Charlene Gonzalez

Hello my loves! I hope everyone’s doing great. ¡Hola mis amores! Espero que a todos estén bien.

I wanted to give you a life update of everything that has been going on, promise not to bore you. So, this year, I’m going to get a little more personal with my blog posts because I’ve been through a lot of life experiences, I know will help you all. Now onto that; no one’s perfect. We all have personal situations and battles we face every day. Though everyday may not be 100% perfect each day contains its share of blessings.

Quería darles una actualización de mi vida sobre todo lo que ha estado sucediendo, prometo no aburrirlos. Este año, voy a ser un poco más personal con las publicaciones de mi blog porque he pasado por muchas experiencias de vida, sé que los ayudará a todos. Ahora en eso; nadie es perfecto. Todos tenemos situaciones personales y batallas que enfrentamos todos los días. Aunque todos los días no son 100% perfectos, cada día contiene bendiciones.

One of my main goals this year is to put myself first and practice more self-love. I’m focused on working harder towards my dreams, making the most of every moment, taking more risks and fully taking care of myself mentally and physically. For my mental health I’ll be spending less time on social media. Now this can be hard as I am a blogger, content creator, influencer and social media strategist. It’s basically my job to be online but I had to put a control on timing. That doesn’t mean I won’t be posting my usual content, not at all. I simply won’t be spending as much time consuming social media. All the data we consume on social media can be overwhelming, stressful and produces lots of anxiety. I’m focused on creating and posting the content I need to share and quickly exiting the platform for my own personal health.

Uno de mis principales objetivos este año es ponerme en primer lugar y practicar más el amor propio. Estoy enfocada en trabajar más duro para lograr mis sueños, aprovechar al máximo cada momento, tomar más riesgos y cuidarme por completo mental y físicamente. Por mi salud mental, pasaré menos tiempo en las redes sociales. Ahora bien, esto puede ser difícil ya que soy bloguero, creadora de contenido, “influencer” y estratega de redes sociales. Básicamente, mi trabajo es estar en línea, pero tuve que poner un control de tiempo. Eso no significa que no voy a publicar mi contenido habitual, en absoluto. Simplemente no gastaré tanto tiempo consumiendo las redes sociales. Todos los datos que consumimos en las redes sociales pueden ser abrumadores, estresantes y producen mucha ansiedad. Estoy enfocada en crear y publicar el contenido que necesito compartir y salir rápidamente de la plataforma por mi propia salud personal.

Like many, I suffer from anxiety. My last panic attack was during the beginning of the pandemic. I’m not going to describe my anxiety nor complain about it because I consider myself a very strong woman but I will share how I conquer it. I don’t take any medications for it, but I have changed a lot in my lifestyle to better my condition from taking omega 3 capsules, exercising more, practicing more positivity and affirmations, relaxation techniques and limiting my caffeine intake. Yes, I love coffee. I’ll admit that excluding it from my life has been hard but my extreme addiction to coffee was making my anxiety worse and giving me heart palpitations. So, I replaced my coffee with iced matcha latte and I have to say it’s made a big difference in my health. Matcha has many benefits like boosting energy and brain function, it’s a stress reliever, prevents cancer, helps lose weight and is great for anti-aging. Yes, the perks of drinking matcha are life changing and those are just a few. Since its flavor is a bit earthy, I like to combine mine with soy milk and vanilla. If your also looking for something to help your stress and anxiety I recommend you try matcha.

