Manos de Amor

The mission of Manos de Amor is to provide unconditional love and compassion and encourage each child to achieve their full potential while understanding that there is nothing more empowering than the feeling of having a purpose in life.

The association believes each child can heal, develop self-esteem and understand the true values of life and society if given the proper education and support.

Manos de Amor began with only three to eight children in the first couple of years and now houses up to 32 children.

Please help Manos de Amor assist the local community to progress and prosper in future generations.

To learn more about Casa Hogar, the current list of needs and make a donation, please visit: MANOS DE AMOR

Guests are in for a special treat – Latcho and Andrea – the  BLOND GYPSIES – will be performing on Sunday evening starting at 7:30

Book a reservation at 329-298-0273 - Sandrina’s Restaurante Boutique – Mother’s will love to be treated to this spectacular event!

The Monarch Effect Retreat takes you on a spiritual and creative journey where you will be introduced to technical applications of acrylics using Soul and Nature Painting techniques -  a unique learning module that connects traditional ceremony and your own individual expression to ‘open your heart’ and ‘perfect your art’ .

Be enchanted by the real Mexico!  Stroll through the cobblestone streets of the beautiful Colonial City of San Miguel de Allende – an artist colony home to a large number of international expats.

Daytime activities include a visit a nearby pyramid and an introduction to the secret healing powers of Mexico’s indigenous plants and herbs.   Evening activities include Aztec dance, ancient ceremony and a pre-Hispanic temazcal (sweat lodge) experience.

This week-long retreat will be held at the beautiful SAGRADA WELLNESS MEXICO, a secluded place in the sun 6 miles from San Miguel.

Treat yourself and a friend to a well-deserved week-long journey!  Click here to BOOK YOUR PLACE IN THE SUN!

Most of us have experienced the thrill of being able to share our new second or retirement home with our friends who live elsewhere.  We sometimes overdo trying to make their stay as great as we possibly can.  The problem is that we can do too much and then find that on subsequent trips our guest are too dependent upon us and we enjoy them less.  If we can form a plan and follow it, we can enjoy our guests and still have time left for ourselves.

Here are some suggestions:

1.  Create a personal book for your home.  Customize it with lots of information and maps to give out. Include emergency phone numbers, a map customized with cab and bus information.  Make this book available in the living room or kitchen.  Talk about it as part of the fun and adventure of being able to be independent while visiting.  Go through it with your guests as you start a conversation between them and yourself – include recommended doctors, hospitals, hairdressers, masseuse, facialists, etc.

2. Create a little visitor kit and include these items: 

Buy debit cards for to your guests to use from pay phones.  Explain how they work.  Make a call while you are out so they are comfortable with the use of these cards.  If your guests have cell phones which work in Mexico, you can teach them out to use them to call local numbers.  There are lots of little books with primary Spanish phrases to use while shopping, dining, and using transportation. Include one of these or make one from the Internet.

Copy or create a good map showing your home and main areas or places of interest for your guests.

Include in the kit a distinctive key chain (not with your street address or name of the condo) so that they can easily find the house key. Also include phonetic and Spanish spelling of the address of where they are staying, and directions if necessary.

3.  Ask your guests to plan an activity or night out for all of you.  Let them be the “hosts” and organizers of this.

4.  Introduce your guests to people who live here full time, perhaps the owner of your favorite restaurant, a local business owner. There are charities, which look for volunteers, groups that need a fourth for bridge.

5.  Give your guests a disposable camera if they don’t carry one with them and show them how your computer works for email or give them a card for a few free trips to a good local net house.

6.  Teach them how to make long distance, local and cell phone calls from your home phone and from a pay phone.  Demonstrate to them how to use the television and have written instructions near the set itself.

You make want to show them how to use the washer and dryer for their personal use.

If you introduce the participation and involvement of your guests from the beginning of their stay, they will become more proactive and independent while still enjoying themselves.

7.  You should be able to teach your guests to go and come from the airport on their own.

Get a cab and send your guests back to the airport for their return trip home. As you say goodbye, discuss your pleasure and excitement of having them return again.

