Bubbles & Cherries Magazine #6 Holidays Issue 2023. COVER. Vanessa Estol by Bubbles & Cherries Magazine

NUMBER 6 YEAR 1 HOLIDAYS 2023

BUBBLES&CHERRIES

MAGAZINE

TAYLOR VANESSA SWIFT ESTOL

SHE IS REVISING AND REINVENTING HER MASTERPIECE

IN THE MIDDLEBEAUTY OF “THE ERAS TOUR” INTREPID

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BUBBLES&CHERRIES MAGAZINE CEO Karla Maria Alonso CREATIVE DIRECTOR & FOUNDER Ana Diaz Noriega EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Marco A. Guerrero Leon FASHION EDITOR Martha Phillips ART & EDITORIAL DESIGN Altair Arts WEBMASTER Luis Valencia SOCIAL MEDIA Yshana Laila-Tam Kapur Docherty COLLABORATORS Alexis Mustri Guindi Ximena Zermeno Gerardo Guerrero Leon Monique Sanmiguel Azul Federighi Denisse Tiscareno Reed Decker Casey Cooper Wendell Figueroa EDITORIAL Bubbles & Cherries Magazine, Year 1, No. 6. Publication date, December 21, 2023. Digital Magazine during the months of December 2023 to January 2024. It is part of theBubbles & Cherries digital editorial platform. www.bubblesandcherries.com.Caporal321,ElPaso,Texas,79932.Responsibleeditor:MarcoA.Guerrero,marco@bubblesandcherries.com.AtBubbles&Cherriesweinvestigateadvertisersbutwearenotresponsibleforoffersrelatedtothem.Theopinionsexpressedbytheauthorsareofapersonalnatureanddonotreflectthepositionoftheeditorsorthepublishinghouse.Totalorpartialreproductionofthecontentandimagesof thepublicationonanyplatformormediumisprohibitedwithoutthepriorauthorizationofBubbles&CherriesMagazine. www.bubblesandcherries.com

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HOLIDAYS ISSUE 2023

CHEF ZOD ARIFAI

 Michelin Guide 2021

DINNER: TUESDAY-SATURDAY 5-9 PM

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15 West 8th Street, New York P 11 @wickedjaneny wickedjane.com

DIRECTOR’S LETTER. ana diaz noriega

[ @ANADIAZNORIEGA

Whatever is destined not to happen will not happen, try as you may. Whatever is destined to happen will happen, do what you may to prevent it. This is certain. The best course, therefore, is to remain silent. When you let go of everything, everything remanins.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR & FOUNDER Ana Diaz Noriega BUBBLES&CHERRIES

HOLIDAYS ISSUE 2023

COVER Vanessa Estol at the top of Mount Everest. Vanessa is the first Uruguayan woman to reach the top of the highest mountain in the world. photography. FERNANDO DELGADO [ @FERNANDONAW

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EDITOR’S LETTER. marco guerrero

CLOSE A YEAR, CLOSE A CYCLE AND WE DO IT WITH PRIDE because 2023 is the year where the roots of BUBBLES&CHERRIES! werestrengthenedandwherethebondwithourcommunity deepened thanks to the three editions that we deliveredthisyearthatends.

Numerology says that 21 is the number of universal love. Understanding the meaning of dates is something fundamentalinourmagazineandthatiswhywechoosethisday,December21,2023,topublishourthirdand last edition of what has been a fantastic year for those who make up this life project but, for civilization has been complicated by the daily conflicts and crises that humanity faces and it is through love, a feeling that governstheholidays,fromwherewemust,eachoneofus, withinourpossibilities,transformourreality.

It does not matter what your faith is or how you take your spirituality, be it from a travel to the monasteries of Bhutan as Ximena Zermeno tells us, or from meditation and the Buddhist approach as Dawn Mauricio teachesusorwiththestudyofyogaasAlineFernandes does, or from the perspective of the stars as Azul Federighi tells us or comforting yourself in the arms of God, remembering the Creation told in the biblical Genesis as the astronauts of Apollo VIII did when they felt overwhelmed while flying in the midst of the deepest darkness of the dark side of the Moon at Christmas 1968 or with the thousand and one sensations that Vanessa Estol, our cover personality, experiencedwhenshereachedthetopofMountEverest,thistimeisidealtorememberthatoursoulmustbefed andcaredinthesamewayasourorganism.

FROM MY LENS. May, 2020. Portrait of Lithuanian top model Kristina Gromovaite at Fashion Weekend Monterrey.

Humanbrainisamarvelofnaturalengineeringsopowerfulandsophisticatedthat,thankstoitsabstraction, it is impossible for it to be 100% rational, because if it were, it would be like an artificial intelligence, veryefficientanddecisive,butlimited.

We close 2023 and the entire team that makes up this magazine is working at full speed building the foundationsofwhatwewillofferyoustartinginFebruary2024but,fornow,let’stakeabreakandhavea holidayseasonfullofpeace,abundance , reflection and desire to positively transform ourindividual and collectivereality. OnbehalfoftheBUBBLES & CHERRIES! team,Iwishyouahappyholidayseason.

ThisisthesixtheditionofBUBBLES & CHERRIES!,enjoy!

ABOUT ME Mexican. Photographer with 14 years of experience in the fashion industry, graphic designer, journalist and historical popularizer. Passionate conversationalist, enthusiastic cook, football fan (round and oval), homely as well as a traveler. Brutally honest but never disrespectful.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Marco A. Guerrero Leon BUBBLES&CHERRIES

HOLIDAYS ISSUE 2023

EDITOR’S PICK

CONTENT CREATOR

LORENA VAZQUEZ A.K.A. PINSHILORE COACH AND WRITER

In times where identity radicalization is one of the most harmful social diseases, conciliatory people who are far from the narratives of victimization and collectivization are very necessary and even more so if they have the gift of communicating.

In a time where masculinity is under siege and stigma, Lorena Vazquez, known on the internet as Pinshilore (Damn Lore), shares messages and knowledge focused on making men understand theirvalueinlife.

Lorena is committed to making us see how valuable men are in the world and that we also have the righttobehappyandgiveourselvesrespectandthat in no way should we carry blame or negative narrativesjustbecausewearemen. Inanempatheticand,aboveall,realisticway,Lorena speakstothemalegenderthroughTikTokandInstagram reels very clearly and provides emotional relief and motivation to continue in the search for ourhappinessandtobuildourown. a [ X Y @PINSHILORE.OFICIAL

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MOVIE

BOOK

HISPANOS. BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SPANISH SPEAKING PEOPLES AUTHOR. FERNANDO DIAZ VILLANUEVA

What is Hispanicity? Who composes it? What has been its influence and what mark hasitleftoverthecenturies?

This book is not a history of Spain or Portugal, of Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Colombia or Argentina. This is a story about the cultural journey that Hispanics have taken over more than two thousand years, from Roman times tothepresentday.

Fernando Diaz Villanueva, journalist and one of the most prominent historical popularizers, returns in the footsteps of Hispanicity to synthesize and explain a complete map of one of the most numerous communities in the world, settled on three continents and enriched with all types of external influences . A culture, Hispanos, in permanent evolutionwhosepeoplegrew,prosperedandexpanded throughouttheworldtoshapeeverythingweknow andshareonbothsidesoftheocean. This is a book that should help you understand that Hispanicityisaculturalidentity,notaraceoranethnicity, and Hispanics are people of all phenotypes andorigins. a [ X Y FERNANDO DIAZ VILLANUEVA

MASTER AND COMMANDER THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD DIRECTOR. PETER WEIR

The historical period of Napoleonic Wars is fascinating as much of the world we know and live in is a consequence of that. It is true that Ridley Scott’s film was a bust after the enormous hype, there are other films set in that period that are true masterpieces such as Master & Commander, The Far Side of the World, directed by Peter Weir and starring Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany. 20 years after its release, this film, inspired by Patrick O’Brian’s novel, has aged exceptionally well in all aspects. Master & Commander, which tells the story of the mutual hunt between the HMS Surprise captained by Captain Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe) accompanied by his best friend and ship’s surgeon, Dr. Stephen Maturin, versus Acheron, a marvelous ship of the French navy in a chase across two oceans, touching on themes such as different visions of life and freedom, the sense of duty, leadership, the passion for knowledge as well as excessive pride,vanityandtheviolenceimplicitinwar.Master & Commander: The Far Side of the World was nominatedtoOscarin11categories,winningintwo: sound editing (Richard King) and cinematography (Russell Boyd), the issue is that had the “bad luck” of beingacontemporaryof TheLordoftheRings:The ReturnoftheKing.IfyougetachancetoseethismoviethisHolidays,believeme,youwilllikeit.

BUBBLES&CHERRIES HOLIDAY 20

XMAS AROUND THE WORLD

VANESSA ESTOL

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XIMENA ZERMENO

COLUMNS

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28 LUXURY

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COLUMNS

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD THAT MAY SURPRISE YOU…!

THERE’S A LOT TO LOVE ABOUT CHRISTMAS – FOOD, FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND ALL KINDS OF OTHER WORDS THAT DON’T START WITH THE LETTER . WHAT MAKES THE HOLIDAY SEASON EVEN MORE CHARMING IS THE FACT THAT ALL AROUND THE WORLD, COUNTRIES HAVE DEVELOPED THEIR OWN CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS. WE’VE PICKED A FEW PARTICULARLY COOL ANDCUTEONES FEELFREETOADOPTANDADAPTTHEMFORYOUROWNFESTIVITIES. BUBBLES&CHERRIES

HOLIDAYS ISSUE 2023

author. ANA DIAZ NORIEGA

WE HAVE MANY TRIED-AND-TRUE CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS.

Some more modern traditions include watching Christmas movies and keeping up with The Elf on theShelf.ButsomeofthewaysChristmasiscelebrated around the world might surprise you. Manger scenes, Santa Claus, and smiley snowmen still reign supreme, but if you look hard enough you’ll discover some very different takes on December’s most famous day. Once you learn about what happens in othercountries,youmayevenwanttostartsomeof these traditions into your own home. And others, you might want to skip! Here are some of the most unusualChristmastraditionsaroundtheworld.

PORTUGAL AND BRAZIL Brazilian and Portuguese families

FINLAND On Christmas morning, Finish families tradi-

tionally eat a porridge made of rice and milk topped with cinnamon, milk, or butter. Whoever finds the almond placed inside one of the puddings “wins” but some families cheat and hide a few almonds so thekidsdon’tgetupset.Attheendoftheday,itiscustomarytowarmupinasaunatogether.

DENMARK Before Christianity came to the Danes,

Christmas Day was a celebration of brighter days, jól, as it occurred just before winter solstice. Today, homes are decorated with superstitious characters callednisserwhoarebelievedtoprovideprotection. On the evening of December 24, Danish families place their Christmas tree in the middle of the room anddance

NORWAY In Norway, the Christmas season, called julebord, begins Dec. 3, filling up local bars and restaurants throughout the month. Families celebrate Little Christmas on Dec. 23; each have their own ritualforthedaythatmayincludedecoratingthetree, makingagingerbreadhouse,andeatingrisengrynsgrøt(hotricepudding). SWEDEN The Yule Goat has been a Swedish Christ-

mas symbol dating back to ancient pagan festivals. However, in 1966, the tradition got a whole new life after someone came up with the idea to make a giant straw goat, now referred to as the Gävle Goat. According to the official website, the goat is more than 42 feet high, 23 feet wide, and weighs 3.6 tons. Each year, the massive goat is constructed in the same spot. Fans can even watch a livestream from the first Sunday of Advent until after the New Year whenit’stakendown. SOUTH AFRICA Fried Caterpillars. When you think of Christmasfood,mincepiesandturkeyareoftenhigh on the list. In South Africa, however, it’s the creepy crawlies that local children look forward to. Festive fried caterpillars may seem like one of the more unusual Christmas traditions, but these caterpillars aren’t just the run-of-the-mill variety you find in the garden. The Pine Tree Emperor Moth, or Christmas caterpillar, is covered in very festive hues - giving all whoswallowalittleextraluckinthecomingyear.

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[ @ANADIAZNORIEGA

ITALY Belfana the Witch . Forget Santa and 25th De-

cember when in Italy, as all the action takes place on the eve of 5th January. According to folklore, an old woman named Belfana visits all the children of Italy tofilltheirstockingswithcandyandleavethempresentsifthey’vebeengood.JustlikeFatherChristmas, Belfanaentersthroughthechimneyandislefttreats by the children who live there - typically wine and localdelicacies.

IRELAND TheIrishleaveatallredcandleinafrontwindowovernight,awelcomingsymbolofwarmthand shelterfortheholidayseason.TraditionalChristmas fare in Ireland often includes homemade roast goose,vegetables,cranberries,andpotatoes. POLAND On Christmas Eve in Poland, many families

share oplatek (an unleavened religious wafer), each person breaking off a piece as they wish each other Merry Christmas. Dinner may not begin until the first star appears in the night sky and, traditionally, an extra setting is left at the table should someone showupuninvited. 21

cometogetheronChristmasEvetoeatdinneraslate as10p.m.Then,atexactlymidnight,theyexchanges gifts, toasts, and wish each other a Merry Christmas. Midnight mass, Missa Do Galo (Rooster Mass), is a chance to meet up with neighbors and extended family to wish them well for the holiday season. The service is often followed by fireworks in the town square.

AUSTRIA Alpine countries like Austria have a legend that a devil-like creature called Krampus joins their St. Nicholas festivities on December 6. Children are asked for a list of their good and bad deeds: Good children are rewarded with sweets, apples, and nuts, and bad children worry what Krampus might bringonChristmasmorning. MEXICO All across Mexico members of the Church

put on Pastorelas (Shepherd’s Plays) to retell the Christmas story. The Mexican Christmas season begins early in December with Las Posadas, a religious march that re-enacts the journey of Mary and Joseph. The vibrant red poinsettia flowers are also used in holiday arrangements for decoration throughoutthecountry.

SWITZERLAND Swiss families make their own advent calendars for the holiday season. These calendars areeithergiventochildrenasasurpriseormadetogether as a fun activity. Each day’s bag reveals a new surprise or treat, with the biggest gift on Christmas Eve. EL SALVADOR CentralAmericancountrieslikeElSalva-

dor toast Christmas with fireworks displays on December 24 and 25. Children celebrate with smaller firecrackers called volcancitos (little volcanos) and estrellitas (little stars) while those who are a little older tend to prefer the larger varieties and Roman candles.

COLUMNS BUTHAN

WE ARE WHERE WE HAVE TO BE AND WHAT HAPPENS IT HAS TO HAPPEN

THIS YEAR I TOOK A THREE-MONTH TRIP DURATION, A LONG TRIP.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE CHAPTERS FROM HERE IS DERIVED THE STRUCTURE OF OUR BEING, THE PARADIGM OF CONTROL, THE DUALITY THAT GOOD AND BAD EXIST AND THE INTACT CLARITY THAT EVERYTHING IS PERFECT AS IT IS AND THAT WHAT IS HAPPENING IS HAPPENING. IT HAS TO HAPPEN. BUBBLES&CHERRIES

Part of the project was doing it alone and this time it wasn’t to find me. The objective was to go experience different cultures and the way of living through theirspiritualityand/orreligion. I visited several places near Nepal, I went to India and I spent fifteen days in Bhutan, the “Kingdom ofHappiness”.Iwasn’tveryclearaboutwhatIintended with the idea of traveling to Bhutan. The few references I had created high expectations for me when it came to visiting the country, learning about itscustomsandobservingitsspirituality.Ihadheard that it was called the “Kingdom of Happiness” and that there are monasteries where a large number of monks live and I love to meditate, so what could gowrong? 22

Getting to Bhutan involves processing permits and payingtouristtaxes.Thereareonly7pilotstrainedto fly and two airlines allowed to do so since, due to its proximity to the Himalayas, it is dangerous to land. Uponarrival,IdiscoveredthatasatouristIcouldnot bealoneandIhadaguideandadriveratalltimes.In conclusion,theidealizedtripthatatfirstseemedlike a film of freedom in Tibet, driving a motorcycle and visiting monasteries, was already, at the beginning, tiedtoacalendar,adriver,aguide,prepaidhotelsand anitinerary. I came from being in Delhi, India, one of my favorite countries. The atmosphere was the complete opposite, but at the same time, the spirituality they livedbydailyandtheservicefeltalmostthesame. In India I experienced a wonderful chaos, their spirituality is so intense and internal that the external simply does not attract their attention and that is why it feels like that, chaotic, but do not be confused, you are not going to help India, you are going to be helped , India changes your life, it shows you detachment in all forms, it teaches you to serve and give unconditionally,butwewilltalkaboutIndiaanother time. In Bhutan it is the opposite. Time freezes, the lack of chaos and noise transports you to a capsule outside the matrix, where life stops and time runs slowly, slower than normal. It’s lovely. The nature is 80%intactandasaconsequenceitissosparselypopulatedthatyoucanhearthesilence,theemptiness, theloneliness;youcanvibratethepresentandenjoy becoming one with your past and your present and somehow you have the privilege of forgetting your future. My days in Bhutan were basically the same. I got up at 5:45 AM, meditated for an hour, then yoga, breakfast with my two guides and hiking for two hours, until we reached a different monastery, we visitedaround10. One of the best feelings of my life will be having had the privilege of sitting several times inside the temple with the monks to meditate or sometimes to drink tea and these were the main activities we did. After 2:00 pm there was not much to do, it rains almost all the time, there are more cows than people,almostnoonespeaksEnglish,thereisnoalcohol, music, parties or disorder, it is difficult to communicate or socialize, the truth is Heseemedbored.Iarrived on the third day of the trip and in the middle of the hike doubt took over me, I regretted having dedicated so many days to this place that I could have known in much less time, I realized that I had 13 days left on the other side of the world , in a place so lonely, calm and silent, without rush, without activities and sometimes talking only with two strangers whounderstoodmelittlebut,Idecidedtostay... HOLIDAYS ISSUE 2023

author. XIMENA ZERMEÑO

Suddenly, there was a deeper than normal silence, as if the spirit of the place was showing me exactly that I had to be there, that there was absolutely no other place in the world I had to be but here, foronesimplereason,becausethereIwas,becauseI waslivingthatmoment,thatprecisemoment,there wasnothingelse. Suddenlythispresencewantedtoexplaintomy reason: “You are where you have to be” and what has to happen is happening, from that moment my tripbecamealivingmantrathatwasrepeatedevery minute in my mind and The idea of being where I needed to be became more conscious, I observed it and began to have clarity, my doubts suddenly no longermatteredandthecontrolofmylifewasextinguished, leaving a feeling of peace that I had never experiencedbefore.Ithought.Ithinkthisisfaith. The power of this mantra is non-negotiable, whatever you think, whatever you feel, whatever you do, you are there because you are where you need to be. Knowing, understanding and living in the consciousness of understanding that there is nothing else that we can do or control, returns you to your present and returning to the present is the result of alifewithoutsuffering. In Buddhism, the cause of suffering is desire; this desire is the result of an unrealistic expectation that life should be a certain way. We live desiring everything, no matter what size it is or if the desire brings something positive as its goal, the desire to be happy, or wishing that life should be a source of perpetual happiness, wishing to be a better person, wishing for health, wishing to be our best version of ourselves,desiremoney,desirepleasure. Any type of desire does nothing other than lead us to attachment, attachment to the material but also to attachment to the internal and profound. Evenifwemanagetosatisfyourdesires,satisfaction is also fleeting and therefore, as a result, you desire again.permanently. MY HACK TO LIVE IN MY PRESENT

A few years ago, my son was worried about what would happen regarding a decision he had made. He said that he suffered because he did not know what was going to happen in the future, something normal that happens to all of us all the time, but I wantedhimtounderstandandobservethatthedecisionhemadeandtheconsequences that followed would be perfect for him. life. The idea was to spare him this feeling of lack of control that was causing him anxiety and frustration. If he continued like this, hewouldendupexperiencingalifeofanguishwhereyouletgooftheenjoymentoftheprocess,youlive in the past and the future continuously and most importantly,youstopobserving. www.bubblesandcherries.com

the moments that happen to you, because we are moments. I explained to him that he had made a theory in my mind that I constantly used to live in my present, I called it the “Hack from point A to point B.” I’m going to call Point A all the actions that happen to us, whatever they are: walking, bumping into something, having someone say hello, going to the bathroom, getting out of bed, making a not so important decision, making an extremely important decision. , running, working, etc. Every action and every decision brings a consequence in life, sometimesitisnotasfastasweexpectandsometimes it is so fast that we do not expect it either. Point B is exactly the moment when you come to your senses and find the answer to that action or decision, the common phrase that we usually say out loud or in ourmindis:“AhnowIunderstand.” Point B is a phrase that gives us internal peace, it is the moment in which we understand that everything happened for a reason and gives an explanationtotheaction.PointBistofindananswerto thatdoubtwehad;nowwecanreleasethe control of the expectations that we had as a consequence of our action because we already have the knowledge and now we understand why things happenedthewaytheydid. What would happen if we had a crystal ball and could observe that all the actions and decisions in our lives are perfect for our existence, experience andforourpurpose?Whatwouldhappenifsomeone assured us that everything we have done and left undone? do, is it a perfect synchronicity of life in which we are only remembering what we have alreadyexperienced? The wonderful reality is that we do have it, not in a ball, but in a certainty that our life is perfect as it is and that we are where we need to be, because each decision and each action has led us to this moment. , our past is in our present and our future too, why then would things go wrong for us? If we have alwaysbeenwhereweshouldbe? The imaginary line that divides point A from point B is like a ruler of time. A line marked from one point to the other where the space that exists between one and the other is an imaginary space of time, but human, an existing illusion. This is the line where after point A, a journey begins that can last 3 seconds,5minutes,8months,10yearsoralifetime. The hack is to understand that Point B will always arrive, in any way, Point B will undoubtedly arrive, there is the trust that the universe has planned your path and you only have to trust it. Points B are sometimes more noticeable than others, for example, I trip over something and consequently I stopwalkingandinmomentsatruckpassesby.

[ @XIMENAZERMENO

IfIhadn’ttripped,maybeIwouldhavekeptwalking and the truck would have hit me, it just wasn’t supposedtohappen,that’swhyIwasn’tthere. Other times they may be longer, like a divorce, in which at the end of it you observe why you spent that time with that person, what you learned, what theyleft,whattheytookwiththem,etc.

LEARNING

The most valuable lesson in Bhutan was given to me by silence and pause. Hearing what I had never heard, being able to observe that the reason for our existence is to find ourselves so we can be. Blessed silence… there, you love yourself because you love yourself. The other lesson was presence and I gave it to myself. The place only reminds you that you have to slow down and listen as a fundamental resource of existence, in the midst of chaos, doubt and sometimes fear, observing everything, but the presence is giventoyou,whenyoustopyourlife,whenyoumeditate, when You observe yourself, when you stop reacting to your emotions and just observe them, when you stop the mental lists of what should be, when you talk to your inner self without judgments and let your life move trusting that everything is perfect and that you are living what you have. what to live It is the fullest feeling of internal freedom that I have ever experienced, that absolute peace of knowing that it does not matter what you do or have planned, what you have not let go of, or what you have worked on, what is binding you to your pastandwhatworryaboutthefuture, YOUAREWHEREYOUNEEDTOBE!

COLUMNS. AS WINTER GRACEFULLY DESCENDS, a mosaic of vibrant

HOLIDAY STYLE WHISPERS

colors, textures, and patterns unfolds in the realm of fashion & beauty, marking the festive holiday season. In the bustling ambiance of salons and spas, everyonestrivestobecometheirbestversion,going full-on Picasso crafting a visual symphony of nails, hair, facials, and waxing. Amidst the appointments, there lies an opportunity—a moment to give yourselfthepricelesspermissiontobeunabashedlyyou. Beyond the superficiality, the holiday season beckons you to delve into your authentic self, to embrace your power. It’s a time to invest in becoming a better version of yourself, motivated not just by the externalitiesbutbyagenuinedesiretoradiategoodness. Whether you’re diving into family chaos, catching up with old buddies, or reigniting old flames, December is your runway. December is the collectiveholidaycanvastoexpressthebestversionofyou. But let us not forget what December also speaks about. In the grand tapestry of nature, as the year draws to a close, everything is engaged in a silent symphony of shedding. The trees, once adorned with vibrant foliage, gracefully release their leaves, creating a carpet of hues beneath. It’s a poignant reminder that in the outer world, while we humans adornourselvesinsequinsandglamour,celebrating thefestiveseasonwithshimmeringoutfits,natureis quietlyundergoingatransformativeprocess.It’slike nature is shedding its old wardrobe, prepping for a rebirth. The exterior may glisten with celebration, but beneath the surface, a profound metamorphosis is taking place. Nature is shedding, releasing, and preparing for a rebirth—a cycle that echoes the complex, intricate nature of our own emotions. Like plants, we, too, are composed of more than 80% water, deeply rooted in the essence of life. Beyond thefestivitiesandget-togethers,weareinterconnected with the pulse of nature, experiencing our own seasons of shedding, growth, and eventual rebirth. Aswecelebratetheexteriorshine,let’salsoembrace the wisdom and resilience mirrored in the cycles of the natural world, recognizing that, like plants, our emotions are intricate, profound, and part of the beautifuldanceofexistence. “Celebrating December’s glow, but relishing the frostywhispersofourinnersanctuaries.”

THE GIFT OF AUTHENTICITY IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER. BE UNAPOLOGETICALLY YOU. NOBODY WILL DO YOU, BETTER THAN YOURSELF. BUBBLES&CHERRIES

Inthefestiveseason,weoftenembellishunalive beings with sparkly ornaments. Take the Christmas trees, for example… As the trees shed their leaves and embrace the wintry hush, we, too, are called to asymbolicrebirth—asheddingofthepasttoemerge stronger into a new year. Winter is not just about looking shiny and polished on the outside; it’s about HOLIDAYS ISSUE 2023

author. DENISSE TISCAREÑO

letting go, allowing things to dry, die, and be reborn in resilience and emerge stronger. It’s okay if the innershinedoesn’tmatchtheouterglossduringthese festive times—a reminder that not everyone experiencestheholidaysasportrayedincommercials. It’s okay if your table isn’t overflowing with people and delicacies. It’s okay if you have fewer friends than before. December is a canvas for self-expression,notsocietalexpectations.

BACK IN THE DAY, FASHION WAS MY JAM. JUST LIKE SELF-EXPRESSION WAS A PRIORITY

For many years, my love for fashion wove itself into the fabric of my identity. College days were filled with dreams—dreams of studying fashion design, envisioning a business, perhaps even a line of my own. The dreams were grand, but college also markedthebeginningofaprofounddisconnectionfrom myself. Amid the disappointment in life, adulthood’s complexities, and the web of lies surrounding relationships, I found myself adrift. Crises hit, and I was faced with the wreckage of everything I knew. Adulthoodfeltlikeanuninvitedevilstepmother,and fashionbecameitscasualty. Fashion, once a vibrant part of my identity, became a casualty of my disconnect. The dreams and creative expressions within me were suffocated. I turned away from my feelings, opting for autopilot mode—noemotions,nopain,justagrayexistence. Lost in a sea of disappointment, and the loss of connection with my feelings mirrored a loss of authenticity. I couldn’t express myself genuinely. I felt unfairly denied the things I wanted. Acquisitive power became a distant dream. In response, I gave myself the green light to become a canvas of gray, wearing whatever without a second thought. Lost in a sea of disappointment, I disconnected from authenticity, turningcollegedreamsintodust. www.bubblesandcherries.com

After college’s crash, a decision to escape to the beach in Los Cabos ensued. And hey, living by the beachhasitsfashionperks.Yet,eveninthislaid-back coastal haven, my outfits remained haphazard, mirroring the chaos within. Back in college, as I disconnected from my authenticity, I granted myself the freedom to release the grip on material desires that once held me captive. Life took an unexpected turn, and amidst not being where I envisioned, I discovered that my worth extended far beyond the pursuit of material possessions. Fashion, once a paramount concern, took a backseat in my priorities, leading to a transformative plot twist—I started growing into myself.However,thisphasewasjustachapterinthe unfoldingnarrative. While the realization that fashion wasn’t a top priority offered a sense of liberation, it failed to explain the void I felt in my sartorial expressions, the loss of styling creativity, and the waning motivation. The missing piece of the puzzle revealed itself when I ventured into a realm seemingly unrelated to fashion—inner work. Instead of fixating on acquiring shiny things or chasing the latest trends, I delved inward, addressing unspoken truths and untangling emotions trapped within. As I created space bylettinggoofthingsthatnolongerservedme,afog that had clouded my mind lifted, unveiling a newfoundclarity. Behind the years of insecurities and feelings of unworthiness, I rediscovered myself in the present moment. Through the haze, I reconnected with the dreams of my college years, where fashion was not just a pursuit of trends but a canvas for authentic self-expression. This journey of inner exploration became the key to unlocking my styling creativity and rediscovering the genuine motivation that fuels myloveforfashiontoday. IN THE WINTER OF SELF-DISCOVERY, AUTHENTICITY IS THE COZIEST GARMENT.

