The last couple of weeks during quarantine, I have been looking for an enthralling, and relatable series to binge on. Last week, I looked in my email, and *bam*, the movie Gods had blessed me. “Ana” the new, comedic series, has been released. I partnered with We all Grow Latinas, and had the opportunity to zoom Ana herself. “Ana” is the new, semi-autobiographical series all Latinas dream of.
This new series is full of hilarious coming of age themes, and authentic performances. Ana de la Reguera herself is an open book, ready to share her sexuality, sensuality, and struggles with the notoriously insane Hollywood world.
In this series, Latina women are given the mic, to share all the secrets, and answer all the questions young adult latinx are eager to know. As a Latina myself, I feel represented, and am excited to see what the series has in store!
Ana is a Mexican comedy-drama television series created and stars by Ana de la Reguera. The series is produced by Argos Comunicación, and Viacom International Studios. It premiered on 20 April 2020 on Comedy Central, and streaming on PantaYA for the United States and Puerto Rico.
In our chat with Ana, we talked about her being in our 40s and her new breakout role. I asked her in Spanish, what has been her biggest obstacle as an Latina actress in Hollywood? See her response below!
Be prepared for belly laughs and unexpected sexy surprises! (R rated) Stream it today!
2020 All I can say (Well everyone for that matter) is WOW…
It’s frightening, and it is confusing because we do not know what to expect the next couple of months. Panicking is a common response to all this madness. This whole pandemic has got our world coming to a halt. We are glued to our phones and media devices, to have a continuous world update of COVID-19 when we shouldn’t be.
Trust me – I know. We all do it, but if there is something I have truly learned not only because of the sickness, but even before from my recent life experiences is that whatever is meant to be, will be. I can worry all about the future, but I need to be in the now. To be clear, though, I am not saying to go out and be careless running wild; I simply mean take a breathe and get ready to put in work since you have something we ALL say we don’t ever have – SPARE TIME.
I know that not everyone is all just free’d up with loads of time and it all varies depending on each situation but regardless, we have opportunities to get things done, accomplished, and completed!
It’s going to be a struggle, yes because we aren’t used to having to be confined more, but this is your time to HUSTLE.
Now, the first few days or even weeks for everyone are going to be getting used to the situation and adjusting to this shift.
Also everyone wants to binge watch shows and eat take-out, so if you’re still feeling the Netflix/ Disney/Hulu binge in your pj’s, that is just fine too, but it will eventually get old.
Here are some tips on what you can do during this quarantine that will keep you going:
Clean your sh*t out.
First thing I am proposing for everyone is that the best way to start through this quarantine is get up and clean. It truly, mentally makes you feel great being able to work in a clean space
Before quarantine, I was constantly letting my room become very messy. I’m sure we are all guilty of this, but this your chance to not only just clean, do the full spring cleaning. If you have a large household like mine, just get everyone to pitch in an hour or 2 a day to accomplish all the house projects you have had. Get rid of things. Sell/Trade it online. Depop and Offer Up are great online platforms to get rid of all those things you don’t need/want. Also, you can always look up your local Goodwill or other donation services to do a pickup of your things!
2. Set those goals-with deadlines.
Okay, now that you have a clear space, sit down and write down everything you have been wanting to accomplish that you know you can do, but make sure to set the deadline.
Another thing that I had an issue with (and many of you are too, I am sure of it) is setting a goal, but never actually getting to it. I mean, hey we are human and things happen. But like I will be saying over and over – we got time! Pull out the calendar, and just set the dates of when you will get certain things done by-even if it just the simple things. Planning is key. That is why I love planners. You can buy them anywhere or even make one with printable Pinterest daily schedules!
3. Workout and Stay Active
Hooray! We can all workout now! Yes, gyms are closed, but you can of course workout from home. Whether it’s yoga, cardio, or dancing, anyone has the option to go onto Youtube, download apps, and anything to do these at-home workouts. If you don’t have room indoors to do so, go outside somewhere away from people and just get that body moving. It will feel good to not just be the couch potato, we all know you have been the past couple days.
May I also add meditation – something I have been taking part in the past couple weeks. Nothing nicer than knowing how to breathe-easy and keep stress low in a time like this.
4. Use the internet for FUN, not panic attacks ; GET CREATIVE and DO GOOD.
I know everyone is dying to keep constantly checking for all the COVID News, but at this point, the more you constantly stay plugged to the news channels, the more you’re going to cause anxiety for yourself.
