Christmas Day

The greatly awaited Christmas day has come. Bells are ringing, people singing...yeah, right. I am so glad to finally have the opportunity to say "Merry Christmas"! This is the day where people all around the world come together to celebrate one single thing--baby Jesus! On this day everything on the face of the world ceases to matter. People show love unconditionally. "It's the most beautiful time of the year," Justin Bieber said. This year was a little different for our family. We spent Christmas Eve at my aunt and uncle's house with all of my cousins, throwing fireworks and having a good time. The next day, on the 25th, we had the traditional Christmas Eve dinner that we usually have at my house for lunch. My mom and I spent all morning cooking, which was totally worth it when everyone went back for second and even third servings. This is what Christmas is all about--priceless quality time with family.

{Forever21 shirt and skirt, Kenneth Cole flats, Francesca's necklace}

{I tried this new recipe of Red Wine and Garlic Mushrooms. They were to die for.}

{Trying to make a simple salad pretty? Make a flower out of spinach leaves with a tomato in the center.} 

{Final outcome of working hard all morning. Two words: mouth watering}

Turkey and stuffing

Corn Souffle

Red Wine and Garlic Mushrooms

Arab Dolmas

Simple Salad

Homemade Oreos

Every Christmas eve, my family has a traditional holiday dinner where all of my cousins, aunts, and uncles share laughter, smiles, and hugs. For the past three years (ever since I've been perfecting my baking skills), I have made up some kind of dessert to have around for guests to try. One year I made chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting and Oreo crumbs on top. Another year I made Grayves and brownies with crushed candy cane and Hershey's cookies and cream. This year, I decided to bake Chilenas de Dulce de Leche (Alfajores) and Homemade Oreos. I saw this recipe on Cupcakes and Cashmere, but I will never achieve Emily Schuman's perfection.

Homemade Oreos

(Makes about 40 one teaspoon size sandwich cookies)

Ingredients: 

For the chocolate wafers:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch process cocoa (I used Hershey's)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 to 1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) room-temperature, unsalted butter
1 large egg

 

For the filling:
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) room-temperature, unsalted butter
1/4 cup  vegetable shortening
2 cups  sifted confectioners’ sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Set two racks in the middle of the oven. Preheat to 375°F.
2. In a food processor, or bowl of an electric mixer, thoroughly mix the flour, cocoa, baking soda and powder, salt, and sugar. While pulsing, or on low speed, add the butter, and then the egg. Continue processing or mixing until dough comes together in a mass.
3. Take rounded teaspoons of batter and place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet approximately two inches apart. With moistened hands, slightly flatten the dough. Bake for 9 minutes, rotating once for even baking. Set baking sheets on a rack to cool.
4. To make the cream, place butter and shortening in a mixing bowl, and at low speed, gradually beat in the sugar and vanilla. Turn the mixer on high and beat for 2 to 3 minutes until filling is light and fluffy.
5. To assemble the cookies, in a pastry bag with a 1/2 inch, round tip, pipe teaspoon-size blobs of cream into the center of one cookie. Place another cookie, equal in size to the first, on top of the cream. Lightly press, to work the filling evenly to the outsides of the cookie. Continue this process until all the cookies have been sandwiched with cream. Dunk generously in a large glass of milk.

Christmas Presents for the Family

Have you ever had that moment when you have no idea how to be smart about shopping for gifts? This year has been a little tight for me and my family. With Christmas approaching and everything else that was going on around my family, Christmas shopping was the last thing on our minds. I decided to think about a better idea for gifts for my family. They say a way to a guy's anyone's heart is through their stomach. So why not bake something exquisitely delicious for our loved ones? The critically acclaimed Chilenas de Dulce de Leche (Alfajores) were the first thing that popped to my mind. I think I would like one of these Christmas boxes as well. This was a perfect way to save up money and make my family smile.


I followed the following steps:

1. I went shopping for the Christmas boxes and all of the ingredients for the cookies
2. I designed a Christmas card in Microsoft Office Word and printed them out on thick printing paper
3. I baked the cookies as the recipe describes
4. I placed wax paper inside the boxes and added about a dozen cookies 
5. I wrote a heart-felt note on the Christmas card
6. Delivered them with joy! 

