The Sweet 7

Vegas Mixologist Uses St.Lucian Spiced Rum (Recipe)

noreply@blogger.com (Nyree) — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:05:00 +0000

In an online article 'A Toast To Marriage' Chris Hopkins, one of the best bartenders in Las Vegas (it is the hen and stag party capital of the world, after all), house mixologist for the Cosmopolitan Hotel and General Manager of its acclaimed Vesper Bar, shared two of his favorite recipes an essential part of the festivities for this May and June wedding season. I read the ingredients of the first recipe but was titillated that his second cocktail recipe included Saint Lucia's very own, Chairman's Spice Rum.

SPICE AND INTRIGUE

Contributed by Chris Hopkins
INGREDIENTS:

2 Green Cardamom Pods
1.5oz Chairman’s Reserve Spiced Rum
.75 oz Domaine de Canton
1 oz Fresh lime juice
1 oz Pineapple juice
.5 oz Orange blossom honey syrup (one part orange blossom honey, one part water)
2 dashes Bittercube Jamaican #1 Bitters *
Glass: Collins or highball

PREPARATION:

In a shaker, muddle the cardamom. Add the remaining ingredients and fill with ice. Shake, and fine strain into a Collins or highball glass filled with fresh ice.

* I'm thinking substitute with good ole' Angostura Bitters.

The University of The West Indies - BA in Carnival Studies

noreply@blogger.com (Nyree) — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:59:00 +0000

Then University of the West Indies is offering a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Carnival Studies. APPLY NOW here! Deadline Date - May 31, 2013

Bunji Garlin - Differentology Premiere (Video)

noreply@blogger.com (Nyree) — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:35:00 +0000

Finally the first signs of Bunji Garlin's Differentology official video emerges, here's the teaser.

Favorite Spring Celebrity Looks

noreply@blogger.com (Nyree) — Fri, 10 May 2013 04:33:00 +0000

Left to Right / Top to Bottom

1. Ciara's Ombre Hair and Cut

2. Jessica White's Makeup and Curly Long Hair

3. Melody Thornton's Cut Crease Makeup

4. Rihanna's Red Lips

Saint Lucia Hot Couture Fashion Show (Video & Pictures)

noreply@blogger.com (Nyree) — Thu, 09 May 2013 02:27:00 +0000

St.Lucians are all abuzz about the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival's
HOT Couture Fashion Show!

An array of local designers and fashion.
Men in red lipstick. Top knots. Red hair.
Plenty skin!

See another video here and pictures here.

Rihanna 777 Tour Documentary (Video)

noreply@blogger.com (Nyree) — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:03:00 +0000

Watch the full Rihanna 777 Tour documentary below.

Jillian Michael's: Banish Fat Workout + Calorie Burning Cardio Plans

noreply@blogger.com (Nyree) — Mon, 06 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Jillian Michaels: Banish Fat Boost Metabolism Complete Workout

Island Origins (Video)

noreply@blogger.com (Nyree) — Sun, 05 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

ISLAND ORIGINS is a 30-minute TV show about how Caribbean people and culture have reached beyond the islands to influence the wider world.

Here is a 7 minute promotional demo

Bright Makeup Look

noreply@blogger.com (Nyree) — Sat, 04 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Source: Cantu

What I'm Currently Listening To ... On Repeat!

noreply@blogger.com (Nyree) — Fri, 03 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Neon Hitch - Midnight Sun

Rudimental - Feel The Love (Kill Paris Remix)

Rudimental ft John Newman - Feel The Love

Alesso Vs One Republic - If I Lose Myself (Alesso Remix)

Major Lazer ft. Amber of Dirty Projectors - Get Free

Major Lazer ft. Busy Signal, The Flexican & FS Green) - Watch Out For This (Bumaye)

Adventure Club - Lullabies by Yuna (Adventure Club Remix)

Yuna - Lullabies

Daft Punk Ft. Pharrell Williams & Nile Rodgers - Get Lucky

Facial Yoga

noreply@blogger.com (Nyree) — Thu, 02 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

A simple and non-surgical way to turn back the clock!

Caribbean's Next Top Model - The Finalists

noreply@blogger.com (Nyree) — Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Caribbean's Next Top Model is now down to two finalists: Stephany Francisca and Treveen Stewart. With only 2 episodes left, the new episodes of Caribbean's Next Top Model will air on Monday, May 20th, at 9 p.m. Past episodes are available on YouTube.