It’s ok to check, but how about use your devices to get the ideas running in your head, and get yourself out of your panic zone?
Cook that recipe.
Learn that make-up tutorial.
Watch and send funny videos to your loved ones for some laughter.
At the same time, you can even do some in-home charity work and see what you can to help your community. Many people, those with low-income or the elderly need help to get food needed for the social distancing! Go onto your local food bank’s website or call and see how you can help our fellow community members! See if your elderly neighbor needs groceries! Anything helps!
Most importantly: try and stay healthy BOTH physically and mentally loves!
I am and have been nervous too, but right now we cannot let the stress overtake us. Do what you can to get your hopes up.
Last month, we headed we screened Sonic The Hedgehog and attended the press conference in Beverly Hills. We were thrilled to meet the sensational cast, and talk about the new film!
Thank you Paramount Pictures for inviting us to the Sonic The Hedgehog screening and press conference. All opinions are my own.
Based on the global blockbuster video game franchise from Sega, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG tells the story of the world’s speediest hedgehog as he embraces his new home on Earth. In this live-action adventure comedy, Sonic and his new best friend Tom (James Marsden) team up to defend the planet from the evil genius Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) and his plans for world domination. The family-friendly film also stars Tika Sumpter and Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic.
This cast is like no other, with their large grins and eccentric voices, their eyes glazed over with excitement as they spoke about their characters. They created content for children, with the intention of sending life long lessons, and the importance of kindness and friendship.
My daughter Clarissa choked up when she met her favorite actor, Jim Carrey.
They spoke from the heart, and from a place of sincerity, as improv was frequently used by these insanely talented actors. The children in the crowd gravitated towards the actors, sparkles in their eyes, often asking questions as if their favorite characters were real, sitting in front of them.
Can’t help but to fall in love with this little blue guy after watching this film. It was action packed and took us on a wild supersonic adventure. When my 12 year old son and I are equally sharing belly laughs while watching a film, it’s a winner… 💙
Ben said, “In my performance, whenever he is talking or anything like that I try to do it that when you hear it you feel like the energy, of that young kid trying to do the things he’s dreamed to do.”
Executive Producer Toby Ascher and Director Jeff Fowler
This adorable film hit our hearts at sonic speed. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Knott’s Berry Farm will kick off its 2020 Seasons of Fun with the return of the Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration. Guests can step inside the pages of a Charles M. Schulz comic book strip as the PEANUTS Gang take over Knott’s with a celebration that includes new character experiences, themed décor ,animated photo opportunities, deliciously themed food items and playful shows. Weekends starting January 25through March 1, 2020, plus select dates.
PEANUTS Gang inspired decor can be seen throughout the park, and provides the perfect animated backdrop for your fun social media pics. Make sure to use the #KnottsPeanutsCelebration hashtag when you’re at the park!
The Harlem Globetrotter are coming to the greater LA area, and I’m giving away tickets!
The Harlem Globetrotters “Pushing The Limits” 2020 World Tour premiers February 15-22 at three venues. Pure fun best shared with family and friends, the memory of a lifetime experience also features a “Fifth Quarter” free interactive post-game autograph sessions where fans will have the opportunity to meet the Globetrotter stars up close and personal.
Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win 4 tickets to the Harlem Globetrotter show. ($40 value per ticket)
Disclosure. Thank you Harlem Globetrotters for partnering with queenbeelatina.com for this giveaway.
Pechanga Arena San Diego February 14 at 7pm & February 23 at 2pm Toyota Arena in Ontario February 15th at 2pm & 5pm Staples Center in Los Angeles February 16th 2pm Honda Center Anaheim February 22 at 2pm & 7pm
In the world of male dominating film making, it’s always refreshing to see a woman in charge. I headed to the lot of Universal Studios with Dolittle, the new movie on my mind. Producer Susan Downey sat down with Queenbeelatina.com at Universal Studios to give an insight on producing, “Team Downey,” her leading man, and all things Dolittle.
Thank you Universal Pictures for inviting me to interview Susan Downey and Robert Downey Jr. All opinions on my own.
Susan’s first question, addressed what everyone was wondering. How does she manage to keep her inspiration flowing, with men seemingly in charge of everything?
Susan explained how she grew up in front of the camera as a hobby, but her interest was actually with what the people around her were doing. She attended the prestigious University of Southern California for film.
