Chiquis is Back!

We're coming back with fire God Will in testing testing one to three? Hello, is this thing working? Testing one to three? Hi, guys, It's cheek Ease and welcome to Season two of cheek Ease and Chill. I am so happy to be back behind the mic. So much has happened since we last spoke, and I can't wait to fill you guys in. I hope you all have had some Memory Bowl holidays and you're ready for a new year. So without further ado, let's get into this. This is

cheek Ease and Chill, so we're officially in. How crazy is that? Guys? We have a brand new year ahead of us, and I have so much plan for this year, like so much, which I'll talk about in the next episode, but right now, I just want to catch you guys up on what I've been up to. I mean, I tried IVF, which that didn't really work out too well. I'll tell you about that later. My mom's anniversary ten year anniversary, you guys, of her passing my Latin Grammy

win a nomination to the American Grammy. Oh my god. That's excited. Um, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, Oh my god. The wrap up of my tour of Harena, Oh my gosh, that was so emotional. And yeah, I mean, so much has happened. Okay, let's talk a little bit about it. Like I said, I VF. I tried it, and I don't want to get into it too much right now, So I'm gonna have like a full episode on that because I think it's important to really just explain certain things.

So I did start it, but I didn't finish it, so I'll tell you about that in another episode. Anyways. Okay, So my own's anniversary ten years. I can't say it enough, you guys. I can't believe it's already been ten years. I can't believe I've lived this long without my mother, Like I just don't know how it happened, when it happened. I just feel like it's the grace of God that poured upon my siblings and I to like help us

get through everything. But let me tell you, I have felt her more than ever, starting like with the Grammys, I always start feeling her a lot, like October, November, December, going into the new year. So it's like I've been feeling her, you know, these past few months, and so much has happened. Two was very, very emotionally draining, I think, and I've explained this to you guys in past episodes

for my siblings and I and everything that's happened. But I feel like towards the end of the year, my mom really showed up and showed off in all of our lives. And it was just beautiful to be able to celebrate her life because for her tenth ye anniversary, we did not want to mourn her. Although December nine is a sad day for us, we didn't want to mourn her. We wanted to celebrate her life. So that

was a beautiful, beautiful moment. I had my siblings over my nieces and nephews, and we just wanted to spend time together and and celebrate the woman. So that was nice. So let's go back a little bit before that though, because we have the Latin Grammys. Oh my god. Okay, So I won my second Latin Grammy, you guys, and the Tuesday before the Latin Grammys, I found out that I was nominated for the American Grammy. Dude, that was something I hadn't even expected. I wasn't waiting for it.

I was at the gym working out, getting ready and super zoned in on my first performs at the Latin Grammys um My nomination. So I was just like so engulfed in that. So when I got the call from my manager, Mr. Bull Richard Bull, he calls me. He never really calls me. We're not like, I'm not a phone person anymore of like just text me sort of thing or voice note me. So when he called me,

I was like, Okay, what's going on? So I answered and he was like crying, He's probably gonna be super bad at me for saying this, but it's the truth. He was kind of like, and I'm like, oh my god, I swear to you. I thought something happened. I thought because Johnny drove to Vegas, so I thought, oh my god, did something happened to Johnny? Like right away, my syblies came to mind and I'm like, no, it's not. Jennica was here, because she was in Vegas with me. I

was like Jackie, I just spoke to her. I was like, it has to be Johnny. But then I'm like no, like you know, and he's like and I'm like, what what happened? And he's like, we're nominated. I was like what. I was like, yeah, I know, We're nominated to Latin Grammy. Like he's like, no, no, no no, to the American Grammy. I was like what. So he was crying. He couldn't even like really like finished the sentence. It was so cute. And then I started crying and I got off like

the freaking elliptical that I was on. I felt to my knees. I felt so weak, my legs were trembling because I had forgot or maybe I just I didn't even know what day I was living in you guys, I was just so focused and it was just a beautiful, beautiful surprise, and I was just like, Wow, this week, I could not get any better, and then it did. We won. We performed, we killed it, that song that I sang or my song, and then the song it came out beautiful. They were so respectful, they are so nice,

they're so talented. Shout out to them. So the morning of November seventeen, the day of the Latin Grammys, we had rehearsals. So I went to rehearsals early in the morning, and I'm so glad we did rehearsals because I wanted it to be like you know, I was singing live and I wanted it to be perfect, So that was awesome. It went great. Then from there, Um, I don't even think I ate much that day, you guys, not because I didn't want to eat or feel like I was

