The final full month of summer has arrived, and it’s time to check off all the items on your summer bucket list before the season is over. Don’t cut your summer short before you’ve had time to really sit down and relax—find your own ways to make the most out of the rest of summer! August is the best month for some of the greatest summer activities if you keep your mind open to the possibilities!
Find a New Favorite Haunt
There are so many places to go out and explore when you’re maximizing your summer fun; you just need to go out and find them. Find a new restaurant, café, bar, or park to call your own, and become a regular there—you never know who you might meet. Your new best friend could be right around the corner.
Try to find a local, Caribbean-run business to support!
Prepare Your Backyard for a Memorable Get-Together=
If you haven’t had the chance to use your backyard to host small gatherings with your friends this summer, August is your chance to right that wrong. The cooler August nights will provide you with perfect bonfire weather. Get your firepit ready, buy s’mores supplies, and have a glorious bonfire full of hearty laughs and heartfelt conversations.
Before you host any gatherings, with or without a bonfire, you need to decorate your backyard, porch, and deck for the event. Repairing your deck and decorating it with tropical adornments are just a couple of ways to help you make the most of it this summer. Rev up your grill, and break out the boozy drinks—it’s time for some beachy margaritas and barbeque!
Begin a New Exercise Routine
Don’t guilt yourself over the fact that you haven’t started working out this summer—you’ll only keep yourself from trying! There’s still plenty of summer left to go, and if working out is your ideal way to make the most out of the rest of summer, then work out! Take it week by week, and schedule your days ahead of time so that you have plenty of time for yourself and the other things that take up time in your life.
Start easy with your exercise routine—you don’t want to push yourself too hard before you make any progress! Keep it simple with light jogs or exercises that you can do outside, and slowly build up to any strenuous activities.
There’s a wealth of incredible architecture to explore in the Caribbean, but no real unifying themes. Each island has its own identity. Which countries influenced Caribbean architecture? It all goes back to the early days of colonization—and mixes in a big dose of native charm. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect while sightseeing on a few of the islands.
The British Decorum of Barbados
There are countless cultures that melded into the rich traditions that exist today. Across the Caribbean, islands were colonized by countries including Spain, the Netherlands, France, and the United States. In Barbados, though, the architecture is distinctly British. You can still see examples of the classical Georgian and Victorian styles in the “great houses” of sugar plantations. They’re characterized by the sense of symmetry and order they tried to bring to Barbados, with rich touches like columns, mahogany, and the island’s own coral limestone. The mansions stand in stark contrast to the last remaining “chattel houses,” the humble wooden housing that slaves would pack up and move from plantation to plantation.
The Vivid Dutch Impact on Aruba
If you notice colorful, pastel-painted buildings of Oranjestad, you can thank the ornate style of early settlers from the Netherlands. Today, the Dutch Colonial Revival style is still popular, with barn-like gambrel roofs and second-story balconies. One exquisite example of ornate Dutch architecture is the bright-green City Hall with its stunning white trim. It was built in the 1920s by a wealthy doctor and restored in 1998. Or if you’re looking for a more literal reference to the Dutch, you can visit De Olde Molen. It’s a traditional windmill that was built in the Netherlands in 1804. In 1961, it was shipped to Aruba in pieces and rebuilt as a restaurant near popular Palm Beach.
The French Flair of Martinique
One unmistakable influence on Caribbean architecture was the colonizing country of France.On Martinique, the capital city of Fort de France is full of historic buildings dating back to the start of the 19th century. One must-see is the Schoelcher Library, which manages to pay tribute both to the island’s French flavor and the slave labor that erected so much of Martinique. It’s named after Victor Schoelcher, a French activist who worked to abolish slavery in the 1800s. The library is vividly bright, with elegant metalwork and a magnificent Byzantine glass dome. About six miles away, you can see a smaller version of Paris’s Byzantine-style Sacre Coeur on a hillside with breathtaking views.
