All posts by sambel203

Unknown's avatar

About sambel203

I am a Wife, Mother, daughter, Aunt and loyal friend. I have always dreamed of being an Author. I wrote a couple short books. 4 are mine, 1 is a story my daughter made up and another one I am about to publish is a story my son made up and illustrated. I am currently working on my next book. Check them out in the links. I am blogging because I love writing and it helps keep me sane. I have challenged myself to write one blog every day I have to work for a year. If you follow my blog, I will follow yours! Thank you for taking the time to check out my stuff. Feel free to send me an email if there is something you would like me to write about. J.acosta08@yahoo.com

Frozen 2- A Family Review

Uncategorized
We were lucky enough to grab or discount tickets early and get good seats. My daughter and I watched Frozen again on Disney Plus this past weekend to prepare for the new one. I haven’t really heard much about this film, really just that it was coming out in November. So let’s get started!
*** Might be a few small spoilers***
Image result for frozen 2 free images
Son (10): I have no words because it was so good. My favorite guy was the spirit of fire. He was cute. Image result for frozen 2 characters free images
Daughter (7): I loved it. My favorite character was Sven and Olaf. Olaf was really funny. I would recommend you see the movie. I hope they make another one.
Image result for frozen 2 free images
Neice (14): Elsa was my least favorite part, her character was OK closer to the end. Anna and Olaf were the best parts of the movie. Even if I were to think about it as “Elsa comes out,” that doesn’t keep her from being unimpressive. I was just kinda disappointed by the movie, thought it was gonna be better, but it wasn’t bad. The music was good, but not as catchy as the last movie, which idk if that’s a good thing or not. Animation looked nice, everything was really pretty to look at. It’s best to wait so you can see it at home to avoid the experience of sitting in a theater full of people/little kids (Could just be that theaters annoy tf out of me, though.)
Image result for frozen 2 free images
Sister (34): I liked it. I liked the whole theme and then how Elsa realized that she’s an element and not a ruler so she gave it to Anna. So that’s why Anna deserves to be queen. I like the outfit. The new ones. I love Olaf. Kristoffs song was hilarious. I loved the little Fire guy. I want him and I am sure Disney will sell him soon.
Image result for frozen 2 characters free images
Husband (38):So I really, really enjoyed the movie. I really enjoyed the first one, but Frozen 2 was even better. The story was more cohesive. The characters actually had some growth that made sense from the first movie. Anna was more of a worry wart. Elsa was more concerned with finding out who she is after spending the entire first movie just deciding it was OK to be herself. Christoff? He was in the movie.
The first movie turned the depiction of true love on its head by making it about the sisters instead of the male love interest. So while Christoff is here, he’s obviously not the focus; get gets a subplot that grants him one of the most ridiculous power ballads ever. I mean this thing is 80’s hair rock, and 90’s boy band with all the cuts. Then they decided that after ‘Let It Go’, Idina Menzel would get two power ballads as Elsa. Into the Unknown you may have heard already. If you haven’t seen the movie, please find ‘Show Yourself’. It’s an amazing song.
The only real issue I have with the movie is it feels “Disney Rushed”, and I’m giving Jess credit for that saying, because I completely agree with what she said about a longer story getting crammed in, cut out, and then hey figure it out audience. That was a way too long sentence. Spoiler alert for fans of #GiveElsaAGirlfiend; it doesn’t happen. We don’t get the first openly gay Disney Princess (or Queen? seems more fitting). But what we do get is even more Big Gay Energy from Elsa, and rightfully so. I don’t have a problem with her not getting into a relationship. She’s in the middle of a LOT of stuff. But do yourself a favor, go watch it in theaters. It’s a big experience with a bunch of big musical moments and Josh Gad quietly (not really quietly) stealing scenes away and getting more of his own musical numbers as Olaf. Deffo 5/5 movie for me.
Image result for frozen 2 characters free images
Me (38): I really liked the movie. I thought it was really fun and funny. I liked the story a lot. I thought that it developed the characters well. The two leads are strong females and the supporting silly characters are the boys. I loved Olaf. I just love him. He’s such a naive little child, or very aware teenager? Just listen to his song in the woods and laugh. My kids looked at me like, Really? I’ll get it?  He’s like their little brother and I love that. Kristoff was good and I love him and his easy relationship with everyone and how he supported them all no matter what. That being said, they do make him seem kind of goofy for that, in my opinion. His song is seriously hysterical. I like how Elsa is finding herself and I like how Ana is learning to not be so dependent on Elsa and letting her go in a way and growing. My only complaint would be I feel like they glossed over a really long story. To me, it all felt slightly rushed or explained just enough so you could get it and then a character would piece it together and explain it. But it was very entertaining. I did enjoy this movie and I do recommend seeing it in the theaters.
Image result for frozen 2 characters free images
So. What are you waiting for? Did you see it yet and what did you think?

