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Karla Vega
As we are approaching the last day of this crazy 2020 year, we take the time to look back at how we actually were able to get through it all. The ups and downs, the smiles and tears, the good times and the bad, whatever it is we went through, we prob learned a lot of things along the way. The important things like family and spending time with loved ones and the not so important things like when the next time we can go to to the salon to get our hair and nails done. Didn’t the latter make you realize what you can live without?
Looking back to April when I heard I couldn’t go to my hairdresser’s, I remember freaking out asking myself how am I gonna do my own hair. But with the right amount of will power and the help of some YouTube videos, I was able to not only dye my own hair but cut it too, so much that I still am doing that today! The moral of me telling you this is, 2020 made us open our eyes to things we so luxuriously were doing/spending money on before, that we actually didn’t need to. Crazy how a pandemic makes you realize that you are a true SURVIVALIST and will adapt because you need to. How does that saying go? Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Ain’t that real talk right there? I know you can relate to my story above too.
So, another year has gone, a rollercoaster one at that, and usually to bring in the New Year, my hubby and I like to have a night or two away to celebrate and reminisce of the year we just surpassed. Of course, this year was a little different. No going away due to the restricted guidelines because of the pandemic. No big ass hotel party with hundreds of partygoers whom we made friends with. No nice dinner beforehand at a fav local restaurant. None of those. This was the first NYE where we weren’t doing any of those things. But, we had each other and threw our own party for two at our own home. Plus, I had an abundance of wine & coquito continuously flowing with a smorgasborg of delicious dishes and of course my glitter in full swing! Oh you know I had to dress up in a cute outfit! I mean, how could I not considering we were ringing in the New Year, regardless if it was just to sit on our living room couch watching the ball drop? Ahhh yes, glittery top made an appearance, my love next to me, wine in one hand and our memories of the past year on our mind. To me, being a total party goer and wanting to go ‘all out’, this year we did just that. By ourselves and it was perfect. And because I love taking pictures, a stay at home photoshoot NYE edition was a must lol
What are your plans for NYE? Are you getting dressed up? And if so, what are you gonna wear?
Well, if this wasn’t an unusual holiday celebration for us?!?
This was the first year since my husband and I started dating, that we did not spend Christmas with our families. Every year, for the past 15 years, we would rotate Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrating with my family in Boston (where we live) or with my in laws in Brooklyn (where my hubby’s from). This year, with everything going on with Covid, we decided to spend the holiday just me and him. Was it a little sad? It was, but it was also a little bittersweet too, since we never spent the holiday alone since we met. This year, we didn’t go crazy at all trying to plan a xmas dinner menu for many, going shopping for a bunch and didn’t have to run all over the place non-stop. We stayed in the comfort of our own home making our own memories together.
Growing up Italian & my husband growing up Puerto Rican, Christmas Eve is the big party night for us with lots of food, drink, music and fun times with our families. It is also the night where we get decked out in a nice outfit….xmas day is spent in your pj’s. And just because I spent the night at home with my husband alone, that wasn’t gonna stop this fashionista from getting all dolled up. You best believin’, I actually got dressed…….and not in my quarantine sweats either. It was nice to put on a full face of makeup, do my hair and rock a fun outfit for the night on the couch. Hey, I don’t care. It made me feel a little normal to this ‘abnormal’ year.
And so bring out my black on black attire …tank and pants….with my 🔥 Jacket from http://www.shopakira.com to add a little POP 💥 to the dark undertone. Threw on some Rose Gold Metallic heels to ‘SHINE’ throughout the night…..although I did take them off after a few lol…..notice my red toes ❤️
What were your holiday plans? Did you get dressed up too? What is your favorite holiday outfit to wear?
And the kolors of the month arrrrrreeee……
G O L D & S I L V E R 🌟
Winter is among us, cold weather has arrived, days are even shorter and the holiday vibes are in somewhat full swing. It has been one hell of a year but we made it. Did you ever think last year at this time, we would have gone through most of 2020 living in a global pandemic? Yeah, me neither. But here we are, living proof of it all. Although I can’t predict what might happen in the next few months nationally, it IS the holiday season where spending time with family and loved ones are on our top priority list. By means of travel, zoom calls, Facetime, phone calls, texts or emails, talking to or being around the people we love is key for keeping traditions & memories alive. Usually around this time, my family and I are planning what to make for Christmas dinner, contemplating on what to get each other for gifts, enjoying holiday parties, and totally embracing the love of the holidays for the whole month of December. Yes, it is gonna be different this year. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still get in that ‘merry’ spirit.
