MOVING...

Starting today, I will no longer blog from this URL. I will be blogging over at http://BlogsbyLatinas.com/Blog. I redesigned my directory Blogs by Latinas and have decided to combine all of my blogs. No worries, the content will remain the same.  Sorry for any inconvenience or confusion. 

-Monique

Los Angeles Love: Discover The Arts

Yesterday, I was invited to the kickoff of Los Angeles Arts Month!

Held on the steps of the Walt Disney Concert Hall (that shiny architectual gem in downtown) it was all about the city's Discover The Arts program.

Did you know there are over 100 museums in the city of Los Angeles? I didn't either!

The Mayor was on hand along with L.A.'s own Ozomatli, who gave a great performance (check out my video here).

If you're a resident or a visitor and often complain of the prices of museums and events, then you're going to love this. From now until April 30, 2012, you can SAVE up to 50% on LA's best arts and culture. Visit the Discover The Arts web site for details and a list of all participating museums, venues, and sites.

After our mini-Ozomatli concert, I was part of  group that got to tour the Pico House, Chinese American Museum, L.A.'s first Firehouse, and Olvera St. I felt like a tourist in my own city! I kind of loved it. And we had a delicious lunch at El Paseo Inn and snacks at Cafe de Camacho. Yummy! It was a great day to learn and discover a little about my "City of Angels."

Where do you get your arts, culture, or science when you visit Los Angeles?

Disclosure: I received a complimentary meal as part of my tour. The above is my true and honest opinion.

3 Reasons to Love Clinique

One of your favorite beauty brands, Clinique, is giving you three new reasons to love them even more. Yes, it's possible. And these are three products you won't want to pass up!

Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator

Created for drier and more delicate skin in need of hydration, this moisturizer delivers! I'm a big fan of moisturizer and this felt amazing when I applied the Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator ($36). It's thick but doesn't leave you feeling oily, which I loved. It has a light scent and after only three days of using it, I saw a difference in the appearance of my skin. It also has moisture barrier repair technology that helps the skin retain moisture. It's allergy tested, 100% fragrance free, oil-free, non-acnegenic, and Dermatologist and Ophthalmologist tested.

Clinique Almost Lipstick

This lipstick is exactly what the name suggests. The Almost Lipstick ($15) is Clinique's ultra sheer lip color. I tried Tender Honey, Lovely Honey, and Chic Honey. There are some days I just want a touch of color, but  I don't want a gloss and these are perfect for that. They come is seven different hues and range from natural nudes to pinks, violets, and reds. Allergy tested, 100% fragrance free, and Dermatologist tested.

Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Intense
(Online Only In-store February 2012)

I've been on a little eye liner bender lately. I never really used it before, but I'm experimenting like crazy. The Quickliner for Eyes Intense ($15)  is so amazing! It's definitely intense and they call it a pencil, but it glides on so easily and the colors are dramatic! I tried Intense Plum, Intense Charcoal, Intense Ivy, and Intense Black. Although, I didn't try it, it said one stroke of this eyeliner can last up to 12 hours! Looks like I'll try it out today! Allergy tested, 100% fragrance free, water-resistant, Ophthalmologist tested, and suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. 

Intense Plum, Intense Charcoal, Intense Ivy, and Intense Black.

Disclosure: I was NOT paid for this post. These products were compliments of Clinique and were for review purposes only. The above is my true and honest opinion.

5,000 Twitter Followers! Thank You!

Thank You! I've reached 5,000 followers on Twitter via my @BlogsbyLatinas account!

From the very first day I signed up for Twitter, I never thought I'd have so many followers. To some people this is not big deal, but to me it means something. And that's something for me to appreciate. Just like I appreciate all of you who take the time to read my tweets and re-tweets.

I was trying to figure out a way to thank you, when the amazing author Rebecca Burke offered 100 free copies of her Ebook When I Am Singing To You.

Fourteen-year-old Carmen Delgada, the daughter of migrant workers, ends up living with other homeless teens at an urban YWCA after her jealous mother kicks her out of the house. When Carmen learns that her new friend Hazel is pregnant, she vows to help her—a decision that results in tragedy.

Let Rebecca Burke know you've signed up for a copy of her book on Twitter @RebeccaBurkeSi 

The first 100 followers to enter their information below, with a valid email address, will be emailed a coupon code to download their free Ebook copy! 

