5 things I learned this year

This year has been hard. If I had to resume it all in one story it would be like this: picture you are a child waiting for your Christmas present, then Santa comes along and brings you that present with a slap in the face. Oh boy you will remember it.

Yes, that is what 2016 was like. But, as all bad comes with something good…I have to say that it also brought lovely things…still with a slap in the face.

I learned a lot of things the hard way in 2016 and I want for 2017 to be a little more gentle with everyone this year (like please please please.)

What I have learned:

1. The Universe cannot care less about your timing. The Universe has its own timing and you have to accept it just as it is. You cannot control it or modify it, just flow with it. I had plans for my Summer people. I had like a whole agenda for the rest of the year planned to perfection for me to vacation, then come back film our videoclip, finish our record and then go through a plan of promotion. Nope. Like a big fat NOPE. Broken arm, endless physiotherapy and paused plans for everything else.
2. Friends are like stickers; some stick like there is no tomorrow…others stick at first, unglue themselves and then leave an unpleasant residue. I did my best this year to be more social and be more patient with a lot of people but I learned that sometimes true friends are not the ones you know your whole life, but the ones who enter your live and stick forever. Thank you to the ones who were there for me this year and helped me through bad times.
3. Your body can endure more pain than you can imagine, it’s your mind you have to convince. I broke an arm and also I broke something inside me that I thought would never go back the way it was. The broken arm was just the beginning; my mind started to play an important role in the whole healing process. Even if it sounds crazy I was not allowing myself to heal. I still have to work on that.
4. Relationships are like plants; you have to take care of them…if not, they will eventually die. (Enough said).
5. If you are not feeling ok nothing will be ok. Stop convincing yourself that «when ____ happens I will be ok, when I’ll accomplish _____ I will be ok, when I’ll have ____ I will be ok». No you will not be ok if you don’t start working on feeling ok NOW. Then when whatever good happens on top of you being ok…it will be like the cherry on top of the ice cream. See? Getting wiser every year 🙂 )

So I hope you guys learned a lot this year and I hope that 2017 will bring you amazing things. Have a wonderful 2017!!! 🙂

5 tips to stay fit during the Holidays

Yes you read that correctly.

I (and half of the world) tend to flush down the toilet our healthy eating habits when it’s Christmas time and in the last five years I have learned that is way more enjoyable to start the year with 1-2 extra lb. than 10. Not to mention the famous New Year’s resolution of «I am going to lose ___ pounds».

By no means I am a specialist on nutrition or I am telling you that this is the way to go but these five tips have helped me to keep on track during the stressful and (yummy) Holidays.

1. Give yourself two cheat meals a week. Don’t ruin your healthy eating by focusing on «oh Christmas is just once a year». Yes it is only once a year but you don’t have to spend 31 days over-eating. Negotiate two meals a week where you can have a green light with your favorite foods.
2. Don’t skip the gym. Since you are going to be in the festive mood please by all means don’t skip the gym. It is good for you and it will boost those happy happy happy endorphins. If you are not a gym person then keep active.
3. If you get invited to lunch, dinner or coffee with friends or family have a smaller portion of everything this way you taste all the good food but half the calories.
4. Keep track of your alcohol intake. I personally don’t drink that much, but when I do I tend to go for the fruity, sugary drinks. (Yes, I know…) So try to keep track of the empty calories here and there.
5. Keep your body hydrated. Water is your number one friend these Holidays (and the rest of your life too).

Hope this helps 🙂

That time of the year…

This year went by so fast the last thing I remember was sitting here writing the 2016 New Year resolutions post. I mean… as I grow older my years go by faster and that is something to keep in mind next time I am worrying about something stupid. Last year I wasn’t feeling the whole Christmas vibe around me and started to decorate a bit late but this year topped last year and for some reason I am not feeling Christmas at all. I remember my first holiday here in Madrid; I was utterly excited and I just want to feel that excitement again.

I don’t know if it is because this will be another holiday without my parents or the fact that European holidays are way much different of what I am used to, but I am trying by best to get in the warm Christmas vibe.

The best way to cut out negativity? Being grateful.

So instead of my usual Monday list post I want to take a second and feel grateful. There is always something to be grateful about.

 

5 things right now: Summer through my Iphone

I have to admit that even though I thought my arm would be useless forever, I am starting to feel a little better. When I say a little better I mean I can move my fingers now and grab a cup of coffee with my right hand again. Still, there is a lot of healing left and I am trying to be as patient as possible.

Some nights I stare at the ceiling (since sleeping on my back is the only position I can manage right now) and think about all the things I didn’t get to do this Summer and all the things that are «paused» until I get better. I have to stop this silly behavior and start focusing on the positive because either way time will pass and it is up to me to be miserable or focus on the good through it all.

Good news is I am writing a bit more since my hand is starting to work a little better now. Still planning ahead future projects and polishing some old ones. I did get to meet Toledo in a small day-trip, I am enjoying my terrace more and with Jimmy’s help I did get to upgrade and organize in a fun make-over my office/beauty room (post coming soon).