When I think of the holidays, I can’t help but think of the colors, red, green, white, gold & silver everywhere, accompanied with all the glitz, sparkle, glamour and glitter that comes along with it. I love dressing up for the holidays in my favorite blinged out outfit. I mean, would you think anything different of me? You guys already know my motto….live by the 4 B’s…..the bigger, the better, the blingy-er, the bolder. And even if I have nowhere to go to celebrate but my own house solely with my hubby, I will make it a point to still dress up to the 9’s. Anything to help me stay sane and in the holiday spirit along with my tall glass of spiked eggnog and my fav xmas dish.
Why have red, green, white and gold become the color scheme for the holidays? What do each color represent? Red gives us the little but important reminder of taking care of ourselves. It gives ‘birth to self confidence, courage and self awareness of our personal power.’ The color white means fresh and new as in that we are entering a new 12 month period once December 31st is over. It brings on bright beginnings and a fresh start for the new year ahead. Green symbolizes wealth but not necessarily monetary. Wealth in health, in love, in opportunities, in relationships, in one’s well being etc…..the list goes on. To be ‘wealthy’ in all these things is to live a ‘good’ life. And the colors Gold & Silver make their debut representing ‘abundance, accomplishment, excellence, & clarity.’ Gold & silver symbolize feelings of joy, love, cheer and happiness. All the things we cherish in the holiday months with the people we care about. So, it is no wonder that GOLD & SILVER are this month’s Kolor Me Karla Series inspo.
Here’s to all things bling-y and sparkly….to all the Glitter, Gold, & Silver and to a DECEMBER to remember!!🥂
Happy Holidays to you, your family and loved ones and wishing you all a very Happy New Year!!!
Hope you liked what I shared with you this whole year in the Kolor Me Karla Series!!! If there is a kolor you would like me to feature or to learn more about to give you some extra inspo, please leave a comment below and I will gladly consider writing/posting about it!
And a BIG thank you for checking this #12MonthsOfKMKS out!!! You guys are the best!!
Thank you for inspiring me to fully embrace my kolorfulness…..Much love always xoxo KBVega❤️
Girrrrlllll, you on 🔥
An extension of her first book, Girl Code, Cara Alwill Leyba writes another powHERful book, Girl on Fire, that lets us know the secret for grabbing what we want in life by the cojones and going full force with it to making things happen……by ourselves. Collaboration over competition is what it’s all about and actually creating what we want in life by our own rules, no one else’s. This book makes you really dive into your thoughts on what you really want your life all while making you realize that you are unstoppable and can do just that. With her no bullshit, straight to the point attitude, Leyba isn’t afraid to tell you like it is for you to realize that you can accomplish everything you were meant to. Read each chapter, focus on the key notes and do the thinking and writing exercises…..and then look back on them anytime you feel down on yourself. This book is everything you need to hear to let you know that you can get shit done….your way. Don’t let ANYONE dull your fuego. Pick it up and start reading!
And the kolor(s) of the month are……….
B E I G E & B R O W N 👢
Ahhhh November….can you believe we are already into the second to last month of this wildering year? Although these last few months we have had our ups and downs test us completely, individually and wholly, this month ahead is one to show our appreciation, gratuity and thankfulness, not only to ourselves but to each other. And with Thanksgiving being right around the corner, it is our way to fully express these traits. I mean, this should be done everyday not just solely in the ‘Month of Thanks’, you know what I mean?
Usually, at this time, we have fully embraced the cooler weather. Unless you are in New England where Mother Nature likes to play tricks on us sporadically with 70 degrees days like today. If you are from the Boston area like me, you never know what to expect…. snow or sun and that actually goes for all four seasons because they seem to all combine as one at any given time lol. But even so, this is actually the time we call ‘sweater weather.’ Boots and heavy jackets are what line our closets and our summer clothes are a mere glimpse in a bin tucked away until the following year. The crispness in the air tells us that we are closing in on the wintry months ahead and cuddling on the couch with a good ole cup of hot chocolate in our jammies, seem to be our weekend nightly ritual. What’s not to like about all those things though, really?
