handbagcave-Raquel Gonzalez

Tres Leches- Sponge Cake Soaked in Mix of three milks

2010-10-09T02:44:00.000-07:00

This wonderful dessert has been a big favorite for many years and it's so simple to make!

Tres Leches was born in Central America (real nationality is still on debate :) Impress your guests with something different and.... made with little effort!!

So here's how to put it together!

1 1/2 cups cake flour
5 eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/3 cup oil
1 pinch salt
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk

1 can condensed milk
1 can evaporated milk**
1 box of whipping cream.
Alcohol (rum, brandy or Kahlua) if desired.

Whipped cream for topping, if you're planning to make it, you'll need:

1/4 granulated sugar.
1 can/box of whipping cream **

1 Can of fruit or fresh strawberries for topping.

In a large bowl, with a mixer on high speed, beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale yellow, 5 to 6 minutes. In a small bowl, mix flour and baking powder. With mixer on medium speed, gradually add flour mixture in small increments and beat until smooth. Scrape batter into a buttered medium size baking pan.

Bake in a 325° regular oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes.

On the meantime, mix condensed milk, evaporated milk and one can of whipping cream. Add as much alcohol as you'd like. I add around half a cup of alcohol (it gives an amazing taste)!! You can mix this with a spoon and set aside.

When the sponge cake is ready. Place it outside and pinch all the cake with a fork. Pinch it A LOT :) without breaking it. This is done for the sauce to soak inside the cake. Once the cake has cooled down pour the sauce we just made little by little, letting in soak every time.

Now it's time to prepare the whipped cream.

Whip cream until almost stiff. Add sugar and vanilla; beat until cream holds peaks. Spread over top of the cake and decorate with fruit.

** A couple of useful tips!
Before you start the recipe, place the box of whipping cream that you'll use for the topping on the freezer as well as the bowl where it will be prepared. When you're finished beating the cake's ingredients, wash the metal beaters from your mixer and also place them on the freezer. For some reason, the whipped cream will have better results this way.

If you are not able to find evaporated milk (dont confuse this with condensed milk which is easy to find) Simple pour two large glasses of milk in a pot and boil until it reduces by half. Check and move often to avoid spilling of milk. Remove creamy layers that will accumulate on top of the milk. Once it has reduced by half, set on a cup and let it cool; then you'll be ready to use it to prepare the sauce for the cake.

Alcohol is totally optional. I've tried 3 leches without it and it's good as well, but I personally prefer it with alcohol **hiccup** :)

Serves approx. 6 people.

Enjoy!!!

New Clutches, Bags and Mini Messengers For this Hot Summer

2010-07-12T01:39:00.000-07:00

Looking to keep up with the hot summer trends out there? Look no further. I'm in love with the purses, clutches and everything I see out there so I've decided to also jump in and create my own clutches, purses with long straps and some tasty mini messenger bags that girls out there find adorable!

Buy handmade this summer and make a difference with these unique styles!!

Find them all here! ---- http://www.RaquelGonzalez.etsy.com

SOME OTHER BAGS I'VE MADE THAT SOLD OUT

2009-12-01T04:15:00.000-08:00

These are some bags I've made before that have been sold already. In order to help future customers with a custom made bag, here I present you with some designs that you don´t see in my etsy shop. Of course it saves me a lot of time if you chose a design I already worked with :D Please keep in mind that sometimes I might not have the same exact material I used for these products, but I might be able to find you something quiet similar or show you the fabrics that I have. NOW, This small cutie is called the Prom Queen. Custom made item that found it's way to Costa Rica just a little while ago. $65

This is the famous Mirit's Bag. An elegant yet casual style I created for my hebrew teacher. She loves it so much that she's wearing it to school everyday-which I'm really happy about- made with brown faux leather that has the texture of suede, smoked blue colored piping decorates some details on the exterior. The lining is made with gray canvas. $75

This is my first man's bag and I'm very proud of it! Custom made order from a good friend of mine. Stylish, young and practical. I didn't give it a name but you may call it Jeron's Messenger Bag. $85

Now, I present to you the Road Runner Shoulder Bag. This is a bag I made for myself and became a big favorite within girls at school. Planning on making more for my shop. $75

This baby bag is a custom product I made long time ago before I started my etsy shop. I called it the Blue Striped Diaper Bag. $90

This laptop bag is another customer product that flew all the way to Costa Rica. I call it the Laptop Bella's Summer Bag. $75

This custom order was made very recently. Flew to Holland with a very nice lady I met in school. I call this Anna's Bag. $80

This is the Nikita Sunshine Bag. A great experiment from my lab (mean my studio, hehe)and it sold out quick in a retail shop. :D $70

This design was great. So great that I made one for myself. This is called the Cherry Bag. It's large and has a strange shape that drawns eyes to it. People in NYC loved it when they saw me with that bag. $90

This gorgeous bag is called the Miami Beach Bag, I've sold three of them in total. I couldn't find this -already embroided- material again but for sure it did look nice in plain fabrics as well. $75

This is the New Yorker Bag. I deeply fell in love
with it. The design is similar to the Bella's Summer Bag in my shop. This sold out in a purse party I made. I was ready to see it go to a new owner :) $90

This is a bag a made long time ago. When I first started selling on etsy. It was called the Black Passion Bag. It was a set with the Drama Queen Clutch.
$65

These cuties are the Mischa Petit Bags, I've made five of them so far and five of them have sold. I definitely have to make more since girls really seem to be drawn to these small bags. You can fit a wallet, phone, make up and some other goodies that we all like carrying around. $65

Enjoy! Please refer to this pics as a portfolio of my own :) There is no link to these pictures so don't try to click on them since they are no longer available in my shop, however they feel free to ask for more info about any of these. I definitely have more pictures and information.

