Mamma Mia!

"And I don't cook, either.  Not as long as they deliver pizza".
-Tiger Woods

Hey, it is that time of week again, oh, you know, "Thankful Thursday".  Pizza. Delicious, amazing, cheesy goodness.  Today, well, today, I am thankful for pizza.  Veggie pizza, to be exact (the husband ate the pepperoni).  I am a pizza lover (then again, who isn't?).  Always have been, always will be. Except, I don't do Hawaiian, ew (pineapples just don't belong on my pie, got it, good).  I am thankful for the warm cheese and thin and crunchy crust (doughy pizza? how about, no).  Okay, so, I am actually more thankful for "pizza night" than pizza (at least tonight).  Have you had one of those days where cooking just wasn't in the stars?  Yup, it was one of those days for me.  Taking out pots, forks, spoons, knives, spices was not on my agenda.  Cleaning the kitchen?  Yup, not tonight.  The solution to my dilemma?  Pizza night!  Actually, it is the solution to ANY dilemma.  No dishes (well, not the real kind anyway), no mess.  How can it get better than that?  It can't my loves, it can't.  It is the little things in life, darlings, like pizza on a Thursday or on a Wednesday, it doesn't matter.  Pizza on a Thursday so that I don't have to do the dishes.  Because, if there is one thing about house chores I do not enjoy is dishes.  So, yes, today I am thankful for being able to take advantage of a chore free night.  I stuffed my face and then watched the third episode of "The Carrie Diaries" (I guess I am thankful for that too).

Like I said before, I am just trying to be grateful for all the wonderful things around me.  Seeing things with a positive eye.  Having hope that everyday brings something magical.  Because, no matter how bad things may be, it could always be worse.

xoxo

Move over, Nutella!

"Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious."
-Ruth Reichl

Normally, I pride myself in not falling prey to the shopping on an empty stomach shenanigans.  Today was different.  So, so, so very different.  The flesh is weak my friends.  The flesh is weak.  This morning I made a quick trip to the supermarket (one that was not to involve buying delicious things to stuff my face with).  Silly me thought that a 100 calorie bag of pretzels would be enough to prevent my sweet tooth from running wild.  I-was-wrong.  Like I said, normally these things do not happen to me.  Today, TODAY was different.  As I strolled through the frozen foods (ice creams, pies, etc.) section, I stopped as soon as the "Eggo" label was seen through the corner of my eye.  There was a quick debate (it lasted about .05 seconds and my craving won, obviously.  So, I stopped and stared at all the options that Eggo now has to offer.  When I was younger this was never an issue (it was original or buttermilk).  As I went over the different flavors, I figured, if I am going to do this, it may as well be kinda (and I am stressing the kinda) healthy.  Putting my qualms aside, I threw that box in the basket and walked away, quickly.  Here comes the best part (at least I think so).  I couldn't possibly eat my waffles without Nutella (no, I could not).  So, I walked my butt to the peanut butter aisle (this is where they keep the Nutella).  I was about to grab the little Nutella jar when I saw the Biscoff.  Biscoff?  What in the world is that?  I grabbed the jar and read.  Hmm, an European substitute for peanut butter, sounds good.  Contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, sounds good.  Biscoff is a vegan spread.  Say what?  Exactly.  I dropped that Nutella jar and left with the Biscoff in hand.  Though I was a little weary as to how the Biscoff would fare against Nutella, I was totally amped to try out something new.  And, good heavens, I am so glad I did.  Bye-bye Nutella!  Biscoff, you have found a permanent home in the Santos residence (I made my husband eat a waffle with Biscoff for dessert tonight, he is head over heels).  Biscoff, where have you been all my life?  This stuff is amazing.  AMAZING!  I plan on eating it with everything this weekend.  Pancakes, waffles, blueberries, strawberries, and toast.  Did I mention this stuff is delicious?  Heavenly?  Mouth-watering?  One spoonful and you'll be thinking, "Nutella who?".  Listen, don't judge.  Have you heard that saying, "Don't knock it till you try it"?  This is so fitting.  Biscoff, Biscoff, Biscoff, you and I shall meet again, tomorrow, say 7:30 AM?  It's a date ;)

xoxo

The Neighbourhood.

