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Happy 2014!

New_Year_2014

2013 has been a year filled with tough yet necessary changes, mixed emotions and lots of love. I’ve seized the days, grabbed life by the horns and danced to my own tunes. I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Regardless of what the future holds, feel blessed to be where you are. You are alive and breathing. I’m blessed to have the support and love of my husband and my family. I couldn’t have survived 2013 without their unconditional love.

To you, thank you for reading this blog. I love to share the things you see on these posts and I’m so lucky to have you as part of my journey. I feel like you are my army of support. Now, let’s welcome 2014 with a pop! of bubbly, that is! I wish you a spectacular 2014! Make it a good one!

Lots of love and joy!Signature_Zania

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A Little Christmas Song or Two

Hi!

Christmas day might have passed but there’s still a holiday spirit floating around! Here are two videos of me singing “O Holy Night” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”. I sing all the time and I thought that maybe you’d like to listen. Hope you’re having a wonderful time with your family and friends. Enjoy!

Signature_Zania

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Merry Christmas 2013

Merry_Christmas_2013Hi everyone!

When I was young, my belief in Santa was very real but conflicted. I would urge my parents to leave the Christmas Eve festivities early so that Santa would have time to drop by our home before the sun rose. As soon as we got home I would go to bed like a good little girl but have a hard time falling asleep. I just couldn’t control the excitement!!! What would he leave under our tree?!?! As I attempted to fall asleep I would also try to figure out how odd it was to have a stranger come into our house in the middle of the night, park his reindeer on our roof, eat our cookies, drop off some gifts and then leave. Why? What’s in it for him? I mean, “He sees you when you’re sleeping… He knows when you’re awake…” Stalker. That just creeped the heck out of me! Hence, I never even thought about leaving my room to see if I could take a peek at Santa. I’d much rather wait for him to magically zip in and out through our front door’s key hole (we lived in the Caribbean people… no chimneys…) uninterrupted. Wheww…

Needless to say, the Three Wise Men were even creepier! They wouldn’t stay in the living room, they would dare to go into our rooms! I mean, did they all split up and go into each of our rooms? Or did all three come into each room? Did the camels come in with them? Did they all smell like camel? You can bet every last penny that my eyes would stay completely shut throughout the night afraid that if they were to open I would risk not getting gifts or seeing a group of old men with glittered robes and crowns placing clothes under my bed. Uhmmm…

For all that it’s worth, I was always nervous and excited but never terrified. It was magic. Kids get to experience wonder and joy beyond their wildest dreams. I would love to experience that again. Wouldn’t you? My guess is that it will all come back to life the day I have my own children. I’ll see it through their imagination and their innocence. Awww… :-p

I wish you lots of joy and fond memories on this very special Christmas Eve and day! Thank you for reading this post! Now go have some fun! You deserve it! Here’s a video of my office Christmas Party. Enjoy!

Signature_Zania

 

 

 

 

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Checking In On Week 36

Hi amiguitos and amiguitas!

It’s time to check in on my quest for life’s purpose. Maybe you can relate? The last time I checked in was on August 13th 2013, and you can read that post HERE. Some things have changed: ones have gone better, while others not so much. It’s to be expected. I still have my “freak my freak” moments here and there about work, life and money…but it comes with the territory. Every one of my friends (and my mom) has said, “Better make those big changes before you have any kids, because once they’re in the picture, those decisions become much harder.” Noted. Check.

Here’s a list of the good and the bad since I last checked in. No sugar coating!

