Secret Weapon to Remove Make-Up When I am Tired

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One thing we may all have in common these days is that we all seem to be busy, way too busy, as if there just aren’t enough hours in the day (at least on weekdays). Am I right?

I had acne when I was younger and still get a break-out occasionally, so in addition to taking care of my skin to preserve it looking nice and healthy, I try to avoid breakouts by removing my make-up daily. This is an important part of my daily beauty routine and helps my skin breathe at night, particularly because I wear heavy make-up when I have television shoots. Some nights, I am just exhausted or busy, and I don’t remove my make-up as soon as I arrive at home. I will make dinner for my husband, then clean the kitchen, do stuff around the house, prepare my outfit for the next day, and before I know it, I am in my pajamas and in bed….dreading that I have to get up to remove my make-up. Particularly in cold weather, it is hard to get up from under the warm covers. Sometimes, I’ll say to myself, I’ll just sleep a little and get up later to remove my make-up. That works sometimes, but I don’t rest very well because I keep thinking that I have to get up to wash my face. About 90% of the time I will get up to wash my face, but that interrupts my sleep, which is not optimal.

On a recent weekend trip to visit my mom we stayed up into the wee hours of the morning catching up. Once we were getting ready to go to sleep, she pulled out her make-up removal towelettes. I noticed how she easily removed her make-up with the towelette and she told me how much she likes them. So, I tried one and it removed my make-up pretty well and my skin felt soft and hydrated the next morning. I am not certain it is as effective as using my usual make-up remover and face wash, particularly because I don’t apply face moisturizer & eye cream when I use the towelette, but it is definitely better than going to sleep with my make-up on. I recently purchased Olay Wet Cleansing Towelettes and keep them next to my night stand. On nights when I am super tired, like last night….I simply pull one of these out and remove my make-up as I am laying in bed, then just apply lip moisturizer (which I keep in my nightstand drawer). So, if you are a busy person like me and sometimes wish there was a simply option to removing your make-up on long days, you may want to try this option. It works for me and I am pretty selective about what I use on my face! Have you used make-up removal towelettes on your face? If yes, which one’s do you use?

Hugs,

Paola

PS – How to Make Eyeshadow Last 24 Hours & Crease-less and FWSD The Art & Beauty Behind Fashion.

DSCN6616Look at how much make-up they removed. I even use them to remove the eyeshadow, mascara, & lipstick.

DSCN6610I purchase the Olay make-up removal towelettes for sensitive skin (alcohol-free), but there are many other brands as well. I purchase these at Target for $4.99 (packet of 30 towelettes). You can find these type of products at Walmart, Target, CVS and many other drug stores.

A Weekend in Laguna Beach

Weekend getaways with my hubby are a nice way for us to spend time together, while enjoying a mini-break away from home. Getaways sometimes take an effort to plan on both of our parts because we have to arrange our schedules ahead of time and work extra hours to prepare to be out of town, but it is always worth it!

We recently went to Laguna Niguel, in Orange County. We stayed at The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel, which is a beautiful resort! We spent the morning enjoying the property, discovering the multiple recreational activities, decorations, and flowers the resort has, as well as relaxed at the spa and did some reading. One of my favorite ways to exercise is to go for long walks…and it doesn’t get much nicer than a long walk next to the beach! A close friend of mine, Susy, lives in Orange County with her husband and adorable baby. We were able to meet them for lunch over the weekend – it was nice to catch up with her! We did a little shopping…..and enjoyed the OC! Laguna Niguel is just about 90 minutes from San Diego, even if you don’t stay overnight, you can visit on a day trip, it is worth it! You can enjoy the beach, the shops, and the wonderful weather! What is our favorite weekend getaway destination?

Hugs,

Paola

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The flowers throughout the resort were elegant & beautiful!

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Our room was very nice and spacey, with a small walk-in closet.DSCN5730 DSCN5732

This corner cabinet was where the safe & refrigerator were located.
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The view from our room….to one of the pools on the property.DSCN5747 DSCN5748

There was an art exhibit of elephants located in the lobby and main corridor area, so cute & unique!DSCN5749 DSCN5752 DSCN5756

The option for outside, casual dining. DSCN5768 DSCN5770

The gym was spacious, with an amazing view of the beach, & well supplied. This gym could almost make one want to exercise, haha!