As we immerse ourselves in the celebration of the Holiday Season, let’s remember that it is not merely about donning the latest trends; it’s a powerful tool for self-expression. The glittering allure of the holiday season often mirrors the shimmering outfits we adorn, but beneath this radiant facade lies the quiet truth of winter—a season of shedding, letting go, and preparing for rebirth in nature’s grand performance. Self-expression finds its truest form when we are authentically connected with our feelings. December’s glow may light up the exterior, but embracing the winter within, and acknowledging the cycles of change and renewal adds depth to our personal narratives. It’s a reminder that, like nature, our lives are a perpetual dance of shedding the old andwelcomingthenew. 25

[ @DENISSE_IT

In this fashion-forward journey, self-knowledge emerges as the key to unlocking the doors of authenticity. As we navigate the intricacies of personal style, understanding ourselves becomes the compass that guides genuine self-expression. Like a well-curated wardrobe, authenticity never goes out ofstyle. Yet, holding onto the wounds of the past is akin to wearing cheap, thorn-laden clothes. While you may be dressed, the details of your hurt become unintentional statements, not the intentional fashion choices you strive for. As we celebrate the art of dressing, let’s also release the old, allowing our wardrobe and emotional palette to reflect the intentional choices of self-love and growth. In this grand gathering of self-expression, let our attire be a testamenttothebeautyofauthenticity,acelebration of shedding the thorns and embracing the elegance thatstemsfromwithin. In this enchanting December plotline of life, authenticity becomes our guiding star. It’s not just about how we look, but about embracing our connectionwitheverything—thepeople,thecolors,the textures,andthepulsatingenergyoftheuniverse. Leteverysensebeastoryteller,weavingtalesof joy and self-discovery through the fabrics we choose, the flavors we savor, and the beauty we behold. Beyond societal rules and fleeting celebrations, let’s liveeverydaylikeamasterpiece,acanvasofgenuine expression. May the permission we grant ourselves extend beyond the exterior, nurturing our bodies notjustforthesakeofappearancebutasaprofound actofself-love. Let’s revel in the magic of being authentically, unapologetically ourselves, creating a life where every moment is a celebration of the unique hues and textures that make us beautifully, undeniablyhuman.

BUBBLES&CHERRIES

jeanettetoscano.com f @jeanettetoscano.mx

HOLIDAYS ISSUE 2023

www.bubblesandcherries.com

LUXURY. profiles

TRACY FRANCELET, THE LEADING PR SPECIALIST IN THE LUXURY WORLD.

BUBBLES&CHERRIES

HOLIDAYS ISSUE 2023

author. ALEXIS MUSTRI GUINDI

photos. SYLVIA GAMOT

DISCOVER THE STORY OF THE VISIONARY BEHIND THE MOST EXCLUSIVE EVENTS IN PARIS, HER PASSION FOR LUXURY AND CRAFTING UNIQUE EXPERIENCES, AND HOW SHE HAS BUILT AN INTERNATIONAL NETWORK IN THE GLAMOROUS WORLD OF FASHION AND EVENTS.

[ @ALEXISMUSTRI

Amidstourconversation,wetouchedonluxury: 1. WHAT DOES LUXURY MEAN TO YOU, AND WHY SHOULD WE INVEST IN IT IN OUR DAILY LIVES? I spend money on vaca-

tions;Itakemy9-year-oldsontovisithisgodmother and her family in Cancun, Mexico, for the holidays. I believe the best way to spend money is on travels because they create memories. So, we’ll spend Christmas and New Year under the sun. That’s luxurytome,beingabletogotothesuninDecember.

HER FAVORITES:

“My favorite restaurants are the ones I work with as PR in Paris Society. Two hotels I dream of going to are the Splendido in Portofino and the Pellicano hotel in Porto Ercole. Right now, I’m wearing my mother’s vintage Chanel watch, La premièredeChanel,andfor earrings, I’m crazy about Tamara Barrier’s jewelry brand.”

2. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING IN THE LUXURY INDUSTRY? Forme,luxuryisnotjustaboutmoneybut

ratheralifestyle.Trueluxury,forme,isbeingfree.

3. CAN WE LIVE WITHOUT LUXURY? Luxury is being free; wecannotlivewithoutfreedom.

TRACY FRANCELET, THE WOMAN BEHIND THE FINEST EVENTS IN PARIS, IS RENOWNED FOR CREATING UNIQUE EXPERIENCES IN THE EVENTS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS INDUSTRY. Sheiswidely

recognized in fashion, arts, hotels, and restaurants fororchestratingeventsforluxurybrands.

From Paris, we spoke with Tracy, who has focused on event planning and public relations. “I work with luxury brands, fashion, and organize private events. Yes, I’ve coordinated weddings, birthdays, anniversaries. You organize the wedding. I handle everything from A to Z.” She orchestrates multiple events each month and can bring together 350 guests for a restaurant opening or the renowned PAD PARIS or PAD LONDON fair, seizing the opportunitytoexpandherinternationalcontacts. We met her at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée, where she shared that seventeen years ago, she opened her public relations and events agency for luxury brands. “I started working with famous fashion brands and organizing weddings for people I knew in New York, where I used to live. Gradually, I gained clients and boutiques on Avenue Montaigne.” She mentions working with Fendi, Bottega Veneta, Lanvin, Alaia, Celine, Alexander McQueen, Versace, among others. She also handles public relations for P.A.D. Paris and London, the world’s most famous furnituredesignfair. Additionally, she organizes fashion events, product launches, and has collaborated with the Paris Society group for over two years. The trendiest and most glamorous venues in Paris host an internationalcrowd.Throughherextensiveconnectionsindifferent restaurants, she is expanding her international network, connecting with people from around the world, from Dubai to New York, Los Angeles, London,etc. www.bubblesandcherries.com

4. WHAT IS YOUR WORK PROCESS? Luxury brands, for example, call me when I organize events in Paris. They call because, of course, I have a very solid network in the country. So, Parisians are not all French, becauseyousaw,youcametooneofmyeventsand met my Colombian friends, ladies from Nicaragua, ladies from Norway, ladies from Russia, but they all have been living in Paris for many years, so we call themParisiansbecausetheyliveinParis. 5. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT THESE EVENTS? I love ha-

ving a good mix of incredible people from different worlds, with different backgrounds and energies. This is how you create a great atmosphere, and most of the time, my guests and clients are happy andhavingfun.Ienjoythesemomentssomuchthat IsometimesforgetI’mworking.It’smyduty,myjob. Like the last time when you came to my event, I like tocreatesynergy.

SHE TAKES CARE OF EVERY DETAIL, FROM FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT TO VENUE SELECTION AND FINDING UNIQUE SUPPLIERS. Her focus on luxury and creating unique

experiencessetsherapartintheindustry.

“I select my guests according to the brand because I don’t think everyone will wear Versace. Everyone wouldloveAlexanderMcQueen.Ihavealltheseclients, andlet’ssay,dependingonthecollection,besides,some brands are easier to attract potential clients than others.Forexample,IdidtwoorthreeeventsforCeline lastyear.Itwasagreatsuccess.” BRANDS TRUST HER BECAUSE SHE ALWAYS SAYS YES TO A NEW CLIENT IF SHE BELIEVES IN THE BRAND’S POTENTIAL. She

only works with people she feels comfortable with; her clients become friends and, after a while, part of thefamily. 29

[ @TRACY FRANCELET

LUXURY

HOLIDAYS GIFT GUIDE

RAINBOW EARRINGS. 18 KT. YELLOW GOLD AND CITRINES US $ 3,990

LISA NIK Lisa is known for her colorful and refined jewelry designs that mix the allureandeleganceofEuropewith Americanenergyandstyle. www.lisanik.com

HEXAGONAL PENDANT. 18 KT YELLOW GOLD, DIAMONDS AND CITRINE US $ 2,940

STAR EARRINGS. 18 KT. YELLOW GOLD AND DIAMONDS US $ 1,890

RAINBOW BRACELET. 18 KT. YELLOW GOLD AND CITRINES PRICE: US $ 4,620

BUT WILL YOU LOVE ME TOMORROW? An Oral His-

tory of The ’60s Girl Groups A thrilling account of the groundbreaking girl groups of the ‘60s, who paved the way for women in every field; it highlights their contributions to pop music, desegregation of music and society, civil rights and feminism. Available at a bookstore near you and national retailers. US $ 31

BeautyStat’s Cosmetic’s Brighten and Strengthen On The Go Travel 3-Piece Kit. It contains the Microbiome Barrier Repair Purifying Cleanser, Universal C Skin Refiner, and Pro-Bio Moisture Boost Lightweight Gel Cream. WWW.BEAUTYSTAT.COM US $ 49 BUBBLES&CHERRIES

Pet-friendly candle from Shiba & Co. Shiba & Co. employs natural soy wax, 100% cotton lead-free wicks, and a delicate natural fragrance in crafting its eco-friendly, sootfree aromatherapy candles that are pet-friendly as they do not irritate their delicate noses. WWW.SHIBANDCO.COM. US $ 28

HOLIDAYS ISSUE 2023

author. WENDELL FIGUEROA RUIZ

[ @WENDELLFR

BOND HEART NECKLACE This smart necklace allows you to upload and store a loved one’s heartbeat. WWW.BOND-TOUCH.COM US $ 99

LIGNE ST. BARTH HOMME EAU DE PARFUM. Invigorating and masculine fragances that will

transport you to a Caribbean paradise: Islander. A modern twist on Bay Rum, sexy and enticing, enhanced with Caribbean spices Vetiver. Smokey green and sensual L’Original. The invigorating fragrance of lavender, rosemary, and lime, alongside elegant aromatic notes of anise, and tropical orange blossom. WWW.BEAUTYHABIT.COM/COLLECTIONS/LIGNE-ST-BARTH PRICE: US $165 EACH

LINDYWELL PILATES POWERHOUSE MAT AND HAND WEIGHTS FOR WOMEN. Mat is a 10mm

nontoxic mat that is thicker than traditional mats to provide support for your spine and comfort during your workout. At 6 feet long & 26 inches wide, it’s larger than typical mat. At 2.2 LB each, thesse no-slip capsule hand weights are designed for style and comfort. They are made from recycled stainless steel wrapped in babysoft silicone

MAT US $79.99 WEIGHTS US $47 AVAILABLE ON WWW.AMAZON.COM

www.bubblesandcherries.com

LUXURY

One of the most famous Italian jewelry design houses, it is known for it delicate designs and the most spectacular stones. WWW.PICCHIOTTI.IT Xpandable reversible bracelet. 18 Kt. yellow gold and diamonds. US

$ 57,900

Exquisite jewelry crafted with the treasure of the South Seas, the golden pearl from the Palawan Islands in the Philippines. WWW.JEWELMER.COM.

JEWELMER. LES CLASSIQUES EARRINGS. 18 KT YELLOW GOLD, SOUTH SEA PEARLS AND DIAMONDS US $ 7,050

Grand Divine Holiday Gift Box An assortment of various types of chocolate, the ultimate holiday gift! WWW.SHOP.DIVINECHOCOLATEUSA.COM. US $ 99

JEWELMER. Les Classiques necklace. 18 Kt yellow gold, South Sea Pearls and diamonds. US $ 4,150

BUBBLES&CHERRIES

HOLIDAYS ISSUE 2023

CHRIS PLOOF forges metal into bold, recognizable pieces that appeal to both wo-

men and men, who appreciate the craftsmanship and timeless appeal of each piece. WWW.CHRISPLOOF.COM HAND-FORGED DAMASCUS STAINLESS STEEL TAPERED CUFF

BRACELET. US $ 600

JEWELMER. Noël pendant. 18 Kt yellow gold and South Sea Keshi Pearl. US $ 1750

Eau d’Italie Eau de Parfum from the world-renowned Le Sirenuse hotel in Positano “To inhale the scent of lemon groves of the cliffs of Positano wafting by on a sea breeze off the Mediterranean picking up the sweet earthy scent of terracotta tiles warmed in the summer sun, the fresh essence of yellow clover, a hint of incense, a touch of musk” WWW.BEAUTYHABIT.COM/COLLECTIONS/EAU-DITALIE. US $ 190

www.bubblesandcherries.com

LUXURY

“All My Divas” coloring book for adults. This book is perfect gift for music lovers. It features the greatest female musicians in history: Debbie Harry, Madonna, Grace Jones, Dolly Parton, Stevie Nicks, Adele, Cher, Tina Turner, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Tammy Wynette, Amy Winehouse, and many more! IT IS AVAILABLE AT WWW.AMAZON.COM AND WWW.RURALMODERNIST.COM. US $ 24.99 OR US $ 34.99 (SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR AND INCLUDES COLORING PENCILS)

Wick and Glow creates hand-poured, 100% soy wax candles in reusable vessels --with phthalate-free fragrances-- and names them after 90’s and 00’s R&B songs. Make your house smell like the holidays with the “For Your Soul” set, which includes three fragrances: Brown Sugar and Fig, Spiced Honey and Tonka, and Cedarwood en Blanc. WWW.WICKANDGLOW.COM.

US $ 50

BUBBLES&CHERRIES

HOLIDAYS ISSUE 2023

ASSAEL. “Since the early ‘50’s, the house of Assael has been synonymous with magnificence. Today it is North America’s premier purveyor of luxury cultured pearls and responsibly sourced coral”. WWW.ASSEL.COM NATURESCAPES EARRINGS. 18 KT.

YELLOW GOLD, TAHITIAN PEARL, SARDINIAN CORAL AND MALIGANO JASPER. US $ 5,600

Champagne Pommery limited edition “Y by Yoshiki” Toast to the holidays with a French classic in collaboration with Japanese superstar Yoshiki. WWW.VRANKENPOMMERY.COM. US $ 250

www.bubblesandcherries.com

BUBBLES&CHERRIES

HOLIDAYS ISSUE 2023

www.bubblesandcherries.com

f @vaca_santa

FASHION & TRENDS. icons

BRIGITTE BARDOT, THE PERFECT MUSE

BRIGITTE ANNE-MARIE BARDOT WAS BORN ON SEPTEMBER 28,

1934 IN PARIS, FRANCE. BALLET DANCER, ACTRESS, SINGER, WRITER, ACTIVIST, PHILANTHROPIST, SEX SYMBOL AND FASHION ICON. BRIGITTE IS ONE OF THE MUSES WITH THE GREATEST IMPACT ON POPULAR CULTURE

BUBBLES&CHERRIES

HOLIDAYS ISSUE 2023

author. MARCO GUERRERO

[ @MARCOGUERREROLEON

SINGER

ACTRESS

Her acting career began in 1952. Her first successful role was starring in ‘Et Dieu.. créa la femme’ directed byRogerVadimin1956,whichgainedinternational recognitionandalthoughitwasnotherfilmdebut,it isthefilmthatledhertoFame.Forherperformance in the film ‘Viva Maria!’ (1965) by Louis Malle, she was nominated for a BAFTA for Best Foreign Actress.BrigitteBardotwasaneventwhenshebroke into Hollywood. Every time Brigitte made a public appearance in the United States, she was followed by a horde of journalists and photographers who took note and photos of her every move. In 1954 she made her first film in the United States, ‘Un acte d’ amour’,co-starring Kirk Douglas. In 1965 she portrayed herself in the film ‘Dear Brigitte’ with James Stewart but, due to her poor command of English, the actress was dubbed in many of her films. Her striking beauty and stage presence was enough. BrigitteBardotworkedin47films.

In the late fifties, while traveling in Spain, Brigitte Bardot bought a guitar and learned three chords. She didn’t need anything else to accompany her peculiar voice. In the early sixties, her friends Jean-Max Rivière and Claude Bolling convinced her to sing. Eddie Barclay, owner of the studio where Brigitte Bardot recorded on many occasions, had this to say about the blonde’s vocal abilities: “She didn’t sing so much as tell a song. To tell the truth, her voice is ratherweak.ButGodgavehertherareabilitytobringa songtothelistenerandinfact,sheisveryseriousabout blowinguphercareer.” In 1960, Brigitte Bardot released the album ‘Behind Brigitte Bardot’. Subsequently, several more albums by the actress were published, including ‘Brigitte Bardot Sings’ (1963), ‘B.B’ in (1964) and ‘Special Bardot’ (1968). Bardot sang songs in French, English and Spanish. After a vacation in Brazil with Bob Zaguri, returning to Paris, she recorded the song ‘Maria Nimguem’ in Portuguese. Brigitte Bardot recorded five albums and five compilations havebeenpublishedwithhersongs,givingatotalof tenalbums.

MUSE

In1970,sculptorAlainGourdonusedBrigitteasthe model for a bust of Marianne, the symbol of France, andfouryearslaterAndyWarholcapturedherinan iconic Pop Art portrait. But Bardot, a blonde with a spectacular figure with a charming smile and feline gesture,wasnotsimplyamuse:shealsosettrends. Brigitte Bardot was key to popularizing the bikini by wearing two-piece swimsuits in films such as ‘Manina, the bikini girl’ (1952). She is also credited with sparking the trend for knitwear with a wide collar that exposes both shoulders: the so-called “Bardotneckline.”Brigitte,aformerballetdancer,asked designer Rose Repetto to make her lightweight shoes like her own dance slippers, resulting in the everydayballerina. www.bubblesandcherries.com

RETIREMENT

Brigitte Bardot retired from the entertainment industry in 1974 when she turned 40 years old. She was awarded the Legion of Honor in 1985, but she refused to accept it and has written five books. Her life in recent years has been linked to animal activism and certain controversies over her political positions. She has overcome health problems and today, with 89 years old, she remains as a living icon ofpopularculture.

FASHION & TRENDS. fashion editor’s pick

XMAS SILHOUETTES

Forthepartythatlastslongandyouwilldance!

MARC JACOBS RUNWAY METALLIC SHOULDER PAD BLAZER

TrendyofftheshoulderdressbyAwakemode

A.W.A.K.E. MODE OFF-THE-SHOULDER ASYMMETRIC MAXI DRESS

BUBBLES&CHERRIES

HOLIDAYS ISSUE 2023

author. MARTHA PHILLIPS

[ @GIRLDUMONDE

ForthefancyChristmasparty,thisdressfromBadgleyMischka

BADGLEY MISCHKA COLLECTION BELTED EMBROIDERED SEQUIN LACE SHIRT GOWN

You will never go wrong with a perfectly tailored tuxedo fromChristopherJohnRogers CHRISTOPHER JOHN ROGERS TAILORED TUXEDO JACKET WITH PLEATED BACK

WhatisaChristmaswithoutred?

CSTELLA MCCARTNEY DOUBLE-BREASTED SCULTPED BLAZER JACKET

www.bubblesandcherries.com

FASHION & TRENDS. fashion editor’s pick

Classic.

CINQ A SEPT ROXIE MON AMOUR EMBELLISHED CREPE AND LACE BLAZER

WealwaysneedfeathersbyValentino

VALENTINO GARAVANI FEATHER-CUFF KNIT TUNIC TOP

Dancewithme!FromValentino

VALENTINO GARAVANI FAILLE OVERSIZED SHIRTDRESS GOWN

BUBBLES&CHERRIES

HOLIDAYS ISSUE 2023

Be the light of the party with this golden brocade setfromLibertine LIBERTINE 24 KT BROCADE OVERSIZED COZY COAT

Velvet, rhinestones and bows, this dress fromSaloniwillputyouonthespot SALONI CAMILLE JEWELED-BOW MINI DRESS

CoolandtrendybyDriesVanNoten

DRIES VAN NOTEN BENOS MIXED-MEDIA PINSTRIPE BLAZER

www.bubblesandcherries.com

FASHION & TRENDS. new releases

JACK&JONES LAUNCH ITS ONLINE STORE FOR MEXICO

THE DANISH FAST FASHION BRAND JACK&JONES, owned by

the internationally recognized Bestseller, reaches outtoMexicanconsumers.Followingthesuccessful opening of two physical stores in the country, JACK&JONES celebrates the official launch of its online store, providing denim and men’s fashion lovers with a unique shopping experience. A year ago, JACK&JONES opened its first single-brand store in Mexico,locatedintheParqueDeltashoppingcenter in Mexico City. Since then, the brand has captivated Mexican consumers with a wide range of products, from its iconic denim jeans to a complete collection of accessories. The launch of its online store representsanexcitingchapterinthehistoryof JACK&JONES in Mexico. The brand prides itself on offering an unparalleled digital shopping experience, bringing consumers closer to the high-qua-

BUBBLES&CHERRIES

lity products that JACK&JONES has to offer. The brand’s objective with its e-commerce platform is to reinforce its presence in the fashion industry in Mexico in the coming years, bringing its distinctive style and quality to a wider audience. Andres Contreras, CEO of Bestseller Spain, Portugal and Latin America, commented: ‘We are very excited to announce the launch of our online store, which represents another step in our commitment to get even closertoMexicanconsumerstoprovidethemwiththe best Of the brand. “Our own online store that aims to revolutionizeandmaketheexperienceofbuyingyour favoriteclothesmoreaccessible.”

Since its founding in 1990, JACK&JONES has been a benchmark in men’s fashion, offering a wide variety of styles that satisfy the needs and tastes of all men.Whetheryou’relookingforurbansportswear, casual classics, smart casual or footwear and accessories,JACK&JONEShassomethingforeveryoccasion. Currently, the brand has two physical stores in Mexico,locatedinParqueDeltaandParqueTezontle, and is distributed by two of the country’s main departmentstores,LiverpoolandPalaciodeHierro.

HOLIDAYS ISSUE 2023

STAFF

REEBOKXDIME CLUB C REVENGE & CLUB C BULC

REEBOK AND DIME launch their new collaboration, highlighting two silhouettes: Club C Revenge and CLUB C BULC. Reebok and Dime explore both sides of the design pendulum: a traditional and elegantClubCRevengeandaboldCLUBCBULC.The Reebok x Dime Club C Revenge comes in a sand colorway, and embodies the iconic timelessness associated with the Club C. Featuring premium suedematerialandmetallicgolddetails,thesilhouetteis designedtobecompatiblewithanylook.

www.bubblesandcherries.com

Following the release of the 2000-inspired silhouette earlier this year, the Reebok x Dime CLUB C BULC pushes the boundaries of fashion. The silhouette features a silver metallic upper with black detailing on the heel tab and molded toe. Finishing the shoes are modern beige laces that nod to the classicsimplicityoftheClubCRevenge.

“CLUB C BULC has its roots in the language of skateboarding, which is the space where Dime was born,” said Mark Regimbal of Dime. “Reebok challenged us to step out of our comfort zone and approach the silhouette through a fashion lens, prompting us to createashoethatisnotforthefaintofheart.”

FASHION & TRENDS. profiles

CRISTINA TORRES ELIZONDO WALKING ON THE WORLWIDE RUNWAY

BORN IN MONTERREY, MEXICO IN JULY 2000, CRISTINA DEBUT ON A CHARITY RUNWAY IN HER HOMETOWN AND A COUPLE OF YEARS LATER SHE WAS ALREADY WALKING ON THE RUNWAYS AT FASHION WEEKS IN NEW YORK, PARIS AND LONDON. HER RISE IN THE INDUSTRY WAS METEORIC AND TO ACHIEVE IT, IN ADDITION TO HER TALENT AND BEAUTY, SHE PUT AHEAD A LOT OF HARD WORK FOR DEVELOPING WITHIN A COMPLEX INDUSTRY. CRISTINA ANSWERS US 8 QUESTIONS ABOUT HER CAREER. BUBBLES&CHERRIES

HOLIDAYS ISSUE 2023

author. MARCO GUERRERO

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FASHION WEEK? Definitely SeptemberinNewYork.ItwasthefirsttimethatIfelt thissensationofaccomplishingmydreamandthatI wasdoingwhatIlovedonadailybasis. 5. WHICH FASHION CAPITAL DO YOU LIKE MOST AS A BASE TO LIVE? Also New York… as some may already

know, I’ve been living here for the past 2 years and it’s been absolutely incredible! I wouldn’t change it fortheworld! Ofcourseliving,thrivingandsurviving in this city is hard, but in my experience and opinion it’s100%worthit. 6. CATWALK, EDITORIAL, WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE WITHIN MODELING?

1. AT WHAT AGE DID YOU DECIDE THAT YOU WANTED TO BE A MODEL?

Since I was very young, I was drawn to the world of fashion. Particularly the modeling world. It wasn’t until I was 16 years old, after graduating from high-school,thatIdecidedtoactuallypursueacarteen in modeling. I took a gap year, moved to Mexico City andstartedmodelingthere.LittlewouldIknowthat this decision would lead to an international modelingcaterer. 2. HOW DO YOU GET TO SHOW IN NEW YORK, PARIS, MILAN OR LONDON A COUPLE OF YEARS AFTER HAVING DEBUT IN A CATWALK IN MONTERREY?

With a lot of effort and perseverance. There’s no secret formula to success. Every models career is so different and everyone has their own paths and opportunities. Plus everybody is so different. There’s models that have amazing opportunities from veryearlyonintheircareersandmodelsthatspend years and years fighting for their big break. In my experience,meetingmyMotheragency,CapitalModel Management,I’m2018wastheeventthatmademe jumptotheinternationalmodelingworld.

3. MANY PEOPLE BELIEVE THAT LIFE IN MODELING IS PURE GLAMOR BUT, WHAT IS THE EVERYDAY LIFE OF A TOP MODEL AMONG CASTINGS, REHEARSALS AND SHOWS?

It’s a life filled with ups and downs. Particularly in high fashion, where the market is lead by creating and following trends that can drastically change in a short period of time. You can have a really great season, where you’re the IT Girl and get so many bookings with great clients, and then the next season, is like everyone forgot that you existed. Living as a model, day to day can be so varied. One day you can have a job, a few castings, and you’ll be running around the city like crazy trying to get to everything, andsomeotherdays,youwon’thaveanythingtodo. It’s finding the right balance, in the right market and cityforyouthat’skeytoasuccessfulmodelingcareer. It’simportanttohaveenoughworkandenoughrest. www.bubblesandcherries.com

In my career as a model, due to my height and body type, runway has always been my forte. And I got labeled as a runway model really early on. So getting out of that box was definitely a challenge. I started doing more test shoots (free photoshoots to expand yourportfolioandgainexperience),whichdefinitely help me so much! Thanks to that I was able to book moreeditorialsandcampaigns. 7. IT IS SAID EASY, BUT MOST MODELS LEAVE THEIR HOMES AND COUNTRIES VERY YOUNG TO CHASE THEIR DREAM IN NEW YORK, PARIS, MILAN OR LONDON, HOW DO YOU GET OVER THAT PART WHEN YOU’RE SO YOUNG?

It’s hard to step away from your comfort zone at a young ads. And I think the most important thing for you to survive, thrive and enjoy it to the fullest is to surround yourself with good people. To create your new family full of people that have the same values as you. And one more thing that helps me being away from home, miss my family and being homesickittobesuperpositive.Apositiveattitudeonlifeis alwaysimportant. 8. THE MOST SATISFACTORY THING ABOUT WORKING IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY?

For me, the most satisfying aspect of working in fashionarethepeoplewhoyougettoconnectwith,the placesyougettovisitandthefactthatyouarealways one of the firsts to now about new tendencies. It’s alsoamazingtoseethebehindthescenesofacollection and seeing the amount of work that goes into eachitem.

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Idon’tcaresomuchaboutthenumbersbutratherthe livedexperiencesandtheentirepathandteachings. – VANESSA ESTOL

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INTREPID BEAUTY 1. YOU HAVE GREAT PRESTIGE IN EXTREME SPORTS, SO LET’S START BYKNOWING FROM WHAT AGE YOU STARTED PLAYING SPORTS AND WHICH DID YOU START?

5. WHAT SHOULD THE PHYSICAL, NUTRITIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICALPREPARATIONBEBEFOREANDAFTERHAVINGDESCENTINTOTHE SEA OR CLIMBING MOUNTAINS?

Thank you so much! I started when I was very little doing judo, because my uncle is a teacher and my parents sent us to train every day so my brothers and I (there are 3 of us) got tired and fought less. When I was a teenager I stopped liking it because I wasalittletiredofbeingforcedandIleftthesportfor severalyears,butbeforethatIwenttosomecompetitions. I discovered the mountain as big because in Uruguay we don’t have any height. We have small hillsbutsometimesmyparentsalsotookustoclimb them, they really liked to go camping and outdoors sosomeofthisalsoarosesinceIwasachild.

Itrytotrain6daysaweek,dependingonwhereIgo, thenumberofhoursIdedicatevariesbutatleastone hour a day with one long day a week of 6/7 hours. I do not have a special nutritional preparation except when I am competing for freediving when I 100% avoid alcohol, fats and dairy products. Psychological preparation is something I work on every day, I do a lot of visualization exercises to work with fear, I imagine my dives step by step from the moment I am preparing before getting into the water, until the subwaydescent.permeteruntilyougrabthetagatthe bottom, the bodily sensations, the thoughts, and the return to the surface. It helps me a lot so that when I compete,everythingfeelsmorefamiliar.

2. HOW AND WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO CLIMB EVEREST?

IdecidedtoclimbEverestin2015,afterclimbingmy first mountain. I climbed the snow-capped mountain of Toluca in Mexico and went to see the movie “Everest” at the cinema and when I saw it I instantly felt like going. The movie is a tragedy but still something made me curious about being there, on top of the world. I felt that mountain calling me and the processofdoingeverythingtogettherebegan.

6. HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD PASS BETWEEN PERFORMING ONE SPORT AND ANOTHER SO THAT THE BODY HAS STABILITY AND BALANCE TO NOT TAKE RISKS?

I try to leave at least 3 days of rest. Generally when I come down from the mountain and go freediving I have good performance because of the amount of red blood cells that the altitude gives you. If it was a long expedition, maybe a week of rest because the body is exhausted from many days walking or climbingandIneedtorecover.

3. WHAT WAS THE FEELING ON ARRIVAL AND LEAVING THE URUGUAYAN FLAG IN THIS EMBLEMATIC PLACE?

The feeling was incredible because of everything it cost me to get there. It was years of trying to get the funds, training, and preparing myself physically and psychologically. There was a previous expedition in which we had not been able to reach the summit and in which I lost all my savings, we had to go down because of a cyclone that caught us in camp 4 at 8000 meters high... finally achieving it in 2022 was an indescribable feeling, especially knowing that I was the first Uruguayan to be there. I brought the flag back because I don’t like to leave any traces on the mountains and the president of my country keptitinhisoffice.Climbingthatmountainmarkeda before and after in my life, it opened many doors for me and taught me a lot about myself and what I am capableofachieving.