Click to view Caribbean's Next Top Model on GLOSSI.COM

More on Treveen Stewart here & Stephany Francisca here.

One of my other favorites during Caribbean's Next Top Model was former Miss Trinidad & Tobago Athaliah Samuel who was in the Trinidad James 'Females Welcome' video.

SLU Carnival 2013 - Island Fantasy's RED Affair

noreply@blogger.com (Nyree) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:08:00 +0000

Island Fantasy + Red Unlimited

RED AFFAIR section

SLU Carnival 2013 - Just 4 Fun Costume Launch (Video)

noreply@blogger.com (Nyree) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:04:00 +0000

Tips To Bounce Back After Baby

noreply@blogger.com (Nyree) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:04:00 +0000

Nothing more flattering than being included in the prestigious Trinidad Carnival Diary’s list of 'Hotties Over 30' from Trinidad & Tobago Carnival 2012, especially since eight weeks prior I delivered 'My Christmas Surprise' which was my second child. Excited too, cause I was clocking mid-thirties when I made the list.

I've included other pictures so you can see what 8 weeks after pregnancy looked like for me. LOL!

‘How to Bounce Back After Baby’ was drafted after Trinidad Carnival 2012 when I observed the tremendous scrutiny and pressure placed on women, particularly celebrities to bounce back after baby.

Simultaneously while I stressed about being carnival ready, Beyonce made a splash with her first post-baby public appearance in this figure-hugging red dress one month after giving birth to Blue Ivy in January 2012. Some were reluctant to believe that any woman could naturally bounce back so quickly post baby. Yet, that was my reality at the time because I was naturally bouncing back.

While the 'BEYONCEs' of this world can bounce back after baby probably due to trainers, personal chefs, nutritionists or even doctors who can nip tuck, many of us do it simply, naturally and gradually over time.

Celebrities such as Jessica Simpson made headlines as a “weight loss disaster” and former Miss World 1994 and India's most beloved Bollywood star, Aishwarya Rai was accused of betraying India over the fact that she was in no hurry to lose the few extra pounds she gained during her pregnancy. One website posted a video, called 'Aishwarya Rai's shocking weight gain' which came accompanied by elephant trumpeting sound effects.

I do not condone anyone having to live up to a fickle society's idea of what is suitable. Neither is it acceptable for any woman to be taunted, teased or pressured to lose her baby weight. While knowing my own personal torment of not (immediately) seeing a pre-baby weight and figure - postpartum, I can't fathom the scrutiny or pressures to bounce back due to someone else's time limits or expectations, other than my own.

However allow me to play devil's advocate:

Firstly, let’s get visual! A baby is most likely to be delivered at less than 10 pounds. Think of 10 pounds. 10 pounds is a Thanksgiving Turkey!

Me: What’s the rational gaining excessive weight while pregnant?
Excuse: 'Cause it's supposedly the one time I'm allowed to pig out!

Me: What exactly are you eating?
Excuse: JUNK ... everything imaginable. It's ok, I'm eating for 2!

Me: Ever considered the stress to lose baby weight, especially if the plan is to return to a familiar pre-baby weight?
Reality: OMG. I can't lose this baby weight fast enough! I GIVE UP!

So yes, that was me playing devil's advocate but in all honesty, my question then becomes 'is the real reason for pregnancy weight gain about the baby or about you?' I found both my pregnancies to be a very emotional time for me. So is over eating while pregnant to mask some emotional issue? Giving up on yourself or the will to eat right, under the guise of pregnancy. So I've asked myself, "Is it unreasonable for people to expect women to bounce back fairly well after baby? Maybe not!"

Here are a few of my tips for bouncing back to some sort of normal after baby:

My son was born 8 weeks prior to carnival, on Christmas eve 2011. The very next day, it was Christmas Day with my parents in our living room, my husband was adamant that we could make it to Trinidad & Tobago Carnival 2012 dated February 20 to 21 and my parents would baby-sit. LOL!

I've never kept my My Body / Diet Tips a secret but suddenly I was less than confident that my body would look decent enough to display for another Trinidad Carnival. This comment "I hear you about not being carnival ready ... but, we have 7 weeks to go. Focus... you can do it!" from Sweet 7 fan DeBorahdeb531 slapped me out of my self-pity. So I owe her a SPECIAL THANKS!