"One love, one house."
-The Neighbourhood

It is Saturday.  My absolute favorite day of the week.  It is a day filled with so many promises.  A day filled with a million possibilities.  I hope you are enjoying your Saturday as much as I am.  Today has started out just an extra bit sweet.  I woke up in such a great mood I even cleaned the bathroom (I'm never in a mood great enough to do that at 8:30 in the morning on a Saturday, trust).

Growing up I was the kind of girl that never was attached to anything.  I didn't have a blankie, I didn't have a favorite stuffed animal, I wasn't a boy band fanatic and I didn't go around covering my walls with posters of individuals I'd never meet.  That just wasn't me.  I didn't have a favorite movie or a favorite band.  And, when you asked me what my favorite color was, well, I could never give you a true answer.  I loved them all.  I cherished all the colors.  In my eyes you could not have one, without the other.  Songs on the other hand, well, they hold a deeper meaning.  I can listen to the same song over and over again for a month straight and never bore.  I guess I am just wired that way.  Especially because I attach songs to memories and to people.  Memories and people, I never bore myself with those.  And, when I fall madly in love with a song I have to share it.  I want to the world to know the greatness I have discovered (I like to make others happy too).  I make everyone I know listen to it.  I wait till they have listened and ask, "Sooooo, did you like it, what did you think, wasn't it amazing?".  Yes, I know, these poor people in my life, they have it rough.  And, because you, whoever you are, wherever you are, have a little place in my heart as well, I want to share my loves with you too.

The Neighbourhood.  You must become acquainted with this indie band.  Their song "Sweater Weather" has not (and I mean it), has not left my play list.  Every time I listen to it my soul is warmed.  Music, it does that to you.  When you are listening to something your soul transcends itself.  You find yourself floating above in an ethereal universe.  One where no harm can come to you.  Essentially you are in an unreachable bubble of peace and serenity.  I am sure that I am not the only one who feels this way.  If music wasn't a little piece of heaven, well, there wouldn't be so many musicians out there striving to make the world just a little bit better (feelings wise).

So, The Neigbourhood, "Sweater Weather".  Listen to it.  Most importantly, let me know if you like it.


xoxo

{Images courtesy of thenbhd.tumblr.com}

Thankful Thursdays.

“I celebrate myself, and sing myself,
And what I assume you shall assume,
For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you."
-Walt Whitman

{Old San Juan, Puerto Rico back in June}

Similar to my "Man in Suit Chronicles" (which you can read every Monday) I have decided to start a new segment.  For lack of a less creative phrase, I am going to stick with "Thankful Thursdays" (Thursday, Thanksgiving, you get the picture).  As human beings we become wrapped up in all the coulda, woulda, shoulda that we forget about all we have now.  Being grateful sounds so very simple, doesn't it?  Yet, in reality so few of us actually know how to show gratefulness.  I'll admit, I'm guilty of this as well.  Therefore, every Thursday this little blog will capture at least one thing I am grateful/thankful for.  Seems easy, right?  Plus, with everything going on in the world this is a good way to stay grounded, to stay positive.  Always look for the silver lining.  Instead of focusing on the things I am yet to accomplish, yet to achieve, I will embrace all the wonderful things I have right now.  And, I could not think of a better way to kick off this segment than to share how thankful I am for this boy (see picture above and pictures below).  This boy I have, man, he is special.  Thank you, husband.  Thank you so much.  Thank you for everything.  For what you have done, for what you do and for all you will do.  Over the last eight (almost nine) years you have taught me so much about myself.  You've made me realize that I am much stronger than I ever thought I could be.  You inspire and support me (even when you don't necessarily agree).  You've pushed me to start this blog (thank you, thank you, I should have listened sooner).  And, honestly, you put up with me (which is like a feat in-and-of-itself).  Being married to you is better than I imagined.  Thank you for all the laughs.  Thank you for all the ways in which you make me realize that I too will pave my own path (I just need to take a deep breath and relax, it will happen soon enough).  Thank you for believing in me, I couldn't do it without you.  You truly are my number one fan.  I love you!

xoxo

{This is old, but, I love it}

{New Years 2010}

Hey, Bradshaw.