The map you give them and the written directions to your home in proper and phonetic Spanish, will be for them to keep and use on their return.

These exercises and suggestions should be done as a normal part of the visit and incorporated into your own personality type.  We hope these suggestions make it more enjoyable and less work for you to enjoy your friends when they visit.

Remember: a book with lots of information and cards of favorite restaurants, shops and services is great to have out.  Include a space for comments from guests on their recommendations, as well.

A PV Survival Kit: Telmex telephone debit card, pertinent maps, Spanish phrase guide, Puerto Vallarta home address and telephone number, camera and key chain with your house key, bottled water, whatever else you want to add.

Harriet Cochran Murray, Director of Cochran Real Estate, is a seasoned Real Estate professional both here in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and in the United States. Harriet has served in many capacities as a board member for the local Real Estate Association AMPI (AMPI is the national association of real estate professionals). She is also a member of FIABCI, NAR in the United States and a proud member of CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist), a designation of NAR. Harriet’s expertise and experience in the Real Estate and especially in the Mexican market makes her Viewpoint blog articles both informational and intriguing. Harriet is a Buyer’s Agent who specializes in getting the best deal on the right property for her clients. Visit her website at www.CasasandVillas.com and Check out her Real Estate Listings.

TASTE

TASTE was named the BEST NEW RESTAURANT IN PUERTO VALLARTA – 2011 by readers of Vallarta Lifestyles Magazine. In only one month, TASTE rose to the top 20 of all Puerto Vallarta restaurants on TripAdvisor.com.

Enjoy a fabulous gourmet breakfast!  Join the scene at Sunday Brunch and stir up your own drink at the Bloody Mary Bar with your favourite ingredients.  Stop in for a light, healthy lunch!  Dine on your evening meal gazing out at the ocean or pool in a jungle setting!

Executive Chef Oscar Rito offers a new menu each month.  The healthy gourmet cuisine is based on a fusion of U.S., Mexican, Asian and South American delights.  The signature drink is a unique “Cupulini” Martini (with chocolate and chipotle flavors).

Erica, TASTE’S Manager, has created an impressive wine list.  Contact Erica for assistance in organizing a fiesta, wedding or other special events.  Catering is available as well.

For reservations at TASTE please visit OPEN TABLE 

• Virtual Vallarta Votes Taste #1 in Vallarta

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• Taste Vallarta Casa Cupula Gay Hotel Spa & Gym

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• Taste Restaurant Vallarta Fresh, Healthy Dining

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• Taste Restaurant Puerto Vallarta won the Virtual Vallarta

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• Taste Restaurant Puerto Vallarta Best Breakfast & Brunch

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• Taste Restaurant Casa Cupula Readers Choice Vallarta

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• Puerto Vallarta Diners Choice - Taste Restaurant Casa Cupula

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• Award Winninng TASTE RESTAURANT Puerto Vallarta

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Mariano Yampolsky

If you plan to be in Mexico on May 2, 2012, plan to attend a National Homage to Mariana Yampolsky at Palacio de Bellas Artes at 7 p.m.  Please read the following for complete information:

Homenaje Nacional a Mariana Yampolsky

A c t i v i d a d e s 2 0 1 2

24 de marzo al Exposición temporal Mariana Yampolsky. Mirada que cautiva la mirada

27 de mayo Museo de Arte Popular (MAP).

Miércoles 2 de mayo Mesa Redonda La memoria de una lente, miradas sobre Mariana Yampolsky

Sala Manuel M. Ponce del Palacio de Bellas Artes. INBA

19:00 horas.

Participan: Arjen Van Der Sluis, Rebeca Monroy, Alicia Ahumada, Ramón Jiménez-Cuen, Pedro Valtierra y Pablo Ortiz Monasterio.

Moderadora: Carmen Galán Benitez.

Jueves 3 de mayo Presentación del Libro-catálogo Mariana Yampolsky. Mirada que cautiva la mirada

Publicación bajo la custodia editorial de la UAM.

