All Posts By Charlene Gonzalez

New Year, New You? / ¿Nuevo Año, Nueva Tu?

Happy New Year, though it’s mid January when I’ve finally decided to publish this post. Every year I make a list of resolutions, even though I’ve accomplished many of last years resolutions many were put on hold due to various circumstances out of my control. For that reason I’ve decided not to make anymore resolutions.

Feliz Año Nuevo aunque ya estamos a mediado de enero cuando por fin público este escrito. Todos los años realizamos una lista de resoluciones, aunque yo cumplí muchas el año pasado otras fueron paralizadas por circunstancias fuera de mi control. Por ese motivo decidí que no crearía más resoluciones.

Let’s be real, who actually sticks to them? Going to the gym, eating healthy, saving more money, getting a better job or promotion…..those are a few of the same resolutions many make year after year and within the second week of January they’ve given up because they’re stuck in a comfort zone.

Vamos a ser realistas, quien realmente las cumple? Ir más al gimnasio, comer saludable, ahorrar dinero, conseguir un mejor empleo o una promoción……esas son varias de la resoluciones que muchos hacen año tras año y en la segunda semana de enero se rinden porque están en una zona de comodidad.

The reality is once the year changes nothing magically happens to make everything better. You still have the same problems and baggage. What you accomplish in the new year depends on you. If you don’t change you’re habits or attitude what’s the use of creating resolutions you won’t achieve.

La realidad es que cuando entramos a un nuevo año nada mágico sucede que cambia todo. Aún sigues con los mismos problemas y situaciones. Lo que quieres cumplir en el año depende de ti. Si tú no cambias tus hábitos o actitud cuál es el uso de crear resoluciones que no cumplirás.

This 2018 I’m completely focused on success and accomplishing my goals. In order to achieve that I have to work on myself first. How? By creating a better version of myself.

Este 2018 estoy completamente enfocada en el éxito y cumplir mis metas. Para lograrlo tengo que trabajar en mi primeramente. ¿Como? Creando una mejor versión de mi.

If you really believe in “New Year, new YOU” you have to stay focused and committed. Stop being lazy and get things done. As long as we are focused on our goals we can be anything we want to be. Make every day of your life another step towards succeeding your dreams. In this entire process there’s only one person that truly matters, YOU.

Si realmente crees en “Nueva año, Nueva yo” tienes que enfocarte y comprometerte. Deja la pereza y haz las cosas. Mientras estemos enfocados en nuestras metas podemos ser quien queremos ser. Haz que cada día de tu vida sea un escalón más cerca hacia tus sueños. En este proceso solamente hay una persona que realmente importa, tu.

You’re the one with goals so put in the effort and make sacrifices. New year, new you? Commit to yourself and start being the best version of you. If you accomplish that well 2018 is going to be a very successful year.

Tú eres quien tiene las metas, pon el esfuerzo y haz sacrificios.  ¿Nuevo año, nueva tu? Comprométete a ti misma y empieza ser la mejor versión de ti. Si cumples esto el 2018 será una Año muy exitoso para ti. 

Be you, Be Lovely
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