The Sweet 7

West Indies Cricket Team in England 2012

2012-05-23T16:04:00.001-04:00

West Indies vs England

1st of a 3 Test Match Series

at Lord's Cricket Ground

London, England

Thanks to fellow St.Lucian - West Indies Cricket Captain Darren Sammy,

The West Indies Cricket Team was kind enough to autograph the official programme for me! :)

... And here are my parents with West Indes Cricket Captain, Darren Sammy!

Source: Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC)

Paper Towels: You’re Using ‘Em All Wrong

2012-05-22T12:39:00.000-04:00

Jalousie - Sugar Beach Villas Construction - St.Lucia

2012-05-22T09:39:00.001-04:00

The Jalousie Plantation, one of the most beautiful locations in the Caribbean and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, is undergoing a US$100 million transformation to become Sugar Beach. Managed by internationally renowned, Los-Angeles based Viceroy Hotel Group, the former Jalousie Plantation will be re-branded as 'Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort' in 2012 and offers for sale beautiful St.Lucian (Caribbean) villas.

Take a glance at Sugar Beach Villas Construction pictures ...

Sugar Beach Villas Construction pictures.

The Grenada Chocolate Company

2012-05-22T08:30:00.001-04:00

"A few months ago, we covered Madécasse, a company that produces chocolate — from bean to bar — in Madagascar. Madécasse’s story is unique and its chocolate superb, but it was not the first to build an operation that kept both sourcing and production in the country of origin. That accomplishment belongs to a small factory on the island of Grenanda known as the Grenada Chocolate Company.

Founded in 1999 by Edmond Brown, Doug Browne and Mott Green, the Grenada Chocolate Company was established based on the philosophy that to have dominion over one’s life is a basic and essential human right. The three partners wanted to create a sustainable company that produced an organic, local product and compensated farmers with decent living wages.

Their idea was kicked into high gear at Browne’s renovated barn in Oregon where he and Green spent months building all the necessary equipment to run a chocolate factory. Once the machines were up and running, an all-out chocolate-tasting mission consumed the partners’ lives. Finally in March of 2000, the machines proved to be ready for production in Grenada. The two shipped their precious cargo over to the “Spice Island” and a year and a half later Green, Browne and Brown were making delicious single-origin, organic dark chocolate." Continue reading.

Source

Jalisco Summer Cocktail

2012-05-20T15:26:00.004-04:00

I have not tried this yet but tequila and jalapenos perked me up!

Source: People Style Watch June 2012

Sessillee Lopez & Rob Evans "BORN AGAIN" Video

2012-05-19T19:12:00.004-04:00

SESSILEE LOPEZ AND ROB EVANS IN “BORN AGAIN"

Click here: WATCH VIDEO

HOT . HOT . HOT .

My Trip to Miami - Mother's Day Weekend

2012-05-18T13:05:00.003-04:00

MIAMI was home away from my birth home, St.Lucia. Apart from spending just about every school vacation in Miami while growing up, it later became the city where I went to college which broadened my social horizons. Not only did it allow me to interact with Caribbean people, but I befriended other groups, nationalities and ethnicities, than I would have had I remained in St.Lucia.

Today, many of those college friends are still a part of my life. Not connected because of some family blood relation, or family-friend connection or because of a surname. What I offered them was simple, a first name and a smile, always guided by wise words taught to me by my father, "Manners maketh man!" Basically, his advice was "be friendly with anyone as long as they were mannerly."

Imagine being 18 years old, and living on your own in Miami. That was me, until my brother joined me a year later. Miami was my play ground and that meant my introduction to adulthood and responsibility.

Thanks to Miami, my budding love affair with Trinidadians took full bloom. No longer, were they just the bigger island people, on a BWIA flight. 'Cause now, my closest college friend a Trinidadian-Indian and her family soon very much became my own. She was also the one who introduced me to Trinidad Carnival in 2004, many years after leaving college. Never in her or my wildest dreams then, did we ever fathom how attached I would be to carnival(s).

