The Non-Profit Club

Dedication: To Abra, Elise, Jen and Juliana...my non-profit peeps!

Ladies and gents I'd like you to know that your life will not be complete until you've sat in class with the fabulous and corky Dr. Edward Downes. If you're into coffee, being a do gooder, randomly practicing martial arts kicks and in need of a professor who is truly invested in your education than this is your guy. For Abra, Elise, Jen, Juliana and I this was just what we were looking for. We  honestly couldn't help ourselves and signed up for a double dose of fun - Intro to PR and Non-profit PR. Now numerous coffee cups and classes later we find ourselves Downes-less and studying for the dreaded comps. I couldn't create a post nearing the culmination of this experience (grad school) without mentioning these ladies and the great Dr. Downes. We've become quite the club, the non-profit club! Each of us brings something fun, wild, instructive and corky to the table. Everyone is more than awesome and I would not have survived the mayhem that is graduate school without them.

Abra, Elise, Jen, and Juliana: long live white tigers with red bows, coffee, scones and lots of hats!

Hasta Next Time,
Grace

The Non-Profit Club

(The smart and witty, Ms. Juliana)  

(The fitness guru and unbelievably sweet- Ms. Jen) 

(The fashionista with a punch of pizazzs- Ms. Abra) 

(Ms. Congeniality and Madam President- Ms. Elise) 

Back to Reality

Dedication: This is for all those students who are attempting to get back in the groove after Thanksgiving break.

I'm back! Back to Boston, back to school, back to my internship and back to reality. Many of you have called and texted asking if I arrived safely and if you're reading this the answer is - yes! I've arrived and desperately want to go back (to Miami). If you're wondering why, it's of course because I miss you so very much and because the next two weeks are going to be the death of me.

I'm in the midst of finals and prepping for my comprehensive exam this Saturday. If I don't pick up your calls, reply to your text or kind of forget you for the next few days, please know I still love you. I'll get back to you after Saturday evening once the Comps are over. For the next four days I'm going to be living in this place....

I'll even be there all of Saturday!

Hasta next time,
Grace :)

Cyber Monday

Dedication: To holiday shoppers who thrive on a great bargains!

It's Cyber Monday baby! As you know, I LOVE to shop, it's my middle name. Retail therapy is quite soothing especially less than 7 days away from the comprehensive exam. Honestly, I've never been much of an online shopper. When you're 4'9 and with hips the size of the pacific ocean trying on clothes is a must. However, I decided to be daring this year and hit the cyber world in search of bargains.

Low and behold I found one! For the past few weeks I had been eying a beautiful Kenneth Cole Reaction coat -a whopping $245- ouch! For some apparent reason I hit the Macy's website today hoping the coat would be within my spending limits and...IT WAS! A surprising $78.99. I am now the proud owner of a the lovely coat and will be nice and warm for the winter season.

If you're fashion taste is anything similar to mine- classic with a hint of spunk - then I recommend you scope out the following sites. Their sales are fabulous!

• Amazon
• Macy's
• Forever 21
• Gap
• Aeropostale
• American Eagle Outfitters
• Aldo Shoes
• JCPenny
• Sunglass Hut
• DSW

If you happen to come across any other sales please do share!

Happy Shopping and hasta next time!
Grace

Mission Accomplished

Dedication: To novice runners everywhere!

A few weeks back I shared my goal of completing my new year's resolution of running a 5K. I'm proud to say on Thanksgiving Day, I completed the Run Miami's Turkey Trot.

(Me before the race) 

At 5:00 a.m. sharp the alarm went off. Following Coach's orders, I was sure to hydrate and eat a light breakfast, a slice of toast with peanut butter. At 6:30 a.m. I was at the race site picking up my registration packet. I have to say I had an amazing support team by my side, my two biggest fans Mami and Patrick. Both stood by me, helped me stretch and gave me the traditional bendicion before the count down. Once the countdown started, it was game time. It was just me and the songs that had filled my numerous runs.

