All Posts By Charlene Gonzalez

My beautiful Puerto Rico is NOT a floating island of garbage! Puerto Rico “La isla del cordero” belongs to Jesus! I stand proud as a Puerto Rican, and I refuse to let anyone tarnish the beauty of our island. For 16 incredible years, I immersed myself in everything that makes PR special—its breathtaking nature, mouthwatering food, vibrant culture, and the warmth of its people. So, you can imagine how deeply offended I felt by the careless words of that comedian. It’s time for him to step up and apologize.

As a Latina who thrived in Puerto Rico as a blogger and influencer, I’ve dedicated my platform, Lovely Chicas, to showcasing our tourism, culture, fashion, gastronomy, and the undeniable beauty of our island. I can’t stay silent about this—it hits too close to home.

For all my fellow Puerto Ricans, I know those words sting. We’ve weathered so much together, from the devastation of Hurricane Maria to the ongoing battles against corruption in our government. But through it all, we’ve shown our strength and resilience time and time again.

This election season has been a rollercoaster of emotions. I’ve been keeping it in my prayers because the choices we face are tough. Amid all the chaos and controversy, there’s one candidate who truly represents my values. I urge everyone to take a moment, reflect and make a wise choice on Election Day, guided by faith. Mi isla preciosa te amo! #puertorico

Let me take you on a little adventure through an incredible day spent with my little sister—my partner-in-fun and the queen of my heart!

Now, let’s rewind a bit. As kids, we were like fire and water. Total opposites. But as we grew up, something beautiful happened. Our relationship transformed and we turned into inseparable besties, and now we support each other every day. I admire her so much—she’s my rock, my cheerleader, my inspiration, my hero and my ultimate adventure buddy. Whether we’re planning an epic getaway or just hanging out at home, every moment spent with her is pure gold.

So, here’s the scoop: I had never been to Universal Studios before, and my sister organized a sister day there on my most recent trip to Florida! I was very excited! But, confession time—I’m an introvert at heart. While I used to be a rollercoaster junkie, my 30s have turned me into a bit of a ride-wuss. So, instead of screaming my lungs out on thrilling rides, I found my joy in snapping pics with every character I could find!

Our first stop was Islands of Adventure! The moment we stepped into Dr. Seuss Land, my inner child came alive! Seriously, I felt like I’d fallen straight into the pages of my favorite childhood books, especially “The Grinch.” I mean, who doesn’t love the Grinch?! The train ride there was a total blast, and I couldn’t stop smiling!

Now, here’s a fun fact that might surprise you—I’ve never seen or read anything related to Harry Potter. Yes, I know, please don’t throw your wands at me! I’m more of a Twilight girl, but my sister is a HUGE Harry Potter fan. She insisted we visit the Harry Potter area, and wow, was she right! It was absolutely epic! But no, it still didn’t convince me to dive into the series. And yes, my sister made me go on the Harry Potter simulator ride. Let’s just say I almost threw up my lunch!

Next up was Jurassic Park, and I was living my best dino-loving life! My inner child came out to play again as I snapped some super cool photos with those massive dinosaurs. It was a total highlight!

Then we made our way to Universal Studios, and I was pumped to see the Transformers character. But guess what? We missed him!  No worries, though—we headed over to The Simpsons area, which was totally cool!

Strolling around we met a few characters, and I had a blast posing with SpongeBob, Patrick, Poppy from Trolls, and Puss in Boots. It was like a cartoon dream come true!

We made a stop at Minion Land which was so adorable, and we had a delicious massively sugary drink which almost gave me diabetes.

A ride I absolutely couldn’t skip was the E.T. ride. It was such a chill vibe, and after that, we caught the characters’ parade, which was the perfect way to end the day. All in all, it was an unforgettable experience, mostly because I got to spend it with my sister. But you know what? I think we both secretly prefer the magic of Disney!

Be You, Be Lovely

Charlene Gonzalez

This year, I embarked on a journey that fulfilled one of my greatest dreams: participating in a mission trip. United with this special group from my church  Ignite, we traveled to El Progreso, Honduras. While it may sound cliché, I can wholeheartedly say that this experience was life-changing and reaffirmed my sense of purpose.

Miracles unfolded during my time in Honduras, beginning with what I can only describe as a small blessing: my Korean skincare products, which were slightly over the allowed ounces, miraculously went unchecked at customs. It was a reminder that even the little things can feel monumental when you’re on a journey of purpose. Even God knew I needed my Korean skincare. 

For those who may not know, I previously lived in Puerto Rico, where I built a platform as an influencer. I had a significant following, which I used to empower women and teens, host conferences, and visit shelters and orphanages. However, two years ago, my life took a turn when I was hacked, and I lost everything I had worked for. In the aftermath, I struggled to find my purpose and prayed for guidance. This trip felt like a new beginning, an opportunity to reignite my passion for service.

On the second day of our Vacation Bible School (VBS) activities, a little girl gifted me a bracelet adorned with an airplane charm. This child, who had so little herself, chose to share a piece of her heart with me. The act was incredibly touching and represented so much more than just a bracelet—it was a confirmation of my purpose. These little cuties in Honduras completely stole my heart. Every day, they welcomed us with endless love and joy. Despite having so little they would continuously gift me precious tokens of their affection.

