My Grammy 2016 Reflections

I'm just a regular person from SoCal who loves to be entertained and genuinely enjoys Pop Music and all the hoopla that surrounds it.  I LOVE the Grammys & most of the artists.  I don't enjoy all the genres but I have mad respect for all the performers--takes guts to put your heart & soul on a stage & be open to love or criticism.  Congratulations to ALL of you! The following are my own personal reflections & opinions.

Fashion:  I don't do worst dressed lists.  Style is a personal choice. I may not personally like something someone puts on themselves, but I refuse to openly criticize. Express yourself the way you want.  So, here are MY personal favorite looks of the night.

Demi Lovato

Demi is wearing Norisol Ferrari.  I noticed that she made some worst dressed lists last night and that really surprises me.  To me, black is just a classic color and it's hard to get that wrong. The low V-neck blazer is elegant and sexy and continues that theme with the high slit skirt.  The necklace accessory is perfect for the edgy feel of The Grammys.
Source: Daily Mail 

Chrissy Teigan

Chrissy is wearing a Yousef Al-Jasmi creation.  I love her adorable baby bump and the dress does a great job accentuating her soon-to-be-a-mom curves.
Source:  US Weekly

Ellie Goulding

Ellie is wearing Stella McCartney.  I love the soft pink color.  The dress has an edgy back detail that makes it appropriate for The Grammys.
Source: Star Tribune

Now on to the Performances of the night:  I was mostly entertained.  Here are my stand-outs.

• Loved Taylor Swift's opening performance of "Out of the Woods". That song is so catchy. And I think she looked great in her glittery cat suit--with boots! 
• Tori Kelly and James Bay performing "Let it Go" and "Hollow" turned in a solid performance & proved that they are true professional musicians. 
• The Cast of Hamilton performing "Alexander Hamilton" was so great.  But I couldn't get passed noticing how attractive the guys are! Can we say shallow? At least I'm owning it, right? They're definitely a talented cast and it's a great bonus that they're easy on the eyes too.
• The Weeknd did a great job with "Can't Feel My Face" & "In the Night". These are two awesome songs with strong bass beats and I admire his choice of presenting them in a simple way to accentuate his voice and the song themselves.  
• Lady Gaga did a wonderful tribute to David Bowie.  I really enjoyed the very artistic staging, costumes and performance.  I think David Bowie would've approved.  
• And one of my favorite performances of the night is....Justin Bieber!! What??!!! Yes, I said it! I feel Justin is a great talent.  I love his stripped down voice in "Love Yourself". And I enjoyed the steroid version of "Where are U now?" People love to criticize and make fun of this guy, but if he just concentrates on his music he can really go even further in his career.  He's got actual talent to back up all that hype. :-)

Source: Spin 

Favorite Moment?  Taylor Swift's speech when accepting her award for Album of the Year. She addresses the recent accusation of a certain someone who shall remain nameless who claimed credit for her career & her success.  She said, "And as the first woman to win Album of the Year at the Grammys twice, I want to say to the young women out there, there are going to be people along the way who try to undercut your success or take credit for your accomplishments or your fame. But if you just focus on the work and you don’t let those people sidetrack you, someday when you get where you’re going, you will look around and you will know it was you and the people who love you who put you there, and that will be the greatest feeling in the world"   Testify, Taylor! :-P
Source: Just Jared

Final thought? LL Cool Jay is hot.  He's still got it. :-)

Til next time, Grammys! XO

It's Lent...My Sacrifice Will Be...

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. Time for us Catholics to model the "art of the Ash",  a.k.a. the smudge on our foreheads. :-) I was told my "Ash Art" looks like a dinosaur. LOL! I kind of love that. I'm nicknaming mine DinoAsh! :-D

Ash & you shall receive. :-P LOL! :-D

Lent 2016 has arrived & most Catholics choose to give up or sacrifice something for the next six weeks.  Typically, it's all the things we consider vices in our life, candy for kids, alcohol for adults, etc...The article 10 Things to Fast From This Lent Instead of Chocolate suggests a few others things to give up other than the standard.

