This is how it all happened.  I received an email stating that the Milk Truck was coming to Los Angeles and looking for a location to film a video.  I instantly responded in hopes that they would pick me and my neighborhood. I thought of the children of my community, I envisioned their enthusiasm of being a part of a video and learning about the benefits of milk. I wanted to bring a memorable experience to these kids. Seriously, when does a cool truck full of milk come to East Los Angeles and pass out free milk and other night-time treats? I’ve never witnessed it.

I was so electrified when I found out my neighborhood was chosen.  I ran up and down the street letting all the kids know that a Milk truck was coming, and to listen for the truck’s song “Ya es hora de ir a la cama.”  That would be the signal to come outside and get some milk.  I told parents that milk may help their kids sleep better through the night and in turn they would be alert and ready to learn in the morning for school.  This truck was coming to ensure that the kids were going to get some milk before bedtime and guardians could see firsthand if this method works for them.  I even gave them this link to download free books to encourage them to read to their kids before bedtime.  Everyone was happy.  The kids were beyond excited, the parents were delighted with the idea of their children getting a good night sleep and I was pleased to stand back, knowing something good happened in my community.

Here is the actual video and some behind the scenes pictures:

 Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored campaign with the California Milk Processor Board and Latina Mom Blogger. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

That’s a picture of my Mom and me.  I’m her only child.  Our bond is unbreakable and as strong as a tsunami.  I think of what a wonderful parent she has been to me my whole life.  She raised me by herself and was a dedicated Mother who did her best to give me everything she could.  People always assume because I’m an only child I must have been spoiled.  I wouldn’t call it spoiled,  I would call it showered with love.  I didn’t grow up with a ton of toys but I did grow up with all of my Mom’s attention.  She always talked to me allowing open dialogue and valued my opinion.  She would recount stories to me of her youth and read me plenty of stories too.  I always remember her reading to me when I was a kid.  My Mom liked stories and she also appreciated good illustration. One of our all time favorite books to enjoy right before bed was an amazing book by the famed author Maurice Sendak called “In the Night Kitchen.”  It’s about a little boy named Mickey who finds himself in the surreal world of the Night Kitchen, when 3 bakers think he is milk and add him as one of the ingredients to make the morning cake.  Right before they are about to put the cake in the oven Mickey makes an airplane out of the dough and uses it to fly out of the cake and up to a big glass container of milk.  Then dives into the milk singing, and takes some of the milk from the container and pours it into the bakers batter so everyone can have cake in the morning. 

I think back on this book and wonder if it was one of the early influences that peaked my interest in baking?  I still love this book and find the illustrations to be close to perfection.  The picture of Mickey swimming in the milk pictured above is one of my favorites.  I am glad that I have found a new collection of modern books to read to my son that also involve milk and amazing illustrations.  Click here to download the books for free.  Who knows?  Maybe one of these books will not only encourage my son to drink milk before bed, which will help him sleep through the night, but they might also spark his interest in becoming an astronaut in search of the milky way or becoming a baker who will use milk in his cake recipe.

Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored campaign with the California Milk Processor Board and Latina Mom Bloggers. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

A few months ago I was having a really difficult time getting my 3 year old son Max to lay down and go to sleep at night.  I use to allow him to take these ridiculously long naps during the day because I knew he wasn’t getting enough sleep during the hours of darkness.  I was extra worried about his routine of broken sleep because I realized he was starting school and would need to be alert and functioning in order to learn.  That’s when the wires in my brain sparked and I said “No more long naps.”  From that point on I started skipping on the nap entirely or just allowed a 30 minute nap and started putting him in bed by 7pm with a warm cup of milk and a full belly.  This method worked so well for me, I still can’t believe it.  Max now sleeps 12 solid hours!  When before the most he would sleep was around 8 to 9 hours total.  That warm glass of milk is like a magic lullaby that has worked wonders for my son, and in turn,  he’s made such an incredible progress at school.

If you watch Telemundo or Univision you’ll see the cutest California Milk Board spot called “Ya es hora de ir a la cama” between 7p.m. and 9p.m. nightly, as a reminder to parents and children…. It’s Bedtime.  I love the spot so much, I just have to post it here for you all to see!

After I swooned over this spot, I could only hope my son’s nighttime REM sleep is as calming, animated, and imaginative.

Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored campaign with the California Milk Processor Board and Latina Mom Bloggers. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

This post is sponsored by got milk? in partnership with local California organizations that educate kids about the importance of proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle.

CMPB (California Milk Processors Board) needs a round of applause. I love this organization, not only do they talk the talk they walk the walk. I know you’re thinking I’m throwing confetti on CMPB because this is a sponsored post, but let’s be real here, that is not the case. They really are supporting causes that speak to my heart and inner child. Recently they have partnered up with 3 different Golden State community based organizations: Think Together, The Bay Area Community, and Central Valley Afterschool foundation. CMPB will help raise money for these organizations which support afterschool and summer programs offering families wholesome real simple food options to encourage a healthy lifestyle.   They hope to raise a total of $50,000 from July 9, 2012 to August 5 , 2012.  Here’s the awesome part, they don’t just expect that you will donate, they have come up with a clever idea of making these irresistibly cute vintage looking glasses and selling the pair for $15 dollars (Click here to order your own), that includes shipping and handling. That’s an unheard of price for such stylish glassware. These uber cool glasses coincide with the GOT MILK “Science of Imitation Milk” campaign they have going on, where they compare REAL MILK to the imitation stuff. You will see on the glass a laundry list of all the ingredients that go into imitation milk vs. the two that go into real milk. It’s not pretty by comparision.

What to pour in my new milk glasses? I made caramel cinnamon milk to sip on a warm day and to show off my new glassware. 🙂 Enjoy!

Ingredients for Caramel Cinnamon Milk:

3 – cinnamon sticks

2 – cups water

3 – tablespoons spreadable caramel ( I like to use cajeta)

1 – glass of cold milk

In a medium saucepan over a high flame add cinnamon sticks and water. Bring to a boil. Allow to boil for 10 minutes. Remove from flame and pour cinnamon tea into a bowl. Then mix caramel into cinnamon tea. Mix until completely dissolved.

Then pour into a popsicle mold and freeze over night.

Remove from freezer and slowly pull a caramel cinnamon popsicle from tray. Pour a nice big glass of cold milk and place popsicle in milk and allow to melt for about 20 minutes. Then take a sip of a refreshing cold caramel cinnamon milk.

As part of the Foodbuzz Featured Publisher Program, I received a stipend and got milk? glassware in exchange for my participation in this program.