5 on Friday

[ONE] Season of Lent

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday, through which we attain redemption.  So I’m planning on eliminating Soda’s & Sugars (candy’s, cookies, cakes, etc.)

[TWO] Herbalife Diet Challenge

I have a lil confession, after my vacation, I’ve gained weight and I have to admit I do not feel comfortable in my skin. So, thanks to my friend I’m starting Herbalife to see how it works and I’m also including some exercise routine.  I said that I was going to be eating healthier but it has been so hard; this time I’m actually going to try.

[THREE] Cold Stone Creamery – Sweet Cream

International Delight has the Cold Stone Creamery – Sweet Cream and all I can say if you love coffee you need to try it.  I mean you don’t even need to add sugar, it’s so yummy!!!

[FOUR] Income Tax Depression

So for some reason I guess they took out th

e minimum on my salary and NOW I have to Pay boo hoo.  This lady right here will wait until April 14 to submit her income taxes thank you!!!

[FIVE] Road Trips

Can Spring/Summer get here already! I am so excited on some road trips on planning this year.  I am so ready to visit different states.

New Blog Design

I have been following a couple of blogs and I was amazed at some of the designs these bloggers had.  So I was doing my research a while back and I found Victoria Strader from HappilyEver Strader. 

Once I contacted Victoria I can say I was literally blessed; I mean this girl answered all my questions and I had tons lol.  She did an amazingly beautiful job with my blog, and I honestly couldn’t ask for more.

So ladies if you are in need of a template contact Victoria Strader and believe me you will not be disappointed. 

I’m so excited with my new blog design, and I really hope you all like it.

Qualities I Desired In A Husband

I remember back in 2007 when I got divorced, I cried and I got rebellious and when I say rebellious I mean it in every way of the meaning of Rebellious. It was in 2011 that I started reflecting on my life; deep down inside I wanted to have the perfect marriage, a family, someone I can be proud of and that person would be proud of me as well.  Someone that I can cook for, clean for and make them happy (yes, I wanted to be a wife).

(Me in Puerto Rico 2011)

 One night I began to pray, and I decided to write on my journal a list of the qualities I wanted in a man.  And I made myself sure that I had those same qualities as well.   I knew for a fact that he would not have all the qualities on my list, but if he had more than 50% I would be more than happy and willing to marry that man of course that was with the approval of God, and my parents.  Now some may say “parents” -- “but you are divorced and in your 30’s why would parents have to approve?”  In my case, I DO take decisions based on my believes but even though I’m in my 30’s I always seek my parents approval in some of my decisions.

Here’s my 2011 list:

He must love JESUS

He must be clean

He must be faithful

He must be sensitive

He must be affectionate

He must be a hard worker

He must be a family person

He must be secure of himself

He must have a positive attitude 

He must not have a temper or aggressive

He must make me his priority (after Jesus of course)

He must be attractive (white, tall, black hair, well dressed, always smelling good)

He must remember birthdays, anniversaries, etc. (a lil gift wouldn't be bad either) 

He must not be a sexist (a person that believes that a woman was born to serve them)

He must be a gentlemen (yes I’m old school, I like the open doors, holding hands kinda stuff)

I knew I wasn't going to get all of these qualities, you see I always use to say that physically he had to have black hair and I ended up with a red head (bald), with tons of freckles which I love. 

Although God granted me basically all the specifications I was looking in a man, I have to say marriage is not as easy as it looks.  If you let yourself go by what you see on the media (facebook/twitter) you will drive yourself nuts when you get married.  See, people put on a facade of how their marriage is peaches and cream.  Well sorry to break it to ya but IT IS NOT.   You will have differences (remember you are both two different individuals), you will fight or have a discussion if you want to put it pretty (as long as there is no violence involved) I’d say you can past the test. 

And REMEMBER:

1.  Dating/Courting is not the same as marriage.  When you’re courting you may see some of the flaws of that person; but when you’re married, when you live with that person 24/7 you get to see basically all of them.  It’s just a matter of focusing on the good things, having great communication and keep in mind YOU HAVE FLAWS TOO.

2.  Marriage is sacred.  Don’t let a third party give their opinion, and NEVER open doors to temptation.  My mom would always say “The Devil Is A Pig” and indeed she is right.  You will have situations where either you want to get out, you’ll be tempted by others to do things.  When these things happen PRAY, PRAY & PRAY.

3.  Marriage is like a roller-coaster you will definitely have your ups and downs – just make the best out of it and enjoy the ride.

I have a thing with duck faces lol

Clomid Diaries Cycle #1

Have you ever felt frustrated, angry & hopeless?  Well, that’s how I’m feeling right now.  I remember in December declaring 2014 as my year, our year, the year where we would become parents.  And I know we are only in February and that we have month ahead of us.  But in this road of infertility believe me it’s hard not to lose faith.  I’m not going to lie, I’m writing this post at work with tears wanting to come down and I’m trying to hold myself and be strong. 

