At Las Comadres para las Americas, our primary focus is to connect us ALL in many ways! We also support all Latina entrepreneurs in our community who are comadres. It is easy to join with no cost to be a part of our organization. On our main website, we have a comprehensive Las Comadres para las Americas Directory that includes a variety of products and services offered by businesses and nonprofit enterprises, whether for every day or for special events, such as the holidays!
When so many of us are shopping for gifts for our friends and family for the holidays, please consider purchasing something from our comadres and compadres. Below we’ve selected items from the directory that would make great Christmas presents and stocking stuffers! Not only will you find unique items in our Las Comadres 2013 Holiday Gift Guide…you’ll be helping to support small business owners, writers, and artists who are part of our talented network.
If you’re stuck on a gift idea, a Gift Check is a fun, safe and personalized way to send a cash gift. Gift Checks can be used anywhere (some gift cards can only be used at the store or restaurant where they were purchased – 1 in 4 gift cards are never used!). For a limited time, for every check you buy, Gift Checks Online will donate $1 to Las Comadres…this is a new fundraising effort that will help our organization continue to grow and prosper. There are a number of great designs to choose from, and you can add a photo and message to each one. Click here to order a Gift Check!
And don’t forget — a wonderful way to honor a comadre is with a book celebrating stories of sisterhoods and friendship, our very own anthology of stories by Latina/o authors: Count On Me.
CATEGORIES:
ART & LITERATURE
Laura Lopez Cano Art Studio – Paintings, Prints, Note Cards, and Crosses
Laura López Cano paints memorable images that disclose the tender yet powerful feeling of womanhood, portraying glimpses of private moments and sentimental encounters, and dripping with female experiences as interpretations of culture and tradition. Her truly unique style blends acrylics with oils on large canvases capturing the beauty, strength, elegance and pride of Latinas and all women of color.
Cano inspires feminine diversity and artistic creativity while working to improve her community, graciously giving of her art and time to support charitable organizations, including Prevent Blindness of Texas, Casa Marianella and others that promote education and women’s issues.
Lilibeth Andre Art & Design / The Lady of the Turquoise Pendant (book)
Provides creative solutions in art, illustration, reproductions, and art consultation. Made in México, and raised in the U.S.A., in her teen years Lilibeth André returned to Mexico and adopted “Mexicanismo”.
“My images, whether dramatic or tranquil, are becoming more expressive, bold, colorful, and textured. They continue to carry a lot of the force and color I use to ignite a striking appeal to emotion, with greater mastery of the craft and tools. I strive to capture the play of light and shadow on the model to reflect the emanating power within, rising like an invisible aura from its center. I hope that you can feel it.”
Andre also published The Lady of the Turquoise Pendant, a young adult novel that tells a story inspired on the legend of Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl. It is a prequil to the legend. It is not only the adventure of these characters but it presents many interesting details of Aztec life and culture.
Count On Me: Tales of Sisterhoods and Fierce Friendships
Our very own anthology of comadre stories – the vision for the book was created by Nora Comstock and Esmeralda Santiago! In twelve creative nonfiction narratives, mostly by women, the authors reflect on the importance of Comadres in their lives. Writers such as Fabiola Santiago, Luis Alberto Urrea, Reyna Grande, and Teresa Rodriguez tell their stories of survival in the United States and in Latin America, where success would have been impossible without their friendships.
Favorites such as Esmeralda Santiago, Lorraine Lopez, Carolina De Robertis, Daisy Martinez, and Ana Nogales explore what it means to have a comadre help you through years of struggle and self-discovery. And authors Sofia Quintero, Stephanie Elizondo Griest, and Michelle Herrera Mulligan look at the powerful impact of the humor and humanity that their Comadres brought to each one’s life, even in the darkest moments.
The book is available in hard copy and e-book, in Spanish and in English.
The American Southwest: Pride – Prejudice – Perseverance by Paulina Jaramillo
A historical overview of the cultures that have populated the Southwest from ancient times to the present with a unbiased look at the history of immigration and the resulting benefits to the United States. The last chapter provides information and statistics regarding Latinos and education and examines the attainment gap.
