The City Picnic

This past weekend doggie, hubby, and I went for a relax picnic in the city. Although I live in the city I really consider myself a nature out-doorsy kind of gal. The weather that afternoon was around 75 degrees. Perfect for a Florida fall picnic!

Here is Chewie and me enjoying time together. In the background you can see our little picnic setting under the tree. And on the right side of the picture you can see the lake. I believe always having a picnic near the water. And here in Florida there are tons of lakes, rivers, and ocean to choose from!

I had about an hour or so to prepare for our picnic. So I grabbed my Bohemian Girl Collection tote bag and picnic basket and packed food, drinks, blankets, towels, games, and reading materials.

Reading outdoors is the best thing ever! The fresh air and the serene sounds of nature adds to the ambiance.

Here is one of the books that we brought along to read: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. Several weeks ago hubby and I were watching the film based on this novel. I told my husband that I had never read the book. He happened to have a copy in his library. So at the picnic I started reading the first chapter of the book. So far I have enjoyed the writing style of the author. I think it's one of my favorites along with Jane Austen novels.

Can't forget to bring provisions to the picnic. This darling picnic basket was given to me by my mom.

I have been on a strict diet lately. So I made sure to pack plenty of fruits for our outing.

What is a picnic without visual inspiration? In this Vogue 2010 May issue I enjoyed the vintage styles of the past. And while I turned the pages of Vogue I enjoyed my delicious hearty apple.

Here is doggie and me having some activity time.

A little exercise is great for both of us.

Being that I had been in doors for quite some time now, It was truly great to feel healthier again and to reconnect with nature once again!

Chao,


Carmen

Down Time with Mom!

I have been enjoying some girly down time lately. These past few weeks have been especially perfect for me because my mom is in town! I cherish every moment that I have with my mom. How I miss being near her!

In this picture my mom is caring for her brother's children. Since she was very young my mom loved taking care of others. She is that kind of person that will leave everything in a moments notice to help family and friends. And although she studied in one of the best Universities in Miami, she is the kind of person that didn't believe that a career defines a person. But that showing love and kindness to others is what really defines and makes a person special.

Mom always taught us children to enjoy the simple things in life. We learned to live with little. And to be content with what we had. And although at times things were hard for us, we always had everything that we really needed. And that was the love that we had for each other.

My mom has always been that warm blanket for me for when things get gloomy and gray. And she has been that cheerleader for me on my many dreams and endeavors in life

I think that it's so important for a girl to have somebody to trust and confine in. I am very blessed to have somebody that is not only my mother, but that is also my confidant, teacher, cheerleader, and friend!


I Love you mom!


Thanks for always being there for me!



From gatica with love!

Winter Scarf & Hairdo

My black and white winter scarf is very precious to me, because it was given to me as a gift from a dear friend of mine. She has great talent when it comes to knitting and making unique things. I absolutely love how this scarf looks on me! I feel totally sophisticated and stylish!

Do you like my new hairdo? Well I got inspired when I saw the actress Hedy Lamarr in the movie Ziegfield Girls. In this movie she had her hair parted in the middle. So last night I parted my hair in the middle then I set my hair in pin curls. This morning I unwind the curls, and gently styled my hair and viola!


I love my new hairdo!







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Enjoy your day!



Chao,


Carmen

P.S. I found out that Hedy Lamarr lived in Orlando. Not far away from where I live. This is a small world after all!

Always be Remembered

This past weekend I lost my dear grandfather. My heart has been saddened this whole weekend by his passing. When I saw this picture from Creative Commons, it reminded so much of my grandfather. Even though he was very old, he was always young in heart, intelligent, and very funny. He was always ready to travel, to have fun, and enjoy life!

My grandfather loved history. His grandchildren use to love to gather around him and listened to his interesting stories. He also loved music, planting, and he sure loved to play dominoes. Whoever visited him, he would challenge them to a game. He loved a mental challenge. No wonder his mind was always sharp and alert through out his life. He was the kind of person that was always doing something. He was a busy grandpa.

One of the things that I would always cherished about him was that he loved having people around him. He loved having visitors and conversing with them. At times when he was by himself he was doing something creative.

My grandfather had a long and rewarding life. He almost lived to be 100 years old. Almost a century! He saw the raise and fall of governments, wars, and even fashion. He was around when there was no T.V. When there was shows on the radio. When T.V was first black and white and then colors. And when the internet became the new T.V. No wonder he had stories to tell us!

My grandfather worked hard while raising his family of 16 children. My family come from a humble place where water and electricity was not always available. Working in a third world country and raising a large family was hard back then. We always admired him and our grandmother for raising a big family.


My grandpa lived to see his 50 plus grandchildren and great grandchildren.


He will truly be missed by all...



We love you grandpa!



Chao,



Carmen

A Walk in The Park

On Friday hubby and I with doggie took a much needed walk in the park. I love spending quality time with family surrounded by nature. And now that the weather is cooler, I can't wait to do more outdoor activities! I am so fascinated with nature. I love to day-dream of a future day when people will live in harmony with nature.

In the meanwhile I am soaking up the beauty of God's creation, and imagining that
that we spotted far off a castle, that sat so pretty like a jewel in a garden...

just day-dreaming!



Enjoy your weekend!



Chao,


Carmen

Photo: Creative Commons

Pepé Le Pew

I present to you my doggie Chewie! Three years ago in our wedding anniversary my husband knock on the front door pretending to be a UPS guy. When I opened the door I didn't see anyone. But then, when I looked down, I saw what happen to be a hairy creature starring right at me. I looked out to the street to see if somebody must have accidentally left this cute puppy on my front door. A few minutes later my husband came out from hiding and said "happy anniversary"! I was so excited that day!



I have been wanting to have a doggie for while. I grew up always having a dog. Our dogs where part of the family. And several years ago when I became ill, I wanted to have a companion for when my husband had to go to work, so that way I wouldn't feel completely alone. My doggie has surely brought me so much happiness.



I am proud to say that my doggie is a mutt. He is half Australian Shepard and half Jack Russel Terrier. That is why Chewie ended up so cute. The first few days Chewie was super shy, walking around the house with his ears down. We thought for sure that he was going to be a quiet dog. But then, as he got use to the fact that he was at home, his energetic self came out!



Have you ever seen a circus dog jumping and running everywhere? I felt that we have adopted a circus dog. Our dog have to go for his walk and exercise everyday. If he doesn't he will be a very sad dog. And besides being energetic he is so intelligent! A few days after we got him, I was worried that he was not eating enough. So one day I looked straight at his eyes and just told him, "go eat your food," and sure enough my doggie got up and walked to the kitchen and started to eat his food. I was so blown away by this, that right away I had to tell my husband!



Chewie has a very unique personality. He is very expressive, that he even has a unique howling. At the vet where we got him, they use to call him "woo, woo". Whenever we get ready to go for a car ride, he will go "woo, woo" many times. Perhaps in his doogie language he is saying, "Oh good, oh good, we are going for a car ride"! Can you believe that we can't even say or spell the words "car ride" in our house, or else Chewie's ears will perk up and will start jumping and howling.

One more unique thing that Chewie does that is so amazing, is that he hops. I have never seen a dog hop like a rabbit! Whenever we will opened the back door for him to run to the back yard,
Chewie will hop out like if he was Pepé Le Pew! I just love my doggie!


He is such a happy dog!


And I am a very happy and proud mom!