Author Archives:
Todo Me Parece Bonito!
I am super feliz to announce that I’m now a member of Lowe’s Creative Ideas Network – What this means is that each month I’ll be participating in creative home and garden improvement projects which I’ll share with you here.
We’ve been Lowe’s customers for a long time, (remember the video we made a couple years ago about how all the signage at Lowe’s is bilingual?) – and like most homeowners, we have a long list of things that need to be fixed – so somos una pareja perfecta (we’re a perfect match!)
For the month of March the challenge was to either bring spring indoors or do some spring cleaning and organization – I ended up doing a little of all of that. We live in a small house, (1,144 square feet to be exact), so the family computer is located in a corner of the living room – and it wasn’t a very pretty corner. I decided to salvage the beat up desk and chair by painting them a bright color, add potted plants, clean up the clutter, and change up the wall art. Here’s the result!
What do you think? If you like any of these changes and want to re-create them in your own casita, here are some step-by-step directions to help you out.
Potted Plant How-To
What you need:
Pots of your choice (I chose the 3-pot herb tray planter, $9.97)
Plants of your choice (I chose lavender, $3.48 each)
Directions:
This is pretty easy! In my case, I chose lavender because not only is it pretty but it smells good so it works as a natural air freshener. Lavender is also known to de-stress, and since this computer area is used for stressful things like filing taxes and doing homework, I figured we could all use a dose!
The Lavender came in biodegradable pots which can be planted directly in the ground, but because I re-planted it in ceramic pots, I cut that part away and simply put the biodegradable part outside in the garden. If the plant you chose came with too much dirt, remove as much as needed to make it fit. If the opposite is true, (the plant didn’t come with enough dirt to fill your pot nicely), you may need to purchase a small bag of potting soil and add as needed.
Beach-style Sign How-To
What you need:
A piece of lumber, 1 to 2 feet long
Screws, screwdriver
Hammer
Paint colors, (your choice)
A large paintbrush for the background color
A very fine paint brush for lettering
Picture wire ($3.18)
Wire cutters
Ruler
Pencil with eraser
Sandpaper (optional)
Directions:
1. For the piece of lumber I actually bought a “mailbox mount board” for $3.47 because it was the perfect size plus it came with a little bag of screws. Paint the board whichever color you like. I chose Valspar semi-gloss in “Sprinkler CI 250.” Choose a word or phrase and then measure lines lightly marked in pencil to guide you. (The phrase I chose, “Todo me parece bonito” ["Everything seems nice to me"] is from a Jarabe de Palo song.) Allow to dry before moving on to the next step.
2. I chose to hand letter my sign, but you can use stencils. Use a pencil to outline the text lightly and then you can paint them in. (I just used basic white craft paint which, like many of the supplies I didn’t price above, I already had on hand.)
3. Allow paint to dry completely and then gently erase any pencil marks that are still showing. Optional: If you want your sign to look more weather worn, lightly hand sand it with fine sandpaper.
4. I wanted my sign to look kind of casual and hastily made, like a real sign you might see on a beach, so I chose to make the screws and wire visible. If you don’t want the hanging mechanism to be visible, you can do it on the back side. To make your sign like mine, measure an inch in on each side of your sign on the top edge. Mark a dot at each end, which is where you’ll place a screw. Tap the screw with a hammer so that it stands on its own, and then use a screw driver to drill it in deeper, but not all the way.
5. Use wire cutters to cut a length of wire that is a couple inches longer than your board on each side. Tie the wire to each screw and wrap any extra length around the screw. Your sign is ready to hang!
Desk & Chair Makeover How-To
What you need:
Paint of your choice (I got a gallon of Valspar semi-gloss in “Sprinkler CI 250″ – cost $34.98)
Paint brushes ($2.98 to $3.98 each, depending on size)
Sandpaper ($5.97)
Cloth rags
Old newspapers
Eye protection
Face masks – aka “respirators” (3 pack, $5.97)
Candy (to “pay” your kids to do the dirty work)
Optional: electric sander
Directions:
1. If you can, take your furniture outside when you sand it – this saves you from making the house all dusty. The purpose of sanding before you paint is to help the paint adhere better to the wood and it will save you from having to do a second coat. Use eye protection and a face mask to keep the dust from sanding out of your eyes and lungs. You can sand by hand or use an electric sander. (If you hate sanding like I do, hire your kids to do it. Mine work for candy, which Lowe’s conveniently sells.)
2. Wipe the furniture down with old rags to remove all the dust.
3. Open the paint and stir. If painting inside, spread old newspapers under the furniture to protect your flooring. If painting outside, you can do the same if you don’t want your grass painted. A gallon is more than enough to paint your average-sized desk and chair – You will have plenty leftover for other projects.