Museo de Arte Popular (MAP)

19:30 horas.

Participan: Elena Poniatowska, Arjen van der Sluis, Xavier Guzmán, José Ángel Campos y Walther Boelsterly.

Moderadora: Catalina Durán.

Esta publicación representa una magnífica oportunidad para mostrar al público el trabajo de Mariana, el cual alcanzó los más altos niveles en el arte de la fotografía y el grabado, logrando un amplio reconocimiento en México y el extranjero.

- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - -

Miércoles 11 de abril Sorteo del billete de la Lotería Nacional, con motivo del Homenaje por el Décimo Aniversario Luctuoso de Mariana Yampolsky.

Para el sorteo Gordito por terminaciones.

Edificio de la Lotería Nacional.

N o t a:  Para el segundo semestre de 2012, se tiene contemplado el inicio de la itinerancia de obra fotográfica de la Exposición Mariana Yampolsky.  Mirada que cautiva la mirada, por varias ciudades de la República Mexicana.

fundacionmyampolsky@yahoo.com eortizemilio@gmail.com sencastillejos@gmail.com

Tel.- 55 10 22 01 exts.- 103 y 105

 Twitter: @map_mexico Facebook: Museo de Arte Popular

Hacienda Mosaico

Hacienda Mosaico is a completely walled, private property with an outdoor eating area around a gorgeous pool.  Everywhere you look, from the painted rugs and furniture to the mosaic steps, benches and tables and adornment hanging from the trees you will be enthralled with creativity.

 Hacienda Mosaico is also open to the independent traveler.  

Hacienda Mosaico is ideal for small private retreats and intimate parties as well as a quiet respite from the busy world….a tranquil vacation destination in a tropical environment for individuals and families.

Independent travelers often prefer B&B accommodations rather than a hotel because it offers the opportunity to meet the local community.

As with most seaside resort towns, the closer you move to the beach the more built up and touristy it becomes.  Moving only a short distance away from the ocean you quickly step into old Mexico. With the beach only blocks away, Hacienda Mosaico offers a quiet, friendly, residential neighborhood and the convenience of a central location.

At HACIENDA MOSAICO it is possible to experience the “real Mexico”.

Visit thisLINK for the upcoming 2012/2013 Workshop Calendar.  

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• The decor is playful and colorful!

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• unique, airy decor

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• Hacienda Mosaico - Vallarta

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• Fabulous decor!

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• Visit Hacienda Mosaico, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for art and relaxation!

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 Have you ordered the fish cakes at TASTE Restaurant, Casa Cupula, Puerto Vallarta?  Want to recreate them at home for your family and friends?  I am happy to be able to share Chef Oscar Rito’s secret recipe!

“Here’s a simple recipe where we can use parts of fresh fish after cleaning.  In this recipe we use cod, but you can use, Bass, Red Snapper, etc..  If you go fishing and have a lot of fish remaining after cleaning this is a great recipe for using the remains.

Preparation time 40 minutes:

Ingredients

Cod .5 kg

2 medium potatoes

1 cup bread crumbs cup

¼ cup chopped parsley

Grated Parmesan 2 teaspoons

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon of pepper

2 eggs, lightly beaten

Canola oil for frying

What to do:

Cook and mash the potatoes. Boil the fish until it flakes easily. Dry and remove the bones. Mix the fish with potatoes and remaining ingredients to form a consistent mixture so you can form small patties by hand (always use a little flour to keep it from getting sticky). Fry patties in a small, medium hot oil until they are a nice golden color. Turn them and brown on all sides and serve. This recipe will yield 12 pieces. Serve with some Tartar sauce

En Español:

Aquí tenemos una receta sencilla donde podremos utilizar los retazos de pescado que nos han quedado después de limpiar una pieza fresca de esta. En esta receta utilizaremos Bacalao, pero podremos utilizar, Bassa, Huachinango, etc. Si te vas de pesca y que queda mucho pescado después de limpiarlo aquí lo puedes utilizar.

