tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158885472792109832024-03-28T11:36:06.456-05:00Melissa CuentasMelissa Cuentashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062635365953254765noreply@blogger.comBlogger129125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015888547279210983.post-61676717486222378692024-03-15T06:10:00.013-05:002024-03-15T06:26:14.522-05:00My Go-To 'Natural' Makeup — The Latte Makeup<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYR3ZmV_z3Q0NFVjHa2F8cyQU5Yl2UvGWgb1BqJzWMjd0IfnkcGkq4VCZ3b5Is7-NXTsDpzFD5PTM8uz4D7mqoZs9aogNvFljUjOTV6gGOUd1NcN7ZiWY1lJJi9Tao2sYZGKByjY5oJrotfibEVpwsOfMDYfj31cs2QTmO-W2SLU7Eh6LAJACXJacv4Ta3/s1350/Latte%20Makeup%20-%20MELISSACUENTAS.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYR3ZmV_z3Q0NFVjHa2F8cyQU5Yl2UvGWgb1BqJzWMjd0IfnkcGkq4VCZ3b5Is7-NXTsDpzFD5PTM8uz4D7mqoZs9aogNvFljUjOTV6gGOUd1NcN7ZiWY1lJJi9Tao2sYZGKByjY5oJrotfibEVpwsOfMDYfj31cs2QTmO-W2SLU7Eh6LAJACXJacv4Ta3/s16000/Latte%20Makeup%20-%20MELISSACUENTAS.png" /></a></div><br /><p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqamWkOWY0DcenK438HU7HiYyY7HluJmIX3DKo7dn9LL-HDwz06Sz-ZdHpeePSYrURIYFOhzvXxm5bDrNr21RHUPfY4y_xrW5OCE-zVcA_4Cwt0RUgl8vWJRj4nuuMjdq_MeFvVlDvwE7IYtkMVT_DxrXka-JCz5iLEC0YU_rrUaMGb6p5MPCybsvHcb2/s1350/Latte%20Makeup%20-%20MELISSACUENTASL.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqamWkOWY0DcenK438HU7HiYyY7HluJmIX3DKo7dn9LL-HDwz06Sz-ZdHpeePSYrURIYFOhzvXxm5bDrNr21RHUPfY4y_xrW5OCE-zVcA_4Cwt0RUgl8vWJRj4nuuMjdq_MeFvVlDvwE7IYtkMVT_DxrXka-JCz5iLEC0YU_rrUaMGb6p5MPCybsvHcb2/s16000/Latte%20Makeup%20-%20MELISSACUENTASL.png" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div>I don't remember when I started wearing makeup, I'm pretty sure it was around when I was 17 or 18 years old, and <i>yes, I know, I started a bit 'late',</i> nowdays girls start wearing make-up at such an early age. Anyway, I've been the type of person to not use that many makeup products nor wear makeup on the daily basis and I love that for me. I've been using the same products throughout the years, sticking to face powder, blush, mascara and eyeshadow for my brows and a lip balm or lipstick. </div><div><br /></div><div>Around pandemic or even way before that, there was this girl I started following on Youtube for her makeup tutorials, and then, I also followed a make up artist too, but truth to be told is that no matter how many tutorials I watch, I end up using the same products, not to mention I've been on the verge of buying more products and seeing how expensive makeup has gotten and then I end up expending my money in other things I do actually need plus as stated before, I really feel comfortable with it and I would be the happiest if I didn't have to wear any makeup, haha. </div><div><br /></div><div>But lately, not only I've been into wanting to dress properly but also put some extra effort into my makeup which again <b>consists of no more than five products</b>., because again, I'm just a very simple person, and less is more for me, again, I wish I didn't have to wear any make-up at all which by the way, I only put on makeup on Sundays, so that's basically once a week, four times a month and 52 times a year, right? AH-MAH-ZING. Anywho, it was this year, maybe around almost end January, I '<i>upgraded</i>' my makeup look. I've always been into 'neutrals' and warm colours. I'm also not the type of person that goes for pink blush, I truly dislike how it looks on me, and even though I still love pink I'd rather wear it on clothes than on my makeup. </div><div><br /></div><div>Before getting started, this bronzed look also known as <b>The Latte Makeup</b> is all about giving skin a beautiful, sultry bronzed appereance, using warm and brown hues. Also it's said to get that perfect and post-vacation, summer glow effect. Now, this latte makeup is done but my way and using the products I currently have which are mostly from a <b>Colombian brand '</b><i>Cosméticos Vogue</i><b>'</b> plus a lippy borrowed from my mom from Maxfactor. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>1. <b>Face</b>: I apply <a href="https://www.cosmeticosvogue.com.co/maquillaje-de-rostro/polvo-compacto-resist-natural" target="_blank">face powder - in natural shade</a> all over my face with a brush after having washed it, you know, all about starting with a clean and blank canvas (and no, I don't use skincare nor primer, etc.) </div><div><br /></div><div>2. <b>Eyebrows</b>: I first brush them up and then with a small angled brush and using a <a href="https://www.cosmeticosvogue.com.co/maquillaje-de-ojos/sombra-individual-camel" target="_blank">camel (brown) eyeshadow</a>, I start from middle-to-end (tip) of my brow and then with what's left I do the rest of my brow, kind of like doing a degrade type of thing. After that, I brush them up one more time as it helps to remove excess of product too, so they're even. </div><div><br /></div><div>3) <b>Eyes</b>: As mentioned on the graphic, I no longer wear mascara because I think I may be getting allergy reactions to it. So, I've stopped using it. Instead, I try to '<i>lash curl them</i>' but the effect doesn't last long. I am still getting used to it tho or it may just be time for me to get another <a href="https://melissacuentas.blogspot.com/2022/07/getting-lash-lift-my-experience.html" target="_blank">lash lifting</a> then and problem solved for a few weeks. </div><div><br /></div><div><u>Note</u>: Another way to do this latte makeup, is adding brown eyeshadow on your eyes, but I really don't put anything on my eyes area. That's why I said this was done '<i>my way</i>'. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>4. <b>Blush</b>: Here's the tip and secret. I now use two of them to achieve this 'bronzed' effect but also this facelift with makeup<i> aka blush, especifically</i>. </div><div><br /></div><div>The first one the <a href="https://www.cosmeticosvogue.com.co/maquillaje-de-rostro/polvo-bronceador" target="_blank">bronze duo powder</a> which I've been borrowing from my mom lately (time to buy it for myself back again). I have always used the lighter shade, so for this look, I still use it. I apply it on the highest points of my face to create lift, that means I make sure to go high on the temples of the cheek with blush. Then I do my nose and around my forehead with the what's left on the brush as well as in my jawline. Kind of like a 'contour'.</div><div><br /></div><div>With the second <a href="https://www.cosmeticosvogue.com.co/maquillaje-de-rostro/rubor-compacto-bronce" target="_blank">blush in bronze color</a>, I repeat the exact same thing I did on step no.3. So, my face looks a little even and with a slightly hint of color but also get this natural bronzed / sunburnt look without actually being. </div><div><br /></div><div>5. <b>Lips</b>: I then add <a href="https://www.exito.com/labial-colorfast-785127/p" target="_blank">Max Factor Color Fast Lipstick</a> - in Avellana cream color.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And that's it! As you can see there's no need for having tens and hundreds of makeup products to achieve a certain look but this is what has worked and works for me. I also don't think the photos do it any justice to the makeup, but I just wanted to share it here as well for a different type of blog post. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZPigQnsFIZbIfgvuERkHWJFNZuZibAGACWHTovuOqySWISJOLkOqhYq5XaUI1_3Lh0BMUPVvW69YgOrJdXR3SXvXUGirorFLBKJ1H2c18gjKzvvwTxzbThMBXfmIfmxclRW_4GY0CcH6rF53_vzQ_qGJrsFO4DDVA3AOZEM_BtQB0jFBNIjac5iTr44b/s1350/Latte%20Makeup-MELISSACUENTAS.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZPigQnsFIZbIfgvuERkHWJFNZuZibAGACWHTovuOqySWISJOLkOqhYq5XaUI1_3Lh0BMUPVvW69YgOrJdXR3SXvXUGirorFLBKJ1H2c18gjKzvvwTxzbThMBXfmIfmxclRW_4GY0CcH6rF53_vzQ_qGJrsFO4DDVA3AOZEM_BtQB0jFBNIjac5iTr44b/s16000/Latte%20Makeup-MELISSACUENTAS.png" /></a></div><br /><div>Here's me 'round mid February and loving one more time my makeup look that I rapidly grabbed my mom's phone and snapped some selfies. I really but really love it SO much. And <a href="https://www.patprimo.com/camisetas-mujer-30093341/p?idsku=2247394" target="_blank">this floral green top</a> has been a favorite of mine lately, not only the top but the color itself too, I have been having a hard time finding out the specific name color of it. <i>yellow green? lime green? pea soup green color, mayhap?</i> Just absolutely stunning! Also in both '<i>selfies</i>' I've been wearing some <a href="https://es.aliexpress.com/item/1005004744290485.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.27.3327165cli4xCP&algo_pvid=adfd8e9d-32fa-474e-9234-1222e18ec25a&algo_exp_id=adfd8e9d-32fa-474e-9234-1222e18ec25a-13&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21COP%2154089.64%213966.57%21%21%2113.50%210.99%21%402101e5c517093891494255458e2733%2112000030315270752%21sea%21CO%210%21AB&curPageLogUid=8uAMFDMoHVzj&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A" target="_blank">Aliexpress earrings</a>, my best friend <i>Mina</i> gave me for my birthday last year, and my favorites out of the many she gave me that came in as a set. I always end up wearing these from time to time. Also, they haven't tarnished at all. I'm very careful with my clothes, shoes and even accessories, so I make sure not to spray them with perfume and keep them safe.</div><div><br /></div><div>PS: I love editing my photos like this for Instagram, especially if it's a life-lately photo dump / carrousel type of post. I just re-edited the text a bit to share it here as well. ;-) </div><div><br /></div><div>What do you think about this? Also, how about your go-to makeup? No makeup at all? Do you try to keep it natural and minimal or do you put a lot more effort into it? Let me know in the comment box below. Until next time! xx</div></div>Melissa Cuentashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062635365953254765noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015888547279210983.post-36995382351166303422024-02-29T12:31:00.001-05:002024-02-29T12:31:09.669-05:00𐙚˙ ¿ Coquette Core ? 𐙚˙<p style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgax0JYBnlflgrMeNqzF0nOoTal3DweeF2QVUA8V9cQWY7IZ6jGcemwacKB0oV7D3a0D_f5yOTY3uV3uDLJfjVSEY9z4M6Dg72fhPec_qxJ3YxRCZ4cBAio-02D5_hxXZRhyphenhyphen4XGGTVqeqoKasqLx8BR502U2z8d8RLTYxXmPkskXhG9p_xojKOJ5zU8pEuh/s1280/1000338874-01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgax0JYBnlflgrMeNqzF0nOoTal3DweeF2QVUA8V9cQWY7IZ6jGcemwacKB0oV7D3a0D_f5yOTY3uV3uDLJfjVSEY9z4M6Dg72fhPec_qxJ3YxRCZ4cBAio-02D5_hxXZRhyphenhyphen4XGGTVqeqoKasqLx8BR502U2z8d8RLTYxXmPkskXhG9p_xojKOJ5zU8pEuh/s16000/1000338874-01.jpg" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgix5hwEThohLPk0x2bQudf3qW2khWuhAllPgoZiAjQniEXNx6w-_4MGS9yG0mu56tZSxmWae2CdpypVJ9UoXxIOJqYkh3g7vRwGQEp8dDLlo1VQPFW98MpHRCUOA3LoXwulY5C5EckjGDfVcnxnm4lQFKFmHFekTDY9X70wRgMsxygahUlHcDq7KAIARYh/s1280/1000338818-01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgix5hwEThohLPk0x2bQudf3qW2khWuhAllPgoZiAjQniEXNx6w-_4MGS9yG0mu56tZSxmWae2CdpypVJ9UoXxIOJqYkh3g7vRwGQEp8dDLlo1VQPFW98MpHRCUOA3LoXwulY5C5EckjGDfVcnxnm4lQFKFmHFekTDY9X70wRgMsxygahUlHcDq7KAIARYh/s16000/1000338818-01.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Starting with these new series '<i style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">on finding my own personal style</i>' and my attempt at sharing '<i>outfit</i>' posts, as of firstly, I would like to apologize for these not being the most perfect outfit shots and being more of an up close rather than a full head-to-toe shot. I was not even intending to share these on the blog, but maybe I will start by doing so because I've always wanted to share my <b>OOTD deets</b> but I just keep on sharing them sporadically either <b><a href="https://melissacuentas.blogspot.com/search/label/Fashion" target="_blank">here on the blog</a></b> or <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/apffltkrf/" target="_blank">over my instagram account</a></b> through IG stories and again, it's not easy to get my photos taken plus I'm phoneless so this will do for now <i>and it would also be a different kind of 'outfit' post, right?</i> So, expect lots of headless shots and/or selfies too. Please bear with me, thank you. :') </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><hr /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #fffdf7;">THOUGHTS ON THIS LOOK</span>:</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Should age be a matter on how you dress? I mean, dressing properly according to your age? Looking back at this outfit, I felt it was a good try but I can't tell if it's really my style or not. To be honest, like my best friend said, <i><b>I went from 29 to looking back like 19 again,</b></i> but I would say more like 18, my ID photo is me wearing a bow headband and years later, I realized that was such a bad idea, and even said I would never wear any more bows, and here I am wearing a bow hair tie with this first outfit. I also felt the most beautiful girl (<i>it's still hard to call myself as most beautiful woman, oops</i>) but it's not a physical beauty, it was more a beauty that came from inside out. And again, here's me mentioning those changes I've been through and maybe it was at that moment and wearing this outfit that made me realize I was becoming a different version of me and when I started to notice said changes. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I am not going to lie but I truly loved wearing this look, I have had in my Pinterest similar dresses to these with this square neckline, as well as puff sleeves to create that feminine, romantic and delicate look, and going for that coquette aesthetic that's been going wild and viral as of lately but after doing research, I kinda figured out what is all about, (<i>sorry, I don't keep up with fashion trends and every time I check, there's a new one or many at the same time</i>).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b></b></p><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>𐙚˙ </b><b>COQUETTE AESTHETIC </b><b>𐙚˙</b></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Coquette is a beauty and fashion trend that unapologetically embodies a feminine, ultra-girly style. The term "coquette" refers to a "woman who flirts," but the trend leans more into incorporating playful, romantic, and dainty details into everyday style and decor.</span></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">According to that, not into flirting, but with this outfit, I dare to say I embodied that feminine and ultra-girly style because I felt exactly that while wearing this look, again, I'm exploring and having fun in the process and I guess that's a good thing. I have worn this outfit about 3 times to Church already and I have loved it so far. I still have another idea / inspo for this dress and it's to wear it with brown (camel) color (shoes & bags). As I mentioned it in my previous post, Pinterest is my ally and I remember seeing a similar outfit with both colors beige/camel, so will try style it that way at some point.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">At the same time, I felt like little girl me was out and about and pretty much happy with this look, but as much as I loved it, maybe I can look in the future for similar details and hopefully not look like a <i>baby girl</i>. I really don't want to sound so harsh on myself or something, but if we talk about the whole 'coquette' aesthetic, yeah, maybe I nailed it but I'll let it pass, I don't want to complaint about still having a baby face which has been the same and has not changed for almost 30 years, plus genetics and me aging backwards, that's what my bestie says, lol, but there's something about this look I can't seem to put my finger on it, I may be blaming the bow hair tie too much, but also the color feels odd to me and it's a color that I know for a fact it doesn't flatter me at all. I really don't know what it is about it. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Will I keep wearing it?</b> This question is unnecessary. . . but of course, I will! Also, that doesn't mean, I'll wear it with a bow all the time and the more I wear it, I'll get used to the 'color' but I have a feeling this ain't my color just like white isn't for me. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><u><i>Cost Per Wear</i></u> </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Retail price: COP $75.000 (USD $19.16) | Bought in 2023 | So far, 3 wears = COP $25.000 (USD $6.39)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fffdf7;">ACCESSORIES & COMPLEMENTS </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTo0XKbFDIG7ukvu4krs4h84IeA6c8dBKvFUieRmA8-f4m6ZzzeQpKO-8LEFhVySCU4E3ay5ARn1anEnBPaa3ohp8eRT1YlOtvAYM-rFfo3vrhvlblWbCXqGNSgeQ_gAi3kwcTQs6Lc1Q6r5JDZHTHR8YPSxKRzVDk9dlajmneOBjmHgEy5XI9QhwUgdk/s4000/2024-01-7%20III.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTo0XKbFDIG7ukvu4krs4h84IeA6c8dBKvFUieRmA8-f4m6ZzzeQpKO-8LEFhVySCU4E3ay5ARn1anEnBPaa3ohp8eRT1YlOtvAYM-rFfo3vrhvlblWbCXqGNSgeQ_gAi3kwcTQs6Lc1Q6r5JDZHTHR8YPSxKRzVDk9dlajmneOBjmHgEy5XI9QhwUgdk/s16000/2024-01-7%20III.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>The bow hair tie</b> I got it a while back ago, somewhere around Oct-Nov, I saw it and knew I had to get it right away, even when I said I wouldn't wear any more bows, but I knew it was the perfect match to go with this dress. </span></li><li><b>The watch</b> was gifted by my paternal grandmother, it was hers and can't remember where or how she got it from or even if it was brought to her by one of her sisters, the point is she gifted it to me as a graduation gift when I graduated from University almost 6 years ago, I had to get it 're-sized' due to my small wirst and wear it as much as I can. :') plus I love gold! </li><li><b>The necklace and earrings</b> were a birthday gift from my best friend, which again, I wasn't expecting getting anything that day but she surprised and spoiled me with lots of goodies that day. </li></ul></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><p style="text-align: center;">Outfit details</p><p style="text-align: center;">Beige bow hair tie: <b><a href="https://www.miniso.co/mona-para-cabello-con-mono-largo-blanco-beige/p" target="_blank">Miniso</a></b> / Earrings: <i>gifted</i>* but from <b><a href="https://es.aliexpress.com/item/1005004011403814.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.5.3e37165c9xgoye&algo_pvid=819c367e-0a07-464a-81a2-d778cb3dfd9e&aem_p4p_detail=202401110541204860824063288550008632271&algo_exp_id=819c367e-0a07-464a-81a2-d778cb3dfd9e-2&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21COP%218834.82%213975.67%21%21%212.20%210.99%21%402101fb0a17049804802578642e94ad%2112000027733436511%21sea%21CO%210%21AB&curPageLogUid=PAXFu6E8nG6A&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A&search_p4p_id=202401110541204860824063288550008632271_3" target="_blank">aliexpress</a></b> ref: ER22Y0076 / Necklace: <i>gifted</i>* but also from <b><a href="https://es.aliexpress.com/item/1005005182109923.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2esp" target="_blank">aliexpress</a></b> ref. in white (similar: <b><a href="https://es.aliexpress.com/item/1005004491695912.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.23.61f9d869qWBkAy&algo_pvid=599296d3-ac31-4846-85a9-1dc668e45e13&algo_exp_id=599296d3-ac31-4846-85a9-1dc668e45e13-11&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21COP%2111244.32%213694.56%21%21%212.80%210.92%21%402101e64117049808732756084ef32c%2112000029345189187%21sea%21CO%212745826360%21AB&curPageLogUid=rRtOeeOeOvUZ&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A" target="_blank">here</a></b>) / Watch: Orient - vintage & gifted / Dress: no brand name / Shoes: <a href="https://www.calzacosta.com.co/Calzacosta/Mujer/Sandalias" target="_blank">Calzacosta</a> / Bag: <a href="https://moma.com.co/manos-libres/792-4038-manos-libres-amalia-ylw17131.html#/190-color-lila" target="_blank">Moma</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">SAME BUT DIFFERENT - PRETTY IN PINK</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mD05RTKwBeb_Shif8JffbJF07BtBJTxSzOtcHOg440HGwaR8pkZbibJvXhoJ91dY7IEk3knlFPzeAKWgEZcb5mpnjyCojUtpwXsntZLJ_MVVrjs4U_Hzx9tnUD2EsI2KJ1BZT4FUPK0LJjA3ZKqrcSlYPsxaIj5d6T-UbuKvl841b0IrwbyLrCi9YqjG/s1350/soft-femenine-girly-girl-era_MELISSACUENTASIII.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mD05RTKwBeb_Shif8JffbJF07BtBJTxSzOtcHOg440HGwaR8pkZbibJvXhoJ91dY7IEk3knlFPzeAKWgEZcb5mpnjyCojUtpwXsntZLJ_MVVrjs4U_Hzx9tnUD2EsI2KJ1BZT4FUPK0LJjA3ZKqrcSlYPsxaIj5d6T-UbuKvl841b0IrwbyLrCi9YqjG/s16000/soft-femenine-girly-girl-era_MELISSACUENTASIII.png" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJ-gLWE19qF7Pub2F-1OgjBBMNks8ooND4CiX6mzCHVtAcl4FBxYIwjQdDEw6PpvcTy3lMSOmjWqOmRA28xLwd4Fpav1sn8QYsWCFbszMcy6tIzO2q_rcA3lCabHtm7GBrF3VLsDA5Jj1EjvzTeWX7qPHoKBsdSrQFlXzmIjcmeoSu8pQ2HMnKb1nQmLG/s4000/soft-femenine-girly-girl-era_MELISSACUENTASIV.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJ-gLWE19qF7Pub2F-1OgjBBMNks8ooND4CiX6mzCHVtAcl4FBxYIwjQdDEw6PpvcTy3lMSOmjWqOmRA28xLwd4Fpav1sn8QYsWCFbszMcy6tIzO2q_rcA3lCabHtm7GBrF3VLsDA5Jj1EjvzTeWX7qPHoKBsdSrQFlXzmIjcmeoSu8pQ2HMnKb1nQmLG/s16000/soft-femenine-girly-girl-era_MELISSACUENTASIV.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>This pink dress was love at first sight.</i></b> <b>A love story! </b>I have tops in that shade of pink and I love it SO much. My wardrobe is mostly black/browns with a hint of color here and there and pink is one of those colors in my palette. Since this was the first dress I laid my eyes on and as previously mentioned what I loved the most were the short puff sleeves and that square neckline, <i>my absolute favorite.</i> I had a top similar to that, and it looked very flattering on me, so I always wanted to get more tops and/or dresses with those same '<i>specifications</i>', in fact, my Pinterest board was full of similar dresses like those for inspiration and that you can see <b><a href="https://melissacuentas.blogspot.com/2024/01/on-finding-my-personal-style.html" target="_blank">I also shared them in this post</a></b>. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I bought these dresses at a Kiosko, I don't know what or how else to call it, but here we do call it '<i>Chazitas</i>'. I went to the centre with mom and after walking through all of them, I saw this pink dress on the mannequin in one of those chazitas and I knew I had to try it on somehow. It was a whole adventure, I admire how people even get creative to create a 'changing' room in the middle of the street, <i>literally</i>. Anyway, I tried it on and the lady even came up to me with a mirror and mom was too stunned to speak, and when she did, she just kept saying '<i>Meli, you look so beautiful</i>', my mom was really having a kinda proud-mom moment and the more I saw myself in the mirror, the more I loved this dress and I bought it without thinking it twice. Then, I proceeded to change again my clothes, and the lady told me she's just had sold the same dress but in terracotta (another of my favorite colors) and that she also had the same dresses in others colors including the '<i>Beige</i>' one, so got that one (<i>which I've just shared above</i>) wihtout even seeing it or trying it on because I'd already tried on the pink one. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">In comparison to the beige one, I love this dress the most, I love everything about it to be honest, the color is even perfect and very flattering on me. There's a reason why I felt in love with it at first sight, right? The comfort these dresses give me is priceless. They're super flowy and perfect for our <i>summer-all-year 'round</i> weather, especially for this El Niño phenomenon that's striked and back on full force. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">As you can notice, when it comes to purchasing items I love, I get the same thing but in different color(s), that may be boring or just very practical to some. But that's a rule I try to apply in everything, from tops to bottoms, to shoes and bags. I also call myself a very simple and practical person too and I didn't put much thought into clothing or me dressing up. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Will I keep wearing it?</b> Absolutely! It's my favorite dress out of the two, so yes, yes, and yes! I'd like to wear it with high heels tho. Maybe for another occassion. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><u><i>Cost Per Wear</i></u> </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Retail price: COP $75.000 (USD $19.16) | Bought in 2023 | So far, 3 wears = COP $25.000 (USD $6.39)</p></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fffdf7;">ACCESSORIES & COMPLEMENTS</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeP0q_b102Wv1ZCeUzml8JUDHPk4LTJ1mFG9bXZSMMWZtTquz-e1GQDP8Kzu1sIcO2y19UpXnejffJfAc_H9G5LrSg_qgS9p2KHIJFccD6lBfTG5PzgGT_o93sjiiFhxBh07RCWWzuTS8av0Trcp8VmZuNROMKtooKUCnAUp-pCDgaZeHXBpeZfOu5-MaV/s4000/2024-01-7%20IV.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeP0q_b102Wv1ZCeUzml8JUDHPk4LTJ1mFG9bXZSMMWZtTquz-e1GQDP8Kzu1sIcO2y19UpXnejffJfAc_H9G5LrSg_qgS9p2KHIJFccD6lBfTG5PzgGT_o93sjiiFhxBh07RCWWzuTS8av0Trcp8VmZuNROMKtooKUCnAUp-pCDgaZeHXBpeZfOu5-MaV/s16000/2024-01-7%20IV.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Big pearl earrings</b>: I got this also around Oct-Nov of last year, at this store that sells good quality accessories, I've always loved pearls and was looking for a pair of earrings like these, whenever I was at the mall and would by her little counter/shop I was eyeing them, until I said, I wanted purchase them and I did. :)</div><div><b>The watch</b>: As I said, this was gifted and the only gold watch I own, so I am sometimes wearing this one quite a lot.</div><div><b>The gold necklace</b>: It's an old one from another store, love how much it's lasted which means great quality too. The chain has not tarnished or anything, just the little things holding the pendants and that's it. </div><div><b>The pearl necklace</b>: That was a gift from one of my grandmother's sisters, (sorry, I don't know why I took the photo and included the earrings, oops) which I layered with the other necklace. I was feeling this kind of gold and pearl vibes. </div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsW00luCvv4fephyjFRMGIVvL2bybgF3qlzuhdnjQveVaaa5bDnnWL3aJ42q2Z8abueHw4mlaZ2mhFqo5IqPb9AlbZHAdnpRy8AipnMMxKadABSiGDWC7BAMAaNxHdjOlHQ-9DSiryIzcNjmHvb8lniynZbFoLjbvsW3UlrFrxoXBaWCsDRfAL85juy5w/s4000/2024-01-7%20V.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsW00luCvv4fephyjFRMGIVvL2bybgF3qlzuhdnjQveVaaa5bDnnWL3aJ42q2Z8abueHw4mlaZ2mhFqo5IqPb9AlbZHAdnpRy8AipnMMxKadABSiGDWC7BAMAaNxHdjOlHQ-9DSiryIzcNjmHvb8lniynZbFoLjbvsW3UlrFrxoXBaWCsDRfAL85juy5w/s16000/2024-01-7%20V.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">With both outfits I wore the same bag and also sandals</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>The sandals</b>, I got them also around my birthday too, it was a gift from me to me, I had a similar pair to these just slightly different but they don't longer have them in stock, now they come up with new designs every time, so I got these instead. Even if they're simple, they still can elevate your outfits a little bit more. :)</span></li><li><b>The bag</b>, it was a purchase from my mom, but it's more than evident who wears it so often nowadays, <i>yes, me</i>! haha. </li></ul></div><div><p><br /></p></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><i>Outfit details</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Earrings: <b>Fuchsia Store</b> / Pearl necklace: <b>gifted</b>* / Gold necklace: <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/planetlovestores/" target="_blank">Planet Love</a></b> (<i>old</i>) / Watch: Orient - vintage & gifted / Dress: no brand name / Shoes: <a href="https://www.calzacosta.com.co/Calzacosta/Mujer/Sandalias" target="_blank">Calzacosta</a> / Bag: <a href="https://moma.com.co/manos-libres/792-4038-manos-libres-amalia-ylw17131.html#/190-color-lila" target="_blank">Moma</a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">ART MEETS FASHION</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVx4I2UR_9F_nbfRe5Ya7mBj7Qn8tgQGWemtZzXGuPFcDOoiScODdTfynCsFQYWi_OePA4Sv9ZfgWr2AeBhSk7mPfobG9tiTRAjFkxaXxpGh789mVmBrsIL_kO2r36pT8RtQopf4PKmY9gayBuYN4rd4tpd25NhDcO-ZenE8rqkt9ziHvMr_Bh-l__YiVv/s4032/IMG_9336.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVx4I2UR_9F_nbfRe5Ya7mBj7Qn8tgQGWemtZzXGuPFcDOoiScODdTfynCsFQYWi_OePA4Sv9ZfgWr2AeBhSk7mPfobG9tiTRAjFkxaXxpGh789mVmBrsIL_kO2r36pT8RtQopf4PKmY9gayBuYN4rd4tpd25NhDcO-ZenE8rqkt9ziHvMr_Bh-l__YiVv/s16000/IMG_9336.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://melissacuentas.blogspot.com/2020/04/art-that-inspires.html" target="_blank">Just like this post</a></b>, I was once again inspired and matching with these paintings my mom has at home. Both dresses are similar colors - if not same - to the ones in these flowers. So, that's matchy-matchy. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you have made it this far, thanks for stopping by! I hope you've liked this 'new' and different type of post. Until next time! xx</div>Melissa Cuentashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062635365953254765noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015888547279210983.post-9247116952486839252024-02-07T08:10:00.002-05:002024-02-15T11:14:57.342-05:00The Only Thing Left Are The Memories<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-K7T1cq-UUyM9wbwl-6pVFBjGhSevdO2AXKi0b_g0azndysCgjEQqZP1xqGva4ejcEBY-7SsDiLQnG-T5TW-7hDiixwM_15WkdYCw1pBg4c3-qe_1j1ZO0cIP2_rWcdONeBG4GbMyhK1xpffGJSRO8zURBXk2A88-axUofC3Exwg9cg8nmnU8kE1gnWUG/s1180/Fefi-Mendoza-Vargas-Guacherna-2017-El-Pap%C3%A1-del-Carnaval_EL-HERALDO.