The missadventures of Nina: 2013

Monday, June 24, 2013

Friend makin' mondays summary

Hello peeps. Hope you are all trying to stay cool, NYC has been super hot, so much so some subway stations truly feel like the gates of hell.UGH, but how I love that we don't have to wear 35 layers to go out.
The new job has started and it has been wonderful so far, like mean to be wonderful. Whenever something happens to me I just know there is something much better coming my way :)

I cannot wait to tell you about it,but for right now suffice to say is skin related and I am thrilled!!!

So onto today's (and previous) week FMM:

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

Ten Simple Questions

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought? I'm loving my skin :)

2. Do you prefer to pay for things with cash or plastic? cash or debit, no credit for us.

3. What is one word that you use too often? I don't know...usually I can catch myself if I'm using "like" too much or something similar.

4. Who is the last person outside of your family who said “I love you” to you? my friend Ada who just became a FA!!

5. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone and mailed it?probably the card to my niece.

6. Have you ever been called upon for jury duty? no, I'm an alien but I want to.

7. How many keys are on your key ring? 4

8. List two characteristics that you want to change about yourself. I wish I was stronger to not let people step on me (working on it) and I wish I had more patience in some instances.

9. Do you bring your own shampoo and conditioner when you travel, or do you use what the hotel provides? I bring my own and also use what they have

10. What is your birthstone? Do you like it? Sapphire and I love them

Just Wondering

1. Do you wear glasses and/or contacts? Yes. I only wear them at night or if reading.

2. Do you have summer vacation plans? If so, where are you going? not sure yet, new job and all my trip to the motherland may have to wait

3. What is your favorite food to eat for breakfast? Eggs Benedict or french toast yumm, I love that even for dinner.

4. Do you enjoy window shopping? yes, gives me an idea of what I want and what I need before purchasing

5. What is your favorite candle scent? coconut grove and spice apple

6. If you had to choose between going to a zoo or an aquarium, which one would you pick? aquarium right now

7. How many times do you plan to exercise this week? 4 , I haven't lost much weight but people keep asking me if I'm doing something because they see me thinner. Yesterday at a party there was much conversation on how my ass looks now that my belly is thinner *wink*

8. Do you speak another language fluently? Yes, Spanish and I can usually figure out Portuguese thanks to a dear friend.

9. What are you currently reading? bwahahahaha, jumped in the Fifty Shades of Grey bandwagon after taking a break from Agatha Christie

10. What are you looking forward to most in the coming week? new products at work, family events and movie date with a dear friend.

Ok, now your turn!

Over & out

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Late FMM, news and nails

Hello Peeps, I have not forgotten about this little place of mine, I have just been lazy and embracing some changes that have come our way. I started a very exciting new job in Cosmetics (squeal) cannot say the brand yet but OH BOY AM I HAPPY! (hubs no so much since he thinks I am going to spent my whole check there, but I told him FREE SAMPLES BABY!)

I also discovered the indie brand KB Shimmer and got these beauties (pics from pinterest since I haven't use them yet)

Oh Splat

No Whine left

Love them! You can buy them here: KB Shimmer

so onto this weeks late rendition of FMM

How Do You Celebrate?

1. When is your birthday? September 19, fall baby :)

2. Do you like to celebrate it or do you prefer to keep it quiet? depends, I love to celebrate but not necessarily with a party, going out for dinner and hanging with friends are a favorite.

3. Have you ever had a surprise party? Nope 'cause I am too OCD and control everything around me (or try too)

4. What sign are you? Does it represent you well? Virgo, and absolutely! to the dot accurate

5. Do you tell the truth about your age? yes, specially since 90% of the time people think I am under 30 which being 37 it's the greatest compliment ever. (or maybe I'm just immature haha)

6. Share your best birthday memory. uhm, each one is special in its own way and they all top that year many moons ago in which everyone forgot it, but definetly going to New Orleans for my Birthday has been the most amazing one.

7. Share a few item that could be on your birthday wishlist. my list has gotten short since the Hubs surprise for Mother's day but definitely this Dooney & Bourke is on my list:

8. What is your favorite kind of cake? Dominican Cake bar none! the frosting is made of meringue

9. If you could be anywhere on your next birthday, where would you be? back home, in my motherland, enjoying a day at the beach. I miss my little Island.

10. Do you make a wish when you blow out the candles? Absolutely!

Now it’s your turn to answer this week’s questions! Don’t forget to come back and link up in the comments! Happy birthday, I mean, happy Monday, friends!

