Let’s talk about Halloween!!!

Ever since I was a child I have been celebrating Halloween.  I think there is a picture of each costume I used.  My mom did an amazing job when dressing my sister and me up. 

They are blurry but I still look cute

As the years went buy I celebrated Halloween in different parties with friends, I dressed up as a cheerleader, angel, fairy and even as a sexy devil.  Did I have fun? No words to describe it.  I danced my ass off in every party I went.  As the years went by my life got busier between my career, long distance relationship with the hubs and then marriage; so there was no time for Halloween planning. This year my friend is having a party in her house and I was invited.  At first I was hesitant because 1. Hubs not home, 2. I’m too old for this and 3. I didn't know what to wear. Now let’s face it Halloween is for “kids” so they say.  

Fact is you’re never too old for Halloween; it’s the way you celebrate it that changes and it's just fun to dress up for one they however you want, share with friends and have a good time.  Dressing up as an adult you can do for as long as you wish just don’t go door to door for candy if you have no kids – that’s weird!!!  Well this is how I see it and tonight I’m breaking all the rules.  And by breaking all the rules I don’t mean by disrespecting myself, my hubby or my family.  I’m just going to dress up (you’ll see me in tomorrow’s post) and have fun.  Costumes are centered on older crowds; therefore no one should tell you that you’re too old to dress up, look crazy or slutty.   

I hope you all have a fun and safe night with your hubs, children and/or friends.

Happy Halloween!!!

Insta-Diary

One more day til Halloween! Am I excited??? Yes!!! This year I will celebrate it at my friend’s house.

I once saw a quote that said “Life is like a camera, just focus on what’s import and capture the good times, develop from the negatives and if it don’t work out take another shot” And that’s what I use my instagram for.  To capture every great moment I have experienced.  If you follow me on instagram (@melinamillan) you’ll know what I’ve been doing, eating, drinking and loving lately. 

My favorite shots (from left to right):

1. Lately I’ve been rediscovering my passion for wine.  Let’s face it I’ve always loved it and I use to go wine tasting and wine lessons in Puerto Rico; but as of lately I just have been purchasing different types of wine (will post later my favorites).

2. I honestly can’t get enough of this girl.  I met Julie in 2013 when we both started working at the same place and ever since we have been friends.  She has been there for me since the hubs went to AIT.  And I’m just too grateful for having her in my life.

3. I have not cooked a complete meal since the hubs left until last week that I had a craving for Tilapia and Pasta (and of course a glass of wine).

4. Although you cannot admire the color on this picture I had dark brown hair and I was planning on dying it black for the winter but instead I did a lighter honey color tone.

5. Isn’t she just a beauty; Knela is all ready for Halloween.

6. Homemade oatmeal cookies made by my coworker and dearest friend Barbara! This lady can bake!!! 

Enjoy and follow me!

Let's Talk About Hair

Along the years I've had several changes with my hair – hair color and styles.  I don’t know about you but when it comes to hair I like to change it for every season.  During the summer I go dark and in winter I like to go lighter.  I use to do it the other way but this year I decided to change things a bit.  So in terms of my hair color I’m going little by little to a medium dark blonde and I’m letting my hair grow since on August I had the crazy idea to chop it off short.  My hair is extremely curly and a weekly blowout. Let’s face it nobody is satisfied with their hair type.   All these changes can damage the hair by making it fall or dry.  Today I will be sharing the things I do to help my hair grow.  No, I’m not a hair stylist; but these tips and tricks may help your hair as it has to mine.  

#1 Brush and Comb Carefully

When I was in my teen years I would go by that myth “brush your hair 100 times a day to promote hair growth” I would literally count lol. Ladies not only is this false, but brushing your hair to an excess can actually pull hairs out.  I use a wide comb and I go from bottom all the way to the top of my scalp.  

1. Detangling Comb  2. Denman Large Paddle Brush 3. Ion Golden Wood Round Brush Medium

#2 Use Heat Protectors

Like I said I’m the blowout type of gal.  I brow dry my own hair so I make sure I use proper protection since I use double heat (blower and flat iron). I use two in specific, Beyond The Zone Turn Up The Heat Protection Spray (applied before blow drying my hair) and Style Sexy Hair 450 Protect (applied before using my flat iron) 

#3 Reconstructive Mask

I do a deep conditioner normally every Sunday. I wash my hair like normal, rinse the shampoo with warm water, then I towel dry my hair and then apply either a homemade Mask or a Deep Conditioner for approximately 15-20 minutes.  Then rinse with COOL water. My personal favorite DIY Hair Mask is Banana, Honey and Coconut Oil.  But if I either don’t have the ingredients or simply am not in the mood to do a Mask I just use these three alternatives and all three make my hair smooth and shiny.

It’s a Ten Miracle Hair Mask

Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque

Chi Argan Oil Plus Moringa Oil Rejuvenating Mask 

#4 Vitamins

I started taking prenatal ever since I began my ttc journey but in August after I chopped off my hair and then regret it I was recommended to take Biotin and Vitamin E.  I think it’s grown pretty quick, and hoping it grows longer for next year. I got my Biotin and Vitamin E at Walmart my Prenatals are prescribed but you can get the one in the picture at Walmart as well.

#5 Chlorine & Saline Protection

Wetting your hair with tap water before swimming and treating it with natural oils such as coconut oil helps protect your hair while in pools or beach. Since my hair is short I tend to do a small bun to prevent it from tangling.

#6 Get Less Trims

So they say every 6 weeks you’re supposed to trim your hair.  I don’t go by that rule.  I trim my hair when I believe it actually needs it.  My hair doesn’t grow that fast so if I were to get a trim “every 6 weeks” my hair would be the same length forever.