  • I’ve only been called for 3 auditions after I booked that commercial. I was actually flown to NYC for one of those auditions, but in the end I didn’t get it. No need to feel sorry for me. I learned from the experience and moved on.
  • I’m still writing on this blog, which I’ve discovered I love to do so much. Now I’m looking into monetizing the blog, while finding more opportunities for growth and development within the content, the design and my skill set. I also surpassed the 50 blog post mark! This is post #73!
  • We shot the second season of Miss Ideas for Yahoo! En Español, but haven’t been renewed for another season. Aww!! I really, really enjoy doing this, and if they don’t renew us at all, I will make my own DIY videos for you.
  • My new music video was recorded and now I’m just waiting for the final copy! Yay!
  • I started my business as an interior decorator: Interiors by Zania.
  • Part of my Services include E-Decorating! Go check out my Services Page above for packages and pricing! Affordable, professional design via the Internet! Can’t beat that!
  • I still need more clients to make a steady living doing what I love!! I’m working on that strategy as we speak.
  • One of my first projects was creating and developing the set design of Tr3s Top 20. See the Before & After HERE.
  • I helped a friend plan a Christmas Bazaar (which I had never done before), and it ended up being fun (plus I made some extra cash!).
  • Attended 3 women’s events where I networked a lot!! They were: “Yo Soy Poderosa”, “Hispana Leadership Summit” and “Women’s Success Summit“. So many fellow female entrepreneurs supporting each other! Love it!
  • Since it’s the Holiday season, I’ve had the best ever “Coquito” selling season yet. I finally figured out the exact recipe. Watch this fun and short video on my coquito process (sans some ingredients, because I don’t want to give the secret away!)  Just in case you didn’t know, “Coquito” is a traditional holiday drink from Puerto Rico.

I have to admit that I’ve had fleeting thoughts about giving up and going back to work in corporate America…but then I laugh at myself and say “that’s not even an option”! So far, my spirits are higher and my energy is brighter. I wake up so energized! (Can you say “annoying morning person”?) That part of me was non-existent before. I was a little robot with a strict schedule. Now I’m an alert human with a conscious routine that I love. I wake up earlier, work out more often, work with passion, eat healthier and rest better. Mega lifestyle change. Totally worth it.

I leave you with this quote from one of my favorite authors, Elizabeth Gilbert:

Creativity and fear
Credit: Elizabeth Gilbert Facebook Page

Have you checked in with yourself lately? How are you doing? What’s your path in life? Tell me. I’m here to listen and support. Hope you have a lovely day! Don’t forget to follow me on instagram for lots of fun pics!

Signature_Zania

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Holiday Gift Guide 2013

Holiday_Gift_GuideYou’ve still got time!!!!

How are you doing with your holiday shopping? If you need a little help figuring out what to get for your peeps, here are some of my favorite items, gift guides and websites from this holiday season. Good luck!

  1. For the men in your life, Uncommon Goods has some creative and unique items that will surely grab your attention. I like the  Working Man’s Hygiene Kit. I got my brother the mixtape glasses as a birthday present from this online store and he loved them! Another great thing about this online store is that it gives back to the community by donating a portion of their sales to charity. My friends and I are all over this site.

    mixtape_uncommon
    Credit: uncommongoods.com
  2. Real Simple has a list called 29 Great Gifts for Women:  Several things caught my eye like, the Mukki Bracelets, the Tocca Lotion Set, the Agate Print Jewelry Box, the Pink Love Salts, the Alpaca Infinity Scarf and the Sole Society Oversized Oval Crystal Stud Earrings. Many options here for every type of gal.
    figyarrow-salts_300
    Credit: RealSimple.com

    mukki-bracelets_300
    Credit: RealSimple.com
  3. If you’re in the mood to make your own gifts this year, LaurenConrad.com offers a great DIY Gift Guide. From a Gingerbread Cookie in a Jar to a Personalized Pillow, you can basically do it all and gift it all. We made a body and lip scrub for Yahoo’s Miss Ideas and it was fantastic! It really works and it’s also a great gift!  For a list of the ingredients in Spanish and English click HERE and watch the video below:
    Exfoliantes naturales | Natural Exfoliants Episode #10 (7.24.2013)
    Exfoliantes naturales | Natural Exfoliants
    Episode #10 (7.24.2013)

    1v0n8mEBqB7OVBcBRbduAK9X
    Credit: via LaurenConrad.com
  4. For the jewelry lovers… I suggest the Jewel Be Mine online store. My friends and I went crazy for their fashionable and affordable accessories. I own this Green Sunburst Bib necklace and the Navy Sailor’s Knot necklace. The young chicas behind this store have incredible taste!

    jewelbemine_necklace
    Credit: JewelBeMine.com
  5. For the babies and toddlers in your life, check out this adorable Gift guide curated by one of my favorite bloggers, Joanna Goddard from A Cup Of Jo. I think this double decker bus from The Land of Nod is too cute.

    double-decker-bus
    Credit: LandOfNod.com
  6. Give the gift of healthy living! I am in love with the Tone It Up fitness routines and recipes created by Karena and Katrina. I do their routines every morning! Gift the Beach Babe DVD to your girlfriends and they will thank you forever. You can also start watching their new show Toned Up on Bravo TV on January 2nd! I’m so excited!!

