Beauty | 79

(photo taken: April 10, 2016)

I feel like lately I've been spending a lot of time thinking about MANY things and debating with my own self. All of the things I've been wondering about are important in their own way. But today's is going to be about beauty. I don't know why I'm introducing it as if I'm on a talk show..

I've never understood why flaws make a person beautiful. You think of flaws as imperfections, as things that make you ugly. But I finally understood why it makes you beautiful (or handsome because beauty isn't limited to just women). Think of flowers for a moment. There's many many different type of flowers. Different colors, different shapes, different smells, and we still find them lovely and can brighten up pretty much anyone's day. So if we see flowers in that way, why don't we see each other like that? Just because someone is different does not make them ugly. Freckles, stretch marks, birth marks, from physical to internal flaws, it all makes us who we are.

We all have this perfect idea of how we'd like to look. Whether it's slimmer, thicker, taller, shorter, lighter, darker, different hair/eye color, etc. Let's say you do become that "perfect" vision of yourself. Perfect isn't always great. Perfect is sometimes boring. It's like you're coming out of a factory, ever heard that saying, "fue mandadito hacer"? Let's start with something simple as eye color. I love green/blue eyes, I wish I could have them or at least hazel/caramel looking eyes. If I were to have that I feel people would just like me because of that. If we're looking at it in a romantic relationship, they'd enjoy looking into my eyes and saying the most cliche things comparing them to the ocean and what not. But no. I have dark brown eyes. Simple, poop color eyes. So that makes Milton work hard to "conquistarme". lol I don't know if I'm getting my point across. I feel I'm trying to give so many examples but I'm not really explaining myself which makes me want to stop writing..but I've gone too far. 

Being you, being the way you are, you know someone will be your friend (or partner) for the right reasons. They'll dig deep and get to know you instead of just being with you because of your body or your looks. Am I explaining myself? Probably not. But anyway, I think we all need to accept the things we can't change about ourselves. If you complain about having fat or not having a slim stomach, there's workouts for that. But you can't complain about the birth mark on your shoulder, you can't complain about things that came to you naturally. You don't like them because not everyone has it. You don't like it because you're different from everyone else. AND THAT'S THE POINT! You're not supposed to look the same as someone else. You're your own person! Just how we all have different thumbprints that identify us, we all carry something different on/within us to make us DIFFERENT! 

Just embrace it. I'm me, you're you, he's him, etc. What you complain about yourself, other people would want. You think someone's perfect from head to toe but even they have insecurities. 

I hope I explained myself..

Food Tag Questions | 78

(photo "taken": May 12, 2016)

I hate how bad I've been slacking on my blog, knowing that in the beginning I would religiously post every day, even twice on some days! I love tag questions, although no one ever "tags" me in them or I never "tag" anyone in them, they're just fun. So instead of the usual "get to know me" ones, I decided to do one on food! I love food, I just can't eat a lot..the irony. Well, let's get started!..And feel free to comment your response for any question! 

DISCLAIMER: MAY CAUSE HUNGER!!

1. What's your favorite breakfast?

I love chilaquiles or birria for breakfast! Ultimate Mexican breakfast! If it's something "American" take me to Norms or Dennys, a hashbrown is a must!! If it's at home..I don't know I'm not a big fan of breakfast lol 

2. How do you drink your coffee?

I wish I could drink it black and be a wild chick. But no. *decaf* I've recently been doing it in water rather than milk, so I like adding vanilla coffee mate creamer, BOMB! Starbucks: DECAF iced Americano with sweetener and a splenda..

3. What's on your favorite sandwich?

(Subway) Turkey or Oven Roasted Chicken (if I want to go the extra mile, a turkey bacon guacamole, or a chicken and bacon ranch melt!) on jalapeno bread with pepper jack cheese toasted..lettuce, spinach, jalapenos (extra), cucumbers, mayo, and chipotle southwest! 

4. Soup or salad?

Hmm, I don't like either. I'll take the salad if it's packed with chicken and only spinach, lettuce, cucumbers, and carrots..that's about it. I'll take the soup if it's pozole! 

