February 27, 2013

#BabuBoda- The Counting of Days & Details has begun!



BB's Popa Bag, Sweetie's Hat, sandwiching our marriage license.  It's getting very real My Beautifuls.

April 14, 2013  Bohemian Babushka and Sweetie will be married.  A little over a month away- a little over a million details still not finalized.  Good thing my hair is already full of silver lifelites and Sweetie's already bald, 'cause the details are the deadly doer inners.  Many a happy couple have corroded because of details- and legalities!!  Did you know you know have to read up on marriage and it's ramifications in the state of Florida??  Ok, let me start there in this series. Quee?? JU SO FONII!!!  You thought ONE singular post would suffice for this epic social media event hereby and herewith to be called #Babuboda ?

Actually, first let me explain #BabuBoda.  My friend and Teacher Yadira Ambert coined this marvelous phrase by combining my name Babushka with the Spanish word for wedding- boda.  Babuboda.  Just bounces on the lips right? Then My Capitan Maria de los Angeles places a # in front and VOILA! it becomes a Social Media Socialite.  And like all socialites, it takes a lot of work to make it seem effortless. We've got a Feibu Page, a Pinterest board,and of course our own Feibu and Tweety accounts spreading the news. And what good is a Social Media Event without a logo?


Link for Cutisimo Codgers


Yep, ya gotta have a logo and in the Sunshine State ya gotta have a license too.  Here are some of the main points of Matrimonial Licensing and Ceremony. Marriage in Florida no longer needs a bloodtest, however, to get the license there is a three day period from the day you apply.  Yes, the same as a gun.  This fact was not lost on BB.  Continuing; The cost is $93.50, however you may obtain a $32.50 discount if you take the marriage course, which is great if you feel the need to spend $30 on the course... No se, must be some sort of new discount math, but Sweetie and I decided  the $2.50 was better saved elsewhere and we read the 9 pages of the handbook instead.  We're not knocking the course or the handbook, and we're especially not bashing the reason behind this requirement.  There really are a lot of good points made in the handbook- matter of fact, once you're in a serious relationship, or before you let a relationship get too serious, this would be valuable reading.  Here's  the link- take a look yourself.  Florida Marriage Handbook.

Some other interesting tidbits.  You do not have to be a resident of Florida nor do you need witnesses to validate your marriage ceremony.  Oh my.  Dear visitors to our fine state, be verrrryyy careful when partying, especially since Florida Fiestas are so much fun.  Bueno no, I guess that's where there'd be a lot of witnesses- just no memory of the event, and who wants their wedding to be easily forgotten?  Not BB that's for sure, and My Capitan and I are gonna do our darndest to make sure it isn't!


Consider this your "Save the Date" notice.

; )



Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.




February 23, 2013

BLESS ME ULTIMA is coming to Tallahassee!








"Based on the controversial novel by acclaimed author Rudolfo Anaya, BLESS ME, ULTIMA is a turbulent coming-of-age story about Antonio Marez , a young boy growing up in New Mexico during World War II. When a mysterious curandera named Ultima comes to live with his family, she teaches him about the power of the spiritual world. As their relationship grows, Antonio begins to question the strict Catholic doctrine that he has been taught by his parents. Through a series of mysterious and at times terrifying events Antonio must grapple with questions about his own destiny, the relationship between good vs. evil and ultimately how to reconcile Ultima’s powers with those of the God of his church."



HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls! BLESS ME ULTIMA is coming to Tallahassee and BB's psyched!!! Quee?? JU SO FONII!!!  Ok si, movies come out everyday, but not like this one; the spirituality, the deep meanings and thought provoking themes make it special, and Babushka being the official promotor makes it even more so.  Thanks to Tugg  and the lindas of the Latina Lifestyle Blogger Collective BB will be bringing this magnificent critically acclaimed work of art Up North in The South.  Oh my and Oh Yeah.





I'll see y'all in the movies!




Bohemian Babushka besos a todos.  Cuidensen.




P.S.  Here's the link to reserve your tickets- Let's Bring it to Tally My Beautifuls!!!




February 20, 2013

Even BB Gets the Blues

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!!  Sorry I skipped Saturday's post- I really didn't feel like posting.  And since this baile and BB are all about following our hearts... actually, it wasn't my heart not being into it - it was more like being too into it.  I'm overwhelmed. Quee? JU SO FONII!!! Ok si, the overwhelmer had met her match.  So I did what any self respecting go getter would do. I had a piece of chocolate and went to bed.  Whaatt??  I didn't want to wake up groggy!

So what started this un BB like spin?  Well, first of all I lost my iPod touch on the bus. With all my pics of the grandbabies. Then once I got back Up North in The South I entered to find my place in need of... oh so many things.  You know the saying "There's no place like home."? They ain't just whistlin' La Guantanamera with that one. Hopefully there's no place like Babushka's. This is what was waiting at Babushka's home.




I know Babushka's not the only one who's kitchen table looks like this... right?


