Buying Guacamole and stuff at Costco

Planning an Oscar Party this weekend? You may want to head over to Costco and browse through the novedoso Mexican inspired pre-made selections available ahorita.

I knew Fish tacos were popular, but these kits blew my socks off. They’re the kind you would eat in Ensenada, Baja California, although there is no comparison of course. Ya vienen todos empacaditos, all the ingredients are ready to heat and serve, and pre-packaged in one convenient box. And they are made by a company called Okami. That just screams mexicano, verdad?

( I admit, I wouldn’t purchase such a kit, because they could never compare to my friend Martha’s mom, Alicia Coronel. She is the master!)

Baja Fish Tacos, conveniently pre-packaged at Costco. Why didn't I think of that!

Pescado empanizado, check. Repollo, check. Tortillas de maiz, check. Nomas le falta la salsita, la cremita y el limoncito.

Of course, no party is a party without chips and dip, and if you like guacamole, but don’t have the time to make it, just grab a “Wholee Guacamolee” box and you’re set. I never know how they can keep the guac from turning brown though, and that kind of  makes me nervous. (Again, I wouldn’t buy pre made guacamole because my grandomother, la Mama Lilia, makes the best. She is the master!)

I get the word play, but I would have added a "Holy" and some angelitos to the design and then it would look more Mexican.

Lest you feel unsatisfied with these antojitos, you can always go for the pork carnitas box, made by our local Cardenas supermarket familia, and their brand Del Real. I hear they’re good!

Pork Carnitas by Del Real made locally by the Cardenas family, aka Cardenas Markets.

 

T’is the Season (but avoiding the impulse to buy buy buy!)

It’s already Thanksgiving week and a shift in the energy is felt around town. Andamos todos alborotados getting ready for the holidays. Don’t you feel Christmas came a lot sooner this year? Time feels as if it’s moving faster. Maybe the general perception has to do with the retailers speeding up the holiday season. Some stores even had decorations up as early as October. Last week, mid- November,  the collection of never ending cheesy holiday songs came on one of the local radio stations, playing for the next 6 weeks. UGH. Give me a break! (Yes, you can call me a Scrooge.)

I had a relative that started buying her Christmas presents in the summer or whenever there was a sale. She was a very practical woman, mi Tia Eva, and always had a gift for everybody while maintaining a healthy bank account. I wish I were that organized and savvy, but I’m more of an impulse buyer. Victima del consumismo, let me tell ya. Not a good trait when you’re trying to save money or just stay afloat in this weird economy. This year the efforts to get us to the mall/stores have been especially agressive, with sales all over the place, even way before black Friday. That’s all you hear, “Oh they moved black Friday up this year, so we can get a head’s up on our shopping.” I think it’s working because this is the busiest I’ve seen the stores in a few years. But I’ve been good so far and have stuck to a budget. Let’s see if my consumer habits continue. I usually lose my grip around late December and then it’s a free for all.

My building is all lit up and ready for Xmas. Photo November 15, 2010 by CB/me.

 

 

 

Vote for Me! And play the Macy’s Fashion Director Game.

Want to win a $500 shopping spree at MACY’S? I am completely addicted with this fabulous contest and social media app that the wonderful people at Macy’s came up with. Every day they give you a different situation/challenge where you get to decide what to wear from their selected clothes and accessories. You build a wardrobe for such an occasion and submit for votes and a a chance to win $500 in merchandise. Just in time for Spring.

So far I’ve participated in 2 challenges: Meeting you future Mother in Law (Yikes!) and Going out on a Rainy Saturday. I have to say I am pleased with my choices, I have very good taste…(de veras!) So if you don’t mind, hit the link below, vote for me and I’ll be sure to return the favor. My outfit is called “Singin’TheRain”.

http://social.macys.com/fashiondirector/#/the-daily-fashion-challenge

And make sure to play yourself.

One of my "Macy's Fashion Director" ensembles. Vote for me!

Eva Mendes presents “Vida for España” at Macy’s

Fans turn out to support and meet Eva Mendes, who was all smiles as she presented her "Vida for España" collection.

