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JANUARY 2012 Like Father, Like Daughter p.10
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Introducing Alia Michele p. 5
Nettle & Moss Natural Beauty p.6 Workplace Resolutions To Get You Ahead p.8
Editor’s Note
Happy new year! The start of a new year is always exciting – we’re brimming over with plans for the future, goals we want to accomplish and changes we want to make, both personal and professional. This month, Your Style is all about new beginnings, new ways of doing things and new faces. This month, we bring you the inspiring story of Cleon Roberts, who demonstrates the power of starting over, returning to Jamaica from Britain after the death of her partner, Peter, to turn an old family mosquito remedy into a new business venture. Boss Lady also gives you five career resolutions for 2012 that will help you move up the ranks. Natural beauty store Nettle & Moss shares their top picks in organic hair and skin care products. Also, we get to know new handbag designer Alia Michele and Amazon Kindle bestselling author Amanda Hanna, plus much more in this month’s issue.
Live. Love. Laugh a Lot.
Quote of The Week
Resolutions That Will Improve Your Relationships p.14 Not Your Grandmother’s Wicker p.15 Your Amazing Body p.16 Have a Little Fun with Cupcakes p.18 Savoury Cupcakes p.19 On The Pulse: News and Culture p.21 Five Questions with Amanda Hanna p.22 Postcard From... Australia p.23
“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” St Francis Of Assisi 3
Fashion
IntroducIng
Alia Michele A
lia Michele Orane might be an alumna of the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia, USA, but art was never her first choice. “It wasn’t something that I really enjoyed, but my mom always tried to push me to do it,” she said. In a bout of teenage defiance, Orane chose accounts over art but “failed miserably.” While repeating fifth form at Hillel Academy, she finally decided to give art a chance and settled on fashion design, but after one course in college, the graphic design major found it too technical and chose textiles instead. Her newfound love for textiles made Orane realise that graphic design wasn’t what she wanted to do either, much to the chagrin of her professors. She eventually found her niche when her best friend bought her a book on how to design handbags. Her first bag was created from screen prints of the cover of the newspaper on the day she was born and a drawing of a lily. “The lily is my favourite flower, but also, it’s important to me because my grandma used to call me Lily. It was basically a representation of me and where I’m from and who I am,” Orane shared. She also created 10 other bags with different colour fabric roses. “I gave one to my best friend, my sister and my mom, basically the most important women in my life.”
Ruth
RochGreen
Andree
Orane’s first line, completed between 2008 and 2009, was called ‘My Garden of Friendships’. Each bag was named for one of her closest friends. Her most recent line, I AM ME, was created while she worked as a graphic artist at publishing company Scholastic Inc. “My last year in New York was a bit tough and I was just ready to come home,” she said. “All my bags are named after somebody that’s important to me, but I’ve never named a bag after myself… I AM ME represents me finding myself and learning to love myself and love the things that I don’t like about myself.” The line also pays homage to her mother. I AM ME will fall under the Garden of Friendships II line and both will be launched simultaneously. The latter will feature natural materials like straw and wood, as well as faux leather, macramé and glass. The line will include beach bags, yoga bags and clutches. “I’m hoping to have everything up, including the online store, by the end of January. I plan to market it here, but I also want to market it in the US and Europe as well,” Orane said.
Dance www.ezineslimited.com
Further down the line, Orane is also interested in creating a men’s line and might even branch out into home goods like cushions and bedding. “I think I buy a duvet cover every three months,” she laughed. “Those kind of things appeal to me. I don’t think I’ll get into clothing, as much as people ask me about that all the time.” Your Style eZine
5
Beauty
Contributed by Nettle & Moss
NaturallyBeautiful
A
s we become more health conscious, more and more people are reading their labels and turning away from products containing harsh, potentially harmful synthetic ingredients in favour of more beneficial natural substances. If you’ve been searching for healthier alternatives, check out these top picks from Aisha Morgan, owner of natural beauty store Nettle & Moss.
Hair Care
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2
5 1 4
1. Kinky-Curly Knot Today – A perennial favourite with our customers due to its versatility in handling both natural and
relaxed hair, this product is a fantastic detangler as it literally melts away the knots on wet hair (which makes it a very popular product for kids). It works also as a wrap/set lotion for relaxed hair resulting in unbelievable softness, and as a base for styling products such as the Kinky-Curly curling custard. Definitely our most popular product.