Section One: provides an overview of the early inhabitants. Sections Two and Three: focus on the struggles, triumphs and contributions of Mexican Americans in the Southwest. Section Four: looks at the Latino immigration issue (past/present) and poses questions and challenges. Section Five: examines the participation of Latinos in education and the attainment gap.
Contrast of Two Cities, Providence and Santo Domingo by Ana Arelys Cruz Cabrera
Relationship history and culture of the cities of Santo Domingo and Providence. Their origins, governance, and women who excel in different areas in both cities in both the contemporary and the past. This is a book that tells how a woman who came to this country as an adult develops a close relationship with the city of Providence that revive the relationship with her hometown.
It is a literary work that contains three poems dedicated to the heroes of both the city of Santo Domingo and the city of Providence, and also includes the song “Mi Quisqueya” in honor of the Dominican Republic. With approximately 300 photographs of historical and current of the cities mentioned.
It’s educational, historical, and enlightening. Contact anacruz2@cox.net to inquire about ordering a copy.
Anamar y otros Relatos by Haydee Zayas
Doce cuentos honestos. La autora los llama de esa forma porque comprenden sus primeros escritos. Los inspiró la necesidad de asirse a sus raíces cuando se fue a vivir a Nueva York. “Anamaria era tan tímida, introvertida y callada que su propia madre olvidó que ella existía.”
Zayas is an awarded published writer in SPANISH (short stories, articles for children & adults, novels) who has worked for universities, magazines, newspapers and publishing houses in United States, Puerto Rico & Colombia. Her published titles include Anamar y otros relatos, Ganadores, and Cuentos rencorosos.
She has been recently selected to work with the University of Chicago, writing stories in Spanish for their program STEP. Zayas is a contributor of Revista IGUANA, the only magazine in Spanish for children age 8-14 in the United States, with short stories and articles. She is also a regular contributor of the Colombian Cultural Newspaper Echando Lápiz with short stories and poems. Awarded in 2011 with the sixth place in the International Competition of short stories for Latin American International Alliance (LAIA).
The Sandoval Sisters’ Secret of Old Blood by Sandra Ramos O’Briant
The Sandoval Sisters’ Secret of Old Blood earned the Best Historical Fiction award and the Best First Book award at the 15th annual ILBA, 2013. The book tells the story of the conquest of New Mexico during the Mexican American War from a female perspective. The war is the backdrop for the sisters’ individual love and coming-of-age stories in which they cope with racism, sexism, political intrigue and the power of superstition in that time and place.
The story also has a fair bit of romantic eroticism which the centuries-old Sandoval diaries dealt with candidly. “My research didn’t yield much information on rebellious Latinas of yore. They obeyed their fathers, brothers, husbands, and priests, so I wrote the Sandoval sisters-not exactly as firebrands-but as women who make a change toward owning their power, each in their own way, and all while living on a rough frontier at the juncture of three cultures,” said O’Briant.
Latina Power! by Dr. Ana Nogales
Latina Power! shows Latinas how to recognize and maximize seven attributes they already possess to enhance their lives and bring them closer to their dreams. The uplifting message of this book encourages Latinas to move beyond expected roles and become the women they wish to be simply by embracing seven traits naturally ingrained into them by Latino culture.
A native of Argentina, Dr. Nogales is one of the most well-known and respected Latinas in the United States. Through her private practice, media presence, books, and organizational leadership, she has dedicated herself to ensuring the mental health and success of women, Latinos, and anyone else who struggles with cultural and personal issues, victimization, and inequality.
Crazy Brainz science books by April Terrazas
April Chloe Terrazas received her Bachelor’s in Science from the University of Texas at Austin. Desiring to aid young readers in developing a stronger understanding and love for the sciences, she started the Super Smart Science Series for kids. Bold images, phonics aids and simple text enable the reader to grasp a basic knowledge of the topic, therefore creating confidence, which leads to excellent grades and a stronger interest in science!
http://crazy-brainz.com/store/?page/93427/buy-science-stuff
Clarita’s Cocina: Great Traditional Recipes from a Spanish Kitchen by Clarita Garcia
This newly revised edition of this highly regarded Ybor City classic (original edition circa 1952) introduces Clarita Garcia’s loyal readers and new friends to tapas – tantalizing hors d’oeuvres that are the mains of Spanish entertaining. Clarita is the doyenne of Spanish/Cuban cuisine in Florida and throughout the U.S. She continues to sprinkle her instructions with charming anecdotes, and countless down-to-earth pointers while offering authentic recipes for Spain’s most famous dishes!
