Charlene Gonzalez

Exactly one year ago a very special puppy changed my life. There’s no denying that the pandemic affected us all. It confronted us with our greatest fears and reality. It pushed us to even face mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Being honest the pandemic brought me to feel lonely and I know many felt the same. To cope many splurged on extensive online shopping sprees or had pandemic babies. Me? Well, there was no way I was going to have a baby but I got a pandemic pup.

I’ve always had family dogs, but I was never 100% responsible for one of my own. Being so independent and busy, I never even thought I’d have the time to dedicate myself to caring for a pup. During the pandemic when life was put on hold this overwhelming feeling to adopt a puppy came over me. I went on an extensive search for months until one random day my neighbors offered me a baby pup that was abandoned, they had adopted her sister but couldn’t keep both. So, that day I adopted a chihuahua mix I named Lovely. I quickly feel in love with her. The next few nights were long and sleepless. Lovely was a very sick puppy and a few days later she tragically died. Her death hit me very hard. After having prayed for a puppy, I quickly lost her. Heartbroken can only describe part of the misery I felt.

My neighbors offered to give me Lovely’s sister, it was a hard decision because I was completely heartbroken but I decided to give it another chance and adopted her. My fear was on a whole new level that I didn’t even want to name her yet or have high hopes. I immediately took her to the vet and as I suspected she too was very ill. 3 different vets gave her absolutely no chance of life, they even offered to put her to sleep, which I obviously denied.

I decided to take care of her and give her the best last days of her life, officially naming her Lovely Hope. I did everything humanly possible to save her life. Thank God she got better. Lovely Hope has given me the best year ever. My life was plunged into joyful chaos with a lot of vet bills, chasing, biting and poop cleaning. One thing is for sure, nothing is better than coming home and seeing her excitement. Her favorite place is being in my arms for cuddles and hugs.

Funny enough, there’s no doubt she has my personality. Lovely Hope is a miracle and we needed each other. Her naughtiness, high-energy, cuteness fills my days with a lot of happiness. Lovely Hope has become my sidekick, I can’t imagine my life without her.

Be Lovely, Be You-Charlene Gonzalez

By Charlene Gonzalez

9/11 Memorial

September 11, 2021October 25, 2021

A top to-do on my recent trip to New York was to visit the 9/11 memorial site. 20 years later I finally visited the memorial where many lost their lives. I still can’t believe everything that happened that day in this exact spot. Do you remember where you were and what you were doing on September 11, 2001? I do. I was 15 years old living in NY, sitting in my classroom at North Rockland High School. My classmates, teacher and I were in shock trying to comprehend what was happening. We were worried about family & loved ones we had in the buildings. I’ll never forget the shredding cries of the teacher across the hallway because her son worked in one of the buildings. Thankfully he didn’t make it to work that day, like many I know. Many stayed behind because they were sick or their cars didn’t start. What they thought was bad luck was a miracle that saved their lives. Everyone has a story of 9/11 they will never forget.

Many innocent lives were lost meeting a tragic end; hardworking people, moms, dads, sons, daughters, grandparents, friends, policemen, firemen, pilots, paramedics and more. On that day are hearts were broken but we were made stronger and more united than ever.

Even though I still lived in New York years after this tragedy happened I never wanted to visit, it was just to heartbreaking. I’m grateful to have visited even after so many years. That day will always be a reminder of how fragile life is. We are here now but don’t know where we’ll be tomorrow. Love and live life to the fullest. Forgive and don’t hold grudges. Fill your life with positivity, peace, love and happiness.

Be Lovely, Be you

Charlene Gonzalez

By Charlene Gonzalez

Going Back Home To New York

September 5, 2021September 7, 2022

For those who still didn’t know this fact about me I was born and raised in Rockland, New York. To be more specific the little historic town of Haverstraw. If I’m honest, leaving NY to move to Puerto Rico was the hardest experience of my life. It’s been 15 years since, and I still feel I haven’t gotten use to the different lifestyle and culture. Don’t get me wrong but my life completely changed and was turned upside down with the transition. One of the things I remember the most was being constantly criticized for not being Puerto Rican enough.

Despite that I’ve lived amazing experiences in Puerto Rico but my heart has always belonged to NY. One of the many reasons I created Lovely Chicas was to build an online platform where I could truly be me and express myself freely. Having this platform helped me through a lot.

