Ruby Leonne

We've Moved...Follow us to our new home!

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Leonne) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:46:00 +0000

Hello readers and followers, Ruby Leonne has officially moved to it's new web address, RubyLeonne (dot) com! You will love our new logo and layout, but we didn't change what you loved about RL...the content!

Make sure you swing over to the new website and read our updates on a HUGE plus size fashion event in Puerto Rico! Just remember...RubyLeonne (dot) com. This will be the last blogger post!

See you there!

OOTD: Motownphilly Back Again

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Leonne) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:15:00 +0000

Such a dark, dank, and rainy day here in Indianapolis. had to take my OOTD inside...in a stairwell. Remember back in the 90's when Boys II Men and Mary J. made it cool to wear neckties. I had so many neckties in high school, it was an illness...Looney Tunes ties...solid colored ties...crazy! Anyhoo, I thought I'd reach into my high school days and do something fun. Yeah...I forgot my accessories today. Kiran and I are not morning people...so we fuss and fight and cry every morning. These were one of those mornings!

Shirt: Roaman's ~ Jeggings: Torrid ~ Necktie: Walmart ~ Vest: K&G Fashion Superstore ~ Boots: Old Navy

Have a GREAT day...thank God for the short week!

Janelle

Welcome Damariz to our Family!

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Leonne) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:38:00 +0000

Ruby Leonne has grown in the short two years we've been on the web and we are excited about the future. Starting in January, we will have a new layout, we will have seasonal fashion editorial features with a new fashion editorial editor, and now we have a new beauty editor.

I would like to introduce you to Damariz Candelario.

Damariz is a curvy Puerto Rican native residing in San Antonio, Texas. With 14 years in the beauty industry as a MUA, she ignites everyone with her passion for life, beauty, and glamour.

Please welcome Damariz to the Ruby Leonne family and look for her first post soon!

Castelar at the Movies: Puss in Boots

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Leonne) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:57:00 +0000

This film explores the origins of this feline adventurer who started out as a lonely orphan. Fortunately, this young cat was found and raised by a woman known as Imelda. This good hearted woman ran an orphanage and in that particular orphanage Puss met Humpty Dumpty who in this film is voiced by Zach Galifianakis.

Humpty Dumpty is an ingenious character who believes in fairy tales and there is one story in particular that caught his attention. Throughout the years, Humpty had been looking for the mythical magic beans that would lead him to find the Golden Goose. Puss decides to join Humpty on his quest and during their first years they began stealing every single bean that they could in order to find these legendary beans. Eventually, a single event would change the course of their friendship forever.

One day, Puss saves the life of an old lady which makes him a hero. As a token of his bravery, he is given his famous attire which he wears throughout the film as his personal trademark. From that moment onward, he becomes the courageous Puss in Boots; but as time went on his best friend Humpty Dumpty winds up on the opposite side of the law since Puss wasn’t there to convince him to follow a righteous path full of moral excellence.

Afterwards, Puss is tricked by his best friend into doing something which would make him an outlaw; constantly hunted down by the law. During this time, Puss wanders across the land as an unwelcomed outsider who constantly has many romantic adventures while flirting with danger at every turn. When Puss finds out that the magical beans that he had been looking for most of his life exist, he decides to steal them from its current owners.

The magical beans are held by Jack and Jill, the most dangerous and ruthless criminals that currently exist. These murderous outlaws are two of the most despicable characters that I have seen in these types of films as they are a pair of vile and conniving human beings that you can easily despise.

One of the best characters in this film is the slick and sexy Kitty Softpaws, who is one of the best cat thieves in the world. Puss meets this mysterious character when it is evident that she also wants to steal the magical beans from Jack and Jill. Salma Hayek voices this sexy and dangerous feline with efficacy and at the same time she adds an interesting character to this film that is both wild and enjoyable to watch.

Overall, the film explores the themes of loneliness, honor, friendship, and betrayal in a way that is both entertaining and efficient which manages to please its audience with ease.

Castelar

Sheraton Caguas Real Hotel & Casino Puerto Rico

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Leonne) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:52:00 +0000

Pool area

We have many great hotels in Puerto Rico. Today I’m blogging about one that is 15 minutes away from my home, in Aguas Buenas. It is the Four Points by Sheraton Caguas Real Hotel and Casino. We had to find a place for a photo shoot for the magazine Style & Mode, and wanted it to be a beautiful place because we were showcasing a model in evening dresses. I decided to contact the administration to see if we could do the shoot there and they were very gracious giving us permission to use the facilities.

I want to thank Griselle Vazquez, the manager, for her nice gesture, and Torrid for their beautiful dresses.

Shoot near the fountain- Ana wearing Torrid

We headed to the hotel with aspiring plus model, Ana García and photographer Ricardo Mercado. I was at awe when I saw the hotel. You leave the city and enjoy the peace of the country. This Puerto Rico Hotel offers what you want and need, whether traveling for business or pleasure and it is a short drive from downtown San Juan and a couple minutes away from major corporations.

Fine Dining at X.O. Bistro

You can play a few rounds of golf, lounge by the pool, or go to the Casino; being the perfect retreat. The food is also excellent! The people who work there are so nice, they gave us the royal treatment… We wrapped up the shoot and the pics came out beautiful, I gave you a preview of some pics I took. The rest will be in Style and Mode next week, looking forward to that!

Garden

If you are planning a vacation do not hesitate to stay at this great hotel, I definitively give it five stars…

Blessings to all...

Shoot inside the Hotel

Marta

OOTD: Houndstooth & Leopard RAWR

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Leonne) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:57:00 +0000

Angela and I have a great past time...going through Facebook and finding ghetto pics. It really makes the work day go by fast and it brings joy to our lives. We've noticed, so many people are doing impromptu photo shoots. So at work this morning, we decided to have our own mini photo shoot outside of our office.