Story is on December while I was on vacation I went to my OBGYN in Puerto Rico.  He ran blood test on me and since I was missing three months without my period he prescribed Provera to jumpstart it.  Then after my cycle day (CD) #5 I would start taking 50mg of Clomid.  He gave me a round of 4 treatments (4 months). 

Clomid Cycle #1 My CD#1 was on January 21^st and I took Clomid on January 25^th through January 29^th.  I did everything just as directed by Dr. G (my gyno) and I was so excited because I had faith that this treatment would actually work.  And I know I have until April with these pills but oh God this is so depressing.  One thing is for sure at least I know I ovulated.  I still haven’t got my period (I’m sporadically spotting very light since yesterday which would make it CD#30) I’ve heard of other cases in which CD can be on the 34^th Day. 

Now what’s even more frustrating from all this (and it may sound a little selfish on my behalf) is that the hubs was tested and he is perfectly fine.  And on the other hand I’m also happy because at least is not both and I know I KNOW for a fact that God has something beautiful for us.  In the meantime I guess I would just have to wait, have patience and pray. 

Negative side of the Clomid:

1.  Baby dancing (sex) is scheduled (and what fun is that)

2.  These sporadic mood swings are killing me (and it’s killing the hubs – thank God for his      

      patience)

3.  Breast tenderness is the worst pain ever (even the water from the shower hurts)

One thing I have to be thankful for and that is the amazing hubs that I have, the unconditional love he has for me, the patience, I mean this man deserves a trophy, also the support of my family and my best friend.  Without these people I don’t know where I would be right now.

In everything give thanks ~ Thes. 5:18

Every Great Love Story Begins Somewhere

On November 2011 I was hanging out with whom at that time was my roommate, looking for a good spot to eat.  I had presented her one of my friends via facebook and they had kept communications so that they he called her and asked her to put me on the phone.  So, we started chatting and he asked if I was single, at that time I was “dating” someone but it wasn't official since he never asked me to be his girlfriend, so I said yes.  Right there he tells me he was next to his best friend and he wanted me to get to know him because he was a good man. 

I told him I wasn't interested in meeting anyone at that moment, but he kept insisting telling me how he looked physically, and that he was mature, respectful and looking for a serious relationship.  So I asked him to send me a picture of his friend, and to my luck, I had been looking at this guys picture for the longest on facebook in my friends page.  I always thought to myself that he was very handsome but yet again he's in the Army and there's no way I would date or look at any military man.  Anyway continuing... I told my friend to give him my number and in less than a minute we were already texting.  Then it became constant phone calls until he finally decided to call me through facetime.

Like I had said before, I was seeing someone and I decided not to talk to Josean (my husband) anymore.  So I literally ignored all his text messages, his calls I simply erased him out of my life.  On January I decided I was better off alone and after several misunderstandings with the person I was dating we officially stopped seeing each other.

And yes, I contacted Josean again; this time he was the one that ignored my calls and my text messages so I stopped.  I began to pray and asked God so many questions, what was I doing wrong to deserve this emptiness I was feeling inside my heart.  And there it was a mysterious call telling me he was in Puerto Rico on vacations and wanted to meet me in person. 

So, I accepted, we met at a gas station because I did not want to go out to dinner, or to his family’s house or mine.  That day we talked so much we were like 3 hours on a nonstop conversation and I was so nervous it was obvious.  We basically hung out for 2 whole weeks and before he left my words were “I am not a booty call, I’m looking for a serious relationship, I feel like a flower that everybody looks yet they just walk away”.  And  Josean then told me, “I know you are scared, but if you let me I will protect you like the most valuable flower that has ever existed”.  I told him “flowers die after a while” and he said “there is something about you that I know will keep this love growing”.  (He only get’s my fake flowers now and I LOVE THEM)

LOVE??? I mean this guys doesn't even know me but indeed it was the most passionate, sincere love I have ever experienced.  We officially started dating January 27^th, 2012.  We were on a long distance relationship for 8 months.  Where we would face-time, text, and email each other and we traveled 3 times to see each other.  

When We First Met

But there was a burden inside of me, I continued to pray and one day the only words that came out of my mouth was “we cannot continue with this long distance relationship”  we were spending money and to me our time.  I trusted him but I just didn't feel like continuing with something that to me was going to end up breaking my heart.  And there it was only 4 words came out of his mouth “WILL YOU MARRY ME”. 

Of course I said yes and on September 7, 2012 we became one.  We got married by court, and on December 12, 2012 I moved to North Carolina. 