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4. WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES THE BODY FEEL BETWEEN REACHING HIGH PEAKS ABOVE SEA LEVEL AND DESCENT TO GREAT DEPTH INSIDE THE OCEAN?

They are very different sports and sensations. The mountainismorephysicalresistancebecausethere areexpeditionsthatlastupto2months,whileapnea is a few minutes competing and you go to rest and concentrate to try again the next day. I think what theyhaveincommonisthattheybothrequiregreat mental control and being very present in the here andnow.Theyalsorequirealotofpriorpreparation and many hours of training. A good physical base is importantforboth. 54

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7. IS IT THE SAME TYPE OF OXYGEN FOR MOUNTAINEERING AND DIVING OR ARE THERE SOME DIFFERENCES?

11. REGARDING THE PREPARATION THAT PEOPLE WHO WANT TO DO EXTREME SPORTS SHOULD HAVE, WHAT ARE THE RECOMMENDED AGES TO START AND WHERE CAN THEY GO TO CARRY OUT THIS TRAINING?

No, it’s not the same, I hardly do diving. I do freedive and for that we don’t need a tank because we go down lunging, that is, holding our breath. Since I discoveredfreediving,thetruthisIhaven’tgonebackto divingwithatank.

Ibelievethatthereisnoage,onecanstartatanytime. In each country there are clubs or schools that you can go to. The ideal is always to take courses and learnfromprofessionalsandnottrytodoitaloneor withoutsupervision.

8. REGARDING FREEDIVING, WHAT IS THE RECORD YOU HAVE ACHIEVED IN THIS SPORT AND WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO CONTINUE?

12. TELL US ABOUT YOUR FORWARDING AGENCY, WHAT PLANS YOU PROPOSE AND IF IT IS AVAILABLE FOR ALL AGES?

I went down 60 meters in Vertical Blue in the Bahamas. I really want to go back. It is a competition that can only be entered by invitation and there are 37 places. I will be training all December and hopefully I will be invited to compete next year. There are also 2 competitions in Mexico that I will definitely go to. I am very motivated to try to go deeper and continue achieving records for my country and especially for myself.Ithinkthebiggestcompetitioniswithmyself and seeing how far I can go. I don’t care so much about the numbers but about the experiences lived andtheentirejourneyandthelessons.

I have plans for all levels, ranging from people with no experience at all, to trips for more experienced people.Wehavealsohadpeopleofallages,although generally we have more expeditions for beginners and people who just want to start in the world of mountaineering. I try to put together the programs very “comfortable” so that within what the mountain is like. Have the best time possible and focus on enjoying the road and the views, not worrying aboutallthelogistics. 13. DO THE PEOPLE WHO WILL DO THESE EXPEDITIONS HAVE SOME TYPEOFPHYSICALCONDITIONORANYFOODTHATISRECOMMENDED TO BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE?

9. HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT THIS IS ALREADY THE LIMIT OF DEPTH THAT YOU CAN REACH, DO YOU FEEL SOMETHING, DO YOU HINT IT, OR IS THERE ANY MACHINERY LIKE WATCHWORKING IN DIVING THAT WARNS YOU?

Before each dive, everyone announces the depth theywanttoreachthatday.IfIwanttogo60meters, they put a rope at that depth so it doesn’t overtake me. In the background there is a plate and one goes with a lanyard and a carabiner attached to the rope so it is impossible to follow the plate. What I do is try to go deeper and deeper but adding only 1 or 2 meters at a time and no more than that, to adapt to thenewdepthsandknowthatIcandoitwell.Iwear a Garmin watch with depth alarms too so I know where I am. At 20 meters I put on the first one that tellsmethatIcanstopmoving,becauseat20meters one no longer floats and it is not necessary to kick because something called free fall begins. You relax and fallonemeterpersecond.Then I have an alarm every10meterstohaveanideaofmoreorlesswhereIamandhowmuchislefttomygoal.

It is recommended for everyone to have good health,beactivepeopleandexerciseregularly.Outsideof that, for many of our trips, people without experience but open to adventure are welcome. The main thing is to have an open mind and seek to get out of the comfort zone and obviously be someone who likestobeincontactwithnature.

10. WE KNOW THAT IT IS VERY EXPENSIVE TO CLIMB A MOUNTAIN LIKE EVEREST BECAUSE YOU NEED A WHOLE TEAM OF PEOPLE AND A HIGH FINANCIAL FUND. HOW DO YOU GET HELP TO CLIMB OR DIVE?

Everything so far has been financed by me. On my second attempt to summit Everest, some friends helped me but I have not had sponsors to give me money for the expeditions. Generally brands provide equipment. The same with freedive competitions which are expensive, unfortunately at the momentIdonothavefinancialhelpfrombrandsso it has been a complicated path but it has been very worthit.

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Ifeltthatthatmountain(Everest) wascallingmeandtheprocessof doeverythingtogetthere. – VANESSA ESTOL

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SOUNDS, LETTERS, FRAMES & SKETCHES. editorial

MOTHER NATURE ON THE VISION OF CAPT. COOPER PILOT AND PHOTOGRAPHER, CASEY COOPER TRAVELS 100% OF THE TIME, LIVING IN REMOTE AREAS, CAPTURING PHOTOS OF ANIMALS. HE VOLUNTEERS A LOT OF HIS TIME HELPING TO REHABILITATE ANIMALS, FOR EXAMPLE HE WORKS CLOSELY WITH THE ONCA NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION IN THE BOLIVIAN AMAZON.

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BENI

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SUNSET KING

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YAWINING JAGUAR

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DANCASSAB

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PRIYANKA CHOPRA INTERESTING THINGS PROBABLY YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT HER

YOU MAY KNOW PRIYANKA FROM HER STARRING ROLE IN QUANTICO, HER WHIRLWIND MARRIAGE WITH NICK JONAS, OR HER FABULOUS RED CARPET STYLE. BUT, THERE ARE ALSO MANY THINGS YOU PROBABLY DON’T KNOW ABOUT THE ACTRESS. KNOWN AS ONE OF THE INDUSTRY’S MOST PROLIFIC ACTRESSES, WITH HER ALWAYS ON-POINT STYLE, SPECTACULAR ACTING SKILLS AND INCREDIBLE SINGING TALENT, THERE’S NO DOUBT WHY PRIYANKA CHOPRA IS ONE OF OUR FAVORITES.

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author. ANA DIAZ NORIEGA photos. AP

PRIYANKA began her career in the spotlight at 18 years

old when she competed in the Miss World pageant. She was crowned in 2000 the fifth Miss India to do so and has been mesmerizing the world with her enchanting aura ever since. Chopra is one of India’s highest-paid actresses and has received numerous accolades, including two National Film Awards and five Filmfare Awards.As one of India’s biggest movie stars,Choprawasextremelyfamouswellbeforeher Hollywooddays.HerstarringroleonQuanticomade herthefirstIndian-bornactresstoleadanAmerican prime-time network show in television history. Previously she acted in over 60 Bollywood films. And she has starred in several Bollywood films, and she is best known to American audiences for her role on ABC’s Quantico, becoming the first South Asian actresstoleadanAmericanseries.

HER RELATIONSHIP WITH NICK JONAS BEGAN VIA TEXT.

The star revealed in an interview that it was Nick who sent the first message, following a text sent to her Quantico co-star Graham Rogers simply stating: “Priyanka. Is. Wow.” The relationship quickly blossomed to Twitter (now X) direct messages, with the lovestruck singer messaging: “I’m hearing from a few mutual friends that we should meet.” The rest, as they say, is history. Since they engagement, the duo has been hogging the limelight. Needless to say, the social media is flood with the loved-up images of the two. Given her global popularity, Priyanka lately saw a boost in her fan-following on Instagram. With 27 million followers (and counting) on the photo-sharing app, Priyankadethroned Deepika PadukonetocrownherselfasthemostfollowedBollywoodactressonInstagram.

SHE WENT TO AN ARMY SCHOOL

The Baywatch star, whose parents were both physicians in the Indian army, completed a portion of her high-school education at the Army Public School in Bareilly, a school that established itself for educating thechildrenofIndianarmedforcespersonnel.Speakingaboutherexperience,Priyanka describesthe school as “awesome, actually,” adding that it really taughtherthevalueofdiscipline. SHE HAS SOMETHING IN COMMON WITH MARILYN MONROE!

In 2010, Priyanka became the first Indian movie star in 70 years to cast her foot impression at Italy’s SalvatoreFerragamoMuseuminFlorence.Priyanka Chopra’s shoes are display alongside those of artists like Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Madonna,whohavetheirfootprintsatthefashionmuseum dedicated to the life and work of the Italian shoe designer. Although Priyanka is the first Bollywood beauty to grace the Ferragamo museum, she is the second Indian celebrity after the Maharani of Cooch Behar,IndiraDevi,receivedthesamehonorin1938. www.bubblesandcherries.com

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PARIS HILTON ANNOUNCES SHE’S WELCOMED A NEW BABY...

PARIS HILTON IS SLIVING HER BEST LIFE AS A MOM OF TWO AND HER FAMILY HAS GROWNALITTLEBIGGER.! THE PARIS IN LOVE STAR ANNOUNCED SHE AND HUSBAND CARTER REUM—WHO ARE PARENTS TO 10-MONTH-OLD SON PHOENIX— HAVE WELCOMED THEIR SECOND CHILD TOGETHER, A BABY GIRL NAMED LONDON.

Alongside a photo featuring a pink two-piece set sporting their daughter’s name posted to Instagram on Thanksgiving, the Simple Life alum wrote, “Thankful formybabygirl.” On Instagram and TikTok, the star posted about welcoming her second child, a daughter named London. Hilton and her husband Carter Reum are also parentsofaninfantson,Phoenix. The newest addition to their family comes after she and Carter welcomed their baby boy via surrogate inJanuary.Aheadofthisyear’sextraspecialholidayseason, the “Stars Are Blind” singer shared insight into the couple’sfuturefamilyplans,notingtheycouldn’twaitto havetheir“ownlittleprincessoneday.” Hilton also shared a video in which she’s holding her son and saying, “I’m a big brother” as her husband cheers them on. Hilton’s friend Demi Lovato commented on the Instagram post, writing, “Omg congratulations!!!” Paris has been tapped to appear on the pop star’s upcoming Roku special, A Very Demi Holiday Special,whichissettoaironDec.8. Hilton and Reum also share son, Phoenix, who arrived earlier this year via surrogate. The couple was marriedinNovember2021.

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photos. AP

THE WOMAN IN ME BY BRITNEY SPEARS BRITNEY SPEARS RECOUNTS HER LIFE IN THE

PUBLIC EYE, AND HER EFFORTS TO ESCAPE A CONSERVATORSHIP THAT LONG GOVERNEDHERLIFE.

THE WOMAN IN ME IS A BRAVE AND ASTONISHINGLY MOVING STORY ABOUT FREEDOM, FAME, MOTHERHOOD, SURVIVAL, FAITH, AND HOPE. In June 2021, the whole world was listening

as Britney Spears spoke in open court. The impact of sharingher voice her truth was undeniable, and it changed the course of her life and the lives of countless others. The Woman in Me reveals for the first time her incrediblejourneyandthestrengthatthecoreofoneof the greatest performers in pop music history. Written with remarkable candor and humor, Spears’s groundbreaking book illuminates the enduring power of music and love and the importance of a woman telling her own story, on her own terms, at last.Throughout, she describes the feeling of being too much in the public eye, too scrutinized, whether by her parents or the paparazzi, or even by the doctors who she says “took me away from my kids and my dogs and my house.” But the story is, by nature, incomplete, referring cheerily to Spears’s post-conservatorship marriage to Hesam Asghari,knownasSam,whofiledfordivorceinAugust afteralittlemorethanayear.

BELOW ARE OTHER NOTABLE MOMENTS FROM THE BOOK.

From performing her first solo the Christmas carol “What Child Is This?”at her mother’s local day care to auditioning with Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing” in rooms full of record executives, Spears tracks her rapidascenttofameasachildandteenager. When she was 10 years old, she recalls, she was on the show “Star Search,” where the host, Ed McMahon, asked her if she had a boyfriend. After she replied that she didn’t, because they were “mean,” McMahon responded, “I’m not mean! How about me?” She “kept it together” until she left the stage, Spears writes, “But thenIburstintotears.” After appearing on “The Mickey Mouse Club,” Spears writes, she decided that she wanted to live a “normal life” back in Kentwood, La., until Larry Rudolph, a lawyer whom her mother met on the audition circuit, suggested that she record a demo. She won a record deal at 15, and Rudolph became her longtime manager.

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PINK TALES. royals

FREDERIK & GENOVEVA THE MADRID SCANDAL

TREMENDOUS SCANDAL HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE PHOTOS OF FREDERIK, CROWN PRINCE OF DENMARK WITH THE MEXICAN SOCIALITE GENOVEVA CASANOVA WHILE THEY ENJOYED A NIGHT OF ART, FLAMENCO AND PARTYING IN MADRID.

THE TOPIC?, THAT THE DANISH PRINCE HAVE A GREAT TIME IN THE SPANISH CAPITAL WITH GENOVEVA... WITHOUT HER WIFE, PRINCESS MARY.

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STAFF photos. AP

THE DANISH THRONE HEIR AND THE MEXICAN SOCIALITE enjoyed a night out in the Spanish capital last October, which included a walk through a park, attending an art exhibition and dinner at a flamenco tablao. In the photos, published for the first time by the Spanish magazine Lecturas, the prince and the former daughter-in-law of the late Duchess of Alba are seen spending time together, walking around the city before heading to Casanova’s home, changing clothes andleavingagainatnight. The publication of the pictures caused a stir in Spain but above all in Denmark and led Genoveva Casanova to issue a statement denying any type of romantic relationship between her and the future king of Denmark. In a legal letter published on her Instagram account, she vehemently criticized what she defined as “malicious rumors” that suggested thattheprinceandthesocialitehadanaffair. Prince Frederik and his wife of the last 20 years, Princess Mary (born in Australia as Mary Donaldson), have not issued a position on the photos. Denmark’s crown princes continue with their daily official activities as usual, including accompanying their firstborn, 18-year-old Prince Christian, to sign a solemn declaration to respect the Danish ConstitutionintheCouncilofState. In early November, Spanish media reported that Frederik, a father of four and the socialite, visited a Pablo Picasso exhibition, walked through El RetiroParkandthenwentouttodinner. The Spanish magazine Lecturas stated that Frederik and Genoveva went home separately around 7pmandleftaroundnine,twohourslater.Theyhad changedclothes.ItshouldbenotedthatLecturasisa mediumfocusedentirelyongossip. The pictures show that Genoveva changed her outfit, which consisted of a camel-colored coat with a belt,awhiteshirt,blackpants,andablackjacketover her shoulders. Frederik changed from a navy blue jacket and brown pants to a white shirt and dark pantswithadarkjacket. They reportedly left the building separately, but got into the same white car. The magazine stated that the couple saw a flamenco show at the famous Madrid tablao: “El Corral de la Morería”, where they left atmidnight.

Lecturas also claimed that they remained at their table, protected by two of the Danish prince’s bodyguards. Lecturas also stated that the couple did not leave the restaurant until 1 a.m., when they went outside and got into a car. In a gesture of chivalry (or gallantry), Prince Frederik opened the car door for Genoveva. The next day, Frederik returned to Copenhagen. After the publication of the photos, Genoveva furiously denied that there was any romantic relationship between her and the Danish heir. A statement from the socialite flatly said: “I categorically deny statements suggesting a romantic relationship between Prince Frederik and myself” and added: “Any statement of this kind is not only completely devoid of truth but also maliciously misrepresents the facts. This is already in the hands of my lawyers, who will take care of the pertinent steps to protect my right tohonor,truthandprivacy.” Lecturas director Luis Pliego, stated on the Spanish television channel Telecinco that Frederik’s visit to Madridwas“secret.” Since the photos emerged, acquaintances have stated that Genoveva and Frederik are good friends and that they meet several times a year. It is normal for Frederik to visit Spain often and his close friendship with the Spanish monarch, Felipe VI, sincehischildhoodisknown.‘Theyhaveafriendship (Prince Frederik and Genoveva Casanova). They know each other and have friends in common. They usuallymeetseveraltimesayear,”saidSusannaGriso, hostoftheSpanishtelevisionprogramEspejoPúblico. Griso alleged that Geoveva had become close to the Danish heir after they met on a hunting trip in the mountains. The journalist explained: “They are exclusive meetings, in which you have to pay a lot of moneytoattend.Alltheroyalsandchildrenofthemajor families are there. The trips are mainly organized in Germany and Austria.” Griso added: “Her friends have told me that (Genoveva) is having a very bad time.” “She is now hiding herself and she has turned off hermobilephonebecauseshedoesn’twantanyoneto callher.” How will the media shock between the Danish heirandtheMexicansocialiteend?

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SOUNDS, LETTERS, FRAMES & SKETCHES

ALL THE STARS WE LOST THIS YEAR… MAY THEY LIVE ON IN OUR MEMORIES

2. SEX AND THE CITY ACTRESS FRANCES STERNHAGEN DIED AT THE AGE OF 93 ON NOVEMBER 27.

The two-time Tony Award-winning actress boasted roles in Cheers, On Golden Pond,andTheHeiress,butwasperhapsbestknownforplayingBunnyMacDougal, Charlotte’s mother-in-law, on Sex and the City. Frances died of natural causes and a statementobtainedbyTheHollywoodReportersaid:“Wecontinuetobeinspiredby herloveandlife.” 3. THE SINGER BEHIND ’70S HITS LIKE MR. BIG STUFF AND THINK IT OVER, JEAN KNIGHT, DIED ON NOVEMBER 22. Knightpassedawayattheageof80inNewOrleans,Louisiana,aswas

confirmed by the agency that represented her. Many fans paid tribute to the musicianonsocialmediafollowingthesadnews. 4. FOOTBALL LEGEND TERRY VENABLES DIED AT THE AGE OF 80 AFTER A LONG ILLNESS ON NOVEMBER 25 as they paid tribute to the Three Lions manager. His family said: “We are totally

CELEBRITIES WHO DIED IN 2023

devastated by the loss of a wonderful husband and father who passed away peacefully yesterday after a long illness.” Venables played for Chelsea, Spurs and QPR in the 1960s and 70s, and won two Three Lions caps at international level in 1964, but healsoenjoyedhugesuccessasamanagerandledEnglandtothesemi-finalsinthe 1996EuropeanChampionships.

5. BELOVED FRIENDS ACTOR MATTHEW PERRY DIED ON OCTOBER 28, 2023, AT THE AGE OF 54. He wassadlyfounddeadinahottubinthebackgardenofLosAngeleshome.Millions of fans of the Chandler Bing star have paid tribute to him following the news of his passing.HisFriendsco-starsJenniferAniston,LisaKudrow,MattLeBlanc,Courtney Cox and David Schwimmer all also shared heartfelt memories of their time workingwithPerry. 6. FORMER CHILD ACTOR, EVAN ELLINGSON PASSED AWAY ON NOVEMBER 5, AGED 35. At the time of his passing, Evan had been living in a sober living facility in Southern California. His father confirmed his passing to TMZ. Evan was best known for his roles in My Sister’sKeeperandCSI:Miami.

EVERY YEAR COMES WITH ITS OWN SET OF POSSIBILITIES, UNKNOWNS, AND CHALLENGES. It’s the

human condition to want to know what jewels and trials will be in store for us. However, in reality, we are mere passengers on a voyage into the unknown. Whether they entertained us through song, acting, or merely their personality, saying goodbyetothesestarscanfeelsimilartofarewellingfamily.We’rerememberingthe big screen celebrities, music legends, cultural pioneers and those who left indelible memories on the public consciousness. Here BUBBLES&CHERRIES takes time to honourandpaytributetothestarswhohavediedsofar.

7. LESLIE DAYMAN SADLY PASSED AWAY AGED 85, IN OCTOBER 2023. He was one of Australia’s longest-working actors, more recognised for his role on E Street and Prisoner. His former co-star Mex Howard confirmed his passing on Facebook. “Rest in Peace beautifulLesDayman.Couldn’thavewishedforabetteron-screendadinmyE-Street days. Your gorgeous eyes always reminded me of my dads eyes so it was so lovely to playyourdaughter.” “PS.Interestingfunfact-wesharedthesamebirthday!” 8. CAL WILSON HAS SADLY PASSED AWAY IN HOSPITAL, AGED 53. Her agency released a statement on October 11 to say, “We are devastated to share the news that Cal Wilson, themuch-lovedstand-upcomedian,writerandactordiedtoday,surroundedbyfamily and friends after a short illness at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney. She was 53 years old.” Cal Wilson was an extremely talented stand-up comedian, actress and writeroriginallyfromChristchurch,NewZealand. 9. MICHAEL PARKINSON. Popular British broadcaster, Michael Parkinson sadly passed

away“peacefully”inhishome,aged88.Theannouncementofhispassingwasshared by his family via the BBC on August 17, 2023. “After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family,” thestatementsaid.“Thefamilyrequestthattheyaregivenprivacyandtimetogrieve.”

1. THE POGUES SINGER SHANE MACGOWAN DIED AGED 65 ON NOVEMBER 30. The legendary

FairytaleofNewYorkstarhadbeendiagnosedwithviralencephalitisaseriouscondition which leads to brain swelling – prior to his passing. He suffered a long health battleinhisfinalyearsandhadbeeninawheelchairsince2015followingafallthat sawhimbreakhispelvis.Shane’swifeVictoriaMaryClarkesharedaheartbreaking statementannouncingthedeathofthestar,whoshecalled“theloveofmylife”.

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10. SUZANNE SOMERS DIED ON OCTOBER 15 of“breastcancerwithametastasistothebrain”

– just one day before she was set to celebrate her 77th birthday. The 76-year-old, known for roles on ‘Step by Step’ and ‘Three’s Company’, had been diagnosed with breastcancerforasecondtimeearlierthisyear.“SuzanneSomerspassedawaypeacefully at home in the early morning hours of October 15th. She survived an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years,” “Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan, her son Bruce, and her immediate family. Her family was gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday on October 16th. Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinarylife,andwanttothankhermillionsoffansandfollowerswholovedherdearly.”

11. OFTEN HAILED AS THE QUEEN OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL, TINA TURNER PASSED AWAY IN SWITZERLAND AT THE AGE OF 83 ON MAY 24 FOLLOWING A LONG ILLNESS. “With her music and her boundless passion

for life, she enchanted millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “[Tina] leaves us all her greatest work: hermusic.”Thesinger,whosecareerbeganwithabusivehusbandIkeTurnerinthe 1960s and was revived in the 1980s with a legendary solo comeback, was one of the earliest and most enduring women of rock ‘n’ roll and is remembered for such classic hits as ‘Private Dancer,’ ‘The Best,’ ‘What’s Love Got to Do With It,’ and ‘Proud Mary’,aswellasherelectricliveperformances.

12. IRISH SINGER SINEAD O’CONNOR DIED AT AGE 56 ON JULY 26 19monthsafterherson,Sha-

ne was found dead at age 17. She famously covered Prince’s song, ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ in 1990 and was known for her beautiful voice and activism. The singer, whowasfrankthroughoutherlifeabouthermentalhealthstruggles,issurvivedby herthreeremainingchildren,Jake,Brigidine,andYeshua.

13. LISA MARIE PRESLEY, THE ONLY CHILD OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL LEGEND ELVIS, DIED AGED 54 ON JANUARY 12 justtwodaysaftersheappearedattheGoldenGlobesalongsidehermo-

ther, Priscilla Presley. “She was the most passionate, strong, and loving woman I have ever known,” her mom said in a statement. According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, the singer died from an intestinal blockage brought on by a rare complication from weight-loss surgery and is survived by four children, includingactressRileyKeough.

14. RAQUEL WELCH DIED AT THE AGE OF 82 ON FEBRUARY 15. Thesensual,glamorousactress was known for her roles in ‘Fantastic Voyage’ and ‘One Million Years B.C’, Raquel diedathomeaftera“briefillness”,accordingtoherfamily.“Thelegendarybombshell actress of film, television, and stage, passed away peacefully early this morning after a brief illness,” her representative said in a statement. “Her career spanned over 50 years starring in over 30 films and 50 television series and appearances. The Golden Globe winner, in more recent years, was involved in a very successful line of wigs.” It concluded: “Raquel leaves behind her two children, son Damon Welch and herdaughter,TahneeWelch.”AccordingtoadeathcertificatefiledwiththeCountyof LosAngelesDepartmentofPublicHealth,Welchdiedofcardiacarrestfollowingan undisclosedbattlewithAlzheimer’sdisease.

15. BOB BARKER PASSED AWAY AT THE AGE OF 99 ON AUGUST 26. Throughout his lifetime, BarkerwasnotedforhostingMissUniverseandMissUSApageantsbetween1967 and1987,butwasbestknownforhosting‘ThePriceisRight’from1972-2007;itis the longest-running daytime game show in North American television history. His longtime girlfriend Nancy Burnet also noted his work in animal rights, sharing in a statement:“IamsoproudofthetrailblazingworkBarkerandIdidtogethertoexpose the cruelty to animals in the entertainment industry and including working to improve the plight of abused and exploited animals in the United States and internationally. Weweregreatfriendsoverthese40years.Hewillbemissed.”

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SOUNDS, LETTERS, FRAMES & SKETCHES. series

THE CROWN THE FINAL SEASON THE ERA OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II IN THE ANNALS OF BRITISH HISTORY CONCLUDED ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2022,MARKINGTHEENDOFTHE REIGN OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL MONARCH OF THE 20TH CENTURY. AS A QUEEN, ELIZABETH II exemplified gallantry, resilience, and firm leadership – qualities essential for anyeffectiveleader. Asawoman,sheembracedher maternal instincts, extending love and protection to herpeopleandherfamily.It’scrucialtorecognizethe humansidebehindtheperceivedstoicismimposed bythedemandsofgovernance. There’s a common misconception that those with privileges forfeit the right to express emotions, to reveal their human side. Despite differences in physical appearance and social class, the heart remains a universal constant. However, this doesn’t seemtoapplyuniversally,especiallyformembersof theBritishroyalfamily. BUBBLES&CHERRIES

For decades, the image of the British royal family has been tarnished by mostly negative descriptors. Such perceptions, often exaggerated and fueled by prejudiceandignorance,subjecteventhenobilityto stereotypes. Members of the British royal family are not devoid of humanity, and their vulnerability and sensitivity as human beings are laid bare in “The Crown,” the acclaimed Netflix series concluding this year. Let me provide details about this magnificent work and discuss its impact on the image of the royals. On November 4, 2016, the most transparent andobjectiveportrayalofthescandalousandbittersweet life of the British crown was introduced: “The Crown,” a series that premiered its final season on November 16, divided into two parts. It is a conclusion eagerly awaited and impossible to ignore. But what has this series meant for the British crown, for the late Queen Elizabeth II? Has it been a facelift for thefamilyoranunmasking?Hastheseriessubdued public gossip and scrutiny, or has it stirred them evenmore?Let’sanalyze. 84

Peter Morgan, a screenwriter for film and theater, collaborated with Left Bank Pictures and Netflix to create a television adaptation of the play “The Audience” (2013), also written by Morgan. Both productioncompaniesreadilygreenlitthisproject.Morgan also drew from his 2006 drama “The Queen,” starring Helen Mirren, to write the series. Over five seasons, the show has presented a more humanized version of the queen, revealing her ongoing struggle between her two personas: Elizabeth, the queen, and Elizabeth, the woman. This conflict led to controversial decisions, where she had to choose between the common good and personal and family interests, making her a target for criticism. Her seemingly impassive character and stern demeanorweretrademarksofherpersonality.Behindthat ironmask,however,wasasensitive,vulnerable,and human woman subject to the whims of power and thestate,inotherwords,tothewillofothers.

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“The Crown” spares no effort to recreate the texture of the era, with both light and shadow, always seeking emotional authenticity, even if it means reinterpreting and embellishing the facts slightly. The series not only exposes the truths of the queen but also those of her entire family. Each episode is a portrait of the characters’ emotions: fragility, love, willpower, obsession, frustration, suffocation, and more – feelings that define any human being. This is the brilliance of the series, its ability to depict historicallyperceivedcold,reserved,andstiffcharacters as fragile, vulnerable, and responsive to the desire for greater simplicity in their lives. Of course, we see not only their light but also their shadow, which interests the public more, as the shadow of the crown is what has given it fame, leading to conspiracies and detractors over the years. But well, don’t we all cast shadows? The series addresses the historical gossip surrounding the royal family objectively and without sensationalism, a departure from the subjectivity often found in many documents (books anddocumentaries)discussingthesecontroversies. Somelackrigorandarefrivolous,involvingpersonal feelings and, in some cases, expressing animosity. A prime example is the mother of all royal controversies: Princess Diana, where conventional bias favors the martyrdom of the princess against emotional abuse from Charles and especially the queen. Here, no side is taken; everyone is both victim and villain. Everyone gives, and everyone loses. Everyone has helped, and everyone has betrayed. Everyone residesonbothsidesofthecoin.

OLIVIA COLMAN PLAYS THE MIDDLE-AGED ELIZABETH II OF THE UNITED KINGDOM.

