Guest Ready

Today (and because I'm hosting my bff this weekend), I'm sharing a list of the 10 staples A and I make a point to get from the store for when we have guests staying over. Gotta be ready!

We don't usually have most of these laying around the house all the time for safety reasons, but when other people are involved we like for them to have stuff to enjoy while we're hanging out at home (or just waiting until it's time to go out to eat again).

Here's our list of 10 f&b staples for when we are having guests over:

1. Assorted booze. We will chose this depending on who's coming over, but in this case there's red wine (Riunite's Lambrusco) and whiskey (Johny Walker's red label). We usually drink these at night before we head out to dinner.

2. Beer. Everyone in my family drinks different beer, so we also make it a point to get their favorites. The one pictured is A's favorite (XX Ámbar).

3. Dipping snack. Last time my bff was here she brought an incredible dip we couldn't find here where we live, so we got this one instead + Stacy's pita chips. We pretty much will eat this at any time.

4. Assorted salty snacks. These include some kind of chips (green Chip's), pretzels (Snyder's snaps) and peanuts (Hot Nuts). 

5. Desert drink. That would be a 'carajillo', which calls for Licor 43 + espresso shot. 

6. Ice cream. I'm pretty flexible on this front (as long as there's chocolate in there somewhere). Pictured is Holanda's Oreo flavor. This is more of a late night snack.

7. Cookies. Because what is ice cream without something extra? This time we got Oreo's but we like to change from time to time. We also snack on these in the morning (ice cream is optional).

8. Perrier. A just really likes it and it goes great with the whiskey.

9. Coca Cola. Obviously. At least we buy the really small cans so we don't drink so much of it.

10. Breakfast drink. Even if we have plans for breakfast out, we are prepared with white wine (Riunite's Bianco) + orange juice (Jumex's Unico Fresco).

What do you think? What are some of your entertaining food+beverage staples? 

g.

30 things

Exactly 2 years ago on my bithday I shared a post on my former blog about 28 things I had learned in the previous year*. Today I'd like to update that list as it is pretty much current and just add a couple more items to it. This is basically a translation from that blog post from 2013. Without further ado, here it goes:

1. People don't change. It doesn't matter how hard we try to make them. It is sad, but sometimes we're better off letting go...

2. Great changes are preceded by chaos.

3. You'll never leave where you are if you don't know where you're going.

4. Start before you're ready and if you don't know where to begin, begin anywhere.

5. Sometimes on the chase of a dream we get lost and find a better one.

6. Other times, the dreams that come true are the ones we didn't know we had.

7. Dreams don't work unless we do.

8. Nothing truly great comes easily.

9. When things seem complicated, look again, always look again.

10. The only expectations we should live up to are our own.

11. Remind yourself that it is ok not to be perfect. No one is.

12. What screws us up most in life is the 'image' of what 'it should be'.

13. It doesn't matter if I'm not out and about every weekend, as long as I am ok with that.

14. Best friends aren't always those you've known the longest or those you get to see more often.

15. Living alone is great, but it is not easy or cheap.

16. It is ok to spend money on things YOU enjoy, whether it is a CH bag or paper goodies for crafting.

17. If you don't feel right on your own skin, you can't expect others to feel right around you.

18. It is totally worth it having a job that makes you happy rather than one that pays the rent but makes you miserable.

19. Even when you don't get the credit you deserve, do not doubt your abilities or your work.

20. Without the support of our loved ones, we would be nothing (ps. call your mom and dad).

21. Distance can make the heart grow fonder, but it can also make people grow apart.

22. Even though we don't always express how we feel, it doesn't mean it is not there.

23. We don't need people's approval.

24. No matter how tired or stressed we feel, we are never to neglect those we love.

25. Professional success isn't measured by how money you make, just as personal success isn't about getting married or having kids. It is about being happy.

26. It is perfectly ok to demand what we think we deserve.

27. When you love what you do, you don't work a day in your life.

28. No matter how hard things are, we'll always be able to go throw them and come back stronger.

29. Go to the dentist regularly.

30. Take care of your body: exercise, eat your veggies, drink more water, get enough sleep.

Notice how those last two are health related? Man, getting older is tough! 

g.

*Gummergal shared her list of 30 things she's learned before turning 30 on her blog. Check it out here.