2. Kumea’s Hair Perspective Extra Virgin Coconut Hair Oil – This product is great for treating very dry and damaged hair. It can be used as a hot oil treatment prior to shampooing the hair, or you can add a dollop to your conditioner for deeper conditioning (great with heat). Coconut oil is also great as a daily moisturiser for hair as it penetrates the hair shaft and nourishes the hair. Locally made! 3. Jane Carter Curl Defining Cream – This is another customer favourite of ours for defining kinky to curly hair. This product is designed to stretch (rather than shrink) curls while maintaining definition and keeping curls touchably soft. 4. Curl Junkie Beauticurls Argan and Olive Oil Daily Hair Conditioner (NEW) – Another great conditioner
from the Curl Junkie line, this detangling conditioner is infused with Argan, Jojoba, Coconut and Olive oils to moisturise the hair, yet lightweight enough for daily use. For deeper conditioning and softness, I use this product with a steamer for 15–20 minutes. Can also be used to co-wash.
5. Hair Therapy Wraps – After a long hiatus, the Hair Therapy Wraps will be back in store at Nettle & Moss! The Hair Therapy Wrap is a cordless thermal heat wrap, with reuseable gel pack inserts to apply gentle heat for hot oil or deep treatments. No dryers, no cords, and deep treat your hair while doing chores around the house! www.ezineslimited.com
Your Style eZine
6
Beauty
Skin Care
2
1
3 5
1. Nubian Heritage Goat’s Milk and Chai Collection – This collection of shea butter-based body products are hands down the favourite in the Nubian Heritage line, and for good reason! They are moisturising without being heavy or greasy. The scent is pleasant and mild with a hint of rose, it is neither to fresh nor too sweet and is the perfect choice when unsure of what to choose for a gift. 2. Naniki Clay Mask – This is a new favourite of mine from the Naniki Naturals line. The clay mask is an essential part of any nighttime facial care regimen. Use a maximum of twice a week to exfoliate dead skin and unclog pores to increase the effectiveness of follow-up treatments, such as toners or moisturisers. 3. Naniki Skin Discolouration Treatment – I use this product at night time to remove spots and blemishes while
moisturising my skin. This product works best in combination with the Clay Mask. This product requires some patience, as results are seen over time with consistent use. The Naniki Naturals skin care line is handmade right here in Jamaica!
4. Dr. Bronner Baby Mild Soaps (Not pictured above) – Dr. Bronner’s Baby Mild castile liquid and bar soaps are as pure as it gets! They are completely unscented and contain no synthetics, perfect for babies and sensitive skin. These soaps are formulated from a blend of certified organic essential oils and the smooth, silky feel of the gentle lather is absolutely addictive. 5. Raw Shea Butter – For truly moisturizing the skin and hair, nothing beats raw shea butter. We stock infused and pure unprocessed shea butter. Shea butter is used for nourishing, restoring and healing, and has become a staple in products formulated for hydrating ultra-dry skin (and hair).
www.ezineslimited.com
Your Style eZine
7
Career
Workplace resolutIons
ToGetYou Ahead I
t’s sixteen days into 2012, so your New Year’s resolutions are still top of mind. Along with the personal goals, you should have also set some objectives for your career. If you’re serious about improving and becoming more competitive in the workplace, it is important that you make a list of the things you would like to accomplish. This is crucial in the current unsure job climate. “Companies are concerned about losing talented workers, but they also know that the labour pool is full of willing and able candidates. So if you have a job, your workplace resolutions should be focused on keeping it as well as putting yourself in a position for a possible salary increase or promotion,� said John Challenger, CEO of the outplacement employment giant Challenger, Gray and Christmas. “Those who want to keep or improve their positions in the new year are not going to do so by flying under the radar.� It’s clear that job security is a thing of the past, so it is prudent to put in the work to reap the real benefits. Here are some job-related resolutions that you should consider setting this year. Put them on your desk at work, so that the list will serve as a daily reminder of what needs to be done. t (FU UP XPSL PO UJNF FWFSZ EBZ If you’re already punctual, consider getting there earlier. How many mornings do you find yourself rushing out of the house, getting frustrated in traffic and ultimately speeding through the office door in an attempt to be on time? For 2012, change your schedule and do what’s necessary to get to the office early. Being late means you might miss impromptu early morning meetings with the boss or important discussions around the office.