5. What's your favorite cookbook?

I'll have to buy one because I need to learn how to cook!..

6. No more sweets or no more harty foods?

Umm..? I guess no more harty foods because I'm not sure what the question is asking and I don't want to google it.

7. What's your favorite cuisine (country)?

Mexican! American..Italian maybe..in that order.

8. What's your favorite food movie?

There's food movies?

9. What's your most guilty pleasure?

Fatty stuff. Specifically chocolate donuts, hot cheetos with cheese, and nachos packed with stuff! 

10. What's your greatest inspiration source?

Since I'm all into Youtube right now..Jeanine Amapola, Kathleen Fuentes, and Claudia Sulewski!

11. Cooking at home or going out for dinner?

Everyone says I'm always eating out. I don't cook but my mum makes some BOMB food! But I also like eating out. But I'll take homemade food, always takes the win!

12. High end or low profile?

...

13. What's your favorite restaurant?

Actual restaurant will probably have to be Colori! Never go wrong with the Chicken Pesto Sandwich!

14. I do my grocery shopping at..?

Food4Less and Northgate! Ralphs-cuando hay especiales o tenemos cupones! 

15. The tastiest food I've ever eaten was..?

CAN'T DO THIS TO ME! I've been thinking about tinga quesadillas from CPK so that! But then again Sweet N Spicy Chicken from New Moon, Azada Tots from Coronado, Mini Skillet Bowl from Taco Bell, Monster Tacos from Jack..the list goes on and on! 

16. What's your favorite cocktail?

Umm, I'm not 21 yet so I don't drink. But I do like Stella Rosa!

17. Coffee with George Clooney or Heston Blumenthal?

Not a fan but George Clooney just to make my mum jealous. And to ask him about his tequila..for my mum.

18. What should not be missing in your kitchen?

We're Mexican so nunca faltan las tortillas y frijoles..that's a must! Ohh and cereal too.

19. What's your favorite snack?

If I'm being healthy: apples with peanut butter or tajin, grapes any fruit. If I don't care that day, chips or cookies!

     

20. What's on your pizza?

I'm a simple gal, I don't like many things. LIGHT tomato sauce, pepperoni, cheese, jalapenos (baked, not just on top), sprinkle some parmesan cheese, maybe chilli flakes, or ranch, depends on my mood! Chicken Alfredo Pizza from Pizza Studio is bomb btw!

21. What food do you really dislike?

Nopales! And many other things but nopales are always the first thing that pops up! Never tried it actually..

22. What's your favorite food blog?

Actually don't have one and I don't know why. Should look into them!

23. What's the weirdest thing you've ever eaten?

I'm not really spontaneous..I thought the buns from The Bun Shop were weird so I guess that. Plus the Shop Fries are BOMB! 

24. What's on your food bucket list?

Mexican Pizza! I really want to expand my options and be open to many dishes!

25. I couldn't live without..?

OXYGEN!..what else? 

Apple of His Eye | 77

(photo taken: April 7, 2016)

Yes I'm finally back with another blog post! I either blog every day, twice a day maybe, or I don't blog for months..there's no in between!

So earlier this month, Milton and I were walking around downtown..like always. These three chicks came up to us, early to mid 20's maybe. They asked if we knew English and Spanish and if we could translate for them. Milton did the talking because I'm always quiet. The girls were talking with a Hispanic man in a wheelchair. They said that a few days prior they talked with a man in a wheel chair who has been paralyzed for nine years, they prayed all together and he was able to get up and walk. They wanted to try the same thing with this man and just share their message and the joy they had.

Now let me tell you real quick, although I'm not "Catholic", I'm also not an atheist. But when I hear these things I need to stop myself from rolling my eyes. I'm not judging, but if all it takes was a prayer, wouldn't hospitals be empty? There wouldn't be as many people with such horrible illnesses. But I mean hey, if your faith is that strong, then that's great. I just don't believe in that stuff. Let me add that the man NEVER said he was paralyzed. He said that his legs ache when he tries getting up, but he didn't say he was immobile. So the 3 girls decided to do a prayer while holding the man's hands. They helped him get up and said his legs didn't hurt too much. They were so amazed and happy..but once again, I'm not being an ass about this, but he never said he was paralyzed or anything!

