ThalíaShine Latina sat with Mexican pop star Thalía to discover how she's able to blend her music and heritage in her children's lives.

For Mexican pop star and former telenovela star Thalía, raising a bi-cultural family in the US is a balancing act. "I always wanted my kids to preserve the love for their country," says the singer, wife of music executive Tommy Mottola and mother of two of who is intent on having her children maintain ties to their Mexican heritage.

And while the Mottolas are sure to enjoy their taquitos and pozole, it's the tradition of Latin music that Thalía feels most passionate about. "What else could be better than [preserving traditions] through music? That is my first passion," says Thalía who has joined forces with Pampers to launch the "Mi música, mi herencia" campaign. Its ultimate goal: to encourage parents to continue passing on their country's songs and lullabies to their kids, ensuring the musical heritage is enjoyed by future generations.

By Liliana Moyano for Shine Latina

Camarones San Miguel

A few months ago, I was walking around Madrid having a hard time finding a good place to eat. It was siesta time (12:00-2:00 pm), and that meant that the majority of bars and restaurants were closed. The only cafés open were very "touristy" and definitely lacked authentic, Spanish fare.

I finally ran into the Mercado de San Miguel near the Plaza Mayor, right in the middle of downtown Madrid. I immediately realized this place was tapas heaven; it's a beautiful and colorful indoor fresh market with little stands that sell everything from gazpacho to roasted oysters and, no doubt, the best paella in Madrid. The market is specifically designed to allow customers to sample a variety of small and delicate, yet elegant dishes without spending a fortune. After sampling the gazpacho, paella, oysters, meat skewers and delicious bruschetta, I found Valero, a charismatic Spanish chef who offered samples of fried boquerones (anchovies) at the very edge

Spanish recording artist Enrique Iglesias is the new face of Azzaro Pour Homme, and Shine Latina chatted Enrique Iglesiaswith him to find out more about the scents that inspire him.

By Charleen Gonzalez for Shine Latina

Enrique Iglesias is known around the world for his hot, dance music and sex appeal, and most recently added model to his resume as the new face of Azzaro Pour Homme. It seems the singer's pairing with the masculine fragrance is a perfect match; the base notes for this cologne are wood, musk, lavender, basil and sandalwood, echoing Iglesias' sexy persona.

We had the chance to chat with the Latino about his relationship with Azzaro, a longtime staple among men's fragrance lines, as well as his own intimate memories associated with favorite smells. Check it out what he had to say below:

What type of men do you think choose Azzaro? Thoughtful, sensitive types? Strong, tough men?
The Azzaro team said that they chose me not only for my physique, but also for my physical strength and

A celebrity makeup artist shows Shine Latina exclusively how to recreate one of the vampy looks from the upcoming "Twilight" movie, "Breaking Dawn Part 2"How to create the sexy vampire makeup look.

Latin beauty expert Marco Ochoa was inspired by Carmen Denali, a Twilight saga character played by Argentinean actress Mia Maestro, to create a sexy and modern vampire look. "I chose Carmen as an example, as she has a hint of an olive tone to her fair complexion. Her bold eyes and lips are in trend this season," says Ochoa, who believes this is a look that will work well for those wanting special makeup during the fall and winter season.

Step 1 - Foundation and Contour
Since vampires are known for having a pale, almost chalky complexion, use a base that's at least 2-3 shades lighter than your normal skin tone. Every product you use should leave a matte finish.
Expert Tip: Contouring is a very important step when creating a vampire look. It allows you to accentuate certain features such as temples and cheekbones. It is

There are objects that spark childhood memories when we see them as adults, that made growing up in a Latin home a completely unique experience. Take a stroll down memory lane, and see if you remember seeing these items in your own family's casa.

For these famous Latinos, their tattoos tell the story of life moments that left an indelible mark on their lives.

A look at today's Latino community and perhaps a changing tolerance towards its gay members. Gay acceptance on the increase among Latinos

It wasn't easy for Cuban-born Lourdes Rodríguez-Nogués to admit her homosexuality to herself and the world. She was a good, Catholic girl in the traditional sense that studied in the best religious schools of Puerto Rico. But in 1977, once she moved to Boston and finished her doctorate in counseling psychology, she decided to "come out". "I'll be darn if I resign my faith just because I'm gay," says Rodríguez-Nogués of the conflicting emotions she felt when reconciling her Catholicism with her life as a lesbian.

Pray in English, Cuss in Spanish: Livin' La Vida Bilingual

That's when her involvement with "Dignity USA" started, and today she is the organization's first Latin president. The program, started by a priest in San Diego to give gay Catholics a place to meet and be surrounded by a supportive community, offers an open mass with communion during meetings. Masses are usually

By 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.

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer nine months ago, I had been amidst a major reassessment of my life. Too many things that had once brought me joy had become struggles. Writing went from being something I enjoyed to something I had to do to make ends meet. When it came to dating, I felt damned if I did, damned if I didn't. The most altruistic venture I ever undertook was plagued with one financial challenge or legal issue after the other.

So I began questioning my pursuits and revisiting my values. After much reflection, I discovered that two of my deepest desires are to be an inspiration and to cultivate an enduring legacy. So when I got the Call and diagnosis, it was as if the Universe said, "So you want to be an inspiration, huh? Pues, toma! Let's see what you do with that."

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