Color & Café doing the #Hispz14 Pre-Party Right!! @SWPintura & @Coffee_mate , ESO!!!

This is not a sponsored post however Babushka did receive complimentary gifts from the sponsored party. 

Observations, photos and opinions are all BB's.

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!!!

Today we continue the #Hispz14 posts with the pre-party celebration.  Now, only Hispanicize could have a pre-party party, and seeing that they started it, only Sherwin Williams Latino could continue that tradition.  In case you didn't read last years pre-party post, aqui esta, here it is. I can just see the @SWPintura team wondering what else besides color could be part of a Latinos soul?? Naturally Café had to be on that brainstorming list, and no one better than la gente de Coffee-mate to accompany that one.  

And speaking of acompañamiento...

But before you think it was all just fun, we Bloggers do realize ours is a business, so we had an informative and empowering presentation by Nuria Santamaria, Multicultural Strategy Guru of Tweety itself!! Si My Beautifuls, y'all know Hispanicize is in the big leagues when Tweety takes it seriously and sends one of its own to share her knowledge.  The untapped potential of the Latino market is unknown even to us Latinos!!  Eye opening to say the least.

Colors, Café, Creamers-

 now all we needed was

Comida, Compañeros & Colleagues!!

Buffet of Cuban styled party food

Foodie @AsBestRecipes Adriana Martin                                Bloggin' Mamas BB  w/ Prez Heather Lopez

And of course it isn't a party sin party favors!!

So My Beautifuls, we laughed, we learned,

we had food, we had fun, 

but did we have our fill??

JU SO FONII!!!

BB had another fiesta to go to- right afterwards.

Pa' eso mismo Dr.Scholl's were created.

♪♫A BAILAR SE HA DICHO!!♪♫

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S. Check out Sherwin William's Color Snap App  

and Coffee_Mates newest flavors with a Latino nod- 

 Abuelita Mexican Chocolate & La Lechera Dulce de Leche. 

You're gonna love them all! 

Almost Full Circle-

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!!

Before I started my Hispz13 posts I mentioned the Sherwin Williams initiative Colores Latinos, Artistas Latinos.  Bueno, since the last post was about sponsors with corazon and the next post is the final recap, BB felt this was the perfect timing for this story.

Throughout Hispanicize 2013, Sherwin Williams sponsored four renowned muralists to "live paint" during the event.  To quote- "We are excited to bring the most brilliant muralists to Hispanicize and have them showcase products like our Emerald Paint line and Purdy brushes and accessories at one of the highest profile Latino events of the year," says Jason Riveiro, multicultural marketing manager at Sherwin Williams Paint Stores Group.  "This is a dynamic way to demonstrate our quality products and our wide-range of color selections."


The four muralists were:

JUAN DIAZ

foto courtesy of Hispanicize Feibu page

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JuanDiazArt

LUIS VALLE 

foto courtesy of Hispanicize Feibu page

foto courtesy of ASPIRA Feibu page

DIANA CONTRERAS

fotos courtesy of Hispanicize Feibu page

CHOR BOOGIE

https://www.facebook.com/CHORBOOGIE01

Buenisimos right?  But if you thought this was just to showcase the colors and the Latino artists, then My Beautifuls-  JU SO FONII!!!  No, this is where the beloved twofer comes in.  Not only did Sherwin Williams do that, but the proceeds from the silent auction sales of the art were to go to ASPIRA of Florida, Inc.  The vision of ASPIRA of Florida is to "develop a better educated, more community conscious and committed youth". 

"This mission is achieved by providing students with access to education ad leadership development training while emphasizing self-esteem building and cultural pride. Students develop leadership skills and learn the ASPIRA Process of 1) Awareness 2)Analysis and 3)Action."  For more information on this very worthwhile and important non-profit organization you can contact George Cabrera, Pres. and CEO  Gcabrera@fl.aspira.org   Feibu page https://www.facebook.com/ASPIRAFL 

Now y'all understand why this post had to be in this order verdad?  

Colorful, giving, showcasing Latino talent.  

BB w/ASPIRA Pres & VPres

Ok, Si... That could describe Sherwin Williams too.

; )

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S.  This was not a sponsored post, just a story BB wanted to share.  

However, should Sherwin Williams ever decide to sponsor Babushka that too will be shared. 

p.p.s.  The Sherwin Williams Latino Feibu page https://www.facebook.com/sherwinwilliamslatino

Noches de Diseño 3- A Pre Hispanicize Event

Noches de Diseño, sponsored by Sherwin Williams, was an early event for attendees of Hispanicize 2013. It was so rich and full in its' activities Babushka had to make it into a series. Oh yes I did! In Part 1 it was the art galleries to show us the colors. Part 2 highlighted the stunning and savvy Sonia Velasquez and shared a Sherwin Williams store grand opening showing us how to use the colors.  Y now My Beautifuls the final post and proof of appreciating the way we embrace colors into our culture, the heart of who we are - our food.