Speaking of love, I got my heart crushed a few times in Miami, but it's also the birthplace of my Hispanic husband. And no, I was not at some salsa club, attempting to salsa ... he found me at a Jamaican fete, "Don't get it twisted!" I always tell my daughter. LOL! ... Oh, and speaking of Jamaicans, it was also here, despite having a Jamaican grandfather and a father and uncle who went to Kingston College (KC) that a young Jamaican attempting to flirt told me, "Where you from?" "St.Lucia!" ... "Ohh, you're from a lil speck!" Lemme tell you, I don't think I ever gave Jamaicans a fair chance after that again! (Awkward LOL!)

Nowadays, Miami is just a mere land and take off. The only city by air that I land mark roads, highways, old neighborhoods, see my old university campus, the beaches, even stores ... LOL! Don't even talk about Miami International Airport, I used to feel at home there. LOL! It was another story on this recent trip with all the changes ... but hey, in time, I'll know it as well again! My last visit to Miami was for Carnival in October 2010. I missed 2011, cause I was pregnant.

So recently, when my Miami college friend asked me to join her for a family celebration, last Saturday night, I returned to Miami without hesitation, to celebrate with my college friend and to catch up with my in-laws too. Amused by the passing of time ...

My daughter rang my friend's doorbell, something I once did quite frequently. Now I stood out front with my pack, my husband and TWO children. LOL! ... And then, as the evening progressed, we met younger siblings and cousins who are now grown-young adults, their possible long term additions - the boyfriends, even those who passed all tests - the spouses and the newest arrivals - the newborn babies. Just seeing my friend's mom hold my newborn, like he were her own was endearing too! ... And one thing's for certain, we've all grown up. Let's just say gotten OLD(ER)!

Three years shy, almost 30 years ago, I first stepped foot in Miami. Even hearing 30 years ago is so hard to fathom. Where has the time gone?

Miami will forever remain home away from home (St.Lucia), away from home (Virginia), away from home (Vermont)! Ohhh, how I sat there, yearning to once again be in some familiar place with friends (FAMILY even if not blood related). Certainly, Virginia has not anchored my heart. I am ready to set sail. Yep ... I'll be back for Miami Carnival in October but in time, MIAMI will be HOME again!

See my MIAMI Mother's Day Weekend pictures ...

MIAMI International Airport ... on train to the car rental

City of Miami

HA ... the same packed bag from my packing light tutorial.

Definitely, the paper to read for all South Florida-Caribbean info

My first meal once landed must be curry goat

Don't mind how it looks ... what matters is how it tastes!

Sango's Jamaican & Chinese restaurant

Next on the agenda, I must order a dozen patties to carry back home with from Sonia's Patties. Sh*t ... I forgot them in my in-laws freezer. Choops.

Aww ... a Caribbean restaurant fridge in Miami is usually filled with these drinks.
See anything familiar?

Now it's no secret I eat ... I love food.

A steak and cheese from Hungry Bear Sub Shop

An old picture find ... my daughter's once curly hair!

Love this nail polish duo bottle pen idea.

Anyway who knew there was gel nail polish remover? Worked like a charm!

Mother's Day Flowers for a few Miami mothers ... my friend's mom, my mother and sister - in law.

No party if I'm there is complete without TEQUILA!

Hey ... I don't need lime or salt!

Homeward bound ... thank heaven I woke up after a night of drinking.
Heading to the airport to meet my parents in Virginia ... and to wish my mom a Happy Mother's Day!

HOME ... Dulles International Airport, Virginia!

Dulles has the nicest exterior of any US airport, I've seen!

HOME ... a lil' glance, see how the kids are growing!

What to Wear to a Summer Wedding ... Ladies & Gents

2012-05-18T11:00:00.000-04:00

Stylist Jenn Falik shares the season’s hottest looks to keep you on-trend and appropriate at a daytime, destination, formal or casual wedding. See the video here

... And since this just popped up, why shouldn't the men get dapper too?

Rude Boys: Stop Slut-Shaming Rihanna

2012-05-18T08:30:00.000-04:00

Chris Brown, Drake and others have taunted the singer Rihanna over her alleged sexual escapades. Michael Arceneaux explains why they need to stop.

"TO “SLUT SHAME” IS TO PERPETUATE THE IDEA THAT SEX IS DIRTY, AND IN PARTICULAR, DIRTY AND DANGEROUS FOR A WOMAN."