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t 4FU UJNFMJOFT GPS ZPVS SFTPMVUJPOT Assigning deadlines to each resolution will help you to chart your progress and keep you on track. Jot down the length of time you think it will take to get something done and ensure that you work to keep these deadlines. You’ll start feeling better about the extra workload once you see the benefits on the job. t *NQSPWF ZPVS RVBMJmDBUJPOT CZ BUUFOEJOH TFNJOBST and classes. You’re never too old to go back to school and if you’re a new grad, having a degree doesn’t mean you know all there is to know. Always seek ways to improve on your knowledge and qualifications in order to become an asset to your company. t 4FFL NPSF SFTQPOTJCJMJUJFT BOE DPNNJU NPSF UJNF to completing assignments. Sometimes, those who get the raise or the promotion are those who go above and beyond. Yes, working late without overtime pay isn’t always a bad thing. Just because the workday officially ends at 5:00 p.m. doesn’t mean you have to speed through the doors at that time every day. Be flexible enough to work late in order to complete an unfinished assignment, especially if it’s urgent. Also, don’t be afraid to take on new responsibilities if you find yourself with time to spare in the days. Employers notice these things.
t 'JOE XBZT UP TBWF ZPVS DPNQBOZ NPOFZ. Your employer will love you for this. Imagine if you’re working on a particular project and were able to cut the budget in half ? The most expensive route isn’t always the best, so it might take some ingenuity and creativity to get the same work done cheaper. It is not impossible and the time and effort you will put into making this happen will be worth it when your work is acknowledged.
Your Style eZine
8
Cover Story
Like Father, Like Daughter How one Jamaican daughter returned from the United Kingdom to develop her father’s invention into a product poised to be the next local export success story...
T hey had always discussed moving back to Jamaica, Cleon Roberts and her partner Peter Harris, but somehow the right business opportunity or the right house never presented itself. Besides, there was always their shared life back in London where Harris had his record business and Roberts worked as an interior designer.
Cover Story
Cleon’s father Sonny, speaking with the BBC
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What if I could market this better performing product and get it on the shelves of pharmacies back in London?
”
As it sometimes does in life, tragedy finally pushed Roberts into making the big decision. Harris’ death from cancer in 2007 led her to look back to Jamaica – where he had grown up – and consider starting a business with her family who had returned many years after her father stepped off the Empire Windrush and onto British shores. “Peter always wanted to move back here and we would always come back here on holiday and we’d be looking on the Internet and it was always his dream and to be honest and with his passing that gave him the biggest push,” Roberts told Your Style. While Harris himself did not make the journey two years ago, his ashes and his inspiration did. “He’d be over the moon and so proud of me. He really would,” she added. On each of their trips to Jamaica, and especially on visits to her parents home on a farm in Spice Grove, Manchester, Roberts would load up with anti-mosquito products from London pharmacies. And yet each time she’d still end up getting bitten. The solution was instead to be found in homegrown Jamaican ingenuity and a remedy based on locally grown ingredients including ginger, pimento, guinea hen weed and lemon. “When my father retired and came back home he found that mosquitos were the plague – my mother and my family were constantly being bittern. He remembered growing up on the farm in Manchester and with country life back in the day you www.ezineslimited.com
Peter Harris
Cleon with her parents.
learn about all these ailments and what the treatments were; and he put this concoction together and basically figured out that it worked and that was about 15 years ago,” Roberts explained. She had considered it before - ‘What if I could market this better performing product and get it on the shelves of pharmacies back in London?’ But then she was still preoccupied with her life in the UK and her family remedy was a long way from the finished product it is now. The family-produced ‘Sonny’s All Natural Mosquito & Insect Bite Relief ’ is now negotiating with the massive Whole Foods Market chain for possible distribution in the United States, Roberts disclosed. Available in Jamaican stores for the first time just last September, Sonny’s, named after her father Sonny Roberts, is available at the Monarch chain of pharmacies. Meanwhile, tourists are helping to fuel export demand with the product being sold at an enviable list of resorts including Goldeneye, Jake’s, Rockhouse, Secrets and Round Hill. It is already being sold elsewhere in the Caribbean, at the Sandy Lane Hotel in Barbados and the Ladera Hotel in St Lucia. Your Style eZine 11
Cover Story
“
My dad is a genius, a bit like a mad scientist. If you need something for something he will just go into the workshop.