When she attended, there were 50 students in her class, only 3 other of which were women. In her junior year, her school eventually opened up 50 more spots, totaling 100 students… but yet, only totaling 8 women. However, Susan continues to keep tabs. When recently speaking to the Dean of USC; Dean Daly (SP) she confirmed times are changing, and the students are now graduating with classes that have a 50-50 gender ratio. It was music to the ears of all the women who sat at the roundtable.
Susan Downey, “So part of my theory is you put your nose down and you do the work. That said, I also personally think women are very well-equipped to do this job. I think that taking on more things only makes us better and stronger and more efficient and I think that the multitasking that’s required to be a producer is certainly for me perfectly suited, but most women and working mothers I know would be very good at it. And then I think the key is ultimately your dealing with personalities and people. And I think you have to remember that.”
Dr. John Dolittle lives in solitude behind the high walls of his lush manor in 19th-century England. His only companionship comes from an array of exotic animals that he speaks to on a daily basis. But when young Queen Victoria becomes gravely ill, the eccentric doctor and his furry friends embark on an epic adventure to a mythical island to find the cure.
In regards to Dolittle, Susan Downey really created a world of her own with the film. She wanted to create striking visualizations, while still staying true to the Hugh Lofting books themselves.
This project really differs from her other work, as the visuals required in this film, took an extensive amount of work; it’s almost like shooting two films. The layers that went into the film, we’re imagined as time went, in Susans words, “It [was] not a paint by numbers.” All the animals in the film are CGI, with the exception of horses. In the middle of a conversation of how realistic the parrot was, in came Robert Downey Jr.
The relationship between the two became immediately electric, it is no wonder they worked so well together. Their work relationship was built on respect, but there are no definitive roles. We can only expect more spectacular work coming from what is now known as “Team Downey”, and trust, there will be no disappointments.
Susan Downey, “The biggest challenge on this film was probably from a technical aspect, to be honest. I think that it always had the heart and the emotion that you would want in the story and there was this desire to have this incredible spectacle, whether it was the worlds we were creating, you know, when they went on this adventure or the animals. And even though both Robert and I have dealt with visual effects heavy movies in the past whether it was Sherlock or the Marvel movies, this was a whole other level because you are essentially shooting a live action movie and then you’re in postproduction creating an animated movie.”
To my surprise, Robert Downey Jr. showed up to chime and sit to chat! (totally unexpected, because I was only scheduled to interview Susan.)
Question: I have to say the movie is hilarious. There’s a lot of comedy with the characters. Everybody has a really defined, clear character. Was any of the improvised? You know, did you guys go strictly by the script or did you actually–
Robert Downey Jr.: “Craig can do whatever he wants because he can do no wrong. The rest of us would have our moments, but–and we like working on things where we really are redrafting things. If you have a chance to take another shot at something or you what we need is this and will go back and grab it. It’s controlled chaos.“
(from left) Lord Thomas Badgley (Jim Broadbent), Dr. Blair Müdfly (Michael Sheen), Tommy Stubbins (Harry Collett), Dr. John Dolittle (Robert Downey Jr.), dog Jip (back to camera, Tom Holland) and Lady Rose (Carmel Laniado) in “Dolittle,” directed by Stephen Gaghan.
“Team Downey,” also talked about their upcoming projects.
About Team Downey
Team Downey is an entertainment company founded by Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey that produces film, television and digital properties.
Team Downey is currently in post-production on Universal’s “Dolittle,” which is set to release on January, 17, 2020. “Dolittle” features an all-star cast with Downey Jr. in the title role. Team Downey is in various stages of development on several other anticipated feature projects including “A Head Full of Ghosts” with Osgood Perkins attached to write and direct. Additionally, they have partnered with Annapurna Pictures on an untitled feature based on Gimlet Media’s “Reply All” podcast episode “Man of the People,” with Richard Linklater writing and directing. On the television side, Team Downey is producing HBO’s “Perry Mason” starring Matthew Rhys, with episodes directed by Tim Van Patten and Denize Gamze Ergüven, and written by Rolin Jones and Ron Fitzgerald. Team Downey is also in post-production on the pilot “Sweet Tooth” for Warner Bros TV, as well as an eight-episode docuseries entitled “Age of AI” for YouTube Originals.
