FuZion Fuse

Club coconuts; only vibes. Men dressed in their favourite, FUBU,FILA, and Nike -Just do it  kits.Women in either baggy flashy colourful, tops and "pum pum" shorts or slinky wear. Coming to think of it, in these modern times we really don't look that much different as those very same nineties trends are being recycled with just a tit and tat of other decades. Oh, the nineties! when the vibe was young.
Truth be told  I know nothing about Club Coconuts. I was probably around ten - twelve when it ran things because I'm a nighties baby.But what I do remember is the way my mum (who was an avid party goer, much like the reputation that I have /had) would talk about it.She made it seem like it was the place to be.
Nowadays Club Coconuts is a was.And what was Club Coconuts has been completely revamped into Fuzion nightclub.
Up the hills of  St. Anns,  Port of Spain, just beneath Cascadia hotel you'd stumble upon the resurrected Club Coconuts.Thursday nights the option is clear;51 night club  for "stushness" and free drinks, or party on the slopes for realness and vibes.

I had the opportunity to go to Fuzion which was actually my second time at the club since it reopened its doors. And though I played "stush" all night long ( because , I'm bored of clubbing and too grown up to wine) the vibe of the people was on point. For starters the club was filled to capacity.The people were much like in the Trinidad manner highly trendy as far as trends reach in Trinidad and they all seem to be having a fantastic time. The bar was making a lot of money. From my position on the stage and my own experience attempting to purchase a drink the bartenders were busy belting out Johnny Walker and Hennessey and whatever craving your liquor tongue could demand.
The Thursday nights are usually managed by Boom Champions and so their very humorous, down- to-earth DJs and selectors took control of the atmosphere.



It was exceptionally humorous looking at drunken girls stumble down the slopes in their heels though.You can tell they had a lot of fun.And this event goes on every Thursday, so if you just happen to have nothing to do on a Thursday night you should probably check out the slopes. and be prepared for plenty realness and plenty vibes.

LIMING

When it comes to fun vibes and recreation, Trinidad has a number of options.Like my blog says, "Lime" is our name, so if you are into "liming" Trinidad is it. Trinidad is so "it" that we lime for absolutely no reason at all. The strangest predicaments could encourage a lime, for example:
 Scene 1: You are on your merry way to your destination via the highway when all of a sudden, oops! a tire goes flat.After examining your situation, you stand stranded outside your car and wanting some assistance for a few minutes until a random passer by stops to ask, "ay you need a start awa?"- you say yes. He tries to assist. While assisting y'all engage in some "old talk" and he just happens to have a cooler with beers and you just happen to have a deck of cards.The lime has started;beer in hand and all fours started.. In most cases Trinidadians being the "concerned people that they are, naturally 1 or 2 more cars may pull over to assist. You think I lie?, true story I've witnessed it myself.
 Scene 2:You decide to go to the Savannah to take a sweat .Game is over. Conversation starts.Lime begins and just like that a 2 hour event turns into an entire evening lime with all the old talk, bacchanal and Vibes of a planned recreational gathering
 and in some cases even more .
or
Scene 3: your friends just randomly decide to come over, walk into your fridge serve themselves , drinks, snacks and food and invite people over.

This is the life of a Trini. WE lime anywhere, any time, anyhow and with anyone.
Naturally Trinidadians are charismatic individuals.Our unusual slang ,terminology and perspectives make for interesting company and conversation.
Throughout the year we have
multiple seasons that intensify our desire and opportunity to lime so our liming habit changes from the norm of a Tuesday to Sunday,sleep during the days for a few hours to a consistant partying binge,with no sleep.Those significant seasons are Carnival and Christmas.During the Carnival season which usually last for 2 months.We party without better judgement on workdays , business days school days at fetes/ soca concerts hosted by most institutions and willingly blow  three hundred-two thousand dollars in one night without remorse.

