She Caribbean Magazine

The only magazine dedicated to the Caribbean Woman

RUNWAY

FASHIONS STRAIGHT FROM

HOT COUTURE

NINA & FIONA

COMPTON CONNECTED, UNSTOPPABLE, DEVOTED

THE

LOVE ISSUE WHY WE LOVE WEDDINGS

PARTIES, THE DRESSES, THE ROMANCE THE

MARSHA ANN BROWN >> SANDALS’ ULTIMATE WEDDING PLANNER

LOOK FABULOUS ON YOUR BIG DAY

HAIR AND MAKEUP TIPS WEIGHT LOSS STYLING ADVICE SKIN CARE & MORE

Escape and visit the Caribbean Publisher & Editor In Chief

Mae sabbagh Wayne Editor Dee Lundy-Charles Creative Director Linda Andrew Contributing Writers • Germaine Waters (St Lucia) • Denise K. Lay (St Lucia) • Dr. Tanya Destang-Beaubrun (St Lucia) • Kered Clement (Grenada) • Mike M. Celestin (St Lucia) • Adrian Fanus (New York) • LoLa Ishac (London) • Gwynneth Hockey (St Lucia) • Kirsty Waters (London) • Candy Nicholas (St Lucia) • Kibwe McGann (Jamaica) • Nasha Smith (St Lucia) • Angie Montoute (St Lucia) • Marenka Thompson-Odlum (USA) • Hermina Danzie-Vitalis (St Lucia) Fashion & Beauty Executive Director: Mae Wayne FASHION EDITOR AT LARGE: Richard Young Hair Consultant: Emile Williams Photography (Cover) FIONA COMPTON & LARRY MILLER in New Orleans

• Orlando Romain (Grenada) • Bill Mortley (St Lucia) • Chris Huxley (St Lucia) • Daniel Marcion (St Lucia) Production Colour Management: Dalan James Advertising & Marketing Manager Vanessa Julien vanessa.j@stluciastar.com Subscriptions & Distribution Manager Marcia Charles marcia.c@stluciastar.com Barbados office Averil Byer Mobile: 246-266-3641 • Office: 246-421-9035 Magicjack: 786-467-0589 • Skype: averilbyer averilbyer@gmail.com • www.aplomb360.com Editor’s Desk dee.l@stluciastar.com

SHE Caribbean available on iPad & iPhone

editor@shecaribbean.com

Download this issue and back issues at the Apple Appstore or shecaribbean.com Fabulous Fashion & Beauty Tips, Health, Features, Travel, Relationship Advice and much more...

publisher@stluciastar.com

Publisher’s Desk

Web Master Danicius Philippe

e edition Log on to www.stluciastar.com download your copy now

danicius.p@stluciastar.com SHE Caribbean is printed & published by Star Publishing Co Ltd on the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior consent of the publishers.

STAR Publishing Co Ltd, Rodney Bay Industrial Estate, Massade, Gros Islet. PO Box 1146, Castries, St Lucia, W. I. Tel: (758) 450-7827 Fax: (758) 450-8694 www.stluciastar.com www.shecaribbean.com

Duty Free Caribbean – Where it’s always seriously fun shopping!

D u t y F r e e P o i n t e S e r a p h i n e a n d L a P l a c e C a r e n a g e S t. L u c i a La Place Carenage – 451-6994/452-2078 • Pointe Seraphine – 451-7840/458-1063

Hair Products pg 51

Issue 67, 2015

STARTING OUT 6 Publisher’s PAGE Life, Love and Inspiration.

8 Letters & CONTRIBUTORS Read the feedback, meet the team.

10 Pepperpot Caribbean art, culture and personalities.

FASHION Fashion Notebook The latest industry news and views.

16 Trends: Romantic Rebel The story of traditional Creole style.

19 saint lucia hot couture SHE reports on a spectacular Cuban Invasion.

84 castaway A photo editorial from Grenada.

Trends pg 58

HAIR AND BEAUTY 48 INSIDE BEAUTY Check out SHE’s favourite products and tips for your wedding day.

50 Hair News Tips to keep your bridal tresses and tiaras looking picture perfect.

Icon Jimmy Cliff pg 12

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12 icon & ENTERTAINMENT Jimmy Cliff has more good news.

32 COver story: sister ACTS Nina and Fiona Compton share the secrets of their creative success.

54 MAN CRUSH Entertainer Ezra is making the girls go weak at the knees.

80 marsha ann brown SHE talks One on One to the Sandals Director of Romance.

REGULARS 38 empowerment Couples Therapy can be avoided.

40 Basic Cents Starting married life in debt is not a good idea.

42 MOM TO MOM Parenting advice from one who knows.

HEALTH

92 sun temple food Recipes for a healthier you.

44 Body Shop News for a healthy lifestyle.

96 Voices Selisha Chhetri in her own words.

46 LIFE BULLETIN Bubbles, Butterflies & Bachata cure a doctor of her malaise.

on the cover

FEATURES

Profiles

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Sex Bites pg 52

52 SEX BITES First night nerves? SHE gives advice on making it memorable.

Castaway pg 84

Models: Nina Compton-Miller & Fiona Compton Photographer: Fiona Compton & Larry Miller Wardrobe: Paradise Prints , tailoring by J'aeylu Location: Bywater, Ninth Ward, New Orleans

Wedding SECTION

57 the love issue We’re dishing up the best advice, trends and fashions for your wedding.

wedding TRENDS 58 Glam Guests: Looks from the runway.

60 The Alternative Dress is out there.

62 Should You Rent Your Bridal Gown?

76 FLOWERS & CAKES The perfect finishing touches.

64 wedding BEAUTY Bridal make-up for the big day.

66 Grooming the Groom.

68 why we love weddings!

Parties, style and love in the air.

70 THE MONEY SHOT Choosing a Wedding Photographer.

TRAVEL 72 DESTINATION WEDDINGS The Caribbean has more than just beaches.

bridal almanac 78 More choices for that big day.

Inside Beauty pg 48

Top photo By: Daniel Marcion, www.itsmyweddingbelle.com

Contents

Publisher’s Page

My favorite Hot Couture purchases 1) Party look: 8ttava by Kimberley Solana from Saint Lucia.

2) Sunday brunch: Kaftan by Saint Lucian Lyn Bristol’s LBM collection.

3) Sexy black swimsuit: Domani by Trinidad’s Rhion Romany.

4) Red carpet dress: Kuumba Designs by Queen Esther from Saint Lucia.

5) Ultimate LBD for every occasion: Meiling of course!

6) Beach cover up: Lily Deziles by Tamara Depestre from Guadeloupe.

7) statement cocktail dress: Jacqueline Fumero from Cuba.

8) colourFUL SHIRT to go

Life, Love and Inspiration

O

nce again I return home following a visit to a neighbouring island, tired but absolutely inspired. High on the adrenaline of another Hot Couture (see pages 19-29), I took myself to Guadeloupe’s annual Kreyol Fashion Days. Also there were some of the most effective motivational speakers I’ve been privileged to encounter, along with the movers and shakers from the fashion industry who represented Brazil, France, Haiti and several other Caribbean islands.

What a marvelous opportunity it was to share our experiences and learn from each other. Almost palpable was the collective determination to strengthen our creative arts sectors. Once again it was evident that the islands of the Caribbean are loaded 1 with raw talent waiting to be developed. If only we would focus on the arts, I believe it could easily be our strongest export resource.

So, my special thanks to the organisers of Kreyol Fashion Days for the opportunity to speak about and share an aspect of my magazine and my own little island aptly nicknamed “Helen of the West Indies.” Look out for full coverage of the Guadeloupe event in our next issue.

Deserving of a special mention are this issue’s cover ladies—the talented and dynamic Compton sisters, Fiona and Nina, each with her own fascinating story. They epitomise what self-made is all about, and Saint Lucia is all the richer for their wonderful contributions (see pages 32-36).

with my jeans for casual Friday: Robert Young’s The Cloth from Trinidad.

9) For the latest makeup to freshen up my look: Sacha Cosmetics as always.

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1) I agree with Benjamin Franklin: “Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half shut afterwards!”

2) I don’t cook much. There are rules when it comes to my fridge: no bread; no dessert. He knows better than to complain.

3) Ignore him if he grumbles.

Listen only to what you absolutely must.

4) He knows when to tell me I’m looking awesome and young. And, most importantly, fit and skinny. (All the time, that’s when!)

5) When you get down to it, men are all cut from the same cloth. I have a good one (maybe not quite perfect) so I might as well keep him!

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2

1. With my hubby Rick at Saint Lucia HOT Couture, sharing a special moment; 2. My son Christian keeping things cool behind the scenes; 3. Rocking my new Kuumba dress in Guadeloupe with Liza Miller (middle) and Michelle Reis (right); 4. My Sea Island Cotton Shop dressers team behind the scenes at Hot Couture; 5. Sacha Cosmetic’s Kamla Regrello doing her magic behind the scenes.

Since this is our love and romance issue, I thought I should share what I have learned about making a marriage/relationship lasting fun.

Mae Wayne Publisher

mae.w@stluciastar.com

My favourite poem that sums up relationships: “Let there be spaces in your togetherness, And let the winds of the heavens dance between you. Love one another but make not a bond of love: Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Fill each other’s cup but drink not from one cup. Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf. Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone, Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music. Give your hearts, but not into each other’s keeping. For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.

And stand together, yet not too near together: For the pillars of the temple stand apart. And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.”

– Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet

Contributors

Letters What you think We’re listening and here’s how you responded to Vol 66 . . .

I am studying hospitality at UWI and really liked the Boss Lady section on Karolin Troubeztkoy and Petra Roach, as they are women I aspire to be like when I graduate.

Travel

Kibwe McGann is a Jamaican event planner and Managing Director of the marketing firm INTUIT Concepts. Kibwe is one of the founding members of two of Jamaica’s largest bridal shows, Kingston Bridal Week and Wedding Spectacular. He is a former TV producer on Tempo and was the inspiration for SHE’s ManCrush series!

Christine, Barbados Life bulletin

Dr. Tanya Destang Beaubrun

I picked up SHE Caribbean at the airport in St. Lucia and took it on the plane on my way home to London. I was curious about the magazine but instead of just browsing through, I ended up reading it cover to cover and I rarely do that.

SHE is an excellent, well-put together magazine.

I just want to congratulate you on a fantastic magazine and you now can count me as a heterosexual male SHE reader!

Well done!

Jamal, London Anya, OMG I loved her issue. I’m a huge fan of hers. I followed her on Project Runway and absolutely adore her style. Thank you for sharing her inspirational story. I really loved her attitude towards small time gossip and haters! Then her mother spoke so eloquently about her journey from her perspective.

That whole issue was so inspiring!

Zainab, Trinidad Anya is my role model. She is so beautiful and talented. It was nice to know she’s back in Trinidad giving back to her island! Really good issue. I never miss my SHE magazine. I love these black and white pages on the Grenadian women, beautiful.

Keep up the good work

Hot, hot, hot! That’s all I can say about Jamie Peterkin. I really am enjoying the new ManCrush feature in SHE, so please don’t stop giving us Caribbean eye candy and maybe you can start a section on Men’s fashion too.

I do like looking at the guys!

Sancha, St. Lucia

Another excellent issue, loaded with good advice and beautiful fashion and photography. I have been trying to adopt for a while so I especially enjoyed reportage on adoption by Dee Lundy-Charles. It made me realise that my situation was not unique and I became more aware of what questions I should consider through out my journey.

Maria, Jamaica

Jeanine, Grenada

Send letters with your name, address and daytime phone number to: PO Box 1146, Castries, St Lucia, West Indies, Fax: 758-450-8694 Email: letters@shecaribbean.com. Letters may be edited for clarity and space.

Check out our website www.shecaribbean.com

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is a Family Physician, Integrated Wellness Expert and Empowerment Coach with over 20 years of experience. She has been called a Women’s Wellness Warrior by those she has inspired to lead a healthier life. Known as “Bubbles” since childhood, she is the owner and Medical Director of Rodney Bay Medical Centre, but considers her greatest role to be that of wife and mother of three.

GRooming the groom

Adrian Fanus has been the owner of Adrian Fanus Grooming (AFG) in New York since 2009. Originally from Micoud, Saint Lucia, Adrian’s passion for the barbershop became an apprenticeship, then a livelihood through which he has become the go-to grooming expert for top line celebrities of music, movies and sport. In 2014 Adrian travelled back home to marry best friend and fellow Lucian, Jana, in Saint Lucia.

inside beauty

Mike M. Celestin is a Saint Lucian-born image consultant and makeup artist of many facets. His work spans all genres from weddings, short films, album covers, music video, stage, magazine editorials and covers. Mike is inspired by the coaching and mentoring of internationally acclaimed makeup artistes like Derrick Rutledge and Romell Duresseau. To date he is the Beauty Director for New York-based fashion magazine, RARE.

body shop

Candy Nicholas Candy Nicholas is a natural health advocate, Nutritional Counsellor and the host of her own popular show, Lifestyles with Candy Nicholas.

She is a St. Lucian television and radio personality, businesswoman, law student, writer and former beauty queen. Catch her on Facebook (Lifestyles with Candy Nicholas) and on her youtube channel Lifestyles with Candy as well as her website Lifestyleswithcandy.com.

Pepperpot

Sacha COSMETICS Named Top Caribbean Luxury Brand The luxury lifestyle website CaribbeanAndCo.com has named SACHA Cosmetics top of its list of the Caribbean’s best luxury brands. Founded 30 years ago in Trinidad & Tobago, SACHA has an exciting range of skin foundations and other makeup products that cater to skin complexion of all types. Over the years, SACHA has been the official cosmetics brand for a wide range of international beauty pageants and events - including a long association with SHE Caribbean and three years of Saint Lucia Hot Couture. The company has also won numerous awards most recently being named the Caribbean Exporter of the Year by the Caribbean Export Development Agency. SACHA Cosmetics is “sold worldwide in retail and specialty stores, from the glamorous Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California to the coasts of Africa and throughout the Caribbean.”

See more at caribbeanandco.com and sachacosmetics.com.

Island Artist:

Kate Spencer – St. Kitts & Nevis Although she was born in the UK, Kate Spencer has made St. Kitts her home since 1978. Living and working in an old sugar estate on the North of the island for years, she is now considered one of the most prolific artists in the Caribbean.

Returning to the UK for a few years, Spencer studied Interior Design in London and then moved to Florence, Italy where she studied Figurative Art at the Cecil Graves Studio.

In 1990 she returned to St. Kitts, but found it difficult to make a living from painting, so she set up and ran a design business where she designed and sold fabrics, paper products, prints, mats and other gifts. Throughout this, though, she continued painting and soon enough interest in her work increased. Now she is a full time painter, and sells a range of paintings depicting the Kittitian landscape, lifestyle and people in boldly tropical colours. Visit Kate Spencer's website for more about the artist and her world at katespencerfineart.com.

Visit www.katespencerfineart.com to discover the art of Kate Spencer.

TEN YEARS OF ttff trinidad+tobago film festival (ttff) is looking for submissions and volunteers for the tenth edition of the annual festival, which takes place from 15-29 September in Trinidad, and from 23-29 September in Tobago. The festival has grown in stature in its first decade, and is the foremost channel for launching the region’s most promising film-makers and their productions. Last year for the fourth consecutive year, ttff collaborated with ARC Magazine to present New Media, a collection of artists’ works that explored a range of themes and issues, while pushing and blurring the boundaries between film and art.

Provocative points of view tell historical, political and human rights stories, explore spiritual journeys and unleash artistic expression in films from across the Caribbean and South America; last year’s entries came from the Dutch Antilles, Costa Rica, Jamaica ,Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Martinique and pretty much every island in the region.

Look out for news on the tenth anniversary edition of ttff at www.ttfilmfestival.com.

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She an Caribbe

Date Book July 3 Emancipation, US Virgin Islands 10 Independence, Bahamas 12-18 Reggae Sumfest, Jamaica

reggaesumfest.com

14 Bastille Day 18 Nelson Mandela Day 20-21

Saint Lucia Carnival Monday & Tuesday

stlucianow.com

23 Gorgeous Grandma Day 30 International Day of Friendship

Rising Cost of Crop Over Crop Over stakeholders in Barbados want the same VAT concessions as tourism players, reported Barbados Today in June, as the summer carnival season was just getting fuelled up.

The appeal for the rate of VAT paid by promoters to be lowered to 7.5 per cent, down from 17.5 per cent, came at a “robust” meeting chaired by Minister of Culture Stephen Lashley at his Haggatt Hall, St Michael office. Under the Barbados VAT (Amendment Bill) 2013, companies registered as Direct Tourism Services (DTS) are levied the reduced rate of VAT as a means of assisting them in offering their services not only at a reduced cost, but also in driving further business.

In making a strong appeal for the same to be done for them, Crop Over

stakeholders pointed out that the island’s main cultural showpiece generates in excess of $100 million for island in the space of roughly three months. The Minister of Culture reportedly promised to take forward their concerns to the Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler, who is in charge of the umbrella agency, which collects the VAT. Barbados stake-holders are not alone in their complaints, and where traditional mas camps and hand-crafted are concerned, the cost of doing carnival has sounded a death knell for veteran bands like Saint Lucian Spirit and Rituals on the neighbouring mas-mad island of Saint Lucia. Whether costumes are created at camp or imported in cartons, it seems VAT is doing neither sides of Caribbean carnival a financial favour.

Our Beaches Rule!

August 1 Emancipation Day, Saint Lucia 3-4 Antigua Carnival Monday & Tuesday

antiguanice.com

Crop Over - Kadooment, Barbados

barbados.org

5 Independence, Jamaica 10-11 Grenada Carnival Monday & Tuesday

spicemasgrenada.com

12 International Youth Day 23 Remembrance of Slavery Day 31 Independence, Trinidad & Tobago

September 5 International Day of Charity 8 International Day of Literacy 16 National Heroes’ Day, St. Kitts & Nevis 19 Independence, St. Kitts & Nevis 21 International Day of Peace 24 Republic Day, Trinidad & Tobago 18th July Nelson Mandela Day

Tripadvisor critics have voted for 2015 and four Caribbean beaches were among the World Top 25. The palm-swept sugar white sand and jade green waters of Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos took second place with Playa Paraiso, Cayo Largo, Cuba in fourth and Puerto Rico’s Flamenco Beach in Culebra an impressive eighth. The serene Eagle Beach in Aruba was a reputable twenty-third, something of an indication that the Dutch Antilles are still growing their tourism brand.