Raquel Gonzalez http://www.handbagcave.etsy.com/

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR ONE WEEK!!!

2009-11-23T09:11:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!! I'm having a sale in my shop! So far I have 6 sales registered. Next sales will get a great deal!!!

1st and 2nd shopper will get a 20% off

3rd and 4th shopper will get a 15% off

5th and following shoppers will get a 10%

This is in any product from Today Mon. Nov.23rd 'til Monday Nov.30th. I'll refund through paypal. One week of great deals!

http://www.handbagcave.etsy.com/

FALL AND WINTER FASHION

2009-11-15T12:03:00.000-08:00

Since I miss a little bit Fall and Winter Fashion (I'm living in Israel-remember is damn hot in here :D- I decided to choose some great etsy sellers and match their products with my bags. I'm on the process of making a bag for myself so this will definitely be of some help.

Don't forget to drop your comments, tell us what you love about this talented artists and sellers that bring the cold back to life!!!

Click on any pic to go directly to any of these seller's shop!

MI CASA ES SU CASA!!!

2009-09-26T00:31:00.000-07:00

And well, we moved to our dream apartment in our dream area in Tel Aviv. We still got so much to do-unpacking, cleaning, organizing and planning seems to never end, but we've also enjoy it.

Our apartment has two bathrooms, large living room, huge kitchen with huge windows and killing views, we also got two rooms so at last I have my own sewing room-looks like a storage place now, lol. We have a balcony next to the living room, and a huge private roof which will suit us for great parties!

Enjoy the pics and dont look at the mess :D

Raquel Gonzalez

PARTY LIKE A STAR IN NYC!!! SATURDAY JUNE 20TH 2009

2009-06-16T05:36:00.000-07:00

Let's leave behind the fact that I didn't feature any sellers yesterday, let's talk party people!

We are making a purse, jewelry and soap party in the east village this coming Saturday.

I'm moving to Israel at the end of this month and I had the idea of putting some of my products on discount and make a party.

After all, I'm moving far away and I want to sell some of my inventory so that I don't have to ship so many bags to Israel. Then I had the great idea to team up with other sellers. I think it will be awesome. These are the sellers who will come to join me on this fun day!

http://www.kreatedbykarina.etsy.com/

http://www.dovetailoriginals.etsy.com/

If you live in the city and want to come around please do so! There will be wine and some snacks, so you can have fun, check out our products, chat and meet other fun people.

We will be at 240 1st avenue, apt. 7A, buzzer 156, NY, NY 10009. (between 14th st and 15th st) from noon until 6pm. Remember this is happening this coming Saturday, come and meet other sellers and have fun: that's all I have to say! :D

If you have any questions feel free to email me at:

sales@RaquelGonzalezBags.com

For those who don't live around the city, I'll be having a special sale the day after, so you might still be able to get a fair discount on my products. The sale will go on for a day or two at the most since I need to ship my bags after that.

So, click here for a map to help you locate us!

SUMMER ETSY SELLERS- Let's welcome summer the right way!

2009-06-08T05:58:00.000-07:00

Let's welcome the fun of summer and feature 10 awesome sellers that have created 'summer inspired' products.

I'm very happy because I featured a pair of vintage shoes last week and they sold out, congratulations ShrimpSaladCircus on your sale and I really hope that the sale came from this blog!!!

Check out these sellers, show your love, share your comments and have a great Monday shopping Day!!!

Click on any image to go straight to their shop!

Best of all, always

Raquel Gonzalez-Handbagcave

MOVING OUT OF THE COUNTRY

2009-06-05T05:38:00.000-07:00

I'm moving to Israel with my husband- yes! this is actually happening and we are in a little bit of shock but quiet excited. We both love the beach, the heat and NYC is just not doing it for us anymore. We are a young couple, no children, not huge commitments in this city, so we should definitely give adventure a try!

If you are in NYC, we are moving at the end of the month and we are selling all our stuff. I have a sewing machine that is worth mentioning since I know tons of crafters visit my blog. It's a dressmaker, vintage, singer look alike, includes plastic carrying case, needles, bobbins, manual, regular foot and zipper foot.

If you are interested about the rest of the furniture (table, sofa bed, tv, tv stand, lamps, mirrors, dresser, large bookshelf, bathroom furniture, etc) email me and I'll give you a whole list with pics :)

EMAIL ME AT sales@RaquelGonzalezBags.com

MONDAY SELLERS: they've come to show you their talent!

2009-06-01T04:16:00.001-07:00

Here are the etsy sellers featured for this Monday. Check them out and yell out loud with me that they have talent!!!

Click on any image to directly to their shop!

MONDAY FEATURED SELLERS: time to shop!

2009-05-23T05:56:00.000-07:00

This Monday, I have chosen 20 etsy sellers that I've chosen from past post' comments and from etsy forums.

As many of you might know I didn't feature any sellers last week. I was just getting back to normal after my vacation and I decided to just do a post about Costa Rica, check it out below if you have a chance.

Come on over now and enjoy these talented sellers! Click on any image to go straight to the shop.