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-K7T1cq-UUyM9wbwl-6pVFBjGhSevdO2AXKi0b_g0azndysCgjEQqZP1xqGva4ejcEBY-7SsDiLQnG-T5TW-7hDiixwM_15WkdYCw1pBg4c3-qe_1j1ZO0cIP2_rWcdONeBG4GbMyhK1xpffGJSRO8zURBXk2A88-axUofC3Exwg9cg8nmnU8kE1gnWUG/s16000/Fefi-Mendoza-Vargas-Guacherna-2017-El-Pap%C3%A1-del-Carnaval_EL-HERALDO.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: justify;">Today's post is one that I don't know why I never shared it before, whilst I were in University I talked and shared about my Univ. Projects (<a href="https://melissacuentas.blogspot.com/2014/12/projectuals-day.html" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a> and also <b><a href="https://melissacuentas.blogspot.com/2015/06/projectuals-day-i.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>) but at some point I simply stopped in the middle of the way back then, I don't remember I used to blog quite often either, so that must be a reason why this post never made it here until now. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">As much as I start reflecting on how my year has been like around mid-October or so, I also reflect on my days at University, especially around this time of the year. For instance, it's already 2024 and ten years ago I was just starting University without knowing what to expect or how that would go for me. At the same time, the carnivals already started in the city, by the way, I'm from Barranquilla, Colombia, and here we do have the most important folkloric celebrations - aka <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barranquilla%27s_Carnival" target="_blank">Barranquilla's carnivals</a></b> - being it one of the biggest carnivals in the world too. I personally do not celebrate or participate in any of these, but seven years ago, I worked on what it would be my last University project, thesis, you name it, and it was for the Carnival's Queen of 2017, <i>Stephanie 'Fefi' Mendoza Vargas</i>. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><blockquote>To give a little more context, the University where I studied at, especially the Fashion Design program is the one in charge of making the Fantasy Costumes for Carnival's Queen, King Momo, Children kings, among others. It's a really huge project and mostly fashion students from the 6th-7th semester participate in it. We were told about this when I was just starting out my 6th semester (3rd year). </blockquote><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Just by remembering this project alone, I can see how much my classmates and I struggled, how much we cried and went desperated and so did our parents, more than our project, it was theirs too. It was a once in a lifetime experience. I remember one of our professors letting us know about this project, my girlfriends were so excited for this unique opportunity and they wanted to design the Fantasy Costume for Night of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barranquilla%27s_Carnival#La_Guacherna" target="_blank">La Guacherna</a>, and also were looking for someone else to join them, so they could be a 'big' group to reduce costs, nobody in our class wanted to, and I personally wanted to work on my own project. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">When they asked me if I could join them, I said I'll sleep on it and even talked it out with my parents too because working on such project meant lots of money was involved and after we all agreed, I went ahead and said yes. Fast forward a few days, all the groups met up for a little reunion and we were all interviewed separately (by groups) and asked why we wanted to work on said project. It was my group's turn, I remember all of us being nervous but also, we cheered up and rest-assured each other and said we had to be self-condifent. The little interview started and interviewer made it informal for us, we were asked lots of questions and at the end we gave them our reasons, but also our trust that we were capable of such responsability. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">All the groups got the projects they wanted to work on, so everyone was happy. After that, it was a whirlwind of emotions that cost us not only lots of money, but also lots of sleepless nights, stress, tears, and even in the midst of that, there was also joy, like I said it before, it was a once in a lifetime experience and something that we all thought would help with our curriculum as fashion designers or at least that's what we thought so and were told of.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">We were only just five girls, our parents, yet there was also more people behind the scenes, our professors and investigative group too were all involved, they were always there for our guidance, and to give us a hand when needed as well. I remember them and that so vividly and it feels like it was just yesterday and I feel so thankful for all of it and also them too until this day. My journey at University was not easy, I even thought this career was not for me, I wanted to drop out while I was in my first semester and I even thought that I wouldn't be able to graduate but when this day/project came and and saw how far I already was, I was thankful to God for that whole journey but also I couldn't believe what I was experiencing at the moment and what it would be the culmination of said stressing but fun project as well as my journey at University.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">EL PAPÁ DEL CARNAVAL</u> ❤️🦈</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Regards our design, the inspiration was <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atl%C3%A9tico_Junior" target="_blank">Junior de Barranquilla</a>, Fefi is a huge fan of our football team, she said she wanted something that people would love and that it could incorporate elements as a thank you to our football players too, as designers, we took the most important elements that best represents Junior, we also headed to their offices and investigated a lot more about Junior's background history as well as did a survey and asked people why they loved Junior, etc. To this point, this was all new to us and random fact, three of us are from this city but none of us were fan or into football and I personally have never been to the stadium either, the other two are from a different city and same thing goes for them, it was quite hilarious and even our tutor said that right after this project landed on us we had to be the number one fans of Junior, haha., but that's what made the project a lot more special, and how you get into it the more you search for information to come up with the final design. That was a topic we would always talk and laugh about whenever we got the chance to meet and work on this project, so it could be ready on time. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">As I mentioned it before, the whole design was inspired by <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atl%C3%A9tico_Junior#Symbols" target="_blank">Junior's symbols</a></b>. First there's a bodysuit and a handmade beaded skirt to represent Junior's badge as well as the flag colors with white and red vertical stripes on the top part which also has bead work in it as well as swarovski on the nude mesh. The headpiece had seven stars which Junior has collected throughout the years, the gloves were a not-so abstract way to represent the football ball, it was printed out and we also added swarvoski to them, the wings were in honor to Sebastián Viera who was the club captain and goalkeeper back then and they were supported by two pockets that were on the back of the bodysuit, the shoes were another abstract representation, but this time, of the mascot which is a shark, since there were lots of white and silver, we opted for teardrop earrings and hair tied up in a ponytail. We also named this design <i><b>El Papá del Carnaval</b></i> after Junior's famous phrase "Junior Tu Papá". </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>THE OFFICIAL PRESENTATION</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Back to me reminiscising in this time and project and fast forward to February 15th / 2017, it was our official presentation and it didn't go as expected, in fact we encountered some issues, especially with the back structure aka the wings, they fell apart and broke when Fefi started dancing and moving like there's no tomorrow, which made all of our official photos that were going to be in different newspapers, a not really good looking ones, I remember we all wanted to cry, some of my friends were mad but the show had to go on. We only had 2 days before the actual parade day and we had to work on it asap. <i>Another reason why I don't share those photos here in this post. :') I still can't forget about that.</i> But even if it was something 'bad', it turned out to be a good thing, since we had to work on something that wouldn't break and would last throughout the whole parade. Again, I don't really participate in any of this but back then, the parade was set to start at 7:00pm and it went until 11pm-12am. So, we had to make sure this structure could resist all those hours and more, and that also meant more money which made us furious but we knew it would be the last thing to do and that everything would come to an end, a happy one. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The structure was made again from scratch, and delivered to our University somewhere around 5-ish, 6pm and after that, we headed to Fefi's place to deliver it personally to her along with our tutor/professor who took us there. She tried it on and once again, danced like there was no tomorrow and the structure was firm and didn't fall apart. So, it was a success and then, it was just a matter of 24hrs before the actual big day. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Feb 17th, 2017</span>: This day started early for all of us, by going first to University, and we would all meet up with the dean or was she the director of the program? I can't remember, anywho, we met with Astrid. We had a interview with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluradio" target="_blank">Blu Radio</a>, a famous Colombian radio station and we were going to be asked a few things about our design. I was one of the few that answered, and I was so nervous plus it was my first time being live on a radio show, my family were tuning in and listening and even recorded what I said but unfortunately I've lost said file. But they were cheering us and the interview went smooth and really well. It was short and in went in the blink of an eye but it was a beautiful experience for all of us. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">After that, I think we headed back to University, then went back home to have lunch and around 4pm I was getting ready to leave since we all would gather at Fefi's home and go all together as part of her comitive group and that's how it went, we took some last photos and parted our ways. She was ready and looking SO beautiful, I really had so many emotions, I was happy, I wanted to cry but also I was thanking God for this experience and that everything finally came to an end. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'll forever be thankful for such an incredible opportunity and for having worked with my classmates on this. In fact, Fefi had shared something about it in her Instagram stories this past Friday (since it was this year's Guacherna, and she was doing a little throwback) and I wrote her telling how much I was also thinking about this day and project and how that meant a lot to me me and to my friends, seeing her enjoy it from beginning to end was priceless to us. I guess that's the fruit, satisfaction you get when a work is done and done really well, where you've poured your everything into it, especially us as fashion designers, we considered Fefi's wants and needs as if she was our client, not just a regular client yet an important one, the main character of this nocturnal parade, all eyes were going to be on her too as well as it was going to be our final project and thesis too! Oh, and yes, she replied back to me saying how thankful she was for all the love we poured into this.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">With this post, her response from a few days ago, and my thoughts on this, I can say this was just another stage in our lives that'll be '<i>fully</i>' and officially closed with this meaningful blog post. Seven years later and I'll conclude by saying that '<b><i>The Only Thing Left Are The Memories</i></b>', and for that, I've included some extra photos. 🩷</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBuNrtuA-aLCoNtFe4TCmGHsOuyoJ6r30UhX0jNzXLph6yqd2gv-_ODZBfU95wcZCjaX_zHEE2Mwb5mC_q0UFdxG0cKUzv50uNds-cNouWIGIKffaVBcCfQ4UtiBADVV7q6r90wmQ_g8KfyauviGD759LllqkvdsX2qqleQtBRb_IZQVcRazS1i1gK73R/s2048/2017-02-07%20Reuni%C3%B3n%20con%20Fefi%20IV.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBuNrtuA-aLCoNtFe4TCmGHsOuyoJ6r30UhX0jNzXLph6yqd2gv-_ODZBfU95wcZCjaX_zHEE2Mwb5mC_q0UFdxG0cKUzv50uNds-cNouWIGIKffaVBcCfQ4UtiBADVV7q6r90wmQ_g8KfyauviGD759LllqkvdsX2qqleQtBRb_IZQVcRazS1i1gK73R/s16000/2017-02-07%20Reuni%C3%B3n%20con%20Fefi%20IV.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5uWWSapBaQ8_SJQdBpRk8WK47TUtoCj1-pwMvq1u20p7BbPtElF9yqhW8lPoKaaQFDf_iSfOfzYbufw527trkXSVVAjKwPBnYx1gDaWqXw-jT58P3JTk2ChNLEAd5rhYj7sbC31djBscky8CL3IWmvgrMf6uwgBrdx_x4SZoLQ0t72gipfJLih1Q0gTif/s2048/2017-02-07%20Reuni%C3%B3n%20con%20Fefi%20II.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1283" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5uWWSapBaQ8_SJQdBpRk8WK47TUtoCj1-pwMvq1u20p7BbPtElF9yqhW8lPoKaaQFDf_iSfOfzYbufw527trkXSVVAjKwPBnYx1gDaWqXw-jT58P3JTk2ChNLEAd5rhYj7sbC31djBscky8CL3IWmvgrMf6uwgBrdx_x4SZoLQ0t72gipfJLih1Q0gTif/s16000/2017-02-07%20Reuni%C3%B3n%20con%20Fefi%20II.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrICsI7fhL4fUeAOTBgMz4NLsDO7cX-OgyJSx_xFJwpKRQCJ3JmEpmT6oHOqB-k8sufiljIRAV8NJQAYYnuTfA2daEp0WhtmH9lKUAlLuOlP5pfvwUgIH_-NQ8vNuBqK6IOqP46mGF-VaxvvkawcH84S7_LW21RoCFYddBrOKhtDL4-B3ReoRqYjw047zq/s2048/2017-02-07%20Reuni%C3%B3n%20con%20Fefi%20III.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1029" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrICsI7fhL4fUeAOTBgMz4NLsDO7cX-OgyJSx_xFJwpKRQCJ3JmEpmT6oHOqB-k8sufiljIRAV8NJQAYYnuTfA2daEp0WhtmH9lKUAlLuOlP5pfvwUgIH_-NQ8vNuBqK6IOqP46mGF-VaxvvkawcH84S7_LW21RoCFYddBrOKhtDL4-B3ReoRqYjw047zq/s16000/2017-02-07%20Reuni%C3%B3n%20con%20Fefi%20III.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i>From left to right: Melissa Cuentas, Stephanie Lopez, Maricela Meza, Stephanie Mendoza, Valentina Villamizar, María Camila Gómez</i>. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWw3qrRZvhq4K3o73jb4CX2L2zLqtxOEjv_n6qxdNbzTVVAxmKHfo4qPrkqjvIhgbnr78yWr1FDPbhO_LSltcUzUe9F-4QGUj8ZHtNMiYvplb9WCBbmkiVSbOfc6-zFcs_BtoaR6kg5AziYAiscUlN1wn5sGOcUL46Fw4G_9LzG79oRHpUraEfNV1YiH7E/s1350/the-only-thing-left-are-the-memories-blogpost_MELISSACUENTAS2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWw3qrRZvhq4K3o73jb4CX2L2zLqtxOEjv_n6qxdNbzTVVAxmKHfo4qPrkqjvIhgbnr78yWr1FDPbhO_LSltcUzUe9F-4QGUj8ZHtNMiYvplb9WCBbmkiVSbOfc6-zFcs_BtoaR6kg5AziYAiscUlN1wn5sGOcUL46Fw4G_9LzG79oRHpUraEfNV1YiH7E/s16000/the-only-thing-left-are-the-memories-blogpost_MELISSACUENTAS2.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTt8MzV_dj9vrARUvDR-27m6KxztaLK9CraNe_ofKJUfhzOri6KTwzF9oRePTJZuOPp36lkaLJueepXeRXlr7qmq-Id9g6x4PlBreqdQiS_VNdtUoldkSqAFOvtRECqHSP5J6jtFnr_wG8MUFt5O4mM44UjTwLloTi9f7o576CoiN-CKpWd4lOWoto-jBS/s1350/the-only-thing-left-are-the-memories-blogpost_MELISSACUENTAS1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTt8MzV_dj9vrARUvDR-27m6KxztaLK9CraNe_ofKJUfhzOri6KTwzF9oRePTJZuOPp36lkaLJueepXeRXlr7qmq-Id9g6x4PlBreqdQiS_VNdtUoldkSqAFOvtRECqHSP5J6jtFnr_wG8MUFt5O4mM44UjTwLloTi9f7o576CoiN-CKpWd4lOWoto-jBS/s16000/the-only-thing-left-are-the-memories-blogpost_MELISSACUENTAS1.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_O8xp-PS3_D4qQ9blGdx7q0sljFDbVsEiGYGETytIUDMKzwWLPg5QsF5klMcHaQTlTlkqpKe8UAPrvSVuZNDtZ_xIf48fDWV_9UuUmysYngsKlyO4vqfdBrSJPzaXDZ_LRerJMvxlGgATQbIRKJ8ElEYOMqJdokbwByK1CEZPLbyQAHfUWJi_sRe7P_B/s2048/2017-02-14%20MELISSA%20CUENTAS.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_O8xp-PS3_D4qQ9blGdx7q0sljFDbVsEiGYGETytIUDMKzwWLPg5QsF5klMcHaQTlTlkqpKe8UAPrvSVuZNDtZ_xIf48fDWV_9UuUmysYngsKlyO4vqfdBrSJPzaXDZ_LRerJMvxlGgATQbIRKJ8ElEYOMqJdokbwByK1CEZPLbyQAHfUWJi_sRe7P_B/s16000/2017-02-14%20MELISSA%20CUENTAS.JPG" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">PS: If you hadn't guessed it yet, this is me. <i>Hello</i>! 👋🏻</p><p style="text-align: center;">I wish I always looked like this but unfortunately I don't... <i>yet</i>, haha. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Until next time! xx</p>Melissa Cuentashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062635365953254765noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015888547279210983.post-36341569757920175602024-01-31T07:00:00.004-05:002024-02-02T14:18:31.455-05:00On Finding My Personal Style<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBehp0h4glPdoShduv0ad4S8Owb5aF7_ZlkarZS28mRimgXsa9WBxqiwAbXCWOafmkw0Wlf-z-CsCn8ayBPbVnRVktKopjdIimD-uC7IXb33L0IY1wxB8sjCjB-QUhxWrIBBJ9H59z4oxeHdPcpuYFr00xKUih3cOZ_pZkunLSmvN7XrSaK05TfAlVdZ4W/s2000/finding-my-own-style_blogpost_MELISSACUENTAS.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1545" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBehp0h4glPdoShduv0ad4S8Owb5aF7_ZlkarZS28mRimgXsa9WBxqiwAbXCWOafmkw0Wlf-z-CsCn8ayBPbVnRVktKopjdIimD-uC7IXb33L0IY1wxB8sjCjB-QUhxWrIBBJ9H59z4oxeHdPcpuYFr00xKUih3cOZ_pZkunLSmvN7XrSaK05TfAlVdZ4W/s16000/finding-my-own-style_blogpost_MELISSACUENTAS.png" /></a></div><p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Who said new year, new me? </i>I have got to raise my hand and say me too! Well, that may sound a little way too cliché but 2024 is not about being a new me but rather about becoming a better and improved version of me, before even getting started, once again, I hope you all have had a great start of the year. Thus far so good for me and also, I really can not believe that January is over, how? Every new year time speeds up so fast, days go by so quickly and they feel like they are no longer 24 hrs long but fewer! Very shocking, I know but it shouldn't even surprise me at this point. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><u>Back to today's topic</u>, it's no longer new news that I've been going through changes, and said changes also mean, having a slight minor and small "<i><b>wardrobe change</b></i>". A goal of mine since mid-2023 has been become that woman I have always wanted to and for me, she has to dress '<i>properly</i>' aka a lot better if I say so, not only for her personal, professional/work life but also for Church. I didn't want to keep wearing jeans and don't get me wrong, there's nothing bad about wearing jeans but <b>I just want to dress a little differently to feel good about myself and what I wear </b><i style="background-color: #ead1dc;">because what we wear is a reflection of who we are as well as of our mood, depending on what we choose to wear for the day</i>, at the same time I have reached that age/point in life where I simply do not want to wear any more tight clothes, JUST NO! </p><p style="text-align: justify;">A couple of weeks ago, I went through old photos of me whilst I was in my teenage years, I could see I had several styles and wore as many colorful clothes as I could and let me tell you, I was really surprised when I saw my younger self wearing vibrant colors. I looked at me and then I looked at her, <i>my old self,</i> and wondered, what did it change? what happened? Why do I dress because I have to but I no longer have fun in the process as I used to do it back then? </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">THE WHY?</b> <span style="text-align: left;">As a fashion designer myself and personally, I have not yet found my style. It's been years of me <b>feeling so trapped in my '<i>student</i>' era</b>, meaning I would wear a pair of jeans, put on either a t-shirt or decent blouse, my go-to crossbody bag and flat sandals and I would call it my outfit of the day and that went on for years, from the moment I graduated high school, 2011 to 2023, a very long time indeed and quite boring and to that point, <b>nothing still feels or speaks '<i>Melissa</i>'</b>. But then there began to be this longing in my heart of wanting to dress properly, not only to go to Church but also because I wanted to dress for myself. If as a kid or my younger self enjoyed wearing clothes, why not go back to that and have fun with it again, right? I felt so inspired and motivated after having gone through those photos. Thanks, past me. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;"><b>WHEN DID I START EXPLORING WITH MY STYLE?</b></span> I don't know if this was it but <b>after clearing out my wardrobe and giving away clothes </b>that I wore only a couple of times, or even felt like were not my '<i>style</i>', and kept the pieces I felt comfortable with the most or was going back to back wearing them over and over, I then ended up with a very '<i>small</i>' and when I say small is because it's small, <b>capsule wardrobe</b> and this was around and after pandemic. I bought 4 pairs of jeans, one actual pair of blue jeans, and the others were cream/ivory, beige and black and I think it was then when the fun began. It was challenging, a lot of thinking went into every single outfit but it was then that I was starting to explore a little bit more with my wardrobe pieces and also personal style. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">HOW WOULD I DESCRIBE MY STYLE?</b> Before I used to say it was minimal but if I go back in time and think of it again, there was nothing minimal about it. lol. I would describe my style as <b>classy, elegant, casual, a bit romantic, and feminine</b>, in other words, something similar to the images shared in the photo below. It's not my current style however that's how I would love to dress.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">WHAT ABOUT COLORS WHEN IT COMES TO CLOTHING?</b> I used to have/wear clothes in these vibrant colors in the past from bright yellow to cobalt blue, emerald green, and more. When I was in University I opted for 'wearing' more color again to give it another try but kept it '<i>simple</i>' but then, it was around 2018-2019 I started to lean towards <b>neutral colors <i>aka blacks and browns</i> <i>(beige/camel)</i></b> and a hint of color here and there and I have not looked back ever since. Think of my wardrobe so far as an <b><i>A</i></b><i><b>utumnal palette</b></i>. I feel comfortable wearing clothes in these colors and the best thing is, I love it!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">WHAT HAS WORKED / HAVE I LEARNED SO FAR?</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><b>Having a small capsule wardrobe</b>: Believe it or not, I love the amount of clothes I have right now, yes, my inner child has dreamed of having her <i>walk-in closet</i> but then I feel like that'd be just too much for me. I love it so far because I've learned I don't need to have a lot of clothes and not know what or how to wear them, instead a small and smart capsule wardrobe with the right pieces gives me endless possibilities and it does spark my creativity and that's what has made it so fun lately. </li><li><b>Knowing my wardrobe</b>: By this I mean, what pieces I have and what I am missing and/or I should get next time as well as my preferred color palette, what styles of tops/bottoms/dresses I love to wear, what types of fits, etc. </li><li><b>Having a 'copy' of my wardrobe but in digital form</b>: This may sound like a lot of work, and time-consuming as well if you own lots of clothes, but to me, it's been what has made my outfit selection process a lot easier and quicker. Again, when I started this, I did not have that many clothes and still do not, so that was a good start, but I have made slides with actual images of every top/bottom piece I own, as well as jewelry (go-to) shoes and bags, if not the same, I research and browse until I find a similar one.<br /><br />When it comes to '<i>style</i>' or rather knowing what to wear, I'll go to the slides first and try it out to see how many options I have. I also do the same thing every time I'm about to buy a new item, see if it matches my current wardrobe, that is if it has some kind of connection with what I already have. It's like having my collection of clothes and I design a new piece to be part of it, and in the end, everything has to flow and be very harmonious. As I was taught, everything has to have a common thread. So, once again, I'm a very visual person, so this works best for me. But most importantly doing this playing around before getting a new item helps me not to be an impulse buyer. (<i>I have learned my lesson, or I think so</i>)</li><li><b>Using images as inspiration</b>: If I have a certain piece, I'll go on Pinterest and find a different way to style it that I have not yet tried, another thing is trying to copy that image (outfit) to see if it's exactly what I'm looking for or if it's my style or not. That's been very helpful to me and it's worked because - this is a spoiler - but I've got similar pieces to the ones in the images above. </li><li><b>Quality over Quantity</b>: Look for shops that offer great quality material clothes, this meant, that I was going to pay a little bit more than when I would buy from a fast-fashion brand, but I knew said item would last a lot longer and that's what I am looking for. Longetivity in my wardrobe items.</li><li><b>Not falling in the trap of Trends</b>: Thank God, I don't go shopping quite often nor fall in this trap of trends and what's considered to be on trend, which mostly tends not to be '<i>my</i>' style. </li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;"><b>WHAT HAS NOT WORKED YET?</b></span> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><b>Not being able to find shops where I can find pieces like these</b>: This one is very frustrating because even despite my weight, body type, etc., considered to be a 'slim' person, I can not find clothes that are proper for me. For example, if it's a dress with the perfect length, I then start to look closely, it either has cutouts, an open back, or a very deep V-line or slits of the side and I am just like why? So shopping for myself is getting quite not almost to the point of it being impossible yet but rather very challenging. </li><li><b>Quitting almost entirely fast-fashion shopping</b>: As much as I try and would love to support local and Colombian fashion brands, I haven't gotten to that point yet. Although, instead I've reduced the items I buy in said fast fashion stores. I've never had problems with their jeans since I lean towards to high waisted slim/mom-fit jeans, and they offer me that whilst in this other local store, I've never been able to find them instead offer me a bunch of jeans that are too tight and I said I won't wear anything tight anymore. So, it depends on the item itself and also, how you take good care of your clothes plus how often you wear them too. This is a slow and mayhap a long journey, but slowly I'll be getting there too. </li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;"><b>WHAT WILL I DO TO CARRY THIS OUT?</b></span> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><b>I won't go desperate I will slowly go baby-steps instead</b> until I feel like I've achieved the goal of dressing nicely, even though so far, I've been enjoying it and having fun with it - <i>another spoiler alert: expect some upcoming 'outfit' posts and my thoughts on 'each' look</i>. But I know for sure this will also be a long journey ahead.</li><li><b>Keep on exploring more fashion sites</b> where I can find and get staple pieces that I can get to incorporate into my already existing capsule wardrobe.</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><hr style="text-align: justify;" /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you've made it this far, thank you, and do let me know in the comments: <b><i>How long did it take you to find your style? How has this fashion journey been so far for you?</i></b> Any tips you would also like to share with me are welcome. Until next time! xx</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Just a little heads up</u>: Blog posts for February are already schedule to go up on <b>Feb 7th</b> and also on the <b>29th. P</b>lease look forward to them. I'm still thinking if I should make a 3rd post or not, or if I should make two posts (<i>one at the beginning and another at the end</i>) or only one per month. I'll figure that out as days go by. But this is what I think will work best for me. :)</div>Melissa Cuentashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062635365953254765noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015888547279210983.post-87471479022917806042024-01-24T14:30:00.008-05:002024-02-14T15:08:29.422-05:00The Promise of New Beginnings — 2024 Thoughts & Goals<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYk1lGyvJiGqAVaddWOzITydhG4DoB4MZMhazqnva6Y7iBUtigm2mHb_VStqS9BCFOKbmUo_9gKGj5LAH1JKO5PpsRx7fb63Z3gRnNBVKvK4muaPmDO6xyE6zKLiZJXeNnCUYbJBS4LclNwRljJUTtOde6XolrSmnQ43D64mmrlsJtENcrbqD0DrF4eriY/s4032/the-promise-of-new-beginnings_MELISSACUENTAS.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYk1lGyvJiGqAVaddWOzITydhG4DoB4MZMhazqnva6Y7iBUtigm2mHb_VStqS9BCFOKbmUo_9gKGj5LAH1JKO5PpsRx7fb63Z3gRnNBVKvK4muaPmDO6xyE6zKLiZJXeNnCUYbJBS4LclNwRljJUTtOde6XolrSmnQ43D64mmrlsJtENcrbqD0DrF4eriY/s16000/the-promise-of-new-beginnings_MELISSACUENTAS.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: justify;">January is almost coming to an end, and here I am finally sharing this post after a little time off, <i>but hey, better late than never, right?</i> By the way, I hope you all are having a great 2024 so far! :)</p><p style="text-align: justify;">With the new year, there is this hope that everything will be and get better. Once again, the fact of just being able to open my eyes and wake up to a new day, breathing and being alive and healthy it's truly something to be always thankful for and for 366 days, (<i>yes, it's a leap year</i>) that's a win. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I am have previously mentioned before that I am not one to set or have that many goals, because I either do not stick to them and things go differently, so I kinda go with the flow now, and taking it day by day, putting my day before God's presence and welcoming whatever it comes, like every day does feels like a little surprise and I don't know what I'll be getting but if there's something that I've also mentioned is <b>setting realistic goals</b> and these goals are the same ones every single day as well as year and even if they seem to be the same, sometimes I either don't try my best and fail at those but again, there's this need to stand up and keep on going, right?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">There are some life aspects I would love to work on (<i>more like keep on working on</i>) this year:</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<hr style="text-align: justify;" />
