2
Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt May 5, 2013
4
Health Insight: • Books We Love • Going Holistic
5
Cover Story: A Mom in Living Colour
6
Mother’s Day Gift Ideas: Relax, Unwind, Renew with Homedics
7
Beauty: Green the Colour of the Year
8
Relationships: Mixing Business with Pleasure
9
Beauty: Makeover Fabulous
10
Community: Mother’s Day Brunch And Fashion Show
11
Motivation: Spring-cleaning tips for our lives
12
World News: Amanda Sabga on the Boston Attack
13
Fashion: Dress her Up!
14
Décor: Giving a décor gift to Mother
16
Recipes: EyeFood – Meatless Moms
Scan to like us on Facebook
WELCOME TO THE E-EDITION Get instant, 24/7 access to your Woman Wise Magazine. Visit www.guardian.co.tt to subscribe
It’s the month of May and what a wonderful Sunday to begin thinking ahead for Mother’s day. We have got you sorted with delightful gift options that even you yourself may love. That’s not all. This week our contributors far and wide shared some insightful and inspiring stories. Catch up on the latest trends in beauty, fashion and health, not to mention our motivational words from Cheryl Wright and insightful advice from Dr. Anne Doyle. Together let’s make Mom’s day fabulous in advance! Let’s spoil her sweetly for the whole week. Cheers, Lisa Jessamy Associate Editor Special Publications Unit
“It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”
- Mother Teresa
Mother always deserves the best Nothing can compare to a Mother’s love, cherished memories filled with caring and heartfelt moments. This Mother’s Day show your love by giving a special Mom a gift from Ilmes Jewellery. Ilmes Fine jewellery prides itself on exquisite craftmanship and they are pleased to bring to the Trinidad market these magical and timeless pieces.
PHOTO: Gary Jordan
Woman Wise:
Make Mother’s day even more remarkable with this stunning brand that brings together countless influences in all its creations. Infused with a variety of unique stones set in a medley of different coloured 18K gold. All pieces are exclusively available at Stechers branches. Piarco, Gulf City Mall, and Long Circular Mall. For more information visit www.facebook.com/Ilmes Fine Jewellery or email us at info@ilmesjewellery.com.
woman.wise@guardian.co.tt
Special Publications Unit SPU Producer: Tracey Alonzo tracey.alonzo@guardian.co.tt Head of Design: Denise Baptiste Associate Editors/SPU: Lisa Jessamy, Halcian Pierre Contributors: Ann Doyle, Lindsay Ebbin, Dianne John, Helen Shair-Singh Bavina Sookdeo, Ann Moore-Spencer, Cheryl Wright, Tennille Alleyne Design/Layout: Sean Simon, Raquel Vásquez La Roche, Psyche Mitchell, Cover and Cover Story Images: Richard Cook M.U.A: Vandana Ramnath
Special Publications enquiries:
Business Development (SPU)
spu1 @guardian.co.tt Sonja Romany sonja.romany@guardian.co.tt 623-8872 ext. 2928
Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt May 5, 2013
4
Gluten-Free Girl Every Day
Helen Shair-Singh
Paola Henderson is a mother of two whose interest in nutrition was piqued by the health problems of her elder child, Tommy, who suffers from a rare congenital disorder known as Alagille Syndrome, which affects the functioning of his liver. In 2011 Paola wrote and published a children’s book, simply called “Tommy”, about her experiences, with the intention of helping other families in similar situations, as well as to educate children about accepting others who may have been born “a little different.” In a quest to find the best way to manage Tommy’s condition, Paola visited many doctors and health facilities, in both the US and South America, but was left confused and unsure about exactly what to do. She felt instinctively that his diet was a major factor, but the only advice she received from doctors wasto reduce his fat intake, which led to an unsuccessful experiment with low-fat foods. Finally deciding to follow her instincts, Paola took her son to a holistic doctor in Barbados, who immediately advised her to change Tommy’s diet to gluten-free, sugarfree, dairy-free and soy-free. Paola decided to try this approach, although she describes the first few weeks as being “hell”, since her son, at this time six years old, was used to eating everything. However she and her family immediately noticed drastic improvements in her son – the colour of his skin cleared up, his skin was not as itchy, he had more energy, and was less susceptible to the flu. Even Tommy’s teachers began commenting on how
much more alert and attentive he became at school. This astonishing improvement inspired Paola to increase her knowledge of nutrition, and she enrolled in an online program at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, based in New York City, to become a Health Coach. Aside from using the knowledge gained from the program to improve her son’s life, she has now decided to make this her career, as she sees so many Trinidadians battling with chronic disease, poor eating habits, stress, low energy and unhappy day-to-day lives. Her focus is on busy women and moms struggling with preparing quick, easy meals for their families, while also taking care of themselves. She hopes to target schools by specifically changing the concept of ‘tuck shop’ meals to healthy, delicious whole foods and healthy snacks, instead of processed, packaged foods. A Health Coach, while focusing on food and nutrition, also uses a holistic approach to their client’s life, examining relationships, career and spirituality. After Paola sees clients for an initial consultation, they commit to meeting with her twice a month for six months, so that she can really make an in-depth assessment of their health needs, and thus a longterm difference in their lives. For further information, visit Paola’s website at www.paolahenderson.com, email her at healthcoach@paolahenderson.com.