4. Allow paint to dry completely before moving your furniture or putting anything on it.
Check out more from Lowe’s Creative Ideas Network by subscribing to their Creative Ideas Magazine and E-Newsletter, liking them on Facebook, following them on Twitter, (Hashtag: #LowesCreator), watching their videos on YouTube, re-pinning them on Pinterest, and by seeing what the other Lowe’s Creative Ideas Network members are up to at LowesCreativeIdeas.com.
Disclosure: This is not a paid or sponsored post. As a member of Lowe’s Creative Ideas Network I received gift cards from Lowe’s to purchase products to complete projects. All opinions are my own.
Pescado, Cerveza y Invitados Inesperados
Today is Spanish Friday so this post is in Spanish. If you participated in Spanish Friday on your own blog, leave your link in comments. Scroll down for English translation!
Es domingo, casi a la hora de cenar, y todavia no me habia bañado. Carlos tampoco se habia bañado porque pasamos todo el día haciendo trabajo de jardinería. Estabamos sucios y sudorosos. Usé la ropa más fea y manchada que poseo, mi pelo era un desastre. Quitamos la ropa, Carlos y yo, listos por bañarnos por fin cuando escuchamos un carro parando afuera de nuestra casa. Voces hablan en español fuera de la puerta y luego, el timbre.
“¿Quién es?” pregunté a Carlos. No estamos esperando visitantes.
Carlos mira a escondidas por la ventana.
“Es Mando y Naji con los niños.”
Mando y Naji son nuestros amigos, una pareja mexicana, pero no somos tan, tan amigos que podemos visitar uno al otro sin invitación, o por lo menos, sin aviso. (Ni me visita mi madre sin hablarme por teléfono primero!) Como gringa, esta costumbre es una de la cultura latina que todavia no me gusta y de que no estoy acostumbrada.
Carlos se pusó su ropa de nuevo y fue a recibir a nuestros invitados inesperados, pero yo no! Me metí en la ducha y después empecé a vestirme lo más rápido posible. Puse ropa limpia, pero nada super fino, sólo eran jeans y una camiseta. Yo me recogí el pelo mojado y sólo puse un poco de maquillaje. “Es suficiente,” dije a mi reflejo en el espejo antes de salir de mi cuarto.
En la sala, Mando y Naji estaban sentados en el sofa y cuando les saludó, (Mando con un apretón de manos y Naji con un beso y un abrazo), lo único que podía pensar era ¡Qué guapos están! Los dos estaban vestidos en ropa fina y se veían tan elegantes que pregunté si acaban de salir de misa.
“¿No?” él respondió, perplejo. “¿Por qué?”
“Oh,” dijé yo, “Es que, ustedes se ven muy bonitos.”
Mando se sonrojó, pero no ofreció ninguna razón por la ropa de lujo.
“Nos trajerón pescado y cerveza,” Carlos me dijo, cambiando el tema. Esta visita está poniendo aún más extraña, pensé yo, pero allí estaba en la cocina, una bolsa llena de pescados ensangrentados con escamas, colas, cabezas y ojos. Cercano, unas botellas de Negra Modelo.
Por un tiempo, nos sentamos y hablamos. Yo disfruté mucho jugando con su bebé bien lindo con sus ojitos “chinos” y su sonrisa desdentada, pero cuando el tiempo de la cena llegó, no dio señales de salida. Al contrario, Mando abrió otra cerveza y Naji quitó sus tacones.
Con ansiedad, me di cuenta de que querían quedarse a cenar y todavia yo no había comprado la comida para la semana. Fui a la cocina a hacer un inventario, rezando que hay suficiente comida por hacer una cena bonita. De nuevo, miré la bolsa de pescado.
“Carlos,” le susurré, “Ellos no están esperando que voy a preparar los pescados por la cena, verdad?”
Gracias a Dios, Carlos me dijo que no – que no eran más que un regalo.
Al final encontré todo que necesitaba por hacer albóndigas salvadoreñas en salsa con arroz, yuca frita, curtido y tortillas. Naji insistió en ayudarme a cocinar – especificamente, ella quería hacer salsa mexicana por las albóndigas.
“Puedes hacer la salsa,” dije yo, “Pero son albóndigas salvadoreñas. No sé si saben bien juntas.”
Naji me observó hacer las albóndigas.
“Las hace diferentes que las albóndigas mexicanas. Yo pongo un huevo duro adentro de cada una,” dijo Naji.