gonna feel bloated. I just wasn't really hungry. I was just so excited, so focused that I probably picked out a few things. But anyways, I went into hair and makeup fairly early because after rehearsals we had I think hair and makeup was at one and we stopped rehearsals at twelve thirty. We finished rehearsals at twelve thirty, So anyways, everything was kind of running a little late, and I wanted to be at they have like a pre show

where my category was a part of. So there's a pre show of the Latin Grimes and there's a big show. So I was a little bummed out. I'm not gonna lie because I was like, oh, I wish it was like part of the big show. But I'm so happy that it turned out that way because it worked out so perfectly. So while I was getting ready, I wanted to get ready really quick so that I could be at the pre show too, maybe hopefully you know, get my award and have it their physic glee and be

able to give my you know, my acceptance speech. But everything was running behind, so I was like, you know what, I'm just gonna relax. I'm gonna watch it on the laptop because it was live, and then that's how we found out. And it was perfect because my whole team was there. I didn't even know that everyone was recording until afterwards. Everyone had their phones on, like and I think,

I think, oh, it's it's on Instagram, you guys. You guys could go check it out, like the actual video where I'm like, you know what, it's okay, it's okay, but anyways, we won, and it was awesome because then I just finished getting ready for the Red carpet, which I wore that beautiful gold dress, and I think it's the best freaking dress that I wore in my life. It's the best Red carpet that I've ever experienced, because that pressure of am I gonna win or not was

completely off because I had already won. So everyone was congratulating me and I was just chilling on the red carpet. I was like, oh my god, the questions, We're gonna just be super chill. It's about my nomination and that's all it was. That everyone loved my dress. We won Best Dress. Hey, shout out to Ricky, my stylists, and also the designer Ray Ortiz. My glam team was on point that day. The entire look for the Latin Grammys, I feel like, was just top tier. I felt so beautiful.

I don't know if that's conceited to say, but I felt so beautiful. I felt like it was just so different for me. Everything the hair, even the makeup, the dress, but that's how I pictured it. I wanted to be the Grammy. I was like, you know what, even if we don't take it home, I am still an award. I am still a trophy. So I want to look like a Grammy. So that was my inspiration. And I looked up a dress and we changed a few things, and I sent it to Ricky and I said, I

want gold. I want to be dripping in gold because it represents the gold Latin Grammy and it also represents Honey. So that was my whole inspo behind it. The makeup, I wanted it super clean. The hair I wanted it up. I never do my hair up. It's very rare when I do my hair up for a red carpet. But I wanted everything to just be super elegant. And I think we just freaking we fucking killed it. You guys. Shout out to Team Thrive, to Jessica, Tony, Ricky, all

the team, Oh me, everyone killed it. That day was uh amazing, amazing. It was just a beautiful week. You guys so successful. Then after the Latin Grammys, after we won, I performed at the House of Blues and I think I gave the best performance of my life. Becky g surprised me. I'm on thee I was there at the show. I had so many friends and family that drove in to just go see me at the House of Blues. Like everyone was just like went as like, she's gonna

win and we're gonna celebrate her. So we all put that positive energy out there. Yeah, because my my I call my pastors, you know, mom and dad. So they got a flight that night and they're like, we know you're gonna win, even before they knew I won. So they're like, we're gonna go we know you're gonna win, and we're gonna go celebrate you. So everyone was just on the same frequency. It was beautiful. The show was nice. My friend Helen Atoa was there. Oh I gotta feel

like I'm fregetting people. But anyways, it was like the best freaking show. It was a packed house. It was just awesome. So that week was was great. I'm so grateful. And you know, the American me is um In February. February five, we are nominated for the Best Regional Mexican Music Album. And this is very difficult, you guys, Okay, this this is the American Grammy. So it's like all of English music and then they have a small section

for the best regional Mexican music. So there's like all kinds, there's like mighty actually they put everything all in one. So Cristian that is in that category. Mars um So, I mean, this is it's a pretty important category and it's just such an honor to be nominated with them. So pray for me, send us good energy. But let me tell you, I'm so confident in my album that I just I don't know. I think we have an