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“A lot has been down to my personality, my persistence and you just have to keep on knocking – some of them (her clients) I must get on their nerves! I’ll be on the phone all the time calling back, but you just don’t give up,” Roberts said. It hasn’t all been easy. It took a year to develop the packaging, Roberts’ persistence and perfectionism wearing down one graphic designer before a chance encounter with Robert Brooks, himself also a Londoner with Jamaican roots. She was doing interior design work at Bin 26 wine bar at Devon House when she bumped into Robert whose clients included Puma and Adidas in Europe and now Coldfield Manufacturing here in Jamaica. Now she is finally satisfied with the overall product. But as she acknowledges, Sonny’s has been, above all, a family affair. Her father and mother Monica, tend to the fields which grow the natural ingredients and where Roberts also mucks in. Further afield in the US, her sister Andrett is helping to market the finished product. Sonny’s was something its creator had never taken serious steps to exploit commercially. Although Sonny Roberts had himself previously enjoyed success as an entrepreneur, making a career change from being a joiner to the proprietor of Orbitone Records in London. “Before, he had taken it (Sonny’s) for granted. He said that ‘I’m too tired, I’m too old and you should do it’,” said his daughter. But now her father is ecstatic about the progress of the product, even as he recovers from the throat cancer that made him unavailable to be interviewed for this article. However, his initial reluctance and illness still didn’t prevent him from perfecting the formula and even building their own bottling machine capable of filling 1,000 bottles per day. “My dad is a genius, a bit like a mad scientist. If you need something for something he will just go into the workshop. www.ezineslimited.com
“He’s over the moon, beaming; he’s just so proud,” she said. “He’s a Christian, so when he hears news like this he gets down on his knees and thanks the Lord – he always says it’s God’s work.” In fact, Roberts Senior is also interested in partnering with a church to supply the product freely to children in Africa where millions suffer each year from mosquito-borne illness. The Roberts family is also continuing to produce from its farm, Dandelion Coffee and anatto spice and colouring; all under the umbrella of Sunburst Products, of which Sonny’s also falls. While the current Sonny’s is child-friendly, Roberts is considering producing a child-only version with different packaging and possibly a higher proportion of Aloe Vera to make it more soothing. Roberts is already considering scaling up production and she pays tribute to local business people, such as Jason Henzell at Jake’s who have been forthcoming with valuable introductions. Thanks to Henzell, she now has three potential bottlers to approach should 2012 be a breakout year.
Your Style eZine 12
Relationships
by Keresa Arnold
RESOLUTIONS THAT WILL ImproveYour
Relationships
S
ingle? Dating? Looking for love? It doesn’t matter what your relationship status is, with the start of a new year, it is important for you to lay down your goals, dreams and desires for your relationships – personal and otherwise – in 2012 and beyond. This is important because it will be worthwhile for you to determine from the outset what exactly you expect from yourself and those around you. Here are some relationship resolutions that you should consider setting in 2012:
1
I will speak less and listen more. This does not mean you should shut up and not share your thoughts, but an important part of communication is the ability to listen. Your partner’s/friends’/family members’ opinions are just as important as your own, so instead of thinking up a rebuttal while they’re still in the middle of making a point, you should instead make an effort to really listen and internalise the information.
2
I will communicate my love to the people in NZ MJGF FWFSZ EBZ You’ve probably heard this a thousand times too many, but love truly is an action word. That means you should not only say but, more importantly, do. Use the little everyday things to show how much each person means to you. Everyone likes knowing they’re loved and appreciated.
3
Everyone has at least one of them in their life. The fauxfriend, drama-filled breed that corrupts, tears down and destroys. It’s time to cut them loose. Don’t allow anyone to make you feel less than you’re worth. Accept what you’ve learned from the relationship, wish them a good life and move on. You deserve better.