Add another checkmark to the list of credits for Eva Mendes, actress, model and now designer. Last week she made an appearance at Macy’s Home Store South Coast Plaza to introduce her new tabletop* collection “Vida for España” by Eva Mendes. Yes, Spanglish used yet again for brand names all around. (* By the way,  what do you call “vajillas”? I was kind of stumped when thinking about a translation, anybody have another word?)

Turns out, Eva is quite a crowd pleaser and the event had a great turnout. Some fans even arrived at 9 am to get in line. The paparazzi went nuts!  She was very sweet, signed every autograph, posed for pictures, even had a chance to say hello to family friends, Macy’s personnel and Costa Mesa police officers who were only so happy to be there.

During the one-on-one interviews for media outlets, Eva spoke in perfect Spanish, con acento cubano, and I think everybody was surprised to learn how down to earth she is.

She mentioned the inspiration for the designs came from her memories growing up and how her mother made sure important moments were celebrated with nice settings and wonderful food. “No teníamos muchas cosas, ni mucho dinero para comprar cosas elegantes, pero lo que teníamos era especial y mi mamá hacía que todo luciera bonito. Y eso es lo que quiero, que las cosas sean accesibles para todos, porque las cosas finas no tienen porque ser caras y todo el mundo debe poder comprarlas.”

The collection is exclusive to Macy’s. You can see it at Macys.com. It runs between $16 and $50 dollars, good for everyday use and also for entertaining, is hand painted and very colorful. Personally I thought it was kind of inspired by the Talavera designs from Puebla, Mexico, although someone later pointed out that it looks like something you would see in Istanbul or the Middle East. It’s a sign of the times, when the buzz word is “multicultural” and you can’t quite place where something is from, but you still like it.

I think the only objection of the day was the outfit. The photographers were setting up for the diva and sexy back shot, but no luck. Se quedaron con las ganas…

¿Que pasó Eva? Looking totally innocent and demure in her Christian Lacroix dress, there was no sexy Eva in sight. Maybe the papz were a little disappointed.

¿Qué me pongo para Halloween?

Missed your chance to get the illegal alien costume before all the uproar? Not to worry, you’ve got a bunch of options that are way cooler and probably won’t offend anybody as much. Just in time for next Saturday’s trick or treat outing, party or masquerade ball, here are some outfits worthy of a photo and humilde blog post.

Thanks to my friend, the lovely Miss M, we wandered into one of the gazillion temporary costume shops that have popped all over the place. And we found some fun stuff!

For starters, this one is already taken, so you can’t have it… but I’m posting the picture anyways. I’m sure the Border Patrol Babe would make a lovely match with the illegal alien (and probably scare the hell out of some people if you don’t have your papers in order…) Lástima que esa parejita no puede ser. Pero más vale que no copien el disfraz! (If you live outside LA I guess it’s ok.)

Algunas personas se pueden asustar mucho con la Border Patrol Babe!

Then we’ve got the stereotypical, and frankly dumb, mexican inspired disfraces. I can’t imagine these would sell, but you never know.

Maybe someone wants to dress like this? Y que vaya de pareja con la Border Babe.

Not to be outdone, you’ve got the “I’m still an infantile/I don’t wanna grow up I’m a toys r us kid”  kind of thing which only works if your party is with 4 year olds.

Now you can sing: C is for Cookie and Cookie is for Me!

No puede faltar el típico chiste religioso, maybe this one could work? Nah… it’s too boring. I’ll skip this:

The Sor look is not going to cut it. Even though I've met some scary nuns in my lifetime.

But maybe I’ll try the “Sexy Sor” look:

For those following the tabloids, the Kate Plus 8 wig is in.. so you can annoy all your friends with this hairdo:

Tan odiosa! But she's available for Halloween.

Of course you can’t go wrong with the traditional witch. Always fun and always in style this time of the year. Just make it colorful and spooky and you’re set.

Happy Halloween Everybody!!!

Feliz Dia de Las Brujas!

