Appreciation is Love. Gracias @Seaworld for sharing Latino Lore. #hosted #3KingsDay #ValentinesDay

This was originally posted for the February issue of Conexion. BB was given three media passes to Seaworld for their Three Kings Celebration. Opinions and post all Babushka's.

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!

It’s Febrero and lots of y’all are thinking about Valentine’s, Dia de los Enamorados. Aunque Babushka’s been married 3 times and romanced plenty, write on that aspect? JU SO FONII!! Today we speak on something different.  

BB takes daily life and being grateful for it very seriously. Those of you who follow Babushka on social media know that at noon is posted #GSOG #GigaSecondOfGratitude #GospelOfGracias. This is where a quick shout out to life is shared. It could be for anything, everything. This is what is wished for you this year Beautifuls-to be grateful for life and all its' adventures. Hoy BB shares her first adventure of the year.

Babushka started 2019 off with a hosted visit to SeaWorld Orlando , on Three Kings Day. Reyes, celebrated by a major Florida theme park. Think about this Beautifuls. Via the US Census, Latinos in the summer of 2018 made up 25% of the states population- yet there had been no dedicated dia to us. Gracias Seaworld. BB went to the inaugural Reyes Celebration last year and wanted to see if they would repeat it. Not only was it repeated, but it was bigger. No te puedo decir how happy we were to see more of our culture shared. The foods, the musica, the beautiful sound of our language being spoken, sin pena and often. Families sharing with their little ones the story of the 3 Kings and their memories of childhood celebrations. The best part of the grand day was in the final show. The “warm up” was a latino singer/musician who spoke to the audience in Spanish and sang Christmas songs of their youth. Sin exageration, a BB se le aguaron los ojos, couldn’t help getting emotional when a giant auditorium was filled with love of their Navidades Nativos, all joining in song, memorias y longing. Being able to relive the joy and reason of the season, to share with family our ways, our culture, in GRANDE. Because we all know recognition by a major presence vale mucho in the world’s eyes, we thank you Seaworld Orlando for the festivities.

Appreciation is love. And there is so much to be appreciative of. Make sure to acknowledge whatever brings you joy. Share that acknowledgement and joy wherever you can. The memory will bring you more joy, and we could all use some of that.

Love. 
This article shows appreciation and familia fall under that palabra. 
What falls under that word for you Beautifuls?

BB2U

P.S.  Gracias to Seaworld Orlando FB Messenger for sharing the musician's info.
That performance was wonderfully done by Samuel Velez. 

THT- Tallahassee Hispanic Theater- ESO!!! @TallyHispanicT #850Latinos

HolaHolaHola Beautifuls!

Y’all know Babushka is into The Arts, especially theater.  Cultivating cultura, especially when it’s not your typical mainstream type is one of BB’s amores.  As part of TWAM, Theater With a Mission, specializing in Spanish Golden Age plays and Palaver Tree Theater specializing in the history of community and opportunities for locals, Babushka thought that was about as diverse as North Florida was gonna get. Tallahassee Hispanic Theater, who’d of thunk it?  Bueno, BB’s amiga Alejandra did, and not only did she think about it, but she did it! Logro the dream of bringing modern plays written by Hispanic playwrights to Florida’s Capital. 

A little about Alejandra-
Alejandra Gutiérrez

“Alejandra has a PhD in Spanish. She also studied theater in Venezuela, and while going to graduate school, she was a member of the Spanish Theater Group at the University of Virginia. Since she moved to Tallahassee, she’s being working with Theater with a Mission, and recently with Polyphonic Bonsai. With Tallahassee Hispanic Theater she is turning one of her dreams into reality: creating a Hispanic Theater group in the US.”

And if you think this dream is only for the adult crowds, JU SO FONII!!!  Tallahassee Hispanic Theater has our hijos and futuro cultura very much al tanto.  Of course, to go to the future, one must know their past, so puppet shows of the classic, Don Quixote son perfecto.

And speaking of futures, Tallahassee Hispanic Theater just performed the first microtheater in North Florida.  Miami being the only other microtheater in the state, this is cosa grande, and as BB shared, BUENISIMO!!  Looking forward to next years offerings.

IG Post on Closing Night

Alejandra shared, "We’ve been doing Hispanic plays in translation since 2016. The micro theater Festival idea occurred to me because it is a format very popular and successful in Spain and Latin America. Since it was during the summer we wanted to do something fun and fresh, so we added live music, food and drinks and we were really surprised with the response we got. People really enjoy the whole event and we hope to do it every summer. We will continue doing a play during the fall and spring. On November 9-10, 15-16 we’ll be presenting our next play “Idiots Contemplating the Snow”, by Alejandro Ricaño at the Monticello Opera House.

As you can well imagine, BB is very proud of Alejandra, THT- Tallahassee Hispanic Theater and all the actors and audiences who have become of part of this diversification of Tallahassee voices. Not only is the public being exposed to offerings from varied Hispanic authors, they’re beginning to realize that “Hispanic” encompasses many different types and countries. Ya Buena Hora y Al Fin!!

