Life in Argentina

WELCOME TO ARGENTINA  (May9,2010-May15,2010)

This week we are going to explore the country of Argentina. Argentina is a country situated in South America and comprises of a federation of twenty-three provinces and an autonomous city (Buenos Aires). The second largest country in South America and the eighth largest country of the world, in terms of size, it is being gradually recognized by people as a tourist destination, which is definitely worth a visit. This country shares a diverse ethnic group, with descendants of Italian and Spanish immigrants predominant. Waves of immigrants from many European countries arrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Syrian, Lebanese, and other Middle Eastern immigrants number about 500,000 to 600,000, mainly in urban areas. Argentina's population is overwhelmingly Catholic, but it also has the largest Jewish population in Latin America, estimated at between 280,000 and 300,000. For more information on Argentina please visit Welcome to Argentina.com

Cinderella & the PINK Castle
(Interior Design by: Jospeh Allen May 15,2010)

In a land far, far away, there lived a beautiful young girl. Her name was Eva Duarte. Eva was born into poverty, but through a fairytale romance with a prince, she was transformed into a princess with expensive gowns, astounding jewels, and a breathtaking royal court. That royal court’s name is the Casa Rosada (literally means Pink House). The Casa Rosada lies in Argentina’s capital city, Buenos Aires. The interior of the Casa Rosada is as phenomenal as the story of Evita Peron, Argentina’s most beloved first-lady. The interior of the government palace is an infusion of several cultural influences including French, Italian, and Spanish. Take a look inside by viewing the video below, and be ready for some of the most beautiful interiors the world has ever seen. Click here for more information on Evita. Click here for more information on the Casa Rosada.


Smoothie Slimmer
(Health by: LaShay Jackson May 15,2010)

Making fruit smoothies are a wonderful way to enjoy the warm-weather. These delectable drinks are great for breakfast, cooling off on a hot summer day or welcoming guests as they arrive for a barbecue. Last week when we were in Trinidad we discussed the importance of incorporating fruit in your daily diet by introducing you to a few recipes. This week in Argentina we’re having the fruit discussion again in the form of a refreshing drink. 
Argentina’s very own Women’s Fitness has some very fascinating smoothie slimmer recipes that are perfect for your summer thirst. For more summer recipes please visit Argentina’s Women’s Fitness.net

WATERMELON-Ginger Cooler: Makes 4 servings

Ingredients
• 4 cups pre-cut seedless watermelon in a container from the produce section (put the watermelon in the        freezer when you get home)
• 1 cup vanilla low-fat yogurt
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 tsp. minced crystallized ginger
Directions
• Combine all of the ingredients in a blender or a food processor and puree until smooth
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 109 calories, 1 g. total fat (<1 g. saturated fat), 26 g. carbohydrate, 4 g. protein, 1 g. dietary fiber, 46 mg. sodium.
You may substitute pomegranate or white grape juice for orange juice.

MANGO SLIMMER: Makes 4 servings

Ingredients
• 250 gms ripe mango puree
• 60 gms ripe chopped mangoes
• 600 ml Club Soda / Sprite
• 4 nos. mint sprigs
• 5 ml ginger juice
• Lemon slice for garnishing
Directions
• Run the mango puree, ginger juice and club soda in a blender for 2 minutes.
    Evenly divide the diced mangoes into 4 glasses.
• Pour the blended mixture over the mangoes and garnish each glass with a lemon slice and mint sprigs.
• Serve chilled.
Nutritional Information
Per serving 58.8 kcal;
Carbohydrates - 13.3 gms;
Protein - 0.6 gms;
Fat - o.3 gms.

"Evita"  A Movie Based on Argentina
(Entertainment by: Joyah Bulluc May 14,2010)

Argentina is not known for releasing blockbuster hits, but there are several movies that have gained popularity for its accurate and colorful depiction of the Argentine culture. One popular movie that viewers around the world have fallen in love with is “Evita.” Similar to the way Americans view Jackie Kennedy or Michelle Obama, many Argentines’ view Eve Peron as an iconic figure for her strong presence and compassion during the presidency of her husband, Juan Peron.

“Evita” is a musical that highlights the keystone moments of Eva Peron’s life; accenting the everlasting marks she left on the Argentine people and the world around them. Born as an illegitimate child into a poor family, Evita grew up to become an actress and later the wife of Juan Peron. The film notes how Evita transforms into a dynamic political figure, almost overshadowing the influence of her husband.
Wanting to forsake the monotony that was her life coupled with aspirations of stardom, Eva convinces a traveling musician to take her along with him to Buenos Aries, the capital city of Argentina. Eva’s journey along the way is lit with the promise of high hopes, but she is met with abandonment, bouts of depression, humiliation, and poverty before learning to use her charm and numerous feminine qualities to take her to the top.

Eva meets an aspiring statesman at a disaster-relief benefit concert, and the two instantly fall in love. This hopeful statesman later became the famous President Juan Peron.
Eva is lovingly nicknamed Evita (Little Eva) by the people of Argentina as she constantly fought for equality and the betterment of the poor and the destitute. Whether you choose to view her as an elegant distraction from her husband’s dictatorship or a true help and remedy for the Argentine people, Evita undoubtedly lived a legendary life as one of country’s most controversial women.
Although she loved her life in the spotlight, Evita constantly wooed her fans and angered her enemies with her wit, charm, and fashion savvy lifestyle. Evita used this same fashionable appeal to conceal her losing battle with terminal cancer. Leaving an insurmountable amount of pain and a void in the hearts of her beloved Argentine people, Evita died at 33 causing the country to forever mourn their loss.