All Time Favorites: Kiddie Movies

I don't know about other places, but in Mexico, we celebrate Children's Day on April 30th. On that day, everyone displays their kiddie/baby pictures on Instagram (including myself), and schools throw parties or events for their students. All in all, it's great to be a kid on Children's Day!

Another great thing about being a kid was kiddie movies. I don't think they were as common as they are today. Ahh... the times before Pixar, Dreamworks, etcetera... I remember watching a lot of adult (not quite R-rated) movies growing up just because there weren't enough options for us back then.

Still, I have a list of personal favorite kiddie movies I thought I'd share today! Here they are in their release order:

1. The Land Before Time (1988). Only know researching about this movie I understand why it is so great: Steven Spielberg and George Lucas were both involved. Regardless, I watched this recently on Netflix and surprised myself at how much I remembered about it. But it is always different watching a kiddie movie (or any movie really) as an adult. This isn't just for children. There is so much to learn from it, about friendship, but also about being different and ultimately, how a group is made better and stronger with different kinds of members. 



2. The Little Mermaid (1989). Although nowadays I claim that my favorite Disney movie is 'The Sleeping Beauty', 'The Little Mermaid' is the first movie I remember watching. I remember my parents buying it for me while vacationing in the US, and me watching it on Betamax (I know), then VHS (until I tore the tape from watching it so many times and so my parents bought it again for me), then on DVD. I was 4 years old when it came out, so naturally I was totally into it. It may have helped that we went to Disney for the first time that year and I got a bunch of Mermaid related goodies, like that very same poster.

3. Home Alone (1990). This will also make it onto the Christmas movies category, but I had to include it here as well. 'Home Alone' is probably every kids dream come true, but also, every kid's nightmare. Being left alone in a huge house, specially when you have a big family has got to be one of the greatest things ever, for a kid. However, having burglars trying to break in has got the be the scariest thing ever, for pretty much anyone. Lucky for us, Kevin wasn't too scared, providing a fun filled Christmas Eve for us.

4. Ladybugs (1992). Growing up, this movie was a Pijama Party must (at least for me). I was in love with Jonathan Brandis and seeing him dressed up as a girl to help his future step dad (and also to get closer to his crush) was hilarious. Also it was a projection as I had always wanted to be in a girl soccer team but my school wouldn't allow girls to play soccer :(

5. Free Willy (1993). I'm not sure if people who are not Mexican know this, but Willy was played by Keiko, the killer whale from Mexico's former Reino Aventura. Even though I was a kid, I was moved by this movie. Having been to Water Parks with killer whales and other amazing creatures I was intrigued to see a movie about this. I was happy that Willy was freed. I cried like a baby.

6. The Little Rascals (1994). I was 9 years old when this movie hit theaters and it caused such an impact in my life I was ready to create my own club where boys weren't allowed. I wanted to become a racer (where does one get a car like 'the Blur'?) and me and my brother and sister even named our new puppy (which we literally got after seeing the movie) Spanky.

7. D2: The Mighty Ducks (1994). This was the first of the MD movies I ever watched and was hooked. I'm glad this was the first cause in my opinion it is the best one. I think I watched it on tv and then dragged my dad to Blockbuster to see if they had the first movie. Around the time I watched it, a roller blading rink opened in my hometown and I obviously wanted to join ther hockey team (that didn't happen). Plus, baby Joshua Jackson. Ducks fly together!

8. Jumanji (1995) Who didn't watch this movie and wanted to get their hands on the board game (although was actually a bit terrified that something bad would happen)? It was 1995 and if I'm not wrong, this was one of the very first fantasy movies, at least for our generation. You'd watch it and be amazed at the incredible effects (which all now seem very fake) although back then I'm pretty sure we all thought the lion and monkeys and everything else was real.

9. Casper (1995). Because I was familiar with the cartoon version of Casper, I was excited to see it going what we know call 'live action' (specially because Devon Sawa would play him). Although the story is actually kind of sad, it is also about friendship, which is what most kiddie movies should be about and well, Devon Sawa.

10. It Takes Two (1995). Before our generation's 'The Parent Trap' was 'It takes Two', starring the Olsen Twins. Although it isn't the same story, it involves identical girls switching places resulting in their respective autority figures falling in love. I started watching this movie in English classes on Saturdays and became obsessed with all things Twins and the rest is history.

