Sunday Cortado 17

I love summer rain.  I love the humidity or coolness (you just never know what you are going to get) that comes after.  I love both the thunder and stillness that happens as everyone tries to take cover.  Even the gloom, a calming effect to the usual upbeat excitement of the summer sun.  

During this dreary Sunday, I wanted to share what's been inspiring me.  Because, even on days like these, the love and hustle doesn't stop... in my eyes, it heightens.  Although, you may have the opportunity to take a little more time for yourself, dare I say, relax.  Go back into your book, reorganize your vision board, and maybe have that extra cortadito. 

~

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.  Learn that name.  Know that woman.  Changing the game in politics with humility, grace, morals, and strength, it's been amazing to watch.  In case if you are wondering if there are more, here are a few other progressive women to know. 

This one hit home for me in more ways than 1.  Young farmers and the food revolution of Puerto Rico.  This sparked MANY ideas.  

Top chefs working in our public schools is something I'm here for.  I was even excited to see one of my culinary instructors be mentioned. 

I need to see this ASAP! A tiny sustainable home in NYC, part of a UN and Yale project.  

Now that I'm diving into a chef world, I love to see what other chefs are loving and eating.  Healthy or not, it's pretty fascinating.  

This No-Bake Icebox Tres Leches seems like a fun (read easy) twist on my favorite cake.  

I finally read Bourdain's Don't Eat Before Reading This.  It all makes perfect sense!  And I'm proud to say I wasn't so far along. 

"I love the sheer weirdness of the kitchen life: the dreamers, the crackpots, the refugees, and the sociopaths with whom I continue to work;... Admittedly, it’s a life that grinds you down. Most of us who live and operate in the culinary underworld are in some fundamental way dysfunctional." 

 

Sunday Cortado 16

Augusta St, Elizabeth NJ

By the time I can get this too you all, I highly doubt it's "cortado" time, but it's Sunday, none the less.  As I write to you in a dimly lit kitchen, while the Florida sun is shining down, I can't help but give you a little bit of honesty.  I have been on a emotional rollercoaster.  Weekends to many, are a time to recharge, explore, and most likely to be spent with friends and family.  Mine as of late, and what I thought I accepted, is the hustle part 2. 

I wake up before 6am and put all my energy to get once step closer to my vision until sundown.  Cleansing, yoga, markets, kitchen, recipe, photography, and blog.  Yes, these are things I love, and I could never picture my life without, but I can't help but think what if I wanted what was "normal".  To go out with friends on a Saturday night, brunch or bbq on a Sunday, and spend time with a significant other, before another week begins.  

I found myself going into an anxious, doubtful, and exhausted hole.   Falling into an all too familiar space of loneliness, usually pretty dark and filled with fear.  What if I don't make it?  Will I sacrifice everything, for nothing? I've told myself it's part of the deal.  As a striving woman looking to make her WILDEST dreams come true, that space of loneliness is inevitable.  Right?

I was reminded last week it's not.  The depressed driven deaths of a few creative souls was a reminder to many.  Yes, we may all feel like this from time to time, it's just the extremities and how we deal that might separate us, but it doesn't have to.  As an introvert and one who rather read a story, then speak, reaching out can seem like the hardest thing to do.  But, here is my way of reaching out to you, with my honesty, hoping you feel the comfort of not feeling alone.  

I'm here for the connection.  For the shared journey.  

~

One that hit me pretty hard was Bourdain.  I do believe there is a strong connection when it comes to food and us, people.  

Families are being separated, all because they want to feel safe in our country.  That's. Not. Right.

Puerto Rico is the example of colonialism gone horribly wrong, and it's shamefully known.  So do you walk away or stay home.  Is your loyalty questioned?

Adobo.  Would you believe they questioned my Puerto Ricaness because I do not use adobo.  Rude. 

If you can make a good story out of enchiladas, I'm all for it.  

Food is therapy.  And, I plan to do a lot of it this summer.  Here's what to make in June. 

I leave you with this.  Reach out.  Speak out.  