On Janelle: Scarf: Lane Bryant ~ Blazer: Ashley Stewart ~ Tank: K&G Fashion Superstore ~ Jeans: Lane Bryant T3 ~ Purse: Goodwill

On Angela: Sweater: Lane Bryant ~ Cami: Lane Bryant ~ Skirt: Old Navy ~ Tights: Avenue ~ Boots: Lane Bryant

And for my ghetto pic of the day...naturally a prison pose. It was kinda hard to stand up after this...I need to do some squats!

Janelle

My Baby's All Grown Up and Going to China: Shirley Ortiz

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Leonne) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:14:00 +0000

Ready...set...go!!! Our beautiful model Shirley Ortiz, a native from Guayama, Puerto Rico, will be leaving on November 23, 2011 to represent the Island at the Elite Model Look 2011 in Shanghai, China. Shirley is 18 years old and she was the winner of the Elite Model Look Puerto Rico; held during the opening of Puerto Rico High Fashion Week last October.

This beauty is 5’9, she is known for being humble, disciplined and a people person if you will!! She loves to dance, go out with her friends, listen to music and model. This is her passion! Shirley is very excited because this has been a dream come true for her. She knows the competition will be tough, but she believes in herself and is going to do the best she can to win the title.

She is being prepared by a great model agency named Unica; being in intensive training mastering the catwalk, photography, exercise, and personal care. Caridad Fernández, president of EMLPR said, Shirley has all the attributes to be in the finalists or even win the competition, although it is a tough competition...there are 70 countries that are going to participate! The competition will be held on December 6, 2011...looking forward to that!!!

Shirley, we wish you all the best! You can be sure that we will be cheering you on….and always remember, we will always be by your side even if you are thousands of miles away!!!

Blessings to all,

Marta

Shirley Ortiz oriunda de Guayama, Puerto Rico saldrá el 23 de Noviembre de 2011 para representar a la Isla en el Elite Model Look 2011 en Shanghai, China. Shirley tiene 18 años, fue la ganadora de el Elite Model Look de Puerto Rico que se celebró durante la inaguración de Puerto Rico High Fashion Week el cual se celebró el pasado mes de Octubre.

Esta belleza es 5'9, es conocida por ser humilde, y es muy disciplinada. Sus pasatiempos son bailar, salir con sus amigos, escuchar música y el modelaje, este es su pasión. Shirley esta muy entusiasmada porque este ha sido un sueño hecho realidad para ella, ella sabe que la competencia será fuerte, pero ella cree en sí misma y va a hacer lo mejor que pueda para ganar el título.

Está siendo preparada por la prestigiosa agencia de modelos llamada Unica, está en un curso intensivo de pasarela, fotografía, ejercicio y cuidado personal. Caridad Fernández, presidenta de la EMLPR dijo “Shirley tiene todos los atributos para estar entre las finalistas ó incluso ganar la competencia, aunque es una competencia fuerte, hay 70 países que van a participar.” La competencia se llevará a cabo el 6 de diciembre de 2011.

Shirley te deseamos todo lo mejor del mundo y puedes estar segura que tendrás todo nuestro apoyo ....recuerda que siempre estaremos a tu lado apoyandote, aunque te encuentres a miles de kilómetros de distancia!!!!

Bendiciones para ti….

Marta

Castelar at the Movies: Johnny English Reborn

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Leonne) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:56:00 +0000

I will admit this is one of the wackiest sequels in the annals of movie history. The fictitious character of Johnny English is the opposite of James Bond in every way. He is clumsy, unsophisticated and he doesn’t have the rugged charm of 007, but this secret agent is without a doubt a hoot to watch since this character is hilariously funny in every scene that he is in. Honestly, Rowan Atkinson is perfect for this role as his mannerisms and comedic timing are simply impeccable which makes the film more enjoyable to watch. In the beginning of this sequel, we find Johnny English in Tibet because one disastrous mission made him lose his confidence in himself to remain as an MI7 agent. This particular mistake which has scarred Johnny’s psyche was both tragic and embarrassing. In essence Johnny is trying to seek enlightenment as penance for his earlier mistakes and he realizes that his road towards redemption will be an arduous one.

Eventually, English returns to MI7 to thwart an evil plot by a mysterious organization known as Vortex. This time around his new boss is Pamela Thornton who is adequately portrayed by Gillian Anderson. Anderson portrays this authority figure as a person who always has a serious demeanor while being very strict with her agents. Johnny sees that his new superior doesn’t fully trust him as he is forced to team up with another agent during this new mission. Daniel Kaluuya portrays Johnny’s new partner named Agent Tucker who instantly realizes that working with Johnny is going to be a wild ride full of errors, danger and mayhem. These two men are very different, but they both learn to rely on each other when their lives are at risk. Furthermore, both Johnny and Tucker realize that the Vortex organization is constantly one step ahead of them and that this devious organization will eliminate anyone who gets in their way.

In order for Johnny to defeat this evil threat, he must come face to face with the memories which he has repressed inside his mind. These memories contain the necessary clues that will help him in his latest mission. Luckily, Johnny is able to access these repressed memories which have scarred him for life with the help of Kate Summers, MI7’s behavioral psychologist. Rosamund Pike portrays this character as an intelligent and determined woman who helps Johnny to deal with his inner demons while giving him the necessary confidence to defeat his enemies. In the end, Johnny’s unorthodox tactics and unpredictable behavior create some memorable moments throughout the film as most of the jokes in this comedy work terrifically. Even though Johnny English is too gullible and naïve, he is still one of the most hilarious characters I’ve seen on the Silver Screen.

Castelar

Retro Rewind: Layaway Is Back

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Leonne) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:16:00 +0000

I remember when I was a kid, my mother was the queen of layaway. She was a single parent with two kids and a disabled mother, so layaway was a jewel from the shopping gods.