So you can follow, cheer, and hopefully join us un dia.

Website:  http://tallahasseehispanictheater.org/

Feibu:  https://www.facebook.com/TallahasseeHispanicTheater/

Tweety: https://twitter.com/TallyHispanicT

Until the next curtain call Beautifuls!

BB2U

♪♫♪La-La LANUGO♪♫♪ Laugh & Learn with our Legacy

CUTISIMO!!!

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!!

If Babushka seems excited, it's because she is! Isn't that just about the cutest, most darling thing, that "Cafe con Leche"?  For those that don't read Spanish that means Coffee w/Milk and is to the Cuban culture our mainstay breakfast and very much part of our ethnic history. Gracias to the vendors I met in Hispanicize, I was introduced to this line of baby products celebrating Hispanic history through our sayings and loveable characters.  Of course this one struck an awww and an Oh my and Oh Yeah, and when I went on their site to read more about Mia the Monita you KNOW BB was in Amor!!!

http://bebelanugo.com/characters/mia

Now, not only am I in love with Mia, but I am very happy to say the creators of these products are just as wonderful.  Carla & Roberto are a married couple who upon starting a family noticed there was nothing for babies in the stores geared towards preserving our latino sayings and customs, thus Lanugo was launched. 

Way before Hispanicize, BB had received personalized cds with my grandbabies' names which were spectacular, so it didn't surprise me when I saw in person that the rest of the products they have are of the same quality.   This quality and message rings sooo true to Babushka that I ask you My Beautifuls, to watch the short video below and to vote for these precioso productos to be on Walmart's shelves. 

So please, por fa, cast a daily vote for Lanugo!!

And for those of you asking if this is a paid ad, JU SO FONII!!!  No, Babushka truly likes these people and their products so I offered to share their story.  Ahora, the S Sisters did appear this morning when I received an email from Paula of GrowingUpBilingual.com who informed me of my winning a Lanugo product via her last giveaway. Talk about quick karma!  And just what did BB pick???

http://bebelanugo.com/baby-infant-toddler-clothes/toddler-tote-cafe-con-leche

I'm thinking it's time La Princesa started carrying her own Popa bag, so I'll give it to her.

Maybe.

;  )

Babushka Besos a todos. Cuidensen.

P.S. Right now Paula is having another Lanugo giveaway, this time for the wonderful cds I received for my grandbabies. 
You'll love it! 

P.P.S.  If you're like BB and want to see these products in your stores, feel free to Tweety any of the following:

"Y Colorín, Colorado, este cuento está comenzando…" Cast your daily vote for @BebeLanugo in Walmart's #GetOnTheShelf ow.ly/o3JkA

@BebeLanugo #Hispanic T-shirts are competing in Walmart's #GetOnTheShelf contest! VOTE DAILY at https://getontheshelf.walmart.com/product/1a38/Lanugo-Hispanic-T-shirts . 

Conference Conga Line

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!  Today BB will address a topic all bloggers love and look forward to- CONFERENCES!!!  For many of us it's a highlight of our year.  Not only do we get information, get a chance to network with sponsors and other bloggers, we finally get to put a face to those we've friended over the blogasphere. ESO!!!

Babushka's First and Favorite is of course Hispanicize.  This year thanks to the American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip BB will be a panelist in this one of a kind, wondeful, buenisimo event.  It's so much, so good, that it's a 5 day smorgasbord!! Naturally it's not only for Latinos- everyone is welcome, but because it's organized by Latinos, in Miami, the smorgasbord mention is not in vain. LOTS of FOOD,FUN, FARANDULA in this one!!  Go ahead and check out the schedule- I know you'll want to go.

The second conference is from a group I'm very happy and proud to be associated with- the Latina Lifestyle Bloggers Collective.  Ok si, BB is a mom/grandma and loves writing about her family, but let's be truthful here, my blog is mainly about life, the humor in it, and Babushka's sense of adventure so I'm very comfortable with these ladies.  By the way, you needn't be Latina or even female to join this very supportive collective.  Here's their Feibu page if you'd like to see their style.

 The Third Annual National Lifestyle Blogger Conference & Junket

From Blogger to Brand


Taking place in California from April 25 - April 27, this is a conference with caché. There is space for  Only 100 bloggers so personalized attention in a non harried atmosphere is a priority.  Truly a different take from the mass production and craziness of other conferences, this is one to learn while relaxing and reflecting at the same time.  The details and sign up are here. 

For many bloggers- or those who are thinking of becoming bloggers, the expenses of travel and lodging for conferences, or maybe the time involved is not doable. Well, Babushka has found a conference that is doable because it's ONLINE!!  Que? JU SO FONII!!! You know BB wouldn't miss that one! Another, first, fun, and sure to be favorite.  The Blog Workshop - It's in May and BB will be already married and ready to focus on detailed, focused learning- in the comfort of home.  Oh my and Oh YEAH.  Join me here for a good online blogging howto/whereto/withwhoto experience.