During Christmas however it is a little different. We go paranging which is similar to the U.S. carolling where we visit peoples home's singing spanish carols called
or soca parang which is a fusion of indigenous soca music to a parang rhythm and beat all in exchange for a glass of punch de creme or sorrel and a plate of food.
Some may argue that, We lime too much and can't seem to take life seriously but I think that it's a part of our nature that distinguishes us and adds to our charm and ability to adapt to societies,culture,environments and situations.Wherever you go, people who know can always tell if you are a Trini.

Some local terms and words found in this blog:
Liming-The act of hanging out our socializing with peers in any environment
"A start"-
Trinidadians-A person who is from Trinidad or Tobago
All fours-A card game invented in Trinidad
Savannah-Any Community Center or field where sporting activity takes place
"old talk"- Random conversation, about anything.
Bachannal-Confusion
Vibes-A high rate of enjoyment.
Soca-A genre of music highly originating in the Caribbean
Parang-Spanish hymns
Paranging-The act of visiting homes singing Spanish hymns in exchange for food and drinks.
Punch de Creme-A Local beverage made with milk and served especially during the Christmas season.

For more trini translations follow this link

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Social life/School/Sleep- Can't have it all

This diagram is an exact representation of my greatest challenge in life. In my case however ,they forgot to slip in work there because like most individuals I've gotta eat.I have a job, one more load for my plate.But how do I keep a balance? Between the other three how to decide what, when and where it all comes down to why.
Why do you go to school?
Why do you need sleep?
Why do you need a social life?
Which are most important?

 Parents always say "you'd have your entire life to party" well at least that's what my mum says.But that isn't exactly true. By the time you've finished going to school you're either too old to fit in with the regular party crowd - yep you're the balding, old guy at the "frat" party.You're either too mature and "parent" everyone there so- you're the guy  who's shouting "hey kid get down off that table/ put sum clothes on... blah blah blah"  or  you're old,  so naturally you're too focused on more serious things in life like raring a family , making investments or preparing for when you are no longer working.By that time you're so accustomed to working that  you actually start to like it. Which leaves you with zero partying options.
Truth is partying is for the young and able.The perfect age for partying is just between having little responsibilities and little expectations of; and if you are of ideally college years or "young adult" years you just happen to fall right in between there. 

 My social life is not as important to me as most, but because I understand that I am strange and most people my age live on the dance floor and get dehydrated without liquor here are a few suggestions:

1) practice sleeping less- fun fact-if you sleep eight hours a day everyday you would have slept an entire 1/3rd of your life by the time you are 30 i.e.10 years

When you sleep less you'd naturally have more time to party or study which ever is more convenient.

2)instead of watching television all day or staring at the wall how about randomly reading over your notes on a basis more regular than "pre-exams cram" or to prove a point to someone.Read Anything!

3)Try mixing it up a bit.Make studying a social event, invite your friends to do it with you.fun games and school based trivia are great ways to enjoy studying and more importantly do it with serious people or people who have similar academic ambitions as you do.You can help motivate each other.
4)Make up your mind to give up 1 or be willing to do less of all. Practice being an adult,get your priorities straight,make sensible decisions.

Party girl!!

Now don't get me wrong I love going out I've actually been a titled "party girl" for the last six years of my life. but through my personal life changing experiences or just being able to see the world differently I got bored and decided that being seen in a professional light would be more important for my reputation. Currently I'm more focused on building networks and connections,establishing ideas, helping people through various none profit organisations and figuring myself out,who I am, what I want in life; the kind of person who gets a day named after them or leaves their name on a great book or something.I actually haven't gone out quite often for the year, my personal circle is getting smaller and I'm learning more how to make myself happy I'd still take a "lil wine" from time to time and I still flutter around events like a social butterfly so I think I have a good balance working out for me but like I said before it's about prioritizing  and ultimately doing what would be better for your future. So for me school is a priority, and I'm a sucker for a good book I read when I can, work is a priority and socializing is a priority because my professional future involves people and events.Sleep is less important but I still try to get a healthy amount going. People sleep way more than they need to anyway.Just sleep an healthy amount of time.

Me reading when I can

I've even noticed recently that going to events are exhausting so sometimes I nap there and then I'm up and ready to pump again.I am a PUMPER!!!

