Shirley RodriguezBy Sofia Quintero
Sofia Quintero is a Puerto Rican-Dominican author, filmmaker and educator and most recently, cancer warrior. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2012.
I remember what my naturopath told me two weeks before the mastectomy. Your immune system is actually quite strong she said, her hand still holding my pulse. For you this disease is emotional. It's about learning to trust again. I instinctively knew she was right. My treatment plan had to include the medicine of forgiveness-of both myself and others.
In the midst of battling this disease-a mastectomy, haircutting, and chemo treatments-I find myself closer to my ex, Doc. He is among the first people I tell days after my diagnosis; our two-hour conversation is the first telephone call we have since our breakup five years ago.
Related: "I Kicked Breast Cancer's Ass" Part: The Diagnosis
We met on a dating site in August 2006. After two months of intense correspondence, Doc and I had cappuccinos and tiramisus
Blog Posts by Cosmo Latina
"I Kicked Breast Cancer's Ass" Part 3: Why I Called My Ex
By Cosmo Latina | Shine Latina – Wed, Oct 24, 2012 6:10 PM EDT"I Kicked Breast Cancer's Ass" Part 2: Fighting Breast Cancer My Way
By Cosmo Latina | Shine Latina – Wed, Oct 24, 2012 6:09 PM EDT
Sofia Quintero is a Puerto Rican-Dominican author, filmmaker and educator and most recently, cancer warrior. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2012.
Shirley RodriguezBy Sofia Quintero
"Don't shave your head! Why don't you just wait and see? La tia de fulano did chemo, and her hair didn't fall out." Almost everyone in my family said it.
But once I learned my treatment called for surgery followed by chemotherapy, I insisted on defying my relatives and shaving my head before I lost my hair. Allow a clump of hair to end up in my fist while tossing it seductively at the chulo in the bookstore? Ni lo pienses! I'd be damned if I gave cancer that much power.
Related: "I Kicked Breast Cancer's Ass" Part: The Diagnosis
So first off to Fekkai SoHo to cut off eight inches of natural curl into a Hallesque do. Next: gather some girlfriends for a ceremony to have each cut off a lock before the Big Buzz. They would create a healing circle both to ease the loss and imbue it with positive meaning. Read More »from "I Kicked Breast Cancer's Ass" Part 2: Fighting Breast Cancer My Way
Brian NavarroBy Caroline Buia
Whether you stop at the pupusería on your way home from the club or scarf a plate of empanadas after a night on the town, after dark is the worst time to eat. If you're risking starvation (or at least a killer hangover), go ahead and indulge your craving. A few words to the wise:
-Fill up on water or caffeine-free tea before so you'll eat less.
-Keep the food portions small
-Eat slowly
-Out with friends? Share your plate so you're only having half the amount of food.
Buen Provecho!
Related: Fall Inspired CocktailsA Yen For Mexican
NIX:
Burrito
738 cals/86g carbs
Chicken quesadilla
563 cals/37g carbsSWAP FOR:
Burrito bowl with greens, beans, cheese, chicken and pico de gallo (skip rice) 340cals/30g carbs
Quest For Cuban
NIX:
Ham croquetas
280 cals/30g carbs
Tostones
139 cals/21g carbs
Flan
471 cals/77g carbs
SWAP FOR:Sopa de pollo
Read More »from What to Eat at 3am
172 cals/14g carbs
Baked sweet potato fries
140 cals/23g carbs6 Things You Need for a Kitsch-Free Día De Los Muertos Party
By Cosmo Latina | Shine Latina – Tue, Oct 23, 2012 3:06 PM EDTBy Ariel Nagi
El Dia de los Muertos has been the party of the year for the indigenous of Mexico for hundreds of years… Ready to try your own modern take on this bizarrely fun tribute fest? Here's what you'll need.
Read More at CosmoForLatinas.com!
Guess the Latina Celeb Wedding Dress
CFL Editors: Why We Love Being Latino
Read More »from 6 Things You Need for a Kitsch-Free Día De Los Muertos PartyBy Ariel Nagi
You don't even have to go to the costume shop for these.
Read More at CosmoForLatinas.com!
Guess the Latina Celeb Wedding Dress
CFL Editors: Why We Love Being Latino
Read More »from 7 Easy Latin Diva Halloween CostumesBy Michelle Herrera Mulligan
You walk into a bar, you see a bunch of dudes, and you….a) leave immediately, everyone looks a loser b) see a few prospects, but would rather just catch up with friends or c) Chat with everyone who looks employed, hey, you never know… If you answered a or b, you fit into the majority of mujeres we know. We get it. It's easy to get burned out on barside coquetones, after all, they're used to running their game on every hot chica they see, no? That's why you need to take control. Here's how to be the big player yourself, taking charge of how to meet the best man in any situation, no PUA lingo required.
