Stories, Activities, Recipes & Crafts
Your Family Fun Hub
Dream it
〰️
Do it
〰️
Design it
〰️
Dream it 〰️ Do it 〰️ Design it 〰️
The MDW Chapter: The Power Dress, The HSN Pitch, and the Art of the Pivot
Discover the evolution of the #OfficeSiren aesthetic with the MDW (Modern Day Woman) collection from the mid 2010’s, featuring strategic zippers and reversible silhouettes engineered for ultimate boardroom-to-evening versatility. Explore the history behind the HSN pitch and shop exclusive, technical design archive pieces from a 30-year fashion industry veteran now available on Depop.
From the Runway to the Classroom
In 2019, I moved from the high-pressure world of fashion design and production into the classroom, guiding my students as they bridged the gap between a flat sketch and a finished, three-dimensional garment. It was a rewarding journey of watching them overcome burnout and doubt to finally see their "concept to reality" vision come to life on the runway.
Beyond the Stories
Discover how my 30-year fashion career and children’s books come together in Creative Construction, children’s workshops that uses design-thinking to help kids build resilience and self-confidence. This post explores my hands-on workshops where children become "Jefes" of their own stories.
Día de la Bandera: The Colors of Our Identity
This story exclusive based on the characters from El Camino del Destino, weaves together the magic of Tía Hercilia and young Tristan as she shares the significance of El Dia de la Bandera in Mexican culture - the ancient Mexica legend of the eagle and the serpent, reminding us that our heritage is a resilient tapestry held together by hope, unity, and heart.
Cubano Chorizo Squash Boats
Cubano Chorizo Squash Boats offer a nutrient-dense, fiber-rich alternative to pasta that uses bell pepper sails and snap pea oars to turn a health-conscious meal into a fun, storytelling adventure for the next generation.
The Monsters We Still Carry
Why my most "off-handed" childhood truth became a national bestseller, landing in the top 0.5% of Amazon’s Latin American Folk Tales Best Seller list and taught me that authenticity has the most staying power.
DIY "Cucuy-Catchers"
A fun way to celebrate the Amazon Top 25 Best Selling book, Where El Cucuy Lurks - the "little cuento that could". An easy and fun DIY "Cucuy-Catcher" craft that honors the tradition of Mexican paper arts while helping your little ones turn shadows into a warm, protective glow.
From Hustle to Harmony
A behind-the-scenes look at how the "Slow Business" movement inspired the vibrant, intentional designs of my new Sanctuary Collection. Learn why I chose vibrant Alebrije-style art to create powerful visual tools designed to interrupt the hustle and bring mindfulness back to your daily creative rituals.
Alebrijes: A Vibrant Bridge to Storytelling
From a fever dream in Mexico City to a family art session in Huatulco, alebrijes have always been more than just colorful carvings—they are spirit guides for the imagination. In this post, I share how these fantastical, "blended" creatures are becoming the heart of my new children's book series.
Discover the sacred history of copal wood, the legendary dreams of Pedro Linares, and how the mix of indigenous and Spanish-influenced animals serves as a powerful metaphor for cultural resilience, family connection, and the magic of finding your own voice.
Honoring Our Stories with the International Impact Award
From fashion to storytelling: 6 months in and we just took home an International Impact Book Award! 🏆 El Camino del Destino honors my father’s journey as a migrant farmworker in the RGV. Proof that our stories deserve to be told and celebrated.
A Family Fiesta Para Mi Cumpleaños
A Family Fiesta Para Mi Cumpleaños captures that magical, nervous moment where my school world and my home world finally met. It is a story about the orgullo of sharing your roots—from the early morning melody of Las Mañanitas, crafting a handmade piñata, my special birthday dress, and the scents of wonderful foods. And as the day finally winds down, the children enjoying the golden evening hours outside chasing fireflies (no phones or TV’s). It’s a celebration of family, the joy of being your authentic self, and the beautiful traditions that bridge our lives together.