Gluten-Free Girl Every Day features food you want to cook every day: fresh, satisfying, and filled with great flavours. The inspired ingredient pairings of these recipes come from the collaboration of Ahern and her husband Danny, a professional chef. Vegetables in season are the key to these healthy, relatively simple recipes, along with whole grains, beans, and a few key spices and homemade sauces.
Caribbean Vegan
If “Caribbean cuisine” makes you think of pineapples and coconuts, you’re missing out. The Caribbean islands are home to a rich cooking tradition that combines African, French, Spanish, British, Asian, and Indian influences, adds an unmistakable local flair... and tastes like paradise. A real secret is in the herbs and spices— with the right uncooked sauce, cooked sauce, or “wet seasoning” blend, you can transform everyday ingredients into Caribbean delights. Sample the local flavours of Barbados, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Grenada, and the French West Indies.
The 4-Hour Body: An Uncommon Guide to Rapid FatLoss, Incredible Sex, and Becoming Superhuman
The 4-Hour Body contains the collective wisdom of hundreds of elite athletes, dozens of MDs, and thousands of hours of jaw-dropping personal experimentation. From Olympic training centres to blackmarket laboratories, from Silicon Valley to South Africa, Tim Ferriss, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The 4-Hour Workweek, fixated on one life-changing question: For all things physical, what are the tiniest changes that produce the biggest results?
Eat to Live: The Amazing NutrientRich Program for Fast and Sustained Weight Loss The Eat To Live includes updated scientific research supporting Dr. Fuhrman's revolutionary six-week plan and a brand new chapter highlighting Dr. Fuhrman's discovery of toxic hunger and the role of food addiction in weight issues. It instructs readers on how to leave behind the discomfort of toxic hunger, cravings, and addictions to unhealthy foods.
May 5, 2013 www.guardian.co.tt Sunday Guardian
5
Tennille Alleyne
At 44, working mother Lisa Sarjeant-Gonzales is the happiest she’s ever been. Thus far, Sarjeant-Gonzales has relished a flourishing dual career that speaks to both her interests. I asked the happily married mother of one exactly how she manages all her duties and responsibilities. “I work the hours that my daughter is in school and my weekends are dedicated to my art. My husband is a huge support and really understands me and it reflects in my work,” she revealed. “My daughter Amaya is my little light and partner who paints with me sometimes.” Career wise, she’s one part radio talk show host, giving her incisive opinions on Take Two, alongside either co-host Wayne Chance or John Benoit on the mid morning shift on I 95.5 FM. Her familiar voice and on-air charm has earned her many a loyal listener over the years. But what many persons do not know is that SarjeantGonzales is also a textile designer who runs a successful business. The journey of this dual-career-mom is one that inspires others to believe in their dreams and also challenges us to be unafraid of exploring our hidden talents. Her interest in radio started about two decades ago when she was approached by media
“I’ve always loved art and I had an amazing Art teacher (Mrs Mary Gill), at St. Francois Girls’ College.”
veteran Tony Lee while she worked at a bank. “It was nothing planned. Tony liked my voice and asked me if I would be interested in doing radio,” said Sarjeant-Gonzales. The impetus to leave the banking sector came when she was required to stay long hours one particular night to ensure that her account balanced. “I just decided that it was time for a change. I took up the offer and started reading the news at 98.9FM and also worked as a production assistant with Allison Hennessy’s Community Dateline,” she said. Sarjeant-Gonzales soon began co-hosting an early morning music program at the same station. She then hosted a program which dealt specifically with women’s issues. “It was really liberating and fun. I think the station had immediate success. At times, we were the number one mid-morning show. The show eventually transitioned where I would have a co-host,” she said proudly. After moving to I 95.5 FM, Sarjeant-Gonzales delved into more political issues along with other topical issues of the day. And for the past three years she has been the contrasting co-host on Take Two. “We are very different personalities but it’s really enjoyable. I’ve also started co-hosting on a Thursday with Ralph Maharaj who is a mix of politics and theatre.” she quipped. Sarjeant-Gonzales has enjoyed a long, fruitful career in media thus far, but reveals that her creative, artistic side is the “core” of who she is. Coming from a solid artistic background (her dad is an architect/artist), SarjeantGonzales seems like she was genetically predisposed to following a creative career. “I’ve always loved art and I had an amazing Art teacher (Mrs. Mary Gill) at St. Francois Girls’ College,” SarjeantGonzales revealed. After leaving her alma mater, she continued to have great mentors who helped her technically perfect the art of batik (it’s a cloth that is traditionally made using a manual waxresist dyeing technique) but she soon moved on to creating her own signature
style. “I make dye into paint and then paint on fabric. I can paint on any natural fabric but I specialize in silk. It’s wearable art basically,” she revealed. Sarjeant-Gonzales dedicates her weekends to her art and reveals that the quietude of the early morning at her Diego Martin home helps to get her into “the zone”. “I start with white fabric and I pick a colour and I start painting. Then I decide whether I want to blend or contrast. I love working with bright, lively colours.” The fabric goes through a preparation before painting and a chemical process which ensures that the paint stays on. This takes up to three days. “I just really love working with fabric and understanding how the different grades of fabric respond to colour. I honestly cannot say that I have seen other people do what I do,” she said. Her first textile exhibition was done at age 21 and a few others thereafter. Admittedly, SarjeantGonzales has not hosted one in over a decade because her work is always in demand. Through word of mouth her niche market grew and today she even supplies to renowned fashion designer Meiling and also exports. Her fabrics are made into uniforms, scarves, couches, curtains and regular clothing. Just like her parents have always supported her passion, she encourages others to follow their hearts. “In life, just follow your dreams. My sister always loved medicine and today she is a doctor. I’ve always loved art and I am artist because I was encouraged to be who I am,” said Sarjeant- Gonzales. “It takes a lot of patience and hard work, but do what you love. I’m very passionate about art and it’s therapeutic to me. I also love radio and I have a close bond with people who have been with me from day one. The listeners become part of you. I’m in the happiest place ever.” For those interested in Lisa’s designs, you can check out her facebook page or call her at 7584208.
Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt May 5, 2013
6
“HoMedics offers an extensive assortment of personal wellness products that are created to help you restore the balance to your life. With our products, it's easy to be proactive in the maintenance of your health and well-being.”
Changing the Face of Wellness
At HoMedics, we believe that nothing is more important than your health. Our revolutionary products and ideas have transformed the world of personal wellness for consumers worldwide. And we continue to invest in the latest technological advances to provide you with the most innovative personal well-being products available.
The Quality You Demand
We stand by our products. Each one is created with the highest quality components and is quality crafted for years of dependable use. And every product is backed by a warranty.
Create Your Own Oasis with HoMedics
HoMedics offers an extensive assortment of personal wellness products that are created to help you restore the balance to your life. With our products, it's easy to be proactive in the maintenance of your health and well-being. So discover the new era of personal wellness with HoMedics. We look forward to bringing you better health for years to come.
May 5 at 3:00pm until May 18 at 6:00pm
A Jewelry Exhibition by Artists: • Ashraph • Jasmine Thomas - Girvan • Sarah May Marshall Knight • Rachel Ross • Janice Derrick • Jade Drakes 26 Taylor Street Woodbrook, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago Phone: (868) 628-4165 Email: yartgallerytt@gmail.com Website: http://www.yartgallery.com/
May 5, 2013 www.guardian.co.tt Sunday Guardian
7
Lindsay Ebbin
Vice President and Global Creative Director
Green is representative of money, prosperity, precious gems, luxury, health, renewal, rejuvenation, nature and growth. How fitting that Pantone has selected this lively sophisticated colour Emerald Green the colour of the year for 2013. In fashion, Emerald Green was seen in the hottest fashion shows, makeup trends and interior design elements around the world and even featured in a new movie version of OZ which is reminiscent of green. Makeup and nail trends with this luxury colour have appealed to maçur. You can colour block over the entire lower lid and accent it with white or gold on your brow bone or blend into the solid green shade to modify its tonality, or divide it into two sections.
Step 1 - Use a cream or pearlised gold Highlighter Shade below the brows on the brow bone.
Step 2 - Apply your mid-tone shade which can be a light gold or cream shade. Starting from the outside corner of the crease which is the area between your brow bone and lower lid, bring the colour toward the inside corner of your eye, making sure to bring it up and in, not elongating it out. Be sure to apply a few extra layers of colour to the inside corner to visually push the eyes closer together. Now apply your mid-tone along your lower lash line, starting from the outside corner and brushing across toward the inside corner. This creates definition to your eyes.
Step 3 - Lastly apply the contour shade: start by placing the colour on the outer corner, brush it across the upper lash line and up into the crease of your eye in a reverse C motion. Also sweep it underneath the lower lash line, being careful to softly extend the colour beyond the outer edge of the eye creating a soft smoke effect with the eyeshadow. Step 4 - Use a cream blush in a soft pink or coral shade,
starting from the hairline and swooping below and on the cheek bone gently work it to the middle of the face. This creates a contour effect to slim the face.
Step 5 - Finish with a hot, on trend coral orange lip or orange red lipstick or chubby lip pencil to pack a punch to complete the makeup look. The effects of the utilising the green shade against a brown eye tone will enhance and lift the colour of the eye. If you have a lighter eyeshade or wear coloured contacts, this shade compliments any eye colour-it’s a magical shade.
Send or Receive for a chance to win
TT$1,000
Happy Mother’s Day Send cash to Mom The money is there in minutes*
Send and receive from:
moneygram.com
This promotion is administered and sponsored by the MoneyGram agent. MoneyGram doesn’t sponsor, endorse or has any responsibility for this promotion. Valid from May 3rd to May 31st to senders over 18 years of age. For more information consult the rules posted at this location.*Subject to agent operating hours, availability and local laws and regulations. Licensed as a Money Transmitter by the Banking Department of the State of New York. MoneyGram, the Globe and MoneyGram Bringing You Closer are marks of MoneyGram. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. © 2013 MoneyGram All Rights Reserved.
