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.

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.

My Mom took me over the Atlantic when I was a wee little one for a family adventure.  My 6 year old eyes explored Europe and my tongue was tickled with new flavors and foods.  I tried many things for the first time during that trip, but one of the foods that planted it’s memory deep within the walls of my cerebrum was the scone.

My first trip back to Great Britain  as an adult took a very different stance on eating and exploring.  I was there with the intention of picking up any and all tips on things I loved and how to re-create them back home.  The scone was my first attempt of bringing the United Kingdom tips I had learned to life.  I made them for the women in my family, they LOVED them with such insane enthusiasm, I started to experiment with the basic scone recipe and finally tried this Cranberry Corn version on my clan.  In short, this is the recipe they request over and over.  I only bring it out during the holidays as a little gift.  I make a big batch Christmas Eve to make sure I have something to leave out for Ol’ Saint Nick.  Pair it with a glass of cold or warm milk and fall in love.  This is the ultimate Santa treat and if you have any left over, enjoy them Christmas morning with a tall swig of milk while you open your gifts!

Since I’m on the topic of happiness and gift giving…. I would like to thank the MASTER OF THE GLASS HALF FULL for giving me one of the best gifts ever…. The words of positivity.  I’m going to jump over to his Facebook page and tell him how much I’ve appreciated all his optimistic expression.  Then I’m going to tweet him with mucho #postivismo and let him know I will carry positivity in my smile for the rest of my life and promise to always drink milk!

Ingredients for cranberry corn scones:

1 – cup flour

3/4 – cup medium grind yellow cornmeal

1/2 – tablespoon baking powder

1/4 – teaspoon baking soda

1/4 – teaspoon kosher salt

1/3 – cup sugar

1 – stick butter (cold, cut into 1 inch pieces)

1/2 – cup dried sweet cranberries

1/2 – cup buttermilk

Topping:

1/4 – cup sugar

Preheat oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit.

Line a cookie sheet with wax paper and set to the side.

In a food processor combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.  Pulse till all dry ingredients are mixed well.

Then add in butter and give a few good pulses till butter looks like small peas.

Then transfer butter flour mixture into a large mixing bowl.  With a wooden spoon mix in cranberries.  Make a well in the center of mixture and pour in buttermilk.  Mix to combine.  There will be a little flour at the bottom of the bowl, the rest of the dough will be a little sticky.  Not to worry.  Let dough sit for 10 minutes.

Gently form dough into 2 inches in thickness balls by rolling in hand.  On wax paper lined cookie sheet drop dough balls two inches apart.   Then sprinkle each ball with 1 teaspoon of sugar.  Place in the oven and immediately lower temperature to 375.  Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden.  Let cool and enjoy!

*Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored campaign with the California Milk Processor’s Board and Latina Mom Bloggers. Story and opinions are my own.

All photos taken by: Nicole Presley

I get it now…..  I know why my family took every approach to getting me to eat better when I was a young kid.  I was such a picky eater in those early years.  Anything that was offered was typically met with “I don’t like that” or my favorite “yuck.”  I lived with a house full of adults, I was an only child with a circus of elders trying to please my every food whim.  It came as no surprise when the doctor said I was lacking protein and potassium.  Dr. KnowItAll also mentioned the best remedy for this was milk* and maybe a banana for some extra potassium.  My Mom came home and told my Grandfather, my Uncle Luke (my Mom’s twin), and Uncle Robert what was now the focus of my diet.  Their wheels started turning…. How in the world were they going to get me (the picky eater) to drink more milk or eat a banana?  My Uncle Luke  who use to take me to my ballet lessons on the back of his Harley Davidson represented fun and adventure in my life at that time.  He had wild long hair and a pretty tough looking exterior but treated me with kid gloves and was the most gentle giant I had ever met.  He came up with a fun drink called “Banana Wacky.”  I walked into the kitchen and there he was putting all the ingredients in the blender… I asked what he was making, when he told me the name, I was intrigued.  It worked, and from that point on I opened up my mouth more often to foods I use to think were yucky.

All photos taken by: Mando Lopez

Please let the Master of the Glass Half Full know about my Uncle Luke’s Banana Wacky on his FaceBook page by clicking here. Or Tweet him on Twitter by clicking here! I heart the Master of The Glass Half Full…. He’s as dreamy as a glass of Banana Wacky! 🙂

Ingredients for banana wacky:

1 – banana

1 – tablespoon sliced almonds

2 – tablespoons Ovaltine

1 – cup whole milk

1 – cup ice cubes

a small pinch of cinnamon

Add all ingredients to a blender and power it up on high. Blend till all ingredients combine.  Pour into a tall glass and have a WACKY time!

*Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored campaign with the California Milk Processor’s Board and Latina Mom Bloggers. Recipe, story, and opinions are my own!