Saturday, March 7, 2009
A WONDERFUL REVIEW
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
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
SENTENCES THAT DRIVE ME NUTS!!!
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???
Monday, February 9, 2009
MA PETITE CUISINE: CEVICHE!

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


- 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 voilĂ ! 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!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
EXCITING DAY, I'm a lucky winner of Blog Award!
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!
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! :)
Monday, February 2, 2009
DIRTY CHEAP NYC!
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

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

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

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 :)
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
ETSY TALENT. Sellers you should meet!
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/
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!!!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
INTO THE WILD

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.
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!