NLCB Approved
8
RELATIONSHIPS/BUSINESS
Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt May 5, 2013
Anne Doyle Author of POWERING UP! How America’s Women Achievers Become Leaders
Why are so many otherwise professionally savvy women so uncomfortable when it comes to mixing business with pleasure? Since when is networking – if it includes exploring ways to actually do business with one another – a dirty word? I just returned from a global women’s leadership conference that was packed with cutting edge content, world class thinkers and nearly 700 preeminent women from 31 countries. It was oozing with highenergy, classy, brilliant entrepreneurs, business owners, elected officials, scientists, PhDs, lawyers and thought leaders from every corner of the globe. I returned home enriched, because the organisation, founded in the early 1980s, never fails to deliver on its original purpose of bringing together global women of accomplishment “. . . to exchange ideas, to learn and inspire and to promote better leadership for a changing world.” A cutting edge vision for the late 20th Century. However, the organisation has one disturbing blind spot. It discourages – and sometimes actually blocks – members from doing business with one another. It’s considered bad taste or just plain gauche to “bother” members of this elite network by showcasing our products and professional services to one another. One member told me, “When I was invited to join, I was specifically told that we are not allowed to do business with one another — that I could actually be kicked out if I crossed that line.” Huh? There is so much wrong with that attitude — which is all too common among our gender — that most men would laugh if we tried to explain it. Discouraging women from actively leveraging our networks to achieve our professional and business goals ties one hand behind our backs. Even worse, it limits our ability to develop the 21st Century ground game we need now to achieve our lofty visions of women ascending to leadership roles. Those visions will remain merely dreams until women begin collectively building our economic and political power. I recently heard a very successful male business executive tell an audience of women, “Your network is your net worth. When men get together we talk about two things: sports and doing business with one another.” (Of course there’s a third favourite topic of men, but let’s not go there.) The Brotherhood has been a welloiled machine for centuries. As fiercely as they compete with one another, males also do business with, open doors of opportunity for and pay more to members of their own tribe. When men serve on non-profit and corporate boards together, before you know it they’re doing business with one another. That rarely happens with women. Here’s another example. Women are graduating from law schools in record numbers and make outstanding lawyers and judges. Yet, the number of women equity partners in law firms is pathetically small. The biggest stumbling block is women’s rainmaking track record. Too many of us are still fish out of water when it comes to landing big clients and bringing in business. In Plutocrats, Chrystia
Freeland’s new best-seller, one ultra successful, global businessman told the author, “Women don’t have the royal jelly. They don’t want to fight. They won’t go for the jugular.” Going for the jugular is not what I’m espousing. But there’s an element of truth in those words. The biggest thing holding women back right now is ourselves. Our reluctance to openly display ambition. To ask women in our networks to do business with us, or help us crack executive positions. To urge our corporations — particularly when we’ve achieved positions of influence — to more actively seek contracts with women-owned companies. Women are natural networkers. Relationships are our forte. But we’re still in kindergarten when it comes to understanding how to turbo-charge our networks to help us accomplish our economic, professional and political goals. And to help other women do the same. We can overcome this Achilles Heel by looking in the mirror every day and start asking ourselves, • Who in my network can I refer business to? • How many women lawyers, accountants, financial advisers and business owners do I know? How often have I referred business to them? Big business. • How can I raise my voice in my own circles of influence to be a visible and vocal advocate for strategically investing in women’s economic success? • How many women have I helped get elected to political office? • What attitudes or traditions in organisations I belong to need to be re-considered for the 21st Century? Regardless of our education, professional experience or accolades, women will remain in the global passenger’s seat as long as we are content to merely come together to rub shoulders with peers, honor our Sheroes, and talk (and talk and talk) about how women in leadership roles is the missing link to solving the world’s complex problems. Talk is cheap. Action is messy. Risky. And, yes, sometimes uncomfortable. It’s time for the Sisterhood to take another page from the Brotherhood’s playbook. You can start by giving a “sister” some business.
A keynote speaker and a City Councilwoman in Auburn Hills, MI, she has been tested in multiple-leadership laboratories, including men’s sports locker rooms, the auto industry, politica office and parenting (which she insists is “the toughest!). Signed copies of her book are available at: www.annedoylestrategies.com. facebook.com/poweringupwomenbook.
May 5, 2013 www.guardian.co.tt Sunday Guardian
9
“I absolutely love doing makeup transformations on women, in addition to the amazing before and after imagery, there seems to be a renewal of self-confidence and self-esteem as they see themselves as beautiful as the models they look at in glossy magazines.”
Add drama to the Eyes
Silver Ring, Print and Mylar eye shadow was laced over the eyes, a soft black pencil in Ebony lined both top and bottom lids and Extended Play Gigablack Lash mascara in Intense Black finished off the eyes.
BEFORE
Line and Fill the Lips
Crystal lips were lined with Pro Longwear Kiss Me Quick and filled in with a gorgeous red lipstick Russian Red.
Add some Peachy Cheeks Makeup by Dianne John Meet twenty-one year old Crystal Prabhudial, business woman, model, Miss T&T World 2011 finalist and second runner up in Miss World Indian Network Pageant 2011. Super confident and comfortable in her own skin, Crystal was happy to avail herself for one of my fabulous makeover sessions along with my amazingly talented photographer Salim October. I absolutely love doing makeup transformations on women, in addition to the amazing before and after imagery, there seems to be a renewal of selfconfidence and self-esteem as they see themselves as beautiful as the models they look at in glossy magazines. Crystal’s beauty transformation was easily achieved with good quality makeup products and brushes.
Prep with Primer
Her face was primed with Prep+Prime Skin primer chock full of special-effects silicones that blotted away excess oil and evened out her skin tone, providing a perfect canvas to laydown foundation.
Brush on Foundation and Powder
Matchmaster SPF 15 foundation in #5 was applied with a foundation brush and Select Sheer Loose Powder in NC45 was brushed on lightly.
Blush brush #129 SE was used to blush Peaches onto Crystal’s cheeks.
