Live life brilliantly with Madison Reed

It's no secret we gals are usually looking for ways to keep our hair at its best and if we're having that so called "bad-hair-day" it changes how we feel.  The look and feel of our hair plays a very emotional role. Cutting, coloring or styling our hair in many ways tends to build our confidence and gives us some identity.  I know most women would agree that when we go to a salon to give ourself an updated hair style or hair color it makes a huge difference in how we feel. We arrive at a salon possibly feeling defeated by our soulless hair, having died from the damage of coloring and styling tools.  In the attempt to give some life back to our hair we cut it or the alternate we color it.  It's as if this process revives our hair - transforming your look you feel renewed, beautiful and motivated to step out into the world.

However, when it comes to coloring your hair we all know there's the effects with damage from toxic ingredients in most hair dyes.  I never really colored my hair because of this very reason plus, it was expensive to maintain.  As I tried to embrace some of the new found gray sprouting from my scalp, I decided to experiment with hair coloring. I opted for highlights as a way to cover my gray strands. It was fine until the effects of coloring started to mess with the health of my hair.  It was fading, damaging the vitality of my unruly Latina hair leaving it dry and lifeless.  I know I was warned - but what's a lady to do when her hair feels like a wreck and she's desperately wanting to make a change.

I started to wonder if there was a safe "healthy way" to actually color hair and cover gray while giving it a vibrant new look with out the harsh chemicals. Well luckily, the lovely folks at Madison Reed, a women led San Francisco based company created a formula to safely color hair with real good ingredients. Inspiring founder Amy Errett, wanted a quality coloring product that would make hair feel healthy and empower women.  I had the opportunity of working with the amazing colorists over at Madison Reed and shared my coloring contentions, my hair dramas, well, you know, what we usually do when we talk to women about our problems. 

Madison Reed Color Tuscany Brown with Color Revive Gloss

The caring color-crew are a kind group of women, who are truly understanding of women's hair, especially for the love of great hair.  Thank goodness for these" hair-color-fairies!"  They introduced me to the color Tuscany Brown and added a special treatment of Color Revive Gloss. They worked their magic waving bottles of enchanting color into my hair.  I was totally surprised that the formula had a pleasant scent and not the harsh smell of ammonia from typical hair dye.  I was completely impressed by the results of the color. The products added luscious shine and dimension all over. 

What's even more brilliant about Madison Reed is the (DIY) method of at-home coloring. You can easily to do-it-yourself, by ordering your color online, and conveniently apply your own color (follow instructions) in the comfort of your home. Professional colorists are always happy to help you explore the best colors that suites your needs. It's such a relief to know that I can color my hair and feel good all around knowing I'm using products that will heal my hair and give complete coverage.  It's really something to celebrate. Next time I color my hair I'm gathering a group of ladies, breaking out some glasses of wine and having a hair-color party and toasting to living life brilliantly!

You Go Girls!

Learn more about the many color options for your hair by visiting the website at Madison Reed 

Dream up your own Case: iDreamCase

These days smartphones and tablets are all vying to be the next "best tech gadget" as they morph into newer innovative models every year.  Although these devices intelligently do many things (connecting us to the world)  to help us function and communicate in our professional and personal lives, we have to be careful not to damage, drop or lose our delicate expensive gizmos. I'm guilty of dropping an iPhone in pho soup (Yikes), accidentally scratching iPads on a desk, or digging through my purse which is like making your way through a "black hole" to find my cell buried somewhere at the the bottom. Taking care of our devices can be a challenge but so can finding case covers that we like, whether it's to protect them or showcase our individual style.  

Want to set your iPhones and iPads apart from all the rest? The folks at iDreamCase have you covered. I stumbled upon iDreamCase Founder/CEO Gabi Hanoun, who shared with me his uniquely handcrafted cases made from exclusive genuine leather and his passion for bookbinding artisanship.  His story goes back 30 years ago with his experience as a book binder for then Cardoza-James Binding company.  The Master Book Binder learned how to produce superior quality cases on books and reinvented his art of hand-made book binding for modern day tech gadgets in particular, cases for iPad, iPad mini, Google Nexus7, and iPhone sleeves. 