Magazines to Travel with...
(Fashion by: Dionta Green May 14,2010)

When traveling around the world it is always great to have a few key items along with you(travel pillow, blanket, and lastly a magazine). Elle is a well known magazine all over the world, and is very common in Argentina. To the left is Elle Argentina April 2010 magazine. Visit www.elle.com, to read more about the issue.

(Health by: LaShay Jackson May13,2010)

In Argentina’s issue of Women’s Fitness, fitness editors discuss the spiritual technique of Meditation, health and other topics. Missionary Position

A great way to understand meditation is to relate it to a lake. When the surface of a lake is still you can see to the bottom clearly. When the surface is disturbed by waves, it’s impossible to see beyond the surface. The same is true when it comes to your mind. When your mind is still you will see and experience an inner calmness.
So what is meditation?
Meditation is defined as an activity where one will engage in mental exercise (as concentration on breathing or repetition) for the purpose of reaching a heightened level of spiritual awareness.
When & where to meditate?
If meditating inside, choose a warm space, free from noisy distractions and clutter. If outside, choose a place of little disturbance where you feel safe and relaxed. You can practice meditation at any time of day or night, but try to get into a daily routine to make it easier to train your mind.
Comfortable Cross legged Position:
A comfortable sitting pose is very important if you are to meditate properly without distraction. Sit with your legs crossed and your spine upright. You should hold your shoulders straight, but relaxed. Children find this pose easy, but adults may need some assistance. Place a pad, and or flat pillow under you to relieve any tension in the lower back.
Hand Positions:

Hands cupped - Place one hand on top of the other, palms upwards, and lay them in your lap.
Hands clasped - Clasp your hands gently by interlocking your fingers. Lay your hands in your lap.
Chin Mudra - Use your thumb and first finger to form a circle. Rest your hands on your knees.
Regulate your Breath:
Breathing is a key element in meditation and concentration. Begin with 5 minutes of deep abdominal breathing, to provide your brain with plenty of oxygen. Then slow your breathing down, keeping it rhythmical, inhaling for 3 seconds and then exhaling for 3 seconds.
If your mind Wanders:
At first you will find that your thoughts tend to jump about. Do not try to force your mind to be still, as this will set additional brain waves in motion, hindering your meditation. Allow your mind to wander, and then gently command it to become calm. Focus your energy and your attention inwards by concentrating on an uplifting mental image.

Missionary Position
(Interior Design by: Joseph Allen May12,2010)

Missions are religious outposts, or churches if you will that have no cleric of their own. Instead, these structures are maintained by larger religious organizations. Generally, the exterior of a mission is made of stucco. The furniture housed within is very minimal, made of handsome wood. Sometimes, mission furniture will have stained glass detailing, but usually it is made of wood with wrought iron detailing. Overstock.com has an abundance of mission style furniture that will bring a sense of nostalgia to your home. My three top picks include the Contemporary Mission 5-Piece Counter-height Dining Set (lower left); the Contemporary Mission 36-inch high Plasma Console (upper right); and the Mission Valley Distressed Black Dresser and Mirror Set (lower right). I chose these pieces because they are extremely versatile and will easily accommodate any setting in your home. Visit Overstock.com to look at the many other options available to you in Mission-Inspired Furniture.

Get SurREAL

(Entertainment by: Joyah Bulluc May11,2010)

Alejandro Lucas Debonis is quickly gaining critical acclaim with his artistic abilities as a painter. Born in the mid 1950s during the Artistic Movement, this influence has served as a great benefit to his creativity. His constant travel as a child to exotic lands of the Caribbean and Mediterranean Coasts, have continuously inspired Debonis for years since.

Debonis’ incorporation of surrealism and cubism in his abstract work really gives the viewer a sight to see. Showing his versatility in style, Debonis also has finesse in transforming a simple beach shore into a spiritual enchantment or a chaotic city street into sweet serenity.

To view more of Debonis’ work at www.alejandrodebonis/com.ar
Other Argentine artists you may also like:

Oil on Panel, Eolo Pons     Kalimatan, Diego Mendez

Agentina Street Style

(Fashion by: Dionta Green May10,2010)

Street fashion is another aspect of revealing a person’s personality. Everywhere around the world people have their own unique sense of style, and street fashion is a common one in other places besides the United States.

Street Fashion is a huge trend in Argentina. There are many shops/boutiques in the area that are dedicated to street fashion. As I reviewed the different boutiques, one caught my interests -- Love You Boutique.

“Love You Boutique” reminded me of Niche, a store in Charlotte, NC. Niche is a local shop that carries street wear for men and women. Brands include Nike, Addia, APC, and Ransom, to name a few. “Love You Boutique” has the same concept, except they sell local brand name street wear from Argentina.

For shopping techniques and styles similar to those you see in Argentina, you can also shop locally at Charlotte’s very own, Niche boutique. I found these great pieces at Niche.

Male Outfit a total of $402.00

• Kidrobot Fatcap series 2 $7.00

• Obey-Tough Guy top $90.00

• Obey Fix Your Gears tee-shirt $30.00

• APC new cure pants $155.00

• Adidas Ransom Valley Low sneakers $120.00

Female Outfit a total of $197.40

• Obey Amethyst Ring gold $30.00

• Insight who be there shorts $25.00

• NICHE logo women tee shirt $14.40

• Obey Jacqueline plaid top $70.00

• Vans Sophie Navy sneaker $58.00