CREDITS: Model: Crystal Prabhudial Photography: Salim October for Foto Melange
AFTER
Dianne John
Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt May 5, 2013
10
Tennille Alleyne
Smelling good is a must, but choosing the right fragrance is essential in your mother’s signature scent. Here are some tips to help you to choose the perfect scent for your Mom. Have you ever wondered how someone’s personality can be connected to nature and all the scents and aromas around them? It may be interesting to note that research done in this area proves this ideology to be true. ORIENTAL – Is she bold, sophisticated and likes to be in control? If the answer is yes, then the oriental scent definitely suits her. Although she has a strong personality, she has a special
charm that complements this warm, sensual scent with undertones of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove with slight musk accents. FLORAL- This mother is a hands down girlie girl. Floral scents are lively, vivacious and bubbly just like the woman who wears them. A pleasant aroma, floral scents can be fruity with combinations of apricot, ripe berries and sweet lychee. WOODY- Her personality is defined free spirited and self-assured. She is deeply compassionate and has no qualms about showing affection. This woody, earthy scent is perfect for the modern day woman. FRESH – She is a woman that makes it look all too easy. She
ST FRANCOIS GIRLS’ COLLEGE ALUMNAE
St Francois Girls’ College Alumnae (SFGCA) will be hosting its 7th Annual Mother’s Day Brunch and Fashion Show and this year SFGCA has teamed up with Cascadia Hotel and Conference Centre to present to you what we consider “Lucky 7”. The Brunch will be held on Sunday May 12th 2013, at the Cascadia Hotel and promises to be a memorable experience for all guests. The programme is packed with many delightful treats and features Caribbean fashion by local designers – co-ordinated by the famous Fashion Director – Richard Young. There will also be live entertainment from local artistes and lots of fabulous door prizes and of course, our now famous Dutch Auction. The SFGCA Executive Committee uses this fundraiser as another avenue to do their part in giving back to their Alma Mater of which they are very proud members. This year we will be using fundraisers to assist the 6th Form students identified as needing assistance within the scholarship programme.
We are extending an invitation to you to bring along your parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Make it a family event. Celebrate the Mothers, Mothers to be and all the special ladies in your lives. It is a special day to say “Thank you” and for past students of St Francois Girls College, a great opportunity to reunite, chat about the good times and re-establish long lost friendships. We extend sincere thanks to all who supported the brunch in the past and we look forward to an equally dynamic event this year.
has no drama, and is laid back, but she is all game for an adventure. Fresh scents consist of citrus aromas such as grapefruit, lemon and mandarin which are said to be light and clean. Evolution of this scent however has shown the incorporation of spice and musk as undertones to this fragrance. Green scents are said to have a sharper edge to them than the average fresh scent and aquatic smells are easy breezy summer scents that remind you of the cool of the ocean.
“
May 5, 2013 www.guardian.co.tt Sunday Guardian
MOTIVATION
11
Whenever we look at our lives and find them a bit messy, complicated, cluttered and shabby and we’re uncomfortable, uninspired and unproductive, we know some spring-cleaning is inevitable.
Some of us might begin with our priorities and then pinpoint the areas that do not cater to them. Others might choose to spring-clean the areas that are causing anxiety, stress and discomfort and then prioritize how they will use their fresh, clean space. However we begin, we should remember that while what we want and need is important, our lives and our choices also affect the people close to us, especially those who depend on us in some way - husband, children, aging parents, employers, work-colleagues…. As we begin to spring-clean our lives, let us keep their welfare in mind. The following tips will help us get started. Store the bad memories. When we entertain them, they resurface in our happiest moments. They stir up fear in the midst of our most adventurous and creative endeavours. Plus they wedge themselves in the wheels of our most loving and promising relationships, creating mistrust, suspicion, unforgiveness and bitterness. If we want to improve our lives we have to do something with our bad memories. We can’t eliminate them but we can store them away after extracting the pieces we can use in a constructive way. Clean up our thoughts. You know the ones; they sabotage our dreams, make us feel inadequate, incapable, stifled, afraid, paralysed. You know, the idle, unnecessary ones that replace informed, inspired and progressive thoughts generated by reading good books, talking with knowledgeable and inspiring people and watching movies and television shows that stimulate our creative muscles. Forgive ourselves. We can usually name any
number of reasons for our failures and foibles. That’s okay, as long as we don’t use them as shackles to keep us from correcting our mistakes, trying again and more importantly forgiving ourselves. Example: We may want to quit trying to lose weight if we slip up with one meal, a week off from the gym or don’t see the results we were expecting. We must be willing to forgive ourselves and tell ourselves that we will do better the next time and double your efforts to succeed. Polish our attitudes. Each of us has certain attitudes that irk family members, disgust friends and deprive us of some award, benefit or success. Some of those attitudes might have served us well in some circumstances. However, springcleaning is a good time to take a second look to see if those attitudes are still necessary and beneficial to the kind of life, career, relationships and dreams we want. With a little bit of polishing, we can refine our attitudes for a better life today and into the future. Steady our emotions. The speed, confusion and complexity of life can take a toll on our emotions, which might swing from one extreme to the next. It might depend on where we are, where we’re going, what we want, what we’re doing, who we’re dealing with and how they’re treating us. Sometimes our emotions are stable. At other times, we may not quite know how we feel about someone or a situation. Steadying our wobbly emotions will help to strengthen our confidence and our resolve to live our lives with joy, integrity and purpose. Are you comfortable with your life or do you feel as if it is weighing you down? Some springcleaning can help to lighten the load and free time and space for what matters. Come back next week for some more tips for spring-cleaning our lives.
Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt May 5, 2013
12
Bavina Sookdeo
It shook the entire world. Two bombs struck near the finish line at the ever popular Boston Marathon in April, killing three and injuring more than 144 persons. This news gripped the hearts of almost everyone giving them a reminder of the attacks which took place on September 11th 2001 – a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks launched on the United States in New York City by Islamic terrorist group alQaeda. The first question that ran through the minds of many on-lookers here in Trinidad and Tobago was: “Could this be one such terrorist attack?” While we were busy discussing this matter, one of our fellow Trinis living in Boston heard the cries and saw the pain that many experienced. At the tender age of 22, Amanda Sabga spoke about her experience in Boston at such a gloomy time. Sabga, a Photojournalism student at Boston University in Boston and an intern at The Sun Chronicle (a newspaper outside of the city), told Womanwise, “At the time of the explosions I was in my apartment about one mile away from the end of the race with some friends.” When asked what her reaction was like when the blast occurred, the student stated “When I was initially told there were two explosions in Copley Square (where the Marathon finish line is) I didn’t connect the dots, I thought “wow, that’s crazy. I wonder what happened.” And then it hit me, it was the day of the Boston Marathon.” According to http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk “The Boston Marathon is the oldest annual marathon in the world and dates back to 1897, when it first ran after inspiration from the 1896 Olympics event. It is considered America’s most prestigious marathon, and draws competitors and spectators from all over the world. It takes place to coincide with Patriots’ Day every year, the third Monday in April, which commemorates the anniversary of the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. The spectacle regularly attracts more than 20,000 participants and 500,000 spectators each year and the final mile of this
Amanda Sabga
year’s event was dedicated to victims of Newtown shootings.” “While I was not at the scene of the blast,” Sabga continued, “from what I understand and from talking to people who were there, the initial reaction was confusion. Most people did not think the worst, they thought it was some sort of celebration or maybe a sewer explosion but when the second blast went off I think the reality set in that this was something more than a celebration or accident. Most people directly at the scene screamed and ran to safety, there were definitely elements of chaos but many of those who were willing and able ran to the rescue and aid of those in need.” Asked why she decided to go to Boston, Sabga related “I decided to go to Boston for a few different reasons, mostly because of the reputation the city has as being a great college environment. I wanted to be in a big city but not somewhere as overwhelming as New York, and Boston had a number of schools with good communication programmes, namely BU. Honestly, I had never been to Boston before my acceptance to college here.” With the recent bombings though, does Sabga feel safe there? When questioned on this matter the 22-year-old insisted, “Yes I do feel safe in Boston. I feel reassured by the commendable work that was seen by local authorities and the way the city came together as a community during this trying time.” There are two suspects, brothers Dzhohkar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev. One, Tamerlan, was killed in an attempted get-
away the other is in custody and recovering from a bullet wound to the throat but has communicated to officials that he and his brother were responsible for the attack and for the death of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology police officer. So what are her thoughts on the Boston attacks? Posed with this question, 22-yearold Sabga stated, “I’m not entirely sure how I feel about the attacks, it is not something I would have ever seen coming. These kinds of events can never be expected, and I don’t think anyone believes it will happen to them, to their city or to their home. Boston is and has always been a safe city to me and to all of its residents. I don’t think these attacks will change the way people feel about the city and I believe it has only made the people of Boston stronger and more united.” Such unity was demonstrated immediately after the attack and even today. Sabga explains “Initially after the attacks the mood was very somber, the entire city and even the state of Massachusetts came together hosting different events and religious services to the victims and those affected by the attacks. Now things have begun to settle and some normalcy has resumed but I do feel as though the mood remains somewhat solemn and there are still a number of signs and memorials in honour of those affected. The most prominent memorial is at the scene of the attack and while I believe the street has been re-opened now, there is a constant display of flowers and messages of hope, courage and bravery. There is a charity which has been started called ‘One Fund’ in honour of the victims and those af-
fected. Of the three people who died, I know that there are some individual memorials being put in place, for example, in honour of Lingzi Lu who was a graduate student at BU, there is a scholarship being offered in her name.” Amanda Sabga, a Trini in Boston, was also seen on The Sunday London Times. Her photo had been picked up by the Sunday London Times after the second suspect was arrested. “On Friday evening in celebration of the capture,” she related to Womanwise “hundreds of Boston students and residents ran through the streets to a park in the heart of the city where they rallied and sang in celebration.” So does she think the people of Boston can ever get past this incident? Sabga, the evidently mature thinker insisted, “I do believe the people of Boston will overcome the events of the Boston Marathon, and I believe that this process has already begun. An example of this is that all of the city’s busses have been programmed with messages of encouragement such as ‘Boston Strong’ and ‘We are one Boston’.” Questioned about her future in the city that has been hurt, Amanda Sabga disclosed, “I hope to stay in Boston and work in the near future, I am not sure how long I will stay here or where I will be next but I love the city and would be happy to stay here.” She then sent a message out to her fellow Trinis. Sabga said “Anything can happen and life is short, we should cherish our opportunities, relationships, friends and family and never take those slice-of-life moments for granted.”
May 5, 2013 www.guardian.co.tt Sunday Guardian
13
Why don’t you give your mom a gift of fashion? This Mother’s day, whether they are those fancy flares, straight or trendy bright, make sure to get your mom, sister, or friend a pair of jeans. Check out these wonderful shopping ideas for some serious denim inspiration!