I got a chance to meet with Gabi in San Francisco, to talk about his company while he demonstrated how he created his finely crafted cases.  I was greeted with a warm welcome and was inspired by his excitement for how his products. So much of Hanoun's past has helped influence his work today and his commitment to making the best quality products and keeping some of the traditional vintage flare with his handmade cases.  I tried out several cases on my iPhone and found they were functional and stylish.  There's openings along the sides of the case for all the buttons and ports, for iPads and iPhones including a camera hole. It's sleek design and light weight makes it easy to carry while the case also bends to perform alone as a stand.

Another great feature and benefit of the iDreamCase is being able to customize the look of your case with the various seasonal fabrics and leather colors available. You can even personalize cases with a monogram of your choice of names or custom titles. Gabi enjoys creating unique cases even showing me some sample ideas inspired by sports teams colors, and modern leather colors in metallic hues, perfect for your World Cup soccer team favorites! Company names or special numbers can also be monogramed along the case. With these special design options, iDreamCase will help you dream up ways to customize cases for yourself, a colleague, friend or family. 

Take a look at a few of the product demo videos below and find out how you can make your own iDreamcase:

For more information go to http://idreamcase.com 

Namasté your way in Akasha Yoga

namasté your way in

                    Akasha Yoga

Nowadays, in California, it seems there's just as many yoga venues as there are bars and Starbucks on every corner.  Although your doses of caffeine and happy hours are accessible and can be a temporary remedy, it can drain your energy and your bank account with very limited health benefits.

With the popularity of Yoga and pop-up studios, it may be overwhelming to figure out which studios to venture into without feeling intimidated by some of those incredibly flexible students, hot rooms and chanting.  However, you don't have to be a Yoga guru by any means.  Just like any fitness regimen, it takes time to master exercises.  Even with Yoga it's a discipline, and it starts with simply willing to be open with yourself and your potential.

I admit, I'm a yoga junkie, checking out new yoga spots, addicted to yoga pants, with a zeal to live a stress-free and balanced lifestyle.  Flashing back, I'll never forgot my first yoga experience - it was awkward, unfamiliar, and I was so unbalanced - I didn't get it.  Yet I felt compelled to step onto the mat, boldly shaking through my downward dogs.  Honestly, the practice of yoga spoke to me and opened up a new door on a personal, spiritual, and fitness level - plus I slept like a baby.  It challenged me in so many ways offering up a new found discovery, with breathing, and stretching my body in ways that I had never experienced.  With every wobbly warrior pose, chair pose, uttanasana (forward bend), and chaturanga (low push up), I embraced my weakness and eventually became comfortable my vinyasa flow.  

Essentially yoga can be defined as oneness, unity, and a journey into the self.  Ultimately, it's an opportunity to look inward and find yourself and possibly be enlightened.  The challenges that come with learning yoga are key to your growth on a physical and mental level.  Being able to calm your mind, to silence your inner voice that critiques and makes noise, to overcome the doubt, pushing yourself through every pose, to hold, to breathe, and to just show up to a class are all a part of the process.

Luckily, to help you find your Zen is Jamie Testa and Carolyn Thomas owners of Akasha Yoga Studios - a local business from Vacaville and Davis, California.  Having met the folks doing some good for their community, I was able to sit with the owners to discover what inspired their journey with Akasha Yoga and what their studio had to offer.  Unique instructors who are smart, thoughtful, kind, and engaged, guide a variety of inspiring classes for any level. Typically taught in a warm room setting, some classes are set to musical beats that motivate and challenge your body and mind.  They also encourage deepening your practice through additional workshops and events.  
To learn more about Akasha Yoga or browse their schedule of classes, visit the website at www.akashayogastudio.com.  Plus, here's a video to introduce you to Akasha Yoga and the owners. 
~namasté

Check out Akasha Yoga Studio on Do Tell Do Tell TV Youtube channel here:
Thanks to my crew Mark Marcelo at IdioGenius.  
Thanks to Jamie Testa at Akasha Yoga for inviting us in.

