All Posts By Charlene Gonzalez

Holiday Sparkle / Brillo Navideño

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season is full of festive parties, fancy get-togethers, family gatherings and even cozy romantic dates. I love the holidays but trying to figure out what to wear to all of these soirees can be a headache.

¡Es la mejor temporada del año! Esta temporada de festividades está llena de extravagantes fiestas navideñas, actividades familiares y hasta citas románticas. Me fascina esta temporada pero decidir que lucir para todas estas actividades suele ser un gran dolor de cabeza.

Any holiday themed get-together is the perfect excuse to bring out the sparkles, romantic velvet and fancy pearls. Need a holiday outfit idea? Here’s mine.

Cualquier compartir navideño es la perfecta excusa para sacar el brillo, terciopelo romántico y las perlas lujosas. ¿Necesitas una idea para tu atuendo? Aquí les presento el mío.

For my holiday ensemble I paired a white fleecey pearl detailed blouse with an elegant burgundy velvet skirt. As for shoes, silver jeweled stilettos add a major holiday statement to the look.

Para mí atuendo festivo lucí una blusa blanca con detalles perlados combinada con una falda terciopelo vino. Para zapatos, unos tacones de brillos le añadieron un toque más festivo al atuendo.

Now lets talk about delicious and savory accessories. La Marca Prosecco is the perfect accessory for your holiday looks. La Marca is literally the most fashionable Prosecco. The bottles stylish design makes it look very luxurious and elegant. Not only is it affordable but it’s also incredibly delicious. I’m a huge fan of the La Marca mini which I can easily carry in my purse.

Ahora vamos hablar de un delicioso y muy sabroso accesorio para tu atuendo festivo, La Marca Prosecco. La Marca es literalmente el Prosecco más a la moda. El diseño de la botella le da un estilo elegante y lujoso. Soy una fanática de La Marca mini la cual puedo fácilmente llevar en mi cartera.

Add sparkling moments to your holidays with the luxurious taste of La Marca Prosecco. With a holiday look like this and La Marca as your main accessory you’re basically set for this festive holiday season.

Añádele brillo a todos tus momentos festivos está navidad con el lujoso sabor de La Marca. Con un atuendo como este y La Marca como tú accesorio principal estarás más que lista para esta temporada festiva.

 

Be You, Be Lovely
Charlene Gonzalez

Photos by: James Lynn

“This post is in sponsored by La Marca Prosecco. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.”

 

Birthday Wishes

It’s December 8th and I’m another year older. I can’t believe I’m …..years old. If I told you my age you wouldn’t believe me anyway. I’m very grateful to have been given another year of life. This year has definitely been one of the most memorable years of my life. My life underwent many changes.

In the beginning of the year I remember making a list of everything I wanted to accomplish. My agenda was full and I had so many plans. I accomplished most of them but others were put on hold or canceled due to circumstances out of my hands. I learned a very valuable lesson, never set a specific timeline or schedule to accomplish your goals because shit happens. Unexpected situations like a car accident, breast cancer scare and suffering the destruction of a massive hurricane can totally screw up your plans. BUT through these situations life teaches you things you didn’t realize you needed to know.

This year more than ever I’ve learned not to take anything for granted. Things can change in unexpected ways. So, I’m living the moment and appreciating everything.

Another lesson life taught me this year is to take one day at a time and stop worrying about tomorrow. Face challenges as they come.

This year more than ever I’ve learned that having genuine friends is the best blessing. Genuine friendship is such a special gift. Friends who accept and love you for who you are despite your flaws. Friends who are there through the good and bad situations.

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My life isn’t what I expected it to be. When you reach a certain age you tend to focus and stress about the things you haven’t achieved yet. I’ve come to understand that I’m on a special and unique journey. I believe that whatever is meant for me will come when it’s supposed to arrive. Doors close because they were not meant to be.
I’ll always continue to do what I love and live without regrets. In the right time the blessing God has for me will arrive.

This new year of life brings new adventures and opportunities. I know deep in my heart that this year will be the best yet. As I get older I feel stronger, more confident, fearless and capable of accomplishing anything. Every struggle I’ve had has molded me into the woman I am today.

I’m mostly greatful for the fact that even though I’m in my thirties I look like I’m 20. I literally still get asked for my ID.

As I blow out the candles on this 3Oish. birthday my wishes are to continue achieving my goals, live out Gods purpose for my life and be a light in people’s lives. I ask God for wisdom and strength to overcome everything life throws at me but most of all I wish that everyone in the world could find happiness, peace and love in the midst of so much suffering. I also wish for people to have more tolerance and understanding because that leads to less conflicts, fights and even wars.