Over & out

Monday, May 20, 2013

FMM: getting to know me :)

Another awesome Monday, this weekend was dedicated to seeing more family. Saturday we didn't come home till 1am and my little guy was so tired from playing all day with cousins. I received some good news last week and things are changing yet again for us but I am SUPER EXCITED by these new changes. I will let you know as soon as the first step gets materialized since I don't want to jinx it. Now let’s get to this week’s topic.

Getting To Know You

1. Have you ever been skinny dipping? No, but I will. Just waiting to get back to this spot at my Aunt's beach home :)

(hubs, kids and some nieces/nephews)

2. If you could choose an exotic vacation destination today, where would you go? I would said England but since it's exotic I will pick Bali

3. Do you prefer to live in the city or the suburbs? I never would have known how much I like city life...like a lot. I think we are here to stay.

4. If you could paint, draw or illustrate any masterpiece in the world, what would it be? Any of the English country side.

5. What is your favorite dish to cook when you’re cooking for one? Tacos and this awesome grilled cheese from Byron Talbot.

6. Who has recently influenced you in a spectacular way? My Father, always. He has been so kind and forgiving his whole life, always eager to help others. He is 86 and I miss him so much. And this weekend the wife of one of the Hubs cousin's. She has a tenderness in her and a heart full of faith.

7. Have you ever considered dating a person who’s younger than you? If so, how young would you go? I dated a guy that was 3 yrs younger (he lied about his age) younger guys can be immature but I guess it depends on the guy.

8. What do you typically wear when you’re at home with no plans to go out? Shorts or sweats with a tank top

9. Do you prefer a shower or a bath? I would love to take baths more often but I don't always have the time. Relaxing with a bubble bar from Lush is my idea of awesomeness

10. When you meet strangers are you outgoing or are you introverted? Definitely outgoing. I just met two new people @ Target, one lady in the coffee aisle turned out to be from the Motherland :)

Now it’s your turn to answer this week’s questions. Don’t forget to come back and link up in the comments! Say hi to someone new this week, and have a happy Monday!

Monday, May 13, 2013

Friend Makin’ Mondays: Questions and Answers after Mother's day.

I forgot to take pictures this weekend, which is a shame since my makeup was so pretty :) yes, i care about those things.

The hubs surprised me with these two gems (I asked no presents until we get settle but he wont listen):

Clarisonic Mia from QVC

And my old perfume from college SO de la Renta, Oscar is my favorite designer and I have been feeling nostalgic for the motherland so he surprised me with this, which brings me so many memories of back home...that man knows how to get to my heart. Now off to:

1. Do you use coupons? sometimes. I use to do much more before but I do search online for coupons/discounts for things that I'm specifically buying.

2. How often do you weigh yourself? once a month...maybe?

3. What was your favorite TV show as a kid? Candy (anime),then Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Full House.

4. How often do you drink alcohol? maybe one sip of beer if the hubs is drinking, if not I can go months though we may have wine and other things at home for when we have company.

5. Have you ever met a celebrity or public figure that you really admire? nope

6. If you had to choose between only your cell phone or only your laptop all week which would you choose? computer, I don't own a cell :)

7. What is your favorite brand of detergent? Gain in the apple mango tango scent

8. If there was a movie about your life, who would play the role? didn't we cover this before? Melissa McCarthy or Rebel Wilson.

9. What book are you currently reading? finish "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie. My goal is to read all 86 of her books, I'm half way there.

10. If you could spend one day on vacation anywhere in the world, which place would you choose? New Orleans or somewhere in Europe.

Now it’s your turn to answer this week’s questions. Don’t forget to come back and link up in the comments, and say hi to someone new! Happy Monday!

Over & out

Monday, May 6, 2013

Friend Makin’ Mondays: A Little About Me

Hello Monday! I actually don't hate Monday's and this particular weekend I was so busy I was actually looking forward to it (what?!). Our little guy turned Four and like every Mom out there I can believe it, this is why I tried so hard to enjoy every minute of being with him. Friday the Hubs had the day off too so we spend the day Downtown shopping for the supplies for a small gathering, my little guy sure loves NYC and going where all the hustle is. Besides his little gathering and making all the decor by hand ('cause I rock), there was a family affair on Sunday and boy do I enjoy them. Here are some pics of it all:

Yeap, all made by Moi :) now onto this week's FMM:

A Little About Me

1. Have you ever experienced love at first sight? not love, but I definitely had my OMG moments *wink*

2. What channel is your TV on most? Discovery ID, which freaks everyone in my home and QVC, HGTV some days, I also tend to watch all my series after the little guy goes to sleep (Hannibal, GOT, Grimm, The Big Bang)

3. Share one quality that you’re proud to have. I strive to be the best friend I can be, and I always help others.

4. Describe your idea of a great evening. I have two: One in which we can have family and friends over and spend the night laughing and talking all night, relaxing or watching a movie. We love having people over. The other would be going for Dinner, Movie and stroll downtown with the Hubs.