<div style="text-align: center;">
SPIRITUAL</div>
<hr style="text-align: justify;" />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div>This is my number one and most important pillar, building and reinforcing my relationship with God. With Him, I feel like I have it all and I can't now imagine a life without Him. I have known Him for over 20years, basically my whole life. But even if it's been 20 years or a day, I still do feel like there is a lot I need to work on and that's exactly what I plan on continue doing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Besides that, <i>which I won't go into much details and keep it for myself,</i> <b>I want to continue reading, studying, scrutinizing the Bible</b>, I just started the New Testament and it is incredible how much I can understand now, for me the Old Testament is still difficult to understand, but little by little I am getting there, there is so many dates, time, names , and it is difficult for me to get into context, but I will just give time to time. I even take notes and if I have got questions, I will write them in the chapter, verse that I am reading because I know I will get those questions answered later at some point. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">PERSONAL</div>
<hr style="text-align: justify;" /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Wardrobe change:</b> It's not new news that I have been changing and exploring a little bit with my style and I plan on improving and dressing the way I would love to. I won't say a lot much about this, since I already have a upcoming post talking about it more in depth. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Keep track of my 'finances' (aka savings) the way I have been doing it as of late:</b> After using apps or even Excel / Google sheets, I went back to carrying a little notebook and keeping track of my '<i>income</i>' as well as all my expenses, so that I could have a better understament of where my money is going, because sometimes numbers did not match my math. That's very old school plus I started a new '<i>method</i>', '<i>system</i>' you name it, which again I don't stick to it as much as I would love to, because I am not working, meaning I don't get a paycheck but again, keep track of money that comes in the form of exchange of work or gift. I could also dedicate a whole post dedicated to 'finances', because I have never been good with numbers but slowly I've been learning and WHAT A PROGRESS! I honestly feel proud of myself, it's been a very long journey, one of so much learning too. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>To stay healthy and exercise</b>: I plan on also continue working out, just for the sake of moving and not having a sedentary lifestyle, staying healthy and gaining some strength and why not, little muscles too. My one goal is to be able to do a proper push-up. I feel like my arms are still weak but I hope that if I continue working the way I have been so far, I may be able to reach that goal either by the end of the year or hopefully before it. I also do not want this to become an obsession in my life. I just want to be healthy, tone my body and that's it. I have also found that 30mins or 45mins works best for me. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Last year, I found some amazing and cool programs thanks to a girl I follow on IG and she shares the routines she does, and kinda motivates you to move your body too, I was curious and clicked the link she'd shared. I had a look, I tried them and loving them so far. I won't gatekeep this from you all but I have been doing <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@CarolineGirvan" target="_blank">Caroline Girvan youtube's workout</a></b>. So far I have done the EPIC III series, Beast Mode, Tempo Week, Iron Series and right now I'm halfway through her FUEL Series. I love it simply because they don't take that long, she explains and give tips on how to do each exercise and it's not like those influencer type of workouts. I have been noticing slight and small changes and the best of all is I can go at my own pace and the workouts are not that long either plus you need to little to no equipment at all, as there's also a mix of dumbbells, yoga block, a mat and a chair and some workouts are all about bodyweight. Out of all the workouts I have done, I honestly can say that Caroline's are the best ones for me, they're so much fun too. I just love her and her workouts. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Read more</b>: I am not the type of person to read books, I have a few saved as PDF files but I just can not read them while staring at the screen, I feel like it would hurt my eyes and give me the most terrible headaches as well, there's nothing like flipping through the pages of a physical book, making notes, highlighting your favorites quotes, etc. (<i>I sound like a book worm and expert, but this is what I see people doing and I am sure I would do the exact same thing, lol - but I know you get my point) </i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Also, I am very picky when it comes to books, I'd mostly love if they're small reads (<i>to get me started</i>) and also of my interest. At the same time, they can be quite expensive but if I happen to save some cash, I'd buy them without thinking about their cost, plus if I end up loving it, I can go back and read it as many times as I can. <b>I plan on getting books in English language</b> so I can practice and learn more new vocabulary because this is not my mother tongue. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">I am interested in topics that has to do with art, architecture, fashion and photography (just to keep me inspired and creative) and I love anything romantic, like a novel or so. Oh, and also poetry.</span> So, if you love reading this type of books, I accept recommendations or of any other types, I will try my best to find them at the bookstores. :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Get back to blogging</b>: After my last posts, and seeing that <b>blogging is not dead</b> and how beautiful the community is (<i>it has always been like this for me tho</i>) it brought lots of memories back and how much I used to enjoy writing from the heart and posting content that would make me and others happy, I would spend hours checking other blogs out in order to interact and keep in touch, etc. I would love doing that and that's exactly what I've been doing lately. I know blogging may not be the same as it was when I started 12 years ago, I know there's been a decrease and some just simply stopped their blogging journey and dedicated full time to other social medias, but after checking out some other blogs that are like new to me, I feel very motivated and inspired to keep blogging again, in fact as I write this post, I have about 2-3 more posts I will work on and get done once this goes up. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now, I will not put pressure on myself to be consistent or anything like that, it's been years since I post whenever I feel like doing so, I never force myself to blog or that it feels like a chore, I just do it for fun. I know what I said earlier but I'm just thinking what could be considered ideal to post, I feel like one post per week may not be a lot to someone but to me it's is, so I don't know! I'm thinking about sharing 2 posts a month or maybe just one? I don't know. I will not stress myself now and figure it all out after I am done with the rest of posts that are in my draft and get them scheduled. :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Just know that I am really happy to be back again, to write and share more of my thoughts and whatnot, and your comments on my recents posts as well as checking out some of your blogs have truly motivated me A LOT you have no idea how much and I am just so excited! 🩷</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>To continue practing the art of noticing and romanticizing life</b>: This really felt like therapy to me, it helped me 'heal', deal with grief, and at the same time, <u><a href="https://melissacuentas.blogspot.com/2023/12/a-letter-to-2023.html" target="_blank">as mentioned in my last post</a></u>, it made my year a lot more beautiful. At this point, looking at the images I take and share here on the blog or over my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/melissacuentas/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, you can perceive I love nature and I really do, it brings so much joy to my life as well as inspiration, that's why I want to keep admiring the sunsets from the balcony, or the sound of the birds chirp, the flowers, and more and hopefully documenting it <i>aka</i> taking some photos of it too whenever possible, just for the of memories. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div>And this concludes my goals for 2024, I guess everything's been the same as always, except for the read and blog more often and being able to do a proper push-up, haha. But these goals are very realistic to me, ones I can do over and over again instead of making long lists that would be hard to achieve or stick to it. This works best for me. Once again, I hope you're all having a great start of 2024 so far. Let me know in the comment box below, what are your goals for this year or what are you most excited for or looking foward to to this year or are you not into making resolutions or goals? Let me know! :)</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you're all having a beautiful mid-week so far and see you next Wednesday with another new post (<i>I already had this one thought out, planned and scheduled to go on the 31st</i>) Until next time! xx</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Melissa Cuentashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062635365953254765noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015888547279210983.post-72001658563419422272023-12-31T13:35:00.011-05:002024-02-15T06:39:33.571-05:00A Letter to 2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1_Y3NSvApy_uCiUbh4e0U_phLdS9sbbjplcddEMh2srWCXqcUhghwEzbkpv9q0foqiheS3RMYEZyj9EKGMe3fo6aW0fPvWFxcKw7dtQMd6yGnZRBotUX6T5ttGtshR3xXqp1Dtc3-4XDc04eQ6SSRC6Dbq_3BkXw1yrwHxku9WAsMi8fBY0JR2AzKzeC/s1280/a-letter-to-2023_photo-melissa-cuentas-blog.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1_Y3NSvApy_uCiUbh4e0U_phLdS9sbbjplcddEMh2srWCXqcUhghwEzbkpv9q0foqiheS3RMYEZyj9EKGMe3fo6aW0fPvWFxcKw7dtQMd6yGnZRBotUX6T5ttGtshR3xXqp1Dtc3-4XDc04eQ6SSRC6Dbq_3BkXw1yrwHxku9WAsMi8fBY0JR2AzKzeC/s16000/a-letter-to-2023_photo-melissa-cuentas-blog.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: justify;">As I do every year, here's my annual letter to end of the year, this time is for 2023. If I gather my thoughts up and look back, I could say that it was indeed a beautiful year in all sense of word, if you were to ask me to describe it in just one single word, that would be it, <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">BEAUTIFUL</span>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It is not news that I have mentioned in previous posts that I lost two of my family members back in 2021 and since then, I sort of felt like I went downhill, I'll never know if it was just mere sadness, depression, both or something else, but I am thankful for I have not longer experienced any of that anymore. <b>I am a lot happier now</b>, it is even hard to describe such emotions but my heart and I are finally at peace and content too and that is a plus and improvement. Although, everything hasn't been like that always because I have had some peak moments of a breakdown but it is normal, I cry, I find composture and keep on going, that's life and take my own time without rushing things. If I feel sad, I feel sad and let it be, if I want to cry, I cry all I want, I guess it is now such a beautiful thing to experience, I don't know how to explain it, but I give time to my emotions and take control of what I can humanly take control of. But, I am thankful to God because I have been delivered from this sadness or whatever it was, that it was NOT good. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Another year has gone by and once again, I've spent it with my family</b>, maybe we haven't been able to travel for one reason or another, but as long as we have had some quality family time is all that matters to me the most. Although, yes, I wish we could go on vacations. We all desperately need them. haha! <b>I have also been able to connect with mom the most</b>, I have loved staying at home with her and have had very deep conversations about different aspects of our lives, and it is such a beautiful thing that moments like this, I'll be locking them up somewhere special in my heart. I won't be taking any of this for granted, on the contrary, I thank God for allowing me to still have my parents and brother by my side and I really appreciate my family whom I love SO much with all my heart, and I hope we can continue on having this bond as a family.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>With beautiful moments, there comes hardships too and that's also what life is about too</b>, and even if it wasn't something that happened in my family nucleus, it does feel like it was. I experienced along my best friend, the loss of her dad, as well as finding out her mom has cancer. It was one event after another, but even if I couldn't be there for her physically since we are separated by many miles away, I am glad to have been there for her just like when she was with me while grieving too and moments like this reinforce our long distance friendship too. We celebrated each other's birthdays just like we have done the past 2 years, sending Ecards and letters via email and we've both been the happiest ever since, she loved her presents, and I loved mine as well, I was so in shock she spent her money and bought me some stuff, but I really really appreciate such kind gesture and I loved each and every single one of them. It was one of a kind, one that I never expected but glad to know we both enjoyed each other's birthdays despite the circunstances. 🤍</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Talking about birthdays, <b><a href="https://melissacuentas.blogspot.com/2023/11/29.html" target="_blank">I turned 29 last nov.4</a></b>, and just like how I mentioned it in that post, yes, I have been through changes, changes I started to notice back in mid-August or so, changes that again I don't know what exactly they are, but I just feel SO different, I feel like I am slowly becoming that woman I have always longed to become and for that I am and I will be forever thankful, also, I feel a lot more beautiful and just like I have said to mom and to my bff, it's not about physical beauty but something that comes from the inside out, if that makes any sense. But well, that's how I felt and feel, so yeah. It makes me feel a lot better about myself. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm also thankful to God, because <b>I had what it could be a my first 'job' experience after such a long time, almost 6 years</b>. This was back end of February, one of my classmates from Univ contacted me through my mom's phone (<i>hello, I've been phoneless since Sept 2022</i>) she said they were trying to hire someone, all she knew was they were needing someone that could speak in English and fashion design related and she thought of me and that I could apply for it, so I did. I just felt so many emotions yet let everything, including me, go with the flow. I had an interview on a Saturday, minutes before that, I felt in my heart that was not meant for me and I was almost close to not going to the interview, but I went and left everything in God's hands, the interview went well. Part of the interview was half in Spanish and the other half in English, then I just left and went home. (<i>After having that interview, that just 'reaffirmed' my thoughts, the job was mostly for a business manager but that has had experience in the fashion industry, but again, I could learn if I didn't know this, the 'boss' was willing to teach me</i>) When I got home, my friend calls me and tells me to go back because her boss wanted me to help her with some stuff and I was like why didn't she tell me that while I was there? anyway, I left and went back to the workplace, and talked to her boss and I was there to do her 'tasks' which part of it consisted of tech packs, and she gave me a week, I think they're called <b><i>trial week</i></b>, and of course, I would get paid plus she also would see how I work and also teach me other things if there was time for it. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Let me tell you something <b>if I have to highlight something from this year, this could be on top on that list</b>, those 5 days were the best days of my life, I loved the people, the work environment, it was small, like about 9-10 employees but it was SO good, the offices and place in general felt very welcoming, actually interior-wise is an old house turned into an office, but really felt so nice, the little patio on the back, it was super chill and very relaxing, it was where we had our lunch, and I would sit in one of the rocking chairs and just look at the trees afterwards. I LOVED the commute to work, I'd leave home at about 7am, and it'd take me around 10-15min to get to the bus stop, around that time the trees were in full bloom, and seeing them made my morning a lot better and in such a good mood to start my day off right, and the bus ride, oh, I absolutely loved it. I never once felt tired during that week, in fact, I felt with so much energy. It's crazy but most of the co-workers I had thought the job was already mine, but deep down inside my heart, I already knew my last day would be on a Friday, the shock in their faces when they found out that Friday would be my last day, it broke my heart, but I was really SO happy for having such an amazing experience and having met such beautiful people, and being paid for it, which I wasn't expecting that to be honest. I feel like those 5 days, each one equaled every year I've been 'on vacation' (<i>aka unemployed</i>) and overall, it was such a beautiful experience and one I am and will always be forever thankful for. This leaves me with a question I ask myself, does this counts like a job experience? as long as it was paid, sure it was, right? and the biggest lesson is, I knew through my sixth sense this was somehow not for me yet the whole experience itself just shut me up, like God proved me wrong and for that, I am thankful too. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Another favorite thing of this year, was to <b>practice the art of noticing</b>. A practice that became a habit and made me so appreciative of moments like this. An attention to details but more so on the enchanting everyday surroundings that felt enliving. A way of also romanticizing life and observing things with different eyes and perception. A moment of thankfulness to my Heavenly Father for creating such majesty that always left me enthralled, speechless and in awe, because such 'mundane' things that may be taken for granted and/or go unnoticed by others, brought me joy and a huge smile on my face. <b><i>I find so much happiness</i></b> in simple things like these, from watching the sunset on the balcony, to going on walks and coming across with beautiful butterflies, hummingbirds or even snails, and just by doing this, it feels like a therapy to me, even more so, like something SO special and dear to my heart too and there's nothing than fascinates me most than nature itself, and as I once said, it is one of my main sources of inspirations. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">So, because of this, there was just mere admiration in me towards nature and God himself. It's with this practice that life got even more beautiful and got to experience such beautiful moments that became some of my favourites and along that, I got to capture most of them as well and I guess they're mostly the reason why I've described 2023 as 'BEAUTIFUL'. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Being phoneless</b> made me realize how much screen time I was having a day, now that time is a lot more reduced - somewhere between 20-30mins a day now - since sometimes I borrow my mom's phone to check IG or TikTok and then I just log out. I used to capture a lot of things, and I really miss doing that I am not gonna lie, but now, it is a lot more limited and some of those moments I have also experienced and I have not been able to grab a phone and take a pic or two, I have kept them to myelf, because again, you don't need to be on the phone all the time, sometimes I think there are moments that are priceless and beautiful to our eyes that no 'photo' will make it justice, so that may be another 'habit' of mine and yes, <b>it does feels like I am a lot more offline now and just enjoying the present moment</b>, and I love that for myself to be honest!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I don't really know if I have forgotten about something or not and if I have, I may come back to this post and edit it but thus far and for this time 'round I can happily say <b>this was a BEAUTIFUL YEAR indeed</b>, in all sense of word. There's nothing I didn't love about it. Yes, there may be some things that again, didn't happen this year, but that just gives me the strength to continue until I can see them all materialized (they become a reality in my life) there were some hardships and challenges but I learned and they're smaller in number, so I look more to the positive side and good things. I really do not know what God has in store for me this 2024, but I'm hoping it'll be my best year so far, starting by the fact I'll be entering my 30's I am both excited and scared but I just know it will be an amazing decade of my life, as for the rest, I'm just gonna let the Lord surprise me one more time. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">To whom may be reading this, to my lovely readers and followers, thank you for being here, for still reading me and my blog even though I have not been as active as I used to or would like to, but I'll never forget this blog was and is a part of me and I will forever be thankful for you all, your comments and support. I hope this new year is filled with so many beautiful things for each one of you. Wishing you all nothing but the very best from the bottom of my heart!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">PS: I'll try my best to post more often here on the blog but if not, <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/apffltkrf/" target="_blank">you can always find me on my 'not-so-new' instagram account</a></b>. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Until next time!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">xx</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Melissa</p>Melissa Cuentashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062635365953254765noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015888547279210983.post-41389924527457466922023-11-04T14:45:00.001-05:002023-11-04T14:45:18.740-05:0029<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYop5rG4gvFM9REJ9Z8RG8bxBojRUFZ1d_v7B_WLn3pkhX7iVUH2vIq-YDKeLIK8UjfECxZMp3ywfqVDhTqJ5C38VdwJbeefXcP4gnLGdhJ2nGJh2IMIH5gn0d4SmcNsdd1rCK2y8r0O51uJvBXDIihLInp4qxxeeOD7hU7PNheodGIqw2LbyTukHYEMh/s1350/to-my-last-year-in-my-twenties_MELISSACUENTAS.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYop5rG4gvFM9REJ9Z8RG8bxBojRUFZ1d_v7B_WLn3pkhX7iVUH2vIq-YDKeLIK8UjfECxZMp3ywfqVDhTqJ5C38VdwJbeefXcP4gnLGdhJ2nGJh2IMIH5gn0d4SmcNsdd1rCK2y8r0O51uJvBXDIihLInp4qxxeeOD7hU7PNheodGIqw2LbyTukHYEMh/s16000/to-my-last-year-in-my-twenties_MELISSACUENTAS.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: justify;">There's something about turning 29, as un-believable as that may be for me, it means I'm almost and close to thirties. Just wow! Time is really going by too fast, and it's just so crazy to even believe it. As usual, I've been on whirlwind of emotions for the past few weeks, I've always mentioned how somewhere between mid to end of October, I just get emotional and start reflecting on a lot of things and this time, there's so much to say but at the same time I don't and really no idea on how to gather my thoughts. But I will try my best!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">With hindsight, I look back on the past decade and I can't put it to words but just jump back into a memory lane and think of what the past 8-9 years have been like for me. I think of my twenties as an age of growth and learning, it was in my 20's when I started University, well that was at 19 but still, I spent my early twenties at University, and that was almost a decade ago when I started, I was immature, and maybe full of dreams but along the way, I faced lots of challenges and a door of fears and insecurites was opened, if I think about those four years now, there's lots of mixed emotions, lots of tears, but also lots of bravery because despite all, I kept going. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I reminisce those days, those years, as the best golden years of my life, maybe? What I lived, what I have experienced, I will never know to even describe it, because there won't be words that will be enough, you just have to live it, and I lived all of it, without understanding much, questioning absolutely every single thing and situation and it was something I didn't know clearly or understand but ten years fast foward to now, I can understand some things, I can look back at it as something so special and yes, I'm still talking about my days as an undergrad student, so it will be always be a part of me but above all, I'm thankful for that journey, and what a journey let me tell you but that's how it was supposed to be like, that's what God had in store for me and even if back then, I didn't understand and asked so many why's, now I can 'somehow' understand and many of those questions have been answered already.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Another half of my twenties, have been <u><i>unemployed</i></u>, <b><i>I don't like that word so I like to say that I have been in undefinite vacations</i></b>. I have talked freely about that, sometimes I used to feel ashamed because of that, but now, I don't and like I said, this is my journey, and what I had to experience and live, so those years were not a waste of time, because I kept studying, but also I spent this time with my loved ones and I treasure every single one moment with them, some who are not longer with me today, but I appreciate this and never take it for granted. It's also a time where I became closer to God, I've always been closer to Him, but this time it was like reinforcing that relationship, and where I also learned so much doctrine, I don't really write or talk much about religion and/or politics, but I've never denied my Faith or Christian identity, so for that, those years haven't been in vein, on the contrary they were of so much help to finally become the woman I wanted to be and that I'm slowly becoming HER, all thanks to God.