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.
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.
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.
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.
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 18th and 19th 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.
The unique Egg Plant of Nevis. Photo credit by Macaulay Thompson
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.
Biking at the Nisbet Plantation in Nevis. Photo Credit by Macaulay Thompson.
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.
Author Macaulay Thompson all smiles with legendary owner of the Sunshine Beach Bar & Grill, Llewellyn “Sunshine” Caines. Photo by Macaulay Thompson.
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.
Lunch at the charming Golden Rock Inn. Photo by Macaulay Thompson
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.
Ruins of the historic Cottle Church in Nevis. Photo by Macaulay Thompson.
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: 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.
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: 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.
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.
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.
Despite a rainy New York Fashion Week, spring has sprung with vivid tropical hues that strongly echo Caribbean flair, thanks to the many designers among the Diaspora tapping into their island roots for some spectacular looks. Check out these Caribbean Designers at New York Fashion week, from Rihanna’s carnivalesque undies to Cushnie’s party ruffles, we’ve rounded up the best looks from the runways.
Pyer Moss
Artist and designer Kerby Jean-Raymond dived deep into New York’s African-American culture for his Spring/Summer 2019 collection, from creating vivid prints from portraits by artist Derrick Adams, to collaborating with FUBU for a special capsule collection. The result – cool and colorful sportswear and sleek evening pieces with a powerful message. The epic show closed out with a Caribbean barbecue, jerk chicken and all. We wouldn’t expect anything less from the native New Yorker, born to Haitian immigrants.
Savage x Fenty
Rihanna debuted her Fall/Winter 2018 lingerie collection in style, with a bio-dome of tropical splendor, artful choreography and goddess models of all shapes and shades. The same mood is reflected in the collection – colorful hues, gauzy panels, sleek lace and sexy, theatrical cutouts. Prints in animal spots and stripes continue the fearless vibe – perfect for carnival season, as well as the bedroom.
Cushnie
Following the departure of her partner Michelle Ochs, British-Jamaican designer Carly Cushnie launched her rebranded label with a bang, though keeping the sleek, sexy minimalism fans know and love. This collection was inspired by her Caribbean roots, filled with flirty ruffles, raffia, peek-a-boo mesh and saturated hues – the perfect de facto uniform for island girls everywhere. Also pree the stunning make-up look, a simple face and bold lip inspired by singer Sade.
House of Byfield
The Netherlands-based Jamaican designer Carmichael Byfield brought more of his flamboyant flair to his men’s and women’s collections, from festive peacock suiting to breezy summer dresses. Complex patterns are juxtaposed with strong blocks of sunny yellows, sapphire blues and hunter greens. Plus, don’t miss the his-and-her swimsuits, with matching patterns and daring, tight cuts.
Fe Noel
These ethereal dresses from designer Fe Noel (who has family roots in Grenada) are walking works of art, featuring prints from artwork by painter Harmonia Rosales. The silhouettes also tap into your inner goddess, with loose, flowing frames and ladylike ruffles. Noel also takes a feminine touch to her mint lacy jersey, inspired by basketball star LeBron James. The 23 logo is “a homage to her mother’s birthday and LeBron’s jersey number,” says the designer.
From Halloween costumes to Hollywood blockbusters, the swashing-buckling memory of Caribbean pirates lives on around the world. But how does the Caribbean remember these legendary figures, who once ruled the seas for over 300 years? Communities across the Caribbean have found ways to keep their rebel spirit alive, for locals and visitors alike. So if you want to get deeper into the Pirates of the Caribbean roots on your next vacation, these spots are definitely must-see. Happy sailing!
For the Hardcore History Buff: Port Royal, Jamaica
Get ready for a little history – once the pirate capital of the Caribbean, Port Royal lived in infamy as the wickedest city on earth, and the HQ of famed pirate (and former governor of Jamaica) Henry Morgan. That was before a major chunk of the city fell into the sea following a devastating earthquake in 1692. You can see much of the city’s remains along the sea floor, though special diving permission from the government is required. But you can still explore the sunken city’s unearthed archeological treasures on display at the Fort Charles Maritime Museum. Plus you can wander around the beautiful, historic colonial fort and get dizzy in the popular “Giddy House – a royal artillery bunk half sunk from the earthquake.
