love chicken and I LOVE corn, PLUS this recipe is so easy to make.  (I think this might have to be dinner tonight). The ingredients are:

1 cup (4 ounces) preshredded 4-cheese Mexican blend cheese, divided

  • ⅓ cup fat-free milk

  • ¼ cup egg substitute

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • ⅛ teaspoon ground red pepper

  • 1 (14¾-ounce) can cream-style corn

  • 1 (8.5-ounce) box corn muffin mix (such as Martha White)

  • 1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chiles, drained

  • Cooking spray

  • 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce (such as Old El Paso)

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast

  • ½ cup fat-free sour cream


    To learn how to prepare Click Here.


    Buen Provecho!


    Let me know how you like it. Take a photo and I will too. (Post in comment box below). We can compare notes and success stories.

Terrífico Tuesday- My Life’s JUST FINE!

Submitted by on February 23, 2010 - 11:30 am


Wanna move? Just listen to this song and I dare you to sit still. It’s empowering.
Disfrútala! (Enjoy!)

Maravilloso Monday- Recharging Your Batteries

Submitted by on February 22, 2010 - 3:30 pm

Last night I took time out for myself. Rather than stay at home and do my usual ritual of washing doing laundry, washing dishes and endless sippy cups I put my son to bed, (my husband stayed home and kept an eye on him, of course) and I went to the Relax & Restore Yoga Class at Urth Yoga. I have taken yoga for years, (all kinds, in fact). But this was the first time that I had taken a “restorative” class. It was just what I needed. Rather than moving through a series of poses we did only

4-6 in the 90 minute class. What we did was position ourselves in supported
poses, (using bolsters, yoga blankets, blocks and straps), and relaxed into the

postures for 10 minutes, or more, each. This Relax & Restore class,

taught by Kathy Bray, is designed to release tension and calm the nervous system. The gently supported poses that we did were supposed to create a slow, meditative, calm practice that restores energy and alignment. Well, it totally did! I left the studio in such a zen state that I’m surprised that drivers behind me didn’t honk at me, because I am sure that I was driving way under the speed limit. I got home and my husband asked “Why are you being so quiet?” I then took a relaxing bath and went to sleep. (I slept like an angel). I am now officially hooked on this Relax & Restore yoga class. It’s a great way for me to end the weekend and recharge my batteries for the following week.




Do you carve our time for yourself? If so, what do you do? (We’d love to know).










Fabuloso Friday-Best Friends

Submitted by on February 19, 2010 - 11:30 am




There is nothing quite like the love received from a pet. It’s hard to believe that not everyone feels that way and therefore millions of homeless pets die in shelters every year. Best Friends Organization works to place dogs and cats who are considered “unadoptable” 
into good homes, and to reduce the number of 
unwanted pets through effective spay and neuter 
programs. They have numerous outreach programs that they also do.

According to BestFriends.org here are Three things that you can do to help animals:

1. Join the Best Friends Network
2. Spay and neuter all of your pets and any outdoor cats that you are feeding
3. Adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue group instead of adopting from a shelter.





Do you have a pet rescue story? We’d love to hear it.



For more information on Best Friends Click Here.


Tentación Thursday-Maris Eucalyptus Bath & Shower Gel

Submitted by on February 18, 2010 - 11:30 am


This week I am featuring the amazing products of Maris San Francisco. Maris, which means sea, products are natural and beautiful. They are made of only the finest natural perfume and pure botanical ingredients. Maris products do not contain any parabens, other toxic preservatives, artificial fragrances, colors, phthalates and toxins. Maris uses only PURE fragrance, such as vanilla, ylang, ylang, jasmine, eucalyptus, Bulgarian rose, grapefruit and lime. They really are luxurious, spa quality products. Maris believes in making beautiful, safe products that you will love. I love their refreshing Eucalyptus Bath & Shower Gel and this week ONE lucky La Buena Life member will win their own bottle of Maris Eucalyptus Bath & Shower Gel.


