How to Travel the World with blogger Macaulay Thompson

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Monique McIntosh

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September 24, 2018

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Macaulay T Profile

How to Travel the World: Ever daydreamed about escaping to an exotic locale while stuck on your daily commute? That deep temptation to take one quick exit to the airport, and towards a new adventure? Travel blogger Macaulay Thompson has made this her reality. A Florida-based business professional by day, the Jamaican native has traveled to over 30 countries, chronicling her experiences on her popular website, MyTravelStamps.com. There, she gives the inside scoop on iconic destinations, from the Great Wall of China to Machu Picchu, and shares advice on how everyone (even you) can budget and plan your own journeys. We sat down with the blogger to chat about the best way to travel, her most memorable trips, and the valuable lessons learned along the way.

Favorite way to travel? That’s easy. It’s definitely by air. I tend to shy away from long road trips. I’m not a fan of cruises, and I only take trains occasionally.

What are your travel essentials? A jacket or wrap to keep me warm inside airports (and on tour buses and planes), a camera to capture vacation magic as it happens, a hat, and WiFi.

How many countries have you visited so far? Not counting Jamaica, I’ve been to 33 countries to date. Some of the more recent places have been Peru, Greece, Colombia, and Mexico.

How to Travel the World with blogger Macaulay Thompson — Macaulay Thompson at legendary Machu Picchu, Peru. Photo Macaulay Thompson.

Which country is next on your list and why? Honestly, I never ever just have one country on my to-do list. There are usually at least 3 or 5 on my wish list each year, and where I end up going depends on the best deal that’s available or which place is most convenient timewise.

What’s your favorite destination so far? Destinations stand out for different reasons in my mind, so I have many favorites. However, if I had to choose just one right now, I’d say Italy because their whole “la dolce vita” approach to life is very appealing. It’s that simple and laid-back lifestyle that celebrates the power of hospitality, romance and family. What makes it even more alluring is the fact that all that pleasure and indulgence is often served up over hearty, unrushed meals that feed your stomach, while the ensuing conversations and observations feed your mind.

What’s your favorite travel memory so far? Please, please, please don’t ask me to pick between sailing down the Nile River on a felucca in Egypt, going on safari in South Africa, climbing The Great Wall of China, or my impromptu lime with a bunch of friendly grandpas in a town square in Cartagena.

Most memorable meal so far? Seafood paella (with white sangria) in Madrid. One word: D I V I N E.

What has been your most memorable travel snafu? And how did you avoid it later? Not double-checking a country’s most up-to-date entry requirements. Last year, I showed up at the airport to check in for a flight to Canada not realizing that their travel policies had changed since I’d visited the year before. Much to my shock and dismay, the agent advised me that I needed an electronic travel authority (eTA) with my green card to board. Luckily, I had arrived early, so I was able to apply for one online and receive it within 30 minutes or so, but it took a few tries and phone calls as the computer kept freezing. Talk about feeling stressed! Now I check, double-check, and then triple-check before I book anything.

What’s it like traveling as a Jamaican? How are you received? In terms of my encounters and experiences, it’s been nothing short of amazing. I always get so much love when I tell people I am Jamaican! I really didn’t realize the impact our culture has had on the world stage until I saw for myself how foreigners connected with it.

On the logistics side of things, though, I wouldn’t be fully transparent if I didn’t admit that traveling with a Jamaican passport can occasionally be a little frustrating. In some instances, the visa application process for some countries was extremely onerous and/or pricey, and in the past, our relatively limited visa-free access status has impacted my ability to plan multi-country trips or take off spontaneously.

How do you manage to fit so much travel in a busy schedule? Most of my travel has been spread out over many years, but the key is prioritizing it, and utilizing all the free time you can. It also helps to save consistently for your trips.

What advice would you give those wanting to travel (but are short on time and money)? I’d encourage those persons to let go of their perceived barriers or excuses and just do it. If a destination is carefully selected, a four-day weekend trip won’t break the bank and it doesn’t take too much of a time commitment. Take it from me, you can see and do A LOT within that short timeframe. Also, there is a misconception that if you’re not going to “exotic locations,” you are not really traveling. That is SO not true. Any trip outside of your home community is an opportunity to learn and see new things, so I’d encourage them to start there, noting that domestic and regional travel are often more attainable due to lower costs and no visa requirements.