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I spent part of my day at the spa…..relaxation time!

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This is the larger pool. DSCN5784 DSCN5791 DSCN5796

Walk along the beach….breathtaking views! (forgot my hat, but had on sunblock!)DSCN5803 DSCN5804 DSCN5809

The resort sits atop a hill right on the ocean.

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I love andorak chairs…and what a view you get from these & the one’s below!

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There were multiple options for recreation.

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We did a little shopping at the Fashion Island mall in Newport Beach.DSCN5874

Arriving back in Laguna Beach.

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Having lunch with Suzi and her family in Laguna Beach.

DSCN5878 DSCN5876 DSCN5879 DSCN5880We also had dessert with Suzi’s family! The desserts here are a work of art! I enjoyed a fruit tart!

Falling for Burgundy

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Fall has arrived and I am sporting the colors of the season! I bought these pants recently at Arden and have worn them a few times. They are easy to mix and match – plus, they are comfortable. I wore them in early fall with white and earth tones, and nude color shoes. I have also worn them with open toe heels. These pants are also good for travel. I took them with me on our recent trip to Germany. I wore them on the day we visited the Porsche Museum – with black wedge booties, a black & white top, and a coat. Since the color can be worn year round, I’ll be able to wear them into the spring and summer with tank tops and light blouses. I am loving these pants and looking forward to matching them with sweaters, jackets, and boots this winter! Do you have any colored pants you are loving right now?

Hugs,

Paola

El otoño ya llego y estoy usando los colores de la temporada!  Compre estos pantalones que compre recientemente en Arden y B me los he puesto varias veces. Son fáciles de combinar y cómodos! Me los puse al principio del otoño con tonos claros y zapatos color hueso. También me los puse con unos tacones abiertos del frente. Estos pantalones son prácticos para viajes. Me los lleve a nuestro viaje reciente a Alemania y me los puse el día que visitamos el Museo Porsche. Me los combine con una blusa blanco y negro, y botinas negras. Como este color se puede usar todo el ano, me los podré poner en la primavera y verano con blusas de tirantes y ligeras. Me encantan estos pantalones y anticipo con gusto combinarlos con botas, suéteres y sacos este invierno! Tienes algunos pantalones de color que te encantan?

Un abrazo,

Paola

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DSC_0045DSC_0046 DSCN4869 DSCN4868Pants/Pantalones: Arden; Top/Blusa: Marshall’s; Shoes/Zapatos: Nine West; Belt/cinto: Ann Taylor; Necklace/Collar; Gucci (silver); Bracelet/Pulsera: Macy’s (costume jewelry); Ring/Anillo: Macy’s (fine jewelry)

Halloween: A Family Tradition in Costumes

It seems just a few years ago, Halloween for me was about dressing up to go to a party at a night club or friend’s house. Then, the television station where I work sponsored a family-friendly Halloween event at a local mall and I spent three years in a row working on Halloween night, which was fun because I would get to meet viewers and lots of cute children in their costumes. I’d head to my friends parties afterwards. The last Halloween party I went to was about three years ago at my friend Pablo Palomino’s house, it was fun! Now that I have nieces and nephews, Halloween for me is about spending time with them, talking to them weeks ahead of time about which costume they want to wear, and then taking them to trick-or-treat on Halloween night! Five years ago, my nephews weren’t even born and my other brother did not live in town. So, it was funny because we took my nieces trick-or-treating and there were seven adults and two children, haha! We’d all stand on the sidewalk as one adult walked them to the neighbors door to knock.

This year, we got together at my sister’s house and all the kids were in costumes. She was also wearing a Hawaiian costume. I have a few costumes at home from past years and decided to wear the geisha costume to match with my nephews Asian theme as a ninja. All the kids looked adorable in their costumes! After trick-or-treating, we went back to my sis’ house and had snacks, chips, with chamoy, chile, & lime of course, we are Mexican after all! Now, getting together on Halloween to go trick-or-treating with the kids has become a family tradition. We are building fun memories and these moments are priceless for me! What did you do this Halloween? Do you have any Halloween traditions?

Hugs,

Paola

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Let the trick-or-treating begin!
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Some of the neighbors really went all out in decorating their homes!

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My sis and adorable nephew! I love how she is always smiling!

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My sister-in-law with my nephew. Guess who she was dressed as (she is missing her black frame glasses in this pic)? What a clever costume!