Do you have any recommendations on what you do for your hair growth???

Busy Gal!!!

Oh my gosh!!! Time sure does fly; this Wednesday marks exactly two months since the hubs left to Arizona.  I’m extremely proud of him he’s been doing well in the exams although as week’s passes by it gets harder and harder.  On the other hand I have not had time for mainly anything.  As you all know I’ve been working part time at Express during evenings and weekends.  And as of lately I haven’t had time for me or just to relax and have a glass a wine; but I can’t complain it keeps me busy with a little extra money to leave right at the store lol. 

denim – High Waisted Hip ZipJean Legging | tee – Express, similar here | wedges – Toms | watch - Movado | bracelets – Alex and Ani 1 and 2

Express is having great deals as of right now and they also have free shipping!

Hope you lovelies have a great week!!!

To Be or Not To Be

For quite some time I have not been feeling like myself.  For example: I hesitate before I post something on Facebook or Instagram because it might offend someone or in terms of expressing myself as well.  But let’s face IT IS EXHAUSTING!!!  Yes there are certain things for certain moments; it’s totally understandable.  But either I’m too bold or there are just too many sensible people out there.  Someone once asked me to describe myself and these were my answers:

Sociable, Energetic, Ambitious, Bold,

Funny, Motivational, Giving, Loving,

Sentimental, Strong, Fearless, Overprotective,

Intelligent, Wild, and Unforgiving

I know for a fact that I have to work on the Unforgiving one because I admit it I don’t take revenge because I do believe in Karma but I will not forgive when I get hurt.  Now I have had to control myself from several postings because I have been objectified, deleted from social media and even judged.

And it is until today that I will continue to be me.  No more trying to control, no more making believe, I will be what truly defines me.  I will simply be me without being afraid of being judged. 

A little reminder to all of you that are afraid of being yourself simply remember that when you stop thinking of what people would say about you, when you follow your bliss, and do what you love, you begin to align with happiness and peace. Connect with your true nature and allow your real self shine with all its glory.

It’s never too late to start over.  If you weren’t happy with yesterday, try something different today.  Don’t stay stuck and do better.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.  Being Puerto Rican we celebrate Columbus Day or Día de la Raza which is celebrated the second Monday of October. 

Although I was born in Brooklyn, New York; I consider myself to be fully Puerto Rican.  Being latina is more than just saying that I’m Puerto Rican, it’s my heritage, my island, my culture;  I just wanted to show you a little piece of where I am in pictures. 

Bomba y Plena: are defining musical sounds of the Afro-Puerto Rican population.

 Noche de San Juan (The Night of Fire) is a festival celebrated on June 23rd, a magical night that welcomes the summer season.  Myth is that at midnight you swim in the ocean to purify your soul.  Best part is the parties during the night at the beach. 

 Just look at this beautiful beach

Arroz con Dulce (Coconut Rice Pudding) - This dessert is typically made during Christmas.  It is made out of rice, coconut milk, cinnamon and raisins and it is to die for.

Puerto Rican Artisans

And here's a picture of my grandfather Ploughing with a team of Oxens.  Today is his 7th Anniversary since he passed away.  This is one of my favorite pictures of him.   

And lets not forget our famous actors and singers: JLo, Marc Anthony, Benicio del Toro, Zoe Saldana, Ricky Martin, Roselyn Sanchez & Luis Guzman.  Their are many more just mentions a couple.

October Goals

To me October is one of my favorite and sad months. On October my amazing Queen my mother was born and unfortunately my grandfather (her dad) passed away the day before her birthday.  And only God knows how much I miss him.  He was the one that would give me all the love in the world besides my parents.  He simply adored me and I adored him even more.  And Lord knows how my heart broke into pieces seeing my mother suffered the way she did.  Especially because a year later my grandmother (her mom) decided to let herself go as well. But despite the fact of all this sadness during this month I’m glad I still have my queen to say happy birthday too and to express all the love I have for her. 

I have included 31 October goals hoping to complete each one of them.  It has been something I’ve been thinking these past days regarding setting short term goals each month. 

1. Send my mom a care package with her birthday gift and some goodies.

2. Send arrangement flowers to my grandparent’s grave.
3. Get Knela groomed.
4. Start meal prepping.

5. Begin shopping for Christmas gifts.
6. Do an all house clean up.
7. Go to a pumpkin patch.
8. Buy someone sunflowers.
9. Walk on a breast cancer awareness marathon.
10. Exercise at least 3 times a week.
11. Go zip lining with Jules.

12. Begin my day with prayer.

13. Buy some pumpkin scented candles.

14. Go to a haunted theme park.
15. Send my husband a care package 
16. Start my first shutterfly book (Fort Bragg, NC)

17. Dye my hair completely black.
18. Buy a coat for the winter.
19. Try not to eat dinner outside for this whole month.
20. Write my cousin an encouragement letter (he’s in a rehab program).
21. Rock some brown and burgundy lipsticks and nail polishes.22. Begin a list of people I’ll send Christmas cards too.

23. Try and blog a Pinterest recipe.
24. Start a financial planning (thanks to Elena from Baby Ridley Bump).
25. Do a DIY Fall project.
26. Buy candies just in case I have kids knock on my door the 31st.

27. Switch out my closet for Fall, organize my jewelry and donate clothes I haven’t worn.
28. Schedule doctor’s appointments and make sure to go to each one.
29. Stick to my skin care routine. 
30. Try doing some pumpkin spice French macaroons.
31. Celebrate Halloween.

So those are my goals for October! How about you all? Any big goals this month?