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I know that if I look back to the day I turned 20, I have changed a lot and I'm not longer, the same one i was, even in one year ago or even beginning of this year, a lot can happen, it did but again, as human we're constantly growing, evolving. changing, making mistakes and learning from them and it was this year, around mid-August that I started noticing slightly but small changes in me as a person, one that whenever I'd look at the mirror, I wouldn't recognize myself, I would be shocked because I felt different and I know there was a difference in me but I couldn't tell exactly what it was, I still don't know but I just think of it as if I've matured as a person, I noticed that I was getting closer to being that woman I always dreamed of and prayed for and finally I was seeing all of it become a reality in my life and not longer a dream, or a mere thought. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Also, the way, I think or reasonate, at some point got me astonished, however those changes came with new responsabilities and whatnot, a wardrobe change, this last, I'm not sure, I don't think I have learned my lesson yet but I don't seem to find an style that suits me or better yet, one that portraits me best, that says this is Melissa, this is who I am, but I'm slowly getting there and this part gets me emotional because this is when I think of younger Melissa and sometimes I ask myself what she would think of all of this, I can think of her right now, but younger Melissa as a kid, thought lots of things and was such a dreamer, she still is but now she has her feet on the ground and has more knowledge so, maybe it's time to write to her now but before that, there's something I would also like to say:</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm thankful to God for another year of life, for all the changes and lessons, for being my Strength, Refugee, that rock where I hide myself, those arms that hug me when I feel most vulnerable and that younger Melissa shows up and feel like the smallest creature in the world. I will let God surprise me one more time, in this new year, May everything be the way He’s planned it for He knows what’s best for me. Like as usual, I don't have much to look forward to, because I'm never in the mood, months prior to my birthday I may get too excited but then, on the actual day I may not be. So, it's like me constantly battling with my own feelings, but it is what it is, and this shouldn't come as surprise. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><hr /><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>A letter to my younger-self</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Dear Mely,</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="background-color: #f4cde4;">Happy birthday cutie pie!!!</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></b><span style="text-align: left;">✨</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Hello from the future, today you're turning 29!!! I know, I know, that's a lot and I remember how you were so scared of getting old but also excited for your twenties but the idea of turning thirty seemed shocking and quite far off, but at the same time, you thought of it as an age and time where you would probably have achieved a lot of things as well as it would take you many years to get there. And now, it is just on the horizon, the thirties are literally breathing down my neck as I write you this. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I will keep it short, but let me tell you, that you're a fashion designer, I know, you never thought of becoming one but that's what God had in store for you, you love photography, you've regretted some of your past choices and mistakes, but hey, don't worry, you learned from them. You have a beautiful and sincere heart, I have come to realize about it but believe me when I tell you, that whatever thought or something that comes from the heart, it's not from grown-up Melissa but you, I feel like you never left my side at all, you just grew up, look different but you're always there, when I'm at my lowest, it's like you take over me and I feel like a kid once again, so I keep you in a very special spot deep in my heart, when I think of our common and shared dreams, I'm surprised by your attitude and maturity and how you were a girl who always knew what she wanted and the reasons why you wanted such things and because of that, once all those dreams become a reality, you'll be the first one to enjoy them to the fullest, I'll make sure you're part of that too! </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Lately, I've been thinking about you and when I came across these thoughts (<a href="https://co.pinterest.com/pin/259590366015956266/" target="_blank"><b>this</b></a> and <a href="https://co.pinterest.com/pin/259590366016149003/" target="_blank"><b>this</b></a>) I was reminded on how you had lots of dreams and kind of your life figured out <i>(career, jobs, even family)</i>, but girl, sorry to dissapoint you ¿? none of that have happpened yet as you thought it would or in the order you wanted it to, God really had/has different plans for you, that it even took some time to learn this lesson and I learned it for you at 28, but nothing to be sad or dissapointed because at 29, you've matured and you have learned why this happened the way it has and later in the future another version of us will be able to share it with us too. You were little and you just didn't know much or understand the magnitude of things, but nothing to be sad about, on the contrary, you would even admire how brave you and I both have been. I know that from an early age, you have been very understanding of situations and things that have happened around you, so, because of that, I know you'll be very understanding of this but also you'll deposit your trust in God and also me, because you'll get what you deserve and it all comes from God for He knows what's best for you.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Don't forget you're always in my thoughts, and once again, I will make sure you're part of those experiences once they become a reality. I know you're here but at the same time you're not, but still I wanted to wish you a happy birthday too! You've made it and the countdown starts about now for your 30's. So, don't be scared anymore! I'll make sure to make the most out of this last year in your twenties!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>With love, </i><span style="text-align: left;">🩷</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Your future self. xx</i></p>Melissa Cuentashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062635365953254765noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015888547279210983.post-16062166809922247482022-12-31T11:05:00.001-05:002022-12-31T11:05:47.099-05:00A Letter to 2022<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzIHSYLXsZ6BmhIUxl2jqrYkJ9JxG7UX5sgO5t92TdX9phbH60cAFolyHaKZrX0HVOK7w3MU2cQJPOvcsuH1hHXg_intNKw836_4x21DPmfYPDGbTSV5QSPNDZwqlqObWr5P0MgKdM9T1mQDR6prKQQBe275f6WqnHQT9tF-IRhUaQ45w0dyh_IF3_w/s4032/Foto%2012-02-22,%206%2018%2018%20p.m..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzIHSYLXsZ6BmhIUxl2jqrYkJ9JxG7UX5sgO5t92TdX9phbH60cAFolyHaKZrX0HVOK7w3MU2cQJPOvcsuH1hHXg_intNKw836_4x21DPmfYPDGbTSV5QSPNDZwqlqObWr5P0MgKdM9T1mQDR6prKQQBe275f6WqnHQT9tF-IRhUaQ45w0dyh_IF3_w/s16000/Foto%2012-02-22,%206%2018%2018%20p.m..jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div>I can't believe I am here writing this post once again, it feels like it was just - not yesterday - but maybe a couple of months ago I did clicked on the 'publish' button for '<i>A Letter to 2021</i>' post. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have got to say 2022 has been all in all a little bit of everything. Looking back at exactly a year ago today, I was really not in a good place if I say so myself, I mean, after the loss of two of my beloved ones, it was hard for me to recover from that shock as well as get back to my normal self and life. I mainly focused a lot on working on myself, letting go of so many things as well as overthinking about others in general. Some months I felt good, others there were moments I felt sad, filled with so many doubts and yes, mostly not sad but mixed feelings and emotions that it's even hard for me to tell where this was all coming from or tell how exactly I was feeling. </div><div><br /></div><div>I learned a lot about friendships, and there was just a plot twist to that story but I guess it was a great lesson indeed, did i make my own conclusions? I really do not know it but one thing I do know is, what we all already know, <i><b>people come and go from our lives</b></i>, and I once read a quote or something that said "<i><b>there are friends for a reason, friends for a season and friends for a lifetime</b></i>" and which I do agree, a hundred percent. I also learned not to depend 'emotionally' on said friendships. I learned to give them space when they need it, we all need that, and that does not affect me in any way, not anymore. So, in that aspect, I have grown and learned a lot and beyond thankful for it and also for the few people I still have around me. I don't have to talk to them too often to know they're there or that I'm also there for them. :') </div><div><br /></div><div>I have kept enjoying every single second spent with my family, I really am thankful for each one of them all. I have been so happy lately too or at least try to smile as much as I can now. Because I felt miserable, having those mixed feelings, constantly sad, it was all taking a toll on me and let's be honest, it's not good nor healthy. But thank God and only Him that I feel somehow a lot better. It's crazy yet beautiful how simple things even the smallest ones can make me smile, can make me feel happy. Life has been so good lately, and whatever that happened this year or made me feel sad, worried, etc. does not matter, it only reduces to these few weeks of pure joy and happiness, nothing else matters. It's also like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders too. I do hope it will always be like this. :')</div><div><br /></div><div>On the other hand, this week I've been feeling way too emotional and nostalgic, there's still that huge void in my heart that has not been filled yet, days like today, simply reminds me of grandma. Today would of have been her bday, and it's just another day/year without her. I try my best to cherish all the beautiful moments and memories I have of her, but still, it feels all not so believable, recent yet bittersweet at the same time. I've been crying pretty much a lot the past few days and even today, I have had my moment where I've simply broken into tears. It's inevitable, I can't hold back those tears but at the same time it does feels relieving doing so. </div><div><br /></div><div>Despite this all, I'm thankful for this year and how it went. For all the good and not so good. Thankful for absolutely every single thing that happened these 365 days. For letting me be surrounded by my loved ones, still being able to open up my eyes, and just be healthy and alive. I know some things didn't happen nor were accomplished but will strive to keep on working on those. I have nothing but hopes for the new year, the promise of new beginnings and that somehow at some point the best is yet to come. </div><div><br /></div><div>To my lovely readers, followers, thank you for being here, for still reading me and my blog even though I have not been as active as I used to. I hope this new year is filled with some many beautiful things for each one of you! </div><div><br /></div><div>All the best! *<i><b>Cheers</b></i>* </div><div><br /></div><div>xx</div><div>Melissa</div></div>Melissa Cuentashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062635365953254765noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015888547279210983.post-28690785157964070672022-11-04T09:25:00.002-05:002022-11-04T10:39:10.217-05:0028<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmrLmOatC8rhImGoGz8rJTdiVLTEGP4eQbk4bF8yvl8DKPkJ0VSU5ylQkVPFiRzFCwV58eb9dj--ysZA4eVorz928GVVNW8LUBtyRGzsfvTg24koCasSoQJJgO8rwrXwMwuuOoTBM2335OUTQomPQ6YBaOC8m0kC80YhUsv1PKyQLKoBZDutwIEOXEA/s4032/IMG_4197.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmrLmOatC8rhImGoGz8rJTdiVLTEGP4eQbk4bF8yvl8DKPkJ0VSU5ylQkVPFiRzFCwV58eb9dj--ysZA4eVorz928GVVNW8LUBtyRGzsfvTg24koCasSoQJJgO8rwrXwMwuuOoTBM2335OUTQomPQ6YBaOC8m0kC80YhUsv1PKyQLKoBZDutwIEOXEA/s16000/IMG_4197.JPG" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><div>It has been a while since I last wrote a post on getting a year older on my actual birth-day. I have been thinking a lot on about what I should write or share, but then there is this many words and thoughts in my head and I do not even know where to begin. </div><div><br /></div><div>Today is the first page of being 28 and to be honest, I do not feel old, <b>age is just a number and with that number, there comes experiences, lessons, growth and so much more</b>. I have been a tad bit overwhelmed to see 27 slip behind me, because it was a good time in my life, there was so much growth around this year, it feels so special yet very bittersweet, so indeed, I am a little sad to see it go but at the same time I am grateful for what this number has added to my life, especially happiness.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Over the course of a year, exactly a year ago today, I have been thinking, more like overthinking and analyzing <b><i>what can I do to make this ‘day’ feel different and/or special?</i></b> It is a question I always ask myself and somehow, I always end up going back to that little girl I used to be, the one who didn't like birthdays, nor celebrating it, and just thinks of it as another passing day and that has not changed at all. Days, maybe weeks prior this ‘<i><b>special</b></i>’ date, I always get a little sad, melancholic and emotional too. In fact, I've felt this way and cried too much to be honest the past few days. I see people around get exicted, ask such questions like what am I planning to do that day or if I'm going to do something, and I just simply can't feel the same way about it. I can't seem to get any answers yet. Besides that, I always tend to look back into retrospective, and see what I achieved and what not, etc., but since last year, I started looking more on the positive rather than negative, and in one year I’ve changed and I’ve grown too, that sometimes it does really scare me a lot, but it makes me so happy at the same time. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>For that reason, I have been thinking of ways on how I can make the last chapters of my 20's, better. If you were to ask me as a kid, I had a different type of mindset, I don't know why one would think as being in their 30's as if you were that really old of a person. I've come to accept this fate, this truth and while my 20's hasn't been that exciting, I think of my 30's as the second chapter of my 20's. </div><div><br /></div><div>Majority of my 20's, I spent it between being an undergrad and also an unemployed, this last one doesn't bother me, in fact, these four years has been the best ones of my life, especially the fact of spending it with my family, treasuring every single second with them and I am way beyond grateful for that. I have learned, I have grown and I have become a more mature woman and I could not be more thankful. I also do think I've consolided relationships, more like friendships. I don't have to have that many, but I'm happy with the people I've met and consider my friends now, which I think that's hard when you're in your 20's. </div><div><br /></div><div>Since last year, I decided I wanted to let go of so many things, and I still keep on doing so to this day. Regards myself, I am still a work in progress, trying to improve every day, to grow too, seeking happiness and finding joy even in the small of smallest things in life. I am really excited this time 'round. Two years short to 30, that will happen in the blink of an eye because this is life and life just speeds on. In the meantime, I am just thankful to have another year behind me and another ahead, also of being alive, healthy and happy and I do think that this is all that matters. I will try my best to worry less and continue on living my life the way I have been, and hopefully one day I'll get the answers to my questions and prolly look at this day with different eyes, and attitude as well! Lol! </div></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Cheers to being 28! I will keep on living well and trying my best! I'm excited for what this number is going to add to my life! </p>Melissa Cuentashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062635365953254765noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015888547279210983.post-86926486513932060272022-07-15T08:15:00.001-05:002022-07-15T08:15:15.742-05:00Getting a Lash Lift — My Experience<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQgcWR1NKkTUUL-LZnOVyVC8i14OFxJDPvh0US9XETe9oxviytGfJ2ZYSyc1vW9nFc4bCugflb2I0pbKZXqgzi2rKcaP_dn33D_c1OtaVFB3dy3hvC0NuETR7mUv0GoiPDChtHHDsn_UxqKIxGihz1oOhthnEMIb4Lpnk4Y3UR0SzvDVe8E4werKGUQ/s4032/SENSE-PEL-PHOTO-BLOGPOST_MELISSACUENTAS.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQgcWR1NKkTUUL-LZnOVyVC8i14OFxJDPvh0US9XETe9oxviytGfJ2ZYSyc1vW9nFc4bCugflb2I0pbKZXqgzi2rKcaP_dn33D_c1OtaVFB3dy3hvC0NuETR7mUv0GoiPDChtHHDsn_UxqKIxGihz1oOhthnEMIb4Lpnk4Y3UR0SzvDVe8E4werKGUQ/s16000/SENSE-PEL-PHOTO-BLOGPOST_MELISSACUENTAS.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: justify;">I've been meaning to share this post but for one reason or another, I simply couldn't get it finished and it was just sitting in my drafts waiting to finally getting it all done. So yes, just like you have read it, I did get a lash lifting as well as a brow threading, both for the very first time and I'm here sharing my own views and thoughts based on my own personal experience. Which I will be 100% honest about.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>ES</b>: He intentado compartir este post, pero por alguna razón u otra, simplemente no lograba terminarla y estaba ahi en mis archivos de borrador esperando a que yo tuviese el tiempo de sentarme y así terminarla de una vez. Así que sí, como lo has leído, me hice un lash-lifting así como tuve la oportunidad de depilarme las cejas con hilo, ambas por primera vez and aquí estoy finalmente compartiendo mi experiencia en la cual seré muy transparente y honesta al respecto. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">What's a lash lift you may wonder ?</u> | <b><u><i>Te preguntarás, ¿Qué es un lifting de pestañas?</i></u></b> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">In simple terms, it's like a perm, that curls your lashes from bottom to an upward direction, in where various solutions (around 3-4 products - <i>perming solution, neutralizer, collagen aconditionaer, glue remover</i>) are applied gently to lift the lashes finished with some sort of a black tint that makes your lashes stand out even more, kinda looking like you've put some mascara except there's no clumps in it, a process that lasts about 45min or so.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">A lash-lift can last up to four to six weeks or even more depending on how much you take care of them. You can still use make up, and even rimel but it's recommended not to do it daily. PS: I remember I was told this but my answer was like: <i>"I am paying for this i need no mascara at all, haha, thanks for the tip, tho"</i>. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">As for the first 24 hours after getting a lash-lift done, it's better to avoid any contact with water or steam.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>ES</b>: En términos simples, es como una permanente, que riza las pestañas desde abajo hacia arriba, donde se aplican suavemente varias soluciones (alrededor de 3-4 productos: solución permanente, neutralizador, acondicionador de colágeno, removedor de pegamento) para levantar las pestañas. con una especie de tinte negro que hace que tus pestañas se destaquen aún más, y da ese efecto rímel, <i>excepto que no tiene o deja grumos como lo haría una pestañina / mascara</i>, un proceso que dura alrededor de unos 45 minutos más o menos.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Un lifting de pestañas puede durar de cuatro a seis semanas o incluso más dependiendo de cuánto las cuides. Sí puedes usar maquillaje e incluso rímel, pero se recomienda no hacerlo a diario. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">En cuanto a las primeras 24 horas después de haberse hecho un lifting de pestañas, es mejor evitar cualquier contacto con agua o vapor.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">My Experience</u> | <b><u>Mi Experiencia</u></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I must mention that I first time did learn about this was through instagram via one of girls I was following on, I even remember checking the hashtag to undertand a little bit more what this was all about. I was really curious yet I really loved the results and how "<i><b>natural</b></i>" they still looked, even though chemicals are still used but what I mean is that it's still your own lashes. I was very keen to try it and back then, I didn't know of any place until this one called "<b>Sense Pél</b>" opened up in my city, where they offer services such as hair laser removal, lash lifting, brow threading, among others. I started saving up some money and told to myself I needed to go, that's how I treated myself, last year, on my actual birthday - <i>which was on Nov 4th</i> - and got my eyebrows done as well as a lash lift. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>ES</b>: Debo decir que la primera vez que me enteré de esto fue a través de Instagram, por medio de una actriz Turca que sigo, incluso recuerdo haber revisado el hashtag para entender un poco más de qué se trataba todo esto. Tenía mucha curiosidad, y entre más veía más me enamoraba de los resultados y lo "naturales" que se veían, pese a que usan productos químicos, pero a lo que me refiero y/o quise decir decir es que siguen siendo tus propias pestañas. La verdad tenía muchas ganas hacerme un lifting de pestañas, pero en ese entonces no conocía ningún lugar hasta que abrió sus puertas este lugar super cool e Instagrameable que se llama "<b>Sense Pél</b>" en mi ciudad, donde ofrecen servicios como depilación láser, lifting de pestañas, depilación de cejas con hilo, entre otros. Empecé a ahorrar algo de dinero y me dije a mí misma que tenía que ir, así es como me consentí en el día de mi cumpleaños, que fue el pasado 4 de noviembre, y me hice un depilación de cejas con hilos y el respectivo lash-lifting.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Brow Threading experience</u> | <b><u><i>Depilación de cejas con hilo</i></u></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">It's a tecnique they use with just a thread, it was my first time getting my eyebrows done this way since I normally get them waxed, did it hurt? I would say yes and no! Lol, I mean it's still bearable, quite okay, it was just around the tips that it hurt the most, and you guys, my whole face was red, the girl was shocked when she saw how sensitive my skin is and I got scolded somewhat when I told her I get them waxed. Anyway, I was a teeny tiny bit scared, so I kept my eyebrows ticker and didn't want much removed just in case, to play it safe. The best part was, I got a little bit of massage on that area around my eyebrows, I loved it from beginning to end, like I really did love it so much!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>ES</b>: Es una técnica de depilación hindú donde usan un hilo, era la primera vez que me depilaba la cejas de esta manera ya que siempre lo hago con cera. <b><i>¿Qué si dolió?</i></b> Hmm, pues yo diría sí y no! jaja, pues digo, en cuanto a dolor no se siente, porque sé que peor es con cera sobre todo si se tiene la piel muy sensible y delicada como la mía, pero por la costumbre diría que no tanto aunque si en la parte del rabito de la ceja, si me dolió y mucho. Después de ahí toda esa zona quedó roja y la chica que me atendió estaba en shock y me dijo que tenía la piel pero muy muy sensible y delicada. De vuelta al tema, tenía algo de temor, porque era la primera vez así que no me quise arriesgar tanto y solo le pedí que me las dejara un poco gruesas. Después de ahí fue todo una experiencia, me dio un pequeño masaje en la zona para que se quitar la rojez que tenía y me encantó de principio a fin. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Lash Lifting Experience</u></b> | <b><u><i>Lifting de Pestañas</i></u></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Then it was the lash lifting turn, it's a process that takes a lot more time due to all the products used, in my case it lasted about an hour and a half, requires lots of patience too. From beginning to end I felt spoiled and the girl who did it made sure to tell me what she was doing, what step it was and so forth. I'm not gonna lie, but those products smell terribly bad, even though I was wearing a mask, had a hard time breathing, I really do not like strong smells.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">ES: Luego fue el turno del lifting de pestañas, es un proceso que toma más tiempo debido a todos los productos que son usados, en mi caso, demoró alrededor de hora y media, lo cual requiere de muchísima paciencia también. De principio a fin, me sentí consentida y la chica que me estaba haciendo el lifting se aseguró de decirme en cada momento lo que estaba haciendo, que producto estaba aplicando, cuánto iba a durar, etc. Y no les voy a mentir, pero los productos (químicos) en sí, huelen terriblemente mal, y eso que aún llevaba una mascarilla en ese entonces, así que me costaba algo respirar, ya que detesto los olores muy pero muy fuertes. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pDlF7Xvo0qIVsqREbCY7THSmPgNynwyU2w4IqV7Vo_ULPhWCymsnwgZVR_M9CfXqsyvobY478YmPOvWQHmb5ijJOwIPmTT6VblNdxYMTZrpSb_4X6vmOhbZ8l_hvPSP3nirEweBTt2urU_1DqqtOnIAXjnur5WN-FoXdnw17ej0mcZg5Qk487YmrAg/s1350/BLOGPOST-SENSEPEL_MELISSACUENTAS%20(1).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pDlF7Xvo0qIVsqREbCY7THSmPgNynwyU2w4IqV7Vo_ULPhWCymsnwgZVR_M9CfXqsyvobY478YmPOvWQHmb5ijJOwIPmTT6VblNdxYMTZrpSb_4X6vmOhbZ8l_hvPSP3nirEweBTt2urU_1DqqtOnIAXjnur5WN-FoXdnw17ej0mcZg5Qk487YmrAg/s16000/BLOGPOST-SENSEPEL_MELISSACUENTAS%20(1).png" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Conclusion - final thoughts | <i>Conclusión</i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><u>BROW THREADING:</u></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><b>Did it last 4 weeks?</b> | <b><i>¿Sí duró las 4 semanas?</i></b> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I would say yes and more than that, but I am so used to getting them waxed already that I don't think I'd ever try this again. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">ES: Yo diriía que sí incluso, me atrevo a decir que duró un poco más de las cuatro semanas, pero ya estoy tan acostumbrada a depilarme las cejas con cera que no creo que haya una próxima vez. No lo sé, ya veré. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><u>LASH LIFTING:</u></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><b>Did it last 4-6 weeks?</b> | <b><i>¿Si duró las 4-6 semanas?</i></b> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, they did, in fact I think they lasted like 6.5 weeks if I'm doing the math right. During this time I DID NOT USE ANY MASCARA. I mean, I was paying for this lash lifting why would I even need to use another product, what would be the point of it, right?</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>ES:</b> SÍ, de hecho creo que duraron unas 6 semanas y algo más, yo me las hice en Noviembre y estabamos a mediados de Enero y todavía estaban casi intactas. Debo aclarar que en este tiempo NO USÉ PESTAÑINA / MASCARA. Ya había hecho el gasto, para que aplicarme un producto más, cierto? Así que no ví la necesidad, e incluso antes de la pandemia ya había dejado de usar maquillaje. So... </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><b>Did I experience any allergy reaction or something else?</b> | <b><i>¿Tuve alguna reacción alérgica o algo por el estilo? </i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Regarding allergy reactions I did experience none. Also, I don't know if this was normal, after reading I think it's but I really don't know until what extent of point shall be it and this is something I would like to point out. Just in case.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">So, I got my lashes done on a Thurday by Saturday, I was sleeping and woke up, and on my eyelid there were a few lashes that "<i><b>had fell</b></i>", I also felt that area the first few days very sticky and there were even this crusty-thing on my lash-line, both, top and bottom.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">As for the lashes falling off, I was freaking out as I was Googling and wondering if that was even a normal thing and we know how internet works and makes it all worst for us, so all I found was bad experiences. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">But my case was really different, just like some of our hair falls and new ones grows, it happens the same with lashes, so I though to myself, well maybe they were meant to fall- also this would happen at least once or twice a week, but again it's not like I went bald on my lashes, lol. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>ES</b>: Con respecto a las reacciones alérgicas, no experimenté ninguna. Además, no sé si esto era normal, después de leer creo que lo es, pero realmente no sé hasta qué punto será y es algo que me gustaría mencionar solo por si acaso.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Okay, entonces me hice las pestañas un jueves, para el sábado, estaba durmiendo y me desperté, y en mi párpado había unas pestañas que "<i><b>se habían caído</b></i>", también sentí esa área los primeros días muy pegajosa e incluso había esta costra en la línea de mis pestañas, tanto arriba como abajo, no sé si era lagaña o era parte del producto o ambas a la vez. Nunca lo sabré, PERO, no duró tanto, tenía este cepillito con el cual peinaba las pestaña y le quitaba eso, y cuidadosamente lavaba mi cara, y pues ya eso no estaba, pero los primero día así amanecía. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">En cuanto a la caída de las pestañas, me estaba volviendo loca mientras buscaba en Google y me preguntaba si eso era algo normal y sabemos cómo funciona Internet y lo empeora todo para nosotros, así que todo lo que encontré fueron malas experiencias de mujeres que se han realizado el lifting de pestañas.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Pero mi caso fue muy diferente, al igual que se nos cae un poco el cabello y crece uno nuevo, sucede lo mismo con las pestañas, así que pensé, bueno, tal vez estaban destinadas a caer, también esto sucedería al menos una o dos veces al día. semana, pero de nuevo no es como si se hubiesen caído todas y me hubiese quedado sin mis pestañas. Solo era algo que sucedía de vez en cuando y de cuando en vez. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Was it worth it? | <i>¿Valió la pena?</i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Well, here's the issue. I would say yes. I mean, I had an amazing experience and recommend the place as well BUT, the only issue I faced and that no one told me about is that because the lash lifting is a special promo they have going I would say every 1-3 months, meaning it's a 2x1, so the validation of this is one month after you have done the lash lifting. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">But still whether you go and pay full price or get the promo, they still were very professional and also always let me know if i was comfortable, they told me what steps I was in during the last lifting, it was really an amazing experience. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>ES</b>: Bueno, aquí está el problema. Yo diría que sí. Quiero decir, tuve una experiencia increíble y también recomiendo el lugar PERO, el único problema al que me enfrenté y del que nadie me habló es que debido a que el lifting de pestañas que yo me hice hacía parte de una promoción especial que tienen, diría que cada 1-3 meses, no lo sé, y lo que significa que es un 2x1, por lo que la validación de esto es un mes después de haber realizado el lifiting de pestañas. Yo me vine a enterar de esto casi 7 meses después de, ya que me habían dicho que podía ir cuando yo quisiera. (Esa platica ya se perdió) </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Pero aún así, ya sea que vaya y pague el precio completo u obtenga y aproveche la promoción, fueron muy profesionales y también siempre me hicieron saber si me sentía cómodo, me hicieron saber en cada momento come decía, que producto aplicaban, cuanto iba a durar, etc. Fue realmente una experiencia increíble.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Would I get a lash lifting again? | <i>¿Me haría otro lifting de pestañas?</i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">In all honesty, I don't think I'll do them again, even more so if I were to do it, it would be very sporadically and/or for special occasions, but from then on to doing them monthly or every 3 or 6 months, the truth is no. I only know that if it were the case, I would not take advantage of the promotion. As I said before, I took great care of them and they lasted more than 4 weeks, so I don't see the point of doing it every month.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>ES</b>: Con toda honestidad, no creo que me las haga de nuevo, es más si llegase a hacerlo sería muy esporadicamente y/o para ocasiones especiales, pero de ahí a hacerelas mensualmente o cada 3 o 6 meses, la verdad es que no. Sólo sé que llegado el caso, no aprovecharía la promoción. Como dije antes, me las cuide mucho y me duraron más de las 4 semanas, entonces no veo el caso de hacerlo cada mes. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><hr /><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Have you heard of lash lifting? Have you got yours done professionally, too? What was your experience like? If not, would you do it? Let me know in the comment box below! Thanks for reading! Until next time! xx</b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>¿Habías escuchado acerca del lash lifting? ¿Te has hecho uno anteriormente? ¿Cómo fue tu experiencia? Si no, ¿lo harías? Dejamelo saber abajo en la cajita de comentarios. Gracias por leerme! Hasta la próxima! xx</i></b></p></div>Melissa Cuentashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062635365953254765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015888547279210983.post-50547202651763523792022-05-10T15:30:00.001-05:002022-05-10T15:37:05.915-05:00Coping with Grief: A Year Later<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5gcszKKstJYv1WznXItGR2ge05FShPpLWVTQkckZ2L5IaY2k_fbvvR9Q5BWdEskKpFAS2JRVTQK9lXGwpqqRo4ZVWYyk6r8we1UZm-x1yQwbCzvC_Jlvx0EJZ_DHNTgQfsNyD1ngfmoX0g1uEKCE5ZSIdpaDRYsDlNqFLBmKfYFfg4Ln_A1EgFzf-w/s4032/STILL-ROSES-PHOTO_MELISSACUENTAS.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5gcszKKstJYv1WznXItGR2ge05FShPpLWVTQkckZ2L5IaY2k_fbvvR9Q5BWdEskKpFAS2JRVTQK9lXGwpqqRo4ZVWYyk6r8we1UZm-x1yQwbCzvC_Jlvx0EJZ_DHNTgQfsNyD1ngfmoX0g1uEKCE5ZSIdpaDRYsDlNqFLBmKfYFfg4Ln_A1EgFzf-w/s16000/STILL-ROSES-PHOTO_MELISSACUENTAS.jpeg" /></a></div><br /> <span><a name='more'></a></span><span style="text-align: justify;">I was hesitating whether to make this post or not, but I simply needed a place where I would convey all of my thoughts, this blog has been both my creative yet personal diary, and </span><b style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://melissacuentas.blogspot.com/2021/12/a-letter-to-2021.html" target="_blank">as I previously mentioned it in my last year's post</a></b><span style="text-align: justify;">, I wanted to share and write more on different topics so here I am now. </span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">It is true that our life cycle is to be born, grow and die, and sure there's many other stages in between we all get to experience but mainly that's what life is abour. When we are kids, we live in our own little world and sometimes we might or might not understand what goes on in our surroundings. Our parents then try to think about many ways on how to explain to us the whats, whys and even hows if we get to experience such scenarios, like the death of a loved one, at an early age, some may remember it, others may have some vague memories, every case is different for everyone. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The pain of losing someone dear to my heart started at age of six years when my great grandma (from my mom's side) passed away. I remember as a kid being so sad and crying for our loss, I probably even understood what the meaning of death was as well as her not longer being with us anymore. I can't even barely remember any other emotions or feelings.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Then, it was at 11 years old when I lost my maternal grandpa in Nov. 2005. I clearly remember that day, I was at school and I heard mine and my brother’s name on the speaker. Mom had come pick us up and I was told he had passed away. It was truly heartbreaking. He wasn’t sick at all, just diabetes and also heart problems. Everything happened too fast as well. The only thing I can remember was once he was at the hospital and I went to visit him, I clearly remember telling him to eat his food so he could go back home and be with us, he laughed and smiled and I think that was my way to show my love for him. For his funeral and days after that, I don’t remember how I dealt with such pain, I have very vague memories of that day as of now, but I know I was with one of my cousins and we were so focused on talking about other things that I barely paid any attention to what was going on around us, even though I exactly knew I had just lost my grandpa.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In 2006, my grandpa from my dad’s side, started slowly getting sick and sick and sick. I remember going with my mom to the hospital to pick out the results and even asked a doctor what it meant and found out it was cancer and it had spread all out / over through his body. I looked at my mom as if I were telling her with my eyes, am I now going to lose my grandpa too? Again, everything happened too fast. One of the moments I can’t seem to forget and it always comes to my mind was the look he gave me as I was feeding him. He couldn’t speak. He just did it with his eyes and that look is one I will never forget. There were some tough times and we lost him on Dec the 26th, 2006. I cried a lot and tried to be stronger and be there for the rest of the family. Until someone told me and asked me if I didn’t have any feelings, why wasn’t I crying, didn’t I love him enough and such, it hurt to hear that, but I have never been vocal about my feelings, and if I ever go through something I would keep it all for myself. Losing both of them still hits me hard to this day. I look at me and everything I have achieved so far and think about them both, I look at my little cousins and say how happy my other grandpa would be to have more grandchildren and now great grandchildren.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I didn’t experience this again until 2009, with the loss of one of my grandma’s sister’s passing, again cancer, this time breast cancer. I admired how much she wanted to live and didn’t want to die and had her hopes high until the very last day, but God had other plans for her and that’s not something one should never question. It also hurt since I grew up surrounded by her love and presence and it was truly sad and heartbreaking. It was very sad and an image that also pops up to my mind is when they came to pick up her body since she’d passed away at her home. A scene I wish I had never seen but that I now can’t seem to unsee.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Too many years went by and passed that it wasn’t until 2021 I experienced the pain of grief but now at a more adult age, at 26 with the loss of my 100 year old great grandma on May the 2nd, who got sick and then when she was started doing better, there were some little complications and got worse and sadly passed away. It hurt and I cried so much for two days straight, I learned that it was God’s plan and I was thankful for allowing her to live this many years so that gave me somehow some sort of relief plus I knew we couldn't be selfish either and/or have her suffering.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">When I was just starting to overcome that pain, a week after her loss, little did we all know we would all experience this again with the loss of my grandma from my mom’s side. She was sick but not to the point of something really bad that had gotten worse. In fact the day before— May 9th, it was Mother’s Day and I called her but who would know it was going to be the last time I would hear her beautiful voice. She passed away the day after. It really hit us all so hard. Coping with grief felt different this time around— It was at that moment, when I felt like my whole world and life completely shattered and vanished in front of my eyes— it felt like a part of me was gone too. Too many days spent silently crying to sleep in the darkness of my room. Seeing her dead body that day broke into pieces my heart, but as I saw her and can live through that moment again vividly, she was just sleeping... very peacefully even her face expression wasn't from someone who suffered, in fact she was kind of smiling. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I have come to think that after experiencing grief at different ages and moments of life, each one has been different on its own, but my grandma's passing is still what I call to this day, "<b><i>the cherry on top</i></b>", after that, my days were so gray, I was succumbed by a sadness that it really was hard to get rid of, more like overcome, I did not want to cry or be sad, but I guess I was just still in a shock and in denial, and I just had to take some time to grieve and which I did and took me also almost a year to fully get back to my normal self. I learned that it was okay to feel sad or cry, and if I felt the need to do it, I would, as well as of to let go of that feeling and person. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I am thankful now that since I've learned to take my own time to grief, I also learned how to control my emotions and not the other way around, aka let my emotions control me, because this last would have the opposite effect on me and never did any good. I'm thankful to God for all this time too, because He's the one who has actually taken this sadness away, my days are so much brighter than ever before, I feel a lot happier, and no, I'm not going to lie, but even as I write this post is my grandma's first year anniversary of passing away, I did feel down early this morning but overall, I am doing good. I really don't know how all over the place this post will be, but I have to say what a journey it was, a long path I had to walk and go through. I am also beyond grateful for all the memories that I now cherish on this day. I can now say that I have finally let go of it and them, and that I will always love them and remember them all. </p>Melissa Cuentashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062635365953254765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015888547279210983.post-61405115341808313862021-12-31T09:00:00.013-05:002021-12-31T09:04:20.908-05:00A Letter to 2021<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9rLFDvPDYWC43R7gqBEW6I3YGwc_z9-OGQRy_cVmGBaar1vFl5wW61BqmiSGPSG8f5lfwG19rpdkHMu-gLdDjS2sCq4lKuSNjZPcIBpd7aDIHn1ttVSRDTBcpK5Iq00BBE49t9JDmLD2R0M-hrwhZfpWBXzpZW3wYgrDTPtwL_ofCu9sErGVuJC0eSg=s1800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9rLFDvPDYWC43R7gqBEW6I3YGwc_z9-OGQRy_cVmGBaar1vFl5wW61BqmiSGPSG8f5lfwG19rpdkHMu-gLdDjS2sCq4lKuSNjZPcIBpd7aDIHn1ttVSRDTBcpK5Iq00BBE49t9JDmLD2R0M-hrwhZfpWBXzpZW3wYgrDTPtwL_ofCu9sErGVuJC0eSg=s16000" /></a></div><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sitting in the solitude of my room whilst being home alone and as I look through the window and take a peek at those fluffy cotton-like clouds and seem to enjoy this chill December weather, I keep on thinking how to write this post, which I have written, erased, written and erased it all over again and still, I can not fully seem to express myself the way I want to. This is a post that I have always written since I can remember, maybe for about 10 years since I first time started blogging, it is the perfect time for me to reflect on how the year went like. Usually this back-on reflecting period starts whenever my birthday is coming (around Nov.) and that is when I start looking upon past experiences, reflecting on what I did/ did not, what I achieved or what I could have done better, etc., and I know I am not the only one to do this. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At some point everything starts looking almost the exact same thing, and pretty much familiar to me plus, in life there will lots of ups and downs, smiles and laughter as well as lots of tears, that's just how life it is and how it speeds on, and yes, sure it also goes on., and this year was no exception, some things looked familiar whilst there was things that felt brand new for me.</div></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I will start by saying that it was only around mid to almost end of 2018, that <a href="https://melissacuentas.blogspot.com/2018/12/a-letter-to-2018.html" target="_blank">I started appreciating even more my time with my loved ones</a> and it is not that I never did it, because if there's one thing I have done is spending more time with my family than I would do with "friends", <a href="https://melissacuentas.blogspot.com/2020/12/a-letter-to-2020.html" target="_blank">the pandemic came in 2020, a time where I even appreciated my time the most with loved ones and somewhat made us get even closer as a family</a>, then 2021 started and that's how if I look back from the very beginning a lot of things have happened ever since. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>"The beginning of the new year"</u></b>: </p><p style="text-align: justify;">As many, I started off the year by being positive and hopeful, thinking it would be a good year. However, before I finish this writting you'll see whether it was good or not, but I should also mention that somewhere around mid-January, I joined this cool group and I got to meet (online) the most beautiful people from all across the world, learning about different cultures and such and languages were not a barrier for any of us, we would even have Zoom meetings every Wednesday. For once, I felt like I found and had at least something in common with people, because to be honest, that rarely happens, plus I am not this type of social person either, I got closer to some of them and that's where friendships started blossoming. It was all good back then.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>They say: "Expect the unexpected" but I truly was not expecting this to happen</u></b>:</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Everything was perfect at that time, yet it was in May that I lost both my great-grandma (May 2nd) as well as my grandma (May 10th) from mom's side. My grandma´s passing affected me in ways that it's still hard for me to even explain what I exactly feel or even how I felt, the following months I was succumbed to a sadness that gnawed at me, every night I would cry to sleep in the solitude of my room, I would wake up the next day and immendiately would look forward to the night so I could cry some more, it was depressing yet understanding, I lost two beautiful woman in the span time of literally a week and I was so in shock yet out of all the family members that have already passed away, it was my grandma's that made me feel this way. Now seven to almost eight months later, after her passing and I still keep thinking this time it was just distinct. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I did try everything I could possibly do and shake myself off, I knew and could understand clearly the whole grief situation yet at the same I did not want to cry or feel sad anymore, I kept telling myself that what happened was just the cherry on top and that there was also a lot more behind it, I could not comprehend what it was exactly but never in my life I experienced grief like this, it just hit differently. I slowly started finding my own happpiness, and letting go, obviously taking my own time, but truest truth is that it was not easy, it will never be, at the same time, I lost contact with a friend and somehow I felt alone at that time but I knew my happiness or well-being couldn't rely on someone else but me. Of course, I never stopped messaging her and to be honest that really helped me a lot back then because I had place to go to where I would just vent and now, we have since keep in touch again. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">I also got happy that church finally re-opened and my family and I started going back again, I feel like the moment I stepped in everything was gone, from worries, to sadness to absolutely everything, I was happy again. But that "happiness" did not last long. . . I had days where I would think about grandma or things that would remind me of her, like songs and such and once again I was digging deep myself into that dark hole of sadness that I knew was not going to do any good to me, except this time 'round I knew what to do and how to control my emotions and feelings and that it was also okay to cry if I needed to.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;"><u><br /></u></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;"><u>Overcame my fears or at least I tried to even if that meant being scared of them too</u></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">This may even sound weird but to be honest I really hate making phone calls or answering calls from unknown numbers, but what I'm trying to say here is that since the pandemic started I've been in the lookout for jobs, occasionally and with no pressure on myself, I've sent my resume twice this year but then again, one call I missed it or maybe they never called me and the other one I did missed it on purpose. <i>Oopsie</i>...</p><p style="text-align: justify;">When I send my CVs I am always happy and very optimist but then I start doubting of myself, my skills, and even knowledge and absolutely everything, and there's this thought of <i style="font-weight: bold;">I can do it but also I can't do it,</i> and if I were to put that in a scale, it would be even. So after what could of have been succesful, I was happy that at least I tried plus it's been a way for me to understand and know which route I want to go to, and at the same time as a way for me to overcome my fears, because even hitting the send button is whole overthinking process for me, so yes, there's been progress, a little but there's been some.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">This is like my own everyday battle with my own insecurities, but I will take my own time, I slowly get to learn from mistakes and again, I will try not to put that much of a pressure on myself. One thing I do know for sure is to work harder on this! </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>A year older - A new me; in every sense of the word!</u></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Months went by, and I started feeling better and then my birthday was just approaching, I wanted to do something different this year, it's considered to be "normal" among my family members that I always either wakeup in a bad mood or change plans at the very last minute and/or I don't feel like doing anything, I seriously have never liked the idea of birthday celebrations, but that's how a day or two before it, I said to myself that things would give a 180° turn and it would change from now on, because I did not want to regret my choice plus also felt like I didn't want to be nor spend that day at home. So, I treated myself to get a lash lifting and brow threading (<i><b>I will share my experience on another post if you'd like to know more about it full in-depth</b></i>) after that, I also invited my family to a nice meal for lunch, and never in my life I was so happy, I wanted to do both things yet treating myself is something that I keep telling to myself until today that I really deserved it, I was saving my money for it and I did it. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And just like I mentioned it before, it is always around my birthday that I get this sort of nostalgia and start reminiscing on things, I knew for a fact that the coming weeks wouldn't be the best or easiest nor for my family or me. I also was getting sick of social media, long story short, I call it <b><i>the little happy accident</i></b>, because after going on a massive unfollow spree, my account got blocked and later on I found it got dissabled so that only meant one thing, spend less time on social media. I spent two entire weeks only focusing on myself, I dare to say I've been happier ever since, I've been able to focus and understand my feelings, emotions, and what does good or not to me. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">This all came and was part of my birthday wish, because I always used to worry/care about others and put them first and would put myself aside and only sometimes I wouldn't care or worry much about me or my feelings, as long as the people I love were happy I was happy too but with this small changes I have done and been through, I'm the happiest now and I feel good about it. I slowly got to be back to my normal self, months went by without me smiling and if I did, it was never a real smile I meant. I feel happy, I feel like a new me. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>A time to reflect and simply let go</u></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">During that social media break/cleansing/detox, I was dealing with experiences from the past too from many many years ago, I was not holding any grudge or hate towards people but I simply wanted to press a button and delete such things from both mind and heart and let go of it all, and this time off really served its pruposed, I was focused more on myself, enjoying the smallest things in life and having something to look forward to each day. I finally could cut ties from the past that were keeping me away from moving forward, I have learned one more time to forgive, forget and simply move on. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Today's just a bittersweet day, and probably will never be the same again</u></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I felt really anxious about this day finally coming and having gained the strength I needed, one thing I knew long before was that from now on every Dec the 31st will be somewhat bittersweet, because it was the day my grandma was born, it was the day where we all would gather as a family and spend time with her for her birthday and then just wait until the clock marked 00:00 to say Happy New Year to each other but from now on, it will never be the same... Writing this part right here, I feel this huge lump in my throat and I am trying to find composure as I'm bawling my eyes out. . . This was the day that I didn't want it to come but that has finally come and that I also wanted it to come but just want it to be over already and just as I slowly gave up on things, feelings as well as let go of them all, this is a time to finally close a door, end of a cycle, flip through the last page of 2021 book, store it in a vault and keep it locked, so here I write my last words for 2021. . .</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>A letter to 2021</u></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>I fall to short to convey into words 2021 but if I could describe this year, I would say it was a sum equally to 50/50, while it feels a tad bit bittersweet to say what it's going to be our last goodbye, I look with eyes full of hope to a new bright and future ahead, I've prepped myself and I can tell I'm ready to welcome the new year, and somehow I feel excited for what it's about to come which is the promise of new beginnings and the unknown., and having going through a lot this year, I will consider as well the "expect the unexpected", good or bad, I am ready!</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Undeniably what happpened cannot be reverted other than to accept it and after what it was some of the darkest days / months of my life, I cannot emphasize only on it, because I am beyond thankful not only for the bad but also the good, of course, I wish I could of have done so much more but it was what it was, lessons were learned, people came and left, friendships sprout like flowers when I feel like I needed it the most, bright days came in feeling like rays of sunshine that left me seeing sparkles afterwards, small outing trips here and there and not so very often felt very healing to my soul, discovered new ways to find and get back to my normal self, learned to be "out with the old, in with the new" by forgiving, and forgetting, having each day to spend it with my family and it got us closer plus it is one of the things I will never take for granted, through thick and thin we've been there for each other. I've been blessed enough with a countless of blessings just like the fact of waking up each day being alive, being able to open my eyes and breathe and face a new day for 365 days. And while still some things didn't come out as planned nor happened, I am thankful for it all. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i>This love-hate relationship with my career starts fading out, and it's mostly just pure love as of lately, it was a time for me to also overcome my fears and what not insecurities, too, or at least try to but slowly through baby steps I'm getting there as well. The break I had for myself, I learned to look at the bright side and since they were the best weeks of my life, I'm going to keep on striving to make the best and most out of my days with no regrets, and living every single day with so much peace and less worries without mortifying myself, but above all with a huge smile on my face because that's what caracterizes my persona. </i></span><i> </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Some people will never be with me physically, but I have the memories I can hold onto forever, until my very last breathe, it is at this time where I feel beyond thankful I haven't gotten a job yet, because of all these moments I've collected and treasured so far will never be replaced nor would I have gotten to experience it the same way I have done so far, so yes, I'm thankful somewhat for it too. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>There's been also personal growth whilst I'm a mortal, still human being, making mistakes yet strive to learn from them and I've been also a work in constant progress I have seen how much I have changed, maybe it did not look like it at first, but as time went by and I kept on looking back, there's been changes, for the good and I am proud of the woman I am becoming and want to become. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>So, while this year, like any other year, had its ups and downs, I'm beyond thankful for this one, even if a lot went on, I am thankful for it all, happy for those who were part of my 2021 as well. I have nothing left to say other than thank you 2021, thank you for the good, the bad, for absolutely everything. I already look forward to 2022 and I'm looking at it with different eyes, full of hope and dreams. </i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>PS: To my lovely readers, I know I didn't blog much this year, I apologize but I hope this new year I can come back here more often, I had a few posts planned for this year but as you can see a lot went on, so I will post and share them this 2022, because I truly missed blogging so much, especially writing, I'll put my focus to convey my thoughts in a more in depth and personal level, because I have a lot to share and writing is my way of letting it all out! Once again, thank you for reading, following, supporting me for 10 years already! I wish you all nothing but the very best! Happy New Year! Stay safe!</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>With Love, xx</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Melissa</i></p><p></p>Melissa Cuentashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062635365953254765noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015888547279210983.post-76814614983063775532021-01-05T09:45:00.002-05:002021-01-06T16:00:36.621-05:00Ana Luisa - Sustainable & Ethical Jewelry: The Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I finally am sharing this post after months, it was something I was putting off for a while due to lack of creativity, I had the photos already but I wanted to do a very small and short video to go along with it. Somehow yesterday, I was like okay, let's try filming and it turned out better than expected. :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Before I get started, I just want to mention that I've collaborated with the brand to create a different type of content for them (mainly just for Instagram) in fact it happened last year somewhere around July, I think, and this review was not part of our contract but despite that, it was still something I wanted to do on my own, so like I've just mentioned it before it was something I truly wanted to share but for said reason never got to do so. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">I'm not a huge wearer of jewelry, I used to in the past as a kid and very early on in my teenage years wear as many accessories as possible from earrings, necklaces and even bracelets; nowadays I do not longer do so but I still buy and wear them, it is mostly earrings and sometimes, only sometimes necklaces. My preferred style as for earrings is "<b>the bigger the better</b>", I love such statement and big earrings, they're my favorites and as for necklaces I prefer <b>the most dainty pieces, more feminine and delicate</b> as well, but that's just my personal preference. As I also said, for bracelet, I don't longer wear any, just my everyday watch and rings? I don't have that many, the one I curenttly have is one I got when I was a kid and have to re-size it so I can wear it again. </div>
