Posts in category: Lifestyle

As a young adult, I tend to feel I have absolutely no clue what’s going on or even how I make it through some days without screaming. But, recently, I’ve been having some moments where I just sit and reflect on how far I have indeed come. It’s not where I need to be, but, I’ve learnt a few things that sure come in handy now.
These are the five things that I’ve learnt in the past year that keep my sanity levels just high enough so that I don’t go absolutely apeshit.

1. Get rid of your loser friends – you might feel bad because you guys have been friends for a long time, but more and more you realise some people simply no longer fit into your life. The saying goes that ‘You’re the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with”, so, if all they do is lime and have zero interest in anything developmental especially for themselves, they really offer no support, when you’re being ambitious they cut you off and act like you’re doing too much (because they’re doing so much nothing), then, who are you?
   Nothing should hold you back from unlocking your fullest potential and this might get in the way. Now I don’t want to only complain about them, but at least offer some places to get started, the first being to get a mentor- someone who’s in the sphere of where you’d like to be and would have knowledge and skills that you’d be able to use to further develop yourself.
   And, be intentional about who’s in your inner circle, people with qualities you admire and inspire you. Also being able to recognise strengths and weaknesses in each other and give honest feedback so that way everyone wins.
2. Invest HEAVILY in yourself- If you don’t f**k with you, why should anyone else? Being on a path to self-actualization requires you to level up in all the ways you possibly can. And keep in mind,investing in yourself doesn’t mean (just) financially. These things acquired will last you a lifetime and create not just a better future for you, but those around you as well. So what are some of the ways I think you can invest?
   First way I’d have to say is knowledge/ education. I don’t necessarily mean going back to school but you can do some reading, some more research, take a class for something you’ve always wanted to know more about, sign up for an online course, even spend some time on YouTube learning a new skill.
   Another way is to start setting goals so you can track your progress. Starting of with setting small daily goals, then weekly, monthly and so on, allows to you to see if there’s any gaps in the way you do things. If you set a goal that should take 1 week and you take a month and notice your issue is time management then you can at least say that’s something I need to work on.
   Self care is also high on the list of self investment. You know what will allow you to feel your best self and you should absolutely do it. You deserve to feel limitless as often as you can. But this means actively practicing self care, whether it is choosing one day a week to detox from technology (no phone, laptop, tablet or tv), if its getting a massage once a month and meeting up with a friend to just talk about life. Or if you’re adventurous and want to do go rock climbing, sky diving, bungee jumping, then do it. Do the things that make you feel unstoppable.
   This one is gonna sound wild, especially to me, but, exercise. Your mind should be invested in and so should your body (and your soul btw). Exercise has its physical benefits but it also helps to relieve stress, improves cognitive function and honestly just helps you to feel better all round.
3. Self Awareness Is VITAL to your growth- Who are you? What do you believe in? What do you like and dislike? What are you bad at? Where are you heading?
   Self awareness is having a clear understanding of you, this absolutely includes whatever flaws or toxic traits you possess. And for me, this is how you will master your life, because it will allow you to have such a deep understanding of self, that you will also come to understand the things and people around you better.
   You can start with something as simple as keeping a journal that will allow for self reflection but also help offload things have been taking up too much space in your mind. Practicing mindfulness habits, like meditation is also a great first step in the process to you fully knowing you.
   I can give you a personal example, where I was simply angry all the time, for good reason yes. But it was affecting myself and those around me. The thing is, I simply had no control over what had happened to me to make me so angry, but what I absolutely had control over was that emotion. At that point in my life I had to do a total overhaul and really reflect and where I am in my life, where I want to be, and exactly how will I reach there.
   What self awareness does is shed a whole new light on the personalities and behaviours in yourself that you would have never taken notice of before and put that all into some perspective.
4. Growth puts you in some uncomfortable positions, embrace it anyway- I’ve seen the saying “Growth and comfort do not coexist” and I felt that. Why does it make you uncomfortable? because you’re breaking an old stagnant habit and if you’re so used to your habits obviously it’ll feel strange.
   But for growth and improvement, changes are required. You will be pushed to your limits in some cases, you will have to take risks in some cases, you will want to scream on many occassions, but, I’m telling you to embrace it all because the results are beautiful.
   You will be presented with opportunities that require you to step out of what you ‘think’ you’re capable of and force you to truly realise your potential (as I have in some cases over the last few months) and let me tell you, you’re gonna love it.
5. You win some, and you sure as heck lose some- It won’t be great all the time. But some times will be amazing and you will feel on top of the world. However there must be balance in the universe and this means taking an L once in a while.
   I’m at a place in my life where if something doesn’t happen for me, I may feel sad or upset but yet I fully acknowledge it simply was not for me or it was not the right time. I’m a firm believer in that the universe gives you what you need only when you have satisfied the relevant conditions of receiving it.
   So that means embracing the losses, but not letting them consume you. Because surely, you’d have learnt one thing from it.

