Merry Christmas!

Ok, the last two pies are in the oven as I type, several others on the counter. Flan de queso came out riquisimo! Coquito a plenty in the fridge.  Pasteles on tap.  Masa for alcapurrias.  Turkey wrapped up and seasoned, (I usually make pernil but that's a story for another time).  I got my queso blanco, pasta de guayaba, and galletas all ready.  It's time for Noche Buena (Christmas Eve).  Let's get it started!

I have been so busy these last few days, but still and all I love this time of year! So excited to party tonight as we wait for St. Nick to arrive.  From my Familia to yours, I wanted to take a moment to wish you and your families a very merry, merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad!

Enjoy your families, enjoy your kids, enjoy your food, and enjoy your drinks! And don't forget the reason for the season!





Love you all!  God Bless!

Until Next time Mi Gente!

Ciao,

Londi
xoxoxo

A Comer Pasteles, Comer Lechon!

Yesterday evening I made a spur of the moment decision. What was that decision you asked?  Well, while I was perusing the aisles of my favorite ghetto supermarket (Western Beef! ) Only my NYC peeps will get that one.  But if you're not from NYC you know the spot. It's the only place that has your favorite "ethnic" foods and ingredients that you really can't find in the burbs.  While they do have more and more things in my local Shop Rite and WalMart super center, only places like my Western Beef have certain things like culantro (yes culantro, not cilantro), yautilla, papel para pasteles, etc...I think you get the picture.  Anyway....back to what I was saying yeah so I was wandering around Western Beef and I decided that I was going to make Pasteles! Puerto Rican pasteles, just to clarify.  There's all other sorts of pastels (pastries), but I'm talking Puerto Rican pasteles. These are not a pastry of any kind.

I'm not going to do a big thing but I decided that I must take up the flag and keep the tradition going.  There are many bits and pieces of my PR culture that are dying away in this country, like the language, music, & food.  But gosh darn it, I will keep some of it alive for as long as I can.  I will teach my children the traditions that were passed to me through my parents and grandparents.  

I just had a talk with my oldest son about how when he gets married I will teach his wife some of our dishes just like my husbands grandmother and mother taught me about my husband's favorite dishes.  And so, in the spirit of tradition, culture, Christmas, and just straight up banging food, I will play El Gran Combo and yes Yes, I Mad Mommy to all of you out there in blog land will make pasteles! (I'll let you know how they came out tomorrow)

Until next time mi gente!  Enjoy this tune!

Ciao,

Londi

xoxoxo

Coquito!!

It's Christmas Week!!! 

Halo mi gente! Hello my people. No I didn't spell hola wrong it's spanglish...Haaloo!  This is the week of  Christmas and what needs to get done? Probably a lot, like wrapping, shopping for dinner, helping my sister with her dinner, making multiple pies, helping G with Coquito and some more ayacas (not sure if I spelled that right). One thing that will not happen is me stressing out! I do what I can.  

Speaking of coquito....Check out all this coquito! Love it.  Check out Gio's "Not So Secret" super simple  Coquito recipe.  Very simple, quick, and delish.    Prepare this for your gatherings this weekend and for New Year's it will be a hit.  For our non-latinos, if you can't pronounce coquito....just call it Puerto Rican egg-nog.

Ingredients:

1 can Condensed Sweetened Milk

1 can Evaporated Milk

1 can Cream of Coconut (Coco Lopez and Goya Crema de Coco are both good)

Cinnamon to taste (apply liberally)

2 egg yolks (optional, you can substitute or leave them out all together will be good either way.  Gio doesn't use them)

Rum to taste (we usually use white Bacardi, the Bacardi gold, or 151 is also good any rum you like will work)

6 - 8 oz Water***

Blend all ingredients together and dassit my friends.  Hubby likes to add ice to blender to drink it right away, but if you are chilling there's no need to add ice.  If you like it thinner add more water, if you like it thicker...use less.  If you have fresh coco, feel free to add some in or a cinnamon stick it's up to you.  Some people add coconut shavings but trust me, you will have a great coquito just by using the basic recipe above.

Enjoy!

Until next time.

Ciao,

Londi

xoxoxo

Hot Holiday Party Shoes!

Just real quick guys, I've been online all day browsing and shopping and stumbled upon these two beauties at a really great price, you wouldn't believe me if I posted it here.  If you are still looking for shoes for your holiday parties, check out 6pm.com for these two lovelies you can use my banner at the top of this page.   These are both very festive with the bow details on the back.  You're welcome. xoxoxo

 Diana by Fergalicious in Red Satin

Briar by DV Dolce Vita

OK...I'm Back!