Funny enough every time I wanted to go back to NY something would happen; it was either tons of work or situations would obligate me to cancel the plans, or I’d travel somewhere else. The person I missed the most in NY was my grandma. She’s very sick and I would have never forgiven myself if I didn’t visit her in time. So, even in the pandemic I made it an obligation to travel back to NY to see her. This getaway back home turned into a girl’s trip with my sister. For home improvement services, you can Get More Info from here! Zerorez can also help you out to get your carpets cleaner and keeps them cleaner longer. You can hire professional services who are going to teach to how to handle a roof replacement once its done to your home.

It was a very emotional trip. If you follow me on Instagram you know that once I arrived in my hometown I began to cry. I revisited so many special places like the house I grew up in, North Rockland High School where I graduated from, ran into a deer’s and coyote while hiking, toured all of Rockland County, went New York City, ate ice-cream at Hoyers and more.

During this special trip I reminisced on memories and made a lot of beautiful new ones. Though I’m always open and honest I’ve got to admit that for a very long time I wasn’t feeling like myself. Being back in New York I felt like myself again. On this trip I did a lot of reflecting. My perspective shifted helping me make a big decision I was prolonging to make. You learn so much in life, you make mistakes and you grow but I don’t want more years to pass by where I regret decisions that I didn’t make. Being back in NY gave me a chance to confront the shy and scared young version of Charlene which opened my eyes to how far I’ve come and all I still want to accomplish. We tend to miss so much in life when we don’t truly believe in our dreams or focus on what we haven’t accomplished. If there is one thing I’ve learned in life is that I’d rather take a risk trying and fail than to stay in a comfort zone never trying at all.

Be Lovely, Be You

Charlene Gonzalez

By Charlene Gonzalez

9th Blogiversary

July 7, 2021October 25, 2021

It’s officially 9 years after I published Lovely Chicas after lots of overthinking and battling fear. It was uncharted territory. Being brave and not playing it safe has led me here today. It’s been a long journey, but I’ve made it all this way by being myself, being genuine, working hard, being persistent, patient and never giving up. Most importantly by never compromising my faith and integrity to reach any level of success. It’s been an incredible journey with many wins, sacrifices and losses but it’s all been worth it.

Han pasado oficialmente 9 años desde que publiqué Lovely Chicas después de pensarlo demasiado y luchar contra el miedo. Era un territorio inexplorado. Ser valiente y no jugar a lo seguro me ha traído aquí hoy. Ha sido un viaje largo, pero lo he hecho hasta aquí siendo yo misma, siendo genuina, trabajando duro, siendo persistente, paciente y sin rendirme nunca. Lo más importante es no comprometer nunca mi fe e integridad para alcanzar ningún nivel de éxito. Ha sido un viaje increíble con muchas victorias, sacrificios y pérdidas, pero valió la pena.

I am not the same shy and insecure girl who began 9 years ago. Today I’m a strong, fearless, confident, self-made and an empowered woman. Through Lovely Chicas I’ve accomplished things I would have never imagined. Lovely Chicas is a movement of empowerment, inspiration, and self-love. Creating Lovely Chicas has been the best decision of my life.

No soy la misma chica tímida e insegura que empezó hace 9 años. Hoy soy una mujer fuerte, valiente, segura de sí misma y empoderada. A través de Lovely Chicas he logrado cosas que nunca hubiera imaginado. Lovely Chicas es un movimiento de empoderamiento, inspiración y amor propio. Crear Lovely Chicas ha sido la mejor decisión de mi vida.

Friends, whatever your dreams and goals may be, work hard, don’t give up and believe in yourself. Thank you all for your constant support because of you I’m making my dreams a reality.

Amigos, sean cuales sean sus sueños y metas, trabajen duro, no se rindan y crean en ustedes mismos. Gracias a todos por su constante apoyo porque gracias a ustedes estoy haciendo realidad mis sueños.

Be Lovely, Be You-Charlene Gonzalez

By Charlene Gonzalez

Fun Getaway to St. Augustine Florida

March 20, 2021October 25, 2021

Hello, my loves! So I’ve been in Florida visiting my family. Living in Puerto Rico and having my family so far away from me has been very difficult. Its especially harder having my sister and best friend miles away across the ocean. Even though she’s just a call away its not the same. Don’t know if anyone will understand but my sister and I are very close. Its funny how growing up we would argue a lot and did not have much in common but as teens and adults we became inseparable. No matter what difficult situations we face we know we have each other.

