Category Archives: On The Rise

5 Reasons to Visit Puerto Rico!

Posted in On The Rise by

If you’re wondering where have I been? Well, let’s just say I needed a break, although it feels like I left you all hanging, I am thankful for the messages that I’ve received in my absence. So, it’s been 3 months since my last post but I promise this HIATUS was worth it.(will explain in next VLOG) but I wanted to share with you all this piece of happiness that took place for my birthday weekend.

I know I’m not the only one who take birthdays seriously. It’s a national holiday in my world and everyone in my life knows that this day is non- negotiable, no party poopers, no bad vibe, no  pettiness is allowed.

So, this  year I decided to take a trip and honestly I think I might have started a tradition.Traveling the world or visiting an unknown place does good to my heart. When I booked my trip I had a plan and I wanted to stick to it.  I kept telling myself “ Nathalie wants a beach, an outdoor shower, drinks lots of coconut water and party the night away.” My expectation of my trip was plain and simple and as I was getting closer to it I was excited but had a little bit of doubt. However now that it has been two weeks since my trip I can assure you that it exceeded my expectations. I believe it  was Paulo Coelho who said ” When you want something all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”  and that my friend was the summary of my trip. With that being said here are 5 reasons to visit PR.

  1. El Morro

El Morro is located in the city of Old San Juan. It is one of the most impressive structures on the island with breathtaking views and historic background. The walk up to this beautiful fortress  is not for the faint but it is worth it as it seems like you are stepping back into 5th century. While there I took advantage of the wind and flew a kite, lay on the grass and just grasp the beautiful scenery.

2. Food

Contrary to popular belief, don’t let this small frame of mine fool you!. I love food and I don’t think the feeling is mutual. While in Puerto Rico, I THOROUGHLY  enjoyed their culinary. From having fresh mofongo, Cocina Criolla, to sour sap juice,  fresh coco water and drinking Pina Colada, I mean it is where it originated from; this girl right here was a happy camper. Also what I found very intriguing is that some restaurants didn’t have menus and their reasoning is simple they use whatever fresh products they get that day!For the health conscious travelers that should be music to your ears!

3. Music

If there’s a beat my feet automatically takes control and the rest of my body follows. With that being said there’s no lack of party life in Puerto Rico.  Friday nights in Santurce or Isla Verda will definitely keep you pumping and that’s want my heart was searching for.  Luckily for me while driving in Loiaza  (Afro Puerto Rican  town) came across a drummer who was practicing for his set. We immediately had a connection when I told him he looks like my uncle.Not only  did he take the time to teach me  different sounds of PR music but he serenading me with a Happy Bday song! ( The Universe was with me ya’ll ).  Ohhh PS.He was very impressed with my dance move resembles those of the people of Loiza, WHO KNEW?

4. El Yunke Rainforest

El Yunke Rainforest is the only tropical rainforest that belongs to the U.S. Forest Service and it is magical! If you love nature and want to take on a challenging hike this is the place for you. I decided to do   this 3 ½ hour hike on my birthday and It was totally worth it, even though it was pouring it took as  mother nature clearing my new path.  ( I know i’m deep ASF)

5. The People

Life is really simple and it get’s even better when people are nice to each other. The people were charming, charismatic and welcoming!

Bonus: Stay at The DREAMCATCHER PR.

I wish every place around the world had a bed and breakfast place THIS COOL. By far it exceeded my expectations.In addition to having the beach 100 feet away literally ( I counted the steps) my outdoor shower  and listening to the Coqui signing at night was the highlight of my trip

PS. I encourage everyone to go out and travel or get out of your home town when you can. It doesn’t have to be a HUGE trip but get out and explore the world. Until next time! : )

Here’s How Danielle Fontus is Helping Women Live a Daring Life

Posted in Empowerment, On The Rise by

In light of women’s history month, I wanted to shed light on an amazing individual who created a platform for women to lives their best social life. Danielle Fontus is the creator of She Dares, a women’s adventure community, where she helps women step outside of their comfort zones through experiences, from happy hour to horseback riding. Let’s find out more about Dani!

Tell me about yourself 

I may have also been spotted in a few adventures myself like Carnival in Trinidad and jet skiing in Tobago. I love to travel, eat, dance, play and indulge in whatever tickles my fancy.