Macy’s Passport a la Moda

Fashion, style, beautiful people and an extraordinary production came together for a good cause last week when Macy’s held it’s annual Fashion Passport at the Santa Monica airport. I had the good fortune to be there for work and managed to get a close-up look at all the production, details and brilliance that goes into pulling of this magnum event that benefits AIDS Project LA and the prevention of HIV. Interesting to know that Macy’s has supported this cause for over 20 years, raising over 28 million dollars for APLA and HIV Prevention. Think of that number the next time you shop. You want to support companies that give back to the community!

I’ve posted some pix below and there will be more on my flickr stream. (Check it here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/macbu/)

I was truly impressed by Sharon Stone (esta igual de guapa que toda la vida), Gilles (the dancing with the stars runner up form last season and Sex and the City Movie hunk) and Dame Elizabeth Taylor, who was feeling a little under the weather but still made a brief appearance and urged us all to help. Other celebrities: LaToya Jackson, Kathy Ireland, 90210 new generation stars, Eva La Rue from CSI and even Eddie Murphy in the audience to support his daughter who was one of the models.

I’m no fashionista, but have to say I was blown away by the fashion runway. There were clothes by Rachel Roy, Calvin Klein,  American Rag and other brands. Very nice stuff for fall and winter. So I tip my hat and I pledge my admiration for all the people that worked long hours and gave their dedication to this event. There is definitely heart and soul poured into this and it truly makes a difference in the lives of people it supports.

Guapa! Sharon Stone took care of pledge donations.

Eva La Rue from CSI Miami and Gilles from DWTS and Sex and The City Movie fame.

Gilles on the red carpet.

Backstage: there's a lot that goes on before a model hits the runway.

Sharon Stone with all the donors at the 5K level. LaToya Jackson is one of them.

Models totally accord with the name of the brand on their trunks: PAPI...just had to post this one for all you girls.

One of the Calvin Klein sets.

Venice, masked balls, acrobatics and a soprano, all represented.

Father’s day fashion segment from Macy’s

Crazy busy week and still need to get my Dad a gift for Sunday! Just in time for Father’s Day, my beautiful friend Martha from Macy’s had another live tv morning show segment at Univision, where she brought many fashion gift ideas. This time it was the men who had their turn in the spotlight, with 3 “Dads” making the rounds as the stylish Conservative dad, the Modern dad and the California Casual dad.. (you know the type.) Here’s a nice shot of all of them as they wrapped up their appearance…muy guapos todos… o como decimos nosotros: “papacitos.”

From left to right: Martha (Manager, Macys Media Relations), Carlo (conservative dad), Guillermo (modern dad), Gaby (host) and Edwin (casual dad).

What do women want? And what do men want?

Brief social experiment: At the mall.

There is no RIGHT answer to the question… but here’s a thought:

For Women: it’s finding the perfect handbag!!

"NECESITO una bolsa...¿pero cuál???"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And what do men want at the mall?

A little peace and quiet:

Cool blog…thisisnotikea.com

The LAtimes had a good article on a decorating website and online store featuring vintage products, furniture and designs.

I have to say I found it very cool. Even more interesting is that one of the founders hails from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon. (So I bet he’s into spanglish… y ha de ser un poco fresa porque es de mty, vive en LA y tiene una tienda de diseño…I’m just saying!)

If you’re in need of refreshing your home decor or just want to browse for ideas, visit:

www.thisisnotikea.com

Getting a Beauty Makeover at Macy’s “Splendor of Spring.”

Macy’s is having a great beauty event called ‘Esplendor de Primavera’ on Saturday May 2 at Montebello Towne Center. My beautiful friend Yarel (from the show Reventon on mun2, you should watch it!) will be hosting the event.

I hear wonderful gifts and fabulous beauty samples will be given out, and trust me on this one, I’m in the know. Mac, Benefit, Estee Lauder, Clinique and Lancome cosmetics are participating. There will also be drinks, sweets, savory bites and good music.

Get there early , the event is from 3 to 6pm. Macy’s is also having their “friends and family” promotion this weekend, so you get 25% off. Super bien!

 

Yarel is getting ready for Macy's beauty event.