1.Marywibis

2.FayeHubele

1.zwzzy

2.starshinecompany

1.WinchesterLambourne

2.RedMarionette

1.addtwist

2.shadesofsplendor

1.MyNaturesArt

2.FlyingButtons

1.OhBananas

2.Hexotica

1.tumbleweedstudios

2.Glitzer

1.BululuStudio

2.wcarolw

1.DollCloset

2.paperhill

1.Piggy

2.OblinaKnit

Next Monday: more etsy sellers! Don't forget to check to see if your name is out here hanging out on my blog! :)

A TRIP TO DIE FOR: COSTA RICA

2009-05-19T09:13:00.000-07:00

BEFORE WE START: I will be featuring 20 etsy sellers next Monday. I'm getting back to normal here and it's hard for me to prepare it for this week.

You may click on any picture to enlarge it! :)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I gotta tell you all that a week like that should last longer! I've been back to NYC for two days now and I still look for the morning air and the singing birds of Costa Rica when I wake up.

I always get a bit sad when I come back and leave my family behind. Many latin people would agree with me when I say that latin family members are very attached to each other. And -putting modesty on the side- costarrican people are always welcoming and warm!

But let me swallow my sadness and tell you all how much fun it was to be there.

We landed in Alajuela on Friday 8th. and stayed at my sister's place for one night. She's got the cutest baby girl in the world!!! It didn't take too long for my husband to fall in love with her too.

On Saturday 9th, my best friend came to pick us up to go to the beach. We chose Hermosa Beach, which is close to Jaco and close to San Jose. Convenient for a short trip like ours! Tarcoles river is on the way there; full of crocodiles!!!

We stayed in a place called Las Olas in Hermosa Beach. We had a swimming pool, a rustic restaurant with hammocks and we were right in front of the beach.

On Monday we drove to Manuel Antonio, about an hour away. We were lucky to find a very typical costarrican kitchen located right on the beach, a place that resembles the old fashion cooking. We ate casados (a full meal: pork, beef or chicken with rice, beans, plantains, salad, etc), tamales, yucca and more.

On Tuesday we drove to Carara National Park; the mosquitoes made a nice party out of us! When we came out though, we found a huge iguana on the parking lot and got some awesome pictures of it!

Hubby enjoyed that stay but he fell in love with the country when we drove to my parents.

I grew up in a small town in the north of the country. The whole area is surrounded by volcanoes, mountains, rivers, cows, horses and the greenest fields ever! Somehow, seeing my husband so thrilled about it made me appreciate it more.

We stopped in Zarcero, which has a church surrounded by a beautiful park. This is a very small town (not smaller than my town:) and it’s located on the mountains.

Once at my parents, I got to see the guests’ room that my mom added to the house. It’s separated from the house and it’s not finished so it’s quiet rustic: more rustic than you would wish.

When I got in the room I rushed to close the windows and told my mom that I didn’t want to let the mosquitoes in. They all laughed at me and showed me the huge gaps everywhere including a window that’s only covered by curtains. I told myself: shoot, you’ve been in NYC way tooooo long!

I and hubby stayed in that room. We didn’t get eaten by any wild creature and we slept like kings. We showered with cold-very cold-water every morning and it felt good. We had costarrican coffee every morning and that felt damn good!

While being there, we went to La Fortuna, to see the Arenal Volcano; this is a tricky one because the area is located on the mountains and you have to be very lucky to catch the volcano free of clouds. It’s also great to spend a summer night there because there are fewer clouds and you can see the lava coming out of the volcano. While you are around, you can also check the Arenal lake: it's made by man but it's a cool lake :)

We went to El Tucanito, a small and isolated resort. You walk down the trails through the mountain and you get a natural river of thermal waters. There are many rocks colored by sulfur, small waterfalls and the whole thing is just dead gorgeous!!

We also went to the zoo which is located in La Marina, very close to the hot springs. We saw lions, tigers, birds, monkeys, peacocks, ostriches, wild pigs, ant eaters, owls, snakes, etc.

On our last day; Saturday 16th, we went to the lagoon of Río Cuarto with a couple of my sisters and their kids. The walk there is a killer. It’s very far and isolated. The lagoon is a mysterious place with tons of stories and a myth of a treasure hidden in its waters. They say in town that the people who have drawn in the lagoon have never been found.

Costa Rica Turn off’s

- Seeing a tourist shaking a small tree in order to catch an iguana.
- Prostitution growing heavily in touristic areas: immigrant ladies.
- All prices are in dollars at the airport- and expensive!!!
- Los Chiles town fighting against some rich dudes who came up with a project to build a golf field in their area (thousands of trees have to be cut in order to build a golf field).

GOING HOME

2009-05-07T20:58:00.001-07:00

That's right! I'm going home (Costa Rica) tomorrow. I'll be spending a week there with my husband. We will stay with my sister in San Jose tomorrow and we already have the beach on our plans ---OF COURSE!--- then we will travel north to visit my parents. A week doesn't ever last long enough but sure it will be fun!!!

There won't be etsy sellers featured this Monday but I will definitely feature some more when I come back and I'll make sure to share some fun pics of my trip with you guys!

Pura Vida! <------classic saying from CR. :)

Raquel Gonzalez

PRETTY THINGS- Monday Sellers you have 2 know about!

2009-04-29T08:11:00.001-07:00

Well, it's Monday again, let's try to make it fun! I said on twitter "who doesn't hate Mondays anyways?" And someone clever replied back: "Someone who had to work on Sunday!" lol

Here we have our next top 10 etsy sellers. We had such a wonderful and positive reaction last Monday! It's really inspiring. Thank you all for stopping by to leave your comments. I'm choosing some sellers straight from the comments and others straight from the forums. Don't feel sad if you left a comment and you are not in today, because you will all have a chance.

Today we have another exquisite group of tempting creations. Come and enjoy what these talented sellers have to offer.

CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO STRAIGHT TO THE PRODUCT'S SHOP!