A Wyoming Winter Rescue: The Ultimate Ham, Potato, and Kale Soup
Need comfort fast? This simple and quick Ham, Potato, Kale, and Carrot Soup is the perfect winter remedy! It’s hearty and packed with nourishing vegetables and savory ham, it's the ultimate 'hug in a bowl.' Plus, it’s a brilliant way to use up those holiday leftovers. Warm up with a recipe that is truly a taste of rescue.
Let’s Dance into 2026 with Pantone’s Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer
Let’s celebrate Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer! In an era of constant digital noise and global static, this elegant shade is an intentional breath of fresh air. It offers a much-needed visual reset, trading the overwhelming 'loudness' of modern life for a sense of curated peace and clarity —like a quiet morning or the calm of a blank page before the story begins
From NYC Fashion Design to Authoring Heritage Design: Part 3
This three-part series chronicles my transformative journey, exploring how my thirty-year career as a high-level New York City fashion executive and consultant evolved into a mission-driven path as a children’s book author. It’s a story of creative alchemy: taking the "hustle," and brand-building expertise honed on the runways of Manhattan and applying them to the preservation of my Mexican American heritage. Through these articles, I’ll share my family’s roots in the South Texas migrant fields, the systemic history that shaped my ancestors' lives, and how I’m now using storytelling to ensure those legacies—and the beauty of the Hispanic experience—are never forgotten.
From NYC Fashion Design to Authoring Heritage Design: Part 2
This three-part series chronicles my transformative journey, exploring how my thirty-year career as a high-level New York City fashion executive and consultant evolved into a mission-driven path as a children’s book author. It’s a story of creative alchemy: taking the "hustle," and brand-building expertise honed on the runways of Manhattan and applying them to the preservation of my Mexican American heritage. Through these articles, I’ll share my family’s roots in the South Texas migrant fields, the systemic history that shaped my ancestors' lives, and how I’m now using storytelling to ensure those legacies—and the beauty of the Hispanic experience—are never forgotten.
From NYC Fashion Design to Authoring Heritage Design: Part 1
This three-part series chronicles my transformative journey, exploring how my thirty-year career as a high-level New York City fashion executive and consultant evolved into a mission-driven path as a children’s book author. It’s a story of creative alchemy: taking the "hustle," and brand-building expertise honed on the runways of Manhattan and applying them to the preservation of my Mexican American heritage. Through these articles, I’ll share my family’s roots in the South Texas migrant fields, the systemic history that shaped my ancestors' lives, and how I’m now using storytelling to ensure those legacies—and the beauty of the Hispanic experience—are never forgotten.
The Heart and Heritage of Las Posadas
Discover the heart and heritage behind Las Posadas, one of our most cherished Mexican American traditions. More than just a holiday party, this nine-day pilgrimage is a powerful lesson in community and hospitality deeply rooted in South Texas culture.
El Rancho Chocolaté's Fairisle Treasure
In Benavides, Texas, sisters Berta, Rita and their cousin, Elda are savoring their hard-earned peace on the coziest sofa at El Rancho Chocolaté, mugs of spicy Mexican cocoa in hand. Their greatest reward isn't the rest, but the gorgeous, custom fairisle sweaters and socks they are wearing—a set they spotted at the Church Bazaar. Determined to buy the expensive knits from Doña Carmen, the girls pooled every nickel and dime earned from working at Abuela's house and at the local Dulcería.
The Tamalada Tradition and the Lost Spice: An Exclusive El Rancho Chocolaté Story
The annual Tamalada tradition is the centerpiece of this family's Christmas, but it will take more than just masa and meat fillings—it will take teamwork! Dive into this exclusive story extension where the beloved characters Berta, Rita, and Elda—two sisters and their cousin—must put their distinct personalities to the test when they discover that the all-important, authentic Oaxaca cinnamon spice for the Mexican Hot Cocoa has vanished amidst the bustling Tamalada preparations!
A Christmas Story
Journey back to 1970s Ohio winters where the scent of tamales and the solemn wonder of Midnight Mass blended with Santa and the American Christmas rush. Discover how these special holiday moments rooted my storytelling in family, resilience, and belonging.