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[ @GERARDALEXANDERKW

Has “The Crown” been a positive or negative influence on the royal family? Is it a whitewashing or an unmasking? I would say it’s an unmasking, but not in a negative sense. For better or worse, lifting the historical secrecy surrounding the family and allowing the windows of Buckingham Palace to clear,revealingthesoulofthefamilyforthefirsttime, has made the figure of the royals more vulnerable, sensitive, and human – without diminishing their significance.Ithassilencedaconsiderableportionof speculations made over the years about the intimate lives of the royals. Overall, the series has had a positiveimpactonthefamily,accordingtopopularsurveys in the UK, indicating improved impressions of themainmembersoftheroyalhousehold,although, ofcourse,publicopiniontendstochangequickly. Itisundeniablethattheroyalfamily’sbadreputation is partly earned, and everyone will have their stance onthematter.However,thecrucialpointhereisthat theintransigenceoftheiractionsisaresultofhuman reasoning,will,andheightenedemotionsgenerated by the overwhelming responsibility of a divine right imposed on them from birth – a right they did not choose. Let’s give the royal family the benefit of the doubt without the need for apology or justification, but with an understanding. No one chooses where tobeborn,andprivilegedoesnotnegatetherightto actandexpressoneselfaswhatweare:human. Regardless of whether you are in favor of the monarchyornot,itisworthgivingthisseriesachance. The rich history of the British crown is worth knowing. “The Crown” is an honest, intimate, and personalportrait–somethingunprecedented.Itaddresses the historical controversies and whispered secretsoftheWindsors,butfromahumanperspective. The legacy of Queen Elizabeth II has left us with storiesthatwillcontinuetobediscussedintheyears to come. A woman who, with unwavering will, knew how to lead and fulfill her role as a monarch, with successes and failures, betrayals and sacrifices. But, remember: behind Elizabeth, the queen, was Elizabeth,thewoman.

CLAIRE FOY IS QUEEN ELIZABETH II IN HER YOUTH AT THE BEGINNING OF HER REIGN.

IMELDA STAUNTON IS ELIZABETH IN THE FINAL YEARS OF HER 70-YEAR REIGN

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TOP MOVIES COMING OUT IN 2024! AS 2023 COMES TO A CLOSE, WE FILM BUFFS ARE ALREADY WONDERING – WHAT ARE THE TOP MOVIES COMING OUT IN 2024? THERE’S REALLY NOTHINGLIKEPLANNINGAHEAD.THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT THERE’S SOMETHINGFOREVERYBODY.

BEETLEJUICE 2 A sequel to the classic has been in the making for a while – and we’re so glad it’s almost here. Scheduled for release in the autumn, we’ll see Schitts Creek star Catherine O’Hara, Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder reprise their roles, alongside the exciting additions of Jenna Ortega, Monica Bullucci, WillemDafoeandJustinTheroux. BUBBLES&CHERRIES

TWISTERS An epic disaster film starring Daisy Ed-

THE COLOR PURPLE This musical drama is an adaptation of Alice Walker’s important novel about the struggles of African-American women living in the south during the early 1900s. Oprah, Taraji P.Henson, Danielle Brookes and Halle Bailey make up the star-studdedcast.

FURIOSA We’re returning to the Mad Max world for a Furiosa prequel, starring Anya Taylor-Joy, who will play a younger version of Charlize Theron’s character, as well as Chris Hemsworth and Tom Burke. Charlize will apparently not return, but we’ll be keepingourfingerscrossedanyway.

CHALLENGERS Describedasaromanticsportscomedy

ALL OF US STRANGERS ThisonehashadsomeSERIOUS hype already. Starring Fleabag’s Andrew Scott and all-around star Paul Mescal, All Of Us Strangers sees a compelling relationship unfold when Scott’s character Adam finds himself drawn back to his childhoodhome,wherehemeetsMescal’sHarry.

MICKEY 17 Parasite director Bong Joon-ho’s first film sincehisOscarshitwillstarRobertPattinson,aswell as Walking Dead star Steven Yeun, Toni Collette and Mark Ruffalo. It will tell the story of an “expendable” man on a space mission, with new clones of himself being rebuilt with his memories every time he dies. Superdark.

gar-Jones, Daryl McCormack and Kiernan Shipka. The premise is an update of the 1996 film Twister, which explored the story of a pair of storm chasers who risk their lives to test an experimental weather alertsystem.

drama, Challengers stars superstar Zendaya as well as Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist – it’s also directed byCallMeByYourName’sLucaGuadagnino,soyou know it’s going to be a good’un.ZendayaplaysTashi Donaldson,atennisprowhoendsupmanagingher fellow tennis pro husband’s career after an injury. Butthere’smoretothestory.

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[ @ANADIAZNORIEGA

MEAN GIRLS The big Noughties classic makes a return with a 2024 musical makeover. The Sex Lives of College Girls star Renée Rapp will star as Regina George, with Tina Fey and Tim Meadows reprising their roles from the original film. It’s going to be an absoluteTREAT. MADAME WEB Starring Sydney Sweeney and Dakota

Johnson, Madame Web follows Dakota’s character Cassandra Webb, who starts to have visions of the future after after her near-death experience. She comes across a group of interconnected spidey gals, including Sydney’s character Spider-Woman (from thecomics).

WICKED AmovieadaptationofthebelovedOzspinoff

musical is coming, starring Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo,MichelleYeoh,JeffGoldblumandBridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey. We reckon it’s going to defy gravity –geddit?

IF Anentirelyadorableandstar-studdedfilmbyJohn

Krasinski, IF (which stands for imaginary friends) tells the story of a young girl who discovers she can see people’s imaginary friends who have been abandoned by the children they helped. IF stars Ryan Reynolds as well as John himself and the voice talents of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Steve Carrell, Vince Vaughn, Emily Blunt, Awkwafina, Matt Damon… thelistgoeson!

INSIDE OUT 2 Thesequelwewereallwaitingfor.Inside Out’s Riley is back, this time as a teenager and encountering a whole load of emotions, which manifest as actual characters. Maya Hawke is joining the castasAnxiety,andwecan’twaittoseeherrendition ofthisfeeling. THE FALL GUY Ryan Gosling plays a past-his-prime

stuntman who takes on a reluctant role as an investigator for his ex-girlfriend (Emily Blunt) when the star of a film she’s directing goes missing. It’s an adaptation of a 1980s TV series, also starring Aaron Taylor-JohnsonandHannahWaddingham.

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DUNE: PART TWO Thesecondhalfoftheadaptationfrom

Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel Dune, starring part one actors Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård and Dave Bautista – with serious stars Florence Pugh and Austin Butlerjoiningthecast.

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NAPOLEON: RIDLEY SCOTT’S WATERLOO

IN THE EAGERLY AWAITED FILM BY THE ACCLAIMED DIRECTOR RIDLEY SCOTT, NAPOLEON, WHICH GRACED THEATERS THIS PAST NOVEMBER, DISAPPOINTMENT RESONATED AMONG BOTH CRITICS AND AUDIENCES.

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author. GERARDO GUERRERO

[ @GERARDALEXANDERKW

JOAQUIN PHOENIX IS NAPOLEON

RIDLEY SCOTT, celebrated for his classics such as Gladiator (2000), Alien: The Eighth Passenger (1979), and Blade Runner (1982), added a new entry to his extensivefilmographywithNapoleon.Despitehigh expectations, the film fell short of both its potential and the director’s illustrious career. What went wrong?Let’sexplore. Napoleon undeniably stands as one of the most significant and admired historical figures, yet his cinematic representation has been rather limited. The only precursor to this new 2023 version is Abel Gance’s eponymous silent film from 1927, known for its early use of color as a narrative tool. Apart from that, few films focus on specific facets of the extensive and intriguing life of the great French general, such as his exile on the island of Elba, his relationship with Josephine de Beauharnais, or his defeats at Trafalgar and Waterloo. However, none truly captures his ascent to power and military brilliance—precisely the aspects that make Napoleon an interesting and famous figure, and what the audience would naturally expect from a Napoleon movie. Unfortunately, what Napoleon delivers is a filmstrugglingtodefineitself:eitheramockeryofthe legendorahomage. The film follows Napoleon’s life from his initial military triumph in Toulon to his demise. It kicks off during the French Revolution, precisely at the guillotine execution of Marie Antoinette. The visual chaos accompaniedbyvaudevillemusiceffectivelyandcomicallyportraysthecrueltyandsocialvilenessofthe FrenchRevolution,borderingonridiculeinavisually interesting manner, reminiscent of the absurd violence in Tarantino’s films. The first battle of the film, Toulon, sparks excitement and promises the anticipatedgrandeur,but... As the plot unfolds, it progressively focuses more on Napoleon’s intimate relationship with Jowww.bubblesandcherries.com

sephine,andthisiswherethenarrativelosesitsgrip. Personally, I find this aspect of his life not compelling enough to warrant an entire film. While Josephine played a crucial role in Napoleon’s life, her infidelity and potential emotional manipulation are not captivating enough to justify two and a half hours of storytelling, especially when they are not well-kept secrets. When one hears the name Napoleon, what immediately comes to mind? Precisely! War! Unfortunately, this crucial aspect of his life takes a back seat and is only timidly addressed through a couple of battles, with only Austerlitz and Toulon standing out. The Battle of Waterloo, marking Napoleon’s end, lacks emotion and drama. The Egyptian campaign is reduced to a scene where cannons are fired at the pyramids—something that did not happen in reality. As for the invasion of Russia, well... nothing noteworthytomention. On the flip side, we are presented with a puppet-like, manipulable Napoleon in need of validation, contradicting the typically tyrannical image associated with him. This could have been interesting if done correctly, but unfortunately, that was not the caseinthisfilm.Thereisanextremecaricatureofthe character, bordering on the pathetic. Beyond feeling empathy for the character, you feel pity, and not in a positive way. This is mainly due to the British perspective from which the story is told, evident in how the Duke of Wellington is portrayed—completely opposite to the caricature of Napoleon. It seems that only British and American figures can be glorifiedandhonored,but,well... Characterdevelopment suffers due to the rapid paceoftheplot,notallowingustodelveintoit.There are too many temporal ellipses. The film attempts to cover too much ground simultaneously, and this is its major flaw—its identity crisis. The film aims to 91

showcase Napoleon’s military career and his life as a couple with Josephine, but itfailsatbothduetothe aforementioned reasons. It should have focused on oneortheother,withtheformertakingprecedence. Instead,wegetlongsequencesofconversationsand little action. A film that demands much patience— patiencenoteveryonepossesses. Regarding production, everything is in its place: excellent production design and costumes accurately representing the era. Cinematically, it is nothing extraordinary. A product that meets the standard and nothing more. In fact, I believe more could have beendonewiththecinematography,especiallyifthe intention was to showcase the psychological aspect of the character. Of course, the performances of JoaquinPhoenixandVanessaKirbystandoutaboveall, with Kirby’s being more notable, although not memorable. Much of this can be attributed to the poor character development, which only scratches the surfaceoftheirpersonalities. Ridley Scott’s Napoleon is a film that will be discussed more for what it could have been than for what it was. A film that squanders a historical figure, one that fails to pay proper homage to Napoleon’s historical significance. A film that should have taken thepathofactionandepicbattles,notonetestingthe audience’s patience and leaving us with an internal void,disappointment,andabittertaste.

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EMBRACE YOUR LIGHT BY FERNANDA GOMEZ PINTOS

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TIMETOBE “Silenceembracestime,whenwegive ourselvesthegiftofpresence” I have asked myself many times, what lies beyond understanding.Ofwhatweseeandfeel. SometimesIthinkthatfeelingsflylikestarsandwe adoptthem,likepassengershipsfromaparallelworld. Full of abstract colors, visions in time and deconstructionsofourselves. Coulditbethatwedissolveeverytimewefeel? Webecomewater,air,skyinreverse.Abreaththat mutates the soul when trying to understand the ungraspable. I think that understanding, when touching the edgesofthedepth,becomesflowingsand,inaspaceof stillnessthatisnotsolid. This is how it is filtered, the information that passes from the throat to the chest. From the heart to the navelthatconnectstheworld. This is how the metaphor of I understand happens.Transitingfromthementallabyrinthtoaloving dance where the feminine and masculine form the zygoteoftheIam. Every time something is understood, a structure falls, the heart shines and at the same time, the mind saysgoodbyetooblivion,totheancestralmemorythat travelsinmolecules,likethewindinthemountain. First it cleans records of humidity, the garbage madeflesh,madeactionandcircumstance.Thevisible inthepresentlife. Embodied visions appear in the face of the earth asareflectionofmyself,inaclearandfertilemirror. Suddenly a smile appears that emerges from the same foundation. A memory. A yesterday where I recognizemyselfbetweenlayers. The breeze caresses my body and suddenly it happens...Iambeingborn. Ireturntothepath,tofinitespace.WhatIamtoday. CoulditbethatIinhabitthemoment? I inhabit my body, I inhabit my soul or my mind cradles me, with madness made strength and vulnerability. Then, I am reduced to ashes, like the weed that grows and does not go away, like the silence that embracesthedarknight. The one that excites the heart and takes me out of the moment, with the stealth of a hummingbird that fluttersmysadness,inthegameofthemoment. Being a sign and guide, he sees me, he glimpses me in my prayer pen, while I relieve the infinite through my mouth, turned into a bird and a woman who carriesherownmedicineonheraltar. www.bubblesandcherries.com

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THROUGH THE LENS OF REED DECKER

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SOUNDS, LETTERS, FRAMES & SKETCHES. profiles

LEONOR PARRA: EXPORTING THE SOUL OF LATIN AMERICAN ART

WE EXPLORE THE FASCINATING JOURNEY OF LEONOR, WHO, 12 YEARS AGO, LEFT CARACAS TO TAKE WITH HER THEESSENCEOFLATINAMERICANART THROUGH PARIS. FROM THE CREATION OFTHECARRÉLATINFESTIVALTOTHE DIRECTIONOFSLATOPARRAGALLERY, LEONOR SHARES HER UNIQUE VISION OF COLLECTING, THE EVOLUTION OF CONTEMPORARY ART AND THE CRUCIAL CONNECTION BETWEEN COLLECTORS, GALLERIES AND ARTISTS. IN THIS STORY, SHE DISCOVERS HOW EACH ENCOUNTER ON HER ARTISTIC JOURNEY BECOMES A VALUABLE PIECE OF HER OWNCOLLECTION.. BUBBLES&CHERRIES

12 YEARS AGO SHE MOVED TO PARIS WITH THE IDEA OF COLLABORATING IN THE PROMOTION OF LATIN AMERICAN ART FROM THIS IMPORTANT WORLD ARTISTIC CENTER. In an ultra-glo-

balized world, the great challenge today is to export artists,andforthis,shethinkstherightplaceisParis. In 2015, he created the Carré Latin Festival, which for three years (until the arrival of COVID-19) took over the garden and showcases in the Palais Royal galleries during the month of October, offering a spaceinthiscitytothescene.artisticofthecontinent. Today, she directs the SLATOPARRA gallery, which She founded together with Alex Slato, allying herself with her space in Miami, where he resides, betting on the synergy between both cities; They create the only space exclusively dedicated to artists from the regioninParis. 106

1. CAN YOU TELL US BRIEFLY ABOUT WHAT COLLECTING IS TODAY? It’s a difficult topic; There are as many types

of collections as there are collectors. The important thing, in my opinion, is to do it with conviction. The collector has become the new guide or shaper of taste; His decisions are fundamental and set a trend within contemporary art. Unlike what happened until just 20 years ago, when critics, historians or gallery owners ran the market; currently, the collector is in control. His reign has accelerated exponentially in recent years, becoming more than evident after theyear2020. 2. CAN WE TALK BRIEFLYABOUT THE EVOLUTION IT HAS HAD?

Collectors are less and less guided by ostentation, making it necessary to show a real commitment to society. It is no longer simply about accumulating; On the contrary, it is about being yourself. Objects must have a meaning, and we must recognize the socialvaluesormoralandethicalconcernsthatthey HOLIDAYS ISSUE 2023

author. ALEXIS MUSTRI GUINDI

transmit. This is the great challenge of the collector today, who speaks through his objects, directing us not only to an aesthetic discourse, but his collection istheaffirmationofhisethicalandculturalvalues. 3. CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF THE COLLECTOR IN THE GALLERY? ¡Basic! The support of collectors allows

the gallery to survive. In fact, opening a gallery and supporting a group of artists requires an enormous effort, among others, financially. But at the same time, it has been proven that artists need a gallery to promote their career. An artist without a gallery is left out of the circuit. It is for this reason that the supportofcollectorsforgalleriesisessentialforthesuccess of an artist’s career and, without a doubt, one of the most important challenges for a gallerist. In the end, it is a team effort where we all win: the gallery, the artist and the collector who sees his collection revalued thanks to the promotional work done by the gallery. The complicity between a good gallery

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owner and a collector goes far beyond the gallery walls; You must work together with other gallery owners. Each of us has a project, protected artists, and a collection cannot be limited to a gallery’s list of artists.Agoodgalleryowneris,aboveall,acollection advisor.Inmycase,that’showIstarted.

4. CAN YOU GIVE US SOME BASIC ADVICE ON HOW WE CAN START A COLLECTION? Define a line and not be afraid to make

mistakes. Great collections have as many successes as mistakes. Each stage of the collection’s constitution should be enjoyed. Most of the collectors I know didn’t start out with the idea of making a big collection; They simply followed their instinct, and atacertainmomenttheyrealizedtheimportancein their lives and the happiness that this set of objects that one day they began to deservedly call “their collection”broughtthem.

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[ @ALEXISMUSTRI

5. WHAT DO YOU ENJOYABOUT WORKING IN CONTEMPORARYART?

What I most enjoy about my job is the human contact, especially with the artists. The time I share with them, the simplest moments, those when I help them assemble a piece in their ateliers, or when, sitting on the gallery floor, we decide on the scenography of an exhibition. These moments allow me to really understand their motivations, their values and the concepts behind their works. Furthermore, I adore montages, as they bring together my two professional universes: my passion for art and my training as an architect. And with the passage of time,Ihavediscoveredatruevocationforbroadcasting. I love being able to explain the exhibitions, the works,tothepublic;notonlytoconnoisseurs,collectors, but also simply to art lovers or those interested in discovering this universe. I usually say that my most valuable collection and the one that interests methemostistheencounterscollection!

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AURORA COVARRUBIAS

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1. HOW DID YOUR CAREER START? In the hotel rooms whiletravelingwithmyfamilywhenIwaslittleandI rushed to get the small notebook and pen while my brother and sister fought over the shower cap and theslippers. SinceIwaslittleartwassomethingthat fascinated me, but I didn’t know at what level nor I imagined how good I was at it until I lived in Costa Rica with my family. In Costa Rica I met one of their best artist, Marijose Terán, who was my teacher for a year and initiated me in mixed media technique, which became my main way of expression and made me realize my potential. After that year I started studying diverse techniques in many different places and discovered that this was my passion and wouldbemycareer. 2. WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CREATE? To be honest, it might

sound romantic, but everything inspires me, from nature to love, the ocean, the sun, the moon, the stars, animals, cultures, people, beauty, marketing, women’sstrengthandsensuality,happiness,flavors, candy, smells, colors, textures. All my senses merge when creating. I love to communicate messages hiddeninfunandcolorfulart.

3. HOW DID YOUR JEWELRY BRAND COME ABOUT? While studying Industrial Design at Tec de Monterrey in León, I studied jewelry almost by mistake, but it quickly captivated me, and seeking to explore new materialsandtechniquesIwenttoSanMigueldeAllende to study more. Jewelry is another art that fascinates me but painting takes up most of my time, so it’s a project which I had to postpone, but definitely will restartsoon.

4. WHERE IS YOUR WORK EXHIBITED? Now I have pieces in Los Cabos, at places like Esperanza Hotel, Chileno Bay Hotel, and some galleries. Even though there areconstantexhibitionsandprojectsalloverCabo. I also began painting murals some time ago and the latest ones I painted were for some restaurants in Austin, TX (Yamas and Veracruz All Natural) and an AubergeResortinParkCity,UT.InthepastIhaveexhibited and painted in countries such as Mexico, US, CostaRicaandSpain.

leep, having to write them down every 5 minutes. Paintings come into my mind like photos already with colors and textures, even though they can always change. My work is very flexible, I love experimenting and sometimes I start with one idea and endupwithsomethingcompletelydifferent.

7. IF READERS ARE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING OR AN INTERVENTION, HOWCANTHEYCONTACT YOU? Ifpeopleisinterestedin

myworkorcommissionsthecancontactmethroughmye-mail:auroracov16@gmail.com MyInstagram:@artauroracov And soon they will be able to purchase directly on mywebpagewhichwillbepublishedsoon.

8. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK? The Alchemist from

Paulo Coelho. It is a book that talks about following your dreams and taking risks in life, and how when youdoit,theuniverserewardsyouandconspiresto helpyougeteverythingyouwish.

9. WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE ARTIST? I have no favorite artist,

I like many, but one that inspires me a lot and has influenced my style is Andy Warhol. And contemporary artists, there are many which I really like as, Michael Moebius, Russel Young, Gabriel Moreno, BramReijnders,ChrisGuestMartínRon,BrandiHofferandmanymore.

10. WHERE IS YOUR CAREER GOING AS AN ARTIST? I have no

limits in my head. I pretend to get as far as my talent allowsme.Iwouldliketobeexhibitingingalleriesall over the world soon. Continue participating on art fairsandpaintingsmuralsallover.

5. WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU? -I am excited for incredible national and international projects on the way. Some of them murals for interesting brands. I pretend to startworkingwithmoreinternationalgalleriesnext year, to participate at Miami Art Basel and many morethings. 6. WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS LIKE? I believe I don’t

have a certain order. Ideas come and go constantly all the time. Sometimes before I go to bed they flood my mind like a waterfall and I am not able to fall as-

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SOUNDS, LETTERS, FRAMES & SKETCHES. profiles

TRIANA MACIEL PRATS FLAMENCO TROUGH HER VEINS

2. BEING MEXICAN, HOW COMPLEX HAS IT BEEN TO GET TO DANCE IN THE MOST FAMOUS TABLAOS IN MADRID? In my experience,

1. WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF FLAMENCO AS A CULTURAL LINK BETWEEN MEXICO AND SPAIN? Well, at the moment

I feel that it is the strongest connection between the two countries, because we can talk about history, literature or even more controversial topics such as Fiesta Brava (bullfighting) but currently, the majority of Mexicans who travel to Spain, one of His main tourist plans are to go to a tablao to live that unique flamenco experience. And on the other hand, in Mexico, there are many people who ensure that there is a constant exchange with Flamenco artists workinginSpain,tokeepthisartconstantlyevolving and updating in our country with courses, residenciesandFestivals. BUBBLES&CHERRIES

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everything has flowed in a very natural way. Climbingonestepatatimeandtryingtobepreparedfor the opportunities that Madrid specifically offers to new artists or artists from abroad, a combination of having a lot of respect for the profession, which my motheralwaysinstilledinme,andtakingadvantage of those opportunities such as contests and other types of exhibitions that help you make yourself known. But I think the main thing is to understand the dynamics of tablao, I always compare it to a conversation. The dancer is having a conversation with the singer and the guitarist, this means that I also have to be very attentive to listen to what they have to propose in those moments, and I be prepared to be able to improvise or have the resources to be abletorespond.Itisacombinationofimprovisation, knowledge, structure, conversation and understanding of dynamics and language... much more complex than it seems. So I think that the sum of all that has been what has opened the doors for me to dance in the most emblematic tablaos in Madrid and to be able to share with artists that I admire a lot and from whom I continue to learn every day. I consider myselfveryprivileged. HOLIDAYS ISSUE 2023

author. MARCO GUERRERO

3. TELL US ABOUT CABALES. De Las Cabales could say so

many things that we would miss the entire interview on this topic. That it is one of the most emblematic and oldest schools in Mexico (more than 70 years of tradition), that I am the third generation in the family to run it (starting with my great aunt Lila Barzee, followed by my mother Hilda Prats and Currently I, together with the artistic direction of my husband Nino de los Reyes), who has been one of the pioneers in bringing high-quality flamenco artists and shows to Mexico, which has produced artists with international projection within flamenco. , but what I am most interested in telling about LasCabalesisthatithasbeenthehomeofcountless people,ithascreatedafeelingofbelongingandfamily over the years, it has created lifelong friendships, it has taught not only Dance , if not her values. I could saycountlessthingsaboutLasCabales,butwhatfills memostisbeingabletosaythatitisasafeplaceand that it brings a lot of happiness to the people who arepartorhavebeenpartoftheschool,andthatwe continue to worry tirelessly about having the greatest artistic quality and remain updated with the bestofcurrentflamenco.

4. UNDERSTANDING FLAMENCO AS A DANCE EXPRESSION MORE PASSIONAL AND SENTIMENTAL THAN TECHNICAL (WITHOUT LEAVING SIDE WHICH REQUIRES DEFINED TECHNIQUE), HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO TRANSMIT THAT EXPRESSIVENESS TO YOUR STUDENTS? If we think of flamenco as a “dance ex-

pression” I believe that technique is a fundamental elementthatcannotbeneglectedinordertoexecute it. The point is that Flamenco for me is much more than that, flamenco encompasses history, people, experiences, fusions and a thousand other things which make this an art different from all the others. So if you focus teaching on only the technical, that’s whatitremains,whichstillhasagiganticcomplexity, but I like to take it at the same time so that they understand that it is not just dance, it is a way of life for many people, and although it may not be for all students, knowing that it is a tool to channel emotions, learn and admire artists who have left their mark, while getting to know the people who carry natural flamenco as a family tradition, It makes the student see and even perform flamenco in a different way. Combining both parts without neglecting the technicaliswhathasworkedforme. www.bubblesandcherries.com

5. WHAT IS THE SENSITIVITY TOWARD FLAMENCO OF THE PUBLIC IN PLACES LIKE HONG KONG OR JAPAN? As we men-

tioned before, flamenco is a tool for channeling emotions, therapeutic for many people, so in Asian cultures that tend to be historically more reserved, it usuallyattractsalotofattention.Bothasanaudience and as those who decide to learn flamenco. Although experiences have happened to me on both sides, Ifeellikeinatheater,inacityinChinawhichIdon’tremember,theentiredancecompanyfeltverystrange in the performance since the audience applauded very little, because in that area are more conservative,eveninothercitieswhereyoufeltthatthetheater of the ovation was falling. Or the artistic demands of Japan, that you had to give your all on stage to get an “ole”fromtheknowledgeablepublic. 6. CAN YOU START IN FLAMENCO AT ANY AGE? Of course,

you can start flamenco at any age, the question is knowing what approach to take. If what you want is to use flamenco as an artistic discipline, exercise, hobby, therapy, etc., I highly recommend it because it really is a lot of fun. Now if you want to focus it in theprofessionalfield,clearlytheearlieryoustart,the morelikelyitisthatyoucandoitprofessionally,butit isnotguaranteedeither.

7. DANCERS, SINGERS, GUITARISTS, WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE EXPONENTS? There are so many references that can be

named... but at the moment I am right now, as I am lucky enough to get on a tablao almost every day, I would like to mention that I like to feed off of all my colleagues.Iamluckytobeabletosharewithpeople thatIgreatlyadmireandwhobringsomethingdifferent to you on stage, at the end of the day, as we say, thetablaoistheuniversityofFlamenco.

8. TARANTOS, TANGOS, FANDANGOS, BULERÍAS, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE “PALO” OR THE ONE YOU ENJOY PERFORMING THE MOST? I

think that as you mature in your dance, you will feel more comfortable with different styles. Right now I reallyenjoydancinginSoleá,orinSiguiriya,although I try when I go to work to dance in all possible styles to have more resources and be a more complete dancer.

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BEAUTY. bubbles beauty news

EXPRESS MAKEUP ROUTINE

DOYOUONLYHAVE5MINUTESTOGETREADY?DONOTWORRY! BY APPLE COSMETICS GIVES US THE BEST MAKEUP ROUTINE SO THAT YOUAREREADYANDPERFECTINTHATTIME,INJUST6STEPS. BUBBLES&CHERRIES

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HOLIDAYS ISSUE 2023

author. ANA DIAZ NORIEGA

OUR MAKEUP ROUTINE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE LONG AND TIRING, on the contrary, we can achieve a lot in a short

time and even more so today, when the trend is to look perfect while being natural and without so muchproduction.Todothis,ourexpertsat BY APPLE COSMETICS giveusaverysimplebuteffectivesolution thatwillallowustolookfantasticinashorttimeand with the basic products in our cosmetic bag. Before starting, the most important step is the preparation oftheskin,asthisallowsustopreservetheproducts that we place on it, without contaminating it and making it look shiny and spectacular. We will define, depending on our specific needs, if we require hydration, which is when we add water to the skin, sothatitimprovesitsabilitytoabsorbbothnutrients andmoisture;orhumidify,whichiswhenitisrequired to trap and retain moisture, thereby building a barrierthatprotectsagainstanylossofwater. STEP 1. Apply the By Apple BB Cream to your face,

which will unify your skin tone and cover some imperfections, in addition to giving it a light touch of moisture.

STEP 2. If you consider it necessary, choose to cover

hyperpigmentation or spots with the help of a concealer. “By Apple has two options: liquid and crayon format, depending on which one you feel most comfortablewithandthebestthingisthatbothcoververy well, attenuating areas with undertones, in an easy and simple way” comments Alberto Tovar, Designer of Personal Image and Make Up Artist of the By AppleCosmeticsfirm.

STEP 3. The eyes are essential to mark that we are wearing makeup, so the infallible ally is mascara. “In seconds, with the mask we can transform our look,” saysAlberto.“Whetheryouarelookingforayouthful styleoraseductiveone,puttingonmascarawillmake your eyes look bigger, awake and more attractive; At By Apple we have a wide variety with OMG, Superlash, Volume or 8 in 1, all with high pigmentation andlonglasting.”