“Qué rico,” dije, “Pero las albóndigas salvadoreñas no traen huevo adentro.”
“Bueno, de todos modos” dijo Naji a su manera amable pero terca, “Quiero hacer la salsa.”
“Está bien,” encogí mis hombros. “Vamos a comer albóndigas salvadoreñas con salsa mexicana, pues.”
Trabajamos juntos en la cocina, Naji y yo – una cosa difícil para unas mujeres.
“Te ayudo con las tortillas,” me dijo cuando terminé de hacer la masa.
“Okay,” dije, “gracias.”
“¿Dónde está la prensa?” me dijo.
“¿Qué es? No conozco esa palabra.”
Naji imitó el acto de presionar una tortilla plana en una prensa para tortillas.
“Oh! … No tengo,” dije, palmeando la masa entre mis manos.
“¿Entonces?”
“Así.” Me golpeó una tortilla gruesa en el comal.
“Para mi esto no es tortilla, es gordita.”
“En El Salvador, es tortilla,” dije.
Ahora era Naji que encogia sus hombros. Ella tomó un puñado de masa y comenzó a copiarme, deteniéndose de vez en cuando para preguntar si era correcto. Ella golpeó una tortilla gruesa en el comal, luego sonrió y negó con la cabeza.
“Guau, estoy aprendiendo hacer tortillas salvadoreñas.”
“Es aún más extraño,” dije, “estás aprendiendo hacer tortillas salvadoreñas de una gringa!”
A las nueve de la noche, todos finalmente se sentaron a cenar, todos alrededor de la mesa – Mando y Naji y sus dos hijos, Carlos y yo y nuestros dos hijos, una familia extraña pero feliz.
Barrigas llenas, platos raspados limpios después de porciones segundas y terceras, era el momento de decir “adiós”. Cuando se despidierón y cerramos la puerta, me di cuenta de que a pesar de que no me gustan las visitas de sorpresa, había sido una noche de diversión.
Ah, y si te lo estás preguntando, albóndigas salvadoreñas son deliciosas en salsa mexicana.
[ENGLISH TRANSLATION]
FISH, BEER AND UNEXPECTED GUESTS
It’s Sunday, almost dinnertime, and I still had not bathed. Carlos also had not bathed because we spent all day doing yard work. We were dirty and sweaty. I wore the ugliest and most stained clothes I own, my hair was a mess. We removed the clothes, Carlos and I, finally ready to shower when we heard a car stopping outside our house. Voices speak Spanish outside the door and then the doorbell sounds.
“Who is it?” I ask Carlos. We are not expecting visitors.
Carlos peeks out the window.
“Mando and Naji with their kids.”
Mando and Naji are our friends, a Mexican couple, but we aren’t so close that we can visit one another without invitation, or at least, without prior notice. (Not even my mother visits me without phoning first!) As a gringa, this custom is one part of Latin culture that I still do not like and I’m not used to.
Carlos puts his clothes back on and goes out to greet our unexpected guests, but not me! I got into the shower and started to get ready as quickly as possible. I put on clean clothes, but nothing super nice – just jeans and a T-shirt. I pulled back my wet hair and put on just a little makeup. “Good enough,” I said to my reflection in the mirror before leaving my room.
In the living room, Naji and Mando sat on the couch and when I greeted them (Mando with a handshake and Naji with a kiss and a hug), all I could think was, They look so nice! Both were dressed in fancy clothes and looked so elegant that I asked if they had just come from mass.
“No?” Mando said, puzzled. “Why?”
“Oh,” I said, “It’s that you both look so handsome.”
Mando blushed, but offered no reason for the fancy threads.
“They brought us fish and beer,” Carlos said, changing the subject. This visit is getting even stranger, I thought, but there it was in the kitchen, a bag full of bloody fish with scales, tails, heads and eyes. Nearby, a few bottles of Negra Modelo.
For a while, we sat and talked. I enjoyed playing with their cute baby with his little almond-shaped eyes and his toothless smile, but when dinner time came, they made no move to depart. On the contrary, Mando opened another beer and Naji took off her heels.
Anxiously, I realized they wanted to stay for dinner and I hadn’t even bought the groceries for the week. I went to the kitchen to take inventory, praying that there was enough food to make a nice dinner. I looked at the bag of fish again.
“Carlos,” I whispered, “They’re not expecting that I prepare the fish for dinner, are they?”
Thankfully, Carlos told me no – that the fish were nothing more than a gift.
In the end I found everything I needed to make Salvadoran meatballs in salsa with rice, fried yucca, curtido and tortillas. Naji insisted on helping me cook – specifically, she wanted to make the salsa for the meatballs.
