Monique Frausto2013-05-21T11:04:46-04:00Monique Fraustohttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/author/index.php?author=monique-fraustoCopyright 2008, HuffingtonPost.com, Inc.HuffingtonPost Blogger Feed for Monique FraustoGood old fashioned elbow grease.Latina Food Bloggers: The New Storytellerstag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.24172812013-01-07T10:00:49-05:002013-03-09T05:12:01-05:00Monique Fraustohttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/monique-frausto/
Not only are these women sharing recipes, but they're passing on fond childhood memories to their readers and creating new ones with their families. They're inviting each and every person into their Latino culture.
Stories that were once told by their mothers or grandmothers are now making their way onto their blogs. Whether they're recipes passed down from generation to generation, original creations, or a modern twist on family favorites these blogueras know how to make us drool!
From the moment I started blogging, I've watched them grow. I admire the passion they have for cooking and the love they pour into each and every meal. Whether it's through words, photography or video they invite us into their kitchens with a story to tell.
I've selected a few of my favorite Latina food bloggers who continue to inspire me and make me hungry with each and every blog post. They have roots in Mexico, Cuba, Peru and Argentina. They are mothers and daughters, sisters and friends. I asked them why sharing their culture's food and recipes is important to them. Here's what they had to say....
(Left to Right: Bren Herrera, Ericka Sanchez, Leslie Limón, Luciana "Uchi" Davidson, Morena Cuadra and Morena Escardo, Nicole Presley, Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack, Evangelina Soza, and Veronica Gonzalez-Smith, and Vianney Rodriguez)
At the time of sharing this, two unannounced friends walked in the house, said "hola" as if nothing, and the next thing I heard was mami offering them food. This was while we were enjoying a robust and typical Cuban lunch with out-of-town guests. It had me instantly thinking of the importance of sharing my food and culture with the world through my blog. My written experiences in the kitchen and then at the table are filled with love, tradition and personal stories which allow my readers to enjoy a new place they may not have visited before. Especially if the food is Cuban and inspired by my mother. If I'm able to transport my readers to a rich and delicious place through my food and storytelling, then my work is successful!
By sharing my food photographs and the stories behind them, I share a little piece of me. I want you to know that just by showing you a photograph of my grandmother's warm and sweet arroz con leche, I am showing you my interpretation of happiness in a bowl. It's very nostalgic to me because I love my Mexican culture and all the beautiful traditions that revolve around foods rich in color and flavor. I want to tell the world about it in the best way that I know how...with my family's recipes.
Mexican food has always been an important part of my life. La Cocina de Leslie is a collection of the traditional Mexican recipes and flavors I grew up with, mixed together with stories about cooking with my Mexican grandparents and my suegra. But it's about so much more than just Mexican food. It's a celebration of our rich culture, the beautiful language, and the traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Sharing recipes from my culture means bringing my memories alive. As an immigrant, preparing and talking about food became a way of feeling at home. Cooking and sharing many traditional, as well as innovative recipes, helps me express myself. I try to show part of me in each recipe.
We love to share recipes and stories about our food and our culture. Peru has unique and ancient ingredients that have been keeping Peruvians strong and healthy from the times of the Incas with the rest of the world. We feel closer to our country and would love to see people from other cultures learn a little more about Peru and taste its delicious food.
I feel like sharing the foods of my culture is an ode to my heritage. I am a proud Latina who celebrates life through food on a daily basis. By documenting my recipes I know my family will always be able to use my blog as a resource to keep our traditions alive for generations to come.
Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack, Evangelina Soza, and Veronica Gonzalez-Smith of Muy Bueno Cookbook:
The stories we share are told with a lot of affection for each other and a respect for the traditional foods of El Paso and northern Mexico. We clearly want to share our own traditions and help others to create and maintain their own. A lot of people are not cooking anymore and we're trying to preserve these recipes and inspire people to continue the traditions.
Highlighting the recipes of my culture gives me the ability to share the flavors of my childhood, honor my family and with these plates I introduce my children to their heritage. Food for me is greatly tied to memories, family and moments in my life that have made me who I am today. Sharing these recipes along with my story allows me to preserve my past, share my heritage and chronicle these memories for family.
Now that I've shared some of my favorite Latina food bloggers: Who are yours? ]]>Mariachi Heart and Soultag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.20469962012-11-01T13:03:24-04:002013-01-01T05:12:01-05:00Monique Fraustohttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/monique-frausto/
If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then music must be in the heart of the beholder. And when describing it like this, I can't think of a more perfect example than Mariachi music.