Tiempo de preparación 40 minutos:

Ingredientes

.5 kg de Bacalao

2 papas medianas

1 taza de migas de pan

¼ de taza de perejil picado

2 cucharadas de Parmesano rallado

2 ajos picados

1 cucharadita de sal

½ cucharada de pimienta

2 huevos ligeramente batidos

Aceite de Canola para freir

Procedimiento

Cocinar las papas y hacer pure Hervir el pescado hasta que se pueda desmenuzar fácilmente. Secar y sacar los huesitos que le queden Mezclar el pescado con la papa y el resto de los ingredientes. Hasta formar una masa consistente que pueda formar pequeñas tortitas con la mano (siempre utilizar un poco de harina para que no se nos pegue) Formar los pequenos pastelitos y freirlos en aceite medianamente caliente hasta que tengan un lindo color dorado. Darles vuelta y que dore por todos lados y servir Esta receta nos puede alcanzar para 12 piezas. Puedes acompañarlos de algún alioli o Tartara.”

Under Executive Chef Oscar’s care Taste has earned its reputation as the BEST NEW RESTAURANT IN PUERTO VALLARTA 2011 by readers of Vallarta Lifestyles Magazine.  Taste restaurant offers a dinner menu from four different cuisines:  US, Mexican, Asian and South American, with almost all dishes available in full or half (“Taste”) portions.  New for our second season, Chef Rito will offer a monthly menu D’Autor, with his own special selections combining elements from these four cuisines.

Attentive and respectful service is one of Taste’s most important goals.  You’ll feel warmly welcomed and respectfully treated.  TASTE RESTAURANT is open to the general public, so stop by today.  Dinner reservations are recommended.  For reservations go to Open Table or phone 322-223-2484 x151.

by Harriet Cochran Murray

www.CasasandVillas.com

1.  What is the word used in Mexico for a deed?

a. poliza

b. cuenta

c. escritura

d. campaña

2.  If you are required to pay “impuestos sobre la renta” when you sell real estate in Mexico, you are paying:

a. sales tax

b. luxury tax

c. capital gains tax

d. rental tax

3.  Federal maritime zone denotes:

a. the right of way on the highway

b. the shore line of the ocean

c. off-shore

4.  If you sign a pagaré, you have signed a:

a. bill of sale

b. promissory note

c. offer to purchase

d. carta

5.  The official person who can transfer real estate ownership is a:

a. abogado

b. notario publico

c. corredor público

d. affiant

6.  The signatures attesting or witnessing a signature above it are called:

a. testigos

b. salutations

c. garantizados

d. primeros pagos

7.  In the restricted zone, a foreigner can acquire property within a:

a. fidecomiso

b. fondo de dinero

c. préstamo

d. pagare

8.  Operadora de Fondos Lloyd, S.A is a:

a. bank

b. investment company

c. credit card

d. mortgage company

9.  If you pay your predial annually, you have paid your:

a. property tax

b. precio

c. la cuenta

d. carta poder

10.  One of the major national organizations in Mexico for real estate professionals is:

a. PRD

b. AMPI

c. NAR

d. PAN

11.  If you agree to put money into escrow for a purchase of real estate, you have made a:

a. depósito condicional irrevocable

b. carta de remesa

c. convenio

12.  If you are interested in what the interest rate is on a loan, you will want to know:

a. tasa de interés

b. tipo neto

c. cuenta asegurada

13.  If you purchase an item and want a formal receipt, you may ask for:

a. a contrato

b. a factura

c. a cobertura

d. a fiscal

14.  If you want to exchange money and the banks are closed, you want to go to a:

a. tienda

b. casa de cambio

c. compañia

d. edificio

15. If you are asked to pay within the price of a property or business for goodwill or increased value, you have agreed to pay for a:

a. pagaré

b. póliza

c. carta

d. plusvalia

16.  If you give someone power of attorney for you, you have given a:

a. puestos

b. poder

c. cargo

d. forma corta

17.  If you want to go to a real estate company, you will see it advertised as a:

a. agencia de bienes raíces

b. mercado de mercantiles

18.  If you acquire rights in a property, you have acquired:

a. transferencia

b. riesgo

c. derecho

d. fecha

19.  We call real estate a real asset. In Mexico, we call real estate:

a. seguro

b. ganancia

c. corredor

d. bienes inmuebles

20.  If you are asked to pay for a purchase in the equivalent of USD dollars, you will pay the rate in pesos, offered by the bank, which is:

a. the same

b. higher

c. lower

21.  Licensing of real estate agents in Mexico at this time is:

a. required

b. optional

c. not required

22.  A contingency for an inspection in an offer to purchase is:

a. used frequently

b. required

c. negotiated

Answer Key:

1.(c) – 2.(c) – 3.(b) – 4.(b) – 5.(b) – 6.(a) – 7.(a) – 8.(b) – 9.(a) – 10.(b) – 11.(a) – 12.(a)

13.(b) – 14.(b) – 15.(d) – 16.(b) – 17.(a) – 18.(c) – 19.(d) – 20.(b) – 21.(c) – 22.(c)

Harriet Cochran Murray, Director of Cochran Real Estate, is a seasoned Real Estate professional both here in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and in the United States. Harriet has served in many capacities as a board member for the local Real Estate Association AMPI (AMPI is the national association of real estate professionals). She is also a member of FIABCI, NAR in the United States and a proud member of CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist), a designation of NAR.  Harriet’s expertise and experience in the Real Estate and especially in the Mexican market makes her Viewpoint blog articles both informational and intriguing. Harriet is a Buyer’s Agent who specializes in getting the best deal on the right property for her clients. Visit her website at www.CasasandVillas.com and Check out her Real Estate Listings.

Upscale, air conditioned condo residences, designed by architect Octavio Lopez Reynoso, allows vacationers the flexibility and freedom of decorating unfurnished units to accommodate individual comforts, needs and lifestyle.  Private balconies and patios overlook the renowned Banderas Bay, the spectacular Sierra Madre jungle and Puerto Vallarta’s quaint cobblestone streets and everblooming bougainvillea.  

Upscale Mexican, European and Zen style condo units feature handcrafted Brazilian wood doors, marble floors, spa style washrooms and functional, sleek kitchens outfitted with granite counters and spacious islands. Sliding pocket doors lead to private terraces with a view to provide indoor-outdoor living, dining, entertaining and relaxation. 

The spacious property features graceful palms, manicured gardens and two stunning infinity ocean view pools – one on the main level and one on the upper terrace.  The entrance lobby contains a spa and gym.  Elevator service and covered parking is available. 

Puerto Vallarta’s shops, dining and beach are all within walking distance and the tiny village of Mismaloya just a short bus ride away.

Take time out for a visit to Avalon!  Discover the pleasures and simplicity of Mexico while taking advantage of all the modern conveniences and comforts of ‘home’. 

For availability and rates, please contact:  cangomexico@gmail.com or smm.interexpress@gmail.com 

• Avalon Panoramic View Amapas Puerto Vallarta

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• Avalon Upscale Condos Amapas Puerto Vallarta

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• Avalon Spacious Retirement Condos Puerto Vallarta

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• Avalon Spacious Closets - Amapas Puerto Vallarta

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• Avalon Penthouse Long Term Condo Rentals Vallarta

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• Avalon Penthouse Condos Puerto Vallarta

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• Avalon Great Place to Retire in Puerto Vallarta Mexico

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• Avalon Condo Bedroom Marble Floor Puerto Vallarta

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• Avalon Class A Condos Spacious Bathrooms Puerto Vallarta

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• Avalon High End Condos Puerto Vallarta

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• Avalon Ocean View Penthouse Condos Amapas Puerto Vallarta

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• Avalon Long Term Condo Rentals Oceanview Pool & Jacuzzi

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• Avalon Amapas Puerto Vallarta

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