In training for this event, I had run more than 26 miles, took up spinning twice a week and ate healthier than I had in a really long time. I ran in 40 degree weather, in the rain, in the sun, in the morning, in the evening and in the afternoon. It was a lot of work, a lot of dedication and a huge accomplishment. My goal was to run without stopping and under 40 minutes. I'm happy to announce I finished the race in 33:45 and did not stop - not too bad for a 4'9 girl!

(3.1 miles later-a very sweaty Grace) 

Now that I've got one race under my belt, I'm looking forward to the next. I think I'll complete another 5K and have set a new goal to run a 10K next year.

Thanks to all for the support, encouraging words and advice!

Hasta next time,
Grace

Happy Be-lated Thanksgiving!

Dedication: To my familia for making Thanksgiving the greatest holiday ever and keeping me well feed.

(The Primos) 

Happy  be-lated Thanksgiving! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday surrounded by great family and fantastic friends. I also hope your meals were as fabulous as mine. Honestly, I've always been a Christmas girl, but ever since joining the Turiano family Thanksgiving has quickly moved to the top of my list. These people can cook! Turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese they make it all and well.

(One of two delicious turkeys) 

Aside from the delicious food, we (Patrick and I) were able to spend some quality time with our new niece, Alyssa. To say she's got the whole family wrapped around her little tiny fingers is an understatement. We are all madly in love with her. She's absolutely lovely and brings enormous joy to us all.

(Patrick, Alyssa and I - Take 1) 

(Patrick, Alyssa and I - Take 2) 

Thanksgiving was truly wonderful, being back home and spending quality time with the familia was just what the doctor ordered for a stressed out grad student. We laughed, ate, shared wonderful memories and caught up.

I have many things to be thankful for this year, I'm healthy, I have a fantastic loving and supportive husband, a wonderful family, and great friends. I hope you too had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I'd love to hear how it went and what are some of your traditions.

Hasta next time,
Grace

Wedding Bells

Dedication: To Mr. & Mrs. Mesa-wishing you a lifetime of love and joy!

(Mr. & Mrs. Mesa)

When I found out the always creative and lovely Cristy was getting married the weekend before Thanksgiving I knew I'd be flying home for the big festivities. It's not everyday one of your childhood friends ties the knot. So when they do, it's a BIG celebration.

Cristy and Luis have been together for quite sometime and complement each other so very well. The beautiful nuptials were held at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens. Their ceremony was a sunset dream come true and the bride gushed with joy. Cristy looked radiant and absolutely beautiful-as she always does.

 

(The beautiful center pieces)

(The plate setting and lovely menus)

Aside from the celebrating the newlyweds, enjoying some delicious paella, and dancing the night away, it was also the first time in a long time the Southwest Crew reunited. With motherhood, work, graduate school, husbands and households it's difficult to gather six long time friends in one place, but when it happens it's quite awesome! We reminisce about fun memories, laugh at old stories and crack jokes at our funky stages.

 (The Southwest Crew: Kathy, Mariel, Me, Arlete, and Jenny)

The evening was truly magical-just like the lovely couple!


Hasta next time,
Grace 

(Dina and Snooki-aka Me and Mariel)

(With my favorite bridesmaids-Mariel and Arlete)

Bertucci's Study Sessions

Dedication: To the amazing establishment that fed three mad graduate students for three days-Bertucci's thanks for the memories!

Last semester Madison, Elise and I came together to foster one master public relations plan for a small nonprofit in Haiti and Maine-Konbit Sante. Like most grad students we procrastinated and in efforts to create success we crammed. We crammed for three nights in a row at the greatest establishment ever, Bertucci's. What draws three graduate students to camp out at Bertucci's for three days? Unlimited soup and salad and the greatest rolls ever! I'd like to point out the staff was amazing. They let us stay as long as we wanted and always sat us next to an outlet cord (the energy boost wasn't for us, but for our computers). Our presentation was a huge success and the client was highly impressed with our work. Madison, Elise and I were about five pounds heavier after that week. Personally, I always feel a little nostalgic every time I pass by Bertucci's in Kenmore Square. That place holds some really good memories.