Shophouse Snorkeling and Photo Works in Jamaica

If you haven't been to Jamaica, it might be worth a trip to see some of the unique hotels and beautiful beaches this country has to offer.  Having explored Montego Bay and Negril, Jamaica, I got my fill of hot-humid weather,  Spicy Jerk-Chicken and Jamaican rum.  It's no surprise to hear Bob Marley songs echoing from the streets and hearing Jamaican people express with pride, "No Problem" at any opportune time.  There’s a plethora of water activities along the beaches, however, I found a snorkeling company that really gave me a deeper look into the Jamaican sea.  The group of friends I was with rallied us to take this tour, which provided a lobster lunch off a private beach.

We met with Lincoy Dolphy “AKA” Kirk, a hard working tour-guide from Shophouse Snorkeling and Photo Works.  If you’re looking for an up-close and personal snorkeling adventure, this just might be the best-by-the-sea.  Our Captain, Lincoy, gave us the grand tour, which cruised by the famous 7-mile Beach and other secret caves of Jamaica. 

We made several stops, snorkeling through some impressive reefs decorated by an abundance of sea life and historical artifacts.  I admit, I did get super nauseous, and had to come up a few times for air, but was so engrossed by the world around me.  Millions of distinctive, funny, and eerie looking fish danced in and around crevices of the ocean floor.  The colors were incredible, with bright orange, yellow and blue fish, angelfish and zebra-striped fish.  I gasped as I felt the schools of tiny bug-sized Jellyfish swim by me.  Even crazier was my encounter of a huge stingray.  “Say what!?” Yes, not one, but two spotted stingrays.  I kept my distance as I frantically waved under water at my friends close by to keep moving.

Lincoy guided our tour safely and was really excited to help us capture some memories with his under-water camera.  He brought us strarfish and various shells to hold, while we posed in full snorkel gear. He was full of amazing stories about Jamaican life, the epic sea and it’s rich history. 

I was so amazed by this man's passion for life and his work of sharing the sea with others.  I promised I would tell more people about it.  I captured this video on my cell and edited some pieces together, which does not give the adventure its full justice.  At least you can get a sneak-peek and hopefully on a trip to Jamaica, you’ll remember this friendly Captain Kirk, who will take you on a thrilling snorkel adventure you won’t forget!

Check out Do Tell Do Tell TV YouTube video here:

Thanks to Lincoy Dolphy of Shophouse Snorkeling & Photo Works

Slice of life story with Chef Hoss Zaré of Fly Trap

It was a phenomenal day in San Francisco, with its rare warm saturday weather, the farmers market was bustling with food vendors, fresh produce, music was playing by the street artists and people lined up for fruit samples and cups of java. What made it even more special, was my hangout with a very inspiring and talented chef, Hoss Zaré - owner of the Fly Trap restaurant in San Francisco.
I was welcomed by his sincere smile and warm hug before we started our tour through his playground at the farmers market. As we trekked around picking up some fresh ingredients from local vendors for his next dish, it was evident that he's a bit of a celebrity with everyone recognizing him and walking up to him to be embraced by his Hossy-Hugs.
A man full of life, Zaré is full of amazing stories from his world travels, to how he became a chef.  He opened up with me and shared the tragic stories about his family and how it empowered him to follow his passion in the kitchen.  Zaré credits his mother and his brother for helping him push the boundaries with his restaurant and creative recipes.  I learned so much about this brave man, especially how he lives with optimism despite all he has been through, that it only makes me want to hug him more.

If you haven't had a chance to have your taste buds tantalized by the flavors of Hoss Zaré's dishes, you must step into the Fly Trap to find out what Hoss is cooking up next.  You'll see why he puts the Hoss in Hoss-pitality.