Two weeks after giving birth, I was reluctant to start exercising but with a fast approaching 6 week time restraint, I decided to exercise without a post-baby follow up visit to my ob/gyn because I (and my body) felt were intact to go ahead. I used the following blog postings to psyche myself out by sharing Winsor Pilates, one of my favorite workouts and by the end of January, I picked up the pace with Flirty Girl Fitness LIVE. Early February 2012, I offered ten Sweet 7 fans the opportunity to each receive a free one-month pass because already I was shedding the baby weight.

A befitting carnival body requires exercise and clean eating discipline. While my body preparation for Trinidad Carnival 2011 followed these two stringently, my 2012 post-baby body was noncommittal to clean eating. I was breast-feeding and craved comfort food. My diet consisted of fats and copious carbohydrates. Diet NO-NOs for 'the perfect carnival body' elitists. My deal (with self) was even if I ate whatever I pleased, I must work out to offset any further weight gain. A give and take of sorts, "having my cake and *eating* it too!"

30 LBS Maximum Baby Weight Gain

Thanks to advice from my mom, I only gained 30 pounds while pregnant with both of my children. In addition to my devil's advocate chatter above, there is truly no reason to add basically another person to your body frame, other than a ten pound baby. By the time I naturally popped out both my babies, I was left with 10 pounds to lose from the 30 pounds gained on both occasions.

After I had my daughter in late 2006, by February 2008, my pre-baby figure was returning. Eight weeks after delivering my son, by the time I got to Trinidad Carnival 2012, I had only ten more pounds to lose to be my pre-baby weight. He's now sixteen months, and I have 15 pounds to lose. Notice I said 'have' because I am NOT 'fighting' to lose it either. A five-pound weight gain over a year is nothing in my books! Truth be told, I have no desire to work out, but I certainly watch what I eat while not stringent. My husband has teased, "You like to work out under pressure. And pressure being little time!" I will admit there's no carrot dangling that warrants me to burn off the last 15 excess pounds.

While pregnant, watch your diet. Do not pig out and use pregnancy as a crutch to develop bad eating habits. Consider the life long eating habits you're passing unto to your baby. Load up on your fresh fruits, vegetables and drink plenty water. Be aware of your metabolism as you age too. Consult your doctor and figure out what is in your (and your child's) best interest.

Breast-feeding Helps Shed Baby Weight

I am uncertain if this is a myth that breast-feeding will slim you down. 'Though I can hear my mom say, "it will tighten your stomach muscles." LOL! Neither am I certain, but I will admit menstrual cramp-like pain when I breast-fed during the first few days after delivery. I was told depending on one's body and the length of time one breast-feeds, a menstrual cycle is non-existent. And I will confirm that it was "gone with the wind fabulous" without a monthly visit from Aunt Flo.

Maybe the majority of our extra body weight comes from our "McTatas", comically nicknamed by a friend. A question posed to me after Trinidad Carnival was "How did you manage during carnival while lactating?" Since my kids were left in Saint Lucia with my parents, I was unable to breast-feed my son. My son survived on formula. Fortunately both my kids were breast and formula fed from early. Engorged breasts are swollen, lumpy, uncomfortable and the most painful things imaginable if not relieved. So 'phuck yo carnival essentials', in my luggage was my breast pump. Before every fete, Carnival Monday & Tuesday, I pumped and dumped.

No Maternity Clothing

Maternity clothing nowadays is trendy and tends to be a little pricier than usual women's clothing. Some women bobble around happily pregnant, "I HATE BEING PREGNANT." As I expanded, I was not going to allow my clothes to expand too. So I have never worn maternity clothes.

I wore clothes from my closet, jeans included. Easy slip-ons like maxi dresses, skirts, empire waists. Everything 'un-Kim-K-like". Generally nothing tight, basically flowing. Clothes that allowed me room to breathe and not too tight to squeeze the baby. LOL!

In my first pregnancy, I wore jeans a lot. Gradually as my hips and belly expended, my jeans no longer could zip and buckle. So I would leave my pants unzipped. Simply covering up by wearing shirts and blouses that extended beyond the zip area. Even though maternity pregnancy bellybands exist, I wanted no semblance in my wardrobe to indicate that I was pregnant. My thinking "why spend money for a 9 month pregnancy - temporary fashion fix?" I did purchase jeans at least two sizes bigger than my regular size. With my second pregnancy, I discovered leggings and fell in love! Best idea ever! They just took my shape and gave me room to expand. LOL!

BTW buy affordable bras: While I despised my expanding pregnancy waistline, I appreciated my bosoms. Since I did not spend money on temporary fashion fixes, I was pleasantly happy with affordable Maidenform bras from Ross.