Consider a blouse made of an elegant material, like silk or chiffon. Look for a bold colour that suits her complexion. Add a striking bracelet, a trendy handbag, camel-toned sandals and some Fashionista earrings and she is good to go.
The sophistication of your top will likely show more than enough to neutralise the casual nature of your jeans. Add a white blazer, a pair of platform wooden heels and some zirconia earrings and bracelet and turn blue jeans into classy evening look.
A pair of black jeans is a must have for any woman. Try a basic black tee, a leather printed scarf, comfortable flats and a coral coloured jacket a beaded bracelet to match her personality.
Remember, one trick in putting your style together is either to match or blend.
Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt May 5, 2013
14
Ann Moore-Spencer Beyond Drapery Limited Phone: 868-678-3414 Email: beyonddrapery@tstt.net.tt Website: www.beyonddrapery.com Blog: www.beyonddrapery.com/blog/ www.facebook.com/BeyondDraperyLimited
As a mother and a décor enthusiast what are you hoping for this Mother’s Day? Or do you have the pleasure of selecting some décor item for your Mom? There are so many options, how do you know you have the right one? Gift giving is especially difficult if you don’t know the receiver well; for instance, giving to a new mother-in-law. So what are the best décor gifts? The answer to this question is different for everyone. There is no ‘best gift’ that will work for everyone. Here are some guidelines to finding just the right gift for your Mom. CHANNEL HER STYLE. By their very nature, décor gifts are meant to be beautiful. Remember that this beauty has to be in the eye of the receiver. This is not a time to channel your design aesthetic on your Mom. The trick is to remain true to her style. Even though you love the contemporary and do not appreciate the traditional. She does. Think of other decorative items your Mom has and try to match your gift to them in style and type. Ensure your gift will blend in with the overall decor. Celebrate Mother’s Day by giving her something that she will find beautiful and unique. Give her something, ever so special, that she would not have thought about herself. PERSONALISED. Try to personalise your gift. What about monogramming, or incorporating her favourite colour or birthstone. It shows that you really mean for the items would be used and treasured by her. If your Mom is a super practical person, consider making your gift more than whimsical and pretty. Look for décor gifts that serve a purpose. I know someone’s Mom who is super practical. She gave Mom a reading nook: a super comfortable side chair, custom made storage ottoman and really cool reading floor lamp. Mom was ecstatic! This year she is being given a remote control! She’d be able to control the glare coming through the window by opening and closing the drapery from her seat! MAKE IT MEANINGFUL. Does your Mom collect photos and treasure memories? What about an extra special photo frame? If she has a clutter problem, beware!! It may be better to provide a way to tame her collection and present them in a way that does not overwhelm her décor.
“Look for décor gifts that serve a purpose. I know someone’s Mom who is super practical. She gave Mom a reading nook: a super comfortable side chair, custom made storage ottoman and really cool reading floor lamp.”
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO Consider reframing her photos and arranging them on a wall in her favourite room. Her collection transitions from clutter to a stylish statement while keeping her photos in focus. Listen. Your Mom may not explicitly state what she wants for Mother’s Day. But, I am sure you’d have heard her indicate somewhere along the line, that she would not mind purchasing some particular item. Just ensure that you select something that fits fine with her décor. Avoid giving something for the admiration or enjoyment of strangers! Get my drift?
Hair & Beauty TRADE SHOW
WRIGHTSON ROAD, PORT OF SPAIN
www.trinidadhairshow.com
Special Features - New Products Launch (Introducing two new Keratin Products)
May 4th - 6th, 2013 10.00 a.m - 8.00 p.m Saturday Exhibition and Schools Competition 10.00 a.m - 8.00 p.m Sunday Exhibition and Seminars 9.00 a.m - 8.00 p.m Monday Exhibition and Seminars
Schools Competition Saturday 4th May, 2013 Participating Finalists for Upsweep and Fantasy Hair Styles
Make Up Competition
- Natural Botanical Hair Care Line - Herbal and Aromatherapy - Mineral Cosmetics - Nail Technology - Hand Crafted Jewellery - Professional Beauty Salon Equipment - Hair - Wholesale & Retail (Weaves, Wigs and Extensions) Salon, Barbering Competition - Sun 5th Make-up and nails - Mon 6th
A “MUST ATTEND” Show for Cosmetologists, Barbers, Estheticians & Students
PUBLIC INVITED Admission: $40.00TTD 0418114
May 5, 2013 www.guardian.co.tt Sunday Guardian
her to relax or entertain her special people (only when she feels like sharing). Ensure she has shade, comfortable seats, a place to rest
I’ve presented 10 ideas for your consideration. Remember these ideas are only as good as your knowledge of what your Mom loves. 1. Give a personal oasis. Does your Mom love the outdoors? How about creating a private space for
her drinks. If she prefers to stay indoors, find her some space of her own. What about her very own spa? Men have their man caves. Give Mom her very own nest. 2. Make her space more comfortable. Would she be thankful for air conditioning in her favourite space? What about blackout lined drapery in her bedroom so she can sleep a little later on the weekend? Change her sleeping pillows. Present them with special shams. 3. A room makeover. My suggestion is to select her favourite room, the room she spends the most time in or the room that she keeps saying she must re-do. If you have the cash, splurge and do a total room makeover. Upgrade the kitchen cabinets with granite countertops or her bedroom floors with hardwood flooring. If you have a limited budget, you must be more creative. Select furnishings and accessories that will give the