Sunday Cortado 15: Siempre Con Amor

Life lately has definentily been all over the place and unpredictable, and I'm just not talking about my own.  When I started Sunday Cortado, I wanted EVERYONE to feel connected.  There are wars on the fence, innocent children too common becoming victims, and history being made in the name of love.  How can you not feel something all the time?  

Even with all the shit and fear, is it still possible to feel that light?  The one that makes everyday doable and worth a little more.  Whether smiling and feeling love with another or with a passion still fiery inside you.  I ask you give it a chance, this thing called love... amor.  

If you fear you haven't yet felt it or don't have enough in you, like I sometimes do, maybe something as small as this cortado can help.  Because, I still believe in the simple things, and the ones we hold close us to enjoy them with.  

1.  I've been working incredibly hard trying to create and bring together new content to share with you all.  Whether new recipes or pages OR news, I'm excited for the changes that lie ahead!

2.  Rekindling my love for Ayurveda through this fool-proof Idiots Guide.  I only just begun, and already started making connections I haven't seen before. 

3.  Flowers.  I have never been a flower kinda girl, and I say girl because it is the norm for girls to receive flowers for any occasion/reason.  That's cool and all... but they die.  So I never understood the point.   Although, I guess for that moment, the beauty is simply that... beauty.  

4.  These 70's NY photos.  One amazing point made, no-one is looking at their phones.

5.  I love women who empower women.  Nothing says empowerment like owning and knowing your body.  I've already tried the menstrual cup once, but I love this honest and positive review to inform even the most skeptical lady.  

6.  Speaking of empowering women, you can hate on me all you want, but she has the confidence, heart, and badass I will always need in my life.  

7.  A Kitchen Alter.  How have I not thought of this before?!  Where the therapy, joy, magic, dance, and even tears happen all at once. 

8.  The farmers market, because nothing there is nothing like mother earth working her own magic to make this world a little more beautiful . 

siempre con amor,

~yesenia

Sunday Cortado, 14

Leaky Cauldron, Diagon Alley

Happy New Year, my dears!  I wish I could have done an end of the year post, but internet service and life get's in the way.  As there hasn't been a Cortado in almost two months, and I even miss the one planned, we have some extra links and loves.  I think there may be a little bit for everyone here to enjoy.  Or, maybe just me? 

Enjoy this Cortadito, set a little different for my wide (but pretty predictable if you know me, and I think you all do) selection of interests and reads!

New York Lovin'

Help the homeless as these freezing temperatures hit for frequent New Yorkers. 

Otherwise, enjoy like some of these people who clearly aren't afraid of a good flurry.

Case for the Subway:  It helped build the city, now it's time for the city to help build it back.  

Latino History and Literature

Dare I say that Puerto Rico is a VISIBLE example of colonialism gone wrong.  Here is something for those who still dream.  

I'm on mission to get through the most influential literature by latinos (is this a college elective or book club? Sign me up) of my time.

My favorites so far?  Juniot Diaz, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao.  And Drown and This Is How You Lose Her.  

Rights and Movements

Boston. Racism. Image. Reality.  Surprising statistics from a well known "progressive and liberal" city.  

How these celebrities are standing up and helping ALL WOMEN.  Time's Up!

Single people.  We still exist, now more than ever.  Don't underestimate us.  

Food and Health

5 Superfoods to Eat in 2018.  Or forever. 

Inflammation-Fighting Winter Vegetables.  Still yummy. 

Who want's to go out in this cold weather anyway?  What to Cook This January.    

2018 Intentions and Visions (Yes, I have them too)

Yoga. Yoga. Yoga. And practice.  A great way to look at the New Year using this Yoga Trifecta. 

Let's talk money and savings.  I had a scary revelation on my everyday Americano habit....

I always say, Rihanna as a singer, eh.  Rihanna as style and fashion bad ass, show me the way!

Sunday Cortado, 13: Feminist Fire

I have been reading and chatting with you guys over quite a few cortados now.  And let's be real, sometimes it's all about the goods.  The links to something new, thoughtful, questionable, even yummy. 

Today's cortado is brought to you by the women.  I found that most of the articles I have read and bookmarked had a theme, and it was too good to ignore.  