But soon layaway went out of existence, with the increase number of people who have credit cards. Since the credit slump and the recent economy, many people have done away with their credit cards. As many retailers face quarterly losses, they are trying to find new ways to increase consumer

spending.

DAH DAH DAH DUM...Layaway is back and more retailers and consumers are taking advantage. With a little down and a small payment every week or two, you can get your heart's desire without going into debt or accruing any interest charges.

With the Christmas shopping season coming soon, I figured I would take advantage of layaway and wanted to see who still offers it.

Here are a few retailers that have an in-store layaway program:

Ashley Stewart

Burlington Coat Factory

Can you add to the list?

Janelle

Reflection: Give Me Some Candy Lady

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Leonne) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:09:00 +0000

Picture taken from Candy Land Wiki

So I was playing Candy Land with Kiran last night...you know spending some quality time with the kid. She picks her card and it takes her to Peanut Ville or something or other and she screams in excitement, OOOHHH I'm winning...I get to go to the Peanut Lady!! She's big and fat just like you!

The fat girl in me almost forgot Kiran is a five year old and wanted to punch her in the mouth. Instead I shook it off and said that is not nice then nothing else was said. Kiran looked at me like what did I do?!?! We wrapped up the game, I put her little butt in the tub for bath time, then completed our nightly ritual.

Once Kiran was in bed, my emotions got the best of me and I ate eight chocolate single serving bars from her Halloween basket. Take that little one...the big fat lady is smashing your Crunch bars!! As the chocolate overtook my mouth, I came to and couldn't believe the comments of a kindergartner would cause me to go into a depression...and later possibly a diabetic coma.

Then I pull myself together and remember Kiran is coming from a background that is engulfed in the obsession with size. My sister is a size zero and still thinks she could lose a few pounds. One of the reasons she had an issue with Kiran not being involved in her dance classes as much as she told my mother...she didn't want Kiran to sit over my house and get fat.

It also brought me to the realization I still have a ways to go before I'm truly comfortable in my own skin with my own size. Yes...I do stand to lose some weight health wise, but I also need to re-evaluate the situation and see why that comment got under my skin.

I will say this...it's time for Kiran and I to have the beauty and self acceptance talk. I don't want her to obsess over weight the way her mother and I do. I don't want it to control or take over her life. I don't want her to look at someone and the first thing she sees is weight, height, race or disability. I want her to be a healthy young woman inside and out, but first I have to deal with some demons myself.

I will say this...at least Gamma Nutt knows how to accessorize!

Janelle

Castelar at the Movies: Footloose

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Leonne) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:43:00 +0000

Nowadays there are a few movie remakes which are truly satisfying. Fortunately, the remake of the beloved 1984 original which launched Kevin Bacon’s career is one of the best remakes that I have watched this year. First and foremost, this new version is wilder, sexier and darker in some aspects if you compare it to the original film.

This time around, Kenny Worlmald portrays the rambunctious outsider named Ren McCormack who comes to live with his aunt and uncle in the small southern United States town of Bomont; where he quickly realizes the youth of this town is miserable because of the strict laws of their small town. The town quickly breaks up any type of social gathering which involves loud music and dancing.

Worlmald’s performance is good, but the real standout of the film is Miles Teller who portrays Ren’s sidekick Willard Hewitt. Teller easily creates an endearing character which is funny and amusing to watch in every single scene that he is in. Willard’s friendship with Ren is one of the best aspects of the movie as these young actors seem to have a natural chemistry working with each other.

Julianne Hough portrays Ariel Moore in a convincing manner as she is a tough and wild young woman who is miserable because of the laws that her hometown has approved which in many aspects chain her freedom to express herself like she wants to. Ariel is a rebellious teenager who constantly likes to flirt with danger at every turn. Her father, Reverend Shaw Moore is a man who has lost his son in a fatal car accident and this tragic event has driven him to become an overprotective father figure for the entire town of Bomont.

Reverend Moore firmly believes that the only way to protect the young members of his community is by abolishing any type of inadequate behavior. Reverend Moore is portrayed by Dennis Quaid as a man who is a natural born leader and a pillar of the community that acts as a moral guardian that wants to keep everybody safe and sound. However, by trying to protect the young members of his community he has failed to focus his attention on the one person that needs his guidance the most and that’s his own daughter. Both parents and children make mistakes and when someone makes a mistake that creates an opportunity for them to learn from their personal errors.

Castelar

San Juan Beauty Show

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Leonne) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:19:00 +0000

Entrance to the San Juan Beauty Show

Out of this world!! This is how I would describe the San Juan Beauty Show this year, celebrating their 15^th anniversary. I went with my photographer, Apolonia Vargas and my official Curvy model Ana García, to the event and we had so much fun! I met Victor Pino one of the organizers; a very gracious man and he gave us our VIP passes.

First we went to the Beauty Show itself. I was literally in beauty heaven. They had a full house as always. My first stop was to go say hi to my friend Millie Banchs, the make up artist to the stars. She was with Lourdes Chacon, a beautiful artist from the Island.

Millie Banchs and Lourdes Chacon

I visited many booths. The prices were great and the people...so nice. I especially liked the body painting. It was incredible! They had conferences about everything that had to do with beauty. I sat down for a while and listened to their lectures. They gave great tips! I also went to see the makeup competition. This year it was hard to pick a winner because they all did a great job. The models looked stunning.

Marta and Millie Banchs

We went to the green carpet event. They interviewed people in the beauty industry and local artists from the Island. I felt like I was in Hollywood! Then we went to the cocktail party before the fashion shows and the awards.

Interviewing Nelly Trinidad

I got to go backstage and say hi to designer Nelly Trinidad, as always so sweet and humble. She looked like a diva in her beautiful white dress. Her models looked incredible and her fashion show was amazing! To end the night, designer Carlos Alberto showed his collection...beautiful as well. The Latin American Awards were given out.