The result is a truly complete book of SpanishCuban home cooking, a practical and convenient guide for the novice and experienced cook alike. Delectable recipes include Shrimp Creole, Seafood Casserole, Crab Meat Croquettes, Ropa Vieja, Stuffed Peppers Maria, Picadillo, Empanadas, Black beans, and the quintessential Chicken and Yellow rice. Over 100,000 copies sold!
www.amazon.com/Claritas-Cocina-Traditional-Recipes-Spanish/dp/0942084756
A Tale of Survival by Grace Flores-Hughes
A Tale of Survival is more than a Memoir of an Hispanic Woman: it is an important, quintessential American story of adversity and perseverance. This is a brutally honest and provocative tale of not merely survival but success from one who came from a time and place where success and upward mobility by a Mexican-American was not likely.
Unlike other Hispanic memoirs, Ms. Flores-Hughes chronicles her entire life, which unfolds against the backdrop of the modern Hispanic experience and parallels the turbulent time of the baby-boomer generation. She writes of assimilation, racial and ethnic injustice, championing the use of the term Hispanic, the lives of the disenfranchised before and after the civil rights movement and about her encounters and friendship with many of America’s leaders as a public servant. When she says that “Hold the Salsa” is not her style, you can believe it as she reveals a fascinating journey of a child’s identity and ultimate acceptance as an accomplished Hispanic woman.
www.amazon.com/Tale-Survival-Memoir-Hispanic-Woman/dp/146344107X
HOME & KITCHEN
Salud de Paloma Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salud de Paloma extra virgin olive oils are cold-pressed and bottled in Dripping Springs, Texas, in collaboration with Texas Hill Country Olive Oil Company, where there is an on-site olive mill, bottling, and distribution operation. The company was founded by Rosa Rios Valdez, who grew up in Texas, as a tribute to her mother. Ten cents of each bottle sold is donated to BCL of Texas, the parent nonprofit organization that supports women, minority and veteran owned businesses.
Salud de Paloma uses a blend of Texas and California olives to deliver the freshest oils possible, always seek to source most of our olives from the closest olive farms available. The extra virgin olive oil is available in traditional and three infused flavors: garlic, chili pepper, and meyer lemon – in 250 ml and 500 ml bottles. Save 10% and get free shipping on online orders through December 31 (enter promo code NavidadSDP2013 in the shopping cart).
CasaQ Ornaments
CasaQ was founded in 2005 by Darlene Tenes, a professional event planner. For over a decade Ms. Tenes is renown for planning festive and creative Hispanic events, which incorporate the traditions and customs of Spain, Mexico and Latin America.
When she was unable to find decor and unique gifts for her guests, she began searching and importing items to fulfill her own needs. Her guests continually requested to purchase and borrow these items. Thus, the idea for CasaQ was created so others could enjoy some of these same items in their own homes. CasaQ is dedicated to presenting unique products that embrace our Latino culture and heritage blending modern with traditional, and old with new.
La Tiendita de Orgánica 3
Omega 8004 Juicer for better health and life. The brand new Omega 8004 juicer is a heavy-duty, single gear masticating style juicer designed to offer you a great way to start your day. Features: Continuous juicing with automatic pulp ejection, exclusive “dual sage” masticating extraction, and high juice yield – very dry pulp. Generates no heat for healthier and better juice. Heavy-duty construction and less foaming than double gear juicers.
www.organica3.com/es/la-tiendita (note: website is in Spanish)
BEAUTFLY: Pillow that Prevents Wrinkles on Face and Chest
BEAUTFLY is a “beauty” pillow or pillow topper designed for maximum sleep comfort and support. The “Beauty” aspect of BEAUTFLY comes from its unique shape which allows you to sleep comfortably without touching the parts of your face where wrinkles often form.
We are not all the same. BEAUTFLY accommodates different body types and measurements so you can find the right level of support. BEAUTFLY is 3.5 inches in height making it perfect for use as a pillow since for many this height perfectly fits the area between head and shoulder. If you shoulder extends a little longer, try BEAUTFLY as a pillow topper on top of a conventional pillow. Either way, you will receive the benefits of BEAUTFLY.