To me, November exhibits gentle, comforting, inviting, colors like browns & tans. Thanksgiving is a holiday usually spent with family and loved ones, so it’s no wonder November exuberates these colorful familial attributes too. Brown is made up of its own entity whereas tan is a combo of brown and white mixed together. So, what is it about these colors and the reason I picked them for this month’s Kolor Me Karla tones? Just like their color counterparts, November is all about togetherness. ‘It’s all about healing and the home, grounding and foundations,’ & maintaining our important relationships and friendships.
‘Brown, in its full form, is natural and neutral; the color of reliability, elegance, and security. Considered dull to some at times, it also represents simplicity, friendliness, dependability and health. The color brown effects the mind and body by creating feelings of wholesomeness and peace. It also provides cozy feelings of relaxation and warmth.’ Here’s to binge watching our fav Netflix series, with our glass of wine in tow, either with our significant other or gal pals, enjoying each other’s company in the comfort of our own home. Hell yeah, that sounds like the perfect date night to me!
And although we are starting to enter into the dark, cold days of winter, this month’s birthstone, the precious Topaz with its radiant yellow tint, gives us a little hope that the summer sun will soon return to us. But in the meantime, let’s enjoy all that November has to offer with Going to Town with all that Brown and going nuts over our Beige Rage! Hope you like what I shared with you and our inspo for this month’s Kolor Me Karla Series!!
What’s your favorite thing about November? Let me know with a comment below!!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
Here’s to this month & beyond….with an
A T T I T U D E OF G R A T I T U D E!!!!
It’s Halloween ya’ll and what a great way to showcase some costumes from over the years from your girl, moi, the Ghostess with the Mostest! Ever since I can remember, I loved playing dress up whether it be for October 31st or not. Come on, you all should know me by now…… 🤷🏻♀️
As a kid, one of my fav days was Halloween…..I mean, what child doesn’t want to get dressed up in their favorite costume and go trick or treating with their friends collecting all that delicious candy? I must confess, that even in my adult years, I still love putting on a costume and enjoying this ‘fright night’ to the fullest! And when I met my hubby, we started dressing up together too, even with matching costumes. Yep, we are THAT couple lol. You’ll see in the pics below.
Even though this year is a little different due to CV-19, that’s not gonna stop me from getting in the Halloween spirit. 🎃 ☠️
So, have a very happy, safe & healthy Halloween! And let me know what you think of my ‘ghostly gear from past years’ and all things Halloween, with a comment below!!
And make sure to check out my other latest Halloween post under Trippin’ It With the Vegas’!! Link is below⬇️⬇️
https://thefashiondiariesofkbvega.com/category/trippin-it-with-the-vegas/
Trip with me and my husband on our adventures together!
A travel guide to help you with tips, places to visit, good global eats and anything else that comes with taking a trip away…. let’s start the trippin’!
*Our visits to Salem were pre-CV19 times, so make sure you check out the attractions/businesses’ websites for any recent updates/guidelines.
Ever since I was in high school, going to Salem was a bucket list go-to in the month of October, especially if you lived in MA. Just 30 minutes north of Boston, it is a great way to spend a daring fall weekend night for all the frights and sights. I’ve been a bunch of times during October but prefer to go at the end of September/early November where it’s not super busy. You better believe for the month of October that place is jammin’, especially on Halloween night, which makes traffic and parking a nuisance. But you do have to go at least once during this time, just to see what it is best known for. Although it is not mandatory, it’s always fun to dress up in costume. It makes the experience that much more thrilling.
Parking, as I mentioned before, can be somewhat of a pain especially in the month of October. There is the Museum Place Garage which is part of the Witch City Mall. Across the street from the garage is an outdoor paid parking lot too. So, if you find a spot, grab it! I noticed too on my recent visits, that at night and on the weekends, some businesses, when not opened, use their parking lots to accommodate the overflow of cars. It is usually $10 bucks for several hours which isn’t bad.