“What if I'm a princess on another planet? And no one on this planet knows it?”
-The Carrie Diaries

We are two episodes in and, I am liking it (close to loving it).  Surprisingly, Anna Sophia Robb is doing a fabulous job as a young Miss.Bradshaw.  I am carried away, so-to-speak.  Though it isn't HBO (ya know, completely inhibition free) "The Carrie Diaries" is slowly making its way into my heart.  Slowly, like the Slowskis (you'll only understand if you watch the Comcast commercials) during a marathon.  I don't fall for things that easily.  So, will "The Carrie Diaries" become my next favorite show?  I can't say.  I need another episode or two to be sure.  I am digging the whole 80s vibe.  And, Carrie's bag?  If I were in high school I'd totally be a copycat.  Totally.  Is it much if I bring the side pony tail back?  Yes?  No?  Do you even know what I am speaking of?  Sigh.  I have never been big on television (never had the time).  Until recently.  Not that I have time, I just like watching television.  I think it's the whole being a grown up thing (work really is exhausting).  Though I mostly like watching things on demand (sticking to a schedule during the middle of the week is never going to happen).  However, the thought of sitting on my extremely comfortable couch, while catching up on my favorite shows, cuddled in my warm blanket, well, it kind of excites me (old lady much, yup).  If there is a storm out, even better.  As a fan of "Sex and The City" my hopes are high for "The Carrie Diaries".  I hate when books end, shows end, etc.  I've always wanted to know more.  I've always wanted the entire story.  This show does just that and I can't wait to see what is next.  Let's see just where Carrie and her city will lead us.  I'm sure it will be nothing short of amazing (hopefully, right?).

xoxo

Because you should know.

Tell me you remember this, sigh.

If you are around the same age as I (twenty + seven=well, you get the picture), you know exactly what the image above represents (it was better than Facebook).  At the risk of sounding like one of those people that are always referring to how good the old days were, actually who cares, those were the good old days.  Perhaps, it rests solely on the fact that during that time my biggest worry was what I was going to wear to school (okay, actually, it was just getting straight A's and being absolutely perfect).  What can I say, I had issues even at the age of 13 (issues that clearly have not gone away).  Woe is me!  Before this post goes on a completely irrelevant tangent, let me get to the point.  If you are going to keep coming back here, well, there are things you should know.  For one, I kept the same screen name from middle school all throughout high school, maybe even a little after that (yikes, I know).  The first screen name I created went a little something like this, Brazilianangel1415 (such innocence).  However, it was simply not sassy enough (no it was not).  And, if you know anything about me (which you will learn as time goes by) I have what some would say is an overabundance of sass (guilty as charged, sue me).  So, five hours later Brazilianangel1415 was discarded and Brazilianhotgurl was created.  I was really going for Brazilianhotgirl, however, it appeared as though someone had beat me to it (whoever you are, you bish).  At the time it did not occur to me how snobby this creation was (honestly, it was all in good fun).  I cringe.  Truly, I am cringing right now.  Yet, I kept it (what was a girl to do, I had to see it through).  Through ups and downs Brazilianhotgurl remained true.  In an era where exchanging your screen name was like exchanging your phone number one could understand how important the uniqueness of this screen name was.  And, my name at my school was pretty darn unique, I must admit.  I laugh about it now.  I mean, really?  What was my mother thinking?  You can see what kind of power I held in my familia (kidding, my mom just rolled her eyes when I told her).  And as ridiculous as my screen name was, only one person has ever called me out on it.  One person.  He didn't even know me.  He had gotten my screen name off of a common friends buddy list and decided to approach me (okay, that sounds totally weird now).  The first thing he wrote to me was, "Your screen name, kind of conceited, no?".  True story.  I considered changing it, but, after all those years Brazilianhotgurl was synonymous with Renata (I simply could not part with it, embarrassing or not).  I believe that screen name is still out there in the cyber web world (it is, I know for a fact).  Brazilianhotgurl, thanks for all the good times, I owe ya one!  Now, I am sure (absolutely sure) that if you are my age you were once the owner of an embarrassing screen name as well.  If you only knew the screen names my husband had (yes, he had more than one).  You would laugh-out-loud (seriously).  So, won't you tell me your screen name, please?

xoxo

Puppy Love.

