There are very few things in this life that I enjoy more than listening to music on a sunny Saturday morning (like today). Music has been a crucial part of my life for as long as I can remember. When I look back at my life it's almost like listening to a movie's soundtrack - memories blended with their musical counterparts. Every era defined by my ever-changing musical palate... Even though I grew up in Mexico I have always had an inherent attraction to music in Portuguese. In my opinion, Bossa Nova is the sexiest music known to man. I love Brazil in general and for that reason when I heard that they would be performing at Vancouver's Celebration of Light this year I knew I had to be there to experience it live. I must say I was not disappointed. Bossa Nova and Samba rocked the airwaves that night as the sky was filled with amazing fireworks - a truly unique experience! That same night I heard a version of " Mas Que Nada " I was not familiar with. At first I

For as long as I can remember I had always wanted to visit Las Vegas . As most teenagers I promised myself that as soon as I'd turn 21 I would head over there and party the night away. For one reason or another 21 came and went and I never made it there... that is until this year! With so many different hotel options it can be a little overwhelming to choose where to stay in Las Vegas. We knew we wanted something right on the strip that would allow us to explore without the need for transportation. Our main hotel choices were the Vdara , the Aria , the Palazzo , and the Cosmopolitan . After much debating and a thorough evaluation of the TripAdvisor reviews we decided to go with the Cosmo. The Cosmopolitan - Exterior Car Entrance We flew from Bellingham via Allegiant Air and we arrived to Vegas at around 10am and ended up getting to our hotel close to 11am. The Cosmopolitan is stunning from both the outside and the inside. Its location on the strip is enviable as it ha

Ever since I can remember I have been interested in witchcraft shows and movies. I love the mystery, the spells, the magic, the supernatural romance and the drama. Mexican culture is full of rituals that incorporate either white or dark magic. We have entire markets in Mexico City dedicated to selling ingredients to cast spells. I certainly grew up with witchcraft around me. My favourite movie of all times is The Craft  - I recall watching it as a teenager multiple times and loving every minute of it. As much as I loved that movie I never really thought that something else could come along that would be able to trump it. Then came  The Secret Circle  - a TV show based upon the book series by L.J. Smith ( The Vampire Diaries ). The series depicts the life of six witch teenagers who unite their forces by creating a "circle" of power and energy that binds them to one another forever. Drama quickly begins when Cassie (the main character) discovers not only that she is a

I'll be the first to admit that having grown up in Mexico City - a very Catholic and "machista" city - I never really felt comfortable playing with dolls as a kid. If I would have been caught playing with dolls at school or at a party I would have likely become a victim of social ridicule and bullying. Guys are supposed to like plastic cars, toy soldiers, monster trucks, cowboys and guns. I was always a little bit different than other boys I grew up with. I liked My Little Ponies, Care Bears , She-Ra, and yes... Barbie dolls . While I never actually openly played with dolls, I managed to steal one from one of my cousins during a sleepover weekend. It felt so wrong and yet so right. I was excited to get home to play with it. I remember hiding it underneath the washroom vanity and locking myself up to bring it out. Looking back now, I don't really know what I was so ashamed of. Society and cultural gender roles can have a big impact on the way we behave as both kid

Ok fellow Real Housewives ' fans... Let's dish it out shall we? First of all I'd like to say that I feel extremely privileged to live in such a beautiful and diverse city as Vancouver – it certainly looks great on screen and I’m proud to say that I have been to almost all of the spots the housewives went to on the first two episodes – like most foodies I love exploring the city’s hot spots and trendy shops. In terms of the ladies, here are my first impressions: Jody – WOW – this woman gives the concept of verbal abuse a whole new meaning. I thought I liked her when she started talking to people at the market in their native language but I quickly changed my mind when she took out her claws and attacked Mary and Christina for no apparent reason.  She seems sweet at first but trust me she is full of nasty! Also, what's up with the gigantic earrings and jewelry? Reiko – My favourite Vancouver housewife by far! She knows how to enjoy her money

My friend Keely and I having a blast at our work party. She chose the song... I added the corniness :)   Lovesong by Angel Clemente