Charlene Gonzalez

This is officially my first post of 2022 and It’s been a bit overdue but there’s a reason. First, I’ve been busy and honestly I didn’t know how to break the news. I was determined to make 2022 the best year and made a life changing decision. I refused to continue living through another year sabotaged by fear, thinking about what if, holding onto a life I no longer wanted, so I made the decision to relocate back to New York. Yes, after 16 years of living in Puerto Rico I decided to move back to my hometown in Rockland, NY.

I moved to Puerto Rico when I was 19 almost 20 with my family. I had just begun college in NY and the change was drastic. It was never easy for this gringa to get use to Puerto Rico’s lifestyle. I’m so thankful for everything I gained in Puerto Rico….it’s where I got the courage to be myself, fight for my dreams and found my life purpose.

Moving back to NY has been a decision I’ve considered for many years but put it off for reasons I shouldn’t including people giving me their negative thoughts about it. Piece of advice; never let anyone’s negative vibes influence decisions you want to make. Like many, I’m in the search for new opportunities and growth so I know I had to make the decision. My mission has always been to inspire and empower so I made the decision to go after the life of my dreams.

Living a purposeful life has been my mission. I’m determined to try more, try differently, try harder, try passionately, try definitively, try often because I can, and no one has the right to stop me just because trying is a risk and sounds redundant if it doesn’t result in complete success. There’s no greater feeling than having self-peace with what I have accomplished and the person I am at the end of each day! No matter my decisions, my goal will be to have a clean conscience about the way I have handled my life, business and my relationships. Growing a following or bank account are great but not as satisfying as growing your legacy. Achieving goals is amazing but so are the ones we didn’t because at least we took a risk and tried. If we never try, we won’t be successful at anything.

Be Lovely, Be You

Charlene Gonzalez

By Charlene Gonzalez

2021 Reflection

December 31, 2021March 22, 2022

After everything the world has encountered, we are all very blessed to say goodbye to 2021 and welcome another new year. If you are reading this post, I want you to take a moment to be grateful to be alive because unfortunately many aren’t with us today.

I’m very happy to spend the end of 2021 and beginning of 2022 in Rockland, New York where I was born and raised. It’s been a very peaceful and reflecting time. I actually visited Emeline park, a cute park my parents would bring my sister and I when we were kids. This small magical place facing the Hudson River was the perfect spot to reflect on 2021 and set my goals for 2022.

2021 has been a year to remember. Though I’ve had my struggles like everyone else, I’ve had more great moments than bad. It has been the hardest but best year. This year I learned to put myself before all and canceled out all fears. I took tons of risks, traveled more, laughed, cried, got my first tattoos, enjoyed every moment and made life changing decisions.

2021, thank you for making me a better and stronger person. Thank you for every moment that guided me transcend. Thankyou for the moments that allowed me to shine bright and share my light with the world. Thank you for every person that touched my soul or passed through my life. Thank you for every sunrise and sunset. Thank you for every moment of life.

As the covid virus or any other circumstance took more lives in 2021, I learned that there are no guarantees in life, so live your best life. Enjoy what you have and be grateful for what is good in your life. Love the people around you and remember that small kind actions make a huge difference in people’s lives.

As we welcome a new year I want to wish you all love, health, happiness and many abundant blessings. Thank you all for your constant support and kindness. Because of you all every year I continue to accomplish my dreams.

Be Lovely, Be You

Charlene Gonzalez

By Charlene Gonzalez

Christmas in New York

December 25, 2021March 15, 2022

There’s nothing I wanted more this year than to spend Christmas in New York. So, as a birthday gift to myself I made the travel arrangements and I’m here. In addition, I’m planning on moving here (or Florida) so I wanted to make sure I could take the winter weather. One of my biggest wishes was to see snow and on Christmas Eve morning God gifted me with a magical winter wonderland.

This Christmas has been the most special ever. Christmases at grandmas house have always been a memorable tradition and this year it was beyond amazing. Besides seeing family I hadn’t seen in years, I had the best Christmas meal and the family games were beyond fun. Nothing beats spending Christmas with family members who are as festive and fun as me. Family is everything, I am always and forever grateful for mine.

Christmas is my favorite holiday and one I cherish deeply. If, I’m honest its been years since I’ve had a joyful Christmas where I didn’t have to fake my happiness. Christmas in PR is good but nothings better than Christmas in New York. I greatly missed Christmas with grandma. My grandma is 91 and having the opportunity to spend this Christmas with her has been a blessing. I hope I can spend many more with her.

I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. Sending you all love and light, may this holiday be full of peace and joy.

Be Lovely, Be You

Charlene Gonzalez

By Charlene Gonzalez

Cheers to 36!

December 8, 2021December 9, 2021

Happy birthday to me! Once again, I am blessed to celebrate another year of life. Now I welcome chapter 36 of my epic journey. Birthdays always make me reflect on life. There’s so much I can say about everything I’ve experienced and learned this past year. In my teens I use believe that in my 30s I’d have life figured out, but I don’t and I’m absolutely ok with that. I’ve come to terms with the fact that no one has life figured out. It’s about living it to the fullest and embracing everything about your story.

I used to have specific plans for my life which have turned out completely opposite from what I believed. Getting older would stress me because I felt as if I was behind from accomplishing my goals. As I got older, I truly realized that age is just a number. There is no specific timeline and things happen when they must.