For the Family: Nassau, Bahamas
Today a booming capital, Nassau has rowdier historic roots. The city became a major pirating enclave in the early 1700s, building the largest concentration of pirates in the world. No wonder it’s outlaw residents declared the city a “republic of pirates,” separate from British colonial rule. The infamous Blackbeard would soon call Nassau home. The unofficial republic ended in 1717 after King George I offered pardons, but the city still celebrates this history today in proper fashion, with multiple historic spots and attractions for families to explore. Check out the interactive Pirates of Nassau Museum, which rebuilt a “moonlit” quayside circa 1716, complete with a replica of pirate ship, Revenge. Then tour the city’s historic colonial forts of Fincastle, Charlotte and Montagu.
For Those Just Looking to Party: Cayman Islands
As a safe hideout to quickly refill on vitals and repair boats, The Cayman Islands’ historical involvement in the age of buccaneers wasn’t perhaps as dramatic as their neighbors. But that hasn’t stopped them from going all out for the annual Pirates Week Festival, held across the three islands every November. Think of it as pirate-themed carnival – with grand parades, good food, parties, steel pan music, fireworks, and a generally great excuse to dress up in boots and fishnet stockings. The festivities conclude with a mock invasion of Georgetown Harbor, where the pirates get to run amok before being cast off for another year. If you miss the festivities, those itching to sail the seas can also board pirate tours yearlong on replicas of historic ships.
Chef Irie’s Grilled Lamb Chops in Guava Mint Sauce
In Taste the Islands Season II, Episode 1, Chef Irie pairs delectable Grilled Lamb Chops with home made Guava Mint Sauce. Start the Guava Mint Sauce early so it cools a bit before serving with the Grilled Lamb Chops.
Inside Scoop on Japan: They say you can find a Jamaican anywhere. In the bustling port-city of Yokohama, Japan, writer and teacher Keisha Brissette is holding down the fort, sharing her heartwarming (and hilarious) adventures teaching, dating and living her best life on her blog, “A Piece of Mine.” We also love her insightful interview with artists and other yardies living abroad, from Dubai to China. And her sidesplitting viral blog on “Why I pretend to know Usain Bolt” got some serious social media love from the fastest man alive himself. One couldn’t expect anything less from the gifted writer, who has won several playwriting awards from the Jamaican Cultural Development Commission. We spoke more with her about her life in Japan, and what she misses most from home.
What made you move to Japan? Inside Scoop on Japan
I had friends working there and they told me it was a great way to earn money teaching English.
What inspired you to start the blog?
I have always enjoyed creative writing and always wanted to blog, but was fearful of sharing with people on the World Wide Web. Then my friend Denzil died. We went to college together and he was in the prime of his life. His death was a sort of wakeup call. It made me realize that I didn’t want to leave this earth with unfulfilled dreams. So, I sat and wrote my first blog in tribute to him. I have been at it ever since.
What Japanese cultural quirk do you love most?
KFC as Christmas dinner, no kidding. It’s a big thing here. They have a “KFC for Christmas” advertising campaign and people make reservations to get their chicken from as early as October. You get your seasonal chicken bucket with a side of cake and wine and all that. I find it quite fascinating.
Most memorable date in Japan?
I don’t have a memorable date. The fact that I am trying my darndest to remember would suggest that they aren’t that memorable. But I’ve had a guy order everything on the menu so I could try each dish though. That was impressive.
What’s the major difference in dating culture between Jamaica and Japan?
Men actually talk to you in Jamaica. Japanese men are “shy”. That is until they’re behind a computer screen and they’re using their fingers to do the talking. Japanese men are also not too keen on wasting your time. If they like you, they tend to start speaking about marriage very quickly – like the third date. The only stipulation is that you intend to live in Japan forever. The ones I have met have a deep love for country and culture and want to marry women who intend to stay.
Doubt this has to do with cultural differences, but it’s something I’ve noticed that I would like to comment on. When I just moved here, I lost a lot of weight and was 110lbs, I hadn’t gone natural yet so I still had my perm. I kid you not, at that time men (usually the younger ones) would go out of their way to talk to me. They’d come up to me at the train station a lot. Didn’t meet one “shy’”one. But once I settled in, got adjusted, gained some weight and start rocking my natural hair – that stopped. Just an observation that caused me to believe beauty here is associated with how straight your hair is or how thin you are. I could be wrong, but that has been my experience.
What advice would you give to Caribbean women looking for love abroad?
Be open-minded. That’s all. An attractive woman is an attractive woman anywhere in the world she goes, and most men are attracted to attractive women.
You’ve written on the love stories of other Jamaicans living abroad. What’s your favorite one so far?