One of the girls stayed talking to him while the other two turned to us and thanked us for helping out. There was one with an accent and an Asian one. I wasn't ignoring them, but I also didn't want to be there. By this time more people began to surround us wondering what was happening while two guys were playing the guitar and the other singing. The girl with the accent began talking to Milton about faith and what his thoughts were while the Asian girl and I were standing there. I kept nodding and smiling every now and then, but also kept looking away. I was able to see the other girl staring at me. I just thought, "damn she thinks I'm the devil, she sees my sins!" 

She turned to me and asked me if I believe in Jesus, among other questions. I never really gave a definite answer because I honestly don't know what I believe in regarding religion. I have so many questions and doubts. She then reached into her bag and asked if she could give me something. I accepted the paper (picture above) and thought it was nice. "You are the apple of his eye" it said, me being dumb I thought she was talking about Milton and I, I thought that was sweet and smiled while looking at him. I guess she knew I had a different meaning because she asked if I knew what it meant. That's when it came to my head that she meant "His"..as in God. I'm like ohhhhh. 

She said she enjoys drawing things like that, and that when she saw me she felt that this belonged to me. Now here's where the psychology kicks in because they make you want to feel "a calling" I guess. She said that looking at me, she knew that the paper was for me. I'll just quote everything she told me..

"Looking at you, your face, something tells me this is for you. God is always looking at you and he's so amazed and proud that you're His daughter. He's your #1 fan in everything you do, every step you take. He's always cheering on you saying, 'yeah that's my daughter, I can't believe I created something so beautiful!' He's always rooting for you and is always so excited to see what your next step is!"

See what I mean? Making me feel beautiful lol While she was telling me all this I kept saying "nope, no, not at all" in my head. And I did feel a bit emotional. Why? Let's be honest, I'm doing nothing with my life. Am I happy about it? Hell no! Haven't been able to get a job, I'm still unsure about going to school, like what have I accomplished? And I wanted to tell her I haven't done one thing to make myself or anyone proud. So why is she going to stand here telling me this when it's not true? And I did feel like a horrible person but at the moment I was confused a bit but mostly mad because it was kind of throwing it in my face in the way that someone is always cheering on me whenever I do something. WHAT IS IT THAT I DO?? 

I kept nodding and smiling, but that smile said it all I guess. She went on and asked me what it was that I knew about God, if I wanted to build a relationship with Him, what I thought happened to us once we pass away. And let me be honest, if it was a different scenario, if it was in a room and not in the street I might have started an actual conversation. But I wasn't about to talk about my "faith" or concerns in the middle of Downtown! So I kept my answers short and I kept looking over at Milton trying to give him that "let's leave" face. And after a while we did. 

Did I keep the sign? Yes, it's in my room. I felt maybe it would give me some type of motivation to go to school at least, or try and find some other opportunity. I've tried sooo hard to find a job, the jobs I'm so passionate about don't even give me a chance because I get nervous or shy. That shouldn't determine my abilities and passion I have towards something! I'll save that for another post. I explained to my mum what happened and she said she knows what the girl saw. That whenever we have a conversation regarding religion, I have a look of uncertainty on my face. A look that is pushing away but at the same time interested, a confused look. And I guess that is true! 

Syrup Desserts | 76

(photos taken: December 06, 2015)

And here we are again. Discovering another "hyped up" place.

Syrup Desserts. I thought everyone knew about this place, but I've come across people who haven't heard of it. As the name says, this place serves desserts, coffee, I'm not sure about sandwiches...maybe...maybe I'm wrong. As requested, we were originally going to review/vlog about our experience here...but that never happened. 

Coming here was out of the blue. Milton and I walking around Downtown (as usual) and we finally found it. We weren't really searching for it, but we got there and decided to try it out. Appearance wise, this place is legit! It's has dark walls, chairs, tables, has a nice dark vibe to it. There's a second floor which is small, more private which was nice! Since it was our first time being here, we didn't go big on ordering something. I have a thing that if I try a new place, food, coffee, etc., I'll get something small and inexpensive. If I don't like it, at least I didn't waste money. And if I do enjoy it, I can always try something new next time!