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The two little one’s going up to a house and ringing the bell, they are growing so fast!

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Group pic 🙂

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This lady’s house had scary decorations, she was sitting at a table at the door passing out candy and even had a smoke machine going.

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The whole trick-or-treating gang (except my brother – he took the pic).DSCN5686

My brother – also – taking pics of the kids.

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This house was super scary, I went up to it with my older niece’s…you can’t see it here, but this car in the driveway had smoke coming out of it….the entire driveway and path to get candy was decorated in a spooky manner! DSCN5691

This person had an inflatable costume, it was huge!

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My sister and her youngest son, she had bought him another costume, but he wanted to be a lion again, so they put last year’s costume on again! He would roar after he told you he was a lion, so cute!! Love my sis & this little boy!

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She had drinks and snacks set up for us to enjoy after trick-or-treating 🙂

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My niece was dressed as a pirate, she is a sweetheart of a girl!

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My sis had an assortment of chips for us to snack on…can you see all the chile bottles and lemon squeezer in the background? Yummy snacks!

Dia De Los Muertos: Remembering Abel, Galo, & Grandfather

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Thank you all for reading my blog posts. The blog is growing and the topics are expanding as I go along. I not only want it to be about fashion and beauty, but also about life experiences I have learned and live – as a woman, Latina, American, daughter, sister, niece, friend, granddaughter, aunt, professional, and now wife. I feel very blessed to have the life that I have and try to remain positive everyday. Seeing the best in people, living my life to the fullest, and trying to learn from every experience – good or bad experiences. But, not everyday is happiness and bliss. I had a recent death of a close relative and it has been one of the hardest and most painful things I have experienced. I want to dedicate this post to him, my Uncle Abel. The tears are falling down my face as I write this post. I am not sure if you have noticed, but in the past few weeks I haven’t posted much, I have been very sad due to his passing, but as my mom says, God does not want us to be unhappy or to suffer. We all mourn in different ways. I tend to continue with my work responsibilities and keep myself busy to get through the sadness, then mourn and cry when I am alone or with family. I have lost three close relatives in my life: my grandfather (he was 64, I was 16), my uncle Edgardo (aka Galo, he was 33, I was 29) and three weeks ago my Uncle Abel (he was 42, I am 39). I have also lost my cousin Antonio (he was 2) and my grandmother (she was 88) on my father’s side, but I was not as close to them.

Abel was the youngest of my mom’s brothers, my mom is the eldest (my grandparents had eleven children). We grew up more like cousins than as uncle-niece. I have fond memories of spending many summers in Mexicali, playing with Galo, Abel, my aunt Miriam and my brother Paul. The five of us were very close in age. They would visit us in San Diego and we would go to Mexicali often. As we grew into adulthood, we continued to spend time together, going to parties and night cIubs together. Later, I saw with joy how Abel formed a beautiful family with his wife Tanya. I would see him often at family gatherings, he was always cheerful! He’d greet me with a big smile and strong hug, and tell me about his projects, how he was working hard to grow his business, everything he would do was with his family in mind! His death has been one of the most painful and difficult things our family has gone through. He was young and his death was very sudden. Our faith has helped us. We will never overcome his death, but we will have to learn to live without his presence on earth. I believe in angels, spirits, and in heaven. Our family now has three angels in heaven. I heard recently that when a loved one passes, you now have an angel you can call by name. I believe this is true, we now have three strong men in heaven, three angels and a baby angel, we can call by name.

One of the blessings in my life that I am the most appreciative for is my family. I was blessed to be born into a large and loving Mexican family. They have blessed me with an unconditional love that is priceless! They have taught me many lessons and it is from them that I have learned my strong work ethic, that anything is possible if you work hard for it, to stay positive, to stay humble, and to always be appreciative of our blessings! They have shown me the importance of family! It is a wonderful sense of belonging and love that is hard to describe, but is amazing and wonderful! Their love warms my heart and just the thought of my family makes me smile! The most joyous moments of my life have been spent with them.

On this day of the dead, I remember these three men. I love you and miss you! Thank you for loving me and for being such good role models. You have left some great children and your legacy will continue in them and our family! Your spirits live with us and I look forward to someday reuniting with you in heaven!

Who do you remember on this Day of the Dead?

