Snippets

It's basically February and while other places still have snow, I can barely keep it together with this Queretaro heat. My answer is to make a refreshing drink.

So I'm not a huge oat fan but with this fabulous blend I have become an occasional fan. Mostly because you can add so many different toppings. 

SUBMISSION COMPLETE!



I worked on a new screenplay for this application. I wanted to write something on the comical side. Though, it wasn't like hysterically funny. I think it got the point across. I'm nervous but we shall see. It'll be the second application I upload. Two down, three to go.

Also, I plan to work on my YouTube channel this week. I have one too many backed up videos to edit. So hopefully after work, between yoga and eating, I'll edit little by little.

In the meantime here is a sneak peak:

I have been OBSESSED with HAIM this week. I am in love with their album. I love Danielle's voice. It has a Fleetwood Mac vibe going. Actually, the album sounds 80s in a very good way. Also, the new Bajofondo album is amazing. You guys should listen if you get a chance. I have. Non stop. It's a problem. No, not really.

Also, I've been planning and sketching out a screenplay for the University of Miami. I want to make it a comedy as the visual sample I am turning in is more dramatic. I want to send a nice dynamic, versatile portfolio.

So today, more writing, cleaning (ughhhh), and music listening.

Happy Saturday!

More on the skin care front, I usually have oily skin. I was using an apricot scrub and noticed that my skin may be oily due to over scrubbing. So I researched a bit and went out to buy some cleanser. I bought Biore. Surprisingly, I immediatly noticed a difference. As superficial as this sounds, going day in and day out with an oily face is the worst. I know I should be going natural for this, but I do need salicyilic acid in my cleansers.
Now.... onto catching up with Community, Parks, and Girls.

I officially said goodbye to shampoo today. I started my adventure into the widely talked about "No 'Poo" method to washing your hair. I've heard more great things than bad. Personally, I want to give it a try because my scalp tends to get oily very fast (as well as my face) and I want to see if doing things in a more natural or simple way helps. Once I am in the states for grad school I definitely want to play around with the Whole Foods brand or with Kiss My Face. But for now...no poo.


The method I am going for is replacing shampoo with a baking soda and water solution. 8oz of water mixed with two huge tablespoons of baking soda. You have to shake it constantly and make sure its thoroughly mixed. I bought a little bottle that stylists use to dye hair. In Queretaro, I found a little supply store so the bottle was very easy to find and cheap! For conditioner I will be using the white vineager solution. I read that that is better for oily hair. However, I still have a bit of the Suave Rosemary & Mint conditioner that I brought from home so I'll use that on my tips, not scalp, while I finish it.

 So I washed my hair today-I usually shower at night-and I have to say, my hair feels gooooood! It feels very clean and light. It was also surprisingly easy to brush through. I totally didn't expect it and did a double take. We'll see how I wake up in the morning! I do have to say I am loving how it feels.


These pictures show how my hair looks about a half hour after my shower.

Grandma and I on the plane! Summer 2013!

So I know its not in my best interest to not post continuously but I had a lot of family stuff to take care of. Fortunately, I'm happy to say that my grandma is back home, safe and sound, and on her way to a full recovery. At a stunning 82 years old she's doing great. I called her my little fighter the other day. And she is. If I look back at all shes gone through, she's one hell of a woman.


Anyway, I'm happy to be back. Today felt great. Well, to be honest, work was a bit slow but it is Monday.

So sorry for not posting for a bit, I am back to our regularly scheduled programming.

(I should make a schedule)

Today I will focus on this as much as I can. I have been telling you guys about the application process but I haven't told you guys anything else. 

SO TIRED. Ive been helaping out with my grandma and today was a tough day. At 10:30pm I finally have a bit of time to get to work. Obviously I wanted to post something real quick.

Ok! So I HAVE to start going with my applications.

My goal: University of Miami and American University. At least get everything in minus the supplemental docs.

BTW...that's me, a little overwhlemed by how much I have procrastinated.

At the moment I am at work. Trying to work, TRYING! TGIF!!

My cure for the Thursday blues.

I have a bunch of projects in mind. I've decided its time to stop saying "ohhh I wish I could do that" or "Oh! That's a great idea I should do it". Basically stop saying the word SHOULD and transform it into WILL. 

So part of this is to work on some projects. First, this blog, which I think is going well. I'm probably posting less than what I am thinking of. 