With the Top 25 Caribbean Beaches including breathtaking strands like Seven Mile Beach, Negril in Jamaica and Les Salines Beach in Martinique, it’s reasonably safe to say the region has the sun, sea and sand angle covered beautifully.

shecaribbean.com 11

Icon Jimmy Cliff remains as cool as he’s always been, with the sparkling energy of a man of half his years. Thirtyodd years after his film debut, could there be another “Harder They Come” in the pipeline?

Jimmy Cliff: Looking For Rivers To Cross In 2012 Jimmy Cliff told a British journalist: “They say video killed the radio star, but me, I say, computer killed them all. The only thing you cannot destroy is live performance. You can record it on your phone, you can watch it on your screen, but there is nothing like seeing the artist in the flesh.” And boy was he right! On a perfect tropical night, the crowd was enraptured as they sang along to seminal hits like ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want’ and ‘Many Rivers to Cross’ energised and amazed by the frenetic and balletic performance of 67 year old Jamaican reggae icon, who headlined the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival back in May. By Dee Lundy-Charles

O

n his first ever visit to the island, the mutual love between superstar and audience was massive, as fans from across the world rediscovered why the multi-talented, engaging and enigmatic Cliff is still a revered figure on the music scene after almost fifty years.

His earliest recordings at age fourteen were produced in Kingston by Leslie Kong, as were anthems like Hard Road To Travel in 1967 and the soundtrack to Jimmy Cliff’s breakout movie and cult classic The Harder They Come in 1972, which tells the story of Ivanhoe Martin, who arrives destitute in Kingston from the country and tries unsuccessfully to make it in the recording business. Eventually, he turns to a life of crime.

A gritty and often brutal performance from Jimmy Cliff brought the movie to life and gained a loyal following in the UK and Europe.

The soundtrack album was a huge success that sold well across the world, bringing reggae to an international audience for the

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independent artists.

Always ahead of the curve, in 2002 Cliff released the album Fantastic Plastic People in Europe, after first providing free downloads using P2P software. It featured collaborations with Joe Strummer, Annie Lennox, and Sting, along with new songs that were reminiscent of his original hits, but in 2004, Cliff completely reworked the songs, dropping the traditional reggae in favour of an electronic sound. Cliff performed at the closing ceremony to the 2002 Commonwealth Games and in 2003, his song You Can Get It If You Really Want was included in the soundtrack to the film, Something’s Gotta Give.

With a body of work covering more than four decades, from the early days of ska and conscious roots reggae, through political commentary, experimental detours and impressive collaborations, Jimmy Cliff was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. He was quoted as saying : “People in the Hall of Fame tend to clap their hands and say, ‘OK, I’ve done it all,’ but for me, it was a new beginning.”

Two years later, his album Rebirth won critical acclaim and a Grammy in 2012 and was named one of the top twenty releases of the year by Rolling Stone. With a series of live performances and festivals since then and planned for the next year, it’s clear the man is reluctant to slow down.

Greeting the media in Saint Lucia after what was universally agreed to have been the highlight performance of the weekend, Jimmy

Always ahead of the curve, in 2002 Cliff released the album ‘Fantastic Plastic People’ in Europe, after first providing free downloads using p2p software. first time. It still remains one of the most significant films to have come out of Jamaica since independence.

The prodigious songwriter released a steady stream of live and studio albums throughout the late ‘70s and 1980s, and reached a whole new generation through the power of the movies when he recorded Johnny Nash’s I Can See Clearly Now, featured in the international comedy hit Cool Runnings in 1996. And as the new millennium dawned, Jimmy Cliff became an inaugural member of the Independent Music Awards’ judging panel to support

Cliff was still smiling and laughing and cautiously sharing plans for a sequel to the film that made him famous.

“Yesterday I was reading the script, it is on the second draft. I was reading it and making notes to send back to the writer,” Cliff said, revealing it will be filmed in Jamaica and England. He said a director has not yet been selected.

It might be some sort of industry record for a sequel, but for millions of fans across the globe, forty-something years after the original is not too long to wait!

Entertainment shorts

by Howard Campbell

Maxi Priest

Gyptian

Jamming in Central Park VP Records and artistes associated with the label will be part of this year’s SummerStage series at Central Park in New York City. Reggae singers Maxi Priest and Gyptian, as well as husband-and-wife soca team Bunji Garlin and Fay Ann Lyons, are scheduled to perform. Brian Greenspoon, an executive at VP, said the event is part of celebrations marking the Queens, New York company’s 35th anniversary. “VP’s 35th anniversary was technically in 2014, but this is less a carry-over and more of an encore victory lap for the pop-up exhibit that debuted last summer at Jamaican Jerk Fest in Queens,” he said. Vincent Chin and his wife Pat started VP in 1979, shortly after migrating to New York from Jamaica. It is the largest distributor of reggae in North America. The SummerStage series is a collection of free live shows covering the arts and pop music that runs annually from June to August.

Ode to a National Hero AN opera saluting Jamaica’s National Hero, Nanny, will be launched in July. It is written by British opera singer Dr Shirley J. Thompson, whose parents are Jamaican. Nanny lived in the 18th century and was involved in several skirmishes with British troops in

pre-Emancipation Jamaica. She was made a National Hero in 1976 Sacred Mountain, Episodes in the Life of Queen Nanny of the Maroons, is the name of the opera which will debut at the July 21-August 9 Tete a Tete: The Opera Festival in King’s Cross, London. ‘Sacred Mountain’ will play on July 21-22.

Thompson said the piece came from nearly 10 years of researching Nanny, at the Institute of Jamaica in Kingston.

“The IOJ also arranged a special dispensation for me to meet Maroon colonels in Moore Town, where I spent time finding out about Maroon culture and activities in the time of Queen Nanny as far as was possible. The Maroon Colonels also gave their blessing to my project, which was very important to me,” she said.

Thompson, who was born in east London, is one of the United Kingdom’s finest composers. She has worked with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for almost 20 years.

Destra takes ‘Lucy’ to Toronto Pride Soca star Destra Garcia made history as the first soca artiste to perform at Toronto Pride on Sunday, June 29. Garcia was billed to perform at the Blockorama stage as well as participate in the event’s Pride Parade. The annual LGBTTI2QQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transexual, intersex, twospirited, queer and questioning) festival is held in June each year and is considered to be one of the largest gay pride festivals in the world and is more than 25 years old.

Garcia was asked if she had any concerns about performing at Toronto Pride, since it was an LGBT event, given the perceptions of homosexuality in TT. She replied “No none whatsoever. I have a lot of fans across the board. I don’t see colour, creed or sexuality.”

“I am the first soca singer at any of the stages at Pride . . . they want me to sing ‘Lucy’,” Garcia said of her hit from this year’s Carnival.

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FashionNotebook The Icon on Everyone’s Phone -

A

s an app that was designed exclusively for Apple users, Instagram has quickly grown into much more than that, now including the likes of Android and web users, to become one of the largest social networks. With 300 million active users and 75 million daily active users, it’s no wonder it’s having an impact on us.

Today we are collectively inspired by a greater number of things, simply because we are exposed to more due to our

manrepeller: manrepeller@jw_anderson has the right idea re dancing shoes.

manrepeller: This is resort according to Gucci

whowhatwear: Rihanna at the #MetGala = the red carpet equivalent of dropping the mic.

anna_dello_russo #aboutyesterday @dolcegabbana dress&bag tnks to @maserati for the lift #MMFW

anna_dello_russo PreVacation shopping @ vandacatucci showroom minijumpsuit and bikini #vandacatucci croisiere) @loewe bag

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easy access to information through social media such as Instagram. Perhaps this is why there is now no such thing as a true style icon. I don’t know many people my age (23) who can really say they look to one person in particular for style inspiration. Maybe our inspiration is the activity of social networking itself, within which we search to acquire attributes of that dream style that we look up to overall.

Additionally, with our obsession to know more personal and inside information about celebrities today through social media such as Instagram, I think we have possibly acquired too much knowledge about these people that we so admire for their style – in fact we know that they are usually styled by somebody else. My belief

is that there is no real style icon today, no one popular figure that is looked up, to but rather that today’s most influential icon is the one on our phone screen: Instagram.

Whether it’s a personal account or a corporate fashion brand, inspiration for style can be drawn from anywhere at anytime. With celebrities, models, fashion bloggers, magazines and brand names all joining this social network, the possibilities for style inspiration are endless after just a few scrolls through the home page, although it is completely dependent upon who you follow.

My personal favourites to follow are accounts like Anna Dello Russo (anna_dello_russo) for her insight. As Vogue Japan’s editor-in-chief and with over 810,000 followers, she’s definitely a popular source of fashion inspiration. I follow her because she constantly uploads the latest trends, particularly during fashion week, and also her personal dayto-day outfits, which I love and admire due to her mix of professionalism, sartorial knowledge but also that touch of unique style.

More personal styles can be explored through accounts of fashion bloggers such as ManRepeller (manrepeller) and Who What Wear (whowhatwear). These bloggers are now moving to Instagram as a new way of expressing and discussing style, and with just under 2 million followers between them, it’s safe to say their Instagrams also provide a platform on which their style is followed and influential to many.

Although ManRepeller’s style is not one I would wear myself, her opinions based on trends are what I look for and her hilarious captions are always appreciated. As for Who What Wear, the blog’s overall style guide on Instagram is definitely an easy source for inspiration.

Instagram is a great way to filter quick and accessible information about styles. Not only is it visual but it also works as a platform on which different forms that style can be inspired by are explored in one space. This not only makes it an attractive source for style inspiration, it’s also useful in that it I can control it based on my own taste and as a result of who I follow. Gone are the days of looking to the likes of Kate Moss for ultimate style, Instagram is the new icon and it’s here to stay.

- Kirsty Waters, Fashion Student

Photos courtesy of manrepeller; whowhatwear & anna_dello_russo on instagram

Instagram

Andre Doyley

Pulse Manager Romae Gordon hands over the Caribbean’s Master Designers to Robert Young aka The Cloth at this year’s CFW

CFW Honours “Masters”

Guadeloupe pictures by Bill Mortley, www.billmortleyphotography.com

Robert Young was honoured as one of the Caribbean’s Master Designers at this year’s CFW, along with Haiti’s Phelicia Dell and Jamaica’s Cedella Marley. The creative brain behind The Cloth has been a staple of the Trinidadian fashion scene since 1986.

Robert’s work embodies elements of Caribbean folk traditions, the spirit of revolution existing in the region and an interest in restoration of the social ecology and integration of community for public change.

CMD (Cedella Marley Designs) in collaboration with Puma, designed the music-inspired and retro uniforms for Jamaica’s track and field team for the London Olympics and won several accolades including being named as one of the best team kits. Her

designs have been presented in different regions across the world, receiving coverage from Vogue and Glamour. The ‘Harambe’ collection from CMD was on show at CFW 2015 as Pulse marked the 15th anniversary of the event.

In 2006 Phelicia Dell launched her VeVe Collections line with 25 beaded cocktail dresses. Today, a large number of her designs are made to order for celebrities who make up her clientèle list.

Her style is instantly recognisable with structured elegance and accentuated details.

Phelicia has designed a new feminine silhouette bag where shapes, curves and pockets are highlighted by the exactness of their cuts.

Kréyol Fashion Shines in Guadeloupe

Brandon Bailey

Saint International male models create history at Milan Fashion Week The Jamaica Observer reported in late June that the “eyes of the global fashion industry are now on Jamaican model agency Kingstonbased Saint International after two of its male models created history at Milan Men’s Fashion Week.” The spotlight shone on Jamaica when two Saint models – Andre Doyley and Brandon Bailey – walked the runway exclusively for two of the world’s most influential brands, Calvin Klein and Prada.

Bailey, Saint’s newly crowned Male Fashion Face of the Caribbean, walked for Prada and Savanna-la-Mar resident Doyley walked for Klein.

What is of historic significance is that the

Photographic artwork on display at the KFD international photo exhibition.

Kréyol Fashion Days (KFD) is positioned as the first business forum in the Caribbean to specialise in the fashion and craft sectors. Activities focus around sharing information on regional and international trends and markets, strategies that work and developing strategic plans, education and technical assistance about business challenges such as sourcing, branding and distribution. KFD also offered individual B2B meetings between participants and speakers, including SHE Caribbean publisher Mae Sabbagh Wayne, who talked about ethnicity in the fashion industry, and the trends in black and mixed race beauty. A photo exhibition from Caribbean, French and international photographers was featured on opening night, offering a stunning visual launch to the event. Look out for full coverage of KFD in the next issue of SHE.

world exclusive for Doyle’s Calvin Klein runway appearance was a direct booking by Saint CEO Deiwght Peters from his Kingston office. The Prada exclusive was a collaboration with Peters and Saint’s Milan-affiliate Why Not Models.

“No Jamaican male or female model has ever walked for Prada or Calvin Klein (menswear). It is also an irrefutable fact that no Caribbean model agency has ever directly booked a model for a major runway show such as Calvin Klein in Milan, before now.”

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Trends

The romantic rebel: A Caribbean Woman’s Fashion History Madras and white lace go hand in hand in Creole culture throughout the islands, but what do you know about the roots of our traditional garb?.

By Marenka Thompson-Odlum

16 shecaribbean.com

different, they converged about two hundred years ago in the Caribbean. Jip is the creolisation of the French word jupe, which now translates to skirt. However, during the 18th century, the jupe was actually a visible underskirt, which later in the century became the fully-hidden petticoat. The style of the jip is directly inherited from the English petticoat tradition, as during the 19th century petticoats were made with layers of white cotton broderie anglaise and were highly decorative for underclothes. Lace has always exuded a timeless visual conundrum, playing the game of hide-and-seek, its inherent holiness in direct contrast to the delicate nature of the construction. It is not surprising then that lace endures, especially in the making of underwear and wedding dresses where it melds sensuality with a softer romanticism.

The broderie anglaise of 19th century petticoats and the jip adhere to the basic tenets of lace; pure, white and demure, but hinting at something more. The petticoat was only revealed in 19th century European ballrooms when couples danced – yes you guessed it – the quadrille. This dance of courtship reached the halls of British homes by way of France, and like most things French, it was considered slightly scandalous

The Jip is a product of the Caribbean’s colonial past and was first worn by female slaves.

as the vigorous movements meant that skirts were slightly shortened and the broderie anglaise petticoats visible during the jaunty kicks. In an era when the ankle was considered sexy, the quadrille was the perfect setting for female seduction, revealing the daintiness of the foot and teasing more to come through the piercing of the lace.

In contrast to the sweet and ethereal quality of the broderie anglaise, the madras in the jip seems daring, commanding a different type of attention. The story of madras is epic. If the lace is the softer idealised part of romance, then madras is fantastical adventure with little room for the ‘feminine fragility’ associated with lace.

Madras owes its unique pattern to the striking stripes of the Scottish tartan. Tartan has become synonymous with Scottish Highland culture; beyond being a fabric, it was a form of identification as each pattern

All photos courtesy of www.dodyshop.com

D

esigner Karl Lagerfeld once said ‘What you wear is how you present yourself to the world.

Fashion is instant language.’ In the creole-influenced Caribbean, the jip is the physical representation of two different ideas that, when combined, truly embody one sentiment; romanticism. The term ‘romance,’ like many words in the English language, has shed its roots and become pigeon-holed into a single meaning; that pertaining to love. However, romance in its first incarnation was about awe-inspiring epic-ness, chivalry, adventure, mystery, heroism, fantasy and yes, love. Romanticism was dichotomy in itself, lauding the bold and rebellious spirit while embracing fragility, delicacy and a brooding air. It is within this mire of meaning that the Caribbean woman found herself and used the jip as a mode of expression, a language that I hope the modern Caribbean woman still possesses today.

The jip is a product of the Caribbean’s colonial past and was first worn by female slaves. The cutwork and needle-lace broderie anglaise blouse and skirt, paired with the striped madras material, are the main components of the costume. Though the history and look of these two fabrics are very

often represented a specific clan. In 1746 many Scottish clans rebelled against the English crown, resulting in the banning of tartan in an attempt to suppress Scottish culture and familial clan ties.

Despite this suppression, the Scottish familial and national identity was embedded in the tartan, and consequently tartan still represents all the attributes associated with the Scots. Scottish poet, Robert Burns called Scotland “The birth place of Valour, the country of Worth� and the myth of the fierce and noble highland warrior is ever present.

However, the story of madras only begins in Scotland, its transformation from dark coloured heavy wool to brightly hued light-weight cotton happened in the Indian city of Madras, now Chennai. Madras was a hub for British trading and colonialism and the area was controlled by Scottish merchants and patrolled by various Highland regiments who wore the tartan kilt uniform.

Merchants co-opted traditional local forms of manufacturing and dying cotton and produced an indianised version of tartan that we know as madras. Madras was then shipped from one British colony, India, to another, the Caribbean, where it was purchased by slaves who had earned money from selling crops.

In a time when verbal rebellion could mean death, Caribbean women created their own fashion, an amalgamation of coy London ballrooms and the brave Scottish

temper, which they used both as an armour against injustice, a flirtatious tool on the creolised quadrille dance floor and as a middle finger to the plantocracy. In our national dress, I discovered that the Caribbean is as romantic as proclaimed by travel and bridal magazines; but we are the forgotten romance, not the one of modern times, and in that we should forever revel. shecaribbean.com 17

Fashion

Cuban

Invasion The night sky was clear and a cooling tradewind lingered around the red carpet as an audience of local and visiting fashion fans sashayed to their stylish seats. Electric anticipation was tempered by the thoughtprovoking words of global icons like Nelson Mandela, Bob Marley and Saint Lucia’s Nobel Laureate, Derek Walcott, underpinning the message that ‘Fashion is Freedom.’ As a line-up of the Caribbean’s most exciting designers poised backstage, the house lights dimmed and HOT Couture launched a cultural assault on the crowd, led by the Cuban collaborative known as Arte Y Moda. The rest, as they say, is history.

By Dee Lundy-Charles Catwalk photos by Chris Huxley

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Fashion

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model fuelled by the collective vision of a thriving Caribbean fashion industry, and when Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister mentions Hot Couture by name during a parliamentary speech, you know it’s making an impact.

It’s not just a question of buying local, although Mae Sabbagh Wayne is passionate about that. Caribbean customers might admire and applaud their home-grown designers, but in reality there’s an annoyingly common tendency to buy well-known brands

Lily Deziles

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espite being considered by some the new kid on the runway block, Saint Lucia Hot Couture 2015 came out swinging on May 7th, and the third production of the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival’s fashion extravaganza proved that when creative minds team up, anything can happen. With SHE Caribbean publisher Mae Sabbagh Wayne once again heading the production team, and a fusion of veteran designers and fresh newcomers on the line up, the online buzz was widespread, showing just how important this fashion event has become since its first outing in 2013.

