Dana-Farbering It Up!

Dedication: To the amazing Dana-Farber media relations team, thanks for making me part of the team!

This past summer I was granted the amazing opportunity to intern at Dana-Farber's media relations department. For those of you who aren't familiar with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, they are the principal teaching affiliate of the Harvard Medical School and one of the leading cancer care and research centers in the country. The Jimmy Fund, their development branch, is one of Boston's most reputable charities and the official charity of the Boston Red Sox. When awarded the internship, I was so honored I cried over the phone and I cried when I left the interview. Yes, I'm a big old sap, but I was so unbelievably happy that I couldn't help myself.

For the past three months I've been pitching to media outlets both traditional and new about some of the amazing efforts, work, stories and fundraising taking place at the institute. It has been the most rewarding internship I've ever had. I've grown professionally, expanded my portfolio and brought awareness to a very pertinent cause.

(My name plate) 

(My nook) 

This week my internship is coming to an end and while I'm a bit sad to leave the team and this experience behind I'm glad to have been granted this wonderful opportunity.

Hasta Next Time,
Grace


P.S: This holiday season, I invite you to support cancer care and research at Dana-Farber by purchasing an item off their holiday greeting collection.

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)