Second, applications...this is working slowly but surely. I get distracted when I come home. The Office is  just too great a show. What really keeps me hooked is the Jim/Pam relationship. UGH! 

Third, expanding my photography. I have my professional website, my facebook website, a tumblr, and two instagrams. Yes, that's right two. Why? Well, I didn't bring my camera to Mexico. I figured I would be busy with work and Fulbright and not sure who my roommates would be so I didn't want to risk losing my equiptment. However I do have my iPhone camera. So I have my regular account which is featured on the home page. Also I started another one where I will focus on coffee. I've always wanted to streamline something and it has been a constant challenge in my work. So yeah, I want to try and create constant, interactive content for my sites.  

Fourth, my youtube channel. My sister made me start it to document a weekend in Mexico City and though I love the idea I haven't uploaded anymore content but I have a ton of backed up videos. I also want to edit them on my laptop or work computer instead of on the iPhone. 


Time to let the creative juices out! 

So I think I'm done with the design. Even though I started with a template I had to add a lot of html tweaking. I was less rusty than I thought! 

So, I'm pretty happy with the result...how about you?

On another note...one thing that kind of upset me today was that I had to miss out on one of my best friends birthdays and a little get together with my college girlfriends. My grandma is ill and my family needs help taking care of her. Even if its just being an extra body at home. Sometimes three people are needed to move her and everything. So well, though I feel bad, I'd rather stay here. Next year who knows how many opportunities I'll have to be with her. 

But yeah! I'm in the process of applying to my universities. I'll post about those later and I am really happy about this unification-of-my-social-media sites project! 

My right hand is super cold...

So these next few days I'll be trying on new templates for the blog. I want to make it a nice cozy home online. 

So...who am I and what is this?

I've always wanted a blog, ever since LiveJournal. Remember those days? And I've started a few but nothing that ever filled any of my needs. They were never really what I was looking for.

How will this be any different? Well, my plan is to combine all of my social media outlets and link them in a way.

Here is how:
1. Blog, I write or tell you guys a little bit more about my other sites. This will be the glue that brings them all together, a behind-the-scenes if you will.
2. Pinterest and Instagram: they will compliment the blog
3.YouTube: A few weeks ago I started a channel because my sister begged me. She follows a lot of YouTubers and a lot of them have inspired me. Even though we have FaceTime and Skype there are still bits of my day where I want to give someone a special shout out or just comment on something real quick. Why not tape it, without any planning or script or anything, just a bit of sharing. Also, I think it'll help me get over one of my biggest obstacles as a photographer. Which is to not be so shy or intimidated to throw a camera in someone's face without their explicit permission. To just let the camera be another thing in the room. I don't know we'll see....
4. Have this be another outlet where my photography websites can grow. I have three...tumblr, facebook, and my work website. However, I think I can do a better job of trying to expand and make them more dynamic. I think that if I put my heart into it I can accomplish this small goal.

Before I go on...I should tell you who I am. If you have been reading so far I think I owe you an explanation.
So! I'm Mayra, a Communication Sciences grad from ITESM/Tec de Monterrey. I am a photographer and graphic designer, passionate feminist, big sister to the best little sister anyone could have ever asked for, ten years separate the two of us. Currently I work as a graphic designer, hopefully I can learn more about HTML 5 and add some of my own spunk to this, and I live in Queretaro, Mexico. I moved here for a bit while I am applying to various schools to pursue an MFA in Film. I am guessing that this blog will document that process which is basically starting. And yeah, that's about it.

I hope you guys can relate a little and share with me in this process.

OH! Why is this "Snippets". Mostly it's because it'll be snippets from my daily life. Also, I am completely random and I have a hard time deciding what I want to focus on, with a few great exceptions. So, Snippets is a collection of thoughts, likes, dislikes, and ramblings from me. Also, quite honestly, the last blog I made was very specific. It was supposed to chronicle my journey through weight loss. Eventually, I got bored and frustrated that my move to Mexico also suspended my weight loss during my adjustment period and everything. That I eventually gave up the blog, though I continued with my pursuit of health. So, maybe this time if I keep it more open, I'll get less bored and the blog will dictate the path it wants to take. At first I will just focus on keeping up with this blog and staying true to you guys and myself by posting a little by little.

Since this is the first time that I am going through some big changes by myself, with minimal family support, I feel like there are still things I want to share that before I used to do on a daily basis and I can't anymore. It's just not the same. So I'm trying to fill that void. ANYWAY....

Welcome to Snippets!