Reflection: Give Me Some Candy Lady

Picture taken from Candy Land Wiki

So I was playing Candy Land with Kiran last night...you know spending some quality time with the kid. She picks her card and it takes her to Peanut Ville or something or other and she screams in excitement, OOOHHH I'm winning...I get to go to the Peanut Lady!! She's big and fat just like you! 

The fat girl in me almost forgot Kiran is a five year old and wanted to punch her in the mouth. Instead I shook it off and said that is not nice then nothing else was said. Kiran looked at me like what did I do?!?! We wrapped up the game, I put her little butt in the tub for bath time, then completed our nightly ritual.

Once Kiran was in bed, my emotions got the best of me and I ate eight chocolate single serving bars from her Halloween basket. Take that little one...the big fat lady is smashing your Crunch bars!!  As the chocolate overtook my mouth, I came to and couldn't believe the comments of a kindergartner would cause me to go into a depression...and later possibly a diabetic coma. 

Then I pull myself together and remember Kiran is coming from a background that is engulfed in the obsession with size. My sister is a size zero and still thinks she could lose a few pounds. One of the reasons she had an issue with Kiran not being involved in her dance classes as much as she told my mother...she didn't want Kiran to sit over my house and get fat. 

It also brought me to the realization I still have a ways to go before I'm truly comfortable in my own skin with  my own size. Yes...I do stand to lose some weight health wise, but I also need to re-evaluate the situation and see why that comment got under my skin.

I will say this...it's time for Kiran and I to have the beauty and self acceptance talk. I don't want her to obsess over weight the way her mother and I do. I don't want it to control or take over her life. I don't want her to look at someone and the first thing she sees is weight, height, race or disability. I want her to be a healthy young woman inside and out, but first I have to deal with some demons myself.

I will say this...at least Gamma Nutt knows how to accessorize!

Janelle

The Three Anas

Having a daughter who loves the modeling world could be overwhelming, trust me I know having one myself. It's another world. But to have three daughters who have a passion for it, can be a handful. Ana Diez Rosas has three daughters. I call them the three beautiful Ana’s, because they are all named Ana. What a coincidence my daughter is named Ana too! They are all beautiful and amazing, each one in their own special way.

Ana Paola

 Ana Paola was born on September 7, 1994. She loved to pose for cameras since she was small. When she was 10 years old she represented Puerto Rico in the World Beauty Festival held in Peru. She won the title World Child Queen. When she was eleven years old, she modeled at Puerto Rico High Fashion Week for the designer Marta Negrón and has modeled for such designers as Jackie Tejada and Christian Ramirez.  After winning several titles in competitive modeling, Ana Paola has participated in fashion editorials for major local magazines such as Picture, EGO, My Wedding, etc . For Ana Paola modeling is her passion. In the future, she wants to become an international model and travel to Italy and France to do fashion editorials.

Ana Sofia

  Ana Sofia was born November 4, 1995. She is a free spirit with a strong personality being very sociable and very independent. She started modeling at age four, doing commercial print and television for companies like Burger King among other things. She took dance classes excelling in Jazz and Tap. In 2006, she competed in the Fashion Model Catwalk Puerto Rico, where she won first place in the pre-teen category. Ana Sofia has modeled for designer Jackie Tejada among others. She loves fashion, but would rather produce events. She hopes to break the mold and stereotypes of modeling, as she believes that in the world of modeling there are opportunities for everyone and they don’t have to be a size 0 to model. I baptized her the beautiful and curvy Ana because she’s my kind of girl!

Ana Isabel

The smallest of the Ana’s, Ana Isabel, was born on June 15, 1999. She’s a super sweet girl, with high aspirations. This young lady loves modeling and like her sisters she began at an early age. When she was 4 ½ years old she won her first modeling competition. It was the Catwalk Fashion Model Competition and since then she has not stopped. She has modeled for five consecutive years for the designer Jackie Tejada, being the image for two of her collections. In 2010, she was chosen as the "Girl TU" TU for the magazine, appearing on the cover of the magazine. Thanks to this, she traveled to Mexico where she also had a photo shoot to be published in the edition of Mexico. Ana Isabel has very clear goals as she wants to establish an animal shelter because she believes that cruelty to animals is intolerable. She also wants to continue modeling and hopes that in the future she will be able to represent the island at the Miss Universe Pageant. As you can see these three amazing Ana’s are different physically, but they have the same passion for fashion and modeling.