Taking up any new sport is a challenge, but surfing may be the most challenging of all. Most people who surf tend to live near the ocean and do it regularly. If you love the sea and want to spend more time in it, start learning surfer basics. Find out what beginner surfers need to know.
Find a Mentor
To learn the right techniques to surf, you may want to find or hire someone who already has the skills. This person will guide you through the basics and help you understand the nature of the ocean and how to surf it. Even the most experienced surfers wipe out, so expect to do so, too, on your first several tries.
Choose the Right Surfboard
You’ll have a better chance of catching waves with a surfboard designed to do so. Choose a board with a lot of volume and a flat rocker. You want a board that is thick, long, and flat, so consider a longboard or a foamboard.
Surfing Equipment Maintenance
Part of learning to surf is learning how to take care of your equipment. Keep your surfboard in a bag when it’s not in use, and clear off all the sand after using it. If you surf in a wetsuit, you should clean that as well. It’s important to know how to fix marine zippers so that you don’t damage your expensive equipment.
Practice Often
Surfing is one of the most difficult sports. The waves are constantly changing, so you must be mindful of each movement you make. You’re bound to wipe out most days, but once you hit that perfect wave, you’ll consider yourself an experienced surfer.
Location Matters
Obviously, you want to surf in the ocean where the waves are high enough to catch your board. Check wave conditions at the beach you want to surf to see if they work for your skill level. Further, choose an area that isn’t too populated. Overcrowded beaches make surfing more dangerous for you and swimmers.
Enjoy all the beaches of the Caribbean from a new perspective when you engage in this incredible sport. Keep this guide for what beginner surfers need to know nearby, and find a mentor to start teaching you surfing basics.
These craft poolside Caribbean rum cocktails are the perfect addition to any get-together!
Grenada: Calabash Rum Cocktail
Calabash Cocktail
This sugar-and-spice drink hailing from the “Spice Island” of Grenada delicately mixes fresh lime juice, nutmeg syrup and blue liqueur for that signature ocean blue color.
What you’ll need:
Grenadian overproof white rum
Grenadian nutmeg syrup
½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
splash of Blue Curacao
grated nutmeg for topping
What to do:
In a large glass, mix together the rum, nutmeg syrup, lime juice, sugar and Blue Curacao.
Add a few cubes of ice, garnish with grated nutmeg and enjoy!
Barbados: Malibu Sunset
Barbadian Malibu Sunset
Barbadian coconut-flavored rum shines in this layered summer cocktail that combines pineapple and orange juices for the ultimate refreshing drink.
In a short glass, mix together the pineapple juice, orange juice and coconut rum until combined and add ice cubes.
Slowly pour in a small amount of grenadine to reach the desired layered effect.
Garnish with orange wedges, pineapple wedges, maraschino cherries or all three.
Enjoy!
Trinidad and Tobago: The Queen’s Park Swizzle
Alcoholic Queens Park Swizzle Cocktail with Rum and Mint
First concocted in the 1920s, this drink was named after the Queen’s Park Hotel in Trinidad where it was created. Muddled mint leaves, lime juice and Caribbean rum combine in a refreshing beverage truly fit for a queen.
In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle together the mint leaves (leaving a couple for garnish) and sugar with a muddler or wooden spoon. Alternatively, rip the mint leaves by hand, mash them between your fingers and add to the shaker.
Add the lime juice, simple syrup and rum, then cover and shake to blend.
Add crushed ice to a tall glass and pour in the mixture.
To swizzle the drink, place a swizzle stick or spoon between your hands rubbing both hands together to create an agitating motion until the beverage becomes a bit frothy.
Add a few splashes of bitters for a layered effect.
Regardless of whether you have just started trying to lose weight or if it has been a continuous theme in your life, I would like to change how you view weight loss. As a primary care physician, most of my patients view weight loss as a two-part equation involving both food deprivation and excessive exercise.
However, there may be other secret factors of weight gain at play that reveal why your attempts to shed a few pounds might not be as successful as you had hoped. This article will highlight five areas that may be weighing you down and will share a more holistic approach to adopting a new lifestyle, increasing your chances of accomplishing your weight loss goal this year.