I’m very grateful for EVERYONE who’s been by my side as I continue through my journey in life. Thank you to all who’ve been part of my trajectory.

I’m looking forward to all of the new adventures I’ll experience this new year life has gifted me. With the help of God I hope to continue fulfilling my dreams and mission with Lovely Chicas.

Happy Birthday to me!

Be you, Be Lovely
Charlene Gonzalez

Photos by: Gilbert Martinez

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Add Mystery To Your Holiday Celebration

Thanksgiving is a special holiday for families to gather together and enjoy a delicious feast. Besides spending cherished moments with loved ones this day is a very meaningful time to reflect on our blessings.

Acción de gracias es un día festivo muy especial donde las familias se unen y disfrutan de un deliciosa banquete. Además de compartir momentos muy apreciados con seres queridos es un tiempo para reflejar en nuestras bendiciones.

Holidays all about traditions. You and your family may have a special recipe you like to cook, watch holiday movies or play games. One of my favorite traditions is watching Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.

En esta época de festividades tenemos muchas tradiciones. Tú y tu familia puede que tengan un receta especial que les gusta cocinar o ven películas navideñas. Una de mis tradiciones preferidas es ver el Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade.

Just as the holidays are about traditions many like to try something new to make the season more memorable. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of routines and traditions. A hint of mystery adds more fun and excitement to any celebration.

Aunque en esta época se celebran muchas tradiciones ha muchos les gusta intentar cosas nuevas para hacer la temporada más memorable. Personalmente, no soy fanática de las rutinas y tradiciones. Un toque de misterio siempre le añade más diversión a cualquier celebración.

How can you break tradition and add a bit of mystery to your festivities? The answer is simple, don’t confine yourself to the usual food or DRINKS. During Thanksgiving meals the turkey always steals the spotlight. Add more cheer to your holiday by making a delicious wine from Cakebread Cellars as the center of attention.

Te preguntarás, ¿Como puedo romper la tradición y añadirle un poco de misterio a mi fiesta? La contestación es sencilla, no te confines a las tradicionales comidas y bebidas. Durante las comidas de Acción de Gracias el pavo siempre se roba la atención. Añádele más diversión a tu fiesta añadiéndole un vino delicioso que llame la atención de todos.

Now, the pressure is on when it comes to choosing wine for the holidays.
You want a fine wine that can handle turkey, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, “pasteles”, “arroz con gandules” and pumpkin pie. But it’s also important that everyone can begin drinking early and continue drinking till late just in case any family drama may arise the wine will lighten the mood.

La presión de escoger el vino correcto siempre es difícil. Quieres un vino fino que vaya bien con el pavo, salsa cranberry, batatas, pasteles, arroz con gandules y el postre de calabaza. Pero también es importante que todos empiecen a beber desde el comienzo de la actividad hasta el final por si hay un poco de riña familiar el vino calmará el ambiente.

My top wine choice is Apothic Red. Apothic is the best wine to go with turkey and all other delicious foods that are part of the meal. This rich wine contains a mysterious, sophisticated and very appealing taste. Apothic Red is a blend of intense fruit aromas and flavors of rhubarb and black cherry, complemented by hints of mocha, chocolate, brown spice and vanilla. To purchase in Puerto Rico, Apothic Red is available at Supermax, Pueblo, Costo and Walgreens.

Apothic Red es el vino de mi preferencia. Vino Apothic va perfecto con pavo y todas las comidas deliciosas que forman parte de Acción de Gracias. Este vino fino contiene un intenso aroma frutal y mezcla de frambuesa complementadas con mocha, chocolate y vanilla. En Puerto Rico, puedes conseguir Vino Apothic en Supermax, Pueblo, Costo y Walgreens.

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Whether you’re attending or hosting a Thanksgiving gathering add more cheer and mystery to your holidays with Apothic Red Wine. Your loved ones will definitely have a memorable and epic holiday with Apothic Red as a mysterious special guest.

Si atenderás o realizarás una comida especial de Acción de Gracias añádele más diversión y misterio a tu fiesta con Vino Apothic. Tus seres queridos definitivamente tendrán una fiesta memorable con Vino Apothic como invitado especial.
Be you, Be Lovely

Charlene Gonzalez

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“This post is in sponsored by Apothic Red. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.”

Stranger Things Season 2

Let’s talk about Stranger Things Season 2.If you’re like me who a year ago gave into the Stranger Things phenomenon you’ve probably binge watched season 2 which premiered on October 27th. If you haven’t watched it already I seriously don’t know what you’re waiting for.

