Try Holistic Skin Care With These Caribbean Brands

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December 9, 2018

Looking for a fresh start? Perhaps the best new beginnings start skin-deep: with skin care, that is. More and more brands are recognizing the importance of avoiding synthetic ingredients in favor of natural skin solutions for better holistic health. And with the natural bounty of the Caribbean, it wasn’t long until Caribbean skincare brands got into the game. We’ve rounded up our favorite Caribbean-owned natural skincare brands, all using island ingredients to create a interesting range of products, from face elixirs, to bath soaks, to body oils.

Champs de Fleurs Skincare

The Trinidad-based Champs de Fleurs Skincare offers plants-based products with an island flair. The brand, founded by Ginger-Vee Carter, creates organic and handmade products, using healing tropical ingredients like lemongrass, aloe vera and Atlantic sea salt. We especially love their beautiful and colorful soap bars, rich in skin-loving oils like coconut oil, mango butter and castor oil. They also offer a nourishing cleanser and skin toner.

Choiselle

When St. Lucian model Nydia Norville moved to New York to work, her skin took a heavy toll during the harsh winters. Unhappy with the synthetic ingredients in her conventional skincare products, Norvile then tapped into her island roots to create the ever chic Choiselle Line. Her products uses only natural botanicals and fragrances, all high in skin-loving nutrients. To bring balance to your skin (wherever you are) try their Neroli isle Face Elixir, with orange blossom and soursop extracts.

Jolie Bloom

Skincare brand Jolie Bloom considers themselves a “soulful and spiritual apothecary,” with products that soothe both body and mind. Founded by Jamaican native Jhéanell Adams, the line offer all-natural products gentle enough for all skin types (and perfect for the whole family). We love their variety of body butters and body scrubs, using nourishing oils like coconut oil and avocado oil. And true to their holistic focus, they are also offering a 2019 Astrological Insight Workshop + Spiritual Cleansing Kit. The “clean slate” workshop is a “virtual masterclass and 3-step spiritual bath kit,” designed to “help you gently cleanse away 2018, while blessing you for the upcoming year.

Belize In You

As the child of a Belizean fisherman, Raquel Battle learned early on the healing values of the sea. So that’s why she dubs her Belize In You line as a “sea-to-face” skincare brand. Many products use the nutrient power of ingredients like gracilaria seaweed. Seaweed helps heal acne-prone skin with its anti-inflammatory properties. Try their Seaweed facial cleanser, with rose hip seed oil and seaweed extract.

These Haitian Designers Are Changing the Fashion Game For Men

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Monique McIntosh

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December 8, 2018

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Screen Shot 2018-12-08 at 1.57.08 AM — Photo: IG @davidson_frere

From dapper suits to socially-conscious fashion, the next generation of designers is filled with some exciting new voices from the Haitian Diaspora. These new fashion voices are making their mark in men’s fashion, infusing the runways with sharp tailoring and tons of rich color. We rounded up our favorite new Haitian menswear designers that should be on your must-watch list.

Davidson Petit-Frère

As the co-founder of men’s bespoke suit brand Musika Frère, Davidson Petit-Frère has quickly become the go-to guy for celebrities. Jay-Z, Chadwick Boseman, Steph Curry, and Trevor Noah have all rocked his suits on the red carpet. And its no wonder, with the brand’s effortless fusion of classic Italian and English tailoring techniques with modern silhouettes. And the brand doesn’t shy away from interesting textiles, patterns and color, creating looks that always feel distinctive.

Fabrice Tardieu

Beginning his career at Giorgio Armani, Haitian-born designer Fabrice Tardieu knows his way around high fashion, with a keen sense of detail. He brought that sharp eye when he founded his popular shirt label Bogosse with his brother, former soccer star and fellow designer Patrick Tardieu. Now he’s brought his talent to his new eponymous shoe line. The new shoe label features stunning high-design sneakers using unexpected patterns and textures, and debonair velvet loafers and slides.