1. Medications
Several medications can cause weight gain and impact the number on your scale. These medication categories can include birth control (e.g., Depo-Provera), diabetes medications (e.g., insulin) and psychiatric medications/antidepressants (e.g., Citalopram, Escitalopram).
Steroids, also known as corticosteroids, are also on this list. They are used to treat a variety of conditions like asthma and arthritis, but the long-term use of these medications may increase appetite, leading to weight gain. It is important to review your medications with your primary care physician and discuss which medications may result in weight gain.
2. Liquids
It is easy to overload on calories when drinking juices, specialty coffees, sodas, sports drinks and alcohol. These items have a high amount of added sugar and little to no nutritional value. Consider increasing your water intake instead. You can even add flavor to your water by adding fruits, flavored powders, herbs or trying sparkling water.
For some people, it can be difficult to remember to drink water. To help increase your water intake, keep a bottle with you, drink throughout the day and use your smartphone to set sipping reminders.
3. Medical Conditions
Underlying medical conditions can also promote weight gain, especially if they are undiagnosed or your medication is not optimal. This can include polycystic ovarian syndrome, hypothyroidism, heart failure, kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea or Cushing’s syndrome. At your next medical exam, ask your physician to determine whether you may be suffering from an underlying medical condition that is negatively affecting your weight.
4. Mental Health
In the United States, mental health issues skyrocketed as our physical health, jobs, schooling and ability to socialize became significantly impacted. Though stress can cause weight loss for some, it can cause weight gain for others. It is important that you develop management tools for the stressors in your life.
For many, increased food consumption is one of those tools. But weight gain from stress can actually make you more depressed, which can lead to further weight gain. Increasing physical activity by going out for a walk can help with your mood and your weight. If you can’t manage the effects of stressors on your own, it may be helpful to seek the guidance of a therapist.
5. Inadequate Sleep
Studies show that an average of seven to nine hours of sleep can help to improve weight loss. However, I believe it is more important to understand how many hours of sleep you personally require to feel rested rather than pick an arbitrary number of hours. When you are tired from sleep deprivation, you are more likely to reach for high-calorie foods to keep your energy levels up throughout the day.
Also, if you are too tired, you will most likely avoid physical activity. This ultimately means that you burn fewer calories. In addition, it is theorized that sleep-deprived individuals have lower levels of leptin — the chemical that makes you feel full — and higher levels of ghrelin — the hunger-stimulating hormone. Consequently, the less you sleep, the more you will eat.
Stick to the Basics
A balanced diet using the USDA’s “MyPlate” method and a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly is a recommended place to start when working toward your weight loss goal. Choose an exercise that you enjoy. Personally, I have enjoyed cycling as it gets me outside and has a low impact on my joints.
But again, don’t forget these other five factors that may impact your weight, and don’t “weight” another minute!
For athletes around the world, going to the Olympics marks the greatest moment of a lifetime. It’s the event hopefuls plan their whole lives around, sacrificing other experiences and opportunities for a chance to push the boundaries of their sports and bring glory to their nation. So what happens when the games you’ve been waiting for your whole life get canceled?
This was the fate of all Caribbean athletes when the Tokyo 2021 Olympics were postponed for a year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Isolated from their peers and unable to maintain their usual training regimens as facilities closed down, these sports stars had to find a way over the emotional and mental hurdles. Caribbean Olympians Briana Williams, Damion Thomas, Danusia Francis, and Mulern Jean stared down these challenges head-on and never blinked. This July, they will mount their Olympic bids for the Tokyo 2021 Olympics.
These are their stories, marked by perseverance, mental fortitude and courage.
Briana Williams
Young Jamaican track star Briana Williams is ready to pick up where she left off in 2019, when she was touted as one of the world’s next great sprinters.
The COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench into her bid to compete on track’s biggest stage at 18 years old, but she believes using the delay to fine-tune her technique and speed with coach Ato Boldon could become her secret weapon.
