Personal Essay #14

Illustrated By Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Change is hard. It doesn't matter how adventurous you are or how "ready" you think you are for it. It's always challenging especially once you notice it begin to happen. I truly believe we all desperately want change and then when it happens we freak TF out and start to back pedal because maybe somewhere deep down inside, we didn't think it was actually ever going to happen. Or maybe we just like to complain all the time and blame external forces for the situations we have become complacent in.

Personal Essay #11

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Usually at the end of a year I go through my photos as a little mini review of the year I've had. One thing is consistent throughout the gallery, my hair. I'm always picking my hair out, manipulating it to reach the sky, forcing it to go high and bigger. No, I'm not a 70's kid, far from it but I have my influences, Angela Davis and Foxy Brown. My hair has always been my security blanket, I felt safe hiding behind my hair, like a nest for the introverted. It had a lot to do with my insecurities as a child,  mostly with the way I looked. Children will be children and point out and make fun of other children, often more than not I was one of the kids that would be pointed out. Most days my head felt too big, my hips too wide, my thighs too thick, my skin too dark, too ethnically ambiguous especially for a Dominican. Distinct memories of elementary school classmates that couldn't go a day without reminding me of the way I look still to this day, creep into my mind as I stare at myself in the mirror. 

A Shot of Confidence

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Nobody likes to feel a lack of confidence because that can really mess with a person’s way of life in many different ways. Conversations can be difficult to start because of a lack of confidence. Some people might also not progress in their careers because causing too much attention on oneself may be nerve racking. That truly is no way to live, anyone in that position should work on making some changes. For me, it could be a tiny tweak that could help me feel better about the day like new lingerie or a new color of lipstick! What works for me might not be enough for someone else, which is why i've outlined a few of my favorite ways to boost confidence. Try putting these tips to good use!

Personal Essay #10

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

There comes a time when your world is flipped upside down. Occasionally you'll think to yourself and say in reassurance, "You got this!" Now what do you do when the opposite happens? When it feels like the avalanches of avalanches is falling right on top of you, what can one do?
When it comes to mental health, it's often overlooked as nothing serious, yet in America one in five people are diagnosed with some sort of mental health problem. Think about it, that's about 15% chance in everyone. This is something that should require more attention but that's just the way things are currently. Let me tell you about the week I just had....

Give Mindfulness

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

In your best moments, confidence is an easy despondency. Conquering goals, having great health, and setting good relationships with friends and family, conflict free. It's as if the universe has your back. Then of course there are those times when it feels like the exact opposite. And lately, it's quite easy to fall into that feeling especially since Election day, the slump is real folks! For an entire week and a half my office has been so gloomy and retired from work and concentration. No matter how badass we are, there are those moments in life that seems to take every little bit of you to go on. And at those times it's like the universe is conspiring against you. Of course it's not the place that anyone wants to be in because you lose your power and what makes you, you. The one thing that's been helping me at those moments is my gratitude. Yes, you can't take total responsibility for some circumstances, just remember that giving wellness always helps to shift your focus. With Thanksgiving here, it's the perfect time to journey into empowerment through gratitude. 

Old Hallows Eve

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

For one day of the year, anyone can dress up and act like someone or something else and get away with it. What a thrilling concept it is to wake up and fashion yourself like Marilyn Monroe, Chewbacca, or the ever so popular Harley Quinn and then to take on that character's persona. Who hasn't thought of being someone else for a day, to get the feel of what it's like to walk in their shoes? I have, it's nice to think of what this person or thing does for a full day.

Personal Essay #9

Photography by Cheyenne Gil

I knew I was different, I had to grow up a lot faster because I was different. Even the school kids would push me to be different because any other way was just unacceptable. So how could I not be at odds with what the world seemed to be pushing me towards? This is something that most "hyphenated" people deal with, our parents' generation seemed to have lost their culture, or even have had them taken away. Our generation--- my generation is fumbling around for it, myself included. Being Latino means being part of a rich, diverse culture but with the current Hispanic mainstream, you have to wonder, does it?

The Wanderlust

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

I  have to admit something to you, my dear readers, I have the travel bug, and have had it for years. Ever since I've stepped on my first plane at the ripe age of four years old, to Venezuela, I've been addicted. Traveling is like a drug, the more you do it, the more you want to keep doing it. I know more about foreign cities than I do my own and I've even given travel advice. I plan out trips and itinerary for future adventures and sleep with my passport! I'll share with you some of my wanderlust and travel destinations to possibly pass the addiction on to you!

Laundered

When it comes to fashion, we barely think about the process of the upkeep of our garments, myself included! When it comes to laundry days for me, I tend to hold off on it until I know I have a good allotted amount time to devote to it because it's a chore that needs your full attention. Laundry is also key to extending the lifespan of our clothes, so we should look into doing it better. Of course there are steps to prepping each wash, from separating colors and whites, to turning your jeans inside out and keeping your delicates in a wash bag. Then there's the fabric softener, having to wait for the rinse cycle to pour it in feels bothersome, but then came Downy with the perfect solution! 