RUDE BOYS: Stop Slut Shaming Rihanna

CHRIS BROWN, DRAKE AND OTHERS HAVE TAUNTED THE SINGER ABOUT HER ALLEGED SEXUAL ESCAPADES. MICHAEL ARCENEAUX EXPLAINS WHY THEY NEED TO STOP

Chris Brown may have a smile that makes a Colgate exec melt and dance like Michael Jackson’s ghost is his choreographer, but if the lyrics to the recently released freestyle to Kanye West’s “Theraflu” are indeed about Rihanna, there’s a jerk factor still lingering there that needs immediate fixing.

Last week, the R&B star tweeted the track and immediately after he did many suspected that he took thinly veiled shots at his ex-girlfriend, Rihanna, whom he notoriously beat in 2009. The lyrics in question are: "Don't f--k with my old bitch, it's like a bad fur/ Every industry n---- done had her/ Shook the tree like a pumpkin just to smash her/ B*tch is breaking codes, but I'm the password."

Mind you, this is coming from the person with chastity-belt bangers like “Strip” currently blanketing radio...who also beat Rihanna brutally just three years ago. THIS PERSON feels he can make a reasoned judgment about her sexual behavior.

After the song was posted, some noticed that he was unfollowed by Rihanna, who tweeted indirectly “Aw, poor dat #neaux1currr.” In response, Chris wrote via Twitter, "Assumptions! I didn't say any names so if u took offense to it then its something you feel guilty about."

Reverse psychology: everything ain’t for everybody.

As much as I’d like to escape these two and the remnants of their relationship, their collective knack for spectacle makes them unavoidable to anyone who makes a living around writing about pop culture. If nothing else, this latest instance allows me to point out an increasingly annoying criticism made about Rihanna that reeks of a double standard. Chris Brown may not be beating Rihanna anymore, but if this is true – and it doesn’t require a great leap to conclude so based on the indirect back-and-forth – he is still very much trying to hurt her only in the way of slut-shaming.

And apparently, he’s not the only person Rihanna’s dealt with that’s trying to diss her in such despicable fashion.

Though it’s harder to peg, Drake was suspected of also trying to soil Rihanna’s reputation by alleging that she sleeps around in the 2 Chainz track, “No Lie.”

Drake raps: “She came through, she brought food / She got f—ed, she knew wassup / She think I’m the realest out / And I say ‘Damn, that makes two of us’ / Oh that look like what’s her name / Chances are it is what’s her name / Chances are, if she was acting up / Then I f—ed her once and never f—ed again / She could have a Grammy, I still treat that a- like a nominee / Just need to know what that p—- like so one time, it’s fine with me.”

Read Michael Arceneaux's entire piece.

Carnival Kicks Giveaway

2012-05-17T12:54:00.000-04:00

Carnival Kicks Giveaway!

We're giving one lucky Sweet 7 fan their choice of Shoe, Apparel or Accessory under $50 from CarnivalKicks.com

... and with so many summer carnivals from DC, St.Lucia, Caribana to name a few, consider a pair of boots! I am. LOL!

Giveaway rules:

You must 'LIKE' Carnival Kicks and The Sweet 7

One entry per person

Email TheSweet7@gmail.com with the subject "Carnival Kicks"

Please include your name, address, phone number and email address in the email

Giveaway ends on Thursday, May 24 @ 8PM

Giveaway is open to Residents in the US, Canada and St.Lucia only

Winners will be selected randomly by random.org

The winner will be notified by email and announced on the Sweet 7 fan page

My NYC Trip to The Wendy Williams Show

2012-05-17T09:34:00.004-04:00

The Wendy Williams reservation arrival time said doors open at 8:00 am sharp for the Thursday, May 2nd show date. The joke was I arrived the studio at 6:15 am, after hailing a taxi from my Upper West Side hotel on a cloudy grey and slightly rainy day in the Big Apple.

The Monday when I got the Wendy ticket confirmation email, I was hesitant ... what such short notice! So I spent the next few days searching for a hotel in the city which I have a known love / hate relationship with, NYC, wondering why every Manhattan hotel was basically on average above $400 US a night and unavailable that particular week end.

... And as the time dissipated on finding a hotel, I figured I might as well figure out how to commute between Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and Manhattan, NYC. 'Cause, once I set my mind on something, it is going to happen. ... And out of fear, the bright idea struck that I should pack very lightly so I would not have to tote luggage behind me!