The chick there seemed nice. She gave us the menu, we just chose the red velvet cake. I was obsessed with it, but I think this experience ruined it for me...and the one from Lemonade. *future possible blog post on that* She said we could sit where we'd like and she'd bring it to us. It was probably dumb for me to think they were making it at the moment. We went to the top floor which gave us a view from downstairs. She left for a while, we thought she'd bring it soon. Spending time talking, taking pictures and stuff, we realized it was taking a while. She was back taking orders from two people. She kept standing at the counter on her phone. No biggie, they'll probably bring it fresh I thought. 

So by this time I think 15 minutes passed and still...no cake. This entire time she was waiting at the counter on her phone. It wasn't busy. No one was ordering anything. I see her putting her phone away and get the cake from the display window. She cut the slice, put it on the plate then went to the back for the ice cream scoop. She still took a while, by this time I was thinking "damn they must be making their own ice cream or something". I didn't mind too much because there was no rush, but it's still inconvenient. But hey, would you rather have your cake done quick or delicious?

She finally brought it up to us. I was excited because I mean come on, look at it, it looks so cute and good! A few snaps (to later complain about it) and we both tried it. Dry. Not moist. Cream was odd. No good. Cake should be fluffy and moist and basically taste like what clouds would taste. This was hard and dry. Probably as dry as doing the cinnamon challenge! Yes you can say I'm picky, but even Milton agreed it was bad. My cake spot is Adams and Figueroa! This was either $6 or $7, so I didn't want to toss it away. The ice cream was even melting...and it wasn't hot. 

The whole time the worker was standing there I thought she was waiting for the chefs to bring it or something. She was just chilling for about 15-20 minutes and ended up giving us a dry piece of cake from the window. If she would have given it to us at the moment, I wouldn't have been too angry. But why waste others' time for crappy dessert? I left pretty upset and disappointed, I wasted $6, I could have bought a burrito with that!! Milton wanted to order a coffee at first, but he didn't want it anymore. I know a lot of people eat crepes or waffles here, but I'd rather look for another place or do it myself.

California Pizza Kitchen serves the same thing: slice of red velvet cake and a scoop of Haagen-Dazs ice cream. That's $7 and sooo much better! It passes the cake taste with it being fluffy and the cream being delicious, no melting ice cream. If you want red velvet, go to CPK instead!

Ohh Syrup Desserts. Time consuming. Dry cake. Not fresh. Sometimes all it takes is that first impression.

Tierra Mia | 75

(photo taken: December 5, 2015)

I feel so many of you will disagree with me because everyone is obsessed with Tierra Mia. The first time I heard about it was because of the Horchata Frap hype. Horchata isn't my fave, I'm more of a Jamaica type of gal! But any who, I heard everyone talking about it and saying it was the best, forgetting about Starbucks because this new place is bomb and I don't know what. If I hear someone talk great about a place I'll want to check it out. But when it's a bit too obsessive and I feel EVERYONE is talking about it, all over social media, it doesn't make me want to go. I immediately hate the place without even stepping inside. Just like the hype over Clifton too. 

So after a few years, I finally stepped into Tierra Mia. Milton and I went to the one downtown, of course where else would we be? He ordered a regular coffee and I just ordered the chocolate croissant thing. Nothing really stood out to me on the menu that I wanted to try. 

The little dessert was really good which is shocking because I don't like chocolate too much. I honestly didn't think I'd like it. I tried Milton's coffee, that was crap. At first it was too hot so I wasn't able to get the taste. But afterwards it just tasted so weird. It tasted like if it was watered down. Even after trying to fix it with milk and sugar, it just had a bad taste to it but which was really disappointing. Inside the store there's this whole story about where they get their coffee beans from and stuff. Apparently they need to get them from another place.