Rent the Runway- Week Two

Uncategorized,

Okay, I was so happy with my last selections, I let my husband pick out the next 4 pieces as well. I sent the first 4 back Saturday and I got the email this morning (Tuesday) That they received them and I can pick my next 4 pieces. Here we go!

I love that you can heart pieces so they are there when you are ready to pick your next shipment. I don’t love that they may not have your size available. I get that it might be rented already, but I wish that they just didn’t show it if it’s not available.

Image result for rent the runway on doorstep free image

I ordered these Tuesday (11/19) Morning and they were out to be delivered to my front door (11/20). Pretty cool, right? I can’t wait to get home. I think I am going to wear the dress tomorrow then the pants and then send those two things back so I can pick something pretty for Thanksgiving!

First the Dress:

Donna Morgan - Green Knit Ruched Dress

I never have warn a dress to work before. Ever. I have worn a long skirt on a summer Friday, but never have I worn a dress. So right off the bat I feel uncomfortable and I haven’t even put it on yet. Plus, I have to find shoes tonight. Probably my closed toed black or cream heels. That’s provided the dress fits and looks alright.

Update:

Unfortunately, I will be returning this dress. I love it. It felt great on and it was really comfortable and forgiving in the belly area. The problem was it was really sparkly. I can’t wear this to work, it’s more of a holiday party dress, in my opinion. My husband loved it too so I told him to find a place to take me out and I will definitely rent it again.

Next the Pants:

Equipment - Green Bergen Pants

I’m planning on wearing these Friday. I have to see this in person to pick my shoe or rest of my outfit.

Update:

I have to return these. The fabric is really thin, there is like a pouch between the waist and where the legs start on me. It’s just not flattering on me. I was a little disappointed because these looked super cute on the pictures online. Oh well, back they go!

I am returning these two pieces and I hope to pick 2 new ones for next week.

 

Turtleneck Sweater:

Thakoon Collective - Camel Cross Front Turtleneck

I am not a huge Turtle neck fan so this was an interesting pick. I plan on wearing this Monday.

Update:

I wore this Thursday in place of the dress. I like it. It fits well and feels like my normal type of outfit, so I am comfortable in it. The sweater is soft and not too heavy. It feels like I have a warm blanket on over my black jeans and black tank top.

 

Sweater #2:

A.L.C. - Helena Sweater

I love the look of this one. I hope it fits as good as it looks. I plan on wearing this Tuesday next week and possible for Thanksgiving if I love it. Although I will be cooking and probably hot so we’ll see.

Update:

I am wearing this one today. I like it. I got a couple compliments on it so far. It’s heavy and warm. It’s a little bit short for me, I like my sweaters a little longer but I feel good in it. It’s a little scratchy around the collar but not terrible. I will be returning this tomorrow and ordering something new for next week.

3x1 - 3x1 x Jason Wu Denim Trousers

I have two pieces on my doorstep right now that I plan on wearing for Thanksgiving. I hope they fit well. It’s a pair of jeans and a blouse.

Tanya Taylor - Floral Antia Top

My weird ass dream – Take 3

Uncategorized
I had another weird dream last night. I was laying in bed this morning and I actually remembered my weirdo dream.
Image result for weird dreams image
I was living with my husband in a haunted house next door to where I lived once for a while. But only the basement in our house was haunted and that’s where the laundry was so I was scared to get the clothes out of the dryer.
Image result for haunted basement free image
Ray (my husband) went to go get them and when he came back he said that Boys 2 Men was coming over. I went outside to wait for them to tell them where to park and I noticed there were people sitting on the porch of where I used to live so I asked them if I could take a  peek at what it looks like now and they said sure!
Related image
When I walked in it was like the middle of the floors where all taken away so if you stood in the middle of the floor you could see every level and into every room. It was weird. The people said they were renting it for a while but they agreed it was a weird design.
I said thank you and went back to my house and Boys 2 Men showed up and walked past me.
Related image
I was like “Hi! My name is Jess and I’m Rays wife. Welcome to our house. Make yourself at home I have to go walk Prince Harry.”
Image result for prince harry in a suit free image
And I went in our house and the actual Prince Harry was sitting at my table wearing a tux. He said he hadn’t washed his pants in a year. I said he didn’t wear those ones everyday so that was okay. Then I took his hand and we left for a walk.
Image result for waking up from a weird dream free image
Then I woke up like what that fuck did I just dream?? I don’t think any of that had any meaning. Haha. Maybe because I was reading a lot about Meghan and Harry and I truly feel for them, but I don’t get anything else.
How about you? Any weird dreams lately?