 Can’t wait to go to PRHFW and meet these three beautiful and amazing Ana’s and their beautiful mom, Ana!

Blessings to all,

Marta

Oh Blah Di Oh Blah Da...Life Goes On

I haven't been dilly dallying on Facebook lately...Marta and Castelar has been holding down the blog (by the way THANKS GUYS!!)...RL Twitterville has been a ghost town.

I work for a state university in the financial aid department. School starts in two weeks, so we have been hopping. When I get home at night, I don't want to see a computer or pick up a phone. Don't worry, September is coming soon and everything will be back to somewhat normal. Not too much though...I hate normal!

The other reason is...remember a few weeks ago when I posted the blog about getting mental help. I've taken temporary custody of my niece. She will be staying with me 90% of the time and visiting her mom and grandmother on the weekends. This is truly a HUGE change in our household.

Jay and I don't have any children, and we both agreed it's not in our plan to have any. My mother said I was selfish for not wanting children. I don't call it selfish. I just know the life I want to live and children are not involved in that life; though I love being auntie. Right now...not going to lie...I've been so depressed. It's like a piece of my old "selfish" self is dying. Been eating like an athlete lately...lol! And I shouldn't even be writing this...the big family secret...but sometimes you just need to vent!

But as I get Kay signed up for school and make sure she has the things she needs to have a healthy mental and physical life, I'm starting to come to terms with my new found parenthood and looking forward to my own personal growth.

So blogs, Facebook and emails will be cut down as I focus on Kay's education and showing her as much love as I can. This is not only a huge adjustment for our household, but her little 5 year old emotions are all over the place right now. I will still be blogging and taking care of the RL blog site, but right now it will not be as often as one would like.

 It's going to be a crazy ride, so everyone will be along for it.

Janelle

It's A Small World: Vacation Photos

So happy I'm back from vacation...not happy to get back to my 8-5 job (BOOOO HISSSS), but happy to get back to Aesthetic Design Style House and blogging. I have a real sense of renewal and I think I'm back on track. I really needed to time off to just relax, relate and release (hahaha to the Cosby Show reference).

I was just getting bogged down with things that didn't lift me up and help what I'm trying to do. Now I'm streamlining and getting rid of some projects and people in my life!

I went to Disney and Universal Studios with Jay, my sister, niece, my BFF Angiee and her son Donovan. It was a trip filled with ups and downs, but for the most part it was great to spend time with people you love AND Ms. Kay won all of her national dance competitions she participated in. I'm a proud auntie.

Here are some of my favorite photos from my trip. Okay...so I'm not at my divaest (is that a word?) because we were walking and hot and wet and ugh...Florida weather!

Jay & Kay at the airport. It was Kay's first time on a plane. She had a blast!

My sister, Jay & Kay

It was all made from Legos!!

Kay with two of her three trophies.

They are best buds..."People let me tell you bout my best friend..."

Donovan, Tigger & Kay

Pooh took his sweet time getting to our table.

The Tea Cups!!!

The gang's all here!

Squirrels in my Pants!

Now the sign said you couldn't be taller than 3'6 to slide down. He was too lazy to walk down the stairs! Weirdo!

Wonderful superheros at Universal!

Those are just a few. I took over 300 pictures! Maybe I will leak some out on Facebook later on!

Janelle

May Flowers

May is my favorite month, because I get to celebrate Mother’s day, my Birthday and my daughter graduating from Kindergarten. Sunday is Mother’s Day. I’m proud to be a mom of two beautiful children. To be a parent is an honor and some people don't realize that.

My children

My mother had six children and we range from ages 51- 31. My mother passed away when I was seven from cancer. I’m so thankful for her. She gave me a family that I love to the fullest. I think about her a lot now that I am a mother...so many questions. How could you have six children?! Wondering what advice would she share with me? I miss her. If your mom is still around don’t take her for granted. Tell and show your mom how much you appreciate her every day, not just one day out of the year.

I love taking pictures; it captures moments and creates memories you can look back on. We took family pictures back in March and we had fun!!! We felt like we were at a photo shoot for a billboard. As our kids was posing hubby and I seen future of teenagers with some of their poses. I looked at them and it still amazes me that they are MY KIDS!!! I recommend taking family pictures, and create albums for your children and their family.

Great Mother’s Day Gift Ideas 

• Gift cards are GREAT!!! (from grocery, clothing, favorite restaurant or gas station.)

• Weekend get-away with her friends or alone (send her to visit relatives or friends)

• A day at the spa (pamper her with love)

• Lunch / Dinner

• Flowers and card with a special message from you!