"Happiness is a warm puppy."
-Charles M. Schulz

Some days.  Some days you drive me absolutely crazy.  Not the good kind of crazy, if you know what I mean.  You eat my shoes.  You hide my shoes.  And, you eat my Reese's (on multiple occasions).  You pee under the dining room table and you like to take a poo on the pretty rug.  On really special days you like to eat the garbage and take sips from the toilet.  You try and try and try to pull my purse from the couch until you finally succeed (you little rascal).  You are the most dramatic ball of fluff, the most (you haven't seen separation anxiety until you've met Ziggy Marley).  You bark at everything, everything (leave the lizards alone, goodness).  You scratch my legs until I look at you and start to woof until I pick you up.  You love bananas and hate rice (weirdo).  Your name should have been Chaos.  It has a nice ring to it, don't you think?  Then amidst the barking, the puking, the peeing, the pooing you look at me with those big dark eyes.  You love me (it's fine, I love you too).  You need me.  My little canine bebe.  As always, my heart turns to gush (even if you drool on my keyboard).  I hope to have you around for quite some time.  My human babies are going to need you.

xoxo

I'll always choose you.

"My therapist told me the way to achieve true inner peace is to finish what I start. So far today, I have finished 2 bags of M&M's and a chocolate cake. I feel better already."

-Dave Barry

Darn you candy stand, darn you.  Why must you sit there and mock me?  Why must you taunt me with your sweet and delicious goodness?  Haven't you heard, we are over.  I can live without you.  I am fine.  We've said our good-byes.  It is time to let go.  Move on.   Ugh, who am I kidding. Reese's I will always choose you.  Always.  King size me, darling.

xoxo

Hot Child in the City.

"Hot child in the city, runnin' wild and lookin' pretty".
-Nick Gilder

I yearn for the city, the city yearns for me.  If it weren't for the husbands negative outlook on cold weather, well, adios Florida.  Okay, perhaps living in a box also throws me off, a little, just a little (okay, maybe a lot, where would I put my shoes?).  However, I am a city girl at heart (born in Sao Paulo, baby!).  It's imprinted in my DNA, burned in my soul.  My heart was left in the city (if you find it, mail it back, thanks).  Oh, everything about New York City calls to me. The hustle and bustle, even the pushing and shoving, I love it.  Husband, can we go again?  Please?  The pictures below are just some snapshots of three different times I've been to the city.  If it were up to me I'd leave the warm sunshine for the chilly city in a heart beat.  I would, I would.  However, right now, this moment Florida is home for me (just lay off the humidity, kay, thanks).  But, when I close my eyes, for a simple second I can pretend I'm in the city that never sleeps.  I can pretend I'm walking through the park, sipping on a latte (decaf, obviously) and biting into my delicious cupcake.  I can pretend I'm bundled in my coat, warmed up by my infinity scarf, glancing down at my boots.  I can do all of this because that is what dreams are made of.  Until next time, Manhattan.

xoxo

Best falafels in the Village.

A smooch in the park//Greenwich Village

Times Square

My favorite picture, ever.

I have a thing for the Park, as you can see.

Rockefeller Tree

Insert title here.

Happy Friday! Even though it is almost, super close, to almost being over, I hope you enjoyed your very wished for day (at least to most of you).

For a time I always felt like I could never write something unless it were pages and pages long.  I was wrong.  As it turns out I actually enjoy writing short stories.  I think I may make a point of writing at least one short story a month.  I'll let you know how it goes.

Below you will find another one of my own.  And, though it has been written for quite some time, I never could give it a title.  It was just one of those things that never seemed right.  Nothing seemed to fit.  The story just was.  So, untitled it will remain.

xoxo

It had been days, weeks, since she last heard his voice. And, there, on that rainy afternoon in the faintest of sounds she heard him call to her. Was she dreaming? Possibly. No, there it was again. “Raquel, Raquel, I'm here”, he spoke. The yearning in his voice made her melt. Had she forgotten? No. The pain was too real, too fresh. He had made his choice. He hadn't chosen her. With flowing tears she turned and walked away. She chose her dignity.

I believe in...