1. Sunday trip to Toledo.

2. Coffee with my favorite mug (thank you Ivan 🙂 )

3. Nina’s company

4. Behind the scenes of Hispanic Kitchen’s videos (big thank you to Belen ❤ )

5. I am going to miss sunsets like these.

Are you guys having fun this Summer? 🙂

Summer bucket list

Ah, the breezy Summer feeling. I spent most of Winter thinking about it and now that it is here I am über excited. Two years ago I shared a similar post when I was living in Venezuela, last year I posted my Summer pics and this year I have four simple things on my bucket list.

I have been working out more than usual and trying to eat as healthy as possible to keep my migraines at bay so I hope it pays off when I try on my bikini (I can’t stop hearing Britney’s words in my head going «you better work b*tch).

1. Trip to Greece with my sister. Stefi is moving to Greece and I am helping her with all the unpacking and settling in. By helping her I also mean taking her out for drinks and casual shopping.
2. Swim like nobody’s business. I am going to be soaking in the water like a lentil for hours.
3. Allow myself some Summer cocktails. Lately, I rarely drink but this Summer I am having my «cheat» drink from time to time.
4. Finally wearing my jean shorts. I say finally because last year I bought some shorts and didn’t get to wear them confidently. This year I am dusting them off and rocking the hell out of them (thank you crossfit).

What are you doing this Summer? 🙂

5 things: welcome Spring!

I have to confess that Winter 2015-2016 was not that bad this year in Spain. I haven’t figured out if it the new apartment’s heating system or that this winter was not as bad as the last one.

Enough said about Winter and let us welcome Spring. First of all I already have my bucket list written down for this season and second of all I am über excited about putting away my coat. There is something magical about taking out clothes I love that I haven’t worn in a while. You have to see me «unpacking» the spring/summer clothing it feels like Christmas all over again… I am like «oh this is cute» and «oh I forgot I had this cool piece here».

My Spring bucket list:

1. Terrace make-over
2. Spring cleaning (yup I do look forward to this)
3. Buying more flowers
4. Picnic in the park
5. Spring color nails
6. Outdoor planting
7. Donating clothes

As for what has been going on lately, I want to share 5 things that are feeling a lot like…Spring.

1) Light colored nails while writing some new lyrics and adding chapters to my book.

2) I did cut my hair a month ago and it grew so fast. I think I am going to be needing another haircut before Summer. 

3) Baking some paleo cinnamon banana-apple pie. I think this will be a good tutorial in the near future for the blog. (Btw: It was so yummy)

4) New photo shoot by «House of Flow». Can’t wait to share it soon!

5) We have a new recording booth at our home! More lyrics, more music!

5 Things to start 2016 with the right foot

For me the New Year is a good excuse for a fresh start; it is like the Monday of the year. It’s not like after 12:00 pm of New Years Eve you are a different person, but you can be if that is what you want to. As I said in my last Monday Lists post, this year is all about new things for me. What is it going to be for you?

A dear friend of mine told me in our last telephone call «I want to change but I don’t know how or where to start?». So this post is for him and for all of you who would like to know where to start.

1) Get healthy. Feeling healthy is an amazing feeling. I stopped smoking a long time ago and I am feeling great. This is the time of the year where you should focus on starting the year healthy. This is the only body you will ever get so pay attention to its needs and take good care of it. Start taking a walk or take that new class you have been waiting to try. Make time for your physical health.

2) Your mind needs some care too. We often forget that our mind gets tired too. Find something you love doing. There is no greater feeling than finding your element and enjoying what you are doing.

3) Spring clean your social circle. Sometimes we forget that who surrounds us makes a difference in our behaviour. So this year spring clean those people who don’t bring joy to your life. You don’t need bad weeds around you and certainly you don’t need «friends» who criticize and bring bad vibes around you. Don’t be sorry to do it, you’ll thank yourself later. 

4) Give love back. We love but sometimes we forget to say it. Let others know you appreciate they are there. Let them know you love them today because good chances are you don’t know if they’ll be there tomorrow. 

5) Above all things love yourself more. All the above is about loving… you. I am always emphasizing in loving who you are and loving every bit and tiny part of yourself. For so long I mistreated my body and my mind that unconsciously I let others mistreat me too, never giving myself the chance to see and appreciate my true value. Every single one of you is unique and that is absolutely awesome. 

Resolutions 2016: it’s all about new things

This year is coming with some good changes for my blog: I have a new logo and banner that I will share with you guys pretty soon and I am utterly excited about it.  Jut like the past two years I am going to share my resolutions for this year 2016. I will still try to maintain past resolutions. I am also keeping my list short and filled with excitement. This year is all about new things and getting out of my comfort zone.

1. Go to a place I have never been before. 
2. Finish my book. 
3. Try something new every month. 
4. Get my fiction writing certificate. 
5. Finish our promotional material for our music duo 12/20. 

 

Do you guys have your resolutions yet?

 

Resolutions 2015: almost achieved

My resolutions tend to be more of a to-do list than anything else. I try to always focus on being healthy, learning new things, live new experiences and most of all…be happy.

