Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz

Paula moved from her native Guatemala to SW Florida with her husband and two children and together they are discovering what it means to live life between two languages. Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer, traveler and amateur photographer. She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala. She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel, food and bicultural and bilingual parenting . When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.

Torrejas: Guatemala’s French Toasts

Torrejas is a typical Guatemalan dessert very popular during Christmas and Lent. They are the Latin American version of the French toast, and everyone makes them a little different. There are also many different versions of the Guatemalan recipe for Torrejas. I chose this one because it is somewhat easier, and I made sure the … Read more

5 Last Minute Carnaval Crafts & Activities To Do With Your Kids

Carnaval, the period of time just before Lent, is celebrated in many Latin American countries in different ways. Because it precedes days of sacrifice, Carnaval is a celebration that involves costumes, dancing in the streets and parades. So Carnaval is today and there’s no time to prepare anything.  Don’t worry,  the important thing about celebrations … Read more

empanadas manjar de leche

Guatemalan Empanadas de Manjar de Leche (filled with custard)

This easy recipe for Guatemalan empanadas de manjar or empanadas de leche will have you enjoying this traditional Guatemalan dessert at home in no time! I included an easy step-by-step recipe for making these mouth-watering sweet custard-filled empanadas.  In Guatemala, particularly during Semana Santa, empanadas de manjar a(lso know as empanadas de leche) are a … Read more

Mitos Sobre Aprender Dos Idiomas a Temprana Edad

Si mezclo el inglés y el español voy a confundir a mi hijo Los niños pueden diferenciar entre dos idiomas diferentes desde muy temprana edad. Es normal que en un principio aprendan algunas palabras en un idioma antes que en el otro y entonces en un inicio pueden mezclar los dos idiomas pero esto es … Read more

Cascarones are a Guatemalan carnaval traditions, learn more about Carnaval traditions on Guatemala.

Cascarones & Pica-Pica: Memories of Carnaval in Guatemala

Carnaval in Guatemala, like in many other cultures around the world, is a tradition of religious origin, which is celebrated on Fat Tuesday, right before the start of Lent . In most parts of Guatemala we don’t have a huge celebration like Mardi Gras in New Orleans or Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro. Two exceptions … Read more

10 Libros de Amor y Amistad en Español

                  El Día del Cariño es una gran oportunidad para enseñarles a los niños acerca del amor y la amistad.  A continuación hay 10 libros que les enseñaran acerca de las relaciones y la importancia de la amistad y el amor. El Libro Magico de la Amistad/ … Read more

Guatemalan fish ceviche

Guatemalan Fish Ceviche: A Refreshing Summer Meal

Fish Ceviche or Seviche is one of my favorite Guatemalan foods, a dish that just tastes like summer! Marinated in lime juice and seasonings, it’s a Guatemalan recipe that requires no cooking. The crisp veggies and the freshness of the fish create a tasty appetizer, perfect for a pool party or a hot day. This … Read more

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