Guests at the Green Carpet

I want to congratulate the San Juan Beauty Show organizers, their show was amazing!!!

Blessings to all,

Marta

Fuera de este mundo, así es como yo describiría El San Juan Beauty Show de este año, celebrando su quince aniversario. Fui con mi fotógrafa Apolonia Vargas y mi modelo con curvas Ana García, nos divertimos muchísimo! Conocí a Víctor Pino uno de los organizadores, un hombre muy amable que nos dio la pases VIP.

Giving facials

Primero fuimos al evento y yo estaba literalmente en el cielo de la belleza con tantas cosas bellas que vi allí, tenían casa llena como siempre. Mi primera parada fue ir a saludar a mi amiga Millie Banchs, la maquillista de las estrellas, ella estaba con Lourdes Chacón, una artista bella de la Isla. Visité muchas estaciones de productos, tenian muy buenos precios y la gente, muy agradable. Me gustó mucho la pintura corporal, era increíble, habian conferencias de todo relacionado a la belleza, me senté un rato a escuchar sus conferencias, y dieron muy buenos consejos!

Apolonia and Ana at the cocktail

También fui a ver a la competencia de maquillaje, este año fue difícil elegir un ganador, porque todos hicieron un gran trabajo, las modelos lucían regias! Fuimos al evento de la alfombra verde, donde entrevistaron a personas de la industria de la belleza y los artistas locales de la isla, me sentí que estaba en Hollywood con tanto glamour!!!!

One of their gorgeous models

Nelly Trinidad and her beautiful models

Luego fuimos al cóctel antes de los desfiles de moda y los premios, fui a saludar a mi amiga la diseñadora Nelly Trinidad, como siempre tan dulce y humilde, parecía una Diva con su bello vestido blanco y sus modelos estaban preciosas, su desfile de moda fue increíble! Para finalizar la noche el diseñador Carlos Alberto mostró su colección, hermosa también y los Premios de América Latina fueron otorgados.

Body Painting

Quiero felicitar a los organizadores del San Juan Beauty Show, el evento fue increíble y un éxito total!!!

Bendiciones a todos,

Marta

San Juan Beauty Show: November 6-7

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Leonne) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 18:14:00 +0000

In Puerto Rico, people love anything that has to do with beauty; from fashion shows, to beauty contests to beauty shows. The most important Beauty Show of the Caribbean, The San Juan Beauty Show, celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. They are going to have the Latin American Awards recognizing talent that have contributed to the Beauty Industry with the famous Red Carpet. It will be held on November 6-7 at the Convention Center of Puerto Rico in San Juan. Looking forward to that!!

The San Juan Beauty Show Inc. is an international company that was founded in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1997. As beauty industry developers they offer seminars, shows and services that contribute to professional growth. Their objectives are to reach and maintain a position of leadership in the industry by supporting activities, recruiting educators, and maintaining and organized show of international projection. I have gone to these shows and trust me they are incredible.

Nelly Trinidad and her model Andrea Nicole on their way to the Press Conference

The distributor, the exhibitor and the manufacturer work in an extensive environment that is favorable to advertising and business. Their achievements have been acknowledged by the cosmetologists from the Caribbean and Latin America who have attended their activity; which attracts over 67,000 people. Amazing! This year my friend, designer Nelly Trinidad will be showcasing her collection Le Petite along with the famous designer Carlos Alberto. I was asked to cover the event for Ruby Leonne by Victor Pino one of the organizers, a very gracious and professional man, I’m so looking forward to that. So stay tuned to my next blog, I will be blogging about everything that happened at this amazing show!!!

Blessings to all,

Marta

En Puerto Rico a nuestra gente le encanta todo lo que tiene que ver con la belleza, desfiles de moda, concursos de belleza y eventos de belleza. El evento de belleza más importante del Caribe es El San Juan Beauty Show ycelebra su aniversario número quince este año, van a tener los premios de América Latina reconociendo el talento que ha contribuído a la industria de la belleza y las artes con la famosa alfombra roja y se va a llevar a cabo los dias 6 y 7 de Noviembre en el Centro de Convenciones de Puerto Rico en San Juan, me imagino que va a ser espectacular!

Full house EVERY year!!!

El San Juan Beauty Show Inc. es una compañía internacional que se fundó en San Juan, Puerto Rico en 1997. Estos desarrolladores de la industria de la belleza ofrecen seminarios, espectáculos y servicios que contribuyen al crecimiento profesional. Sus objetivos son alcanzar y mantener una posición de liderazgo en la industria mediante el apoyo a las actividades, la contratación de educadores y el mantenimiento y la muestra organizada de proyección internacional. He ido a este evento y es increíble!

Designer Carlos Alberto

Sus logros han sido reconocidos por los cosmetólogos del Caribe y América Latina que han asistido a sus actividades, y que atrae a más de 67,000 personas! Mi opinión es que su gran trabajo en equipo ha sido el éxito por todos estos años. Este año, mi amiga, la diseñadora Nelly Trinidadestará presentando su colección Le Petite junto con el famoso diseñadorCarlos Alberto. Victor Pino me pidió cubrir el evento para Ruby Leonne, el es uno de los organizadores un hombre muy amable y profesional. Así que estén pendientes a mi próximo blog, les estaré contando todo lo que sucedió en este grandioso evento!!!

Bendiciones para todos,

Marta

Halloween Puerto Rico Style

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Leonne) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 18:44:00 +0000

Trick or Treat? Oh….how I remember and love those words.

I love Halloween, it reminds me of the happy times I had trick or treating when I was a kid. Being raised in the States, Halloween was always so much fun. I would go all over the neighborhood with my sister and friends trick or treating. Our neighbors would decorate their homes to receive us.

