Happy Birthday My Beloved.....

Dear Jamaica,

What can I say to you on this another Independence Day?

I know we fuss & fight alot but the truth is you bring out a passion in me that I never knew existed! I guess that is what happens when you love someone so much. You have given me a place of my own to call home & many hidden gems to appreciate & enjoy.

You are a true beauty who has strived beyond exploitation & ill-treatment. You are indeed God blessed.

On this your 53rd, I wish for you a positive future & many more years of strength. You may have stumbled but you are too great to fall.

I hope I can make you proud & contribute to your success.

With Love...
Shanny

A Day In My Life...Saturday, July 18, 2015

I went on a road trip to Manchester on Saturday, July 18, 2015 & I thought it would be the ideal day to do a day in my life feature.

Guts River, Manchester on the Map of Jamaica 

Dry Land Tourist Chronicles: Lime Cay

After numerous near trips, I finally made it to Lime Cay!

Lime Cay, a small island off the coast of Kingston, is home of one of most beautiful beaches in all of Jamaica.

Accessible only by water, Lime Cay is popular with local boat owners.

The waters just off Lime Cay Beach, along with the smaller even more isolated cays, are excellent places to go snorkeling, explore underwater caves, and watch for wildlife. These little islands are close to the Norman Manley International Airport, so you can sit back, relax, and watch the flights arrive from all around the world.

http://www.destination360.com/caribbean/jamaica/lime-cay

NASA Visible Color Landsat image of Port Royal Cays with islets and shoals

Shanny-VAL Diaries: Iz A Vagabond (My UWI CARNIVAL Experience)

Carnival in Jamaica has come & gone. Unfortunately, I didn't get to play pretty mas with Bacchanal Jamaica but luckily I did get to experience UWI Carnival.

I'm In Love With The Cocoa Jouvert

"Carnival is defined as an event where many people gather to celebrate something."

Jamaica's Carnival season runs from January to April.

My love affair with  Carnival started when I was younger. I last played mas in Kiddies Carnival when I was in first form in 1997. At that time, there were two bands "Jamaica Carnival" & "Bacchanal Jamaica". When Jamaica Carnival ended I took a sort of hiatus from soca but as faith would have it almost 10 years later I rekindled my love affair.

I love playing pretty mas but my heart is devoted to the "dutty" ways of Jouvert! I love the colours & the vibes of Jouvert, so it is no surprise that it is my favourite part of the whole Carnival festivities.

This season, I got of to a late start but I know I picked the right event to start with...Sunset Cocoa Jouvert.

Dry Land Tourist Chronicles: Living IRIE

When you live on an island Summer never really ends....the days just get shorter....

At the end of August, I went on an excursion with my Rotaract Club to Irie River in St. Ann. I was super excited for the trip & I was not disappointed a bit.

A little about the Irie River....

"Irie River, formerly known as Irie Beach, is a true Jamaican Paradise and is widely known as one of our best kept secrets. It is located on a scenic section of the White River, in Ocho Rios, just 15 minutes upstream from the ocean. People come from all around the world to swim in our cool, clear waters and to relax and be amazed by our enchanted gardens.

Irie River has the atmosphere of a plantation-era bathing hole, Caribbean style. The sandy bottomed river flows gently through the park, allowing for safe swimming and visitors can bask in the sun on the grassy banks or relax in the shade provided by the lush tropical rainforest overhead."

Celebrate International Reggae Day

Today, July 1, marks the celebration of all things Reggae. Let's celebrate this wonderful genre which has produced some conscious and uplifting music.

For more information on International Reggae Day log on to http://www.ireggaeday.com/

One Love,

Dry Land Tourist Chronicles: Appleton Rum Tour

It has been awhile since I have made any treks across my beautiful island. Of course, the Dry Land Tourist was eager to add another chapter to the travel chronicles and luckily for me, I was able to visit an oldie but good.

On Saturday, May 17, 2014, myself and members of my Rotaract Club loaded up four vehicles and headed to the beautiful parish of St. Elizabeth for the Appleton Rum Tour. It was my second time on the tour and I felt like a Rum Tour virgin. I was in awe of the beauty of the Appleton Valley just like I was three years ago when I first visited with my Rotaract Club.

I tried vlogging the experience, however, Nix (my camera) decided to be a diva so that was a no go. We traveled via Highway 2000, which got us to Clarendon in literally no time. We made a pit stop at Juici Beef, Clarendon Park for bathroom breaks and food runs. We were thoroughly entertained by the vendors who saw it fit to complement us on the most random things...it was actually rather refreshing. The hustle and bustle of City life sometimes makes one forget the warmth of the Jamaican people. This encounter was a good reminder.