I wasn't going in there with high hopes, but I was willing to give it a shot. I'd only go back for that chocolate croissant because it was delicious! I feel if your regular coffee doesn't taste great, that should say something about your "special" drinks. If you guys have some suggestions for good drinks (NOT the horchata frap or any ice blended drinks) let me know! And maybe I can give it another try.

Child Love | 74

(photo taken: March 9, 2015)

Not too long ago Milton called me from his job with the kids. Apparently they wanted to find out if I was as mean as he is! For some reason I felt awkward. Then Milton asked me something that made me think about the entire night. "What do you like about kids? Why do you like working with them?" At the moment I couldn't think of anything. Not even a joke. That question hit me hard and my mind went blank. Well the phone call ended and I said bye to the kids, but my mind was stuck on the question. Why do I like working with kids so much? What is it about them that I enjoy?

Here's a small background. My mum and grandma always babysat the neighbors' kids. So even though I am the youngest in the family, there were always little kids around the house. Back then I wasn't too into them. I mean I did like playing with them and stuff, but I was a kid! I didn't have a passion other than eating and fooling around! (Not much has changed) Once I was 12 I got my first job working at a daycare center. You guys from Hope know what I'm talking about. That's when I started to realize I enjoy working with kids!

There were kids from babies to preschoolers. I was able to work in different classrooms and I enjoyed it! Of course with babies there wasn't much to do since all they did was sleep and eat. The first time I fed one of the babies I was freaking out thinking that I was gonna drop him! So I sat down and did it, felt quite nice. Then I'd play with the 2-3 year old. They're so dumb but adorable! Dumb not in a bad way. I mean it in the way that they laugh and find everything hilarious! So it was pretty entertaining! With preschoolers there was more. From playing, reading to them, helping them out with "classwork", etc. Although it was just a few months, I think that's where it all started. 

My mum stopped babysitting and I stopped working, there weren't any kids around. So the next time I was surrounded by kids was freshman year and two years ago. I volunteered at my elementary school and my gosh, that was life changing! I always thought I'd grow up to be a psychologist, but I have too much anxiety to go through that. It wasn't until I was volunteering that I realized what I really wanted to become. 

...I think I explained too much of my "background". Now I'll explain what it is that I love and enjoy. As of late I was working with kindergartners. I decided to do this so I can be doing something useful. I'm not joking when I say this cliche statement: whenever I was having a bad day or was in a bad mood, these kids had something to cheer me up! It can be their actions such as being so happy to see you walk into the classroom. It can be running to hug you after you missed a few days. It can be them coloring or "drawing" during recess and giving their masterpieces to you. It can be something silly like when Carlos said, "I want to grow so I can go on a date". It can be them peeing on themselves. It can be just a simple smile because they did something right or knew the answer to something. When we'd play games, yes they'd get loud and want to cheat, but they knew right from wrong and cheered on their teams like their lives depended on it! These kids are so full of joy, so much energy, and their innocence is something so beautiful! 

There were so many times that they would "fight" with their friends. Because Mia took the crayons with her and wouldn't share with Jocelyn. Because Carlos didn't invite Eric to play during lunch. They will complain and sometimes even cry about what happened. But no more than 5 minutes later you'll see them playing and laughing together as if nothing happened. Are you kidding me? Why can't we learn from them? The world would be so different! 

I'm those type of people that you might get weirded out because I'm looking at you. Don't worry, I'm not creeping. I like to observe people, their actions, their behavior. It was so captivating watching them learn. Making them sound out words so they can spell them out on their own. Watching their tiny eyes squint and move their mouth around or point with their pencils, this is a kindergartner thinking at its finest. Watching them hurry to finish their work before the bell rings. Watching their faces light up when the teacher would reward them with a snack or say it's "party time". So adorable how at that age jumping around is considered dancing. Don't get me started with field trips! The concentrated looks on their faces as they are being told facts about animals. The happiness when they were able to participate in something. This kids aren't afraid. I think I was the most confident at their age than I am now! 