“Last year, starting in March, we anticipated the Olympics would be postponed, with meets being canceled left and right,” said Williams. “I wasn’t sad. I was more upset [because] I could have gone there at 18. However, it just gave me more time to get stronger and work on what I need to work on.”
While two-time Olympic sprint champion Elaine Thompson-Herah is still considered the Jamaican sprinter to beat and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, one of the most decorated athletes of all time, should still prove formidable, much of the spotlight will fall on Williams who is being hailed as the heir apparent.
“Competing for Jamaica means a lot to me,” Williams said. “Jamaica has such a rich history in track and field. Arguably the number one or two country in track and field.”
From Amateur Athletic Union track prodigy in South Florida to record-setter in the World Athletics U20 Championships, Williams has been on a steady trajectory to superstardom. Now, as she prepares to face her stiffest competition yet, she is conceding nothing. “There are no nerves,” Williams said. “I have worked hard for this. I know what I have to do. I will go in there with a lot of confidence and faith and know what I have to do.”
Briana is looking to build on a spectacular resume that already includes the world age-15 record (11.13) in the 100 meters, and the Jamaican national under-18 and under-20 records in both the 100 meters and 200 meters. At the CARIFTA Games in 2018, she won the under-17 100 meters in a meet record, added the 200-meter title, and led the Jamaica 4×100 team to victory.
The icing on the 2018 cake was, at 16 years old, becoming the youngest athlete ever to win a sprint double ― with gold in both 100 and 200 meters ― at the 2018 IAAF World U20 Championships. She was only the seventh athlete to do so in history. In 2019, she returned to the CARIFTA Games and won the Austin Sealy MVP award for the second consecutive year, earning her sixth gold medal in two years.
We interviewed Williams before she left for the Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) Relays in California, a competitive warm-up for the Olympics. “My goal is to run 10.8 this season,” said Williams. “Mt. SAC will tell me where I am. Before the trials I just want to be healthy and perfect my form. I just hope to do my best. I just want to go there and get better after that. 2020 really didn’t ruin anything for me. It just stinks knowing that people were affected by this virus. That is the part that really hurts.”
Danusia Francis
Photo: Diamond 9 Productions
When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down training at her gym, gymnast Danusia Francis, who represents Jamaica, used her ingenuity to keep her Olympic dreams alive. When she was unable to work out with her coach, their Zoom training sessions became a lifeline. Practicing at home, however, required some adaptations.
“Nobody has that full-sized equipment in their house and gardens,” Francis said. “So we used the stairs for strength and conditioning, and toilet rolls for other exercises.” Despite the challenge, “our coach did a great job of keeping us motivated. The pandemic showed you how unexpected life is. And to just cherish the moments.”
Francis is certainly cherishing the opportunity to represent Jamaica. Though she was born in the UK, her father is originally from Jamaica ― granting her the opportunity to compete for her ancestral island. She secured her place in the 2020 Games by finishing ninth among the 20 gymnasts competing at the 2019 World Championships who were not on a qualifying Olympic team.
The one-year delay, however, presented some emotional challenges. In addition to losing a relative to COVID-19, Francis had to re-evaluate all of her life plans. “It makes it more difficult, how you plan your training around your timeline and building yourself up,” Francis explained. “I am a bit older, so it is also delaying the end of my career too, if I decide to retire after these Olympics. Just mentally and emotionally trying to stay motivated, and physically as well.”
A six-time All-American gymnast and 2016 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Balance Beam Co-Champion, Francis has started to imagine life post-Olympics. She has parlayed her success and charisma into stunt double roles for movies like “Wonder Woman 1984” and “The Midnight Sky.”
Competing for Jamaica since 2015, she also wants to leave a legacy for aspiring Jamaican gymnasts beyond just competition. She was a special guest at the grand opening of the National Gymnastics Training Centre in Kingston in November 2019 and believes it’s just a matter of time before gymnastics takes a foothold on the island.