It took us approximately 3 1/2 hours to get to Appleton.

The Entrace to the Rum Tour

COLORful Musings

In February, my good friend Nicole invited me to join her at Color Festival. I had seen ads floating around Facebook about it but I didn't really pay much attention until Nicole invited me. I immediately bought my ticket online and began planning for what I assumed would be a fabulous time! It was my first festival of this nature.

FABULOUS was a drastic understatement!

The event was held on Sunday, March 30, 2014 at Hope Gardens.

Lately I have found that I prefer Sunday parties to Saturday night for quite a few reasons:

1. I cannot stand Sunday vibes....it is a bit too slow for my hyperactive personality. I usually end up sleeping away the afternoon (except when I have an exam).

2. Sunday events start and end early

3. It totally makes me forget Monday Blues.

4. They are usually laidback and don't require much high maintenance.

I am getting a bit carried away and that is a whole other blog post!

Color Festival started at 4PM but my friends and I did not get there until 7 PM. My online ticket came with 5 bags of powders and a hassle free entrance line. Next Color Festival I am definitely buying my ticket online because it guarentees more party time. I anticipated the line up. Apart from the EDM DJ, I knew what to expect from the line up. Kurt Riley always gets me dancing no matter the genre he is playing; Richie D I always heard about but I finally saw him in action at UWI Carnival & I was instantly a fan, he really brought Miami sexy to Color Festival; & DJ Sanjay and soca were meant for each other...

DJ Kyle DeSouza did not disappoint. He kept the EDM hits coming nonstop! I felt like I was in Ibiza!

I danced until my feet hurt! I am an avid music lover and I don't limit myself to genres. The promo promised Soca, EDM & Pop and the DJ's delivered. Of course being in Jamaica, the dancehall had to find itself in the mix and it was well appreciated. The crowd was very energetic and I think the DJs fed off that vibe and vice versa.

My only issue with the event was the bar. The wait was too long. I hope the bar situation improves at the next staging of the event.

My Outfit was simple...A white crop top, a pair of white cut off shorts, boots and a head band made by my talented friend Trudy. My only accessory was my pair of silver hoop earrings.

Me & Nicole

What's In My Bag

One of my favourite Youtube tags is the "What's In My Bag" tag, so I decided to give it a go...recently my Rotaract Club did a joint project at the Alpha Boy's Home. It was awesome! We spent time and lymed with the boys.

Usually when I go out on a Saturday I walk with a few essentials, so I finally decided to do the "What's In My Bag" tag...

I love the ease of a messenger bag. This one was a birthday gift from my Mom.

I walk with ALOT of stuff!

Note Book ($95)- recently I have been forgetting things alot so I decided to purchase a notepad to help me remember important tasks. When I saw this Chevron patterned notepad, I know I had to get it!

Kleenex tissues  (Megamart) because sometimes you just need a tissue

Earrings (Old)

Rotaract Club of Kingston Agenda from the meeting I attended after the project

The Layperson's version of the 1962 Constitution of Jamaica (Simply because knowledge is power)

Cellphones are a must- Left - Sony Xperia Play (My current phone) & Right -Blackberry (Loaned to me from a dear friend when my Blackberry 9700 stopped working)

Yes!  I lived like it was 1989 (without a cellphone) for almost a month!

 

Purse - Fiorelli- a gift from a customer

Bath & Body Works Travel Bag (Gift from my Boss' wife)

Japanese Cherry Blossom Lotion (Gift from my Boss' wife)

Liplicious Gloss in Bing Cherry (Gift from my Boss' wife)

MAC Lip gloss (MAC inspired) - $500

Korres Lip Butter in Wild Rose (Gift from my Aunt)

Cover Girl Compact (I use it as a travelling mirror)

What do you usually carry in your bag on a Saturday?

Thanks for stopping by!

A Monochrome State Of Mind

I have always been a fan of the Monochromatic trend so I was super excited when it became fashion's latest obsession. I had found these capris earlier last month in a pile of clothes I forgot I owned and decided to rock it while running some errands the other day.

So here's my take on this Monochrome trend:

Top: Old Navy
Capri: Eddie Bauer
Watch: Gift
Necklace: Gift

Thanks for Stopping By!