Innovation is at the heart of the Hot Couture ethos, and promoting the “business” end of the fashion business is central to the development of the brand. The giant LED screen projecting images as a backdrop to each designer; the casting of “real women” alongside professional and amateur models; the Trunk Show next day which gives participating designers the chance to sell their creations. This is not just a runway show for fashionistas, it’s a business

Innovation is at the heart of the Hot Couture ethos, and promoting the “business” end of the fashion business is central to the development of the brand. online and on trips to Miami or London. With so many established and aspiring fashion designers battling to keep afloat in a tough business, the external competition can feel insurmountable, but three years of Hot Couture prove that the right exposure can make a difference, judging by the thronged Trunk Show which was extended to a second day by popular demand.

This year’s theme was “Fashion is Freedom” and as the iconic quote from Jim Morrison stated on one of the enormous banners: “The most important aspect of Freedom is to be who you are.”

Meiling

8ttava

Rhion Romany

Fiona Compton

Robert Young

Fashion, Freedom and HOT Creativity.

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resenting Cuban Art and Fashion at Hot Couture in Saint Lucia, without doubt, will be an unforgettable experience for the staff of designers and models who travelled to the beautiful West Indian island.

Linking visual arts and fashion design in a special display is not an act exclusive to Cubans, but is an endeavour into which we put a lot of our charisma and our most intense expressive energies. Magnificent producer, Mae Sabbagh Wayne, discovered us during fashion week, Islands of the World Fashion Showcase, in Nassau, Bahamas.

Mae came up with the fantastic idea of a collaboration project between the Tourism Board of Saint Lucia, the Cuban Ministry of Culture in Cuba and the Cuban Embassy in St. Lucia, presided over by Mr. Jorge Soberon. From this project, arose the Arte Y Moda presentation from the Cuban team, as part of the renowned Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival on May 7th of this year.

Bodies and apparel graced the catwalk of Hot Couture and we were transported to another galaxy thanks to the display of the models from the island, fabulously led by Richard Young. The performances revealed forms of art to the public, through garments put together with the most diverse genres and materials by Cuban designers Oscar de la Portilla, José Luis Gonzalez, Roly and Omar, Jesús Frías, Jacqueline Fumero and Mario Freixas.

The display of inspirational works on the

LED screen backdrop facilitated understanding of the source from which came the colours, textures, forms and exhibitions of the fantastic costumes.

The garments of Art and Fashion showed history on stage, radiated drama, joy, sadness, made us reflect on what is human and divine, on sexual, racial and ethnic diversity and above all, on liberty of expression of the body and soul. From now on, Hot Couture will be a reference of what is possible, of what is attainable when a team is incorporated, guided by a concept.

‘Fashion for Freedom’ will come to our mind every time we are faced with the challenge of bringing fashion to the stages of art.

How can we forget Mae Sabbagh Wayne, Adrian Augier, Richard Young and Tracy George, amongst others?

How can we forget the robot Ayana Jeune, the ferry man Clinton Didier, the emotional and intense Natalie La Porte, the metrosexual Ezra Augustin, Marcia, Bashana and the great singer of Queen, Freddy Mercury who has succumbed his name to be forever in our minds as the only one?

Thank you Saint Lucia, Thank you Hot Couture. Liberty which is fashion will come back to us like waves of the sea on the beaches of this simply beautiful island.

Rafael Humberto Méndez, Director Art and Fashion, Havana, Cuba. May 12, 2015

Vision to Reality: An artistic journey from Havana to Hot Couture

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Fashion

Botanica By Anya Ayoung Chee

SI L ENCE O F T H E B EES

S oni a N oe l 22 shecaribbean.com

- G uyana

- Turkey

- Trinidad

She brought high energy, colour and variety to the runway.

A true complete collection from a very polished designer.

Her trademark lattice work was evident in every piece.

8TTAVA & Chr ist y Creations

S HA ZI INTE R NATIONAL

H OU SE O F M ei l ing

- Saint Luc ia

- Saint Luc ia

- Trinidad

The new kid on the block proved she is a force to reckon with.

Menswear was casual and relaxed with a twist of Looshan cool.

Classy, sophisticated tailoring from the Mistress of Caribbean Chic! shecaribbean.com 23

Fashion

C.W.A . D.

- Saint Lucia

JaCqu eline Fumero

Brought sexy back with dare to be bare crochet.

- C uba

JosÉ Lu is & JesÚs Frias 24 shecaribbean.com

Flowing chiffon, free-fitting dresses and separates that float.

- C ub a

Played tribute to the Cuban flag and brought real unisex to the runway.

Ro ly Ri u s & O m ar A l eja n dr o

- Cuba

LBM Designs & Mermaid Creations

L ILY Dez ﾃ四es

- G uadeloupe

Fun, colourful, trendy and edgy with a nod to nationalism.

- Saint Lucia

Beautiful prints from a real master of textiles.

Inspired by sailors, she brought French Caribbean resortwear with flair.

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Fashion

Th e Cloth

- Trinidad

Always the storyteller: Black men are good!

mÊme bÊte and J’aeylu

O nly Oya 26 shecaribbean.com

- Turkey

- Saint Lucia

New styles, new colours and new shapes, always evolving.

The secret of this line was in the detailed, intricate Turkish lace called "oya."

paradise pr ints

R hion Rom a n y

- Saint Lucia

- Trinidad

Oscar de la Portilla

Fiona brought us the Iyanola collection, inspired by ancient Caribbean petroglyphs.

Swimwear that dares in colours that inspire.

- C ub a

The simplicity of the black & white party dress, a true statement anytime. shecaribbean.com 27

Fashion

Paradise Prints

- Saint L ucia

Capturing the paradise that is Saint Lucia — in prints!

SHE Award men Anthony Reid for House of Meiling If the mighty Meiling showed why she is the empress of understated chic womenswear, Anthony Reid’s Black Bishop collection was a triumph for the men. “Dapper Gentleman” Cornelius Emz George and the guys were transformed into a monochromatic vision of sharp tailoring and muscle flattering shapes. Reid continues to bring wearable style with an urban edge that is also at home in the islands.

Ant hon y Rei d for the House of Meil ing 28 shecaribbean.com

- Trinidad

S HA ZI INTE R NATIONAL

- Saint Luc ia

Creole inspired with a modern relaxed twist.

SHE Award women Kuumba Designs by Queen Esther Joseph Queen Esther’s Kuumba Designs was one of the night’s most anticipated collections, and it was absolutely gorgeous. Loads of drama as always, but Esther continues to hone her craft and refine her style, combining textures and choosing colours in a way that scream “Queen” without becoming predictable. We loved her fabrics and silhouettes, particularly that “jolie robe” made famous in Guadeloupe by our own SHE publisher!

Kuu mba Designs

- Saint Lucia shecaribbean.com 29

Coverstory

Sister Acts In the Caribbean, their name is synonymous with a Saint Lucian dynasty, half a century of regional politics and the legacy of a man known as the “Father of the Nation.” But despite deeply entrenched familial roots and a shared passion for their history and heritage, these two sisters are forging new and different paths outside their island home, raising the profile of that famous name in different arenas altogether. One is the hottest new chef in one of America’s most iconic cities, and the other is making her kaleidoscopic mark in the Caribbean fashion world. As the saying goes, you can take the girls out of the island, but you can’t take the island out of the Comptons.

By Dee Lundy-Charles 32 shecaribbean.com

Photography by Fiona Compton and Larry Miller

Wardrobe by Paradise Prints, tailoring by J’Aeylu

On location in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Fiona (right) is wearing a sundress from Paradise Prints 2015 collection.

Nina (left) goes creole in a sexy madras cotton jumpsuit.

shecaribbean.com 33

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s if they didn’t already know everyone on the island, the recent successes of Nina Compton and her little sister Fiona have turned them into Saint Lucia’s equivalent of the Kardashians – though blessed with a lot more talent!

Although the two youngest Compton siblings have taken up their careers in the diaspora, Fiona as a photographer and emerging fashion designer in London, UK, and Nina as chef and restaurateur in New Orleans, USA, they keep very close ties with home and visit as often as schedules and commitments allow.

Their father was Sir John Compton, who passed away in 2006, and their mother is Lady Janice, who has been the charmingly formidable matriarch of the Compton clan from more than fifty years as told in our recent SHE profile: Sean is the eldest and a successful architect, Jeannine is a marine biologist and well-respected former head of the International Whaling Commission and Maya is an environmental engineer who also has her own occasion cake-making business.

Bountiful creativity combined with motivating passion and serious work ethic seems to be the recipe for their success.

According to Lady Janice, Nina is just like her dad while Fiona is more like her mum. But in reality, the two youngest Compton siblings share a few common traits from both parents, along with a strong sense of their own personal style and identity. Both are deeply

passionate about their craft and for the past two decades have put in all the work and energy required to achieve their evolving personal and professional goals.

Fiona, 33, is the mother of 4 year old Jeriah, and until 2013 was a professional photographer in her adopted home of 15 years in London, England. When the recession hit and she was made redundant, Fiona turned another of her artistic skills into the flourishing new fashion brand Paradise Prints which really took off after her first “game-changing” appearance at Hot Couture 2013 in Saint Lucia.

Nina is married to fellow culinary professional Larry Miller, and the couple recently moved from Miami to New Orleans to open their first restaurant together. Just as Nina was in the audience at Fiona’s first foray onto the Caribbean fashion runway, baby sister and most of the family were in NOLA for the launch of Compère Lapin at the end of May. So how do these über-talented sisters balance their hectic lives abroad with their family roots at home?

SHE Caribbean squeezed in a few questions just as Chef Nina was celebrating a successful first night as a restaurateur and designer Fiona announced that Paradise Prints would be hitting the runway at Caribbean Fashion Week in June.

Stylish Chef: Petroglyphs and petals on a hot pink evening gown.

Chef de Creole Caribbean food gets a new image at Chef Nina’s first restaurant, Compère Lapin in New Orleans.

• Curried goat with plantain gnocchi • Conch croquettes with pickled pineapple tartar sauce • Crispy pig ears with smoked aioli • Orecchiette with pork cheeks and arugula • Banana zeppoles with salted rum caramel And what does Emeril have to say about his super-fan’s culinary skills? “Killer dinner” was the post-prandial post on Facebook, and judging by the smiles, there might have been a little “BAM” thrown in for effect!

Nina got a visit from Emeril at her New Orleans restaurant Compère Lapin

Nina Compton-Miller

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n February 5, 2014, fans, friends and family across the Caribbean held their breath during the finale of BravoTV’s Top Chef New Orleans as fan favourite Nina looked set to kick the culinary butt of her final two opponent, the over-thinking, under-seasoning Nicholas Elmi. Through some hideous miscarriage of reality TV justice, Saint Lucia’s newly-discovered pride and joy was robbed, but not the least bit put out, telling SHE during a triumphant homecoming in May

34 shecaribbean.com

Caribbean Chef Celêbre

2014 that she was actually a little relieved after the initial disappointment.

A self-confessed perfectionist, Chef Nina’s laid back sense of humour and superlative cooking endeared her to the Top Chef viewing audience, who voted her ‘Fan Favourite’ ahead of the disappointing finale result. Her love of her Saint Lucian home and her instinctive farm-to-table sensibility came through the screen week after week, as did Compton’s feisty, fearless spirit and colourful language (to the horror of her mother, she

admitted jokingly when we first met on her home turf.)

Fast forward twelve months and on May 27, Chef Nina opened her first restaurant Compère Lapin right in the heart of the Big Easy.

Surrounded by her family from Saint Lucia and with devoted husband and business partner, Larry Miller, heading the front of house, Compton-Miller has been warmly welcomed to the birthplace of jazz, and the initial buzz augers well for the couples’ future on NOLA’s fiercely competitive restaurant scene.

“Warning: Visiting Nina Compton’s Instagram page may lead to hunger, increased wanderlust and the making of a new friend in your head.”

Essence Magazine, Feb 2015 CNN calls Compère Lapin one of the eight reasons “Why renewed New Orleans is better than ever” CNN.com, May 2015

The name is a nod to her Saint Lucian heritage : “Compère Lapin was a trickster, always up to something, and stories of his adventures thrilled me as a kid,” she explains.

“When I began researching the history of Louisiana for the restaurant, I came across the same folk tale, written in the patois of Creole French. I knew immediately there was a synergy between where I come from and my new home.”

Influenced in no small way by her father’s farming roots and love of the land, Nina was drawn towards a career in agriculture during her teens, but found great fulfillment learning from her beloved granny to cook garden-grown produce for the Compton clan, and eventually she realised that a life in the kitchen was her destiny.

Her mother remembers: “When Nina came and said “you know I think I’d like to do culinary sciences,” I said to her, Nina, you have chosen something that is not the easiest of things because you’re going to have long hours, you’re going to be cooking for people on Christmas Day, Old Year’s Night, Easter Sunday and all the days you’d like to be with your family. Go and get some work experience and when you’ve done that if you still want to study culinary sciences . . . So she went to work at Sandals.”

Honing her skills and working her way up the ladder at Sandals Resorts in Saint Lucia and Jamaica, at 21, Nina went to the Culinary Institute of America where she qualified and went on to work for such leading lights as Scott Conant at his restaurant Scarpetta in Miami. When Top Chef came along, Conant egged her on and the rest is the stuff of reality legend. Nina resigned from Scarpetta to explore the many offers and opportunities the TV show generated, and the opening of Compère Lapin heralds the start of a new culinary chapter.

Fiona Compton Photographer and Fashion Artist Perhaps it was the last thing on her mind as she developed her photography skills and artist’s eye over the past fifteen years, but fashion seems to have been a no-brainer if you know Fiona Compton, or have seen her flamboyant individual style. Living in London has not dulled her passion for colour, and her Paradise Prints collections have provided the budding – pun intended – designer with vibrant inspiration and a singular point of view.

Who else would take an azure silk jumpsuit, personally hand-paint it with a giant orange heliconia, then photograph it herself against the inky darkness of an inner-city alleyway?

Fiona’s design sensibility is loud, flamboyant and in your face, which she’ll admit is pretty much her character. Her island roots let her embrace the joy of colour while her city girl life has an edgier, more urban perspective shown in her choice of shapes and fabrics.

In her teens, Fiona decided that the life of an artist was for her, in some romanticised vision of oil-painting on canvases in a garret. She took up photography after high school on a visit as an exchange student to Venezuela – a picturesque town in the Andes was a spectacular backdrop, and the arrival of her first camera (sent from home) was a defining moment.

She describes herself as “ditsy” but the youngest Compton was smart enough to realise at 17

Creole architecture meets Iyanola Collection in a beach kaftan that doubles as a cocktail dress.

shecaribbean.com 35

years old that mere creativity and a romanticised dream won’t cut it if you want to pay the bills. Moving to London and seeing the sheer number of highly-talented artistic souls who were reduced to hustling on the city streets to augment a meagre income, she admits thinking “who the hell am I to compete [as an artist] when they are so much better than me?”

Fiona embraced the hobby she loved as “a means of being responsible and creative at the same time” and headed to London School of Printing, part of University of Arts London, to study and earn a qualification in

of her corporate job as an in-house photographer for a banking and insurance firm. She describes as “a great opportunity, because they never expected a female, far less one like me, but it was soul-destroying when I spent hours of work on detailed portrait shots that would end up reduced to thumbnail size in a boring publication.”

Freelance work allowed her to hang on to her personal point of view and “replenish the soul,” so when redundancy struck after five years, Fiona was initially delighted to get out of the corporate world, although she quickly wondered and worried about how to pay the bills and provide for Jeriah, now four years old. Taking a few weeks at home in Saint Lucia to regroup, one day she threw on a cotton dress she had hand-painted and worn to a wedding three years before, and immediately had five compliments which turned into more and more orders from friends in a short space of time.

“I posted a photo on Facebook saying what do you guys think of this, and people really responded, even started sending orders. So I thought maybe there is a business opportunity here, maybe I’ll set up a Facebook page . . . Getting invited to Hot Couture was like getting thrown in the deep end so I started to really take it seriously.”

Despite the swiftly growing success, Fiona hesitates at the designer moniker, admitting that she doesn’t sew, and doesn’t really intend to try; True To Her Roots after this year’s second outing at Saint “A true Caribbean woman to the core, this daughter Lucia Hot Couture, the increasing of former Saint Lucia Prime Minister John Compton demand for her audacious creations is wants to remain true to her roots and is keen on becoming harder to fill without taking sharing her love of colour by continuing to create Paradise Prints to the next level. An quintessential Caribbean clothing for the confident and expressive woman. The [Iyanola] collection invitation to Caribbean Fashion Week reflects Carib, Arawak and Taino Petroglyphs left in Jamaica came as a welcome behind in various Caribbean islands. The artist is able indication that the region is taking to see the beauty and art in the rock carvings and notice of Compton’s fledgling other works of her ancestry and is intent on bringing reputation, and should give the this to life with her own influence of brash, bright business another boost as it reaches a and bold.” Jamaica Gleaner, June 2015 new audience.

But photography is still her life’s photography. She doesn’t underestimate the passion, and she struggles with the question benefits of learning the old-fashioned, “film of a professional title. and dark-room stuff” as a solid foundation “Loads of people ask me are you a fashion for her career, especially now at a time when designer or a photographer, but I really am photography can be “disposable,” although on the fence – both of them give me joy. I she believes the audience has become more think of myself as a ‘fashion artist’ rather discerning in appreciating true quality from than a designer because so far I use bought the online tsunami of insta-paps. pieces for the collections. But I will start to Graduating from the course at a time design Paradise Prints pieces and commission when digital cameras were entering the excellent seamstresses to make them,” she market and the profession was undergoing a says of her plans to really develop the brand. seismic paradigm shift, Fiona kept her “At the same time I miss my photography technical knowledge on trend and earned a and would like to spend more time on good living with freelance contracts on top shoots,” she admits, although Fiona does all 36 shecaribbean.com

“Fiona Compton does something delightfully different with Paradise Prints. A sophisticated blend of chic modern designs with intricately painted pieces of true artistic merit. Think Picasso meets Prada, with a distinctive island twist.

The pieces are incredibly wearable, the collection has a broad appeal, at the risk of sounding trite, there was something for every woman. Fiona’s painted flower technique pops on white, there was a crisp white summer dress with bold prints painted on it that certainly had serious summer style potential.” Caribbean Fashion Week report by onbeingtrendy.com, June 2015

the promotional photography for Paradise Prints which she agrees is important for retaining creative control of the brand.