Kerby Jean-Raymond

Part art project, part social experiment, part fashion statement, Haitian-American designer Kerby Jean-Raymond’s clothing line Pyer Moss has been making serious waves among the fashion industry. The brand quickly attracted attention for its deconstruction of streetwear silhouettes and iconography. And each collection often holds a strong political consciousness, exploring issues like police brutality and portrayals of black culture. For his landmark work, he also received this year’s prestigious CFDA Fashion Fund prize.

Holiday Gift Guide: Best Gifts for Caribbean Foodies

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Monique McIntosh

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December 8, 2018

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Screen Shot 2018-12-08 at 12.10.55 AM — Photo: IG @chocolateforteza

The holiday season is here in full force: with parties, decorations, grand dinners, and of course, presents! Finding the perfect gift however for family and friends can prove challenging. To add some island flair to your shopping list, we’ve rounded up our favorite Caribbean gifts. For the serious Caribbean foodie in your life, check out these special Caribbean culinary gifts to stick under the Christmas tree. Here, we highlight the amazing culinary producers in the region, creating truly unique products that will uplift any occasion.

Boukman Botanical Rhum

The Caribbean is spoilt for choice when it comes to rum, but we love the warm spices of this Haitian artisanal brand–just perfect for the holidays. The distinct flavor comes from special infusions of all-spice, clove, cinnamon and natively foraged barks. This brew proves perfect for drinking straight, but always works beautifully as an addition to your favorite Christmas punch. Plus, the stunning blue bottle makes a pretty gift, and a nice addition to any rum collection.

Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee

Nothing beats waking up in the morning with a good cup of joe. And it’s hard to improve on the sweet and mild flavor of Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee. This specialty coffee only gets the Blue Mountain mark if it grows in the Blue Mountains at elevations between 3,000 ft and 5,500 ft. Yes, these beans attract a healthy price tag as one of the most expensive coffees in the world. But one bag won’t set you back so much, making it a special treat for true Caribbean foodies. And more and more producers are selling their coffee online for easy access.

Forteza Chocolate

No holiday season feels complete without a few (or a lot) of sweets. We love the luxurious flavors and beautiful designs of Forteza Chocolate. Established since 1929, this brand has long taken a farm-to-bar approach to chocolate production (before it became a buzz word). Forteza partners with farmers in Puerto Rico and The Dominican Republic to produce local cacao. Order a few bars online of their special dark chocolate, combined with simple but flavorful additions like sea salt and spicy caramel. And if you happen to be in San Juan, do pick up their speciality bon bon boxes, with tropical combos like passion fruit and coconut.

My Modern Caribbean Kitchen Cookbook by Julius Jackson

Odds are your foodie friends also enjoy cooking. And they’re always on the lookout Caribbean cookbooks. We love “My Modern Caribbean Kitchen,” written by Chef Julius Jackson and released just this summer. An Olympic boxer and head chef of My Brother’s Workshop in St. Thomas, USVI, Jackson offers a bright and accessible survey of Caribbean cuisine. The book offers his modern take on 70 classic Caribbean dishes like sweet and savory pumpkin fritters, coal pot saltfish cakes and spicy coquito.

How new Jamerican music label GMG Mafia is making a mark

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Howard Campbell

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December 4, 2018

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1384082_555131961209118_1092932192_n — Fully Top Dolla

New York City is the birthplace of many record labels. Several of them were conceived in basements in Brooklyn and The Bronx. A few have produced the biggest stars in pop music.

GMG Mafia Entertainment, based in The Bronx, is hoping to join the list of breakout labels like Sean “Puffy” Combs’ Bad Boys and Def Jam. It is operated by Jamaicans Raheem Williams and Kwame Williams, known as rappers Fully Top Dolla and Youngy Never Bummy, respectively.

Officially launched three years ago, the company has a roster of dancehall and hip hop artists, all of whom have Jamaican heritage. Though not related, both Williams are from Portmore, a sprawling community on the outskirts of Jamaica’s capital Kingston. Fully Top Dolla, 24, migrated to the United States in 2005; Youngy Never Bummy, four years older, moved there in 2002.

Both got their musical start in Portmore which has produced dancehall artists such as Mad Cobra, Frisco Kid and Vybz Kartel. When they started recording, they wanted to do so on their own terms.