Sorry, I don’t have a favorite. But I enjoyed writing about Shauna-Kaye’s experience in China as I did it in two parts and kept people on edge for weeks waiting to see if she’d fallen in love.
What Jamaican goodies do you need to fend off homesickness?
Lasco, bammy and banana and/or plantain Chips (feel free to send me some)
Name one thing living in Japan has changed about you?
I didn’t notice this until I went home last Christmas. I went to visit a friend, and someone came over to ask if I was Keisha. I said yes, and she said, she didn’t recognize me because I looked a lot more serious. And, for the entire three weeks after that people kept commenting on the fact that I laughed less. I don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing, but, I’m a lot more serious and reserved now.
What advice would you give Jamaicans wanting to live and explore in unexpected places?
Just do it! Nike was right on that one. Don’t think of reasons why you can’t go, just go. I have always said life should not be lived in one place and the best education you can give yourself outside of school is travel. Just go.
Read more of Keisha’s musings at her blog, A Piece of Mine.
With endless rice and peas and a constant stream of tunes from home, our local mom-and-pop Caribbean restaurants will always be on speed dial. But across America, a new generation of Caribbean-American chefs are taking our cuisine to new (and delicious) heights, from epic rum bars to fine dining meccas. These talented chefs are interpreting traditional dishes and ingredients from your grandmother’s kitchen in ways that are unexpected, but always authentic. For your dining pleasure, we’ve lined up some of our essential picks for creative Caribbean cuisine in America.
Kith and Kin – Washington D.C.
This fine-dining spot proudly describes their menu as Afro-Caribbean, offering an inventive mix of flavors and ingredients that spans the diaspora. Tapping into his cultural roots in Jamaica, Trinidad, Nigeria and Creole Louisiana, it’s a natural fit for Chef Kwame Onwuachi, who rose to fame on Top Chef, and recently shared his talents at the famed James Beard Foundation. Caribbean foodies will find familiar dishes, from fierce oxtail stews to artfully curled escovitch fish, plus plenty flavors that will take you back to the motherland.
Food Sermon – Brooklyn, NY
Brooklyn has long been the hub for neighborhood Caribbean eateries, with food that’s always authentic and affordable. Hailing from St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Chef Rawlston Williams offers that same community feeling at his Brooklyn spot, with a modern and healthy twist on Caribbean fare. True to classic Caribbean joints, you pick your own fixings, like whole lamb shank, rice and peas and a bounty of beautiful veggies that would make any Ital eater joyful.
Negril Village ATL – Atlanta, GA
Something’s always happening at Atlanta’s hottest Caribbean hotspot, helmed by Jamerican restaurateur Sim Walker. True to its surroundings, the menu mixes island spice with southern comfort – think jerk chicken and waffles or cornbread with guava butter. Their stunning bar is also packed with imaginative cocktails like sorrel margaritas. Special marks also go to its beautiful interior – a restored 1907 firehouse filled with Caribbean Georgian detail.
Compère Lapin – New Orleans, LA
Another delicious restaurant from a Top Chef Alum. St. Lucian native Nina Compton offers an elegant blend of Creole soul and Caribbean flavors at Compère Lapin (which means “Brother Rabbit” in English – an ode to shared Southern and Caribbean folktales). You see this fusion in her conch croquettes, curry sweet potato gnocchi and pork tenderloin with plantain crema and charred okra. No wonder Compton was named Best Chef in the South this year by the James Beard Foundation.
Solomon & Kuff Rum Hall – New York, NY
This spot from restaurateur Karl Franz Williams (whose family hails from St. Vincent & the Grenadines) is a must-see for all rum-heads. They offer over 100 international rums, (including everything good from the Caribbean), which are also mixed into Williams’ artisanal cocktails. Though the drink menu is epic, never sleep on the food. Queens native, Chef Rudy Straker, rules the kitchen, bringing his Bajan and Cuban roots to his delectable dishes. Highlights include red grouper and roasted breadfruit, pulled jerk pork in coco bread and heavenly yucca fries.
Special Mention:
Patois Toronto – Toronto, Canada
So yes, you will need to cross borders for this, but we have to big up this Toronto establishment for their eclectic mix of Caribbean and Asian flavors. Think jerk chow mein, curry goat doubles and crab and cod rundown. We wouldn’t expect anything less from Chef Craig Wong, who’s family is third-generation Chinese-Jamaican.
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.
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. ?