Her level of expertise as a photographer was also on show in her 2015 calendar, which took iconic historical and artistic images and reinterpreted them through the lens of Fiona’s camera. The result was a fascinating take on Caribbean heritage and folklore, peppered with provocative imagery and printed on lush card stock to provide a year of uplifting art for your edification – as well as every high day and Hallmark holiday, a nod to Fiona’s hectic maternal schedule.

When asked to describe her sisterly relationship with Chef Nina in three words: “Loud, loud and LOUD! I laugh loud and she laughs loud,” Fiona laughs loudly.

She is obviously proud of her big sister, and credits her with being the most ambitious and career-focused Compton sibling, always working “ridiculous hours, a million hours a day,” and showing up for rare three day vacations in Saint Lucia because her schedule was never on pause.

The rough and tumble of family deprecation shows up when Fiona remembers the “big time chef” who came home once in a blue moon and cooked . . . bakes!

“So when I hear people like Emeril praising Nina’s food and calling it beautiful, it’s really heartwarming, because that’s my sister and we used to fight over watching him on TV – I used to want to watch cartoons and she always wanted to watch Emeril! It’s very inspiring and I feel proud to hear my sister get such high praise.”

They stay connected on a family group chat, and support each other in practical ways despite the almost five thousand mile distance. “We may not see each other for months but we’ve always been a close family so when we get together after maybe a year, it’s just the same. One thing is we always support each other’s careers and push each other on, so there’s always a closeness.”

Empowerment

Marriage Doesn’t Have To Lead To

Couples Therapy When love is in the air and you’re planning a wedding, there’s no reason to think about the potential for failure in your relationship. Keep it that way by remembering the 3Cs of every marriage. By Angie Montoute

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male acquaintance once said to me that marriage is like a deck of cards. “Hugs, kisses and gifts are the Hearts and Diamonds at the beginning of the relationship; Clubs and Spades are the cards we use to batter and dig ourselves into our couples’ grave.” I saw this statement as sadly prophetic for many couples.

As a life coach, I have spoken to many couples and individuals with relationship difficulties. Often, one or both are at breaking point. This is always sad but I believe with the right tools and application of certain key ‘ingredients,’ marriage problems need not lead to couples’ therapy or divorce.

When we first meet, we happily choose the ‘hearts and diamonds.’

We love being in each other’s company, enjoy touching, laughing, and easily expressing affection and understanding.

As the relationship progresses, much of the above fades and we begin to withhold those initial wonderful qualities. Why? We get frightened and disappointed by what we see, hear and observe. And fear causes us to choose ‘clubs and spades’ rather than hearts and diamonds. Just like an adolescent embarking on criminal activity, we do damage to others and ourselves in an effort to defend and self-protect.

Most marriages will encounter challenges, with one or both partners unwilling to own up to their mistakes and fears – sometimes they cannot see them, take responsibility or say sorry. This creates rocky relationships lacking in the 3Cs: Communication, Compromise and Consequences.

Consequences We teach our children that there are consequences to their actions, but how often do we think to apply this principle to the consequences of what we do, say or don’t do to ourselves and our spouse. There is no question, using a club or a spade comes with damaging and sometimes irreparable results. Being accountable and taking responsibility are the building blocks and glue to a relationship, while words intertwined with our feelings have the ability to build a sturdy house with rooms to enable peace, fun and growth. Or conversely bulldoze a house down to its foundations.

Signs and Symptoms Often the signs and symptoms are staring us in the face.

There are indicators of relationship pressure that we can tweak before they get to the stage of ‘killing’ the relationship.

These signs often start off small. An inexhaustible list includes: Tiredness, irritability, worry and anxiety, loneliness, feeling scared and sad.

Frustration, boredom, stagnation and limited growth.

Feeling negated, insignificant and erosion of the self.

Engaging in mind-reading and assumptions prevents clarity and effective communication so it is vital at the beginning of the relationship to be clear and specific in sharing your candid

Communication You’ve heard it a million times before. Communication is everything when it comes to relationships, and the way you effectively communicate, or don’t as the case may be, can literally destroy your blissful coupledom. But what is your communication style? Is it diamonds and hearts leading to nurturing and support? Or are you more of a club and spade person, damaging, berating and treating each other with little respect?

wants and expectations (e.g. finances). This discussion alone can have positive far-reaching results.

I never forget a man telling me that the thing he fears most in a relationship is being “reproached or berated” by his woman. Sometimes we view men as tough beings but they too can be sensitive to verbal emasculation. They simply have different coping mechanisms. Continual blame and judgement does not lead to relationship heaven, it shuts down and pushes your other half away, and scores you no points.

Compromise A healthy relationship consists of the ‘you,’ the ‘me’ and the ‘us’.

Compromise is not about losing the essence of who you are, it is about the essential qualities that you contribute to the health and long term well-being of your marriage, leaving you feeling less emotionally bankrupt.

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You can choose to accept certain innate things about your spouse, or choose to have the courage to be honest and declare that there are certain things you are unwilling to accept. Your happiness and health are wrapped up in this.

It is easy to forget that we need to function as a team with a win-win perspective and goal, so let’s to choose hearts and diamonds for a happy loving relationship.

About Angie: I am passionate about women’s empowerment and the personal development of individuals.

Here is a testimony of one of my clients: “Angie is an amazing Life Coach and has changed my life for the better in more ways than even she probably realises. Her multi-faceted approach in coaching has provided me with the tools to take control of my happiness, make better choices and use my strengths to my advantage. She is a wonderful supportive and empowering coach and I would recommend her in a heartbeat.”

BasicCents

BY Hermina Danzie- Vitalis

Weddings these days do not have to be as traditional or formal as they were in the past.

Your friends will understand if you choose a less official occasion, and they will appreciate not having to spend money renting or buying fancy dresses or suits “just to wear once.”

Renting or purchasing a suitably priced wedding dress will make you just as happy and attractive on your wedding day, compared to wasting up to twenty times as much on what is in fact a very short-term investment. To cut costs, you could borrow a dress, have one made or - increasingly nowadays - buy one second-hand.

A daytime reception will always cost less than an evening meal and the drinks of your choice. You do not have to offer the most expensive wine and champagne when you are looking for people to enjoy themselves compared to putting you into debt for the next 10 years.

A suitably sized wedding cake will be remembered for its individuality, perhaps with your own choice of centrepiece for flowers, which will cost less if they are seasonal and available locally.

Although you will wish to impress with your photography and video of the occasion, package deals can provide you with great quality products, but you must ensure that the people carrying out this work will do a great job for you at the right price.

Your marriage will be stronger from the You do not have to choose a traditional start when you are taking control of your venue for your wedding. By thinking outside finances because the wedding vows do not of the normal, you will be able to avoid the ask you to be unhappy and in debt, most expensive hotel or country club and find preventing you from building your home and more than suitable alternatives. family, all because you couldn’t control your Saturday weddings are almost always wedding costs. more expensive when compared to the other days of the week, because Saturdays Hermina Danzie-Vitalis is the Country Manager are in greater demand. Moving to another (Saint Lucia) of Axcel Finance Ltd, the leading day can prove financially beneficial, when regional microfinance institution in the Caribbean facilities, staff at locations and anything region. She holds an MBA in Finance from Leicester University, U.K. you need to rent, like tables, toilets and tables are more readily available.

Until Debts Due Us Part Sure, it’s tempting to overspend on making your wedding the “happiest day of your life.” But money worries are the last thing newlyweds need when they are starting a new life together.

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nce the excitement of the proposal has calmed, a second level of exhilaration involves the planning of the wedding down to the finest detail. You will enjoy the first few years of your marriage more if you look back over great memories, rather than arguing over the debt you secured to pay for the wedding and reception that you could never really afford.

To avoid putting unnecessary financial strains on to your marriage, it is better to plan for a wedding you can afford, because you are not in competition with Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, whose reported nuptials in Italy cost an astonishing US$12 million. You do not need to spend beyond your means to enjoy your wedding and remember it any better than they will. Your wedding and reception will be special to you and those who attend, whatever you spend.

The couple-to-be, together with their friends and family, will spend hours considering what to wear, where to be married and hold a reception, the guest list, the menu and the cake. A planned budget will help you understand what you can really afford, even if this includes a loan that you can easily repay.

Ensure your finances will not become a debt that drags you down, and into divorce.

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Mom to Mom

BY Eliza Francis-Victor

DISCUSS: Talk with your new partner before the marriage about how you plan to parent and make changes. You may be marrying someone who is a strict disciplinarian as opposed to your loose style, so it’s best to be aware of this beforehand. Discuss with your new children how your new partner will work with the family. This will result in a smoother transition. The children are less likely to be angry and resentful when they see things happening differently.

Building A

Blended Family

Summer heralds the blooming season, filled with excitement and all that’s new. Heady flings and holiday romances abound, with at least one love-filled adventure leading to marriage. Ever increasing in popularity is the second marriage. A second shot at happily ever after.

H

owever, with this comes a new type of family, the blended family, which may also come about with older couples who may have been single but with children from previous relationships. There was a time when blended families were uncommon and marriages pretty much lasted as per the vow, ‘till death do us part.’ But today about 75 per cent of divorced people will remarry and of this number, 65 per cent will involve children.

So how can you give your second marriage a more solid standing as it pertains to your blended family? Create a plan before you both say “I do.”

Take Time: Don’t expect everyone to fall in love with each other. Take time to create situations where the children get to meet and know each other as well as your new partner. Plan outings that you know both sets of children will enjoy. Have each parent take all the children out at some point and

If you thought the first union was hard work, be prepared to work even harder at the second. Don’t throw caution to the winds of love; before the marriage, consider all the hurdles you may encounter.

Don’t take sides: Resist the urge to take sides when you are being pitted against each other. Children will do that to any relationship so it is important to let them know you want a successful relationship with everyone in the family.

Temper expectations: You will need to invest time, love and your emotions, energy and affection. In some cases you will not experience an immediate return. Do not be discouraged. It is an investment that will one day yield a bountiful result.

Insist on respect: While everyone may not like each other,

If you thought the first union was hard work, be prepared to work even harder at the second. Don’t throw caution to the winds of love; before the marriage, consider all the hurdles you may encounter. It is never a good idea to take for granted that new siblings will get along or even like each other. Also, consider that your own children may feel like they are losing you to the new children. The stress of such situations may add to another statistic, that of twice-divorced parents, with a rate of 60 per cent.

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let the children spend time together alone if possible.

Reassure: Spend time with your soon-to-be step-children without your own children present. Explain the role you want to play in their lives. Reassure them that you love them just as you love their parent. Encourage them to come to you for anything and with any situation. Let them know you don’t want to take the place of their mom or dad, but would like to be someone with whom they can have a loving relationship.

to keep fairness and civility, respect is critical. What is needed more than anything in a blended family is that you support the children. Keep them feeling safe and give them plenty of time to communicate. You will find that slowly they will come around and your blended family will become seamless.

BodyShop

By Candy Nicholas

You’ve spent months, quite possibly, years, preparing for your wedding day. The perfect location, menu dress and flowers are all in hand. Until the sudden panic of looking perfect in your dress sets in!

Clean out up to 15 pounds of junk with a colonic Colonic irrigation has become a widely available treatment and an effective tool for weight loss. A colonic involves the use of warm, filtered water to flush out your gastrointestinal tract. More and more people are warming up to using the process, not just for weight loss, but improved overall health. Due to increasingly poor diets which lead to improper digestion, many of us are walking around with pounds of undigested food stuck to the walls of our colon. Accumulated waste material is a breeding ground for bad bacteria and this causes bloating, especially around the stomach, gas, fatigue and other digestive problems.

If you are unable to lose the fat around your stomach, it might not be fat after all; you might just be bloated from an unhealthy digestive system. Colonics will get rid of that bloating, turning your stomach from paunchy and puffy to flat and healthy. According to Saint Lucian-based licensed colon hydrotherapist, Louise King, the procedure works on many levels. According to King, a colonic removes massive amounts of accumulated mucus and waste from your colon. All of that extra weight clogs your colon and keeps it from working well.

One caveat is that you replenish your good bacteria after each treatment as you would have compromised a proper balance through the flushing process. You will also have to replenish your electrolytes which is easily done with a pinch of sea salt or coconut water.

Ensure that you are buying from a reputable brand as some supplements have been shown to contain ‘no discernible trace’ of the cactus.

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But fear not, it is possible to lose weight quickly and safely. Let’s explore some of the natural but highly effective actions you can take to kick start your weight loss efforts.

Control Cravings with Natural Herbs Supplement with Hoodia Gardonii. It is a cactus grown in Africa’s Kalahari Desert and has traditionally been eaten by the San Bushmen to ward off hunger on long journeys. In animal studies, Hoodia reportedly suppressed rats’ appetite dramatically, and in a human trial, daily calorie intake among a group of obese volunteers who tested it dropped by 1,000 calories, even though they were encouraged to eat. Ensure that you are buying from a reputable brand as some supplements have been shown to contain ‘no discernible trace’ of the cactus.

Diet Tips for Quick Weight

Loss…Naturally!

1. Juice: Many university studies have shown that one to two glasses of vegetable juice a day promotes four times the weight loss of non juice drinkers on the same diet. In another study, it was found that each person who drank two glasses of vegetable juice a day met their weight loss goal while only 7% of non juice drinkers did.

2. Smoothies: A smoothie is quite arguably the best way to incorporate a massive amount of nutrients into one meal. They make perfect vehicles for relatively low-calorie, yet nutrient-laden ingredients that are capable of keeping you full for a long time. By combining the right ingredients, you can create smoothies that taste great and help you drop pounds. It doesn’t take long to learn what to use and how to make the right combinations.

Shape Shifting Are waist trainers a safe way to reinvent your body?

Our social media timelines are littered with celebrities singing the praises of waist training. This has made the use of waist trainers one of the most common ways women attempt to achieve a smaller waistline. It is reminiscent of old western movies where women had their breath squeezed out of them as they attempted to tie up their corsets. The modern resurgence of the practice is however causing a lot of concern in the medical community.

Doctors advise that short-term use, such as for an evening out, may not be harmful, but as for the claims that these devices can actually reshape the body or trigger fat loss, there’s no evidence. In fact, some experts believe that regularly wearing a waist trainer can actually decrease core strength, exactly the opposite of what you want if you’re aiming for a sexy stomach.

If a waist trainer is too tight—which many of them appear to be – it could cause discomfort, interfere with breathing, or contribute to heartburn. Your stomach might get pushed up beyond the diaphragm, which could cause acid reflux. If you’re wearing one and you experience those symptoms, that’s a definite sign that you need to loosen it or take it off.

The long term effects are potentially even more health threatening. According to some

experts, waist trainers work by constricting the abdominal walls, which is where important muscle and adipose tissue sits to protect your internal organs. When you constrict this area, it stops blood flow getting to this tissue, and therefore to those organs.

When constricting, your body cannot release fat from that area. This means it actually could even start gathering fat there, due to the fact that it can’t free up any fatty acids. So rather than reducing your waist size, you could actually do the opposite in the longer term. Would you try it anyway in the name of beauty?

Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian has been credited with starting the new hype about waist trainers. Just be careful not to get carried away with your new hourglass shape - there are side effects!

3. Eliminate Wheat and other highly processed foods: Wheat isn’t what it used to be. Agricultural scientists have been tinkering with the crop to increase its hardiness and to develop characteristics that make the grain easier to bake with. Unfortunately, those changes have transformed wheat into a harmful ingredient for many people – especially those who are trying to shed pounds.

4. Take digestive enzyme supplements: Digestive enzymes play a huge role when it comes to losing weight. First of all, digestion enables our bodies to take in nutrients that give energy to our muscles.

Undernourishment because of poor nutrient absorption can slow down our metabolism. Also foods that are not digested may build barriers in our digestive system, thus the removal of toxins becomes slow and promote their buildup instead.

5. Take a multivitamin: In a randomised, double-blind study, Chinese researchers divided obese women into three groups and gave them either a multivitamin and mineral supplement, a calcium supplement or a placebo daily for 26 weeks. At the end of the study, the women who took the multivitamin and mineral supplement lost an average of 7.9 pounds, compared to 2 pounds for those taking calcium and half a pound in the placebo group. shecaribbean.com 45

LifeBulletin

I learned that the man will usually lead, and that I must simply follow!

“Just let go”, I was told so many times.

“Stop thinking, just feel.”

Bubbles Buddha & Butterflies & Bachata A busy doctor takes time to nurture a new passion and finds the joy of using both sides of her brain. By Dr Tanya Destang-Beaubrun

I

’d always known I’d be a Doctor; that my calling was to heal, to nurture and to care for my fellow man. There was this deep unwavering conviction that was at my core. And so it was, twenty-three years ago, I became a Family Physician.

An old-fashioned one, who put patient care first, and cared for their bodies, minds, and even their spirit.

I’d been taught that Medicine was a science and that was how I approached my work. In a cool, scientific, matter of fact way.

Somewhere along the way, something felt off. I was dealing with people; humans with hearts and souls, with thoughts, feelings, desires and dreams.

How could I be matter of fact as I presented them with life altering diagnoses? Of cancer, of chronic illnesses, of life paths suddenly changed.

Each one of them had their unique story, their families, and I had to deal with all of this – in a scientific, matter of fact way?

This was not a game of science. This was Life. This was Real.

I slowly lost my zeal for this career, and became soul weary. Something had to change.

On a whim, I signed up for a belly dance class. As I learned to hip-sway and shimmy and to use my hands and shoulders, something shifted.

I found a new sense of self-love; love of my full hips and Caribbean bottom and all its perceived flaws.

I learned how to truly listen to the music, each strain stirring my soul. I needed those full hips, strong legs and stable core to move to

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this sensual art form.

And so, for 60 minutes twice a week, I left the scientific world behind and used the other half of my brain.

There was no thought of patient management, or disease, or plans for the future. There was just me, here and now, my body shaking, swaying and shimmying.

And what a joy it was. I lived for these classes.

As with everything, life took over, the course ended, and I went back to using the other side of my brain.

In the coming years, there were even more diagnoses to be given. And it hit even closer to home – family members, close friends.

I attended far too many patients at their end of life crossings, and perhaps, as a way of coping, the scientific brain simply took over.

Perhaps, it was easier to do so.

Enter Latin dance class. After being enticed by a colleague to join, I plunged right in.

And so I learned the basics of Salsa: 1, 2, 3 – 4 is silent.

5, 6, 7 – 8 is silent.