“You can make the salsa,” I said, “But they’re Salvadoran meatballs. I don’t know if they’ll go well together.”
Naji watched me make the meatballs.
“You make them different than Mexican meatballs. I put a hard boiled egg in each one,” said Naji.
“Sounds good,” I said, “But Salvadoran meatballs don’t have an egg inside.”
“Well, anyway,” said Naji in her kind but stubborn way, “I want to make the salsa.”
“Okay,” I shrugged my shoulders. “We’ll eat Salvadoran meatballs with Mexican salsa, then.”
We worked together in the kitchen, Naji and I – a difficult thing for some women.
“I’ll help with the tortillas,” she said when I finished making the dough.
“Okay,” I said, “Thanks.”
“Where is the prensa?” she said.
“What’s that? I don’t know that word.”
Naji imitated the act of pressing a tortilla flat in a tortilla press.
“Oh … I don’t have one,” I said, patting the dough in my hands.
“So, what now?”
“Like this,” I smacked a thick tortilla on the griddle.
“To me that is not a tortilla, that’s called a gordita.”
“In El Salvador, it’s a tortilla,” I said.
Now it was Naji who shrugged her shoulders. She took a handful of dough and began to copy me, stopping occasionally to ask if it was right. She slapped a thick tortilla onto the griddle, then smiled and shook her head.
“Wow, I’m learning to make Salvadoran tortillas.”
“It’s even stranger than that,” I said, “You’re learning to make Salvadoran tortillas from a gringa!”
At nine in the evening, everyone finally sat down to dinner, all around the table – Mando and Naji and their two sons, Carlos and I and our two boys – a strange but happy family.
Bellies full, plates scraped clean after second and third helpings, it was time to say “goodbye.” When they left and we closed the door behind them, I realized that even though I don’t like surprise visits, it had been a fun night.
Oh, and if you’re wondering, Salvadoran meatballs are delicious with Mexican salsa.
Related Posts:
Día de Nieve
Today is Spanish Friday so this post is in Spanish. If you participated in Spanish Friday on your own blog, leave your link in comments. English translation in italics!
Este miercoles tuvimos un montón de nieve hasta que Carlos no fue a trabajar y los niños no fueron a la escuela. Chico, (el perro) también tuvo un día lleno de diversión como puedes ver en el video.
On Wednesday we got a lot of snow, so much so that Carlos didn’t go to work and the kids didn’t go to school. Chico, (the dog) also had a fun-filled day as you can see in the video.
Can a Salvadoran Gang Save an Endangered Language?
Image source: Markarinafotos
“Every 14 days a language dies. By 2100, more than half of the more than 7,000 languages spoken on Earth—many of them not yet recorded—may disappear.” – National Geographic/Enduring Voices Project
A recent report by El Diario de Hoy about how Salvadoran gang members are learning Nahuat, caught my eye.
Members of La Mara Salvatrucha (also known as MS13), have been instructed by gang leaders to learn Nahuat and other indigenous languages of the Central American country; languages which are highly endangered or almost extinct, and some of which have less than 100 native speakers currently living, according to the report.
Unfortunately, the gang’s purpose of learning these languages isn’t at all altruistic and they have no intention of learning the languages fluently. Gang members have been instructed to learn enough vocabulary to create an indecipherable code which will make it more difficult for law enforcement to intercept their messages.
This is disappointing, of course, although maybe not surprising. We’re left then with the same question linguists always face: How can Nahuat and other endangered languages be saved? Is it enough to merely preserve records of the languages, (such as the video below), or should efforts be made to keep languages alive by encouraging native speakers to pass it on? What sort of encouragement or programs would be successful? Is it a losing battle? What do you think?
Links:
Learn Nahuat – Free Resources Online
Video: El Carbonero in Nahuat
Video: Himno a El Salvador en Nahuat
National Geographic: Enduring Voices Project
The Girl
When I first saw the trailer for The Girl, I knew immediately that I wanted to see the film – and then I found out that it opens on March 8th in New York and on March 15th in Los Angeles, (two locations I’m nowhere near.) Thankfully I not only got the opportunity to screen the film online, but to interview the director, David Riker.
I think you’ll be able to sense how much I loved this film from my interview questions (below), but if it isn’t clear enough, I’ll tell you – I loved it and recommend that anyone who is able to see it – go see it. I’ve watched a lot of films with immigration and border themes – this one is different thanks to the fact that it’s told through the eyes of a gringa who is already struggling with her own issues. The Girl will make you think, and then think twice about border issues and what defines a good life.