Since graduating from Emory University in 2007, I have found a home in hospitality. I am now transitioning into the area of retreat planning while building my personal brand as an adventure influence.

Where were you 6 months after graduation?

I graduated on May 14, 2007 and started a job at a tutoring center in September thanks to a friend. It seemed like a good idea – I went to school with the intention of being a child psychologist. So the position made sense. For my first job, it was decent. I lived at home with my mom, and my loans were in deferment, so bills were minimal. In some ways, I was living my own piece of the post college dream. Yet there was a little piece inside of me that was restless and unsatisfied. I didn’t LOVE what I was doing, and I was craving more and starting to feel stifled. Come November 2007 (6 months after graduation), I was trying to figure out how to get out of my job and didn’t have a plan for what was next.

Fast forward to December 2007, I was laid off because the company downsized, which was such a serendipitous blessing for me. At the beginning of 2008 I spent 6 weeks in Trinidad that absolutely changed my life.

What prompted you to start She Dares?

During my time in Trinidad, I was so awestruck that I really wanted to share it with those who had never experienced anything like it. That year I started Her Journey travel magazine, which was an enhanced rebirth of the newsletter I used to send to my college friends to motivate us through those days when college life got real.
After doing that for a while, I wanted to CREATE these experiences instead of just writing about them. After doing a lot of these experiences alone, I realized that I wanted to find more daring women like me, I created She Dares to help form genuine connections in the best way I know how through fun and adventure. I LOVE meeting new people and finding out about them and I LOVE a good adventure. Putting those two things together, She Dares was born.

Continue reading →

On The Rise: Lilas Mia

Posted in Beauty, Empowerment, On The Rise by
When Lilas started her blog Hello I’m Mia fresh out of college she had one goal;  to enlighten her readers with the wisdom she’s received along the way and share her experiences through writing and photography. Three years later, keeping this aim in mind, she’s been able to build a successful brand centered on authenticity and transparency. Let’s find out more about Lilas!
Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
My name is Lilas, and I run the blog, “Hello, I’m Mia.” After several years using various platforms and changing my blog name, I finally chose Mia because it was my nickname used only amongst family members and I wanted to treat my readers as close friends.
mark3767Where were you 6 months after college?
I graduated with an Environmental Studies degree and fortunately found a job with an amazing environmental non-profit organization that aimed to beautify our neighborhoods and teaches students as well as New Yorkers about our city. I did a lot of outdoor work because of my studies which only increased my appreciation for nature.
How did you first get into blogging?
My blog started as a public online diary about anything you can imagine: heartbreaks, friendships, rants, adulthood, school, careers. I still try and treat it as so to this day. I’ve loved writing although I never imagined to still be doing it nearly a decade later.
What do you want your audience to get out of your blog?
I want to keep sharing knowledge and ease people’s minds and hearts through my personal experiences. I’m all about reliability and I want my posts to be open conversations between my readers and I.
You have a way with words, always inspiring others to be their best. How do you stay positive or keep your peace? 
Thank you ! My faith has taught and brought me a long way in terms of keeping my peace. Negativity will never be fruitful and can become the biggest impediment to your potential if you allow it (I’ve tried sulking and being a Debby-downer, which are equally exhausting). Staying positive is an acquired discipline, and I’ve learned that in life what you focus on magnifies.
Your skin and hair are always on fleek! Can you share with us your secrets?
Less is more and water is your friend. Your skin, like your hair, needs to breathe ever so often. Become comfortable in your skin, those who matter won’t care for your minor blemishes, and those who do care do not matter.
 
You’re also a photographer, how does it help your blog?
My hobby in photography has been a blessing to me. In addition to connecting me to other artists, I have been able to incorporate visuals and do more creative projects when drafting content because of this passion.
 img_3417-01-01
We all stumble at some point of our lives, was there ever a time where you wanted to give up? What did you learn from it?
Stumbling is a constant visitor in our lives and we have to stay ready. When I decided to get serious with my blog, I was going through the post-grad blues of living away from my best friends (my roommates), being thrown in a whole new environment and “adulting.” Blogging was the safe, familiar zone. My biggest advice for when you feel like you’re in a low phase of your life is to recall the places, people and things that brought you happiness and gave you inspiration. Mine are my siblings and nephews, earl grey tea, finding new music and traveling to a new place. You have to remember to take care of your soul if you don’t feel right within !
 

Continue reading →