Married through court

Yes we had a short relationship, but we know that God put each other together for a reason.

Liebster Award 2014

I was nominated for the

by Ritzy from I Heart Ritzy

The Rules:
1. Mention the person who nominated you and link their blog.
2. Answer the 11 questions set to you by the person who nominated you.
3. Nominate 11 other bloggers who have less than 200 followers.
4. Send them 11 questions that you want them to answer.

1. What inspired you to create a blog?

I decided to create a blog when I moved from Puerto Rico to a new journey as a married woman, to inspire others on faith and hope on marriage, infertility and faith.  Also to document our journey for our future unborn to read when he/she grows up.

2. Where was your last/best vacation?

Ever since we got married due to his job (military) we haven't been able to take a good vacation so I would have to say Florida and Puerto Rico :)

3. What is your most prized possession?

My husband and my family

4. What is the most delicious food you have ever eaten?

Italian Food any where don't care lol

5. Favorite Restaurant?

My cooking

6. If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be?

Simple He's not dead or alive but I can't wait to meet my Savior Jesus Christ

7. What is your favorite post that you've written? (Link, please!)

A Letter To My Unborn Baby

8. Describe yourself in three words?

Sincere, Electric, Passionate

9. What are three things you cannot live without?

God, Family (here I include my Husband, Knela & my Family, Iphone

10. Favorite Apps?

Instagram, Our Daily Bread, Pinterest and Waterlogue

11. What camera do you use?

Sony A65

I am nominating the following blogs for the Liebster Award:

Chosen: From Broken To Beautiful

Vitamins 4 My Soul

Simply Be

My questions for you ladies:

1. What inspired you to create a blog?
2. Where was your last/best vacation?

3. What is your most prized possession?

4. What is the most delicious food you have ever eaten?

5. Favorite Restaurant?

6. What would you do to survive the zombie appocolypse?

7. What is your favorite post that you've written? (Link, please!)

8. Describe yourself in three words?

9. What are three things you cannot live without?

10. Favorite Apps?

11. What camera do you use?

Day 8, 9 and 10 | Impossible Weekend

I missed this weekend #blogeverydayinFEB challenge; so I’m including them all with today’s challenge as well.

DAY | TEN – What You Are Learning This Season

Throughout my entire life I didn’t know what patience was.  

And I’m still learning how to control myself.

I realized that without patience I can lose everything, my family, my husband,

my friends, my job and most important MY FAITH.  

I’m learning that everything is in God’s timing in the meantime 

He will fulfill my needs in different ways.

DAY | NINE – A Day In The Life

Sunday, February 9, 2014: 

6:30 Took a shower and got dressed

6:55 Dropped off my fur baby Knela at the vet for her dental cleaning

7:30 Had breakfast at Ihop with the hubs

9:00 Did laundry

12:00 Cleaned the house with the hubs and watched tv.

4:00 Ate something light and did groceries

5:00 Picked Knela up from the vet poor thing was sleeping all afternoon and evening

5:15 Put groceries away and began cooking

6:45 Ate dinner with the hubs (Boiled Potatoes, Corn and T-bone Steak)

7:00 We were watching Crazy.Stupid.Love (I love this movie)

8:00 Face Time my parents in Puerto Rico

9:00 My Happy Hour (THE WALKING DEAD)

10:00 Showered

11:00 Zzzzzzzzzzzz = Sleeping

DAY | EIGHT – Music That Moves You

I love music, to me music takes away my stress and helps ease my mood swing lol. I don’t have a specific type of music generation I basically listen to everything so I’m going to list some of my favorite artist down below:

Worship Music Artists (English & Spanish)

Joann Rosario

Hillsong United

Casting Crowns

Tercer Cielo

Samuel Hernandez

Spanish Music (Different Generations)

Charlie Zaa (Ballad)

Cultura Profetica (Reggae)

Robi Drako Rosa (Pop)

Fiel a la Vega (Rock)

Enanitos Verdes (Rock)

Daddy Yankee (Reaguetton)

Yomo (Reaguetton)

English Music (Different Generations)

Rihanna

Pitbull

Justin Timberlake 

Day 7 | A Public Encouragement

Today’s #blogeverydayinFEB challenge is A Public Encouragement. The meaning of encouragement to me is having the power and correct words to give support and hope to someone.  This one was a little hard for me because although I have encouraged some of my close friends today I want to dedicate this post to my mother.

 Mom, you are the strongest woman I have ever met in my life.  Seeing the way you have suffered in silence the fact that grandma, grandpa & Titi Tata are not in this world anymore, the rejection of others, just because you may have given an advice or your words were interpreted the wrong way. I know at times you may think that you did not do a good job raising three women, or that maybe you could have done better.  Well let me tell you this:

Proverbs 31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. (you have given the best advices, and your love is felt everywhere)

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. (you have help not only your daughters but your nieces and nephews.  Every time I talk to Jossie I feel the love she has for you and how she is grateful of everything you have done for her.)