LA style, Cuban style, cumbia step, cucaracha, ladies’ right turn.

I learned that the man will usually lead, and that I must simply follow!

“Just let go,” I was told so many times.

“Stop thinking, just feel.”

Leave the scientific brain behind.

Surrender.

What bliss – no need to make a decision or plan or diagnosis.

I simply followed my partners’ lead and

I danced.

Week 3 – we learn Bachata, what I like to refer to as “the blues” of Latin dance.

I felt alive as I moved to the sweet, soulstirring strains.

1, 2, 3, tap 4, 5, 6, tap Front, back, sideways, turns and twists Always being led, allowing my creative brain to take over.

And as I moved to the sweet, soul stirring strains, I felt it – JOY. It was as if a bottle of fine champagne had been popped open inside, and there were tiny bubbles of JOY coursing through my body.

There must be a lesson here I thought.

I realised that Life was meant to be lived fully, to think AND to feel.

To use both sides of my brain to create a full, well-lived Life.

And so I chose to dance the Bachata of Life.

There would still be diagnoses to be given, and treatment plans to be decided, but I could do this with as much compassion and caring and feeling as I could.

So together, I will dance with my patients, my family, myself.

I will dance with Life.

And as with any new dance, there will be missteps, but the music will play on and there WILL be moments of JOY – only if we allow ourselves to surrender, to allow ourselves to be led by the Great Divine.

1, 2, 3, tap 4, 5, 6, tap

Cap Estate

Garden Weddings Planning your wedding can be one of the most exciting times in your life. You have probably dreamed of this moment for years and now it is finally here. Whether you are planning a grand soiree or a cozy intimate gathering, Jardin Romantique is the place to choose.

Location : Jardin Romantique, Windward Road, Cap Estate Contact : 7587161163 or 7587175035 Email : capgardenweddings@gmail.com Website : facebook.com/CapEstateGardenWeddings

InsideBeauty 1

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SHE’s top 10 picKs

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Bridal Beauty 7

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1. Essie, My Sweet Passion in Cotton Candy, Bonbon, Lollipop, Guava Paste, Coconut Candy; 2. Maybelline, Lash Sensational; 3. L’Oréal Paris True Match Powder; 4. L’Oréal Paris True MatchBlush; 5. Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Shampoo, Conditioner, Flatiron Express; 6. L’Oréal Paris Advanced Haircare Smooth Intense Ultimate Straight, Shampoo, Boosting Pre-Conditioner, Conditioner & Perfecting Balm; 7. Garnier’s new line Full & Plush, Shampoo, Conditioner, End Plumper & Voluptuous Blow out; 8. L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation & Super-Blendable Concealer; 9. Garnier Clean+ Sensitive Skin; 10. Fit Me! from Maybelline New York, Foundation, Powder & Stick.

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HairNews Crowning Glory

by EMILE WILLIAMS

Every bride knows the perfect wedding day is all about the details, so when it comes to taming your tresses, remember the golden rule:

Thou shalt look like you, but better!

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un, sand and sea are the perfect backdrop for sealing the deal when exchanging vows. And if the weather is cooperating, those wedding photographs will remain crisp and sharp for years to come.

But if you are getting hitched and having panic pangs about how you should look, there is a simple way to make a big impression: Look like the best version of yourself!

It’s amazing how some get carried away with images and styles of people who don’t share a similar hair type – or street swagger! If you are an easygoing and casual person, that style should be evoked on your wedding day. If you don’t wear much make-up in your day-today life, your wedding is not the time to send in the clown or rock your inner Rihanna! On the other hand, if you constantly live in diva mode, your wedding day is the time to fire on all cylinders!

Photos are essential tools in preparing for your wedding day, but the image you are going for must really reflect who you are in your daily life. This attempt to ape someone else is often a disaster for most women who end up saying “ I hate my wedding pictures.”

This is why a hair trial – a practice run so to speak – is so important for brides, and taking as many digital pics as possible from as many angles is never too much.

Facial shapes vary from person to person, and knowing and

understanding your facial shape is critical for choosing a bridal hairstyle and determining where to add the bling. This can be anything from a traditional veil to a jeweled comb which can add pop to simple hairstyle. If you’re not sure what shape your face is, your stylist will be able to help. And remember to avoid fads and trends, stick to simple classic looks depending on your hair type and ethnicity – in years to come you’ll be able to look at your wedding album without cringing.

Getting married in the tropics throws particular hair challenges so if your hair is medium to long, don’t even bother wearing it down! The humidity and heat could leave you looking like you’ve spent a day in hell’s kitchen. Hair melts in humidity and heat. Choose a hairstyle which gently sweeps across your face and leaves your neck free to breathe. For a tropical wedding, just remember an up-do is your best friend!

Facial shapes vary from person to person. understanding your facial shape is critical for choosing a bridal hairstyle and determining where to add the bling

SHE’s Top 7 wedding hair styles

Bridal high up-do hairstyle

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Classic braided up-do

Trendy African hairstyle with elegant hair clip

Modern high up-do

Simple up-do with skinny head band

Braided hair with hair clip

Curly hairstyle with flower clips

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hat t so y” aves air da w dh and s l goo r “ r cu ay is a u o y d age dding n a M r we you

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8 12 1 John Frieda Collection Frizz-Ease Hair Serum, 2. Alfaparf Milano Keratin Therapy Lisse Design Maintenance Shampoo, 3. Fekkai, Marine Summer Hair, Smooth Sailing Anti-Frizz Cream, 4. L’Oreal Professional, Liss Ultime, 5. L’Oreal, Smooth Intense, Anti-Frizz Shampoo, 6. Dr Miracles, Daily Moisturizing Gro Oil, 7.

L’Oreal Professional, Curl Contour, 8. Suave, Sleek Anti-Frizz Cream, 9. Senscience, Inner Restore, Deep Repairing Masque, 10. Garnier Fructis, Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum, 11. Redken, Outshine 01, Anti Frizz Polishing Milk, 12. Hawaiian Silky, Argan Oil, Hydrating Sleek Shine Mist, 13. Alfaparf Milano Semi Di Lino Cristalli Liquidi , 14. Matrix Smooth, Relaxing Cream, 15.

Vitale Olive Oil, Anti Breakage Hair Protector

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3 10

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SexBites

by Nasha Smith

Tips for a wow

Wedding Night

Planning a wedding is one thing, but the pressure of planning the perfect wedding night can be even more terrifying than handling the in-laws!

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he day you have been planning for months – and waiting your whole life for – has finally ended. The last strains of music have died down and even that straggler uncle has taken the hint that it’s time to leave. There’s only one piece of business left to attend to: The Wedding Night! The suggestive glances that couples receive from all-knowing guests throughout the reception suggest that it’s going to be a barn-burner, but is it? For the virginal couple, there’s pressure to live up to the hype and for the experienced duo who’ve been doing the deed, what’s the big deal? Here are some tips for a fantastic first night as husband and wife.

Men tend to be visual creatures, so ladies give him something to stare at.

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1. Take a break For those who have already been enjoying a sexual relationship, you may be thinking this isn’t our first rodeo. But it can feel like it if you haven’t been in a while.

So take a break. It can be a few months or a couple of weeks of celibacy. The anticipation alone is going to drive you crazy, making this night a memorable one.

2. Set the mood Can’t afford a five star hotel? No problem. It’s not the location but how the stage is set. Pack some scented candles, create a sensual playlist, bring along some rose petals; whatever subtle touches that engulf you in romance. When you set the tone for the evening, everything else is sure to follow.

3. Dress to impress Men tend to be visual creatures, so ladies give him something to stare at. Try donning some special, never-before-seen lingerie. If we look good, we feel

good. The same applies here.

Whatever you wear should bolster your confidence and make you feel like a goddess.

Guys can also get in on the action with some undies which make them exude power.

4. Build anticipation You don’t have to wait for your wedding night to share intimacy. A few stolen kisses during the reception, whispering sweet nothings and prolonging eye contact should keep you connected throughout the day and give a preview of what’s to come.

Romance is not confined to just the boudoir.

5. Don’t rush It has been a long, eventful day so spend some time talking and sharing your favourite moments. Hell, you can even talk dirty if you like.

Whatever turns you on and makes you feel more in tune with your spouse. Ease into the rest of the night. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

6. Break tradition Blaze your own trail with a wedding morning instead.

Look at it this way – you will be well rested, more energized and even more eager to get busy with your partner. It also takes the pressure out of trying to make this the best sex you’ve ever had directly after one of the longest days you have ever had.

And depending on how much alcohol you may have consumed, it’s a hangover helper.

7. Experiment If you’ve done it before and you want to spice things up a bit, consider trying something new. It could be a great way to forge and even stronger bond, by embarking on a new adventure together.

And hey, if you find that all you want to do is go to bed after what is usually an exhausting day; it’s perfectly acceptable.

This is in no way an indication of marital demise. There’s lots of time to make up for it.

ManCrush

Ezra

Augustin Power SOca monarch, runway model and all round gorgeous guy.

By Denise Lay

Q& A 54 shecaribbean.com

This Hot Couture man is certainly a man’s man. The camaraderie between him and the other male cast was a treat to witness at our daily training sessions.

W

hen he walked into castings for St. Lucia Hot Couture 2015, there was no doubt in my mind that this tall glass of hot chocolate was definitely IN! I didn’t care what his walk was like, or if he was able to walk at all, which he obviously could.

Ladies, say hello to Ezra D’funmachine Augustin, Saint Lucia’s reigning power soca monarch. An assistant statistician by day and entertainer extraordinaire by night, Ezra is more than just your average hunky eye candy. He exudes an ever-so endearing boyish charm that makes one almost forget his statuesque 6’4” frame.

Born under the Leo star, the most masculine of all the zodiac signs, depicting power and majesty, Ezra embodies the stereotypical Leo. Immensely ambitious, he continuously aspires to reach the highest peak of whatever he does, in keeping with the true character

than the man himself. Here’s a bit of what I found out whilst doing my civic duty to you ladies.

SHE: What is your ideal first date?

Ezra: We get some barbecue pork or chicken at Scotty’s Bar in Gros Islet or some grilled fish at Coretta’s Place in Gros-Islet. Get some drinks, drive to the parking lot area outside the Pigeon Island National Landmark around 9pm and engage in conversation. Get to know each other better while having some laughs in a peaceful environment.

SHE Model type or girl next door?

Ezra: Girl next door. Model types have a higher stoosh (local parlance for snobbish) probability SHE What qualities make a woman relationship material?

Ezra: The first thing that comes to mind would be the relationship she has with my mother/grandmother.

There is nothing worse than being in a relationship knowing that you don’t have the blessings of either of these two important women in your life.

Another quality would be her

This lion is truly loyal and puts home and family first. He is the biggest ambassador for his home town, Gros Islet of the Lion. This lion is truly loyal and puts home and family first. He is the biggest ambassador for his home town Gros Islet.

This Hot Couture man is certainly a man’s man. The camaraderie between him and the other male cast was a treat to witness at our daily training sessions. Imagine periods of showmanship, with ripped models trying to one-up the crew by doing push-ups and press-ups to tighten their already well-chiseled arms and chests. Ezra, of course, was the glue; the aura he radiates made the group like a sexy band of brothers!

As I sat down to chat with SHE’s latest ManCrush, I am captivated by his warm smile and piercing eyes that look right into your soul.

Of course I am easily distracted and can hardly keep to my set questions, but in Ezra’s company, I don’t think anyone gets to dominate the flow of things other

accepting you for who you are and making adjustments. Compatibility is key and may result in sacrifices, but only when you know it’s worth it. I am also a big fan of a woman who talks with you through your problems and sees you through them. Life has many stresses and I believe it’s a true blessing to have someone by your side that makes them seem easy to overcome.

SHE What’s the worst date you’ve ever been on?

Ezra: My worst date was in 2005. I wasn’t in the best of moods and I was on this sidewalk date overlooking the carnival parade. All my friends were having fun and all I could do was suffer in the hot sun like those poor kids every year at these Independence Day rallies.

SHE Romantic holiday destination and why?

Ezra: France because that country has the most romantic scenery, the most romantic food and of course, the most romantic language. Voulez vous!

SHE Denim or linen?

Ezra: Denim, surely!

SHE Have you experimented with different looks? What were they and which one made the ladies notice you more?

Ezra: Yes I have tried different looks but the one which the ladies have noticed the most is the formal look.

You know… those fitted dress shirts with the bow tie or tie, fitted dress pants, belt with matching shoes, jacket etc.

SHE Celebrity girl crush?

Ezra: Meagan Good SHE Celebrity man idol?

Ezra: Thierry Henry aka MY BOSS! SHE Drink of choice?

Ezra: Campari SHE Chanel Homme Sport or Acqua di Gio? Ezra: Acqua Di Gio SHE What’s at the top of your bucket list?

Ezra: Finishing the house my deceased mother started. Miss you, Coretta!

SHE Have you ever gone completely out of your comfort zone? If yes, do tell.

Ezra: Yes I have actually! I never thought I had the courage to model or perform soca music. Saint Lucians are tough critics so you have to excel at everything that you do. People around me encouraged me to tap into my potential, which was not an easy journey. It had its moments but I can look back and say hey! I recently modeled at the latest edition of Saint Lucia Hot Couture and also won the Power Soca Monarch. Grateful for it all but still have a lot to learn though.

SHE You’re waiting at the altar, who’s walking down the aisle?

Ezra: The woman that my granny approves! She would embody all the ideals required.

SHE Have you ever dealt with a broken heart? How did you recover?

Ezra: Yes I have. Wasn’t a pleasant experience but I overcame it with a phrase:“Yo, you overcame the passing of your queen. This should be easy.”

SHE Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

Ezra: I see myself being the same old happy, fun-machine, ‘Jean Gros Islet’ guy that most people have been accustomed to, with much more self development, wisdom and hopefully money. Yeah, that too! shecaribbean.com 55

WeddingS create your perfect wedding day with SHE

Getting Married Island Style

Photo by: Marcia E. Roberts Photography, Bridal Couple: Daidre & Adriel McKay

The Caribbean remains one of the world’s most popular locations for destination weddings, and nowadays the clear blue sky’s the limit for creating your own personal dream day. SHE Caribbean has rounded up ideas and advice from some of the region’s industry experts on where to wed, what to wear and everything an island bride needs to plan the wedding of a lifetime.

shecaribbean.com 57

by KIRstY waters

Balmain

Emilio Pucci

Emilio Pucci

Wedding Belles

58 shecaribbean.com

Alberta Feretti Chloé

A

s summer approaches, you can usually count on a wedding invitation, whether it be from friends or loved ones and whether or not you’re looking forward to the event, it’s always a bit of a daunting task to decide what to wear as a guest. But fear not, the trends we see for Spring/Summer 2015 in the fashion world can be appropriate and fashion-forward for the nuptial season.

It would be hard to ignore the seventies aesthetic that has been seen across every designer’s runway this year, but now that has emerged onto the high street, it means this trend is more easily accessible for every fashion maven. This laid-back boho style may seem too casual for a wedding, however designers such as Chloé and Lanvin have showcased their take on this Seventies comeback with ultimate sophistication and formality, perfect for the fashion forward guest.

If you are a bold fashionista or want to stand out from the frocks in the crowd, the flared trouser suit by Lanvin is a perfect and daring outfit to wear to a Caribbean wedding.

However, Balmain’s clown trouser manages to

elie saab

Glam guests can look to the international runways for inspiration this wedding season.

hit a happy medium with a lighter fabric, wider-legged and more suitable for our hotter climate. Although the fabric may appear casual, its bold colour and stripes give it a formal feel and no real accessorising is necessary.

Luckily for us, here in the Caribbean we enjoy beautiful beach weddings that give us the option for a more casual approach, the perfect opportunity to wear a flowing maxi-dress similar like the beautiful tie-dye ones seen at the end of Emilio Pucci’s Spring/ Summer Ready-to-Wear. The combination of striking tie-dye pattern and the cut of this style dress make it an ideal piece to be worn to a Caribbean wedding this year. However, any maxi dress in a pastel colour or bright pattern like Elie Saab’s Spring/Summer Ready-to-Wear 2015 is just as well suited.

Combined with appropriate beach footwear like a glamourised gladiator sandal, and you’ll look like the perfect tropical wedding guest.

Whether you are off to a beach or a church wedding, for summertime weddings it’s common to wear dresses that are short or midi in length, in playful styles and pastel shades or floral patterns. Perfect for this year as we are seeing plenty of pastels and of course, the ever-reinvented floral print freshened up with embellishments of lace and detailed embroidery. Whatever the setting, be sure to enjoy the colourful prints and the upbeat tones that summer fashions have to offer!

And to top it all off? Although the popular headwear trend still has a hold in some European countries, my advice this year is to leave your fascinators at home – with all those busy prints and eye-catching embellishments, that might just be an accessory too far!

elie saab

Trends

Chloé

Weddings

Rustic rainforest, tropical sunset or beachside and barefoot, Landmark Events can make your dream of a Caribbean wedding come true.

Tie the knot, jump the broom, get hitched again or renew your vows in Saint Lucia where blue waters meet majestic mountains and whispering waterfalls offer the perfect setting for this most important day of your life.

Imagine your celebration on a private yacht, in a historical garden, or on a sun- kissed cliff-top by the sea. Whether it’s your choice of resort, caterer, florist, hair stylist or photographer, Landmark Weddings works with professional affiliates to cater to your every wish. From the marriage license to the musicians, cake design to table decor, we manage the little perfections that make all the difference. Intimate or elaborate, we’ll work within your budget to create the wedding of your dreams.

Making it Happen Te l :

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Email:

weddings@landmarkeventsltd.com

Eliette LESUPERBE from Guadeloupe

Trends

Eliette LESUPERBE from Guadeloupe

dresses photographed by Bill Mortley, www.billmortleyphotography.com Eliette LESUPERBE

Stella McCartney

Eliette LESUPERBE from Guadeloupe

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Eliette LESUPERBE from Guadeloupe

W

e live in the relaxing Caribbean so it’s okay to break a few fashion rules.

Whether it’s your wedding dress or simply a party dress, there is no colour that screams freshness and innocence better than white! We’ve reviewed the runways from around the world, and more recently at Kreyol Fashion days in Guadeloupe where we saw designers like Eliette LESUPERBE combine white with black or grey to give her white dress a rock’n’roll edge. White is pure, but can be naughty too! Break some rules and be playful in white this summer!

Dodyshop.com from Guadeloupe

Wedding dresses aside, white is fresh, white is cool, white is pure! White is the colour of our Summer.

