I'll be the first to admit that having grown up in Mexico City - a very Catholic and "machista" city - I never really felt comfortable playing with dolls as a kid. If I would have been caught playing with dolls at school or at a party I would have likely become a victim of social ridicule and bullying. Guys are supposed to like plastic cars, toy soldiers, monster trucks, cowboys and guns. I was always a little bit different than other boys I grew up with. I liked My Little Ponies, Care Bears , She-Ra, and yes... Barbie dolls . While I never actually openly played with dolls, I managed to steal one from one of my cousins during a sleepover weekend. It felt so wrong and yet so right. I was excited to get home to play with it. I remember hiding it underneath the washroom vanity and locking myself up to bring it out. Looking back now, I don't really know what I was so ashamed of. Society and cultural gender roles can have a big impact on the way we behave as both kid...

Ok fellow Real Housewives ' fans... Let's dish it out shall we? First of all I'd like to say that I feel extremely privileged to live in such a beautiful and diverse city as Vancouver – it certainly looks great on screen and I’m proud to say that I have been to almost all of the spots the housewives went to on the first two episodes – like most foodies I love exploring the city’s hot spots and trendy shops. In terms of the ladies, here are my first impressions: Jody – WOW – this woman gives the concept of verbal abuse a whole new meaning. I thought I liked her when she started talking to people at the market in their native language but I quickly changed my mind when she took out her claws and attacked Mary and Christina for no apparent reason.  She seems sweet at first but trust me she is full of nasty! Also, what's up with the gigantic earrings and jewelry? Reiko – My favourite Vancouver housewife by far! She knows how to enjoy her money...