Como muchos, sufro de ansiedad. Mi último ataque de pánico fue durante el comienzo de la pandemia. No voy a describir mi ansiedad ni a quejarme porque me considero una mujer muy fuerte pero compartiré como la supero. No tomo ningún medicamento para eso, pero he cambiado mucho en mi estilo de vida para mejorar mi condición, desde tomar cápsulas de omega 3, hacer más ejercicio, practicar más positividad y afirmaciones, técnicas de relajación y limitar mi consumo de cafeína. Sí, me encanta el café. Debo admitir que excluirlo de mi vida ha sido difícil, pero mi extrema adicción al café empeoraba mi ansiedad y me producía palpitaciones. Entonces, reemplacé mi café con matcha latte y debo decir que ha marcado una gran diferencia en mi salud. Matcha tiene muchos beneficios como aumentar la energía y la función cerebral, es un calmante para el estrés, previene el cáncer, ayuda a perder peso y es excelente para combatir el envejecimiento. Sí, las ventajas de beber matcha cambian la vida y esas son solo algunas. Como su sabor es un poco fuerte, me gusta combinar el mío con leche de soya y vainilla. Si también estás buscando algo que te ayude con el estrés y la ansiedad, te recomiendo que pruebes el matcha.

Onto another update, if you follow me on Instagram you already know I started taking boxing classes. It’s always been a goal of mine to learn. It’s a great sport for reducing stress, self- defense, improving your focus, better endurance, it’s a confidence builder and it totally makes me feel bad ass. Building my self-defense skills has been something that peeked my attention for a while. I’m an independent and busy woman. Unfortunately, in Puerto Rico there has been a rise in robbery and abductions so learning to protect yourself is a must. I wanted to learn real skills because let’s face it carrying pepper spray on my keys isn’t enough.

En otra actualización, si me siguen en Instagram ya saben que comencé a tomar clases de boxeo. Siempre ha sido una de mis metas aprender. Es un gran deporte para reducir el estrés, la autodefensa, mejorar la concentración, mejorar la resistencia, genera confianza y me hace sentir “bad ass”. Desarrollar mis habilidades de autodefensa ha sido algo que me llamó la atención por un tiempo. Soy una mujer independiente y ocupada. Desafortunadamente, en Puerto Rico ha habido un aumento en robos y secuestros, por lo que aprender a protegerse es imprescindible. Quería aprender habilidades reales porque seamos sinceros, llevar spray de pimienta en las llaves no es suficiente.

Moving onto other gossip I fully binge watched Cobra Kai on Netflix. During my adolescent years I was a huge fan of Karate Kid and the original Cobra Kai. The series is really good, can’t wait for season 4. I have also been obsessed with WandaVision on Disney+. At first I wasn’t to wowed with the show but then it got better. The fifth episode left me speechless. The only problem is that Disney launching an episode a week. Fun fact I use to collect comic books as a kid. It’s funny how I love fashion but I’m also a huge fan of superheroes any action movies or series. Though you’ll never catch watching anything that’s thriller or horror. Nope that’s not for me, they fully terrify me.

En otro chisme, ya vi Cobra Kai en Netflix. Durante mi adolescencia fui un gran admirador de Karate Kid y el Cobra Kai original. La serie esta bien buena, estoy ansiosa de ver la cuarta temporada. También he estado obsesionado con WandaVision en Disney +. Al principio no me cautivó, pero luego mejoró. El quinto episodio me dejó sin palabras. El único problema es que Disney lanza un episodio a la semana. Dato curioso yo coleccionaba comics de nena. Es chistoso como amo la moda pero también soy fan de los superhéroes y toda película o serie de acción. Jamás me verás ver algo de terror y miedo. No esas tramas no son para mi, me dan pánico.

Before finishing this life update post I wanted to discuss my fashion look in the photos. I’ve been obsessed with bodysuits, jeans and basic natural colors. This 2021 you’re going to see a lot of white, beige, black, grey and brown in my style. Bodysuits are a girls best friend. They are versatile, hug your body like a glove and have a flattering fit. I own different styles but this white sweater thong bodysuit is my recent fav. It combines the characteristics I loo for in my fashion pieces feminine, sexy, classy and chic.

Antes de terminar esta publicación, quería hablar sobre mi look de moda en las fotos. Estoy obsesionada con los bodys, los jeans y los colores neutrales e básicos. Este 2021 verán mucho blanco, beige, negro, gris y marrón en mi estilo. Los bodysuits son la mejor amiga de las chicas. Son versátiles, abrazan tu cuerpo como un guante y tienen un ajuste favorecedor. Tengo diferentes estilos, pero este body de tanga de suéter blanco es mi favorito. Combina las características que busco en mis piezas de moda femeninas, sexys, con clase y chic.