Don’t miss #Dolittle in theaters Friday January 17th!
Every year, a week before Christmas my familia gets together to make one hundred pounds of tamales. My mom’s recipe is a staple dish at our Navidad celebration. El Gallo Giro has always been our go to for our masa and other authentic Mexican food.
Thank you El Gallo Giro for partnering for this post. All opinions are my own.
My son and his papi love tamales. It’s a special dish we look forward to during the holidays. We love El Gallo Giro, because we can also find other delicious dishes such as posole, tortas, tacos, atole, Mexican bread, fresh juices, and much more!
The kitchen has always the heart of our home, and our favorite meeting place.
It is a place we we enjoy traditional Mexican food, laughs, and even sorrows. At our annual “tamalada”(tamale-making party) we prepare a multigenerational assembly line with the tios (aunts and uncles), primos (cousins), and grandkids. It’s a very special occasion for us, and we look forward to it every year.
Every year we picked up our masa, hojas (corn husks), and champurrado (tasty drink made with masa) from El Gallo Giro in Santa Ana. The masa is prepared fresh everyday, and grandma Cuca approves the quality and taste for our annual tamales, so with no doubt we know they will be delicious.
It’s so convenient to know we can easily go pick it all up locally at El Gallo Giro.
My parents now passed down these special recipes to us, so that we can continue this tradition with our children.
Familia is very important to us, and we can’t wait to create more memories with our kids. Gracias El Gallo Giro!
Are you looking for something fun to do with your kids this winter break?
The California Science Center loves our furry friends as much as you do, therefore they are celebrating dogs at their museum, in Los Angeles!
Dogs! A Science Tail exhibit is in it’s final weeks (ends Jan. 5th), and you don’t want to miss it. Have you ever wondered about your dog’s natural instincts and how he sees the world? This educational experience is loads of fun, and great for the entire family!
My youngest has been begging visit this exhibit, therefore we will head on over during his holiday break. He’s been working really hard this school semester, so he certainly deserves this little treat.
Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win a family 4 Pack to this fun exhibit!
Thank you California Science Center for partnering with Queen Bee Latina for this giveaway!
About Exhibit
Sniff out the science behind our puppy love! Let curiosity be your guide and discover life from a dog’s point of view in Dogs! A Science Tail. Experience the extraordinary way a dog sees, hears, and smells the world through fun and unique hands-on exhibits in this 9,000 sq. ft. exhibition for humans. From lovable companions to loyal protectors, dogs evolved from ancient wolves into the cuddly canines that live and work alongside us today. Unearth the science beneath our enduring bond and dig deeper into these incredible animals. You will never look at dogs the same way again!
This fun interactive exhibit is great for the entire family!
Enter the Rafflecopter for a chance to win a family 4 pack to Dogs! A Science Tail
Please note: Humans only! Service dogs that have been individually trained to work or perform tasks for a guest with a disability are welcome, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Pets, comfort animals, emotional support animals, or therapy animals are not allowed, for the safety of the exhibit animals in the Science Center’s World of Life and Ecosystems exhibitions.
Address: 700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037
Tori and I have been experimenting and tying new recipes for our upcoming holiday feast, and the Bobby at Home Cookbook arrived in the mail just in time. We were ecstatic about trying some of his famous dishes. The kids and I were salivating while we looked through the images in this new cookbook.
I asked Tori what she wanted to make, and she chose the Crispy Coconut-Scallion Rice. (page 105) We agreed that this flavorful side dish would be a great compliment to our international holiday feast that will include turkey, ham, and maybe even tamales. Yes, our holiday menu is not so traditional, but we love tasty food and hey why not?
This recipe is very easy to make, and I have included a recipe card to share with you!
Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win a Bobby at Home Cookbook and a $50 dollar Kirkland’s gift card to help you get cozy this winter.
Disclosure: Clarkson Potter sent me a copy and is partnering with me for a giveaway!
If there is one single dish that is responsible for me winning on Beat Bobby Flay, it is this one. Not served on its own, obviously, but alongside braises and Asian-inspired dishes. If the judges were tied on their decision, this coconut rice, with its crispy bottom, was the deciding factor. It should come as no surprise that it is just as popular when I serve it at home. If you can make the rice the night before or use leftover rice from Chinese takeout, all the better. The rice really needs to be cool and separated to get really crispy—it will not work with warm rice
1/2cupThinly sliced scallions, plus more for garnish
1/4cupCanola oil
Instructions
Combine the coconut milk, 2 teaspoons salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and 1 cup water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the rice and bring back to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender, about 18 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Spread the rice in an even layer over a large baking sheet and let cool completely, about 30 minutes. The rice can be made up to 24 hours in advance; store it on the baking sheet, covered with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator.