5. If your friends were asked to describe you in three words, which words would they choose? OCD, Dependable, crazy :) the only reason I know this is because it has been said MANY times to me

6. What is your favorite holiday? Halloween by far, love it so much and love getting the house decorated for it. Second choice would be Christmas.

7. If you could change one thing that would make your life easier instantly, what would it be? I would change our Financials, but I am also very blessed that's the only thing that needs work and that we are working on it.

8. What is one healthy food that you crave? Sushi! hahaha I don't crave many healthy things, some days I want an apple or bananas but I wouldn't call it cravings.

9. Do you wear socks when you sleep? Yes, I have this pampering routine and one of the things I do is put a rich foot cream and wear cotton socks to bed. Makes my feet feel super soft.

10. Share at least three things for which you are thankful. My family, having a home and having the heath to work for the things I want in life.

Now it’s your turn to answer this week’s questions! Don’t forget to come back and link up in the comments. Happy Monday!

Over & out

Monday, April 29, 2013

FMM: The ABC's of me

So today may be a little longer with the ABC's but since my plans for today are really tame I jumped on the wagon before I star this weeks madness of scrap stuff for the kiddo's Birthday. So please join in:

FMM: ABC’s of Me

Here’s how it works…you’ll choose topics about yourself, your likes, dislikes, etc. according to each letter in the alphabet, and share a little with us.

A) Both our boys names start with A, not because I was crazy obsessed to have them as such but we couldn't agree on names we both liked : Alain and Aiden

B) Books, tons and tons of books have been a part of my life from a young age and I am not fully committed to letting go of the real deal: the smell of a book is priceless to me.

C) Coffee is my vice, I don't drink or smoke, but by golly that coffee better be there in the morning (I do not drink it thru out the day)

D) I know way too much about Dinosaurs thanks to an obsessed kiddo.

E) Exercise is a pain in the ass to me, but I know I better get on to it before I hit 40 -only 3 years away.

F) My Friends are very important to me and I can't ever be one of those women that forget her friends once they have a significant other.

G) See above, Girl time is a must for me.

H) Happiness is a choice. I can be sad for all the things I don't have, all the things that went wrong, but I CHOOSE to be happy because I realize how much I do have.

I) Ireland is on my bucket list of places I must go.

J) Judging people is not in my character but I have been guilty of passing judgement before, and I am working on that.

K) Knowledge is very important to me, I dislike ignorant people who go thru life not wanting to educate themselves. It's not all about going to College or having a degree, some "intelligent" people can be very ignorant.

L) I am constantly making List of EVERYTHING: shopping list, things for the house, wants list, project list, party list, etc.

M) Motherhood turned me into my Mom, and I finally realized that is not a bad thing.

N) I am saving for my next Nikon camera

O) I ordered Leslie Sampson "just walk-5 day plan" because I need to move and do something about exercising

P) I go by Patricia but it is not my First name :)

Q) I question everything! ask the Hubs.

R) Rebel, I have always been but always with a cause.

S) I am not a serious person, like at all.

T) Traveling this year would be a dream come true, cross your fingers that it happens.

U) my maiden name starts with U, which I love since it is very unique.

V) The Hubs name starts with V.

W) Work is very important to me but never more important than my family. I see people putting work before anything else, having high goals and sadly (?) that would never be me.

X) marks the spot

Y) I don't like Yogurt.

Z) Zzzz for the lack of sleep that I've been deprived my entire life. It takes me forever to go to sleep and even then is not a deep sleep.

Now it’s your turn! Don’t forget to come back and link up in the comments!! Happy Monday friends!!!!!!!!

Over & out

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Yay NYC is finally warm :)

FINALLY!
It felt like winter was never going to leave us. Gosh how I love when it gets warm I can just hope on the train an go downtown, go see the city, go watch tourist be amazed by this city. We've been here unofficially for almost a year and still I feel like a tourist.
I now know how to navigate the subways and most buses (thanks former job, you gave me the confidence to go out there).

One of my most favorite friends that enjoys my downtown escapades has left me for 3 months. She left last weekend to train in TX to be a flight attendant. I am so proud of her, she has degree in Fashion Design and did well in the industry but after cuts and low budgets and unemployment she jump in at the opportunity to explore her love for traveling. oh but how I miss her...