Ok, so I'm sorry.  I kind of left for a few days and have been MIA and to top that off I left off on a gloomy note. So ok yeah, I'm back and I'm sorry.  I have been feeling pretty crumby but I'm feeling good today so I will fill you in!

Guess what?  My Christmas shopping is D-O-N-E!  (Sticking my big fat tongue out!) Yes! I promised myself that I would not get stressed over shopping this year and I did not. I am usually shopping all the way to the very, very, very end and so I got a week to spare, I'm good.  I do have to shop for Christmas dinner, but that's no big deal.  I really only bought presents for children this year my budget is really tight and we booked the Vegas trip already so that is it! I am looking forward to shopping for Vegas now!

Now, let me ask you all a question.  Have you seen Payless.com lately?  What? Do yourself a favor and check it out.  I am not really a payless "person".  Don't get me wrong I love a good bargain, but I want good quality for what I'm getting.  But I never completely rule them out because well, there's always that diamond in the rough that you can find there once in a while.  Anyways, I get their emails on sales and I opened it up and I saw a really cute pair of shoes which made me want to check out the website and I must say Wow! Impressive.  Payless is stepping up their game!   I did see a few things that I would definitely buy.   They even have a few really good designers with exclusive lines like Christian Siriano and Leila Rose.  I thought that I would share with you guys a few pairs that I thought would make you stand out at any holiday party!

For you ladies who wear a "kitten" heel, the Women's Influence Bow Pump is adorable. This shoe comes in red and black and is  on sale right now for $19.99.  It is a limited edition shoe and also comes in a wide width.

This next shoe is so hot.  It is really pretty. This is a patent leather peep toe with a  cute knot detail. This 4" heel will have everyone staring at you! (In a good way) This shoe is also available in wide width and is retailing right now for $29.99.

Now this is my favorite and I will probably be buying them.  I love them they are so dressy and feminine. I can see myself wearing these with an LBD and let my shoes be the stars.  This shoe has a chunky 5" heel and a 1.5" platform that should help with comfort.  These come in red as well and are also a limited edition.  It is retailing for $34.99.

I will try to get pics soon of what I'm wearing for the holidays and if I do, I will post on  my Facebook page.  Feel free to send me pics of what you're wearing especially if you got something fierce! I'd love to see it.  If you got any amazing deals I'd love to hear about them also! 

So I hope you can forgive me and I hope I made up for it today. = ) 

Until next time my people!

Ciao,

Londi

xoxoxo

When You Just Don't Know

When you just don't know what tomorrow holds, when the future is unclear.  When you just don't know all you have to do is hold your loved ones near. 

Forget about yesterday and look forward to now.  When you live for today that's the only way how.

Sometimes we get caught up in the daily grind, losing sight of what should be first  in mind.  

Sometimes it takes something scary to put things in perspective, so don't wait for the scary, the things that are not important should never be your elective.

This journey through life is always a mystery,  those that live scared will never make history.

So live free, live proud, live happy, live loud. Live like you want to be remembered, Loving, laughing, silliness, happiness, glory surrendered.

Choose not to be prisoner of the past, choose to be free of the old chains at last.  Choose to forgive and you will be forgiven.

Dear Readers: I am just feeling reflective and wrote what was on my mind.  I am dealing with some health concerns right now and I am a little scared.  I am not ready to share details yet until I know more.  Am hoping to have some answers soon but I just don't know how things will play out.  Hopefully I will feel better soon but unfortunately I am not feeling so good right now.  If I have to say "no" more often it's only because I really can't.  I am trying to be positive and hopefully this episode will pass and I can feel well soon. Please don't ask me what's wrong and when I know more and when I'm ready I will tell you. Promise.   Anyway.... don't mean to bring you all down, I will continue to bring you more of my crazy adventures...because as you know life goes on and mine is crazy enough for a few of us at least! 

Until next time....

Ciao,

Londi

xoxoxo

Oh Pizza Night, Oh Pizza Night!

Oh pizza night, oh pizza night, oh how I love thee pizza night.   Your greasy pepperoni smell, the way you make my belly swell. Oh pizza night oh pizza night for you my kids do anything! 

Friday is pizza night in the Mad Mommy's household and guess what? I love it! My kids just love pizza night and they look forward to it and so do I.  And why not?  You get home from work on a Friday evening with the week just biting you in the arse and when you get home all you want to do is fall flat on your face and release the week.  It feels real good to dial that trusty number to your local pizzeria.  To know that the delivery person will come and save your evening with their greasy goodness in a box.  When that pizza gets to your door, you become a hero to your kids and you just want to hug the delivery person for saving you from having to cook!  You serve up the slices on paper plates mind you and voila...minimal clean up and your kids are happy and fed and you can enjoy them and relax at the same time.  