Costumes at Gay Party in San Juan

I always remember one house. The couple would dress up as witches and do a magic show before giving us candy. I can remember it like it was yesterday and many many years have gone by. Then we would come home and sort out candy with my Mom and Dad. What wonderful carefree days they were.

Model Lisamaris Rosado

On the Island, kids also go trick or treating. Some parents take them to the mall to trick or treat, because they feel it is safer. Now grown ups...that’s another story. Do these people love to party on Halloween or what!?!?

Drag Queen Luly Haddock

There is a great Halloween Party that is held in San Juan. It is hosted by the Gay Community and it is amazing. Sometimes my kids go to them and I have seen pics that are incredible. They take this very seriously and their costumes are out of this world! On the other hand religious groups are not so fond of these parties, but to be honest, I think if you don’t harm anyone and just have fun that is perfectly fine. We are living through tough times and it is fun to escape to Fantasyland just for a couple of hours to forget all of our worries. I asked my Curvy Girls from the Island to send me pics of their costumes and I have posted some for my friends in the States to see that we love to party on Halloween…..….Enjoy!!!

Blessings to all,

Marta

Me encanta cuando llega Halloween, me recuerda mi niñez, criadaen los Estados Unidos Halloween era siempre tan divertido, mi hermana y yo íbamos por las casas de nuestro vecindario, los vecinos se lucían decorando sus casas, había una pareja que se vestían de brujas y hacían trucos de magia antes de darnos dulces, luego volvíamos a casa para que mis padres clasificaran los dulces, era todo tan sano en esa época.

Model Rosa M. Rivera

En Puerto Rico Halloween se celebra pero, muchos padres optan por llevar a sus hijos al Centro Comercial a buscar dulces porque se sienten más seguros, ahora si, con los adultos es otro cuento. En San Juan la comunidad Gay lo celebra por todo lo alto, mis hijos han ido, las fotos son increíbles, ellos toman esta celebración bien en serio y las actividades se hacen sin ningún contratiempo.

Model Susan Santana

Muchas religiones no están de acuerdo con esta celebración pero es mi sincera opinión que si no le hacen mal a nadie se puede celebrar, estamos viviendo una época difícil y escaparnos al mundo de la fantasía por par de horas nos hace falta! Este año le pedí a mis chicas con curvas fotos de cómo celebraron su Halloween y las quiero compartir con ustedes….que las disfruten!!!

Model Isaura Garcia

Bendiciones para todos,

Marta

Indianapolis Welcomes Pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Leonne) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:56:00 +0000

Last night, fashion professionals from Indianapolis and the surrounding cities got together at the Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art to introduce Pattern. Pattern, birthed from the Indianapolis Fashion Collective, is a new fashion hub fostering creativity, ingenuity and bringing the fashion community of Indianapolis together for networking and growth opportunities.

Five fashion related businesses got to introduce their services to the guest that attended. They were Aesthetic Design Style House (the fashion services company I work for), Bullet Boutfits (a roller derby clothing line), T.Party & The Snappy Dresser (Kaitlyn Elise's t-shirt company and personal shopping/styling boutique), Minx Vintage (a blog and vintage boutique), and LModelz Model Management.

It was great to be in a room with some AHMAZING and extraordinary people. Pattern will be meeting once a month in different venues throughout the city of Indianapolis. If you are in Indy, you have to make sure to attend one of the future events.

Designer, Co-Worker & friend Amber Fitzgerald with her bestie from England, Emma Jesson

The cutest outfit I saw at IndySwank, a boutique located in the Murphy Building in Fountain Square.

The museum was a wonderful place to host this type of event.

Leslie Turner, Owner of LModelz Management & Designer Catherine Fritsch

Professional Makeup Artist, Kathy Moberly & My friend and boss lady, Julia Rutland of Aesthetic Design Style House

To learn more about Pattern and the fashion community in Indianapolis, make sure you follow them on Facebook and visit their website, IndianapolisFashion.org.

Janelle

Castelar at the Movies: Real Steel & Killer Elite

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Leonne) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:39:00 +0000

It is a true pleasure when a movie lives up to the hype that surrounds it. Shawn Levy directs an astounding film that is a true blockbuster in every sense of the word. This film is a modern sports science fiction tale which is full of emotion, action and phenomenal special effects. The main character of this story is a man named Charlie Kenton who used to be a professional boxer, but in the year 2020 humans have been replaced by robots in boxing. Hugh Jackman portrays this flawed human being as a man who has lost what gave him a true purpose in life and a person who has made many bad choices along the way. Charlie adapts to this harsh new reality by buying robots and making them fight in illegal underground boxing matches so that he can pay his debts, but lately his debts keep piling in and he seems to be running out of options on how to support himself.

Suddenly, Charlie finds out that his ex-girlfriend has died and that he must attend a meeting in order to decide who will get custody of his estranged son Max. When Charlie gets to the meeting he finds out that Max’s aunt Debra and her wealthy husband Marvin want full custody of the boy. Being desperate for money Charlie makes a secret deal with Marvin in which he agrees to hand over his son to him and his wife in exchange for a large sum of money. However, Marvin and Debra have to go on a trip and Charlie must take care of the boy for three months. Max is a kid who has some bitterness in his heart, because he knows that his father was never there for him because he isn’t a reliable person. Charlie is a man who runs away from the things that he doesn’t want to face because he doesn’t know how to deal with the consequences of his actions. Both characters are at a crossroads in this particular point in time and they are both trying to find something that will improve their lives.

There is an evident sense of animosity between Charlie and his son Max. However, Charlie's friend Bailey Tallet acts as the voice of reason for this father and son duo. Bailey who is portrayed by Evangeline Lilly runs the boxing gym of her deceased father who trained Charlie when he was a professional fighter. This woman truly understands Charlie as she has never turned her back on him because she has a deep sense of loyalty and fondness for this man. When Max shows up Bailey takes a liking to this young boy because she sees that he is someone who is just trying to connect with his father in any way that he can. Bailey clearly understands the importance of family as a parent can guide you through the good times and the bad times while giving you the necessary support to find your path in life. The other element that establishes a positive relationship between Charlie and Max is an old robot named Atom who they find in a junkyard.