Honorary mentions go to: All Dogs Go To Heaven + An American Tail. God, there are so many great kiddie movies I've left out. Oh, well, there's always next April. What do you think? What are your favorite kiddie movies?

G.

*The Land Before time via here.
*The Little Mermaid via here.
*Home Alone via here.
*Ladybugs via here.
*Free Willy via here.
*The Little Rascals via here.
*D2 via here.
*Jumanji via here.
*Casper via here.
*It Takes Two via here.

The Perks Of The Job

Being a part of the company who organizes one of the most important architectural congresses in our country had its perks. I got to see front and center (and sometimes backstage as well) many very important architects and learn a lot in the process. I got to be the biggest groupie, to meet and talk and take pictures and get autographs (and emails!) from the greatest architects in the world.

This week Mextrópoli (said congress) happened, and I was supposed to go with A, but that didn't happen, because, well. It's the first time in four years that I miss it, and it got me reminiscing. That's why I'm sharing a roundup of the best experiences I had working it in the past three years. 

My first experience was Desplazamientos. I had recently joined the team as a volunteer. This time I worked as an assistant backstage, which is by far where I had the most fun and believe it is the best place to work. Everything is so hectic having to deal with things and solving them on the spot whether it is issues with audio or getting coffee for one of the speakers. Because I was new in the team, I didn't really have any friends so I made a point to meet as many (famous) people as I could (Yes, that is Zaha Hadid, thank you very much. Also photographed Manuel Clavel, Cameron Sinclair, Sou Fujimoto, Thomas Heatherwick, Benedetta Tagliabue, Sasa Radulovic and Johanna Hurme, and Patrik Schumacher). The only possibly negative part about being backstage, is that you don't really get to listen or see the conferences, which is really a shame as some were really inspiring that year.

My second experience, already as a part of the team, was during Espacio. It was very different than the previous one. This time, my job was selling books during conference breaks in the precinct, which also meant I was able to sneak in to see some of the conferences. I really enjoyed the talks by Andrés Jaque, Alfredo Brillenbourg and Saskia Sassen. I don't think David Chipperfield was in the right condition to speak (he was sick) and Denise Scott Brown's, although very very interesting, was way too long. I did love however the graphic content accompanying the talks, truly inspiring work. This time around I didn't get to meet anyone but Denise. She was a classy lady who stood and signed books as long as there were people in line during her book's launch at Museo Tamayo.

My last collaboration was for Mextrópoli, in which the congress evolved into a Festival, becoming way bigger and more ambitious. There was more work than ever before, but it was compensated with all the more fun. This time I had to sell books again, but not in the theater, so I wasn't right on the action. I got to see the conferences I was most interested in (like Liz Diller's or Pedro Reyes') and I met my long time idol Juhani Pallasmaa and even got to ask him a few questions. I also met Iwan Baan, Winka Dubbeldam, Jordi Hereu and Josep Bohigas. Got to hang with pal Jaime Navarro, Sasa Radulovic and many others on the dance floor, including Mauricio Rocha. the venues for all the events were amazing and the parties were unforgettable. But the best part of all (besides meeting Pallasmaa) was that this time, I was surrounded by friends. Friends from work and new friends from the staff. It was the best experience and I'm glad it was the last I got to be a part of, as it would be really difficult to top.

All in all, working these were some of the most inspiring and greatest learning experiences I've had and I'm truly grateful to have been a part of them. 

Thank you for taking a stroll down memory lane with me.

g.

All Time Favorites: TV Couples

Since it is after all February, the month of LOVE and Friendship, I thought it would be fun to share my favorite TV couples of all times, in no particular order.

Cody Madison + Lani McKenzie / Baywatch (1997)

The 'veteran' lifeguard and the rookie. After Lani hurts herself during a rescue and blows her dancing audition, decides to quit Baywatch, but Cody tells her he doesn't want her to go (aww...). They are a normal couple who do normal stuff like going to the movies (which results in Cody almost losing a victim) and tries to do stuff 'as a couple', like tandem surfing. If sticking by someone's side when they lose their hearing is not love, I don't know what is (Cody, I love you). They weren't together long , as Lani wanted to pursuit a dancing career and moved to NYC after only one season (smart, independent woman).

