Charlene Gonzalez

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

By Charlene Gonzalez

Dealing With Holiday Stress and Depression During Covid-19 Pandemic

December 4, 2020December 5, 2020

The holidays are the most joyful time of the year but this season will be very different for us all. In normal times many people looked forward to parties, family gatherings and gift exchanges while celebrating traditions. Due to COVID -19 all that has changed.

Las navidades son la época más alegre del año, pero esta temporada será muy diferente para todos nosotros. En tiempos normales, muchas personas esperaban con ansias las fiestas, las reuniones familiares y los intercambios de regalos mientras celebraban las tradiciones. Debido a COVID -19 todo eso ha cambiado.

In the reality we face today many people have lost loved ones while others are dealing with financial stress as many have lost their jobs. This 2020 pandemic has brought depression and anxiety to an alarming rise. Now in addition we face the holiday stress.

En la realidad a la que nos enfrentamos hoy en día, muchas personas han perdido seres queridos mientras que otros están lidiando con estrés financiero, ya que muchos han perdido sus trabajos. Esta pandemia de 2020 ha provocado un aumento alarmante de la depresión y la ansiedad. Ahora tambien nos enfrentamos al estrés navideño.

Change is difficult for many; I know it is for me. Especially when they are changes you didn’t expect and have no control over. If, I’m honest it took me a while to accept are new reality especially when it affected many areas of my life until I decided to focus on what I could control I began to change my perspective.

El cambio es difícil para muchos; Sé que lo es para mí. Especialmente cuando son cambios que no esperabas y sobre los que no tienes control. Si, soy honesta, me tomó un tiempo aceptar esta nueva realidad, especialmente cuando afectó muchas áreas de mi vida hasta que decidí enfocarme en lo que podía controlar y comencé a cambiar mi perspectiva.

Though we are still fighting against this pandemic it doesn’t mean your holidays are destined to be an epic disappointment. Here’s a few ways to deal with the stress and depression you may be facing so you can still enjoy this holiday season:

Aunque todavía estamos luchando contra esta pandemia, no significa que las navidades estan destinadas a ser una decepción épica. Aquí hay algunas formas de lidiar con el estrés y la depresión que puedes estar enfrentando para que aún puedas disfrutar de esta temporada navideña:

Embrace the new traditions. /Abraza las nuevas tradiciones.

We tend to get attached to traditions and a certain way of life; that’s way change becomes so difficult. Let’s be real, holidays have always been full of stress from chaotic shopping trying to find the best gifts too endless to do list. Let us not forget to mention family dinners where you’re bombarded with questions like, “Where’s the boyfriend?” When are you having kids? When are you getting married? or comments like “Still no boyfriend” “Oh wow you’ve put on some weight”. Let’s embrace the fact that we won’t be dealing with tons of stressful factors. Besides this is the time to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas isn’t Santa or gifts, this season we celebrate the birth of Jesus who came to bring love, peace, hope and salvation into this world.

Tendemos a apegarnos a las tradiciones y cierta forma de vida; así es como el cambio se vuelve tan difícil. Seamos realistas, las navidades siempre han estado llenas de estrés por las compras caóticas tratando de encontrar los mejores regalos y la lista interminable de tareas navideñas para realizar. No olvidemos mencionar las cenas familiares en las que te bombardean con preguntas como “¿Dónde está el novio?” ¿Cuándo vas a tener hijos? ¿Cuando te vas a casar? o comentarios como “Aún sin novio” “Oh, vaya, has engordado”. Aceptemos el hecho de que no estaremos lidiando con toneladas de factores estresantes. Además, este es el momento de celebrar el verdadero significado de la Navidad. La Navidad no es Santa ni regalos, esta temporada celebramos el nacimiento de Jesús que vino a traer amor, paz, esperanza y salvación a este mundo.

Be grateful and count your blessings. Sé agradecida/o y cuenta tus bendiciones.

If there’s one major fact we can take from 2020 is the importance of being grateful. Though it may seem harder than ever to be appreciative, trust me there is so much to be thankful for. Every morning you wake up is a blessing. It’s important to appreciate everything rom having health to the simplicity of enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning. Being grateful changes your perspective. Shed negative thoughts from your mind and embrace positivity and appreciation.

Si hay un hecho importante que podemos tomar de 2020 es la importancia de estar agradecidos. Aunque pueda parecer más difícil que nunca estar agradecido, créame, hay mucho por lo que estar agradecido. Cada mañana que te despiertas es una bendición. Es importante apreciar todo, desde la salud hasta la sencillez de disfrutar de una taza de café por la mañana. Estar agradecido cambia tu perspectiva. Elimina los pensamientos negativos de tu mente y acepta la positividad y la gratitud.

Make the most of it. Has tu mejor esfuerso.

We can’t deny the holidays will be very different this year but there all still many ways to celebrate and make the most of it. It’s important to find creative ways to adapt or start new traditions. The current reality we face is no reason not to enjoy this holiday season. LOVE is the reason for this season, lets embrace it.

No podemos negar que las navidades serán muy diferentes este año, pero todavía hay muchas formas de celebrar y aprovecharlas al máximo. Es importante encontrar formas creativas de adaptarse o iniciar nuevas tradiciones. La realidad actual a la que nos enfrentamos no es motivo para no disfrutar de estas navidades. El AMOR es la razón de esta temporada, abracemos esa verdad.

Be You, Be Lovely
Charlene Gonzalez

PHOTOS BY: NOMAR RODRIGUEZ

By Charlene Gonzalez

All Posts By Charlene Gonzalez

Make 2021 Your Best Year Yet

Dear 2021

Favorite Matte Lipsticks for 2020

A Very Lovely Christmas

35th Birthday Queen

Dealing With Holiday Stress and Depression During Covid-19 Pandemic

Welcome to Lovely Chicas

Message from Charlene Gonzalez

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