From left to right, and top to bottom:

PaperPixieCreationsMother's Day Card - Moocowhandknits Knitted wrap

Cabin+Cub Custom wall art - Epheriell Resin Pendant

MollyStuff Eye Pendant - AllThingsTangled Soft ribbed sweater

Krugsecologic Vegan Cocoa Soap - Punkynmunky Lady Bug Clip
Brochazo Female figure 4x6 - Agmode Glass floral lariat

PRETTY THINGS: Must Have Etsy Products!

2009-04-27T05:20:00.001-07:00

Etsy is the venue where you can find everything...and if you don't find it, there is the "custom" section where you can submit a request of what you need/want. Works like a charm, all my custom orders have been always fulfilled! Come on over and check out this sellers and feel lucky to have them there on etsy, where everything you can think of comes true :)

Click on the Image to go directly to the shop you are interested!

Raquel Gonzalez

Handbagcave

http://www.handbagcave.etsy.com/

AU CLAIR DE LA LUNE: Someone you should know about!

2009-04-14T04:36:00.000-07:00

I am featuring an etsy seller this week: Au Clair de la Lune. Come and check out her shop! Tons of fun going on on there! Check more of her shop at: http://www.auclairdelalune.etsy.com

NEW POST, NEW EASTER GAME!!! :)

2009-04-01T04:55:00.000-07:00

WHOOOO HOOO EASTER TIME HAS COME!!!

I am having an Easter Game that I would love to have you participating in! I have hidden an EASTER EGG on one of the images in my shop. If you look for it and find it you will get free shipping on any product of my shop!

Unlimited people can play and find it and unlimited people will get free shipping! What a treat :) This could be your Mother's Day gift, remember there are tons of Holidays where a handbag gift will be more than loved!

Once you find the Easter Egg, you can place your order and tell me where you found the egg on "notes to the seller" and then I will refund your shipping fee. No cheating allowed, let others have fun with the game and do not tell where it is once you find it! Easy and fun, come and join!

PS. BY THE WAY! It is free shipping worldwide!!!

http://www.handbagcave.etsy.com/

A WONDERFUL REVIEW

2009-03-07T18:24:00.000-08:00

What else can a handbag designer ask for? A wonderful review is always soooo flattering! I am very grateful for the inspiring words of the great author of Glamour Brain Blog. This was my first sale on my etsy shop and I am so proud of contributing to this blogger's (glamourous for sure) look!

Thank you so much Glamour Brain for supporting handmade!

This is the post about my bag in Glamour Brain Blog!
http://www.glamourbrain.com/2009/03/its-in-bag-shopping-for-twits.html

Raquel Gonzalez
http://www.handbagcave.etsy.com

SENTENCES THAT DRIVE ME NUTS!!!

2009-02-25T17:18:00.001-08:00

So, I was watching a show by George Carlin, may rest in peace this shortly known hero of mine. He was cracking me up while saying: … “what is “Have a good day” supposed to mean? What if I had 364 good days in row and I don’t want to have a good day?”

While this one doesn’t bug me at all - To be honest I didn’t ever think about it - I have a few of my own that I want people to STOP telling me :)

Live your life to the fullest: I promised you before I was going to talk about this one sometime. I don’t think there is a person in the world who has ever done that. How does anyone on this world even realizes that his/her life is being lived to the fullest… Could it mean: to the foolest? Lol. The successful businessman wants more time to spend with his family. The library woman wanted to be an exotic dancer. The traveler wants to settle down. The family man wants to be a traveler. I could go on, but I will stop for now. I find no sense on this sentence: Not that I don’t try to make my life good enough, but this famous saying could make a person feel very miserable if you taken seriously: where and how do you make this wonderful situation happen??

I want a woman who knows what she wants: Sorry, could you say that again? Lol Same applies to us (ladies) when we dare to say something like this. It doesn’t matter how confident a person is, it’s quiet selfish to expect your other half to know what they want, isn’t it? Even though you know that you jump into uncertainty every once in a while? Some of us jump on big wholes of confusion as to what to do with our lives, so when I hear people saying such a senseless sentence I dare to think to myself: Sorry to hear you expect to find someone who doesn’t question herself!

We are not hiring right now but you can fill up an application: I know how much you are probably laughing at me right now…I am laughing at myself too. I never filled up an application and expected a phone call, because it simply doesn’t happen. Unless you talk to the big guy, the chances of getting a job through filling up an application, at least for me, are just sooo little.

Never mind, forget about it!: How can I forget about it if you are just making me more curious about it? No, I don’t usually give up just by hearing this. Why would anybody say something that at the end doesn’t really matter if it is heard???

These are just a few of my own, come on over and share yours and share the laughter! Coming soon: A great Caribbean style recipe: Beef stew with coconut milk. The flavor is just sooo amazing!!! :)

Best to you:

Raquel Gonzalez

MA PETITE CUISINE: CEVICHE!

2009-02-09T06:16:00.000-08:00

This is a pretty well known seafood cocktail that many latin countries love. Different countries have different ways to do it as well as different ingredients; however the costarrican ceviche will suit you and your friends just fine!

It’s easy to make and amazing to taste. If you are planning an easy going get together with friends; this cocktail will be gone within minutes! Happened to me at a party I threw at my place; and just so you see that I am right, most of the people who came were French, Israelis and Americans.

What goes best with ceviche? Beer indeed! but that is not a rule. It also makes a great appetizer.

Have a party to give? Let’s get those hands to work then!