Alberta Ferretti

Summer Heat

Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini

TOM FORD

Alexander McQueen

Eliette LESUPERBE from Guadeloupe

RALPH LAUREN

Weddings

Weddings

Trends

Renting Your

Wedding Gown

We all want to look like a version of Cinderella on our big day, but many of us are unable to summon our fairy godmother to wave her wand and leave us draped in yards of Christian LaCroix tulle and lace.

Deep breath ladies, you’re not alone. By Denise Lay

M

any modern brides, whether on a tight budget or with mile deep pockets, are opting to rent their gown instead of buying. Let’s face it; if you aren’t thinking of making it a family heirloom, then what other practical reason would there be to splash thousands of dollars on a dress that will only be worn once?

Say hello to the fast growing world of bridal gown rentals. Imagine saving thousands of dollars on an otherwise unaffordable designer gown, or sticking to the basics at less than the cost of your shoes? Well, we think it’s a no brainer! It’s becoming obvious that priorities are shifting when it comes to nuptials and in a new-age of chic budget weddings and Pinterestobsessed brides, gown rentals are certainly in for the long haul.

Nurcia Paul, owner of Something Borrowed bridal store in Saint Lucia, shines a beacon of wedding light on the growing trend behind gown rentals.

“Brides are using their wedding day to make their own fashion statement and to showcase their lifestyle. Renting a gown not only gives them a wide variety of readily 62 shecaribbean.com

that guessing game, as brides can try on and see their dress, whilst making that all important saving.”

Although the bulk of her customers are savvy local brides looking to save on their big day expenses, Nurcia also notes that destination brides are becoming quite a fixture at her store, as no one really wants to lug a gown on a long haul flight these days.

She adds that although many brides come to Something Borrowed with the sole intention of purchasing their dress, more often than not, they leave with a rented option.

There are however, some downsides, as we’ve been told by one distraught bride-to-be who had her heart set on a David’s Bridal gown. At three sizes too small and the only one available, no amount of fishing line and elbow grease would get that dress over her curves.

Yep! You guessed it. Bridal gown rentals typically offer little to no scope for alterations.

Often dresses will be delivered 1-5 days before your ceremony, leaving very little time to do much about extra inches gained from all that cake tasting and menu sampling.

Understandably a damage deposit is required when renting a dress and many brides have said that this limits the amount of fun they may have otherwise had, were it not for the constant anxiety of having someone spill red wine near them. Rid yourself NOW of any ideas to trash that dress. Also, be prepared to have your maid-of-honour work overtime, as she may have to rip that rental

Imagine saving thousands of dollars on an otherwise unaffordable designer gown, or sticking to the basics at less than the cost of your shoes? available options, but the savings made leaves extra cash to make their reception more lavish. More reserved couples will look to more financially secure investments, like putting extra cash towards the down payment on a new home, or shoring up their savings.

“When trying to save on dress costs, many brides purchase replica gowns online and are almost always disappointed in the quality of the dresses. Gown rental removes

off you and return to sender, in most cases, as soon as the day after your ceremony, in true Cinderella style!

The idea of looking ethereal and fabulous in a Vera Wang at one tenth of the purchase price is absolutely worth it! Those photographs will last a lifetime. Your future daughter can always look at them for inspiration. There is only one thing to do with all that money saved – more champagne of course!

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We supply unique party favors, wedding favors, bridal shower favors that create lasting memories for any event.

We carry a beautiful collection of wedding supplies as well as gifts for all occasions such as bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays, corporate parties, anniversaries and more. We also print on ribbon, napkin and favor boxes.

If you’re looking for unique personalized party supplies, invitations, gift ideas or wedding decorations.

Make sure to give us a call at 758-450-0244 or email vowsplusinc@gmail.com Located on 99 Chaussee Road (opposite the Anglican Primary school), Castries, Saint Lucia Facebook: www.facebook.com/Vowsplus

Weddings

Beauty

Pictur e Perfec t Makeu p Tips

by M ike C

elestin Image consu ltant / Make up Art ist

Prepping For Your Close-up

Bride

When choosing your bridal makeup, trends shouldn’t be the main focus. A bride’s first consideration should be to find what best enhances her beauty. Believe me, your wedding day isn’t the time to try something new.

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Do A Make-up Trial Run Schedule an appointment with a professional makeup artist for a trial run at least three months before your wedding day. This will give you enough time to try other options should you be unhappy with the results.

Before attending your trial session, always research your desired look and be sure to bring along photographs (from magazines or online) of your inspired look, bearing in mind that the images should ideally be of similar complexion, age and face structure.

On the day of your makeup trial, you should have your hair done similar to what you want on the day. Wear white or colour of your wedding dress to your trial – a t-shirt or blouse will be fine. This will give you a better vision of how the make-up will make you look on the day.

Photo By: Daniel Marcion, www.itsmyweddingbelle.com

Beautiful

If you have never had facials or don’t get them regularly, do not start right before your wedding. Beginning too close to the day will encourage impurities, pimples and blocked pores to come to the surface which will ruin your wedding day skin. I always encourage my brides to begin facials at least six months in advance, giving their skin valuable time to look fabulously clear and glowing by the time their big day rolls around.

Wax facial hairs and brows at least one week before your wedding day to avoid potential marks or scabs. If you have never waxed before you may want to try waxing three months before your wedding date.

Waxing may cause breakouts if your skin is not used to it.

Before you start applying makeup, it is essential that you prep the skin properly: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, then use your preferred moisturising lotion to hydrate the skin. You can also use a CC cream to even out your skin tone. You may want to use a specialist cream under the eyes as this will enable your concealer to apply smoothly.

eye makeup and will cover and clean out any shadow that may have trapped on the lashes.

Eyebrows are the frames of your face so ensure they are properly groomed and well-sculpted at least one week before your wedding. Your bridal make-up should include defining them with a brow powder or pencil that matches your hair colour.

Golden Rule: Follow the natural shape of your brow.

Bridal Fail: It’s a growing trend that brides conceal their entire outer frame of their brow with a concealer that is two tones lighter when sculpting and filling their brow. This is a bad practice and looks horrible in photographs. Try concealing with a natural skin tone concealer.

To Fake Or Not To Fake Be sure to also walk with a photograph of your dress so that your makeup artist knows what they are working with. If you’re wearing an off-shoulder, strapless or back-baring gown, it is really important that the makeup artist evens out your complexion on your décolletage, shoulders and back as they are to be exposed. You can massage a skin oil or moisturiser mixed with a little gold shimmer powder and blend along the collarbones; this will light up the face.

Less Is More: The Foundation Formula Most foundations now include sun protection. This may be wonderful for everyday looks but on your wedding day you should stick to a traditional foundation with no SPF as some ingredients in the SPF formulas may cause the face to look white in flash photography. If you’re going to be outdoors on your wedding, you can apply a light layer of sunscreen directly to your skin before applying foundation.

Many brides believe that the heavier the foundation, the better it looks in photographs.

This is simply not true. In reality, you must be able to see the skin glowing through the make-up. A sheer foundation creates a much more dynamic close up in bridal portraits. Be sure to wear a good primer and medium coverage foundation.

Powders are great for mattifying your look, but be mindful when using under the eyes, as it may sink into tiny wrinkles and magnify them. With too much makeup the under-eye area may appear dry in photos. To prevent this, you should use a minimal amount of power under the eyes. Less is definitely better for brides.

Golden Rule: Never set your foundation with your fingers. This exposes your face to bacteria and germs and sometimes shows finger prints. Use a sponge, as this will give a more natural look and will blend more evenly into the skin.

Your Day To Blush Concentrate on accenting the apples of your cheek, where you blush naturally. Further accentuate your cheekbone by applying a small amount of bronzer right below and softly blend this into the blush.

Shimmer or iridescence on the cheek gives a fresh and dewy look, but when worn on nose and forehead, it may give the skin a greasy appearance. Try applying a little along the tops of the cheekbones, the cupid bow of the lips and a little on the brow bone for a beautiful bridal glow.

Bridal Fail: Every bride wants to be a Hollywood beauty and mimic the contouring and highlighting of Kim Kardashian, which is a huge trend right now. But beware; this heavy manipulation can look too harsh during the daytime, and remember that natural lighting accentuates your natural beauty.

Bridalise The Eyes Wear cream shadows rather than a powdered base color, cream colors last longer and are better for your lid colour. You may opt to use powders in your crease and for highlighting underneath your brows.

Smoldering eyes may look much better in person than in photos. Eye makeup that is very smoky may cause shadows on and around your eyes. Be sure to choose shades that will enhance your eye color and skin tone.

Ensure that you always complete your eyes with mascara. This enhances and finishes your

— Lashes of course!

I highly recommend wearing individual lashes as they are longer lasting. You may want to have these applied two weeks before your wedding day as some may have allergic reaction to the adhesive and to ensure that they are comfortable for you.

You may want to stay away from strip lashes on the day of your wedding as they have the tendency to fall off, tears can weaken the glue at the corners of the lash causing them to lift and look distasteful.

First Kissable Lips At your make-up trial, you may choose to experiment with lips and eyes. Choose tones and shades that you feel comfortable in and best complement you.

It is best to wear lip stain as this is most long lasting option. Do not wear a very shiny lip. You will lose definition in your photographs and may leave a glare. Lip gloss and lipstick wear off super quickly and will stain your groom when kissing him. You may want to stay away from these.

Final Tips . . . It is essential to let your makeup dry after each step. If you are running out of time you can dry each step with a cool air blow dryer. Your makeup will last longer.

On the day of the wedding, your photographer should be present throughout your makeup application, taking test shots to ensure you are not left with a chalky complexion or a washed-out look.

Emergency Essentials You do not want to look oily on your wedding day, so you may need to invest in some oil absorbing sheets as they are best to avoid accidentally removing existing makeup. I always request my brides to blot the oil and not to wipe as this may smudge their perfect foundation or leave lines on the face. Make sure your kit has these essential key products:

• Lip colour • Cotton swabs • Tissues to fix any smudges • Translucent powder • Lash glue if you are wearing strip lashes

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Weddings

Beauty 1. Start with a Cleanser Wet face with warm water and apply a quarter-size amount of cleaner to your palm before rubbing it on your face in a circular motion for thirty seconds to a minute. Rinse with warm water. This should be done twice daily with a cleanser that suitable for your skin.

AFG Tip: Choose the right cleanser for your skin type, whether it’s oily, dry, combination or sensitive. Most men use that same soap bar on their face as they do on their bodies.

This is a big NO, as the soap bars usually contain harsh chemicals that strip the skin of moisture.

Try Dove Men+Care Hydrate + Face Wash & Neutrogena Men Invigorating Face Wash

Grooming the

Groom

While the bride spends hours getting referrals and makeup demos done to ensure that their complexion is flawless & mirrors royalty on the big day, most grooms-to-be totally neglect their skin – as usual. By Adrian Fanus

tone nse Clea

r

r

ting exfolia riser

moistu

B

ut listen up, fellas, and take a skincare lesson from your bride-to-be, because the wedding photos will be memories that last a lifetime and your skin should be camera ready to reflect your happiness.

Fortunately this can be fixed with the right knowledge, products and skin regimen.

What’s your biggest organ?

Well, actually it’s the skin, which is also a mirror that reflects your diet and lifestyle. Great skin requires a good routine and daily maintenance.

A minimum of eight glasses of water is essential

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riser

moistu

to keeping the skin hydrated, retain elasticity and prevent pimples, acne and blackheads.

A proper skin regimen requires cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising. Diet is essential to keep your skin healthy and vibrant so include daily servings of fruits, green leafy vegetables and nuts. Not getting enough sleep will make you feel tired throughout the day, and will also give you bags under your eyes which won’t look great in the album.

These four steps will have you looking great on your wedding day if you start the routine a month before.

2. Get rid of the rough.

An exfoliator is a facial scrub that’s used to get rid of dead skin cells. It rejuvenates the skin and makes the complexion brighter and more even. Wet your face with warm water after cleansing, and apply a small amount of exfoliator; scrub in a circular motion, applying a little pressure but not too hard to cause damage. Wash off excess exfoliator with warm water and dry face.

This should be done twice weekly in the run up to your wedding.

Try Lab Series Invigorating Face Scrub Nivea for men exfoliating face scrub 3. Tone up. Facial toner offers different benefits depending on the specific type. It can soak up excess oil and remove dirt and dead skin cells from your face, restore your face’s pH balance, condition, moisturise and prepare your skin for better absorption of products applied to the face immediately after the toner. Apply a small amount to a cotton ball or pad. Gently wipe in small circles around your face, paying special attention to your chin, nose, cheeks and hairline. Repeat the process until there is no more dirt on the cotton pad. Allow one minute for toner to dry on face.

Try Daily Essentials Refreshing Face Toner by Nivea Alcohol-free Witch Hazel 4. Finish by moisturising. A great moisturiser will replenish the moisture content of the skin, protect skin from the sun, reduce razor bur, and even prevent against premature aging. Apply a quarter size amount of moisturiser to face and rub over evenly.

Try Dove Men, Moisturiser Hydrate Clinique For Men, Maximum Hydrator Follow these steps thoroughly and on your wedding day your skin will be one of the many things that will be envied.

But be careful not to outshine your bride with your newly glowing complexion!

Weddings

Invites

Why We Love

Weddings

Let’s face it, no matter how many invitations you receive, there’s something irresistible about a wedding, unless you are the most jaded of love-allergic cynics. OK, so there’s usually a bunch of stress around what to wear and what to gift, but who can really resist getting all gussied up and celebrating the big day with friends and family?

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Photo By: Daniel Marcion, www.itsmyweddingbelle.com

A

nd even if you’ve spent the wedding season giving up your weekends to attend multiple back-to-back nuptials, there are great reasons for throwing yourself into each and every one.

• A great excuse to buy something new!

Go grab that dress and shoes you’ve been eyeballing at the mall, try out a new do or go all out and get eyelash extensions. It might be the bride’s day but there’s no reason why you can’t glam it up for the occasion.

• A bonanza of delicious food and drink!

Even the most disciplined dieter can be forgiven for indulging a little at the reception. With all those bacon-wrapped canapes and wedding cake, who could blame them?

• A chance to catch up with friends and family! After all, how many chances are there to get everyone in the same place at the same time for a celebration? You’ll even meet some new friends as the day goes by.

• Where there’s love, there’s lust! All that romance and heartfelt forevers bring out the player in some folks, and if the groom’s single cousin happens to look like Idris Elba . . . Who knows, you may just find your significant other at the reception!

• An opportunity to self-evaluate! When you participate in two people’s commitment to a life together, you tend to think about where you are and where you want to be.

Consider it therapy with champagne.

Wedding Guest Boot Camp:

Dos and Don’ts For Every Invitation

Dos

Don’ts

Always RSVP - like ALWAYS! If there’s anything that gets on brides and grooms’ nerves before the wedding, it’s guests failing to RSVP in a timely manner. It’s simply good manners but for the happy couple it’s essential for planning the biggest wedding expense - catering for the guest list.

If you were invited to the ceremony, don’t just show up for the reception. The ceremony is the most important part of the day and guests should make every effort to attend, whether it’s in church or on the beach. Showing up to the open bar without first attending the main event is rude and just a bit crass.

Dress as the style of the invitation suggests. If there’s a dress code great, but take your lead from the invite; if it’s gilt-engraved and scripted and formal, we’re probably not talking cotton sundresses. If you’re unsure, ask someone familiar with the wedding, but not the bride herself. She has her own dress to worry about.

Arrive at the ceremony on time.

This is one day to avoid “Caribbean Time” at all costs. Leave plenty of time to get to the wedding itself - even enough time to get lost on the way. If you must be late, don’t think you can sneak in while the bride is coming up the aisle; stand in the back or slip quietly into a pew once the processional is completely finished.

Bring an appropriate guest.

If your invitation includes a plus-one, choose wisely. Even if you are head over heels for your sulky boyfriend with an unpredictable temper after too many Rum and Cokes who will keep you in the corner all night, but he may just not be wedding-guest-ready, so leave him at home.

Send a gift, even if you can’t attend. No excuses, cheapskate!

Etiquette dictates that if you were invited, you owe the couple a gift, even if you can’t make it to the wedding. According to the Emily Post Institute: “People lose friends over this, [but] one invitation to a wedding ceremony equals a wedding gift.”

If you weren’t invited with a guest, don’t show up with one. Do not pencil your significant other’s name onto the RSVP card, and definitely do not call and ask the bride for a plus-one. That’s one of the top ten complaints from couples but once the bride and groom have decided on their guest list, asking them to change is disrespectful and puts them in an awkward position.”

Yes, the “no uninvited guests” rule includes your kids. People think ‘Oh this wedding would be great chance for everyone to meet my new baby!’ but it’s a definite no-no. The couple may not have the space and the budget, or they may simply prefer to have an adults-only wedding and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Don’t dress to compete. Never, never, never wear white — unless you’re told to by the bride herself. And even if you worked out all spring, look better than you ever have before and are dying to show off your beach body, a wedding is not the time. If your personal style tends toward the revealing, be cool and cover up for the day.

Don’t be disrespectful of the couple’s religious or cultural traditions. That might mean covering your shoulders in church or temple, or being quiet during a ritual you don’t quite understand. When those kinds of things are going on, be quiet and pay attention — it’s the respectful thing to do.

Don’t use your phone.

Etiquette for the age of social media is clear: Don’t Facebook, Tweet or text, and certainly don’t make a phone call during the wedding or the reception. Your job is to be at the wedding, not reporting on the wedding, and your preemptive photo posts might just ruin the happy couple’s day.

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A Slice of Toasting Need inspiration to jump start your toast with an eloquent reflection on marriage and love? Here are a quotes to ponder - integrate the words relating them to bride and groom into your own original speech.

• May your love be like the misty rain, gentle coming in but flooding the river.

-Traditional African • We never live so intensely as when we love strongly. We never realize ourselves so vividly as when we are in full glow of love for others.

- Walter Rauschenbusch • To love someone deeply gives you strength. Being loved by someone deeply gives you courage. - Lao Tzu • Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.

- Antoine de Saint-Exupery • At the touch of love everyone becomes a poet.

- Plato

• Marriage is like a golden ring in a chain, whose beginning is a glance and whose ending is eternity. Kahlil Gibran • We love because it’s the only true adventure.

- Nikki Giovanni • Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.

- Emily Bronte • There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.

- George Sand • Without love, the world itself would not survive.

- Lope de Vega • When love reigns, the impossible may be attained.