amazing chance. So I'm just putting that out there. But again, and now that we're talking about and everything, let me tell you guys about my last show So and did on December three. I was in Nashville on December two. That show was freaking amazing. The crazy thing is I wanted to get in early to Nashville because I wanted to go sight seeing and shal you know, I want to kind of like open my horizons a little bit more because usually I'm that girl that stays in the

hotel I work out, I relaxed. I was like, I don't want to do that. I want to go see Nashville. It's like freaking music city. Nope, I got there. We got in late the night before and the day of the show. On the second, I was like so exhausted. I slept the entire freaking day. I didn't get out of bed, I kid you, not until like probably five o'clock in the evening. I ate in bed. I was just so I think tired. I don't know, because November

was such a heavy month. We did so much, thank God, so I was just like, oh my god, I just need to rest. So I slept the whole day. Anyways, I want to go work out. Then I started getting ready for hair and makeup. I didn't even go to sound check that day, you guys, But I'm so glad that I rested. I was like, I need all of the energy because in a way, after the Latin Grammys, my brain was kind of in like vacation mode, so like finishing those shows, I needed all of my energy.

So anyways, um, Nashville was amazing. The crowd there was freaking lit, literally like a titty so lit, amazing, amazing, amazing crowd. We had a blast, and then the next day we went to Greensville. Were at the airport all day on the third, but everything worked out nicely because I was actually usually I gone stage at the night clubs like twelve thirty in the morning and that's really heavy because it's like twelve thirty two, like two o'clock.

But I decided not to close the shows, um because I did these last two shows with Golden Companiello, which you guys have to listen to his music if you would never have. His name is got nun amazing, He's trending. His dreams are crazy on Spotify and anyways, check them out. So I had him closed because I was like, you know what, let me, let me go on first. But it was awesome because I was the one getting the crowd lit, you know what I mean. Like I was like, hey,

you guys, he's coming after me, like get lit. So we were drinking and that show again, like I did something that I never do. I I got on my knees and I was dancing like a little like stripper. It was I don't even know where that came from. Every show on a tour is different, Like there's certain things that I say, like the outline of the show is always the same, Like I know what I want to say, but I always just go and I wean it,

you know what I mean. Like I'm like I want to say what I feel in my heart in that moment. I want to do whatever it comes to me. I don't like to be like a little robot like okay, like this is what I gotta do, and this is what I have to say at this part. Like no, I've never been that type of artist. I never want to be that type of artists. Like I want to have blocking like where it's like, okay, at this moment, I go to this part of the stage. But that's

the magic of the Aharina experience, you know. It's like I just realized we had twenty three shows, which I felt they were more like forty shows because we started to in April. So I had asked Richard. I was like, how many shows have I had. He's like, he's like, how how many does it feel like? And I said, oh, it feels like like forty at least. And He's like, dude, we've only done twenty three. Not only I mean twenty three a lot. You know, I'm very proud of myself,

but it felt like more. And I have fans that have gone to like ten of those shows, have driven take flights to go see me. And I always asked him, you don't get tired of me, and they're like, no, it's crazy because i feel like I'm seeing you for the first time every time, and that is like mission accomplished for me. So I'm very proud. It was very sad, a bittersweet moment to like end my tour part one because I'm actually going to do part two in this year.

I'll tell you guys more about that because there's a lot coming. But I was sad, but in a way, I was happy because I felt like I needed that break, you know. I was like, I'm sad, I'm gonna miss being on stage, but I've I've I've needed this break to kind of just plan you guys because i want to switch up the show completely. So I've already been writing things down how i want to change it, What songs I want to add, the Chickenese fans out there, I want to add marquarri that to this next, you know,

tour part two, so a lot of surprises. So I'm going to be going to Brownsville again, hopefully for like a week to practice with the band in Brownsville, Texas to bring you guys an even better show. So that was awesome, But I'm grateful. I'm grateful for everyone that went to my part one. Thank you guys. I love you guys so much. And wait for it, wait for it. This year we're coming back. We're coming back with fire, God willen. But yeah, okay, so what else can we

talk about? Oh? Well, Thanksgiving? So Thanksgiving with awesome. I had Thanksgiving at my house. It's my favorite holiday. I love to cook. I fried a turkey, I baked a turkey and just secret mean us. My big turkey was very good. In the breast area, it was very delicious, very flavorful. But on the leg side and last berras, it was undercooked. Oh my god. I was so embarrassed. No manches. Everyone was getting like, you know, the freaking breast. It was all beautiful and juicy and then okay, I