Sleeping at an event for a few hrs before I pumped again

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JOJO's SASS

Joanna-Smurf Blue inside the converse store Trincity Mall 

Joanna Hutton is the perfect package. From those "chinky","chinee" eyes to her impeccable style, she has it! she makes it!she is it! With her down-to-earth personality she is absolutely irresistible. Joanna has been one of my closest friends since I was 11.The first time we met we immediately clicked and subsequently got into trouble together but since then we've been great friends. You know what they say -"good friends will be there to bail you out of jail but great friends will be sitting there beside you". I'd like to tell everyone about the interesting experiences I've had with her but i'd not want to take away from your own experience.The girl is "hella" funny,super entertaining and probably one of the most genuine persons I've ever met.It's impossible to be around her and not leave with a laugh.

Joanna at right performing vocals for Nadia Batson's Sass

The child is multi-talented; part comedian, part vocalist, part hairstylist, Joanna the kid sister of Nadia Batson is also a member of the star band ,"Nadia Batson's Sass and along with Elena Rawlins does background vocals for several performances and tracks by the lead singer. She hopes to one day be performing her own tracks but admits to having a little stage fright that seems to be hindering the process.

Aside from performing with the band this 5'4 miss is also an hair stylist and is responsible for several shocking yet gorgeous hairstyles of her band mates as well as her own outrageous looks.Sporting hair from copper to "smurf" blue,blond or red, in curls,long flowing locks, or short styles, She trends and takes the risks that most wouldn't dare. If anything she's known for her hair. During her performances I always hear random dudes say "that chick with the pink hair real "bess" or that chick with the fruity pebbles hair on point".However she styles it, it suits her and she looks great.

In terms of fashion most of her outfits are altered or designed as an signature Joanna Hutton article, for some reason it works for her and she's even spoken up a few times  about persuing fashion design. She has even done some modelling .

Joanna Hutton @ Sass photoshoot

Till then Joanna is just the girl who brings the laughter and realism.She's the girl not afraid to be herself who doesn't forget her roots,remains humble, is extremely friendly and always willing to help a friend in need.

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Mary-Anna

Marry-Anna is a song written by Trinbagonian reggae artist Prophet Benjamin where he describes his relationship with a "woman".For those who are familiar with Prophet Benjamin we are similar with our assumptions of the song. For those who are not familiar with Prophet Benjamin please get acquainted with some of his other songs such as "coming from Moruga" and  "a whole field of weed ". That being said Prophet Benjamin's "woman" seems to be the new miss popularity in Trinidad and Tobago and she never discriminates. Lower class, middle class, upper class, she's in their circle making everything seem just...       "su-per-ca-li-fra-gi-lis-tic"

For those who haven't been able to catch on by now I'm talking about marijuana. It's been called several things and though many may argue that they use it primarily for "medical purposes" it's easy to wonder if that medical condition is contagious when around peers.It's funny though because I actually do agree that a medical condition is in-fact present but  its called "addiction" and ironically using the said addiction has never been a successful contributor to the cure. Many people debate that unlike tobacco or caffeine, marijuana is not actually addictive but what most can agree is that the temporary high- in the land of sugar canes and gummy-bears, elves and unicorns, leaves it's visitors addicted to their own imagination thus being addicted to the psychoactive effects of marijuana.

I'm not certain if  weed was so predominant before I noticed or if its become more obvious since it's slipped into my circle but its there and everyone knows it. What's certain though is that a lot more youths are being influenced by songs sang by several performers who mention the drugs in music, interviews and quotes which may actually stand as a contributor to the growing epidemic.Another contributor is the way life is recycle ; whatever is out comes back in eventually and that explains the presence of modern day hippies wearing a combination of clothing from the 60's,70's,80's and 90' rolling "blunts". Whatever it is, it seems that at almost every event I've attended in the last year weed,kush,grade,hash,doobie,spliff, reefer or whatever cute nickname they have for it,it was present. It's easy to notice the few who stand to the back of the events, always with uncontrollable laughter or a big gay smile and red barely open eyes, disguising there actions during each explosion of co2 and seeming just a little bit happier than the "vibe" at the event would prescribe. Sometimes we have our neighbourhood candy men who walk around distributing several treats such as cupcakes, brownies and chocolate made with an extra special ingredient iv'e heard some people call "love".