For more information on Maris Natural Beauty Products Click Here. For your chance to win Maris Eucalyptus Bath & Shower Gel please leave your comment in the box below. (Please enter by Thursday, February25th, 2010 at 7:00AM PST).

Buen sabor Wednesday-Easy Low Fat Chicken Macaroni with Mushrooms (ala Slow Cooker)

Submitted by on February 17, 2010 - 11:30 am

I love my slow cooker. It’s so easy to use. All I have to do is throw the ingredients in the pot, turn it on and walk away. So this week I tracked down a yummy chicken macaroni with mushrooms recipe for you. Grab your slow cooker & the following ingredients,toss them in, sit back and relax.


Ingredients:

• 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can Healthy Request Cream of Chicken Soup
• 1/4 cup Land O Lakes no-fat sour cream
• 16 ounces skinned, boned uncooked chicken breast, cut into 20 pieces
• 1 4-oz. can sliced mushrooms, drained
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 1/3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

For cooking instructions Click Here.

Terrífico Tuesday- Lloré Lloré (I Cried, I Cried)

Submitted by on February 16, 2010 - 11:30 am



This is my favorite salseros, Victor Manuelle. I’ve seen him perform numerous times and he is AWESOME! (I even shared an elevator ride with him at Madison Square Garden once.) He’s Puerto Rican, (like me). He’s performing in L.A. this weekend. I don’t know if I’ll make it to the show but thought that I’d sit back and enjoy one of his live performances anyway. I hope that you enjoy it, too!

Maravilloso Monday- My Newest Fitness Find

Submitted by on February 15, 2010 - 11:30 am

So my newest gadget is my iPhone 3GS. (I had a 2nd generation iPhone for 2 years and just bought myself the latest one for my birthday). One of the cool things about the iPhone 3GS is that it comes with Nike + Capability. Basically, that means that if I I wear a Nike + Sensor (which retails for only $19.95) while walking, jogging or running I can track my distance traveled, time and calories burned. (You can insert a Nike Sensor in any pair of Nikes or buy a Nike + shoe lace sensor pouch, which will hold the sensor, and just time that to your laces of any workout shoe). I then download my workouts at www.NikePlus.com, where I can track my progress, get in touch with other athletes, get running tips from Coach Jay, and more…I am still figuring it all out, but it seems pretty cool. I I’ll keep you all posted on my cardio routines.

Have a great week!

Fabuloso Friday-Bad Hair Contest Winner, Bobbi Palmer, Tries out her new La Buena Life Flip Camera!

Submitted by on February 12, 2010 - 11:30 am



Find more videos like this on La Buena Life

La Buena Life winner Bobbi Palmer, of Date Like a Grown Up, tries out the La Buena Life Flip Camera that she won from our “Bad Hair” Contest. Click Here to learn more about Date Like a Grown Up.

Tentación Thursday- Kate Quinn Organics 100% Certified Organic Hooded Towel & Washcloth Set

Submitted by on February 11, 2010 - 11:30 am

This week I am featuring a great gift for a friend with a baby. It’s the kate quinn organics Hooded Towel & matching 10 pack Washcloth set. This set is made of 100% certified Organic Terry Cotton and comes all wrapped up in the kate quinn organics logo ribbon. kate quinn organics prides themselves on creating stylish apparel made from the finest 100% certified organic cotton, They strive to care for the earth and its community without sacrificing fun and style. Their website is filled with adorable baby clothes, shoes, bedding and furniture. But that’s not all. They also have a women’s line, so be sure to check it out!

For more information on kate quinn organics Click Here.

ONE lucky La Buena Life Member will win a set of kate quinn organics washcloths & hooded towel set. Leave a comment below for your chance to win. (Please enter your commnet by Thursday 2/1/10 at 7:00AM PST).

Buen Sabor Wednesday- Mushroom Barley Soup

Submitted by on February 10, 2010 - 11:30 am

Brrr, it’s cold outside (even here in So Cal). This week I can’t seem to get enough soup. And one of my favorites is mushroom barley soup. So I tracked down this recipe for us all to try out. Let me know how you like it.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ounce dried mushrooms
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 rib celery, chopped
  • 12 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, stems removed, sliced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup barley
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For cooking instructions Click Here.