To get to the excitement of why you came to Salem in the first place, you can walk through the Witch City Mall to the other entrance (it’s not that big at all) that leads you to Essex Street Marketplace aka Essex Pedestrian Mall. The mall itself isn’t anything fancy, but they do have an awesome bakery called Jodi Bee Bakes https://www.jodibeebakes.com/. A vegetarian bakery and cafè, they take pride in their homemade baked goods, soups and sandwiches. And I absolutely love that they specialize in vegan and gluten free goods. We stopped in here to grab a cup of coffee and a sweet snack aka cookie. They were both delightful, so make sure you check them out on your way to all the fun.
Essex Street is where it gets super crowded during the Halloween season, with people dressed up in costume, human statues (literally), street performers, 
vendors and tons and tons of people. This is what Salem is all about though so if you aren’t into big crowds, then this place ain’t for you (at least not in October). Remember, Salem lives for the spooky season, so it’s when they are the busiest. If you can’t handle the crowds, go in a different month to fully enjoy the scenery and history of this old coastal city. This is what I like to do since I already experienced the terror of Halloween in Salem.
Not only can you walk up and down Essex Street, but the cross streets are closed too for you to stroll on. One of my favorite shops, on a little side street off Essex, Central St, is a cute modern consignment shop called Modern Millie https://modernmillieshop.com/. This shop thrives on curated vintage pieces from shoes, to clothing, to jewelry, to handbags to even accessories. If you are a true fashionista at heart, then stopping by this cute shop is worth your while. Anytime I visit Salem, I’m usually always leaving with a bag from this little hidden gem.
Another fun store to just go into is Maria’s Sweet Somethings on Front St. between Washington and Central. Specializing in gourmet chocolates, ice cream, cakes and desserts, if you got a sweet tooth, this place is for you. They also carry eclectic knick knacks and doodads that are always entertaining to peruse through. Plus, their Belgian Hot Chocolate and yummy ice cream are worth the walk off the main road for you to enjoy.
Speaking of chocolates, cuz why wouldn’t I?, a store that you have to try is Kakawa Chocolate House https://kakawachocolates.com/. Head on back down to Essex Street and indulge yourself in some decadent homemade chocolates like their Chili Dark Chocolate (yeah, I said chili) or their assortment of mouthwatering truffles. Savor every bite with a cappuccino, a cup of coffee or their very own Chocolate Elixir drinks and you will be in Chocolate Heaven. For realz for realz. They are legit the chocolate connoisseurs of the area.
Need some much needed walking after all the sweets you consumed? Then head on over to the Peabody Essex Museum https://www.pem.org/, literally right next to Kakawa. You can’t miss it with its high arched glass entrance and welcoming vibe. I like to think of this museum as showcasing ‘global or worldly art’, since its pieces range from different regions from all over the world. Two of my favorite ongoing exhibits are Japanomania! 
& Iris Apfel’s Fashionable Wardrobe in Fashion & Design. Japanomania! takes you into Japanese Art Going Global
from the 1500’s to present day. Unbelievable art and history with every piece you see. Present Japanese art includes a piece that showcases the famous Hello Kitty on display.
And if you don’t know who Iris Apfel is, well, let me tell you, you are missing out, especially if you are a die hard fashionista like me! Iris is known for her gaudy, one of a kind, outlandish, flashy, statement wardrobe. She has been a fashion icon since, actually I don’t know when, but being in her 90’s, she has finessed her bold clothing choices to a tee. She is the epitome of a fashion mecca. So, you already know, I was like a little girl in a candy store when I went to see some of her fabulous collection. The pieces are ever changing so make sure you check out what is on display before you go!
Hungry after walking around the museum for some time? Then head on over to Village Tavern https://www.villagetavernsalem.com/, right across the street from museum. Typical bar and pub comfort food featuring burgers, sandwiches, salads, and apps. And of course beer and cocktails. Nothing fancy but sure to satisfy. Another restaurant that is actually fairly new to the area is The Derby https://www.thederbysalem.com/ (fka Tavern On the Square). The Derby offers high end comfort food. I’ve never been, but probably worth a try. I would actually go there just for the relaxing and chill atmosphere.