Hugs,

Paola

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At grandmother’s home: My brother, grandmother, and Uncle Abel (taken about 15 years ago)

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At my grandmother’s birthday party: Uncle Abel dancing with Uncle Diego, Abel’s wife Tanya is smiling in the background

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At family party: Uncle Galo with his wife Lourdes, me, Aunt Elvira, & Uncle Tony (taken about 16 years ago)

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My maternal grandparents

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My grandparent’s 25th Wedding Anniversary: we were part of the wedding party (L-R front row: Aunt Cynthia, Uncle Galo, me, brother, Aunt Miriam, uncle Abel; behind us are my grandparents)

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At La Rumurosa with my grandfather (L-R: Uncle Abel, Aunt Miriam, Uncle Galo, brother, I am sitting on my grandfather’s lap)

DSCN5909At Grandfather’s desk at his business: my sister Monique is on grandfather’s lap, Aunt Miriam is to his right, Uncle Galo is wearing the yellow cap, I am standing in the corner holding a doll

DSCN5913My grandfather

Trick I Use to Not Eat Too Many Halloween Treats

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Tis’ the Season! For me, Halloween marks the beginning of the holiday season! At this point of the year, I am happy enough to maintain my weight, to try to lose weight would be very, very challenging, haha! In addition to all the fun parties and outings, there is shopping for gifts and for food for special events, putting up decorations, wrapping gifts, and lots more to do. This leads to changes in my routine, in particular less time to exercise. I enjoy the holidays and like to also enjoy the special meals served this time of the year! It is all about moderation. For Halloween, I have tricks use to avoid eating too many treats!

1) Buy Candy I Won’t Want to Eat: I try not to buy chocolates because they are my guilty pleasure, so I know I will want to eat them! I usually buy hard candy, such as lollipops, or Starburst to give out. This way, I am not tempted to have some of it because I don’t really like these types of candy.

2) Don’t Open the Bag: If I don’t open the bag until Halloween night, I won’t eat any before that night.

3) Give Away Left Over Candy: As much as I love chocolate, any chocolates we don’t give out will be taken to my office or my husband’s office, to share with co-workers. If we don’t have it in the house, we won’t eat it. If we keep it at home, we will eat it, all of it, even if over a few weeks, that is lots of additional calories and fat!

This year my hubby bought the candy we will give out. Yesterday, he came home with all these chocolates! What? This is not a good strategy for me! This does not follow my tricks to not eat too many treats! It is like torture for me, haha! I had two pieces last night and four today! Yes, four! I didn’t open the bag of Twix to ensure I don’t eat any of those! I usually keep chocolate at home, but buy chocolate covered almonds or malt balls, so if I have a craving for chocolate I’ll just have a few small pieces, not an entire candy bar.

Ironically, I had just gotten home from a Zumba class at the gym before I took this picture! And yes, I ate some chocolate. It’s so hard to resist!

Happy Halloween everyone! Enjoy the treats, just don’t have too many! And if you do eat too many, exercise more or watch your calorie intake in other meals for a few days. Or, if you want to avoid eating too many treats, try the tricks I listed above….and don’t let your husband buy candy you will want to eat!

What is your favorite Halloween treat?

Hugs,

Paola

I LOVE CHOCOLATE!

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Darn…I want one! The temptation! To taste the sweetness melting in my mouth!

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And, I just had to have one!

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Or two!  DSCN5646

Yikes, look it all the calories and fat in three pieces!

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And…the calories in two pieces of these! DSCN5649Note to self: Tell hubby to please not buy chocolates for Halloween next year! Or at least not chocolates I like! I didn’t open the large bag because I don’t really love the chocolates in that package!

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Favorite “Go To” Floral Top

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We all have what is called a “go to” item in our closet, be it a dress, suit, skirt, top, jeans…an item we know will not let us down. I have multiple “go to” items! This one shoulder, floral blouse is on of them. I bought it for a trip to Miami. Then, I wore it in Las Vegas for dinner with friends (with other couple’s), to emcee and do the Ribbon Cutting at the Grand Opening of restaurant at Westfield Mission Valley, for my hubby’s birthday party, and recently to a baptism. I was close to wearing it to this year’s Mana de San Diego Brindis Gala, but chose to wear a black dress instead (which has recently been added to the “go to” list). I like that I can wear the top with a mini skirt or capris for a Miami brunch on the beach look, or dress it up with slacks or a skirt and heels for a dressier look. It is also good for a day or night look, by changing  the accessories, purse, and shoes! Plus, because of the materials, it is easy to wash at home & doesn’t require ironing (which also makes it a good item for traveling)! That is music to my ears! This how I matched it…to wear to the baptism! What is your favorite “go to” item?