This traditional form of Mexican folk music has been around for hundreds of years. It has evolved, grown, and is now performed at celebrations around the world-big and small.
Every year, the city of Las Vegas welcomes the International Mariachi Festival and I was honored to have been invited. As I sat in the audience of The Theater for the Performing Arts at Planet Hollywood, I was blown away by what I felt. It was beyond the pride I normally hold for my Mexican roots... there was so much more.
Through the gritos, I realized that the music is the blood that pumps through the veins of every Mariachi performer. I saw it as each word was sung, by the sway of their instruments, and in their proud stance as they wore their charro outfits.
I literally couldn't keep my eyes off the stage. I was mesmerized by their performances.
Nevermind the lyrics, their voices told stories of love, happiness, and pain. All with the help of the life they've lived and the dreams they hope to accomplish. They are authentic storytellers who are helping to pass on generations of our culture's music.
When it was all over, I wanted more. And I wasn't the only one. As we exited the theater there were chants of Viva Mexico! and verses of "Cielito Lindo" being sung. That's when it all became clear to me. The music doesn't just run through the veins of the Mariachis, but it proudly runs through ours too.]]>Latinas Emerge in the Plus Size Modeling Industrytag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.16391242012-06-30T08:45:05-04:002012-08-30T05:12:15-04:00Monique Fraustohttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/monique-frausto/
(Left to Right: Natalie Monet, Nicole Esperanza Zepeda, Jakaliene Rivera, and Danielle Zavala.)
Full Figured Fashion Week has come and gone. It's almost been two weeks since the event and I'm still trying to catch my breath. Hitting the streets of New York City, plus size fashion made its mark in one of the world's most fashionable cities.
As the beautiful models hit the runway, I couldn't help but notice the Latinas who were representing-Natalie Monet, Nicole Esperanza Zepeda, Jakaliene Rivera, and Danielle Zavala.
Then I started thinking of some of the other plus size Latina models who are making an impression in the industry, like Fluvia Lacerda who is known worldwide as the "Plus Size Gisele Bundchen," Denise Bidot and Rosie Mercado who are now taping nuvoTV's Curvy Girls, and Griselangel Paula who has been seen modeling the latest fashions on Forever 21, Macy's, Lane Bryant, Kmart, Dereon and Baby Phat.
(Left to Right: Fluvia Lacerda, Madeline Figueroa Jones, Denise Bidot (Plus Model Magazine/Photography by Inez Lewis), Griselangel Paula (Plus Model Magazine/Photography by Luke Jones), and Rosie Mercado,
And I can't forget model and editor-in-chief of Plus Model Magazine-Madeline Figueroa Jones. As the shopping editor of this groundbreaking online magazine, I am often inspired by her passion.
"Makes me very proud to see Latina models on the runway and making headlines. As a very proud Latina myself I'm encouraged when I see these young ladies reaching their dreams and being visible for young Latina girls to see them. I wish I had these types of models to inspire me when I was growing up," said Jones.
In my blog Curves and Chaos, I've written about my struggle with accepting the body I had in high school. So, I know how she feels! I used to think I was fat as I weighed a mere 120 lbs at 5'6, often comparing myself to the girls in the magazines. I wish I had someone to look up to, like Jakaliene Rivera who just won Seventeen Magazine's 2012 Fiercly Real Model Search.
When I asked what advice she would give to aspiring Latina models she replied: "Go for it! Anything is possible. Follow your dreams. If you have passion and drive it's awaiting you. Dream big and never give up. Embrace your curves."
Danielle Zavala, who was recently featured in Latina Magazine, was crowned Mrs. Plus America in 2011. She has been modeling for two years and feels that the presence of Latina models is slowly picking up. Fellow model Natalie Monet has been in the game for three years now and feels the same way I do.
"There are only a handful of Latina plus size models out there and I think we need a stronger presence," said Monet.
I wonder why this is? Nicole Esperanza Zepeda feels it might have something to do with our culture.
"Our culture is incredibly family-oriented. Our lives revolve around love, incredible work-ethics, and amazing food. But, many of us are middle to lower class. The reality of us taking risks to pursue a career in modeling, or the arts, is unfathomable," said Zepeda.
The only way she sees Latinas stepping up to follow their modeling dreams, is if others pave the way for them. In my opinion, I think they're all doing an amazing job so far!
For me these women are more than plus size models; they're a representation of today's hard working, accomplished, perseverant, and proud Latina. They're proud of the curves they were born with and they want nothing more than to see more women like them in this industry.]]>What's Your Dream Worth?tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.14478002012-04-25T01:42:32-04:002012-06-24T05:12:01-04:00Monique Fraustohttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/monique-frausto/I have a Dream speech. His words are not only powerful and historic, but they remind us of the simple act of wishing and hoping for something.