• Screen time & digital devices
• Negative talk & criticism
• Hot showers
• Non-essential shopping
• Snacking
• Music & talk radio
• Shortcuts
• Scents
• Art
• Everything yummy

I asked my immediate family members what they were thinking of giving up:

10-year-old: He likes the idea of giving up non-essential shopping.  I reminded him that includes toys & Lego. He said he knows. Mmmm...we'll see if he commits to this.

12-year-old: He seems to have committed to giving up any & all processed candy. And to make it more of a sacrifice, Valentine's Day is just around the corner & processed sweet temptations are everywhere. Good luck, kiddo!

The Husband: He prefers not to give up things but instead make a pledge to DO something.  He has already started from the beginning of the year, slowly getting rid of at least one unnecessary material possession once-a-day. He is helping with decluttering our home as well as finding ways to give to someone else who may need it more. Win-win. 

And finally, what am I giving up this Lent? Here it goes.... just like my 10-year-old, I'm also going to give up non-essential shopping. I see a Shoe Store? I keep walking.  This can only be a good thing. :-) But overall, just like I always do, I want to participate in more personal reflections. Work on being aware of putting out positivity into the world--be kind, stop thinking the worst of people (this is probably one of the hardest things to do).  And pray.  I want to really pray with a heart full of gratitude--not expecting or asking for anything, but praising.   

And because Lent is full of fasting & meatless Fridays, here's a seafood recipe you can add to your Lenten menu. Side confession: I love seafood, so this part of Lent is not considered a "sacrifice" for me.

Crab Cakes

Ingredients

• 12 oz crab meat
• 1 egg
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Sriracha sauce
• 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
• 3 green onions, chopped
• ½ cup breadcrumbs, I used Panko
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil, for frying

 Directions

1. Add all the ingredients (except the olive oil) to a bowl and gently mix it all together.
2. Form the crab mixture into patties, depending on how big you want the patties, suggested: 10 patties out of my mixture.
3. In a skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat. Place the patties in the skillet, a few at a time, suggested: 5 at a time, and cook until golden brown, about 5 min per side. Gently flip them over and cook for another 5 minutes until golden brown. Repeat with remaining patties. 
4. Serve

Source: Jo Cooks 

Wishing everyone a great six weeks! Whether you observe Lenten traditions or not, may you have a closer awareness of the meaning of life--especially the joys it offers.  XO

Dear Pottermore,

What does it mean to be a Wizarding World and/or Harry Potter fan? In my house, it means having an elaborate imagination and a great appreciation for detail. In the Wizarding World, there is an amazing school called Hogwarts, which consists of 4 distinct Houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin...clearly differentiated by specific character traits.  When Pottermore was originally launched around 2012, they offered a "sorting test" with a series of questions that determined where each individual belongs. It is a source of pride to discover which House you are sorted under.

Are you Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin?

Then something happened to the sorting section of Pottermore & it was no longer available. Not to worry though since it promised to return, better than ever.  And then it did return, but it's very debatable...VERY debatable whether it has returned "better" than it was before.  What is everyone's biggest issue?  Apparently, some previous accounts have been lost so those that have already been sorted may not reclaim their original houses, but instead must take the new test again.  But guess what? They are often sorted into entirely different houses.  Many people have invested their hearts into their sorted houses, but they've also invested actual real earned cash. One word: merchandise! There are 3 Houses represented in my home & we have gear to show it---and we didn't get them free! And just in case that point wasn't made clear, Harry Potter merchandise is expensive!!! Being re-sorted is upsetting and traumatizing to a true fan of the Wizarding World.

The above video shows a very disappointed Hufflepuff-turned-Ravenclaw. At 7:32, he is speechless in discovering that he is now sorted in Ravenclaw. He has invested his heart and his money into being a Hufflepuff. What is he going to do with all that merchandise?? **Shakes head**

Fans have also expressed their dismay over being re-sorted on Twitter.