"Exercise is a dirty word. Every time I hear it I wash my mouth out with chocolate."
-Charles M. Schulz

In chocolate.  More precisely, chocolate and peanut butter.  Chocolate is other worldly, heavenly, magical.  All it takes is one bite and the world's troubles swirl away.  Lifted into the air and carried away by the mocha scented breeze.  World peace.  Perhaps, the answer to the problems of the world is chocolate.  There are times that the most simple things are the answer to life's most complicated questions.  If there are two things in this life I cannot live without, those things are chocolate and Chapstick.  Okay, maybe I cannot live without three things. Chocolate, Chapstick and the Husband (not necessarily in that order, maybe).  

I believe...

"I have just been elected Captain of the Nap Squad. It's a very exhausting position."
-Jarod Kintz

In naps. Wondrous, marvelous, magnificent naps.  Ten minutes, fifteen minutes, twenty minutes (dude, I don't discriminate).  The Barbosas, we are nappers.  The husband is a Santos.  The Santos' are not nappers (crazy, I know).  A couple of weeks ago the husband and I were preparing to have one of those incredibly long days.  You know, the one where your day starts at five in the morning and ends at around three, in the morning?  Like I said, one of those days.  So, being the awesome wife that I am, I said, "Why don't you finish your errands take a nice shower and nap before dinner".  And, his response, and I quote, was, "Babe, I do not nap.  I just can't, it doesn't happen."  Clearly, I thought he was insane.  I said to him, "Dude, what do you mean you don't nap?".  Yes, he calls me Babe, yes, I call him Dude.  No, we aren't from California.  I on the other hand full heartedly believe that naps should be included in our daily routine (why can't I work for google?).  If you ever encounter me on a sleepless day, trust me, you will understand.  No, it isn't an "older" person thing.  For as long as I can remember I have always been madly in love with naps.  In elementary school I'd come home from school skip afternoon cartoons to take a nap.  In middle school I'd forego the neighborhood kickball game to take a nap.  In high school I'd take a nap in the car on my way to school and then on my way home from school (don't worry, I was not the one driving, duh).  In college I'd use the study cubby at the library to, what would you know, nap?  You see, this girl right here, she's a napper.  There are days where I just want to come home take a hot shower and lay on my couch.  Our couch, well, it was made for napping.  When a movie is just a tad bit boring I'll nap right through it (those naps last a good two hours, delicious).  I'm still putting lots of consideration into making "nap time" a suggestion at work.  It's worth a try, right?  And, in keeping my word with being more "open", above are two photos taken by the sweet husband during one of my naps.  Such good form, don't you think?  Pillow held close, one leg in, one leg out (I was originally completely covered with the sheet, the husband decided to take a before and after, I didn't wake up through that either).  Did I mention I can nap under any circumstance?  Well, I can.  Lights on, lights off, television on, television off, thundering, lightening, world collapsing, it just does not matter.  You can't get between a girl and her nap time.  No, no, no.  That individual who coined the phrase, "You only sleep when you're dead", obviously doesn't have the napping skills I possess.  Napping is like milk, it does the body good.  And, like hot showers it is a cure all in my book.  Try it sometime.  See how it feels.  Ease into it.  Allow yourself to fully be consumed by the power of nap.  You will not regret it.

xoxo

To staying true.

Staying true to myself has proven incredibly difficult these last few years.  A precise, clear, very thought out future thrown out the window.  A young girl left stranded in the deserted island that is herself.  A story for another time.

Vulnerability is a funny thing, ya know?  Putting my life on display like this.  Not-like-me-at-all.  Yet, here we are.  Here we are.  And, I figured, if I am going to be candid, well, I-am-going-to-be-candid.  No holding back. Prepare yourself, my friends.

I never felt truly comfortable in having anyone read what I wrote.  Self doubt seemed to always cloud my decision to be open.  It was always personal, private, mine.  However, it is a new year.  Today I am throwing comfortable out the window.  Good-bye, comfortable!  Adios, Ciao, Tchau!  No kiss good-bye, no farewell fiesta, simply good riddance.

A short story from yours truly, I hope you enjoy (and be nice, okay?).

xoxo

“A Momma for Gia”

She awoke, eyes still closed, mind unaware. The air was hot, stifling, where-was-she? Suddenly, it came to her. Pulse quickening, heart racing. She opened her eyes. He was gone. Entwined between her perfectly manicured fingers lay his tie. There was a noise at the door. What was that? Her sweet, sweet giggle. His favorite, her favorite,their favorite, sound. She arose, patted down her black, black dress and faced her reflection. Pale, numb, weak, she murmured, “Gia, momma is coming”.