Wear SPANX

My once six pack abdominals were non-existent, after my first pregnancy. To feel tight, I wore spanx for a while which allowed me to fit into my regular sized jeans and hide my post-baby tummy rolls. Spanx gave me the freedom to wear tight fitting dresses too. I swore that a second child would result in double Spanx. It's been 16 months since the birth of my second child and I am yet to put on a pair of Spanx. Even Jessica Alba double spanx'd after her pregnancies.

Bounce Back After Baby

Don't allow yourself to get lazy. Do not just accept the weight gain and give up on yourself, especially since our metabolisms slow down with age. While a newborn is rather needy, find at least 15 minutes for some physical activity. Be aware of the on-the-go diet.

While I had pressure to get in decent shape for Trinidad Carnival, after the birth of my son in in a very short space of time, I bounced back quickly. Yet, I am still not at my pre-baby weight. With my daughter's birth in 2006, it was not until the summer of 2008 that I made the effort to get to my pre-baby weight. That summer, I made a conscious decision to fight off the last 10 pounds from that pregnancy.

Be realistic too, you're no longer 19! Realize it's time to appreciate and simply tone the body of now!

If interested read My Body Tips & Diet

SLU Carnival 2013: JUST 4 FUN Costume Pictures & Video

noreply@blogger.com (Nyree) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 10:54:00 +0000

JUST 4 FUN 'Immortals' Costume Pictures

Just 4 Fun Band does the Harlem Shake at the Immortals Costume Launch

Online Happy Hour!

noreply@blogger.com (Nyree) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 16:39:00 +0000

My cousin and I last week Friday spent 5 hours online together. We enjoyed it so much, we set a date to watch Scandal together on Thursday night.

22 Of The Latest Black Models

noreply@blogger.com (Nyree) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:43:00 +0000

Jasmine Tookes - America

Elle France, US Vogue April 2013, Intermission Winter 2012, Vogue Italia January 2013, V Magazine Spring 2013

A very innocent crush on model, Jasmine Tookes took me on a quest of the relevance of self love. Our society is often inundated with the fashion industry dictating what's popular, even when it comes to skin tones. Even dolls like us stocked on store shelves, pictures of black models in magazines and fashion runways, or lack thereof, prompt me to rely on myself for I am not some figment of someone's imagination but 'I (we) very much exist!'

This '22 Of The Latest Black Models' post became not just a mere reminder that we do exist but a testament that BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL! Span the globe, our beauty is varied, sultry and striking.

A realization to envelop being effervescent, like this quote states, "Every day is a fashion show and the world is your runway!" It means stepping up for the show (even if that may that be life!). Putting your best foot forward. A reminder to be light hearted and playful. A kismet to shed insecurities and portray our black is beautiful.

Most importantly, working on this post makes me aware of and encourages me to support the companies who see our dynamic black beauty.

Cora Emmanuel - Martinique

ELLE France April 2013, M Le Monde April 2013, Harper’s Bazaar UK, February 2013, ALLURE May 2013, W May 2013

Melodie Monrose – Martinique

Nasty Gal Summer 2013, Elle April 2013

Stella Vaudran - Martinique

Girlys October 2012, Institue Septemer 2012, Suitcase Mag

Jeneil Williams - Jamaica

Jimmy Choo Cruise 2013, V Magazine Spring/Summer 2013

Tscheca White - Jamaica

Joan Smalls - Puerto Rico

Vogue Brazil Jan 2013, Vogue Russia April 2013, Vogue Paris April 2013, Vogue US 2013, Versace Spring Summer 2013

Marihenny Rivera Pasible – Dominican Republic

Teen Vogue May 2012, 2013, Anna Sui Fall 2013, Oyster Mag

Arlenis Sosa - Dominican Republic

Desigual Summer 2012, Harper's Bazaar Spain March 2011, Elements Mag March 2013, Deutsch #43, Arise #13

Lais Ribeiro - Brazil

Vogue Brazil November 2012 and January 2013, Harper's Bazaar Brazil January 2013, L'Officiel Netherlands February 2013

Maria Borges – Angola

Georgie Badiel – Burkina Faso

Essence Magazine, Fault Summer 2011, Arise #13

Nykhor Paul – Sudan

Mara Hoffman Spring 2012, Bullett Magazine

Ajak Deng - Sudan

French Revue Spring Summer 2013, Arise #11, Flaunt Magazine, Obsession Magazine, Marie Claire South Africa December 2012