4
* XJMM OPU HP JO TFBSDI PG BOZPOF UP DPNQMFUF me; I was made whole. That’s right! Once you understand that you are an entire being, it is less likely that you will go into relationships with unrealistic ideals. That way, you won’t feel resentful when the person doesn’t meet the unreasonable expectations they had no idea you were holding onto. Know exactly who you are before seeking relationships.
5
I will not compromise my values to gain cool points or acceptance. Be who you are. If those around you can’t accept and respect your values, then they probably shouldn’t be in your inner circle. Don’t allow anyone to force you to go against your personal beliefs. If they love you, they’ll respect your choices and decisions. There are other relationship goals that you can set to move you closer to having better, more beneficial relationships in 2012. Whatever you decide to do, it is important that they help to improve your relationships rather than tear them down.
I will not allow anyone in my personal space who doesn’t build me up. You know those people.
www.ezineslimited.com
Your Style eZine
14
Décor
not Your
Grandmother’s Wicker
W
hen we think of wicker, we often conjure up images of those white or tan patio chairs on grandma’s verandah, but the lightweight material can make just about any piece of furniture, from traditional patio chairs to sleek, modern living room suites, beds, dressers, bookshelves and more. “The way we introduce wicker furniture as indoor furniture rather than just patio furniture is by the designs,” said David Myrie, CEO of &YRVJTJUF 8JDLFS in Liguanea, St. Andrew. “We continue to do traditional wicker pieces but in the last few years, we have really focused a lot of energy towards very contemporary styles, conversational or accent pieces.”
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Exquisite Wicker offers a range of elegant items, including patio and living room sets, dining room tables and chairs, bedroom sets and chaise lounges. The furniture items are crafted from the wicker vine, a sustainable material that grows in abundance locally. “We also do custom pieces, so bring your designs in, and we’ll bring them to life for you. We also refurbish rattan and wicker furniture, as well as doing full upholstery of basically anything,” Myrie said. Exquisite Wicker has created pieces for Digicel, Bookophilia and Medusa Bar and Grill, in addition to several small hotels and villas locally. Pieces are sold exclusively at the company’s showroom and manufacturing facility at 92 Hope Road.
Your Style eZine
15
Body&Spirit
by Dr. Andrea Gardner Carey
Your Amazing Body! t :PV OFFE BU MFBTU FJHIU IFBMUIZ GPPET QFS EBZ JO ZPVS diet. These represent servings (1/2 to 1 cup) of fruit, vegetables, calcium-rich and iron-rich foods, fibre, protein and complex carbohydrates. If you are constantly deficient in one type, you are in jeopardy of becoming sick. t :PV OFFE BU MFBTU FJHIU HMBTTFT MJUSFT PG XBUFS QFS day. Most of the body’s functions take place in water, so you need to replace what you lose throughout the day. Apart from being healthier when you drink water, your skin, hair and nails look better, you are less likely to age prematurely and you keep off the pounds! t :PV OFFE FJHIU IPVST PG XPSL Apart from the obvious financial gains, there are the personal and social benefits as well. Doing a job well builds confidence and self–esteem. Working with others reduces social anxiety and you become adept at interacting with others. These are essential parameters for good mental health. t :PV OFFE FJHIU IPVST PG SFTU BOE SFMBYBUJPO It helps relieve the number one killer in the world – stress! Liming with friends or family, watching a little television, reading, gardening or partying relieves tension and isolation.