    screen-shot-2012-04-07-at-12-51-49-pm
    Credit: BeachBabe.com
  7. Board games are always a good idea too! I am a huge fan of Ellen Degeneres and she created the Head’s Up Game App which has now been made into a board game. This is seriously so much fun to play!! My family and I once played this for 2 straight hours! This Christmas I’m also getting Cards Against Humanity. I still haven’t played it, but everyone says it’s great! It’s like an adult version of Apples to Apples. I’m all over it. Oh and you can buy it for $25 or download it for FREE!
    050213-heads-up-game-612x339-1
    Credit: EllenTV.com

    cards-against-humanity2
    Credit: CardsAgainstHumanity.com
  8. Need Stocking stuffers? Gift cards are always a good idea. Here are some great ideas on how to snag Gift Cards for less! (via PureWow.com) You can also check out The Container Store’s Stocking Stuffers List. I practically want everything in this list. I own this Travalo Easy-Fill Perfume Atomizer and I take it everywhere I go! So cool!

    TravaloRefillablePerfumeSpray_x
    Credit: ContainerStore.com

Then, if you need help wrapping those gifts, you can watch our Gift Wrapping video from Miss Ideas for some ideas. Shameless Self-Promotion, baby!Miss_Ideas_Buenas_Ideas_para_envlver_regalos_Screen_shot_2

Wheww! Hopefully this list has helped you a little bit with your shopping. I know it definitely helped me! Gotta love online shopping! Let me know if you ended up buying anything from the list!

Thanks for reading and Happy Holidays!

Signature_Zania(FYI… this is not a sponsored post. I researched these sites and I genuinely like everything that I mention above).

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‘Tis the Season for Giving

Hi everyone!

The holiday season brings lots of festivities, food and shopping but it also brings a lot of generosity. It is during this season that we reflect upon our blessings and then pay it forward by giving back to those less fortunate. Read below to see how you can make a child’s Christmas a little brighter this holiday season.Space Coast Credit Union

A FAMILY COMES TOGETHER AMIDST TRAGEDY TO GIVE BACK TO OTHERS

 December 9, 2013 (Miami, FL)- On December 9, 2008, the Garcia family suffered the devastating loss of their son, Kevin Garcia as a result of a car accident. Kevin was just 17 years old, a senior in high school, with a bright future ahead of him. At the time of Kevin’s death, the family was inspired to request toys instead of flowers for his funeral. Kevin’s friend’s and family responded overwhelmingly to this request by filling a truck full of toys to benefit the patients of Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital. Since that initial toy drive, the efforts made by his family and friends has evolved into what is now the Kevin Garcia Foundation.

The Kevin Garcia Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help at risk children and teenagers overcome economic barriers so they can achieve healthier, more productive lives. In addition to it’s annual toy drive, the foundation has also established a scholarship fund to benefit students that excel academically and in athletics, as well as sponsoring other nonprofit organizations such as Amigos For Kids, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and Wonderfund.

When asked what inspired her to commit her life to this effort, Kevin’s mother responded with the following;

“In the 11th grade, Kevin was asked to write an essay about who he would be if he could be anyone in history and why. His answer was Elvis Presley, and his reason was quoted from one of his favorite childhood movies, The Sandlot: “Heroes get remembered, but legends never die”. Establishing the Kevin Garcia Foundation is our next step in spreading the legend of Kevin’s love, hope, and joy to as many people as possible. Kevin did not have money, power or fame, but he had what every human aspires to achieve in a lifetime: The ability to touch another person’s soul.“

The Kevin Garcia Foundation is currently preparing for their 5th annual toy drive on Saturday December 14th at Porcão (901 SE 1st Ave). This year, the foundation is happy to welcome the efforts of Space Coast Credit Union as corporate sponsors in support of the cause. From now until Dec 22nd, all Space Coast Credit Union branches in Palm Beach, Broward, and Dade counties will serve as drop off locations for new and unwrapped toys that the foundation will then deliver to Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital on Christmas Day.

 For more information on the Kevin Garcia Foundation or to make a tax-deductible donation visit, www.kevingarciafoundation.com. For a list of participating Space Coast Credit Union branches please visit: www.sccu.com.

Thank you for reading! Have you donated your time, money or goods this season? Tell me all about it! ‘Tis the season for giving!