The dreams I'm referring to aren't the ones that occur when you're sleeping. I'm talking about those that keep you awake at night and staring off into space day dreaming. You might even start to panic when you think you'll never accomplish them.
These are the dreams you form as a child-aspirations that take form over many years. Things that might seem unattainable at that moment and things you may sometimes forget about when life is kicking your butt.
I'll be honest and tell you, that ever since I was a little girl, my dream has been to live the life of an "on-the-go" journalist in New York City. I don't even remember how this started, but it's all I can think about some days. I love what I do and am happy with the life I have. But, sometimes I wonder if I should continue to pursue my dream.
Saturday night, I was flipping through the channels on the television and I came across an ABC 20/20 special, Sunset Boulevard: What's Your Dream?
If you live in Los Angeles like I do, then you know the stories of one of the most infamous boulevards in the country. Sunset Boulevard has a history unlike any other. It's filled with dreamers who want to "make it big" in Hollywood. They want to become an over-night celebrity, drive luxury cars, and duck the paparazzi around every corner.
The 20/20 special featured "a streetwise runaway, a hard-partying gossip columnist, a starry-eyed rock band, a war veteran turned actor and the talented kids at Hollywood High trying to find their voice." Most of them have left their hometowns and past lives, and have given up almost everything to chase their dreams.
I can't stop thinking about Alyssa Gomez, also known as "Raven." She was the "streetwise runaway," a young Latina whose story didn't end with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was a poet, who dreamt of living the fairy tale life. Unfortunately, the search for her dream landed her on the streets of Hollywood. Dead at the age of 15.
We do know that not all dreams end in tragedy. Look at the people who are living theirs today and those whose dreams have changed the world. They will probably tell you it takes hard work and dedication to make them come true, regardless of what they may be. They will tell you to never give up.
For the first time in a long time, my eyes are open to how following your dreams will either make or break you. They are not easily obtained and if they were, I don't think they would be called dreams.
Now, ask yourself: What is your dream and what's it worth to you? What would you do to accomplish it? What would you sacrifice?]]>¡Q'Viva! The Chosen, More than a Talent Competitiontag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.13221832012-03-06T08:18:01-05:002012-05-06T05:12:01-04:00Monique Fraustohttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/monique-frausto/ ¡Q'Viva! The Chosen, debuted on Fox. Yes, it's airing on Univision, but this non-Spanish speaking girl didn't know that. I did end up watching it in Spanish, but realized they're already a few episodes in. So, I kind of got a sneak peek at some of the finalists. Oops!
If you don't know what television show I'm talking about, then you're missing out. Well, you're missing out if you like "reality" entertainment and talent competition shows.
¡Q'Viva! The Chosen features superstars and ex's Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez. Along with show producer and choreographer, Jamie King, they travel to over 21 Latin American countries. Their goal is to "discover the most authentic, genuine, and talented entertainers."
As I sat and watched the most passionate Argentinian Tango ever performed, I realized something. This really is more than a talent competition. It's about pride in where you come from, tradition, and what you're passionate about in life. It's about showing the world that we're more than the stereotypes they've placed us in.
Yes we love music and yes we love to dance, but there's more to it. At one one point Jennifer says, "This is like me being able to really really go, I am Latina and this is who we are!"
This is who we are and now it's time for the world to see and learn.
It is also a realization for me. It's a look inside the different countries values and expectations. Many of the performers speak about how their families don't take their art seriously and are told that they will never succeed. Or how they will just end up poor and hungry. One woman even goes as far as describing how her family doesn't want her to see her own daughter because she's a dancer.
On the other hand, there are some very supportive families. A young Puerto Rican man, surrounded by his family and with tears in his eyes, expresses how being chosen to move on to the next phase will serve as an example to his daughters to never give up on their dreams.
Throughout the show, goosebumps covered my arms as each singer, dancer, acrobat, performer, and musician auditioned in their native country. And tears filled my eyes with each emotional moment. Maybe I'm biased because I'm Latina, but it has definitely touched me in a way that no other talent competition has.
It's like each and every person was born to perform. It's in their blood.
In the end, this is a television show and the winners will be part of a showcase in Las Vegas. But, this doesn't take away from each performer's desire for the "American Dream." The look on their faces and the joy they experience when they find out they've been selected to head to the United States and represent their country. And the sadness when they find out they didn't make the cut.
Say what you want about Marc and Jennifer, but I think they've got something here.