JEWELRY & FASHION
Mexican Masterpieces
Mexican Masterpieces presents handmade products crafted by artisans of Chiapas, Oaxaca, Puebla and many other states of Mexico using pre-Hispanic techniques. Their collection includes accessories, hand embroidered cotton Mexican blouses, hand made dolls, hand embroidered cotton Mexican dresses, hand made men’s cotton Mexican guayaberas (shirts), Mexican rebozos shawls, Zapotec rugs, beach bags and hand loomed tablecloths, scarfs of the highest quality.
Every single product is unique. The artisans various regions of Mexico make similar works of art, but it is impossible for them to make two pieces that are exactly the same. Human hands are not perfect—this is where the magic resides. Mexican Masterpieces is dedicated to preserving Mexican pre-Hispanic art and promoting good living wages, along with safe and healthy work conditions for our artisans.
Wireworks
Marilu Del Carpio is a wire jewelry artist. All products are hand made with quality materials, using sterling silver, fine silver (999), goldfilled, and copper wire (natural and color); Swaroski crystals, gemstones, fresh water pearls and occasionally specialty glass beads. Designs are rarely repeated unless a change in material is made.
Del Carpio says, “Peruvian Strings designs are based on Peruvian artwork from the late 60’s made with cotton strings which I apply with wire; Celtic inspired designs came about from my visit to Ireland; Nazca lines designs are inspired from the ground lines found in the deserts of Southern Peru.”
The example shown here is a one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry piece: a necklace made with ¾” tourmaline beads and sterling silver links, 18-20” length; 30” necklace of turquoises & sterling silver cubes and a pendant made with onyx and sterling silver.
Anomalous Creations: Handmade Purses
Unique purses and bags made for those who like something a little different. These bags are made from both bought and upcycled materials. Purse creator Daniela Arismendi says, “In high school, I didn’t like most of the purses and bags that were sold in stores, so I started making mine at home (with the help of my wonderfully crafty mother). The first few bags were made from old jeans. After some practice on the sewing machine, I tried other fabrics. Over the years I had lost interest a bit, but just recently picked it back up and I’m hoping to make this a full time hobby.
I consider myself an amateur and will be working on making a few more complex pieces in the future. With every one I make, I find little things I can do differently on the next. As my skills and techniques evolve, so will my creations. I put a lot of thought, energy and love into each one with the hope that it will one day be someone’s favorite.”
www.etsy.com/shop/AnomalousCreations
Park Lane Jewelry
Jewelry expresses your mood, your attitude, your personality. Jewelry places your signature on your outfit. If you are in search of the perfect gift, jewelry is always appreciated and appropriate. Fashion-forward, unique, and exquisitely handcrafted, many Park Lane creations are inspired by world-renowned designers. Wear Park Lane jewelry with pride, and you will sparkle with beauty and confidence everywhere you go! Be sure to make your purchases through our comadre sales representative, Rebeca Quintana Roo.
www.parklanejewelry.com/rep/rquintanaroo
BEAUTY & HEALTH
DoTERRA
Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. They can be both beautifully and powerfully fragrant. If you have ever enjoyed the gift of a rose, a walk by a field of lavender, or the smell of fresh cut mint, you have experienced the aromatic qualities of essential oils. In addition to giving plants their distinctive smells, essential oils provide plants with protection against predators and disease and play a role in plant pollination.
Be sure to make your purchases through our comadre sales representative, Irene Proper.
www.mydoterra.com/irenevproper
JALEO – Caribbean Fitness Merengue-Salsa Aerobics DVD
JALEO Merengue-Salsa Aerobics is a dynamic, energetic and educational routine that will teach you Merengue & Salsa basic steps, improve your cardiovascular fitness, make you burn calories, and tone up all muscle groups in a fun and effective way.
Monique Peña, a Certified Trainer, native to the Dominican Republic, the Land of Merengue, has mixed two of her greatest passions to create JALEO: dancing & exercising! She is hoping that JALEO will help her accomplish her Mission for life: To raise awareness about the importance of exercising in order to live a healthier and happier life!