Finishing up, there’s a lot of great things coming up. I’m super excited, so stay tuned for my blog post and social media platforms.

Para terminar, se avecinan muchas cosas buenas. Estoy muy emocionado, así que estén atentos a la publicación de mi blog y las plataformas de redes sociales.

Be You, Be Lovely
Charlene Gonzalez

Photos by: Nomar Rodriguez

By Charlene Gonzalez

Make 2021 Your Best Year Yet

January 17, 2021January 18, 2021

Leaving behind the painful events of 2020 its time to set our focus and positive energies in 2021. I’m absolutely focused in making 2021 my best year yet. My full effort, time, energy and productivity are aimed to accomplish my goals.

Having clarity of what you want for yourself is essential so that you can properly plan and visualize what you want to achieve in 2021.

What about you? Have you already planned what could possibly be your best year yet? If not here’s a few tips to help you get started, so you can achieve everything you want to accomplish and have your best year yet.

Setting goals and intentions: First of all I’m a huge believer of have goals all the time. Goals shouldn’t just be set before a new year starts, they should be set constantly, and we should put in our complete effort into accomplishing them. If there is one thing 2020 taught me is that life is unpredictable. Many of my goals in 2019 were highly affected by the pandemic, so I’ve set my goals in two categories: internal and external. Internal goals or intentions are those you can accomplish in your own will power. They are totally in your control to accomplish them for example, creating a blog or learning to play guitar etc. External goals are those you don’t have full power to accomplish. For example, if one of your goals is traveling to Spain well it can be affected if borders are closed due to the pandemic. Dividing your goals and intentions helps you prioritize and not feel so disappointed if you can’t accomplish your external goals.

Creating a Vision Board: A vision board is a visual representation of your goals, desires and aspirations. Many prefer to create vision boards with magazine cut outs and poster paper, but I prefer to create a phone lock screen vision board. It’s easier to create and I basically look at my phone all of the time so I will have that constant reminder of what I want to accomplish. I divide my vision board goals in these categories, health, wealth, faith, career, relationships, personal development and experiences.

Affirmations: Affirmations is the practice of positive thinking and self-empowerment using positive statements. Having a positive mindset will help you achieve success in anything your heart desires. Wake up each morning with a grateful heart and positive attitude knowing you are capable of accomplishing all you want in life.

Examples of positive affirmations are:

Today is going to be a great day.

I love myself

I am grateful for all that I have

I believe in myself

My possibilities are endless

I am lovely, brave, bold and beautiful

I am deserving of the best

I will not worry about the things I cannot control

I am talented and successful

My thoughts become my reality

Make self-care a priority: Don’t get caught up working endlessly and forget to take care of yourself. Please relax and do things you love. Go to a spa to relax, exercise, eat healthy, read more, visit the beach to breathe fresh air, practice yoga and don’t ever forget your daily skin care routine. Self- care should be a top trend and priority because by not taking care of ourselves it will be difficult to accomplish our goals.

Remember to have a positive attitude no matter what surprises 2021 may have. Making 2021 your best year yet will take effort but I know we will all accomplish great success.

Be You, Be Lovely

Charlene Gonzalez

Photos by: Nomar Photography

By Charlene Gonzalez

Dear 2021

January 1, 2021January 4, 2021

Dear 2021,

Be kind to us.

Despite what unexpected experiences you may bring you will be a great year full of endless blessings and success. There is nothing you can bring that will break me because 2020 thought us how to be stronger and grateful.

No matter what occurs I will focus on the things I can control. My list of goals and intentions for 2021 is longer than ever but I’ve never been more focused. I will make 2021 the best year ever because I’m focused on the goals I can accomplish in my own will power and control. Deep down in my core I believe and feel 2021 will be amazing.

Though the pandemic is still raging there’s a lot of hope in this new year.