Since this chaotic project, Madison has been on the exciting job hunt and Elise and I have been finishing our last semester. Just a few days ago, we got together to discuss the dreaded COMPs and catch-up on some good old times. It was certainly a no brainer where we'd gather-Bertucci's. If you're wondering what we ordered, that's a no brainer too-unlimited soup and salad with an extra portion of rolls.

(Katie and Madison enjoying some unlimited soup and salad) 

(Elise giving the rolls a thumbs up) 

Madison and Elise, I don't think I could ever describe how fortunate I am to have met you girls and worked on this awesome project together. I think no matter what, Bertucci's will always be our place!

Hasta next time,
Grace

P.S: I much rather be playing trivia!

The Final Countdown

Dedication: To the city where the heat it on all night on the beach to the break of dawn- Miami!

The countdown has officially begun! Three days from today, at this very minute, I'll be home. For the past three months I've been eagerly awaiting this very moment. While I've been away I've missed a plethora of things. I thought about listing them all for you, but if I did this post would be longer then the Declaration of Independence. So, I've decided to keep it simple and list the Top 5 things I've missed the most. Here it goes...

#5: Sergio's Croquetas 

(Image courtesy of The Burger Beast.com)

#4: Driving on I-95 with the windows down while jamming to Pitbull

(Give Me Everything-Pitbull feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer) 

If you're wondering I'll indeed be jamming to this song. DALE!

#3: Being able to rock shorts in November 

(Image courtesy of coolspotters.com) 

#2: People watching and shopping at Dolphin Mall 

(Image courtesy of brazil-miami.com)

#1: My amazing family and really cool friends

Hasta next time, 

Grace 

Video Adventures

Dedication: To the lovely Jeanean Ayala! You're a great partner, bomb friend and a genius!

(Divya, Me, Jeanean and Heidi at a BU Grad event) 

School has been quite chaotic lately and honestly it's about time we have some fun. Jeanean (my PIC)  and I realized that it's best to turn school projects into fun adventures you'll laugh about. Also, adventures you're able to look back at and gain a nice little study break from. With that said, ladies and gents I present Where's Walda? This little fun video is brought to you by two very warn out, stressed out, and out of their mind grad students. Please know the credits are my all time favorite; the song just made me feel like I was in middle school all over again!

(Song courtesy of Tag Team!) 

Black Friday

Dedication: To the men and women who brace the Black Friday madness-you rock!

(Image courtesy of ExtraTV) 

Ladies and gents I'm not sure if you're aware but we are just 13 days away from the greatest holiday ever invented-Black Friday! If you know me, you happen to know it's just my all time favorite holiday. Most people cringe at the thought of waking up at 3:00 a.m. to stand in a line that is longer than I-95.
Not me-I live for that stuff. Trust me when I say shopping is my middle name and doing it on a minimal budget should be my first name.

Every year my mother and I develop a game plan about two days before the big festivities. We create our Christmas list, research the best bargains, clip coupons and map out our store routes.  We always make sure to visit the major department stores first. Perks you ask? JCPenny gifts free Mickey and Minnie snow globes (my mom owns far too many to count), smaller check-out lines and way better deals. Our shopping extravaganza usually ends by noon with a visit to Starbucks for a much needed energy boost. It's a joyous day I tell you and believe when I say the countdown has begun at Casa Ros/Turiano.

In order to help you prep for the greatest holiday, here's a few suggestions from Yahoo. It's a great way to get the 411 on what to do.

(Image courtesy of MSNBC) 

Hasta next time,
Grace

Happy Birthday Prince Charming

Dedication: To my better half, PIC (partner in crime), prince charming, love of my life and birthday boy- Patrick Turiano! 

It's been an eventful weekend at the Turiano household. As some of you may know, my amazing better half is celebrating his 27th birthday today. Since birthdays should be a weekend or week long celebration we did just that for the mellow yet always jolly, Patrick. Keeping the festivities in true Patrick fashion they involved a whole lot of football and a whole lot of just chillin.