Personal Essay #8

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Ever look back on a breakup and think to yourself that some of it might have been your fault? Yeah, me neither! It's actually really common for people in relationships and marriages to suffer from passion fueled miscommunications, and in the heat of the moment, it's hard to understand anyone's perspective but your own. Fortunately, relationship experts have decoded a primary theory of communication, a "Love Language."

If I Were A Superhero....

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

As kids, we used to think we were invincible-- heck I'm sure a lot of us still tend to think so! Now that I am older and wiser, and go go through the daily hustle and bustle of life, I encounter successes but also some stumbling blocks that make me realize that the world we live in is not perfect. Sure there are things that you and I can do to persevere and make it a better place for the future generations, yet being human there are things that take time to accomplish and goals that are quite unattainable. These are the moments in which I desire to be a superhero. Have you ever wondered what it is that you would do if you were a superhero?

What's In My Toolbox

Have you guys heard of Design*Sponge? If not you're missing out on the fabulous curations by many designers of all forms and mediums. Fortunately, I was hand picked to be featured on it recently, it was such a fun interview!

Personal Essay #7

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Here we are, fully fledged in to the new year. Wow, what a ride this past year has been, 2015, not going to lie, you've been quite a rocky ride! With out the lows you can't get the highs, I am so thankful for a lot, one of those reasons being the people I was able to become friends with. My friends are the reason why I'm the luckiest woman alive. My friends are my support system, family, and I would not be anywhere I am now because of them. My friends fill my life with joy, hope, fun, sincerity and delight. And not long ago, when I endured a logistically challenging situation, I was able to keep a clear head and think straight, only because I knew that no matter what happened, as long as my friends were okay, and as long as I still had them, everything would turn out to be perfectly fine. I've gotten close to some really amazing souls that I know will be with me for the rest of my life.

Personal Essay #6

Image captured by Jaz Shahid

I want to take care of you, it has nothing to do with moving away from Philadelphia and dropping roots in suburbia, getting a dog together, and figuring out what we're going to eat for dinner that night, by way by of Epicurious (dot com) on our shared tablet.....

Personal Essay #5

You don't know me. All you know about me is the generalizations that you made when you saw my photo. Sure my complexion may be darker than what you would like, but the color of my skin is not what makes me, me. You don't know me. You might hear my native tongue and feel disgusted because it's not what you want. No, I cannot speak your language but I try everyday to impress you with my knowledge. It isn't enough that I want to share my love, a body of truth is more deserving of your attention. You don't know me.

Personal Essay #4

I've thought long and hard for a beautiful and witty poem to describe my deep affection with my favorite season of the year, Summer. But I had to throw the bucket in and admit that it just wasn't happening! I could tell you about the starlit night skies and fireflies buzzing by your face. I could also tell you about the sound of the ice cream truck driving down a city neighborhood, with little children eager to pick their flavor, or the ecstatic screams of adrenaline junkies on rollercoasters. Best of all, it's just summer time fun!

Papa Bear, Little Bear

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti, c. 2008

Everyone has a father, but sadly not everyone has a dad. I've been fortunate enough to have a dad through out every step in my life, first steps, first words, homework assignments, school dances, ballet lessons, driving lessons, first heartbreak and college. Like any other family, we've had our bad moments but it's taught me a lot to appreciate. 

Personal Essay #3

Illustrated by Jacqueline Moranti

How do you choose your friends? Long lasting friendship, is indeed a blessing. Friends can become pillars of our lives, they can help you stand tall, but they can also break you down. Friendship is one of the most precious gifts in life because it has a way to make life more thrilling, with sweet and pleasant experiences. It all depends on how we choose our friends. 

Personal Essay #2

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Does anyone truly know what love is? So many different faces to it, so many different answers, that it most surely can't be acquired. Many say that real love is the true source of happiness, the one without any causes of pain. Although, isn't it true that in any relationship, whether it's with your mother, father, sibling, friend or even your professor cause grief to an extent?! I wonder if anyone stops to think that maybe, quite possibly what we're looking for is a figment of our imagination. A fairy tale to tell children so that their dreams of princes and princesses guide them through their slumber. 

Then 3 Years Later...

Illustrations by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Ever since January of 2012, I've been sharing with the world my views of fashion and my daily on goings. When I started this blog, I didn't think that I would be able to keep up with it but it has pushed me over my the invisible limitations I thought I had. Burgundy Whispers has grown so much since then, and so have I. I'm so excited for what Burgundy Whispers has brought me and looking forward to what it will bring in 2015.