What is so Terrible about the Terrible Twos?
My daughter, Aleana, is a vibrant twenty-seven-month-old toddler whose favourite word is No. Her favourite thing to do is to put her palms out and say, “no mummy, stop”! she loves to run all over the house once her clothes are removed for bath time to hide in her favourite…
Continue ReadingCoconut Bread Pudding
The sweet smell of sweet potato pudding baking in the middle of the night is a treasured childhood memory. It was a time when everything was ok, my family was together and happy. Since becoming an adult, whenever I eat sweet potato pudding, I feel safe and warm. That love…
Continue ReadingHow to Cope With a Job you Hate
Before I landed the job I now have, I remember praying and asking God to grant me this opportunity. I remember feeling like this job would change my life, like all the things I was dreaming of would become a reality if I just got this job. I knew I…
Continue ReadingCinnamon Rolls
I have been baking for several years now; I am a self-taught baker who is not afraid to try new recipes. However, there are some recipes that I completely avoid, because they seem too complicated. Recipes such as Red Velvet Cake, Coconut Cake, and rolls, or any log type cake.…
Continue ReadingFive Things I Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic
When the pandemic began, I was completely enthralled, knee-deep in breastfeeding and being a new mom with all the bells, whistles, and stress that came along with it. COVID-19 was very scary. I started worrying about what the pandemic meant for my family and my premature newborn, who had to…
Continue ReadingMy Visit to the White Sand Beach Seafood Restaurant
In today’s economy and especially in this pandemic where stay at home and restrictions are the order of the day, entertainment and going out are not a priority nor are they recommended. However, for one’s peace of mind, it is essential. My husband and I are creatures of habit and…
Continue ReadingHow to Use Checklists to Improve Productivity (With Template)
When I first started my current job, I had trouble completing tasks, not because I couldn’t do them, but because I kept forgetting them. It got to a point where I forgot to do an important task that was were detrimental to my employer. I vowed that day that I…
Continue ReadingTen Things That Change Once you Become a Mom
Becoming a mother is a life-altering occasion that changes every facet of a woman’s life. Some changes are expected and you prepare for them as much as possible, while some hits you by surprise and you just have to deal with them as they occur. Every woman is different, every…
Continue ReadingJamaican Rice & Peas
There are certain things that scream Jamaica, things such as Reggae, jerk chicken, white sand beaches, and now… rice and peas. While Jamaican rice and peas may not be internationally renowned, rice and peas is a locally tried-and-true staple. Rice and peas is a Jamaican dish that is eaten daily…
Continue ReadingAdvice From My 25-Year-Old Self
I was feeling nostalgic recently, so I began scrolling through my old photos and found this photo: I remember the exact day this was taken; I remember how I felt – I got the new pair of shoes I was longing for… it was a black embossed patent leather Mary…
Continue ReadingChoosing Sisterlocks
I have had natural hair all my life, my hair has never been relaxed or straightened. I felt that if I straightened my hair, it would mean that I was agreeing with people who say that black kinky hair is not beautiful. I would be selling out and conforming to…
Continue ReadingStrawberry Oatmeal Squares
We had a surplus of strawberries, to prevent them from going to waste, I decided to make a delicious dessert that was both filling and nutritious, so I decided to make oatmeal squares, with a strawberry twist. Strawberries are “an excellent source of vitamin C, manganese, vitamin B9, and potassium. They are…
Continue ReadingTop Ten Best Reggae Songs of All Time
Music for me is therapeutic. Whenever I am sad, confused, or just need a pick-me-up, music, no matter the genre, always gets me out of my funk. I am an eclectic music lover, I love music from all genres whether Indie, Rock, Alternative, Gospel, Jazz, you name it. Once it…
Continue ReadingBest Toys for Babies 0-15-Month-Old
I am the mommy of a fifteen-month-old, like most babies, she is constantly on the move, touching and putting in her mouth, everything in her sight. To encourage her mobility and exploration, I enlist the help of toys and learning aids. I have used toys and learning aids since she…
Continue ReadingYou’re a New Mom! …Now What?