Rent The Runway – Review

Uncategorized
*This is my personal opinion. I paid for the first rental and my monthly membership. *
My sister in law told me about Rent the Runway. She rents dresses and she always looks so pretty so I figured I would give it a shot.
I rented a dress for a wedding and I absolutely loved it. I felt amazing and pretty and wonderful. So I thought, why not feel like this all the god damn time?
This is the dress below, isn’t it gorgeous?
Floral Overlay Dress by ML Monique Lhuillier
I talked to my husband and signed up for the monthly membership. $160 after 3 months, $120 for the first 3. It seems steep to me but  you get 4 pieces at a time. And you can switch them all month. They have to get it back before sending the next shipment. It could be one or all four. Depending on if you want to keep any for a bit.
My first shipment is 2 pants and 2 shirts.  I came home to them sitting neatly packaged on my porch. I was so excited. I tried them on immediately. Everything but one shirt felt great. One shirt was a little short for my liking. I will wear it but I already have a feeling I will be tugging it down all day.  The other sweater felt big but it’s a sweater so I’m going wear it with the green pants and see how that feels.
Related image
I’ve been in a huge funk lately with clothes. I have 3 pairs of pants I love so I rotate them all week with 5 sweaters and a tank top under. I’m looking to refresh my look. So. Here we go.
Nuccia Crop Pants by La Petite Robe di Chiara Boni
Day one:
Today I am wearing the green pants and the stripped sweater. I felt good after getting dressed, asked my husband how I looked, he said “Great.” I walked out the door to bring my kids to school.
Ribbed Long Sleeve Top by Becken
The pants are pull-ons and they feel comfortable, like sweatpants without the sweat pant insides. The sweater is heavier than I thought but I like it. They both feel like polyester. Thick polyester. Which is fine now because it’s one of the coldest days of the year today. But might not be fine on a warmer spring or fall day. I am not really sure what the fabric was, I didn’t look. Whoops.
We got to school and my kids said “you should get those pants again for St. Patrick’s Day.” And so began my doubt in this outfit. I got to work and my coworker loved the sweater. She said it looked great on me. She said she probably would have choose black pants and wore the green pants with a black shirt. I went to the bathroom to look at my combination again and to tell myself I looked okay. Which I do. I decided I wanted tea at some point and walked halfway down the hall and I heard people in the kitchen so I turned around and ran back to my desk. This has more to do with me being terrible at small talk and a little to do with me wearing something that I know a lot of people have never seen me wear. I need to be more confident. That’s what this experiment is all about. Overall though, I really like both pieces. The pants do feel a little loose and the pockets are really shallow and towards the end of the day the stretch gave a little and I felt like I had to keep pulling them up. Not a deal breaker. I just have to hold my phone. I would order these pants again maybe in a size smaller and a different color.
Gemini Printed Pants by Veronica Beard
Day Two:
Wearing the Black and white pants, white tank top, and a black cardigan. I feel great! Pants fit great, the fabric is a little thin so I am cold because it’s freezing outside, but I like these pants a lot. I think maybe I went to bold on my first time out with colors. My husband assures me I looked great but I felt a little insecure. But today I am in my primary colors. Black and white and I am way more comfortable and confident today. I still didn’t make into the kitchen to get my hot water for my tea, but that’s mostly because I hate small talk. I really do and I really need to work on that.
Carla Top by A.L.C.
Day Three:
Today I am wearing the Floral top. I originally tried this on and thought “Nope.” Not that I didn’t like the shirt I just didn’t like it on me. I felt like I was going to be tugging it down all day.  I put it on this morning with my black gap jeans, black tank top and brown boots and I actually love my outfit today. I have to get a little use to the top but I like it a lot. Getting in an out of it is new because I have never worn a wrap shirt before. And I have to agree with the other people that it’s very open, I need to wear a tank top underneath. But I really like it. My coworker said it was really pretty and my husband said I looked really cute this morning before I ran out the door. I did make it into the kitchen for tea today. Go me!
Image result for UPS return label rent the runway free image
If you would like to try it, please use my link. You’ll get $30.00 off and so will I so we’ll both win! Thank you!
I was thinking the other day that I was feeling kind of bad about the cost of renting per month. Even at the reduced rate it seems like a lot to me. I was thinking of just doing it for a month because I already paid and then ending it but now I am thinking that I feel really good. I am looking forward to returning these items tomorrow and picking out 4 new ones next week. I will continue posting my Rent the Runway adventures over the next few weeks.
Related image
The return is very simple too. They provide a return label in the bag so you just put everything you are returning in the bag, zip it up, replace the UPS label on the front with the return label and drop it off at a UPS. I am already looking forward to my next 4 pieces!
Image result for UPS return label rent the runway free image
Have you ever tried this service or something like it? What did you think?