Saturday night we hit up Cask N Flagon for some good old college football (LSU vs. Alabama) beers, and bar food.

 (The Birthday Boy ready to blow out some candles) 

He also got some really rad gifts from Mr. Lopez-Bernal and the future Mrs. Lopez-Bernal. He loved them so much he wore them to work today. I'd like to formally thank them both for keeping Patrick so very stylish. 

(Tie and shirt courtesy of Gabe and Yisel) 

Disclaimer: Patrick did NOT wear the presents with the shorts to work today! 

Sunday the birthday festivities involved more football and much needed studying. We also sprinkled some fantasy football into the mix. In honor of the special day I agreed to the unthinkable, dinner in front of the television. Please know at the Turiano household dinner is sacred and sitting in front of the TV is a huge no, no! We both grew up in families where dinner was quality time and “uno se sienta en la mesa.” I’m happy to say we’ve continued the tradition but broke the rules for the birthday boy.  

Mom & Mami: Please know I was sure to extra spoil our favorite guy and made him one of his favorites, arroz con picadillo.

(Patrick enjoying dinner and the Pats vs. Giants game) 

While Mondays are always crazy with school, work, internship, job applications and homework, we still managed to celebrate the man of the house. Here’s our simple celebration, please pay special attention to what he’s wearing, it was courtesy of his hot wife.

(This is Patrick's I'm an old fart face!)  

Happy Birthday Booger, I love you more than words could ever express. I think I speak for all of our family and friends back in sunny S. Florida when I say “may all your wishes come true.”

Hasta next time,
Grace

Through Thick and Thin

Dedication: To relationships here, there and everywhere!

This week started off a tad bit spooky and I'm not referring to the Halloween festivities, but rather to Kim K's announcement she was filing for divorce. Was it really spooky or deja vu? Seventy-two days after pledging to spend the rest of her life with NBA star, Kris Humphries, Kim Kardashian called it quits.

While many wondered was it a publicity stunt? Was it for money? Was if for ratings? Others such as myself thought, what does this say about the institution of marriage? Most importantly, what kind of image regarding marriage is this whole fiasco portraying?

I vowed to spend the rest of my life with my prince charming 1302 days ago. We were 23-years-old, straight out of college, madly in love and absolutely out of our minds. We look back at it now and laugh but still believe it's the greatest decision we've ever made.

(Patrick and I, April 12, 2008) 

 Today, we are surrounded by wonderful family and friends who have vowed to love each other through thick and thin or are planning on taking the big plunge. Many of them have turned to us for advice.

I'll share with you the miniscule wisdom we've acquired in the past three plus years. 

• Marriage is about compromise
• Life isn't perfect or a fairytale
• Date nights are the bomb, always make time for just you two
• Respect, trust and honesty are a must
• Never go to bed angry
• You're each other's biggest fan (professionally and spiritually)
• Time with the girls and time with the boys is way cool
• Don't air your dirty laundry, it's your business not anyone else's
• Her family is your family and his family is your family
• Talk to each other not at each other.
• It's not what you say it's how you say it
• Choose your battle's wisely; don't fight over the little stuff
• While things may not always be perfect, just remember you're perfect for each other.

Honestly, I could go on forever! I'm also not a relationship expert or insinuating my advice is the best or right for that matter. What I can say is I'm still madly in love with my Booger aka prince charming. We have a lot more to learn and many more hurdles and obstacles to face; the best part you ask? We'll do it together!

Please know this post is by no means a jab at Kim K- I'm a HUGE fan! I watch the show, love her clothing line, like her perfume and think she's got a rocking body. I admire her for following her heart and doing what' right for her. I wish her and Kris the best during this difficult time, but I want people to know that marriage is a beautiful institution. It's also a lot of hard work and should not be taken lightly. If you aren't sure, don't do it! More than anything I want people to realize that a wedding is a one day event and a marriage should be till death do you part. 

Hasta next time,

Grace