To find out more about Fly Trap and chef owner Hoss Zaré, go to his website www.zareflytrap.com or like Fly Trap on Facebook.

Check out my video from my youtube channel Do Tell DoTell TV: http://www.youtube.com/user/dotelldotelltv

 Do Tell Do Tell TV gets a slice of life story with Chef Owner Hoss Zaré of Fly Trap restaurant.



Special Thanks to my video team at www.idiogenius.com

Sam's Day

Sam's Day

Musicians coming together to help out one of their own, who is suffering at the hands of breast cancer.

On a recent visit to meet up with music artist and producer from the Black Eyed Peas, 

Printz Board at his photo shoot in San Francisco, I was introduced to talented photographer/musician Ian Montgomery. They both shared with me many stories and plans about their upcoming music projects. Printz Board is currently making waves with his own new music and is releasing his single titled #1.  He also gave me a glimpse into his sensitivity to others and told me about his current inspiring project with Montgomery which literally gave me chills.  

I learned that these guys are contributing much more then just their music but impacting in heartfelt ways. Together these two artists came together to touch the life of singer Sam Lien who is suffering from breast cancer.  Along with other collaborators, they were able to make Sam's dreams come true by taking her into the recording studio to make her music. They made Sam's day on her wedding day and presented her with their surprise gift of music.  I'm glad to see these artists using their talents in ways that mean the world to others. 

Thank you Printz Board and Ian Montgomery for sharing this with me.

Click the video link or Watch the video here:

Sam's Day

Musicians coming together to help out one of their own, who is suffering at the hands of breast cancer.

via Vimeo

Video clip courtesy of Ian Montgomery at Pre-Future LLC. Thank you! 

Yellow brick road, no place like home..

Just like Dorthy and her adventures down the yellow brick road, to speak with the great and powerful Wizard of Oz, we also seek the road to finding answers as we walk through the road of life. We go through a whirlwind of our own tornadoes that throw us off in life and places us in uncomfortable zones.   

We deal with bad witches and good witches but along the way, we meet friends who buffer the road through it all. 

I love this movie for so many reasons, particularly the nostalgia that takes place and for how symbolic it is. I smile as I recall the first time experiencing Oz as a child plopped in front of the TV with my family.  I watched Dorothy and her "hype-friends"go through the trenches, battling the wicked witch and the fears that get in the way of dreams.  Her friends the Tin-man, Scare Crow and Cowardly Lion become her family, supporting each other through thick and thin.  

I went through so many intense emotions, inspired by the movies creative way of sending me a message.

In my effort to live my life, moving closer to my true calling, I found that the brick road brought me back home.   I have to admit and say how thankful and lucky I am to have my family. I know for some, family is not an option.  Some people don't get along with their family, but there are different types of families that grow in your life.  I realize that my family is there for me no matter what.  Even through all the fights, disagreements, and tears there's a rainbow on the other side!  There's your family in the end with all its colors from dark to light. 

 I click my wedge heels 3 times and say theres no place like my crazy home.

Curbside Couture

Curbside Couture - Fashion Show To-go

Breaking out a new way of showcasing fashion, Founder of Curbside Couture Leah-Marie Bronson, has brought a whole new meaning to mobile fashion.  It's literally fashion on wheels, (on a big truck) where she brings together local boutiques and features hip, stylish, designs in front of boutiques or a venue that are literally ready-to-wear.  Marin Country Club helped to host this event while attendees shopped off the racks of selected pieces highlighted in the show.  All this while noshing on appetizers and sipping some fun margaritas from local vendors such as Laughing Glass Cocktails.  

Other participants included Sproos Salon / thestylebar who provided the makeup and hair to the models.  Fashion show/model coach and author of Star Walk, Charleston Pierce, also teamed up with Curbside Coutures fashion show production.  Stylist Guru, Justin Van Derren, who collaborated with Curbside Couture was raffled for his stylish expert advice among some of the prizes. The boutiques and vendors even gave special promo offers just for having fun at the event. 