Hugs,

Paola

Todas tenemos artículos en nuestro closet que nos encantan, artículos que sabemos “no nos fallas”, ya sean unos jeans, falda, vestido, o blusa. Yo tengo varios artículos que “no me fallan.” Esta blusa de un hombro es uno de estos artículos. La compre para un viaje a Miami. Despues, me la puse para una cena con otras parejas (amistades) en Las Vagas, para hacer el corte de listón y participar como maestra de ceremonia de la apertura de restaurante en Westfield Mission Valley, la fiesta de cumpleaños de mi marido, y recientemente para ir a un bautizo. Casi me la pongo para la recepcion de Brindis de Mana de San Diego, pero decidi ponerme un vestidito negro (que ya agregue a la lista de articulos de ropa que no me fallan). Me gusta que me puedo poner la blusa con una mimi falda o capris como un look mas casual para un desayuno junto a la playa en Miami. O puedo cominnarla con una falda o pantalones, tacones y cambio de bolsa y accesorios para un look mas formal durante el dia o la noche. Y debido al material es facil lavarla en casa y no requiere de plancha (asi que tambien es practica para viajes)! Esto me encanta! Asi es como me la combine para el bautizo recientemente. Cual es tu articulo “que no te falla” favorito?

Un abrazo,

Paola

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Blouse/Blusa: Forever 21; Shirt/Falda: Nordstrom; Shoes/Zapatos: Cathy Jean; Purse/Bolsa: Coach; Bracelet/Pulsera: Bought in New York at shop on 5th Ave (I’ve had it for a while)

HOW I WORE IT FOR OTHER EVENTS:

Emceeing a Quinceanera Expo Runway Show – it was in North County San Diego, in August, the weather was so hot, this blouse was light & perfect for the occasion!

Participando como maestra de ceremonia de la Pasarela de Quinceanera Expo – fue en el Norte del Condado de San Diego, en Agosto y estaba haciendo muchisimo calor, esta blusa es ligera y fue perfecta para la ocacion!

quince expo emcee hot summer day mic in hand quince expo emcee hot summer day

I was the emcee and had the honor of doing the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Grand Opening of Tora Restaurant at Westfield Mission Valley. Photographed with my colleagues from the television station, Azteca San Diego, Marketing Director at Westfield Mission Valley, staff at Tora Restaurant, and guests.

Como maestra de ceremonia y tuve el honor de hacer el Corte de Liston para la Apertura del Restaurante Tora en Westfield Mission Valley. Fotografia con mis companeros de la televisora, Azteca San Diego, el Director de Mercadotecnia de Westfield Mission Valley, personal del Restaurante Tora, e invitados.

floral blouse tora restaurant javoer claudia tony paola pic floral blouse group pic fam tony weiters tora rest miss valley

 

 

FWSD Day 3: Runway Show & Doggie Fashion Show

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Fashion Week San Diego – Day 3, included a number runway shows & a doggie fashion show with pets that were adoptable from the Rancho Coastal Humane Society. The fashion was amazing & inspiring! I originally wasn’t planning on attending Day 3 of FWSD, but due to some scheduling changes I was able to make it and enjoyed it! My friends Kim Rescate and Ana Pines also attended, so it was an added treat to spend time with them! This show included bathing suits, hats, and local designers, such as Diestra and Dos Caras Swimwear, it was wonderful! There was a dj playing music and it added to the lively mood. Since it was a Friday, people stayed and mingled after the show, and later headed to the after party. I didn’t attend the after party because I was scheduled to speak and participate at the Walk Now for Autism Speaks event the next morning. I did have an opportunity to meet one of the designers from Diestra after the show, she recognized me from my television job and came over to say hi, it was nice to meet her! Have you been to FWSD or  runway show?