(Image courtesy of Kohl's via Business Wire)]]>My Non-Spanish Speaking Lifetag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.12181792012-01-20T08:01:14-05:002012-03-21T05:12:01-04:00Monique Fraustohttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/monique-frausto/
After reading Latina magazine's "Are We Losing Our Language," I was inspired to finally write this and share what I've been through. It turns out I'm not alone and this story may be very familiar to some of you.
I've been told my dad didn't speak English when he first attended kindergarten. Being born in the 1950's is very different than being born today. I'm guessing they didn't offer English as a Second Language (ESL) classes in school. The end result? My dad having a very rough time and often being mistreated by his teachers.
This pretty much sealed my fate. My dad told us he didn't want us to go through what he went through. He never spoke to us in Spanish and we never learned. Little did I know that this decision, would affect me the way it has.
It wasn't until I was in junior high school, when I started to realize how important being bilingual was. My own grandma would speak to my brother and I in a condescending and rude way if we didn't understand what she was telling us. In fact, she still does this today.
In high school, there were times my "friends" would purposely speak Spanish in front of me, that way I wouldn't understand what they were talking about. And although I felt like an outsider, it didn't stop me from loving my heritage and culture. I made sure to get involved in any program or club that was aimed at Latinos and work hard in my Spanish classes. My mom never understood how I was getting A's, but would never use what I learned.
While serving in the United States Air Force, this wasn't much of an issue. During that time, the percentage of Latinos was very low. This made the priority of learning the language move to the bottom of the list. I didn't have to speak it, so why the rush?
All through college I struggled. This didn't matter. I still created my directory (Blogs by Latinas) when I graduated. I was often invited to meet up with the other blogueras here in Los Angeles, but I denied or ignored their invites. I didn't feel Latina enough for them. I didn't realize how wrong and foolish I was. I should have never let myself feel ashamed or embarrassed because I didn't speak Spanish.
Today, my husband, who is fluent, is slowly teaching me. And when we have kids, I will raise them bilingual and immerse them in our culture. I want them to be proud of their roots and know that being able to speak two languages is an honor.
I look back, and although I've had a hard time growing up not speaking Spanish, I don't think I would change anything. I've learned a lot along the way. I appreciate who I am and where I came from more than ever.
]]>Jumping on the "Latino Bandwagon"tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.11663262011-12-23T05:56:26-05:002012-02-22T05:12:01-05:00Monique Fraustohttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/monique-frausto/
What I'm writing here isn't brand new information; in fact these numbers have been strewn throughout the media since they were released. What I'm writing about is how we're witnessing a major "jumping on the Latino bandwagon" shift in the marketing and media world. That means, "they" are starting to realize our growing potential and everyone wants in on it. Like me, you're probably asking why it took so long. There are those who took the leap, securing their place in the Hispanic market years ago-the smart ones.
Now, let me first make this clear. In no way am I complaining. In fact, I love that major companies have decided to "Latinoize" their brands. Whether simply making their web content available in Spanish, utilizing "Spanglish" speaking celebrities, or developing campaigns entirely focused on Latinos, we are taking notice.
Within the last month, an article in the New York Times titled "Marketers, and Media Companies, Set Their Sights on Latin Women," spoke about a new publication derived from the immensely popular women's magazine Cosmopolitan. It will be appropriately titled Cosmpolitan Latina . According to the article, one issue will be published in the spring and one in the fall. They will also add content to their web site and use Latina bloggers. The future issues will be distributed in states that have large Latino populations, like California, New York, Florida, and Texas.
When I read this article, I couldn't help but think about when I first laid eyes on Cosmopolitan magazine. I loved its look and attitude, but I always wished the content pertained to me. I never related with the "uptown" girl. You have no idea how happy I was when I got my hands on my first issue of Latina Magazine. I thought, "Finally, someone gets me!"
Then, there's Hulu-the popular online video service. They recently launched Hulu Latino that will offer Spanish-language programming from popular shows that air on networks like Univision, Maya Entertainment, Estrella TV, Azteca America, and Todobebe. That means novelas on demand!
Just imagine. These are only two examples that were announced in the last few weeks. Who knows what will come in the following months?
"Jumping on the Latino bandwagon" is not only smart, but it's profitable. Two words that would make any head honcho CEO happy. Why would you not want to reach out to over 50 million people in the United States with buying power that's only increasing? We have money and we want to spend it. It's not rocket science people; it's business.
Regardless if you agree with me or not, we've definitely made our impression in 2010. Whether it's in the world of politics, entertainment, food, business, or life-you're definitely going to be seeing a lot more of us. And I'm going to go ahead and predict it now...2012 will be "The Year of the Latino."