Ingredients (this will be enough for about 3 people depending on how much they want to eat)
1 White onion
1 Roll of cilantro
1 Sweet pepper (I like to use red, but you can also use green sweet pepper)
4 Tilapia fillets
7 lemons (or limes)
1 small bottle of ginger ale
Crackers
Salt and pepper

-First, we are going to chop (finely) onion, cilantro and sweet pepper.

- Next, chop the tilapia fillets, I'd say about 1/2" squares, but you can make them a bit bigger or smaller if you'd like.

- Depending on how juicy your lemons are, you will need to squeeze them to at least almost cover the whole mix. Remember that the lemon is the most important ingredient; because it will "cook" the tilapia!

- Now, don't give me that weird look! lol, this is an important step! You will add about half a bottle of Ginger Ale. Don't worry, it won't taste when the ceviche is ready. This step helps the ceviche to NOT taste extremely acidic.

- Add salt and pepper until it tastes good to you, et voilà! You got yourself a treat. Now, cover up the bowl (with shrink wrap or whatever you preffer) and leave it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. When you get it out, you will notice that the fish has changed its color and now it's pretty white. Serve cold with crackers.

I hope you enjoy this tasty and healthy combination! Your comments will be always appreciated! :) See you all soon on my next post!

EXCITING DAY, I'm a lucky winner of Blog Award!

2009-02-05T15:53:00.000-08:00

I've been chosen by Laura from http://lifewithjola.blogspot.com/ as one of the top 5 winners of Blog Award and I can't be grateful enough. Thank you Laura!

So these are the rules that I and my chosen bloggers have to play by:

1) choose 5 bloggers who I think are also worthy of this award to pass it on to

2) List 10 things about myself that others don't know

3) Post a quote

4) Now I can post the award on my blog and a link back to the person who chose me!

It is really difficult to choose only 5 blogs, but I'll do my best!

These are my choices:

1. Jennifer This blog is neat! I always see something interesting, nice pics, colors and perfect size posts!

2. Ana You can see how this blogger is very commited! I like people who post about their real lives!

3.Tracy Revell Tracy Revell's got great potential! She's a new blogger but I can see her getting tons of followers, I really like her posts!

4. Rachel She was one of my first followers. I love her posts and the angle she looks at life from. I check often!

5. Helen E. H. Madeen I met Helen in twitter, then I found her blog which is shared with other authors. It's very interesting as I am quiet open minded - for adults only.

Check out these amazing authors! They are all so unique and interesting to follow!

10 secret facts about me.... Not that nobody knows, lol

1. I have 2 first names but I'm only called by the second one, so if someone mentions my first name I won't ever notice that they are calling me.

2. I got married in flip flops and summer clothes and so did my husband.

3. I am so petite that when I shop for my little nieces I always buy for myself too; at those kid's stores!

4. I lived in Paris for 6 months and didn't learn French. Damn it!!!

5. When I give "thumbs up" my thumbs bend back so much that people look at me weird!

6. I want to have 5 kids-like my parents did- it's so much fun now that we are all grown ups! My parents agree on that one.

7. I make the best guacamole in the world, so if I ever invite you to my place don't refuse!!!

8. I'm 26 and I get asked for ID everywhere I go. I wonder if I'll freak out when that stops happening, lol.

9. When I was a kid I wanted to learn English so bad that I used to write words from movies in a notebook: just how they sounded to me and then pick up the meaning right from the subtitles!

10. I used to model when I was 20-21 years old. backkkk on those years, sigh, lol.

Let's see, now I have to write a quote, that's a hard one but let's try!

When you expect it the least is when the rabbit jumps! - Dont know who came up with that one, and it comes from Spanish language but I suits many of us when we think we can -actually- plan anything... life waits to surprise you! :)

DIRTY CHEAP NYC!

2009-02-02T18:59:00.000-08:00

For those of you who live in the city and those who are coming to visit, I gotta tell you Manhattan is not as expensive as everything that you see. Not such a thing! There are hidden spots where you can make a party with your $$$ and not feel guilty afterwards.

To be totally honest, I am a little bit cheap when shopping time comes. I also have a huge family back in Costa Rica, so if I am not careful with my money, after Christmas I can be in debt for a year when shopping for everyone.

Here I come with my dirty cheap NYC shopping places. Dirty cheap shopping spots belong in dirty areas….Sorry to start off like that, lol, but it’s true!

Pretty Girl:
This one might be well known by many people. They have a lot of stores all over NY. This shop is quit dirty cheap. Not everything is nice, but if you stay in the store for at least 10 minutes you’ll be able to find something nice. Prices go from $5 to 20$ as far as I’ve seen. The ones I’ve been to don’t even have a dressing room but I am really good at not trying clothes on before buying. Also this place is so cheap that if by any chance something doesn’t fit me the way I expected, I might end up passing it to any of my sisters or friends without any hurt feelings. :) Why is it so cheap? They manufacture most of their merchandise!

Some of their locations and contact info:
31 W 14th St, New York, NY‎ - (212) 675-3195‎

2136 3rd Ave, New York, NY‎ - (212) 831-3800

‎203 E Fordham Rd, Bronx, NY‎ - (718) 329-2708‎

I got that red shirt at Pretty Girl: $5. Wanna know why my friend is laughing? Scroll down and you'll see :)

Danice
If I am completely broke, I have the solution, I need to stop by Danice shops. They are fast growing and I see more locations every time, which could be really helpful for everyone. They have kid’s clothes, women clothes, accessories, shoes and even lingerie! Prices go from $5 to $20 as far as I’ve seen.