W
hat do you see when you look in the mirror? Some women focus on the areas of the body that they are uncomfortable with. Others focus on whether their clothes send the right message. Some make sure no hair is out of place and that their makeup is well done. Some women just forgo looking all together. These experiences are worrisome for me, both as your physician and your life coach. With the dawn of a new year, which heralds new beginnings, I want us to truly look at ourselves. In our pursuit of health and happiness, let me introduce you to the ‘Power of the 8s’ for healthy living: t:PV OFFE FJHIU IPVST PG TMFFQ The body performs the majority of its healing and restorative functions during sleep, so if you skimp on this, your body cannot undo the ravages it has endured throughout the day. Think of how you feel after one night of reduced sleep – fatigued, lethargic, unable to engage fully. If you repeat this, you will be more susceptible to illnesses, irritability and poor attention. www.ezineslimited.com
t :PV OFFE Y NJOVUFT PG FYFSDJTF QFS EBZ Yes, I do realize that 64 minutes of exercise, but getting your heart rate up or toning the body has health and beauty benefits. Walking briskly up three flights of stairs (versus the elevator) is about 8 minutes. Parking the car 8 minutes away and walking to your destination is another set, and so on. t :PV OFFE FJHIU NJOVUFT PG QPXFSGVM TFMGoBĂ´SNBUJPO. As 21st Century women, we are faced with so many challenges to our place in the world, so we need to affirm our right to be here and not listen to the detractors in our heads or in our lives. Look at yourself in the mirror, directly in the eyes and say at least once per day: ‘You are powerful, beautiful, resourceful and able to deal with all that life is going to throw at you today.’ t :PV OFFE FJHIU BEWFOUVSFT QFS ZFBS Stretch the boundaries of your life and take on new opportunities like travel, volunteering, trying out for a position that you have been doubtful to attain, falling in love or trying a new sport or hobby. Whatever is on your ‘bucket list’, get on with it. Life is short and unpredictable, so jump on and enjoy the ride. As usual, let me know how you are doing. DrAGardnerCarey@gmail.com Your Style eZine
16
Food
Have a Little Fun with Cupcakes
Mocha cupcakes
L
Yield: 12 cupcakes Baking time: 20 minutes 1⅓ all-purpose flour ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt ½ cup whole milk ½ cup strong brewed coffee 1½ teaspoons espresso powder 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature ½ cup granulated sugar ½ cup light brown sugar 1 egg, at room temperature
“Cupcakes became a hot trend because they are much easier to consume at functions as opposed to a slice of cake. You are also able to do much more with cupcakes, in terms of the amount of flavours you can offer your guests. With a cake you may be able to do one or two flavours depending on the supplier,” said Ramona Pipps-Porter, co-owner of Kingston Minicakes. “Cupcakes are also cuter and as we say at Kingston Minicakes, ‘Cupcakes are more fun’.”
Method 1. Mix the espresso powder into the brewed coffee until dissolved; set aside to cool to room temperature. 2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a standard-size muffin tin with paper liners. 3. Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt. 4. Beat the butter and both sugars together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and beat until combined. In a measuring cup, combine the milk, brewed coffee mixture and vanilla. Slowly add the flour mixture, alternating with the coffee mixture, ending with the flour mixture. 5. Divide the batter evenly between the 12 liners. Baking for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting cupcakes.
(Left to right) Ramona Phipps-Porter and Angella Blair of Kingston Minicakes
ong thought to be the ‘kiddie’ version of the traditional, ‘grown up’ cake, cupcakes have seen a sharp rise in popularity in the past year or so. Specialist cupcake bakeries are a hot trend in the US and of course, Jamaicans are also cupcake crazy.
Kingston Minicakes is the first dedicated cupcake company in Jamaica, started by Phipps-Porter and friend Angella Blair in October 2010. The ladies have put their own spin on the trend, using a variety of local products like Blue Mountain Coffee, coconut and spices. “We offer both traditional and vegan flavours, 12 traditional flavours and five vegan flavours,” PhippsPorter said, adding that the top-sellers are Red Velvet and Chocolate Baileys. Kingston Minicakes caters for a variety of functions, including baby showers, corporate events and birthday parties, but you can place an order just to satisfy your own sweet tooth; 12 cupcakes are the minimum order. The ladies recently debuted their latest creations, cake pops, at last month’s Kingston Kitchen event at Hope Gardens. All orders are made from scratch, and they even offer a delivery service within the corporate area.
espresso Buttercream Frosting Makes enough to frost 12 cupcakes 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 2½ cups powdered sugar 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract 1½ teaspoons espresso powder Method 1. Mix the espresso powder into the vanilla until dissolved; set aside. 2. Using the whisk attachment of a stand mixer, whip the butter on medium-high speed for 5 minutes, stopping once to scrape the sides of the bowl. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the powdered sugar a little at a time, waiting until it is mostly incorporated before adding more. Once all of the powdered sugar has been added, scrape the sides of the bowl and increase the speed to mediumhigh and whip until fluffy, about a minute or two. Add the espresso and vanilla mixture and continue to mix at medium-high until it is completely incorporated, scraping the sides as necessary. Recipes by Kingston Minicakes
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Your Style eZine
18
Food
Savoury Cupcakes
Want a new spin on the traditional cupcake? Try savoury instead of sweet. Perfect for hors d’oeuvres, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Savoury cupcakes are also a great way to experiment with vegetables, legumes and meats.