Read more of Thompson’s epic adventures around the world on her Instagram and at her travel blog, MyTravelStamps.com. And check out her exclusive Island Origins guide to traveling in Nevis.

Vegan Tofu & Tempeh Breakfast Sandwiches with Chipotle Mayo

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babemadeblog.com

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September 24, 2018

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McDonald’s who? These bad boys are just what you need in the morning without getting you “supersized”.? My Vegan Tofu & Tempeh Breakfast Sandwiches with Chipotle Mayo are protein packed, satisfying, flavorful, and ridiculously delicious.

vegan tofu & tempeh breakfast sandwich with chipotle mayo At this point its obvious that I LOVE breakfast/brunch recipes (See Coconut Bacon Pancakes, Taquitos, Tofu & Tempeh Bacon). So it was time to share my breakfast sandwich recipe. These sandwiches are super easy to make because all they require are fryin’ up some tofu, baking some tempeh, and spicing up your vegan mayo. You could even make all the ingredients ahead of time and heat them up before making your sandwich.

vegan tofu & tempeh breakfast sandwich with chipotle mayo If you make these for a brunch gathering, your friends and/or family will be so impressed…they just might go vegan. ? After your first bite, you won’t believe how delicious and flavorful these little sandwiches are.

vegan tofu & tempeh breakfast sandwich with chipotle mayo Protein anyone? I hit you with two types of vegan protein for this recipe. You’re welcome.

You don’t have to get fancy by cutting your tofu into circles. Blocks of tofu can easily be cut into 3/4 inch square slices. The recipe also requires my Baked Tempeh Bacon recipe. I usually have some on hand but it may be helpful to make them the day before if you’re making them for an occasion. If multitasking permits, just pop ’em in the oven while you’re cutting and seasoning your tofu. If not, bake them and set aside before starting your tofu steps.

vegan tofu & tempeh breakfast sandwich with chipotle mayo

vegan tofu & tempeh breakfast sandwich with chipotle mayo Gluten-free option: use a gluten-free vegan english muffin and use tamari when making the Baked Tempeh Bacon.

If you make these, let me know in the comments!

Vegan Tofu & Tempeh Breakfast Sandwich with Chipotle Mayo

Servings: 4 Sandwiches

Ingredients

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Caribbean Music Festivals on the Bucket list

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Monique McIntosh

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September 23, 2018

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Caribbean Music Festivals — damian marley

Music beats at the heart of all Caribbean cultures, so it’s no surprise the region offers the best shows on earth — far too many for even the most loyal fan to keep track of. But there are a few shows that are the top of the class, offering iconic moments with the Caribbean’s best stars. Here are the essential Caribbean music festivals for music fans.

For the Reggae Die-hards:

Have you made it in Jamaican music at all if you haven’t played at Reggae Sumfest? Everyone who’s anyone has played at this week-long festival, held every summer in Montego Bay. Launched in 1993, it remains by far the largest concert on the island. The diverse line-up also guarantees that there will be something to please every fan. Think the lover’s rock smoothness of Maxi Priest to the rapid-fire shenanigans of dancehall MC Spice. International night has also attracted global pop stars like TI, Usher, Chris Brown, Snoop Dogg, Mary J Blige, and Alicia Keys. Oh, and the Queen B Beyonce too, of course.

For the Jazz lover: St. Lucia Jazz Festival

Though the genre may not be blazing too heavily on local airwaves, there are a surprising number of jazz festivals in the region. Founded in 1992, the St. Lucia Jazz Festival can claim to be the Caribbean’s first major jazz platform, and sets the formula for rest of them. The line-up has included some pop stars in the mix, like Santana, Rihanna, Lauryn Hill, Ciara, Amy Winehouse and John Legend. But it has also attracted the best of today’s jazz performers, including Herbie Hancock, George Benson, Terence Blanchard and Branford Marsalis. But they also celebrate indigenous jazz sounds, from pan jazz to creole fusions. This is also where Caribbean jazz stars throughout the Diaspora shine brightest, like Monty Alexander, Malavoi, Andy Narell and Etienne Charles.