If you are looking for something with a little more flare and flava, head on over to Lafayette Street to the Howling Taqueria 
http://howlingwolftaqueria.com/. Mexican savory cuisine to fill your belly and make you happy. Who does’t love a great burrito or amazing tacos? The food is DELICIOUS. We had the Avocado Fries, Chicharron & Plaintains for appetizers and I ended up getting the Carnitas Tacos and my hubby got the ‘Al Pastor’ specialty tacos. Reasonably priced and worth the yumminess. If you love Mexican food, then you need to hit up this spot if you visit Salem.
Want a little higher end cuisine? Check out Sea Level Oyster Bar http://sealeveloysterbar.com/. We’ve never been to the one in Salem but visited the one in Newburyport (check out my previous post) and the food, scene, drinks and dessert were fabulous. So, I wouldn’t see why the one in Salem wouldn’t be just as good. Plus, they have oysters, I mean they’re an oyster bar so win win IMO.
After eating, I’m sure you want to check out some attractions which Salem is known for. Head on over to N. Washington Square to the Salem Witch Museum https://salemwitchmuseum.com/. Bringing you back to 1692 in Salem, you get to experience a historical tour and witness the witch trials of that time period.
This is one of the must see places when visiting Salem. And make sure you check out their gift shop too. Another museum to check out on Derby Street is the New England Pirate Museum http://www.piratemuseum.com/pirate.html. Artifacts and historical pictures and drawings from actual pirate treasures like those of Captain Kidd and Blackbeard, is what adorn the halls of this attraction. Worth a trip if you are into piratry.
One of the main attractions you should definitely check out is The House of the Seven Gables https://7gables.org/, also on Derby Street. Based on Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel, this has become one of the premier tours in Salem. If you have seen the movie and read the book, then you will enjoy a visit to this historical landmark.
If you want to take a break and enjoy the views of the coastline, check out Pickering Wharf Marina on Congress Street. With little shops along the edge, you can browse, buy or just take in the beauty of your surroundings. Fun fact near the marina….It is said to be known that there is a woman who has a psychic shop on the water’s edge providing palm and tarot card readings. She considers herself to be ‘The Real Witch of Salem’. Maybe she is a descendant of one of the known Salem Witches of 1692? Maybe she is an expert in witchcraft and decided to give herself that name. No one will ever know……until you visit and see for yourself!
Wanna unwind before the sun sets to take a break from the history and witchcraft? Then take a walk over to Salem Common http://www.salemweb.com/guide/common/ aka Salem Park and sit on the grass or on the steps of the beautiful stone gazebo. Situated right across the street from the Salem Witch Museum in Washington Sq., it’s a large grassy area where vendors and concerts take place in the warmer weather. Worth a little walk to, to relax before heading onto spooky tours and haunted houses.
There’s a lot to do and see in downtown Salem, so walking shoes are a must. If you want to get in all the historical sites without all the walking, then opt out for one of the many tour trolleys like http://salemtrolley.com/, that will allow you to stop, hop on, get off, take pictures and wander around. We did this on one of our visits and enjoyed the stories as well as the humor from our tour guide in the comfort of our seats.
Salem has a lot to offer. It is no wonder why so many people from all over the world wanna come here. From haunted houses, to historical sites to the coastline beauty to good eats and famous attractions, you won’t be disappointed when visiting this old ‘spooky’ Halloween town!
Have you ever visited Salem? And if so, what were your favorite attractions? Let me know with a comment below!
Hope you enjoyed what I shared with you!! Until the next trip with us on Trippin’ It With The Vegas’!!
*Disclaimer: The majority of these pictures are mine, but I did grab some from the businesses’ websites to correlate with what I was mentioning.
And the Kolors of the month are……….
P I N K & B L A C K 💗🖤
Fall is finally here and the warm weather is dwindling. There’s a chill in the air even though the sun still peeks through the clouds. Everything is all autumn-y with brown, red and orange hues at the beginning of the month. That is quickly replaced to everything black, spooky and frightening for Halloween by mid-month. October represents beauty & mysticism, for no one knows which way its days will eventually turn.