Description:
From David Riker, the director of La Ciudad, and Paul Mezey, the producer of Oscar-nominated films Maria Full of Grace and Beasts of the Southern Wild, comes a new film The Girl.
Abbie Cornish plays Ashley, a young single mom struggling with the loss of her child to Social Services, unwilling to accept the consequences of her actions and trapped in the quicksand of her south Texas life.
When Ashley’s path collides with Rosa (Maritza Santiago Hernandez), a strong-minded girl who has lost her mother while crossing the Rio Grande, she unwittingly begins a journey that will change her life forever.
Starting in a big box store in Texas and ending in a small village in southern Mexico, The Girl turns the immigrant story upside down, questioning the myth of the American Dream and asks that we consider the possibility of a better life – south of the border.
Interview with Director, David Riker
Latinaish: I understand you also wrote the script for this film? What was your inspiration?
DR: My inspiration to write the script has its roots in my debut feature, called ‘La Ciudad’ which was filmed over the course of five years in New York’s Latin American immigrant community. Listening to so many stories of sacrifice in crossing the border, I decided to travel there and see with my own eyes. What I saw was deeply upsetting, but also surprising, and after traveling back and forth through the borderlands I came to realize that my own preconceptions of the border were false — as is the central myth that hope is in the north. That realization led me to consider a story in which the logic of the border were turned upside down — and to ask the question, what might happen if an Anglo crossed the border — south.
Latinaish: The cinematography of this film was really breathtaking, particularly scenes that took place in Oaxaca, Mexico. Was this shot on location? Can you tell us about that?
DR: Yes, almost all of the film was shot in Mexico, but due to the violence in Tamaulipas (including Nuevo Laredo) we were not able to film along the border. This was a major creative setback as I had spent several years developing close relationships with people in the border city and had every location scouted. In the end we filmed all of the Mexico portion of the story in the state of Oaxaca — much of it in the Istmo, though some in the capital, in addition to the village at the end which is in the Sierra Norte. ‘Re-creating the border’ became the central creative challenge we faced, affecting every department from production design, casting, and wardrobe. The cinematographer is one of the stars of Mexico’s new generation, known for his lyrical work in El Violin.
Latinaish: Which scene was most difficult to capture, either emotionally or physically, and why? What challenges did you face on set?
DR: The most difficult scene… An interesting question. From an emotional standpoint, without a doubt the scene when Rosa realizes her mother has died. From a logistical standpoint, perhaps the nighttime river crossing which I intentionally wanted to film as a baptismal event. Every scene is a challenge, and every challenge is different. More than anything you are battling the lack of time and limited resources, and desperately fighting against compromise. But the Mexican crew and the actors were like a family and we all fought the battle each day together.
Latinaish: I love that the “gringa” in this film, “Ashley”, played by actress Abbie Cornish, spoke Spanish so much of the time, but there was no explanation in the plot as to how the character learned to speak it so well – Can we assume she learned it just by living in southern Texas or from her co-workers? Did the actress, Abbie, already speak Spanish before the film?
DR: You are right, Ashley’s character was a composite of many people I’ve known, and a number of characters I met along the borderlands. Ashley speaks spanish because she has grown up in a Spanish-speaking world in South Texas. But Abbie Cornish didn’t speak a word. I think it’s a great testament to Abbie’s talent and force of character that she was undaunted by the challenge and threw herself into it with total commitment. As she said the first day we met to talk about the project, she didn’t simply want to learn her Spanish dialogues by heart, she wanted to understand the language.
Latinaish: The character “Rosa” played by Maritza Santiago Hernández had a fantastically stubborn personality in the film and I really fell in love with her. Was this her first film? Are there any other projects we can look for her in any time soon?
DR: I too fell in love with Maritza. She is an amazing girl, and yes, this is her first film role. I spent a great deal of time ‘searching for Rosa’ and saw thousands of young girls in communities all over Oaxaca. The casting took more than a year of full time work. I was not looking for a girl who could ‘play’ Rosa — I was looking for Rosa. And when I finally found Maritza I knew I had found her. She needed to be small but very strong, or tough or as you put it ‘stubborn.’ She needed to be full of life and light, but also depth. She needed to be naughty but also thoughtful. And of course she needed to have the indigenous features of the zapotec people in Oaxaca. After the film’s Mexico premiere at the Morelia Film Festival many journalists asked if she wanted to have an acting career. Her answer: ‘first she’ll finish school and become a teacher.’
Latinaish: What do you hope to accomplish with this film? What do you want the audience to take away?