Before the blink of an eye, it was Wednesday afternoon at 2pm, I finally booked the Belnord Hotel. ... And by 8pm, after a 45 minute flight between Virginia and New Jersey, I had landed in NJ for the very first time. In full stealth mode, since I did not know what to expect during a Google map estimated 18.4 mile commute between the NJ airport and my Manhattan hotel. The only thing in tow was my one bag! Amazing, just ONE ... and SMALL bag. To give you some perspective, it fit under the plane seat in front of me. ... And since then, cause I have since gone to Miami too, I did my first Youtube tutorial on how to pack lightly.

After a short 10 minute wait for the Super Shuttle driver, he had me follow him to his shuttle. A bit concerned that I was heading into a night time, chilly air - NJ airport parking lot, once he opened the door to let me in, I was greeted by 2 European women. One almost my age and another who could have been my mother, maybe a tad bit older. ... And after a drive of much conversation, I was informed that the younger was from the Netherlands and the older was from the United Kingdom. We spoke about European and American politics, dual citizenships, the Summer Olympics and the its impact on time spent in British immigration and its effect on London traffic and re-routing, the fact that Amsterdam has banned the smoking of weed in their coffee shops, famous paintings/ art and so many other things. One even said, I seemed bit of a nomad ... amused by my accent, a lil bit of this and that, fused thanks to the numerous places, I had mentioned, I had lived (which became quite apparent to me when I heard myself on my packing light Youtube tutorial. LOL!) It was during that ride, I finally got an answer as to why NYC hotels were so pricey and unavailable that weekend, due to the Frieze Art Festival.

Read more about my experience and see Wendy!

So the commute between NJ and NYC was not nearly as bad, as my lil' mind had set it up. Except for the maniac of a driver, I was his second stop and at that point, I prayed that he got the final passenger, the lil' white old lady safely to the doorstep of her hotel on the Upper East side. When I got to my hotel and checked in, I was rather satisfied with the appearance, the cleanliness. And it helped, that the night front desk staff were pleasant. Every thing about the hotel, was like any other major hotel, just on a smaller scale. Yes, I got a room key. Yes, there was the tourist information desk. Yes, there was an elevator. Yes, there were signs on my hotel room door as to what to do in case of an emergency. Yes, there was fresh linen and toiletry samples. Yes, there was cable tv. Speaking of which, I don't think I've ever seen so many languages on American cable such as that! So once again ... all the terrible what-ifs were sealed with a YES. So all in all ... I felt relieved and happy with my decision to book the Belnord Hotel.

After much anticipation of what was ahead, I slept lightly. I woke up at about 5am and got dressed. Anxious about another day in the Big Apple which was still damp and cold. I had questions, "How do I now hail a taxi?" ... And since I had no clue the length of time, driving from my hotel to the Wendy Williams studio, in traffic would take, I set out by 6am. I don't even think NYC was awake yet! LOL! So I walked down the street, crossed the street in the direction I was heading with the only thing I travelled with, my hand bag (you know, the one which fit under the plane seat in front of me .. LOL)!

Needless to say, there was no traffic and I arrived the Wendy Williams studio extremely early but not as early as the two young men waiting there before me. LOL! Amused, I teased them, and had a laugh. A good laugh, 'cause once again NYC presented me with the unexpected. It was ALL GOOD. Not long after, 20 minutes or so later, another young New Yorker chica joined us in the line. Later, joined by her Guyanese boyfriend who specifically arrived later so as not to have to get out of bed to wait in line.

BTW ... I have since friend requested the couple on FB, and my gosh ... I could not have been aligned with two more interesting people!

... And as the excitement continued, the line slowly grew with Wendy fans (all ethnicities, ages, sexes, genders, handicaps and socio-economic backgrounds. I say that cause you could tell city folks from the country bumpkins. ... And this is where I say God forgive me. LOL!). All while, the Wendy staff began to setup the crowd control barricades, took names, handed out numbers. ... And as every luxury vehicle stopped, it led to heart thumping and chatter ... "It's Wendy" and instant disappointment, "Oh no, it's not!" And with every passing second, our fingers lay patiently to snap that Wendy entrance.