Related: 10 Dates You'll Both Love
If you're at the bar/club...We recommend: Go for a lounge or neighborhood spot, much more likely to weed out the douche factor
The approach1. See a muscly hottie who actually seems smart? Send him two drinks (one for you and one for him). It's sure to be cute conversation starter.
Read More »from How to Meet Hot Men
2. Can't get a word inLatina Designers We Love: Alicia Estrada
By Cosmo Latina | Shine Latina – Thu, Oct 11, 2012 11:54 AM EDT
Courtesy of Alicia EstradaWhere are you from?
I was born and raised in Long Beach, Ca. My mother and father were born in Mexico, so I'm Mexican-American.
How did you get started in the industry?
I started sewing when I was 16, just as a hobby. I'm so grateful to God that my hobby turned into a full-fledged business! I feel like I'm living in a dream world!
What advice would you have for someone wanting to start their own line or business?
Immerse yourself in fashion, learn everything you can about every part of this industry. Be a sponge, and never give up on your dreams,-you're going to make it!
Related: 6 Things That Inspired Designer Emilio Sosa
What were some of the challenges you faced in starting out and how did you overcome them?
I never had capital or investors, so not having money was challenging in the beginning. But in the end, not having money was the best thing for me. It forced me to learn everything about the industry, like sales, marketing, patterns, design, etc. It
Read More »from Latina Designers We Love: Alicia EstradaCosmo for Latinas 10 Beauty Commandments
By Cosmo Latina | Shine Latina – Tue, Oct 9, 2012 3:03 PM EDT
Cosmopolitan MagazineBy Milly Almodovar
Celebrity makeup artist Andrew Sotomayor has worked on the most beautiful women in the world, including Nina Garcia, supermodel Arlenis Sosa, and Kerry Washington. Today, he's bringing us his 10 Beauty Commandments-commandments he says you must follow or face the punishment of looking like a hot mess.
1. Thou Shalt Wash Makeup Brushes Regularly
Washing your brushes once a week will prevent you from getting acne or skin infections, reduce facial oils from getting into your compacts, and extend the lives of your brushes. Clean synthetic foundation and concealer brushes with regular face wash, but use shampoo for fluffy powder puffs and shadow brushes. Allow time to air dry.2. Thou Shalt Check Your Foundation Shade Seasonally
Your skin will usually be the lightest midwinter and the darkest midsummer. During those times of year, update by selecting a shade that disappears into your cheek when applied.3. Thou Shalt Buy Fresh Mascara Every Three Months
Read More »from Cosmo for Latinas 10 Beauty Commandments
Courtesy of Carlos MieleWhere are you from?
I was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil.
How did you get started in the industry?
I began with designing evening wear, and this is still what I am known for outside of Brazil. My international career really developed when I started showing in London and then, two seasons later in New York, which is really the most international city in the world. Now, after 10 years, I am selling in more than 25 countries and have a flagship store in New York's Meatpacking District.What advice would you have for someone wanting to start his or her own line or business?
You must have drive, and you must find and stay true to your identity.Related: 6 Things That Inspired Designer Emilio Sosa
Read More »from Latino Designers We Love: Carlos Miele
Describe your customer.
I design for a contemporary woman who represents a link between a global audience and a Brazilian perspective. She is sophisticated and wants to feel beautiful. This woman could be in New York, Paris, Hong-Kong, Sao Paulo or anywhere in the world.My Breast Cancer Journey Part 1: The Diagnosis
By Cosmo Latina | Shine Latina – Tue, Oct 9, 2012 1:52 PM EDT
Shirley RodriguezSofia Quintero is a Puerto Rican-Dominican author, filmmaker and educator and most recently, cancer warrior. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2012. Each week, she'll be sharing her story here.
"I wouldn't push if this were routine," I told the woman at the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention in Harlem. "But I found something that concerns me." She gave me an appointment for a mammogram on December 21, 2011. I told no one.
The second mammogram I had done in early January revealed two additional lumps, one in the right breast. Yet when the surgeon told me she could fit in a biopsy the next day I asked, "What do you have after that?" I had already missed Day 2 of a six-day shoot for this and I was scheduled to be second assistant director the next day. Stop messin' around, Fi! I thought to myself. "Never mind. What time tomorrow?"
Now I have to tell my executive producer, and how do I tell him and not my parents? Of course, they insisted on
Read More »from My Breast Cancer Journey Part 1: The Diagnosis