“That was the reason I switched to Jamaica in the world of gymnastics,” Francis said. “It was to show the youth that the Olympics in gymnastics is an option. To be a part of that is special. It feels amazing. Crazy to know I can tell my children in the future that I was part of the Jamaican Olympic team. One day I will see a Jamaican gymnast winning gold, and I will feel so much pride.”
Mulern Jean
Photo: Sven Hoppe / DPA Picture Alliance
After waiting four years to set the record straight after her mishap at the 2016 Olympics, Haiti’s 100-meter hurdles star Mulern Jean had to wait one more. The 2020 Olympics delay stretched Jean to another level of patience. “When I first found out they were postponing it, I was sad,” Jean confessed. “But I took a step back, and that just gave me more time to prepare. To enhance my training and improve in areas I lack.”
Jean, a former star at Blanche Ely High School, Charleston Southern University and Florida State University, said the disappointment of being disqualified in the preliminaries at the 2016 Olympics was the driving force behind her getting to the Tokyo Olympics later this summer.
“That is why this is so important,” Jean said. “I plan on making it past the prelims and making it to the finals. That would be very special to me.”
Once the initial disappointment of not being able to compete in 2020 subsided, Jean found a silver lining in the extra time to recover from a torn knee ligament she suffered in 2019. She has a personal best of 12.94 seconds, which she set in Jacksonville in 2017, and is aiming to run 12.84 seconds to qualify for the Olympics.
“It means a lot for me,” said Jean. “I really want to put the [flag of the] country on my back and represent us. Even if it’s just a handful of athletes ― to show that this little country, Haiti, has athletes too. I do plan on setting or breaking the national record.”
Damion Thomas
Photo: Matti Matikainen
For Damion Thomas to put his best foot forward, he had to take a step back. The pandemic shut down his sophomore season at Louisiana State University (LSU), thrusting his career into uncertainty, though it was poised to take off for the Jamaican 110-meter hurdles Olympic hopeful.
“We got the news a day prior to the 2020 indoor nationals in New Mexico,” Thomas recalled. “It was heartbreaking. The first month, it hit [me] mentally.”
Flash forward a year, and the improved diet regimen Thomas instituted during the layoff paid off with a world-leading best of 13.22 seconds in the 110-meter hurdles at the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays in March. The world record time was vindication for Thomas, who had endured season-ending injuries in past years.
“March and April of 2020 really allowed me to mentally develop a clean slate as far as what goals I want to set and maintain [for] my body and eating the right things,” Thomas said. “Before 2020, I was not doing what I needed to do with hydrating. This year [of] quarantine made me set my goals out and be serious about maintaining my body. It has paid off too.”
The world record followed another major success, as he earned his first 60-meter hurdles national title at 7.51 seconds. It was the fifth-fastest in NCAA history.
Thomas, a former Oakland Park Northeast High School star who recently graduated from LSU, believes this momentum will carry over through to the Jamaican Olympic trials. While 2016 Olympic gold medalist and 2017 World Champion Omar McLeod will be the man to beat at the Jamaican Olympic trials, Thomas said the support from his family makes him formidable.
“I know it is going to be tough, but shoot, I live for this. It is what I’m ready for,” said Thomas. “Once I get to Tokyo, it’s about living that experience and getting on the podium. This will really be for my family. My dad and mom. My aunts and uncles and grandmas who picked me up and brought me to high school practice. They have all made their sacrifices for me. That is my first gift of giving back to them.”
During hurricane season, you have to prepare your home inside and out for the possibility of a tropical storm. And having easy-to-store lawn furniture is as important as packing away things in your yard to protect your home. So, if you’re wondering how to prepare your yard for hurricane season, this article has you covered!
Trim Trees and Branches
During a tropical storm, your beautiful landscaping may take the brunt of the destruction. Start preparing your yard by trimming away any dead branches on trees or bushes since both will probably break when strong winds and rain push on them. As you do this, be careful not to cut trees in a way that makes them top-heavy.