You’ve bought cute clothes, a chic crib, plastic, and glass bottles because you want to be prepared. You have read the mom blogs that advised you to get nipple cream, so you did. You waited patiently and nervously for the little bundle of joy to arrive, and he/she did…. Thank…
Continue ReadingJamaican Yam Punch
Yam, originally from Africa, is a Jamaican staple that is consumed by most Jamaicans daily, typically boiled and served with boiled dumplings along with a protein. “Yams are made up of complex carbohydrates, Vitamin A, and dietary fiber which helps to maintain healthy skin and supports healthy bone development. Yams…
Continue ReadingQuick And Easy Mason Jar DIY
Mason Jars are versatile containers that can be transformed into whatever your imagination allows. I was decorating my bathroom and wanted to add a homey touch that was quick, easy, and inexpensive. So I decided to upcycle plain mason jars into stylish storage containers for my cotton balls, cotton pads,…
Continue ReadingMy Visit to Mystic Mountain
Jamaica is beautiful and has beautiful attractions that most Jamaicans, unfortunately, don’t get a change to enjoy. Many of us spend almost every day working, many of us have not even traveled outside of the parish of our birth. ‘Vacation’ to many, is not a term/word that is used often…
Continue ReadingBanana Cake
I love to bake, however, since becoming a mummy, I hardly find the time. As you can imagine, young children obliterate the idea of me-time, spare time, alone time (basically anytime you are not with them. I love being a mom; however, it is very demanding!). Something about baking that…
Continue ReadingColourism In Jamaica
I am a proud Jamaican; I love my country, its people, culture, and resilience. We have so much going on for us. There is the natural beauty in our landscape, white sand beaches, our language, and the way we treat visitors and our fellow Jamaicans. Conversely, like most countries, we…
Continue ReadingHomemade Caramel Popcorn
I had a sweet tooth over the weekend and there was nothing sweet in the house (I got rid of all the temptations) so I made a delicious snack that takes a couple minutes to put together. I raided my cupboard and found that I only had popcorn, so I…
Continue ReadingBe Inspired: Caged Bird by Maya Angelou
To say that I love Maya Angelou is an understatement. She was the epitome of a strong woman. She knew herself and was unapologetic about who she was or what she believed in. Her poems inspire me not to be bewildered by my circumstances, but to rise above them and…
Continue ReadingIs it Ever Okay to Objectify a Woman?
The term objectifies, defined by Dictionary.com, means ‘to present as an object, especially of sight, touch, or other physical sense’. To objectify a person means to reduce them to mere objects, often objects of sex and/or physical gratification. From my vantage point, there are varying degrees of objectification; there is…
Continue ReadingLive Every Day As If It Is Your Last
There are so many things that go wrong daily, so many people who lose their lives, so many people who discover they have a terminal illness every day… conversely, there are people who take advantage of their blessings every day, people who make it their goal in life to destroy…
Continue ReadingThe Importance of Music
Hello Friends, it has been a very long time since I last spoke to you, I’ve missed you. I have been super busy with a new job and wedding plans… Yes, folks, I’m getting married!!!!!!… and I’m enjoying every minute… it takes a toll sometimes and I get overwhelmed, but…
Continue ReadingSong of the Week: 5 Songs I’m Totally Loving!
Music is a drug like no other. No matter how depressed or down and out you may feel, it always makes you feel better, in ways a prescription could never do. There are some songs that just take you back, let you feel young and hip again, and there are…
Continue ReadingDIY: Transform a Skirt into a Strapless Peplum Blouse
I love clothes. I love finding unique pieces that are cute and versatile. However, in this economic climate, sustaining my love of tea length skirts and peplum blouses is not top ten on my monthly budget. I, like most fashionistas-in-the-making, are on a tight budget. With this hurdle, I have…
Continue ReadingNever Apologize For Who You Are!
I am peculiar. I am particular about what I do, and with whom I do it. I don’t leave things to chance; I plan the hell out of everything; I don’t practice lying. I don’t pretend to be someone I am not. I don’t do things the way everyone else…
Continue ReadingThank You!!