When I can visit her in Florida I try to spend as much time with her as possible. On my last trip in 2019 pre-pandemic, we focused our time on visiting every Disney park but this trip was more about family time. During this trip my sister and brother-in- law took me to the beautiful and magical town of St. Augustine.

St. Augustine is known to be the oldest established town in the United States, it was founded in 1565. This little town holds a lot of culture and fabulous historical structures. The city reminded me of Old San Juan in Puerto Rico especially its iconic fort “Castillo de San Marcos” which resembles “El Morro” in PR.

If you’re ever in Florida be sure to stop by St. Augustine.

Be you, Be Lovely

Charlene Gonzalez

By Charlene Gonzalez

Embracing My Moment In Life

March 15, 2021September 29, 2022

Hey there lovely people! I know it’s been a while since I’ve last posted. I’ve been extremely busy. I have also been visiting family in Florida.

Holy crap, so much drama has been going on; Meghan Markle and Prince Harry spilled the royal tea in an interview with Oprah, JLo and and Alex Rodriguez have apparently split, and unfortunately Pepe Le Pew has been canceled. Ugh! I’m so sick of this cancel culture but I’ll leave that rant for another post.

Though, I do have a rant and it’s focused around society’s stigma of women having to be married with kids at a certain age.I have also planned to consult property settlements lawyers practicing in Gosford as I am eager to know more about the property.You can also contact attorneys to know more about setting up a conservatorship and its benefits.

I’m 35, I’m not married, I don’t have children and that’s absolutely ok. Why must people feel the need to ask and pressure people about being in a relationship, marriage and having children? Why can’t people simply focus on their own lives and stop trying to make others feel less because of where they may be in life. For some apparent reason I constantly get asked when I plan on getting married or having children. Seriously, I don’t know?! What I do know is that I’m not ever going to settle down for anything less than what I deserve no matter the pressure I get from society.

My reality of being single and not having children does not make me any less of a woman nor does it define me. I feel complete, I’m a successful empowered woman with many goals. We all have to understand that everyone’s life story and timeline is different. Yes, I’d love to be a wife and mother someday but my time has not arrived. Please let’s stop putting pressure on people on whether they are single, married or don’t have children. Those pressures push many to rush into things making huge life changing mistakes.

For those putting the pressure….when I get married are you going to pay for my wedding and bills? No. Are you going to pay for my children’s care and college? No. Are you going to be there for me when the struggles and difficulties come along? No.

I think it’s time society’s stigmas are broken and people can finally live their lives free as they please. I’m happily embracing where I am in life and know everything will happen when its supposed to happen. I will not be pressured into making mistakes or settling for less. No one should! I have so many goals and so much to look forward too.

When your an independent woman with many goals its hard to find a man who is secure and strong enough to be with an empowered woman. I’m not interested in momentary relationships. I want a life partner. The man who will part of my life should be someone supportive, driven, honorable, hard-working, good-hearted, compassionate, has integrity and is protective. We’d be a power couple supporting each other and growing together. He’ll be someone who will compliment me not use me or drag me down. I’ve already been in relationships where I’m treated as a competition or I’m fully used so they can accomplish success while I’m not supported. I’ve seen it all and I’m in no rush. I’m patiently praying and manifesting because I know God has the right man for me somewhere out there.

Now enough of that rant let’s talk about fashion. I’ve been obsessively wearing minimal looks with natural tones. It’s not that I’ve been lazy to put outfits together, neutral minimal looks just seem so chic and elegant. The important element is adding staple accessories like belts and cute bags. For my look I combined a white bodysuit with high waisted skinny jeans, nude heels and for a pop of glamour a chain belt and beautiful camel toned satchel bag.

By the way I’ve seen rumors that the cancel culture wants to eliminate high waisted skinny jeans. I just want to say that I won’t give in. I love my high waisted skinny jeans. Can’t y’all just let people wear what they want to wear. Simply just let people live in peace!

Be You, Be Lovely

Charlene Gonzalez

Photos by: Nomar Rodriguez

By Charlene Gonzalez

All Posts By Charlene Gonzalez

Lovely Hope

9/11 Memorial

Going Back Home To New York

9th Blogiversary

Fun Getaway to St. Augustine Florida

Embracing My Moment In Life

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