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.
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.
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.
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.
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 andand 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’slife 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!
February, the month that celebrates love and friendship. Though I’m single this past Valentines was one of the 1st I didn’t feel upset about it. On the contrary, it was the best Valentines of my life. I’m happier than ever feeling complete as a woman and completely content with my own company. When you are full of self- love and value yourself that’s one of its greatest benefits.
Febrero, mes que celebra el amor y la amistad. Aunque estoy soltera, este San Valentín pasado fue uno de los primeros, no me sentí triste por eso. Al contrario, fue el mejor San Valentín de mi vida. Estoy más feliz que nunca sintiéndome completa como mujer y completamente contenta con mi propia compañía. Cuando estás llena de amor propio y te valoras a ti misma, ese es uno de sus mayores beneficios.
I’m focused on myself, not in being in a relationship because society dictates it. I will not be pushed into settling for less. Yes, I want to get married and have children one day but there’s no rush. When God sends the right man, he is more than welcome into my life. Someone who adds to the happiness I already have. If any man wants to take any of that away I’d prefer to be single. My desire is to be in a relationship full of passion, love, loyalty and support. A true relationship where I feel secure and I can be authentically me. Ladies, don’t ever settle for less and rush into relationships with anyone because of the fear of being alone. I’ve been there and it only leads to heartbreak. I’ve made that mistake before and though I learned something from my past relationships they weren’t the right one for me. It is a proven fact that when the right person comes along, you’ll know and there won’t be a single doubt in your mind. Meanwhile I continue to enjoy life and focus on loving myself.
Estoy concentrada en mí misma, no en estar en una relación porque la sociedad lo dicta. No seré empujada a conformarme con menos. Sí, quiero casarme y tener hijos algún día, pero no tengo prisa. Cuando Dios envíe al hombre adecuado, es más que bienvenido en mi vida. Alguien que se suma a la felicidad que ya tengo no que me reste. Para eso preferiría estar soltera. Mi deseo es estar en una relación llena de pasión, amor, lealtad y apoyo. Una verdadera relación en la que me sienta segura y pueda ser auténticamente yo. Chicas, nunca se conformen con menos o se apresuren a entablar relaciones con alguien por temor a estar solas. He estado ahí y solo me llevo a desilusiones. Cometí ese error antes y, aunque aprendí algo de mis relaciones pasadas, no eran las adecuadas para mí. Es un hecho comprobado que cuando llegue la persona correcta, usted lo sabrá y no habrá una sola duda en su mente. Mientras tanto, sigo disfrutando de la vida y enfocada en amarme a mí misma.
Now onto a more important topic. In case you did not know, I’m obsessed with organizing and decluttering. During a recent closet declutter I found this cute pale pink suede jumpsuit I hadn’t worn in years. The last time I wore it was for a brand event in February 2017 and its one of my favorite pieces. I’ve officially made it a rule to use clothes I haven’t worn in a while. Instead of checking my closet I assume I have nothing to wear and buy new things, accumulating more clothes. Does this happen to you as well?
Pasemos ahora a un tema más importante. En caso de que no lo supieras, estoy obsesionada con organizar y resaca. Durante una limpieza reciente del armario, encontré este lindo “jumpsuit” rosa pálido que no me había puesto en años. La última vez que lo usé fue para un evento de marca en febrero de 2017 y es una de mis piezas favoritas. He establecido oficialmente como regla el uso de ropa que no he usado en un tiempo. En lugar de revisar mi armario, asumo que no tengo nada que ponerme y compro cosas nuevas, acumulando más ropa. ¿Esto también te pasa a ti?
Lovely Chicas, is an online editorial destination for everything that’s lovely. This blog is a creative source that covers fashion trends, beauty, makeup, lifestyle, decor inspo, gastronomy, entertainment, fitness, health, self-love, motivation, empowerment, self-improvement, life tips and so much more. Lovely Chicas is a lifestyle haven designed to inspire and empower.
Message from Charlene Gonzalez
I am the creator behind Lovelychicas.com, a glimpse into my life. This blog is a creative outlet where you’ll find tons of inspiration. Thanks for visiting!
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