This robot was the catalyst that brought a sense of unity and gave these protagonists a purpose to do something together that they both loved to do. Common interests can lead you to see just how similar two people can be and by the end of this film both Charlie and Max clearly understood how important they were to each other. This movie has a heart of steel as it shows that if you have the necessary support from the people that you love then you can overcome any obstacle that stands in your way.

Killer Elite

Living a life which is full of violence can corrupt the purity of the human soul. In this hostile world, many ruthless people pay a lot of money to eliminate their enemies. The best contract killers in the business are lethal and calculated human beings that do not rest until their mission is completed. A true stone cold killer doesn’t have any pity or remorse for the people that they kill. On the other hand, as time passes by even the mightiest killer may be consumed by guilt for all of the horrible deeds which have been committed in the past.

The protagonist of this film is Jason Statham and he portrays a vicious assassin named Danny Bryce who is sick and tired of all the violence and the bloodshed which he has caused. Bryce is a man that is tormented by his inner demons as he struggles to keep his sanity in a world that is full of chaos and turmoil. After a lifetime of murder and mayhem, Danny decides to retire from his dangerous profession. Unfortunately, his mentor named Hunter who is marvelously portrayed by Robert De Niro is held captive and this leads Danny to come out of retirement. The best scenes of the entire film are the ones where we have Robert De Niro and Jason Statham acting together since both of these actors are truly fun to watch, because it seems that these men have a genuine charisma which is truly priceless to watch.

Danny slowly learns that if he wants to save his friend, he must kill at least three members of the British Special Air Service (SAS). The man who hires Danny to do these dastardly deeds is an Arabian Sheik who seeks vengeance against these men because they have killed 3 of his sons. Sheik Amr is a man who has all the wealth in the world, but he is dying. His final request is that before Bryce kills the men that were responsible for the deaths of his sons he must make each of them confess to what they did while recording it. Of course, this threat does not go unnoticed as a former SAS operative named Spike Logan figures out are what Bryce and his team are up and he decides to stop them by any means necessary. Clive Owen portrays Spike Logan as a man who has a bitter mean streak inside his soul. Spike is a former soldier who doesn’t want a normal life because he considers it to be a dull existence. When Logan is given a specific mission he feels that his life has a purpose and a meaning which isn’t worthless. Obviously, we have two polar opposites in Bryce and Logan as one man wants to disappear without ever harming another person again while the other man wants to remain active in a world which is full of death and destruction. Overall, this action film is a battle of will and wits where one mistake can have serious repercussions in the lives of our protagonists.

Castelar

This Week's Fashion Inspiration: Men's Wear

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Leonne) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:00:00 +0000

I got my Harper's Bazaar this past weekend. I love fashion magazines, Jason would even say I'm obsessed with them. I've done A LOT better! In the past, I subscribed to every fashion rag there was. I had laundry baskets full of magazines...I didn't want to throw them away just in case I saw something I wanted to copy or something that caught my eye. Now I only have one subscription now that my Vogue has expired; Harper's...you're my only friend!

Black, white and red is my FAVORITE color scheme. I could dress in those colors at all times. In fact, I have to make myself by some color in my wardrobe. But these two pics from Harper's caught my eye this weekend and they are my fashion inspiration for the week.

I love menswear! In the fall and winter, I barely wear dresses or skirts. Hey...don't judge I live in Indiana and with the cold and snow, skirts are sometimes not an option...AND I HATE TIGHTS AND PANTYHO!! (Yes I call pantyhose, pantyho, I had a friend in college and that's what is mother used to call them...it's stuck with me ever since.) I'm really stocking up on menswear pieces and I plan to post a menswear OOTD soon. In the meantime...feast on this!

Janelle

Reflection: Race Relations in the Indianapolis Fashion Industry

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Leonne) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:53:00 +0000

Indianapolis is one of the most segregated cities in the Midwest. I've come to terms with that...really I have. I grew up in a world where there was no color. People gasped at me when I brought a white man home to visit my family. What did your family say? Say about what?!?! Well....you know about Jason being white? Umm...my family didn't say anything. I don't think they even noticed. I've been in love with every race there is...I'm an equal opportunity lover. (I haven't dated an Asian though, need to fill that void...no really just kidding!) And it's not that I'm naive about race, hatred, and exclusion; it's out there and it's stronger than ever. I just try not to let it rule my life.

This time last year, I decided to follow a dream of mine and work in the fashion industry here in Indianapolis. I didn't know much about our fashion scene, but I knew one was out there. So I started researching to see where I would fit in. I have met so many new and exciting people since I've started to surface among the scene. Too many people to name...but you know who your are. I've also learned of many catty fights and division in the ranks. What do you expect? It is fashion...the mother of all cattiness, but I didn't expect any racial division. I don't know why, it's Indianapolis.

In Indianapolis, we have the black clubs and the white clubs...black stores and the white stores...black salons and white salons. Now don't get me wrong...there are some people of both races that break the mold. They don't follow the status quo and visit places that cater toward the opposite race. But the fashion industry....really?

I saw on Facebook last week a boycott against Midwest Fashion Week because it's founder, a Haitian male has been accused of purposely not promoting African American models and/or designers, because he's ashamed of his African heritage. I was floored, because this same issue was on the tongues of some when the Indianapolis Fashion Collective started. Many people said the organization was full of elitist and didn't want to particpate because they saw no representation of color within the ranks or there was no representation from IFC at the "black" fashion events. STOP PEOPLE!