Vamos hablar de la segunda temporada de Stranger Things. Si eres como yo que hace un año fuiste cautivada/o con el gran fenómeno de Stranger Things probablamente ya viste la segunda temporada que estreno el 27 de octubre. Si aún no lo haz visto ¿Que rayos esperas?

Stranger Things 2 totally intensified the tension and horror. This new installment kept the 80’s themed fun and also presented new characters. Many questions from season one were answered.

Stranger Things 2 intensificó la tensión y el horror. Está nueva instalación mantuvo la diversión de los 80′ vivo y también presentó personajes nuevos. Además muchas preguntas de la primera temporada fueron contestadas.

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One year has passed since the events of the last season so there’s much catching up to do. Will’s battle to overcome his experiences in the upside down and Eleven’s journey to finding who she is are the core themes of season 2. El is on the search for her place and home as she’s faced with the decision to choose the correct path.

Ya ha pasado un año desde los eventos de la primera temporada por lo tanto hay mucho que cubrir. Will mantiene una batalla intensa por sobrepasar su experiencia en el “upside down” y la querida Eleven se encuentra en la búsqueda de quién ella es. Eleven está en busca de su verdadero lugar y se encontrará con la decisión de escoger el camino correcto.

Will, on the other hand is traumatized and continues to have unpleasant experiences. Mike is no longer the center of attention this season. Instead, he simply sticks by his friend Will offering constant support.

Por otro lado, Will está traumatizo y continúa viviendo experiencias no muy placenteras. Mike ya no será el centro de atención esta temporada. El será el gran apoyo de su amigo Will.

Nancy, Jonathan & Steve? Well, their love triangle will finally be solved as Nancy sets out on an intense investigation to find Barbara some justice.

¿Nancy, Jonathan y Steve? Pues, su triángulo de amor será resuelto mientras Nancy entra en una investigación intensa en busca de justicia para su amiga Barbara.

The lovable and adorable Dustin is full of surprises this season. As for Lucas, he may or may not find a girl pal/ love interest. Which brings me to the new characters introduced, one of which is Max played by Sadie Sink. Max will add some more girl power to the group of boys though Mike will have a hard time accepting her.

El adorable y súper chulo Dustin está  lleno de sorpresas esta temporada. Lucas, pues el puede que encuentre o no encuentre una amiga /novia. Lo cuál me lleva a presentarles los nuevos personajes uno siendo la chica Max interpretada por Sadie Sink. Max le añadirá un poco más de poder femenino al grupo de los chicos aunque a Mike se le hará difícil aceptarla.

With Max comes her super-hottie, tight ass, tough bully brother Billy played by Dacre Montgomery. You’ll probably recognize him from the latest Power Rangers movie. The most anticipated moment of the season is the reunion between Will and El.

Junto a Max llega su súper guapo, fuerte bully hermano Billy interpretado por Dacre Montgomery. Probablemente lo reconocerán de la nueva película de los Power Rangers.

This season each character has there own unique storyline and there personalities will shine through. There are many surprises and lots of suspense. I won’t give away any more spoilers but I will definitely say Stranger Things Season 2 was totally tubular! It’s a MUST see!

El momento más anticipado de la temporada es el encuentro de Will y Eleven. En esta temporada cada personaje tiene su propia historia única y su personalidades brillaran más. Habrán muchas sorpresas y suspenso. No daré muchos detalles pero definitivamente diré que Stranger Things 2 está totalmente “tubular”. Lo tienen que ver.

Plus, the ending of season 2 leads the way to more exciting mysteries that will definitely be presented in season 3.

Además, al final de la temporada habrán sorpresas misteriosas que definitivamente abren el camino hacia  la tercera temporada.

Since I’m such a huge Stranger Things fan I had to get myself a t-shirt. Yes, I’m a total fan girl. Have you seen season 2? If so, what did you think?

Como soy una mega fan de Stranger Things me tuve que comprar la camisa. Si, soy una mega fan. ¿Haz visto la nueva temporada? ¿Si es así, que pensaste?

Be you,  Be Lovely

Charlene Gonzalez

Outfit: Stranger Things T-shirt -Hot Topic

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Bath & Body Care: Favorite Products

Bath and body care is an important part of keeping yourself healthy. Being clean but also, keeping skin moist, protected, and healthy helps keep your skin free of damage. Keeping your body clean is an important part of personal hygiene.

Since I’m an obsessed fan of beautiful, glowing and healthy skin I’m very particular with the body products I use.