Hugs,

Paola

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FWSD 2013: The Art & Beauty Behind Fashion

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Fashion Week San Diego (FWSD) was held recently – I was looking forward to the fashion shows and events for a few weeks! The runway shows were held at the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier, a very appropriate venue for this event! I wasn’t able to attend all of the events due to other commitments, but did attend the first three days. The first day was titled The Art & Beauty Behind Fashion which featured beauty industry experts. The experts spoke about their experience in fashion as it relates to beauty, nails, hair, & makeup. There were also local artists doing live art demonstrations and a silent auction. My friend Lola went to the event with me and we had fun. It was interesting to learn about how the speakers got involved in the industry and about the beauty tips they shared, as well as the latest trends in beauty. Have you been to FWSD?

Hugs,

Paola

PS – My Love of Wrap Dresses and The Little Blue Dress.

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Sonnora Waldhotel & Restaurant and Black Forest – Germany

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During our recent vacation, we spent two days in the west part of Germany, known as the Black Forest region. We visited friends at their home and had dinner with them at Sonnora Restaurant. We had dinner there two years ago, they have exquisite french cuisine! My husband has dined there many times over the years.  It is one of the best restaurants we have been to! It is elegant and beautiful, they have excellent service and the food is amazing. Sonnora is one of the top restaurants in Germany, with three star rating and international status. The Restaurant is a destination in itself. People from other countries and Germans from all over come to enjoy this experience and cuisine!  Our friends know the Chef, Helmut Thieltges (he’s also the owner), and after dinner we had the opportunity to meet him, this was quite a treat! It was a wonderful evening with friends!

We stayed at the Sonnora Waldhotel (means forest hotel) which is adjacent to the Restaurant. The area is beautiful, with tall forest trees! The gardens are so picturesque, it felt like we were in a Hansel & Gretel fairy tale! I recorded a video blog of our visit to Sonnora and will post it soon. The experience is unique and the location is breathtaking, here’s a link to the Sonnora Waldhotel & Restaurant, if you’d like more details. If you are in a foodie, chef, or just enjoy fine dining this is a must visit restaurant! Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Hugs,

Paola

PS – Our trip to Germany: Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, spa day in Baden Baden, and visiting Kurhaus Casino & Kaefers’ Restaurant.

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The entrance to the Hotel.DSCN4982 DSCN4979 DSCN4969 DSCN4983 DSCN4966

The lobby area.DSCN4962 DSCN4985

A sitting room with views of the garden.

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The entrance to Sonnora Restaurant.

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The dining room at Sonnora Restaurant.

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Our hotel room – a suite with a terrace. DSCN4929 DSCN4925 DSCN4930

It always a nice treat to have bathrobes & slippers!

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The living room area of our suite.

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Picture of the entrance, the suite has an alcove with a closet, safe, mirror, & dressing area.

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It was nice to have fresh fruit provided in the room! I wasn’t hungry at breakfast time, but I took a banana & kiwi to go.

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The terrace (balcony) & garden view from our room.

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A picture of the beautiful garden area – so picturesque!

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The view from the balcony seating area of the breakfast dining area.

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More options for outside seating.

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Another view of the gardens.

DSCN4958A picture of part of the breakfast dining room.

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It was a “European” style continental breakfast.

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I wasn’t hungry at breakfast time, so I only had a cup of coffee. The individual coffee pot was a nice touch.

DSCN4959A private dining room located in the breakfast area.

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As we were checking out, Chef Thieltges came out to greet us.

Spa Day in Baden Baden, Germany

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During our vacation to Germany, we spent a day at Baden Baden, a city known for its mineral spas. I had been there on vacation with my sister about 10 years ago. I recorded a video blog, so I wasn’t able to take many pictures and taking pictures inside the spa is not allowed. We spent the day at Caracalla Spa enjoying the mineral water pools and jacuzzis, as well as the steam rooms. Afterwards, we did a little shopping at the gift shop and headed to dinner. We found a little Prague style restaurant in town, just a few blocks from the spa. My hubby ordered  a dumpling soup and goulash. I don’t really like goulash or dumplings, so I had a broiled potato (this was pretty much what I ate daily on our vacation to Prague a few years ago). Of course, I tried a few spoonfuls of the dessert, how can you say no to a sundae? I can’t! We had a relaxing day in Baden Baden! If you visit Germany and have time to make a side trip, I definitely recommend Baden Baden. It is a cute & quaint town, with wonderful and unique spas! We’ll probably come back in a few years!