Thanksgiving 2019

Uncategorized
Hi Everyone! Ahh…. It’s that time of the year again! I LOVE thanksgiving.
Related image
I love having everyone over and cooking and hanging out. This year we should have between 16 and 19 people. I told my in-laws to invite anyone they would like too, so maybe we’ll be having a couple more.
Image result for happy thanksgiving menu images
This is the menu I have decided on for this year:
I will be doing a Cheese board for everyone to munch on when they arrive. My mom is bringing all the cheese. I am going to get a couple meats from Trader Joes, a couple different crackers. Honey, nuts, hummus, carrots, cut up peppers, olives, grapes, and berries for my daughter. One of the book club girls always does a cheese board and there is this olive spread from Trader Joes that I love.
Image result for happy thanksgiving cheese board images
For meats I will be crock pot cooking a 8-10 lb ham. This is a super easy recipe and everyone loves it. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/80525/slow-cooker-ham/
Related image
My husband will be deep frying a 15-18 lb Turkey outside. He brine’s it for a few days before and then drains it thanksgiving morning and deep fries it.
Image result for deep fried turkey images
Everyone loves this. I have a ehh relationship with Turkey. It’s alright. It’s not my favorite but I don’t hate it. I’ll have a piece or two and maybe make a sandwich the next day.
Image result for thanks giving sides images
Sides:
Green bean casserole, sweet potatoes with marshmallow on top, mashed potato, carrots, monkey bread biscuits, regular biscuits, Stuffing, Gravy, Cranberry sauce.
Image result for monkey bread rasa ma
My mother in law is bringing salad and pastelitos.
Image result for pastelitos image dominican
My sister in law is bringing drinks. A pepper rum drink called a Rooster. Plus, we have a bar for anyone who wants to make their own.
Related image
My mom loves watermelon juice and vodka, my father in law likes his tequila and coke. My mother in law prefers a Manhattan.
Related image
For dessert I will have brownies, cookies and maybe a pie of some sort. I think my brother is the only one who actually eats the pie. That’s okay because he can take it home too.
Related image
That’s pretty much it. The good thing is that with the meats being cooked in the crock pot and the fryer, it frees up my stove to cook all the sides.
I set up a table with all the food, like a buffet and everyone helps them selves and then I have take home containers for everyone can bring  food home. I try to get rid of as much as possible.
Related image
That’s our Thanksgiving! How do  you celebrate? Do you host? Do you have a special dish you always make?

My biggest pet peeve

Uncategorized
I can not stand when something happens and it’s wrong and people will literally stop everything to figure out who was wrong. This drives me insane.
Related image
I once worked at Pizza Hut and nothing pissed me off more than when an order was wrong and the entire production line would like stop to find the ticket and see who was wrong, the person who took the order, the cook, or the person boxing everything up. My point was always, who the fuck cares? Fix that shit and keep it moving. Does it really matter? I mean really?
Related image
Listen, if I make a mistake and I know I did, I will say whoops and sorry and help fix it any way I possibly can. It wasn’t intentional. But can we figure that out after the customer is satisfied and the rush is over? What does it help to stop everything and point fingers at each other? I mean, really? Who wins?
Related image
I noticed it a lot when I worked in the restaurant but I have noticed it even as I moved into other fields. It’s like people never want to admit they could possibly be wrong, or maybe there might be a mistake somewhere. Clearly there is a mistake somewhere and I highly doubt the person who did it, did it on purpose. Let’s work together to fix it and move on. It’s totally okay if it’s your fault too. Isn’t it better to just admit it, learn from it and move on then to try to point the blame at someone else?
Related image
This is one of my biggest pet peeves. What’s yours?

When plans get cancelled…

Uncategorized
How do you feel when plans get cancelled? Not big plans like holiday’s or vacations,  but a little weekend plan. Like a maybe hang out or a possible play date.
Image result for when plans get cancelled free image
I sometimes get so happy thinking that it’s kind of a free day! Now I can lay around all day and read or watch movies or cuddle my kids, husband and dogs. We can order pizza or Chinese or anything and rent movies and stay in Pj’s all day.
Related image
I don’t mind when plans get cancelled so much anymore. When I was younger and had nothing else to really do but work and hang out, then I would sometimes get upset if things got cancelled. Now I think ever since I had my own family and run around moving kids to school and chores around the house, I sometimes like when things get cancelled and we can just chill out.
Related image
What about you? How do you feel when plans get cancelled?