Baked Bean and tomato cupcakes Yield: 12 cupcakes 1/4 cup butter, room temperature 1 cup sugar 1 egg 1 15oz can pinto beans (or any bean of your choice), drained and mashed 1 tsp. vanilla 1¼ cups flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 cup diced tomatoes Method 1. Cream butter and sugar. 2. Add egg and mix well. 3. Mix in mashed beans and vanilla. 4. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and cinnamon. 5. Add dry mixture to wet mixture. Do not over mix. 6. Stir in diced tomatoes. 7. Fill cupcake liners ¾ full. 8. Bake at 350 F for 20 minutes or until cupcakes bounce back when pressed lightly.
tomato cream cheese Frosting ¼ cup butter, room temperature 8 oz package of cream cheese, room temperature 3 cups powdered sugar 2 tbsp. concentrated tomato paste ½ tsp. vanilla extract Method 1. Mix butter and cream cheese until smooth. 2. Slowly add the powdered sugar. Add more or less to make it as stiff as you like. 3. Mix in the tomato paste and vanilla extract. Recipes by cupcakeproject.com
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Your Style eZine
19
News & Culture
by Keresa Arnold
OnThePulse
PORTIA SIMPSON-MILLER IS JAMAICA’S PM Leader of the People’s National Party (PNP), Portia Simpson-Miller, was sworn in for the second time as the country’s Prime Minister on January 5, replacing Andrew Holness. The PNP recorded a landslide election victory on December 29, 2011, beating out the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) 42 to 21 seats. During her inauguration speech, Mrs. Simpson-Miller noted the need for Jamaica to cut ties with the Queen and to focus on getting the country on track to economic freedom. Mrs. SimpsonMiller joins Trinidad and Tobago’s Kamla Persad-Bissessar as the only other female leader in the Caribbean. '*7& 80.&/ */ /&8 1. 4 &9&$65*7& Portia Simpson-Miller’s 28-member executive includes five women: Lisa Hanna, Minister of Youth and Culture, Sharon Ffolkes-Abrahams, junior minister in the ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator Sandrea Falcoker, minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for information and Natalie Neita-Headley, minister without portfolio in the office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for sports. 4)"((: '3*&/%4 $0/$&35 306/%61 Last held in 2009, the Shaggy and Friends Concert, which is held in aid of the Bustamante Hospital for Children, delivered…for the most part. Local and international acts such as Taurus Riley, Maxi Priest, Romain Virgo, Wayne Marshall, Future Fambo and Tifa and, of course, Shaggy, delivered rousing performances while Stephen and Damian Marley thrilled with their hits. The low moment of the night came when former Fugees frontwoman Lauryn Hill, whom many people turned out to see, took a significantly long time for band change and technical setup, annoying many patrons who walked out during her erratic performance. www.ezineslimited.com
Culture AT THE MOVIES THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO This movie has been steadily making its way around the world. A crime drama, it explores the issue of sexual violence against women as the main characters go in search of a girl who has been missing for 40 years. On this journey, they discover unimaginable levels of corruption. The movie is based on a best seller and is one in a series of books also known as The Millennium Series, and was first successfully brought to the big screen in Sweden. In this film, you’ll see the American adaptation of the first novel. It stars Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara and Christopher Plummer. AT THE THEATRE – #3&"%'36*5 KINGDOM Patrick Brown’s Breadfruit Kingdom is ‘a satirical Jamaican fairy tale’ about the peasants of the fictional kingdom who, mistreated and heavily taxed by their King to pay for his family’s lavish lifestyle – including his daughter’s hearty appetite, stage a revolt. First staged in 1999 with Oliver Samuels, Fae Ellington, Glen ‘Titus’ Campbell, Volier ‘Maffie’ Johnson and Claudette Pious, Breadfruit Kingdom returned to the Centrestage Theatre in New Kingston last Boxing Day, starring Campbell, Johnson, Camille Davis, Courtney Wilson and Teisha Duncan. Your Style eZine
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News & Culture
FIve questIons WIth
Amanda Hanna
F