STEP 4. Eyeliner will complement the good use of mascara, so our By Apple experts suggest that you doit.Bydoingso,youcanchoosenottouseshadow on your eyelids and your eyes will still look spectacular. You can use a classic pencil eyeliner, a liquid one or one in pen format, at By Apple you can find themallandtheyareveryeasytouse.Ifyouwantto do your eyeliner quickly, follow the natural shape of the crease of your eyes and at the end, draw a wing upwards, taking the line of the lower eyelid as a reference. “Do not stretch the skin of the eyelid and by doing this final stroke, you will obtain a broader look withacateyeeffect,”Albertoadvisesus. www.bubblesandcherries.com

STEP5.Eyebrowsaretheicingonthecakeinthegrooming of our eyes, which is why our experts recommend giving them shape, thickness and intensity. Forthis,aneyebrowgelisideal,asitprovidesatouch of color and control to those hairs that are usually rebellious.“ByApplealsohasaneyebrowpen,which has a tip with a microblading finish that, in a matter of seconds and with each stroke, leaves the effect from hair to hair, ideal for creating or filling in spaces and thus obtaining greater density and definition” , continuesAlberto. STEP 6. To close with a flourish, our lips are the final touch. It is advisable to select the tone that goes perfectly with your activities and personality. The basic rule is that we leave neutral and classic tones for a work environment, and the most striking and trendy ones for social occasions. However, the color that makes you feel like yourself is the one that suits youbest,soenjoythewidepaletteofByApplejumbo crayons to choose the one that suits you. It is important to note that these not only work for the lips, but can be used as shadows, or pink and reddish tones,asblush.Hadyouimaginedthat,injustsixsteps, yourmakeupwouldbethiscompleteandspectacular? Honestly, short but substantial routines are the best to achieve neutral makeup, adaptable to any occasion and simply highlighting our attributes, and thebestthingistohaveaprofessionalallylikeourfavoritecosmeticsbrand,ByApple,proudlyMexican.

FindallByAppleCosmeticsproductsatapplecosmetics.com.mx.

Startingwithapurchaseof$100.00mxn,shippingis free of charge to any part of Mexico. With By Apple highlight your beauty, learn more about its entire lineofproductsonitssocialnetworksandwebsite. 115

[ @ANADIAZNORIEGA

BEAUTY. beauty trends

SILVER HAIR IS THE PEARLESCENT WINTER HAIR TREND

WHILEITMAYHAVEONCEBEEN CONSIDERED SOMETHING TO COVER UP, GRAYHAIRHASBECOMEATRENDUNTO ITSELF.

BUBBLES&CHERRIES

YOUNGER WOMEN ARE EVEN CHOOSING TO DYE THEIR HAIR A SILVERY SHADE—so if you’ve gone gray naturally,

you’re already chicer than you think. Embracing your gray hair is liberating, but if you’re looking to spice things up a bit, you’ll want to pay attention to the biggest gray hair trends of 2023. “On the red carpet and in streetwear, you’ll notice that all ages are wearing [gray hair]—all looks and tones are accentuated by seasonal trends and by some who are glamorously growing out their natural gray or white hair,” Min Kim, celebrity colorist at Butterfly Studio Salon, and L’Oreal Professionnel and Global Ambassador,tellsBestLife.

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KIM CITES CELEBS LIKE JANE FONDA AND ANDIE MAC

Dowell, who are both leaning into their gray aesthetic, and younger celebs like Winnie Harlow and NafessaWilliams,whoarenowsportingsilverstyles. There’snodenyingit,silverhairhasbeenoneof the most talked-about shades of the past year. Sure, some people have been frantically Googling how to cover their white strands – but there’s been an even bigger conversation around how to embrace it, or even fake it. Regardless, some serious grey or silver hairappreciationishappening.

HOLIDAYS ISSUE 2023

author. ANA DIAZ NORIEGA

[ @ANADIAZNORIEGA

WHY ADOPT KOREAN CULTURE ON LATIN SKIN? 1. COMPLETE SKIN CARE: K-beauty is about taking care of your skin in all aspects. Due to its wide range of products and active ingredients, your routine will make you feel as cared for as never before, like a spa athome!

2. PRODUCTS FOR EVERYONE: Tony Moly has products

for different skin types, whether dry, oily, sensitive or combination. You may find something that works perfectly for you! And best of all, on the Tony Moly websiteyoucanlearnmoreabouteachproductand verify that it suits your needs. And if you don’t know where to start, you can choose from their routine packages.

3. COOL INGREDIENTS: Korean products often include naturalingredientsthatworkwondersforyourskin. Think about plant extracts and other ingredients that are gentle, but effective, one of Tony Moly’s best sellers, for example, is its Tomatox mask, which purifies and hydrates thanks to its natural tomato extracts with pearl powder and gotu kola. and green tea. 4. A WORLD OF PRODUCTS: Tony Moly and other Korean

brands offer a wide variety of products, from masks to lotions and serums with incredible ingredients that treat your skin from the bottom up. You can try andmixandmatchtofindwhatyoulove.

Adopting K-beauty from experts like Tony Moly can be beneficial for people with Latin skin due to its comprehensive approach to the skin, the variety of products suitable for different skin types, and natural and effective ingredients. Immerse yourself in Koreancultureandseevisibleresultsonyourskin!

ADOPTING THE KOREAN SKIN CARE CULTURE, ALSO KNOWN AS K-BEAUTY, ON LATIN SKIN CAN HAVE SEVERAL BENEFITS, AND HERE WE EXPLAIN WHY TO MAKE A CHANGE IN YOUR ROUTINE AND IMPLEMENT KOREAN PRODUCTS LIKE THOSE FROM THE TONY BRAND MOLYCANBEFUNANDBENEFICIAL: www.bubblesandcherries.com

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You can learn more products at tonymoly.com.mx, Sephora,WalmartandSoriana.

BEAUTY. profiles

MELANY FRANCO BEAUTY AT THE SERVICE OF PEOPLE

IF YOU HAVE A DREAM, GO AFTER IT. WITH SACRIFICEAND DETERMINATION IF YOU CAN. THE ONLY LIMIT IS YOURSELF

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HOLIDAYS ISSUE 2023

author. MARCO GUERRERO

[ @MARCOGUERREROLEON

1. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MICROPIGMENTATION AND MICROBLADING?

The main difference between micropigmentation and microblading lies in the techniquesusedandtheresultsobtained. 2. TELL US ABOUT YOUR SELF-MAKEUP COURSES AND THE IMPORTANCE OF THAT KNOWLEDGE

It is very important for a woman to be able to bring out the best version of herself through self-makeup. This helps them with self-esteem and also for any special eventoroccasion.

[ @MELANYFRANCOSTUDIO

3. WHICH CELEBRITY DO YOU THINK HAS THE MOST IMPACTING BEAUTY IMAGE?

Taylor Swift

4. ANY DREAM OR PENDING GOAL IN YOUR IMAGE AND BEAUTY CAREER?

Perform Reconstruction in reconstructive paramedics to help all those women who have suffered from breast cancer and also for those who have undergone a cosmetic procedure and are not satisfied with their aoreola result. This greatly increasestheirself-esteemanddefinitelychangestheirlives. 5. CATWALK, EDITORIAL OR THE CUSTOMER GOING TO A PARTY, WHAT IS THE BIGGEST BEAUTY WORK CHALLENGE?

Brides. It is a very special day and it marks your life. For me it is a compliment that theychoosemeastheirmakeupartist,butitisaverybigresponsibilityanditisalsoa challengebecauseeverythinghastobeperfectonthatunique,beautifulandspecial day. 6. IT IS EASY TO SAY BUT YOU ARE ONE OF THE BEST PERMANENT MAKEUP SPECIALISTS IN THE WORLD ACCORDING TO YOUR PERFORMANCE AT WULOP. HOW DO YOU HANDLE THAT EMOTIONALLY?

You said it (it seems easy) but it involves a lot of study, training, hours of work and saying:“yes,Ican”.Allsuccesscomeswitheffort,disciplineandalotofdetermination. 7. WHAT IS THE MOST SATISFIING THING ABOUT WORKING IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY?

Theimpactyoucanhaveonpeoplebyraisingtheirself-esteemandchanginglives.I haveamottowhichis:“Lookinggoodmakesyoufeelgood.”Formethereisnobetter paythanaclientwhoishappywithmywork.

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BUBBLES&CHERRIES

120 Miguel Hidalgo Manzana 42 Lote 4 esq. Álvaro Obregón Col. Mariano Matamoros Local 6 , Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S.

HOLIDAYS ISSUE 2023

f @femme.cabo

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Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S.

f @eyedesigncabo

CREA UN CUENTO CLÁSICO DE NAVIDAD DONDE TU PEQUE SEA PARTE DE LA HISTORIA

KINDER CHOCOLATE PROMUEVE LA LECTURA Y DESTACA LOS BENEFICIOS DE CONTAR CUENTOS EN FAMILIA CON

“ÉRASE UNA VEZ”. TE INVITAMOS A CREAR TU CUENTO PERSONALIZADO PARA TUS HIJOS GRATIS EN TUCUENTOKINDER.COM

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HOLIDAYS ISSUE 2023

Para ello, este delicioso chocolate con relleno a base de leche te trae el regalo ideal para fomentar momentos mágicos y te invita a crear un cuento personalizado en elquetuspequeñosseránlosprotagonistas.Solodebesseguirlossiguientespasos:

CONTAR CUENTOS ES COMO ABRIR UNA PUERTA MÁGICA A MUNDOS DESCONOCIDOS.

Para los niños, esto es muy emocionante, ya que a medida que se sumergen en la historia y conocen personajes fascinantes, su creatividad florece, creando un terrenofértilparaeldesarrollodehabilidadescognitivasyemocionales.

1. INGRESA A: TUCUENTOKINDER.COM 2. ELIGE UNO DE LOS 4 CUENTOS NAVIDEÑOS. 3.PERSONALIZA EL CUENTO CON EL AVATAR Y NOMBRE DE TU O TUS PEQUEÑOS. 4. ESCRIBE UNA DEDICATORIA. 5. DESCARGA EL LIBRO Y DISFRUTEN EN FAMILIA.

En esta temporada navideña, Kinder Chocolate, fomenta la lectura y destaca la importancia de crear momentos memorables en familia a través de la mágica tradicióndecontarcuentoscon“Éraseunavez”,invitandoapadresehijosacompartir experiencias únicas y significativas durante la época decembrina, algunos beneficiosdecontarcuentosenfamiliason:

Porquetodosqueremosserpartedelanavidad,creaydescargasucuentofavoritoy disfrutenjuntosdelasaventurasquecadalibrotraeparaustedes.

– VÍNCULO EMOCIONAL: Contar cuentos fortalece el vínculo emocional entre padres e

hijos,creandorecuerdosqueperdurantodalavida. – DESARROLLO DEL LENGUAJE: La práctica regular de contar historias contribuye al desarrollodellenguajeenlosniños,mejorandosuvocabularioycomprensión. – ESTÍMULO CREATIVO: Estimula la creatividad de los niños al permitirles imaginar y visualizarmundosnuevosatravésdelashistoriascontadas. – Momentos de calidad: Proporciona momentos de calidad en los que la familia puededesconectarsedelarutinadiariaydisfrutarjuntos.

www.bubblesandcherries.com

SOBRE KINDER CHOCOLATE

Es un delicioso chocolate con relleno a base de leche. Kinder chocolate está especialmente creado para los niños de hoy y es la porción adecuada que las mamás buscan.Nocontienecolorantesniconservadores. Paramásinformaciónvisita:kinder.com

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HEALTH & WELLNESS. mental health

GENDER ROLES

GENDER ROLES ARE THE SOCIAL EXPECTATIONS AND NORMS ASSIGNED TO MEN AND WOMEN IN A GIVEN SOCIETY.

THESEROLESMAYVARYCULTURALLYANDMAYINCLUDEEXPECTATIONSABOUTBEHAVIOR,RESPONSIBILITIES, ANDCHARACTERISTICSCONSIDEREDAPPROPRIATEFOREACHGENDER.

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author. JUAN MANUEL GARCIA DE LEON

STEREOTYPES

OUR SOCIETY HAS A SET OF IDEAS ABOUT HOW MEN AND WOMEN ARE EXPECTED TO DRESS, BEHAVE, AND PRESENT THEMSELVES. They define how we are expected to

act, speak, dress, groom ourselves and behave according to our sex assigned at birth. For example, women and girls are expected to dress femininely and to be polite, accommodating, and maternal. In turn, men are expected to be strong, aggressive and fearless. Every society, ethnic group, and culture has expectations regarding gender roles, but these can vary greatly from one group to another. They can alsochangeovertimewithinthesamesociety. A stereotype is a widely accepted prejudice or belief about a person or group. Stereotypes about gender can lead to other people being treated unequallyandunfairlybecauseoftheirgender. HOW WE HAVE CLASSIFIED THEM

PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS: For example, women are usually expected to be accommodating and emotional, and men are expected to be self-confidentandaggressive.

DOMESTIC BEHAVIORS: For example, some people expect women to take care of the children, cook, and cleanthehouse,whilementakecareoffinances,the car,andhomerepairs. Occupations:Somepeoplearequicktoassumethat teachers and nurses are women, while those who workinengineeringorflyairplanesaremen.

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE: For example, women are expected to be slim and elegant, while men are expectedtobetallandmuscular.Menandwomenarealso expected to dress and groom themselves according totheirgenderstereotypes.

www.bubblesandcherries.com

Within our society, stereotypes have been instilled in us through the main institutions such as religion, school, family, but we must not fail to mention that the mass media also play a very important role in the transmission of information to our people. new generations. Our children should be allowed to be free and try to avoid promoting stereotypes and thus avoid conflictsintheiradultlives. It is very common to see boys who, because they are men, are sometimes not allowed to play with dolls or with the iron or to carry out cleaning activities at home, and in reality it does not make them any more or less men to be able to play in these ways. On the contrary, they are activities that could make your life easier in the future. Something verycommonamongmenisthatsincetheyarechildren they are told that they should not cry, and it is a messageofrepressionoffeelingswhereachildmay not be able to cry out of anger, sadness or joy in his adult life, when crying It is a natural way to release, expressandtransmitwhatyouaregoingthroughat aspecificmoment. In the case of girls, responsibility for the home within a family, under one roof and with a certain degree of matriarchy, was encouraged more. How many adult women today play the part of mother, housewife and put aside their dreams of professional growth, which also generates a certain degree of frustration for not having had the possibility of acquiring some school degree or work in some company. Nowadays, that stereotype is changing; there are more working, independent women with greaterpurchasingpowerthanmen,whichmakesthem feelpositivelyempoweredandpersonalgrowth. It is also common that these successful women do notdeveloptheirmaternalsideorthisfeelingcomes to them late in life when they are no longer of fertile age, (due to so much work) which could also generate conflict, there is a third where the woman reachestodevelopbothpartsanditisdoublysuccessful since sometimes they encounter many obstacles along the way, and has the responsibility of providing protection, providing what is necessary, being amother,fatherandalsoworking. At the end of the day, stereotypes and gender roles are so engraved in our being that they control our behavior, our feelings, our lives and even affect our happiness. (always thinking about what others willsayorthinkaboutme). It is important to foster respect and allow people to expressthemselvesandfeelsafe, 125

TRY IT: If you want to do something that is not usually associated with your gender, think about whether youwillbesafedoingit.Ifyouthinkyouwillbe,tryit. OTHER PEOPLE WILL LEARN FROM YOUR EXAMPLE

Over time, gender roles have undergone significant changes. In many societies, there has been a movement towards gender equality, leading to greater flexibility in traditional roles. Women have gained more rights and opportunities in areas such as education, employment and political participation. Men havealsobeguntodefytraditionalexpectationsand become more involved in household chores and childcare. However, there is still much work to do to achieve full equality and eliminate entrenched genderstereotypes. IN THE END WE HAVE TO TEACH AND LEARN TOBEHAPPY,SEEKTOOLSFORHAPPINESSAND LEARN FROM DIFFICULT SITUATIONS WHICH ARE THE ONE THAT GENERATE GROWTH AND STRENGTHFORUS.

HEALTH & WELLNESS. profiles

ALFREDO SALAFRANCA

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HOLIDAYS ISSUE 2023

author. ANA DIAZ NORIEGA

1. WHO IS ALFREDO SALAFRANCA TODAY?

Alfredo Salafranca today is someone who is dedicated to sharing the power of breathing. A very powerful tool to calm our nervous system.

2. HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO BE SO CONSTANT AND ALSO MAINTAIN YOUR SIMPLICITY AND THAT BEAUTIFUL OPENNESS OF BE AT SERVICE? Discipline is something fundamen-

tal for me to be able to give myself personal spaces, my breathing sessions, my training time, my time to recharge and download my own information. Without this it would not be possible to be of service. One has to be well to give something that you know is good for you.

3. WHAT IS BREATHWORK FOR YOU? Breathwork is so-

mething that you have to experience to understand the true power that all beings that breathe have, to ignite our inner healer.

4. WE KNOW THAT THE PRACTICE OF BREATH WORK AND ICE BATHS WERE KEY IN YOUR PARTICIPATION IN NAKED AND AFRAID BY PROVIDING YOU WITH TOOLS TO CALM YOUR MIND, KNOW YOURSELF AND MAINLY STRENGTHEN YOURSELF IN MANY WAYS. TALK TO US A LITTLE MORE SO WE CAN ENJOY YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND FOR OUR READERS TO PERCEIVE YOUR POSITIVE ATTITUDE, HUMILITY AND MAINLY YOUR KNOWLEDGE... Just

that practice of breathwork and the practice of ice. They helped me get through uncomfortable and difficult moments in which my mind wanted to play tricks on me. Or during very cold times. About living 21 days with nothing. It definitely taught me that breathing is all about keeping us calmly present and without wanting to rush any of the process. 5. HOW WAS THE RETIRAROS PROJECT BORN, WHAT IS THEIR EXPERIENCE LIKE. AND HOW CAN READERS FIND OUT ABOUT EACH OF YOUR ACTIVITIES? The Breathwork retreat

project that also works as training for people who want to become a breathwork coach. It arises from a conversation on flight 783 at 11:11 from Cabo to Mex. Where I meet Ofe Bojórquez, a Breathwork expert, and talking about each of our trainings we decided to pool our knowledge to create Breathwork Awareness. Where in the retreats we talk and practice at least 10 different types of breathing. They are retreats with a lot of personal work, in luxury places in different parts of Mexico. www.bubblesandcherries.com

6. WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU SHARE TO PEOPLE WHO SUDDENLY NEED THAT SIGN TO CHANGE THEIR BELIEFS AND START BEING MORE DISCIPLINED AND CONFIRM IN THEMSELVES? The

message I leave you all so that you can start to be more disciplined. It’s about starting, no matter how difficult you think it is, you have to face the situation with a beginner’s mind. Because we all start from scratch. Nobody is more skilled than anyone else. We are all equal. You just have to put in the effort to want to make those changes and sacrifices to be able to start being more disciplined in whatever it is. We all have the ability to turn a habit into a lifestyle.

7. ARE YOU AFRAID OF SOMETHING?

To the heights

8 . WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD?

Sushi

9. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER LIKE?

I am someone who is characterized by being positive, at peace and with a lot of joy. 10. WHAT BOOK DO YOU RECOMMEND?

There are 3 very good breathwork books. Breather, oxygen advantage and breath to perform 11. WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?

I really like the Organic electronic genre 12. FAVORITE ACTOR?

Christopher Walker 13. FAVORITE SPORTS?

Surf and Golf

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HEALTH & WELLNESS. mental health

WHO IS DR. JOE DISPENZA?

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DR. JOE DISPENZA IS A WORLD-RENOWNED AUTHORITY ONTHEPOWEROFTHEMIND-BODYCONNECTION. HE STARTED OUT BY TRAVELING THE WORLD INTERVIEWING PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED WHAT HE CALLS “SPONTANEOUS REMISSION”A MIRACULOUS HEALING OF TERMINAL MEDICAL CONDITIONS.

TODAY, HE CONTINUES TO TRAVEL THE WORLD AS A SPEAKER AND EDUCATOR DEDICATED TO HELPING PEOPLE LIKE YOU AND ME #MAXOUT OUR OWN MIND-BODYCONNECTIONS.

Dr. Joe received his chiropractic doctorate degree from Life University, but after undergoing his own miraculous healing he decided to become an expert at the intersection of neuroscience, epigenetics, and quantumphysics. The 61-year-old New Jersey-born chiropractor withastrikingresemblancetoWallaceShawnanda voicelikeyourItalianuncleafterinhalingheliumhas in recent months become the dominant spiritual leader of impressionable young women everywhere. His meditations have been translated into eight languages, his $2,299 retreats sell out in days. His book,YouArethePlacebo,isaNewYorkTimesbestseller.AndheisallllloverTikTok. Dr. Joe Dispenza’s journey to become the world-renowned expert he is today began when he was seriously injured during a triathlon. He was www.bubblesandcherries.com

on his bike and making a turn at an intersection when a four-wheel-drive Bronco going 55 mph hit him from behind. He landed hard on his back and broke six of the vertebrae in his spine. That injury should have been crippling. With so much damage to his spinal cord, Dr. Joe was lucky to be alive. He got four different opinions on how he should treat his injuries,andallfoursurgeonsrecommendedacomplicated operation called Harrington rod surgery, which would have required him to have steel rods surgically implanted in his back to realign his spinal cord. But Dr. Joe didn’t want the surgery. He knew that having the surgery would mean committing to a life of being handicapped, and he just wasn’t ready togiveupyet.Sowhatdidhedo? “IthoughtImightaswelltakeachancehere.…Ithink thatthisvoicekeptcomingupinmyhead,saying[that] the power that made the body heals the body. And I thought, ‘.. This power is an intelligence. And intelligen-

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ce is consciousness. Consciousness is awareness. Awareness is paying attention. It must be paying attention to me.’ … And I said, ‘I’m not going to let any thought slip by my awareness that I don’t want to experience.’ … And so … I just started reconstructing my spine in my mind, vertebrae by vertebrae.” - Dr. Joe Dispenza. While he was injured, Dr. Joe spent a lot of time lying down thinking. So, he decided he had to make good useofthattimeifhewantedtohaveanyhopeofafull recovery. He practiced meditation and visualization. He imagined his spine repairing itself. And believe it ornot,itWORKED! As I said before, Dr. Joe’s spine fully healed from his injuries, and just three months later, he was back on his feet and in training. All the doctors and surgeons he talked to told him he would be in a full-body cast for a year and disabled for life, but through the power of meditation, Dr. Joe used his mind to healhisbody.

HEALTH & WELLNESS. mental health WHAT IS MICRODOSING? There isn’t a single, clearly recognized definition of microdosing for any psychedelicdrug,andthiscomplicatesattemptstoperform consistentresearch. Onedefinitionisapproximately 1/5 to 1/20 of a recreational dose. (From anecdotal experience this is accurate, as a medium-strength dose of psilocybin is 2 to 3 grams of dried mushrooms, and a microdose is typically around 0.3 grams.) One obstacle is that the potency of mushrooms can vary greatly, as they are not regulated outside of clinical trials, so this isn’t an exact science. Likewise,LSDisaninvisible,tasteless,odorlesssubstance that usually comes either in liquid form or embedded into a piece of paper to be slipped under the tongue. Given its current illegality and lack of regulation,thereisnogoodwaytoknowwhatdosage you are taking unless you have an extraordinarily reliable supplier. LSD is an extremely powerful and long-actingdrug,andyoudon’twanttotakemoreof it than intended. Further, psychedelics such as psilocybin and LSD can produce physiological tolerance, which might suggest that, even if microdosing does help, there could be diminishing returns if one stays atthesamedosage.

MORE PEOPLE ARE MICRODOSING FOR MENTAL HEALTH BUT DOES IT WORK? WHAT DOES THE SCIENCE SAY? SOURCE. HARVARD UNIVERSITY PROPONENTS SAY THAT TAKING NON-HALLUCINOGENIC DOSES OF A PSYCHEDELIC MAY DELIVER PSYCHOLOGICAL PERKS, BUT MUCH MORE RESEARCH IS NEEDED, AND WE SIMPLY CAN’T DRAW CONCLUSIONS YET. Scientists are split over whe-

PSYCHEDELIC THERAPY AS A POSSIBLE TREATMENT FOR CONDITIONS LIKE DEPRESSION, POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, EATING DISORDERS AND MORE SEEMS POTENTIALLY PROMISING. AND MICRO-DOSING IN THEORY, A METHOD OF TAKING PSYCHEDELICS IN NON-HALLUCINOGENIC DOSES MAY DELIVER SOME PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS. THAT SAID, IT IS VASTLY UNDER-RESEARCHED IN THE ALREADY COMPLEX FIELD OF PSYCHEDELIC THERAPY AND, IN MANY CASES OF CERTAIN PSYCHEDELICS, IS ILLEGALINTHEUNITEDSTATES. BUBBLES&CHERRIES

ther the benefits some microdosers experience are a placebo effect or something more. Psychedelic drugs have been capturing the attention of doctors and patients alike, for their increasingly proven potential to effect long lasting improvements in the mental health of people who are suffering from conditions such as treatment-resistant depression. Microdosing of psychedelic substances such as LSD or psilocybin involves taking a fraction of a regular dose (a subperceptual dose) that is much lower than one would take if one wanted to “trip” or hallucinate on these substances. Many people share the idea that microdosing with psychedelics enhances one’s mood, creativity, concentration, productivity, and ability to empathize with others. Or could the benefits be an “expectancy effect”? This means that most people who take a daily pill that they fervently expect will help them feel happier and smarter will feel like they are happier and smarter — just from takingthepill,regardlessofwhat’sinit. 130

IS MICRODOSING SAFE? We don’t know as much about safety as we might have learned if not for the War onDrugs,whichcurtailedmuchoftheresearchinto psychedelicsstartinginthelate1960s.Thisresearch has been renewed over the last five to 10 years, and many medical centers are conducting research on psychedelics. Psilocybin is generally thought to be safe in low dosages and has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples. However, if one takes too large a dose it can result in a terrifying — even traumatic — experience. Psilocybin is a compound producedbyalmost200speciesoffungi(mushrooms), and the mushrooms must come from a trusted source. It is very easy to poison oneself with the wrong type of mushroom, as there are many types of mushrooms in nature that can look quite similar toeachother,butsomearepoisonousandcanharm yourliver,causingsevereillnessorevendeath. COULD PSYCHEDELICS BECOME SAFER IF LEGALIZED? It is an-

ticipated by experts in the field that some psychedelicsmaybecomefullylegalized—formedicalusage, under supervision — within the next few years, specifically psilocybin and MDMA (ecstasy). Some policymakersandpublichealthexpertsbelievethat the safety of these psychedelics would be enhanced if they were decriminalized, and if their cultivation and production were monitored and regulated. At least one state (Oregon), and many cities around thecountry,havedecriminalizedpsychedelicsatthe local level. Some advocates of decriminalization are lookingforwardtoasaferproduct,andwideraccess HOLIDAYS ISSUE 2023

author. ANA DIAZ NORIEGA

that could include not having to see a medical professional to get a prescription or be under medical supervision when using psychedelics. Skeptics are worried that uncontrolled access to these drugs might affect patients with mental illness, or might even precipitate mental illness such as psychosis in people that are vulnerable. It is important to mention that the use of all psychedelic drugs should be undertaken with utmost caution — if they should be used at all — in patients with major mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. For safety reasons, these patients are typically excluded fromstudiesinvolvingpsychedelicdrugs. MOST PSYCHEDELICS REMAIN ILLEGAL FOR USE, EITHER IN FULL DOSES OR MICRODOSES. Esketamine (Spravato),

a form of ketamine delivered via a nasal spray, was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug administration (FDA) in 2019 for treatment-resistant depression when used under supervision in a medical setting, and it is the only substance considered a psychedeliclike medicine that’s federally legal. Psilocybin has beenapprovedbycertainstates,suchasOregon,for supervised use, and though licensed facilities administering the drug have not yet opened, some plan todosointhecomingmonths,accordingtoanApril 2023 article from Oregon Public Broadcasting. LSD isconsideredaSchedule1drug,whichisdefinedby the U.S. Food & Drug administration as having “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” Still, legislative efforts to decriminalize psychedelics (on local and state levels) are growing, according to research. That could all change, as the FDA released draft guidance in June 2023 for clinical researchers conducting studies around the use of psychedelic drugs as a potential treatment for psychiatricorsubstanceusedisorders.Oneobvious pain pointistheneedformorestandardized clinical studiesonthesesubstances,andtheFDA’sguidance advisesonstudydesignthroughdrugdevelopment of psychedelic medicines. (This is currently in draft form,andthepublichasachancetocommentbeforethefinalversionisreleased.)

RESEARCH ISN’T CLEAR (OR ESTABLISHED) What’s more and this is key to keep in mind research on psychedelic medicine is still in early stages, and the results are mixed. Studies are currently performed in academic medical settings via clinical trials, with the premise that participants take hallucinogenic doses of these substances, and research has a long way to go to draw more clear and widely applicable conclusions. There’s even less data on microdosing, and many of the purported health benefits are only assumed from larger-dose trials. Even the benefits listed below may end up not being actual benefits of microdosing, as research evolves and becomes www.bubblesandcherries.com

more clear in the coming months and years. Fundamentally, more research is needed, and it’s crucial totaketheexcitementsurroundingpsychedelictherapy with a grain of salt until we know more. With all of that in mind, here’s what some experts and research presume about the possible health benefits ofmicrodosingthoughagain,thiscouldchange. EVIDENCE FOR MICRODOSING OF PSYCHEDELICS IS MIXED

Does microdosing work? In short, the jury is still out. Some studies indicate a very real and significant benefit from microdosing, whereas others are much less convincing and show little to no benefit. One recent study used a naturalistic, observational design to study 953 psilocybin microdosers compared with 180 nondosing participants for 30 days, and found “small to medium-sized improvements in mood and mental health that were generally consistentacrossgender,age,andpresenceofmentalhealth concerns.” This study and others like it other appear to confirm many anecdotal reports of people who swear by the benefits they have experienced from microdosing. Other studies on microdosing are far less impressive. In one example the researchers conducted a randomized controlled study, which represents the strongest type of evidence because it weeds out the placebo effect. The researchers took 34 patients and randomized half of them to receive psilocybin and half to placebo. While there were some intriguing subjective effects (people felt happier and more creative), and even some changes in brain waves recorded on an EEG machine, they concluded that low-dose psilocybin mushrooms did not show objective evidence of improvements in creativity, well-being, and cognitive function. Studies such as this one support the hypothesis that the effect people receive from psychedelics at these subperceptual doses is mostly an expectancy effect, and that one needs to consume a higher dosage to receiveatherapeuticbenefit.