Ok si, of course BB would give comida a starring role, but think about it- isn't it truly part of our spirit and story?  The history of our meals, the love passed on from past generations in our platos favoritos, the sense of belonging in our sofritos- oh yes My Beautifuls, the color of our lives is definitely embraced by our food.  In this, I think the choice to dine at El Mercadito was brilliant.

Excellent ambience at El Mercadito.

Esta bien, all right, maybe the bit about being brilliant with the pic of the lights was a bit of a groaner, but believe BB when I say my joke was the only thing bad about the evening.  The food was not only colorful, but the sense of community was definitely put into play.  The organizers of the event had chosen the Sharing Menu option which was fun and very tasty.  Of course those of us who hadn't been there before were grateful we had eaten at the gallery and grand opening because we couldn't imagine a "sharing" option would really be enough.  Oh us of little faith- and Latin appetites!!  

Tacos de Pescado- Fish Tacos

Flautas

It was more than enough!! Plates and plates of each course- appetizer, main dishes and- 

DESSERT!!

Flan de Cajeta, Morenita de Chocolate & Pastel de Queso


Oh my and Oh Yeah.


Pero sabe que?  Ya know what My Beautifuls?
Amazingly as it may sound, this wasn't the best part of the evening for BB.

For Babushka the best part was:

Sweetest of Swag

Quee?? JU SO FONII!!!  Ok si, BB's love of swag is almost as infamous as her love of food, but it's the meaning and thought behind this particular swag that Babushka cherishes. The quality of product is excellent and not cheap on any level; this shows they think the same of us.  Not only did they give us some of their best to help us do our best, they took the time to research what else was in store for us during Hispanicize 2013 and gifted us Rita Moreno's autobiography for her to sign during the Adelante Movement/Coca Cola event.  That's the extra step that makes all the difference in Babushka's eyes.   From the hiring of art curator and tour organizer Susana Baker and the multi talented Sonia Velasquez, to including the memoir of one of our own, Latinas were highlighted.  Mil Gracias Sherwin-Williams for your insight, acknowledgment and appreciation.

Showcasing the best, because we deserve it.  

Let's not forget that My Beautifuls.

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S.  Once again, this was not a sponsored post, just BB sharing her thoughts and showing her thanks.

P.P.S.  Sherwin Williams had many more wonderful times in store for us via their "Colores Latinos;Artistas Latinos" project, 
but that will be part of my Hispz13 recap.

Noches de Diseño 2- A Pre Hispanicize Event

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!! Gracias for joining me for part 2 of Sherwin Williams' Noches de Diseño. And porsea- just in case you didn't read the first one, aqui lo tienes, here it is.  It was good verdad?  Ok, Continuing.

After the art galleries and street murals we were all inspired by the colors and different styles we saw, and quite a few of us had multi ideas on how we would bring some of this into our own lives. Don't know who put this event together, but they know their stuff! They organically tied this in to a new store opening, where the amicable owner/manager Angelo helped us find the materials we needed for our creations. Did you know Babushka used to be a faux painter?  Oh si My Beautifuls, I was in heaven!  Y ahora that Sweetie and I are consolidating living spaces and remodeling our home??  Por fa, this was second only to café y chocolate!

Grand Opening of Miami Store

2615 Biscayne Blvd.

They showed us various cool apps available to make your world exactamente how you want it.

  Here's the page so you can choose your favorite color-based on your life's hues. 

And a video peek because BB thinks it's so cool.

Buenisimo right?!?!?

And you know what else, actually who(m) else is cool and buenisima??

Photos courtesy of SoniaVelasquez.com

Sonia Velasquez 

Known as "la periodista filantropica"-"the philanthropic journalist", she's the host of Extreme Makeover Home Edition Latin America.  Bringing over 13 years of experience in the Hispanic TV Market, she's a celebrity, fashion setter, commentator, tv show host and a natural choice for a guest spot w/the Sherwin Williams team.  And natural is the perfect adjective for this lovely lady.  Not only does she inspire others to overcome their perceived handicaps, she comes across as totally sincere and real when you speak to her; truly "plain folk", which in BB's eyes makes her a Perla. Having lost her eye at the age of two, she didn't let anyone stop her from her dreams and now is helping many acheive their dreams.  Sonia exemplifies how we choose the colors of our lives and again, good job @SWPintura group for seeing the match in this. Ok si, I have total admiration for this Bella who exudes intelligence, self-reliance, and inner strength - not to mention the BEST first name ever!!  