- Indian proverb

Quotable Quotes We have a couple of rules in our relationship. The first rule is that I make her feel like she’s getting everything. The second rule is that I actually do let her have her way in everything. And, so far, it’s working. - Justin Timberlake The man who says his wife can’t take a joke, forgets that she took him. - Oscar Wilde For marriage to be a success, every woman and every man should have their own bathroom! - Catherine Zeta-Jones Don’t settle for a relationship that won’t let you be yourself. - Oprah Winfrey Husbands are like fires. They go out when unattended. - Zsa Zsa Gabor All married couples should learn the art of battle as they should learn the art of making love...If you marry a man who cheats on his wife, you’ll be married to a man who cheats on his wife. - Ann Landers Men marry women with the hope they will never change.

Women marry men with the hope they will change.

Invariably they are both disappointed. - Albert Einstein All men make mistakes, but married men find out about them sooner. - Red Skelton Marriage is not just spiritual communion, it is also remembering to take out the trash. - Dr. Joyce Brothers Any woman who still thinks marriage is a fifty-fifty proposition is only proving that she doesn’t understand either men or percentages. - Rose F. Kennedy Hollywood brides keep the bouquets and throw away the grooms. - Groucho Marx Every bride is beautiful. It’s like newborn babies or puppies.

They can’t help it. - Emme Rollins, Dear Rockstar If I propose to myself and myself says yes, I get to have the cake, right? I love me, so I’m thinking 12 tiers.

- Michelle M. Pillow

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Weddings

Moments

haute couture gowns, they might not be the right choice for your beach wedding. Choose a photographer who has a proven body of work that you love, and that most connects with your vision of your wedding.

Make Contact: The sooner you reach out to your prospective photographer, the better a relationship can be built, and that’s important. Don’t forget the best photographers are always the busiest, so book as far ahead as you can.

Share Your Vision: If you see yourself frolicking on the water’s edge at sunset or posing romantically in the rainforest, do let your photographer know. The best photographers will listen to your ideas and give guidance based on their local and professional knowledge, so don’t just leave it to the wedding planner, strike up a conversation with your personal paparazzo.

Get The Money Shot!

Capturing Your Tropical Wedding Memories

D

aniel Marcion has been photographing weddings for only three years, but before he ever professionally snapped a happy couple, the owner of Belle Portwe Photography studied the science behind capturing every perfect shot on every bride’s album wishlist. Marcion discovered that a great wedding photographer needs to be more than just handy with the SLR, he needs to combine the skills of producer-tour guide-diplomat-counsellor-cheerleader and sometimes even shoulder to cry on. Perhaps that’s why he is in constant demand at home on the world’s favourite wedding and honeymoon destination, Saint Lucia.

From the moment you choose a destination wedding, capturing amazing photograph of

the occasion is an absolute must; just think how disappointed your family and friends back home would be if they didn’t share in every detail from the hair and make-up session to the dress-trashing walk in the surf.

And what self-respecting Facebooker would get away without at least the highlights posted to an envious and supportive group of online well-wishers?

But whether you choose Saint Lucia, Grenada, Antigua or another Caribbean island, Daniel’s advice for SHE Caribbean brides is invaluable if you want your tropical wedding to shine in the photos.

Picking a Photographer: Start Early and Choose Carefully. The internet and social networking has made researching every aspect of weddings into an art form, but when you’re researching it’s a case of buyer beware. Anyone can put together a flashy website, but not every photographer can deliver perfect wedding pictures every time, so the earlier you start, the more you can look at options and start deciding who will pap your nuptials.

Look for a Style: If a photographer’s website if packed with formal images and

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Buy What You Can Afford: Most photographers offer packages at different price points, which can range from basic photo prints and digital copies all the way to elaborately produced slideshows, but the best advice is to choose the most comprehensive package you can comfortably afford. When it comes down to choosing from the hundreds of shots of your big day, you won’t regret it.

Marcion discovered that a great wedding photographer needs to be more than just handy with the SLR, he needs to combine the skills of producer-tour guide-diplomatcounsellor-cheerleader and sometimes even a shoulder to cry on.

Daniel Marcion Owner of Belle Portwe Photography Studio

Weddings

Travel

Where To

Wed?

Hope Gardens, Kingston Jamaica

With destination weddings in the Caribbean at an all time high, we’re lucky to live in a region where there is such a diversity of choice when it comes to nuptial photo-ops. Kibwe McGann, Founder of Kingston Bridal Week in Jamaica, shares some of this year’s wedding trends with SHE.

W

hen one thinks of the Caribbean, certain double-barreled catch phrases immediately come to mind; ‘soul-warming sun’, ‘crystal-clear waters’, ‘white-sandy beaches’, ‘rolling-mountains’ and ‘spicy-food’. For a bride-to-be, the Caribbean provides a visually rich landscape with hundreds (if not thousands) of destinations to bring to life your dream wedding. In fact, in some circles it’s argued that the Caribbean literally invented the term ‘Destination Wedding.’

Trident Castle, Portland, Jamaica

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A typical Google search for ‘Destination Wedding’ will deliver a 3rd ranked result for ‘The Caribbean.’ If you aren’t too sure of what ‘The Caribbean’ is, the term often refers to what is known as the West Indies, which includes more than 7000 islands and fewer than 30 independent island nations.

These island nations have produced pop culture icons such as Bob Marley, Rihanna, Usain Bolt, Anya Ayoung Chee, Machel Montano, Nikki Minaj . . . and if you include those with Caribbean parents, the list would include megastars such as Beyonce and Kerry Washington.

Jamaica is considered one of the most popular destination wedding venues in the world, having traded places with Mexico and Bahamas for several years for number one slot. Although the wider Caribbean has caught on, it was Jamaican hotel brands which pioneered the idea of all-Inclusive hotels, and now packages are created by wedding planners and bridal consultants extraordinaire and offered by the Sandals chain across the region.

Beach Wedding, Iberostar Trelawny, Jamaica

Beach Wedding Beach Weddings are still the number one choice in the Caribbean, as you would expect. The idea of getting married barefoot on the sand, while guests sit in the sun getting drunk on rum punch, still excites hundreds of thousands of brides annually. Antigua, Barbados, Bahamas, St. Lucia and Jamaica all have world famous rums as well as world famous beaches, so for couples looking forward to the reception – code name for party with lots of alcohol – the Caribbean fits the bill perfectly.

So what are the 2015 Destination Wedding trends for couples considering getting married in the Caribbean?

Infinity Pools

Strawberry Hill, Blue Mountain, Jamaica

Infinity pools are high on the request list for brides, subliminally suggesting the idea of ‘forever.’ Immediately St. Lucia comes to mind, and the iconic Jade Mountain’s personal pools, which overlook the amazing vista of the Pitons. A venue that offers a sense of history as well as appealing to music lovers is Strawberry Hill, nestled in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica, where reggae legend Bob Marley once lived and created musical magic. On the eastern side of the Island is Trident Castle in Portland, home of Jamaica’s world famous jerk chicken and pork. With their spectacular views and floating platforms, this infinity pool trend is not sinking anytime soon. Waterfalls are also major hit for brides getting married in the Caribbean, creating the perfect natural soundtrack as couples crave to be surrounded and immersed in the peaceful romance of the outdoors. This is a perennial trend that continues to be popular in Caribbean destinations like Dominica and Grenada, where the mountainous terrain is full of natural wonders.

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Trident Castle, Portland, Jamaica

Historic Buildings, Landmarks, Great Houses & Museums

Strawberry Hill, Blue Mountain, Jamaica

And when it’s all over . . .

It’s interesting to note that although Trashing the Dress was not a Caribbean idea, the popularity of snapping photos of brides jumping into rivers and rolling around on beaches in their wedding dress, has certainly upped the desire for Caribbean beach wedding. In Jamaica, one such photographer, Marcia E. Roberts has made her name as the Trash The Dress Photographer, and has been featured on BET Network lifestyle series SPLASH, demonstrating what it means to Trash The Dress.

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All photos courtesy of Marcia E. Roberts Photography, Authors Kibwe McGann – Founder of Kingston Bridal Week & Managing Director of INTUIT Concepts – Marketing Agency and Event Planners, Kara-Ann Anderson – Co-Founder of Kingston Bridal Week & Creative Director of Petals & Promises – Jamaica’s Largest Bridal Boutique

Every destination wedding couple wants to feel that they got married at a unique location, far away from the church or city they grew up in, much to the envy of their friends. The Caribbean is rich with historic sites and European-influenced architecture, providing a wonderful variety of backdrops. Consider Willemstad, Curacao with its rainbow coloured frontages and decorative cupolas or Puerto Rico’s Old San Juan where the authentic Spanish buildings are an exotic reminder of times past.

For hundreds of years, the Caribbean Islands were colonies belonging to the Spanish, English, French and Dutch. To this day, many of the plantation great houses and churches still exist, and provide architecturally-interesting which are uncommon in first world cities.

This trend appears to be as old as many of the buildings themselves, and I can’t foresee that it will ever decline.

Advertorial

S

Celebrate with Sushi

ushi might not be at the top of your wedding reception options, but as this fresh, healthy Japanese cuisine has become more popular in the Caribbean, it’s a great choice for any party. At Rituals Sushi in Saint Kitts and Saint Lucia, they’re up for the challenge, and creating visually stunning displays of delicious ebi, maguro and sake - that’s shrimp, tuna and salmon to the uninitiated.

Choosing a variety of styles and ingredients is key to achieving an edible masterpiece of colour and flavour; exquisitely decorated Rainbow Rolls, iridescent slices of sashimi, plump-filled Gyoza

dumplings and crispy tempura shrimp are just a few of the options you’ll be struggling with, but let the experts guide you.

By its very nature, sushi is made for sharing, and considering all the yummy low cal, low carb choices on Rituals Sushi menu, there’s something for absolutely every palette, budget and lifestyle.

Whether it’s canapes on the beach at your sunset ceremony, or a full blown dinner of mind-blowing platters, sushi is trending as the perfect way to accessorise your wedding reception and give your guests a delicious memory of your big day.

With simplicity comes excellence. Our Sushi is so Rock’n’Roll.

Japanese cuisine at its finest, a perfect fit for lunch, dinner or any occasion.

Rituals Sushi IGY Rodney Bay Marina Gros Islet St. Lucia 1-758.458.4344 Closed Mondays Hours: Tuesday to Thursday & Sunday 12.00pm-10pm Friday & Saturday 12.00pm-11pm

Rituals Sushi Frigate Bay St. Kitts 1-869.466.7874 Hours: Closed Sundays Monday to Saturday 4pm-11:30pm

Weddings

Trends Choosing your most important wedding accessory might seem challenging, so SHE talked to an expert wedding planner for floral pointers. By Gwynneth Hockey

lowers are fundamental to a wedding, enhancing the romantic occasion. No wedding day would be complete without flowers, but often they are the last thought on a couple’s mind when the wedding location is chosen.

And despite the tropical flora available on the islands, many people who choose a destination wedding are choosing imported flowers.

“We have always been surprised about this,” admits Kayt Cooper, Co Owner and Wedding Planner at Awesome Caribbean Weddings in Saint Lucia. “A lot of people go for very specific flowers such as roses, peonies, oriental lilies, chrysanthemums, daisies and calla lilies.”

Of course, imported flowers are much more expensive than choosing local flowers.

You also have to bear in mind that they need to survive the importation, and sometimes planes can get cancelled. Local flowers, on the other hand, can be seen as being fitting to the destination, as well as being more cost effective and hassle free.

“Some people want local flowers because the shapes are so dramatic and we can use the really glossy green dramatic leaves as well,” says Cooper of those brides who choose from the smorgasbord of tropical blooms available on the islands.

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• Tell your wedding

Flowers for an Awesome Caribbean Wedding:

planners what your vision is, tell them a bit about

Kayt Cooper gives SHE her best advice.

your personalities, send

For beach weddings, brightly coloured flowers are

haven’t thought about

well suited. A tropical bouquet really ‘pops’ with the

flowers, wedding planners

light because of the strong sun, and it reflects on the

will know what flowers to

sand and water. White and light colors they look

recommend.

great but I love it when people pick a red, orange

• Bridesmaids do not

and yellow theme for the beach.

If you are getting married in a garden setting that has lots of greenery and is a little bit shaded, lighter colours look lovely and really make an impact. Forests are also shady so bright colours like yellow, pink or white really show up well against the background.

With ruins and bricked locations we have used a lot of colour. We like to use draping which adds a backdrop to all the stonework, and position flowers in front. We like to use very bright tropical colour-ways and lots of white, as it looks lovely against the stone and the draping.

Some people just choose a bouquet and do not want area decoration at all as the Caribbean is so gorgeous. This is especially true for weddings that have a naturally beautiful backdrop such as Saint Lucia’s iconic landmark, The Pitons. If couples choose to have flowers, we would keep them in pots resting on the ground rather than canopies and taller arrangements because you do not want to obstruct the view of the wedding party.

photos and images of your vision. Even if you

Wedding Flora 101

always need to have flowers; they can carry paper parasols or a wrist

Remember, destination

corsage. • Wedding weddings are all about doing it planners can tailor your own way, having exactly whatever vision you have what you want and not sticking in mind to what you can to any conventions, but here afford. • Weddings can be are a few pointers to make sure planned from years in your flowers are the perfect advance to a month in accessory on the day.

advance – give your • Local ginger lilies and orchids planner enough time to are great for casual weddings, make sure your flowers and imports such as roses and

are just right.

calla lilies for more formal

• Flowers can be recycled

weddings. • For big weddings

and used again, for flowers are usually used in both instance you can keep the ceremony and reception. them in your hotel room • For a smaller wedding, a

for the rest of your stay,

bouquet, boutonniere and

give them to guests at the

scattered petals are all

wedding or donate them

that’s needed.

to a church or hospital.

Photos courtesy of: Awesome caribbean weddings

F

Flowers That Wow!

DELISH DETAILS:

Cakes We Love!

For destination weddings, your choice of baker can depend on many things so begin shopping for a vendor as soon as you know where you’ll be getting married.

Photos by Awesome Caribbean Weddings

Y

ou should have an idea of what you want for your cake, and a picture, if possible.

Talk about fillings and frostings and what flavour cake you both like or will best reflect your wedding theme. For example, a Caribbean wedding might be a key lime, coconut and mango alternating layer cake or filled and frosted with passionfruit or banana.

What should your cake look like? Go traditional with a tiered round or square cake, or try something a little more offcentre or using bright colours and unusual shapes. Mix and match a traditional white tiered cake with brilliant tropical flowers to reflect your Caribbean destination wedding, or marzipan shells and sand dollars for your beautiful beach wedding. Cupcakes and cookies are a casual alternative to a cake, and the design possibilities are endless.

You should order your cake at least two months in advance; four is even better. If you can’t go to your location ahead of time, get your wedding planner’s advice, ask for recommendations from family and friends, check references and make sure you get it in writing.

Other concerns might include how the weather will affect your cake at an outdoor reception, where to situate it at the reception to minimise damage from sun, weather or movement and how easy it will be to cut and serve (fondant can be more difficult to cut than butter cream frosting).

Some questions to ask your baker: • How far in advance is the cake prepared?

• What is your delivery system and when will you deliver?

• Can I get a general idea of costs based on my choices?

• Are you familiar with the site/venue?

Be adventurous and have realistic expectations based on your theme and your destination wedding location, and you won’t have to worry about your cake. Just be ready to cut and serve it to each other.

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Weddings

BridalAlmanac Make Your Wedding Day A Landmark Rustic rainforest, tropical sunset or beachside and barefoot, Landmark Events can make your dream of a Caribbean wedding come true. As a destination wedding paradise, Saint Lucia’s exotic allure inspires and intrigues couples looking for that exceptional romantic experience.

Tie the knot, jump the broom, get hitched again or renew your vows in Saint Lucia, where clear blue waters meet majestic mountains and whispering waterfalls offer the perfect setting for this most important day in your life.

Imagine your celebration on a private yacht, in a historical garden, or on sun-kissed cliff-top by the sea. Whether it’s your choice of resort, caterer, florist, hair stylist or photographer, Landmark Weddings works with professional affiliates to cater to your every wish.

From marriage license to musicians, cake design to table décor, we manage the little perfections that make all the difference. Intimate or elaborate, we’ll work within your budget to create the wedding of your dreams. www.landmarkevents.com or weddings@landmarkevents.com.

ANTIGUA LOVES ROMANCE Antigua & Barbuda are the perfect setting for a blissful and romantic wedding, vow renewal , anniversary or honeymoon overseas – and the twin islands have been consistently voted a top ten worldwide wedding destination. Whether you want a conventional church wedding, or have always dreamed of tying the knot on a luxury yacht, you will get the personal touch and attention to detail in Antigua and Barbuda which ensures your day will be the most memorable one in your life.

In 2015 Antigua & Barbuda has once again received nominations for this year’s 22nd World Travel Awards. The World Travel Awards is known as the ‘Oscars of the Tourism Industry’ and Antigua & Barbuda has been nominated: • Caribbean’s Most Romantic Destination • Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination • Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination

Top Tips for getting married in Antigua & Barbuda • It’s easy getting married in Antigua and Barbuda – there is no residency requirement.

• Visitors can be married anywhere they choose from 6am to 8pm.

Sunrise to sunset, you can choose from a whole range of options, from barefoot on the beach to classical in the cathedral.

• Make sure you don’t get sunburnt before your special day! Try and wear the same type of straps as your wedding dress when out in the sun – same goes for the bridesmaids • Get married in the afternoon, it will be a little cooler • Don’t expect your hair & make up to behave the same as at home, the heat & the humidity will both have an effect so have a trial run once you arrive on island • Make sure your attire is suitable for the type of wedding you want, there is nothing worse than a perspiring groom in full morning suit, tie & shoes on the beach or a bride in heels and a train walking along the sand.

From aandbtourism.com

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Alcina Nolley

creates special jewellery for weddings Wedding sets for the bride and groom emphasise the essence of male and female, with one ring fitting inside of the other. Designs are made of ‘fine’ silver (99.9% as opposed to ‘sterling’ silver which is 95.75% silver). Combining precious and semi precious stones, crystals and decorative beads, Alcina’s pieces are made with love and each is a customised design. Gift the bride a necklace of crystal and silver, perfect with a matching bracelet. Simpler companion pieces can be made for members of the wedding party in made-to-match colours. alcinanolley.com

Bay Gardens Resorts brings you authentic Caribbean warmth and charm at their three hotels located in Saint Lucia’s Rodney Bay Village – a centre of entertainment which is home to the beautiful Reduit Beach, plentiful restaurants, bars and more. These award–wining properties have developed a reputation for unparalleled service and exceptional value.

