What I NEED For Spring

This weekend is my seasonal closet shift. I think I got Goodwill pile happy last season, because there are A LOT of pieces missing from my wardrobe. (I threw in a few things that I WANT too...of course.)


1. Old Navy Women's Plus Double Weave Blazer retail: $44.94 sale: $39.50
2. Lane Bryant Short Sleeve Denim Jacket retail: $59.95
3. DSW Birkenstock Women's Arizona Birkoflor Sandal in Black retail: $69.95
(I travel a lot during the summer. Birkenstocks are comfy to walk in. I need them for Disney World in July.)
4. Kohls Sag Harbour Tiered Crinkle Skirt retail: $44.00 sale: $30.80
5. Torrid Emily Khaki Steen Roll Up Tab Cargo Pant retail: $48.00

I have to look through all my totes and boxes. These are main staples of my spring into summer wardrobe. I would hate to have to repurchase them...but it will give me an excuse to shop. *Reminder ~ to go by that new Marshall's on the way home.*

Plus Size TV Commericals

My husband noticed some commercials that use plus size women spark a lot of controversy. Brands are showing more of the plus size body than the public is used to. Lately a lot of commercials have been banned from daytime television due to being too racy for television; there are certain times these commercial can be aired. I like Lane Bryant's commercial. It shows a woman meeting her boyfriend in her bra, panties and a trench coat. Makes me want to go get a trench coat!

This commercial was banned, but you can see it online.

Serena has a shape men and women fantasize about. She's a great tennis player and has brought fashion to the tennis world. She is comfortable with her muscular curvy frame. Yes...some of Serena's outfits can be questionable (What was she thinking?) I would like her to make a new commercial so her fans and people who look up to her can view her in a positive light.

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

LOTD: Torrid Must Be My Lucky Star

Last week, Torrid had their 50%-80% off clearance. I don't shop at Torrid UNLESS it's something I really really really want or they have one of their killer clearance sales. Their prices have jumped a little and I'm always looking for a deal.

It's a rainy day here in Indianapolis. It's supposed to rain ALL weekend...like all the rivers are at flood levels. So I decided since it's Friday; it is a fun day. So I rocked the TWA (teeny weenie fro for all yawh that don't know), t-shirt and jeans.

Madonna Tee: Torrid Clearance $8.99, Necklace: Methodist Hospital Gift Shop: $5

 

Jeans: Z Cavarichi Torrid Clearance $14.99. (need to get them hemmed)



Cheryl (a co-worker) & I

I hope everyone has a great holiday weekend!

So You Think You Can Dance

Hi, today’s blog is a fun one. Who doesn’t like to dance? Almost everyone. On the Island we have Salsa, Merengue, Plena and Belly Dancing among others. This last dance caught my eye because it's not common here and not everyone can do this. The dancer needs certain qualities in his/her natural disposition, in his/her physical constitution and character and in his/her performance. 

Susan with belly dancers Darlyl Montaez and Tracey Ortega

I was on Facebook one day and to my surprise I found a beautiful plus size belly dancer from Puerto Rico. I know her because I have her as a friend on Facebook. Her name is Susan Santana, a lovely girl from Bayamon, Puerto Rico. I contacted her and she was gracious enough to tell me her story as a plus size belly dancer. I was in shock to see this beautiful plus size girl dancing. Susan has so much grace; I don’t impress easily and this girl impressed me. 

She told me while she was at the University, she met up with a childhood friend named Stephanie, who told Susan she gave Belly Dancing classes. Susan decided to give it a shot and  loved it. It makes her relax and she's lost some weight. 

Last month she had the honor of dancing for an ex-governor of Puerto Rico, Sila Maria Calderon. The ex-governor sent for her and told her she was one of the best dancers there. She was so happy because it was her birthday and this was the best present. 

Susan, Darlyl, Tracey and Sila Maria Calderon, ex-governor of Puerto Rico.

Susan wanted me to write this message from her, “for anyone that is reading this, I want you to know that you can control your mind, because the mind is powerful. Love yourself the way you are, with your virtues and defects, because nobody is perfect. If you have a dream, go for it. Try it because this is the only way you will know if you could do it. You can show others that you and all the plus size girls can do what they want because they are talented just like anyone else. Our dreams have to go one more size!!!!” 

I loved her message, my eyes teared up because she is doing what I always say you should do. PERSEVERE and NEVER give up your dreams!!!! I wish Susan the best of luck because she is brave enough to pursue her dreams!