Oluchi Onweagba - Nigeria

Duro Olowu, Lancome, Sports Illustrated

Sessilee Lopez - America

Hunger SS 2013, Cosmo February 2013, Dress to Kill January 2013, FGR

Chanel Iman - America

Allure 2013, Galore Spring 2013, Hunger Spring Summer 2013

Grace Mahary - Canada

Elle Canada May 2013, Fashion February 2013, New Mag

Jourdan Dunn - England

Aldo Spring Summer 2013, Antidote Spring Summer 2013, Rihanna for River Island, Vogue Spain February 2013

Anais Mali - France

Vogue Paris November 2012, Numero April 2013, W Korea March 2012, Vogue Paris 2012, Gap

Sharam Diniz - Angola/Portugal

Vogue Portugal May 2013, GQ Portugal April 2013, 7 for All Mankind SS 2013, H&M SS 2013 Swimwear

Melanie Engel

Glamour Italia April 2013

Tiklyz - Carnival Accessories

noreply@blogger.com (Nyree) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Tiklyz (Tick-Leez) are colorful, bold and stylish accessories that can be worn on the face, neck or back, bringing an innate cultural phenomenon to the western world. Inspired by the word "Tickli" used in Western India to describe a small dot or drop. There are two product lines, Splash and Bling. Splash adds a splash of color while Bling adds the sparkle to the face. Simply remove Tiklyz (peel n stick style). Perfect to adorn carnival faces.

SLU Carnival 2013: Island Fantasy + Red Unlimited

noreply@blogger.com (Nyree) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:33:00 +0000

So there seems to be some "Breaking News: yet another scandal has been uncovered as Red Unlimited has heed found cheating. Details of the affair will be revealed shortly" - MacNaughton McLean and "Guess who's in bed with RED ... start fantasizing!"- Kristel Kouly.

Island Fantasy is a private section dedicated to providing the ultimate carnival experience to revelers. The section is affiliated with Generation X in Miami, Florida and has now partnered up with Red Unlimited for Saint Lucia Carnival 2013 presenting 'RED Affair'. Bota McNamara, Kristel Kouly, Zinaida McNamara and Lisa Charles (Roxy) are the managers of Island Fantasy St. Lucia. More info about section ... coming soon!

Caribbean Fashion Reality TV Series: Mission Catwalk - 1st Episode (Video)

noreply@blogger.com (Nyree) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 17:44:00 +0000

I thoroughly enjoyed watching Caribbean's Next Top Model Season 1 thus far via Youtube since I was not in the Caribbean to watch. Now another Caribbean reality TV series, Mission Catwalk (Season 3 - Episode 1) aimed at discovering and developing talented fashion designers has been uploaded to Youtube.

Season three of Mission Catwalk has expanded to include designers from St. Lucia (Sha rleen Lagon), St.Vincent, Antigua, Haiti and Bahamas who will now join the likes of Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana in TV’s hottest design challenge.

St.Lucia Carnival 2013: Just 4 Fun Costume Teaser (Video)

noreply@blogger.com (Nyree) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 16:44:00 +0000

Just 4 Fun 'Immortals' Costume Teaser Video

Toronto 2013: Carnival Nationz Band Launch & Costumes

noreply@blogger.com (Nyree) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 11:16:00 +0000

Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto 2013

Carnival Nationz presentation 'THE REEF' Band Launch & Costumes

and more pics here and here.

Source

Denise Belfon - Wining Queen Official Video

noreply@blogger.com (Nyree) — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 15:34:00 +0000

The official video for one of my favorites from Trinidad & Tobago Carnival 2013

"WINING QUEEN" by Denise Belfon

Carnival TAO 2013 by Precision Productions D/LOAD

noreply@blogger.com (Nyree) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 19:28:00 +0000

Carnival TAO 2013 is likely to cause overwhelming Mas and Fete memories and induce a tabanca of epic proportions. Presented and created by the entire Precision Productions family this unique mix will soothe every Soca loving soul, even as it takes a euphoric forage into such entrancing genres as Techno, Dancehall, R&B, and Hip Hop embracing a new world sound guaranteed to harmonically blow minds.

Dedicated to the memory of their beloved friend Vashesht “Wings” Singh, who has left too soon and will never be forgotten. This medley of gyration tunes was only made possible through a fellowship of music that will forever be stronger than any other force in TnT.

Proceed to download ONLY if you are prepared to push back and wine any and everywhere.

Downlaod: Carnival TAO 2013