OOTD: Benefit Play

My Rotaract Club in association with Royalta Production presented a benefit performance of  the gospel play "Yet Will I Trust",  April 26-27, 2013. I went to the April 27 performance & I enjoyed every minute of it! Aside from Tyler Perry plays, I have never watched much gospel plays so I was a bit apprehensive. I wasn't sure if I would relate but I did. It was a great performance and very relevant.

I got a lovely pair of  high-waisted shorts from my mom & so I decided to wear it to the play. Here's how I styled my shorts:

Shorts: Miss Rudy
Shirt:A gift from my Aunt
Slippers: Downtown ($600)
Bag: A Gift from my Mom


Thanks for Reading!

OOTD: Saturday Afternoon Meeting

I had a Saturday Afternoon meeting for my Rotaract Club & as with most of my Saturday garbs I decided to have fun with it!

Top: Aeropostale
Belt: Maxies (only $99 JMD)
Skirt: Got it from my Mom
Slippers: Downtown, Kingston ($600 JMD)
Earrings: Gift from Mom

Location: Escape Parking Lot, New Kingston

Hope you Like it!

Thanks for Reading!

ACMATIC Listening Session!

I am a huge Alternative music fan! It was my constant companion when I was having a rough time in my life. So I was more than delighted when on Tuesday April 23rd, 2013, I was given the chance to attend Acmatic's Listening Session at Big Yard Studio in Kingston, thanks to my amazing award winning Music Blogger friend Wade from http://13thstreetpromotions.wordpress.com/. The session began at 6:30 pm but unfortunately my friend Leethan & I arrived late (an hour late to be exact!). However we were able to catch three really good songs from the Almost Famous EP. The session was pure #dopeness, Check out the review here.

Acmatic is a band I love! I have been listening to their music awhile now &  I love that despite being Jamaican and surrounded by Reggae & Dancehall, they have been able to make music that transcends the Jamaican cliche! Their music has personality and you can't help but rock out when you hear it.

It was an awesome experience & I would do it every night in a heartbeat!

Many thanks to Wade & Leethan.

Check out 13th Street Promotion "Another Avenue for Your Entertainment"
http://13thstreetpromotions.wordpress.com/

http://www.youtube.com/13thstreetpromotions

https://www.facebook.com/13thstreetpromotions

Follow Wade on Twitter: @SwadedaVillian 

Follow Leethan (The most amazing freelance Media practicioner I know!) on twitter: @Lgrandison 


Check out Acmatic's  "Almost EP" (You won't regret it!)
http://13thstreetpromotions.wordpress.com/2013/04/25/mixtape-movements-acmatic-almost-ep/

Follow Acmaticon Twitter: @Acmatic

Follow me on Twitter @Shanny_14

Thanks for Stopping By!

OOTD: Frenchbook

Easter time is party season in Jamaica. Usually I stay home but this year I decided to check out one party (only because Sizzla was performing)....Frenchbook! I opted for a very casual look because I thought it was more 'live music appropriate" & it was also a beach party, so my look fit that  too.

Top - Gift from Mom's recent trip to NYC

Shorts - DIY (Learned the Dolphin Ear technique from a Seventeen Magazine DIY video)

Necklace - Bought from my Aunt

Watch- Gift

Earring - bought for $200 from a roaming vendor in Portmore one Saturday

Slippers - $600 (Downtown Baby!)

Finally got this eyebrow thing...LOL

Foundation - Mary Kay Bronze 607

Powder - Bare Minerals 

Concealer - Elizabeth Arden (Sable)

Eyebrows - Wet n' Wild eyebrow pencil & Elizabeth Arden brow kit

Eye shadow - Elf & Klean Kolor

Lips - Arista (Si Si Bon) - Made by Sacha Cosmetics, Trinidad!

Eyeliner - Maybelline Illegal Length

Here are some pics from my friend Shanique:

Me & My friend Shanique!

Runway pose!

Kirov & Orange Juice in my cup!

KISSES!!!!

Guinness in hand! Another great night out with friends.

Thanks for reading!

OOTD: Good Friday

I am by no means a Fashion Blogger & I have no intentions of becoming one. I just love clothes & how creative one can be with them.

Top: Old Navy
Vest: Almost Famous
Shorts: DIY Project
Bag: Don't remember the brand (bought it at Blush Boutique for only $2000)
Necklace: Got it from my  Aunt on Holy Thursday (I think she bought it at the Portmore Mall)
Earrings: Zen (payed $750 for them)
Slippers: Primark

My hair needed to be processed so I decided to get creative and with the help of an old T-shirt I got these lovely curls.