{I baked the star-shaped alfajores to take to our family Christmas dinner for everyone to enjoy as well as a batch of homemade oreos (recipe coming up soon)}

Arab Weekend

WARNING: IF YOU'RE HUNGRY PLEASE DON'T LOOK AT THESE PICTURES. 

The pleasures of Christmas: eating, eating, and eating! Whenever we travel to San Pedro Sula to visit my other half of the family, they greet us with banquets of exquisite Arab food. This time was not an exception. The motive for our trip was my cousin's new born baby's beautiful baptism. My godmother or "madrina" organized the whole event for her grandson and whenever you put my madrina's name with "celebration" in the same sentence, you can bet it's gonna be priceless. The moment I saw this baby I fell inlove with him. He was so serene and peaceful. He did not moan about everyone trying to hold him. Instead, he seemed to enjoy all of the attention. His older brother, who is turning three in January, is impossibly adorable too. Sometimes I wish I had a little brother...or maybe even better-a sister. 

Day 1 

 {Hotel Breakfast: Whole-wheat toast with fresh strawberry jam, mini cinnamon-raisin roll, a banana, watermelon, pineapple, cantaloupe, and a cup of coffee}

 {Lunch at the baptism: Jumbo shrimp, Fettuccine Alfredo with salmon, salad with mixed greens, green apple, cucumber, and pomegranate seeds...May I add, my godmother made ALL OF IT}

 {I could not stay away from the dessert table. Why choose one when I can have ALL OF THEM? (muahaha). I had a brownie, a lemon bar, a mini red velvet cupcake (not in the picture), and about a hundred yogurt covered raisins and pretzels (I could not stop. They were amazing)}

{For Dinner at my aunt's house that night we had "marmahon" also known as "couscous" with chicken, "hojas de uva" also known as "dolma", and salad}

Day 2

 {Hotel Breakfast round 2: Whole-wheat toast with fresh strawberry jam, fresh pineapple jam on the side, two cranberry-orange biscuits (one I ate afterwards so it's not in the picture), a small alfajor de dulce de leche, watermelon, pineapple, cantaloupe, and a cup of coffee}

 {Lunch at the "Club Arabe"'s all-you-can-eat Arab buffet: "Marmahon" or "couscous", chicken, "hojas de uva" or "dolmas", hummus with pita bread, and salad}

{Dessert table at the "Club Arabe"'s all-you-can-eat buffet: Pecan bar (I had two), banana bread, and strawberries with whipped cream (not in the picture)}

I'm not even sure my clothes fits anymore. And I know this doesn't end here. Christmas is coming! 

Catching Up Special

Parties, dinners, "cuchumbos" (Secret Santa), oh my! The Christmas season has definitely begun. Lately, school has been so hectic that Christmas just seemed so far away. Finally, though, I can smell Christmas right around the corner. 

 I wore this outfit for one of my lifetime friend's sixteenth birthday party. I literally pulled it out two seconds before the party (it was a Friday night and I slept through the whole afternoon after school). I bought this romper in Forever21, paired it with a gold belt, gold accessories, and a pair of nude pumps. I had so much fun, letting lose of all of the stress school causes. As a result, my feet were in a way ripped open (okay maybe I'm exagerating). Next time, I know I have to bring a pair of flats along just in case. 

{Forever21 romper and bracelet, H&M belt, Michael Kors clutch, ALDO nude pumps, LOFT earrings}

Secret Santa has been a tradition for the past two years for me and my friends. "Cuchumbos" is the typical Honduran way to say Secret Santa. For our annual Secret Santa dinner, we all get dolled up and enjoy a taste of a Christmas inspired dinner. This year, we decided to only include girls in the Secret Santa because of previous problems with guys not taking the whole thing seriously. Nevertheless, it was a hilarious Christmas dinner. I honestly think my gift was the best gift ever. One of my friends (which we've been classmates only once in sixth grade) gave me this whole baking kit that included a bowl, a whisk, cookie cutters, and more! Following the "cuchumbo," we had turkey-ish chicken with stuffing, potato salad, and green salad for dinner. For desert, one of my friends baked these mouth-watering mini key lime pies that were definitely the highlight of the night.