My struggle to have balanced and healthy skin came to a halt when I began using a few Bliss products. With my favorite bath Bliss products I’ve obtained healthy, beautiful and happy skin.

Taking care of skin starts in the shower. My shower time is probably the only time of the day when I can relax and escape from everything. Thankfully, Bliss products offer luxury spa treatment at the comfort of your home.

During my shower session my greatest nightmare is using intense soaps that strip skin of all moisture and transform healthy glowy skin into a dry and irritated mess. That’s why my top two favorites soaps are the Bliss lemon + sage body bar and Bliss blood orange & white pepper soapy suds body wash.

Bliss lemon + sage body bar:

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The Bliss lemon + sage body bar cleans, exfoliates and moisturizers. The tiny and gentle exfoliating loofah bits and massaging particles give a great stimulating and relaxing bathing session. The small nubs on one side of the soap provide a good massaging effect which truly helps to relieve achy muscles. The bar leaves skin clean, soft and smooth. The combination of Lemon and Sage is very refreshing and perfect scent.

What I LOVE about the Bliss lemon + sage body bar
– Fabulous fresh fragrance
– Moisturizes
– Provides gentle exfoliation
– Stimulates circulation
– Leaves me refreshed after every use
-Long lasting fragrance on skin

Bliss blood orange & white pepper soapy suds body wash: IMG_1510

I’ve tried many body washes and hands down this is my favorite. The vibrant and refreshing scent of blood orange and white pepper is fabulously invigorating. With the extra ingredients of glycerin, aloe and Vitamin E your skin feels super conditioned. You should expect a nice and bubbly lather. This luxurious body wash leaves your skin feeling extra clean and soft. In addition it’s energizing lovely aroma is long lasting.

What I LOVE about the Bliss blood orange & white pepper soapy suds body wash:
– Energizing Great scent
– Moisturizes
-Can be used as bubble bath
-Lathers nicely
– Leaves skin refreshed
-Long lasting fragrance on skin
-Paraben Free

All soap bars and body washes are designed to remove dirt and bacteria but using the best products make shower time the ultimate treat. Most importantly using the correct bath products will be reflected on your skins appearance. My skin thanks me everyday for using good quality bath products.

Which is your favorite soap or body wash?

Be you, be lovely
Charlene Gonzalez

Fall Hope / Esperanza Otoñal

Fall is my favorite time of the year. I was really looking forward to this season for a while. Unfortunately Fall 2017 will forever be remembered in Puerto Rico’s history for the major crisis we are facing after hurricane Maria. Though the current situation in Puerto Rico is not the best I won’t stop myself from enjoying this season.

Otoño es mi temporada favorita. Estaba bien ansiosa que llegara esta temporada. Desafortunadamente el otoño 2017 siempre estará en la historia de Puerto Rico por la crisis que estamos viviendo debido al huracán Maria. Aunque la situación actual en Puerto Rico no es la mejor nada me detendrá de disfrutar esta temporada al máximo.

I’ve been thinking about hope a lot lately. Hope sees beyond the crisis. Without hope I’d be lost. Hope opens the path to the impossible and it opens the door to letting yourself consider that there may be a way out of your problems.

He estado pensado mucho sobre la esperanza. La esperanza ve más allá de la crisis. Sin la esperanza yo estaría perdida y la esperanza abre la puerta a que consideres qué hay una salida de tus problemas.

I’m learning now more than ever not to loose hope, to live life to the fullest and appreciate everything. It’s the simple things in life that truly matter like sipping pumpkin spice latte, receiving hugs from a loved one you haven’t seen in a long time, taking a real shower, smelling the delicious aroma of cinnamon, drinking a very cold drink, watching the stars, feeling a cool breeze and of course wearing the latest fall fashion trends.

He aprendido más que nunca a no perder la esperanza, vivir la vida al máximo y valorar todo. Son las cosas sencillas de la vida que realmente importan como beber “Pumpkin Spice Latte”, recibir abrazos de tus seres queridos, darse un verdadera ducha, oler el rico aroma de canela, beber una bebida bien fría, ver las estrellas, sentir la brisa en un día caluroso y definitivamente poder lucir las últimas tendencias de moda para otoño.

Now let’s talk fashion. It’s that time of year when you transition from summer to fall trends. Honestly, I’ve had to obligate myself to get dressed and even wear a bit of makeup. My current lifestyle includes cleaning my home after the flood and hurricane damage, driving around searching for cell and internet signal, sitting in horrible traffic and standing in endless lines for just about everything.