 Source: The Telegraph

This can be found in the FAQ's section:
Q: I've been sorted into a different Hogwarts house from the one I was sorted into on the old Pottermore – why is this?
A: Perhaps some of your opinions on a few matters have changed since you were last sorted! Or maybe the beautiful illustrations made you answer differently this time...

The above answer is downright offensive to some very avid fans of the whole sorting process-- namely the husband and my two sons.  All three, as of right now, refuse to take the new test just in the off chance that they will be sorted into a new house--a possibility that is akin to telling them they are no longer part of the human race.
I also refuse to re-take the text & couldn't agree more with the following tweet:

Source: Unilad

Here's a thought, folks at Pottermore, why don't you allow the ones that have already been sorted into the House a way to reclaim their House? I understand all the previous data may be lost, but taking a new test just isn't accurate with the theme of the Wizarding World.  Harry, Hermione, Ron and the rest of the crew would never be forced to go through the sorting ceremony again.  "Hey, Harry, we lost your information so let's do this whole thing again.....oh now you're a Hufflepuff! Yay!!"   No. That would be unacceptable.

Please, please reconsider the Sorting Test. I want to remain a Hufflepuff as does my 10-year-old. My 12-year-old is forever a Slytherin. And my husband is nothing but a Ravenclaw. And that's that.

Photo Summary of Catholic Schools Week 2016

The boys' school, led by their Student Council, had many things planned this past week--Catholic Schools Week 2016!

Ready for a week filled with activities!

Monday: Pajama and Movie Day

They all look so comfortable!

Tuesday: Twin Day AND Business Casual Day (Interview for Science Fair).  Unfortunately I wasn't able to capture their "Twinning" pictures because they changed into them during the day.  I'll have to rely on the Yearbook Committee to see those. ;-)

The boys are all dressed up for their Science Fair interviews.

Wednesday: Wacky Accessories Day! I think this is one of my favorite "days" of Catholic Schools Week. 

Everyone is accessorized, even Puffy the Manatee!

And yes, that's a cardboard eye patch on the 7th Grader. They love being weird. <3

I was able to get the kids to stand still for a second to get a group picture!

Spotted: a unicorn head! Had to take a picture!

That's the Principal of the School, getting in on the action. Super Principal!

Thursday: Disney Day!

Sportin' our Star Wars t-shirts!

The boys were excited about this day specifically!

Friday: Class T-Shirt Day!

The 7th Grade class color is pink & the 5th Grade class color is Dark Blue.

The week ended with a wonderful surprise for the Husband & I as well as another opportunity to shine some pride on our boys. It was announced that they both took home winning prizes for the school Science Fair! I'm so proud of them & they prove to me everyday that they're both smarter than I'll ever be. :-P

Posing in front of both of their projects.

Proudly displaying their Science Fair Award certificates! Yay boys!

And so that ends Catholic Schools Week 2016 for us. Thankful to the boys' school and to their awesome teachers, administrators,  support staff, custodians & everyone else coming together to assure that my boys are in a loving, safe environment--as well as keeping up academic rigorous standards. It's not always an easy decision choosing any school for our precious ones, but I'm so grateful to be confident in our decision. Go Panthers!

Let's Clean Our Ocean!

Please take a moment to view this video by Expedition Clean:

What is Marine Debris?  Includes but not limited to:

• Disposable coffee cups
• Reusable zip ties
• Personal hygiene devices (Ew!) 
• Broken furniture
• Chewing tobacco cans

Marine Debris: Any man-made material that makes its way to the ocean (& rivers, lakes, bays & ponds) & is left there.

Cleaning the ocean is possible. What can you do?

• When you see trash, pick it up.
• Encourage your municipalities to invest in harbor clean-up boats, beach clean-up crews, effective recycling & storm drain covers.
• Engage in prevention as in individual: buy products that are made with recycled material & make sure you recycle! Vote for a better world with your money! 
• Spread the word about the issue of marine debris! 

Thank you Rozalia Project for all you do to help clean our oceans!

Please, please Don't Trash the Beach!
Tips to keep out beaches clean:

•  Pick up trash even if it's not your own.
• Bike or walk when you can.
• Bring your own bag to the store.
• Conserve water.
• Eat fresh fruit instead of packaged food.