Just the little things in life like pizza night that makes it all worth it. One of the best $15 I spent all week.  Anyway, now that the kids ate their pizza they are relaxing and enjoying each other and their Friday night without having to worry about going to school tomorrow and I also get to relax and enjoy the rest of my night.  I hope you all enjoy yours as well.  Get some shopping done if you can, but most of all take care of you and enjoy whatever your "pizza night" is!

Until next time.....

Ciao,

Londi

xoxoxo

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Confessions of an Inappropriate?? Mommy...

Another late posting, but I guess its par for the course for this time of year if I get anything out! I just got home from a crazy rainy commute, two stops at Toys R Us and a stop at Walmart.  Finally home, hubby got take-out and the kids are all bathed, fed, homework done, and in pajamas! Love it!  Ok, to my story.

This past Saturday I went with the girls to celebrate a friend's birthday.  We went to the city to see a drag show.  It was my first time to a drag show and we had a ball.  Of course we went to the 11pm show which was entitled "The Dirty Show" and it was raunchy and nasty and dirty and extremely funny.  We had a great time. This diva right over here made some raunchy souvenirs for the birthday girl.  Namely some balloons that went on her head in the shape of...well, lets just say it rhymes with rock and falls.  I hope I don't have to explain further.

Anyway, I was the designated driver, so I didn't drink except for a glass of wine with dinner.  I drove everyone home, drove myself home and looked in the back seat and noticed that one of the girls left a souvenir in the back seat.

Monday morning I pack Julian in the car to get ready for work and I strap him in his car seat.  I ran to the front door to lock up and what in the rock and falls do you think Julian has in his hands?!?! And he's all like "Mommy, I like my balloons!" Wow, I wanted to die laughing.  I didn't have the heart to take it away and he had no idea what was in his hands....right? So, I hop in the drivers seat and said what the heck.  As I'm backing out of the driveway (Did I ever tell you that the bus stop for everyone is in front of MY HOUSE!) back to the driveway, neighbors are out waiting with their kids for the bus and I couldn't see out the window because it was foggy, I had to lower the window and Julian is just lifting the balloon up to the window and as I'm backing out I'm smiling at the neighbors trying to get Julian to lower the balloon! Whew....

What could I have done?  Would you have taken the balloon away from your kid.  Oh well! It is what it is.  Just another day in my crazy life.

Until next time!

Ciao,

Londi

xoxoxo

Random Ramblings

Sorry this post is so late! But hey I got it out and that's what counts....right? Well, hopefully someone actually reads it.  I took the day off to go shopping and I've been out all day making a list, checking it twice, and crossing some things off as well.  So that's good, but you know when I'm productive in some areas, other areas slide.... (Hence, backlog in housework).  Look, it is what it is and I can only do the best I can.  

I've got so much going on right now, but I always say right now.  What it really means is I always have so much going on.  I want to do everything and more and my body just won't keep up.  It's a very hard thing for me to accept because I have young children and I don't consider myself old I'm only 33 years old.  I've always been a pretty active person, I'm in excellent health, I'm not over weight (medically speaking), but yet I feel tired and in pain all the time.  Still and all I run circles around most people I know who are younger than I am but I don't feel well. It really bothers me.  Feeling a little blue because I'm not myself lately, and going back and forth to the doctors is annoying.  Hopefully it will all be over soon.  

Enough depressing stuff, Other than shopping I'm busy planning my annual trip to Vegas baby! I can't wait.  I really enjoy going to Vegas, it's not a restful trip at all, but it is just so much fun.  It's like a whirlwind though and at the end you are so utterly exhausted and ready to go home.  Vegas is one of those places where you can't stay for very long or you will 1) go broke 2) go broke and 3) have to start going to AA meetings.  I will let you all know my itinerary when it's done. If you have been to Vegas and have suggestions I'm always open. I'm going from Jan 13 - 16th.  Trying to figure out what show I'm going to see this time.

Anyhoo, sorry I took you down a depressing road for a minute, but if nothing else I will always just be real with you.  I'll be fine.  Off to cook dinner, do some more shopping (online), do a little bit of housework, and hopefully settle in early and catch the season finale of my favorite show right now Sons of Anarchy baby! 

Until next time....

Ciao,

Londi

xoxoxo

Embarrassing!

Ok, wow! Twice in one week.  I'm sorry, I'm new at this and I am having a hard time keeping up....I'm just being honest.  But on the bright side, I accomplished a few things and I'm so, so, happy.  Friday was just too much after all.  I did what I set out to do and I got my TREE UP! YAY!  What do you think?  I think it came out cool, even since the reason behind the colors are the NY JETS thanks to hubby.  The kids were so happy that I finally put up the tree, threw some lights outside and decorated.  I am so happy I got it done.  