For Francophiles: Dominica World Creole Music Festival

Dive deep into the Caribbean’s diverse music genres at the Dominica World Creole Music Festival — a celebration of all french creole music from performers around the world. Launched in 1997, the concert series highlights Dominica’s own sounds, cadence-lypso and bouyon, plus zouk from neighboring Guadeloupe and Martinique, and Haitian kompa. They also include sounds from outside the region like Zydeco, a fusion of blues and folk music from French Creole county in Louisiana, and soukous, which is a popular genre of dance music from the Congo Basin. This means Caribbean music festivals that have line-ups with an eclectic (but essential) mix of stars, from famed Haitian rapper Wyclef Jean to Senegalese-American singer Akon.

For the Latin fans: Festival Presidente, Dominican Republic

For three days at the Estadio Olímpico Félix Sánchez, this special concert takes over Santo Domingo with the hottest acts in reggaeton, merengue, and salsa. One of the largest concert series in the Caribbean, it was founded by the popular Presidente beer company. Last year alone brought Ricky Martin, Marc Antony, Maluma, Carlos Vives, Wisin, J Balvin, Nicky Jam and Juan Luis Guerra. In recent years, they have also expanded english-language international acts, from Bruno Mars to Justin Timberlake. This concert doesn’t happen every year, so when it does come around, it’s definitely not one to miss.

Behold – The Style Issue of Island Origins Magazine

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admin

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September 21, 2018

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Caribbean Fashion in the style issue of Island Origins Magazine — Fall Cover for Website

It’s finally here! The Style issue of Island Origins Magazine features some of our favorite designers of Caribbean fashion, cultural activity, architecture and in-home design.

Take a look at Tanya Marie’s Island Gyal Couture in our first ever multi-page fashion spread, and read the story behind one of the Island Origins brand’s longest supporters. Get to know some of the sensibilities behind carnival design in A Thoughtful Construction of Swimsuits and Feathers. Meet the influencers behind Garçon Couture in the Dapper Dollar$ article on Caribbean fashion. For fans of architecture, take a visual tour of some of the Caribbean’s most breathtakingly designed hotels. And there’s so much more.

The print issue hits the streets of South Florida this week. Subscribe to get it delivered straight to your home. Or visit one of hundreds of South Florida locations to get your free copy. But hurry. They’re going to go fast! Read the full digital version below.

Watch Storm Saulter’s new Kingston-set video for Arcade Fire

By

Monique McIntosh

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September 21, 2018

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Indie rock may be miles away genre-wise from the dancehall-heavy radio-waves of Kingston, Jamaica. But don’t tell that to celebrated Canadian indie rock band, Arcade Fire, whose latest music video “Peter Pan” is a neon-drenched ode to Kingston youth culture. The video is directed by Jamaican filmmaker Storm Saulter, known for the 2011 feature “Better Mus Come” and upcoming film, “Sprinter,” which won serval awards at the American Black Film Festival in Miami this year. The video also features Saulter’s signature slick camera moves and romantic shots of Kingston.

The song is a remixed version of their 2017 single, transformed by dynamic Jamaican production duo Equiknoxx Music. Check out the video below.

Arcade Fire

Watermelon Coconut Lime Popsicles – Babe Made Blog

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babemadeblog.com

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September 20, 2018

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Can anyone else just smell the holidays around the corner? I can. But before we get to my favorite time of the year, I wanted to celebrate summer by sharing my ridiculously simple, refreshing, & tasty recipe for Watermelon Coconut Lime Popsicles.

watermelon coconut lime popsicles Since summer started I have probably purchased a watermelon once every three days. I usually squeeze half a lime, grab a spoon, and head to the sofa to feast. It’s always so refreshing, perfectly sweet, and surprisingly filling. So I knew watermelon and lime popsicles would be fabulous. But then I thought…what about coconut. ? Then…BAM! I got the idea for Watermelon Coconut Lime Popsicles.