TO MICRODOSE OR NOT TO MICRODOSE? Whileanymedical or lifestyle decision is an individual’s choice (assuming that they aren’t harming others), I would highlyrecommendthatyouspeakwithyourdoctorto explore your decision to take psychedelics, and see if there are any medical reasons why you should be cautious or avoid these drugs. It is critical to pay attentiontothelegalityandthequalityofyourproduct — you likely can’t afford to get into legal jeopardy, and certainly can’t afford to poison yourself. Finally, it is important to understand that there isn’t yet definitive proof that microdosing is at all helpful, or eventhatitissafeinthelongterm.Withthesepoints in mind, it’s fair to say that psychedelic drugs are becomingbetterunderstood,andareundergoingaresurgenceofresearchandmorewidelyaccepteduse.

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HISTORY “NOT BECAUSE IT IS EASY”...

APOLLOVII MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL OF YOU IN THE GOOD EARTH

IN DECEMBER 1968, THREE ASTRONAUTS: FRANK BORMAN, BILL ANDERS AND JIM LOVELL, WERE THE ADVANCE TO FULFILL THE GOAL SET BY JOHN F. KENNEDY OF TAKING HUMAN BEINGS TO THE MOON AND BRINGING THEM BACK, SAFE AND SOUND AT THE END OF THE SIXTIES.

TIME WAS RUNNING OUT AND PUBLIC OPINION QUESTIONED THE SPACE PROGRAM WHILE THE SOVIET UNION BROUGHT ITS COSMONAUTS CLOSER TO CONQUERING THE MOON, BUT THE CREW AND GROUND PERSONNEL OF APOLLO VIII ACHIEVED WHAT WAS THE GREATEST FEAT IN THE HISTORY OF EXPLORATION. AND THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS STORY. THE HARMONY BETWEEN SCIENCE AND FAITH TO CONFIRM THAT ALTHOUGH HUMANITY IS CAPABLE OF DESTROYING ITSELF, IT IS ALSO CAPABLE OF ACHIEVING ANY FEAT.

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Heir to Mercury and Gemini, Apollo was NASA’s thirdprogram.ItsgoalwastofulfillJohnF.Kennedy’s promisetomaketheUnitedStatesthefirstnationon planetEarthtolandahumanbeingonthesurfaceof theMoonandback.Thatobjectivewoulddefinethe winneroftheSpaceRacebetweentheUnitedStates of America and the Soviet Union that the Soviets beganbydestroying.InOctober1957,whenSputnik1 was the first device to orbit the Earth, in the United States they could not raise a device above 20 meters and when in 1961 the Mercury program, the AmericanresponsetoSputnik,barelytookHamthe chimpanzeetoasuborbitalflight,Vostok1withYuri Gagarin on board made the first manned orbital flightinhistory. At NASA the pressure was on, and matching Soviet advances was essential for the government of President John F. Kennedy. In the White House and the Capitol, after the experience of World War II, it was crucial for national security to be the most advanced country in scientific and technological matters or at least not to be inferior to anyone and everything indicated that in Moscow they had of unparalleled technological advance. Mercury achieved its first objectives with Alan Shephard, the first American to perform a suborbital flight in May 1961, days after Gagarin’s feat, and finally achieving the long-awaited orbital flight manned by John GlenninFebruary1962. Mercury ended to begin NASA’s second program, Gemini, a transition program, underated by vox populi but which achieved fundamental advances for space exploration, such as the first North American space walk carried out by Edward White orthefirstdockingbetweentwoshipsinorbit,Mercury and Agena and other crucial maneuvers for the future of astronautics. Gemini was the training ground for the future figures of the Apollo program: Neil Armstrong, Edwin ‘Buzz’ Aldrin, Michael Collins, Eugene Cernan, James Lovell and Frank Borman,thelattertwobeingcentralfiguresinthisstory. In 1961, when American aerospace engineering was several notches below its Soviet counterparts, Kennedy delivered his famous speech in which he promisedthattheUnitedStateswouldbethefirstto takeandreturnamannedmissiontotheMoon,‘Not because they are easy, but because they are hard’… Anditwas. Apollo program was developed in 1960 and began in 1961. Its first activities in 1966, two years after the social trauma caused by the assassination of President Kennedy in November 1964. In 1967, when the program began operationally, time was runningout.

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Apollo was the pinnacle of scientific development. Never in history had a vehicle been created like its command module, the lunar module and, above all, apropulsionliketheSaturnVrocket,thelargestand most powerful flying device created by humanity, but things began tragically when on December 27 January 1967, after a fire in the command module when the ship was on the launch pad, the first crew, Apollo 1, was lost, composed of: Gus Grissom, Edward White, the first American to walk Space and Roger Chafee. This tragedy exposed serious design errors that at that stage were unforgivable and that jeopardizedfulfillingthelateKennedy’spromise. The second half of the 1960s was one of the most turbulent times for the United States and the world. While in Houston and Florida, NASA scientists, technicians, engineers and astronauts worked at forced marches to achieve the greatest milestone in human history, the streets of the main cities of the AmericanUnionwereapowderkegduetoprotests and social mobilizations. and a wave of political violence and social polarization that has not been seen since the times of the Civil War (1861-1865). In the restoftheworldthingswerenodifferent.

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ANNUS HORRIBILIS

1968 was a difficult year for civilization in the midst of the Cold War, in whose hottest area, Indochina, theVietnamWarwasraging.InChina,Mao’sbloody Cultural Revolution was at its climax. 1968 was the year of the May student uprisings in Paris, of CzechoslovaksstoningSoviettanksinthePragueSpring, of tensions between the powers over nuclear tests. In Vietnam, Tet Offensive, where American troops werebesiegedbythefuriousNorthVietnameseand Viet Cong attack that hit the US embassy in Saigon. The television broadcast of the Marines killed by North Vietnamese was so traumatic for society that it turned completely against the war despite the fact that militarily, the American and South Vietnamese troops successfully stopped the attack and almost annihilated Viet Cong by recovering the city of Hue, after one of the longest and bloodiest battles in history. At home, with a low national morale, war was seenasamassacreandhadtostop. As if pain were missing, Dr. Martin Luther King, moral and active leader of the peaceful Civil Rights movement, was assassinated on April 4 in Memphis, Tennessee, which generated a wave of riots in different cities. Robert F. Kennedy, brother of the assassinated president who had promised the Moon, was a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination for the elections that year, gave an emotional speech of reconciliation between the races as atributeandmourningfortheassassinationofKing, without knowing that a month and three days later, he would be assassinated by a Palestinian radical in retaliationforhispro-Israeliaffiliation.Asifthatwere not enough, returning to space issues, the Soviet Union push and in September it launched Zond 5, the first probe to travel the route between the Earth and the Moon, which brought the Soviet space programdangerouslyclosetogoaloflandingonthe moon,despitethefactthatatthattime,NASAhadan advantageandexploredandphotographedthesurfaceoftheMoonwithSurveyorprogram. In Houston tension was growing but progress was notable. After the tragedy of Apollo I, Apollo VII wasthefirstmannedmissionoftheprogramtosuccessfullyperformorbitalmaneuversandconfirmed thatthetablewassettotakethenextbigstep,taking a manned mission to lunar orbit and back. Despite being so close to the goal, the vox populi was skeptical and no small percentage of North American public opinion saw space exploration as a waste of resources. Under this context, humanity’s greatest explorationmilestoneuptothattimeoccurred.

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HISTORY THE MISSION

Apollo VIII was launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:51 on December 21, 1968. The crew consisted of Commander Frank Borman, 40, James Lovell, also 40, as Command Module Pilot, and William Anders, 35, as Lunar Module Pilot. Borman, Lovell and Anders had a great historical weight on their shoulders, since their mission marked milestones in several aspects, from trifles such as opening the Kennedy Space Center, designed expresslyasaspaceportunliketheCapeCannaveral air base, but, Above all, being the first manned missiontoleaveEarth’sorbitandbeingthefirsthumans to move away from our cosmic home, Earth, to the point of looking at our planet from the horizon of a foreign celestial body, in addition to being the first to look the dark side of the Moon, which intrigued humanity since ancient times and return safely. It soundspoetic,buteveryoneinvolvedinthismission had glory or disgrace in their hands in case of failure and guilt in case of losing the astronauts and the latter, for being the first to make the longest and most dangerous trip. of history, were subjected to absolute risk to their lives. Borman, Lovell and Anders would be the first humans to experience the rigors of space and the vulnerability that it would mean to be sailing in a device that on Earth was a marvel of the highest technology but that, given the magnitudeofspace,wasnothingmorethanatincan.floating in the midst of hostility outside the shelter of the Earth’s atmosphere and gravitational field when a couple of million years before, a tiny time on a cosmic and evolutionary scale, our species in the form ofAustralopithecusprimitivelywanderedintheRift Valley. If this were not enough, the mission, which was originally planned as Apollo IX and would be launchedinJanuary1969asatestphaseforthespacecraft and the lunar module, was brought forward so that Apollo VIII would make the manned lunar trajectory in December 1968. making this mission go beyond ambitious, reaching the point of risk, forcingthecrewtoworkataverydemandingpaceand discipline. Thejourneyconsistedof4phases:Launch.The takeoff until reaching the Earth’s orbit and after separating from the last phase of the Saturn V, starting the Translunar Injection phase which was to take the path towards the Moon after using the Earth’s orbitasanimpulsetoreachtheMoon’sorbit,photographingthesurfacetofindfavorablelandingpoints, test communications and navigation systems, to begin the Transterrestrial Injection phase, which is totaketheimpulsebacktoEarth. NASA had already calculated to save fuel by using as an impulse the force accumulated by orbiting both the Earth and the Moon and “burning” the fuel, that is, turning on engines after the impulse. BUBBLES&CHERRIES

After its launch on December 21, Apollo VIII took 3 days to reach the Moon. It’s easy to say, but those three days were of great tension for the crew and the command center, since the mission was at a critical point from the moment the ship left Earth’s orbit. On that journey, the effects of solar radiation on the astronauts first had to be confirmed, since they would be the first humans to cross the Van Halen Belts and be exposed to solar radiation. Each astronaut had a radiation meter in their suits that sentsignalsanddatatoHouston.Theflightplanwas delayed an hour and a half, since a cloud of debris made navigation tasks difficult for Jim Lovell, who hadtosetcourseusingthestarsasavisualreference and calculating with the Earth’s horizon. The ship was guided by autopilot controlled from Houston, but Lovell had to have all the navigation calculations in case of losing communication, a real risk situation. To maintain control, the crew put the ship into Passive Thermal Control, a mechanism that rotates the ship on its own axis to avoid direct exposure to sunlight that could heat the ship to more than 200 degrees Celsius or cool it in the cold. shadow parts at -100 degrees, that is, this mechanism prevented Apollo VIII from becoming an oven or a freezer. The problem is that the ship’s turn was not perfect but rather it was spinning like a top that loses speed, so, to maintain the course, the crew had to “burn”, that is, turn on the engines and make adjustments every half-hour. hour, keeping them on alert during the journey. Two 2.4-second burns with the help of the smaller thrusters were enough for Apollo VIII’s trajectorytobeperfect.After11hoursofflight,thecrew hadbeenawakefor16hoursandfatiguewasbeginning. It was stipulated that one member of the crew must be on vigil. The first shift to sleep was taken by the commander, Frank Borman, but the sounds of the radio communication and mechanical noises of the ship and, above all, the normal anxiety, made it difficult to fall asleep even though the astronauts takeasleepingpill,forexample.which,afteranhour, Borman asked for permission to take a second pill, which was granted. Borman managed to sleep but the double dose did not sit well with him and he woke up with nausea and cramps. Borman, out of pride as a commander and modesty, did not want to inform Houston of his health problems, but the other crew members convinced him to hold a conference with medical personnel from Houston and the crew. In the end they ruled that the mission was not at risk and that everything was due to a reaction to the sleeping pills or a minor viral illness, although everything seems to indicate that Borman suffered Spatial Adaptation Syndrome, a reaction of the human organism to the conditions from space. This wastheonlydrawbackduringthejourney,sincethe cruisingphasewasrelativelycalm. 136

After 55 hours and 40 minutes of flight, at 6:40 a.m. Central Time in the United States on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1968, Apollo VIII marked another milestone, with Borman, Lovell and Anders being the first humans to enter in the Sphere of GravitationalInfluenceofacelestialbodyotherthantheEarth, that is, the ship was no longer under the gravitational force of the Earth but under that of the Moon. After 64 hours of flight, at 4 p.m. on December 24, 1968, Apollo VIII was preparing for the most critical phase, inserting itself precisely into lunar orbit. After 69 hours of flight, around 8:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Apollo VIII became humanity’s first manned spacecrafttoorbittheMoon.

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IN THE BEGININNING...

Aswesaidbefore,themostcriticalphaseoftheflight was to reach lunar orbit passing through the dark side. They had to start engines with the ship fixed in a perfect direction for 4 minutes and 13 seconds. Borman, Lovell and Anders described these as the longest and most stressful 4 minutes of their lives and with good reason. If the ignition had not lasted long enough, the ship would have taken an elliptical orbit that would have prevented it from returning to Earth or worse, it would have launched the ship out of orbit into the terrifying void of space. If the propulsion power was exceeded, the ship would have collided with the lunar surface. The maneuver hadnomarginforerror,addingthatinthetrajectory along the dark side of the Moon they would be cut off from the Earth, a situation that had the crew and Earthpersonnelontensionandonmaximumalert. Afterperfectexecutionandreachingthecorrect orbit, Apollo VIII was able to see the lunar surface in all its splendor. Apollo VIII orbited the Moon for 20 hours. After emerging, the first sign of contact back was to verify the state of the ship and with a first visual description of the surface by Jim Lovell, describing in detail and photographing the area known as Mare Tranquillitatis, or Sea of Tranquility. , where ApolloXIwouldlandonthemooninJuly1969.After emerging from the dark side completing the fourth orbit, the event occurred that made this trip worthwhile. Just as, according to legend, Rodrigo de Triana was the first individual to shout “Land in sight!” on October 12, 1492 and Vasco Núñez de Balboa sightedthePacificOceanforthefirsttimeonSeptember 25, 1513 or as on November 27, 1520, Ferdinand Magellan found the passage between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, commander Frank Frederick BormanII,anativeofGary,LakeCounty,Indiana,becamethefirsthumantoseetheEarth’ssunrisefrom thehorizonoftheMoon. Borman, excited, called out to his colleagues while taking a black and white photograph with a camera with a 55-250 lens. William Anders, realizing that the camera had the black and white roll, which had just been finished, placed the color film and began taking photographs, obtaining one of themostbeautiful,emotionalandfamousimagesin history, and which is undoubtedly the most famous color photograph in history, Earthrising. This photograph was chosen by Life magazine as one of the mostimportantphotographsofthe20thcentury. Due to the synchronized rotation of the Moon around the Earth, the Earth’s rise is not normally visible from the Lunar surface, but is visible only from a certain orbit and from a few places on the surface, therefore, it is that Anders documented photographicallywasabeautifulandfortunatecoincidence. www.bubblesandcherries.com

In those moments, Borman, Lovell and Anders had released some of the tension, to the point that they were able to take turns resting more peacefully. They carried 70 hours in flight, experiencing critical moments,withnomarginforerror,especiallywhen they made the first orbit through the darkness behindtheDarkSideoftheMoon,where,inthemiddle of that darkness, cut off from the Earth and despite theirextremelyhightraining,feelingvulnerableand totally defenseless before the magnitude of the cosmos,itisnormalthattheyhavefeltfear...andinthose moments, where the human mind feels that all its knowledge may not be enough to save it in case of a problem,thethreeastronauts,menBravemenwith military training, with experience in aerial combat and scientists with advanced knowledge of aeronautics and physics took refuge in faith. Borman, Lovell and Anders did not take comfort in Newton, KeplerorGalileo,butinsteadprayedtoGod,because faith is a refuge for the human mind when it faces immeasurable challenges. For the ninth orbit, this showoffaithonthepartoftheastronautsresultedin one of the most emotional moments of the mission andthehistoryofspaceexploration. Upon emerging for the ninth time from the dark side of the Moon and resuming communication, Frank Borman informed Houston that they wouldbeginalivetelevisionbroadcast.Atthebeginning, Borman introduced the rest of the crew, who talked about what they had seen of the Moon. After giving his views, Borman announced that the crew ofApolloVIIIhadamessageforallofhumanity. Borman, Lovell and Anders read the Bible as they distributed; the verses of the first chapter of Genesis, which recounts the Creation. Borman ended the broadcastbysaying:“AndfromthecrewofApolloVIII, we close with a good night, good luck, Merry Christmas, and God bless you all – all of you on the good Earth.” After 89 hours, 28 minutes and 39 seconds offlight,onDecember25,1968,ApolloVIIIbeganits returnhome. The return was more relaxed. The command center had a beautiful Christmas surprise for the astronauts, who found rations of stuffed turkey and bottlesofbrandyinthefoodwarehouses,sothatthe crew could mark another milestone, that of the first Christmas dinner from space. Perhaps out of cabal, Borman ordered the brandy bottles to be uncorked on Earth. The astronauts also found packages with Christmasgiftsfromtheirfamilies. ApolloVIIImadere-entryandlandingintheIndian Ocean at 15:51:42 United States Central Time on December 27, 1968. 45 minutes later, the ship and crew, safe and sound, were picked up by the aircraft carrier. U.S.S. Yorktown, thus culminating, after 6 days, 3 hours and 42 seconds, what until then, was the most audacious and risky mission and the 137

largest exploration milestone in history and which would only be overshadowed the following summer, when Neil Armstrong, commander of Apollo XI,becamethefirsthumantowalkontheMoon. ThethreeastronautsofApolloVIIIwerenamed by Life, the most important magazine of the time, as the personalities of the year 1968 and Earthrising, the shot AS8-14-2383HR from the NASA archives, the beautiful color photograph of the departure of Earth from the horizon of the moon captured by Will Anders, was published by Life on January 10, 1969, summarizing what had been the turbulent previous year with a caption that read: “Taken on Christmas Eve 1968, near “At the end of one of the most tumultuous years America had ever known, the Earthrise photograph inspired contemplation of our fragileexistenceandourplaceinthecosmos.” In the end, the feat of Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and William Anders confirmed that although in 1968, humanity seemed ready to self-destruct, it was also capable of demonstrating that it could achieve and conquerthegreatestchallengessuchasreachingthe stars.ThatiswhythestoryofApolloVIIIisoneofthe mostbeautifulChristmasstoriesthatexist.

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MAISON KAPUNKA: THAI BISTRÓ BETWEEN TRADITION AND MODERNITY

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author. ALEXIS MUSTRI GUINDI

THISBISTROISTHENEWPARISIAN DISSECTION YOU NEED TO KNOW WHENITCOMESTOEATINGFOOD.

BETWEEN TRADITION AND MODERNITY, MAISON KAPUNKA OPENS A NEW CHAPTER IN THE THAI CULINARY SCENE IN THE HANDS OF THE SUCCESSFUL LAURENT CASANOVAS, RECENTLY THE OWNER OF THE KAPUNKA GROUP, WHICH HAS 4 ADDRESSES IN THE HEART OF PARIS (2ND, 17TH, 14TH , 10TH).

With the ambition of preserving this adventure and bringing it to the present day, we visited their most recentestablishment. Locatedintheheartofthe10tharrondissement, onruedeParadis,thisnewrestaurantpresentsitself as an authentic Thai bistro, boldly reinterpreting the characteristic flavors of Thai cuisine. Here, there is the cozy atmosphere of a modern bistro, where diners come in groups to enjoy small plates to share and discover spicy cocktails and carefully selected livelywines. The project has been developed in collaboration with the interior architecture studio Lizée Hugot.Thearchitecturalduohasreinterpretedtheclassic codes of the Thai restaurant and bistro, playing with contrasts of materials and colors, thus creating a unique atmosphere where East and West meet harmoniously. As for the cuisine, the menu, prepared by four hands,highlightschefBarbaraLecestreandtheThai cookswhohavebeenatKapunkasinceitsinception. Together, they have created a menu that fuses their knowledge, offering both a traditional and contemporaryculinaryexperience. Everythingisenjoyedintheformofsmallplates toshareamongguestsandaccompanywithoutflinching with a spicy cocktail or a glass of natural wine. Street food lovers will also be delighted to discover theThaisandwichesavailablefortakeaway. This fusion is reflected in dishes with unique and delicious flavors, where contrasts stand out, such as crispy eggplants with burnt lemon mayonnaise, marinated egg with mustard pickles, chili oil andtamarindcelery,orrawsolewithgarlicvinaigrette.hibiscus. The term “Kapunka”, which means thank you in Thai, embodies the philosophy of Maison Kapunka: to express gratitude towards guests by offeringthemanexceptionaldiningexperience.“We are delighted to be working with a talented team and eager to let them discover the richness of Thai cuisineinanintimate,urbansetting.” Open every day for lunch and dinner, except Sundays. Customers will also have the option of enjoying takeaway dishes, here reinterpreting the codesoftheThaistreetsnack. ADDRESS: 1BIS RUE DE PARADIS, PARIS, FRANCE 75010

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LIFESTYLE. profiles

BIANCA CASTRO-CERIO TRENTI COOKING FROM THE DEEP ROOTS

WITH TWO HIGHLY PRESTIGIOUS CULINARY TRADITIONS ROOTED IN HER DNA, BIANCA CASTRO-CERIO TRENTI IS ONE OF THE GREATEST CHEFS IN MEXICO. THE COOK WHO HAS DELIGHTED EVEN THE PALATE OF THE SUPREME PONTIFF ANSWERS EIGHT QUESTIONS.

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author. MARCO GUERRERO

1. HOW DOES HAVING MEXICAN AND ITALIAN CULINARY HERITAGE HELPACOOK? Itisanadvantageandaresponsibility,be-

causeIcanfuseItalianflavorsandrecipeswithMexicanproductsthatmakeadifferentdessert.Formeit is a responsibility to cook the recipes of my teacher and partner, who was my nonna (grandmother) Norma Trenti for more than 21 years, to continue with the legacy of her story and her recipes. It is my wayofgivingthanksforeverythingIhavelearned. 2.WHATWASTHEPATHFROMSTUDYINGMANAGEMENTTOBEINGA FIGURE OF THE BAJA CALIFORNIA CULINARYSCENE?

It has been more than 23 years of work and study, apart from being a business administrator, I started studying other careers such as fashion design and graphic design which has helped me to be able to design a cake or a dessert but, thanks to cooking, I finished school and little by little while studying I fell so much in love with what can be created and designed. They have made me ensure that people can remember a moment, a family member and there are no words to describe the happiness and emotion that being able to transport people to their memoriesgivesmeasacook. 3. OF THE MOST FASCINATING STORIES THAT EXIST, THIS IS THE ONE OF THE PONTIFICAL CHEFS THROUGHOUT THE CENTURIES, WHAT WAS IT MEANING FOR YOU TO GO TO THE VATICAN AND COOK FOR POPE FRANCIS AT THE 2018 PONTIFICAL MEXICAN CHRISTMAS DINNER?

When I was invited I couldn’t understand what it meant. I was worried about being able to do a good job. At the same time, I managed to get to the Pope’s house to deliver and surprise the diners with dessert and I was allowed to enter places in the Vatican that are not open to the public. When we finished dinner and the sweet and smoky olives I had made were being distributed, I was invited to the papal mass. I was the only Mexican at the mass. There I understood where I was and who I cooked for. It gavemeanemotionandafeelingthatIstartedtocry. Cookinghasgivenmesomuch,suchasbeingableto beatacelebration,partyandanimportanteventfor myguestsandtobeabletocookintheseplacesand be able to surprise as a cook, pastry chef and Mexican.Theyareoneofthemostimportantrewards.It’s likereadingagoodbookandapplaudingattheend. 4. TELL US ABOUT ONE OF YOUR SPECIALTIES, GRILLED DESSERTS.

When I started it was a challenge. I accepted an event without knowing how to use a Chinese box. The first event was for a pairing dinner with Möet & Chandon for 450 people. From there I was overcoming challenges; I have competed in the B.B.Q World Cup. in Memphis, Tennessee, at the national B.B.Q. contest. in Houston, Texas and I have made the largest dessert in Latin America and although www.bubblesandcherries.com

there is no Guinness record, it was cooked for 7000 people in two days, 4 different techniques. Being able to surprise the diner, how fire and smoke can change a dessert, and mastering the technique is always a satisfaction. They are the small moments thatareworthit,likecooking11hoursadayundera 57Cworkplace.Theyarethosemomentsofjoyand improvement. 5. YOUR SOCIAL WORK IS KNOWN, DONATING FOR THE BENEFIT OF MEDICAL STAFF DURING THE PANDEMIC OR TO THE DAMAGED IN ACAPULCO, HOW CAN THE GASTRONOMIC INDUSTRY CONTRIBUTE TO HUMANITARIAN WORK? We are always cooking for

events to raise funds for charity events. It is my obligation and my moral duty to contribute something tothecommunitysinceIamveryfortunatetowork in what I am passionate about. During the pandemic we had inventory and no events. We decided to donateonceaweekandmanagetogivealittlehope and love to those who were on the front lines of the battle, under a lot of uncertainty. When they found out that it was between a 90-year-old woman and I, we began to form a community and several businessmen joined in donating until the medical personnelweresupportedformonths. 6. YOUR FAVORITE MENU FOR CHRISTMAS OR NEW YEAR DINNER?

Athome,Italianfoodismadeatallfamilygatherings, but at Christmas, cod, ham and many desserts are prepared.

7. FALSE MODESTY IS NOT NECESSARY. IN ALL SINCERITY, WHICH DISHISYOURMASTERPIECE?Asapastrychef,Ihavethead-

vantage of making plated desserts, event cakes, and there are some designs that have almost been magazine-style, but I think the desserts that have surprisedthemostarethesmokedones:fromcheeses, olives that I turn into sweets, some pineapples that I make a syrup with saffron and smoke them. Each clienthasaspecialdesignmade.Forme,everyevent, bigorsmall,isequallyimportant.

8. HOW CAN GASTRONOMY WORK AS AN ELEMENT OF UNION AND AS A SHOW OF LOVE? For everyone since childhood,

food is a form of expression, from the mother who preparesporridgeforthechildtothegrandmothers whomakecookiesforthegrandchildren.Cookingis a form of love, a form of expression. You can express love with soup to your sick child. It is not necessary tomakeagourmetdish.Foodisalwaysinyourmost important celebrations and also in the most painful ones, but I think you have the opportunity to make someone feel a special moment, with some detail. I say again that I am very lucky to be able to cook familyrecipes.

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LIFESTYLE. wanderlust

MATTHIEU TEYSSIER D’ORFEUIL

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author. ALEXIS MUSTRI GUINDI

MATTHIEU TEYSSIER D’ORFEUIL: I LIKE THAT NO

DAY LOOKS LIKE THE LAST. MATTHIEU RUNS FIVE HOTELS AND TELLS US ABOUTHISJOURNEYANDTHEPASSION HEFEELSFORHOSPITALITY.

A PARISIAN AT HEART, AFTER STUDYING LAW, HE DECIDED TO DEDICATE HIMSELF TO THE FOOD INDUSTRY AND THEN DELVE INTO HOSPITALITY. After six years at Park Hyatt Paris

Vendôme, he understood that to manage a restaurant or hotel, it was necessary to share an identity between employees and collaborators, so that everyonecouldmoveinthesamedirection. It was during this journey that he met the Marangsisters,ownersoftheGrandHôtelduPalaisRoyal, the Plaza Tour Eiffel and the Grand Powers. He was entrusted with the management of the Grand Powers (Small Luxury Hotels of the World), located on the corner of François 1er and Pierre Charon streets in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. “For two years we closed the hotel and transformed it into a five-star hotel, changing everything and creating 50 rooms,suitesandaspa.” Seeing the success of the renovation, they entrusted him with the management of the five hotels in Paris: Grand Hotel du Palais Royal, Hotel Plaza Tour Eiffel, Hotel Petit Fayette and the most recent member which will be located in St Germain. He confesses to loving his job by meeting so many people and says that the human part of the job is what makes him happy the most. No day is the same for him, as he tries to divide his work between all the properties. “I am in charge of many events since we are one of the most requested luxury hotels for events. Within our hotels, we highlight all types of clients,evenParisians.Localsenjoybothstayingand dining at the Grand Powers hotel restaurant, whose kitchenisheadedbychefMaximeRaab. www.bubblesandcherries.com

[ @ALEXISMUSTRI

HIS FAVORITES: RESTAURANT: L’ami Louis Dans in Le Marais and La UNIQUE AND PERSONALIZED HOTELS

Heexplainsthatthegroup’shotelsstandoutfortheir personalization, which allows them to know the client before their stay and prepare better. Proud of his work, he says that they have the first place after two years in the TripAdvisor ranking, of the 1,900 hotels in Paris. The Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal is in sixteenth place. He recognizes that they have achievedthisachievementbyworkingwiththeirhearts. “We love Mexican customers; Recently, the team has been visiting Latin America and Mexico. We are small hotels, but despite this, we try to create events that make sense for us. We have a great work team to which we also entrust young people. For example, atGrandPowers,JulieMarang,theowner,createdthe literarypassionprize.” How do the hotels in your group stand out from each other? The Grand Powers, located near the Champs-Elysées, attracts a clientele more passionate about shopping and fashion. At the Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal, visitors are more fond of arts and culture, since we are close to museums, theaters or foundations. From here, visitors can do everythingonfoot,whichisverynice. This is also surprising, since at the Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal, we have three times more requests from our concierge than at the Grand Powers. Booking museum tickets takes time and our clientele prefers to ask our concierges to take care of it for them. He also explains that they stand out by taking thepersonalizationoftheserviceveryfar.Forexample, instead of simply ordering a taxi, they provide sendingaconciergewhocanmeetyouuponarrival in Paris whether you are coming from the train or theplane. “Likewise, when our clients ask a concierge to organize a visit to the neighborhood, instead of commissioninganexternalcompanytocarryoutthisvisit,our concierges offer our clients to personally accompany them:privatetourofthePalaisgarden-Royal,oreven a lunch with the client. Another example: at Grand Powers, every Tuesday, our concierge team organizes a run. The concierge goes running along the banks of the Seine with our clients, takes photos, etc. They are small things that we do not do systematically with all ourclients.But,itisinthisdirectionthatwetrytoreach the maximum.” “I am very organized and have the right team working with me. I have complete trust in myteamandamselectiveinhiring-ittakesmonthsto find someone for the position, but I find it preferable to makingaquickselection.”