Blessings to all,

Marta

LOTD & Weekend Love Mash Up: Roc Da Mic Media Day

I don't post a lot of pictures of myself on the blog. You know when I look at my own pictures, I cringe. Not that I don't think I'm gorgeous, I just cringe disbelief...that's what I look like. I can't explain it. AND I can't find my tripod and my fiance is a HORRIBLE photog! I feel left out sometimes...so many blogger routinely do LOTD. I'm going to try!

 

Anyhoo...it was cold and rainy today, but I felt like putting on a mini. I helped one of our (Aesthetic Design Style) clients sell tickets for his fashion show tomorrow. I thought I looked kinda cute.

Shirt: Old Navy, Denim Skirt: Torrid, Necklace: JCPenney, Shoes: Shoe Carnival

I definitely need to work on some LOTD post. I did score some great clearance buys at K&G Fashion Superstore today!!! I can't wait to get into that stuff....PLUS the goods I got from Torrid on Friday from their 50% clearance sale. My fiance says I have an addiction...no I just can't turn down a good sale!

Lovelace in the City: Online Dating

Hello World!

I want to talk about the interesting world of online dating! As a single person, I am open to the idea of meeting men in unconventional ways; such as online. The whole bump into each other at the grocery store or gym scenario just hasn't worked for me yet, so until then, I will be entertained by meeting men through the internet. I know several people who have met, dated, and married men they met online. I figure, why not give it a shot!

A few months ago, my friend bullied me into signing up to an online dating site. I started receiving messages within the first few days of having my profile set up. I will admit, I was excited and open to the process...until the first message came from a man old enough to be my grandfather! Eewww! I made an effort to be VERY specific about what I was looking for, including the age range 23-36. Anyone over the age of forty is TOO old. I’m not going to even think about why a sixty-year old man wants to date a 28 year-old? I’m still disgusted at the thought.

My experience with the site did not get much better after that. I was ready to cancel my membership after the first month, but my wonderful friend encouraged me to keep my membership until it expired, which was six months later.

Grandpa was the first of MANY old men to send messages and flirts, followed by men from other countries (not really my cup of tea!)...then there were men with three or more kids. Don’t get me wrong, there were some that could have potential, but they did not pay for their membership and had very limited access. So limited, in fact, they could not even send a message, just a “flirt” message. I received so many of those messages; I finally put on my profile page, No Flirt Messages! After a few months of this, I was so excited when my membership expired. Since I had such a horrible experience, you would think I would stay off online dating sites. Nope, not me! I think I am gluten for punishment.

I experimented with another site that is SUPPOSED to be for dating, but seems to be more for “hooking up”. The messages I receive on that website are at first flattering, and then turned appalling, very quickly. They start as “how are you” to “nice ass, nice boobs”. At this point, I never respond to the messages, I just use it as simple entertainment. Unfortunately, online dating has not worked out; I guess it’s back to hoping to bump carts at the grocery store or reaching for the same weight at the gym to meet my Mr. Right!

Always remember, love yourself first and laugh at the fools who don’t!

XOXO Angel

Family Wednesday: What's For Lunch?

I remember as a child, the cafeteria was the Wall Street of food. Kids would bring lunches from home. Your lunch would determine your status in the lunchroom; any cupcakes or Twinkies you were considered first class and cookies middle class. No sweet was disappointing or turned away.

Having a character lunchbox was a plus too! Choosing a lunchbox highlighting your favorites shows, cartoons, characters and having the same as your friends was so COOL!!! Taking a lunch to school also set the mood for later when you got home.  Your feelings toward your parents depended on your lunch status for the day. Winter days included soup in the matching lunchbox thermos. Chicken noodles and tomato soups were my favorite...and don't forget the crackers! I remembered a time when we went outside and played; we didn't sit in the house in front of the TV or a video game.

Moving on to 2011...today we are having a huge FOOD FIGHT!!! Today we are dealing with food allergies, food nutrient and special diets (no pork, red meat and vegan). Some schools are sounding off on what your child can or cannot eat; taking the pop machines out of the school, no white flour, no sugar, no processed food or fast food.

So next time you pack your child lunch, add more fruits and vegetables. Give them flavored water and make their sandwiches on whole grain bread.

The school systems wants to give our children healthy choices, but they want to take away gym, health classes and recess. With this being done, teachers and staff must eat healthy lunches to show the students they believe in this method; no soda, no fast food nor takeout food for them.

Parents, fight for your kids’right on what they can eat.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout/20110411/us_yblog_thelookout/chicago-school-bans-homemade-lunches-the-latest-in-national-food-fight

~Takia

Army Wives

Today, I want to talk about a topic that is near and dear to my heart.