Do Tell Do Tell TV meets up with go-getter, fashion stylist and founder of Curbside Couture, Leah, along with some of her team and went behind the scenes to get a dose of what it's like to put on this unique show. 

Check out the clip from Do Tell Do Tell TV You Tube Channel here:
Follow on Twitter @DoTellDoTellTV 

Thank you to my team Mark Marcelo at IdioVideo for providing creative video skills. 

KEONE & MARIEL MADRID = DANGEROUS DANCE MOVES

WARNING:Dangerous Dance Moves... 

Gotta tell you, I am completely BLOWN away by this dance duo's dangerous-dance-moves. The folks at Urban Dance Camp have trained and produced some talented dancers. One such example is this phenomenal dance routine performed by Keone and Mariel Madrid.  I can't help but watch this and smile and stand up to such clever choreography and brilliant dancing.  Seriously, impressed with their hip-edgy technical moves and interpretation  Brings to life the song and makes for such an entertaining visual to watch.  These two incredible dancers, Keone and Mariel Madrid are bad-ass, "Michael Jackson" bad-ass!
Stop reading this and just watch what I mean: Keone and Mariel Madrid

Additional bad-ass dancing playlist continues from this clip below.
Thank you to Urban Dance Camp YouTube Channel 

Getting On Board - North Bay - Marin County, California

Calling all yoga enthusiast and SUPers (stand-up-paddle-boarders) - There's a new kind of class that will move your body and mind, literally.  

By: Veronica Castro

Get on board with on-the-water-yoga classes, combining yoga mediation stretches with stand-up-paddle board balancing benefits and an amazing workout.  Sounds like an odd pairing but it can be an exhilarating experience.  Paddling above the water gives amazing perspective and yoga kicks your muscles in a whole new way.  The water alone is mediative with its sounds and being able to high plank and asana as you float on water, can make you feel on top of the world.


It does take some practice just like any sport, but give yourself a chance to find your balance on a paddle board and you will see how easy it can be.  Now if you're a beginning Yogi, take a class on land for basic yoga moves.  Ease your way into yoga as it's really intended to help you get-in-tune with your body and mind.


I admit that I had a fear of water for a very long time but stand-up paddle has helped me overcome it.  Never giving up, as I flopped in the water for the first 20 minutes, I was able to find my barrings and enjoy seeing the sea floor from above.

It's really outrageous and if your looking for floating inspiration, the folks at
Marin Magazine has got you covered.  Check out the link which offers a background story on how the craze got started and some great information on where you can find some classes and proper equipment.  Also check out OnBoardSUP to learn more about deepening your practice with classes and teacher training schedules for stand-up-paddle yoga.
Go out, make-a-splash, strike-a-pose and get on board!

Photo Credit: Arlene Barshinger (yoga pose pink top)

Getting On Board - Marin Magazine | North Bay Restaurants, Hotels, Events, Shopping - December 2011 - Marin County, California

Workout Your New Year

Workout your New Year

By:  Veronica Castro

Anytime I hear about working out or I find new workout gear, I get excited. However, I know for most of us, some may cringe at the thought of sweating or finding time to get your butt in gear. I mean really, getting to the gym is half the battle and then figuring out all those gym machines can be a bit overwhelming (Yikes!).  It's that time of year where gyms across the world see a fluctuation of memberships and folks are determined to shed that post holiday weight gain and get ready for bikini season.  Finding time to workout and getting to the gym is a challenge in and of itself, and by the time you arrive you're possibly already pondering what to eat because that dry protein bar just doesn't cut it!  Well either way, if you drag yourself to the gym or find a place at home (without sneaking into the pantry for a cookie) just get outside, move or find a fitness partner.  

It's easy to fall into the same routine which is why we burn out and get bored so easily.  It's important to change it up for better results.  If you find yourself out of ideas like I did a while back, consider investing in a personal fitness trainer to change your workout game.  I have to give credit to a few awesome trainers who have inspired me with "working out" my new workouts.  These inspirational trainers provided me changed insight, challenging me and offering new ways of working out with results. 