I appreciate the question, as hope is the thing that sustains every storyteller. I hope that the film helps to generate dialogue about what it means to be an American, what it means to be an immigrant today, uprooted and far from home. I hope it helps to re-frame these questions in such a way that real understanding can begin — not through the limited lens of political debate – but in the broadest sense — what is our common humanity? What is it that divides us, and what do we share in common? Of course I know that it is after all only a film, so the goal must be modest. If people enjoy the story, are happy to meet young Maritza and to travel the journey with Ashley, I’m already a happy man.
Links:
DavidRikersTheGirl.com
The Girl on Facebook
The Girl on Twitter
The Random Aventuras of Tracy & Carlos
Today is Spanish Friday so this post is in Spanish. If you participated in Spanish Friday on your own blog, leave your link in comments. English translation in italics!
Este video no es completamente en español y la verdad es que uno tiene que ser bilingüe por entender todo – pero así es nuestra vida. Lo siento a los que no entienden todo pero ojalá todos disfrutan de alguna manera.
This video is not completely in Spanish and the truth is that you have to be bilingual to understand everything – but that’s how we live. Apologies in advance to those that don’t understand everything but hopefully everyone enjoys it in some way.
Los 3 Agradecimientos
Today is Spanish Friday so this post is in Spanish. If you participated in Spanish Friday on your own blog, leave your link in comments. Scroll down for English translation!
Image source: Kate Ware
Vi un programa con Carlos que se llamaba “The Happiness Advantage” [La Ventaja de la Felicidad] y aprendimos algunos “tips” para ser más feliz. Uno de los consejos se llama “Los 3 Agradecimientos” y es muy fácil de hacer. Cada día, (no importa cuándo), debes pensar en tres cosas por que tienes gratitud. Tienen que ser tres cosas diferentes cada día sin repetir. Este método está científicamente demostrado que ayuda a aumentar la felicidad. Si deseas mejorar la felicidad de tu matrimonio, puedes hacerlo en pareja cuando se acuestan a dormir por la noche.
Quieres hacerlo conmigo? Voy a comenzar.
1. Estoy agradecida por queso. Lo amo. (Es que tengo hambre ahorita y estoy pensando en pizza.)
2. Estoy agradecida por mi trabajo. Me encanta escribir – y más, me encanta escribir desde mi casa.
3. Estoy agradecida por la hamaca que pedí ayer, y la esperanza de días soleados pronto por venir.
Ahora, deja tus tres agradecimientos en los comentarios!
[ENGLISH TRANSLATION]
Carlos and I saw a program that was called “The Happiness Advantage” and we learned some tips to be happier. One of the tips is called “The 3 Gratitudes” and it’s very easy to do. Every day (it doesn’t matter when) – you should take note of three things that you’re grateful for. They have to be three different things every day without repeating. This method is scientifically proven to increase happiness. If you want to improve the happiness of your marriage, it can be done as a couple, sharing your “3 Gratitudes” at night before you fall asleep.
Want to do it with me? I’ll start.
1. I am thankful for cheese. I love it. (I’m hungry right now and thinking about pizza.)
2. I am thankful for my job. I love to write – and I love writing from my house.
3. I am grateful for the hammock I ordered yesterday, and the hope of sunny days soon to come.
Now, leave your “3 Gratitudes” in the comments!
Siestas in a Hammock and Feeling Altruistic
It is 35 degrees outside today but I am not deterred. I am already thinking ahead to when I can hang a hammock on the frame in the yard and nap in the sunshine. Today, thanks to the people at NOVICA/National Geographic, I ordered a new one to replace our well-loved Salvadoran hammock which might not make it through the season.
Our new hammock (pictured above), is hand-woven by Maya artisans in Mexico using traditional techniques. This particular hammock is called “Magical Isle.” According to the website, “The tropical isle of Holbox, at the tip of the Maya Riviera inspires the color selection for this hammock. The sea assumes both green and blue undertones that merge around the isle to give it a mystical illusion.” – I’ll be daydreaming about that isle of Holbox when I take a nap in the hammock but I’ll also be feeling good about the purchase I made, knowing it supports people who are keeping traditional culture alive.
All of the products purchased on the NOVICA website support artisans around the world – and each handmade object is so incredible. Let me show you a few of my favorites.
All of these items here are actually part of my “Colorful Soul” Collection. On NOVICA you can curate collections of images, (kind of like Pinterest), and your efforts help highlight products for customers, thus supporting the artisans.
I have a feeling that most of you think this is all just as chévere as I do, so I’m very excited to tell you that NOVICA/National Geographic is allowing me to hold a giveaway! (Did you really think I’d brag about my new hammock without giving you the opportunity to get something, too?)
See the details below to enter!