GUEST BLOG! Dear Insecurities.

Uncategorized

 

 

Guest post from Instagram: conqueringall2019

Dear Insecurities:

It’s not me, it’s you, you have to go!! You’re not  welcome here, in fact you never were. See the  way you made your way into my life was quite  smooth if I don’t say so myself. You played with  the fact that I have a disability and that I have to  use a wheelchair because of it. You squeezed  yourself in a little more when people made fun of  the way I spoke or asked why’d I sound like that.

Then you somehow managed your way to my  looks. Growing up I constantly heard “you’d be so  beautiful if you weren’t in that chair” as if my looks had something to do with the chair. I heard that so  much that I actually believed it.

Dear insecurities:

Are you happy with yourself for causing so much  pain in my life?? Does it boost your ego by  constantly tormenting me with mean words from  the past?? You have to go!! Does it make you  happy knowing that I actually believed your lies  constantly repeating them to myself day after day,  month after month, year after year??

Dear insecurities:

While you’ve most certainly been my longest  relationship, it’s time I say goodbye. The love you  have for me is no longer needed. I found someone  new, her name is confidence and she loves me!!

Unlike you she makes me feel strong, smart and  most importantly she lets me know that I  am beautiful!! So insecurities I hope you enjoyed your  stay but pack all your shit cause you have to go!!!

Image result for woman looking in the mirror with heart love image cartoon

Instagram: conqueringall2019

Friday, FriYay!

Uncategorized
Hi Everyone!!! Happy Friday!
Related image
I told myself I would keep November weekends open and suddenly, they are all filling up. It’s fine. Tis the season.
Related image
I don’t know what the weather is like around you, but here it is really cold for the first time this season. And like the wonderful mother that I am, I sent the kids to school in their fleeces without even checking the weather this morning. Not even realizing that it wasn’t going to warm up at all today. Mommy fail. Ugh.
Image result for first cold day frost of season free images
On top of that I don’t have their new winter jackets yet either. I have last years that they can still fit into, but they need new gloves, hats and coats this weekend. I was not prepared.
Related image
This weekend we are scrubbing the house, having some friends over and then my daughter is going to a friends hotel swimming pool party. I think my sister will be taking her to that cause I already know I will be exhausted by dinner, and probably a few glasses of wine or whatever in by then.
Image result for hotel kids pool party free image
Sunday we are spending the morning relaxing… or possibly jacket shopping. Then heading to my mother in laws for a little family something. After we get home I have to put together my daughters invitations for her birthday party because I can’t believe December is in 3 weeks! That’s nuts, isn’t it? Plus, I have to talk to my mom at some point because she is already calling about the thanksgiving menu and what she will be bringing. Which I love because I already have most of the menu planned, but that’s another blog post.
Related image
How’s your weekend looking??? Any fun plans?

Joker Movie – a Husband and Wife review.

Uncategorized
I realize I am a little late to the party on this one. My husband and I couldn’t bring out children so we needed to find a babysitter so we could go.
Here’s our reviews of The Joker Movie:
Image result for joker movie free images
My husbands Review: I liked it a lot. It was really fucked up. I don’t think it glorified having mental heath issues. A bunch of the negative reviews were saying it’s about white privilege and not really. They thought incels will rise up about it but if you watch the movie it’s really about a guy who’s really fucking sick and has a lot of problems and needs help and like so many people in real life he goes off his meds and then everything goes sideways.
Related image
He’s absolutely delusional and you have to figure out which part of the movies are real and which parts are just in his head. It just so happens the back drop is the early 80’s when there was s lot of discontent, anger and rioting.
As for the movie itself, Joaquin Phoenix was amazing. Cause the roll required physical and spoken acting and he’d blur the lines between delusion and reality.
I would recommend it definitely and in theaters if you can find it. But definitely rent it.
Related image
My review: There is so much to unpack. I really enjoyed this movie. I would recommend it. Joaquin Phoenix was amazing in it. I really enjoyed his version of the Joker. It made the Joker more real to me, which is scary. I also think that this movie could have held up on it’s own if the main character was just a man named Arthur Peck living in the 80’s. It made the Joker more realistic and more human you could almost sympathize with how he got to that point in his life and why he was going crazy. Except when he actually did kill people, then it was like Holy shit, that just happen. I did like the movie though and I am glad we went to the theaters to see it.
Related image
What did you think? Did you see it? Will you see it?