I've also cannot wait for next weekend, our little guy is turning 4 and of course he wants a Dinosaur theme party, no surprise there. I have already started doing the printables for it :)

In other news I have been sporting this fashion statement:

I know, sexy uh? not really but my feet have been killing me and I notice wearing traditional flip flops with no support do not help me, like AT ALL. then I remember I had these stack somewhere behind all my heels, dusted them off (They are over 10 yrs but I rarely use to used them so they look almost new) and oh my word, my feet where singing. So I told the hubs my ugly sandals are here to stay. And then I dusted this pair (the Gizeh)

which I actually used A LOT last summer when all of our crap was in storage, I was able to walk over 40 blocks in the city with them and have no pain.

And I am thinking of getting these, the Kairo habana Oiled:

It may look a little hippiesh but seriously, the comfort of these are so worth it (you can also try them at QVC for easy pay) Once they molded to your feet it is the most comfortable sandal ever, I figure the back buckle would help me keep them on while going up and down all those stairs at the train station.

Funny thing, the above dear friend just gave me 3 pairs of heels including these gems:

Fergie "Gopher"

Which surprisingly are super comfortable (seriously) but when I am gonna walk for a while or take the kiddo to the park, I am not looking for style. Specially after watching a gorgeous woman wearing Louboutins fall flat on her face on 5th Avenue at lunch time. yeah, not good.

going from heels to "chanklas" sooo not sexy but necessary and yes, I'm aware a Pedi is on my near future.

So I am off to beautify myself darlings (the kiddo just asked me to take it off hahahaha)

Over & out

Monday, April 15, 2013

Birthday recap and Friend Makin' Monday :)

This weekend the Hubs turned 39, I had decided to get a small get together for him and it turned out great. The kick of it was that I have been tracking my food, not so much as dieting but to see what I am putting in my body, consequently I have been making better choices. I didn't even notice until my oldest mentioned that almost everything I made for the gathering was healthy: a fruit salad, Humus, homemade Salsa (the best ever, seriously) AND everyone ate everything and where asking for recipes! Yes, we had a taco dip and regular Dominican cake but it felt so good that everyone was on board with the healthy choices, go figure. The Hubs was so happy, he loves having people over and spending time with all of us.

So let's jump to this week's FMM:

Twenty Questions

1. Share something that you enjoy doing when you’re alone. Reading and watching Makeup tutorials

2. What do you plan to eat next? a sandwich and left over fruit salad

3. When did you first travel on a plane? Where did you go? when I came to live here in the US

4. Do you currently have a crush on someone? If so, share a few of the reasons why. Yeah, the Hubs and Keanu Reeves...and Dwayne Johnson, yeah there is always someone.

5. List one thing that disgusts you that probably wouldn’t bother someone else. Yogurt and tapioca UGH

6. If you could buy a new car tomorrow (and money was no object) what would you buy? A Range Rover for me and a Volvo SUV for the Hubs.

7. Who was the first person who broke your heart? William. he was so mean, he would ask his cousins to prank call me.

8. If you could spend the night with a celebrity tonight, who would it be?Sandra Bullock, smart and down to earth, or Melissa McCarthy because we would have so much fun.

9. Are you a morning person or a night person? Night person all my life, but it's really starting to affect my health :(

10. What’s your favorite board game? Clue,love, love, love. I even love the old movie

11. Can you play an instrument? If so, what do you play? Piano just a tiny little bit, actually forget it, 3 half songs is not playing piano

12. What is the last thing you ate? Coffee and toast this morning

13. Do you wear a watch? always, I love watches. A one point I had over 10

14. Do you go to church? sometimes... I found a Church downtown that just gave me so much peace, I used to go weekly when there was no service. I am not so much a fan of the service...

15. Do you ever wish on stars? Of course.

16. Have you ever been on a motorcycle? Yes. My Sister's hubs had one, and a guy I dated also had one.

17. What is the last thing you purchased? not including essentials from the pharmacy (a new mascara IS essential, right?) all makeup related: Urban Decay Naked Palette, UD deluxe palette and Caudalie hand & nail cream.

18. How big is your bed? King size and is still too small.

19. What size shoe do you wear? 8-81/2 depending on the style.

20. What are you looking forward to most in the coming week? more family gatherings and another Ladies night out on the weekend.

Now come and join us too.

Over & out

Monday, April 8, 2013

Another FFM

I am lazy.

This is my new post, Now let’s get to this week’s topic!

TV, Movies and Me

1. If you could be a recurring star on a show that is currently on TV, which show would you choose? Game of Thrones, Hannibal, Grimm or Elementary. Geez I can't pick one. OK maybe I'll go old school and pick Law & Order: SVU (see a theme here?)