Rules: This Ebook is courtesy of the author Rebecca Burke. No purchase necessary to sign up. Void where prohibited. Open internationally. You must be 18 years-or-older to sign up. The first 100 people to sign up will receive their free copy. I am not responsible for any technical difficulties. By entering this giveaway, you agree to these terms & conditions. I was not compensated for this post.

A Dose of Reality

Today, I really got a dose of reality. I've been dealing with some personal things lately and have been complaining that my life sucks. Then, I read about a blogger who is battling for her life.

In her blog she describes what her days are like. I stopped and immediately was ashamed and embarrassed. How could I even dare complain, when I've just read about the horrible day she had? My life is not as bad as I think it is. In fact, I have an amazing life and am blessed beyond what I could imagine.

This realization has done more than bring tears to my eyes, it has opened them. I will no longer feel sorry for myself. I will work on appreciating every moment, good or bad. I didn't write this to bum you out, but rather share this experience with you.

I hope you take a moment to look around and be thankful for the blessings you have, whether they're big or small. It all counts.

xoxo,

Monique

5 Ways to Dress up Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is almost around the corner. Whether you celebrate it or not...here's a little inspiration on how you can dress up your day.

• THE RED DRESS

Cocktail Dresses by Romeo & Juliet Couture
Plus Dresses by Baby Phat

• A SEXY PAIR OF HEELS

Platforms by Dolce Vita
Evening Shoes by Kate Spade

• STANDOUT JEWELRY

Watches by Morgan
Earrings by GUESS

• HEART ACCESSORIES

Scarves & Wraps by Wildfox Couture
Belts at ModCloth

• LUCKY LINGERIE

Chemises by Betsey Johnson
Bras at Target

Estee Lauder's Topaz Spring 2012

Are you looking for the perfect color collection for spring?

I think I've found it for you. Estee Lauder's Topaz Collection for Spring 2012 is beautiful!

Available for only a limited time, the golden and yellow hues, with the touch of turquoise make me wish I was on some beach somewhere. It was inspired by the sun-warmed desert, which I can totally see.

I had the chance to try a few of the products and I know I will use them a lot this spring...and probably into the summer. My favorite product in the collection has to be the Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Teal. It's what's been missing from my life. Seriously.

I wasn't sure about the Pure Color Gloss in Citron Kiss, didn't know if I'd like it. But, it's like a clear gloss with sparkle. I can see myself wearing it over certain lip colors to add some some shine. You know it's all about shine!

It's going to be a "beauty-ful" spring with this collection...I can already tell.

Are you an Estee Lauder fan? What do you think about this spring collection?

• Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelée in Topaz Chameleon, $40
• Pure Color Five Color EyeShadow Palette in Topaz Mosaic, $45
• Pure Color Intense Kajal Eye Crayon in Dramatic Teal and Dramatic Black, $22
• Pure Color Sensuous Rouge Lip Color in Sultry Caramel, Sensuous Nude and Sublime Nectar, $28
• Pure Color Gloss in Citron Kiss, $22.50
• Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Teal Topaz, $19

Disclosure: I did receive complimentary samples for review purposes only. The above is my true and honest opinion.

Los Angeles Love: LACMA Contested Visions in Latin America Through Film

Contested Visions in Latina America Through Film is a two-day film program held at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). It is organized in conjunction with the Contested Visions in the Spanish Colonial World exhibition.

On January 21, a selection of feature films will be followed by a roundtable discussion, with some of the actors and directors. This will be held after the last film of the day. Then on January 22, there will be a series of compelling short films and documentaries that will be screened.

It will be hosted by Edward James Olmos, actor, producer, director and community activist, and curated by Marlene Dermer, co-director of the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF.

Tickets are free, but required; guests may call (323) 857-6010 or reserve tickets with LACMA online.

 

Please see below for a full list of films to be screened via the LACMA web site:

La teta asustada (The Milk of Sorrow)
January 21, 2012 | 1:00pm

El Violín (The Violin)
January 21, 2012 | 3:00pm

El regalo de la Pachamama (The Gift of the Pachamama)
January 21, 2012 | 5:00pm

Teshuinada, Semana Santa Tarahumara (Teshuinada, Holy Week at the Tarahumara)
January 22, 2012 | 12:30pm

Solo un cargador (Porter)
January 22, 2012 | 1:30pm

El puente dorado (The Golden Bridge)
January 22, 2012 | 2:00pm

La pequeña semilla en el asfalto (The Little Seed in the Asphalt )
January 22, 2012 | 2:30pm