These are so easy to make…almost too easy. The swirls in the popsicles give the illusion that you did some kind of magic trick to make them so eye-catching. They remind me of those swirly popsicles that I had as a kid except way better.

watermelon coconut lime popsicles Plus, the popsicles would be perfect for a get-together or end of summer party that Labor Day BBQ you committed to going to so you can show off your vegan “cooking” skills to family and friends. Speaking of BBQ, my Portobello Mushroom Burgers recipe would be another great addition to your BBQ. ?

This recipe is also customizable. The agave syrup is totally optional and you can switch it for any sweetener you’d prefer such a maple syrup or coconut sugar. Personally, I like a sweet popsicle and the agave adds a mild sweetness that doesn’t overpower any of the other flavors. However, I highly suggest using full fat coconut milk so the coconut milk flavor can really come through. If you don’t want or don’t care to have swirls in your popsicles, just blend all the ingredients in a blender and add the combined mixture to the mold rather than having your watermelon and coconut separate. This recipe makes 2 1/4 cups of popsicle amazingness which fit perfectly into the koji Ice Popsicle Molds which hold 528 ml. You may need to make adjustments to the recipe if your popsicle mold holds more or less.

watermelon coconut lime popsicles

Watermelon Coconut Lime Popsicles

Servings: 6 popsicles/2 1/4 cups

Ingredients

1 cup fresh seedless/deseeded watermelon
1 cup full fat coconut milk
1/4 cup agave syrup (optional)*
Juice of half of a lime
1 tsp lime zest

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20 Ways to Enjoy Nevis

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Macaulay Thompson

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September 19, 2018

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Top 20 Best Ways to Enjoy Nevis

Enjoy Nevis: A mere 10-minute water taxi ride away from its bigger, more bustling sister island of St. Kitts, Nevis is a charming slice of Caribbean paradise that entices visitors with its legitimate, escape-it-all experience. Nature lovers won’t find any sprawling, high-rise hotel development cluttering its landscape. Nor will relaxation seekers find maddening crowds triggered by mega cruise ships that unload hordes of people multiple times per week in town. And things like smog, packed beaches, traffic jams, and a hectic pace of life? All non-existent. As a result, the natural beauty and serenity of the destination work together to saturate the senses, allowing you to immerse yourself in the Nevisian R&R experience and walk away completely stress free.

In honor of the twin-island nation’s 35-year anniversary of independence from Great Britain this year, I’ve compiled a list of 20 fun things to see and do in Nevis.

See the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, George Washington’s first Secretary of the Treasury who helped lay the groundwork for the financial, legal and political systems of the United States.

20 Ways to Enjoy Nevis — The Museum of Nevis History (and the birthplace of American Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton). Photo Credit by Macaulay Thompson.

2. Walk through historic Charlestown. Browse local shops, visit the market, view Georgian-style buildings from the 18^th and 19^th centuries, and snap photos along the waterfront.

3. Look for the unique Egg Plant, an artful spiky bush covered in brown and white egg shells that is tucked away in the gardens of the popular breakfast spot Café de Arts. Be sure to ask one of the servers to tell you the story of how it came to be.

4. Go bananas over the food at Bananas restaurant and Rodney’s Cuisine. Must-try meals include delectable local fare like tannia fritters (made from root vegetables), and goat water soup.

5. Watch a cricket game in Charlestown’s Grove Park (on Thursdays from January to mid-July), and witness the fever pitch reactions to the batting and bowling prowess of local players.

6. Hike up to Nevis Peak with an experienced guide, and by doing so, test your fitness limits on a scenic, yet challenging trail that leads to the top of the country’s dormant, and usually cloud-capped volcano.

7. Explore the beauty of the island on bike.

8. Go horseback riding on the beach. Or opt to soak up some sun in a lounge chair or hammock.

9. Drink a couple “Killer Bees,” a popular rum- and passion fruit-based libation at the legendary Sunshine’s Bar and Grill on Pinney’s Beach. Then pose for a picture with the charismatic owner, and join the ranks of celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres, Oprah Winfrey, Britney Spears and Beyonce.

10. Wander through the Botanical Gardens, which are beautifully landscaped grounds that house water features, Asian sculptures, and seven themed areas grouped around an impressive collection of tropical plants and trees from around the world. Please don’t leave before signing your name on the graffiti tree!

