Seeing Stripes

Wearing: 

Black Top & Striped Pencil Skirt: The Limited | Purse & Watch: Michael Kors | Black Pumps: Steve Madeen | Statement Chain: J. Crew | Sunnies: Gap Inc. | Assorted Ring Stack: Henri Bendel | Assorted Bracelets: Various Designers 

For months I have felt as though a piece of me has been missing. This hole that seemed to ache from the bottom of my heart was due to the loss of my long time friend and love -- JR. 

I have mourned his loss for so long I began to feel as though I was adrift in the sea of his memories. He was my whole life, and suddenly he was taken from me. With no time to cope or deal, I had to face the harsh reality of his loss. No amount of time, effort, or tears will ever help to heal the hole that he left behind. 

But Pepper? 

She can make the dark days seem just that much brighter. She gives me purpose and life. She makes me feel as though I can continue to love. As though JR will always own a piece of my heart, but there are still other pieces to be dealt. Other little furry creatures which deserve to be loved and spoiled in the same manner. 

And so, slowly -- the pain of the loss eases. Light begins to shine in where you otherwise thought the darkness had completely taken over. She is the light, and without her I would continue to wander with no real purpose. 

She feels like the bright warmth of the sun, after spending months in the dismal winter. 

xoxo 

Plum 

Currently Listening To: Maroon 5 -- Better That We Break 

Currently Reading: W. H. Auden September 1, 1939 

Social Friday at Sergio's

Wearing: 

Sweater: The Limited | Jeans: Old Navy | Platforms: Jessica Simpson | Watch: Michael Kors | Ring Stack: Henri Bendel | Heart Sunnies: Forever 21 

Vaca Frita Empanada 

Pan con Bistec | Mariqiuitas 

Social Fridays calls again for a social outing. This week the lovely Diana and I ventured out to Sergio's for a Cuban lunch. As always -- this lunch was a working one. 

Cuban cuisine is not one of my favorites, however, Sergio's does it right. With their array of fresh baked empanadas, and their traditional Cuban dishes -- everything is just right for my Cuban roots. 

The weather in South Florida seems to be erratic as of lately, as one day we experience record scorching temperatures -- only to wake up the next morning to the blissful cool sweater weather. I chose a simple white knit sweater with embellished shoulders for this Casual Friday at Corporate America. 

The platforms are one of my favorites as they are trendy and unique with their pattern and height (I feel about a foot taller in them). The heart glasses are an ode to Valentines (as this shoot was on the lovely holiday itself). 

Casual yet chic, my outfit choice is perfect for a sunny South Florida lunch date. 

xoxo 

Plum 

Currently Listening To:  Maroon 5 -- Beautiful Goodbye 

Currently Reading: Vogue February Issue 

Taco Rico

Wearing:

Blazer, Dress, & Tights: The Limited | Statement Chain: Bauble Bar | Pumps: Steve Madden | Watch: Michael Kors | Ring Stack: Henri Bendel 

Lunch served at Taco Rico in the heart of Doral. Chicken Enchiladas {yum} with refried beans and Mexican rice. Soft Taco on the side. Served with Chips & Salsa.

I've gotten into the habit of working on personal endeavors during the hours of my lunch. 

{There is no rest for the determined}

Currently, I work as a Technical Writer in one of America's up and coming Health Insurance Agencies. From Monday thru Friday I am a corporate drone and I perform my duties according to the laws and ordinances placed upon the health care system in the States. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I spend my nights in school & this semester? 

{Linguistics and Modern British Poetry}

I am currently 6 credits shy of achieving my Bachelors in English Literature. And after spending the last 8 years wandering through life wondering where I would end up, and what course my life would take...

I have discovered the beauty of IT. 
{Information Technology} 

And the beauty of my position within this department? All I have to do is write and create documents all day. My own personal niche within Corporate America. It's as though after all these years, my questions have been answered. My position allows me the liberty of being able to enjoy my work, and pursue personal endeavors at the same time. 

It wasn't just my career or educational degree I was wondering about though. I wanted to know where my personal life would take me as well. What kind of woman would I turn out to be, and how would this influence those closest to me? 

I've learned that this choice is up to me. 

I can choose to be the woman I've always wanted to be, all I had to do was take a blind leap of faith and let it happen. My familial support system has helped me to conquer many of the demons of my past -- and this time around I had the added support of my best friend, as my boyfriend. 

He supports me and encourages me like not other & he honestly believes I am capable of conquering the world and the world's beyond. 

I heard once, that you become like the 5 people you spend the most time with. If I acquire the qualities of patience, unconditional love, and perseverance of my boyfriend, sisters, and mother -- then it's true that I could quite possibly do anything I so choose. 



xoxo 

Plum 



Currently Listening To: Lorde -- White Teeth Teens
Currently Reading: Ezra Pound Hugh Selwyn Mauberly 

Social Friday at Happy Wine

Wearing: 

Striped Maxi: The Limited (online exclusive) | Statement Chain: J. Crew | Beaded Bracelet: Michael Kors | Sandals: Nine West | Gold Watch: Michael Kors | Bold Lip: MAC Rebel Assorted Ring Stack: Henri Bendel | Lunch @ Happy Wine 

From Left to Right

Fresh Spanish Tapas of Cold Mussels in Garlic with Tomatoes-- Chorizos al Sidra --(2) Prosciutto Paninis with Fresh Tomatoes, Cheese, and Special House Sauce. 

Fridays is something my mom likes to call "viernes social" -- or Social Friday. She makes it a point to not cook on Fridays as she believes it is a time for good eats in a good atmosphere, without having to put in work in the kitchen. She has happily instilled this belief in her (4) daughters, as she particularly enjoys these Fridays with us. Visiting the various restaurants and dinner tables she chooses -- Social Friday in the Roque house is time for family. 

This special little place in located in the heart of Flagami -- or Calle Ocho. Today's lunch date was a working one, while Aimee ( I love you <3 ) and I enjoyed tapas at Happy Wine, a local wine shop which specializes in serving small plates for those who work in the area. You can come, sit, and enjoy a bottle (or two) of a wide variety of wines, while enjoying freshly prepared Spanish Tapas. All while sitting amongst the hundreds of wine bottles which call this little hole home. The seating arrangements are small tables and chairs shoved into small corners of free space, and/or you can choose to sit high top amid the wine barrels which act as makeshift tables and chairs. 

I paired my outfit choice with gold sandals, as at work it's Casual Friday. The overall ensemble does give a classy spin on the usual casual feel of Friday's in the offices of Corporate America. As always, my statement chain is recent piece to my collection. As with all others, this one was purchased from the J. Crew Collection (always a my go-to place for any statement chain). 

Until next time friends! 

Adieu <3 

xoxo 

Plum

Currently Listening To: John Mayer - Slow Dancing In A Burning Room
Currently Reading: Ezra Pound Canto I