Some locations and contact info:
2883 3rd ave, Bronx, NY 10455 - 718-993-1628

305 West 125th Street, NY NY 10025 - 212-665-0389

482 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 - 718-875-0664

Expo 2000
This store is so much fun for me. I love it and visit it as often as I can! They have a lot of cute shirts and shoes which are usually my favorite things to shop for. I know they have locations in the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn and NJ. Prices range from $10 to $30 and it is very easy to find clothes that you will fall in love with instantly. As most of dirty NY, there aren’t any dressing rooms, I’ve done quiet well trying on shirts on top of mine and just looking at a mirror. You should definitely stop by this place!

Some of their locations and contact info

118 W 125th St, New York, NY‎ - (212) 222-7247

‎2918 3rd Ave, Bronx, NY‎ - (718) 292-2183‎

376 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY‎ - (718) 522-2399‎

I got this funky great red boots at Expo2000! See that pic on the upper left? I didn't crop that pic, that's just the way it is: hubby took a pic of me and my best friend but then I complained I wanted my new boots to show....so Mr. smarty pants took a pic of our shoes ONLY, that's why my friend is laughing so hard!

Bombini:
It is quiet worth it to take the train all the way up to Fordham Road. I take the D train to get there. This place is around 190 street or so. This store has so many lovely things at so affordable prices. I got my favorite skinny jeans there for $30 about a year ago and so far so good. They have a lot of accessories: bags, scarves, cute stockings, necklaces, etc. But the best deal is their clothes. Range prices might be from $15 to $40 depending on what you want since they have lots of variety. They also carry shoes! Needles to say that you’ll find the greatest ‘dirty cheap’ shops around the same area, if you are a student in NYC and can’t afford the wild prices in Manhattan but at the same time want to look as good as your friends at the club: you gotta see these shops!

Single location:

204 E Fordham Road, Bronx, NY 10458-5006 - (718) 584-8826

Rainbow
I am deeply in love with this shop. There is one close to me so I check it out very often and never leave it without taking at least something. Shame on me! They have shoes, kid’s clothes, baby clothes, plus sizes and women clothes. What else could you ask for? I got the cutest boots from them this winter and there is none who doesn’t look at them when I walk on the street, despite the fact that they are yellow and able to catch eyes very easily, people stop me on the street to ask me where I got them… they are speechless when I tell them that they cost me $20.

Some of their locations and contact info:

308 W 125th St, New York, NY‎ - (212) 864-5707‎

200-238 E 161St Street, Bronx, NY - (718) 293-1700

380 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY - (212) 947-0837

These are my awesome boots from Rainbow. A bargain!

I hope you enjoy this selection as much as I’ve done! These shops are great for so many of us (who are broke...shhh) and demand good results from shopping.

I am coming back later on this week with a great recipe. Easy to make, amazing to taste! - CEVICHE - didn’t hear about it yet? Don’t worry, you will :)

2009-01-30T06:53:00.001-08:00

Photobucket Album

ETSY TALENT. Sellers you should meet!

2009-01-29T07:59:00.000-08:00

I am featuring some amazing sellers from Etsy today. I am a person who supports handmade 100%. I manufacture my own bags and I know how much more quality and care there is in a product that has been made with your own hands.

Buying from Etsy is a very different story from buying mass produced items at your favorite retail shop. At these shops in Etsy you will find kindness, amazing customer services and this personal connection between seller and buyer that can’t compare to any other shopping experience.

You can click on any image and it will lead you directly to the product on their shop.

Check them out and give them thumbs up, they all deserve it!

SugarLotusDesigns
This seller is a huge lover of feathers. And so am I after taking a peek at her shop. Her creations are beautiful and delicate and full of originality. http://www.sugarlotusdesigns.etsy.com/

Hollyzhobby
This lady works on amazing quilts. Her shop is full of colors and comfort. Exactly what you need for this winter! Here are two of her beautiful creations. http://www.hollyzhobby.etsy.com/

MyMilkMoney
Definitely not an ordinary paper store! When you walk into this virtual shop you’ll be amused by its exciting greeting cards and colorful tags and labels that seem to cheer up everyone! http://www.mymilkmoney.etsy.com/

BellaLunaDesign
What could I say that is enough for this amazing shop? This seller works on jewelry inspired by nature. Every piece is beautiful because of its outstanding originality. http://www.bellalunadesign.etsy.com/

MadeWithClayAndLove
This shop is full of variety. From jewelry to key chains, coasters and vintage images. This lady definitely knows how to bring clay to life and make a cute creation out of any of her amusing experiments. http://www.madewithclayandlove.etsy.com/

DimpleBijou
This online shop is full of beauty, colors and style. You will find creative jewelry with a Middle Eastern exquisite taste that you can’t resist. http://www.dimplebijou.etsy.com/

DiklaFellner
This is the place you want to stop by if you are looking for one of a kind hand painted pottery pots. The colors and shapes used by this artist are to die for. http://www.DiklaFellner.etsy.com/

ShimmerMeBlue
This self-taught artist definitely knows what she is doing. Her creations come with stones that are shiny, colorful, delicate and original. (the set on the pic sells together or separately) http://www.shimmermeblue.etsy.com/

JewelryByJenn
Jenn has a diverse taste for crafts. She sells jewelry, paper goods, supplies, etc. The diversity on her shop is wonderful; there is always something colorful and pretty for everyone. http://www.JewelryByJenn.etsy.com/

Ruju
Ruju has a wide variety of bags that include great fabrics, practical and useful shapes, creativity and colors. This seller also carries some winter wear so If you are looking for wonderful products this is the place to go.
http://www.ruju.etsy.com/

Thank you all for stopping by and checking out these amazing artists from all around the world. I will be coming back with that promised post "NYC hidden shopping spots" and I have some recepies I am dying to tell you about!!!