Hamilton Flemming + Jake Pratt / Young Americans (2000)

Hamilton is the dean's son at Rawley Academy for boys where Jake also attends. He likes Jake and they hang out together until one day Jake kisses him. Naturally he freaks out but they talk it over and agree to stay friends... that is until Hamilton can't fight his feelings and kisses Jake in the boys bathroom at prom. He immediately starts freaking out, thinking they are gay, until Jake confesses he is actually a girl (who dresses herself as a boy to call her mother's attention). They become a couple and even go out on a date as boy and girl. When they are caught getting friendly by the school's bad boy, Jake decides she's leaving to keep Hamilton's reputation, but he asks her not to and says he doesn't care about that (aww...). They separate for the summer and as they are saying their goodbyes Hamilton asks her not to stop hugging him (heart melting as I type). I hate the people who canceled this series after only 8 episodes :(

Steve Sanders + Clare Arnold / Beverly Hills 90210 (1995)

Their relationship was definitely not love at first sight. Clare was originally crushing on Brandon (who in that show and IRL wasn't?), and got together with Steve after they discovered they had been romancing each other on the Internet. They weren't exactly the perfect couple. Clare often underestimated Steve, she being a nerd (she actually tutored him on math) and Steve being an underachiever party boy. Maybe that's why they worked, maybe that's why they didn't, but in the mean time, they fell in love and we saw a side of Steve we hadn't before. I loved their love-hate relationship and how they were more alike than Clare cared to admit. They dated on and off, and their relationship ended when Clare chose to move to France with her father after graduation.

Lucas Scott + Brooke Davis / One Tree Hill (2003)

For the record, I love Julian Baker and I love him and Brooke together, but Brookas? Seriously, that was the best couple (I don't care what all the Leyton fans say). Brooke brought out the fun side of an otherwise boring Lucas and he made Brooke want to be better. I believe for at least a little while, Lucas was in love with Brooke. Otherwise, he would not have said she was the person he wanted standing next to him when all his dreams came true (the first time, anyway). He  wouldn't have told her in front of everyone at the beach how HE was the guy for her. He wouldn't have written her love letters  and stood out in the pouring rain (obviously) telling her why he loved her. Of course, in the end, he loved Peyton more and thanks to that, Brooke got fame, fortune and true love in the end.

Nathan Scott + Hailey James Scott / One Tree Hill (2003)

The jock and the nerdy girl, I honestly didn't believe this relationship would turn out the be the lasting one. But Hailey made Nathan a better guy, and although at first he was a jerk who started hanging out with her just to piss Lucas off, he ended up falling in love with her. That scene when he says to her how he wants to be a guy that is good enough to be seen with her... swoon. Hailey wanted to wait until she was married to have sex, and so they did, get married that is. It was a shocker and nobody thought it would last, but they proved all of us wrong. They went through thick and thin, being apart while she pursued her singing career dream and he did the basketball thing, finding balance while also raising a son. The thing about these two? They never gave up on each other, not even during the hardest of times. That is love. Always & forever.

Harry Goldenblatt + Charlotte York / Sex and the City (2006)

Yet another odd couple, Harry was originally Charlotte's divorce lawyer and she was repelled by him. He did not fit the standards Charlotte was looking for in a life partner, as he was chubby, short, bald and hairy and Charlotte wanted... well, the opposite. But he was also funny and kind and in love with her. They have sex and soon after she becomes emotionally attached, but knows they can't marry as she's not Jewish. So, she becomes Jewish. But then she screws up by stating that people wonder why such a girl like her would be with a guy like him. Harry is hurt and breaks up with her. Thankfully, they find their way back to each other at the synagogue's singles night, where she apologizes and he proposes. Happy ending! :)

Ross Geller + Rachel Green / Friends (1996)

We all knew from the beginning these two would end up together. Ross had been in love with Rachel since forever and I don't think that ever stopped. Why else would he have said her name at the altar while marrying another girl? Plus all the things he did through the years to show her how much he cared: stepping up to be her prom date after she was stood up (until that didn't happen), remembering about the broach that looked like her grandma's and getting that for her as a birthday present, letting her win at poker when she was broke? I mean, that's love. Neither of them were in other serious relationships throughout the series (Rachel and Joey? come on) and whenever they were, it spiked jealousy in the other person. No doubt these two are each other's lobster.