Combine the rice and scallions in a large bowl. Heat the oil in a large cast-iron or nonstick pan over high heat until it begins to shimmer. Add the rice and, using a heavy-duty metal spatula, immediately press the rice down into the pan until the top is flat. Cook, without stirring, until the bottom becomes golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes (start checking at 4 minutes, making sure not to burn it). Turn the rice over and press down firmly on the top again. Cook until the bottom is golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes more. Transfer to a platter, sprinkle with more scallions, and serve
With 165+ recipes, Bobby Flay opens up his home and shares his bold, approachable style of cooking for family and friends, along with his no-nonsense, essential advice for home cooks.
Expect crowd-pleasing classics taken to the next level with exciting flavors, such as Spanish-style shrimp and grits, pumpkin pancakes with apple cider syrup, and sticky-savory-sweet Korean BBQ chicken. Riff on go-to dishes just as Bobby does with his master recipes for essentials, along with creative variations that take the base recipe in a range of directions to suit your mood, such as crispy bacon glazed with pomegranate molasses, deviled eggs topped with fried oysters, and mussels steamed in a heady green curry broth. With Bobby by your side, cooking at home just got a lot more exciting.
About the Author
Bobby Flayis one of the country’s most celebrated chefs, restaurateurs, media personalities, and authors. He is a James Beard Award winner, the author of 13 cookbooks, and has starred in 14 Food Network programs. In 2015, he became the first chef to be awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
What’s on your holiday menu this year?
Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win a Bobby at Home Cookbook and a $50 dollar Kirkland’s gift card to help you get cozy this winter.
As a mother of a severely handicapped child, it can be extremely difficult for me to find resorts that accommodate to her disabilities.
Many resorts, hotels and restaurants don’t offer wheelchair accessible options. To my pleasant surprise, I learned Turks and Caicos Beaches Resort provides full wheelchair accessibility. As a matter of fact, they make it one of their commitments as a resort. I have spent countless hours schlepping my daughters wheelchair through sand and dirt, in hopes that she too could enjoy beautiful views, and exciting experiences with us. At Beaches Resorts, wheelchair users are accommodated with ramps and lifts situated throughout the grounds.
Disclosure: Thank you Beaches Resort for hosting my family. All opinions are my own.
Accommodations for guests with mobility restrictions include wider clearance on doorways, bathroom rails, lowered light switches & faucets, bathroom benches and more. These little luxuries make my world as a mother, so much easier. I regret now not taking my daughter with us, as I know she would’ve had the time of her life. It’s often risky to take my daughter anywhere we don’t know well, as we feel staff etc. can be very anxious in situations they aren’t too familiar with. The staff at Beaches Resorts however, are highly experienced and are always willing to let out a helping hand.
Sadly, my son ran a fever on the first day we arrived at the Turks and Caicos Beaches Resort. He couldn’t hold anything down, and laid sluggishly on his bed.
After being provided medicine by the resort clinic (yes, there is a physician on staff 24 hours), we constantly debated what to give him to eat. Mac and Cheese? Too heavy for his stomach. Steak and Mash? Even heavier! Our waitress approached us with the friendliest smile, offering us the daily (delicious) Indian food options. We told him about our son, and how we feared to give him anything. The cook came out to talk to us and listened empathetically, and assured us that he had the perfect meal for him. We waited a few minutes, as he approached us with most appetizing and healing fresh chicken soup.
My husband and I thanked the cook a million times, while trying to give him a tip for his selfless act. He simply said, “There is no need for tips, I hope your son feels better soon.” Let me repeat, the staff at Beaches Resorts are like no other. They truly make you feel at home, and always greet you with the warmest attitude. Which makes me believe whole- heartedly, my daughter can one day experience the delightful people of Turks and Caicos like we have. One last thing, did I mention my son was better seemingly overnight? That soup was magical; but so is Beaches resort.
Thank you Beaches Resort for your incredible hospitality! This trip will down in our family memory book forever… Book your stay at Beaches Turks and Caicos today!