Hugs,

Paola

PS – Our trip to Germany: Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, enjoying Sonnora Waldhotel & Restaurant and Black Forest in west Germany, and visiting Kurhaus Casino & Kaefers’ Restaurant.

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This is the entrance of the spa (picture taken from the inside looking out).

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This is the lobby of the spa.

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Our table had flowers and  a small candle, always a nice touch!

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My hubby ordered dumpling soup and his mexo-mix soft drink (Coke & Fanta mix).

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I ordered a broiled potato, in the background you can see the goulash dish my husband ordered.

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We shared dessert. The sundae was delicious….and huge!

Casual Stripes

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With stripes – and black and white in fashion right now, I found this dress about three weeks ago. Even though they say horizontal lines can sometimes not be flattering because they make us look wider, I tried it on and liked the way it fit and looked. I am not a huge fan of long dresses, but I liked this one! I figured, I can wear it during the end of summer and into the fall, then again in the spring! The dress is not only cute, it is very comfortable to wear! I can mix and match it with various colored belts, sweaters, jackets, and scarves. I styled it with this hat, pink belt & wedges. I wore it today, Sunday – my hubby and I met our friends Mary and Dante for lunch at Il Fornaio in Coronado.  They live in Florida and are in town on vacation. It was nice to see them, they are two of the nicest people we know! We had a wonderful time with them!

Hugs,

Paola

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 Dress: Poof; Belt: Gap; Shoes: Marc Jacobs; Jacket: Ann Taylor; Sunglasses: Prada; Bracelets: Coach (Black/Gold tone) & Forever 21 (color bangles); Necklace: Macy’s Fine Jewelry; Earrings: Chanel

Germany: Kurhaus Casino & Kaefers’ Restaurant

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My hubby and I went on vacation to Germany last week. We have a home in Germany and he goes there a few times per year. It is quite the trek & a long flight, so I make the trip with him once a year. This time we visited Baden Baden (one of my favorite cities), Stuttgart, the Black Forest area (west Germany), the city of Nancy in France, and of course, Wiesbaden, my hubby’s hometown. He was born and grew up in San Francisco, so that is really his hometown, but he also grew up in Germany. I recorded a vblog and will try to get it posted soon. I’ll post the pictures from our trip in parts since it takes me a while to select and upload them.

Our trip was from Friday to the next Sunday, so we were gone for 10 days. We took an evening flight and landed the next day around 3:00 pm in Germany. I am not good at sleeping during flights and don’t like to take sleeping pills, so I had bad jet-lag on Saturday. We made a quick stop to buy some snacks and water, and headed home. I slept all afternoon and woke up the next day! Geez! We spent Sunday at home, which was nice since I still had jet-lag. Monday we did some shopping and went out to a Restaurant we visit each time we go to Wiesbaden, it is called Kaefers’, a french bistro style restaurant, located inside the Kurhaus Casino. My hubby waited patiently as I took pictures of our dinner and dessert. It was a mellow first three days to start off our vacation, the rest was non-stop – fun – with daily visits to different cities! Next post will be….visit to the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, I took lots of pictures…coming soon!

Hugs,

Paola

PS – Our visit to the Porsche Museum, a spa day in Baden Baden, and enjoying the Sonnora Waldhotel & Restaurant and Black Forest in west Germany.

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This is the main entrance to the Kurhaus Casino.

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Kaefers’ Restaurant…we call it the ladybug restaurant because there are lady bug figurines on the table and painted on the glasses. Lady bugs are supposed to bring good luck…or so the belief goes.

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They bring you freshly carved carpaccio as an appetizer with a bread basket….but, as in many European Restaurants, they charge you for the bread & carpaccio.

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My husband had a meet dish, I had this yummy salad (which I order each time we eat here)….to my surprise there was goat cheese on the bottom, I had forgotten that! The salad was so large I took most of the salmon home and had it the next day for breakfast with some fresh bread! I eat so much bread when I am in Europe….you find it freshly baked everywhere, even at gas station stores! Love it!!!

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We had the strawberry tart a la mode for dessert, it was delicious!

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The area where the chefs prepare the appetizers.

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This is a beautiful cheese cart they have….cheese is a huge staple for meals in Europe…as an appetizer, snack, part of a sandwich, and dessert when served with fruit!

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The carving station where waiters carves the carpaccio fresh for each table!

