Yummy Sugar Cookies from Scratch

When I am not analizing package designs at my supermarket I like to look for yummy things to bring back home, bake or prepare. As a buena Latina, I like to make this from scratch, (there is a believe that things just come out better!), so this time I tried a simple yet sweet and delicious recipe I found here.

See the results for yourself, enjoy!

Ben & Jerry's "tweaking" their labels

From Associated Press
SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. – Ice cream maker Ben & Jerry's is dropping the phrase "all natural" from all labels after a request from a health advocacy group.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest and the company confirmed the move Monday.

The CSPI told the company last month it should not use "all natural" if products contain alkalized cocoa, corn syrup, hydrogenated oil or other ingredients that are not natural.

Ben & Jerry's, a unit of consumer products giant Unilever, said it's not changing any recipes. It's just removing the label from all products, whether they are among the majority that contain at least one of the ingredients CSPI listed or not.

The Food & Drug Administration has no formal definition for "natural." But it won't object to term as long as products do not contain added color, artificial flavors or synthetic substances....

For complete article: click here

Welcoming Autumm with Apple Crisp

Is that time of the year where you can go apple picking or find great produce in your local farm, so why not take advantage and prepare some yummy desserts at home to share with the family and friends?
As a good Latina I like to prepare my desserts from scratch, but this time wanting to save time and do something different I went ahead and tried the "Apple Crisp Mix" from Concord Foods and the results where delicious. A few pictures from the process. Enjoy!

Book cover design: Sometimes the simplest designs are the most powerful

Sometimes the simplest designs are the most powerful.

Design Refresh: "Sierra Mist" Lemon - Lime Soda

I have to say that the "7up" clear and light soda flavor has come a long way. For the past few years every time I have had to buy a clear lemon-lime soda I just didn't think twice and bought "Sierra Mist".  I wasn't sure if it was because of the sweeter taste or brand name, now I actually I think its both!
In the past few months or better say more than a year I have noticed that many brands are leaning towards a more simple package design. Whiter backgrounds, more sans serif typography, clear faces and more graphic icons are a trend now.
Incorporating this design cues the new "Sierra Mist" soda can refresh shows just that. Current package reflects better design choices with a clearer whiter background that reflects the actual transparent being of the product, soda bubbles and motion liquid that give a sizzling effervescent sensation, better lemon and lime images, and excelente use of typography playing with levels of hierarchy.
The completed design feels like a Hispanic person that immigrated to the US years ago now is totally acculturated.

Comparison: Store branded Pantiliners vs Kotex's

This time for my comparison post I decided to use a feminine product that I thought on first impression would be quality comparable. 

About design: The presentation of both this boxes have a lot in common, white clean background, wavy shapes, handwritten styled letters, flowers and warm colors. On the other hand Kotex's box is much better because has some items that call into detail like its sizing chart on the left bottom and the back diagram.

About box material: Kotex's box cardboard is much stiffer and of better quality look and feel. It's even easier to open and did not rip at all like the CVS one. 

About the product: Well this time the store branded one, left a lot to wish for in terms of quality. 

Packaging: How bigger an expiration date can help

How many times have I purchased items that were very close to expire! I really don't like that. Either I don't have time to go back to the store to exchange it, the purchase was just a few dollars so oh well, etc.
In a recent trip to the supermarket I got two brands of milk and while stocking them in my fridge I realized how different the expiration date size was. I don't think it was a matter of design but I really appreciate the bigger sized date on my "Nature's Promise" milk carton.

Recycling, quiero reciclar

Recycling is not only great for the environment it is also a great way to save money if you are redecorating or looking for inspiration.
Lately I have been searching for some Spanish vintage items to change the look of some areas of my home. Specially product containers, like "Leche" bottles that have their original typography on the glass...Not only original pieces give character to a space but also makes it look more personal, more you. In the hunt I found some interesting pieces that I am not sure my husband will approve but I just fell in love with this bathroom glass containers that I cannot wait to get.

Renewing over the weekend - Philadelphia, Pa

I hope you all had a great weekend! Even though we live in one of the largest cities in the world and there are so many places to go here, it is always more than refreshing to go out and explore new places. This time we went to Philly! What a nice historic place to go, great restaurants, stores, cute streets with plenty of stores to go into and awesome parks to take your kids to. I had to put a Latino twist of course to our trip and had a great dinner at the Brazilian churrascaria Fogo de Chao which I highly recommend. If you do there, don't forget to have a "crema de papaya" for dessert.