Many people recommend planting trees and shrubs that can withstand strong winds, but before you do this, ensure the new plants are an appropriate distance from your home. Otherwise, they may hit your house during a storm. Also, reinforce any new or young trees to lessen the chances that they’ll snap because of strong winds.
Store Away Lawn Furniture
Just as you need to tend to landscape, you should also move lawn furniture into storage to prepare your yard for a storm. Stow large pieces of furniture like outdoor couches or tables away in your shed or garage.
Likewise, move smaller pieces and potted plants indoors. For example, you should bring a flag inside if you fly one. Normally, you would have to make sure the flagpole remains properly reinforced and ready to face high winds. But, if you own a telescoping flagpole, you can take it down and store it. This is because one of the many advantages of a telescoping flagpole is that it’s easy to install and put away.
Prepare Early
Don’t wait for a storm to start. Instead, prepare your home and garden before a storm hits. When you’re under pressure, you may forget a few vital steps, and you need to prepare your home inside and out. In addition to moving outdoor furniture and trimming trees, you should:
Shut off water, gas, and electricity, according to what local officials say.
Reinforce doors and windows with shutters.
Turn off irrigation systems.
Keeping your home and family safe during a tropical storm is of the utmost importance. By knowing how to prepare your yard for hurricane season, you’re already moving in the right direction. Prepare your home before the storm hits and listen to what local officials state to keep everyone safe.
David I. Muir, co-founder of Island Origins Magazine, accepts the award in the Best Photography category. Photo credit: Island Syndicate
Island Origins takes home two new Florida Magazine Association awards for creative excellence.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL(July 21, 2021) – Island Origins Magazine, South Florida’s Caribbean-American lifestyle quarterly, received its seventh and eighth Florida Magazine Association awards this July in Sarasota, Florida. Island Origins celebrates the best in Caribbean achievement, travel, art, business, cuisine and more. The annual gala and awards honor and recognize the best editing, writing, photography, marketing and other work in participating Florida magazines.
At the two-day Florida Media Conference, Island Origins publisher Calibe Thompson moderated a panel discussion on what it takes to become an FMA award-winner with panelists Jamie Rich, publisher of 2020’s Magazine of the Year winner, Flamingo Magazine, and John Thomason, JES Media managing editor. Thompson, who is also the secretary of the FMA’s advisory board, also had the honor of presenting several of the awards at the gala and ceremony.
Island Origins publisher Calibe Thompson (right) stands with Flamingo Magazine publisher Jamie Rich (left) and JES managing editor John Thomason (center) following their panel. Photo credit: David I. Muir (Island Syndicate)
Calibe Thompson presenting at the 2021 Florida Media Conference. Photo credit: David I. Muir (Island Syndicate)
Island Origins writer G. Wright Muir snagged the publication an award for Best Opinion Writing in the magazine’s second win credited to her work. The winning piece, titled “Coming to America,” was a raw, personal piece examining the Caribbean perspective on what it means to be Black in America. The judges commented, “This is quality work in both personal observation and in the reporting of the perspectives of others. It covers the topic in a way that adds accessible and fresh insights, articulating it for all readers.”
G. Wright Muir accepting the Island Origins Magazine FMA award in the Best Opinion Writing category. Photo credit: David I. Muir (Island Syndicate)
David I. Muir, co-founder of Island Syndicate, the publishing company behind Island Origins, picked up an award in the Best Photography category for his photo journal exploring the people and places of Santiago de Cuba.
The Florida Magazine Association is the largest state magazine association in the nation, creating a space for professionals in publishing to network, advocate for the industry and be recognized for their achievements. The annual Charlie Awards are well revered as the Florida magazine industry’s top prize and, in 2021, were presented in person, following pandemic health and safety protocols, at The Westin Sarasota on Friday, July 16. Honorees are chosen annually by a group of leading writers, editors, designers and educators outside of the state.
Launched in June 2017, Island Origins Magazine is a Caribbean American lifestyle print publication primarily distributed in South Florida. It is produced quarterly by Island Syndicate, and appeals to a diverse, sophisticated mainstream audience. Learn more at islandoriginsmag.com.
