Inspiration – Page 5 – Querin Explores

ViBa Academy

April 27, 2013April 27, 2013 by Querin Ventura, posted in Beauty, Fashion, Inspiration, make up, people, Places, Women

Last week I mentioned in my previous post that I was invited to the International Beauty Show (IBS) at the Jacob Javits Center. Due to a family emergency, I had to fly out of the country that same evening (after the post) and I did not have the chance to thank the amazing people who invited me to the show. I was able to attend the IBS convention thanks to the people at VIBA academy. In particular I want to thank Vargas and Anabel.

Vargas and Anabel are the founders of Viba Academy. Their work is surreal, and as I was able to observe up close what they do, I felt their passion for what they create. VARGAS is “the artist,” and Anabel is “the beauty.” But they are both artists. Vargas is one of the World’s most famous body paint artists. Anabel is a make up artist and educator. To learn more about Viba Academy and about Vargas and Anabel, go to their website at www.vibaacademy.com.

Anabel doing her work of art

While at the IBS event, I took advantage of some of the specials. I bought two bottles of Agadir conditioners of 33.8 Fl. Oz. for $38 and I saw the price for each bottle, same size at a local beauty store at $50.00 each bottle. I will post a review about it once I try it.

I also purchased a set of make up brushes by Royal Langnickel for $25. This was another super deal as I had purchased just one brush at a beauty store (not same brand) for the same amount.

This is all for now. Do not forget to read about Vargas and Anabel on their website. These people are inspiring, their work is like a fantasy where they bring the impossible to possible. Thank you for reading and know that you are all beautiful.

With love,
Querin Ventura

My mother’s flowers

March 22, 2013June 16, 2013 by Querin Ventura, posted in Beauty, Inspiration

These are the flowers my mother lives by in her house in DR. When she is not there, she leaves someone in charge to water them.

March Baby

March 20, 2013March 21, 2013 by Querin Ventura, posted in Inspiration, nutrition, Places, Travel

March is my birthday month. As a gift to me, I took a few days off from work and flew to the Dominican Republic. I departed to DR on Saturday, and came back today. I relaxed by going to the beach and drinking lots of coconut water. I love sugar cane and had a lot of it while there. I also ate some delicious crabs . And of course, I inhaled the pure and fresh air of the countryside.

By the beach enjoying the fresh air and some sweet and juicy sugar canes

Enjoying some coconut water

Wild natural curly hair

Pretty house in the countryside

I brought honey on it’s most pure form from a beehive in the country-town Palm Tree. There is something about the countryside that is healing to the soul.

Pure honey, from the beehive to the bottle

When I visited Betty and Roberto’s house (friends of the family), in addition to the crabs, they served us some Moringa tea. This was my first time trying this drink and from the background information Roberto gave me about this plant, I developed a curiosity to learn more about this tree and found out that it has 7 times the vitamin C of oranges, 3 times the potassium of bananas, 4 times the vitamin A of carrots, 3 times the iron of spinach and 4 times the calcium of milk.

Here is a video I found on Youtube about the plant.

There is something very special about being surrounded by nature and getting away from the city for some time. Nature rejuvenates me and detoxifies me from the day to day stress. It brings my mind, body and soul to a state of calmness and awareness. It revitalizes me to go back to the daily routine and to the city more energized. Just as I do a juice cleanse a few times a year, I like getting an air cleanse at least once a year.

Thank you

I was tired but that did not stop me

February 21, 2013June 16, 2013 by Querin Ventura, posted in Empowerment, fitness, Inspiration, Self Discipline

Think of the reward: excellent health, a lot more stamina, better quality of life. Now tell me if that’s not worth the effort.

Word of the day #3–Organize

January 26, 2013January 27, 2013 by Querin Ventura, posted in Courage, Empowerment, Inspiration, Self Discipline

Organization isn’t about perfection; it’s about efficiency, reducing stress and clutter, saving time and money and improving your overall quality of life.”

― Christina Scalise

“Tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today”
― African Proveb

organize 1. To put together into an orderly, functional, functional, structured whole.

“organize.” The American Heritage Dictionary. 4th ed. Houghton Mifflin Co. Boston-New York: 2006.

It is when I am most organized that I feel the most freedom and most in control.

Word of the day # 2–Read

January 24, 2013January 27, 2013 by Querin Ventura, posted in Courage, Empowerment, Inspiration, Self Discipline, Travel, Women

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, said Jojen. The man who never reads lives only one.”
― George R.R. Martin, A Dance With Dragons

Read 1. To examine and grasp the meaning of (written or printed characters, words, or sentences). 5. To discern and interpret the nature or significance of through close examination or sensitive observation . 11. To learn or get knowledge of from something written or printed.

“Read.” The American Heritage Dictionary. 4th ed. Houghton Mifflin Co. Boston-New York: 2006.

Despite my busy schedule, it is important for me to take time to read. Reading is one of my passions. Reading transports me to different places and times. It forces me to think critically. It expands me intellectually. It develops and improves me. Reading is a gift that cannot be taken for granted. Read something of your interest every day or every week.