• Jewelry (with kids birthstones)

• Gift Baskets with all her Favorite (candies, movie, cd, perfume)

~Takia

Miredy is a Smooth Criminal

Hi, hope everyone is having a great Tuesday!

 Today, I am going to blog about a Michael Jackson impersonator we have on the island. Michael was my favorite singer and I found a beautiful young girl from Puerto Rico that imitates him.

 I was introduced to her by my friend and co-worker, Gladys Rodríguez. Her son, Christian, is one of her backup dancers. Her name is Miredy Rivera from Vega Baja, Puerto Rico and she's eleven years old. Her show, dance and its projection makes you believe you are actually experiencing the emotion that Michael Jackson caused us when he was alive.

Miredy Rivera

Miredy has never taken dance classes; her talent and stage presence is as natural as breathing. After Michael Jackson died, Miredy was at The Normandie Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico where she stood up on a stage and danced a small choreography to pay tribute to Michael. This is how her journey as a Michael Jackson impersonator began. She has so much passion and commitment, that you can see it in her videos as her magical talent is reflected in her performance.

Like Michael, Miredy has made it her mission and responsibility to bring a message of peace, love and protection for our world. She has been on many shows and has done concerts to collect money for the people in Haiti. She has a heart of gold! Miredy is so lucky her parents support her on her journey. God bless you, thank God for people like you in this world. I wish you all the luck in the world!!

Miredy with an Elvis impersonator in Night of Kings at The Conquistador Hotel in Fajardo, Puerto Rico

Blessings to all,

Marta

Let's Get Physical

Lately the media is focusing on the younger generation; labeling them as the fattest generation. What has happen over these the years? Are families sitting on the couch more? Are parents allowing children to eat more? I noticed the past generations was more physical; they had to walk to school, church, or work and not everyone could not afford car or bus fare. Riding a bike was another past time children enjoyed. So encouraging our children to ride their bikes can be easy for some parents. but some children are glued to their TV or video controllers.

These children are becoming husky, busty or just thick before their time. Is it something in the food or genetics? Some parents are in denial calling it baby fat when their child is looking like Baby Huey. It’s time for us parents to step up and take charge of our family's health. We need to change our eating habits. Becoming an active family is not hard, there are so many activities families can do.

Here a few PHYSICAL Activities.

• Bowling

• Skating

• Field games (Kickball, volleyball, basketball, football, baseball)

• Walking

• Swimming

• Dancing

Those are activities you can invite another families to join the fun.

From elementary we are taught exercising is very important to our body. We have some school systems removing Physical Education to make the budget, while you have some kids out of breath by the time they walk up a flight of stairs. Let the school systems know that you support Physical Education programs.

Last year, our First Lady launches a campaign LET MOVE!!

For more ideas and resource check out

http://www.letsmove.gov/

~Takia

Working Toward Family Fun: Part Two

Date with My Mate

Taking time out for you and your mate is VERY important. Dating your mate can be very affordable and even sometimes FREE. Our children are watching us; we're raising someone's future wife or husband. We need to set a good example. You can break and take time with your mate anytime; you don't have to go out. Have a breakfast or lunch date when the kids are in school. This is a great way to save money...you don't have to pay a sitter.
Here are a few themes or ideas for dating your mate:

Set a monthly date.
Make meals together for your date.
Order lunch and a movie (Netflix or any movie membership is a plus)
Check out some local food places.
Catch up on some of those DVR programs.
Call off work.
Go to the park.
Take pictures outdoors.

If a day is not enough with your boo, try a weekend getaway. Invest in AAA or a travel agent, find a sitter who can also house sit and go on an adult's only road trip. Reading directions, stopping at outlet malls or stopping for a quick bite to eat are all activities we take for granted. Make a CD or IPod playlist for the trip. If you don't feel like traveling far, check out a local bed in breakfast. You can pack a cooler or pick a hotel or room with a kitchenette to save money. You can also log your trip on video to keep your memories and share with family and friends. No sex tapes please!

~Takia

Working Toward Family Fun: Part One

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Make this year a BRAND new start for your family to spend more time together. I’m honored to write about family issues. Family can be wonderful when they all get along, but sometimes every family has their moments. Family values have changed from generations to generations. There are a lot of things that I want to share and challenge you and your family to do. 