Raquel Gonzalez from HandbagCave

INTO THE WILD

2009-01-25T09:48:00.000-08:00

So hubby watched this movie on his flight to Israel about three weeks ago and he was delighted by it. Every time he called he would mention this movie and I was getting more and more curious about it.

He came back to NYC and we bought the movie. It was definitely worth it to spend two hours to watch this real life story.

What is it about? A young man who comes from a wealthy family, finishes high school and is ready to apply to Harvard. That year he realizes he is not ready to keep up with what most of us call a regular way of living.

He gets tired of his parents who materialize every single dream he has, tired of the city and its comfort, tired of men in suits and human popular routine. It is then that he decides to go and live a lonely adventure in a wild isolated place: Alaska.

He gets rid of every piece of identification that he owns and donates his twenty four thousand dollars in savings to charity. He doesn’t share any of his plans with any family members or friends and sets off to his wonderful trip.

On the way to his adventure he meets a lot of people, hippies, old lonely men, country side fellows, fast food workers and a whole group of characters that make the trip more interesting.

Once in Alaska, he finds what he calls “The Magic Bus”. An abandoned old mini bus where he sleeps, cooks, showers and writes his memories and experiences. His story is original but lonely, and suitable for everyone who ever want to “escape the real world”.

Into The Wild was written and directed by Sean Penn…I am sure you all know him, he is quiet a star! Most of the music was done by Pearl Jam exclusively for this movie (hubby informed me :). The landscapes shown in this movie and the music are amazing, calm, happy and sad at the same time and it could do miracles to anyone that is looking for a little bit of inspiration.

While I encourage everyone to watch this wonderful movie, I personally feel it could not fit everyone’s taste. The movie is slow and long.

My ex boss said he fell asleep. Me and my husband instead, want to watch it again and again because of how much sense it makes towards life and the beauty of adventure, as well as how we ignore or hate love, which is certainly so vital for our own well being.

Here is a link to the trailer so you can take a peek!

http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi730988825/

I will be in touch early during the week. I am planning an article about NYC hidden spots. Those places that I love and that are not listed on a regular city guide. I am looking forward to read all your comments, since they always inspire me so much!

I am really into "Into The Wild"

2009-01-22T07:40:00.000-08:00

I am writting a post about this movie and I will hopefuly post it tomorrow.

I don't know why this movie has touched my heart so much but I can only say it was done to inspire and meditate. Amazing melodies, places, adventures and situations that people like you and me live day to day.

I feel very glad I laid on the couch for 2 hours or more to watch this real life story! See you tomorrow guys and I hope you are all getting prepared for the weekend because I am really looking forward to it, whooo hooo!

I WANT TO THANK YOU!

2009-01-21T09:58:00.000-08:00

Because you deserve it. I am really glad and proud of your comments. I didn't think I was going to get followers so quick but I am so glad you guys are there for me.

I have been finding out how to follow you guys and I promise I will. This site is a bit new to me and I haven't found out how to do everything...if any of you wants to give me a quick 3 second tutorial on how to follow other people I will definitely appreciate it.

Other than that, I'll be in touch later on today. Seems like there won't be a whole post today since hubby just texted me: Let's go and celebrate our Unemployement".... it cracked me out I got to say! lol

He had been laid off from his last job but thank God he found a new one and he will be starting on Monday... we can't afford 2 unemployed people at home!!! lol

I need to leave now, but thank you for your amazing support! I will be back in touch later while I try to develop an interesting topic for you to read!

III PART OF "BEAUTY COMES BACK TO LIFE

2009-01-20T14:57:00.001-08:00

See??? I told you I was frustrated! This is one of the three days I spent reading the manual... yes, that little book on the lower part of the table: Is The Manual! lol

After my third bag, my passion for designing and making handbags got into me wildly. So much that everyday at worked seemed longer and longer. Every single day I would pray that the clock would run fast so I could come home and work.

But the real intentions of making a living out of my passion came when I discovered 1000markets, Etsy, Artfire, and a whole venue where I could sell my handmade goods.

I explored every site restlessly for about four months. My job, which I was so happy with on the beginning, started to tire me up for not being even close to what I wanted to do.

Well, surprisingly I am currently giving my boss a notice of a month, but it will be over tomorrow and I’ll be working on my bags full time.

You might be asking yourself if I am rich or if I don’t have any responsibilities to take care of, as I have quit my job this way. You may also ask why I have so much faith that a simple craft might be able to support me.

To these questions I can only say I don’t know why I have such a good feeling about the jump that I’ve taken. I am a regular person who lives paycheck to paycheck and I do have responsibilities, especially with myself and my skills.

For those of you who have a real passion for art and are afraid of taking a step forward, it doesn’t get any easier as you try to forget about it while covering it up with an office job. Real passion deserves to be noticed. I do not know if this is what they call “living life to the fullest” but I do know that beauty comes back to life when you create.

These are my first three bags...do I really have to explain the order?

Green was the first, then the gray and my third bag is the red...I made it for myself and take it everywhere, I love it so much!

YOU CAN VIEW SOME OF MY MOST RECENT CREATIONS HERE: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6371723

http://www.handbagcave.artfire.com

II PART OF "BEAUTY COMES BACK TO LIFE"

2009-01-19T14:32:00.000-08:00

I flew to Paris with my best friend. I went back to babysitting and once again I didn’t enjoy it. I stayed six months and I didn’t do much with my life but to learn some French, visit Israel and Switzerland so that I could get back home saying that it was worth it… And somehow I think it was!