orget the days of laboring over a typewriter or laptop to churn out a novel, only to see it bounce from publisher to impassive publisher and never see the light of day, let alone make a best-sellers list. Today, many young authors like Jamaica’s own Amanda Hanna are sidestepping the traditional print route and becoming rock stars in e-publishing. Just this year, Hanna turned out not one, not two, but four bestselling e-books for Amazon, making her a bona fide Kindle goddess. Her ‘New York’ series, comprising The New York Catch, The New York Socialite, The New New York and the prequel Red Rock Café, which is set in Jamaica, follow the (mis)adventures of best friends Julianne, Megan, Diana and Joseph as they navigate the Big Apple’s glittery, hard-edged social landscape. Your Style caught up with the busy author after the official launch of The New New York, the final book in the series, at Bookophilia in December. How did you get into writing? Amanda: I used to write a blog on Myspace in 2005, when Myspace was really popular, about romance and relationships. After a couple months, it was one of the top three blogs on Myspace. I also did reviews of night clubs, bands and so on and I wrote for a few magazines like Farmhouse (now defunct) and Subway Chronicles.
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8IZ EJE ZPV EFDJEF UP HP EJHJUBM JOTUFBE PG UIF USBEJtional print route? Amanda: Digital is more profitable. I always told myself I want to be a writer that lives by my writing. I don’t want to have to have a ‘day job’. My books are like 99 cents (US). Traditional books are much more expensive… I get paid every single month. [This] year, I hope to get a couple thousand (dollars) a month. There are no plans to go print. 8IP BSF TPNF PG ZPVS GBWPVSJUF XSJUFST Amanda: Philippa Gregory – I love her. I also like Ariella Papa, who used to write for Red Dress Ink. She’s my Twitter friend now. Her book On the Verge is my biggest inspiration. I like Maeve Binchy and Candace Bushnell, who wrote Sex and the City. 8IBU IBT UIF MPDBM GFFECBDL CFFO MJLF Amanda: The local feedback has been pretty positive so far. Hopefully it stays that way. Although I’ve heard when you start getting hate mail, you’ve arrived, so I guess I’m hoping for some hate mail in the New Year as well. What are you working on next? Amanda: I want to write a book to benefit an AIDS-related cause, where part of the money goes to that. I’ll start [this month] or February and hopefully it will be done by March.
Your Style eZine
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Travel
Contributed by Jessica Stewart
postcard from...
Australia
I
f I’m honest, the first thing that attracted me to Australia was Hugh Jackman! But on a more professional note, I visited Australia last summer for the first time and I fell in love. I had always wanted to visit and it just surpassed all my expectations. The trip really encouraged me to go back to school, a decision I was struggling with for some time, and so I decided to combine the two and study here.
Jessica Stewart and a friend ehaving fun.
I’ve been here for four months now. I arrived in August 2011. I’m doing an MBA at the Melbourne Business School, the number one school in the Asian Pacific! The best thing about living here is that there is always something to do: some festival, concert, sporting event, etc. You can never be bored. I also like that there are so many persons here from all around the world. Surprisingly, I haven’t met another Jamaican or Caribbean national yet, but I believe that is only a matter of time.
Jessica Stewart and friends enjoying the coast.
The worst thing is that I there are no Jamaicans or Caribbean nationals. The food here is quite international and initially it was difficult for me to eat international every. single. day! I haven’t found a Caribbean restaurant yet, but I’ve solved the problem by brushing up on my Jamaican cooking skills. I miss home cooked food the most. There is probably little I would not give for some stew peas with pig’s tail right now! I plan to return home at least to visit – I will be visiting next summer! In terms of my career, I spent four years working at home as a civil engineer and I want to spread my wings and get some work experience outside of Jamaica. I will be attempting to find work here, but I am open to working in the UK, Europe and the US, too. In particular, I’m looking to work with a global or multinational firm in a new field. www.ezineslimited.com
Jessica Stewart and friends at a Diwali celebration. Your Style eZine
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