“I always wanted to be on a label, but I wanted to be a CEO like Li’l Wayne and Kanye West. I wanted my own thing,” said Fully Top Dolla, whose latest song is “Mash it Up Again” with veteran reggae singer Junior Reid.

Youngy Never Bummy was weaned on hip hop and dancehall, and pursued a recording career shortly after moving to the U.S. GMG Mafia Entertainment is also pushing his current song, “Worry,” but he also finds time to promote other acts on the label such as deejay D. Ras and rapper Keno OG.

Getting a break in the competitive Big Apple music scene is not easy.

“The biggest challenge is getting the music played in the clubs and on the radio by the top DJs and building that fan base, but the most satisfying thing is when we put in work and see the progress,” said Youngy Never Bummy.

‘Mash It Up Again,” “Worry” and “Herb Trees” by D. Ras are getting steady rotation in the New York underground, as well as New Jersey and Philadelphia which are GMG Mafia Entertainment’s best markets.

The company has a five-member staff including marketing and promotions departments. Youngy Never Bummy doubles as CEO while Fully Top Dolla is also the audio engineer and graphics designer. While Fully Top Dolla hopes the big hit is just around the corner for GMG Mafia Entertainment, he and Youngy Never Bummy never stress about making the charts.

“Whenever the mood hit us, we make music. That’s the way it has always been, so people getting music from the heart.”

“Black Art Matters” this December at Art Africa Miami

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Monique McIntosh

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December 2, 2018

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Su51Hlw0QYGiW3K2hgXL_5. Miles Regis Mr. Keep On Jammin' 37 x 30 $6K (1) (1) — "Mr. Keep on Jamming" by Mlies Regis

Culture and art intertwine this year at Art Africa Miami Arts Fair, scheduled for December 5-9, at 919 and 920 NW 2nd Ave, Miami. This year’s theme Black Art Matters explores current challenges and renewed assaults on black lives that artists of African descent have brought attention to. The show will also celebrate Historic Overtown’s cultural legacy.

Eight years may seem like a long time but for architect and cultural arts influencer Neil Hall, this isn’t nearly enough time to explore the generous contributions of the Black diaspora.

“Art stirs the soul and your imagination,” says Hall. “The visual arts are a critical aspect to all of us as human beings. It started with the caveman just sketching things. It is important to our psyche and thoughts.”

Since then, the Art Africa Miami Arts Fair has become the largest showcase of contemporary artists from the African Diaspora during Art Basel. This year’s theme confronts all stereotypes and ignorances with a bold statement: “Black Art Matters: It’s Not A Choice.”

The fair is put on with the support of the Southeast Overtown Parkwest Community Development Agency. Art Africa Miami continues to bring a vital and essential cultural service to the South Florida community, lending the Magic City a truly international flair.

A vibrant cultural legacy was established in what was once known as the cultural hub of Miami. Hall has been committed to expanding upon on that legacy by promoting contemporary art from the global Black community.

Black Art Matters: It’s not a choice” explores how Black art has always been and still is about an intellectual, political and artistic rereading, trying to think of the contemporary condition of peoples that have been involved in struggles to stay human. Black Art Matters unveils how the contemporary accommodates itself with oppression thus the necessity for Black proclamations of emancipation, independence, liberation, and revolution.

Art has always been a tool to claim space, build power and to question the injustices that have shaped our social experiences. In the world of art and culture, artists are responsible for offering the viewer a chance to challenge society by bringing new meaning to the way we perceive the world. Art Africa ensures that artist of the African and Black Diaspora have that platform.

The central idea of AAMAF is to present an array of visual works that pay homage to the centrality of Africa and its descendants’ contribution to the modern art world. Hall notes, “Many people are defined by the art they create.”

The Southeast Overtown Park West (SEOPW) Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has demonstrated a commitment to using as the arts as a means of economic development. From commissioning legendary artist Pervis Young to paint its major overpass to sponsoring the annual Overtown Music and Arts Festival, and being an original partner in AAMAF, the CRA uses these investments as opportunities to attract cultural tourists to the area and revitalize the CRA boundary.