I imagine a lot of you have seen Army Wives. I love that show! I am not an Army wife, but I was an Army brat. My father was in the Army for 20 years and I spent the first 15 years of my life traveling all over the world. It is not as glamorous as it sounds, because I was always the new kid in school. I never had many friends, but the traveling made up for it. I did have a BBF in one of my schools her name was Janet; and Janet and Janelle could be twins. I think this is why I have connected with Janelle, she reminds me of her so much two beautiful, kind and caring women.

Today, I am going to introduce you to a real Army wife know, her name is Lisandra Falcon; a lovely young woman from Puerto Rico. I have known her for a long time. She studied with my daughter Ana and I always found her to be so sweet and caring. She told me about her life as an Army wife.

Lisandra is married to Guillermo Pereira, a handsome young soldier, also from Puerto Rico. They met while he was on leave in Puerto Rico, she had no idea he was in the Army. Lisandra and Guillermo started talking over the phone and their love grew. She had to plan her wedding quickly because he only had a two week leave.

Lisandra & Guillermo

They married and went to live in North Carolina. Lisandra went with her daughter Ruby from a previous relationship. She told me it is a hectic life moving from one place to another. He is always in the field or being deployed to Iraq. They have been living in New York for a year and he has been deployed to Afganistan for a couple of months. She is now alone with her two children and one on the way in New York. Lisandra tells me this life is not easy, but she loves her husband very much and will always support him.



The day Guillermo left for Afganistan last month



I wish them the best. Guillermo, stay safe, I know God will protect you! Thank you for all you do for our country. I admire Army wives because their life is not easy. I also admire our soldiers who sacrifice so much for our country, leaving behind loved ones. To my dear Dad that is in heaven, know I am so proud of you for having served our country! I will always say I am proud to be the daughter of a soldier!

Blessings to all,

Marta

Calling All Size 18s!

One of the creative directors, Truen James, from House of 5th contacted me this past weekend. House of 5th camp are really working on expanding their sizes.

Their first project is a bridal gown for a customer. The diva is a size 18th. House of 5th needs help with research on the fit of a plus size woman, especially with their bridal project. This is where you come in Divas! All you ladies who are a size 18 or flucuate between 16/18 or 18/20, email me rubyleonne@gmail.com, complete the survey below or post a comment about what your measurements are, where you tend to wear your weight and what problems do you find with clothing fit.

You actually get to have a say in what may be put on the market in the future! Don't miss this opportunity!

Thanks guys!

Make This a Night To Remember

 I've been invited to a charity event in May put on by House of 5th, an independent fashion label based here in Indianapolis, IN. They don't sell plus size clothing YET, which is a bit disappointing. BUT speaking with one of their creatives, Audrey Hopper (who is plus size herself), they're looking into this venture. (Lots of independent designers find it hard to transition into the plus market because of cost.) Anyhoo...I'm looking for something to wear...again. I'm wearing my Eliza Parker to the Roc Da Mic Fashion Show on April 17th, so I'm looking for something else.

I went on the Sense of Fashion website and found a plus size designer...DING DING DING! Lipstick Killers has some really AWESOME pieces. The designer, Syreeta Rios, is based out of Atlanta, GA. Sizes go up to a 28. I'm trying to get a hold of Rios to order a few pieces and to get an interview with her. Keep your fingers crossed. In the meantime, here are the pieces I want!

All photos are taken from the Lipstick Killer's Facebook page.

The fabric and the handkerchief cut just seems PERFECT for the spring!

Family Wednesdays: Are You Saving or Destroying Your Marriage

This blog is personal to me. The hubby and I was watching TV late one night, flipping thru the channels we watched the ending of Divorce Wars. After the show went off I ask myself, what I do to save or destroy my marriage.

I’m coming from a personal angle on this one. I’ve seen a lot of marriages growing up; some were good and some was bad. When you get married, not only are you becoming a new member to your spouse's family, but you are becoming someone friend, lover, care giver, psychologist and co-worker. Some people are not ready for those roles. Marriage is not about who's controlling the relationship and many people get it twisted. It's about how well you can work together and seeing the end results. Don’t compare your marriage to another. Sometimes we get so caught up with what other people have and we don’t realize the needs in your relationship.

Communicating can save or destroy a marriage. How? Talking to bitter, lonely or people who don’t like your spouse can lead your marriage the wrong way. Surround yourself with other positive couples who support your marriage and know how to listen to you. Learn to communicate with your spouse in a positive way. Ask them about their goals, fantasies and LISTEN.

Enjoy each other's company. Many marriages fall apart because they didn’t spend enough time with each other. Take a class together from sports to cooking. Create a calendar for you and your spouse, pay bills together, plan family events, date night, shopping and BEDROOM DATE (doesn't have to take place in the bedroom...wink). Take time out to look at your spouse inside and out.