Eugene Sablan of FitnessMoves in the Bay Area, has worked with many clients and has a wealth of knowledge transforming bodies.  Eugene, aka "Gene", has a genuine supportive approach to bringing fitness into your life. I really enjoyed his personal training style, his friendly personality and his family-like demeanor made me feel motivated to commit to the workouts.  He brings together the community by offering unique bootcamps and random hiking trips for added encouragement.  Combining his keep-it-fun philosophy and expertise with engaging all muscles, he mixes in using the kettle ball, jump rope, balance ball and yoga-inspired moves.  Sablan taught me to focus on strengthening my core tricking my muscles and keeping me on my toes.  Inspired to find my inner She-ra, I kept moving and learning new ways to train my body and achieve my goal of fitting into those trendy skinny jeans. 

I also had the opportunity to train with Moji Oluwa of Moji Oluwa Fitness in Los Angeles, California.  A pro-body builder, weightlifter and personal training coach with several accolades and awards.  He can probably bench-press double or triple my body weight, but don't be intimidated by his He-Man-like physique. Behind all that muscle, Moji is one of the sweetest, big-hearted trainers and a joy to train with. Admittedly, I told Moji I was afraid to lift weights for fear of turning into a beef-cake.  But he kindly assured me that I would not beef-up, rather tone-up my tall frame without heavy weights. Believe it or not, he has achieved his bursting body of muscles all-natural.  He promotes educating the natural way with bodybuilding and living healthy with a recommended long-term clean nutrition regimen. He offered me personal meal plans to compliment my fitness goals. During one of my sessions with Moji, I was surprised we used little to no weight at all and mostly my own body weight, longer reps, and proper technique.  Just the small amount of tweaks with each move, I was able progress gradually and challenge my muscles without hurting myself. 

As a self-professed workout junkie and health-nut, I've become eager with my fitness efforts and have found yoga pants to be my new best friend. I feel motivated adding fitness-fashion collections as my everyday wardrobe.  I stumbled upon a clever shopping site from the folks over at  http://www.joyus.com offering some new clothing gear that improves your workout. Enter W8Fit Workout Gear: a new workout approach adding weight into your workout routine "literally".  Small weights are strategically placed into the pockets of these specially-designed workout pants and sports bras. Sort of an odd concept, but hey, you can potentially increase calorie burn wearing these pieces during a brisk walk on a break or a casual hike. 
Watch the video by clicking the link here: W8Fit Workout Gear 

Now if you are just entertaining the idea for starting a workout regimen, have no fear. Take each day to work it out into your schedule even if its a few minutes a day or every other day.  Start with just simple stretching and don't over-do-it. Small steps will make it easier so you won't burn out.  It's easy to get side tracked and lack motivation which is why I encourage partnerships or investing in a personal trainer who can offer you basic tips for proper movement and nutrition.  Self-educate yourself, surf the web as there is a wealth of resources there and even youtube video demonstrations that I have used.  Read magazines and tear out step-by-step routines and save them in a binder and leave it out so you can see it. I've created a few of them myself and have used them with a trainer.  I'm a believer of one-day-at-a-time and simple approaches to "light the fire".  Maybe pulling on a brand new supported sport bra or jumping into a comfortable pair of new training pants will spark motivation. 
Either way, work it out! Happy New Year! 





  

SAC FASHION WEEK

Calling All Fashion Designers: 

In an effort to stay hip, stylish and inspired by emerging fashion designers, I make it a point to stay connected to my friends over at Sacramento Fashion week.  Founder/Executive Producer Duane Ram, has teamed up with a dedicated and unique group of talented individuals, including Creative Director Will Rodriguez who have contributed to producing a yearly fashion event since 2006.  Mr. Ram has been able to successfully launch and create the show each year by staying connected to his hard working fashion team who help bring SAC Fashion Week to life through mixers, workshops and other networking events. 