2. Name the movie that you are most embarrassed to admit that you love. None since I proudly announce that I like all sorts of movies, I'm easily entertained no matter how silly/stupid. But people get a little shocked when I say Rocky IV is one of my favorite movies of all time.

3. Name one show that you’ve never seen and would love to watch. Dexter. My kind of show and I have no clue why I never watch it.

4. Do you ever go to movies alone? Absolutely. I remember going to see the Lake House and call Hubs afterwards to tell him how awesome it was. Love having a date with myself :)

5. If you could only watch one TV show for the next year, which show would you choose and why? Maybe The Talk because I love how they talk about everything and they are so funny. I can watch Agatha Christie's forever too.

6. If you could star in one reality show, which one would it be and why? The only reality show I watch is the Real Housewives (except the Miami one) -don't judge. It would be hysterical but I don't qualify for it :)

7. If someone rented a billboard for you, what would it say? I would like to think I would choose some inspirational quote about moving on and letting go, but I am in the process of healing and a little angry still so probably something among the lines of "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger and F*YOU!"

8. Who is the most famous person with whom you have been in the same room? none so far, but oh I pray to see Keanu Reeves one day. I'ts going to take an army to get me away from him.

9. If you were chosen to be a contestant on a TV game show, which show would you want to be on? Let's make a deal since I love the host

10. If there was a movie being made about you, which actor would you choose to play you? Rebel Wilson or Ana Faris, we don't look anything alike but she has to be funny and able to make a fool of herself.

Now go on, is your turn.

Over & out

Monday, April 1, 2013

Friend Makin’ Mondays: Childhood Flashbacks

This weekend was full on: Friday we took the little guy (along with some Family that came from abroad and my SIL and BOL),downtown to NY Museum of Natural History, our little Dino buff kiddo was going INSANE which was awesome to watch. He had been several times to the ones in DC but this time it was so different for him, guess he is getting bigger. We also walked around, had lunch and ended up in Central Park.

Saturday night I went to Ladies Night for "Romance" articles. it was awesome, funny, the girls where very hilarious, great drinks, great food and we had a blast. And yes, there was some shopping done *wink*. Overall this weekend was awesome and I enjoyed having family around and just hanging with the girls so what better way to start a Monday than with:

Childhood Flashbacks

1. Did you have a set bedtime as a child? If so, what was it? Yes, but not that early (9pm?) since we attended an afternoon Program at a Private School

2. Were you taught to be a member of the “Clean Plate Club?” Did it have affect your eating habits as an adult? not really, we where told not to waste food but the few times I remember my Mom forcing me to finish was when I specifically asked her to make me something and then didn't want to eat it.

3. Share one thing that you were not allowed to do as a child. watch scary movies, I had to cover my eyes when people kissed on TV, must not cut my own hair (yeah, I tried), no jumping or screaming or loud music on Holy week, no 2 piece bathing suits (that was mostly my Dad) We had TONS of rules.

4. What is the cheapest gas price you can remember? I remember when I was in college (17) and my father used to give us $100 pesos (about $3 dollars now) and I would fill up the tank of my Honda Civic. 20 years brings a LOT of change.

5. What was your favorite thing on the playground? no play ground, we rode our bikes, we play tag, we climbed trees to get fruit, I just loved hanging out with my friends.

6. Share one thing that your parents always made you do that you didn't like doing. I guess cooking (I like it now) by the time I was 10 I was a pro at cleaning and have been loving it ever since; but Cooking not so much.

7. Do you remember your first kiss? If so, share the details! I was 10, his name is Anthony and he is still a friend thru FB. We were the same age, he and another boy asked me out to be his "girl", I picked him and he gave me a tap kiss on the alley next door to my house.

8. Did you prefer to play inside or outside? outside, all the time. I grew up in the Caribbean there was nothing I wanted to do more than to be outside playing.

9. What was your favorite TV show growing up? not much since I was outside all the time. I did love Punky Brewster, Different Strokes and some Spanish show called "El Chavo"about neighborhood kids in Mexico.

10. Share one awesome childhood memory. Always going to the beach, some times it was just for the day and we will bring our own picnic; others we would spent a whole week in a resort with a lot of our families, cousins, etc. it was AWESOME and I realized how lucky we where to be able to do that all the time.

Bonus: Share a picture of yourself as a child. My 3rd Birthday :)

Now it’s your turn to answer this week’s questions! Don’t forget to come back and link up in the comments! Happy Monday, my friends!

Over & out