It has been a year since I started this blog and it has gotten better and better every month. Even though I haven’t added any new posts, I am grateful for your interest, comments, likes and follows. I know that there are many options; I am very grateful that you…
Continue ReadingSong of the Week: You & I (Nobody In The World) by John Legend
OMG! This is such a beautiful song, it brought me to tears. I never thought that John could sing a more beautiful song than ‘All of Me’, but he blew it out of the water with You & I (Nobody In The World). It is a beautiful song that celebrates…
Continue ReadingSong of the Week Kiss by Prince
I love Prince. He has a certain kinda conviction that only a few persons can pull off. He is very interesting,…to say the least. He has a way about him… I mean; he wore heels and skinnies and he is not gay!… He is very talented and is the man…
Continue ReadingThe Sheath Dress
The Sheath dress is a type of dress that’s closely fitted to the body. Its name is derived from its fit and silhouette. It is relatively unadorned. It usually falls on the knees or lower thighs. It has a straight, simple silhouette, defined waist and a skirt that fits snugly…
Continue ReadingSong of the Week: I Can by Nas
Life, Life….Life is so hard, depressing, difficult, unfair, unbearable and all the other terrible adjectives that escape me right now…. Life is well, life,… it is a roller coaster, it has trials, phenomenal highs and depressing, dark lows. Maneuvering the day-to-day activities and responsibilities of life can be a lot,…
Continue ReadingBe Inspired: In and Out of Time by Maya Angelou
I just learned that the most phenomenal teacher, activist and poet has passed. Maya Angelou passed away at 86. She was a woman with an enormous legacy. My heart goes out to her family. My heart is broken!….there will never be another like her!… RIP Maya Angelou.
Continue ReadingSong of the Week: In Case by Demi Lovato
Happiness, sadness, anger, love, hate, fulfillment and disappointment are some of the beautiful and painful things that make up relationships, relationships that we treasure and hope will never fade. But unfortunately relationships are tumultuous, its failure more guaranteed than its success… when a relationship end, we sometimes hold on to…
Continue ReadingMy Visit to the Little Ochie Seafood Restaurant
There are many beautiful places in Jamaica that provide authentic Jamaican cuisine, but none does it better than the Little Ochie Seafood Restaurant. This restaurant is rustic and is as authentic as they come; it is nestled in a fishing community in Alligator Pond, which lies at the foot of…
Continue ReadingSong of the Week: Human by Christina Perri
This song is a great listen, if you are in a particular mood, it will bring you to tears. Human is that song that talks about the fragility of human beings and how much it takes to be human. The average person has around two major life changing bad moments…
Continue ReadingWhat to Wear: Spring Essentials
Spring is upon us, we can say a hello to warm temperature, beautiful sunrise/sunset and a big goodbye to chilly nights and even colder days. Spring brings much fun, warmth and the chance to whip out those skimpier clothes. It is the time when a good pedicure and a skin-kist…
Continue ReadingWomen of the East
There are so many things that I have achieved and want to achieve – I want to own a business, travel the world and earn a Ph.D., etc. My dreams are very possible. If I work hard and make the right financial decisions, I can accomplish them. I know I…
Continue ReadingSong of the Week: ***Flawless by Beyonce ft. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
If you know me or have been reading my blog, you know that I LOOOVVEEE Beyonce. I love the way she does her thing. She is unapologetic about who she is or how she presents herself. She is a hard worker who believes in giving her everything, no matter what…
Continue ReadingBe Inspired: Fearful Women by Carolyn Kizer
I consider myself to be a feminist, a mild feminist, if that even exists. I hate seeing women being mistreated, undervalued, or even underestimated. I want us to rise above our issues and show ‘them’ just who we are… We are resilient creatures, who take hits every day, from almost…
Continue ReadingInconvenient Love
Valentine’s Day recently passed, its arrival and sudden departure, got me thinking about love, what it means to love, to be loved and what it really means to give yourself completely to another person. It also got me thinking about what Carrie said when she was breaking up with Aleksandr,…
Continue ReadingReflection: 2013 – The Year That Was
We are on the eve of a new year, as we get prepared to say goodbye to 2013 and say hello to 2014. Let’s pause and look back at the year that was the very difficult 2013. As they say, the number thirteen is not a lucky number, and the…
Continue ReadingSong of the Week: All I Want For Christmas is You by Mariah Carey
So many of Mariah’s songs are classic. She has a classic voice and a classy, diva-like demeanor. She can make almost anything sound good. She has been in the music business since forever and has captured our hearts with almost all the songs she releases, “All I Want for Christmas”…
Continue ReadingJamaican Christmas Fruit Cake
There are many Jamaican Christmas traditions that I love, but one that I just can’t live without is the Jamaican Fruit Cake. This fruit cake is a dense cake filled with mixed fruits, currants and a lot of alcohol. I bake this fruit cake every year. When you smell this…
Continue ReadingSong of the Week: Here Comes Trouble by Chronixx
I Love me some Reggae! … I guess that should be expected, seeing that I am a Jamaican! 🙂 Reggae is a universal genre that speaks to humanity, human suffering, social issues and many others. We have many Reggae greats, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff, Luciano, Sizzla among many…
Continue Reading‘Tis Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas!