Compliment them. Make your spouse feel special about themselves, and let them know that you appreciate them. Practice healthy habits, help your spouse stay in shape and groom regularly. Your attractiveness is what makes your spouse want you more.

Marriage is a JOB. You and your spouse should be on the same TEAM.

• Learn together

• Talk to each other

• Work together

• LOVE each other more each DAY!!!

Fireproof was the movie we watched and it reminded me to never take a person for granted.

~Takia

A Look into Imagen

Who does not like to sit down on a rainy day with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and read a great fashion magazine? I certainly do. We have quite a few magazines in Puerto Rico and today I'm going to blog about one of my favorite magazines. It is called Imagen Nuestra Revista.

 Imagen is the pioneer in Puerto Rico’s magazine market. They recently celebrated their 25th Anniversary and have set a standard of excellence which has made them the number one magazine on the Island. Imagen’s successful regular sections include Fashion, Beauty, Social Affairs, Travel, Fine Dining, Puerto Rico Celebrities, Fame, Nutrition, Art and other fascinating topics. I can tell you for a fact it's the most read magazine on the Island. Everytime I visit a doctor’s office or any other office, Imagen is always on the table and that’s the one that people want to read. It’s very well priced too.

Imagen and Casiano Communications have a special place in my heart. As you all know I am a plus size advocate since my daughter Ana began her journey in the plus size modeling world. She was chosen to model at The Curvy Revolution in Las Vegas this year. I sent Ana’s picture all over Facebook to magazines that had Facebook pages; spending hours on my computer.

It was so funny because Ana told me one day, “Mom you’re acting like a crazy woman sending my picture all over the place” I still laugh thinking about it, and then my hard work paid off, Casiano Communications was gracious enough to make an announcement with the picture I sent them congratulating her. I will never forget that moment because plus size modeling is not common in Puerto Rico at all.



Ana & an Imagen photographer



The models that are in the magazines in Puerto Rico are thin girls, very beautiful, and for Ana to be recognized by them was a dream come true for her. They called her and made a video. She had a photo shoot for their Facebook page and of course I went with her. To my surprise, the people who work for Casiano Communications were very charming and very nice. I met Yelitza Santiago, a lovely professional woman who does the health blog for buenavida, the photographer was also charming and very professional, he even let me take a pic with him and Ana. I was literally in Imagen heaven because I was standing where I imagined Ricky Martin had been and other great stars they have interviewed.



Ana being interviewed by Yelitza Santiago



 I have read their magazine since the first edition and my daughter was being interviewed and photographed by them, you see Imagen is magazine royalty on the Island.

 My friends, dreams do come true. If you want something bad enough, you persevere, you never give up and one day your dreams may also come true. If you ever get a chance to buy Imagen Nuestra Revista, you will not regret it.

I loved blogging about Casiano Communications and Imagen, it put a smile to my face remembering all the emails I sent Karla, she is an excellent journalist that works for them; she was always kind enough to answer them. I'm remembering the smile on my daughter's face when she was contacted by them. It was priceless and anything that puts a smile on our faces is worth blogging about. Casiano Communications, you are the best! I hope we will have the honor of reading your magazines for 25 more years.

Blessings to all,

Marta

Chilvary is DEAD!

Hello Blog World!

This week, I want to discuss an issue I've been noticing for the last several years. Gentlemen no longer exist.

My first adult experience with dating was actually very enjoyable. I always met the guy who open doors, brought flowers and attempted to woo me. Now I just meet men who want to “hang out” at my house late at night, expects you to pay, thinks complementing my ass is going to make me smile or has never planned a real date. When did chivalry die and where are all the gentlemen?

Chivalry is not only dead in the dating world, but also in everyday life. I notice several times a day at my job, men do not open or hold doors for women or if I open the door for myself, they beat me going through the door! What is happening? When did men stop being gentlemen?

I don't know if where I live has anything to do with it or not because my better dating experiences have been with southern men. Maybe the men in my current city are just lazy, after all the city nickname is Naptown! I'm not sure how men in other states go about being a gentleman but until I move out of state, I am stuck dealing with these lame lazy men.

To the men I have recently met, I may come off as hard to please; but I just wanted to be treated like the queen I am. It is very attractive for a man to open a door, give a nice complement, send flowers just because or simply be taken on a pre-arranged date. I refuse to settle for these lazy and inconsiderate men, so I will keep rejecting them as I have been for the last several years! Ladies, hopefully you have a true gentlemen in your life, if not tell them to step their game up or move on! That’s all for this week, check back next week to see what kind of foolishness I have gotten myself into.

Always remember to love yourself first and laugh at the fools who don’t!

XOXO Angel