Bay Gardens’ experienced Wedding Coordinators are on hand from the very first step all the way through to the big day. Their new ‘Wedding Optimizer’ is an interactive and convenient tool that allows couples to access a calendar so they can check availability and select a wedding date, make payments for the wedding and build the different components for the ceremony all in one place.

Weddings

Spotlight

To Dream the Possible Dream Mae Sabbagh Wayne talks one on one with Sandals’ Director of Romance about real life and real fantasy.

F

rom the first time we met, Marsha touched my soul and left an indelible impression on my mind. It had been a long day at Sandals, where I was attending a function at which several leading personnel had taken the opportunity to sing the praises of their company. Especially riveting were the charming SRI soldiers from the Jamaican battalion. Then it was Marsha’s turn and suddenly I was energised. She grabbed my attention even before she had uttered her first word. One of only two women speakers, Marsha was like a lighting rod—vivacious, bursting with energy and positive vibes, all of which somehow registered in her infectious, wonderful-world smile. I could hardly wait for my opportunity to talk with her, one on one.

Marsha Ann Brown, by her own admission, is a lifelong romantic. She is the Director of Romance at Sandals Resorts who acknowledge professionally her “passion for love.” Marsha considers it her duty to discover unique and wonderful ways for couples to celebrate their weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries and vacations and it is this love affair with love that Marsha says has propelled her to the top tier of the Sandals management team.

Boss Lady: Marsha Ann Brown

“Quality time” with her children

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Her stellar career started in Florida, where she worked at such prestigious hotels as Hilton Corporation and Doral Saturn International. She joined Sandals some 16 years ago after returning to Jamaica.

Like most women, Marsha has endured more than her own fair share of woes − what she refers to as “my valley moments” − that brought her “closer to my source and reminded me of my cushions.” Her valley moments remind her to take a closer look at herself, her family and others dear to her. It’s no surprise that Marsha has little time for self-pity.

“I love life and I love people,” she told me.

“I actually cherish those moments in the

“I get paid to dream on behalf of people from all walks of life.

I’m in the love with the concept of love.”

valley, because I always emerge feeling stronger than ever before.” A wife for nineteen years and mother of a fifteen year old daughter and an eight year old son, this Boss Lady is living proof that a woman really can have it all!

The Talk Mae: Obviously your job takes you away from home quite a lot. Do you enjoy all the travel?

MAB: I do, absolutely. The last couple of weeks have been quite hectic, but I enjoy the opportunities that travel affords me, meaning I get to meet and greet all kinds of people.

It’s priceless to be able to connect with people and I learn so much along the way. I

think we work in the most dynamic sector.

Mae: How do you manage all that travelling while raising two kids?

MAB: I’ll tell you something beyond incredible. It is the support I get from my husband, my parents, a full-time nanny and technology. My kids are very stable and focused and I believe they have a very strong appreciation for my passion. I truly believe God has blessed me with the ability to balance my life, to know my family is always first. They are in the middle of everything.

We remain connected, no matter what. My trips are not very long, although I travel often. When I’m away, my kids get notes every night that reference day one, day two, day three and so on. We have calendars that are all over the house with X marks for the

days when I’m gone, smiley faces and hearts for the days I return. We have a departure routine where I put kisses in their hands for the number of days that I am away.

Mae: You’re such a romantic!

MAB: Those kisses are to be kept in their pockets. Wherever I am travelling, I set my alarm for night-time prayers, so I still connect with them. I’ll step out of a function room, I’ll step out of the boardroom to make sure I tell them goodnight. My morning ritual remains, regardless of where I am. I’m in touch even if I am in a different time zone.

Sometimes it means I must wake up at three-thirty or four in the morning so that they are on their regular schedule. My parents live about seven minutes from us, so they play a very strong and active role. The children have no surprises; they know my flight departure time, my flight arrival time.

As soon as I land somewhere, they know I’ll be in touch. I’ve really bridged the distance through technology and a strong, supporting network at home.

Mae: How do you define quality time?

MAB: My home time is well spent. When I’m home we make quality “affordable” time. A lot of people believe that quality time means spending money on doing extravagant things and I tell them they are wrong. That’s so far from the truth, especially within the Caribbean where you always have the beach.

Mae: Let’s go back to your job. What is a Director of Romance?

MAB: My job is all about finding the environment that will create or rekindle the fire of romance between two people. I am constantly dreaming up new ideas to make a wedding or a honeymoon the ultimate experience. It’s about the right music, adding the décor and design to make dreams come true. From a resort perspective, it’s about knowing that fire pits make a difference because fire and love are as one. It’s about cabanas made for two, hammocks for two, dining for two.

It’s really ensuring that we become so holistic in our thoughts about what it is to take two people in love, join them in a union at the wedding ceremony and make sure from the moment they say “I do” that the honeymoon truly begins. So if you ask me what I do, well, I get paid to dream, I get paid to dream on behalf of people from all walks of life. I’m in the love with the concept of love.

Mae: What was the most difficult wedding you’ve ever had to put together? The biggest dream you’ve had to make true?

MAB: I always get thrown a curve ball when I get asked that question because I like to entertain challenges. They make life exciting. shecaribbean.com 81

I believe the one that comes to mind most often is a spontaneous request from a bride.

At the very last hour, just before she was due to come out for the wedding ceremony, she pictured herself on a white horse like the movie “Runaway Bride.” Her request was completely spontaneous, the groom was already waiting, guests were in place but she wanted what she wanted.

Mae: A white horse at such short notice?

MAB: But you know what? This is where the power of teamwork and the power of networking become critical. I was able to get her white horse from one of our tour providers. The groom was kept in a holding area, in air-conditioned comfort; guests were taken inside and finally the whole ceremony was delayed by a mere 45 minutes.

There are challenging times, for sure. You have to get into psychology mode and counsel couples when – at the last minute – the groom says “Listen, she’s up in the room, dressed already, but I don’t want to do this. Tell her I’m on my way to the airport.”

Mae: What else excites you, besides family and work?

MAB: This business is the most exciting thing for me. I represent a brand that’s known, a brand that has a proven reputation and a dynamic team. The truth is the brand doesn’t stand on its own. We have people who invest their heart and soul into what we do.

I’m so honoured to be part of a team that’s so passionate. I think we have done a masterful job of hand-picking individuals, because I strongly believe you could not do well in this business if your interest was only in the pay packet. The end of the month is the last thing on my mind when it comes to my job. It’s all about loving what I do.

Mae: Would you say those who might wish to do what you do must themselves be into romance? You know, moonlight and candles and white horses?

MAB: If you walk into my bathroom now, it’s a sanctuary; my candles are lit, my music is playing. I like dim light. I’ve always been that way, whether or not I was married! You can’t train people to be romance-inclined. You have to love life, to love people, and to have to know when to show gratitude.

Mae: What kind of questions do you ask when you interview potential employees?

MAB: One of them is: ‘When you wake up in the morning what is the first thing that you envision your day to be?’ Another: ‘When you watch a romantic movie, how do you react?’

I’m also interested in what makes people cry and what makes them happy.

I believe emotional intelligence – your emotional quotient or EQ as opposed to IQ – has to be so high that you can swing from 82 shecaribbean.com

passion to compassion, because you need both. I’m talking about passion that’s not dialed down. Compassion is what you need when you have a bride that has lost her mom or her dad forty-eight hours before her wedding day. I think a lot of times we neglect the contribution of people. I believe that we were made to make people feel welcome, to make people feel wanted; that we exist to give visitors the time of their lives. That’s why so many people have positive things to say about the Caribbean.

Mae: What’s next for Marsha Ann Brown? What’s your dream now?

MAB: I believe that I am continuously on a quest for more and for the development of the next team of stars.

I will be pivotal in creating new unique wedding experiences for our brand. I also am keen on additional niche training and development for our talented team and I along with some of our other experts will unveil some of the specific team initiatives.

I strongly believe that one’s legacy as a leader fundamentally includes the continuous development of people, where unwavering high standards and the spirit of excellence is at the core of what you do!

Over the years, I have included in my mantra what I call my Powerful Ps which ensure that I, along with anyone on the team, should always have several of the Powerful Ps – pride, passion, professionalism, perserverance, persistence, patience, purpose, poise . . .” just to name a few. I have been meaning to patent my Powerful Ps, since I use it as a core part of training and also as a barometer to gauge myself and the team.

MARSHA ON THE POPULARITY OF DESTINATION WEDDINGS “The Caribbean now attracts 40-something percent of destination weddings. There is magic and mystique about the Caribbean, and it’s not just about sun, sea and sand. People love the richness of our culture; the Caribbean is a melting pot, it’s an infusion of so many different cultures that influence our music, influence our food. We should never neglect the beauty of the Caribbean, from our rainforests to our drive-in volcanoes and waterfalls. No longer is a wedding about that one day only; there is the pre- and the post-. Weddings bring friends together for fun. Fun is a core word at today’s weddings. The guys want to get aboard ATVs for excursions; the girls want to go to the spas to be pampered as never before; their friends may want go on a zip-lining tour. Couples also want to know what they and their friends are in for on the days after their destination wedding.

I am happy that getting to the Caribbean has become a lot easier. North America accounts for a significant part of our Caribbean feeder for destination weddings. I’d like to remind my fellow Caribbean nationals that a destination wedding also has the ability to win over a customer for life.”

MARSHA ON THE WORLD’S MOST ROMANTIC MEN “I really believe there’s something about French men that made us, even as little girls, go oooh-la-la just from reading about them. We don’t need to understand what they are saying.

Their sound and body language speak volumes.

Jamaican men will charm the pants off you if you’re not careful. There is also something special in the British accent, especially at the dinner table. Men, regardless of their nationality, have their special something that makes us girls melt inside, even though we have always to appear professional.“

Fashion

away

She was swept away to a remote shoreline on the southern end of the Windward Islands. Disorientated and displaced, she began to accept this paradise called Grenada as home, becoming Queen of the land in her pursuit for survival.

She knew no love deeper than the ocean.

Photographer/Creative Director: Orlando Romain | www.okromain.com Fashion Director: Kered Clement

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Dress: Silhouette

by Neisha La Touche

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Fashion

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Dress: Topshop Necklace: Stylist’s Own shecaribbean.com 87

Fashion

This Page

Top: Zara Opposite Page

Top & Skirt: Muse Grenada Necklace: H&M

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Fashion

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This Page

Vintage Dress: SW18, Bruce Street Mall, St Georges, Grenada Opposite Page

Bikini Top & Knicker Shorts: Ana Granada Kaftan: H&M

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Fashion

Dress: Muse Grenada

Team Credits Assistant Stylist: Tara Richtell Photographers Assistant: Haron Forteau Make-up: Divya Amarnani Hair: Genel Forteau Model: Aria Francis Locations: www.grenadatours.gd

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SunTempleFood

by Germaine Waters

Many people ask how Sun Temple came about.

Simple. I experienced a renaissance. I wanted to finally invoke the desire I'd had for years to truly find a way to create food using the rich resources available in the Caribbean and to trust my own instincts and knowledge rather than someone else’s to feed my body and soul. The result is the harnessing and documenting of a growth process, which I feel honoured to share. www.suntemplefood.com

Courgetti

(Vegetable Spaghetti) with Chicken

I

don’t eat pasta much anymore, because it is a whole lot of calories with a high glycemic index and is usually made from really processed products. I don’t mind the calories, and in fact I don’t count them. It’s just a way of speaking about food, isn’t it? If they’re coming into my temple from a wholesome source that’s fine. These are certainly not empty calories, but are jammed full of the goodness of barely-cooked fresh vegetables.

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Serves 3/4 2-3 chicken breasts 454g roughly chopped fresh tomatoes 2 tbsp olive oil 1 large onion chopped 2 crushed garlic cloves 2 tbsp chopped thyme 3 tbsp chopped parsley 2 tsp fresh oregano 2 sprigs local celery 1 bay leaf

2 Tsp anchovy paste (eliminate for vegan option) 4/5 Sun dried tomatoes chopped (optional) Salt and pepper Basil for garnish Cook sauce first by sautéing the onions in olive oil until soft, then adding all the other ingredients and cooking through. Blend until smooth.

Cut the chicken breasts into bite size pieces and cook in sauce for 10 minutes. Skip this step for veggie or vegan alternative.

Spiralise your choice of vegetables and add to sauce for 5 minutes just before serving.

Raw Chocolate Coconut Bars Let’s be honest. Coconut is the bomb! Cocoa is the Bomb! When you put the two together its positively explosively good, and more to the point . . . good for your temple!

Roasted Butternut Squash & Sour Orange Hummus

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ummus is a very well-known and loved Middle Eastern dip, often scooped up with torn bits of pita bread. This recipe is so easy to make and adaptable to whatever squash or pumpkin is available. I love using sour orange here as well, instead of the more traditional lemon or lime. I’ve served it on crispbread, but you could use crackers, crudités or any manner of scoops, limited only by your imagination.

Makes 1 bowl 300g (10 oz) roasted butternut squash (or other squash/pumpkin) 100g (4 oz) tahini (sesame paste) 1 close garlic pressed juice of 1 sour orange (or lemon/lime) salt and pepper Method Cut the squash and remove the seeds and roast with its skin on until soft. When cool, scoop out the flesh and mix with the other ingredients, blending until completely smooth.

Makes 12 to 16 depending on thickness Coconut filling 175g (6oz) grated fresh coconut (approx 1 whole coconut with brown skin removed) 60ml (2oz) virgin coconut oil 4 tbsp coconut nectar (substitute honey or maple syrup) 1/4 tsp salt 1 tsp vanilla extract Chocolate covering Heat all the following ingredients together until melted 60 ml (2oz) coconut oil 30ml (2 tbsp) cocoa butter 30g (1 oz) grated cocoa stick (raw cacao) 60 ml (2oz) honey pinch of salt

Method Mix all the filling ingredients together and press into a suitable casserole dish with a cling film lining. Place in the fridge until firm and then tip the whole thing out using the plastic to help.

Cut into bar shapes and dip each bar into the chocolate mixture, placing on a grill to allow the excess drip off.

Place the whole grill if you can into the freezer. Repeat this process a second time. I didn’t achieve perfect coverage but I think my Raw Chocolate Coconut Bars looked respectable enough and they sure tasted yummy.

These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

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Voices

Selisha Chhetri is a strikingly beautiful 23-year-old with eversmiling eyes. She and Ranjan Deuja, also 23, had been married only a year when they left their home in Katmandu, Nepal’s capital city, to undertake studies at Lambirds Academy, in Saint Lucia.

They were accompanied on their flight by sixteen other young people who had also read and fallen for the school’s seductive advertisements or talked with its several agents throughout India and Nepal.

In Selisha’s own words . . .

M

y husband and I have been married a year. We dated for three years. When we finished school, we told our parents we wanted to marry. Our families were very supportive. From their first meeting, they liked one another. So, Ranjan and I were married with the blessings of both our families. I wanted very much to study hospitality at a college in North America. Ranjan would be coming along as my dependent. The advertisements and letters we received from Lambirds Academy led us to believe Saint Lucia was in North America. So did the information on their website.

We were told my husband could get a visa to come with me. We did not know Saint Lucia was a little island in the Caribbean. The owner of Lambirds Academy convinced us that Saint Lucia was close to California.

My husband and I were also told that in January the weather in Saint Lucia was really cold and it would be snowing when we got there, so we took with us big, heavy jackets. On arrival at the airport, someone was waiting to pick up and drive us to our hotel. The route was quite dark, but what we saw on the way didn’t look anything like a big American city.

At the hotel we had to pay five hundred US dollars, even though we had already paid for accommodation up front, along with tuition fees. The hotel manager told us they knew nothing about us, had received no payment, so either we paid to spend the night or we should go away. She was very hostile. There were eighteen in our group, only four women. We had no choice but to pay.

Lambirds Academy had just two classrooms that could hold only 15 students at one time and there were 70 of us. You had to wait three or four hours between classes. The school was above a grocery store. We soon 96 shecaribbean.com

realised we had made a big mistake and Lambirds was not what we had been led to believe it was. One day, after classes, some friends of the hotel owner’s son asked us where we thought we were.

When some of the students said we were in North America, they laughed. My husband got really angry.

Many times I went to the owner of the school and complained, but he always said to me: ‘Don’t worry, baby, everything will be fine. I will get you a job on a cruise ship or in a hotel, or at a nail salon; whatever you want.’ He showed me a map of North America on his laptop but by now we all knew something was wrong with Lambirds Academy and that Saint Lucia was not part of North America as we had been told by people working for the school.

By the time of the April 24 earthquake in Nepal, Rajan’s birthday, we were staying at the Pastoral Center, which is run by the Catholic Church north of Castries. We had no money left for food or accommodation. A police officer from the Criminal Investigation Department took us there.

The police had shut down the college and arrested its operators. That was on February 24. The people connected with Lambirds told us the school would be closed for a month’s vacation and the CEO would be away in Barbados.

We were all asleep at the Pastoral Center when the earthquake happened

in Nepal. One of the workers at the centre woke us up to tell us about it.

We tried desperately to reach our relatives but we could not get them by phone. Or by the Internet. We were desperate for news of our families. All we knew was what we saw on TV. So many homes had been destroyed; so many people killed.

When I finally got my mom on the phone, she said our house was cracked but not completely destroyed. My father was off collecting my sister from school and they hadn’t heard from him. My husband’s family home was completely destroyed and they have been living in a tent ever since. My father’s leg was injured but the family is still at home and all right.

We still haven’t told our families the truth about Lambirds; they think we are working hard at our studies and have jobs and are happy—just as we had been promised. It is so hard to call them and pretend, so we call less and less and now they are asking if everything is all right with us. [Weeps silently] It’s very difficult. With them still coping with the aftershocks, we don’t want to worry them further with our problems.

I will soon have to tell my parents the truth because a documentary has been made about the whole Lambirds Academy story. Ranjan and I were filmed quite a lot. The film crew came from Miami. The project is funded by the Ricky Martin Foundation.

If I could get I job I would like to stay in Saint Lucia and work hard, make a good life. Or we would go to the US if we could get the visas. All I wanted to do was study and work hard, do well and make our families proud. It is hard being stuck in a country so far away from home, with all the legal problems and no income.

Someone asked me what I would do if I was given ten thousand dollars. I said I would send it right away to our families in Katmandu.

Postscript: At time of writing Lambirds Academy remains closed. Its owners are in custody awaiting trial, scheduled to start mid-July. They face charges including human trafficking, money laundering, fraud and receiving money by deception. Selisha and her husband are expected to be police witnesses at the trial. What will happen to them in the meantime remains to be seen.