Then a white SUV pulled up with the darkest-blackest tinted windows ever and bass thumping (and I mean THUMPING) despite the wound up windows. Then her body guards fell into action, outside the vehicle ... and yes, out came Wendy! Walking into her studio swiftly, greeting her fans, "Good morning!"

In the hour leading up to the LIVE show, we were security screened, fed doughnuts and coffee and begged to fill out the Wendy Williams Show questionnaire for the ASK Wendy segment. Wendy's studio audience waiting room also had a photo booth and a cork board to pin photos. By then, the 2 young men ahead of me on the line, the one who kept teasing that he was ready to show Wendy his chest hairs, hence his open button-down shirt, and was later joined by 2 young ladies were whisked off to Wendy's VIP area.

After getting a few rules, before entering the Wendy studio ... gum was being tossed from mouths, cameras were being shut off, cause we were threatened to be kicked out of the studio if any phones sounded. Then we were led into a music pumping and chilly studio, and introduced to the hype man for the Wendy Williams Show, Kevin Thompson. ... And the one day, I got tickets to the Wendy Williams show, the two young ladies who joined the two young men ahead of me on the line, happened to be the younger sisters of Kevin. Hence the reason, my early morning buddies skipped ahead to Wendy's VIP area.

So with the awesome DJ and Kevin Thompson's ladies' man antics, the countdown to the live show was off to a great start. When 10am struck, the show was live, except the segment with Joel McHale which was previously recorded, so our studio audience watched it on the monitor. ... And the show kicked off again live again with guest, Amanda de Cadanet. I will admit that neither guest had me swinging from my seat but hey, I was finally sitting in the audience of Wendy Williams Show. When the week started, and after much anxiety of finding an affordable hotel for one night and everything else ... I was thankful for such a warm NYC welcome from every soul, I had already met.

... And just to see Wendy Williams in person. OMG ... her skin is flawless, and she is so pretty in person, television truly does not do her justice. ... And no, she did not have on piles and pounds of makeup, as I recall of the ladies of The View, during a birthday trip in 2003. I went to see ladies of The View whom after every segment were being prepped by hair and makeup artists. Don't even talk about Star Jones. She was the haughtiest of the bunch, even when she was not the size, she is today! While Joy Behar walked among the audience during the commercials, Star would walk off set to her makeup artist and venture behind the scenes. Anyway back to Wendy ... Wendy often rants about her big girl days and of being a foodie instead I was struck by her slim, curvy stature, particularly for someone her height. Between segments, she just wore a comfortable smile. ... And came across as rather gracious. The only time she disappeared was for a few minutes was after she taped her live one hour show, for a wardrobe change. Necessary, since she had to record a segment which was aired on her May 10th show.

Only thing which struck me, she has bodyguards. They can be seen dressed in black in the pictures below. Did you know that even when she walks in the audience for the Ask Wendy segment, she has a body guard too? He's just not in the camera frame when she does that. He also assists her when she walks out of the audience, due to her towering heels and tall frame. Her main bodyguard was the one behind the Wendy Show, hype man, Kevin. If you are a fan of the Wendy Show like I am, you've probably had a familiar laugh on every show ... yep, it's Kevin, seen with the hat below. LOL!

What made this experience tremendous, since Wendy is celebrating her 500th episode during the month of May ... every day she gives her fans a present. I walked away with a $150 gift card to Venus. Phshhh ... I'm just waiting on my package! LOL!

... And here's Wendy!

... And this post would not be complete without The Wendy Williams theme song!

*SINGING . SINGING . SINGING*

HOW YOU DOIN?

Next trip ... ATL!

Spring Rainbow Makeup Tutorial

2012-05-17T09:00:00.000-04:00

H&M Summer 2012 Swimwear Campaign

2012-05-16T21:34:00.002-04:00

Photographer: Mikael Jansson

Model: A super tanned Isabeli Fontana

Styled by George Cortina

St.Lucia Carnival 2012 ... XS Neo Video and Lots of Costume Pictures

2012-05-16T14:22:00.001-04:00

So XS Neo will be a serious contender for RED and J4F during St.Lucia Carnival 2012. You must watch their 'XS Neo - The Legend' video.