THE GIVEAWAY
Prize description: One lucky winner will receive a gift code for $75.00 USD to use on a purchase made in the NOVICA/National Geographic online store. (If you choose an item valued more than $75.00 or the total comes to more than $75.00 with shipping costs, you will be responsible for the remaining balance. Gift code expires 5/8/2013 and if not used before that date, will not be renewed.)
Approximate value: $75.00
How to Enter:
Visit the NOVICA/National Geographic online store and then leave a comment here telling me which item you love the most and which country it’s from. (It doesn’t have to be from Latin America!)
For a second entry, create an account on NOVICA, and curate at least one collection. Leave the link to your NOVICA collection in comments.
(Please read official rules below.)
Official Rules: No purchase necessary. You must be 18 years of age or older to enter. You must be able to provide a U.S. address for prize shipment. Your name and address will only be shared with the company in charge of prize fulfillment. Please no P.O. Boxes. One entry per household. Make sure that you enter a valid E-mail address in the E-mail address field so you can be contacted if you win. Winner will be selected at random. Winner has 48 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be selected at random. Giveaway entries are being accepted between February 21st, 2013 through February 28th, 2013. Entries received after February 28th, 2013 at 11:59 pm EST, will not be considered. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. If you win, by accepting the prize, you are agreeing that Latinaish.com assumes no liability for damages of any kind. By entering your name below you are agreeing to these Official Rules. Void where prohibited by law.
Buena suerte!
Disclosure: This is not a paid or sponsored post. NOVICA/National Geographic allowed me to pick something from their website for under $75 for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
Amor Salvadoreño – un poema
Today is Spanish Friday so this post is in Spanish. If you participated in Spanish Friday on your own blog, leave your link in comments. Scroll down for English translation!
Image adapted from photo by jicriado
Por el Día de Amor y la Amistad escribí unos poemas para Carlos. Aquí hay uno de ellos.
Amor Salvadoreño – un poema
¿Quieres que te diga cómo es nuestro amor?
Te puedo decir que nuestro amor es
más alto que el volcán de San Salvador
más profundo que el Lago de Ilogpango
más caliente que los días de mayo, y
más largo que el Río Lempa.
Nuestro amor es
más sabroso que una pupusa
más refrescante que una Coca-cola en bolsa
más chulo que La Chulona, y
más comodo que una hamaca amarrada entre dos palmas en la playa.
Nuestro amor es
más emocionante que los cuetes en Nochebuena
más íntimo que la gente apretada en el ultimo bus de San Salvador a Mejicanos
más divertido que las ruedas durante las Fiestas Agostinas, y
más apasionado que palabras entre Areneros y FMLNistas.
Nuestro amor es
más joven de corazón que un cipote jugando capirucho
más coqueto que novios en una pasarela
más rico que los que compran en La Gran Vía, y
más feliz que la mara cuando La Selecta mete un gol.
Nuestro amor es
más rítmico que una cumbia
más fuerte que los Vientos de Octubre
más interesante que el chisme de las vecinas, y
más salvaje que un chucho aguacatero.
¿Quieres que te diga cómo es nuestro amor?
Te puedo decir que nuestro amor es
más grande que nuestro querido El Salvador.
[ENGLISH TRANSLATION]
I wrote a few poems for Carlos for Valentine’s Day – here is one of them. [This poem has some untranslatable parts and loses something in English, but I didn't want to leave my English-speaking friends out so I gave it a try. Note: This poem is full of cultural references that may confuse even native Spanish-speakers who aren't Salvadoran.]
Amor Salvadoreño – a poem
You want me to tell you how our love is?
I can tell you our love is
higher than the San Salvador volcano
deeper than the Lake of Ilopango
hotter than the days of May, and
longer than the Lempa River.
Our love is
more delicious than a pupusa
more refreshing than a Coca-cola in a bag
more beautiful than La Chulona, and
more comfortable than a hammock tied between two palm trees on the beach.
Our love is
more exciting than fireworks on Christmas Eve,
more intimate than the people pressed together on the last bus from San Salvador to Mejicanos
more fun than the rides during Fiestas Agostinas, and
more passionate than words exchanged between Areneros and FMLNistas
Our love is
more young at heart than a kid playing capirucho
more flirtatious than novios on a footbridge
richer than those that shop at La Gran Vía, and
happier than everybody when La Selecta scores a goal.
Our love is
more rhythmic than a cumbia
stronger than the winds of October
more interesting than the neighborhood gossip
more untamed than a street dog.
You want me to tell you how our love is?
I can tell you our love is
bigger than our beloved El Salvador.
