where to shop for everything local

Where to Shop for Everything Local!

by with One Comment CaribbeanLatest

Have you made the conscious decision to shop local but don’t know where to find what you’re looking for?
While most of my local purchases are initiated through social media, sometimes it’s easier to just pop into a store, grab what you need and get out. At the moment, there’s a few spots where you can get clothing, accessories, skincare, decor, foodstuff and everything in between made by local/regional designers and artisans.
The few that’s around are totally worth the visit to snag some awesome local products made with lots of love( trust me, I can feel it with every product I buy).

•The Shop at Hotel Normandie

Located at #10 Nook Avenue, St.Ann’s, The Shop is a platform for all things local. Here’s where you can find a variety of local and regional products every day of the week.

•The House of Creative People

#139 Southern Main Road, Marabella is where you’d find this gem of a store. With a wide array of locally made jewellery, skincare products as well as art pieces THOCP

•Junckollage Gypsy Caravan

At the One Yoga Studio in Queen’s Park Oval is where you’d find the boho style handmade collective for over 40 different brands from all over Trinidad & Tobago. If you’re looking for a quirky or novelty gift with Caribbean flair, Junckollage is the spot.

•#6 Carlos Street, Woodbrook

If you follow local fashion, you’d know this address too well as its the studio of one of our most renowned designers, Meiling. And, she’s opened up this space to upcoming designers to make their pieces more accessible to us.

•Green Market, Santa Cruz

Opened on Saturdays from 6am-1pm , Green Market is a celebration of fresh produce, food, beverages and other artisans nurtured by trinis and those around the region. The idea is to foster fruitful relationships between producers and consumers based around fresh, healthy, home grown goods.

•Afrocessories Home

There’s no place like home and Afrocessories has created that place for local brands like herself! Located in the Annex of Trinidad Theatre Workshop you can feel the love from their home to yours with locally made jewellery, clothing, candles, teas and Afrocessories’ signature bonnet!

This list isn’t exhaustive so if you have a location that sells local products then send me a message so I can add it in! Also stores like Superpharm, Starlite and Pennywise are slowly but surely adding local products to their line up making it easier to find and shop!

My 5 Favourite Local Products Right Now!

by with No Comment CaribbeanLifestyle

Local products are sprinkled throughout my daily routine because more and more types of products are becoming available.I am disgustingly ecstatic every time I see something new that I’ve been wanting to try and then it becomes available locally, and better yet, it’s locally made.

It goes without saying saying that I’m a sucka for all things local (that’s what this blog is focused on..right?!?!!?). So it’s only fair that I share with you the top 5 products I am absolutely loving right now.

1. Arôme Candle Company- Sometimes, I need to just sit my behind down and relax. And Arôme is making it 5 times easier for me to actually do that. With a range of scents from floral, to fruity, from coffee to outdoorsy, whichever fragrance brings peace into your life, you’re sure to find it here. It’s been only recently I’ve incorporated candles into my relaxation routine and I’m really confused as to why the heck I never did it before. And this Bamboo scent really lets me clear my head and refresh. I usually light it on the floor of room on a large tile we had from tiling our kitchen. I then lay on my bed, close my eyes, take some deep cleansing breaths and let the candle do the rest.
If you’re a lover of candles or just looking to add something new to your relaxation routines, this is surely a great place to start.

2. Organic Essence by Mel- Organic, handmade hair and skincare products? That’s right! This brand first caught my eye with their Shampoo & Conditioner bars (which I also 1000% recommend btw), but as a skincare junkie, when I saw the Rose Gold Facial Elixir I knew I just HAD to get it. Judging from my last post, you know I take my skincare very seriously and finding local products to include always get me super excited. Made with Avocado, Sweet Almond, Jojoba, Rose and Vitamin E Oils, I knew I had to get my hands on it mainly because I have dry skin and all of these ingredients are super duper for that and I must remain moisturized at all times. And, because surely, anything with gold flecks in it are a yes from me because who doesn’t like shiny things?
Anywho, since using it I’ve genuinely seen my skin improve in the way it remains moisturized (all day) and if I skip a day (because I sometimes forget) I’m not battling with dry patchy skin like I used to. And, thanks to the Vitamin E oil, there’s also less marks, I would 1000% say The Organic Essence is needed in your collection.

3. Sumptuously Orgasmic- These artisan crafted jams, jellies, chutneys and pepper sauces are tasty, spicy, goes with everything and a great addition to basically any dish you could think of. If you anything about me, you know exactly which of these (PEPPER SAUCE) is my favourite. I’m that person that cooks with peppers and then adds more pepper to their food because, well, what’s food without pepper?
Since SO came into my life I’ve gained a pepper sauce for every occassion, my eggs for breakfast, that macaroni pie for lunch and that roti and bodi for dinner- COVERED, literally! My latest find in the Tomato Chutney is the perfect combo of sweet and savoury so that I can add excitement to really just about anything i eat.