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So for this previous collab, I was reached out by Ana Luisa to create content for them and I could chose up to 3 pieces from their collection, it could be earrings, necklaces, bracelets and/or rings. I saw the email, and kept on going back and forth on if I should accept it or not as I mostly reject the collaboration offers I get, but something in my heart told me I had to do it and I accepted working with them.</div>
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That's how I first searched information about the brand itself which is something I always do, by looking at their website first and found out that they're a sustainable jewelry brand with affordable pieces but still feel luxury and that doesn't come at Earth's expenses which is great. In fact this collab came when I had just finished on taking my course on fashion & sustainability, so I saw this as an opportunity to learn more and support these brands, I honestly loved the whole concept and vision of the brand itself.<br />
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I'm not going to lie or be biased but the quality of these pieces is A+, their pieces are made out of 14K solid gold, gold plated brass, sterling silver and sustainable diamonds that are lab-grown. (If you want to know more, <a href="https://www.analuisa.com/pages/how-we-make" target="_blank"><b>check this out</b></a>) their pieces come in a velvet-like pouch/bag, you name it, which you can also upcycle, back then I had no wallet so I was literally thinking of using one of these as such, haha! One's gotta be creative, but honestly, you can also use them for future travels, if you don't want to spend money on a small jewelry box. Perfect to keep your jewelry safe and protected.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I chose these pieces, because I really love everything minimal and delicate when it comes to necklaces, in fact the <b><a href="https://www.analuisa.com/collections/necklaces/products/small-ball-chain-necklace-gold" target="_blank">Ana Gold necklace</a></b>, is similar to ones that my grandma has which she wanted to pass on to me but rather than that she gave me her watch as my graduation gift so, when I saw it on their website I knew I had to get it, plus the little balls are so tiny, so I love this one more. About the <b><a href="https://www.analuisa.com/collections/necklaces/products/v-necklace-vida" target="_blank">Vida necklace</a></b>, I just loved it, it still had that minimal yet delicate vibe. Both necklaces have also that classy and elegant vibe as well. And the ring, you guys, the <b><a href="https://www.analuisa.com/collections/rings/products/gold-textured-ring-chloe" target="_blank">Chloe ring</a></b>, it's the most beautiful ring I've ever seen and owned, and I don't wear nor have that many rings as I said it, I simply loved the design, very unique if you ask me. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After months of having these pieces, they haven't damaged, I have really been taking care of them and I'm careful as well as I'm with most of my belongings. So, I can tell that's if used properly they can last long but that really depends on how frequent you wear them. However I dare to say that the quality is A+, and another reason why I'm sometimes a tad bit skeptical with pieces like this is because I get allergies, but with these ones didn't get any at all. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Note (Jan 6th):</b> I just had to re-upload the video as I made some tiny changes! Hope you can also stop by a leave a comment there! :) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And last but not least, here's the little video I recorded and self edited to go along with this post! I really had so much fun with it! Hope you can watch it! As I mentioned in previous posts, I've been into making and editing videos just for fun that I upload to my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPofNhop8EpMvMcMBPmt87w" target="_blank"><b>Youtube channel</b></a>, to express my creativity in a video-format, just like how I share photos and my writing here on the blog. Hopefully this year I can keep on learning and improving my skills! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let me know in the comment box below if you've heard of this brand or any other sustainable brand? Until next time! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ana Luisa (*gifted*) <b><a href="https://www.analuisa.com/collections/necklaces/products/v-necklace-vida" target="_blank">Vida necklace</a></b> ; <b><a href="https://www.analuisa.com/collections/necklaces/products/small-ball-chain-necklace-gold" target="_blank">Ana Gold necklace</a></b> and <b><a href="https://www.analuisa.com/collections/rings/products/gold-textured-ring-chloe" target="_blank">Chloe ring</a></b>. </div></div>
Melissa Cuentashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062635365953254765noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015888547279210983.post-15376081073266631932020-12-31T14:50:00.000-05:002020-12-31T14:50:07.416-05:00A Letter to 2020<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGoHIwL1jDAx62fcznNpATl1gcljJuEI5021SGMIU-y-1LvGdlnENPO8dDqNiupoNSDwGYgobCRzTaosvMyR9858OgJQbijsEq2y4Wak_9a3T5dm5s258GiNxDdbSIDIXhQ3dV7GKjlKu/s1920/BW-ORCHIDS-PHOTO-BLOGSPOT-2020-ENDOFYEAR_MELISSACUENTAS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGoHIwL1jDAx62fcznNpATl1gcljJuEI5021SGMIU-y-1LvGdlnENPO8dDqNiupoNSDwGYgobCRzTaosvMyR9858OgJQbijsEq2y4Wak_9a3T5dm5s258GiNxDdbSIDIXhQ3dV7GKjlKu/s16000/BW-ORCHIDS-PHOTO-BLOGSPOT-2020-ENDOFYEAR_MELISSACUENTAS.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Just like every year I always write this post, I know I've been a little absent in here for the past few months, and with the current situation I kind of started lacking inspiration and creativity. I've never been one to post just because but rather post when I meant it to, like today for example. I also couldn't end this year without writing something that was yet still meaningful to me in here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">2020 was a year nobody expected that would turn out the way it did, sometimes I find myself thinking about my history classes back in school where I would hear about WWI &WWII, and never in my life I thought I would go through a pandemic and it'd be something I would tell either to my kids or little cousins that are both just one years old and ignore what's even going on, they just see us wearing masks. It was definitely a roller coaster of emotions, there were some up and downs, but since I never look back on the negative things and more on the postive side, it was a beatiful year despite everything. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I started my 2020 by going to this theme park, me as the twenty something years old woman that I am, I still sometimes feel like a child, like there was that little girl trapped inside of me, I went and got on my favorite rides and for once I was happy, my dad, he did also got in one but he ended up throwing up after we got back home, still we made the best of us and our time that day. Then, slowly the fear of the virus reaching our hometown happened, we went into lockdown, curfews, we weren't able to go out but only once a week or every two weeks and that went for like 3 months or so. I found myself a little lost as in during the quarantine days, I had meltdowns because I realized how much I wanted to have a job, out of all the things, this was the one I longed for the most, and I still do to this day. Dad's situation with his job, had us worried as well, but thanks God he wasn't fired but relocated in our hometown, and started going back to the office, there were really but tough moments that we as a family went through but we were happy and blessed and I wouldn't take that for granted. In fact, this is the first time in so many years my dad get to spends this much of time with us, as he has always worked away from home, so we're thankful for this and I'm beyond happy and thankful for this opportunity we have. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Months went by, and they started re-opening things again, when the limit to have get-together was 10 people, we went to spend some time with my great-grandma for her 100th birthday, after that we locked ourselves at home again, and it's until now we've slowly been visiting both grandmas, and also I've got to see and spend time with my little cousins, we didn't see them since they were newborns, so slowly making more memories with them and today's my grandma's birthday, we may visit her and spend some time with her and maybe wait until the clock marks 12:00 or be back home before that since there's a curfew starting at 1am up until 6am. Also beause of this we haven't been able to go to church, but thanks to the internet we've had live-streaming teaching services that my family and I have been able to watch from home, so that we haven't been nor felt alone because we have still make some time to God. </div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I am really thankful for all of these memories, for this year itself, like there was up and downs but we still got to hang-in-there as a family, I just feel very thankful for everything and I hope 2021 will be another year of more new blessings and opportunities and hopefully, this pandemic can be over very soon too. Nothing left to say than I wish you all a happy new year. Don't look back on the negative but cherish the positive instead. May God bless you all! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">With love,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Melissa</div>Melissa Cuentashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062635365953254765noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015888547279210983.post-57969680893735620332020-05-06T15:15:00.001-05:002020-05-06T17:51:45.792-05:00My Favourite Perfume & Why I love it so much<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxUhJL7qag3DjSWsVAGg3BIgTqvdfS8ETW2fCBxEDiwOqFg697JV7PSnlVybssqunGayiM04Ay34t61ElR_aUqJnRNqXqTVswCwRb88nbfgIDB0PFvKUgI7L-m2M0O0CvxwXw-zT7X5fK/s1600/SAMSARA-1989-GUERLAIN-BEAUTY-BLOGPOST_MELISSACUENTAS.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxUhJL7qag3DjSWsVAGg3BIgTqvdfS8ETW2fCBxEDiwOqFg697JV7PSnlVybssqunGayiM04Ay34t61ElR_aUqJnRNqXqTVswCwRb88nbfgIDB0PFvKUgI7L-m2M0O0CvxwXw-zT7X5fK/s1600/SAMSARA-1989-GUERLAIN-BEAUTY-BLOGPOST_MELISSACUENTAS.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "didot w01 italic"; font-size: 80px; letter-spacing: -3px; line-height: 32px; text-align: center; width: 300px;"><i>F</i></span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 22.02px; text-align: center; width: 300px;">inding a perfume I loved, it kind of took a long while, well I guess I haven't found one just yet. Strong scents? I'm very sensitive to those and I'm talking in general be it a desinfectant, a perfume, etc, so I guess that's a reason why it's taken me this long, now I have got to admit that this is not "my perfume" but I borrow it from my mom every so often and I consider it more mine than hers. I was a bit skeptical about it the first few times, but I remember my graduation was just around the corner and my mom didn't want me to use my everyday-go-to perfume and I did not want it either, so she sprayed it all over me this one and as time went by I quite started to love the smell. </span></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">So, because of my mom I was introduced to this Samsara Eau de Parfum (1989 - old version) from Guerlain. I have heard and even read some reviews on about it and some girls say this is a little more for a "mature" woman and I disagree, I'm in my 20 something and I completely loved the smell of it and I don't feel "old" wearing it, although to be honest, I've heard and read that the formula have changed quite a bit, it's been reformulated. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It comes from the fragrance group: Oriental wood</span></div>
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<b>Top notes</b>: Bergamot, lemon, green note, peach, tarragon | <b>Heart notes</b>: Jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang, orris, carnation | <b>Base notes</b>: Sandalwood, vanilla, benzoin, amber, musk, tonka</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;">WHY I LOVE IT? After my graduation day, (two years ago) it's been with me through very special moments and events ever since, ones that are simply hard to forget and that have kind of marked my life and just by spraying this all over me, brings back happy memories and I can create new ones with it. Even if it's not 100% my fragrance just yet, and also i</span></span>t's not that often I wear it, it's my favorite one when it comes to special occasions.<br />
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Not only that but <b>I love it because it last for so many hours</b>, like so so many. I love the fact it is very long-lasting. For my graduation I was ready around 1pm and it lasted the rest of the day. I still kept smelling the parfum the day after even if I showered, and my pillow had the smell as well and went on for another 2nd round (night).<br />
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Also, here's another little video I recorded and edited to go along with post! I really had so much fun with it! Hope you can watch it! As I mentioned in the previous post, been into making and editing videos just for fun, to express my creativity in a video-format, just like how I share photos and my writing here on the blog. :)<br />
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Now, let me know in the comment box below what's your favorite perfume and why you love it? Maybe because of your comments (I will take them as suggestions, and when this confinement is over, I'll try some samples and see if there's one I love)
Melissa Cuentashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062635365953254765noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015888547279210983.post-24082420125012676702020-04-11T15:15:00.000-05:002020-04-18T17:00:27.262-05:00Art that Inspires—<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhBQB0aUhj_tCPhZN_MXdGd3RLBomUGIx7tW5wJ-ztmLu6NpA0jAXS43hHHLx2_o9gbPrVCERcQ1IOrHNRdAFiw_YBlcmG0zY2rauUGdGBBgTXaQ6AZywq4-xRRnNYUhrVoCL5Xj-CVdf/s1600/ART-THAT-INSPIRES-BLUE-CHINA-PRINT-SELF-PORTRAIT_MELISSACUENTAS+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhBQB0aUhj_tCPhZN_MXdGd3RLBomUGIx7tW5wJ-ztmLu6NpA0jAXS43hHHLx2_o9gbPrVCERcQ1IOrHNRdAFiw_YBlcmG0zY2rauUGdGBBgTXaQ6AZywq4-xRRnNYUhrVoCL5Xj-CVdf/s1600/ART-THAT-INSPIRES-BLUE-CHINA-PRINT-SELF-PORTRAIT_MELISSACUENTAS+%25281%2529.png" /></a></div>
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It must be that second time <a href="https://melissacuentas.blogspot.com/2014/03/mamb_15.html" target="_blank">I went to a museum with my design classmates and teacher back in 2014</a>, it was my very first semester and this little trip was mainly for a project, I really enjoyed it so much, my third time was then in <a href="https://melissacuentas.blogspot.com/2015/12/in-city-of-eternal-spring.html" target="_blank">Medellín</a>, a year later (in 2015) and where I got to take a photo of this amazing porcelain set from Alejandro Obregón. What these two have in common is this blue china print I have been obsessed with as long as I can remember, and as much as I've gone back to wearing neutrals colors, this print happens to be my favorite one yet and it always reminds me of that day with my classmates at the museum, where I also picked a little detail from a painting and it had this exact print (well similar, but you know I mean this "blue-white print") , I got inspired by it and created my own after so many tries. </div>
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Same thing happened with this dress, when I saw it in this online store I was browsing at, it took me back to these two times, times that I can't seem to forget but cherish instead despite of everything, I also thought that it would be the perfect addition to my wardrobe, and one of my outfits for last year's trip to Cartagena. I didn't doubt and I knew I had to get it, so I bought it. More than a fashion piece, it holds now more of a sentimental value/meaning for me even though I didn't design it myself. <a href="http://melissacuentas.blogspot.com/2019/12/bona-vida-catamaran-experience.html" target="_blank">I wanted to wear it the day I took that Catamaran ride</a> but opted for wearing something else, days went by so quickly and didn't get to wear it until one day, I had this idea on mind to do a quick mini photo shoot at home and got to wear it, I actually shot these self-portrait photos (last year, like a week or two later after my trip) on my iphone, a very spontaneous photo shoot just like all the photos I am in and they turned out pretty good, I never got to share them until now because I didn't like the editing at first, months later I tried again and again for so many times and here they finally are and I rarely name my self-portraits but this one is going to be "art that inspires".<br />
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Never thought photos would come out like this, nor never thought of this post when I started writing it but feeling it and just went with my emotions as I wrote because it all felt like it was linked one another, at the end of the day no matter how many things I own with this print on it, it'll take me back to that 2nd visit to the museum, a major university throwback.<br />
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PS: This was the painting that inspired me back then, but my inspiration for my project was the print on the cup. I'm even ashamed to share what I did because now that I look at it looks terribly bad even if I tried millions of times but that project has such a special meaning to me that I shouldn't care on about how it looks like nowadays, I mean this is what happens years later when you look back to the past and back then it was a good design for me. I will also dare to mention that this was a trial and error of a project as I was trying my best to use watercolors for the very first time mayhap(?) with no knowledge at all, like I mentioned I did try so many times until got the very final result, but above all the best advice I could ever get and needed the most to hear at that time: "Believe in yourself". I was so insecure with my designs during that first semester - well most of them - and I also had so many doubts and thought they'd never show, but once I heard these words coming out of my teacher's mouth, a brand new chapter began and this will be the type of art that will inspire me always. </div>
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Hope you guys loved this post and much as I loved working on it and enjoyed writing! Hope you're all doing great wherever you are, stay safe! xo </div>
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DRESS | <a href="https://www.reviewmoda.com/" target="_blank">Review Moda</a> (similar <a href="https://bit.ly/2Xw3LTa" target="_blank">here</a> & <a href="https://bit.ly/2y7JoB9" target="_blank">here</a>) EARRINGS | local store HANDFAN | gifted</div>
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Edit: Hi, it's next day, Sunday and just wanted to let you know that along with these photos there's also a little video ft some outfit details and that I happened to post it today on my <a href="https://youtu.be/NoflGkPzkfg" target="_blank">Youtube channel</a>. Hope you can watch it at least! :) </div>
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Melissa Cuentashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062635365953254765noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015888547279210983.post-68379781654059923672020-03-24T09:00:00.000-05:002020-04-03T20:16:12.271-05:00Decorating my room with Photowall— The Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small; letter-spacing: 3px; line-height: 12.6px;">In Collaboration with <a href="https://www.photowall.co.uk/" target="_blank">PHOTOWALL</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small; letter-spacing: 3px; line-height: 12.6px;">Disclaimer: I was given a free product<br />in exchange of a review, but a</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small; letter-spacing: 3px;">ll opinions <br />and views on </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small; letter-spacing: 3px; line-height: 12.6px;">this post are honest and </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small; letter-spacing: 3px; line-height: 12.6px;">unbiased</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small; letter-spacing: 3px; line-height: 12.6px;">.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "didot w01 italic"; font-size: 80px; letter-spacing: -3px; line-height: 32px; text-align: center; width: 300px;"><i>L</i></span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 22.02px; text-align: center; width: 300px;">et me introduce you first to <a href="https://www.photowall.co.uk/" target="_blank"><b>photowall</b></a>, they’re a Swedish company </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 22.02px; text-align: center; width: 300px;">with a passion </span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">for design and quality. Their wall </span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">murals and canvas </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">prints are environmentally friendly, </span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">fire-retardant in accordance with </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">Swedish standards and </span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">do not fade in sunlight. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;"><br />All their motifs are selected </span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">with care and printed on demand. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">Among their products, </span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">they </span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">have <a href="https://www.photowall.co.uk/wall-murals" target="_blank"><b>wall murals</b></a>, <a href="https://www.photowall.co.uk/wallpaper" target="_blank"><b>wallpapers</b></a>,<br /><a href="https://www.photowall.co.uk/canvas-prints" target="_blank"><b>canvas prints</b></a> & <a href="https://www.photowall.co.uk/posters" target="_blank"><b>posters</b></a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">They were kind </span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">enough to approach me and give me the amazing </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">opportunity to work </span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">with them, and that couldn’t </span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">came at a more </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: center;">perfect timing, so didn’t have to </span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 22.02px; text-align: center; width: 300px;">think twice </span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 22.02px; text-align: center; width: 300px;">and I said yes</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 22.02px; text-align: center; width: 300px;">.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 22.02px; text-align: center; width: 300px;"> </span></div>
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Ever since we moved to this new place – and that was like around October in 2016, if I’m not wrong – I would finally have my own bedroom and wouldn’t have to share it with somebody else, because of that I was really excited to decorate it, at the time I was still in University and every semester that went by got me busier and busier, then I graduated and completely forgot about this but only somehow I still had this longing in my heart that I wanted to re-do my bedroom at some point. </div>
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It wasn’t until last year around end of November that I got this creativity bug back again and I told my parents: "<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">you know what I’m re-doing my bedroom, this time for real</span></i></b>"- that’s how I’ve gotten so far, a lamp and a brand new bed base, gave away my old bed and dresser to my grandma and then December came and ended, a new year started and once again, I was on a some sort of creative rut, and I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do with it.</div>
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As I started looking for some inspiration online I slowly started to develop some sort of style and I finally knew exactly what I wanted to do. I primarily had the idea to do an accent wall by adding a wallpaper, the thing is most of them have to be glued and we live in a rented apartment, so not something we are allowed to do and so many other factors that for me that was not a good idea, plus there were these two outlets on the wall that I found very annoying. So then, I was like okay and what about doing an art gallery wall or better yet adding a huge canvas print just above the bed? To be honest, finding art prints here in my hometown has been really hard, since I started this project back in November, I’ve been looking for that everywhere, and most of the designs I didn’t like nor didn’t fit my aesthetics / style that I was going for, this is why this opportunity came at a perfect timing.</div>