Do any of these resonte with you? Tell me what does! Tell me what doesn’t!
Tell me what you’ve also learnt in the last year or in life in general!

Image taken by: https://www.instagram.com/edwardkcharlesofficial/

Self care entails many different things, for many different people. For me, a daily skincare routine just before bed is the peace and comfort I need just before I drift off into dreamland. It also pays to know what skin type you have so finding products/ a routine that works for your becomes a little bit easier.
For me, my forehead tends to get oily, but everywhere else is a dry mess, so, most of the products I use give me loads of hydration and moisture and keep me that way all day!

Currently, I’ve employed the Korean 10-Step skin care process which for me , goes a little something like this:

1. Oil-Based Cleanser–  this step really helps with removing makeup and other impurities. For me, I hardly wear makeup so I tend to use some coconut oil on a cotton pad to remove mascara especially. Grapeseed or Jojoba oil are also really great to use if you’re not getting a cleanser and just need help loosening that makeup.

2. Water-Based Cleanser– this breaks down dirt and sweat and picks up what the oil cleanser might have missed. I use the Epielle Micellar Cleansing Water that I pick up at Pennywise for around $20. I also use it for when I spot conceal since that’s usually not heavy makeup so it comes off easily. Apart from the great price, I have sensitive skin but I’ve zero problems with it- no burning, no breakouts, nothing. I also love the pump used to get the product out making life so much easier.

3. Exfoliator– this step is super duper important if you want clean, clear skin. It removes dead skin cells that tend to make you look patchy, or causes breakouts. Also, when I apply my exfoliatiing product, I massage it into my skin for about 60 seconds to make sure I get all the yucky stuff OUT! My favourite exfoliating products is the Freeman Apple Cider Vinegar Clay Mask & Scrub. It’s gentle, smells great unlike raw apple cider vinger and truly leaves my skin smoother and brighter. I also get this at Pennywise for between $30- $35.

4. Toner– now what Toner does is balances your skin’s moisture levels and restores the pH balance that all that cleansing and exfoliating threw off. My favourite product at the moment for this is the Cara Mia Toner (pictured at the centre below). Some toner’s I’ve used in the past left my face and red and itchy, but I’ve none of that with this toner. Some have also left my face ridiculously dry to the point where I could strike a match on my face, but not with this. And well my favourite part, it’s less than $30, more like $24 at Pennywise.

5. Essence– these are light and pack a punch of anti-aging, hydrating, brightening or other fixes for your skin. For me, as a dry skinned gal, I chose Hylauronic Acid, to allow my skin to remain hydrated, better. This BreyLee Hyalauronic Acid I got on Amazon for around $10 or $11 (see homepage for the link) and though I find the bottle really small (.53 fl oz) it only take about 3 to get your entire face covered and super hydrated for hours. I also use it on makeup for some extra help to not get dry patches for my foundation to cling to.