Word of the day #1–Discipline

January 21, 2013January 27, 2013 by Querin Ventura, posted in Courage, Empowerment, Inspiration, Self Discipline

“Perhaps the most valuable result of all education is the ability to make yourself do the thing you have to do, whether you like it or not.”
― Thomas Henry Huxley

Here is my word of the day, freshly extracted from The American Heritage dictionary:

Discipline: n. 1. Training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, especially training that produces moral or mental improvement. 2. Controlled behavior resulting from disciplinary training; self control. 3a Control obtained by enforcing compliance or order.

“Discipline.” The American Heritage Dictionary. 4th ed. Houghton Mifflin Co. Boston-New York: 2006.

This year I will select a series of words that go in line with my goals and with the person I am. Discipline is a big one this year and going forward. No matter how excited one may be about a project or a goal, there will be times that excitement and motivation will be low; during those times, it is discipline that will help you continue on.

I hope to look back at the end of 2013 and feel that all my actions were in line with the person I am. I respect and embrace discipline. If I’m not being disciplined, then there is a disconnect between what I believe and my actions. This year I am embracing discipline to the fullest. Discipline welcome to my life!

Here is my mom preparing some yummy food. My mother is such an inspiration to me (When she is not in a bad mood :) ). All her life, she has been a very hard working woman. She has her moments, but she has an amazing heart and likes helping people. I love my mother.

Thank You 2012, Welcome 2013

January 8, 2013June 1, 2014 by Querin Ventura, posted in Inspiration, Places, Travel

I came back from my trip in The Dominican Republic three days ago. I had an amazing time. This was my first Christmas/holiday season in my homeland in about 10 years. Words cannot describe how I felt being in my beautiful country during this time. This was a very special trip in so many ways. It was quality time with the people I love the most on earth. I spent time with all my four nieces, Querin, Mia, Maiya and Miranda, with one of my nephews, Ronny, with my brother and sister-in- law, and with the one woman I love the most on this planet–my mother. Two of my nephews weren’t present, Christian and Jonathan —we did not forget about you two and knew in our hearts that you being there would have made this holiday season even more special. I am so grateful to God for the opportunity to spend time with my habuelito (grandfather) who is over 90 years old and is sick. I also spent time with my childhood friends in the town I lived in as a child, Mata De Palma (Palm Tree). This town means a lot to me as most of my precious childhood memories are from events that occurred in this town. My favorite aunt, also spent New Year’s eve and New Year with us. She is so much fun and made us all laugh really loud. What else could I ask for? I would have loved for my brother Kelvin and my two best friends Luz and Marcela to be there as well. Surrounded by the people I love the most, I could not ask for anymore joy then the one I felt. To my surprise and to top it off, my mother and my aunt planned a surprise dinner for me the night before I came back to the states, hence I enjoyed my stay there up until the last minute.

This new year is very special to me. I am humbly grateful to God for everything. From the bottom of my heart I wish you all a very happy and successful New Year. I feel so much gratitude for all of God’s blessings, for caring for me, for loving me the way He does.

I took lots of pictures…here are some to start:

Remembering September 11

September 12, 2012September 12, 2012 by Querin Ventura, posted in Courage, Inspiration, Places

I really wanted to publish this post before midnight, but my schedule did not permit. So here is a recount of my day yesterday, a day we will never forget: Tuesday, September 11th. As part of my daily routine, I’m waiting for the bus that will take me in to NYC. The sky is bright, bleu and clear. It’s a little cooler than in previous days, nevertheless it’s a beautiful day. I hop on the bus; it rides along what I call the most beautiful street-Boulevard East in West New York, New Jersey, my town. From afar, I can appreciate a view of the Freedom Tower standing tall. I observe the Hudson River how calm it seems today, as if it too is paying a moment of silent for what took place 11 years ago.

Pictures taken while on the bus

We ride through the Lincoln tunnel and in New York City we arrive. As it was expected, there was a lot of police activity everywhere in the city, yet it was more manageable moving around then last year, the 10^th anniversary. I stroll the streets of NYC at least five days a week yet today it feels very different. Of course, it is a special day.

I meet some firefighters. They take a moment to pose for Querinexplores I want to thank the FDNY for always being ready to protect our great city and for always being willing to take a brief moment to pose for the cameras :).

Beautiful K-9

I meet Michele, she is a detective with NYPD. She and her team were on a special operation during 911 called, operation Hercules. Their job…to keep the city extra safe.

Then I meet Honschar. As you can see, he is an artist who was filling the sidewalks with special phrases and quotes for this special day.

;

You may find more about Honschar on his facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Honschar/358433244227879

Here she is, the Freedom Tower, up close. One World Trade Center will be her address once she is open for business.

Into the evening reflecting the patriotic colors of our great nation. God Bless America!

Thank you!

Canada- June2012

September 4, 2012January 27, 2013 by Querin Ventura, posted in Inspiration, Places, Travel

This past June, My Sister (in God) and I planed a trip with our moms, my niece and her two young boys to Canada. In between everything else, we had a good time. Here are some pictures. I, probably, will do several post about Canada as we took many pictures. We took a lot of beautiful pictures of the falls, so I’m planning to do another post later with more pictures. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy these ones.

With our ponchos, ready to board the Lady of the Mist boat that will take as close as you can be onto the Canadian Falls