For more useful information, check out Thank You Ocean!

Water Pollution Posters shine a light on a huge problem!
 "People are basically using the oceans as their trash cans," Waters told Refinery29. "I thought, maybe I can make a difference and try to create something that will help people change their lives and change how they act towards the creatures in the sea."

Yogurt Cups, Food Wrappers, and a Shoe Found in Stomach of Dead Orca.
"This. Keeps. Happening. Another whale has been found dead with plastic trash filling its stomach. This time, a 5.7-meter (about 18-foot) female orca washed up on Plettenberg Bay in South Africa, as News24 reported last week."

At the beach or anywhere! Take only pictures, steal only time, leave only footprints!

Be good to the ocean. Be good to everyone!

 

Kickin' Off Catholic Schools Week: Open House Memories 2016

Felfie in our dry car right before heading into the school Open House! :-)

Catholic Schools Week 2016 officially began January 31, 2016 with lots of rain! But it didn't stop the crowds that gathered to check out my sons' school. We had a great time visiting every classroom and chatting with the teachers. I love collecting memories like these...the boys are growing up so fast. I'm thankful to have plenty of pictures to cherish always.

The School Tour

Both boys have fun, theme-decorated classrooms. All credit is due to their hard-working teachers. I asked them to pick their favorite backdrop in their classrooms for a photo keepsake. 

5th Grade: "Save Dobby" is just one of the Harry Potter backdrops in this "magical" classroom.

The 7th Grader chose one of his works to pose in front of. This kid prides himself on being unique. <3

After visiting all the other classrooms, next stop was The Science Fair area!

Posing in front of the displays.

My 7th Grader's project this year was entitled, "What is the Better Teeth Cleaner?".

My 5th Grader's project is called, "Furry Friend in Flight" featuring Puffy the Manatee. :-)

And finally, we paid a pit stop at the uber crowded Book Fair. It was safe to say they had a very successful turn-out!

Where did the boys go? Oh, at the Lego table. Of course. :-)

And so ends another Open House.  It is the second-to-the-last for my first-born. *Sniff.*  Hope everyone is having a great year so far. Make sure you take pictures and create amazing memories! :-)

Our Fun Day at The La Brea Tar Pits

Felfie outside The La Brea Tarpits.

Despite living in SoCal our whole lives, the husband & I have NEVER been to the La Brea Tar Pits before today (January 30, 2016).  For some reason, it just kept alluding us as kids.  The husband was suppose to go on a field trip in elementary school and the year that he was scheduled to go, they cancelled funding. And me, well, I've been to several museums in Los Angeles and have always heard about The La Brea Tar Pits, but for some reason, just never went. So, when the Los Angeles Museum-Free-For-All date was announced, I decided this is where we would spend the day. It was a fun day & I recommend it for families who want a nice day enjoying arts, culture & history. Here is a photo-blog of our day...

First picture op we got was right as we were crossing the street.

I waited in line while the boys goofed around.

...well...while the boys AND their Dad goofed around. :-)

Small but beautiful garden area on the inside. <3

So many interesting exhibits...my youngest is petting this "cat's" tummy.

Do they have the same cat eyes? :-*

Pull out the stick to find out what's stuck in the tar. I felt like I was extracting Excalibur. ;-)

Awesome Woolly Mammoth display.

Standing in front of the massive fossil remains of a Woolly Mammoth.

The Little Dude was fascinated by the tar itself.

Mixed with all this "edumacation" ;-) is a lot of silliness.

My champion sprinter posing with his animal counter part...minus the spitter part. :-D

Run! The boys have their Indiana Jones moment! :-D

Spaghetti? Blond hair? It is whatever you want it to be. 

And last, but certainly not least...

Thank goodness the boys were around to rescue their Dad. :-P

For lunch we walked next door to The Counter, a gourmet hamburger restaurant. I wrote a Yelp review on them. :-)

I hope you enjoyed all the photographs we took of our very fun day at The La Brea Tar Pits. May it inspire you to check out the museums in your area.