Monique dedicates JALEO to her mother, Ramona Silvestre, who always used to say “La Belleza Entra Por La Boca,” which means that we are what we eat, with no doubt, she was right!
www.caribbeanfitness.net/jaleo
NYR Organic: Certified Organic, Certified Fair-Trade Beauty, Body Care, Aromatherapy & Essential Oils
Experience the best in certified organic, certified fair-trade products for the whole family. From european skin care, to luxurious body and bath products, to aromatherapy and essential oils, they bring the best in ethical, effective and environmental beauty and personal care products. NYR Organic knows the origins of all their herbs and ingredients, as they grow as many as they can in their gardens in Peacemarsh, Dorset, UK and at Sheepdrove Organic Farm on the Lambourn Downs in Berkshire, UK.
“Health is the most important thing to us. When formulating and making our products, we follow the precautionary principle – which means not using anything we believe could cause you, or the planet harm.” Be sure to make your purchases through our comadre sales representative, Isatel Dutra.
www.us.nyrorganic.com/shop/isatel
Nerium Skincare
Do you wish you could rediscover the gift of youth this holiday season? NeriumAD skincare products are revolutionary. The patented anti-aging ingredients work synergistically to diminish the appearance of: Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Discoloration, Uneven Skin Texture, Enlarged Pores, Aging Skin, Loose Skin.
Whether you are searching for the perfect treat for yourself or loved ones, NeriumAD® makes beautiful skin possible for all ages and skin types. Their limited-edition holiday tins are the perfect way to give the gift of youth this winter.
Be sure to make your purchases through our comadre sales representative, Gracielle Ahued.
BeautiControl
BeautiControl is an internationally recognized beauty company offering personalized service, scientifically advanced skin care and premium quality cosmetics. As the first direct sales company to bring the Spa experience into the home, BeautiControl is known as the #1 Premium Spa Brand.
Throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, BeautiControl provides premium products and services, unforgettable experiences and an opportunity to change women’s lives. For over 30 years, BeautiControl and its Consultants have chosen to conduct their business with integrity, honesty, humility and honor and live each day empowering women to dream with confidence. Be sure to make your purchases through our comadre sales representative, Malena Lopez.
Ultimate Body Applicator
Expect “ultimate” results with this amazing 45-minute body Applicator! The Ultimate Body Applicator is a non-woven cloth wrap that has been infused with a powerful, botanically-based formula to deliver maximum tightening, toning, and firming results where applied to the skin.
Features: Tightens, tones, & firms, minimizes cellulite appearance, improves skin texture & tightness, mess-free and simple to use, results in as little as 45 minutes, progressive results over 72 hours, and made with natural ingredients. The Ultimate Body Applicator (body wrap) removes toxins from the body, which melts away fat and produces tighter toned and firmer skin. Facial wraps will lift, firm and invigorate your skin.
wrappartiesbyesther.myitworks.com
Avon
Avon is the world leader in anti-aging skin care products, fragrance and color cosmetics. Its product line includes beauty products, fashion jewelry and apparel and features such well-recognized brand names as Avon Color, Anew, Skin So Soft, Avon Solutions, Advance Techniques Hair Care, Avon naturals, mark and Avon Wellness.
By the end of 2006, total Avon philanthropy worldwide will have raised and awarded more than $500 million for initiatives and organizations of vital importance to women. Voted “a most trusted brand” on three continents, Avon was selected by Businessweek as one of “The Top 100 global Brands” and honored as one of Fortune magazines “50 Best companies for Minorities”. Be sure to make your purchases through our comadre sales representatives (click on the names below)
Mary Kay
A trusted global name in skin care, makeup & body care. The latest beauty advice, makeup trends, virtual makeover & unparalleled business opportunity. Mary Kay uses the most advanced skin care technology available to deliver innovative products that consumers can believe in at a price they can afford.
For 50 years, Mary Kay has led the way in giving women what they crave: advanced skin care that delivers results; modern makeup in on-trend colors and advanced formulations; and fresh, unforgettable fragrances. Believing in the power and importance of social responsibility, Mary Kay has led the way in showing that beauty can enrich women’s lives – one woman at a time.
Be sure to make your purchases through our comadre sales representatives (click on the names below):