I’ve been away from you all for a week… Let’s just say it was a sabbatical week!
Since it was Easter ✝️, a time for family gatherings, I took the opportunity to give you a break from me.
It didn’t last long, because here I am again with my musings!
This week has been very intense. After a weekend of doing absolutely nothing, basically lying in my hotel room watching TV 📺 and following our beloved Pope Francis surprising everyone with his presence in St. Peter's Square on Easter Sunday, I wake up in the same hotel bed on Monday to the saddest news: the Pope had passed away...
It was like a bucket of cold water ❄️.
I cried with emotion, I cried with sadness, I cried realizing that he will be irreplaceable!
Everyone has to leave one day, but this man should have been immortal, for everything and nothing. Without a doubt, a wise man, with the gift of making us stop to listen to him.
I am a non-practicing Catholic ✝️, I made my communion, but I confess that it was Pope Francis who sparked my curiosity to read the Bible 📖, so many were the phrases he quoted from it.
I had the privilege of attending a mass with him in St. Peter's Square in Rome 🇮🇹 and it was one of the best experiences of my life.
I never tire of watching everything about his time in the Vatican and around the world on television.
He left quotes that will be etched in our history.
Thank you, Pope Francis. Heaven awaits you. 🤍
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This week was also marked by the April 25th holiday ✊, another historic date that, over time, seems to be falling into oblivion for many.
It seems like just another holiday on the calendar, but it is this day that allows us to have Freedom today!
Freedom to speak 🗣️, to express opinions 💬, to go out 🚶, to travel ✈️, to explore 🌍...
Don't let this day go unnoticed.
I always make a point of closing the store on April 25th because I think: someone, back then, fought so that today we could enjoy this achievement, made with sweat, blood, and tears.
And this generation only thinks about what? Business, business, and more business!
I went downtown Porto and they were selling carnations for €2 each... Absurd!
I saw streets with more people in shops than in the square celebrating April 25th.
Unfortunately, today values are forgotten and egocentrism wins.
I'm speaking against myself, because I also have a shop. The weather was good ☀️, and I certainly would have sold well.
But is everything in life material?
If an extra day comes up for us to be with those we love ❤️, why exchange it for another day just like the others, which we so often complain about?
Am I wrong?
Believe me, I need to work, and a lot.
I’m in the shop for 8 hours and, often, I make videos after closing, working 12 to 13 hours a day.
But whenever I can be with my loved ones, I will be. Without guilt or judgment!
I am following the advice of our Francis, who so often made us reflect through his words.
April 25th Always! ✊
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Tomorrow, with the shop closed — as you know, I close on Mondays — I'm going to take the opportunity to do a photoshoot 📸.
Now that I'm more tied to the shop, I don't have as many opportunities to go out and take those cool photos I used to love doing.
Sometimes I'm putting on an outfit 👗 and a client comes in... I can't do anything else!
I picked up some new arrivals from VDR and I’m going to take as many photos as I can...
And I’ll have a special guest! 🎉 I won't say more... stay tuned to the page, my dear followers and friends! 🥰
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Otherwise, everything is normal.
Tuesday is Ariela's Hour ⏰, which is already gaining loyal followers!
This week, they even called the shop asking what time Ariela's hour was.
Well: it's always on Tuesdays, around 3:30/4 pm, that she goes live! ✨
I confess I stopped doing live streams.
I love them, but it's clear that, over time, fewer and fewer people are watching.
In all honesty, I feel like I'm much more productive making my videos.
I feel happier this way.
Don't take it the wrong way or be sad — I'm always here! ❤️
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I also discovered that my Carina has huge potential for more elegant clothing videos 👗... She looks absolutely beautiful, don't you agree?
The conclusion of all this: with each one's potential discovered, now it's just about making the most of it!
Ariela feels super comfortable in live streams, presenting outfits that she herself selects, always at the best prices and everything explained in detail — as only she knows how to do.
Carina feels much more comfortable modeling with background music 🎶, showing all the looks in an elegant and different style.
And me?
I'm a jack of all trades! 😂
I do a bit of everything, outside the box, inside the box...
But I love mixing styles and doing them my way, my fashion! ✨
Hence the slogan: "If it's Carla Valente, it's fashion!" For those who identify with it, of course.
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And so another little bit of writing and talking passed.
I hope I haven't bored you too much 🙃 — I love you all very much! ❤️
Keep following us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and also on our website: www.carlavalente.pt! 🌐
For next week, don't forget that Mother's Day is coming! 🌷🌼
Spoil yours! If I can help, I will be very happy!
A kiss to your hearts ❤️
With love,
Carla Valente