“Art Africa has been a catalyst for the inclusion of Black Art in Overtown during Miami’s Art Basel Week ,” said Cornelius Shiver, Executive Director of the Southeast Overtown / Park West Community Redevelopment Agency “Their presence continues to highlight the historic community of Overtown and the importance of infusing art, culture, and entertainment in our revitalization efforts”.

Get Amazing Curl-Inspo From These IG Caribbean Naturalistas

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Monique McIntosh

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December 2, 2018

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Screen Shot 2018-12-02 at 6.31.56 PM — Photo IG: @lisaalamode

Transitioning to natural hair? Radically changing your hair routine can feel really overwhelming. But you can learn and get inspiration from a whole community of natural hair gurus online. And of course, our Caribbean naturalistas lead the pack, with stunning styles and tons of routine hacks. So next time you’re looking out for hairstyle ideas or product recommendations, check out these naturalistas with island roots below.

@Naptural85

Popular youtuber (and Jamaican-American) Whitney White of Naptural85 has long ruled the nest among the online naturalista community, thanks to her approachable, girl-next-door guidance through her natural hair journey. We’re checking in for her no-fuss styles, from bouncy wash-and-go looks, to her chic braid-outs. She has even launched her own natural hair brand, Melanin Hair Care, offering a streamlined product line adaptable for many hairstyles.

@Sunkissalba

Dominican native and youtube Alba Ramos of @sunkissalba truly lives up to her naturalista hair goddess moniker. She advocates for organic, non-toxic beauty. So she takes a super clean living approach to her hair routine, either using all-natural products and DIYs. Ramos has also collaborated with Derm-E to create her own beauty oil, which can be used for both hair and skin care.

@Lisaalamode

Haitian-American media consultant Lisa Jean Francois is eternally stylish from head to toe. Her instagram @lisaalamode is filled with a slew of fabulous outfits. But we also love Lisa’s stunning curls, especially her lovely asymmetrical cut perfect for pompadours. Check her out for dreamy shorter styles, and the perfect way to style your curls with hats.

@Soulzgasms

Bold color can feel scary for new naturalistas, so that’s why we love the ever-changing hues of Bajan beauty V of @soulxgasma. Scroll through her Instagram and her youtube account, and you’ll find a rainbow of gorgeous colors to try, from sea foam green to cheerful pink. But we’re partial to her stunning platinum curls. Follow her to learn how to try on crazy colors, while keeping your curls lush and healthy.

Holiday Gift Guide: Best Caribbean-inspired gifts for kids

By

Monique McIntosh

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December 2, 2018

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Screen Shot 2018-12-02 at 3.11.22 PM — Photo IG: @malavilledolls

The holiday season can feel so magical for children: the parties, the music, and the presents! And though there may be several digital items on your child’s wish list (video game galore), this also makes a great opportunity to encourage cultural awareness for your Caribbean-American kids. So we’re rounded up our favorite Caribbean-related gifts for your little ones, from bedtime reads to reggae jams.

At Play: Malaville Dolls

Forget Barbie. This beautiful, Afro-Caribbean-inspired doll brand celebrates the diversity of the region with an broad variety of stunning fashion dolls. St. Lucian-born model Mala Bryan founded the brand Malaville Dolls, looking to create a doll line with a broad variety of skin tones and hair textures. And you can find all of the above here, with realistic hair, lovely face molds and killer fashion. These dolls aren’t just known for their looks. Each doll has their own story, pursuing their individual dreams that reflect their personal passions.

Islandborn: by Junot Díaz (Author) and Leo Espinosa (Illustrator)

Nothing opens up the world for a child than reading a story together as a family. We love this new release by Dominican-American author Junot Diaz and illustrator Leo Espinosa. This heart-warming story follows little Lola as she learn more about her native island, the Dominican Republic, as family and friends share their stories of home. The story also mirrors the author’s own experience leaving the DR at 6 years old for the U.S. The book offers a beautiful tale for young Caribbean-American kids, eager to forge connections with their island roots. If you’re looking for more children’s book recommendations, check out our round-up of inspiring new books by Caribbean and Caribbean-American authors.