From left to right, me, Katty and Angelica. Vicky, the friend I flew to France with, took the picture! Four fun costarricans in Paris!

This is me in a very thoughtful state while looking at one of those beautiful lakes in Zurich, Switzerland.

I had kept in touch with my Israeli ex boyfriend, so he invited me to stop by on my way back home from Paris. I took a chance and came to visit him for two weeks in NYC. It was fun and romantic and as uncertain as my own life of ups and downs.

When I flew back home, I stayed for a month and organized my trip back to Paris, without forgetting to stop by NYC once again.

Me and my Israeli ex boyfriend…we were in love again! It was a really strong short romance that started to affect my cravings for freedom. After three weeks I flew to France and kept in touch with him and he really wanted me to come and live with him. Shortly after ten days I was back in NYC with my overstuffed suitcases and ready to take my chances.

I have to admit that on the beginning I was sure our relationship was not going to last too long, that the magic would disappear soon enough as it did in our earlier years. Well, I am more than happy to tell you it did work out, but my visa did not. We took another chance and got married.

This is me and my husband a long time ago. We were at a panini stop downtown in NYC... if you ever stop by the city this is a tasty bite you won't ever forget about!

Well, waiting tables stinks. That’s the job I did for a while and I was definitely unhappy with it. I started to feel a little depressed about my life going into a routine I never planned.

I switched my job and started doing sales at a friend’s company and I felt better. Then I found FIT. The fashion Institute of Technology here in NYC. They happened to have a major in Accessories Design. I was blown away when the idea hit me since I had earlier recognized myself as a handbag junkie.

I applied, presented a portfolio that the professor loved and I saw myself starting school. But my vision got blurry when my high school in Costa Rica went on a strike for almost two months and nobody could help me get my transcripts. Did I hear someone say "frustrating?" Yes, indeed I got them late enough to be rejected but I still tried. I talked on the phone to the professor who, surprisingly remembered me, and she gave names of people to talk to. I went to the school twice and nobody was available to talk to me, I emailed, called and none on earth was able to give me a little help.

I was so angry about this situation; I bought my first sewing machine and set myself off to learn. The first three days were a nightmare. I spent that time feeling tired of reading the manual. After those three days, a new adventure started. I made my first bag. It is pretty funny when I look at it now. Then I made a second one that happened to really beat the results of the first one. When I made my third bag I understood I was my parents’ daughter and that they had somehow put a bit of each other’s skills in my blood. The bag looked astonishing!

THIRD PART COMING TOMORROW, AND PICS OF MY FIRST BAGS!!!

BEAUTY COMES BACK TO LIFE

2009-01-18T14:40:00.000-08:00

I will start this blog with a very summarized story of my life events. I would like to cut it in three parts since it is a little bit long and so that you can catch on later on the following days. I hope you enjoy it since I enjoyed writting it and I honestly love reading personal stories that are inspiring

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Small countries do not have too much to offer to artists. This is the phrase I grew up with. As I was growing up I started writing (Spanish definitely shows my skills better though :)

Through high school and my early years of confusion, I wrote three books that I couldn't finish because I complicated them so much that I could not undo the mess that I had created myself. During that time of my life I discovered my passion for creation.

My mother, who designs clothes, has always performed her best. Something kept me away from the dream of learning from her as I noticed how people would always underpay her greatest efforts and fine results.

My father runs his own upholstery shop. He could be the best in the country if people really cared about noticing such skills. I remember when he saw a serigraphy machine (silk-screening). It cost more money than he could ever imagine.

Since he was raising five kids and it was impossible to purchase the machine, he went ahead and invented how to get the same results by himself. He even created a small dark room that makes him lose a couple of pounds every time he goes in, mostly when the summer hits Costa Rica without any mercy.

These are me and my wonderful parents at a local restaurant in the small town where I grew up.

My father was the first person who got me interested in handbags and its passionate steps to manufacturing them. He has made leather bags for himself and the process seemed so difficult for my young eyes, but so much fun!

From then on, I realized I started recognizing women for the bag they carried and not for their faces. But the real interest in handbag designing didn’t come until many years later.

I didn't want to stay in my small town when I finished high school. All of my friends were ready to major in Administration, Accounting, and a whole bunch of careers that I found senseless.

I flew to NYC to be an au pair. For those of you who don't know, an au pair program recruits babysitters to the US to work for american families while living with them. What an annoying job to be honest! The money I got paid was so little and the job was so exhausting.

I started dating an Israeli student who I fell in love with in the time of a blink and we ended up not getting along at all. I missed my family like crazy and at the same time I fell in love with the city that had made my life so miserable.

After a year, I went back home. Back in my small town I met with a girl who was my best friend once and we talked a lot. She expressed her excitement about how I decided to leave our small town of small opportunities. She dreaded doing the same job at the bank everyday, meeting the same people and experiencing the same things year to year.

I will always debate myself whether I hate or love that saying that comes from every person’s mouth “Live your life to the fullest”. I honestly don’t believe anyone really knows what that means, when that time comes or when it is really happening…. But I also agree with the fact that this should be part of another blog article we will discuss in a near future.

I spent two more years in my home country. I had a blast. I moved to the coast and I was on the beach all the time, made tons of friends and lived a wonderful life full of party and laugh. But the feeling that I was stalked and not doing much of my life started to kick in.

These was Halloween 2005 in Jaco Beach, Costa Rica. From left to right, Vicky, Eli, me and Sandra. Fun fun times!!!

PLEASE CHECK TOMORROW TO FOLLOW UP WITH THE STORY, THERE IS MUCH MORE TO COME. THANK YOU ALL FOR READING!