(pic from Yoga in my Schools)

The first project I want to recommend is completing a GOAL POSTER for the family; then do one for each individual. Goal posters are great projects for family to do. Get some markers, paints, crayons, glitters, glue, poster, scissors, and magazines. Goals can be anything from clean house, dream house, new car, saving money, adding a new addition to the family (spouse, baby or pet) and vacations. Cut out pictures from old magazines or catalogs, and paste the pictures on the poster. When your finished put the poster up in a common area in the house. Every time you accomplish something, be sure to put the date on the poster. So your family can reflect on their accomplishments throughout the year. 

Remember, goal posters can be short or long term, so you can do one for each season. Have FUN!!!

~Takia

She Did the Monster Mash: Halloween Suggestions

Do you let your creative juices flow when planning your Halloween costume? 

I like to use resources I have on hand when it comes to Halloween planning; from clothes to make-up.  Sometimes you have to use what you've got. There are some overpriced costumes out there.  I remember the plastic costumes that ripped and destroyed by the time you finished trick or treating. My kids enjoy dressing up for Halloween, but mommy tries to use her creativity. My challenge this year is a witch and Spiderman costume for the kids this year. (or whatever they change their mind to again)

I love theme parties because you get to see people get CREATIVE!  Having a theme party really sets the mood and environment. The choices you use for location, food and drink are important too. I would like to suggest a few themes and a website for food.

1.       Decades – You pick one decade you want to promote and decorate according to the decade. Check the Internet for options. Look on eBay for hard to find but inexpensive pieces to set the mood.

 (80's Party at Janelle's House, Halloween 2009)

(Janelle and her sister. Pretty In Pink meets Janice from the Muppet Show, Halloween 2009)

2.       Movies - Pick a movie that everyone is familiar with and dress in those characters.

3.       Celebrity - We all think we look like someone famous, take these characteristics and have fun with them. Create a game of charades to guess who's who.

4.       Animals- Try makeup and face paint to bring out the animal in you.

5.       Cartoon – We all have our favorite characters from childhood, choose a character that reminds you of your inner child.

(Wilma and Pebbles, Halloween 2009)

6.       Box- Creating a costume from a box might be tricky, but it gives the party something to talk about.

There are tons of food ideas you can find online. Websites like Kraft and Allrecipes, explore Halloween food options in depth. Check them out!

-Takia

(All pictures taken by Janelle Cissell from last year's Halloween soiree)

Too Much Education (Back to School Part Two)

I’m a parent of two children, my son is in second grade and my daughter is in kindergarten. I strongly feel that school should start back in September, when it's a little bit cooler than the August heat. My children's school system has 19 schools without air conditioning. I understand the new policy stating the must attend school 180 days a school year. If my child misses so many days, Child Protective Services (CPS) will come knocking at my door. Your building does not have AIR CONDITIONING! If my child has a heat stroke,  who do we blame? How can my child function with the heat waves? They should be learning in a relaxed environment. So as parents, we need to step up and help.

 Donate fans to the child classroom.

 Dress your child cooler for the hot days.

 Donate water bottles.

 Have a cool snack for your child when they get home.

 Get involve with the school.

(PLEASE...parents get involve with your child school. Take time to visit and meet the staff. These are people who are a part of your child life for the next 9 months.)

~Takia

Back to School & Kids Part One

JCPenney.com

Can uniforms be FASHIONABLE?

Yes they can! Many public schools conformed their dress code and now require students to wear uniforms. Whenever I see my children wearing their uniform, it makes me feel good that I’m not completing against another parent in the fashion world. Without school uniforms many parents become stressed out, trying to keep up with the with the Jones, buying name brand apparel the family can't afford or the children don't need. Now there is nothing wrong with wearing name brand clothing, sometimes we get so caught up with the brand that you become that name. Few parents would agree that it helps them save money by buying uniforms rather than a $100 shirt and pant name brand outfit. Please read school handbook on uniforms before making any purchases and/or alterations.

 Save on Uniforms

 Family and friends are great resources. Start a "uniform trade night "where you trade gently used uniforms with each other.

 Sales and clearance are great way to stock up when you can.

 Go to the thrift, you might be surprise what you can find.

ChildrensPlace.com

Be creative with the uniforms

 Put your child's initials or school name on their clothes. (Monogram or iron-on)

Let your child wear school colors on Friday.

 Add a sweater vest in the winter time.

JCPenney.com

 

Support the school and buy a polo/sweatshirt from the school.

Let them express themselves with accessories from headbands, belts, socks, and neckties.

Start your shopping at JCPenney.com, Target.com or ChildrensPlace.com.

~ Takia