Year 35 taught me to slow down and consider the things that are of real importance to me in my life. Though I have so much more to accomplish and sometimes may feel my goals are so far away I am immensely proud of myself. I’ve come a long way rising like a goddess through the challenges. Believing in myself and abilities have been my guide. Being authentic and unapologetically me will always be my inspiration. I’m embracing my new age with more wisdom, strength and passion for life. I know this new year of life will bring a lot of positive changes and blessings as I head into a new direction. I’m going into year 36 with a hopeful outlook on what this year will bring. Cheers to 36! Thank you for celebrating another trip around the sun with me!

Be Lovely, Be You

Charlene Gonzalez

By Charlene Gonzalez

The Ultimate Amazon Gift Guide

November 28, 2021November 29, 2021

Yay! It’s time for Cyber Monday. Let me be honest, I prefer online shopping over the crazy busyness and stress of shopping at malls. I’m a huge Amazon fan. Amazon is basically the #1 place to get anything you could possibly ever want and need, so it’s obvious Amazon is the ultimate gifting destination for the holiday season. It’s the one-stop-shop with endless options for amazing gift ideas.

I wanted to unite my passion for amazon and gifting expertise to create the ultimate gift guide simplifying your life and making your gift search much easier. I’ve put together the best gifts for everyone on my Amazon Storefront https://www.amazon.com/shop/lovelychicasblog. Not to brag, I came through with this list. I chose the best of the best.

Gift Ideas for him: Guys I really worked hard on your list. I know you are tired of receiving the usual underwear and socks, so I put together tons of goodies you’ll love and enjoy, like the sexiest smelling men’s colognes, adventure gear, tech gadgets, fashionable watches, personal massagers and more. Check out y full list and direct shopping list at https://www.amazon.com/shop/lovelychicasblog?listId=1SOAXCRWOSNZF&tag=onamzcharl0cb-20&linkCode=ic5

Gift Ideas for her: Now, ladies I know you will love everything on this list because I love it all. You’ll find everything from candles, fragrances, skincare essentials to must have gadgets like an exercise bike desk and a facial steamer. Shop my ultimate gift guide for her here https://www.amazon.com/shop/lovelychicasblog?listId=2EV95ZJ7CVB5C

Now if you want to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list like the best coffee machines, best tv and a cozy weighted blanket visit https://www.amazon.com/shop/lovelychicasblog?listId=16IS76VFWAQI7&tag=onamzcharl0cb-20&linkCode=ic5

There are a lot of gift options and all gifts range from a variety of prices to satisfy all budgets. Be sure to take advantage of all the Cyber Monday sales on amazon. Make the most of online shopping this season. There’s nothing like shopping from the comfort of your home. Plus with covid still being a threat it’s best to avoid long lines and large groups of people. I hope my gift guide helps you find the perfect gifts.

Be Lovely, Be You

Charlene Gonzalez

By Charlene Gonzalez

Polo Ralph Lauren Holiday Style

November 24, 2021

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…….I love fall-winter season. If there is one thing that I miss the most and don’t enjoy in Puerto Rico is the transitioning seasons and chilly weather. Though PR offers summer vibes all year long I’m a New Yorker at heart and prefer the cozy weather by a fireplace.

One of my favorite parts of this season has to be the fashion. I can’t get enough of the sweaters, trench or fur coats, sequined dresses and all different styles of boots. There is one place that offers this season’s hottest styles for the entire family and that is Polo Ralph Lauren.

I’ve partnered with Polo Ralph Lauren to create a holiday look. Every item is a closet staple piece for fall and winter. The stretch ribbed turtleneck is amazingly cozy, elegant, and fiercely feminine. You can pair it with anything. If you’ve followed me for a while, you probably know I’m a fan of leopard print. As a teen my bedroom was a full jungle vibe with leopard print everywhere and I’m not ashamed to admit it. So, when I can incorporate any leopard print piece into my style I most definitely will. When I saw the “Lauren Carrington Leopard Print belt” I instantly knew it had to be mine. I love how it gives this look a special and unique touch. Now let’s talk about the “Small Louden Tan Satchel”. I’m the type of woman that needs big bags and don’t let this bag fool you because of its size. This satchel is not just beautiful it extremely spacious. It still surprises me everything I can fit inside and still have space for more. It’s the ultimate staple bag and I’ll be using it all season long. This complete look paired with stiletto heels and skinny jeans is perfect for any occasion like work meetings, dates and holiday gatherings with the family. Ralph Lauren offers so many trendy pieces for everyone in the family. Plus, they have major discounts so don’t miss out.

I’m very grateful and honored to have partnered with Polo Ralph Lauren to share this holiday look. It’s a great blessing to be able to work with brands I love.

Before finishing this post, I wanted to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. This is a very special holiday where we take the time to be grateful for what we have. Though I believe in being grateful all year long. I just wanted to thank you all for your constant support. You are all very special to me. I hope you all have a beautiful Thanksgiving spent with your loved ones. Not many have the blessing of having food on the table or someone special may be missing from their family. I hope my love and best desires reaches you all and believe that though you may have struggles there is always something to be thankful for.

Be Lovely, Be You

Charlene Gonzalez