4. Teaspott- As an avid tea and coffee drinker, finding a local tea company is heaven sent! I drink tea(or coffee) for everything, stressed? Tea! Happy? Tea! Sleepy? Tea! Hungry? Tea! Fed up of every one and everything? Definitely TEA! And TeaSpott is fueling my hot beverage obsession over and over again with the super wide array of teas. I usually try 5 new ones every time just because there’s so many to choose from and I still haven’t found a favourite because truthfully, I love all.
If you have a hot beverage addiction like me, then you’ve just found your new favourites. You’re welcome!

5. SavonArt Scentsations- More skincare? You bet your ass it is! But right now the SavonArt Scentsations lip scrub is an essential in my stash. I have dry skin and unfortunately this translates to my lips so a regular scrub is a must. A couple nights a week just before bed I apply the scrub, rub it in, get my scrub on, then wipe it off and apply a bit of Vaseline Lip Therapy after. Needless to say for the next few days those things are super kissable AND they come in various (delicious) scents/flavours like Margarita lime, Watermelon, Butter Cream, Papaya. If you’re looking to add some lip care into your skin routine, this is the perfect place to start!

Take Me Back- St.Lucia!

by with No Comment CaribbeanLifestyle

Have you ever been to a place where everyone you walk past is the most pleasant person in the world? That’s St.Lucia.

Known for it’s twin volcanic peaks, the Pitons, rising straight from the sea to over 2500ft skirted by the fishing port of Soufriere, St.Lucia is plastered with rich, mesmerizing vegetation from coast to coast. Between the journey  from George F.L Charles Airport,me trying not to puke my guts out ( I have the worst motion sickness) and the Coconut Bay Beach Resort, St.Lucia reminds you of the Caribbean island you dream about when you’re from the outside looking in.

(Yes I am from Trinidad and Tobago but my life is overrun with highways, freshly constructed buildings and the only greenery I see is the weeds my dogs decide to uproot and drag around my yard). Not long after leaving the airport we headed uphill to get this amazing view of the cruise ship port which I must admit I can’t remember the name(maybe because I was so mesmerized) but you get the point from the pic right?

 

So after spending an hour in the taxi trying to contain anything I may have eaten for that morning, we got to Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa which is located in Vieux Fort along St.Lucia’s south coast and thankfully just 5 mins from the Hewanorra International Airport (for when it was time to go home). For this really short vacation the intention was to do some exploring especially at the much talked about Sulphur Springs, however my body thoroughly convinced me that what it needed was to just chill the eff out and with 5 pools and 7 bars it was the easiest task I’ve ever had to undertake. Somehow my SO and I ended up in a room with two beds (we still can’t recall if we intentionally did that lol) but the view of pathways and coconut trees we weren’t bothered in the least.

If you’re not too enthused by kids running and screaming there’s an entire wing I believe its the Harmony wing, with a pool, bar and suntrackers (my favourite thing about CBay) dedicated to adults only. If you’re looking for a boozy vacay with great cocktails and even greater bartenders then CBay holds your best interest at heart. Called Coconut Bay Beach Resort AND SPA I had a super relaxing evening at Kai Mer- indulging in a Botanical Mini Facial and Kai Mer Tranquility ( I fell asleep for both and if you know me personally you know I don’t just fall asleep any and anywhere). Me falling asleep should indicate just how relaxing both were so I’d absolutely recommend Kai Mer!

Here’s the bar!(this one is by the adult pool, there’s a bunch more)

Here’s the Sun Trackers! (they’re able to spin around so you can face where you want)

On the side where noise makers( kids lol) are allowed there’s a lazy river and two fun as a mofo water slides if you’re looking for some excitement. This side also houses a swim up bar with a Kid’s Mocktail menu for the kiddies, but lemme tell you the cocktails are so fruity and delicious you get caught up really easily.

Apart from the fun, food is a priority. So, in addition to the buffet restaurant available for breakfast, lunch and dinner there’s three other specialty restaurants at the resort that you can make dinner reservations for, and the Jerk Treehouse (see pic for menu). ‘Calabash’ offering Creole and Caribbean cuisine was the pick for one of these very short nights (see pic on left below) and the steak was divine.

 

Though my lazy behind never left the hotel I don’t regret it one bit. because of the pure relaxation, friendly staff and soothing environment C-Bay offers I’d recommend it to anyone!

Say Hi to my Mango Mojito!