Meanwhile we have the stoners who promote world peace and are into the whole "legalise weed" campaigns.Until then weed in Trinidad remains easily accessible although illegal. I guess everybody has their vice.Question is  how detrimental is yours?

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Facebook Shopping

My new thing is shopping online. I am yet to meet a girl who does not have a genuine appreciation for trendy outfits, glamorous makeup, cute bags and shoes and if perhaps they do exist they don't know what they've been missing. I love them all and meanwhile my peers may gravitate towards liming (trini word for hanging out) drinking and just living up their youth the convenience that shopping over facebook has given me to enjoy these "limes" looking trendy has been awesome.

Shopping online is easy because it gives you the opportunity to access trends and styles that have not yet arrived on the local market.When clothing arrives on the Trinidad market it's very rare to come across original ideas and outfits as local buyers and trend shops tend to sell the same things.You constantly have to worry about going out and seeing someone wearing your outfit (total embarrassment especially if they are wearing it more fashionably than you are). I myself have been a victim of this so when i stumbled upon "Pretty Little Things" or "The Finer Things by Anella" i jumped at the opportunity at once and many days, spent my pitons on wearables that I liked. From dresses to swimsuits, the options and colors vary at very affordable prices. Prices ranging from $100-$200, making clothing for a non-worker affordable.
From time to time these sites tend to have sale and drop prices on a lot of stock which is actually the best time for purchasing gifts-cute trinkets like handbags or jewellery the list goes on and on.It's quite simple All you do is go on to your designated supplier copy the link for the object u desire and message the company.
Someone would respond to you almost immediately giving you bank account details so you can make a 50% deposit and your order should meet you within 2 -3 weeks.Sometimes the orders can be delivered as early as within the same day. It all depends on whether you ordered an in-stock item or an pre-ordered item.
I imagine that a lot of people may be skeptical at first as they have no idea where their money would be going so I recommend that they look out for a few things just for legitimacy reasons.

1)Try  to find contact information. ( Talking to someone on the phone may give you comfort)
2)Look back into old albums to see how long the site has been active.
3)Look at comments from other customers(just so you know you are not the only one)
4)Try to notice re-occurring customers( in most cases people would have purchased from the site before and the seller would try to maintain a relationship with this customer so they would have conversations over items.
Happy Shopping!!

Pretty Little Things

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Hair Today

Its no doubt that hair is probably one of the most important features of a woman and that women spend thousands of dollars per year trying to maintain it and reinvent it, but even more importantly to mention is that most women are afraid to rock what they have;their natural hair.

 My first LOW cut for my birthday last year.

 I'm no stranger to taking risks with my hair, in fact I've probably done everything to my hair except probably a "jheri curl" but i'm telling you a few years ago I was super close to it. Currently my hair is cut low and natural for two reasons- my birthday is pretty soon and I personally wanted to embrace myself wholly and enter this year of my life completely accepting of who I am and secondly I did my first relaxer when  I was around four years old and I've felt for a long time that it ruined my confidence in my ethnicity me being of several backgrounds but my hair being predominantly "afro".

Red hair

However when i finally cut the chemicals out of my hair and presented it to my mother the criticism kept rolling in. She said my head looked big my hair looks "hard",(a trini reference to nappy) and a series of criticism. At the end of the day I like my new cut and I feel comfortable with it, I don't have to worry about it falling off randomly... it's mine! I can tug at it how hard when I get angry and it's healthy and beautiful. It's not silky straight like many would hope for, it's more kinky than anything but its convenient. All I gotta do is brush it and go.I'ts absolutely gorgeous and I'm comfortable in my skin.
 I'm certainly an advocate for changing  up your hair but I believe, that no matter  what you do to your hair it should never be because you are ashamed to wear it naturally and having it natural for a while can do a lot not just for your hair but also your self esteem. You are who    you are and you should never have any regrets about that.

My latest look almost no hair but natural

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