Last year I achieved 100% of my resolutions but this year I arrived to a 80%. But really, who cares? I added new things on the way and I am still pretty proud of everything I have accomplished.

Here is the recap of the year:

• Finish the first draft of my book. 

The first draft is done people! Now I need to correct and clean up everything. I am so excited to start organizing everything and who knows…maybe I’ll share with you guys some chapters.

• Start dancing flamenco again. 

This did not happen this year. I won’t get sad or frustrated, it simply did not happen. What did happen though was me starting to love Crossfit-training. Now that is something I feel really good about. Sorry Flamenco, maybe next year.

• Decrease my diet soda intake.

Big round of applause for me! My soda intake decreased to a 90% this year. It was kind of hard at the beginning but after making it a habit it is now part of my life. Every time I order something to drink it is always water, just in special occasions I drink a Zero Coke because I really enjoy it.

• Take a lovely vacation.

My lovely trip did happen this year when I went to Greece with Jimmy. We had three days of work and then free days! That was also the last time I saw my Grandma. She passed away two weeks ago and I still can’t believe it. This resolution definitely brought me joy and I will remember this trip forever.

• Attend a concert. 

This did not happen either. I was supposed to go to a couple of concerts but we backed down last-minute for different reasons. Oh, maybe next year…

• Acquire a new skill. 

My new skill acquired this year is that I got better at communicating and organizing our internal logistics. Let me explain: when we make videos there is a person who keeps everybody organized, on time and above all things happy. That person is…. (wait for it)….me. This year I got a little better at it.

• Keep up my good work from last year.

I am exercising at least 5 times a week, when I’ve had a good week it could be 6 times. I am also trying to keep a healthy diet most of the time.

So this is the update from this year and soon I will be posting my resolutions for 2016.

Do you guys have your resolutions ready? 🙂

 

5 lovely things: December edition

Lately, I have a new small ritual in the morning; I wake up, turn off the bedroom heater and go to the kitchen to have my coffee. Nina wakes up exactly 15 minutes later (I truly think this happens because she somehow knows that I am the one who turns on the heater in the kitchen). I give my little monster her treat and then she goes back to sleep on my lap while I have my coffee while watching Snapchat stories.

I want to share with you five lovely things in this December edition (most of them include coffee drinking) It was hard for me to get into the Christmas feeling, but eventually I did.

This is my new cozy corner in the house: right next to the heater and some Christmas candy

I sometimes wish I was really small so I could fit inside Nina’s bed and have a cuddle party

They didn’t let us film that day our video clip, but I couldn’t resist taking pictures in this cool location 

My new favorite cookies: I am not doing the Dukan diet but their cookies are so good! 

Gifted myself this amazing shades: Merry Christmas to me

 

 

September: 7 favorite things

One of the things I love about living in Madrid is that here I can finally celebrate the changing seasons. I honestly have to say that I have been enjoying the changing colors of nature and the chillier weather. There are still lovely afternoons and sunny mornings but I did take out my scarf because now I am always cold. A-L-W-A-Y-S.

So yes, I am going to try the pumpkin spice latte for the first time and other fall drinks (I am kind of basic) and I also will change my make up to fall colors. I can’t wait for Halloween and I will be collecting some pine cones for fall decor.

1. My mother-in-law came to visit and gifted me the most thoughtful gift ever: I now have the Iphone 6 and can’t wait to use it! So excited and thankful!

2) How lovely are these fall colors? I am enjoying long walks in the park since it’s not so hot outside anymore. 

3) I am in love with this color. It’s the Maybelline Color Drama lip pencil in 110 Pink so chic. 

4) Jimmy went to a quick trip to Barcelona and brought the cutest gift ever: my new minion pen drive. 🙂

5) You will not believe me if I tell you that the only two drinks I have ever tried from Starbucks are the expresso solo and the mocca frappucino. Yup, until last week that I tried the caramel latte. Mhhhhh…

6) My new favorite park: Parque de Fuente del Berro. Sorry «El Retiro» but this is my new favorite place. 

7) Finally using my bathtub! Yaaaaaaas to bubble baths! (This helps so much with my back pains specially after a long run) 

Any favorite fall things you guys are looking forward to? 🙂

7 things that make my summer rock

I just want to take a minute and thank my landlord for having an air conditioning system in her apartment. I am not kidding when I say that I would probably melt if it wasn’t for it. But that being said, this summer has been packed with tons of activities and lovely events!

1) Finding the juiciest cherries in the world

2) Precious moments with my sister Stefi who came to visit alongside my parents and Nina

3) Recording the new album with Jimmy, this project is very personal and I am loving every step of the way 

4) Late night games: my dad crushing us all in Scala 40 

5) This two girls coming to visit! My mafia: Valentina and Carola. We went to school together and every time we meet is pure fun!

6) In this pic my dear friend’s Maria T wedding and next to her my fun girl Luisa! Still can’t believe this day, we had such an incredible time!

7) One word: Frappe

How’s your summer so far? Let me know! ❤