Now with all the accusations and confessions of sexual harassment and assault being brought to light, the little representation of women in political office, and the history of how we have been treated in EVERY part of the world, I knew I wanted to spread the world in my own way... in my own space 

We are woman of different color and culture, talents and beliefs.  Stick together and stick it to them.  I believe in using where you came from and who you were born to be to your greatest advantage no matter what is to be expected.  Lately, and even looking back as a woman, I've noticed commentaries from men are way too common, sarcastic, and inappropriate to ignore.  You may play it off as that's just how they are, but no, that's how we allowed it.  

Every time I read an article of woman strength, bond, leadership, I can't help but think in the words of Kendrick, "We gonna be aight."

~~~ 

The Life and Death of A Radical Sisterhood, the history and commentaries that were brought to light right in my favorite city, New York.

The UN plans are making steps to help climate change, and female focused initiatives are leading the way.  

Free speech and abortion. California, what you going to decide?

The 2018 World Economic Forum will be co-chaired by seven women - and zero men.  BAM! 

Lady Gaga and Joe Biden coming together to help sexually assaulted and abused woman.  Add this to the list on why I admire these people. 

I did love the movie Wonder Woman, but now I really love Wonder Woman. 

We have the first Hijab wearing Barbie, and she has an amazing story. 

More men are marrying up now to successful educated women.  Future feminist families to come?

Now let's unwind.  This woman wants others to feel... a little more comfortable when doing yoga. I can dig it. 

Feminine Fire Pt. 4: Recognizing Your Feminine Truth

Asbury Park Boardwalk, NJ.

So we finally made it.  Happy Summer Solstice, my dears.

The last month has been somewhat of an eye-opener.   I knew for sure I wanted to get this off my chest and out to you all.  By "this" I mean these posts filled with everything I believe in and love.  From Feminism, to the beauty given by mother earth, to even a little beauty cheat sheet, I had one more topic to bring into this series.  I wanted to talk about the beauty possible in every woman.  That energy.  That soul.  It is what I believe truly connects us all.

The universe. Our planet.

I am no more than lover of the Sun.  I'm a worshipper of the moon.  I do not look for the stars to tell me how to live, but rather understand how I am already doing so.  Our bodies are mostly made up of the same water that embodies most of Mother Earth.  Her waves run through us, and though her currents may be strong at times, she is only following the cycle of the moon.  Every month we have the opportunity to cleanse and release.   Internally our body, just as strong as the currents of the ocean, sometimes painfully, pushes out what does not belong.  Like every month, the moon becomes New.  Not a coincidence, but a cycle of miracles. 

We are given the opportunity to live in sync with the universe.  Once we work towards that, I believe we get closer to understanding the powerful connection within us all.  Just like we follow the patterns of night and day, we can live consciously within the seasons of our community.  We are gatherers, care-givers, and providers.  She grows the grass, raises the cattle, and feeds the earth.  How amazing is she?  How amazing are we? 

Compassion.  Ahimsa.  To do no harm.

Words and practices I always try and live by.  Even when I go astray, I have another woman there to remind me.  When I don't have her, I have the permanent ink engraved on my skin, on top of my ribs that protects my heart.  For to understand pain, is to live through it ourselves.  We have the power to go past sympathy.  We have the power of empathy.

I wanted to have this post as a conclusion.  I wanted to leave this series as a beginning.  I only hope that one day all women will have the courage to realize we are all in this together.  We are powerful and strong, sometimes so much so we scare ourselves.  I don't want to confuse our great gifts with what society has named us.  Emotional. Crazy. Dramatic. Spiteful.  Do not speak about yourself what you wouldn't want to hear from others.  

If I am emotional, then I am privileged to feel.  Crazy?  I am crazy in love with Mother Earth.  So much so, that I revolved my whole life to make it a better place.  I am dramatic for the injustice and hurt that people endure from the those who are fearful of the unknown.  Sometimes we need to make a bigger fuss for the bigger things.  And I will never try to get even, but only make you realize that there was a better way.

So here is to a better way.  

My women, the ones who came before me, the ones who walked beside me, and the ones I may admire from a far,  I hope you always keep your beauty unique, your privilege honest, and your FEMININE FIRE always burning. 

Not only with love... with respect and pride.