11. Go bird watching. At last count, there were more than 156 different species of birds seen on the island.

12. Book a deep-sea fishing charter, or simply sail through the clear, turquoise waters at a leisurely pace on a private yacht.

13. Enjoy a delicious, mid-week pig roast feast at The Hermitage Great House, a small, family-run, cluster of gingerbread cottages constructed around the oldest existing wooden house in the Caribbean.

14. Soothe aching muscles at the natural hot springs. Its healing waters aid ailments like chronic rheumatism and gout.

15. Scuba dive the reefs, wrecks and volcanic vents – many of which lie within a 20-minute boat ride offshore – to observe colorful aquatic life, as well as sea turtles, sting rays and the occasional shark.

16. Try local drinks like the “Ting ‘N Sting” – a combination of a grapefruit-flavored soda and Cane Spirit Rothschild’s sugar cane rum. Also try “Purple Rain” – a beverage made from butterfly pea flowers and lime juice. (Note: Every guest at the Nisbet Plantation is welcomed with a refreshing Ting N’ Sting.)

17. Enjoy a late afternoon meal at Golden Rock Inn or spend the night in one of its cottages. The two-story converted sugar mill guest suite is the most requested.

18. Visit the wedding site of British Admiral Horatio Nelson and Frances “Fanny” Nisbet, the star-crossed lovers who married under a silk cotton tree about 600 yards from Montpelier Estate. This is the same boutique hotel that Princess Diana retreated to for privacy after her very public divorce from Prince Charles.

19. Head to the trendy, but laid-back Mango Restaurant and sip your preferred mocktail or cocktail as you watch the sun slip below the horizon.

20. Get off the beaten track to see the Cottle Church site, the first known Caribbean house of worship that allowed all people to attend services, regardless of color.

Macaulay Thompson is a writer and avid globetrotter. Read more of her epic adventures around the world on her Instagram and at her travel blog, MyTravelStamps.com.

Beauty Guru Nicky Gelin Favorite Things

By

Monique McIntosh

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September 18, 2018

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Beauty Guru Nicky Gelin: If you’re an Instagram beauty fan, you can’t miss the golden haloed hair of influencer Nicky Gelin, known for her flawless style and natural approach to glamor. An advertising account executive by day, the Jamaican native has also built a loyal following online, sharing her adventures on her blog, Nicky Says Yolo, and her natural hair and make-up routines with partner and fellow Yardie Audia Tolloch on their popular Youtube beauty channel, 2 Fro Chicks, where both advocate for women to embrace their natural beauty. Nicky also champions this self-empowerment message IRL, mentoring young women through the Young Women with Purpose Foundation. We spoke more with the ever chic lady about her beauty and fashion favorites, from her natural hair essentials to her favorite style era.

Favorite hair product right now: I love using Totalee Hair for my shampoo and conditioner. They’re filled with natural ingredients and are free of harsh chemicals. Then I use the Raining Aloe moisturizing cream to style my hair. It’s so rich with shea butter. I also love Tropic Isle Living Jamaican Black Castor Oil to promote hair growth. I use twice a month, massaging it into my scalp.

Favorite hair routine: I’m a two-strand twist girl, with flexi rods at the end for that extra definition.

Favorite Beauty DIY: Making my own shea butter hair and body cream. I get my shea butter from Amazon, and add a little extra virgin olive oil, tea tree oil, vitamin E and coconut oil, and microwave it together. When you let it set, it comes out creamy, light and delicious.

Favorite skin product: Kreyol Essence is amazing. I use their Haitian moringa oil on my face every day.

Favorite skin routine: I love papaya soap to cleanse with a facial rag. It detoxes my face as well. Then I use witch hazel to tone cause it’s mild. After that I use the Kreyol Essence oil on my face and neck.

Favorite make-up product: Oh dear, I have a whole bunch! But if I had to pick one, it would be my girl, Milani. I recently discovered their new combined contour/highlight stick. That’s the best.

Favorite thing to wear: Palazzo pants are my go-to. I particularly love this Tracey Reece one I have in burnt orange.