Actually the kitchen sink wasn't that bad when I arrived, but due to some unforseen leaky- shower -faucet- repair- gone- wrong- now- leaking -behind tub -walls -and -into- the -bedroom, we've had to shut the water off.  The picture is 3 days accumulation.  And speaking of bedroom-



Office side, bed side, walk in (more like tiptoe in- only 3 ft) closet


Hace tiempo, it's been awhile since it went from Eclectic to Eek!



Site of my future home office. For now, it's just a sight!


::sigh::

So how do YOU chase away the blues?


Babushka finds solace in song, in finding stories of inner strength, of dreams not yet diminished.  
In other words, I spent hours on YouTube.



Queen Emily David- ya gotta be grovin' with this one!



Listening to your inner voice,being true to yourself and having the courage to say "this is me- ALL of me".   Andrew de Leon




Alice Tan Ridley, 58 and still following her dreams after 20 years.


You're feeling better now too verdad?

It also helps to know you're not alone; the angels made sure I saw posts sharing my current blah sentiments.  Two of the best were Mami Holistica's   marvelous list of blues breakers (it's in Spanish, but sooo worth the translating effort) and my dear friend Carrie's article on the TikiTiki Blog.  Carrie's another fluent Spanglish Speaker, baby boomer who wrote about this in December.  P.S.  So sorry mujer that I'm getting to it Cubantime, but I guess it's true what they say.  "The teacher will appear when the student is ready." Maybe for us self taught people it's "posts will appear when the baile is the blues."  But you know what also will appear for sure when the Cuban Conundrum of the Moco Caido aka sad/sadness/blues appears?  What else, but


COMIDA!!!



I see you- don't deny it.  You're smiling and salivating at this very moment.


My weapon of choice this day is a sundae of banana split ice cream with nutella, sprinkles, and strawberries.  
This is Babushka's plate of perkiness and it's even good for me too. 
 Calcium and fruit requirement met for the day. 
Vitamin packed.

ESO!!!


Gracias for bailando Babushka's Blues. 
BB's feeling much better now that you've danced with me.
Pero porsea- but just to make sure of no relapses, I think I'm gonna go double up on my vitamins.


; )




Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.








February 13, 2013

Showcasing Love with HeART of Haiti

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!  It's February, the month of love- and for BB there's no greater love than mother love. Quee?  JU SO FONII!!!  Ok si, el café and chocolate come very close, especially during ::shudder:: puberty, but all in all, Babushka must say my trio have been and are the greatest loves of my vida.














 The S Sisters once again blessed BB with such symbolic gifts.  The frame pictured above is encompassing my loves by the same sentiment I've shared with them throughout their lives.  To give fully of oneself- in all one does, and to do it authentically. And like these hand chiseled paperweights, we shape and form our children with love, while they in turn become our grounding treasures.  

For those of you who've been following BB for awhile, you may remember my Mother's Day post  where I've always told my trio to "do everything with heart, from the heart."  I sincerely live by this motto and as you've seen by the last couple of posts, Babushka believes in the power of giving, helping and loving.  Thanks to the wonderful Heart of Haiti initiative my trio is being showcased with love, because each original piece of art is made by a Haitian artisan who gives of themselves fully.  I can think of no better way to show off my trio, and no better way to show global love than to help those who give of themselves. 

"Haitian artisans create beautiful one-of-a kind pieces for sale at Macys.com. This is an initiative Macy’s launched with the Clinton Bush Haiti fund and Willa Shalit – a philanthropic entrepreneur. Macy’s Heart of Haiti upholds the belief that “trade not aid” is a powerful way to create sustainable work and much needed financial opportunities."

Babushka hopes you go to their website, not just to see the wonderful creations, but to watch a video BB fell in love with.  The music, the colors, but most of all the sharing of the people. Their love of their art, their country, and of themselves.  Si, self love, self sufficiency-  the greatest lesson a mother can give her children. And the greatest love we can give to all.  



Love to you My Beautifuls, during the month of Amor and Always.




Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.



P.S.  Although this post was in collaboration with Latina Bloggers Connect and Heart of Haiti, 
BB received no monetary compensation, just the above shown items and the satisfaction of knowing the cause is worthy of highlighting.  
Opinions and beliefs as always are mine, and as always, shared from the heart. 



February 09, 2013

#PF2013 - Philanthropy, Speakers and Swag




Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.- Margaret Mead




Event schedule/speakers


HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!  Making the most of my time in Miami I decided to attend an event sponsored by two fantastic non profits, PhilanthroFest and Catalyst Miami.  Philanthrofest started last year in Miami and is an event that "creates platforms for people, passion and philanthropy to connect." Catalyst Miami "works through a network of partner organizations, linking people with financial education, healthcare information, public benefits and educational and economic opportunities."  The Margaret Mead quote was from their website and BB truly believes they're sincere in their mission.
Together the two groups put together a phenomenal schedule of speakers for the benefits of non profit organizations to network and learn how to further their engagements with the public and sponsors.  I'd say they know what they're talking about since they were able to have the event at the Miami Science Museum.