Ephesians 6:2 Honor your father and mother (this is the first commandment with a promise)(Watching how you devoted yourself with grandma and grandpa every single day, how you loved them and respected them made me as a daughter admire you more.)

Mom, no you are not perfect I know you have done things in the past that you regret, but guess what:

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (so therefore mamacita God has forgiven you, it is He the one and only to judge you and He doesn’t because he washed your sins away)

And remember in John 8:7 it says He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

Mom, like I said you are not perfect but in my eyes you have been the perfect mother, the best friend I have ever had, my counselor, provider, protector and my first love.  And I want to be just like you.  Do not let anyone make you think otherwise.

I love you and you are the apple of my eye

 

Day 6 | Make Up Must-Haves

So today’s challenge is Makeup Must-Haves and this is a topic I can go on forever.  I love makeup, I love putting makeup on people and I love getting ready each morning just for it.  So enjoy these are my everyday make up and things I must have all the time. 

Skin & Eye Primer:

 Prep & Prime Skin and Prep & Prime Eye

To me these items are essential because the skin primers settles the foundation softly making it look natural and the Eye primer helps my shadow last all day long believe me when I say this.  I can put shadow on in the morning, work all day and go to the gym and I still have eye shadow, plus in doesn’t create line smudges. 

Foundation, Concealer and Powder:

 Pro Longwear Foundation, Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer and Studio FixPowder Plus Foundation

I have been using these products for years now.  And I tried a Two Faced Foundation, I ended up giving it away. It just doesn’t settle on my face like MAC does. 

Blush:

Brozing Powder

For some reason I don’t like regular blushes, and for my skin tone I just prefer a nice bronzer that makes me look as if I had the perfect suntan.

Eyes & Lips:

 Pro Longwear Eye Liner, Liquid Eye Liner, Haute & Naughty Lash and Lipstick in Hug Me or Film Noir

Let me just say that I have tried so many eyeliner brands from cheap to not so cheap and they all left the end of my eye all smeared and looking nasty.  When the MAC Consultant talked me into buying their eyeliners I think it was the best decision.  And there mascaras they are – to die for.  Right now there are just two lip colors I am using and those are Hug Me and Film Noir (I’m not too much of a lipstick changer).

Eye Shadow: 

Two Faced Natural Eye Shadow Collection

When it comes to shadow I have a whole case of different colors and different brands.  I love doing these dramatic looks for the night if I have an activity or a date with my hubs.  But since I’m always I work, I like more neutral colors and this Two Faced Natural Eye Shadow to me would be the best. 

Setting Spray:

 Urban Decay Chill Makeup Setting Spray

 

I saw a review of this product on Youtube it is the best!!! Try it.  It settles your makeup to a point that you don’t have to retouch your powder. 

Brushes:

I use all type of brands brushes from Avon to ELF.  I prefer to spend on makeup and not on brushes

What are your favorites???

Day 5 | Book Review

It's day 5 on the #blogeverydayinFeb wow, and I'm proud of myself I've been able to keep up yayy for me!!!

So, Book Review it is…

Reading is my passion, I have so many books of so many different topics; but years ago a friend of mine (Belinda) sent me a box with 3 books, and from these 3 the one that I can say has touched, inspired me and helped me in so many ways has been Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life.  My entire life I had no idea what self-respect was.  I never said no, because I was scared of rejection. So people used me, belittled me and treated me how they wanted too not how I deserved to be treated. 

This book is biblically based; it helps you understand the meaning of boundaries and codependency, it uses examples of real life situations of fear, rejection, etc.  Reading this book and using my bible and prayer as help made me understand so many things.  God wants us to set our boundaries in order to love others.  With this book I learned to be dependent, make my own choices, respect myself first and I certainly learned how to say NO.  

Day 4 | Story Behind My Blog's Name

Today is day four on #blogeverydayinFEB and the topic is “Story behind My Blog’s Name”

When I decided I wanted to write I had an idea of what would be my topics but getting a name was the hard part.  I didn’t want a common name, and I wanted something that would identify me.  So as you all my know I use to live in Puerto Rico and one of the traditional dishes is Mofongo which is made out of green plantain and you can stuff them with chicken, meat or seafood.  This is one of my favorite dishes and thank God I learned how to do it lol.  Anyway as I was saying, Mofongo is a traditional dish in Puerto Rico and since I was moving to the States with my husband, I was thinking about the fact that I wasn’t going to be able to go to my favorite restaurant and eat my mofongo in a long time.  And right there it popped up A Life Without Mofongo.