A Monday To Talk About & A Video Tag

(greenery in the 20k acre pasture in Nebraska)

I am Latina. I am a strong woman. I am a smart woman.

And that’s a great thought to wake up to on a Monday morning when the past month has been challenging in odd ways. There were days I didn’t want to get out of bed. Other days my legs were sore for no apparent reason (I mean I haven’t dared worked out in over a month).

And, I lost two gigs and  gained three.

But, I had a good ol’ chat with Mami and Papi (and lifted up some prayers) and things started to change.

I unexpectedly got a new puppy after finally accepting that Geisha passed away exactly one year ago (which I never talked about here because it was just too painful). I named my new Cavachon Paris — not not after Paris Hilton, rather the pretty boy that killed Achilles in the movie Troy. Well, really, the true Greek mythological persona. Make no doubt I’m being tortured for donning him that name.

But who cares!?! It’s my perrito!

Bringing Paris into my life has been the highlight of my last two weeks notwithstanding he’s chewed not 1 or 2 but 4 pairs of shoes in a matter of a week! Gasp. He’s brought so much joy and happiness to my life, I’m thankful for his little needy self.  If he weren’t a little puppy and too cute for words where I want to nibble his blackest nubby nose, I would have sent him back to the Virginia owners that so appropriately named him Chewey.

But we’re good now.

Things couldn’t have gotten better but they did. It’s called putting positive  juju out there.

Last week I was invited to a last minute  and very intense visit to cattle ranch country in Kearny, Nebraska where I spent two days living like a farm girl. I saw and did all kinds of things you’d not think this city chick would ever do. I had to turn in my 5″ stilettos for rubber boots and parkas.

I was good with all that until I got SHARTED on.

I’m kinda okay with having sh*t [accidentally splattered] on my face and all up my arms, but some notice from said offender would have been appreciated. For a moment I thought I could get used to that life, you know.  I assimilated so well, I was invited by one of the ranchers to come back for an extended period of time to really immerse myself in the day-to-day operations.

But you’ll have to stay tuned for a full recap of that experience including an up close and personal video on how a cow is artificially inseminated and other wonderful things that keep America’s cattle clean and healthy enough for us to eat.

But more on that. Just know that the experience changed my perception of ranchers and life on a farm. It brought out the country girl in me — the girl I knew was always there. Shady Brady’s, Justin initial belts, metal tip boots and all.

And, as the week continued showering me with blessings, I got a flip-over-the-counter phenom email. Did you see the stuffed banana and maple peanut butter French Toast I whipped up in less than 30 minutes (yes, inclusive of all the elements of cooking, plating, photographing and writing a blog post con receta)? Well, sexy friends, I submitted that recipe as part of a contest I Can’t Believe It’s not Butter was hosting. And guess what!!??!! Your girl made it to the finals!!

Hells yea!!! That means I’m off to NYC this week to toast off for a chance to win some loot and a year’s worth supply of bread and butter.

Yes. One year supply of butter.

Things are about to go down in my kitchen!

Wish me luck this Friday as I go into Unilever’s kitchen and show my arse off, doing what I do best–and in heels–though I was already warned I’d have to rock some closed toe shoesies…as long as they’re not clogs, we’re all good.

And, last but certainly not least, the Nudie Foodies Cookbook is OUT! After months of unnerving and nekkid photoshoots and recipe developing, our sexy book replete with 18 tantalizing pictures of food bloggers showing some skin, is ready for the world to see! I have to say I’m proud of being the only latina in this round and am here to represent. I’m proud of the project, what it stands for and that the victims of Japan’s tsunami will be aided through our work.

I (we, the Nudie Foodies) would love and appreciate your support by purchasing your copy today. They’re only $27 with 100% of net proceeds going to AmeriCares! The benefit? You get to see me in, uhm, very little clothes on pages 33 and 34!

Don’t think about it, just do it! Buy it and share the love here.

With all that said, the last two weeks started have started to squash some of the stresses I’ve had. And to celebrate, I’m playing a bit of a tag game. You know what those are about, right? You answer some questions about yourself, in this case, questions about being Latina Smart, and then I tag someone else and the ball starts rolling.

I think you’ll love who I tag but even more I think you’ll appreciate the rawness of my low-budget vid clip as I sat in my ambient dining room. 3 takes and I finally got it right. Barring a grew grunt words when I’d mess up and I’m content with it!

This is how I’m starting my week. Being Latina Smart!

XO!

*this post is sponsored by Latina Smart as part of my involvement in their ambassador campaign but always reflects my personal and honest opinions and experiences.

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