The event has garnered some fashionable attention, with nominations for Best Fashion Show Producer and Creative Director of the year. 
There was also a visit from model Naima Mora of America's Next Top Model, who made an appearance as a guest speaker giving some of her sought after advice.

Ram's goal is to create fashion shows unlike any other.  More importantly, he wants to give a voice to budding designers that have potential to kick the fashion industry into new, stylish inspiration.

Interested in attending the show or becoming a featured designer for an upcoming show?  
The show is open to all emerging designers who meet the requirements.  

Apply to be a designer - Approved designers will be required to feature a 10 – 15 piece collection in one season – S/S or F/W Collection. 

For full submission details please visit the website or follow this link below:

http://sacfashionweek.com/sacfw-2014-designer-submissions

If you're interested in becoming a sponsor, or just want to have fun attending the next big show, be sure to visit their website for a full list of upcoming galas and events.

Check out SAC Fashion Week at http://sacfashionweek.com.

Step up With Enrique Iglesias

Digging an interview with singer Enrique Iglesias.  He blushes at the idea of dancing and needs extra space to shake it up or some liquid motivation to "show me some moves".

Special Thanks for clip to:  Latin Eyes TV Media 

Girls Who Code

Girls Who Code     

Always impressed by my intelligent female friends, I found this article on Huffington Post that discusses an organization set out to continuing intelligent growth of young girls minds around the world.  Although a girl likes to be a girl, they also have intellects that go beyond a home economics class.  "Girls who code" an initiative designed to attract interest in technical fields, teaching girls to code and pursue their own tech endeavors.   
In an effort to close the gender gap in tech and engineering, young ladies are encouraged and empowered to continue their computer science studies.  A movement dedicated to creating a vessel to fuel a girls imagination and offer a real hands on experience in the tech world.

Click the link below for the full story.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/23/girls-who-code_n_2005659.html

Inspiration For Women to Share

It is amazing how friends have impeccable timing in our lives, and how one person can touch your life in so many ways. I saved this card with the photo of 2 friends hugging from a best friend when I was a teenager. The quote below was sent to me from a friend and I wanted to send this to all the amazing women in my life so you can continue to share this as well with the rest of the world!

"She's beautiful without knowing it. She's smart with out gloating it. She's funny without over doing it. She's strong without forcing it. She's amazing without seeing it. She's the perfect friend and perfect person but doesn't believe it. Out of all the women in the world, she's the one i'm glad to know. She's YOU. Send this to all the beautiful women you know and glad for it. There is NO time line, no consequence, no amount of people to send this to. But send it to show your gratitude. I love you, girl."

~From my amazing girlfriend 

So in Love...Falling in Love takes 1/5 of a second.

Do you fall in love using your heart or your brain?
I recently read a blog about love by my favorite Author Paulo Coelho and also attended my good friends wedding and usually these events tend to spark conversations on love and relationships. For most of my life, weddings were a theme since I grew up creating wedding cakes with my mother, well that, and being from a Latin family I've had plenty of weddings to attend. Over time I've seen family and friends get married and have observed relationships of others and have heard so many takes on "Love" over happy hour and late night gatherings of "spill your guts" on this topic. This tends to be a touchy subject for most but I figured this would be a great forum for exploration and expressing thoughts on Love.

In our endless search for love and the meaning of love we often can't explain the feeling and have so many emotions from it. What is this thing called love? Can you fall in love in an instant or can love grow over time? We tend to want "that feeling," the feeling we cant explain but we know once it happens. There are so many different aspects of love and it is by far the most wonderful, heavenly feeling that exists in all of us and can be given by all of us.
Love represents so many things: kindness, compassion, affection and is the one emotion that is often infused in every song, poem, or movie. Love is what drives us, lights the fire, is yearned for and can spin us in a whirl of emotional wonder.
I understand we have our own views on love particularly when it comes to relationships. As some may be jaded, some tend to over analyze love and some are thrown off or confused and it's where heart ache ensues. I know I'm not an expert on this and I am in no way claiming I have the answers, but I do believe only love is real, love is peace, love is happiness. I hear others say its complicated and if it is, then possibly find where your heart is comfortable, and encouraged and where it's supported unconditionally and without a doubt.
Love is something I feel on various levels for every human being that comes in my life. Loves omnipotence is a mysterious force that dances and stirs in me in so many ways. For some we will find this greater expansion of love within our heart which is overflowing and connects you with someone else. There's so much more to be said about this thing called love and what it does to all and where it moves us as we grow and learn from our relationships. Whether it takes you 1/5 a second or your own realization over time, love is there when open to it. Live,love and rejoice!