Family Time: Ziggy Marley

This 2009 release by Jamaican star Ziggy Marley remains a classic with its fun reggae tunes perfect for children. The authentic reggae rhythms, sleek production, and general message of joy and positivity will inspire any child. And your kids can’t help but dance along to these infectious tunes. Plus, a portion of the proceeds go to the Chepstowe Basic School in Port Antonio, Jamaica.

Read more suggestions for amazing holiday shopping guide for Caribbean fashionistas and debonair Caribbean gents.

This Easy Vegan Coquito is a healthy spin on this delicious classic

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babemadeblog.com

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December 1, 2018

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If you live in South Florida, you’ve probably had coquito. The first time I tasted it, I was blown away with the coconut creaminess paired with the warming cinnamon and white rum. It is truly the perfect combination. I wondered where this fantastic drink had been all my life! So when we went vegan, I wrongly assumed I would no longer be able to partake in the South Florida holiday tradition because the ingredients didn’t seem like something that could be vegan. I was so wrong. After three years without coquito, I finally created my delicious, creamy, and coco-nutty recipe for Easy Vegan Coquito.

This Easy Vegan Coquito is a healthy spin on this delicious classic This Vegan Coquito recipe is so easy to make. Just add all eight ingredients to a blender, blend, and chill for at least an hour before serving. The hardest part of making the recipe will probably be driving to the store to get the ingredients. The Coquito is so creamy, coco-nutty, and warming from all the coconut ingredients, spices, and white rum. If you’re a fan of coquito, I promise you will not be able to tell the difference between non-vegan coquito and mine.

Coquito is traditionally served in small glasses and sipped because it’s so rich and concentrated but I tried and could not. I serve mine in a small wine glass and sipping slowly just never happens. ?

Dairy-free evaporated milk and condensed milk were not a part of my pantry (they are now!) so I had to find a local store that had both evaporated and condensed milk. I was able to get all the ingredients in one stop at Whole Foods but they can also be found on Amazon here, here, and here. Prior to creating this recipe, I had never worked with non-dairy evaporated milk so I didn’t know what to expect. It has the consistency of light canned coconut milk. Although I have not tested this recipe with light coconut milk, I would imagine that you may be able to substitute the evaporated milk if you have trouble finding it. That being said, I was really happy with my results using coconut evaporated milk.

Now the condensed milk on the other hand, I do not suggest substituting it for anything. It has a consistency and taste that I do not think can be substituted if you want an authentic coquito taste. If you do try something that works as a great substitute, let me know in the comments.

This Easy Vegan Coquito is a healthy spin on this delicious classic

Make this for your office holiday party along with my Vegan Sweet Potato Pie. The office will be buzzed and buzzing about you for weeks to come. ? If you made my Easy Vegan Coquito, let me know in the comments or #babemadeblog and tag me @babemadeblog on Instagram.

Easy Vegan Coquito

Read the full recipe here…

Read our interview with Babe Made Blog’s Christina Collie, exploring her love for vegan food and discovering new recipes.

The Puerto Rican Desserts We Need For The Holidays

By

Monique McIntosh

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November 25, 2018

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The holiday season is official here, and we’re already thinking about the food, of course. Most of all, the delicious and decadent desserts! No holiday celebrations would be complete without a little sweet. And you can’t do better than these classic Puerto Rican desserts. So we’ve rounded up our favorite recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Coquito

The Puerto Rican Desserts We Need For The Holidays — Photo: IG @brewinginspirations

Who needs eggnog (which never lives up to the hype), when you can enjoy a cozy cup of Coquito? This classic Puerto Rican sweet punch is essential for holiday celebrations, and it’s no wonder. The classic combination of coconut cream, condensed milk, rum and cinnamon makes it hard to resist. Check out the recipe here.

Coconut Flan

Is there anything more decadent than a spoonful of velvety flan? You can find flan recipes across Latin America, but we’re partial to the Caribbean-tinged flavors. This amazing Cuban pineapple flan hits the spot. But if we had to choose one, we love this classic coconut version, with a great recipe here. This simple recipe only needs six ingredients, but the delicious results are far more than the sum of its parts.