'Though I never quite understand the reasoning for all 'this presentation' which particularly occurs during band launches and when crossing stage on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. Presentations just slow down the entire carnival reveller momentum and wastes time. I often ask, "Is your presentation really going to affect judging? To me, if your costumes don't hit the mark, then you think a presentation will?"

Any how, this XS video was just a tad bit long when my only desire was to see the XS costumes which starts at the 9 minute mark. FINALLY, I got to see St.Lucian designer, Claude Desir's final product on display, after months of him sharing his ideas and costume production developments with me. XS Neo costumes are lovely! Such a pity that other local bands did not grab him sooner!

I must say though I was quite impressed upon discovering that the XS Neo video was produced by a St.Lucian production company, Untitled 51. I kept asking, "do you guys make movies?" ... it was just that good! Another revelation, Untitled 51 produced the video for Shurwayne Winchester's song 'Work It', that song was also produced by Courtney 'Curty' Louis, of Dutch Productions from St.Lucia.

See lots more XS NEO band launch picturesXS NEO Launch 2012XS NEO 2012 Costume Photo Shoot

Marisa Wheeler - Style Burbia

2012-05-15T10:00:00.000-04:00

This is what happened when a fellow St.Lucian friend outgrew her NYC apartment ...

If you have ever lived or worked in New York City, you can relate to the high energy lifestyle. Most people either love it and thrive on it or hate it. It is definitely not for everyone. My husband and I have both lived in New York City for over 15 years and we absolutely love it, but with two sons, ages 3 and 1 years old, we started outgrowing our apartment. As we started looking for a bigger place in our NYC neighborhood, we quickly realized that most of the places were either too small, too expensive or didn't have enough outdoor space. So, we decided to take a big leap and move from NYC to the suburbs.

It would be a BIG transition for all of us and I thought a blog would be a good place to share our story primarily with friends and family who live all over the US and in several countries around the world. I quickly realized that many other people were struggling with this same scenario; families growing, trying to make lifestyle changes and dealing with new challenges and opportunities. As I grappled with all of these upcoming changes, my sister REALLY encouraged me to start blogging about it. I decided to share my experiences with a broader audience who may be traveling this same road - and I always like to do things with style – so StyleBurbia was born! StyleBurbia to date has featured posts about home renovations, home design, fashion, gardening and travel. I'm looking forward to future posts about entertaining, recipes, kid stuff and life in general.

STYLE BURBIA

Pinterest: Style Burbia
Facebook: Style Burbia
by Marisa Wheeler

Kes The Band - Take Me Away Official Video

2012-05-14T20:48:00.003-04:00

Sweet Eyes ... Caribbean Carnival Makeup Artistry

2012-05-13T10:00:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I posted some carnival makeup inspiration but I recently eyed ...

The KING of Caribbean makeup artistry, Kirk Thomas.

Just bedazzle me!

A Year in the Life of Saint Lucia - A 366 Day Photo Diary

2012-05-12T15:00:00.000-04:00

A Year in the Life of Saint Lucia is a "366 day photo diary" - 2008 project of my beautiful island by Chester B. Williams for his daughter, Devyn.

Chester B. Williams is St Lucia's premier Landscape and Fine Art photographer. A former Financial Analyst, who worked in Los Angeles, California, he returned home and embarked on a quest to photograph as many areas of the island as he could before over-development and mismanagement of the island's natural resources changed its landscape forever.

Click to purchase: A Year in the Life of Saint Lucia

Discount Code for 25% off: HELLOSUMMER (available until May 31st)

In Chester B. Williams' own words ...

"On January 1st, 2008, I began a quest to record life on the island of St Lucia for the entire year. As the island was due to celebrate its 30th Anniversary of Independence in 2009, I decided to paint an overall picture, with 366 photographic images, of what it is like to live on the island on the eve of that occasion.