It is officially December, so that means no work for some days, fruit cake, Christmas decorations, merry making, wine drinking and family loving! I love this season. It is by far the best season of the year. I am not a serial merry maker; you know, like those people who…
Continue ReadingSong of the Week: How Many Drinks? (Remix) by Miguel ft. Kendrick Lamar
If you all didn’t know by now, I LOVE Miguel! He has this soft soulful voice that makes you want to listen repeatedly to his music. I love his entire look. He is very easy on the eyes and has a particular appeal that is just to die for…. He…
Continue ReadingWhat’s Wrong with Looking Young?
I am petite; I am 5ft 3 inches; I am small; I look much younger than I actually am. That is something good in my opinion, especially in the young obsessed culture that we live in… but over the past week, I have been bombarded with, are you 17? You…
Continue ReadingSong of the Week: Prime Time by Janelle Monáe ft. Miguel
This song is hot right now. It is sexy, and has a cool, chill romantic feel… I am not one for current songs, but this one has caught my eye and ear. It has a vibe that is irresistible. It features one of the sexiest, coolest artist around, Miguel!… He…
Continue ReadingLooking Good Has Nothing to do With What you Wear
It is often said that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Beauty and looking good is subjective and mean different things to different people. Just look at some of the runway shows. They have the weirdest ‘couture’ outfits that to me are hideous! … I know designers make…
Continue ReadingMy Jamaica: 8 Things You Didn’t Know About Jamaicans/Jamaica
I am a proud Jamaican. I Love my country and want nothing but its success. Many people looking from the outside have preconceived ideas about Jamaicans. They think we all live in trees, that the island is tiny, that everyone knows Usain Bolt or Bob Marley, and that all Jamaicans…
Continue ReadingSong of the Week: Love and War by Tamar Braxton
I LOVEEE this song. It is one of those classic love songs. It will be ‘in’ no matter what year it is; the message is timeless and applies to everyone in a relationship, marriage or other. It deals with relationships and the fact that it is a combination of love…
Continue ReadingFrom Me to You: Folkways by Edward ‘Kamau’ Brathwaite
I first fell in love with Edward Kamau Brathwaite when I was in College. I didn’t like poetry; I didn’t like Caribbean poetry. I thought it was tedious and very heavy. I thought it was just too much Afro-centricity!…It was a drag, people talking about our struggles, slavery etc, it…
Continue ReadingAre You Living in the Moment?
Lately, I find myself desiring passion and an emotionally fulfilling life, not that I didn’t have it before, I just had the sudden urge to have more!… I don’t know if you can relate, but have you ever been in a place in your life when you want to maximize…
Continue ReadingSong of the Week: A Long Walk by Jill Scott
Released in 2001, this song is soothing and very mellow. I remember when this song came out; I sang it for days. It is the song that never gets old, the video and the lyrics are all timeless. No matter what age or gender you are, this song will get…
Continue Reading“Shoe-gam”: 7 Shoes Every Woman Should Own
There are a few things every woman has in common: emotions, sometimes too much 🙂 the need for love and the love for fabulous footwear. Your choice of shoes may cause a fabulous outfit or a not-to-be-repeated disaster! Shoes can make or break an outfit!… We are bombarded with a…
Continue ReadingBe Inspired: Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou is fast becoming one of my favorites. Her pieces are relatable and very inspiring. To all the ladies out there who are feeling down, inadequate or just in a bad place, this poem is exactly what you need…read and be inspired! Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.…
Continue ReadingSong of the Week: All of Me by John Legend
I am one of those women who have a dream wedding all planned, don’t judge! 🙂 … I have the dress, the venue, the cake, how I would do my hair, the bridal party colors and most importantly, what shoes I would want to wear!… I have already started picking…
Continue ReadingLying: Do You, Or Don’t You?
A wise person once told me, “a person will hate you for many reasons; they will however despise you when you tell the truth”. It is always easy to tell a little white or whatever color lie there is, to hide something you don’t want known. You may lie to…
Continue ReadingDelectable Snacks: Raspberry Oatmeal Squares
I love baking. I love the feeling I get creating something from scratch. I love seeing the faces of people when they eat something I made. I have a sweet tooth; I love anything sweet or chocolate-ty. I remember when I first saw the Raspberry Squares recipe; I fell in…
Continue ReadingBe Inspired: Do Things Your Way!