; )

At this point it was getting late, but the organizers of the night still had wonderful plans for us.  Les digo, I'm a tellin' ya, the Sherwin Williams team definitely knows how to throw a party!  Y los "goody bags"? The goody bags proved to Babushka that they know Latinas well and I will use and enjoy the contents for years to come.  But that reveal will be in the next and final post of the series.  Quee??  JU SO FONII!!! Oh My Beautifuls, you should know by now BB savors each adventure, the story it brings, and my dances with you.  Hasta la proxima-

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S.  As previously stated: The opinions expressed here are from the corazon and all BB's.  No expectation of posts or any social media promoting was stressed by the sponsor.  Babushka received no monetary compensation- though, como siempre, I'm always open to negotiations.  ; )

Noches de Diseño - A Pre Hispanicize Event

Before a concert or show there's usually a warm up or opening act to get the audience ready for the headliner; the "Potencia that is Hispanicize 2013" had just that, thanks to Sherwin Williams and their Noches de Diseño.

You don't get to be almost 150 years old without knowing your product and the people who use it, and with this initiative, Colores Latinos;Artistas Latinos , Sherwin Williams proves why it gets a definite ESO!!!  For a full background on this, the above link with the NBC news release will give you detalles, pero Babushka will give you the visual and the sabor!

We were greeted by the impassioned and irrepressible Susana Baker, private curator and owner of TheArtExperiences  who whisked us away to the Wynwood Art District .  The first stop on our bus tour was the  Center of Visual Communications, a blue chip gallery whose director Barry Fellman graciously showed us the works of Iconic American photographer Clyde Butcher in his series of black and white photos showcasing Cuba.  Call me biased, but even without color the richness of the island and it's intoxicating beauty is very evident.

Salto el Rocio

"There are many waterfalls in Cuba, but I don't think Ive ever seen one as graceful as this one that is located in the Sierra del Escambray area.  We hiked quite a distance to reach the waterfall, and then down a narrow trail into the small stream flowing from the bose of the waterfall.  It was a beautiful place where I could have spent several days photographing. " 

Clyde Butcher  Silver Gelatin Photograph Ed.5;Ed.3  $8,000 for 36"x46"; $10,000 for 40" x 60" 

The ArtExperiences offered us signature bites and sparkling wine, furthering the art exhibit experience.  Babushka at one point looked around for cameras, as this felt surreal but at the same time so real. Si, BB could definitely live this way.

The next gallery, also under Barry Fellman's directorship was Guerra de La Paz.  Cuban born artists schooled in Chicago, they epitomize our love of color and talent of readapting articles, prolonging usefulness. All their works are made from manufacturer cast offs-new and now used in a new way.

Rainbows - y si, BB always wanted to go inside a rainbow, so I did just that.

The Zadok Gallery, showcasing works of art from Masters to Mid Career artists in its' 12,000 foot gallery also filled our senses with color and awe.

Mark Messersmith- Where have all the birds gone?

Gabriel Dawe- Threading Light

Pero the most impressive work of art that filled us with color and awe?  

The curator.  Bernice.

Bernice Steinbaum. 

Supuestamente,supposedly, after years of owning her own gallery she retired.  

Thankfully she didn't fully leave the scene for long because we all fell in love with her.  

Her charm, her chispa and her chutzpah.  

Si, we'll be back.  

Returning to our coche, we toured around the district. The neighborhood walls were alive with modern murals whose scenes and colors were bigger than life and just as big or bigger than our tour bus.  We ended the art portion with the Wynwood Walls, graffiti and street art genre extraordinaire.   BB was grateful for the giant windows and air conditioner of our transportation and enjoyed from afar. Quee?? Babushka's baterias were needing a recharge. It's a three hour tour and we were running 1.5 hours behind schedule and playing catchup. Actually, for being a busload of latinos, in Miami, we weren't too far off Cubantime...

As I said in the beginning, you don't stay in business for over a century if you don't know your product and the people who use it.  The colors of life for Latinos isn't only in art, it's in every aspect of our worlds and cuisine is definitely a big part of it.  This too Susana Baker and Sherwin-Williams understand, so the next part of this adventure was fine dining.

Quee?? JU SO FONII!!! Ok si, BB was still a little llena from the gallery appetizers, pero if the food was 1/2 the caliber of the rest of the tour, Babushka will always be able to make room.   And you My Beautifuls, I hope you make room to read the following posts in this series. Yes, it will be a series of posts because this is one sponsor who "gets us" and touched me in many ways, in aspects so sublime yet meaningful that I must return the appreciation they showed us.  So until then,

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S.  The opinions expressed here are from the corazon and all BB's.  No expectation of posts or any social media promoting was stressed by the sponsor.  Babushka received no monetary compensation- though, como siempre, I'm always open to negotiations.  ; )