We can still see gorgeous pink and purple skies over a shadowy cast of trees with bare branches from fallen leaves by the end of the month. If we are lucky, we might get a sunny day here or there, hanging onto it’s last lifeline of warmth. The typical New England tease, that leaves us confused for what to wear each day. The summer sunshine is replaced with shorter days and cooler nights. It’s a little reminder to us that winter is right around the corner. Uggghhhhhh, that W word lol. But for now, let’s enjoy the chameleon like features of this month ahead.
It’s no wonder that the birthstone of this month is OPAL. Have you ever looked at this type of stone? With its iridescent quality, it takes on a new realm of peculiar beauty with the slightest movement of its holder. Something about the rarity & mystery of its appearance just like the 31 days it represents. Opals can come in all types of colors from black to red, green to blue to pink. The viewing angle and amount of light determines which color stands out more in each stone. The black opal is the rarest whereas the pink opal is more common. And this brings me to two of my fav colors…black & pink and the inspo for this months Kolor Me Karla Series.
PINK is all about love, affectionate, fun, playful, femininity & inner peace whereas BLACK represents power, mystery, fear, rebellion, authority, sophistication & formality. The intertwine of two very different colors that bring a powerful love for October’s secrecy, divinity & beauty. It’s a no brainer why I cherish these two colors and use them for my business 😉 (this website and The PowHER Collaborative).
Here’s to all things Pink & Black this month and here’s to celebrating October in full swing!! 🖤 💖
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!
Boss Babe Status……
For any female trying to be her own boss, Girl Code, is a book you need to read. Revealing secrets for ‘success, sanity and happiness’, Cara Alwill Leyba lays down the foundation for you on how to be successful at being your own boss. Being true to yourself and what you want is key to making sh*t happen for you. What I like most about this book, is that Leyba interviews female entrepreneurs who have become successful and powerful in their field. And harps on the montage, ‘if we can do it, so can you.’ Honing in on fears that are holding us back and pushing them aside to really pursue what our dreams and aspirations are. An uplifting book for any female entrepreneur who wants to make a name for herself. Start bossing up and read this book!
Lately I’ve been trying to come up with new dishes using turkey meat because it is a healthier route than your good old ground beef. And I came up with a few different stuffed turkey meatloaf recipes that are to die for. Using only a few ingredients and your basic seasonings, this dish was not only delicious, but juicy, and a lil messy (to be honest…see pic after it was cut) but packed a punch with all that savory flavor. The good thing about a stuffed meatloaf is that it really is up to your discretion on what you want to stuff it with. From other meats to cheeses to veggies, honestly, the variety is endless. So here is one of my recipes that I am sharing with you but again you can add your own twist to it and I am sure it will come out just as yummy! If you do use my recipe, let me know how it came out with a comment below!
Ingredients:
1 1/2 pkg. of ground turkey meat…I usually get the Costco Butterball ground turkey meat, 93% fat free and use 3/4 of one package which equals to 1.7 lbs.
1/2 cup to a cup of crumbled feta cheese depending on how cheesy you want it
1 1/2 cups of spinach cooked
1/2 tsp of garlic powder
1/2 tsp of onion powder
3/4 tsp of salt
1/2 tsp of ground pepper
3/4 tsp of paprika
1/2 tsp of oregano
3 dashes of tabasco sauce—if you would like it a little hotter, just add a couple more dashes
3/4 cup of marinara sauce—I use homemade but store bought tomato sauce works just as fine
Ok, you got all your ingredients, now time to prep and cook.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a bowl, combine the turkey meat, onion powder, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, oregano and tabasco and mix well until you ‘marry’ the ingredients together. Spray (I use Pam or you can use EVOO) a bread loaf pan ensuring that all sides are covered so the turkey doesn’t stick.
Then press 1/2 the mixture into the pan, creating a little divet in the middle for your stuffers. Add the cooked spinach and feta cheese and then put the rest of the mixture on top. Make sure you ‘seal’ the sides so cheese doesn’t come out of the pocket and burn on the pan.
Once mixture is on top, add the tomato sauce and put in the oven for about 45 minutes to an hour.
Take it out of the oven, cut into desired slice, spoon some of that sauce from the bottom of the pan for some extra flavor, add your favorite roasted veggies to it and you got yourself a fabulous fulfilling dinner!