6. Treatments– this step is used to pinpoint certain problems you might have, like hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, acne and so on. Though only 26, I’ve enlisted the help of The Ordinary Alpha Lipoic Acid to fight any signs of aging that even think about appearing. They say that anti-aging care should start once you hit your twenty’s and I’ve taken that to heart just to be on the safe side. Locally here in Trinidad I’ve paid $80 which for this product. Now though I use it sparingly, sometimes it does in fact have a burning sensation at the sides of my nose, but lasts for all of half a minute and it’s done. (Note- I do this step only about 2-3 times weekly because it’s too strong for everyday usage)

7. Sheet Masks– these allow your skin to absorb concentrated essences, serums or treatments by leaving on your face for some time. It also forces you to just relax and meditate while it does it’s job. Because I actually sell this type of product (see here), I’ve amassed by own personal stash which I love. My favourites are of course the ones that add moisture, hydration and leave me feeling renewed.

8. Eye Cream- the skin around your eyes are thin an delicate and so must be delicately taken care of. only recently I’ve introduced this step into my routine by way of the Olay Ultimate Eye Cream which I love so far because how thick, but not heavy it is. Under my eyes feel moisturized when applied, but not like there’s a thick layer of product on it.

9. Moisturizer– I’ve probably been using this product since university, but if it’s not broke, don’t fix it right?! Moisturizer comes in many forms, creams, gels, sleeping masks but they all have the same job. To seal in moisture and plump and smoothen skin.

10. Oils– Oils can penetrate a moisturizer, but not the other way around. So adding it after adds that extra layer to ensure you LOCK IN that moisture and your skin remains softer and more suppler for longer periods of time. For the last few months I’ve been using The Organic Essence by Mel – Rose Gold Facial Serum. It’s $100 TT and all I really need to is 2 drops to cover my entire face and I am absolutely glowing and well oiled.

I know it seems like a lot, but you’ll see a major difference once you’re consistent and have found the right products for you. It’s been about 4 months now I’ve undertaken this entire routine and surely I’ve seen change, just peep the pic below (that’s with only my day time products on-routine for that soon come). But if you have any questions feel free to inbox me, email me, DM me etc. I’d be happy to help!

I know it’s only Wednesday but its been a long, difficult week for both of us. Right?
So how about a glass of the good stuff, you know what I’m talking about- WINE!🍷

Island Vine Wines
IVW boasts “finely crafted Trinidadian wines using a Polish method handed down by the Osika Family”, meaning every glass you pour was nurtured for that very moment.
With flavours like Sugarcane, PawPaw, Pineapple and even Sparkling Mango (yes you read that correctly), they ensure that every bottle is a unique experience that immediately takes you seaside lounging.

Island Vine ain’t no joke when it comes to doing wine the right way either! These bona-fide winemakers uses only the best equipment, on their Facebook page I quickly learned about an antique authentic French carboy or “demijohn” as commonly called in France which is used in the fermentation process to ensure quality control.
That’s super cool right?

Tucuché Country Wines
Getting its name from the mountain peak sacred to the Amerindians, El Tucuche, for this brand is a symbol of Home. El Tucuche also towers over the winery that crafts what we know as Tucuché Country Wines , so as to say ‘I’m looking over you always,’ and, it gives the purest base, straight from the spring for their wines. Using seasonal and exotic fruits found right here in Trinidad & Tobago, Tucuché is churning out Guava, Pommecythere, Banana, Noni and even Banoni ( I had to google to find out what this was and apparently its is an apple -TCW you can call me out on this if I’m wrong), but you name it and they’re turning it into wine!

Pairing fruits and spices to create the most inviting blend is definitely their forte and asking for another glass is sure to follow. Using warm colours and rich flavours in every bottle,  each “enticing bouquet evoke memories and dreams of ancestral times and the vibrant plumage of the hummingbirds” as stated by their story in Facebook!