Be You, Be Lovely

Charlene González

By Charlene Gonzalez

Favorite Matte Lipsticks for 2020

December 28, 2020December 29, 2020

When it comes to 2020 makeup trends to many it was all about the eyes because half our face was covered by a mask but I refused to ignore my lips. I was not going to let this pandemic take away one of my favorite makeup must haves, bold colorful lips. Wearing matte lipstick kept a bit a normality in my life this year.

Being a lover of glosses and moist lipsticks in 2020 I learned to love my matte lipsticks. They were the top makeup essential of the year.

When it’s comes to finding the perfect matte lipstick there are lots of things to consider from comfy wear, long-lasting stay, great pigment, hydration and of course that it doesn’t transfer onto my mask.

I’ve tried many matte lipsticks and nailed down my top favorites.

Farmasi Matte Liquid Lipstick: Best of the best. Provides a luxurious bold long-lasting matte finish. Don’t have to reapply during the day even with the face mask. Farmasi is a vegan, gluten free and cruelty free brand. There are 18 shades available. My favorites are 05 Ref Love, 01 Mauve Pink, 03 nude Essence and 08 Sunset Breeze. You can shop the collection and more products here: https://www.farmasius.com/lovelychicas

Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick: You would never guess this was budget friendly based on how incredibly well it stays on all day. It over 16 hour long wear and is waterproof. It’s also available in over 40 colors, including a new coffee collection which smells amazing. Maybelline’s liquid lipstick applies glossy, then quickly dries to a matte finish. My favorite shades are Hazelnut Hypnotizer 260 and Mocha Inventor 275.

L’Oréal Rouge Signature Lightweight Matte Lip Stains provides lasting, weightless intense color. I’m a huge fan of the applicator which makes it super easy to apply. It’s available in 12 shades and my favorite which provides the perfect bold red lip color is 424 Represent.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream: If you prefer a more moisturized matte lipstick this is the one for you. It’s available in 36 shades and the price is very economic. You will have to reapply during the day. Most importantly NYX is a cruelty free brand.

Be You, Be Lovely

Charlene González

By Charlene Gonzalez

A Very Lovely Christmas

December 25, 2020December 26, 2020

We’ve made it to Christmas 2020. Despite all the chaotic surprises this year we’ve made it to the end more blessed than ever. Our perspectives in life have changed and we learned to value what’s truly important.

Llegamos a la Navidad 2020. A pesar de todas las caóticas sorpresas de este año, llegamos al final más bendecidos que nunca. Nuestras perspectivas en la vida han cambiado y aprendimos a valorar lo verdaderamente importante.

Let me be honest, being in my mid 30s and not being a mom yet hit me pretty hard this year. Not that I feel less of a woman because of it NOT AT ALL. I truly feel like an empowered, strong and fulfilled woman but when you’re forced to be locked down in a pandemic the reality of your desires hits harder and one of my greatest desires is to be a mom someday. So, I decided to do something about that and 2020 made me a dog mom of the cutest puppy ever. She’s my biggest miracle this year. I originally adopted her sister whom a few weeks later passed away, her name was Lovely.

Permítanme ser honesta, tener un poco más de 30 años y no ser madre todavía me golpeó bastante este año. No es que me sienta menos mujer por eso NO EN ABSOLUTO. Realmente me siento como una mujer empoderada, fuerte y realizada, pero cuando te ves obligada a estar encerrada en una pandemia, la realidad de tus deseos golpea más fuerte y uno de mis mayores deseos es ser mamá algún día. Entonces, decidí hacer algo al respecto y 2020 me convirtió en la madre de la perrita más lindo del mundo. Ella es mi mayor milagro este año. Originalmente adopté a su hermana, quien falleció unas semanas después, su nombre era Lovely.