Ahora vamos hablar de moda. Es el tiempo del año cuando transicionas tus tendencias de verano a otoño. Honestamente, he tenido que obligarme a vestirme bien y lucir un poco de maquillaje. Actualmente mi estilo de vida incluye limpiar mi hogar luego de la inundación y daños por Maria, guiar a todas partes en busca de señal, sentarme en horas de tapón y pararme en filas infinitas para todo.

Forcing myself to stay away from the leggings, sneakers and messy buns 24/7 has not been easy but no matter how difficult things may be I have to stay positive. A simple way for a woman to feel good and happy is by dressing up. Even wearing jeans and a t-shirt is a huge accomplishment for me.

Esforzarme de no lucir los “leggings”, tenis y moños 24/7 no ha sido una tarea fácil pero no importa cuán difícil sea las situaciones tengo que mantenerme positiva. Una manera sencilla para que una mujer se sienta feliz es vistiéndose bien. Hasta ponerme mahones y una y-shirt es un gran logro para mí.

This season majority of my styles consist of oversized t-shirts. They are just so comfy and can be styled in so many ways. For this fall attire I recently wore, I paired my fav pearl detailed tee with ankle ripped jeans and pink velvet boots to achieve the perfect fall look. I’m very petite and thin, so I prefer to tuck my oversized t-shirts into my jeans. It doesn’t make me look so bulgy and is a bit more stylish. For a chic and voguish look I added a super trendy hand bag.

Está temporada la mayoría de mis atuendos han consistido de camisas grandes. Son tan cómodas y las puedes lucir en una gran variedad de formas. Para este atuendo que recientemente lucí, combine mi camisa preferida de detalles en perlas con mahones y mis botas terciopelo color rosa para lograr un look perfecto para otoño. Como soy bien petite y delgada prefiero poner la parte delantera de mi camisa dentro de mis mahones, así luce con más estilo el look. Para un toque final al estilo Vogue le añadí una cartera súper chic.

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IMG_1160For all my chicas in Puerto Rico I know it’s hard to think about fashion or beauty during these difficult times but I want to motivate you to have a positive mental attitude.

Mis chicas de Puerto Rico se que es difícil pensar en moda y belleza durante estos momentos complicados pero quiero motivarlas ha tener una mentalidad positiva.

Trust me for the first weeks of this terrible devastation we are facing because of hurricane Maria my outfits consisted of sports wear, messy buns and no makeup. I felt totally depressed and unmotivated. Once I forced myself to dress a little cuter and wear a bit of makeup my spirits began to lighten up again. Believe it or not the clothes you choose to wear affect your mood, self-esteem and confidence. So, ladies no matter how upset you may feel I motivate you to put on a nice outfit. Trust me you’ll feel much more optimistic.

En la primeras semanas de está terrible devastación que enfrentamos por el huracán Maria mis atuendos consistían de ropa deportiva, moños y nada de maquillaje. Me sentía deprimida y desmotivada. Cuando me esforcé a vestirme mejor y ponerme un poco de maquillaje mi humor mejoró. Créelo o no la ropa que decides lucir afecta tu humor y autoestima. Chicas no importa cuán triste estés, motivate a lucir un atuendo lindo. Créeme te sentirás más optimista.

Since many women in Puerto Rico have lost all of their belongings I’ve been doing my part to help by donating clothes, makeup and other products. Any gesture no matter how small can make the difference in so many lives and bring hope to those in need. If any of you would like to help me with this initiative I would truly appreciate it. My heart hurts greatly every time I witness the immense suffering many are living.

Como muchas mujeres en Puerto Rico han perdido todas sus pertenencias estoy haciendo mi parte en ayudar donando ropa, maquillaje y otros artículos. Cualquier gesto no importa lo pequeño que sea puede hacer la gran diferencia en muchas vida y les dará esperanza cuando más lo necesitan. Si quieren ayudarme con esta iniciativa se lo agradecería. Mi corazón duele cada vez que soy testigo del gran sufrimiento que muchos están viviendo en Puerto Rico.

I’m trying to do everything I can to help. If you’d like to help and donate any clothes, shoes, personal hygiene products please send me an email charlene@lovelychicas.com

Your donations will make a great difference in the lives of many women.

Estoy intentando hacer todo lo posible para ayudar. Si deseas ayudar y donar ropa, zapatos y artículos de higiene personal por favor envíenme un correo electrónico a charlene@lovelychicas.com

Tus donaciones harán la diferencia en la vida de muchas mujeres.

Be you, be lovely
Charlene Gonzalez