The time spent with the kids at the center was beyond special. Each interaction was filled with laughter, joy, and learning. On the last day, I had the opportunity to hold my conference “We are Lovely Chicas” for the girls at the center—a moment I had longed for. It had been years since I had shared my story and talked about self-love and empowerment. As I spoke, I felt God’s presence in a powerful way, reaffirming my purpose and reminding me why I had embarked on this journey in the first place.

This mission trip was not just a series of activities; it was a profound reminder of the impact we can have on each other’s lives. I returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and a heart full of gratitude. I am excited to continue this journey, to serve, inspire, and empower others, just as I once did. 

In the end, I realized that purpose is not always a destination but rather a journey—one that can be rediscovered in the most unexpected places. Honduras will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I am eager to carry the lessons I learned into my future endeavors.

Be You, Be Lovely

Charlene Gonzalez 

Happy 12th Blogiversary, Lovely Chicas! As I commemorate this milestone, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey that has brought me to this point. In past years I would typically mark this occasion with a grand photoshoot, but this year, my priorities have shifted. I’ve been immersed in family matters, church activities, and preparations for an upcoming missionary trip to Honduras. Within the hustle and bustle of life, one thing remained clear – it was time for a rebrand.

Over the past 12 years, I have evolved and grown in ways I never could have imagined. The person I am today is very different from the Charlene who started this blog over a decade ago. As I reflected on this transformation, I realized that my old logo no longer reflected the essence of who I am now. It was time for a change, a rebranding that would capture the essence of the woman I have become.

This new logo represents the journey I have undertaken, the challenges I have faced, and the victories I have celebrated. It symbolizes growth, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of Lovely Chicas.

As I look back on the past 12 years, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all that Lovely Chicas has brought into my life. The experiences, the connections, the lessons learned – each one has shaped me in profound ways. Through this platform, I have had the privilege of meeting incredible people, sharing stories, and spreading joy and inspiration to others.

As I step into this new chapter with a fresh perspective and a reimagined brand, I am filled with excitement for the possibilities that lie ahead. I am proud of the woman I have become, the journey I have traveled, and the community that surrounds me.

Here’s to 12 years of growth, transformation, and endless possibilities. Here’s to Lovely Chicas and the incredible adventures that await. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Cheers to many more years of inspiration, connection, and empowerment.

Be You, Be Lovely 

Charlene Gonzalez 

Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania lies a hidden gem that I recently discovered – the “Peaceful Healing Journey” prayer garden. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this serene oasis provided a truly transformative experience that brought me closer to Jesus.

As I wandered through the prayer garden, I was surrounded by a sense of peace and tranquility. The carefully curated paths led me through a series of peaceful sites and immersive biblical scenery that guided me on a journey of healing. Each step I took felt like a step closer to a deeper connection with my faith and a greater sense of inner peace.

One of the most impactful moments of my visit was a graveyard where all feelings that affect us were symbolically buried, serving as a powerful reminder of the need to let go of our burdens and find solace in Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross.

A scene that left a lasting impression on me was a beautifully set garden table adorned with a Bible verse that read, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” This powerful message served as a reminder that no matter who may stand against me, God is my ultimate defender and protector. It was a moment of reassurance and comfort for me.

Another highlight of my visit was the prayer and deliverance rooms, where I was able to spend time in quiet reflection and communion with God.

I highly recommend a visit to the “Peaceful Healing Journey” prayer garden to anyone seeking a moment of spiritual renewal and connection with Jesus. This hidden sanctuary is truly a place of healing and transformation that everyone should experience.

Be You, Be Lovely

Charlene Gonzalez 

There’s something special about a girls’ trip to New York City, especially when I get to introduce my friends to my favorite spot in the Big Apple – K-town. For those who don’t already know, I have a deep love for all things Korean – the food, the culture, K-pop, and K-dramas. (I may or may not be secretly praying for a Korean husband, but that’s a story for another day!)

During this particular trip, I convinced my girlies to join me on a culinary adventure through Food Gallery 32. The food and atmosphere here are truly something else, offering a delicious and authentic taste of Korean cuisine. I have to say, I’ve never had ramen quite like the one I had here, and trust me, I’ve sampled my fair share of ramen from various places.

To satisfy my sweet tooth, I indulged in the famous tanghulu – ripe fruit coated in a delicate, clear sugar shell. It was a delightful and unique treat that perfectly capped off my foodie excursion.

However, my day took a slightly unexpected turn when I had a close encounter with a speeding motorcycle while crossing the street. The adrenaline rush from that moment still lingers, but looking back, I can’t help but feel grateful for God’s protection. The fact that I narrowly avoided a collision, with the motorcycle coming to a screeching halt just inches away from me, felt nothing short of miraculous. It served as a stark reminder of the importance of cherishing every moment and being thankful for the safety and blessings in our lives.

Despite that heart-stopping moment, the rest of our trip was nothing short of amazing. There’s something truly special about spending quality time with your girlfriends, creating unforgettable memories and sharing laughter and joy together. Girl time truly is the best time, and I can’t wait for our next adventure together.

As we wrapped up our day in K-town, bellies full and hearts happy, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the experiences and connections that make life so rich and fulfilling. Here’s to more adventures, more laughter, and more cherished moments with the ones we hold dear. Cheers to the beauty of friendship and the joy of exploring new places together.

Be You, Be Lovely

Charlene Gonzalez