V Toria Rhonda Winery
Years before it was a winery, this estate was an Orchard with a sprinkling of cocoa and coffee. Today, this 2nd generation wine maker produces some of the finest wines made from our local fruits all her own vineyard and winery. Wine, in her opinion is what brings people together to create new experiences and memories to last a lifetime. These semi-sweet wines are made in Rio- Claro, Trinidad from a variety of tropical fruits and dried grapes (raisins) to create the bold flavours .

Apart from the impressive packaging and flavours the website  introduces you to Victoria Wine Club where you can get a 10% discount on your purchases and other exclusive benefits. There’s also a listing here making the bottles even easier to find to entertain at your next lime.

L’eau Pont Winery- Tropical Fruit Wines 
Once in a while, I meet wine that makes me go WOW! So imagine, the tangy, tartness of sorrel marrying the rich taste of Port, did you imagine it?
Yeah sounds amazing right?!? Now what if I told you I like neither sorrel, nor Port ( at this point you might be judging me, its okay though) but TFW had me seriously questioning my taste.
This family affair produces flavours like Pommerac, Mango, Banana, Sorrel and Pineapple all from their micro-winery!

Light, refreshing, mellow, elegant all can be used to describe a pour from an L’eau Pont Wine, so how about some wine?

Be sure to click to see more on these wineries!
Cheers!

Describe your idea of a perfect date. 

Honestly, that’s a tough one. But, I’d have to say November 25th. Because it’s not too hot, not too cold, the days are overcast, maybe light rain, but it’s cool all round!

I’m kidding!

But… I’ve always considered having a picnic to be a fun, romantic and relaxing experience. And, thanks to Picnic-Perfect Ltd. my picnic dreams were realized (on Valentine’s Day, of all days❣).

Waterville Estate, described on its website as “Nestled in the lush, tropical verdant Santa Cruz Valley, undisturbed by the bustle of modern day living, ” made it seem as though we had been whisked away to another island, surrounded only by the other couples, our hosts and the bugs singing their night songs.

Though meant to be under the magnificence of the night sky, rain was like nah, not today and Picnic-Perfect didn’t skip a beat in setting up under tents . The cushy blankets, fluffy throw pillows and basket at my side didn’t make me miss the grass at all as I kicked my shoes off and got comfy with my  SO. 😏

And peep the cute welcome note we got. 👇🏽

Also, if you look to the far bottom left of the above pic, you’ll catch a glimpse of the cheese that paired with a most scrumptious Olive Loaf (which I meant to take pictures of but I was hungry, I’m sorry☹️). I followed up my Olive Loaf with dinner of wild rice, Parmesan crusted salmon and veggies, accompanied by our non-alcoholic mimosa (because everyone has to get home safely afterward ofc!) and a very attractive Red Velvet Cheesecake. Dinner led to conversation (and some minor cuddling) which led to MINI-GOLF!🏌

Because I’ve never played Mini-Golf before (or real golf at that) I was excited to try it out because I’m just playful by nature, so games are my thing. After about 10 misses the ball finally made it to the hole and victory was mine! My bf didn’t do pretty bad either (actually he did better than I did, but, this is my blog😂😂). But as people that really enjoy new experiences the Mini-Golf for us was one of the most enjoyable events of the night, because well not long after this a bug flew into his eye and then it got swollen and we ended up leaving.🤦🏽‍♀️…. But

But not before we had a mini photoshoot, set up for us to immortalize this Valentine’s Day experience! It included props, a professional photographer and lots of laughs.

The picture below is the selfie result from the picture above!

Earlier that day I was a bit worried as the rain had fallen, and well naturally the place would be wet. So my brain was running wild with how it was going to turn out. Needless to say, it was PICNIC-PERFECT!

As a person who doesn’t particularly celebrate Valentine’s Day, I could think of no better way to have spent this one. A super special thanks to Picnic- Perfect Ltd for inviting me to indulge in an evening filled with love, laughter & happiness! And I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to have an intimate,simple but fun time!