It's summer, and tropical fruits are at their peak this season. Head on to your nearest market, get a papaya and make this fun and healthy dessert- perfect for kids (and adults) of all ages.
By Liliana Moyano for Shine Latina

Papaya con crema
Papaya, mango and pineapple are always a must in my fridge. I usually cut them into small chunks, store them in individual glass containers and have them for snacks in the afternoon or after a good workout.
My nieces, ages two and four, love coming to la casa de Tia Nini (Aunt Nini's house); first thing they do is aim for the fridge to see what goodies I have. Last week my best friend bought me a box of Hawaiian sorbets that come in real fruit containers. Some of them come inside an empty coconut, a hollow orange or even a little pineapple "boat". We ate a couple of them, washed the containers and saved them in the freezer to use later. So, when my nieces came to visit, I made them a delicious and simple low calorie desert. I took fresh papaya
...Read More »- When Latinos (and non-Latinos) are hungry, we fall into one of two categories. Find out if you're as "spoiled" as I am.

I'm just food-spoiled (iStockphoto)
It's five o'clock, and I'm leaving work. I'm cranky, hungry and tired. The good news: I'm a single woman with no husband or children, so I don't have to get home to fix rice and beans. The bad news: I'm a single woman with no one at home to fix me rice and beans. I want my mami!
This dilemma is what gives basis to my daily dinner conundrum. We all encounter a what-am-I-going-to-eat moment at the intersection of "I'm way hungry" and "Who's going to cook?" How we determine the solution defines what kind of eater we are. Some people are food-responsible: they cook their dinner, eat fruits and veggies and avoid carbs. Basically, they don't do what I do: use food for enjoyment, to soothe their emotions or to keep that feeling of being at home when mamá cooked. In other words, they are not how I would describe myself- food spoiled.
Define it
I've arrived at the conclusio...Read More » Latino actor and model Ryan Guzman tells us what it's like acting on the big screen and what he loves about Latina women.
By Krystyna ChavezI love researching what hot Latino guys are up and coming (my job is tough), so when sexy model-turned-actor Ryan Guzman's photo landed in my inbox, I could hardly contain my excitement! Not only is he starring in his first-ever role as the lead in Step Up Revolution, but the half-Mexican actor also grew up in my home state of California. That always wins points in my book! Ryan dishes on exactly what he likes about Latinas, his struggle to hold onto his Latin roots and dancing on the big screen for the first time.
Be sure to check out Ryan starring in Step Up Revolution, out in theatres July 27, 2012!
What was the biggest challenge in working on Step Up Revolution?
The biggest challenge was getting all the choreography down and learning how to freestyle in front of a big crowd. Not only did I have to learn how to dance, but I
...Read More »William Levy has been the body behind many a steamy novela scene, but the "Brad Pitt of Mexico" is now lending his face to a Pepsi NEXT campaign featuring new tropical flavors like Paradise Mango and Cherry Vanilla, targeting Latinos and calorie-conscious consumers.
"Mango has a past with me," says Levy of his favorite of the two new offerings. "I used to steal mangos all the time from my neighbors in Cuba." It was only a matter time before the endorsement deals starting pouring in for this Cuban-born actor who has a built up a loyal following in Latin America and most recently in the US after a stint on "Dancing with the Stars".
Photos: Levy's sexy dancing style
With the continued exposure, Levy is rapidly becoming a recognized name for housewives and abuelas alike. And he appreciates the love, regardless of where it's coming from.
Levy talks attention from the ladies:
As for his fit physique, Levy assures his time as a father keeps him in shape.
"I have two ba
...Read More »- These are my favorite beauty products of the moment, featuring bright color trends and light, summer-ready makeup.

Summer makeup products I love (iStockphoto)
By Charleen Gonzalez for Shine Latina
Trendy nail colors
Let me start off with my favorite nail polishes this month: Zoya and their Beach and Surf collection. I'm wearing Zoya's Shelby, and it is the perfect cherry blossom pink for the summer. I also love wearing orange nail polish for the summer like Zoya's Arizona (a bright citrus orange with a cream finish) and Myrta (a medium orange coral with a metallic shimmer).
Light, sun-proof foundation
Most women like wearing tinted moisturizers during the summer months because of their lightweight formulas and easy application. Try Laura Mercier's Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 which has light to medium coverage and looks as flawless as foundation. On days where I want my natural skin to shine through, but still need a bit of coverage, I use BECCA's Luminous Skin Colour Ultra Sheer Foundation with SPF 25. T
...Read More »