The Ziggle Dilemma.

"Dogs never bite me.  Just humans."
-Marilyn Monroe

Remember in the last post how I briefly mentioned Ziggy's absolutely ridiculous haircut?  Well, here is proof.  Tangible evidence of the husband's lack of grooming skills.  Clearly, poor Mr.Ziggles doesn't know what to think.  Good thing we don't have any life sized mirrors down stairs and my bebe doesn't have to see his own reflection.  The husband, the poor husband, he thought he was helping the Ziggles?  He constantly goes on and on about how it is so much better for the hair not to be in his eyes.  But, dude, that is his thing.  Like a pirate with his eye patch.  Like the Biebs with his own slick do.  And, this picture above.  Don't you just feel so broken hearted for the travesty that is his new do?  Let me tell you.  For a ball of fluff that thoroughly enjoys being the center of attention, this doggy hates pictures.  It took me ten minutes and about 20 something different photo capturing attempts to FINALLY nail this gem.  As soon as Ziggy Marley takes one quick glance at a camera or an i-phone he goes into an instant frenzy.  "No pictures, please."  "Take that thing out of my face, you, you, human."  For the outsider, watching, it is all quite entertaining.  I have a dozen photos of Ziggy's tush, his licorice colored nose and beady eyes.  Because, whenever I feel like I am about to take a good one he jumps, moves, turns around.  He has no regards for my photographic abilities, or the potential that lies in the artistic shots that may come of his cute little face.  None.  Selfish, that is exactly what the Ziggles is.  Must take after someone in this family.  And, not this someone, if you know what I mean.  And then he looks at you with this face, like the one below.  And, even though he's eaten more pairs of shoes than you'd like to remember, even though he barks incessantly at nothing while he stares out the window, even though he pukes on your spankin' new rug and pees underneath the dining room table, well, you just can't help but love him.  Squeeze and hold him close as you dance around the living room, love him.  Because who else runs to you and sits on the bathroom rug while you use the restroom?  Nobody, that is who, nobody.  Except for Ziggy.  He's a good one that ball of fluff.  Stinky breath and all.  So, Ziggles, we will ride this wave of funky hair style together.  Just you and I, and maybe, maybe, we'll laugh about it someday, or maybe today, lets laugh today, because, honestly, you look funny, and by funny I mean funny looking.

xoxo

2013, Moving Forward!

"Hope
Smiles from the threshold of the year to come,
Whispering 'it will be happier'..."
-Alfred Tennyson

We would like to wish you and yours a very happy new year!  May 2013 bring magic and fabulousness to all.  We rang in the new year just like I had wished.  Peacefully.  I couldn't have asked for anything better.  I think I am getting too "mature" for the craziness of new year's eve.  Mature as in old.  Craziness as in loud and drunk people.  And, if you had a little mishap at the beginning of your year at least you aren't the Ziggles.  Ziggy Marley had to ring in the new year with an eclectic, um, ridiculous haircut.  Good thing the husband doesn't aspire to become a pet groomer.  Ziggy, I am sorry!

Unlike many others I am not one for resolutions.  All I would like for this new year is to become the best version of myself possible.  To become a better wife, a better daughter, a better sister and a better friend.  I want to keep learning more and more about myself.  When I stop to reflect I realize that everyday I learn something new.  The more I learn the more I want to discover.  Who knew that being an adult isn't all that bad.  Recently I read in one of the blogs I follow (I can't remember which, sorry) that "comparison is the thief of joy".  I could not agree more.  When you compare your lives to others you forget to live your own life.  You rob yourself of YOUR happy moments.  And there is not one thing that can replace those.  I hope that all the days of 2013 may bring you joy, good health and success.  Don't allow yourself to be hung up on what could have been.  Those days are in the past, leave them there.  Be grateful, be humble and most importantly be compassionate.  Not everyone is as blessed as you are.

Something inside of me tells me that the best is yet to come.  Something inside me tells me that this year will be absolutely wonderful.  Something inside me tells me that this year will be the catalyst to all the wonderful blessings waiting right around the corner.

May your home be warm and filled with love this year, because, love truly does make the world go round.

xoxo