Consider this article I came across "Falling in Love takes 1/5 of a second" by Paulo Coelho where he incorporates this love analysis with a transcript from Science which is sure to pick your brain on love.
Click the link below.

http://paulocoelhoblog.com/2010/11/18/falling-in-love-takes-a-fifth-of-a-second/

~Inner Peace is being Love and being Loved no matter what take place in the external world. Cultivating Peace allows for a clearer and expanding relationship to the Love who you are, connecting you to the Love in everyone else.~

Inspired Tequila. World Class Margaritas.

For those of you who have not had some real great tasting Tequila, why not add a world class inspired tequila to your tasting experience? An adventure to Tequila country sparked my interest into the world of tequila not just for its drink but for the culture and history behind it. Yes of course, being in Mexico one can not go with out tasting the many spirits of Tequila that this side of the world has to offer. So I tasted, tasted some more and after various tastes, I was still standing. Tequila class 101 taught me the proper technique to tasting true inspired tequila. My friends, a good Tequila should be savored and sipped especially if you want to save yourself from a headache in the morning. I advise, DO NOT SHOOT IT!
Go figure that my trek through Mexico's Tequila country led me to a connection with the makers of Tres Agaves Tequila. Now making margaritas with Tres Agaves inspired Tequila is easy and the taste truly worthy of a celebration! Cheers! Salud! Happy New Year
Check out the site TresAgaves and my Brand Ambassador collaboration. Attend any up coming events and try for your self! (Remember to drink responsibly.)
http://www.tresagavesproducts.com

Rants and Raves: Celebrity Gossip 2010 Courtesy of Zoosk TV

Ok, so guilty pleasure of presenting Celebrity rants and raves courtesy of Zoosk TV. Some of you may care less on who's who in the celebrity world, but that's ok.. go ahead and laugh.. I did. However, I have to be honest about my big celebrity crushes: Ryan Reynolds, Patrick Dempsey, and my all time fave Johnny Depp. You know you have some crushes too. Tell me who's yours? Enjoy and stay tuned for more.

The Hype with "Mercury in Retrograde"

You may have possibly noticed an increase in mishaps with phones and emails or other types of communication glitches especially around December 10 and through December 30. Is it it just us encountering our typical malfunctions in life mixed with natural life changes and battle of progressing in personal and professional relationships? Well maybe we can blame the cosmic forces of Mercury. In case anyone was wondering about what's all the hype with Mercury Retrograde I gathered some information that might be enlightening. It's a volatile time in general and supposedly it is noted to avoid making any set plans or decisions in all realms of our life. It's a time to reflect on your life and become aware of the affects taking place and be present to all that surrounds you. Although some of us may think this is mere coincidence, it may be wise to track your progress either way through mercury retrogrades.
Pay particular attention to:
The Key Issue and What does Mercury affect in this article from astrology.com about Mercury Retrograde.
http://www.astrologycom.com/mercret.html

Other fun reads I suggest came from about.com Mercury Retrograde: What is Mercury Retrograde?
http://astrology.about.com/od/advancedastrology/p/MercuryRetro.htm

On a side note, during your introspection, I highly recommend yoga as a way for being present and for mastering balance in life.

Horses, Hope and Healing

My talented Best Friend Angela has been busy working on her craft and wanted to share her beautiful work from editing and the touching story that she created... Our creative forces are being united... Stay Tuned!

Horses, Hope and Healing from Angela Higley on Vimeo.