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Dreamy Bridal Updo Looks for Naturalistas

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Dreamy Bridal
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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.

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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.

 

Best Looks from Caribbean Designers at NYFW

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Best Looks from Caribbean Designers At New York Fashion Week
Caribbean Designers At New York Fashion Week

Best Looks from Caribbean Designers

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.

Caribbean spots you’d love if you were a pirate

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Caribbean spots
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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 Guava Mint Sauce

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MG 2276 Lamb Chops
MG 2276 Lamb Chops

Chef Irie's Grilled Lamb Chops in Guava Mint Sauce

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.

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A Jamaican blogger gives the inside scoop on Japan

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inside scoop on Japan
Keisha Brissette

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.

These Chefs are transforming Caribbean Food across America

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Caribbean Food
NEw Caribbean Restaurants

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.

 

 

Coconut Bread

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canstockphoto17439036 Coconut Bread
canstockphoto17439036 Coconut Bread

Throughout the Caribbean where coconut trees abound, each island has its own unique variations of coconut bread. This simple and sweet version with shredded coconut and cinnamon comes from St. Kitts and Nevis.


INGREDIENTS

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line an 8″ x 4″ loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. Lightly whisk the eggs, milk and vanilla in a bowl.
  3. Sift flour, baking powder and cinnamon into a separate, large bowl. Add sugar and coconut and stir until just combined.
  4. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and gradually stir in the egg mixture until just combined.
  5. Add melted butter and stir until mixture is just smooth (do not over-mix).
  6. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 1 hour or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out…

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Five things to know about Japanese-Haitian tennis star Naomi Osaka

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tennis star Naomi Osaka
osaka 2

Tennis Star Naomi Osaka

Since her spectacular Grand Slam against the legendary Serena Williams at this weekend’s U.S. Open, tennis star Naomi Osaka has become our latest sports darling, thanks in large part to her fascinating story. She was born in Japan to a Haitian father, Leonard François, and a Japanese mother, Tamaki Osaka. Tennis star Naomi Osaka Though just 20 years old, she made history as the first Grand Slam winner of Japanese or Haitian descent. Though representing Japan on the international circuit, she’s has always been proud of her Caribbean roots. Here are five things to know about the player on the rise.

Her dad was her first coach

Leonard François was inspired to train Osaka and her older sister (and fellow tennis star) Mari, by Richard Williams, father and coach of the famous tennis duo, Serena and Venus Williams, after watching them perform at the 1999 French Open. Like Richard, François taught himself competitive tennis and started training the girls when they were toddlers. He even favored practicing on outdoor clay courts, like Richard did.

She spent her early years with her Haitian grandparents

Though born in Japan, Osaka left with her family when she was three to live with her Haitian grandparents in Long Island. Her childhood in Long Island was “an interesting mix,” Osaka told The New Zealand Herald last year.” I grew up with a mix of Japanese and Haitian culture, but we were living in New York. My grandma and father would speak Creole, my mum would cook Japanese food.”

She’s a SoFlo girl

The family moved when Osaka was 9 to train both girls at Broward County, Florida’s elite tennis camps. To dedicate more time to her budding tennis career, she was home-schooled through the Broward Virtual High School program. When she isn’t traveling around the world for tournaments, Osaka still trains at Evert Tennis Academy in Boca Raton, where she also lives with her family.

She helped budding tennis stars in Haiti

In October last year, Osaka went to Haiti for the first time, visiting her father’s hometown Jacmel. But she also took time to inspire Haiti’s aspiring tennis players. She was invited by the Haitian Tennis Federation to speak to their young players at a special clinic and exhibition game at the Karibe Convention Center. She also visited with young students at a local school.

She’s an avid photographer

Her main Instagram is filled with dramatic tennis shots and scenes from her intense traveling, but Osaka also keeps another Instagram account at @nao.chiii to show off her stunning travel photography, from waterfalls in Haiti to the neon-lit streets of Tokyo.

Grenadian Nutmeg Ice Cream

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Grenadian Nutmeg Ice Cream
canstockphoto9270967 nutmeg ice cream

Flavorful and delightfully aromatic nutmeg is showcased in this velvety nutmeg Grenadian Nutmeg Ice Cream from the “spice isle”, Grenada. For the best flavor, use freshly ground nutmeg.


(Serves 4)

Grenadian Nutmeg Ice Cream INGREDIENTS

  • 1 ½ cups whole milk
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp. grated fresh nutmeg
  • Dash of salt
  • 1 ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract

Check Now: https://www.islandoriginsmag.com/twenty-ways-to-enjoy-nevis/

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. In a large saucepan, heat the milk and cream. When it begins to boil, turn off the heat.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk the remaining ingredients. Whisk half a cup of the heated milk and cream into the egg mixture, and then pour that into the remainder of the milk mixture in the saucepan.
  3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it begins to thicken and reaches 175 degrees. Transfer the mixture to a metal bowl and set it in another, larger, bowl filled half way with ice and water. Stir until the cream is cold.
  4. Pour into an ice cream maker and finish according to manufacturer’s…

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‘Island Origins’ Wins Three Florida Magazine Association Awards

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Island Origins Magazine 3 time FMA winner Web
Island Origins Magazine 3 time FMA winner Web

Caribbean American lifestyle quarterly Island Origins won the Florida Magazine Association’s silver award for Best New Magazine, silver for Best Writing: Feature, and bronze for Best Writing: Commentary. Photo: David I. Muir (Download High Res)

The Magazine Won Prizes for Best New Magazine, Best Writing: Feature, and Best Writing: Commentary

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (August 13, 2018) – Caribbean-American lifestyle quarterly Island Origins Magazine won three Florida Magazine Association awards for its 2017 / 2018 publications. Known as the Charlies, the annual awards are the Florida magazine industry’s top prize, and were presented on Friday, August 10, 2018. Honorees are chosen by a group of leading writers, editors, designers, and educators outside of the state.

Launched in June 2017, Island Origins won the silver award in the category of Best New Magazine.

The magazine won another silver award, Best Writing: Feature, for an exploratory cultural piece called “Hidden Sounds of the Caribbean” written by Trinidadian columnist Bekim Rauseo. The essay explored the varied ethnic and dark social roots and rhythms of island music, including traditional genres like Haitian Twoubadou, Bahamian Rake and Scrape, and Antiguan Benna.

Island Origins’ final recognition was a bronze award, Best Writing: Commentary, for the autobiographical piece written by kidney disease and two time breast cancer survivor Carla Hill called “Embracing Breastless Beauty”. In it, Hill shares the self doubt and path to acceptance that she traversed to maintain her happiness through unimaginable challenges, and to thrive.

Publisher Calibe Thompson was on hand to accept the award, sharing, “Our growing readership consistently gives great feedback on the quality of our content. This recognition brings another level of validation.”

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 www.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. Its proprietary flagship offerings include Caribbean American lifestyle magazine “Island Origins”, nationally syndicated culinary and travel series “Taste the Islands”, and annual culinary event “The Taste the Islands Experience”.

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