Central American Chow Mein
Some of you reading this are probably very excited and some of you a probably very confused – so let’s make sure we’re on the same page. Chow Mein, (also sometimes spelled Chao Mein, and often pronounced by some native Spanish speakers as “Chow Ming”), is best known as a noodle dish from China. Many people don’t realize that just as we have our Americanized versions of Chow Mein in the United States, there are well-loved versions of the dish all around the world, including in Central America.
Guatemala in particular has a great love of Chow Mein. This do-it-yourself box of “Chao Mein” (pictured below) is a brand commonly found in Latino Markets here in the U.S., and it’s made in Guatemala.
Chow Mein is also a favorite in neighboring El Salvador, and ever since I’ve known Carlos, he has loved Chow Mein, and Chinese food in general.
On our first date we spent the entire day together. For lunch we ate at a hamburger place but for dinner, (yes two meals together in one day!) Carlos wanted to go out for Chinese food. As we were waiting to be served at the Chinese restaurant, two waiters were standing nearby having a conversation in Chinese. Carlos jutted his chin in their direction, “Entiendes lo que dicen?” [Do you know what they're saying?] he asked me.
“No, no hablo Chino,” I responded perplexed.
“Yo sí,” he said, smiling, and then he proceeded to invent a translation of the waiters’ conversation.
I wasn’t convinced, but as you know, we soon married anyway. Years later Suegra moved in. When Suegra lived with us and we would go out to eat, we often ended up at Chinese buffets because it was the one cuisine she wouldn’t complain about. I never ate so much Chinese food in my life until I married a Salvadoran!
So, with that being said, here is my version of Salvadoran Chow Mein, which is basically the same as Guatemalan Chow Mein, although families each have their own unique way of making it.
Chow Mein (Central American style!)
Ingredients:
1 package of “Chao Mein” noodles, or any brand Chow Mein Stir Fry Noodles
1 cup raw mushrooms, sliced
1 cup chayote (also known as güisquil), julienned
1 cup carrot, julienned
1 cup celery, julienned
1/2 cup green onion, (sliced lengthwise and then cut in 1 inch pieces)
5 chicken thighs, cooked and shredded (see notes below)
oil for frying (sesame oil and/or canola oil)
1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium soy sauce can be used)
Notes Before We Get Started:
• It’s not necessary to buy the box of “Chao Mein” noodles pictured above. The box contains the noodles, a little packet of soy sauce (not nearly enough for my recipe), and 2 seasoning packets which I discarded because they contain MSG which I avoid. You can buy any Chow Mein Stir Fry Noodles. You may need to buy 2 packets of Chow Mein noodles depending on the size of the packages. You’ll want about 12 ounces to feed a hungry family of six people.
• This recipe is very flexible, feel free to try different vegetables and to increase the vegetables to make it healthier. You can also replace the dark meat chicken with chicken breast meat, steak or shrimp. I used green onions because that’s what I had on hand, but any type of onion you like can be used.
• If using chicken, you can cook it however you like. I cook it like this: Boil the chicken thighs in water with a little annatto (also known as “achiote”), a little salt, a little pepper, 1/2 an onion and a tablespoon of minced fresh garlic. After the chicken has cooked through, remove to cool. Once cool, discard the skin and bones. Shred the meat by hand and set aside. (The leftover broth can be used in another recipe.)
• For those who aren’t familiar, chayote (“güisquil” to Central Americans), is a type of squash, usually light green in color and about the size of a fist with one puckered side. The flavor is very mild and pleasant. To use chayote in this recipe, wash it and then julienne it, (i.e. cut it approximately into the size and shape of matchsticks or shoestring-style french fries.) You do not need to peel it but there is a small white seed in the middle you should discard.
• You can use sesame oil or canola oil for frying. I like to use equal amounts of both. The sesame oil gives it a nice flavor which helps make up for the fact that I discard the “condiment/flavoring” packets.
Directions:
1. Prepare all vegetables while the chicken cooks. Put the vegetables in a large bowl together and set aside.
2. Prepare chicken (see notes above), and then set aside.
3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Put the noodles into the water and cook about 5 minutes until al dente, being careful not to overcook them.
4. Remove the noodles to a colander to drain. Set aside.
5. In a large skillet over high heat add a few tablespoons of oil. Use either canola oil or sesame oil, or use equal amounts of both, (which is what I do.)
6. When the oil is very hot, add the vegetables, and stir them continuously for one to two minutes.
7. Add the chicken and continue stirring for another minute.
8. Add the noodles and continue stirring for another minute.
9. Add 1/3 cup soy sauce, stir and remove from heat.
10. Serve and enjoy!