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So, when <b><a href="https://www.photowall.com/" target="_blank">photowall</a></b> approached me, I jumped off excitement and I was eager to collaborate with them, so I said yes! They would gift me with one product, it could be either wall mural, canvas prints, poster, anything that I wanted. I spent hours, but HOURS looking at every single one of their products and found there were some that could match my style. </div>
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When it comes to art, I’m more like an abstract type of person, I don’t know there’s something about it that I have always loved so much, so once I was on the website, which by the way, it’s very easy to access and scroll, I went to check their canvas prints, and chose the category of <b><a href="https://www.photowall.com/canvas-prints/art-design" target="_blank">art & design</a></b> and then chose another (sub)category of <b><a href="https://www.photowall.com/canvas-prints/art-design/abstract" target="_blank">abstract</a> </b>and that’s where I spent the most hours looking and saving my favorite ones and putting it all together in a power point presentation I have made on how I want my room to look like, I had lots of favorites, and decided to go for a canvas print (size 110cm x 70cm) with motif on the edge as well. </div>
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I really wanted something bold but at the same time neutral but still with a pop of color to enhance the wall where I was going to hang it, as I browsed and looked art by art I noticed the “mid-century” designs from <a href="https://www.photowall.com/designers/ana-rut-bre" target="_blank"><b>Ana Rut Bre</b></a>, and that’s how I completely felt in love with the <b><a href="https://www.photowall.com/circles-mid-century-vii-canvas-print" target="_blank">Circles Mid Century VII</a></b> one. It was just perfect and meant to be. It has more of a pastel hue colors but also neutrals, so double-win and that’s the one I chose.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">About the product</span>, you may think it comes ready to put on the wall but no, <u>it actually comes unassembled but it does include everything you need to put it all together and have yourself a easy-peasy DIY moment</u>, it’s easy to install and they provide even a video on their website on how to do it in case the instruction paper doesn’t work for you. I loved that it came this way (unassembled) because if it came ready there may be possibilities of getting broken or something, so who knows. </div>
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My brother did help me assembly it and also hung it up on the wall for me the next day it arrived (Sat). although it seems it went up a little higher than expected. Either way, I'm still in the progress of renovating my room, and moving furniture here and there and eventually I may be putting this on the other wall front facing this one, but once it's all done, I'll share the very final result on another post. </div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">The overall experience</span> is that I was happy to find out their products ship <b>EVERYWHERE</b>, including Colombia– where I’m from, silly me thought it was only for US and/or Europe, but with the girl I talked to via email, she was so kind and helped me out and answered the questions I had at the moment, once I had the product on my cart and checked out, I then received an email where they told me my order would take up to 4-5 business days to arrive and included a PDF of my receipt and none of that took more than 5 minutes. The whole experience from via email to the process of ordering, the easy to access website, I just have one word for it and is AMAZING, and YES, it only took 5 days for it to get to the other side of the world and arrive to my humble abode just like how they previously mentioned it, and that's what I call a good service. </div>
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I really love it, and highly recommend you to try their products, you’ll love it and you’ll feel inspired to add a new art piece onto your wall, or re-do a room in your place because that’s how exactly I felt when they emailed me and immediately got lost in their website, as I have been on this creative rut for a while, I got inspired again to continue this bedroom makeover project that I was putting off and off, not only I knew I would love the product for myself but that you guys would love it as well, again, the quality of it is amazing and it's easy to assembly as well. Also, I have a little surprise for you and is that they kindly provided me with a code for you all where you get 25% off on any product in their website.<br />
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For 25% off use code: <b>melissablog2020</b> (Valid until end of April 2020) </blockquote>
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Oh, and if you want something more unique, like for example having your photo turned into a wall mural, or canvas print, etc. They DO offer that option as well. You'll be amazed at the quality of their product. This art canvas print I chose is actually printed and when my mom saw it the moment I opened the box, she thought it was hand-painted and for a split-second I thought- is it? it really looks like it, but no, it's actually printed. </div>
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Hope you guys loved this post as much as I loved it. Sending you all good vibes and lots of love wherever you're all from and stay safe and take care of yourselves. Until next time! xo</div>
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Melissa Cuentashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062635365953254765noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015888547279210983.post-45208384448009105382020-02-29T09:10:00.000-05:002020-04-04T14:19:43.661-05:00Sesderma — Hidraloe Aloe Gel Review<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45nj8xS4PrjbnN7zrbk7cBogM9e8k5TXtEvD87OMpVafzAH3oqFO2oMR7-oWchEYL3EezuBxtltkw1myIjp9cEB5Fdvxal15_OL-njSn8q3s1d38E8Nq4qdbqdoM9MFlYqeH6oPMTUkak/s1600/SESDERMA-HIDRALOE-ALOE-GEL-REVIEW-BLOGPOST-PHOTO_MELISSACUENTAS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1047" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45nj8xS4PrjbnN7zrbk7cBogM9e8k5TXtEvD87OMpVafzAH3oqFO2oMR7-oWchEYL3EezuBxtltkw1myIjp9cEB5Fdvxal15_OL-njSn8q3s1d38E8Nq4qdbqdoM9MFlYqeH6oPMTUkak/s1600/SESDERMA-HIDRALOE-ALOE-GEL-REVIEW-BLOGPOST-PHOTO_MELISSACUENTAS.jpg" /></a>
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<i style="font-family: "didot w01 italic"; font-size: 45px; letter-spacing: 2px; line-height: 12px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 10px; font-style: normal; letter-spacing: 3px; text-align: right;">LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO ONE OF MY MOST RECENT DISCOVERIES, A FAVORITE OF MINE, A PART OF AN ALMOST EVERYDAY ROUTINE AS WELL</span></i></div>
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Are you also one of those who gets both your legs shaved or waxed and once hair is growing back, feels very itchy? If answer is yes, then same because that’s exactly what I have always struggled with basically my whole life, well part of it ever since I got into shaving/waxing. Truth to be told is that that’s one of the reasons I lean more towards into waxing rather than shaving, using a razor makes me get some sort of allergy and irritates my very almost "sensible" skin and makes it itchy and very hard not to scratch myself, but even when getting my legs waxed, still feels almost the same, something never experienced before, but that I now do.<br />
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<b><a href="https://melissacuentas.blogspot.com/2019/07/skin-care-samples-empties-mini-reviews.html" target="_blank">If you remember this post I shared a while back ago</a></b>, along those samples I also got one which was the <b><i><a href="https://www.sesdermausa.com/us_en/hidraloe-aloe-gel-250ml.html" target="_blank">Sesderma - Hidraloe Aloe Gel</a></i></b>, but hadn’t tested / nor tried it back then since I didn’t know what it was meant to be for, so didn’t include it in my review. Anyhow, after minutes of research on their website that day I found out this:</div>
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Product claims to: "Hidraloe Aloe hydrates, refreshes, soothes, softens and protects the skin. Recommended for after sun exposure and after winter sports (cold, wind ...). Ideal for after shaving and hair removal, as it quickly relieves the skin and reduces redness. Suitable for daily care of all skin types, even in cases of extreme sensitivity."</blockquote>
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Hidraloe is a natural light gel that maintains skin hydration, preventing dryness and irritation. Contains Aloe Vera, 100% pure Aloe Barbadensis, a plant popularly used for its moisturizing, soothing, refreshing and protecting the epidermis. Contains oil free excipients, so that no oily or irritating feeling is left behind. The fragrance is dermocompatible. Indicated in folliculitis, shaving, waxing (pre and post), chemical peels, after-shave balm, insect bites, minor burns, cuts, abrasions, skin irritations, itching, after sun in summer. All skin types. </blockquote>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">The fact that it CAN also be used after having shaved/waxed/hair removal/epilated, you name it, was what got me interested. </span><br />
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My first impressions: At that time I had gotten my legs waxed but had an event or something and recurred to shaving, and after that I put some of it on my skin (legs) and it felt much better afterwards, then I did the same for the next two days, and wow, I didn’t feel any itchy for the next days/weeks. It was at that moment that I knew I had to get it and so I finally did and it’s now part of my routine, shaving/skincare routine. And love the fact that it also hydratates my skin, it smells good and feels fresh as well. I highly recommend it! </div>
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Rate: 5/5 </div>
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Would I recommend and/or re-purchase? Absolutely yes.<br />
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<u>EN ESPAÑOL</u>:<br />
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Eres una de esas que se depila su piernas y una vez el vello empieza a crecer, te da cierto comezón/rasquiña? Si la respuesta ha sido sí, entonces bienvenida al club porque me sucede exactamente lo mismo y es algo con lo que he tenido que batallar prácticamente desde que empecé a depilarme a muy temprana edad. Lo cierto es que, esa es una de las razones por las cuales decido depilarme con cera y no con cuchilla o razuradora o como sea que le llames, porque si me depilo con esta me da cierto tipo de alergia e irrita mi casi pero muy sensible piel, da esa comezón que es imposible no rascarse y si te rascas, solo te quieres seguir rascando más y más y más, pero incluso si me depilo con cera, de un tiempo para acá, se siente exactamente casi igual, algo lo cual nunca experimenté hasta ahora.<br />
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<b><a href="https://melissacuentas.blogspot.com/2019/07/skin-care-samples-empties-mini-reviews.html" target="_blank">Si recuerdas este post que compartí hace un tiempo</a></b>, sucede que junto con esos samples también había uno y era el <i><a href="http://www.sesderma.com.co/co/hidraloe-gel-de-aloe.html" target="_blank"><b>Sesderma - Hidraloe Aloe Gel</b></a></i>, pero que no logré testear/usar/probar cuando hice ese post incluso tampoco sabía cual era su uso, por ello no lo incluí en aquella reseña. Sin embargo, después de algunos minutos de búsqueda en su pagina web aquel día, encontré esto:<br />
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Acerca del producto: "Hidraloe Gel de Aloe hidrata, refresca, alivia, suaviza y protege la piel. Recomendado para después de la exposición solar y tras la práctica de deportes de invierno (frío, viento...). Ideal para después del afeitado y la depilación, ya que alivia rápidamente la piel y disminuye las rojeces. Indicado para el cuidado diario de todo tipo de pieles, incluso en casos de extrema sensibilidad debido a su gran tolerancia".</blockquote>
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Hidraloe es un gel natural, ligero que mantiene la hidratación cutánea, previniendo la sequedad y las irritaciones. Contiene Aloe vera, 100% puro Aloe Barbadensis, una planta utilizada popularmente por sus propiedades hidratantes, suavizantes, refrescantes y protectoras de la epidermis. Contiene excipientes no grasos (oilfree), por lo que no deja sensación untuosa ni irrita la piel. Fragancia dermocompatible. Indicado en: foliculitis por afeitado, depilaciones (pre y post), peelings químicos, bálsamo after-shave, picaduras de insectos, quemaduras leves, cortes, abrasiones, irritaciones de la piel, prurito, aftersun en verano. Todo tipo de pieles. </blockquote>
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El hecho de que PUEDE usarse incluso después de depilarse o afeitarse en el caso de los hombres también, fue lo que más me llamó la atención y fue ahí en ese momento que pensé que había encontrado una solución a mis males por así decirlo.<br />
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Mis primeras impresiones acerca del producto: Para ese entonces semanas atrás me había depilado con cera, pero ya el vello estaba creciendo y tenía un evento así que recurrí a la razuradora para salir de apuros, después de terminada mi ducha, me puse un poco de este gel en las piernas y me sentí mucho mejor después, incluso se siente esa frescura que te da algo de "tranquilidad", esto lo hacia mañana y noche, porque honestamente es en las noches donde mas me da esta rasquiña, así que hice esto por dos días más, y wow, no sentí ninguna picazón después de ahí. Fue en ese momento que supe que tenía que comprarlo en su presentación normal, así que finalmente lo hice y ahora es parte de mi rutina de depilación. Y amo el hecho de que también hidrata mi piel, huele bien y se siente muy fresco. ¡Lo recomiendo!<br />
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Puntaje: 5/5<br />
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¿Lo recomendaría y/o lo volvería a comprar? Absolutamente sí.<br />
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I hope you all liked this post, let me know in the comment box below if you've heard of this brand before and have used their products? If not, would you give them a try? PS: I know that I've been a little absent but will explain as to why so in another upcoming blog post! Have a beautiful and happy weekend! Until next time! xx</div>
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Espero que les haya gustado este post, hazme saber en los comentarios si ya habías oído de esta marca y si has usado sus productos antes? Y si no, te gustaría probarlos a ver que tal? Los leo! ¡Que tengan un hermoso y feliz fin de semana! xx</div>
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<i style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Disclaimer / All of the opinions expressed here are 100% mine. I've bought the item with my own money and I wasn't definitely paid to write this, I have been using this product, I loved the results I got and I thought it would be interesting to share it here on my blog.</span></i></div>
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Melissa Cuentashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062635365953254765noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015888547279210983.post-81094210443405191032020-01-04T10:10:00.001-05:002020-04-03T20:11:39.084-05:00The Promise of New Beginnings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With new year comes new changes and that also means growth. Every year is a brand new start and every minute, day and year of just being alive counts, and as times goes by, I learn to appreciate other things and stop worrying about others and letting go of those that don't do any good to me, just like how it should be. Why worry or why mortify oneself, right? I could say 2019 was the most and biggest reflective year I have ever had, like I mentioned it on my last post, so much thinking went into that year that I could see and understand so many things. </div>
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Whilst I do not believe on resolutions, I stick to realistic goals that I can do and achieve every single day, because that's how it should be like, an every day thing and not something of one day, or a month, at least in my opinion- but yet I happen to fail at them sometimes, and all I gotta do is to strive and work harder every time, it's like falling but then needing to stand up again and continue walking or running down the road if you want to get to the finish line.</div>
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So whilst I already have my own and every day goals and I'm sticking to those, I also want to share the ones I plan on doing to start from scratch or get back to.<br />
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STARTING A "NEW" INSTAGRAM</div>
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One thing I want to change and do different to start off this year right has to do with my instagram. For years, my blog and instagram used to go hand-in-hand, by the time the "archiving" option didn't exist back then since it's a new feature and those posts no longer exist now because I deleted them back in 2014 or so, most from maybe 2015-2016 to this day are archived. The thing is photos from when i started to now, have been the same, aka, taking/posting photos of products, accessories, magazines, flowers, travels, etc. the only difference is that my photography skills have gotten better with time and that's something I'm proud of and thankful too.<br />
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The idea of stop posting those even if some consider it very "aesthetically pleasing" and while I appreciate the amount of love, likes, support and all the engagement it brought, I do not know if I want to keep on doing the same anymore, I've got the idea or thought that if I keep on sharing those type of photos - whilst for me, was to build my own portfolio and/or improve my photography skills - others may think I'm showing off what I own when I am actually not, and I know I shouldn't care about what everyone else thinks, like I know it's my instagram and I can share whatever I want and/or like but also, feel like it's something that I have done for so many years, that I now want to stop doing it and close that page, you know. So my idea for 2020 onwards is to spice things up and just level up my instagram game, so while I will stop posting those type of things, I want to start sharing more photos of me, because ever since I started blogging that's what I have always wanted what I had in my mind for so many years. Ever since 2017 or so I started doing self-portrait, <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stylestructure/" target="_blank">thanks to babe Helen from StyleStructure</a></b>, who has been my motivation/inspiration, and <b><a href="https://melissacuentas.blogspot.com/2017/11/how-self-portraits-helped-me-improve-my.html" target="_blank">doing that has helped me a lot with my self-confidence</a></b>, and I feel like I want to do that and share more of that but also me and still my love for photography, as well as some of my favorite things to go along with my 'feed' (flowers, places, or any other random things). I really have lots of ideas, and it's another way for me to get creative, share all the things I love but also overcome some little fears I have had. I want it to be more of a positive and inspiring place.<br />
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As for photography, I<b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bymelissacuentas/" target="_blank"> already started a separate instagram account back in 2018</a></b> and I've been recently updating that one with photos from old and recent travel adventures as well as from other bits & bobs of life that probably never made it to my main account. So, this one is something I started doing from last year.<br />
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IMPROVE PHOTOGRAPHY + EDITING SKILLS</div>
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While I'm here talking about instagram and photography, another thing I want to keep on improving and learning is photography and how to edit my photos, I feel like last year I succeded at it, especially with my black and white travel photos taken with my phone, if you have followed me for so many years, you may know how much I love photography and how passionate I'm about it and it's something that I want to keep on doing and a world I want to keep on exploring and learning more of, even if it's just a "hobby" for me.<br />
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GET BACK TO DESIGNING // ILLUSTRATING</div>
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This is something that I also want to do more of this year, ever since I graduated, I haven't touched any paper, nor pencil or color pencils, markers, watercolors, nothing. But the other day, I was getting rid of old University projects, and was cleaning and re-organising my stuff, and looked at my color pencils and something told me that I should try it again. Obviously when it comes to this, it brings old memories of me getting frustrated and desperate because I didn't know how to draw and do all this type of stuff when I started studying this career, but as time have gone by and I've grown and learned that this is something that I want to do and already love my career so much, I want to get back to it but also get better at it and what not, design my own clothes and wear them, haha!<br />
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I have more, but I don't know if I will stick to those, I feel like the more goals you set the hard is to make them all happen, so I prefer to start slow and with a few, and these are the most important ones for me and ones that I can start doing from now on. And the best thing of all of this, is that is gonna help and be good for my soul and that my friends, is the best thing that I can do for myself. </div>
Melissa Cuentashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062635365953254765noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015888547279210983.post-81266070395619959732019-12-31T06:15:00.000-05:002020-04-03T20:05:58.450-05:00A Letter to 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: justify;">As this time of the year approaches and is finally about to come to an end, I always reminisce on about everything that I went through throughout the year, this time it feels quite different because I won't look at the negative or more like, all the things that didn't happen, aka getting a job for example, but I will look on all the positive and good things. </span><br />
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If I were to describe how this year was in one complete sentence I could say that <i><b>this year has been the most beautiful yet special one</b></i>, and if I were to describe it in one single word it had to be "<b><i>family</i></b>", it was all about them and only them; so many special moments and memories spent with them and I am definitely keeping and treasuring it all. </blockquote>
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2019 was one of my best years so far, and I am thankful for all the amazing moments it brought to my life, especifically the ones spent with my loved ones. I got to experience it all by being surrounded with them during the good and bad times, but were those bad times, that made us closer and the bond stronger. Many things didn't happen but that's because they weren't meant to, it wasn't the right time for it and I understood it, and one of them was, not having a job, even though I had two more job offers this year, I also rejected them both as well because I was already having a good time with my loved ones and now that I keep on looking back over and over again, I do not regret it and never will because if I have had a job, I wouldn't have experienced any of these moments the exact same way I have, and it would have been different, my reactions to certain moments would of have been different as well and it wouldn't be the same, so because of that, I don't regret it, it was absolutely the best and there's nothing to worry about, I know I'll get a job, be it here or overseas but it will happen, I already know that but I am and will forever be so thankful for these moments.</div>
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It's not that I never understood the value of the family nor that I never appreciated it, because all my life, I have been surrounded by them more than I have with friends, but I valued them even more, I longed in my heart to make memories, memories I could remember, I saw a miracle happen right in front of my eyes, like I said, I was with family, during the good and bad times, and never in my life I noticed how it was during the bad times that we got even closer as a family, I longed in my heart to end the year, with a trip with my family and it happened, early this year my aunt and cousin. gave us the news that they were both expecting, and also longed in my heart to get to meet the little cousins, one was already born Dec 21st and the other one isn't here just yet.<br />
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My heart is so full and I live for and love moments like these, I am really really thankful for it and wouldn't wish it was any other way because it was just as perfect as the way it was.<br />
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On the other hand, there was so much thinking and looking back at me as a person, so much growth and maturity, but also had sit-down moments where I would look at and compare myself as to how I was years before, I also got to understand things a little bit more but this time with an open-mind full of so much wisdom like I could see myself as a changed person, got to understand why some things didn't happen the way I wanted to years ago or why things happened the way they happened, I got to understand it all and appreciate it.<br />
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It was a year where I also got to meet beautiful souls all over on my instagram, I have never cared about numbers or even growing my social media, but this year I gained not only followers but more like new friends, I am thankful for each one of them that I have met so far and couldn't be any happier, be it temporary or for a lifetime, I am thankful for them and to get to know me better, I am not normally like this type of social person, and always super shy at first, but there has been moments where I have exchanged a few messages here and there with them, and we have clicked, and I have had a good time talking even if for a couple of minutes.<br />
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My Faith is still intact for 2020, I know it will also be another good year and I will let God surprise me. I don't have expectations nor plans nor resolutions you name it, but I will keep on working hard to change things about me that still need a change (for the better) and keep on growing and the rest will follow. I hope nothing but the best of the best not only for me but for you all who have followed me here for years, I thank you for that and appreciate every single comment, they made me so happy, I know I was absent this year and didn't post as much but I wasn't feeling it plus this was something I put aside and only came back when I truly felt like sharing something, so all the comments I got thank you. You know, I thought blogging was "dead" (in my mind) but from my recent posts, I saw it is not and I am glad for that heart-warming welcome, the fact that you guys take the time to read my very and overly long posts, wow, you all deserve a hug, haha. But this is how I can express myself better so thank you for reading me, plus it's a bonus because you get to know me better through my writing. ;)<br />
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Nothing left to say other than I wish you all, success, health, love and all the very best and most beautiful things in life for you all. God bless you all!<br />
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With love,<br />
Melissa</div>
Melissa Cuentashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062635365953254765noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015888547279210983.post-10238780982257247882019-12-21T10:50:00.005-05:002020-04-03T20:05:31.326-05:00Bona Vida— a Catamaran Experience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This Catamaran experience deserved to be on a separate post. As I mentioned it in my previous post, I got sick during our trip and couldn't / didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped for. But true to be told is that this was undoubtly the highlight of our trip to Cartagena; we didn't have the time nor that much money to go and explore more, but this certainly was the best thing I've ever experience in my entire life plus it was our first time doing this, so it felt not only magical but also unique. </div>