Signature_Zania(Please note this is not a sponsored post. I will gladly share any charitable event or promotion as long as I believe in the cause and support the people/companies behind it. The article was not written by me. I’m just the mediator).

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Behind the Scenes “No te necesito” Video Shoot Part 2

Styling_BarHi!

So I wanted to show you a little more of the “behind the scenes” from the music video for one of my songs, “No te necesito”, that we recorded some time ago. The video is in the final stages of post production and I should be getting the final copy soon. Yay! In the meantime, I wanted to share with you the good and the bad of the transformation of the space. I will always be honest here and part of that is accepting your mistakes and showing you that I’m human too.

Like I mention in the first blog post about this music video, I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on it, since the purpose of this video is just to have fun and promote my music using visuals. That said, the space used to be a green room where artists would hang out while they waited to perform their music in the CD store below. (Yes, there is still a store selling CDs in Miami. It’s called “El Museo del Disco”).

Here are the Before pictures of the bar and stage (respectively);

Before_Bar Before_StageI mean… seriously… neglected. But it was free and we were able to pretty much do whatever we wanted, for however long we needed, for FREE. Free sounds good to me.

I was inspired to create an “underground” lounge/bar scene where an audience would go to watch a multitude of amateur talent on open mic nights. I think I did an ok job given the tight budget and the resources, but looking back, there are several things I would change.

First, I spent a lot of time planning. Lists and lists of things to do, as well as what to take to the set. The list was enormous. Get ottomans from friend… spray paint wooden frames… clean wine bottles… melt wax on them to give them an old world looky look… spray adhesive to each and every book page… (I had Oprah’s Masterclass playing for audio entertainment. Multitasking)… It was a lot, but it got done with time to spare. These are the pics I posted on Instagram.

Glueing_Pages Spray_Painting_FramesThen it was time to set up. Princess Prius (my car) was completely filled with furniture and stuff, to the point that the guard from my building asked me if I had scheduled a moving-out date on the calendar… LOL! No, sir. But BTW, I’m doing this again in a week to get everything back home. See ya!

Then it was time to set up. Like the Tr3s Top 20 set I previously designed, decorating a set is very different than a residential room. I wrote about those differences HERE. I was confident with my design idea because it was clear and precise, but I couldn’t help but doubt myself every now and then.

Process_Bar After_StageNow that I see the set, I think the bar area was better designed than the stage. I love the paper walls and the natural fiber rug, but the chair and the ottomans were too modern/bright for the space. The purpose of the chair was to add color, but it didn’t quite go with the design. I do like the vintage suitcase and the open guitar case. Those white boxes on the side needed to be covered in black or something, because they are very ugly. But hey, you live and you learn. Overall I think I did an ok job. Next time it’ll be better.

This was taken during the recording of the video.

Shoot Tearing_Down_the_SetThen after all that work… it gets torn down in a second. Oh well. You’ll get to see the final product once the video is released. Stay tuned! I will be posting the video on YouTube and on all social media sites as well as here.

Thanks for reading!
Signature_Zania

 

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E-Decorating Services

E-DecoratingHi everyone!

Today I want to let you in on a little secret… I’m now offering E-Decorating services! I’ve been working on these packages for some time now and it’s time to share them with you. What is E-Decorating, you may ask? Well, E-decorating is a way in which you and I can work together on a space in your house without me having to actually be there. I know… Jetsons style! I do all consultations and decorating by phone and online. It’s not the easiest way to decorate but if there’s any way that I can help you improve your space for an affordable price then I’m all for it. Yes, you do have to put in a little more effort on your end than you normally would when hiring a designer but hey, in the end, I think it’s worth it. Unless… if you want to fly me to your beach house in the Seychelles, I’m not going to complain… :-)

You can see a list of all of my services and pricing by clicking on the SERVICES tab above. If you have any questions at all, you can email me through the CONTACT page above.

Thanks for reading! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

Signature_Zania

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5 Ways to Tie a Scarf

Miss_Ideas_bufanda.jpgIt’s sweater weather! Well, it’s more than just sweater weather in some places (Brrrrr) but here I’m bringing back the first episode of Miss Ideas on Yahoo! where we show you how to tie a scarf 5 different ways. Click on the image above to watch the video. Hope you enjoy it! ¡Que lo disfruten!
Signature_Zania
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