About Island Syndicate
Island Syndicate is a creative agency that produces exceptional content and unforgettable experiences. The team offers publishing, photography, graphic design, videography, event production, and other branding and marketing services, to discerning clients.
A storm has hit your home—not just any ordinary storm, but a hurricane. After the storm dies down, the sky reveals a clear night with a few stars poking through, and you hear the chirps of crickets. The air is still, but you fear that part two of the hurricane is on its way. This is everyone’s worst fear when living in the Caribbean, but we have some tips on how to clean up your home following a hurricane and what to remember for future storms.
Wait Until Morning
Do not go outside for any reason at night, whether to assess damage or help neighbors out. It’s rewarding to help a neighbor out, but the last thing you want to do is get caught up in a potential extension of a storm. Before you go out to look at the damage, wait until morning comes and it’s bright enough outside to see.
Walk Around Your Interior and Exterior
When inspecting your interior, block off any areas with water and electrical wiring near them. If there is no way to secure the rooms, evacuate your entire family immediately. Take photos of any damage on both the inside and outside of your home. When looking at damage outside, check for fallen trees and any scattered debris. When doing this, check to see if the tree has only caused damage to the exterior, interior, or both. If you notice any damage, make sure you document it as you scope out the area for any destruction.
Don’t Use Any Wet Appliances
If your appliances are wet, refrain from using them until the electrical company comes to remove them all. When water covers plugged-in electrical objects, the surrounding water can become lethal with an electrical charge. Do not go into the area for any reason. Even if your items haven’t been submerged, the floodwaters can still give you an electrical shock if you use or plug in the items.
When cleaning up your yard, make sure you follow these tips on adequately inspecting your home. Doing these will help you remember how to clean up your home following a hurricane in the future when the next hurricane comes.
For many, the tropics resemble gorgeous, white-sand beaches, relaxation, and a way of living you can’t quite capture anywhere else. So naturally, a lot of us want our homes to reflect the feelings of ease and beauty that a tropical island provides. Fortunately, there are some excellent and straightforward takes on how to make your home more tropical so that you can appreciate this lovely lifestyle in your favorite spaces.
Incorporate Plants and Greenery
An excellent way to give your home a more lush, tropical feel is by simply incorporating a little greenery into some regions of your home. For instance, you could group a few pots of varying sizes in the corners of your living room and use them to house beautiful palms and vibrant indoor flowers. Or you could use low-maintenance vines and ivy to border accent walls and embellish long hallways with air plant arrangements and hanging succulent planters. Additionally, if you find that you haven’t got the time or energy to maintain living plants, you can get the same effect by decorating with faux foliage.
Accessorize With Soft Colors, Floral Patterns, and Beachy Décor
Another great take on how to make your home more tropical is using soft colors and floral patterns in a room’s accents and decorative accessories. To illustrate, you could paint the most central wall of your kitchen a light blue and dress it up with floral curtains that complement the color. You could get the same effect in your living room by integrating some tropical accessories and larger accent items. For instance, you could decorate with vibrant throw pillows or a driftwood coffee table and pair them with some Bahama shutters on your windows. Using these lighter colors in tandem with floral prints and beach-styled décor will add a breezy, more tropical feel to your home.
Try a Minimalistic Approach to Furniture
A minimalistic approach to the furniture in your home is another great way to add some tropical vibes to your favorite rooms. Ensuring that you keep your spaces decluttered makes them appear spacious and gives them a more pristine look. On top of that, minimalistic furniture in each room allows for more opportunities to rearrange an area and add more décor to it as you go. This decorating style will also draw more focus to bright accents and décor pieces that tie a space together while allowing more natural sunlight to peek through the windows. Most importantly, less furniture gives your home a roomy and relaxing feel that’s reminiscent of the tropics.
Surprisingly, there are many simple and effective ways to capture the tropical energy you crave in your home. Hopefully, this guide has helped inspire you to make your favorite spaces as gorgeous and pleasurable as the tropics themselves.
