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 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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!

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.

Don't let your holiday leftovers go to waste! We're diving into the vibrant world of the Turkey-Ham Cubano. This recipe takes your leftover roasted ham and turkey, presses them with melted Swiss cheese, tangy pickles, and a generous drizzle of zesty homemade Mojo sauce. It's the ultimate cross-cultural flavor bomb that transforms your fridge remnants into an epic, crispy, and satisfying meal.

This year, don't let those adorable, sweet sugar pumpkins go to waste! I took a gamble on adding tender calabaza to a savory chili, and honestly, was shocked by the results. The pumpkin melts down, giving this chili a naturally rich, dense consistency and a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the smoky spices, succulent shrimp, and black beans. Topped with a zesty, homemade chipotle sour cream, this is the flavorful Mexican-inspired cure for your post-Thanksgiving food coma.

An unexpected visit from the magical dance of Northern Lights in the Ohio night sky left behind a lifelong sense of strange wonder that reminds me to pause and find the true magic in everyday life.

Reflecting on a summer vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains and the terrifying moment I tumbled down a slope on a 1970s family road trip. That childhood moment of defiant independence against my parents’ loving warnings taught me the difference between reckless independence and cautious guidance.

Cranberry with an attitude. Discover the recipe that reinvents cranberry relish into a dynamic, spicy-sweet salsa, perfect for your holiday spread (or your charcuterie board). Learn a few simple tweaks that "Mexican-ize" this holiday staple with bright lime juice, a fiery kick of jalapeño, and some spices in every Latina’s kitchen (including cilantro as an option).

An Exclusive “El Camino Destino” Story Featuring Tristan, Pete, Eliu and their Thanksgiving upon returning to La Grulla after a spring and summer of migrant farm work.

Discover how the quiet magic of the historic Defiance Public Library, a historic Carnegie Libary—built on the site of Fort Defiance—shaped a young girl into a children's author, proving that quiet reading is the ultimate source of creativity and mental peace.

A single moment of painful childhood discrimination can fuel decades of identity struggle. This is a story about reclaiming what makes us each unique and teaching children that being different is what makes them special and is their greatest strength and boldest design.

Discover the therapeutic power of coloring. Coloring can serve as a powerful form of active meditation and mindfulness. By focusing attention on the coloring pages, children and adults can effectively silence their daily worries, reduce stress and anxiety, and bring themselves fully into the present moment.

Reflecting on Hispanic Heritage Month and the importance of reading and education.. Three simple ways we can empower children.

The name El Rancho Chocolaté isn't a mistake; it's a magical family story about a curandera who, upon discovering the richness of her land, created a healing chocolate brew so powerful it inspired an accent mark.