I was traumatized but decided to give it another chance than adopted Lovely Hope. When I took her to the vet I was told she was very sick and wasn’t going to make it, that it was best for me to put her to sleep. The news destroyed me but I didn’t want to loose hope. So I decided to fight and care for her no matter the outcome. That’s why I named her Lovely Hope. Through a lot of care and prayer she made it through stronger than ever. Lovely Hope is a strong, playful, energetic and loving dog. She’s my Christmas gift. Lovely Hope literally filled that empty void I was feeling of not being a mom yet. I’m so happy to have her in my life.

Estaba traumatizada, pero decidí darme otra oportunidad y adoptar Lovely Hope. Cuando la llevé al veterinario me dijeron que estaba muy enferma y que no iba a sobrevivir, que era mejor para mí ponerla a dormir. La noticia me destrozó pero no quería perder la esperanza. Así que decidí luchar y cuidar de ella sin importar el resultado. Por eso la llamé Lovely Hope. A través de mucho cuidado y oración, sobrevivió más fuerte que nunca. Lovely Hope es un perrita fuerte, juguetona, llena de energía y cariñosa. Ella es mi regalo de Navidad. Lovely Hope literalmente llenó ese vacío que sentía de no ser madre todavía. Estoy tan feliz de tenerla en mi vida.

Though Christmas 2020 is very different I’m grateful for everything. I wanted to thank each of you. Thank you so much for being with me through every step of my journey!

Aunque la Navidad de 2020 es muy diferente, estoy agradecida por todo. Quería agradecerles a cada uno de ustedes. ¡Muchas gracias por estar conmigo en cada paso de mi viaje!

You guys have no idea how much you’ve changed my life. I wouldn’t have been able to turn my dreams and passion into reality without you. My life is not perfect and neither is the journey that has led me here, however I have never felt happier and more content than I do now. It is worth all the sweat and tears to be here sharing my journey. I wanted to wish you all a very merry Christmas full of love, peace joy and happiness. Love you all.

No tienen idea de lo mucho que han cambiado mi vida. No habría podido convertir mis sueños y mi pasión en realidad sin ustedes. Mi vida no es perfecta y tampoco el viaje que me ha traído hasta aquí, sin embargo nunca me he sentido más feliz y contenta que ahora. Vale la pena todo el sudor y las lágrimas por estar aquí compartiendo mis experiencias. Quería desearles a todos una muy feliz Navidad llena de amor, paz, alegría y felicidad. Los amo a todos.

Be you, Be Lovely
Charlene González

Photos by: Nomar Rodríguez

By Charlene Gonzalez

35th Birthday Queen

December 8, 2020

So, its official, I am 35 years old. Never imagined I’d be celebrating a pandemic birthday and I’m not complaining because I’ve been greatly blessed. On January 2020 I had big plans for my 35^th birthday. I originally thought I’d be doing something big to celebrate but as the official day came closer, I never made any set plans. Honestly, I truly am at a different stage in my life and I’m more than happy to just wake up in the morning, take a deep breath and be grateful that I’m still here.

Entonces, es oficial, tengo 35 años. Nunca imaginé que estaría celebrando un cumpleaños pandémico y no me quejo porque he sido muy bendecida. En enero de 2020 tenía grandes planes para mí cumpleaños 35. Originalmente pensé que haría algo grande para celebrar, pero a medida que se acercaba el día oficial, nunca hice ningún plan establecido. Realmente estoy en una etapa diferente de mi vida y estoy más que feliz de despertarme por la mañana, respirar profundamente y agradecer estar viva.

In our worldwide reality lots of people are celebrating birthdays alone, canceling their weddings, finding themselves without work, others are working more than ever without access to childcare. Some are giving birth alone without their partners in the room. All while many people are suffering, grieving, and dying alone. Everyone is navigating great challenges that are much more important than having a huge birthday party. Honestly, I’m beyond grateful and happy that God blessed me with being able to spend my birthday with my sister whom with all the risks traveled to Puerto Rico. That alone is my biggest birthday gift and celebration.