My Make-Up look was inspired by my necklace (I tried).

Dry Land Tourist Chronicles: Hollywell National Park

My latest trek took place on February 23, 2013,  to the Hollywell National Park, found in the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park. My Rotaract club hosts an annual camping trip to Hollywell dubbed "Survivor". This was the fourth staging and my second Survivor. I have to get it out there from now that I AM NOT CAMPING MATERIAL......no way shape or form.

We departed from UTECH at 12 mid-day and it was an adventure. The day started with a few of my friends having to pick a car lock after another friend left his key in his car. I never knew I knew so many potential car-jackers ha hhahahaha.....better yet Jacks & Janes of numerous trades....locksmithing at the top of the list.

We arrived at Hollywell at around 2 PM or so and we started of the day with team challenges. We were split into three teams and the first challenge was to make fire. It was a great team building activity because we had limited options to choose from to make this a reality lol. The next challenged involved us running a mile away from camp to The Gap Cafe Bed & Breakfast. We had to take a picture of the team planking there & another at the Hollywell Sign. Points were allocated to the most creative pictures and the first teams to finish the challenge. This challenge proved how UNFIT  I am!

After resting a bit, we were then challenged to a balloon passing race. We first had to use our elbows then our knees. The first team to do so with without the balloon falling were the winners. Unfortunately my team wasn't the fittest or strongest but we were the most disciplined!

After the sunset the real fun began! We were lucky enough to have Ipods, Iphones & Ipads galore! so entertainment was not in short order. We also built a bonfire, played dominoes and Circle of Death (a very memorable drinking games which I will outline in a future post hopefully). We spent the latter part of the night talking and bonding.

This year we didn't opt for a cabin so roughing it was the order of the day! I can't believe I slept outside in a tent! Despite the backache, I had fun sleeping under the stars.

The next day we took a hike to the Waterfall on the property. I was very reluctant to make the trek but it paid off. Overall the experience was wonderful & I am anticipating next year!!!!!!

Here is a little video:

I recommend the Hollywell Experience to anyone! It is an amazing bonding & team-building experience. So try it with your family or friends! You won't regret it!

Thanks for Reading My Blog

Women's Resource and Outreach Centre Limited is seeking Volunteer Teachers

On the heels of International Women's Day & In Celebration of World Rotaract Week and the spirit of being a proud Rotaractor, I decided to share this flyer my friend Bathsheba (https://twitter.com/toosweet_bee) sent me. The Women's Resource and Outreach Centre Limited is seeking volunteers to assist in their Homework Program. 

If you are able to volunteer your time and knowledge please email, call, or visit WROC and sign up today!!!

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

They Say The Best Is From The West....

Last weekend was an AMAZING!

I needed a little break from the hustle and bustle of city life, so I decided to spend the weekend with my friend Shani (http://sunipink.wordpress.com/) in Montego Bay!

My journey started on Friday in Downtown Kingston; I decided not to opt for the Knutsford Express route because I don't think I need to pay $2500 for a $650 journey...lol. Anyhow....Downtown (as expected) was hot and miserable and the wait for a bus was long. 4 hour journey aside...when I got to Coral Gardens I was uber excited! It was the start of girl's weekend! The fabulous Miss Sunipink turned me into a dancehall diva for the night with the help of her trust make up kit. Thank God I know a MUA.

Every Montegonian I know declares that Friday night belongs to Pier 1. So...we kick started the night with a "Kingstonian" friday night ritual... a fast food run! After which we had drinks at the Wexford. Anyone who knows me knows that I love me a good bar and an even better bartender and the Wexford did not disappoint me at all.

At about 1 am we made our way to Pier 1. I am the worst dancer ever but turn on some music and i'm a dancing machine!!!!

Saturday was chill day, so Shani & I did the Bottom Road...the tourist way. And of course...we met some wonderful people. The afternoon, was spent at the Fairview Shopping Centre a.k.a "UPT Kingston." My taste buds had a field day at Cafe Blue and the Mobay Chocolate Company; and my inner Goddess had a field day at Fontana & Bohios.

The weekend offered well needed rest & fun....

Here are a few pics from the Weekend!!!

Make-Up Courtesy of Shani (http://sunipink.wordpress.com/)

Me (On the phone as usual) & Shani

Pier 1

Sitting by Margaritaville

Me & Ele

Kissing the Elephant

Fooling around in Fontana

Merry Xmas

True Words in Bohios