Favorite recent purchase: I enjoy thrifting, and I just found this silk eclectic top with a beautiful print featuring Japanese women. It captured my eye because it was so colorful.

Favorite desert island style essential: I’m the kind of girl who would wear boots to the beach, so I would have to bring my Jeffrey Campbell boots.

Favorite fashion decade: I’m a big high-waisted pants person. Even my swimsuits are high-waisted It’s just a really flattering silhouette. So I guess that means I’d be right at home in the seventies.

Favorite style icon: Tracey Ellis Ross girl! She captured my heart ever since she played Joan on the show “Girlfriends.” I just love the fact that she’s carefree, and is not afraid to take risks. She’ll wear sneakers with a fancy dress, and mix all sorts of unexpected shapes and colors together. She’s just an icon.

Favorite Selfie spot: I would have to say the Wynwood Walls and their amazing murals.

Favorite Jamaican: Right now it’s Chronixx. I’m stuck on his tune “Majesty.”

Favorite Charity? The Young Women with Purpose Foundation would be the one. It’s an organization that offers scholarships to high school senior girls of color.

Makeup Artist Rory Lee is All About A Woman’s Beauty

By

admin

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September 18, 2018

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Bahamian-raised makeup artist Rory Lee is promoting her line of skin friendly products with a new video. In it, you can hear the voice of the chemist-turned-entrepreneur touting her objective of “enhancing a woman’s beauty without changing her unique features.”

Rory Lee on A Woman’s Beauty

Rory Lee is a constant fixture in women’s empowerment activations in South Florida, and a staunch believer that makeup should simply reveal on the outside the “beauty from within”.

You can see her work on the faces of local and national television personalities and actors. Her team of professional makeup artists are available for weddings and other events in the South Florida area. And now, find her line of products at www.rorylee.com.

Disclosure: Rory Lee is the official makeup artist for Taste the Islands and the unofficial makeup artist of Island Origins.

Dreamy Bridal Updo Looks for Naturalistas

By

Monique McIntosh

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September 17, 2018

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Dreamy Bridal: When it comes to your wedding look, deciding how to rock your natural coils and curls can be just as stressful as finding the perfect dress. Luckily for today’s naturalistas, there is no end of style inspiration these days. From chic chignons to perfect pompadours, get ready to bookmark these dreamy natural hair wedding looks for your special day.

Pearl Upsweep: Hair stylist Ciara Costenoble created this stunning look, building height and complementing the bride’s natural texture with Big Hair, No Care clip-in pieces and delicate pearl accents. Photo by Alea Lovely.

Shimmer & Shine: You-tuber Ebony Clark shines in this simple look, pulled back in a loose bun. For a little sparkle, stylist Danielle Carrington adorns her hair with a gem-studded headpiece by Elisha Caplan. Photo by Sophia Barrett.

Soft Focus: Keeping it simple but elegant, British stylist Lizz Davies took full advantage of her client’s bountiful volume, creating a soft rise at the front, sweeping twists and a full bun at the nape of the neck. Photo by Blessy G.

Floral Fro-hawk: This bride was ready to go bold for her special day, requesting a mohawk look from stylist Rashida Weekes. Weekes created sleek sides, a delicate braid detail, and loose romantic texture for the fro-hawk, accented with baby’s breath. Photo by Lindsey Fauver Photography

Pomp & Circumstance: Khamit Kinks stylist Anu Prestonia made this epic pompadour for this Munaluchi bride, adding hair for volume and weaving the dramatic twists to create sculptural height. A simple flower finishes the look. Photo by Petronella Photography.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AUKZvIh-M3JJaC13Kf_AhBGWEe3RcFF05kVnolMcgB6lo3pheJlJegw/

Locs of Love: We always find amazing looks from Atlanta-based hair stylist @elejanstylez. Here, she creates an elegant ballet bun for this bride, twisting each loc into intricate curls – a perfect way to show off the hair jewelry.

Modern Twist: Stylist Lois Astrid of Atlanta-based Loc Mamas created a bold chignon to complement the beautiful lacework on this bride’s dress. A soft pompadour at the front adds height, creating balance.

Arcade Fire

Top 20 Best Ways to Enjoy Nevis

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