{Forever21 skirt, Zara blouse, Express clutch}

{Forever21 Mary Jane heels}

{Forever21 bracelet and necklace, Jewelry store earrings}

Little Things

It's crazy how a person's life can change in a matter of seconds. I have a strong feeling inside of me that tells me that God is in control. I may not understand why, but the loving bond that has spurred inside my family has filled me with hope. I swear I have the best family in the world. To any teenage girl out there, I promise it gets better. I can't imagine how Christmas this year will be like without my grandfather (nagging about how I'm too young to wear high heels), but whatever God has in store for me and my family, I know that we will be together. Nevertheless, I know my grandfather would like for us to smile through the season. Christmas is right around the corner!  

{Reading Divergent by Veronica Roth on a beautiful Sunday afternoon while being hugged by the wind and kissed by the sun}

{After finishing Divergent, I felt completely lost. Luckily, the next day my super mom surprised me with the next book of the trilogy, Insurgent}

{First batch of Christmas cookies for the season: Butter Lemon Cookies}

{Baking Chilenas de Dulce de Leche (Alfajores) as a Christmas gift for my family. They appear to have been drizzled by snow.}

{Improvised desert: a scoop of vanilla ice cream, sliced frozen strawberries, slivered almonds, and chocolate chips}

Saying Goodbye

With barely a minute or two to spare it has seemed almost impossible to continue writing on my blog. To be honest, I miss blogging. Like I mentioned before, my purpose for this blog is to be like a safe haven for any teenage girl, thus being my escape from reality as well. 
A lot has happened in my life since the last post I wrote. My beloved grandfather passed away on Thanksgiving day, and it has hit my family and me like a ton of bricks. At the end of the day, I find peace in the idea that in heaven he is reunited with my grandmother (she passed away 25 years ago), can finally walk (he was a pilot and had an accident in 1970), can finally breathe properly (he smoked most of his life), and finally has a beautiful mane on his head (he was bald ever since I can remember). It's the first time I lose someone I love. And now I know that it is never easy, especially when you have spent so much of your time loving and serving them. Every Saturday afternoon my mom and I would visit him, dress him up, take him out for ice cream or coffee (whatever he was craving, usually Dunkin Donuts), wandered around the city, and ended the day with getting together with the rest of the family for dinner. Every Saturday he would greet us with a smile on his face saying "mis muchachitas" meaning "my little girls". He would always mention that he watched "The Emperor Waltz" on ballet on TV, forgetting he told me the same exact thing the previous Saturday. He was a crazy old man. But he was my crazy old man. 
I love you, Abue. I miss you.  

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

The day of his funeral I had the honor to read Psalm 23 (my grandfather's favorite verse) during the Eucharist. 

Christmas Spirit

Decorating for the Christmas season is like opening the door to a whole new world. The house looks and feels more bright with shades of gold, red, and green. I felt a burst of Christmas spirit and found inspiration in arranging a little center piece with things that I found being left behind in storage boxes. It was extremely easy to make. All you need is the following:

• 1 basket (any kind)
• 1 gold candle
• 2 pinecones (or as many as you wish)
• Fake tree branches (as many as you wish)
• Fake candy pieces (as many as you wish)
• Red ribbon

Little Things

The reason I started this blog was to create a safe haven for any teenage girl that can relate with the ups and downs, beauty and ugliness of adolescence. Many things have changed my perspective since my first post, but thankfully my hopes and aspirations have not changed. As the year has gone by, I have come closer to the realization that under any circumstance, as it was with the miracle of my uncle being cured from cancer, God never leaves my side. Even if I am so fed up with hormonal periods or sophomore year stress, setting my eyes on God gets me through the day with a thankful heart and a peaceful smile. As Thanksgiving approaches, and Christmas gets closer, the time to reflect on one's life is completely essential. 