space a facelift, rearrange the furniture, paint the walls, add/change the window treatments. 4. Plants and flowers. Does she love flowers? How about giving a gorgeous bouquet of stunning tropical blooms. They last long and make architectural statements in any room. Upgrade the standard shop vase and give her a special keepsake that can stand on its own as a decorative piece: a long lasting reminder of that special Mother’s Day. A garden enthusiast always has that plant that they must have. Get her that indoor plant that she has been raving about. 5. Personalised items. Nothing says ‘only for you’ like monogrammed items such as quality bath linen or bed linen. What about re-upholstering her favourite chair and having her name or initials embroidered in the fabric? 6. Consider small décor items. Here is where you will see reference to the usual culprits such as pillows or throws. These are easily personalised. A designer rug for beside her bed or favourite chair. A signature vase that stands on its own as a solid décor item even though it may not be filled with fresh blooms. Ensure that it will integrate with the décor of the room it is likely to be used in. Lamps are functional, yet decoratie. There are so many gorgeous lamps at our local lighting shops. Jewellery boxes and other decorative boxes or trays organise collections while adding decorative equity. 7. Storage. Storage is often one of the greatest decor sore points. Few things can ruin a décor more than clutter or in appropriate storage. Decorative boxes can coral smaller items. But consider providing customised storage for something that seems out of control. Look for opportunities for organising laundry, linen, food items, and clothes. It is relatively easy to convert an existing kitchen cabinet into a pantry with pull-out shelves, for instance. I know I would be thankful for some improved storage in my home. 8. Cleaning service. Even though you have in-home help, having a professional cleaning crew spruce up the place is like Christmas in May. 9. Designer furniture. Arco lamps, Barcelona chairs, Egg or Womb chairs, Noguchi coffee tables, Eames chairs… The list goes on. This is my list. What does she like? 10. Shopping. Give her a décor shopping spree. Take her to her favourite décor stop and indulge her. Alternately, pour a glass of wine and log on to your favourite online stores and click away to your heart’s content. Mom will enjoy her gift almost as much as the time you spend together. A distant second is to give her a gift certificate. She can get just what her heart desires. Don’t pass up shopping with her, if you can. Time with your mom is precious and you would be making a wonderful memory for you both.
Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt May 5, 2013
16
Ideas for “Meatless Moms” with Halcian Pierre: It’s where we EXPLORE EVERYTHING CARIBBEAN that’s related to food, people and places.
With all the emphasis we moms make on healthy eating, it’s easy to get carried away in our efforts to get the nutrients we need – sometimes we end up sacrificing taste. I’ve always found that the key to making things taste delicious are spices and herbs (or as we say, seasonings), and you can use them in anything, from sweet to savoury. Now I tend to use my seasonings and ground spices as many ways as I can. However, lots of experi-
mentation has been happening with making savoury sides for all kinds of dishes and Mother’s Day cooking is no exception. For example, if you’re choosing to use meat substitutes and want something to go with them that’s just as delicious, look no further than these recipes for three easy sides that will work with meat substitutes, fish or soy products, all perfect examples of Eye Food. Have Fun!
Ingredients • 2 cups shredded cabbage • 1 small carrot, grated • ½ a small yellow *scotch bonnet pepper, minus seeds and cut into small strips
• 2 or 3 green pimento peppers, sliced thinly • ½ cup mayonnaise • 2 dashes Angostura bitters • A capful of apple cider vinegar • 1 pinch of salt • 1-2 teaspoons sugar (or sugar substitute such as Stevia) • 1 teaspoon water
Method 1. Place the first four ingredients into a large bowl and gently toss them together. 2. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, bitters, apple cider vinegar, salt, sugar (or sugar substitute) and water together until well blended. 3. Pour the flavoured mayo into the coleslaw and toss together well. To serve, place a dollop on your vegetarian burger and cover with the top bun. *Note: If you can’t handle the heat of the scotch bonnet, use a pinch of red pepper flakes instead.
Ingredients • 5 medium cucumbers, peeled, halved lengthwise, and seeded • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt, (divided) • 1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yoghurt) • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar • 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh mint leaves
• 2 teaspoons sugar (or sugar substitute)
• 1 to 1½ teaspoons minced chadon
Ingredients
beni • 1/2 teaspoon ground geera • 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1 medium red onion, peeled and diced • 1 small beetroot, peeled and diced (use gloves) • ½ a medium carrot, diced • ¼ cup sweet pickle relish • A squeeze of lime juice or apple cider vinegar • 2 sprigs parsley, minced finely • Salt and pepper
Method 1. Cut cleaned cucumbers into a small dice and place in a colander (rice strainer) set over a mixing bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the salt and toss to coat. 2. Weigh down the diced cucumbers by setting a plate on top of them, and let them drain for 10 minutes. (You can also press down on the plate to extract excess water.)
3. Meanwhile, combine sour cream (or Greek yoghurt), vinegar, parsley, mint, sugar, chadon beni, geera, cayenne pepper and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium mixing bowl, stirring until evenly combined. 4. Blot cucumbers with paper towels, add to mixture, and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
Method 1. Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl and place to chill in the refrigerator. 2. Be sure let the relish sit for about half 15 minutes before serving so all the flavours can meld together. Note: Use within a couple of days.