My formula was simple: leave my home at dawn and return at midday. Have a quick lunch and head out until sunset. Return home, have dinner and then edit my images. This was done everyday for the entire 366 days.( 2008 was a leap year). Nothing was out of bounds and I deliberately sought to expose the viewer to areas of the island where the average person may not have had the opportunity to venture. What started out as a labor of love for me became an alarming and frightening reality as I bore witness to several instances of the mismanagement of the island's natural and cultural assets. Large tracts of land were cleared with no regard to the environment, beautiful old wooden homes were simply bulldozed and a large wetland area, where I photographed several species of birds, was simply drained to facilitate the building of a hotel, which to date has not even been started (see January 17th). In another equally heartbreaking case, several hundred acres of the last remaining habitat of the endemic White-breasted Thrasher, were cleared of vegetation in another hotel venture that failed. (see September 8th). In the space of only four years, the face of this island has changed forever. I hope the viewer of this book, especially the St Lucian viewer, will see and appreciate the beauty of the island and are inspired to do what they can to help preserve our heritage.

This book of images portrays the island, frozen at a particular moment in its history. For this reason, I have chosen to record and share with the viewer the actual day and time that each photograph was taken.

I have to say a special "thank you" to my wife Antonia, who was always there to encourage me during this unique and sometimes difficult undertaking. During the year, I suffered through a bought of dengue fever, several broken lenses, a broken camera and a car accident.

I invite you to view, and hopefully enjoy, St Lucia through my eyes."

Sweet Eyes ... Rihanna AGAIN!

2012-05-12T11:00:00.000-04:00

Probably for once, I am distracted from something other than what Rihanna is wearing ... as in clothes. Do you notice anything?

Figure it out yet? ...

Now that I am obsessed with my iPhone ... for a minute, I was afraid to drop it or have it get wet by the rain. So when I saw Rihanna's grip on her iPhone it was love!

Rebecca Minkoff Knuckles case

Rebecca Minkoff 'Knuckles' iPhone 4 & 4S Case

Nukles

Knuckle Case

Anyway, since I could not wait a minute longer to protect my iPhone, I opted for an affordable case from Otter Box.

May Style Tips

2012-05-11T14:00:00.000-04:00

Source: WhoWhatWear

Reggae Nails

2012-05-11T11:00:00.000-04:00

How Men See Colors

2012-05-11T10:00:00.000-04:00

Forget how men see colors ... I am not color savvy either!

Source: Vivid! Media + Promo House Inc.

Sweet 7 VIDEO on Packing Light

2012-05-10T22:02:00.005-04:00

OMG, I did my first YouTube tutorial. ... And of all things, I did one on packing! Don't laugh, anyway I still have to share my NYC trip with you! My video was too long for Youtube. I had to edit (which I am not too familiar with) to under 15 minutes ... but hey, it was all fun! Maybe you'll get some tips!

Darvin Edwards - St.Lucian Qualifier for the 2012 Olympics

2012-05-10T15:00:00.000-04:00

St.Lucia's Men's High Jump qualifier for the 2012 London Olympics is Darvin Edwards. He is currently in St.Lucia training with Gregory Lubin.

"Qualifying for the 2012 Olympics was amazing for me, especially given what I had been going through in 2010, when I sustained a serious injury that kept me out of competition. Being in a foreign land, with no immediate job prospects and a young family to support, it was a very challenging time for me. By the grace of God, with help from my family, friends and a British coach, I came back stronger than ever in 2011.

I set new personal-best marks three times last season, won a CAC medal, set a new OECS record and then had the experience of a lifetime when I traveled to Daegu, South Korea, for the IAAF World Championships. I was the first to clear the automatic qualifying height for the finals, a new personal-best, and a new National Record and OECS record. The only way to top that experience is to be in the best shape of my life for the Olympics this year, to be more technically prepared than I have ever been. I intend to set a new record in London, and if I do that, I am confident that I will make the top eight. And from there, anything can happen!" - Darwin Edwards

Facebook: Darvin Edwards

Twitter: Darvin Edwards

Bralets - How to Wear Them

2012-05-10T11:19:00.000-04:00

"Really not feeling those bralets that are all the rage at the moment (well at least in my ends)...anyone on here own any?" was posted by Chantal, in my St.Lucian friend's 'Do's and Dont's' facebook group.

I not only own them, I love them too. Only problem is I can't wear the ones I own now since I am breastfeeding and my boobies have doubled! ... And I'm not about to buy a size that in a few months, when my breasts deflate, I am stuck with! ... But I think bralets scream bedroom tease.

So Chantal ... inspired by you this morning, How to Wear a Bralet Without Being Too Sexy

Pick one to wear this summer!

More Topshop...