Also this weekend I got caught up on my coupon organizing and I'm thrilled about that! Because I've been so busy I haven't been able to organize my coupons and last week I didn't even go out for any deals at all.  So, I spent all of yesterday organizing and getting caught up.  I only have yesterday's coupons to sort through and then I can plan my extreme deals for this week.  Whew! 

So, let me tell you about the title for today's entry... I had something really embarrassing happen to me yesterday.  So.......Yesterday evening, I went outside to go adjust a setting on the timer for the lights.  It was early evening and pretty dark outside already.  I went outside in a cami and pajama pants.  As I bent over to adjust the timer well....I had a little boobage incident. Boob slips out of cami unnoticed by me. Yeah, I didn't notice. When I look at the lights in the front I noticed that one of the trees lights weren't on so, I stood up....(with the boobage) and stared towards the front of the lawn and just stood there.  I noticed a lady two houses down staring at me and I wondered what was wrong and then I looked down and I hear her tell her kid,  just hurry up! OMGoodness! Did she notice?  Was I just standing on the front lawn oblivious to the world with my boob hanging out?  Did the neighbor notice or was that my paranoia?  I don't know but I wanted to die.  So, I slipped the old girl back in and just continued with my business....what else could I do? Lol

Until next time!

Ciao,

Londi

xoxoxo

Holiday Pressure!

With holiday time as always there is an increased amount of pressure, to shop, to get things done, etc. With 4 children and 2 that are in elementary school and one 3 year old....the pressure just seems to be getting excessive!

I felt that pressure begin as soon as I walked out of my house on Black Friday and watched the neighbors all start putting up their lights.  The first thought that came to mind was "Thanks alot!" and I went back in the house in my pajamas to continue my lazy Friday.  Why do I have to feel pressured....yesterday morning Jonah asks me, "When are we getting a tree?", I answer "probably this weekend".  He goes on "oh", and then he says "almost everyone in the whole world already has a tree" and I say, "not everyone Jonah".  And he goes on to say "Well, when I ride the school bus I see all of the houses and they all have Christmas decorations already."  PRESSURE! Ok, coming home from work with Julian in my car, it's dark outside (gets dark around 4 in NY this time of year) and lights are on outside all the neighbors houses...and he's like "Mommy I like Christmas, Mommy I like Christmas, look at all the Christmas!" PRESSURE!  Last night, calling the boys to come and watch the Rockefeller tree lighting on television "Boys, come let's watch the tree lighting", Chorus of boys "WE GOT A TREE?!?!?!" and some more PRESSURE! 

So you see, as if I don't have enough to do, I need to make sure that I hurry up already and decorate the outside of the house for Christmas and put up a tree.  Mind you....I'm frustrated as all get out about that and let me explain why.  OK, well first of all If you know me well you know I have what I like to call a black thumb.  Gardening, flowers, plants all of it has been a real challenge for me and being a homeowner with a big lawn that had the previous owner with a Shining Green thumb there was this pressure on me when I moved into the neighborhood to keep up with what the previous owner used to do.  I actually had neighbors come up to me and say "well you know Diana was so good with her flowers, she would be out here every morning working on the roses or something else" ok, well that's not me, even my hanging flower baskets die! Anyhoo, with that said, I wanted to make sure I was on my game this year, well, I started the spring off not so good.  My father-in-law tried to help my husband and I out with everything and bought and planted flowers, but unfortunately he wasn't familiar with how the sun was around my house.  So Spring....fail.  Ok, summer comes around I think I have an idea and I get my fertilizers my miracle grow, the right plants/flowers for the sunlight in my area and go at it again.  Success! I managed to do the flowers, get my furniture on the porch, get the pavers done, and have my house beautiful for the summertime!  I kept that momentum up and did a nice job (in my humble opinion) for the fall as well.  Not only did it look nice, but my flowers bloomed and grew really well.  I was proud...and then BOOM! Snow in October! Well, my mums couldn't take it, any left over summer flowers were doomed.  Believe it or not, what's held up the most were my little pansies.  They are still blooming.  The worst part is that everything would have held up really nicely because we've had a very mild fall bar the craziness in October.  Anyhoo, I had to redecorate the house for Thanksgiving as best I could and that's it...I only get one day! Blah, then I have to decorate for Christmas...mind you it was 70 degrees the other day.

Well, this weekend, I plan on getting my decorating done. At the very least a tree for the kids.  I am feeling the pressure, but I know that when my kids reaction to the tree and decorations will be well worth it.   I guess I just needed to vent.

Until next time.

Ciao,

Londi

xoxoxo