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TourdeAgent,afamilyrestaurant.

STREET: I love the back of the area, Les Rues and Avenue Junot et Villa Léandre In my opinion it is the mostbeautifulplaceinParis. STYLE: Mystyleisclassicandelegant;IlikeHermès.

CITY: I love working in this city and I usually go out to thecountrysidealotonweekends.

LIFESTYLE. taste

JAVIER’S: THE FINEST FOODS AND SPIRITS OF MEXICO

YES,THEREAREMANYGOODRESTAURANTSINLOSCABOS.INFACT,SOMANYTHATTHECHOICECANOFTEN BECOMEOVERWHELMING.YET,INMYPERSONALEXPLORATION,ONECULINARYGEMHASCONSISTENTLY STOODOUT—THEUNPARALLELEDDININGEXPERIENCETHATUNFOLDSWITHINTHEWALLSOFJAVIER’S.

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author. YSHANA DOCHERTY

For our main course (el plato fuerte), we opted fortheCatchoftheDay,ameticulouslypreparedsea bass served with tortilla ashes, sautéed organic vegetables,andavelvetycilantrosauce.Andthenthere was the Filete Arriero, a whopping 400g New York Prime Steak, adorned with queso fundido, infused with mouthwatering chipotle chiles, and rounded out with refried beans, guacamole, and grilled cheese jalapeño. A masterpiece if you ask me. At Javier’s, the goal is clear—to bring the authentic taste of The Finest Foods México to the forefront, embracing the rich tapestry of flavors and variety that this culinary haven has to offer.But what truly set the Javier’s experience apart was the setting. Picture this – our table right in front of the ocean, treating us to a mesmerizingviewofthesunbiddingadieuoverthe horizon. As we raised our glasses in a toast, the vibe of the place, the delectable food, and the stunning sunset all seamlessly fused into a moment of sheer bliss. It was one of those rare dining experiences whereeverythingjustfeltright. AESTHETIC ELEGANCE

ALLOW ME TO SET THE SCENE. JAVIER’S BEGAN AS AN AUDACIOUS EXPERIMENT IN THE MID-1990S IN THE COASTAL HAVEN OF LAGUNA BEACH—AN ENDEAVOR THAT COULD HAVE EASILY BLENDED IN WITH COASTAL COUNTERPARTS—INSTEAD IGNITED LIKE WILDFIRE, EVOLVING INTO ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC RESTAURANTS BRANDS. Today, Javier’s legacy spans five fu-

ll-scale restaurants along the West Coast: Newport Beach, Irvine Spectrum, Century City, Las Vegas and La Jolla, as well as its premier location in Los Cabos, BajaCaliforniaSur. Sophisticated and Elegant, fine dining with a touch of exclusivity are the words I would use to describeJavier’sLosCabos.“We’renotgoingtobethe best Mexican restaurant. We’re going to be the best restaurant in the Country… period.” - Javier Sosa and MarkPost Nestled within the confines of the prestigious CaboAzulResortinSanJosedelCabo,Javier’smenu stands as a testament to the culinary expertise of theirchefsandcooks,whohailfromdiverseregions ofMéxico.Infusedwiththeessenceoftheirmulti-generational family favorites, all of their dishes are a heartfelt invitation to share in the authentic tastes of the country. Trust me when I tell you that the expectationsweremetwithflyingcolors. Our gastronomic journey commenced with a spectacular seafood tasting (Una Degustación del Mar).AsymphonyofdelightsfromtheSeaofCortez graced our table: Ostion del Placer, Shrimp Cocktail, and Pulpo Asado. It was fresh, light, and downright delicious, showcasing Javier’s commitment to keepingthingsasfreshastheoceanbreeze. www.bubblesandcherries.com

AtJavier’s,itisnotjustaboutwhatisontheplate.Itis about the whole dining experience. The meticulous attentiontodetailextendsbeyondtheculinaryspectrum into the design aesthetics of the restaurant. Designed with influences of Cycladic and Moorish architecture, all Javier’s restaurants boast arches and black wood flooring, creating a chic blend of the classical and the exotic. The dining space is an artful symphony of dark, amber, chocolate, and candlelighthues. Javier’s goes a step further by having its own tequila brand, ‘Javier Reserva’, a testament to their commitment to delivering an authentic, immersive Mexican dining experience. What’s more, for those who want to tie the knot against the breathtaking backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, Javier’s Los Cabos is a popular beachfront venue for those wishing to celebratetheirunioninatrulymagicalsetting. As told by Nicolas Ramirez, we were excited to learn that soon Javier’s will be opening their very own on-site farm and garden to source the freshest produce, reinforcing their farm-to-table philosophy and ensuring the unrivaled quality of their dishes. This commitment to values, epitomized by a consistent standard of hospitality, innovation and an inclusive approach to patrons, is a cornerstone of Javier’sethos. After5hoursofpureenjoyment,wereluctantly said goodbye to our Javier’s experience. One thing is undeniable – Javier’s at Cabo Azul Resort is where culinary finesse meets an unrivaled dining adventure, a hidden gem for those who genuinely savor the art of fine dining. Indeed, one can expect the Finest FoodsandSpiritsofMéxico. 147

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LIFESTYLE. wanderlust

HOLIDAYS @ SOFITEL REFORMA CDMX

SOFITEL MEXICO CITY REFORMA IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE A FESTIVE SEASON FULL OF UNIQUE AND MAGICAL EXPERIENCES TO CONTEMPLATELA ’ RTDENOËLANDLIVEAUNIQUE RÉVEILLON. INSPIRED BY THE PARISIAN TRADITION OF LIGHTING THE STREETS WITH GAS LAMPS IN THE 1860S, THE HOTEL OF FRENCH ORIGINHASEXACERBATEDTHESPIRITOFTHE “CANDLE RITUAL” TO ILLUMINATE THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS WITH A TOUCH OF LUXURY, EMOTIONANDDELICIOUSFLAVORS. THE“CANDLERITUAL”ISACENTRALELEMENT OF THE SOFITEL EXPERIENCE, EVOLVING INTO AMEANINGFULSYMBOLTOREPRESENTTIME, SPACE AND MEMORABLE MEMORIES. LIGHT PLAYS AN ESSENTIAL ROLE IN THE FESTIVE SEASON, CREATING A WARM ENVIRONMENT THAT ENVELOPS GUESTS, VISITORS AND DINERSINAWELCOMINGANDMAGICALATMOSPHERE.

FROM DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER OPTIONS TO A BRUNCH WITH STUNNING VIEWS, EVERY DETAIL HAS BEEN CAREFULLY DESIGNED TO TRANSPORT GUESTS TO A WORLDOFLUXURYANDDELIGHT.

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TO MAKE A RESERVATION, CALL 55 8660 0500 OR WRITE TO EXPERIENCES@SOFITEL.COM BAJEL’S INSPIRING PROPOSAL TO SAY GOODBYE TO 2023 WITH LUXURY AND EXQUISITENESS Celebrate the arrival of the

ART DE NOËL, FLASH THAT STARTS THE CELEBRATIONS The

“ArtdeNoël”dazzleslikeaflashofmagicthatbegins the festivities with exceptional charm. French tradition meets Mexican warmth in an environment where candlelight transforms every moment into an unforgettable experience to enjoy on the night of December24:

New Year on a night of luxury on December 31. Enjoy the intimate atmosphere of the Bajel restaurant, where the glow of candles synchronizes with the light, and the notes of live music dance in harmony with the parade of flavors. Delight your senses with the culinary symphony offered by an orchestra of delights, including exquisite dishes such as foie gras and pear mille feuille, aged beef tartare, black truffle risotto, lobster ravioli and more. To finish the evening, delight your palate with a lemon and honey sorbet,followedbyadelicioussainthonoré.

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER IN BALTA Balta invites you to ce-

lebrate Christmas Eve French style with your loved ones, family and friends. Enjoy a 3-course menu, including artichoke and black truffle carpaccio, poulet de Noël with gingerbread and chestnuts, as well as a dessert buffet that will leave you breathless. Let yourself be enveloped in the warm atmosphere provided by the blue and gold of Balta to enjoy this experience starting at 7:00 p.m. and include an incrediblewinepairinginyourexperience.

SOPHISTICATED MENU AT BAJEL The Bajel restaurant, lo-

cated on the 13th floor, will offer an exclusive dinner onChristmasEvewithasophisticatedandexclusive 8-course menu, which will include Maison Petrossian caviar, foie gras and truffle terrine, as well as a citrussorbet,chocolateandcarameltartsalty,aswell asdrinksthatwillallowyoutotoastaroundthelight ofgoodwishes.

CHRISTMAS BRUNCH: A FEAST OF LIGHT AND JOY To live a carefree morning on December 25, immerse yourself in the Christmas magic by enjoying an exquisite brunch at Balta starting at 1:00 p.m. As the festive light illuminates our hearts and tables, every bite of this French-style brunch is a explosion of flavors, from the freshness of the oysters and seafood to the authenticity of the trompo tacos, through an irresistible selection of pastas, rice, cheeses and desserts. Every dish is a spark of delight, and every shared smileaddsarayofjoytothiscelebration. THE MAGIC OF RÉVEILLON: LIGHT IN THE NIGHT OF CHANGE In Réveillon, as it fades on December 31, the last day of theyear,thelightsymbolizeshopeandanewbeginning. On this magical night, Balta, Bajel and Cityzen become the ideal setting to share joy with our loved ones, toast with dreams and hugs, guided by the light towards a brighter future. A celebration that embraceslifeandrenewalwithoptimism. ELEGANCE AND FLAVORS TO WELCOME THE NEW YEAR IN BALTA

To say goodbye to 2023, the Balta restaurant on the 12th floor of Sofitel Mexico City Reforma has prepared a delicious menu for December 31. Enjoy a sophisticated menu that fuses French cuisine with Mexican touches, prepared by chef Alexis Preschez. Such as the fritter with tuna tartare and prawn bisque, as well as main dishes such as sea bass with celeriac puree and beef fillet with truffle potato mille feuille.Theeveningbeginsat8:00p.m.withawelcomecocktailandjazzmusic.

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A LIMITLESS SKY FOR A YEAR LIKE NO OTHER AT CITYZEN As the clock marks the arrival of the new year, you can enjoy the last minutes of December 31, on the 38th floor at Cityzen Rooftop Barwithanexquisitemenu that combines the best of haute cuisine with a spectacularviewoftheCity’stwinklinglightsofMexicoin front of the majestic Angel of Independence. From the caviar blini to the short rib in Oaxacan black mole, each bite becomes an unforgettable culinary experience, the menu is completed with Zacapa 23 rum ice cream on the rocks and framboisier with Papantla vanilla. Plus, to make this night even more special, toast the beginning of 2024 with a bottle of champagne.Letyourselfbecarriedawaybythemagic of the “Candle Ritual” and say goodbye to 2023 inthedarknessbeforea2024fulloflightandmagic.

LIFESTYLE. taste

THE 360 DEGREES OF RUBA’S BAKERY AND BISTRO

TUCKED AWAY AMONGST THE CHARMING COBBLESTONE STREETS OF SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO IS A HIDDEN GEMFROMTHELATE1940S.MORNINGSBRINGTHEENCHANTINGAROMAOFFRESHLYBAKEDBREADAND GROUNDCOFFEE,WHILEEVENINGSUNFOLDWITHDELECTABLEPLATESANDTHEWARMGLOWOFCANDLE-LIT DINNERS. TODAY, THIS HISTORICAL TREASURE IS KNOWN AS RUBA’S BAKERY AND BISTRO, A BELOVED LOCAL SPOTSEAMLESSLYINTERTWININGITSRICHPASTWITHDELIGHTFUL,MODERNGASTRONOMY. BUBBLES&CHERRIES

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COCKTAIL IN HAND? NOW, LET ME TALK ABOUT THE FOOD!

WHILE RUBA’S HAS GAINED A WELL-DESERVED REPUTATION FOR ITS DELECTABLE BREAKFAST OFFERINGS, WHAT OFTEN REMAINS UNDER THE RADAR IS THE RESTAURANT’S INTRICATE FAMILY HISTORY—A NARRATIVE THAT ADDS A PROFOUND LAYER TO THE DINING EXPERIENCE. IT ALL STARTED WITH THE PAYEN FAMILY. Today, the very same wooden windows that

once framed the lives of Francisco Payén, Ma. De los Angeles Izabal, and their four children, now grace the tables of Ruba’s Bakery and Bistro. Venture into Ruba’s interior, where the same flooring that once cradled the family’s footsteps and the charming low ceilings create an ambiance steeped in familial warmth. Ruba’s bar, a unique 6-foot flat-bottomed wooden skiff, serves as the foundation for their TRESEFES bar and coffee counter. Here is the quirky twist (thatmostdonotknow):theboatoncesailedunder the ownership of three amigos—Francisco Payén, Flavio Olachea, and Fernando I. Cota—all bonded by the commonality of a name starting with ‘F.’ Hence, the name “LA TRESEFES” or FFF for Ruba’s bar, a playful touch that speaks to the establishment’s vibranthistory.Historyaside,thedrinkspreparedat this bar - whether a cold brew coffee or an alcoholic cocktail are delicious, with each sip echoing the historicalresonanceofthishumbleabode.

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Ruba’s favorites like the Chilaquiles Valley, infused with morita chili sauce and roasted tomatillo, stand testament to their brunch wonders. Other favorites include their French Toast, a scrumptious creation featuring pillowy brioche, caramelized banana slices, velvety coconut whipped cream, and a medley of seasonal fruits. For me, the Ruba’s experience is a personal ritual—a Sunday morning rendezvous with their irresistible chocolate banana croissant andawarmcupofcoffee,enjoyedamidstthecharm of their Parisian-style outdoor seating. That is what I callstartingthedayright. It is not just the morning fare that steals the show though. As the day transitions into night, Ruba’s Bakery and Bistro transforms into a haven for dinner enthusiasts. The ambiance takes a romantic turn during the famed art walk night, a Thursday tradition in San José del Cabo, creating an intimate setting where diners can savor every bite under the flicker of candlelight. It just feels so Parisian at Ruba’s - a welcome touch of Europe in the heart of Los Cabos. Speaking of embracing a touch of France, my personal favorite from their menu was the steak et frites – a pan-seared Angus beef New York (14 oz) accompanied by a delectable peppercorn sauce, truffled fries with parmesan, and a fresh arugula saladwithredonion,cherrytomatoes,andvinaigrette. Can you blame me for channeling my inner Frenchiethatnight? In the realm of hospitality, Ruba’s sets the bar high. The attentive and friendly staff embody the very spirit of genuine hospitality, going above and beyondtoensurethateverydinernotonlyfeelswelcomed but truly cherished. With service delivered with a smile, this personal touch becomes the hallmarkofthediningexperience. With its focus on food, hospitality, and physical space in mind, it is no wonder that Ruba’s is poised to embark on a new venture. The anticipation of a new venture is palpable—a cantina-style restaurant nestled in the vibrant La Playita, set to weave together a synthesis of flavors and an atmosphere resonating with the pulse of the locale. Anticipate the grand opening in early 2024, as Ruba’s continues to redefine the culinary landscape. And if you find yourself yearning for a hearty brunch or dinner, missingoutonRuba’sBakeryandBistrowouldbea culinaryoversightyoudonotwanttomake. 151

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LIFESTYLE. digital

THE BEST TRAVEL WEBSITES TAKE THE HASSLE OUT OF HOLIDAY PLANNING WITH OUR GUIDE TO THE WEBSITES THAT DO THE HARD WORK FOR YOU.

WHETHER YOU WANT TO KNOW WHERE TO GO, HOW TO GET THERE, THE FINEST PLACES TO STAY OR WHAT TO AVOID AT ALL COSTS, THIS LIST IS A TREASURE TROVE OF INFORMATION FOR THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME. THE FIRST PLACE MOST OF US LOOK WHEN PLANNING A TRIP IS ONLINE BUT WHERE SHOULD YOU START?

IF YOU HAVE A PREFERRED TRAVEL AGENT WITH A HIGH LEVEL OF CUSTOMER SERVICE, THEY WILL LIKELY HANDLE THE DETAILS FOR YOU. BUT WHEN YOU’RE ARRANGING THE TRIP YOURSELF, YOU CAN SPEND HOURS BROWSING ONLINE AND END UP MORE CONFUSED THAN WHEN YOU STARTED. IF YOU’D LIKE DESTINATION INSPIRATION, TAKE A LOOK AT TIMES TRAVEL. BUT IF YOU WANT TO PIECE THE TRIP TOGETHER YOURSELF, THESE WEBSITES ARE OUR FAVOURITES FOR EVERYTHING FROM FLIGHTS TO PASSENGER RIGHTS AND BOOKS FOR THE BEACH.

TRIVAGO. Best for hotel bookings . A lot of people

thinkBooking.com,Hotels.comandExpediaarehotel-comparisonsites.Theyaren’t—they’rebooking sites. Yes, you can book thousands of hotels with them, but they will only show you their own negotiated prices for each particular hotel. That’s why your first port of call for any hotel research should be Trivago. It takes prices from all of the major hotel-booking sites, including the three mentioned above,plushundredsmorebookingsitesandonline travelagencies.

GOOGLE MAPS. “It might sound obvious, but with its local information, handy satnav directions and downloadablemapoptions,GoogleMapsisagodsendfor the modern traveller,” says John Walton. “There are so many options – walking, driving, transport and more thatyoushouldmakesureyouhaveahandle onallofthembeforetravelling.”. maps.google.com BOOKING.COM. Best for hotel reviews. The reviews

on TripAdvisor can be written by anyone, whether they’ve stayed at the hotel or not. And multiple investigations have shown how many fake reviews flood the site. That’s why our go-to site for hotel reviews is Booking.com. Only people who have paid for a booking via Booking.com can write a review. This means its reviews are much more reliable. It’s not100percentfoolproof,butitismuchmorereliable than most alternative review sites. You can find reviews for most of the world’s hotels — and you don’t have to book with them to read the reviews. Just browse, then check out Trivago.co.uk to find the cheapestdealonyourpreferredhotel.

OPENTABLE. “If, like me, the idea of queuing for a restaurant while on holiday turns your stomach, this is your website,” says Srin. “With more than 40,000 restaurants to choose from, it’s still the biggest and best–andletsyousearchforplacestoeatbydistrict, cuisine and review score, before booking your table for free. It’s particularly handy if you’re travelling through busy cities like London, New York or Sydney, where bagging a table at a peak time in a popularspotcanbeimpossiblewithoutareservation.For European cities including Paris and Madrid, French website,theFork,isalittlefiddliertouse,butdoesthe samejob.”OPENTABLE.COM SKY PARK SECURE. “While no one’s going to get excited

aboutairportparking,thefactremainsthatthecosts – and inconveniences involved – can quickly mount up,”saysAbigail.“Thissitecomparesmorethan300 airport car parks at over 28 airports to help find you thebestdeal,butthealgorithmgoesbeyondbudget alone.Carparksaremonitoredforqualityandthe

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deals include official airport parking and meet & greet options as well as the more economical park andrideendofthescale.”SKYPARKSECURE.COM

FANCYHANDS. “The last few years have seen a growth

inthenumberofwebsitesandappsthatpromiseto actasapersonaltravelassistant,butinmyexperience, this non-travel focused site wins hands down,” says Abigail. “For a monthly or yearly fee, you can submit 20-minute requests by email, phone, text or direct to a 24-hour cyber-team who will spring straighttowork.Savouryourtraveltimebyallowing someone else to zip through your to-do list: confirm the hotel booking has a cot, find three suggestions for dinner, call to explain flight is delayed, find quickest way to the art museum, and so on. These days, I wonder how I got things done without it.” FANCYHANDS. COM

EUAN’S GUIDE. “Looking for accessible places to visit?

Euan MacDonald, the man behind this eponymous guide, and a fellow power chair user, has dedicated the past four years to digging out the best accessible attractions with unfailingly honest and detailed reviews,” says Srin. “It’s particularly useful for the UK, though more than 30 countries are covered. I particularlylikethatitgoesbeyondtheusualwellknown tourist attractions to include more esoteric stuff like popupfestivals,farmers’marketsandlittlecommunitytheatres.”EUANSGUIDE.COM

HIPMUNK. “Yes, Hipmunk is a travel search engine for

the likes of airfare, hotel rates, and rental cars, but it’s also an innovator in that space,” says Cynthia. “Insteadofsimplyorganisingresultsbywhat’scheapest, Hipmunk applies an ‘agony‘ filter to show which flights, ranked by length of travel time combined with layoversandprice,willbebestforyourmoney.They are then displayed on a grid that better represents what part of your day the plans will occupy, in order to help you plan around it instead of giving over an entiredaytotravel.”HIPMUNK.COM

SKYSCANNER.“Skyscanner faithfully pulls in airfares into an easy-to-search, easy-to-use flight finder and fare comparison website,” says Abigail. “What sets it apart is the number of ways you can filter your search results. You can narrow it right down to a preferred airline, flight duration and departure time orgowildandsearchfor‘anywhereintheUK’to‘anywhere in France’. It’s an essential part of my travel armoury.” SKYSCANNER.NET

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GOOGLE TRANSLATE. “I remember when Google first

offered its translation service, just over 10 years ago, theresultswereeitherdodgyorindecipherable(generally both),” says Srin. “These days it’s pretty slick. I use it for translating websites into English, but it comes into its own when you’re travelling, and are strugglingforawordorneedtoaskaquestion.”TRANS-

LATE.GOOGLE.CO.UK

ZEST CAR RENTAL. Bestforcarhire.Youcandoacar-hi-

re search on the major flight-comparison websites, plus with car-rental comparison specialists, such as Rhino. But there’s a reason Zest Car Rental consistently ranks in the top table of customer surveys and is the choice of Which? as recommended car hire broker. The game for car-hire companies is to appear at the top of the comparison sites, which means they hide the real cost of the “extras” that are often essential, such as excess-reducing insurance or a full-to-full fuel policy. (With full-to-empty fuel policies, you usually end up paying for fuel you didn’t use when you return the car with a quarter of a tank or more.) With Zest Car Rental, in most cases, excess-reducing insurance is included in the price you see, and in many cases, the second driver is also included in the rate. Zest only works with providers whohavea“fairfuel”policy,andcustomerservicesis fasttorespondtoanyquestionsorproblems.

TRIPADVISOR. “Love it or hate it, TripAdvisor is the

daddy of hotel review websites,” says Mark. “Yes, it can be manipulated by unscrupulous hoteliers, but it has such a large bank of hotel reviews that the occasional bad one rarely influences the overall score.Andit’snotjusthotels–reviewsofrestaurants and tourist attractions are generally reliable, too. Its smartphoneappisparticularlygoodtoo.” TRIPADVISOR.CO.UK

SEAT61.COM. Best for train advice. Thinking of swit-

chingplanefortrain—orridingtherailsonascenic journey at your destination? The first port of call for any train lover should be Seat61.com. What started as a hobby site more than 15 years ago is now the UK’s best site for train advice — for routes all over the world. It covers the best train-booking sites in differentdestinations,plushowtogetthebestdeals, whichseatstochooseonmanyroutes,andmore. DUOLINGO. “If you’re heading to a country that speaks

one of the languages Duolingo covers (including, most recently, Japanese) you could do a lot worse to learn the language than this fun language learning app,”saysJohn.“Someofthephrasesaredelightfully weird, and its AI gets hung up on grammar points occasionallywhenyoumightreallybepreferringto

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learn vocab, but it’s free, easy and includes oral and listeningoptions.”DUOLINGO.COM

HOMEEXCHANGE. Bestforhouseswaps What’s cheaper — and arguably better — than the likes of Airbnb and Vrbo? A free home swap — mi casa es su casa. Unlike Airbnb, no money changes hands between homeowners. You’ll pay a fee to join the site, but during your membership period, onmostsites,youareallowedtomakeasmanyfree home exchanges as you can negotiate with other homeowners. Each site has its pros and cons, but the world’s largest site HomeExchange, which costs $175 (£140)/year to join, wins by virtue of the fact that it lists more than 450,000 homes all over the world. Home-swapping is, ultimately, a numbers game. You’ll massively increase your chances of finding someone suitable to swap with in Sydney if therearemorethan100potentialhomesinSydney foryoutocontactaboutthearrangement. HOMEEXCHANGE.COM

WEATHER2TRAVEL. “Some travel brochures and tour operator websites have selected climate information, but it can be misleading,” says Mark. “For detailedclimateinformationaboutanydestination,Weather2Travel is the place to go. It shows everything from humidity levels to sea temperatures, for any month of the year, as well as current conditions and there’saninteractivetooltofindyourchancesofgettingcaughtinatropicalstorm.”WEATHER2TRAVEL.COM

LIFESTYLE.

WHAT IS INSTAGRAM’S THREADS APP?

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HERE’SWHATYOUNEEDTO KNOWABOUTTHEPOTENTIAL ‘TWITTERKILLER’ INSTAGRAM THREADS IS THE LATEST TEXT-BASED CONVERSATION APP TAKING SOCIAL MEDIA BY STORM. Threads is a new app

from the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. The platform looks a lot like Twitter, with a feed of largely text-based posts although users can also post photos and videos where people can have real-time conversations. When you join Threads, your feed will consist of accounts you follow along with suggested content from creators the Threads algorithm thinks you may like. With up to 500 characters per thread and the ability to add photos, videos, and links, Threads is a great way to communicate with your network and the world at large. If the name “Threads” sounds familiar, that’s because it is. Instagram first launched a product called Threads in 2019, which was then billed as a “camera-first messaging app that helps you stay connected to your close friends.” The 2023 version ofThreadsreplacesthisproductentirely.

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“The vision for Threads is to create an option and friendly public space for conversation,” Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in a Threads post following the launch. “We hope to take what Instagram does best and create a new experience around text, ideas, and discussing what’s on your mind.” Some users did experience occasional glitches and issues getting content to load in the early hours after Threads launched, but that is to be expected when millions of users are joining and using an app at once. Many Twitter users have expressed desire for an alternative since Musk took over the platform late last year. Frequent technical issues and policy changes have sent some noteworthy Twitter users heading for theexits.

DOES THREADS WORK JUST LIKE TWITTER? Posting on Threads works exactly like posting on Twitter. There’s a character limit (500), you can interact with and direct message people from all over the world and use the @ symbol to reply to other users. “Our approachwillbesameasallourotherproducts:make the product work well first, then see if we can get it on aclearpathto1billionpeople,”Zuckerbergsaidinhis Thread.

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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THREADS AND TWITTER?

Unlike Twitter, Threads has no hashtag or trending-topics function. And you can’t edit a Thread onceit’sposted. HOW DOES THE THREADS FEED WORK? Just like Twitter,

your Threads feed will consist of a mix of accounts you’ve chosen to follow and as well as those the Threadsalgorithmthinksyoumightfindinteresting.

WHO OWNS INSTAGRAM? Instagram is owned by Meta, theMarkZuckerbergcompanythatalsoownsFacebook,WhatsAppandMessenger.

WHO OWNS TWITTER? Elon Musk owns Twitter, which heboughtfor$44billionin2022.HealsoownsTesla andSpaceX,amongothercompanies.

LIFESTYLE. wanderlust

KEMPINSKI HOTEL CANCUN

LOCATED 25 MINUTES FROM THE CANCUN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND CLOSE TO THE CITY CENTER, IT HAS A UNIQUE SERVICE CALLED LADY IN RED AND GENT IN RED, IN WHICH EXCLUSIVE BRAND AMBASSADORS PROVIDE PERSONALIZED SERVICE FROM THE ARRIVAL OF EACH GUEST FROM THE KNOWLEDGE OF LOCAL CULTURE TO DESIGN SPECIAL MOMENTS FOR EACH VISITOR. KEMPINSKI HOTEL CANCUN IS ONE OF THE FOUR HOTELS OF THE BRAND THAT HAVE THIS SERVICE WORLDWIDE.

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Kempinski isacentury-oldbrandwithenormous heritage in the tourism industry whose origins date back to 1897. Since September 2022, Kempinski Hotel Cancun has been part of the brand’s more than80hotels. CANCUN FROM ELEGANCE

The luxurious facilities of Kempinski Hotel Cancun have traditional European elegance as their essence. The neutral colors of walls adorned with beautiful art works create the ideal atmosphere hand in hand with the welcome of the hostesses called Lady In Red, whose hospitality is worthy of a brand with more than a century of prestige. The hotel has 363 rooms and all of them have a panoramic view of the turquoise Mexican Caribbean. In each room you can enjoy Salvatore Ferragamo products createdexclusivelyforthehotelguests.