Arroz Con Dulce

You know Christmas has arrived in Puerto Rico when you see bowls of luscious Arroz con Dulce. The humble ingredients of rice, raisins and coconut cream come together to make something really special in this classic dish. This all thanks to a bevy of warn spices, including gloves, ginger and cinnamon. Check out the recipe here.

Polvorones

If you could translate fluffy clouds into a cookie, it would probably taste something like Puerto Rican polvorones. These soft and crumbly shortbread cookies just melt in your mouth. Also found throughout Latin America, Spain and The Philippines, we love this island version the most. This recipe includes almond extract for a special decadent touch.

Where to go to see Caribbean artists for Miami Art Week

By

Monique McIntosh

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November 25, 2018

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Screen Shot 2018-11-25 at 2.57.51 PM (1) — Artist Maria Magdalena Campos Pons will feature work at the "Relational Underurrents" exhibit on Caribbean contemporary artists at Miami's Frost Art Museum. Photo IG @frostartmuseum

Artists and art lovers alike will converge once again in Miami for Art Basel, plus for the many amazing satellite shows exhibiting works from around the world. The sheer number of art also include stunning exhibits of the latest works from artists across the Caribbean Diaspora. But will so many events, it can be hard to keep up with everything. So we’ve gathered our favorite Caribbean art showcases for your viewing pleasure.

Art Basel

Art Basel brings some of the most exciting galleries around the world, including important contemporary Caribbean art. This year features particularly interesting works by Cuban artists. The Miami-based David Castillo Gallery will showcase works by the late Cuban artist Belkis Ayón, whose explored Afro-Cuban spirituality and rituals. The Berlin-based Galerie Barbara Thumm will also feature the sinewy abstractions of Cuban painter Diango Hernández.

FIU: Contemporary Caribbean Art

“Relational Undercurrents: Contemporary Art of the Caribbean Archipelago” has traveled around the country. Finally the groundbreaking exhibition is here in the Sunshine State at Florida International University’s Frost Art Museum. The major survey explores twenty-first century art from islands throughout the Caribbean basin. The exhibition features artists whose painting, installation art, sculpture, photography, video, and performance pieces challenge the notion that the Caribbean is insulated and fragmented. Instead, it highlights the undercurrents that connect Caribbean cultures and countries. Notable artists include Allora & Calzadilla, Edouard Duval-Carrie, Adler Guerrier, Deborah Jack, Glenda Leon, Beatriz Santiago Munoz, Angel Otero, Manuel Pina, Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons, Jimmy Robert and Didier William, among others.

Art Beat Miami

The ever popular Art Beat Miami celebrates its 5th year anniversary at the iconic Caribbean Marketplace in Little Haiti. Its annual Art Fair showcases the works of more than 30 emerging and renowned local, international and celebrity artists, with special focus on Caribbean culture. In addition to their amazing exhibits, the event also includes musical performances, live art performance, intimate talks with artists, and culinary experiences.

Haitian Cultural Arts Alliance

The Haitian Cultural Arts Alliance presents the 9th edition of Global/Borderless Caribbean series. This year is entitled “VISIONARY APONTE: ART & BLACK FREEDOM, showing at Little Haiti Cultural Complex. This exhibition explores the life and work of 19th century Afro-Cuban freedom fighter José Antonio Aponte through scholarly research and new works created by contemporary artists. The exhibition runs from Friday, December 8 through to January 20, 2018.

Prizm Art Fair

Celebrating artists throughout the African Diaspora, Prizm Art Fair returns to Miami from December 3rd to 9th. The 63 artists on display also include artists from across the Caribbean and the Diaspora. Notable Caribbean-American artists include Stephen Arboite, Nicole Awai, Lillian Blades, Alicia Brown, Morel Doucet and Deborah Jack, among many others. The fair will also include site-specific showcases like “Dark Horse,” which explores “how various forms of currency have been leveraged and exploited by colonial powers to thwart the resiliency of people of African descent globally.”