]]>Latinos Love Social Media and We're Good at It!tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.11223472011-12-02T07:18:52-05:002012-02-01T05:12:01-05:00Monique Fraustohttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/monique-frausto/
With the multitude of social media users and their access to thousands of other people online, in matters of seconds, you're literally "watching" events like this unfold right before your eyes. You get news on the frontline all without ever turning on your television or radio. And you're connecting to friends and family without picking up your telephone. It's beyond what any of us could have imagined and it's been welcomed by Latinos with open arms.
There was a time when our voices didn't matter. Change was slow and we were often left unheard. Today, things are different, thanks to social media. I've never witnessed a more opportune time for using interactive online tools to voice our opinions. Imagine the changes and connections that could have been made if Cesar Chavez had a Twitter account.
But, it's more than social networking, it's about sharing information. I've always seen us as "word of mouth" people. Spreading our likes and dislikes to friends and family members without hesitation. How many times have you not purchased an item based solely because someone you trust had something negative to say about it? It's apparent that influence is the key word here.
As someone immersed in the Latino blogging community, we are specifically sought out because we are Latinos. Brands and companies know the potential influence and reach we have. Do me a favor and Google "Latinos using social media" and you'll get over 3 million hits. I think they're on to us.
Maybe it's all the research that's been done in the past few years. According to Pew Research Center, 65% of Hispanics were online in 2010. While 58% used their cell phones to access the internet, email, text, or instant message. It's apparent our communities are growing and the statistics are rising. It's no wonder we've been influencing everything from politics, education, fashion, immigration, and lifestyle choices through this medium.
And when used correctly, social media will do more than let our voices be heard, it can also transform the way people view us. There are so many negative stereotypes of Latinos in the media today. And unfortunately, there are still those who refuse to change their views.
That's where organizations like Latinos is Social Media (LATISM) come in. As the largest organization for Latinos using social media, they are dedicated to advancing the social, civic, and economic status of the Latino community. Positive and empowering groups like these are needed as examples of how we can use social media for social good. They use quick and effective tools like blogging campaigns, Twitter parties, and Facebook to promote their cause. It's a new outlook on an old concept.
No matter what your opinion is on social media, the world and technology will continue to evolve. Latinos and our place in this world will change. We can only continue to prove everyone wrong and use the tools we have to let our voices be heard. The future is literally in our hands.
]]>Dolores Huerta, The Icon And The Persontag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.11060612011-11-22T06:47:30-05:002012-01-22T05:12:01-05:00Monique Fraustohttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/monique-frausto/
My dad later explained they were from Mexico and were making their way up north looking for farm work. Fearing harassment from the police, my dad took them in.
And as I sat there at the awards gala of the Latinos in Social Media National Conference listening to the legendary Dolores Huerta speak, I couldn't help but think of those men. Like you, I've heard the stories of her and Cesar Chavez fighting for those who worked in the fields. I know she's an amazingly brave, strong, and intelligent woman. I know she's unstoppable.
I can only imagine what she's seen in her lifetime. Whether standing beside Robert F. Kennedy moments before he was assassinated or being badly beaten by San Francisco Police as she protested policies of then presidential candidate George Bush, this woman is truly a fighter.
At the end of her speech, she had us chanting "Si se puede," the motto of the United Farm Workers and an iconic phrase that has carried Latinos through years of struggle.
Trying not to bombard or overwhelm her, I wait until the end of the night to go up to her and introduce myself. I wonder what she'll be like. Will she be nice? Will she be annoyed because I'm the 100th person to take a photo with her?
As she's looking up at me, I'm immediately put at ease. Her eyes are kind and her smile is gentle. Is this the 81-year-old who rallied with feminist Gloria Steinem, organized boycotts, protested more times than I can count, and fought for those who couldn't fight for themselves?
I introduce myself and tell her how honored I am to meet her. I ramble on about a medallion my mom made in junior high school with the phrase "Viva La Raza" written across it. She laughs when I tell her how I wore it almost every single day. I tell her how proud I am to be a Latina, regardless of growing up not knowing Spanish. And how that has fueled me to be where I am today, as not only a blogger, but a Latina blogger.
The next thing I know, she's asking me for my email address, we're talking about her birthday, and...SNAP! I get my photo with her. I find myself not wanting to leave her side. I want to ask her question after question. I want to know why she does it and where the passion comes from. I regret not asking, but I think I know the answer.
She does it for the human race and community. And her passion comes from her Latino heritage and culture. Her life has inspired me beyond words. I will never forget this day and always remember November 10, 2011 as the day I met Dolores Huerta.
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