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EUROPEAN FLAVORS WITH MEXICAN ROOTS

The seven restaurants at Kempinski Hotel Cancun are of supreme quality. At Fantino, the jewel in the crown, you will enjoy Mediterranean dishes made with Mexican ingredients. One of the most interestingactivitiesatKempinskiHotelCancunare the cooking classes taught by executive chef Rene Camelo. In Casitas you will find, in addition to spectacular cuisine with dishes such as lobster cream and what is made with the catch of the day, you will find the most romantic spot in the hotel, ideal for a romantic dinner with the Caribbean waves in the background. RELAX

At Kayantá Spa at Kempinski Hotel Cancun they will relieve your tensions and relax your being, since its facilities are designed for the enjoyment of different spaces with a relaxing atmosphere before doing your treatment, whether aromatherapy, hot stones or a relaxing massage. Enjoy the different types of hot or cold water tubs or relax in the jacuzzi whileenjoyinganinfusion.

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LIFESTYLE. profiles

JAVIER PLASCENCIA

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NONEEDFORFALSEMODESTY.HONESTLY,WHATDISHISYOURMASTERPIECE? I can’t pinpoint just one because there are

many. Cooking with mesquite wood and charcoal is an additional ingredient in my dishes. Working with corn to make a good tortilla or tostada, combining very fresh fish with local ingredients—each restaurantofminehasitsowngarden,emphasizing my involvement in working the land and instilling a respectfortheingredientsinourchefs. WHAT IS THE MOST SATISFYING ASPECT OF WORKING IN THE CULINARY INDUSTRY? The most satisfying aspect is

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE FLAVORS AND PRODUCTS OF BAJA CALIFORNIA IN THE NATIONAL GASTRONOMIC INDUSTRY?

Flavors are defined by the products themselves. We arefortunateinBajaCaliforniatohavethefinestproducts in all of Mexico. With the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean, each offering high-quality fish and seafood, we operate hand-in-hand with sustainability, respecting the regulated seasons for these products. Our region boasts a diverse array of species available year-round, delivering fresh products to our restaurants daily—from sea to table. Many of these products also find their way to restaurants across Mexico, thanks to our suppliers and a well-designed system ensuring the delivery of fresh products, eitherthesamedayorthedayaftertheyleavethesea. HOW WAS THE PROCESS OF CREATING A KITCHEN WITH MEXICAN (YOUR ORIGIN) AND ITALIAN (WHERE YOU TRAINED, YOUR PARENTS’ PIZZERIA) INFLUENCES? Our culinary heritage is deeply

rooted in Mediterranean influences. In the 1920s, Italian immigrants, seeking refuge from Prohibition intheUnitedStates,establishedrestaurantsinTijuana, taking advantage of Mexico’s legal alcohol sales. Notable examples include Caesar Cardini’s Caesar’s restaurant, where the famous Caesar salad originated, celebrating its centenary in 2024. Beyond the Italian influence, we draw inspiration from Spanish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines, creating a rich tapestryofculinarytraditions.Today,youngchefsskillfully incorporate elements from these diverse traditions intotheirinnovativedishes.

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YOU HAVE GASTRONOMY IN YOUR DNA, BUT WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE BEEN IF NOT A CHEF? If not a chef, I would have loved

to be a musician; I have a deep passion for music. I remember dressing up as a rockstar as a child, pretendingtogiveconcertsathome.Actingwouldhave also been fascinating. However, I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a chef. I worked in my parents’ restaurants from a young age, where my love and passion for cooking were born. I consider myself fortunate to have found my calling at such an earlyage.

TELL US ABOUT THE DINING EXPERIENCE AT ANIMALON BYTHE SEA.

The experience at Animalon By The Sea is akin to a journey at sea. It offers a tasting menu, but we also have Animalon in Valle Guadalupe, a restaurant beneath a 250-year-old oak tree. Being in this region allows us to have unique restaurants in Mexico, surrounded by vineyards or diverse tree species. In SanJosédelCabo,Semillónisnestledinanopenspace,seamlesslymergedwithnature,whichwedeeply respect.This,Ibelieve,ispalpablewhenguestsarrive atmyrestaurants. TELLUSABOUTWHATISKNOWNAS“NUEVACOCINABAJACALIFORNIANA” (NEW BAJA CALIFORNIA CUISINE). The new cuisine of

Baja California is making a significant impact due to the quality, talent, and creativity of its chefs. Baja California’s flavors reflect a pronounced and vital blend ofcultures.ThesizableChinesecommunityinMexicali and Tijuana has contributed to our upbringing with Chinese cuisine. Japanese restaurants arriving inthe‘80sfromtheUnitedStatesrevolutionizedBaja California’sgastronomy,introducingtechniquesand ingredients. In Tijuana, for instance, we create intriguing culinary fusions that attract chefs from other regions. It’s a young cuisine, full of experimentation, taking risks, and displaying creativity fueled by the qualityandimmediateavailabilityofouringredients. 161

seeing the customer leave the restaurant happy. Welcoming a customer to my restaurant is akin to welcoming them into my home; that’s the feeling weaimfor.Witnessingsmiles,laughter,andthegood moments shared around a table in my restaurant is the most gratifying. Continuously creating dishes that keep me creative, alive, eager to explore new ingredients—that’s my passion and motivation to keep working in this industry, one of the most beautifulintheworld.

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SPORTS. football

FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF WHEN BEING ANTI MESSI BECAME FOOLISH

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ONE YEAR HAS PASSED SINCE AT THE LUZAIL STADIUM IN DOHA, QATAR, THE ARGENTINE AND FRENCH TEAMS PLAYED THE FINAL OF THE 2022 FIFA WORLD CUP, playing perhaps the best

game in the history of the world cups, even surpassingtothe“matchofthecentury”betweenGermans andItaliansin1970. On that dramatic night where at the beginning “Laalbiceleste”crushed“Lesbleus”takinga2-0lead at halftime and with the help of Kylian Mbappe the French reacted and caught up with the Argentines on the scoreboard to draw the match until the last instance after a heroic save by “Dibu” Martínez, not only meant for Argentina to win its third world title but it was the night of the definitive consecration of what is, irrefutably, the best footballer in history, LionelMessi. I admit it, I was a detractor of Lionel for years and no, I am not stupid enough to deny the football capabilities of the one born in Rosario in 1987, but, well,theanimositytowardsthemostrepresentative clubofhiscareer,F.C.Barcelonaanditsteam,Argentina(yes,Iadmit,itisenvy.Ihopeonedaythechildren ofMexicowillplayballliketheArgentinesdo)andin www.bubblesandcherries.com

general the extreme kitsch of fans and a certain sectorofthepressmademeenjoyMessi’sfailures. For years I spent biblical amounts of energy in heatedTwitterandafter-dinnerdebatestomaintain thatMessicouldnotbethebestplayerinhistory,that he was a contemporary of an authentic competitive monster,moresimilartomytastes,likeCristianoRonaldo and that before There were Di Steffano, Pelé, Eusebio, Cruyff and obviously, Maradona and the pin from which he held the argument was that he had not won the World Cup and well, on December 18, 2022, Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccitini, crowned a legendary career lifting the most desired trophy not onlyinfootballbutinworldsport. Messi led Argentina to its third world title with resilience after what it meant to start losing to Saudi Arabia. He started the path by beating our Paco Memo Ochoa’s shot with a perfect shot at the base ofthepostandfromthere,hebuiltgamebygameto achieve glory. It is debatable that Messi without Argentina would have been world champion sooner or later but it is a fact that Argentina without Messi perhapswentintheroundof16orquarterfinals,his 165

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performanceinQatar2022wasmonumental. One year has passed since Lionel entered immortality, one year has passed since I abandoned the foolishness of being his detractor and showed him what I always owed, admiration. One year has passed since the fall of the last bastion of the detractors. One year has passed since being anti Messi is the most abject and absurd nonsense, at least, as far astheballisconcerned.

SPORTS. profiles

PIVO FEI INSPIRE AWARD

FEI AWARDS WERE HELD IN MEXICO CITY THE FEI AWARDS 2023 TOOK PLACE IN MEXICO FROM 18TH TO 21ST NOVEMBER. NATIONAL FEDERATIONS FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRIES, FEI PARTNERS ANDSOMESPECIALGUESTSATTENDED TO MEXICO CITY’S COLEGIO DE LA VIZCAINAS, VENUE THAT HOSTED THE FEI AWARDS GALA 2023, PRESENTED BY LONGINES.

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FEI PRESIDENT IngmarDeVossaid,“allweekduringthe

FEI Hybrid General Assembly 2023, we have spoken about our role as governing bodies, what more we need to do to serve our sport and our stakeholders, and how we can build a better future for the next generationofequestrians.” He continued, “and tonight, we are celebrating the individuals who effectively inspire our decision-making process and the many discussions we have behind the scenes, so that we can provide them withtheverybestplatformtothrive.So,thisisaspecial nightandIlookforwardtothisoccasioneveryyear.” “Congratulations not just to our winners but also to everyone who was nominated for these Awards. AndIalsowanttothankthesponsors–PedenBloodstock, Cavalor and PIVO and especially our Top Partner Longines who also present the Gala evening. The FEI and Longines are kindred spirits and tonight is another example of our wonderful collaboration. I’m alreadylookingforwardtothe2024edition!”Ingmar DeVosconcluded. 166

For the first time a Mexican rider won an award, and it has been for Federico Fernández Senderos who, receives the Pivo FEI Inspire Award in his hometown.Designedtoshowcasetheincrediblespirit and determination of individuals who serve as role modelsandshowthatanythingispossible. Aged 19, Federico was one of just three people to survive a plane crash in which more than 50 people were killed. After months of intensive recovery and with a new take on life, Federico returned to competition and has gone on to become one of Mexico’smostwell-knownJumpingathletes. TheMexicanriderhasparticipatedinsevenFEI World Equestrian Games™, three Olympic Games, and won a silver medal, together with team Mexico, at the Pan American Games in Santo Domingo in 2003. He has also competed at countless CSIO5* Longines FEI Nations Cup™ competitions, with winsinXalapaandDublin. “For me to receive the PIVO FEI Inspire Award is an honor. I should be the one to say thank you for all thatequestrianhasdoneformebecauseithasbeenso importantinmylife,”saidtheriderafterreceivingthe awardfromCEOofPivoKenKim. The family is his motivation, entrepreneurship his drive, and horses his passion. He is known, respected, and admired by many for his philosophy of letting go of what can’t be changed, focusing on making life meaningful and always expecting that the best is yet to come. “I really think that horses are the healthiest way of taking a step back into real nature and into the basics of life. It is about interacting with the animal and not with technology or anything else,” he commented “getting on a horse heals every physicalandmentalpainandit’sjustanindescribable moment when you’re on top of a horse,” declared FedericoFernándezSenderos.

LONGINES FEI RISING STAR

During the Gala, New Yorker Mimi Gochman take home this year’s Longines FEI Rising Star Award, created to recognize young athletes between the ages of 14 and 21 who demonstrate exceptional talent. At just 19 years old, the young American has made her mark on the international stage with threeseniorintheFEIJumpingNationsCup™team. Mimi has excelled during the 2023 season by placing fourth in the FEI Jumping U25 Rankings and by placing on the podium several times in various CSI5* level competitions. With her sights firmly set ontheOlympicGamesinParis2024.

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author. MONIQUE SANMIGUEL

PEDEN BLOODSTOCK FEI BEST ATHLETE

CAVALOR FEI BEST GROOM

Considered one of the best Dressage athletes of her generation, Germany’s Jessica von Bredow-Werndl wastherecipientofthisyear’sPedenBloodstockFEI BestAthleteAward,whichwaspresentedbyManaging Director of Peden Bloodstock Martin Atock. Unable to attend the ceremony in person, Jessica acceptedthehonorviavideo. Jessica won her first international championship title at the FEI European Dressage ChampionshipsforJuniorsin2002,afeatshereplicatedin2004. She has won the individual European Champion title six times and has won the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final title for the past two years. With her exceptional mare TSF Dalera BB, Jessica remains an unstoppable force, dominating the FEI Dressage World Rankings, winning double gold at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, and maintaining an unbroken streakofvictoriessincethen.

Finland’s Emma Uusi-Simola took home this year’s prestigious Cavalor FEI Best Groom Award, in recognition of her outstanding dedication and hard workasgroomforSwissathleteSteveGuerdat. Over the past decade, Emma has been an integral part of Steve’s team, demonstrating passion andcommitmentthroughthehighsandlowsofthe sport.HerspecialbondwithSteve’shorseDynamix, her understanding of her athlete’s needs, as well as her ability to anticipate and adapt to any situation, havebeenfundamentaltohissuccess. FEI Awards were followed by a dinner where the guests enjoyed an elegant menu with traditional dishes like blue crab in champagne marinade, squash blossom cream, warm cheese flute in blueberry sauce, accompanied by traditional music and dances.

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Ever thought about car-camping in Baja California Sur?

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DAWN MAURICIO

WITH A BOOK: ‘MINFFULNESS MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS’, A SUCCESSFUL PODCAST AND DISCIPLES AROUND THE WORLD, DAWN MAURICIO IS AN AUTHORITY IN SPIRITUAL AND HEALING DISCIPLINES SUCH AS MEDITATION AND MINDFULNESS AND A PERSON WITH DEEP KNOWLEDGE OF HER RELIGION, BUDDHISM. IN THIS ISSUE, SHE ANSWERS 6 FUNDAMENTAL QUESTIONS ABOUT SPIRITUAL CONCERNS. BUBBLES&CHERRIES

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1. HOW TO CLOSE 2023 WITH EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL PEACE?

For those who have the space and time for end of year rituals, I encourage you to either take a week off your phone and computer between Christmas and New Year’s, or reduce your usage, and use this time for quiet reflection. I personally like to reflect back on my year in reverse chronological order, calling to mind major events, or big highs and lows. I do my best to let the feelings and emotions rise and fall with my reflection. For the past few years I’ve also been encouraging others to do the same, and I even have a recorded meditation on my podcast that guides people through this process! Afterward, I put my thoughts and feelings to paper, then try to draw out the major themes and lessons that come up. From there, I imagine how I’d like to feel for the year to come, and try to identify a word to represent this and use it as my guide for the following year. I do think it’s important to note, though, that closing out 2023, or any year for that matter, in emotional and spiritual peace is not always possible for everyone for different reasons. For those who are able to end their year this way, including myself, simply acknowledging the fact that we’re able to do so is a privilege can also allow us to end the year in gratitude.

2. WINTER CAN BE OVERWHELMING FOR SOME PEOPLE’S EMOTIONAL HEALTH. HOW CAN MEDITATION HELP TO MAINTAIN A GOOD MENTAL STATE? I’m grateful to have learned first hand that

mindfulness and meditation are tools for building resilience, and it’s resilience that help us get through hard things. Mindfulness and meditation also help to cultivate kindness, which has been an important quality to direct toward ourselves or a situation when things feel hard. On a deeper or more subtle level, these practices can remind us that we are more than our mental states, that our mental states are impermanent, and that we are stronger than we know. In other ways, the practice of meditation also reminds us to slow down and acknowledge what is present, rather than avoiding which can create deeper suffering. These are just a few of the ways the practices of meditation and mindfulness have helped me cope with Seasonal Affective Disorder.

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3. TELL US ABOUT YOUR BOOK: MINDFULNESS MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS One of my passions is to make the prac-

tices of mindfulness and meditation accessible to as many people as possible because I believe that the more people who meditate, the better our world will be. I wrote this book to demystify and normalize starting a meditation practice, and all the ways we can practice mindfulness (spoiler alert: we don’t only have to do it seated in a quiet place!). I’m grateful that a whole range of students have benefitted from my book, from beginners to teachers who are also passionate about teaching beginners.

4. REGARDING YOUR COURSES, ARE THEY FOCUSED ON ANYONE INTERESTED IN MEDITATION AND MINDFULNESS OR DOES IT HAVE TO DO WITH THE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE OF EACH PERSON?

Similar to my book, anyone from brand new beginners to experienced practitioners and teachers can benefit from my courses and recorded meditations. Accessibility is very important to me, and I know not everyone has easy access to a teacher or the funds or time to travel to do a silent retreat. As a result, I offer self-paced digital courses on a sliding scale so that racialized and other marginalized folks can access the benefits of meditation, be able to practice when their schedule allows, and in a place that feels safe for them. Finally, even on a sliding scale, my courses can be inaccessible, which is why I also try to offer other opportunities to practice–like my podcast– for free.

5. THESE ARE DATES WHERE CHRISTIANITY CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS, JUDAISM HANUKKAH AND MOST RELIGIOUS BELIEFS HAVE CELEBRATIONS AND SYMBOLISM IN WINTER. WE KNOW THAT BUDDHISM, UNLIKE THE ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS, IS NOT A THEISTIC RELIGION, BUT DOES WINTER REPRESENT ANYTHING TO BUDDHISM? Not every

part of the world experiences four seasons in the same way, but generally I believe the arrival of shorter days or a colder or rainier season is often honored with gatherings centered around slowing down and turning inward. In the Buddha’s time, the rainy season was a time for practitioners to stay in one place. Monks and nuns would do what was known as a rains retreat which would often last 3-4 months. It isn’t specific to what we know as Winter, but it’s a seasonal practice centered around weather that invites us inward. 171

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6. IN TIMES WHERE SOCIETY VALUES SPIRITUALITY LESS AND LESS, HOW CAN WE PROMOTE IT AND DEFEND ITS IMPORTANCE FOR THE WELL-BEING OF HUMAN BEINGS? I think we are in a moment

of transition where a vast majority of people are disillusioned by spiritual practices because of the harm and abuse caused by religious institutions and people in positions of power at the helm of spiritual spaces. This is completely valid, and as a result, I don’t think we can rush anyone on their spiritual journey. I believe that making the commitment to live mindfully and purposefully is an extremely powerful way of highlighting the benefits and importance of spirituality. Living mindfully provides a steadiness of the heart and mind which can lead a person to act from a place of compassion and kindness - which has a largely underestimated ripple effect. I also think the resilience we build in practicing mindfulness and meditation can support us in being less judgemental, better listeners, more open to learning, and generally better allies and support systems to the folks who don’t have access to spirituality for any variety of reasons. All this to say, I think our most powerful and impactful tool is to embody the practices ourselves. For example, a teacher named Sylvia Boorstein says “My family loves me when I’m a Buddha but hates me when I’m a Buddhist.”

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6. HOW CAN MEDITATION HELP THOSE PEOPLE WHO FEEL OVERWHELMED IN THIS WINTER SEASON (WE ARE IN NORTH HEMISPHERE)?

1. HOW TO BRING YOGA TO THE PUBLIC THAT IS INTERESTED BUT FOR SOME REASON DOES NOT DARE TO DELVE INTO IT?

Yoga is an ancient science that guides and encourage us to become more awake, more aware and to get know ourselves in a deeper level. In my opinion yoga is essential to everyone’s life. Just like we breathe, we eat, we must cultivate some type of a spiritual practice with makes us look within, to remind us that we are not matter but yet energy,that we are all interconnected, specially now days. I feel that the people who are interested in self knowledge and spirituality will go deep and some won’t. It all depends how ready they are. And even those who take this practice more in a superficial way, there are still some benefits individually and collectively so it’s all for the good. Some people will start to practice yoga just to get a fit body and once they start and have the right guidance they will see it’s much more than that. In India they say if you practice yoga in this life you must have practiced in a previous life or have done something really good to create a good karma find yoga again

I feel meditation is great for all and for different reasons. The benefits are very personal. You always will get what you need the most and those benefits will change within time. We are always changing. That can be release of stress, a calm mind, a clear and more creative mind, a deeper connection to your heart, deepen your intuition and etc. 7. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST WHEN SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT YOGA AND MEDITATION?

There is nothing that makes me more happy (besides being with my son) than seeing people getting healthier, happier and more in tune with Mother Nature. And that is not a benefit for that particular person but also for everyone and for our whole Planet. All what we do, our choices, the way we live and consume will impact each others life. So I truly love what I do. I feel it’s my way to give it back to this Planet this wonderful opportunity to live this life.

2.WHAT IS THE IDEAL INITIAL AGE TO START PRACTICING YOGA?

I feel there is no ideal age to start. You can start as young as 10 years old (or even younger) or 70 years old. It all depends how good you have been guided and your dedication to stick to it. A great teacher/master will guide the person correctly at any age. In India they say, the student must go and find the teacher and not the other way around.

8. WHAT IS YOUR GOAL FOR NEXT YEAR 2024?

4. CAN ANYONE DO YOGA REGARDLESS OF THEIR WEIGHT OR PHYSICAL CONDITION?

Once is well guided by an experienced teacher, yes !

3. TELL US ABOUT SOMMA, YOUR FASHION BRAND FOCUSED ON YOGA PRACTICE.

5. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE TO PEOPLE WHO, AS A GOAL FOR NEXT YEAR 2024, WANT TO GET CLOSER TO SPIRITUALITY AND HEALING?

Somma is a eco-friendly sportswear with social and environmental responsibility. Our apparel is made from recycled, organic and regenerative raw materials. Our clothing aims towards practices like yoga and other activities and sports that awaken inner connection, and a new way of living and feeling. Generating a deeper awareness of who we are, and our important role as a human beings on this Planet. Somma was born of a personal desire and a global need. A desire to wear pieces that were really interesting with functionality and durability and at the same time impacting the Planet in a positive way, generating more life and love. With each piece the consumer purchases from Somma, he/she will be generating more life in our Planet. Somma is produced in Brazil but we sell and ship worldwide WWW.BE-SOMMA.COM

I would stay spend more time in nature, but really immersed like camping, hiking, surfing, with no cell phone no distraction. Just being. And choose a practice like yoga or meditation that is taught in person and commit to it, really embrace for couple of months and you will see the results. Most people say they want practice yoga, but there is a huge gap between what they say and what the do. I suggest to commit to a class 2 x a week, something accessible that doesn’t make you overwhelm but stick to it. Find out the history of who your teacher practiced and studied with and on and on. The key of any spiritually practice is consistency and persistency. It has to be part of your routine. It demands dedication. You gotta water the plant. And the more you do, the more you will follow in love and will gain more benefits.

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My goals for 2024 is to launch my Online program called, Yoga for life, which will be classes, tips, recipes etc and inspirations to have a more regenerative life. I also want to resume teaching Yoga Retreats internationally,wouldliketoexpandSomma’sbrandand also Somma’s team, to surf more and spend time withmysondoingfunadventures.

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PREDICTIONS FOR A BRIGHT 2024

ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 ^ This season for you is a season of ENCOUNTERS, rich in intimate moments and harmony with another. The month is painted pink for you, the stars seem brighter and romanticism vibrates in the air with many promises. If you are in a relationship, it is time to spend more time with your loved one, creating moments of connection and dedicating more time to each other. If you are single this is the season where someone can come up and knock on yourdoor,thequestionis:Areyoureadytoopenthis door? Take advantage of all your ideas and inspirations this month and start sowing what you have been reflecting on for a long time. Be careful with wanting to achieve too much in your life, above all, take a break from work, that season is to enjoy your emotions.Leavethedeskandvibrateinyourheart!

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TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 20 _ This season asks you to take a moment to observe if it is time to leave or stay, you have to take stock in your life to see which are the things that deserve your energy and which, on the other hand, have already fulfilled and are now only draining you. , especially in all the emotional aspects of your life. Take advantage of the Light that radiates this month, you will be very attractive to everyone else, not only because of your appearance but also because of your ideas, because of your brilliant way of thinking and expressingyourself.Enjoythismagnetismtobeable to offer your projects and plant your ideas. Be careful not to get too tired, remember that to function at 100youneedadequaterest.Tobealignedwithyour higher self, remember to flow with all the changes that are coming for you. Everything will always be foryourgood!

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GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 21 ` This season asks you to let go of control. Everything is in motion so that you can detach yourself from your earthly life. We can’t always control life so that things go the way we want. This month asks you for a lot of humility towards life, it is time to connect with the right part within you and let go of all external situations so that you can realign yourself with your inner self. If you feel that you are losing power and strength over some issues in your life, then take advantage of this feeling because that is where your new strength will be, in being able to allow things to happen as they have to happen and you will always be vibrating high because you are anchored. at your side firm and authentic in its justice. That is a month tobehonestwithyourselfandremovealltheveilsof illusionthathaveblockedyouuntilnow.

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CANCER JUNE 22 - JULY 22 a This season for you is perceived as an ascension to your new self that you are ready to embrace! It is a veryimportantmomentinyourlifethatbringswith it a lot of creativity that is available to you, that is already inside you! It’s time to believe in yourself and move all this artistic energy to CREATE what you wantmostinyourlife,tocreateyournewself! Always stay firm in what you believe is fair, anchor yourselftoyourpersonaljudgmentandmoveinthe mostcorrectwayinlife,donotgiveintodistractions, remain firm in your truth, with everything that resonates and vibrates in your deepest sense. . Shine! Dare to take this new energy of yours to the world, openupandexpand!

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LEO JULY 23 - AUGUST 23 b This is time to enjoy everything you have achieved so far Leo! You have achieved a lot, you have had a lot of success and now it is time to take advantage of all that hard work has left you! It’s time to be proud of yourself for all the effort given, you will see everything you have accomplished! Remember to enjoy all this with your loved ones, if in recent times youhavefeltdisconnectedfromyourfamily,thiswill betheperfectmonthtoreconnectandallowthelove of your loved ones to nourish you. Be careful not to resist closing a cycle that has already been completed in your life. Agree to close everything that has cometoanendandopenuptonewbeginningsthat awaityou!

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VIRGO AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 22 c Thisisasuccessfulmonthforyou!Inallyourearthly aspects. Take advantage of all the energy you have this month to achieve what you want, you are full of desire to be active and doing everything possible to achieve your goals! Remember that we are cyclical and all this energy will be available to you now, don’t waste it! Keep indecisions under control, don’t let doubts stop you, just do it! Take action, go towards what you want, listen to your intuition and let it guideyou.Enjoyalltheachievementsyouareachieving, don’t work and nothing else, use your time also to enjoyeverythingthatisfinallycomingintoyourlife!

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LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 22 d Delicious Libra, this is going to be a very special year for you. The sun that dominates this year will be your light on every aspect of your life, eliminating every trace of darkness that you have perceived untilnow.Thesunwillnotbeyouronlyallythisyear, Jupiter will be on your side for seven long months starting in May, this will be your gift for 2024! Finally Pluto, which in the last twenty years has been in tension with your sign, passing through Aquarius little by little will also begin to be helpful in releasing karmic history from your life and resolving stories withyourancestors,thisiswonderful!Saturnleaves you to your destiny, leaving all responsibility in your hands, take care of yourself, you will no longer have theenergyofaharshfatherscoldingyou,learntobe an adult! It is possible that Uranus during the year changes your plans unexpectedly, it flows without fear. You have many opportunities thanks to Jupiter this year, always being very indecisive and cautious in making decisions, you risk missing many trains that pass for you this year! Dare both in love and in thecallsofyoursoul,everythingisinyourfavor!

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SCORPIO OCTOBER 23 - NOVEMBER 22 e You are finally coming out of this transformation process that you have had in this season of your life and if you do not resist you will align yourself with a new energy that is available to you. You are ready to makeyourownbutterfly,tobecomeabutterfly!This process has come to an end and it is time to open yourself to the beauty you bring within. Can you accept to recognize yourself as a butterfly? Are you readytoshine?BecausethereisLightinyou,itwants to go out into the world! This season asks you not to escape behind work and the earthly, that is time to enjoyyourownlightandexpandittotheworld.Use that moment to stabilize yourself into your new self inthismetamorphosisyoujustmade!That’sagem!

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SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21 f Time to accept that things are a reflection of your own decisions, it is time to recognize that you are co-creating your reality in each choice of each moment of your life. Have you done the job well so far? Because what you are experiencing around you is the result of what you yourself have created. That’s time to accept your power. If you have asked yourself this season if you are ready for a change, take advantage of this energy that is pushing you to change, because that is where life wants to take you, it is through a change that you can connect with your inner power. Evaluate when it is time to leave and when it is time to stay... it is a season to feel from within which are the things that make you vibrate high and which are the things that make you vibrate low, choose which ones to keep and which ones to let go! Cheer up!

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CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20 g This season is very important in your life, you are taking steps towards evolving, growing. Something inside you is changing. Something inside you has come to an end and is ready to be released to give life to something new. What are the things you are ready to let go of to receive something better in your existence?Focusonyourself,alltheseprocessesthat youhavehadwithyourselfhaveledyoutoshine,something luminous inside you asks you to enjoy this energyofyours.Don’tworryabouttomorrow,enjoy that today you are fine, that today you are here for yourself and you are on the right path. Life is always on your side, trust, if you have not had faith in yourself in recent times this is the time to reconcile with yourself,andbelieveinyourself!

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AQUARIUS JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19 h This season is the beginning of a new adventure! If you have heard the call to a new direction, life now tellsyouthatthatistherightdirection.Ifyou’veasked yourself:Isitoverthere?Theanswerisyes!Yestolife. Take advantage of the energy of connection that is availabletoyouthismonth,youwillbeabletocreate moments of connection with new people or with your loved one. Keep under control the desire to alwaysachieveeverythingyourway,detachyourself in this season from work and earthly achievements, detach yourself from your idea of success, this moment is to send all your energy in another direction. Find the balance in accepting things as they are. Don’t control, don’t plan, just go, don’t think about it toomuch!

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PISCES FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20 i This season comes with a very mental energy, you want to fix things around you through your mind, if youuseitwiselythiswillhelpyoualot,especiallyfor your earthly projects. If in your mind you have alreadygivenlifetosomethingthatyouwanttomanifest on earth at this moment then it is time to download it and start working to make it take shape. Also connect with your higher frequency emotions and allow them to nourish you, it is time to be anchored tothehighestfrequencyofyourbeing.Staypositive! This is time to be anchored here in reality, use the powerofyourmindtoconcretizedownhereanddo notuseittoescapeintofantasies.It’stimetoberealistic and take action. This season share your time and energy only with people you really love and who loveyou!Stayinenergeticallycleanplaces!

JO TH TRI Ignacio Zaragoza #221, San José del Cabo, México

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