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They bring you your receipt in this colorful lady bug container, with two chocolates wrapped in lady bug foil. Cute!

Flight: Part 3 of 3

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Here’s the last part of the “flight” photo shoot we took at the hangar. Hope you like it!

Hugs,

Paola

Les comparto la ultima parte de la sesión fotografica titulada “Vuelo” que tomamos en el hangar. Ojala les guste!

Un abrazo,

Paola

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Top/Blusa: Banana Republic: Pants/Pantalones: Forever 21; Shoes/Zapatos: Coach; Belt/Cinto: Ann Taylor; Purse/Bolsa: Louise Vuitton; Necklaces/Collares: Tiffany & Co. and Ann Taylor; Bracelets/Pulseras: Coach and Tiffany & Co.; Earrings/Aretes: Tiffany & Co.; Sunglasses/Lentes de Sol: Prada

Flight: Part 2 of 3

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It is nice to be able to share more aspects of my life with you through my blog! Hope you are enjoying it as much as I am! Thank you for your support and for following the blog!

I am having fun with the photo shoots we do! Thanks to my hubby for his support and coming up with the idea to do a photo shoot at the hangar! Here’s part 2 of the “Flight” photo shoot!

Hugs,

Paola

Español: Me da gusto poder compartir mas aspectos de mi vida con ustedes por medio de mi blog! Ojala lo esten disfrutando, tanto como yo lo disfruto! Les agradezco su apoyo y que sigan mi blog, mil gracias!

Me estoy divirtiendo con las sesiones fotográficas! Gracias a mi esposito por su apoyo y por su creatividad en pensar en la idea de tomar una sesión de fotografías en el hangar! Aqui les comparto Parte 2 de la sesión fotográfica “Vuelo”!

Un abrazo,

Paola

DSC_3981 DSC_3984 DSC_3988 DSC_3992 DSC_3993 DSC_3996 DSC_4001Top/Blusa: Banana Republic: Pants/Pantalones: Forever 21; Shoes/Zapatos: Coach; Belt/Cinto: Ann Taylor; Purse/Bolsa: Louise Vuitton; Necklaces/Collares: Tiffany & Co. and Ann Taylor; Bracelets/Pulseras: Coach and Tiffany & Co.; Earrings/Aretes: Tiffany & Co.; Sunglasses/Lentes de Sol: Prada

Happy Mexican Independence Day

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Mexico’s Independence Day is celebrated on September 16….not Cinco de Mayo as some may think 😉 I attended the Anniversary of Mexican Independence event organized by the Consulate of Mexico. It was a very nice event with dignitaries, award recipients, and performances by ballet folkloric and the Student Mariachi from San Diego State University. The ballet folkloric performances were beautiful and the Mariachi music gave me goosebumps, it was such a delight to listen to! The event was held at the San Diego Museum of Art with a reception after the program. The food was delicious, of course a Mexican menu, with sopes, tamales, empanadas, pastel tres leches, tacos, salad with queso fresco, aguas frescas, and traditional popsicles made from fresh fruit! Happy Independence Day to Mexico and all of it’s people, as a Mexican-Amreican, I include myself in the celebration! I get to celebrate the 4th of July & 16th of September! Did you know Mexican Independence Day is on September 16? How do you celebrate Mexican Independence Day?

Hugs,

Paola

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My Week In Photos

Hello friends!

The weather cooled down a bit this week, it got back to regular San Diego weather, which was nice because I got to enjoy two outdoor evening events this week! Every week I have multiple reasons why I love my career, this week two stand out – the Miramar Air Show and the Walk for Autism Speaks. I produced and hosted interviews for both events this week. These events are coming up in October and the stations (where I work) are supporting them! I am looking forward to both events, they each support a great cause!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! Do you have fun plans? Do share!

Hugs,

Paola

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With the MCAS Miramar Air Show representatives.

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With the Walk for Autism Speaks representative.

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DSCN4683At the Anniversary of Mexican Independence Event, organized by the Consulate of Mexico (pictured with Lola Raggio). The Mariachi is from San Diego State University’s Music Program.

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Enjoyed delicious food at the Latin Food Fest’s Opening Night event! It was nice to see some friends at the event – pictured with Kim Rescate, Ana Pines, and chefs.

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Did an interview with Marco Puente, reporter for City College TV, during the Latin Food Fest. It was a delight to meet Marco!