{My mom spoiled me with one of my favorite seasonal treat: Hershey's white chocolate with mint candy cane}

{Honduran pride: the gorgeous Basilica de Suyapa} 

{Delicious breakfast before a typical Monday at school: Yoplait vanilla greek yogurt with kiwi, chamomille tea, and a slice of toast with peanut butter and jelly on the side} 

{Friday night out's hair-do: a classic half braid}

Life In Color

Life In Color Honduras was a night of pure fun, color, music and more color! After a long week of tests and projects in school, Friday Novemeber 15 was the ideal way to leave all of the crap behind. From beginning to end, I did not cease to dance to the upbeat rythm of the techno music. Every little worry in my mind disappeared. Nearly all of my entire sophomore class was there covered in slimy paint, jumping up and down, and laughing hysterically. It was an unforgettable evening and the terrible cold I had afterwards was completely worth it. 

Little Things

This weekend was definitely memorable.  I ended the longest, most stressful week of partial exams with a roller coaster of emotions. To begin, Thursday night I attended and presenced probably the most beautiful and talented trio in the entire world. Gianluca, Piero, and Ignazio from the famous Il Volo stole my heart with their angelical voices and of course their attractiveness. The night was perfectly lighted by stars; it truly couldn't have been more breath-taking. Having discovered Il Volo that night and falling deeply in-love with the handsome Gianluca, I have not stopped listening to their songs ever since. Before letting go of the cloud I've been on the entire weekend, my family spoiled me with lunch on Sunday at my favorite pizzeria in town: Tito's pizza. And I just want to mention the shocking Emma-Hook kiss on Once Upon A Time and the startling preview for next week's episode of Revenge. So now I can say "bring it on" to what this week has to offer. 

{Gianluca, Piero, and Ignazio flashing their looks, brains, and talents on stage}

{Tickets for the breath-takingly beautiful concert Il Volo presented}

{Stradivarus necklace, Forever21 peplum navy blue shirt}

*more on this outfit coming soon*

{Tito's Pizza personal vegetarian pizza. In my opinion, the best pizza in town.}

**Watch the Revenge promo for next week's episode here: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMm2wLUW0YQ

Guilty Pleasures

This week was just one of those weeks. My mom left on a trip to Argentina, leaving me basically steering the wheel of my entire household. On top of that, every teacher decided to assign projects, essays, and tests for the end of the quarter. Even worse, my physical condition was suffering from a slight female issue (if you know what I mean). As I'm sure you all have heard, STRESSED spelled backwards is DESSERTS, and consequently, like any other hormonal teenage girl I tend to binge eat and wipe out anything sweet you place in front of me-literally. But don't worry, I waited till Friday night to indulge on the devilish Hershey kisses I stole from my mother's closet since she wasn't here (oops). I have no regrets. 

{Stress reliever on a Friday night after a LONG week: Hershey's kisses}

{Family lunch at Ruby Tuesday's: New York Cheesecake and Double Chocolate Cake for dessert}

{Best gift from my mother's trip to Argentina: Havanna Alfajores}

Sixteen Going on Seventeen

Once again, turning sixteen seemed like a VERY long way ahead. Now that I finally turned sixteen, I can literally say nothing has changed, except the fact that I am aging slowly. In spite of all the eagerness to turn sixteen, I picked out a pretty romantic yet casual floral dress for my birthday dinner. I made it even more casual by paring  the dress with a jean jacket and a pair of beige flats. It was a night filled with little favorite pleasures and lots of love, gifts, and hugs. (For more details on my sixteenth birthday, read my last Little Things post.)

{Urban Outfitters dress, H&M jean jacket, ALDO shoes}

{Forever21 bracelets, Fossil watch, Vintage earrings and infinity ring}

Fall Colors

This morning I woke up and got right to work. Seven pages and 2,271 words later, I was jumping up and down with joy; I was FINALLY done with that haunting Psychology essay. My Saturday went on as usual: running errands, coffee dates, and watching Charlie St. Cloud (it was the third time I watched it and I never get tired of Zac Efron's charm) with my family. 

Today I decided to dress to match the season, beige and red adorned with a hint of gold. Despite the fact that it's fall, Honduras has its own rules when it comes to climate and it's currently like a hundred degrees outside.

{Forever21 blouse and handbag, Kenneth Cole flats, A'GACI leggins}

{Fossil watch, vintage bracelet}