Terrífico Tuesday- Tips for Flat Abs

Submitted by on February 9, 2010 - 11:00 am

Want flat abs? Follow these 4 simple tips.

Maravilloso Monday- What’s New in 2010?

Submitted by on February 8, 2010 - 11:30 am


Thank you so much to those of you who participated in my survey, at the end of last year. It helps me to know what keeps you coming back to La Buena Life and inspires me to create even better content for you. This year is going to be great!


In an effort to get your week off to a great start I’ve decided to share my workouts and fit tips with you each Monday morning,

Do you have any workout suggestions? I am always up for trying new workouts.
Do you have any fitness questions for me? Let me know, in the box below.

Gracias!

Fabuloso Friday-Off The Mat Into the World

Submitted by on February 5, 2010 - 11:30 am


I was shopping at the Lucy (workout apparel) store, in Studio City, a couple of days ago and I saw a flyer about Off The Mat Into The World (OTM). OTM was co-founded by Yogi & Lucy Pro, Seane Corn. OTM is a non-profit program of The Engage Network (501C3), dedicated to bridging yoga and activism. Corn believes in using the power of yoga to inspire conscious, sustainable activism and ignite grassroots social change. At its root, the word yoga actually means ‘union’ – of mind, body and spirit. Corn believes that yoga opens hearts and expands our awareness of self. And this creates space for balance and deep change in our lives.

To learn more about Off The Mat Into the World Click Here.


Tentación Thursday – Your Health!

Submitted by on February 4, 2010 - 11:30 am

I love Health Magazine! It’s full of all kinds of useful info. I always look forward to receiving it. In this month’s Issue you can read about: How to Get a Better Nip or Tuck How to Give Your Skin a Winter Wake-up When It’s OK to Skip the Doc America’s Healthiest Superfoods for Women America’s Healthiest Superfood Combos 20 Ways to Get Healthier for Free and more… For more information on Health Magazine Click Here. One lucky LBL member will win a year’s subscription to Health Magazine. Leave a comment, below, for your chance to win. (Please respond by 7:00AP PST on Thursday 2/11/10). Buena Suerte!

Buen Sabor Wednesday- Grilled Ham & Cheese Waffle Sandwiches

Submitted by on February 3, 2010 - 11:30 am

OMG! Yum! I grew up on Saturday morning waffles. (My dad would make them from scratch and pick strawberries from our straberry patch, toss them in the blender and then pour them over the waffles. Sometimes we’d even top them off with homemade whipped cream, But I digress…) I just never thought of doing something so unconventional as making a sandwich out of them. What a fun idea! I spotted this recipe and had to share it with you.

Buen provecho!

Ingredients

8 frozen toaster waffles
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
1/2 pound sliced deli ham
1/4 pound Cheddar, thinly sliced (for a lighter version opt for reduced fat cheddar)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for a lighter version skip replace butter with a cooking spray, instead

For preparation instructions Click Here.

Terrífico Tuesday – Beyonce, You Go Girl!

Submitted by on February 2, 2010 - 11:30 am

Beyonce, You Go Girl! The winner of 6 Grammy Awards on Sunday night has long been one of my favorite workout artists. Her music keeps me moving on the treadmill. Here’s her Grammy Award-Winning Song of The Year, Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It). She also took home Grammys in the following categories:

“Halo” Best Female Pop Vocal Performance
“Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
“At Last” Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance
“Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” Best R&B Song
“I Am… Sasha Fierce” Best Contemporary R&B Album

Maravilloso Monday- Where Does The Time Go?

Submitted by on February 1, 2010 - 11:30 am

I sit here, writing my blog, as I watch The Grammy Awards. Multitasking, at it’s best. Lately, it seems that there is just not enough time to do everything. I mean, even last week I commented that the week just flew by, (even though each day seemed long). How does that work, anyway? All I can say is that there is a serious need for time management in my life. I’ll take any suggestions that you have, because i don’t see my life slowing down anytime soon.