Are people being too touchy? Are people looking for something to bitch about or does the Indianapolis fashion industry have a problem with color? I think certain people do, we cannot change the ignorance of those who choose to walk down a path of intolerance. But what we can do is support each other, whether that person, model, designer, photographer, or corporation is black or white or any other ethnicity or creed. Let's stop focusing on and fueling the color line, but lets step over it. Because Indianapolis is filled with talent from all sides; just think if we truly all came together and worked on making Indy the new fashion hub of the Midwest. We would be unstoppable.

Janelle

Nelly Trinidad: Breaking New Ground

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Leonne) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:55:00 +0000

Today I’m going to blog about a fashion designer that's caught my eye here on the Island. Her name is Nelly Trinidad. I saw one of her fashion shows and she used a curvy girl. I loved this because it is not common for them to walk the runway with thin models.

Nelly Trinidad

I contacted her and she is one of the sweetest people you will ever meet. She told me she was forced to take sewing lessons by her mom when she was 13 years old with Carlota Alfaro, one of the best designers on the Island, but she did not like it at all because she wanted to go to Beauty School!

She put up a sewing shop at her home and sewed non stop leading her to a physical meltdown. Nelly fell into a deep depression for three years, and with the help of her family she got better.

An interview for WAPA-TV

Later on she realized that being a fashion designer would be her destiny. Her husband, Abimael, bought her a fabric store and things changed around.

Her models at South Fashion Week

There was a casting for Puerto Rico Next Fashion Designer and she went showcasing her collection Petite. It was a hit! Last month, she participated in South Fashion Week. I saw the designs and they were beautiful.

Nelly and her models at a charity event

Nelly does a lot of charity work and in December she is going to have a fashion show where the proceeds will go to battered women on the Island. Loved that! She tells me she wants to do a fashion show with Curvy girls...loving this idea also.

Nelly with Neysha Martinez Orengo, the curvy girl she used in her Fashion Show in Puerto Rico Next Fashion Designer.

This amazing woman is so humble telling me she does not want fame or fortune, she just wants people appreciate her designs and enjoy them. That is her greatest triumph. You can be sure I will be going to her December fashion show for battered women and blogging all about it!!

Blessings to all!

Marta

Curvy Girls Brought It

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Leonne) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:54:00 +0000

Photo taken from Nuvo TV

So I'm honestly done with reality television. No really...I want some truly scripted TV. But there is always a piece of me that feeds into my reality TV guilty pleasure. I hope the TV gods are not feeding us big gurls what we want and then dump us once they have our undivided attention, because I'm loving all the big gurl reality love!

The Curvy Girls special preview aired last night on NUVO TV, a station I had no idea existed, but it will be set on my favorites list. I know some people don't have this station, but if you have AT&T UVerse you should...SCORE!

The show followed plus size models Rosie, Denise, Lorna and Victoria as they put their best foot forward working in the strenuous and superficial world of modeling.

Okay so I'm a little bias on my cast favorite...I LOVE ROSIE MERCADO!! Such a beautiful humble woman. I had no idea she had three little ones. I'm so happy to see her success and hope she does well in the modeling industry. I wish there was room in the modeling world for a larger woman especially with her proportions. As a hip heavy chica myself, I understand the plight of finding clothes that fit my child bearing hips and would love to see more women on the scene that has that issue. Ms. Rosie is trying to lose weight to get more modeling gigs and we are behind you lady...every bit!

So there was a part where Rosie had a semi blind date with a person she had been chatting with online. Soon as he came into frame, he just seemed smarmy to me. The guy ended up wooing Rosie on their date, but failed to follow through after with communication and phone calls. I hate men...especially men that say I've never dated a plus size girl before. That means you have a problem with it buddy cause if you didn't her size would have never been an issue. Boo Hiss to you sir...

Denise is the face of every plus size retail store on the market. You've seen her EVERYWHERE. I really don't relate to her character at all and since I don't know her personally, just what I've seen on TV, she seems a bit haughty. I do hope that she works out a schedule with her baby daddy so he can see his daughter. I also didn't understand why he showed up at her apartment looking for her while she was in NY. Did you not tell him you were in NY? What if something happened and no one knew where you were? That seemed kinda weird. I hope my instincts are wrong about her because she is truly a beautiful woman, but from the show last night, she sucks a little. But editing is horrible on these shows...

Victoria, another model, has issues with her "botched" ta-ta job was getting on my nerves about her boobs. She had implants done, but the doctor added a little bit too much. So she was unhappy with the result. Victoria wanted to get her secrets reduced. But honestly, her breast looked natural. They looked awesome to me. Eventually she did get the reduction, hopefully the new girls are to her liking...so she can quit being ta-ta obsessed! If she talked about breast ONE MORE time, I was going to go through the TV and choke her.

Lorna is a curvy model looking for work, so she leaves NY and heads for LA to find her mark on the industry. She leaves her boyfriend behind in NY, but tries to get him to come live in LA. Lorna feels long distance relationships doesn't work. I feel her on that! LDR are hard especially if the parties are not willing to work on it and there is always the whole out of sight out of mind saying. I just hope they had that discussion of work when their relationship was still young. As a model, you do live that fast paced life and that may mean moving where the jobs are. I just hope she didn't lose a good thing. I wish her the best and hope to see her face more.

The one thing I loathe was when the girls got together for a luncheon and another model approached Denise out in public calling her and the other ladies out of their name and making a scene. I HATE THAT!! I hate when women, especially black and brown women, act an ass out in public toward each other. You are not going to like everybody and not everyone will like you...that's life. If you have issues with a person, bring that up with that person PRIVATELY. Not on a public street, in a busy restaurant, in front of that person's friends. I mean ol gurl was loud too. The owner escorted her out. I hate that. It makes it rough for Black and Latina girls who don't act in that manner rise above the stereotype. Don't feed into the hype people.