En nuestra realidad mundial, muchas personas están celebrando cumpleaños solas, cancelando sus bodas, encontrándose sin trabajo, otros están trabajando más que nunca, sin acceso a cuido de niños. Algunas están dando a luz solas sin sus parejas en la habitación. Todo mientras muchas personas están sufriendo, afligidas y muriendo solas/os. Todo el mundo está afrontando grandes desafíos que son mucho más importantes que tener una gran fiesta de cumpleaños. Honestamente, estoy más que agradecido y feliz de que Dios me haya bendecido con poder pasar mi cumpleaños con mi hermana, quien con todos los riesgos viajó a Puerto Rico. Solo eso es mi mayor regalo y celebración de cumpleaños.

Now more than ever, I know that life is a gift and nothing else matters except embracing peace, hope and love. I feel as if my year of being 34 during a pandemic changed me more than ever. This past year has without a doubt been challenging, but it has taught me many lessons I urgently needed to know. All the minimal things that worried me are insignificant. I’ve grown so much as a person, becoming more confident, stronger and resilient. Most importantly, I learned to embrace and love everything about myself. I’m welcoming 35 as a very empowered woman.

Ahora más que nunca, sé que la vida es un regalo y nada más importa excepto abrazar la paz, la esperanza y el amor. Siento como si mi año de 34 años durante una pandemia me hubiera cambiado más que nunca. Este año pasado sin duda ha sido un desafío, pero me ha enseñado muchas lecciones que necesitaba saber con urgencia. Todas las cosas mínimas que me preocupaban son insignificantes. He crecido mucho como persona, me he vuelto más seguro, más fuerte y resiliente. Lo más importante es que aprendí a aceptar y amar todo sobre mí. Le doy la bienvenida a 35 como una mujer muy empoderada.

This year to celebrate my 35^th birthday I’m honored to partner with Forever Crystals to present their December Birthstone Collection. Forever Crystals specializes in creating unique jewelry with Swarovski crystals. I’m a fan of Forever Crystals because they embody elegance, femininity and beauty. Just by wearing one of their unique pieces you will feel empowered. Besides being absolutely beautiful the December Birthstone Collection has a special meaning as does every birthstone. The December birthstone represents tranquility, and we all know that with everything lived this past year I definitely need lots of it. To check out this collection and everything available at Forever Crystal visit https://forevercrystals.com

Este año, para celebrar mi 35 cumpleaños, me siento honrada de asociarme con Forever Crystals para presentar su colección de piedras de nacimiento para diciembre. Forever Crystals se especializa en crear joyas únicas con cristales Swarovski. Soy fan de Forever Crystals porque encarnan elegancia, feminidad y belleza. Con solo usar una de sus piezas únicas, te sentirás empoderada. Además de ser absolutamente hermosa, la colección de piedras de nacimiento para diciembre tiene un significado especial, al igual que todas las piedras de nacimiento. La piedra natal de diciembre representa la tranquilidad, y todos sabemos que con todo lo vivido este año definitivamente necesito mucha tranquilidad. Para ver esta colección y todo lo disponible en Forever Crystal, visite https://forevercrystals.com

I have no idea what the future as a 35 year old has for me especially with all the surprises 2020 has brought. You may have many plans for your life but then unexpected situations come that interrupt your plans. No matter how difficult things may seem I have high expectations for this new year of life. I’m not losing hope, not giving up and I will maintain positive. I know God has great plans for my life. I’m grateful to celebrate another birthday. I’m going to life my 35^th year of life to the fullest.

No tengo tengo idea de lo que me depara el futuro a los 35 años, especialmente con todas las sorpresas que ha traído 2020. Puede que tengas muchos planes para tu vida pero luego surgen situaciones inesperadas que interrumpen tus planes. No importa lo difíciles que puedan parecer las cosas, tengo expectativas grandes para este nuevo año de vida. No pierdo la esperanza, no me rindo y me mantendré positiva. Sé que Dios tiene grandes planes para mi vida. Estoy agradecida de celebrar otro cumpleaños. Voy a vivir mis 35 años de vida al máximo.

Be you, Be Lovely
Charlene Gonzalez

Photos by: Nomar Rodríguez