Many people are in a bad place, esp with today’s terrible economy. Dreams coming through the traditional way are very uncertain and highly unlikely. I, like many, was a perfect student. I did what I was told; I followed the rules. I never rebelled, I hardly disobeyed my mom, I…
Continue ReadingSong of the Week: Gorilla by Bruno Mars
I Love me some Bruno Mars! He can do no wrong! I love how he mixes Motown vibe in his songs. They have a classic easy, relatable feel. Bruno Mars is not one of those artists that follow a script. He doesn’t do a song or video with treatments that…
Continue ReadingDoes the Color you Wear Affect your Mood?
At my most depressing and down times, I unconsciously wear dull colors. When I’m in a good mood, I wear bright colors… although I didn’t realize it, the color you wear affects and influences your mood. When I look back at old photos, I can tell the times I was…
Continue ReadingBe Inspired: In and Out of Time by Maya Angelou
Is there someone in your life that means the world to? Is there someone you love more than anything? Is there someone you want to tell exactly how you feel but cannot find the words?… Not to worry, Maya Angelou sums it up perfectly with this poem…. Dedicated to you…
Continue ReadingSong of the Week: Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus
I don’t normally listen to or go out of my way to get Miley Cyrus’ songs. I hear her songs in passing. They are catchy, but none really grabbed me. Most of her previous songs were mostly immature, and being the mature woman that I am :D… I couldn’t relate……
Continue ReadingCheap Date Ideas
We are in a cash strapped economy, esp. Jamaica… are we ever not in a cash strapped economy, no matter how every other economy is flourishing, Jamaica seem to be perpetually in trouble!… GEEEEZ!… getting back to my point:)… everything is more expensive, yet our income remain the same,……
Continue ReadingEnergy Drinks, Are they Really Good for you?
I, like most people need a little pick-me-up sometimes, having to keep up with the hustle and bustle of work and personal life, trying not to be late for work, or late submitting a report or an assignment well, it take its toll… during the day, you will find yourself…
Continue ReadingProfile: Oscar Wilde
I love the Oscar Wilde quote – “be yourself, everyone else is already taken”…I have re-used it so many times, I know its origin and what it means, but I know little about the person who originated that perfect quote…so, I did a little digging on the man himself, Oscar…
Continue ReadingFrom Me to You
Sometimes we berate ourselves and wonder why our lives are a particular way. We ask ourselves, why am I unhappy? Why am I getting the same results no matter how hard I try? Why can’t I get this? Why can I do that? We cry and complain to our friends…
Continue ReadingBe Inspired: Keep Moving Forward
Never focus on the past, it has already gone! Focus on the present and the future. Make your future better than your past. Use your past as your reference, not your permanent companion! Have a great day 🙂
Continue ReadingMy Favorite TV Shows
TV shows are the best! I love to watch them! I love the fact that the story develops and expands, unlike movies. There are many scenarios which allow the characters to grow and experience new things, and the audience is right there growing and experiencing it with them. TV shows…
Continue ReadingBe Inspired: Desiderata
Desiderata was written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann…. It’s my favorite poem, hands down. Read and enjoy 🙂 Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth…
Continue ReadingMy Favorite Cocktails (With Recipes)
I love alcoholic drinks; I love to smell and taste it, I however cannot hold it, I cannot hold my liquor at all!:)… but not being able to tolerate high levels of alcohol has not prevented me from loving it… Alcohol can boost your mood, improve your libido, lower your…
Continue ReadingWhat Your Shoes Say About You
I’m a ‘Shoeholic’! (like many women), I love shoes; I love to wear them; I love to look at them; I love seeing people in beautiful shoes, when I see women (and sometimes men), my eyes go to the feet first!. If it was possible, my shoe closet would look…
Continue ReadingBe Inspired: Be Yourself
There is always established societal standards and expectations as it relates to individual behavior, how one should dress, look, the house one should have, the car, the works… I, like most people I know, have been subjected to other people’s opinions of whom I should be, how to walk, talk…
Continue Reading35 Songs You SHOULD Listen To
Like most people, I love music! Music to me means everything; it has taken me through situations that were unbearable. Music is one of my best friends (I’m not kidding!). When I’m feeling down, it is there. When I want to get up and dance and have a good time,…
Continue ReadingFive Amazing Women Who Inspire Me
There are a lot of amazing women in the world, from every race, gender and class, women who have brought a smile to the hearts of many, giving many hope and belief in the possibility of a better future, a better life. There are women who overcome great odds and…
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