In all, I really enjoyed Curvy Girls and I hope they bring it back for a full season. Like Big Sexy, it is refreshing to see women on television that look like me and share the same feelings and insecurities. In the meantime, I will just wait until someone offers me a show. But you probably wouldn't want to see me and my friends drink wine by the gallon...or would you?

Janelle

Weekend Love & OOTD

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Leonne) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:53:00 +0000

This weekend was my anniversary celebration. Because our anniversary was during the week and we had the little one, we had to postpone our festivites until the weekend. Jason and I went to our favorite restaurant, Ruth Chris Steak House, and we came home to a nice bottle of Easley's Reggae Blush wine. Thanks to the beautiful staff at Ruth Chris for making our anniversary wonderful!

In front of the basis of our fights for the past few weeks, the Great Camero Caper of 2011!

Yes...and I took pictures of what I wore...WHAT?!?! This is one of my favorite outfits. It's so light and comfortable. Plus the whole outfit cost under $25!! Yeah...no lie!

Cardigan: Cynthia Rowley Marshall's Clearance $9.99 Dress: Norma Kamali Walmart (Online) $12.99 Boots: Old Navy ~ Two seasons ago

Fashion doesn't have to be expensive!

On a side note, today is picture day at Kiran's school. Ugh for picture day...getting her dressed in the morning is like a part time job, now just add tights. So here is her OOTD...

So early in the morning...

Janelle

We've Come A Long Way, Baby

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Leonne) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:04:00 +0000

No...I'm not talking about Virginia Slim cigarettes! It's Jason and I's fifth anniversary. I can't believe it's been five years. Time flies when you're having fun, I guess. It's been one crazy ride. I've been blessed by God to find a best friend, a lover, a confidant and a kindred spirit all wrapped up in a 6'2 package.

2007/2008

2008

2009

2007

2009

Here's to many more years together...love you DJ Wonderloaf!!

Janelle

Fall is Death...LET ME EXPLAIN!

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Leonne) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:30:00 +0000

Fall is my FAVORITE time a year. I love wearing sweaters and drinking warm apple cider. I love the brisk wind as it whips through my open windows at night as a snuggle with Jay because we've got no where to go.

It's a season of transition. In my mind, fall is...well death. WAIT!! LET ME FINISH!! Look around you. Look at the trees with their reds, oranges and yellow leaves or barren with skinny twigs blowing in the breeze. Gestation dying...animals preparing for a seasonal death. Halloween and the Day of the Dead, two holidays that focus on the afterlife or all things fearful. Fall is death, but sets us up for preparation of a new year..new lives.

Now to get prepared for winter and wait for the other transition period...spring. The season that brings life and fruitfulness.

I have a group of friends...we play together...we drink together...we eat together...we cry together...we do everything...well together. But once in a while, we like to get our families together and do some bonding. For our fall outing, I decided we celebrate the season by going to Waterman's Family Farm here in Indianapolis, IN. Here are some of my favorite shots from the day.

Kiran with her second pumpkin of the season.

Donovan searching for that perfect one.

The kids running without a care in the world.

Indiana is so beautiful this time of year.

Kiran vs. Donovan the saga continues!

Welcome fall...oh how I've missed you!

Janelle

Marta's Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Leonne) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:36:00 +0000

If you want to relax, have fun and be pampered for a week what should you do is take a cruise..of course you will not regret it.

I went with my family on a Carribean cruise last week and it was a great experience. We sailed on the Carnival Victory, visiting the Islands of St. Thomas, St, John, Barbados, St, Kitts and St, Maarten in that order.

The tours we took were the one’s that showed us the island. The tour guides were great; explaining everything with detail.

Apolonia and Ana in St. Thomas

In St. Thomas, they took us to the Rum Factory and let us have a sample of each Rum. Well...I tried all the samples and everything was a bit blurry after that. I took a taxi back to the ship because I was literally in a daze. Won’t do that again!

Amber Fountain in St. Thomas worth 2 million dollars

The second day was at sea and it was Captain’s Night where everyone got dressed up, went to the formal dining room and had a great meal. Our waiters were great and the food was amazing.

In St. John, we were taken to another Rum Factory, but this time I just had one sample of Rum. I learned my lesson. We were also taken to an Old Colonial House. Simply beautiful!

Artist Reggie giving a demonstration

I liked the Barbados Tour. They took us to Medford Mahogany Creations. Reggie was the artist. He is so talented, I actually bought one of his creations.

Music in Barbados

Dining room in Colonial home in Barbados

St Kitts was so much fun, we took a train ride all around the island and everytime we passed people they would wave to us. Very friendly.

Train Ride in St.Kitts

The last island was St. Maarten. This island is beautiful. Celebrities like Diana Ross and Chuck Norris have homes here and the views are breathtaking.

Fine Dining

If you decide to go prepare yourself mentally for food 24 hours a day and photograhers popping out from everywhere to take your pic.

I also recommend the comedy shows; they were great especially a comedian named Happy Cole, very talented.

St. Maarten

Well all good things come to an end, but you can be sure that will not be my last time on a cruise vacation, God willing. So remember when you plan your next vacation think about crusin, believe me you will have a great time!

Blessings to all,

Marta

Midwest Fashion Week: October 19th - 22nd

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Leonne) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:07:00 +0000

One of the things that makes me proud to be in fashion in Indy is Midwest Fashion Week. In it's five year inception, MFW has grown from a small local event to one of the region's hottest fashion tickets. Midwest Fashion Week is hosted twice a year, once in March and the second is in October. Last MFW, I got to meet the AMAZING ladies from Eliza Parker.

The theme for MFW this quarter is Fashion is Empowerment and is sponsored by many of Indiana's leading companies, fashion houses and media. The itnerary has recently been posted for the October's events. I hope to get to at least one or two functions during the short week of festivities. To view the complete schedule, check the website.

Janelle