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So, we booked this through our hotel, but sure you can do it on your own and directly from Bona Vida Catamaranes. We were about over 30 people between locals and foreigners plus staff. It started at 5:00pm and it was until 7:00pm, this usually is not only to have the experience but was merely to watch the sun set and have a good time, unfortunately this day had rained hours before us leaving our hotel and heading to the marine bay. We arrived and paid our passes and took our seats and the staff welcomed us with some tokens that allowed us to have a drink and snacks per person. It then started raining, and we sailed off at 5:00pm. </div>
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It was all going good, until about... maybe around 6:00pm, when it started pouring down and we were in the middle of the bay, it was so dark and nobody was even there but only us- this moment kind of felt like a scene straight out a movie, except we weren't scared at all- we all tried to stay and remain under the roof, especially me since I had the flu and didn't want to get worst but that didn't help at all, because it was raining and there was also a breeze, so I was like I just had literally taken a shower. </div>
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However people got bored at this point and one of the staff people who was the DJ was smart enough to just turn the volume up and play some music, it was at that moment when everyone got in the mood like, okay, let's not waste this time and enjoy it, we're already here and there's nothing we can do, and WE all enjoyed it. There was this group of foreigners dancing to every type of music and just having the best time of their lives and it just felt very contagious. I was on my seat but still moving / dancing from there, and you guys, this was truly magical, it was at that exact moment when my mind literally shut down itself, I didn't have any worries nor any thoughts, nothing but absolutely nothing came to my mind it was blank, I completely even forgot that I was sick and simply soaked it all in, nothing else mattered to me, family was by my side and I was so happy, happy to see them happy while enjoying it, happy because this trip happened and we were able to take some days off, happy for being with my loved ones, happy for even having experienced it together for the first time, and yes, the weather didn't help but now that I look back, I wouldn't change it nor would wish it was any another way, it was perfect, the people we were with too, it truly was meant to be and it was!</div>
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Now, I know this isn't going to be the last experience, because after this I want to go back and do it over and over again, whether with family, to celebrate my birthday, go with my future partner and the in-laws, or on my own, but definitely it's worth repeating, be it with sun (sunset) and or cloudy/rainy again, I want to do it and experience it all over again, and make more new memories, I live for moments like this, now that I'm already in my mid-twenties, and I have learned a lot of things, I have stopped caring about material things, and do not get me wrong because yes, we need them but I don't longer give them that much of an importance in life, instead I pray God that I can be able to go and explore the world and see and admire all of these beautiful places and His creations, I want to create and have memories like this, ones that I can always remember and I can have pictures to look back on but above all to appreciate and see the world from a different perspective. There's always something about travelling that once you're back and have the memories, you learn to value and appreciate what you already have, even more or I don't know if that's only me and my perception on things so, here's to more exploring adventures! </div>
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This post isn't in any way sponsored nor I was paid to say this, but because I REALLY had such an amazing experience and want to do it all over again and can't wait for that moment, I HIGHLY recommend <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bonavida.catamaranes/" target="_blank">Bona Vida Catamaranes</a></b>, they have such an amazing and very kind staff and the experience it is so worth it, so in case you already have Cartagena on your bucket list, here's something extra you can do during your stay/visit! </blockquote>
Melissa Cuentashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062635365953254765noreply@blogger.com38Cartagena, Colombia10.3910485 -75.47942569999997910.266106 -75.640787199999977 10.515991 -75.318064199999981tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015888547279210983.post-39896612798591759972019-12-14T12:00:00.000-05:002020-04-03T20:05:18.892-05:00Postcards from Cartagena— A Visual Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Cartagena, Noviembre 2019.</div>
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The weekend from Nov 8th to 11th. (already a month ago, wow, time is flying by so quick) family and I booked a trip to Cartagena, we took advantage that my dad had started his vacations, and since it was a "long weekend" in here, we didn't think twice, not only did he need it, but all four of us needed it as well. I don't know where to begin, but I secretely longed for a trip just like this, a trip to forget about everything and anything and just enjoy it and have some sort of a family time, just the four of us. I have mentioned in some other previous posts that this year has been all about family and spending my time with them, again, I have had the most beautiful memories with them and 2019 has been the most special so far and I've been loving and enjoying every minute of it, even more now, that is getting closer to an end. Back to what I was saying, I longed for a trip like this, I have had the best time already and wanted to "close" 2019 with what could be a family trip, and it happened and I thank God for that he provided money and everything for us to go on this trip, there was zero last minute problems and everything turned out better than expected.</div>
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Whilst on the road, I was very emotional, I was probably shedding a tear or two as I couldn't believe it was all finally happening and it was my time to enjoy with them and have the most beautiful memories to remember. We left on Friday at around 1:30pm or 2pm or so and we arrived around 3pm, we did the check in around 3:30 almost 4pm, we then went to our room which was a Junior Suite, now that I write this, I still can't believe we all four stayed in the same room, like I would joke about it and tell my parents "hey, we're already 26 and 25, why sleep with us or why sleep with you two", haha but I guess that's what makes the bond stronger and also the pocket and wallet so friendly, lol.</div>
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Anyway, we left our things, and
started strolling around the city, by 5:30pm I was having dinner, I had a
sandwinch and my family wanted to have some Arepas rellenas with chicharron.
After that, we grabbed a taxi and headed to the Downtown, especially the Walled
City and went to this amazing place and had some drinks, I didn't as I was
taking medicine. Forgot to mention I caught the flu the day after my bday and I
was in that stage where it was just starting. So, medicine and water for me it
was. By almost 9pm we were back in the hotel and I went straight to bed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Day 2</span>, more like Day 1 (Sat) Woke
up super early, I really had a rough night, I couldn't even sleep that well, my
throat was sore and since there was aircon that got me even worse, but I still was
very positive about it, I took a quick bath and then put on my one piece
swimsuit and we headed to have some breakfast. After that, we spent the morning
at the beach. I gotta say that helped a lot with my flu, we have this saying
that salty water, aka beach water I don't know how you call it, helps whenever
you have the flu. So, I really had a good time, "so far" and got a little better.<o:p></o:p></div>
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By around 11am we left, and went to
take a bath which oh, surprise, my period came (sorry if that's TMI) and I was feeling
79689 times worse than I already was, anyway we went to have our lunch. The
plan for this day was to go on a Catamaran to watch the sun set and do
something differet, since the budget didn't allow us to go to one of the many
islands, we still wanted to try something new. This was the high light of
this trip, and it really deserves to be on a separate post, so stay tuned for
that one. After trip was over, we headed to Downtown since we were literally
close, just by crossing the street and had another stroll around the city by
night. Truly magical!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Day 3</span> (Sun) Woke up, period cramps
were stronger than ever, and couldn't plus didn't want to go swim again, and
didn't feel like doing nothing, my mood this day was unbearable. We had
breakfast and then headed to the beach. Mom and I stayed on the shade, whilst
dad and brother went swimming until almost 11am, headed to our room, and they
took a bath and for lunch, we met with one of my mom's friends and then after
she invited us to have some coffee, we spent hours talking until she had to
leave and once she's gone, we also grabbed another taxi and headed (again) to
the downtown city, went to this new mall they have which is really beautiful
architectonically, and then went to the supermarket to buy food for our dinner,
and we were in the beggining of starting to wander around when it started
raining, we immediately grabbed a taxi and headed to our hotel and din't went
out again since it was pouring.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Day 4</span> (Mon) Check out was at 11am,
we woke early, packed our things, had breakfast and by 9:30am we were on the
road on the way back home. It felt very short, not gonna lie, specially since I
couldn't enjoy this trip as much as I wanted to since I was sick and on top of
that, got my period, so I really regret that, but I am sure there will be a
next time, so I look forward to another trip there, hopefully it will be at
least more than 5 days, so we can do and enjoy it more plus there are so many
things left to do and see. </div>
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But despite of me being sick, besides that I really had a beautiful time with my family and that's what mattered the most. It was truly perfect and magical, as it always feels like whenever I come back to this place. </div>
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No matter what time of the year it is, Cartagena is always that very inviting place that will always welcome you with arms wide open, but every return is going to be always a different story, a different memory, one I could never forget but I will always remember. Until my next return. </blockquote>
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<br />Melissa Cuentashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062635365953254765noreply@blogger.com30Cartagena, Colombia10.3910485 -75.47942569999997910.266106 -75.640787199999977 10.515991 -75.318064199999981tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015888547279210983.post-56627152489571140262019-10-17T09:45:00.001-05:002020-04-04T14:19:32.293-05:00Catrice— Power Plumping Gel Lipstick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a while since I last posted in here, but finally I am back and yes, I got a new laptop so I'll be back to blogging again. I already shared these photos on my instagram, but I wanted to do a full-in-depth blog post a.k.a review of this lipstick which I'm going to say it's by far my favorite one. </div>
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<u>ABOUT THE PRODUCT</u>: It says it contains Hyaluronic acid in its formula, and this will help to hydratate lips and give them that "plumped effect". </div>
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<u>ABOUT THE BRAND</u>: Catrice Cosmetic is a cruelty free make up brand and claims to sell quality makeup at an affordable price-tag. </div>
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<u>MY EXPERIENCE</u>: It's my first time using a product from this brand, so what you'll read next is my own personal opinion based on first impressions and experience in general after testing the product for a few months.</div>
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PROS:</div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">A beautiful packaging, it's black with rose gold, or gold and to be from Catrice, it makes it look so luxury. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Having hialuronyc acid in its formula helps me keep my lips super smooth and hydratated, and thanks to this (HA) this is why its texture is like "gel".</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">It also has some sparkles, glitter, which are micro so you can barely see it plus it smells so good to be honest. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">It doesnt leave residues of lipstick, I do not know how to call that or if there's a name for that (sorry, not an expert in this field) once it has transcurred hours of wearing it, again it leaves my lips feeling super hydratated that I haven't exfoliated them in months. </li>
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NOT CONS (at least for me) but EXTRA INFO (for you to keep in mind)</div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Despite of it being a great lipstick, it DOESN'T last long. It lasts about 3.5 to 4 hours (without eating or drinking anything) However, you do not feel that dryness on your lips, again, they feel moisted. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">The shade, is a "nude" color, very pretty to be honest but on the lips looks even lighter than when you swatch it. Even if this may be a "con" for some of you, in my case, despite this, I really love it, the shade makes me achieve that natural makeup look I always opt for and the fact that has helped keep my lips hydrated and I haven't had to exfoliate them is a double win for me. </li>
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I'll definitely be buying more shades, and despite of this being negative to some, I'll keep the positive because I've really seen the results myself and this was something I never experienced before with any other lipsticks. </div>
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Have you heard of Catrice Cosmetics? Have you tried this lipstick or are planning to? Let me know in the comment box below. </div>
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Lipstick: <a href="https://www.catricecosmetics.com/" target="_blank">Catrice Cosmetics</a></div>
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<i style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Disclaimer / All of the opinions expressed here are 100% mine. I've bought the item with my own money and I wasn't definitely paid to write this, I have been using this product, I loved the results I got and I thought it would be interesting to share it here on my blog</span></i></div>
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Melissa Cuentashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062635365953254765noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015888547279210983.post-17449276282820580222019-08-02T20:00:00.001-05:002020-04-03T20:04:28.463-05:00A Day in Cartagena— A Visual Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Photos shot on iPhone— Cartagena, July 2019</div>
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This place may be the most touristy place here in Colombia, but when you're in the area of Bocagrande, aka around the beachside, it seems like you forget about everything, and your mind kind of shut down itself, like you just simply forget about whatever problem you may have and just relax and have the greatest time of your life, at least, this is what I feel whenever I come back to this place and it was exactly how I felt that day. </div>
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This trip was not a vacation one, but even in the chaos of what was going on at the moment, I got to see the good in the bad, it gave even more meaning as to why one should enjoy life and whatever it throws at us, because at the end there is always a light, there is always a victory, a triumph. Life is not only about good times but also bad times that too shall pass, because they're temporary and this trip made me think of it quite a lot! </div>
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I took these photos while my dad was driving the car, and I am very happy with the outcome, I used my phone to be more spontaneous— <i><span style="font-family: inherit;">again this was not a vacation trip, we went there due to a family calamity </span></i> —and even if it may have been rude of me to do use my phone while I should not have, this was a way for me to disconnect myself from real world and try not to put so much thought into what was happening around me in that moment, because I have my own way to deal with problems.</div>
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While I was taking each one of these photos and just being back at this place even if the circunstances were other, it gave me some type of peacefulness when we were all just too tired, stressed and very emotional all at once. These photos are the representation of us arriving, heading to where we were supposed to go and then en route back home. </div>
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It may have not been a vacation trip, but this trip made me appreciate even more my family and every second I get to spend with them, there are a few months left for the year to be over, but this year has been so perfect so far, I couldn’t trade it for anything in the world and I am so thankful for that and if I were to describe it now with one word, it has to be “family”, this year has been all about my family and I'm keeping all these memories with me. </div>
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And even though this time was a slightly different type of visit, I was yet to enjoy the beauty of this place and the joy it brings to my life even if I'm at my worst. It left this bittersweet moment on me as I wanted to stay longer, but I know I'll be back there sometime soon.</div>
Melissa Cuentashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062635365953254765noreply@blogger.com30Cartagena, Colombia10.3910485 -75.47942569999997910.266106 -75.640787199999977 10.515991 -75.318064199999981tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015888547279210983.post-91291852115622112892019-07-21T12:00:00.000-05:002020-04-04T14:19:14.914-05:00Skin Care Samples Empties + Mini Reviews<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi guys I'm back with a different type of post today, one I've been wanting to share. But first and foremost, I want to apologize for being absent for so long, if you don't follow me yet on <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/MelissaCuentas/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></b>, I've been getting quite active in there lately, and also shared why I wasn't posting on here, and that's due to no having a computer at the moment, the one I had, sadly died, so now, I borrowed my dad's laptop to share this post.<br />
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In this post, I'll be sharing a couple of skincare product samples I got a couple of weeks back, and that I've been trying ever since, they're from a brand called Sesderma, so I'll be sharing a mini review on each one of them.<br />
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Hola a tod@s, estoy de vuelta con un post un tanto diferente el día de hoy, incluso lo estaré compartiendo en Español y en Inglés como se habrán dado cuenta, así que seré muy breve, para no alargarlo tanto. Primero que nada pido disculpas de antemano por haber estado ausente por estos lares pero es que el computador que tenía murió así que no tengo como para hacer bloguear ni tampoco para editar fotos tomadas con mi cámara, así que he pedido prestado el computador de mi papá para compartirles esto.<br />
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En este post, les estaré hablando acerca de unos productos skincare que recibí como "muestra gratis" hace ya un par de semanas atrás, y que he venido usando desde entonces, (muy esporádicamente) de la marca Sesderma, así que les compartiré una breve reseña de cada uno de ellos.<br />
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<a href="https://www.sesdermausa.com/us_en/sensyses-classic.html" style="background-color: #cfe2f3;" target="_blank">SENSYSES CLEANSER CLASSIC LIPID BUBBLES SOLUTION</a>: I LOVED this product, it removed absolutely off my makeup, even the mascara which in occasions I hae struggle with taking it off since I have always used waterproof mascara.<br />
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This product does not contain alcohol, it smells so nice but wouldn't know how to describe it properly. However when you apply it to your face using these cotton pads, you feel you skin (face) is fresh. After using it to remove off my makeup, I wash my face with a special soap recommended by my dermatologist which is the <b><i><a href="https://www.laroche-posay.us/search?q=Effaclar%20bar" target="_blank">Effaclar from La-Roche-Posay</a></i></b> and my face feels so soft afterwards.<br />
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WOULD I BUY IT? Absolutely, YES!<br />
WHERE TO BUY: If you check the website, on the right top there's a select country/region, you can check there and also there may be online shopping available for some countries.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sesderma.com.co/co/categorias/familias/sensyses/sensyses-cleanser-classic-burbujas-lipidicas.html" style="background-color: #cfe2f3;" target="_blank">SENSYSES CLEANSER CLASSIC BURBUJAS LIPÍDICAS</a>: Este producto me encantó, removió absolutamente todo, pero todo el maquillaje, incluso la pestañina (mascara) que en ocasiones me cuesta algo de trabajo quitarla, ya que uso es la de a prueba de agua para una mayor '<i>duración</i>'.<br />
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No tiene alcohol ; huele a rico pero no sabría describir el olor, sin embargo cuando te lo aplicas con pomitos / rueditas de algodón, sientes que te refresca la piel. Yo después de quitarme el maquillaje con ello, lavo mi cara con agua y un jabón especial recomendado por mi dermatologa, que es el <a href="https://www.laroche-posay.co/productos-tratamientos/Effaclar/EFFACLAR-Barra-Dermatol%c3%b3gica-p9348.aspx" target="_blank"><b><i>Effaclar de La-Roche-Posay</i></b></a>, y me queda la piel súper suave, efecto colita de bebé. jaja<br />
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LO COMPRARÍA? Absolutamente, SÍ!<br />
DÓNDE COMPRAR? Si checas la página, en la parte superior del menú te aparecerá un botón / opción que dice seleccionar país / región y le das clic ahí, también hay algunos paises con la opción de hacer compra en linea.<br />
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Ahora, si eres de Barranquilla, lo puedes conseguir en <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cutixbarranquilla/" target="_blank">Cutix Tienda Dermatológica</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://www.sesdermausa.com/us_en/c-vit-radiance-glowing-fluid.html" style="background-color: #fce5cd;" target="_blank">C-VIT RADIANCE GLOWING CREAM GEL</a>: According to the product's description, "<i>this Vitamin C formula nourishes your skin by providing hydration and luminosity through the infusion of natural orange extract. Helps to even out skin-tone, and diminishes the appearance of dark spots while smoothing skin's texture</i>".<br />
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To be honest, I was a tad bit esceptical towards this product yet I dared myself to give it a try. I was also scared of how I would react to this product since my skin is sensitive and I'd never heard of this brand before, however I still tried it out and I think this is by far, my favorite one, I LOVE IT! It's recommended to use it twice a day (day and night) but I only used it and made it part of my night time routine, I would apply some product to my face, let it dry and would go to bed, until next day I would wash off my face with water and my special facial soap. I really saw changes on my skin (face) when using this product, it looked luminous, and very very healthy, I kind of had that natural glow too.<br />
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My skin is oily, wouldn't say it's mixed, and I was unsure if this would be good or not, but it didn't feel oily, nor even the day after and I really liked that.<br />
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WOULD I BUY IT? OF COURSE YES, in fact, I think I would buy the entire line collection of C-Vit.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sesderma.com.co/co/categorias/familias/sesvitamin-c/sesvitamin-c-radiance-fluido-luminoso.html" style="background-color: #fce5cd;" target="_blank">SESVITAMIN-C RADIANCE FLUIDO LUMINOSO</a>: Según la descripción de este producto, aporta luminosidad y vitalidad a la piel, etc. A decir verdad, fui un poco esceptica respecto a este producto, como todo, ya que era una marca de la cual nunca habia oido acerca de anteriormente, sin embargo pues me atreví a usarlo para ver que tal me iba y creo que es de mis favoritos, ME ENCANTA, es recomendado usarlo dos veces al día (día y noche) sin embargo, yo solo lo usaba esporádicamente en la noche y me acostaba a dormir con el y a la mañana siguiente me lavaba mi cara normal con agua y jabón, yo no sé si fue tanta la fé que le tenía al producto de que me funcionara y no causara en mi efectos secundarios, o alergia alguna, pero yo si noté cierto cambios, mi piel de alguna manera u otra, se veía super radiante, natural y muy pero muy saludable.<br />
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Debo decir que mi piel es grasa, no diría que es mixta, asi que no estaba del todo segura si realmente esto iba ser bueno o no, pero en realidad nunca se sintió grasoso, ni en el momento ni al día siguiente, y eso me gustó.<br />
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LO COMPRARÍA? POR SUPUESTO QUE SÍ! Es más, creo que compraría el set de esta línea completa.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;"><a href="https://www.sesdermausa.com/us_en/products.html?family=repaskin" target="_blank">REPASKIN FACIAL SPF SILK TOUCH</a></span>: This is a sunscreen, and I only used it once, I have to say the texture of this product feels soft and very silky and it's transparent, so it doesn't feel like you have put sunscreen on your face and it's not like those that are white and have to blend so well. Particularly, I really loved it, and my face didn't feel greasy more than usual, although after a couple of days I got acne on my face but I believe that was because I was about to get my period (sorry if TMI) but so far, I liked it.<br />
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WOULD I BUY IT? Will have to give it a try but I'm not sure I would<br />
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<a href="http://www.sesderma.com.co/co/categorias/familias/repaskin/repaskin-facial-spf50-tacto-seda-50ml.html" style="background-color: #f9cb9c;" target="_blank">REPASKIN FACIAL SPF50 TACTO SEDA</a>: Este fotoprotector (bloqueador) lo llegué a usar solo una vez, debo decir que su textura es sedosa y es transparente que no se siente y no es como aquellos bloqueadores que son blancos, la verdad ni se nota que lo has aplicado. A mi me gustó, no me dejó mi cara mas grasa de lo normal, aunque al cabo de unos días me apareció algo de acné pero creo yo que ha de ser porque estaba próxima a mis días. Pero del rato que lo usé, me gustó mucho.<br />
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LO COMPRARÍA? Tendría que intentarlo pero no creo que lo compraría<br />
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I hope you all liked these type of posts, let me know in the comment box below if you would like to see more of them in the future and also, do let me know if you've heard of this brand before and have used their products? If not, would you give them a try?<br />
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Espero que les haya gustado este tipo de posts, dejame saber aquí abajo en los comentarios si te gustaría ver mas de este tipo de posts en el futuro, y también hazme saber si ya habías oido de esta marca y usad sus productos antes? Y si no, te gustaría probarlos a ver que tal? Los leo!Melissa Cuentashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01062635365953254765noreply@blogger.com41