want some leg and it was pink. Oh my god. I had to put it back in the oven. I was so embarrassed because I had my family, my siblings and the kids and like my my my little family, and then we had a Medio's family over for the first time. So it was like our first Thanksgiving together, you know, because last year I didn't have things Giving in my house because my house is a mess. I

was still moving in so whatever. Not last year. But so anyways, this past Thanksgiving, like I was like, I really this my favorite holiday I want to host, and like I did this. I went all out. I got the house decorated, I cooked, my sister cooked, we all kind of cooked. And I was just so freaking embarrassed. But a Winnow. The fried turkey came out delicious, so good, you guys, like I did it like Casian style, so I buttered it up, putcation sauce, like all this seasoning rico.

I also made like scallop potatoes for the first time. If you've never tried them, Oh my gosh, I swear to you. I would love to know how much butter is sold for Thanksgiving, for like Thanksgiving time, how much fucking butter because every recipe I don't know how much butter and freaking cream cheese and all this shit. Well not ship because it's so delicious. I love dairy products. I try not to eat them too much because they're not necessarily I feel like great for our like health.

I mean, with keto, I eat it, but not as much. Anyways, that's a whole our conversation. But I was like, dude, everything has butter. I put so much butter in the scallet potatoes. I made cream of corn, and then Jennica told me how much better she used on the mashed potatoes. And then she made mac and cheese. No, no no, no, anyways, I'm curious to know. One day, I need to find out how much butter is sold around Thanksgiving time. Anyways, we played, we played. It was freaking awesome, you guys,

it was. It was a great time. I am so grateful. And one thing I do regret we didn't do was we didn't go around the table, just maybe because there was like a lot of us, I want to say, maybe like a good forty and usually we go around the table and ask each person what are you grateful for? And that's the only thing I missed this year. But anyways, it was beautiful. Thanksgiving has been my favorite holiday since I could remember. I love Christmas, don't get me wrong.

I love the feeling of Christmas and everything, but Thanksgiving is like you don't have to give someone a gift. It's since you're just getting together and it's a day. And I think we should all be grateful every single day. You know what, I mean, like have an attitude of gratitude.

That's like the best way to live. But there's a designated day to say, hey, let me stop whatever it is that I'm doing and analyze and reflect on my life and be thankful for what I have, not for what I want, not for what I desire, not for

what I want in five years or ten years. You're living in the moment and saying thank you God for X, Y and Z, even the most simplest things, like just things that I think we overlook sometimes, like even being able to to do this, like speak there, you know what I mean, like use our our our voice, things like that that I think we overlook and we take for granted sometimes. And it's just like it's that designated

day to do that. And it's like coming together to eat because I love to eat and I love to cook and I love Thanksgiving dinner. I love Thanksgiving dinner. I love potatoes, I love gravy, I love turkey. It's just like it's my thing. So I don't know, I just feel like there's something so beautiful and magical, even more so than Christmas about Thanksgiving. I don't know. I mean, in Christmas is like Jesus's birthday. I mean, that's pretty magical. But like, I don't know, I just it just makes

my heart happy. Thanksgiving just makes my heart happy. Like everyone knows around me that Thanksgiving is like my favorite holiday. So I hope you all had a beautiful Thanksgiving and you took that time to just be grateful for what you have and you continue with that attitude, especially now

in this new year. All the holidays were amazing. My favorite part of the holidays is just especially now more than ever, is just being with my siblings, spending time with my partner, with my nieces and nephew, seeing their faces on Christmas, opening other gifts. I shopped for everyone, you guys, for my team. I didn't let only help me with anything. I did a lot of online shopping this year. I went to the mall and I picked and hand picked everyone's gifts for me. It's just really important.

I just I love to give. I'm a giver, you guys. I'm I just love to see people smile. And I thank God for giving me the opportunity and the blessing to be able to bless other people and make them happy. So that's what I love about Christmas, and I'm so proud of myself for doing it all myself. And New Year's. Get the policy New Year's it's crazy because of course I celebrate New Year's. I live in the United States, obviously, like New Year's is important for all of us. You know,

it's like kind of like a new start obviously. But my New Year's starts in February, and we can get into that later. But now we are in you know, and an de conejo I go based off of the Chinese calendar, so the new year starts in February. Anyways, that's a whole other story. We can get into that later.