The holidays! I got to see them for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine's Day, leaving was so tough! They're so excited talking about their costumes and how their parents will be coming to the Halloween parade. For Thanksgiving telling their friends "thank you for being my friend", and thanking us for being their teachers. Christmas, oh lord! They kept jumping with joy because they promise they've been good all year so Santa can bring them lots and lots of presents. Poor Santa in this economy! Valentine's day was so amazing! No one gets left out, we're all in this together! Everyone brings a card and candy for all the classmates. I came in with cupcakes and treats, I left with so many coloring pages and "drawings" and bags of candies. Trust me, it's not all about the presents. This is the most genuine and honest thing I can say, I didn't care about the candy or cards. The action, the fact that they took some time and thought about Ms.Zulema getting a card or candy. And the way they give you the gram with so much love and those hugs that last 20 seconds, squishing you. I remember coming back after break and they all came running to hug me! This would happen pretty much every Monday actually. I felt bad because it took time away from the teacher so I asked them to save the hugs for later, but it's such a great feeling! 

Then came the day I had to leave, ugh. I got hired at Subway and that meant I wouldn't be able to stay. I told Mr.Rogers until the last minute right before I was leaving. He got upset saying I shouldn't leave and stay, but that it was great news since I was struggling to find a job. Once he told the class their faces dropped. And I'm not saying it because I'm the BEST teacher in the whole world and that's why they were upset. I did the best I could to be a great teacher and I earned their love and got to experience each day of their kindergarten life. They were saying "no, why, we're going to miss you, don't leave" etc. I fought sooo many tears back while I was there! I led them to lunch one last time before I left. They all attacked me with hugs. That killed me inside and I wanted to break down and cry! I was there for about 5 months and it was such a rewarding experience! Once I left and met up with Milton outside the school I started crying. Yes I'm a wimp, but those months and the time I spent there was so amazing! I left in early April and came back in June right before they'd leave for summer vacation. It was only 2 months and I felt there was so many things I missed out on! Melissa's long straight hair was cut to Dora length. My child Carlos lost his tooth. Mia's hair had grown so beautifully. Angel which struggled a lot during school, was able to perform the same as everyone else. So many changes in such a short time. I felt a little sad but so proud of these munchkins. My kindergartners were becoming 1st graders!!! It may seem like small things to others, but you have no idea how much of a huge impact it makes when it happens to you! The best reward was being called Ms.Zulema, or teacher!

The Rocket Review | 73

(photos taken: December 2, 2015)

I've heard that this is such a great mascara from friends and their mommas!...Not really their moms but you get it! I actually bought this when I was probably a junior or sophmore, but I forgot the experience. I do remember that I threw it or gave it away, so I guess I should have known. But being me, I just had to buy it!

This was about $6 something, like always buying it at Target. I heard that this gives you length and a good amount of volume. I did hear that it was clumpy. But I didn't know if clumpy as in the little balls, or clumpy as in it clumps your lashes together. 

Let me start off with the great things about this mascara. I had heard that the brush "hurts your lashes" similar to the "They're Real" mascara by Benefit (which I disliked) but it didn't hurt. The wand is a bit thick but not so bad. I like that it does give the right amount of volume and length. I've mentioned before that I don't like volume, so this gives the right amount! It also stays in its place throughout the day! 

Now the cons. Which I think it's just one and it's the fact that it clumps so much! Doesn't clump your lashes together, but has the little clump balls. It's pretty annoying because as soon as I applied it the first time, right away I had a few clumps! I went in with another coat and I guess it got worse because there were more clumps. I tried using another mascara to remove them but that didn't help. I've heard, and done it before, that when your mascara is dry or clumpy, put the tube in a cup of hot water for a few minutes and it helps to not be too dry. But I guess that's just how the mascara is. It didn't help. I tried it the second day but then gave up on it because it's very clumpy. It flaked a tiny bit, but if that were the only problem I would have kept using it. 

Out of 5 stars I'll probably give it a 1. It's such a great mascara, it's the clumps that make it a bad one, at least in my case. It has good potential with everything else. Would I buy it again? No I'd rather buy something at Subway with those $6. Would I recommend it? Nope. If it wasn't because of that con, this mascara would be my "holy grail"!