 

 

 

 

The Glow-Up Has Arrived!

by with No Comment BeautyCaribbeanFashionLatestLifestyleMakeupStyleTrinidad & Tobago

My dear friends, we are gathered here today to shine the light on my absolute favourite makeup product: Highlighters✨

My closest friends know I wear makeup about 1.5 times a month, but that doesn’t stop me from buying all the highlighters from golden tones to peachy shades simply because I have a problem (one I’ve come to terms with). Local cosmetics brand- Amerie Beautie is giving us all the highlight we need to successfully achieve the ultimate glow , I could already hear the makeup addicts in the distance shouting ‘ Yaaaaaas’. Handmade in pressed and liquid for every skintone and a million percent WOC friendly, totally coruscanting is unavoidable.

 

Be sure to check out @ameriebeautie on IG!

Stay Shinin’ ✨

 

Swim Good!

by with No Comment CaribbeanFashionLatestLifestyleStyleTrinidad & Tobago

Living in the Caribbean really does have its perks. I could to go beach any day at any time and have a beastly cold Stag (my beer of choice), and the weather (even if its pouring rain) is just right. For most the mantra is ‘Sun’s out, buns out’ and I don’t blame them one bit! If you’re obsessed with the beach like me, swimwear and beach accessories always catch your eye, even when you have a drawer full of bathing suits that still have tags ( Please tell me I’m not the only one). But seriously, if you’re looking to get your Baywatch on, you’ve come to the right place.

 

  • Miakalani Swim (Jamaica)- Everyone has a swimsuit body and with just a few days until the official website launch(www.miakalaniswim.com) Miakalani has the one for you! Daring or more conservative? Its okay Miakalani is mastering the balance of comfort and sexy whatever your style may be.

(Images from Instagram @miakalaniswim)

  • Jae Jolly (Jamaica)- If you get mistaken for a celebrity on vacation I could honestly see why. Jae-Jolly is serving up that one-of-a-kind, private island luxury kind of resort/ swimwear. Each piece allows you a unique experience you ABSOLUTELY CANNOT find with swimwear from anywhere else. Does anyone else look at clothing and could tell wearing it gonna end up a WHOLE scene?

   

(Images from Instagram @jaejolly)

  • Dominic Hutch (Trinidad)- Guys, I’m so sorry I often leave you all out, but not this time 😀 This is your version of the itsy bitsy teenie weenie bikini. Que the slow mo beach run. There’s prints to match your personality to a T from subtle to BOLD and anything that could quite possibly be in between.

(Images from Instagram @dominichutch)

  • Suga Apple Swim (Barbados)- Suga Suga how you get so fly? Nah, for real, I think that song was written with this brand in mind because MY GOODNESS! So many shapes for so many body types Suga Apple will have you lookin the flyest!

(Images from Instagram @sugaappleswim)

  • Vivre By Chelsea (Trinidad)- When Chelsea said ‘Only for the DOPE’ she wasn’t playin. Vivre is dripping in Caribbean sex appeal that really fascinates and excites and aren’t for the faint of heart. Want that head turning, jaw-dropping, have them drooling type swimwear? The you’ve come to the right place.

(Images from Instagram @vivrebychelsea)

  • Tobago Bag (Trinidad & Tobago) – The quintessential beach/travel bag is made right here! Big enough for these beach towels but not too big that you get carried away (like I usually do). The simple elegance of these bags make them easy to carry in so many situations that can come up in your vacation travels. Honestly, it’s the ‘IT Travel Bag’.

 

(Images from Instagram @tobagobag)

  • Drevait (Trinidad)- Drevait could proudly say that they’ve designed every Tropical Traveler’s dream tote. Put these bags to your ear and I’m sure you could hear the ocean. The latest collection so rightfully called ‘Wanderer’ fits all your vacay must-haves while you look like the chicest travel blogger around.

(Images from Instagram @drevaitofficial)

  • Timberwear Inc (Jamaica)- (Guys you’re included in this one too) When last have you seen HANDMADE sunglasses right here in the Caribbean? And don’t lie…. Made with 1 part brilliance, 1 part fresh to deathness, 2 parts Caribbean Excellence and probably the most important thing… Teak! Timberwear is sure to make you the belle(or beau) of the beach!

(Images from Instagram @timberwearinc)

  • Kitanilly Basics (Trinidad) – Sometimes we like to keep em guessin, so we prefer coverups (this is me when I don’t shave my legs). Kitanilly came through with the Kaftan, Kimono, Throwover- if you can cover up with it she’s made it. My fave thing is these transition to so many occasions. Its the all purpose vacation piece you need in that travel bag.

(Images from Instagram @kitanillybasics)

Vacation time is slowly creeping up and my wish for you is that your toughest decision will be bikini or monokini 👙