But it was beautiful being with my siblings, being with like my partner, enjoying ourselves and just being grateful for and looking forward toe and just leaving more than anything like the negative things that happened in two behind and just saying hoof. I washed myself of any like negativity. And you know, of course all the little rituals of

like bathing in salt and wearing a consulto. You know, your panties, so Latina, you know, Maria, like the red ones for love, the yellow one represents abundance, lighting my candles, like cleansing the house, cleaning out my closet. All that stuff is part of like my New Year resolutions and New Year's like ritual. Should I say, so? That was awesome. Now let's focus on Chickens and Chill. We're back, and I have a lot of plans for Chickens and Chill.

Like I said, I want to continue to interview and have deep conversations or fun conversations with my favorite peeps. So I'm gonna have a lot of guests, so stay tuned with that. I also wanted to change the pictures. I don't know if you guys noticed, you know, I changed the pictures of Chickens and Chill and also Dear Cheekies. I just want to kind of like a refresh in my mind. I'm like, okay, I'm very much like that. Like I'm like, okay, if I'm moving on to season

two now, I need a new picture. I need to feel like renewed and refreshed myself. And I'm talking about the pictures of like the cover art of Chickens and Chill and Dear chickis you, guys, Because I have changed a lot in every way I feel, especially physically so I was like, I want a new cover picture cover art, so hopefully you guys are enjoying those. I wanted different colors and stuff just to kind of set the tone

of like what's to come. So I do have a lot of surprises for you guys, a lot of things that I want to do this season, a lot of people that I want to interview, a lot of conversations that I want to have, stuff that I believe it or not, I wasn't able to talk about in season one of Chickens and Chill, but I am ready. I mean, a lot has happened, a lot I know is going to happen, and I want to talk to you guys

about it. So this is been a beautiful space for me to share my thoughts, my deepest thoughts, and it's given me an opportunity to and that's just the best word. I can't find another word. It's just to just kind of like it's it's like, uh, I don't even know,

it's like therapy. I always say that, like it's been Chickens and Show has been a form of therapy for me to be able to talk to this Mike and know the responsibility that I have and know that you guys listen to me, and I'm so grateful and have this space to just speak my truth and at my time, in my way without it being changed or you know what I mean. It's just I'm just excited. I'm excited to be back. I'm happy to be back. I am hoping that you guys are excited that I'm back. And

of course Dear Cheekies is also back. You guys, I'm gonna be answering even more of your questions. Like I've always said, and I'll continue to say, you guys, nothing is off limits. And with Dear cheek Ease, I am not a psychologist, I'm not a therapist. I'm not a counselor you guys, but I can give you the best advice as if I was giving it to my sister, to my brother, to my boyfriend, to the people that

I love. And if I don't know something the answer to something, I'll tell you that too, and I'll just send you a big hug. But I'm here to listen to you guys. So Dear Cheekis is also back season two of Dear Cheekies, so be excited. Make sure to send in your question to you guys for Dear Cheekies. But yeah, I think I've caught up with you guys on everything that's happened over the last couple of months. And in keeping with tradition, let's go ahead and get

into our motivational Monday quote. So the quote for today is be proud of how you've been handling these past months, the silent battles you thought, the moments you had to humble yourself, wipe your own tears and pat yourself on the back. Celebrate your strength. I don't know who needs to hear this or who this is going to help with this motivational Monday quote. It just came from like the deepest part of my heart, so hopefully it helps you guys. Thank you guys so much for listening. It

feels so good to be back. I can't wait to record more episodes and to speak with you all directly, and stay tuned for Dear Cheeks. New episodes drop every Wednesday. Do you need advice on love, relationships, health emas? I'm so excited to share with you that my Cheekies and Chill podcast will have an extra episode drop each week. I'll be answering all your questions, just leave me a voice message. All you have to do is go to speak pipe dot com, slash Cheeks and Chill podcast and

record your questions. I can't wait to hear from you. This is a production of I Heart Radio and the Michael Dura podcast Network. Follow us on Instagram at Michael Dura Podcasts and follow me checks that's c h i q u i s. For more podcasts from my heart, visit the I heart Radio app, Apple podcast, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.