Here's a video that'll explain a bit more:

http://www.youtube.com/embed/9lsf3bEkVIU?rel=0

We've got a busy,productive and fun time ahead of us My Beautifuls.

Now go and buy your dancing shoes and those comfort inserts-

A BAILAR SE HA DICHO!!!

; )

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.



P.S.  Affiliate links are present in this post, however the opinions como siempre are purely BB's.

American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip- Tallahassee Twofer

The wonderful people of the American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip have graciously let BB start the Florida edition in the state's capital of Tallahassee.  Queeee??  You thought Tally had only politicians and college kids?  JU SO FONII!!!  Of course there's a Spanish influence and history here Up North in The South and many people/organizations who study, celebrate, and embrace it. The pity is that it's not better known- and who better than Babushka to spread the cheer?? Now you know BB loves her twofers, so put on your dancing shoes my Beautifuls, because I've dedicated two days of the trip to Tallahassee and its' big part in preserving our latino heritage for future generations.

The first stop is seemingly unassuming, pero sumamente importante- 

the Governor Martin House.  

Currently used as the office for many archaeological organizations, it is believed to be the site of De Soto's winter encampment.    De Soto?    In North Florida? 

 Oh si, parece quel el Sr. De Soto estaba en todo; 

he was Conquistador, business man, seeker of fortune.  

Think combo Atila the Hun and Donald Trump.

BB w/De Soto in de lobby of the Gov. Martin House

On BB's Feibu page, you will find a video interview with Dr. Daniel Seinfeld where he describes a little of the history and significance of De Soto's time here in Tallahassee.

Dr. Franklin H. Price  and Dr. Daniel Seinfeld,
Senior Archaeologists

In quick BBP (that's  Babushka Bullet Points) the De Soto Winter Encampment site:

*  The Only documented De Soto Encampment in US

*  De Soto and 600 + set up quarters for appx. 5 months looking for gold/riches

*  Brought/introduced pigs and horses to the region

*  Village burned by Apalachee twice 

*  Discovered in 1987 while building office buildings, the artifacts found were dated pre1600s 

*  Not the easiest place to find- took BB 3 hours to find. 

Ok, si, part of it was Cuban time, pero still, it's hidden behind modern day businesses.  

Call to set up tour and ask for directions- por sea. (850) 245-6340

Now the De Soto Encampment is within walking distance of the capital, which is within walking distance of our second stop of the day,the Museum of Florida History. Ahora, within walking distance if you're in good shape, which Babushka is not- besides, Carlitos is here to take care of BB and who am I to take away his oficio?

Curator Lisa C. Barton, BB, Wanda Richey Public Relations

Once I arrived at the museum, I was given a tour of the "Forever Changed La Florida" Exhibit.  I had seen the exhibit briefly when I was part of it's inauguration, but this time I enjoyed having the details shown to me.  Besides, I could see much better now without a metal helmet sliding over my eyes. 

Here is a video with Curator Lisa C. Barton that BB filmed.  Be kind, be open minded, BB tried to be all artistic at the end by changing the camera angle and then couldn't figure out how to edit it.  Bueno, the most important parts- the reason we should study and acknowledge the latino heritage of our state and nation is there.  El resto... ::sigh::  I tried.

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen

P.S.  Special Thank You to KC Smith who organized all of today's interviews.  On Feibu I will post pics of today's activities and hopefully be able to upload further interviews of Dr. Daniel Seinfeld, Wanda Richey Purblic Relations of MFH and Catherine Sincich Asst. conservator for MFH.

Babushka's Booty

And Boy there's a lot of it!  Hispanics believe bigger is better and if you've got it share.  Oh si, we are a giving bunch and in Miami BB's booty was impresionante. 



BB's Hispanicize 2012  Booty

Que???  What did you think BB was talking about??  Oh.  JU SO FONII!!!

Ok, si, bueno...

 that one  is impressive too, especially after a visit to Miami, but I was talking about

Hispanicize 2012

  and the great goodies attendees received.

As you can see from the picture there were many great sponsors and plenty of swag,

but this post will be a shoutout to the sponsors of the main events. 

In no specific order I gratefully list:

DISNEY

 They gave all of us 2 park hopper tickets- Oh si they did!!!

PLUS 

 BB received 4 adorable Mickey shaped chocolate dipped rice crispie treats

for 4  adorable grandbabies. 

Disney's details- ya can't beat it.

CLOROX

 

for their wonderful and slightly wacky

(think virtual bowling, scavenger hunts, etc.) reception party

BLACKBERRY

The BlackBerry Black Carpet- National Latino Film Showcase.

Where we got to preview films, dance, drink and definitely be merry.

McDonalds

Yacht cruise anyone??

BACARDI

Mingling in a mansion- oh my!

Babushka's booty be bountiful, beautiful and bastante

because she dared to dream, dared to ask,

and dared to eat that extra helping of life!

How big is your booty??

; )

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S.  Martinique my Muse informs me this will be the first in a series sobre Hispanicize2012.  

Of course this suits me perfectly as there were so many experiences,panels,and events! 

Let's just say Babushka is still bushed- but still so happy that I joined that baile.