Model of Future Museum, Pan Am  Globe, Mural on outer entrance


PLUS have top notch speakers which BB will post here because they were too wonderful and too numerous to mention.  There was even one who gave out a book in exchange for your business card- a great talk AND a book?  You know Babushka and her love of twofers!  




And speaking of twofers... 




Café AND dark Chocolate??

Oh my and Oh yeah.


But the real reason for the events?

Tables set for everyone to share their publications.


The networking and meshing of missions,  It was glorious seeing the sharing of ideas, programs, and contacts; everyone was there to learn and live their ideals.  Even BB who had originally signed up to be an attendee ended up being a volunteer helper during the event- both with registration and serving beverages during the after event mixer.  Quee? JU SO FONII!!! Ok si, I don't live in Miami, but when you're somewhere you should be there totally and hopefully making it a better place because you were there.  That's my intention and those of PhilanthroFest.   


There's nothing wrong with dancing to our own music, but how much richer when we have a full orchestra behind us.

And THAT My Beautifuls was the true swag Babushka took home this day.

Oh my and OH YEAH.



Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.


P.S.  Does your hometown have these initiatives?  
Have you joined or started any groups to better your little corner of the world?  
I'd love to hear from y'all and perhaps spread the hope and ideas of a positive mañana.

February 06, 2013

HeartCamp 2013

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls! Babushka's year of firsts,favorites and fun continues.  I was a panelist at  HeartCamp, an "unconference".  Have you ever been energized, exhilarated and exhausted at the same time?  How about overwhelmed and overjoyed simultaneously?  Re-energized yet relaxed?  Ok si, BB's doing her extreming again, but if you had attended this years HeartCamp you would have felt the same.





"What Is HeartCamp? 
HeartCamp brings together speakers and participants from different walks of life to discuss all matters of the heart — 
the physical, emotional, spiritual and creative heart."


That's the official definition of HeartCamp, but Babushka and other attendees knows it was so much more.



Sold out capacity!!
Right there it should give you an idea how good it is.



Relax and Recharge- Hotel Urbano poolside
perfect setting for camptalks w/lead meditations



Gabriel Axel - Heart Healthy Breathing 
combined Yoga w/Neuroscience- fascinating

Dawn Masler-  Workshop More Amore Meditation


Of course all this brought to mind how sensitive yet strong our hearts are, and the panel BB partook of emphasized just that.

 Heartbreak to Breakthrough 


Karla Campos, Dawn Masler, Jackie Jimenez, Crazy Cubana, Gladys Diaz 

"We had a great time speaking, coaching, serving, & sharing our hearts at HeartCamp! " Gladys Diaz

Moderated by My Capitan, Maria de los Angeles, who was also the organizer of HeartCamp, the panel truly did share our hearts, and in turn so did the participants.  And this My Beautifuls is what sets HeartCamp apart from any other conference. It really is an opening of minds and hearts, a sharing and learning between everyone attending.  The heart in all its' facets was highlighted, studied and enjoyed- with some activies fusing it all together. 



Philbert Armenteros

ESO!!!

I think HeartCamp met the 2013 requirements of firsts, favorites and fun don't you?
 So does that mean I won't be attending in 2014?


JU SO FONII!!!


Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen


P.S.  For more info on HeartCamp you can click on the above highlighted link or go to their Feibu page.  
P.P.S. Special thanks to all the great sponsors- que se repite!! 
P.P.P.S. For more pics/videos go to BB's Feibu and YouTube Channel
P.P.P.P.S.  Here's the video of the panel BB participated.  If you want to hear BB's "signature phrase" go to 28:58.





BB2U


February 04, 2013

My 3 Amigas Gift Guide Gratitude


HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls! If you're a regular reader of Babushka you know BB loves winning and Tweety Fiestas, and when it's an adorado twofer it's divine.  Bueno, that's what happened at the end of 2012 when the 3 Amigas  had their Gift Guide Tweety Fiesta and Babushka won a personalized journal.  Now, you know this isn't my only winning and I'm always buying new shoes to dance at all the Tweety Fiestas I attend, but this one really touched me. First of all, this year, 2013 I plan to do so much, whatever the S Sisters send my way, that I want a physical, tangible memory of it to relive and pass on, and as proof that it's mine, the journal has my name on it.  Oh si it does!


I should have known it was going to be cute when I saw all the pretty packaging details


cute verdad?


But BB can't begin to tell you how emocionada I got when I saw the actual journal.   
Matter of fact, Babushka had to make a video because the written word couldn't convey how happy I was.






You know the saying "it's the little things that count" or "good things come in little packages"? 
How true, how true, and I can't wait to fill this priceless prize with marvelous moments.

So, that's also why this is a little post.  

Vamonos, for una Cubana this is very quick and short, but I want to get this out there before their next gift guide Tweety Fiesta- which is today!!  



Time to run- gotta post and go buy new shoes for the fiesta.  
Quee??  You thought BB was sitting this one out?  

JU SO FONII!!!

Nos vemos- I'll see you there.


Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.



P.S.  The journal was madebyrori - just click to find yourself in the kingdom of cutisimo.

P.P.S.  If by chance you miss the Tweety Fiesta, subscribe to their future guides here.