Seth Cohen + Summer Roberts / The O.C (2003)

Tale as old as time, the geek and the princess who would never dare to look at a 'loser'. It didn't matter to Seth the fact that he and Ana had so much in common, or that they got along great, or even that she was in love with him. For him, it had always been Summer, she was THE ONE. He had set his eyes on her since she read 'the mermaid poem' back in like the third grade. And although Summer was a little embarrassed to like Seth at first, she very much appreciated his grand gestures like standing up on top of a 'kissing cart' in the middle of a school fair thing on Valentine's day (non the less) and declaring her love for her. Being the awkward geek he was, Seth screwed up a lot, but always found a way to get back in to Summer's heart. They dated on and off, and after Summer decided to follow her dream as an environmentalist, they ended up getting married.

Derek Shepherd + Meredith Grey / Grey's Anatomy (2005)

Originally a one night stand, MerDer didn't know they would end up working together, let alone that Derek would be Meredith's boss at the hospital. After fighting her feelings for him, thinking no one would take her seriously for dating her boss, Meredith gives in and begins a relationship with Derek. That is until one night after their shift, Derek's wife Addison arrives at their workplace and so the infamous 'Pick me, chose me, love me' words are immortalized. She's had a tough life (being neglected by her famous mother and also surviving a bomb, a drowning, a gunman and a plane crash), but with Derek's help and love, she goes from 'dark and twisty' to 'bright and shiny'. And so after many, many years of fighting to have a relationship, MerDer 'marry' each other by writing their vows on a blue post-it. They are each other's person. Talk about a traditional couple.

Marshall Eriksen + Lily Aldrin / How I Met Your Mother (2005)

Although I sometimes find this couple too cheesy for my taste, I can't help but to adore them and even see a little of me & A in them (no, we don't have embarrasing pet names and A would never agree to a couple's costume). I love that they pause on arguments to have sex or eat lobster, and that they encourage each other to pursuit their dreams and support one another through hard times, putting their marriage first. Marshall is thoughtful, romantic and an idealistic, childlike dreamer, while Lily keeps him grounded within reason. They are best friends and lovers who have been together since college and (to Barney's disgust) they've only had sex with each other (aww..). Although they are a young couple, they feel more like an old married couple and are completely fine with that.

Damon Salvatore + Elena Gilbert / The Vampire Diaries (2011)

Stefan who? It was Damon who first met Elena, and then, don't even know why, sacrificed himself so that his brother could be happy... (did I get it right? CBB). But ultimately, Elena chose him. To quote T.S. 'He's so tall and handsome as hell, he's so bad but he does it so well', so what's not like LOVE about him? specially when he chooses not to be bad, for you? Specially when he's in bed with you and you ask what's with that face and he rolls his eyes saying he's happy (d y i n g...). I'm thinking I don't like Damon and Elena, just Damon, yes, definitely. 

Chuck Bass + Blair Waldorf / Gossip Girl (2007)

These are probably the only couple in my list who are two peas in a pod. Coming from the same world, and equally evil, self centered, spoiled and selfish, Chuck and Blair are meant for each other. He goes to Paris to get her macaroons! which I'm sure are available in NYC. He buys the present she wants from the jewelers on her 17th birthday. Who would have known Chuck Bass had a heart? Even though they go most of the series either without admitting how they feel or not being together over mommy/daddy issues, 'Chair' eventually put aside their crap and get together. One thing I did particularly  like about their relationship (twisted, I know) was the fact that they encouraged each other to be who they needed to be, before being together. 3 words, 8 letters.

Noticed how I didn't include Dawson's Creek couples? I hated those! I was never a fan of Pacey and Joey, and don't even get me started on Dawson and Joey. My fave couple was probably Jack and Jen and they weren't even a couple. Anyways, what's your favorite TV couple?

g.

Cody + Lani

Jake + Hamilton

Steve + Clair 

Lucas + Brooke

Nathan + Haley

Harry +  Charlotte

Ross + Rachel

Seth + Summer

Derek + Meredith

Marshall + Lily

Damon + Elena

Chuck + Blair